Written by Gary Cohn & Dan Mishkin
Art by Paris Cullins; Pablo Marcos; Todd Klein; & Tom Ziuko
Cover Art by Paris Cullins & Dick Giordano
SUMMARY:
Published by DC Comics for June 1984, this 32-page opener entitled “How to Trap a Devil!” is the character’s debut and origin issue. On a film shoot in an unspecified jungle locale (possibly either Mexico or Central America), stuntman extraordinaire Dan “Danny” Cassidy shows off for his boss, Marla Bloom, why his high-tech Blue Devil costume doesn’t need special effects. Dan’s rival, movie star Wayne Tarrant, and their mutual would-be girlfriend (a blond actress named Sharon) explore a nearby temple’s ancient ruins.
Unwittingly releasing the evil Nebiros, Sharon and Wayne flee. Nebiros attacks to abduct Sharon, as Dan (in his Blue Devil costume) and the film crew fight back. Dan realizes in horror what a mystical blast from the demonic Nebiros has done.
REVIEW:
Boosted by some good visuals, Blue Devil’s first appearance is a routine, PG-rated mid-80’s read. Case in point: the series’ underwhelming ensemble cast is far too cliché-ridden to generate interest outside of the title character. Still, co-writers Gary Cohn and Dan Mishkin energetically approach their creation by emphasizing Dan’s reluctant super-heroics.
The cover image accurately implies that Blue Devil # 1 is a kid-friendly comic that can appeal to adults, too. This harmless issue is worth perusing once, if only to meet one of DC Comics’ last new characters prior to the company’s continuity-shifting Crisis on Infinite Earths saga in 1985-86.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The letters-and-answers column is entitled “Circuits & Sorcery.” DC’s Dick Giordano also offers a full-page “Meanwhile …” column.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5 Stars
