Lead Feature Written by Paul Kupperberg. Art by Jim Aparo & Carl Gafford.
Back-Up Feature Written by Cary Burkett. Back-Up Art by Dan Spiegle; John Costanza; & Carl Gafford.
Cover Art by Jim Aparo.
SUMMARY:
Entitled “The Heart of the Monster,” DC Comics released this issue for June 1981. Interrupting Metallo’s late-night STAR Labs raid in Gotham City, Batman discovers that Superman’s fearsome nemesis has a new weapon. More so, the Dark Knight has no defense against Metallo’s Kryptonite force beam that kills humans in agonizing fashion.
It’s revealed that Metallo seeks vengeance upon SKULL, as the terrorist group’s experimental technology is killing the super-villain. Using Bruce Wayne as an intermediary, a visiting Lois Lane contacts Batman. They set out to locate ex-SKULL scientist Dr. John Cranshaw, who has turned informant to evade Metallo’s wrath.
Lois must take the heroic initiative when Metallo abducts his quarry, as well as a defeated Dark Knight. Some double-crossing treachery may be Lois & Batman’s sole chance to thwart Metallo.
REVIEW:
DC picks some formidable opposition for this Batman/Lois Lane team-up, as the Man of Steel is only briefly mentioned. Though Lois should at least suspect the Batman/Bruce Wayne connection, Issue # 175 is consistent with contemporary continuity that she is among Batman’s most trusted civilian friends. Hence, the chemistry the future Mrs. Superman shares with both Batman and Bruce Wayne is nicely played in one of their rare team-ups. Even more so, Batman vs. Metallo is an intriguing match-up – case in point: how rare is it that the Dark Knight is easily overpowered by the same foe three times in one issue?
In that sense, writer Paul Kupperberg’s scripting mostly delivers the goods, as even Batman is humbled that he alone can’t subdue Metallo. Still, expect to suspend one’s disbelief that mortals, like Batman and Lois, could actually knock down a Superman-level foe wearing metallic armor during a battle. Kupperberg pitches a serviceable twist ending – it’s disappointing, however, as too little is divulged (or seen) re: why Metallo would be instantly neutralized.
Solid for their time, Jim Aparo and Carl Gafford’s visuals won’t disappoint readers. For a reliably old-school DC team-up, The Brave and the Bold # 175 is worth catching for a single read.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There’s a full-page “Brave & Bold Mailbag” column. Afterwards, the back-up feature is the third installment of an eight-page Nemesis serial, where his current foe is British mobster Chesterton. It’s entitled “Queen: En Prise!”
After rescuing his associate, Valerie, from the Chesterton gang, Nemesis deduces that the next abduction target is the Queen of England. Teaming up with Scotland Yard, Nemesis must evade Chesterton’s thugs in time setting up the finale in Issue # 176. The conclusion’s title is revealed as “Endgame!” Overall, the Nemesis serial is a decent bonus for the buck, so to speak.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars
