Written by Ron Fortier
Art by Sal Velluto; Barb Kaalberg; Suzanne Dechnik & Holly SanFelippo; and Andrea Albert
Cover Art by Sal Velluto; Tony DeZuniga; & Suzanne Dechnik
SUMMARY:
Published by NOW Comics for October 1992, the 24-page The Odyssey of the Crimson Wasp, Part III is entitled “Dying for Dollar$.” Paul Reid, the current Green Hornet, and a masked crook, Johnny Dollar, conspire to some money laundering business, both expecting an inevitable double-cross. Meanwhile, Kato’s younger sister, the sword-wielding Mishi, intends to finish her family’s vendetta against Dollar. A three-way warehouse shoot-out chaotically ensues.
REVIEW:
For long-time Green Hornet fans, it’s mildly entertaining. Despite relying on bland script clichés, writer Ron Fortier nicely works the Hornet & Kato’s classic partnership dynamic, particularly with Mishi as the ‘Crimson Wasp.’ Johnny Dollar, however, is reminiscent of a poor man’s Riddler, but he’s still a worthy foe for this Hornet & Kato. Yet, there isn’t anything distinctly imaginative going on. Approximately half of the story is allotted to a big shoot-out where the minimal blood merits a PG-rating. Make no mistake, though: a sizable body count and a villain’s single profanity shout-out doesn’t make this comic kid-friendly. Aside from adequate artwork, the undemanding story is an okay single read. To its credit, the cover art accurately reflects what this comic delivers.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There’s a two-page spread promoting NOW’s newly-released comics. Series editor Joan Weis answers ‘The Buzz Word’ letters column. The final page is ‘Show Stoppers,’ which has five candid NOW-related photos at Summer 1992 comic conventions. Among these photos is one of actor Van Williams (TV’s Green Hornet) busily signing autographs and another of Mr. T posing with a comic shop owner.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 4½ Stars
