Written by Roy Thomas
Art by Jerry Ordway; Mike Machlan; Gene D’Angelo; & ‘Cody’
Cover Art by Jerry Ordway
SUMMARY:
Published by DC Comics for September 1983, this standard-length issue is entitled “The Infinity Syndrome!,” as it’s the debut of time-traveling Infinity Inc. (Jade; Obsidian; Fury; Silver Scarab/future Dr. Fate; Nuklon/future Atom Smasher; Northwind; and Brainwave Jr.). On Earth-Two, amidst World War II, the Justice Battalion (Wonder Woman; Starman; Dr. Mid-Nite; Sandman; Johnny Thunder; & Hawkman) stand by in Washington D.C. to pursue the notorious Black Dragon Society saboteurs, despite an urge to go after the now-female Ultra-Humanite (“Ultra”).
On Long Island, the All-Stars (Batman & Robin; Commander Steel; Green Lantern (Alan Scott); Liberty Belle; Atom (Al Pratt); and Tarantula) find Ultra’s ex-ally, Amazing Man (Will Everett) a formidable adversary. To save his parents, Amazing Man joins forces with the All-Stars to track down Ultra. At the Brooklyn Naval Yard, the Guardian; Liberty Belle; Commander Steel; and the Newsboy Legion face the mind-controlled Silver Scarab and Atom Smasher, per Ultra’s orders. Two All-Stars mysteriously vanish in the skirmish. Elsewhere, Ultra’s $200 million dollar extortion scheme has snared a helpless Superman, Firebrand, and Robotman. Ultra’s treacherous minion, Cyclotron, ponders his actions.
In Los Angeles, Batman & Robin; Tarantula; and Phantom Lady (with her father, Senator Knight) must repel Fury and Northwind’s attack on a warplane assembly plant. Yet, two more All-Stars vanish. In Detroit, Amazing Man, Green Lantern, and the Atom battle Jade and Obsidian. Green Lantern is perplexed by Jade’s powers before he and the Atom also vanish. Brainwave Jr. may be Earth-Two’s last hope standing.
Note: There’s a few fun in-jokes: 1. Sandra Knight (aka Phantom Lady) calls Tarantula “Spider-Man;” and 2. Green Lantern mistakes Jade’s 80’s catchphrase, “Grody to the Max,” as a foreign language.
REVIEW:
Setting up Infinity Inc’s present-day spin-off, this issue is an underrated gem! Writer Roy Thomas coherently juggles several All-Stars and Infinity Inc. in an intriguing cliffhanger. He smartly doesn’t play his best cards yet by dropping only hints re: the youthful Infinity Inc’s heritage (including why they belong in the year 1983). Capably supporting Thomas’ storyline is Jerry Ordway’s top-tier artwork. Other than a minor goof coloring Batman’s face as a full blue mask (instead of showing his exposed lower face), this issue’s coloring after thirty-five plus years is mighty impressive. Ultimately, with its mix of a well-played storyline and vintage DC artwork, All-Star Squadron # 25 is well-worth re-discovery!
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There is Dick Giordano’s full-page “Meanwhile …” column (written as a letter to “Mom”). Roy Thomas’ full-page, letters & answers column includes correspondence from Golden Age writer-editor Sheldon Mayer.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars
