Written by Len Wein; Marv Wolfman; Robert Greenberger; Peter Sanderson; Paul Levitz; Gary Cohn; E. Nelson Bridwell; & Todd Klein
Art Contributors Include Helen Vesik; Shelley Eiber; Tatjana Wood; & Tom Ziuko
Wraparound Cover Art by George Pérez & Dick Giordano
SUMMARY:
Published by DC Comics for May 1985, this 32-page comic profiles the following ‘B’ characters with accompanying artwork. These entries consist of an alter ego (if applicable); occupation; marital status; known relatives; group affiliation; base of operations; first appearance; height; weight; eye color; and hair color. Besides a biography, the character’s powers and/or weapons are briefly summarized.
CHARACTER(S): ARTIST(S):
- Black Lightning Jim Aparo
- Black Manta Bill Willingham & Romeo Tanghal
- Black Orchid Terry Austin
- Black Pirate Jerry Ordway
- Black Racer Jack Kirby &Greg Theakston
- Blackrock Curt Swan & Murphy Anderson
- Black Spider Pat Broderick
- Blackstarr Carmine Infantino & Rick Magyar
- Blockbuster Michael T. Gilbert
- Blok Steve Lightle
- Blue Beetle (Ted Kord) Steve Rude
- Blue Devil Paris Cullins & Gary Martin
- Bolt Paris Cullins & Gary Martin
- Bouncing Boy Keith Giffen & Karl Kesel
- The Boy Commandos Jack Kirby & Greg Theakston
- The Brain Bill Sienkiewicz
- Brainiac Ed Hannigan & Mike DeCarlo
- Brainiac 5 Curt Swan & Karl Kesel
- Brain Storm Curt Swan & Al Williamson
- Brain Wave Joe Staton
- Brain Wave Jr. Jerry Ordway
- Breathtaker Rafael Kayanan
- Bronze Tiger Denys Cowan & Frank Giacoia
- Broot Shawn McManus
- Brother Blood George Pérez
- The Brotherhood of Evil I & II George Pérez
- Brother Power Jim Valentino & Karl Kesel
- Bug-Eyed Bandit Gil Kane
- Bug & Byte Rafael Kayanan & Bob Smith
- B’wana Beast Chuck Patton & Rick Magyar
- Byth Joe Kubert
REVIEW:
Impressively, neither the colorful artwork nor the text has faded much over time. No matter how dated the material is, this issue is a fun read exploring DC Comics’ character roster –at least, before the company’s never-ending series of continuity reboots came into play.
Not nearly as detailed or ambitious as its ultra-serious rival, the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe series, this slightly cheesy third installment of Who’s Who instead reminds long-time fans and newcomers why endearing visuals are just as important as the biographical text.
While the miniscule font size may require some squinting (or maybe a magnifying glass), the creative team effort is commendable profiling this collection of ‘B’ characters, without taking the encyclopedia concept too far. Celebrating the quality of pre-Crisis DC Comics storytelling, readers should find this issue a refreshing treat from the past.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The inside front cover prints one of the first fan response letters, as well as Len Wein’s insightful response (re: why Who’s Who deliberately isn’t defining super-power limitations). The back inside cover suggests titles and upcoming issues that readers can expect to find these characters.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
