Written by Roy Thomas & Rich Buckler
Art by Rich Buckler; Jerry Ordway; John Costanza; & Carl Gafford
Cover Art by Rich Buckler & Dick Giordano
SUMMARY:
Entitled “Day of the Dragon King,” this issue was published by DC Comics for December 1981. On Earth-Two, it’s the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Combining forces, the Justice Society of America and the All-Star Squadron: Superman; Batman & Robin; Doctor Fate; Robotman; Green Lantern Alan Scott; Hawkman; Jay Garrick’s Flash; Al Pratt’s Atom; Johnny Quick; Sandman; Dr. Mid-Nite; the Spectre; Wonder Woman; Liberty Belle; Starman; and Johnny Thunder become acquainted, as they journey together to Pearl Harbor.
Consulting with the U.S. Military, the team will retaliate with an aerial counter-strike against Japan’s Imperial Fleet, which leaves Batman & Robin, Starman; Flash; and Sandman to temporarily stay behind. Also arriving at Pearl Harbor is the Shining Knight, who accompanies Danette Riley (the future Firebrand) to visit her injured brother, Rod (the first Firebrand).
The Dragon King and his Axis fleet use the Holy Grail’s mystical power to mesmerize Green Lantern, Johnny Thunder, Wonder Woman, and Doctor Fate. The Spectre and Superman must flee to evade failing under Axis command. As the team defends itself from Axis forces, they are further bombarded by their mind-controlled colleagues. Amidst the Dragon King’s gloating, Hawkman and Robotman must make desperate choices fighting back.
REVIEW:
Conveniently spelling out why the All-Star Squadron can’t easily end World War II, the script suffers from including too many heroes in far too little space. It makes sense for Batman & Robin’s cameo, but Wonder Woman’s contribution is left as simply part of the backdrop. Though Superman has an okay supporting part, at least characters, such as Hawkman, Green Lantern, and Robotman stand out in pivotal roles. Rather predictably, the Japanese characters are portrayed as heavy-handed caricatures, which includes a repetitive racial slur by the heroes. Suffice to say, it’s another creative misstep by co-writers Roy Thomas & Rich Buckler.
Impressively, the art team delivers great visuals, considering how difficult it would be to insert multiple heroes into single panels. Also, it’s admirable how the original look of various heroes for that time (i.e. Batman) is faithfully rendered. All-Star Squadron # 4, however, doesn’t age well due to its storytelling contrivances.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There’s a single-page “All-Star Comments” letters-and-answers column.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 4 Stars
