Adam Graham's Blog: Christians and Superheroes, page 80
June 22, 2014
Comic Reviews: Star Trek, Batman 66, Indestructible Hulk
Star Trek #35:
In this issue of Star Trek, the Enterprise encounters a planet that is literally changing all the time with its terrain and climate changing rapidly. It's a pretty interesting concept require some good art. The story kind of peters out at the end with Spock having to struggle to keep control of his mind. I think we've seen this plot before.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5.0
Peter Cannon Thunderbolt #3:
This book has some good moments, particularly the fight scene with Master Tiger as Peter Cannon begins to get some incite that tempers down some of the self-righteousness in the prior two issues. The book has its stupid parts such as a "Reverend" being part of a big military cabal of what the writer imagines to be evil people trying for some sort of ultramilitaristic end.
Still, the Master Tiger stuff carries the book and the power of the twist ending makes this an above average comic book that's worth a read.
Rating: 3.75 out of 5.00
Batman'66 #36:
After several multi-parters in a row, we get a self-contained story in Batman '66 #36 as the Dynamic Duo end up facing off against the Minstrel. The Minstrel burgled Wayne Manor, not knowing that Wayne was Batman and stole the Shakespeare, not knowing that it contains the key to the Batcave, leaving our heroes locked out of the Batcave.
The Minstrel isn't a memorable villain but Jeff Parker makes this a fun issue anyway with answers to questions like how the Batmobile accesses the Batcave but not every other car. Also, we get to see our heroes in two costumes that are even more retro. They look they were out of one of the 1940s Movie serials, plus a makeshift Batmobile. Overall, this is just another solid issue in these great run.
Rating: 3.75 out of 5.0
Iron Man Vol. 1 #54
This is another one of those issues where Submariner and Iron Man go at each other. In this case, the cause is Iron Man's armor being hijacked by a woman known as Madam MacEvil, one of the silliest named villains ever.
Madam MacEvil, who would later be known by the more awesome moniker of Moondragon premiers as an impatient woman who wants to capture and enslave the Submariner and her solution is to take over Iron Man and send him into the ocean (where the Submariner's strongest) to fight him.
The surprising thing is that the Sub-mariner does shows some restraint (explaining how Tony Stark could survive the event) The story is goofy but actually pretty fun and featured pencils by Bill Everett, the creator of the Submariner.
Rating: 3.25 out of 5.0
Mr. T and the T-Force #5:
The change in direction from the first four issues in Issue 5 is stark. Issue 2 had Mr. T fighting a giant Aztec and then finding drug-induced demons after being force fed drugs. This comic is much more mundane as we have three separate plots going at once. There's some action but nothing like we saw in previous issues. Don't get me wrong. There's plenty of Mr. T being a good guy in an urban setting, and the writing is decent but just so.
Rating: 2.75 out of 5.0
Justice League Adventures:
There's a crisis in several different cities involving women with a magic sticks and an evil mastermind behind it all. This leads to the Justice League going of by twos with Batman and Superman, Flash and Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern and Hawkgirl pairing off. It's interesting to see how they work and how the Martian Manhunter comes into it. This isn't a spectacular comic, but has some good character moments and would rate higher with a better villain.
Rating: 3.25 out of 5.0
There's a crisis in several different cities involving women with a magic sticks and an evil mastermind behind it all. This leads to the Justice League going of by twos with Batman and Superman, Flash and Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern and Hawkgirl pairing off. It's interesting to see how they work and how the Martian Manhunter comes into it. This isn't a spectacular comic, but has some good character moments and would rate higher with a better villain.
Rating: 3.25 out of 5.0
Indestructible Hulk #17:
After the fall out of another event, we're presented with this miniseries which begins with Bruce Banner at last trying to realize the goal of the whole series. The whole reason Banner agreed to work for S.H.I.E.L.D. was so that he could actually use his genius for good while Hulk could help S.H.I.E.L.D. smash when necessary. However, "Hulk destroys, Banner builds" is not a reality, but a somewhat meaningless mission statement. However, after radioactive fall out of a battle with Thanos leaves anyone with any relation to the Inhumans undergoing a serious mutation. Banner is the man to solve it but Tony Stark (Iron Man) and Hank Pym (original Ant Man) try to take over his lab, give him twenty-four hours to solve it, come back before the twenty-four hours are over along with Hank McCoy (Beast) and immediately prepare to take over and hand his work over to a newbie scientist leading to a massive hulkout that foreshadows a potentially cataclysmic event.
I have mixed feelings on this. I don't like my heroes acting like jerks and you have a lot of that in this book which seems kind of cynical, throwing in a civilian selling phony radioactivity suits for an extra dose. On the other hand, there's something to be said for this story and the way our characters react. We'd like to think that in crisis people would rise above this nonsense but Waid suggests that some people particularly Tony Stark and Bruce Banner may just be themselves only more. In this case, Tony Stark has had issues with Bruce Banner for a while and doesn't trust him and is a bit of a jerk anyway, so he's not going to trust Banner with so much on the line. Banner, as previous issues have shown, is getting frustrated by how everything's going and is on his last nerve. Hulking out is not a conscious decision. While it would have been nice for either of these two (particularly Stark) to care a bit more about the other 6 billion people on the planet, I think the issue was a good concept, and was nicely foreshadowed by what came in Issue 16.
Rating: 3.75 out of 5.0
In this issue of Star Trek, the Enterprise encounters a planet that is literally changing all the time with its terrain and climate changing rapidly. It's a pretty interesting concept require some good art. The story kind of peters out at the end with Spock having to struggle to keep control of his mind. I think we've seen this plot before.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5.0
Peter Cannon Thunderbolt #3:
This book has some good moments, particularly the fight scene with Master Tiger as Peter Cannon begins to get some incite that tempers down some of the self-righteousness in the prior two issues. The book has its stupid parts such as a "Reverend" being part of a big military cabal of what the writer imagines to be evil people trying for some sort of ultramilitaristic end.
Still, the Master Tiger stuff carries the book and the power of the twist ending makes this an above average comic book that's worth a read.
Rating: 3.75 out of 5.00
Batman'66 #36:
After several multi-parters in a row, we get a self-contained story in Batman '66 #36 as the Dynamic Duo end up facing off against the Minstrel. The Minstrel burgled Wayne Manor, not knowing that Wayne was Batman and stole the Shakespeare, not knowing that it contains the key to the Batcave, leaving our heroes locked out of the Batcave.
The Minstrel isn't a memorable villain but Jeff Parker makes this a fun issue anyway with answers to questions like how the Batmobile accesses the Batcave but not every other car. Also, we get to see our heroes in two costumes that are even more retro. They look they were out of one of the 1940s Movie serials, plus a makeshift Batmobile. Overall, this is just another solid issue in these great run.
Rating: 3.75 out of 5.0
Iron Man Vol. 1 #54
This is another one of those issues where Submariner and Iron Man go at each other. In this case, the cause is Iron Man's armor being hijacked by a woman known as Madam MacEvil, one of the silliest named villains ever.
Madam MacEvil, who would later be known by the more awesome moniker of Moondragon premiers as an impatient woman who wants to capture and enslave the Submariner and her solution is to take over Iron Man and send him into the ocean (where the Submariner's strongest) to fight him.
The surprising thing is that the Sub-mariner does shows some restraint (explaining how Tony Stark could survive the event) The story is goofy but actually pretty fun and featured pencils by Bill Everett, the creator of the Submariner.
Rating: 3.25 out of 5.0
Mr. T and the T-Force #5:
The change in direction from the first four issues in Issue 5 is stark. Issue 2 had Mr. T fighting a giant Aztec and then finding drug-induced demons after being force fed drugs. This comic is much more mundane as we have three separate plots going at once. There's some action but nothing like we saw in previous issues. Don't get me wrong. There's plenty of Mr. T being a good guy in an urban setting, and the writing is decent but just so.
Rating: 2.75 out of 5.0
Justice League Adventures:
There's a crisis in several different cities involving women with a magic sticks and an evil mastermind behind it all. This leads to the Justice League going of by twos with Batman and Superman, Flash and Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern and Hawkgirl pairing off. It's interesting to see how they work and how the Martian Manhunter comes into it. This isn't a spectacular comic, but has some good character moments and would rate higher with a better villain.
Rating: 3.25 out of 5.0
There's a crisis in several different cities involving women with a magic sticks and an evil mastermind behind it all. This leads to the Justice League going of by twos with Batman and Superman, Flash and Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern and Hawkgirl pairing off. It's interesting to see how they work and how the Martian Manhunter comes into it. This isn't a spectacular comic, but has some good character moments and would rate higher with a better villain.
Rating: 3.25 out of 5.0
Indestructible Hulk #17:
After the fall out of another event, we're presented with this miniseries which begins with Bruce Banner at last trying to realize the goal of the whole series. The whole reason Banner agreed to work for S.H.I.E.L.D. was so that he could actually use his genius for good while Hulk could help S.H.I.E.L.D. smash when necessary. However, "Hulk destroys, Banner builds" is not a reality, but a somewhat meaningless mission statement. However, after radioactive fall out of a battle with Thanos leaves anyone with any relation to the Inhumans undergoing a serious mutation. Banner is the man to solve it but Tony Stark (Iron Man) and Hank Pym (original Ant Man) try to take over his lab, give him twenty-four hours to solve it, come back before the twenty-four hours are over along with Hank McCoy (Beast) and immediately prepare to take over and hand his work over to a newbie scientist leading to a massive hulkout that foreshadows a potentially cataclysmic event.
I have mixed feelings on this. I don't like my heroes acting like jerks and you have a lot of that in this book which seems kind of cynical, throwing in a civilian selling phony radioactivity suits for an extra dose. On the other hand, there's something to be said for this story and the way our characters react. We'd like to think that in crisis people would rise above this nonsense but Waid suggests that some people particularly Tony Stark and Bruce Banner may just be themselves only more. In this case, Tony Stark has had issues with Bruce Banner for a while and doesn't trust him and is a bit of a jerk anyway, so he's not going to trust Banner with so much on the line. Banner, as previous issues have shown, is getting frustrated by how everything's going and is on his last nerve. Hulking out is not a conscious decision. While it would have been nice for either of these two (particularly Stark) to care a bit more about the other 6 billion people on the planet, I think the issue was a good concept, and was nicely foreshadowed by what came in Issue 16.
Rating: 3.75 out of 5.0
June 19, 2014
Book Review: Amazing Spider-girl, Volume 5: Maybreak
Amazing Spider-Girl, Volume 5: Maybreak by Tom DeFalcoMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book collects Issues 25-30 of the Amazing Spider-girl, the second Spider-girl comic series and it continues from the previous book Amazing Spider-Girl, Volume 4: Brand New May as Mayday Parker has a clone who is trying to take over her life. At the same time, Norman Osborn's Goblin Cult is up to no good and the craziness has all been masterminded by Norman Osborn himself.
This final storyline is a blast. From one issue to next, May gets thrown into one new situation after another. Our heroes and villains are moving and counter-moving, and being forced to switch sides by the rapid mind-swamping among other things.
However, the action doesn't get mindless as at it's heart are the big essential questions of what makes a hero, and the legacy of the Parker family, and Spider-girl in particular. While it's a shame the series had to come to an end, this hits all the right notes.
If there was one thing that was discordant, it was the ghost May met in Issue 25 and was in her head through Issue 30. In Issues 26-29, the ghost had nothing to say but had to be around (I guess) for her big dramatic moment in Issue 30, leading to May be uncharacteristically rude. But for that I blame the writers rather than May because who wouldn't be annoyed at an irrelevant unknown ghost. Still, the book more than makes up for its deficiencies with its solid action and great emotional moments that celebrate everything Spider-girl is.
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June 18, 2014
Book Review: Showcase Presents Green Lantern, Volume 1
Showcase Presents: Green Lantern, Vol. 1 by John BroomeMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book collects the first two twenty comics starring Hal Jordan as the Silver Age Green Lantern (Showcase #22-#24 and Green Lantern #1-#17).
Green Lantern Abin Sur's spaceship crashed on Earth and his power ring chose test pilot Hal Jordan as the Green Lantern. During the course of the book, the modern Green Lantern mythology begins to take hold. As it begins, the Guardians of the Galaxy are aloof even from regular Lanterns. By the end of the book, they're at least known. We're also told that the Green Lantern oath was created by Jordan as a result of some specific battles he fought rather than something organic to the Lantern or required by the battery to provide power.
The book doesn't introduce near the number of villains that the Flash did with only two of his most popular rogues (Sinestro and Star Sapphire) but Sinestro was a great villain and made four appearances between issues 7 and 15.
Star Sapphire's first appearance in Issue 16 was intended as more of a one shot deal as Carol Ferris became possessed by an alien being to prove that Carol was queen of a race of super powerful aliens.
Another highlight is the first crossover between Green Lantern and Flash in an excellent story, "Duel of the Superheroes" (Green Lantern #13)
Overall, what makes this book stand out is how different Hal Jordan was from many other superheroes. The lack of a teenage sidekick or stories of Hal Jordan as a boy was striking. Plus Hal has an adult confidant who knows his secret identity. Plus, Jordan has a solid supporting cast with not only his mechanic Pieface and his girl Carol but also two brothers. Overall, there's more a sense of reality about Hal Jordan compared to other DC characters.
Still, the character maintains a great sense of fun with some solid science fiction stories making this a must-read for fans of science fiction and the Green Lantern.
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June 17, 2014
Book Review: Justice League Unlimited Vol. 3: Champions of Justice
Justice League Unlimited Volume 3: Champions of Justice by Adam BeechenMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book collects Issues 11-15 of Justice League Unlimited Comics. Below is an issue by issue review:
"Postcard from the Edge": This is a Stargirl story as she, Superman, and Wonder Woman go to Atlantis and meet up with Aquaman but trouble comes. This follows the typical path of a Stargirl story both in the comics as the cartoon as it begins with her being disrespectful and snotty to Aquaman only to discover he's got some strongpoints and for him to discover the same about her. Here, I think the plot is actually fairly well done. Grade: B+
"Old School": This story with the Golden Age Flash (Jay Garrick) being challenged by a child and called a phony and not the real Flash. But Jay is called away to help the incumbent (Wally West) in a battle against Mirror Master. I actually enjoyed this one quite a bit as a great Jay Garrick story and a great introduction to the character for younger readers as a tie-in to the Wally West Character with ending to boot Grade: A
"Nuts and Bolts": The Red Tornado's wiring has gone crazy and Steel is the best one to stop it as he's an expert on Red Tornado's mechanics even though he's less close to the Android than anyone in the Justice League. Overall, this felt not so well-developed as the reason for Steel's emotional distance was never explained. Grade: C+
"Everybody Limbo": Both the DC Animated TV programs as well as the comic books tried to put supernatural heroes like Doctor Fate in the same story as non-powered vigilantes and when you had a heavy magic plot, the non-magical characters felt out of place. Here, they don't do that as they gather all the supernatural members of the Justice League including an angel and demon to fix a problem and leave the normal people behind. That's where my praise for my book ends because the problem is that this doesn't feel like a Justice League story, plus the story seemed to have a bizarre message about demons and angels working together. Grade: D
"Urban Legend": A story of the Urban superhero Vibe, who I'd never heard of before. This story tells little about him and what it does tell doesn't really help. It's a weak stereotypical tale which might worked on television if expanded. Overall, not a very engaging story. Grade: D+
Overall, the first half of the book is better and as a whole it's mediocre at best.
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June 16, 2014
Comic Reviews: Silver Age Fantastic Four, World's Finest, Superman, Batman Beyond, Superman Beyond, Doc Savage
Fantastic Four, Volume 1, #88:
With the five members of the Fantastic Four back together (the original plus Crystal who was replacing the Invisible Woman at this point), the FF move from taking on Doctor Doom to a truly daunting task: house hunting. They've concluded that the Baxter Building isn't the safest place to raise a new baby and have decided they need something that'll not be such a target for their enemies and head out to look out at a mysterious property that meets their specifications. However, everyone begins to get a strong foreboding about the new property and Lee and Kirby build up a lot of suspense and tension before telling us why in a very solid first part of this story.
Rating: 3.75 out of 5.0
World's Finest #6
With the five members of the Fantastic Four back together (the original plus Crystal who was replacing the Invisible Woman at this point), the FF move from taking on Doctor Doom to a truly daunting task: house hunting. They've concluded that the Baxter Building isn't the safest place to raise a new baby and have decided they need something that'll not be such a target for their enemies and head out to look out at a mysterious property that meets their specifications. However, everyone begins to get a strong foreboding about the new property and Lee and Kirby build up a lot of suspense and tension before telling us why in a very solid first part of this story.
Rating: 2.75 out of 5.0
Superman Adventures #45
This was the first of the four post-Mark Millar issues of Superman Adventures that I actually enjoyed. The plot centers around three precocious girls who have left the suburbs to go to Metropolis and find a husband for their mom and the focus centers on Clark Kent and then later Lex Luthor. What becomes clear from the girls' conversation is that they also want a dad in their lives. On the surface, some of their hopes are selfish, but Grubb clearly brings out some deeper needs. An emotional fun story that's more about the girls and the Superman cast, but Superman is able to do some pretty awesome things in the end.
This wasn't a perfect comic with a little stereotypical dialogue. And maybe we could have used a little more of Superman, But overall this is an enjoyable and heart warming read.
Rating: 3.75 ouf of 5.00
Batman Beyond #23 (2012-13);
After Issue 22, I thought I knew where the story was going, but kudos to Adam Beechen on adding some interesting twists as we learned that the technology used by the rebel was from old superhero/supervillain hideouts and we're left wondering where this came from as the issue ends.
The downside is that an entirely unnecessary scene is included in which Dick Grayson wakes up in a bed with a woman he's not married to and has a conversation. Not only was this unnecessary but this comic rated for nine year old kids. Also too much credence is given to the hopelessness of the Rebel.
Still some great action and a good mystery still make this a fun read
Rating: 3.75 ouf of 5.0
Heroes Against Hunger (1986 Live Aid One Shot);
Really could have been heroes and villain against Hunger as this book is a three way team up between Batman, Superman, and Lex Luthor. The book has a big problem: It's message (as delivered by a very annoying character) is that this isn't the type of problem that can be solved by comic book heroes but then most of the story is spent involving a fight against the typical comic book villain, the Master (not to be confused with the Doctor Who villain of the same name) who feeds on entropy.
The more interesting part is the reaction of Luthor, who in his pre-Crisis incarnation had a soft spot. Despite being an evil supervillain, he was moved to tears by the whole situation just as Doctor Doom would be in the Spider-man issue after 9/11. It's not a bad read and certainly was well-intentioned.
Rating: 3.25 out of 5.0
Doc Savage #3
he art on this book is amazing right from the beautiful cover to the Interior art work. The story was horrible and part of me wanted to give this issue 1 star but the art was too good for that.
The book begins in 1961 as Doc announces he's found the Panacea, medicine that would allow everyone to live forever. However, a madman is determined to stop him because he's evil and he runs a pharmaceutical company.
This issue is the point at which I really begin to wonder if the author gets Doc Savage. Doc is the swashbuckling man of bronze with stories that are full of action, adventure, and intrigue. What Roberson gives us is a story that has an almost impossible scientific discovery that's in jeopardy because (apparently) Doc failed to write it down and this story ends on a very down note for Doc Savage.
The art through flashbacks captures some scenes of Doc on an adventure and that's what belongs in a Doc Savage comic book. What Roberson seems to be doing is a Doc Savage version of John Byrne's Superman-Batman Generations, only with Doc Savage (with each issue jumping forward about fifteen years). While I didn't like Generations, it had more point than this joyless book does.
Rating: 1.5 out of 5.0
Superman Beyond #20:
I'm left with real mixed feelings because this isn't a bad book, but it's kind of mediocre end to the series. There's a good ticking time bomb that's resolved but the key to giving us a feeling of a positive ending is having Superman deliver a cliche-ridden speech. I mean if you're going to give a speech, make it a good one.
This book signaled the end of Superman Beyond and that was a shame. Superman is a great character and this book highlighted his timeless character and the type of person he is, even if not all the concepts were explored fully.
Rating: 2.75 out of 5.0
With the five members of the Fantastic Four back together (the original plus Crystal who was replacing the Invisible Woman at this point), the FF move from taking on Doctor Doom to a truly daunting task: house hunting. They've concluded that the Baxter Building isn't the safest place to raise a new baby and have decided they need something that'll not be such a target for their enemies and head out to look out at a mysterious property that meets their specifications. However, everyone begins to get a strong foreboding about the new property and Lee and Kirby build up a lot of suspense and tension before telling us why in a very solid first part of this story.
Rating: 3.75 out of 5.0
World's Finest #6
With the five members of the Fantastic Four back together (the original plus Crystal who was replacing the Invisible Woman at this point), the FF move from taking on Doctor Doom to a truly daunting task: house hunting. They've concluded that the Baxter Building isn't the safest place to raise a new baby and have decided they need something that'll not be such a target for their enemies and head out to look out at a mysterious property that meets their specifications. However, everyone begins to get a strong foreboding about the new property and Lee and Kirby build up a lot of suspense and tension before telling us why in a very solid first part of this story.
Rating: 2.75 out of 5.0
Superman Adventures #45
This was the first of the four post-Mark Millar issues of Superman Adventures that I actually enjoyed. The plot centers around three precocious girls who have left the suburbs to go to Metropolis and find a husband for their mom and the focus centers on Clark Kent and then later Lex Luthor. What becomes clear from the girls' conversation is that they also want a dad in their lives. On the surface, some of their hopes are selfish, but Grubb clearly brings out some deeper needs. An emotional fun story that's more about the girls and the Superman cast, but Superman is able to do some pretty awesome things in the end.
This wasn't a perfect comic with a little stereotypical dialogue. And maybe we could have used a little more of Superman, But overall this is an enjoyable and heart warming read.
Rating: 3.75 ouf of 5.00
Batman Beyond #23 (2012-13);
After Issue 22, I thought I knew where the story was going, but kudos to Adam Beechen on adding some interesting twists as we learned that the technology used by the rebel was from old superhero/supervillain hideouts and we're left wondering where this came from as the issue ends.
The downside is that an entirely unnecessary scene is included in which Dick Grayson wakes up in a bed with a woman he's not married to and has a conversation. Not only was this unnecessary but this comic rated for nine year old kids. Also too much credence is given to the hopelessness of the Rebel.
Still some great action and a good mystery still make this a fun read
Rating: 3.75 ouf of 5.0
Heroes Against Hunger (1986 Live Aid One Shot);
Really could have been heroes and villain against Hunger as this book is a three way team up between Batman, Superman, and Lex Luthor. The book has a big problem: It's message (as delivered by a very annoying character) is that this isn't the type of problem that can be solved by comic book heroes but then most of the story is spent involving a fight against the typical comic book villain, the Master (not to be confused with the Doctor Who villain of the same name) who feeds on entropy.
The more interesting part is the reaction of Luthor, who in his pre-Crisis incarnation had a soft spot. Despite being an evil supervillain, he was moved to tears by the whole situation just as Doctor Doom would be in the Spider-man issue after 9/11. It's not a bad read and certainly was well-intentioned.
Rating: 3.25 out of 5.0
Doc Savage #3
he art on this book is amazing right from the beautiful cover to the Interior art work. The story was horrible and part of me wanted to give this issue 1 star but the art was too good for that.
The book begins in 1961 as Doc announces he's found the Panacea, medicine that would allow everyone to live forever. However, a madman is determined to stop him because he's evil and he runs a pharmaceutical company.
This issue is the point at which I really begin to wonder if the author gets Doc Savage. Doc is the swashbuckling man of bronze with stories that are full of action, adventure, and intrigue. What Roberson gives us is a story that has an almost impossible scientific discovery that's in jeopardy because (apparently) Doc failed to write it down and this story ends on a very down note for Doc Savage.
The art through flashbacks captures some scenes of Doc on an adventure and that's what belongs in a Doc Savage comic book. What Roberson seems to be doing is a Doc Savage version of John Byrne's Superman-Batman Generations, only with Doc Savage (with each issue jumping forward about fifteen years). While I didn't like Generations, it had more point than this joyless book does.
Rating: 1.5 out of 5.0
Superman Beyond #20:
I'm left with real mixed feelings because this isn't a bad book, but it's kind of mediocre end to the series. There's a good ticking time bomb that's resolved but the key to giving us a feeling of a positive ending is having Superman deliver a cliche-ridden speech. I mean if you're going to give a speech, make it a good one.
This book signaled the end of Superman Beyond and that was a shame. Superman is a great character and this book highlighted his timeless character and the type of person he is, even if not all the concepts were explored fully.
Rating: 2.75 out of 5.0
June 11, 2014
Book Review: Gotham by Gaslight
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight by Brian AugustynMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book collects two comics of Batman fighting evil in Victorian era in two stories, "Gotham by Gas Light" and "Master of the Future."
The first story features Batman going up against Jack the Ripper who has begun to commit a whole new series of murders in Gotham. The second is just a traditional Batman story but set in Victorian times as Batman has to thwart a villain who is trying to stop Gotham's World Fair because he believes that the future belongs to him.
Each story does a great job of creating atmosphere and art is superb. Augustyn does a good job of capturing of how Batman would act or behave if he'd begun in his career in the Victorian era. At the same point, it's hard to say these stories are truly great Batman tales. They're good, but they don't live up to the hype and the conclusion of the first one doesn't really stand up to what you would expect of a Batman meets Jack the Ripper comics.
However, it's still worth reading and for better or worse this comic marked the beginning of DC Elseworld stories that would imagine all sorts of alternate takes on heroes from Superman crashing in the Soviet Union to Batman being around in the days of King Arthur. That alone makes this book worth a look.
View all my reviews
June 8, 2014
Comic Reviews: Mr. T, Batman'66, X-Men
Here's a look at this week's comic readings:
What The? #5:
The book is a solid superhero parody. The cover feature deals with Wolverine and the Punisher, which is kind of fun. The more interesting feature is that dealing with the 1980s/early 90s incarnation of the Hulk. Other features are so so and to really get the joke you need a familiarity with comics of the era to get it.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.0
Batman'66 Green Hornet #1:
The challenge of writing something like Batman '66 is to not try too hard to be funny. The original series had Batman playing it straight but with an appropriate amount of goofiness thrown in organically. Jeff Parker does this brilliantly in the main The problem with this issue is that it Kevin Smith is trying too hard leading to forced moments like Kato mumbling about names for his secret identity.
The story seemed to move far slower than normal even by the standards of motion comics. The most egregious part of this is that neither Batman or Green Hornet appear in costume. Thus, I'll keep reading, but this is not a promising beginning for the mini-series.
Rating: 1.75 out of 5.0
Batman'66/Green Hornet #2:
After an underwhelming first issue, things begin to come together in Issue 2. Robin Arrives, the Green Hornet and Kato change and Robin delivers the Batman costume and our heroes are there and ready to meet up with our villain for his insane monologue.
The villain is Colonel Gumm, the villain the last time the two tangled except now his face is covered in unremovable adhesive so he's promoted himself to General Gumm. The story ends on a good cliffhanger unfortunately it's set up with one of the lamest ways four superheroes could be trapped. I was hoping more from the villain but seeing them all in costume is a plus. Hopefullly Issue 3 will be better.
Rating: 3.25 out of 5.0
X-Men #1 (2013-)
This book begins the new all female X-men book. I've never read the X-men before, though I was familiar with a few of the characters. The book mostly does its job. The introductory section about something that happened a billion years go kind of slowed the story down and it's still hard to get a handle on all these characters. Still the book had a good cliffhanger and I look forward to reading more.
Rating: 3.25 out of 5.0
Mr. T and the T Force #4:
This nicely concludes the previous story from issue 3 with Mr. T dealing with chop shops and drugs. Overall, this was just a good comic that taught solid morals featuring Mr. T kicking the bad guy's tale and being an overall good person to people who needed his help. I pity you if you don't like this book.
Rating: 4.25 out of 5.0
Batman '66 #35:
This book concludes in a delightful way. The giant Bat Diamond is gone and Batman and Robin have to find Marsha Queen of Diamonds to get it back. This is perfect pitch 1960s Batman and really captures the spirit of the old series. There's a lot of fun including some great bat gadgets that they would have used on the TV series if they could get it in the budget.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0
Daredevil Road Warrior #1:
Peter Cannon Thunderbolt #2:
Peter Cannon Thunderbolt continues to be a well-drawn story with some decent action. However, much of the beginning part of the story is slogged down by a lot of whining from the title character as well as flashbacks. The big thing is that Cannon seems to be truly self-righteous, looking on the rest of the human race with a bit of contempt. That sort of attitude makes a character hard to care about and even harder to cheer for.
Still, the art is still amazing and the second issue ends with hope that things will pick up. Here's to Issue 3.
Rating: 3.25 out of 5.0
Flash Annual #2:
his book contains two stories. The cover story is a treat. Historically, the Flash (Barry Allen) and Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) have been best friends and this story serves to explain how they first met within the new 52 continuity. It's a great story that shows off both men's heroism and how their contrasting personalities play off each other beautifully. Buccellato succeeds in creating a story that's old school in its approach but not dated. It's one of the most enjoyable comic stories I've read all year.
I also have to praise Nicole Dubuc back up story which took a look at what it means to be the Flash and what happens when the fastest man alive can't be fast enough. This is the type of story I've seen done with Superman quite a bit but I liked her take on it as well as the Flash's conclusion and how he comes to peace with the things that even he can't stop.
Overall, this is what an Annual should be: fun, charming, and emotionally engaging without being too heavy.
Rating: 4.75 out of 5.0
Doc Savage #2:
This second story from Dynamite's Doc Savage series finds Doc aloof dong research while his cousin Pat (Patricia) round up some criminals and take them to his crime college.
The issue is interesting for its inclusion of Pat and briefly taking on the idea of Doc's humane decision to alter the minds of criminals, something which was okay in pulp fiction days, not so much today. Not a great issue, but better than Issue 1.
Rating: 3.0 out of 5.0
What The? #5:
The book is a solid superhero parody. The cover feature deals with Wolverine and the Punisher, which is kind of fun. The more interesting feature is that dealing with the 1980s/early 90s incarnation of the Hulk. Other features are so so and to really get the joke you need a familiarity with comics of the era to get it.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.0
Batman'66 Green Hornet #1:
The challenge of writing something like Batman '66 is to not try too hard to be funny. The original series had Batman playing it straight but with an appropriate amount of goofiness thrown in organically. Jeff Parker does this brilliantly in the main The problem with this issue is that it Kevin Smith is trying too hard leading to forced moments like Kato mumbling about names for his secret identity.
The story seemed to move far slower than normal even by the standards of motion comics. The most egregious part of this is that neither Batman or Green Hornet appear in costume. Thus, I'll keep reading, but this is not a promising beginning for the mini-series.
Rating: 1.75 out of 5.0
Batman'66/Green Hornet #2:
After an underwhelming first issue, things begin to come together in Issue 2. Robin Arrives, the Green Hornet and Kato change and Robin delivers the Batman costume and our heroes are there and ready to meet up with our villain for his insane monologue.
The villain is Colonel Gumm, the villain the last time the two tangled except now his face is covered in unremovable adhesive so he's promoted himself to General Gumm. The story ends on a good cliffhanger unfortunately it's set up with one of the lamest ways four superheroes could be trapped. I was hoping more from the villain but seeing them all in costume is a plus. Hopefullly Issue 3 will be better.
Rating: 3.25 out of 5.0
X-Men #1 (2013-)
This book begins the new all female X-men book. I've never read the X-men before, though I was familiar with a few of the characters. The book mostly does its job. The introductory section about something that happened a billion years go kind of slowed the story down and it's still hard to get a handle on all these characters. Still the book had a good cliffhanger and I look forward to reading more.
Rating: 3.25 out of 5.0
Mr. T and the T Force #4:
This nicely concludes the previous story from issue 3 with Mr. T dealing with chop shops and drugs. Overall, this was just a good comic that taught solid morals featuring Mr. T kicking the bad guy's tale and being an overall good person to people who needed his help. I pity you if you don't like this book.
Rating: 4.25 out of 5.0
Batman '66 #35:
This book concludes in a delightful way. The giant Bat Diamond is gone and Batman and Robin have to find Marsha Queen of Diamonds to get it back. This is perfect pitch 1960s Batman and really captures the spirit of the old series. There's a lot of fun including some great bat gadgets that they would have used on the TV series if they could get it in the budget.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0
Daredevil Road Warrior #1:
Peter Cannon Thunderbolt #2:
Peter Cannon Thunderbolt continues to be a well-drawn story with some decent action. However, much of the beginning part of the story is slogged down by a lot of whining from the title character as well as flashbacks. The big thing is that Cannon seems to be truly self-righteous, looking on the rest of the human race with a bit of contempt. That sort of attitude makes a character hard to care about and even harder to cheer for.
Still, the art is still amazing and the second issue ends with hope that things will pick up. Here's to Issue 3.
Rating: 3.25 out of 5.0
Flash Annual #2:
his book contains two stories. The cover story is a treat. Historically, the Flash (Barry Allen) and Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) have been best friends and this story serves to explain how they first met within the new 52 continuity. It's a great story that shows off both men's heroism and how their contrasting personalities play off each other beautifully. Buccellato succeeds in creating a story that's old school in its approach but not dated. It's one of the most enjoyable comic stories I've read all year.
I also have to praise Nicole Dubuc back up story which took a look at what it means to be the Flash and what happens when the fastest man alive can't be fast enough. This is the type of story I've seen done with Superman quite a bit but I liked her take on it as well as the Flash's conclusion and how he comes to peace with the things that even he can't stop.
Overall, this is what an Annual should be: fun, charming, and emotionally engaging without being too heavy.
Rating: 4.75 out of 5.0
Doc Savage #2:
This second story from Dynamite's Doc Savage series finds Doc aloof dong research while his cousin Pat (Patricia) round up some criminals and take them to his crime college.
The issue is interesting for its inclusion of Pat and briefly taking on the idea of Doc's humane decision to alter the minds of criminals, something which was okay in pulp fiction days, not so much today. Not a great issue, but better than Issue 1.
Rating: 3.0 out of 5.0
June 7, 2014
The Best Superhero Animated Series of All Time #3: Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes
This is a fairly recent series that invites comparisons with the earlier Justice League series. To me, the programs took two very different tacts.
In Justice League, we already know Batman and Superman, and the other five members are introduced and we only get snippets of their backstory strewn throughout the series. This worked because those two first seasons of Justice League told 24 separate stories that were pretty much self-contained. Then when the program expanded to Justice League Unlimited, it introduced almost every character who had been in continuity in the DC universe. (I was surprised Bob Hope and Jerry Lewis weren't there.)
Avengers took a different tact. It began with a series of twenty micro-episodes which became the first six episodes on Netflix and other streaming websites which served to introduce the characters and the plot lines before they got into action.
Once the Avengers are formed in response to the events of "Break Out," the series takes off. At its most complex, Justice League had one major plot thread running through the series, Avengers would often go back and forth between two and three different plots while dealing with one-off threats. It kept mostly to the original cast in Season 1 and very slowly began to introduce other heroes of the Marvel Universe as not to overwhelm us in Season 2.
The series capitalized on existing Marvel comic stories like "Live Kree or Die." and "Secret Invasion." but managed to do so without seeming too derivative.
They managed to build believable human dynamics within the team that were believable and not overdone. Another thing I like about this series is the portrayal of Captain America. The series creators respected all he is and all he brings to the Avengers and grit and courage of Cap is definitely on display. I similarly loved the portrayals of Black Panther and Carol Danvers who have never been big players in Marvel animation.
No discussion of this series would be complete without including Iron Man's Asgardian Uru Armor in Season One.
The negatives are few. Yes, Season 2 wasn't really good as Season 1 and the Season 2 opening was bad. The series did leave Hank Pym in an odd spot after he rejoined the Avengers as Yellowjacket. But overall, I think the series began well and finished well and really set a new benchmark for superhero team series.
In Justice League, we already know Batman and Superman, and the other five members are introduced and we only get snippets of their backstory strewn throughout the series. This worked because those two first seasons of Justice League told 24 separate stories that were pretty much self-contained. Then when the program expanded to Justice League Unlimited, it introduced almost every character who had been in continuity in the DC universe. (I was surprised Bob Hope and Jerry Lewis weren't there.)
Avengers took a different tact. It began with a series of twenty micro-episodes which became the first six episodes on Netflix and other streaming websites which served to introduce the characters and the plot lines before they got into action.
Once the Avengers are formed in response to the events of "Break Out," the series takes off. At its most complex, Justice League had one major plot thread running through the series, Avengers would often go back and forth between two and three different plots while dealing with one-off threats. It kept mostly to the original cast in Season 1 and very slowly began to introduce other heroes of the Marvel Universe as not to overwhelm us in Season 2.
The series capitalized on existing Marvel comic stories like "Live Kree or Die." and "Secret Invasion." but managed to do so without seeming too derivative.
They managed to build believable human dynamics within the team that were believable and not overdone. Another thing I like about this series is the portrayal of Captain America. The series creators respected all he is and all he brings to the Avengers and grit and courage of Cap is definitely on display. I similarly loved the portrayals of Black Panther and Carol Danvers who have never been big players in Marvel animation.
No discussion of this series would be complete without including Iron Man's Asgardian Uru Armor in Season One.
The negatives are few. Yes, Season 2 wasn't really good as Season 1 and the Season 2 opening was bad. The series did leave Hank Pym in an odd spot after he rejoined the Avengers as Yellowjacket. But overall, I think the series began well and finished well and really set a new benchmark for superhero team series.
June 4, 2014
Book Review: Spider-man: Revenge of the Sinister Six
Spider-Man: Revenge of the Sinister Six by Erik LarsenMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book collects Spider-man #15 and #18-23 of the 1990s series Spider-man. The first issue telling the tale of Spider-man and the Beast teaming up in a one-off, the last six collect the title story for the book, Revenge of the Sinister Six which begins with the Sinister Six seeking revenge on Otto Octavius, who has betrayed them.
Positives: This book features a ton of guest stars which has positives and negatives. Many of these are quite obscure but among the guest stars are the early 1990s Incredible Hulk and the Fantastic Four. The relationship between Mary Jane and Peter is great as Mary Jane has got the opportunity for a big part but it involves appearing nude and Peter's not happy. The way it plays out shows how they actually make it each other better. In addition to this, the trade paperback features a back up story that ran in these issues in which Spider-man battled Diablo and it's a good story.
Negatives: The book represents typical 1990s artwork which means its kind of garish and tacky in its attempt to be extreme and grity. It kind of goes against one theme of the book where Spider-man points out that he's not one of those grim and gritty heroes. He's old school. It's hard to make the case when everything in the book is drawn 90s style.
The other problem is that with the parade of guest stars and with the Sinister Six itself, the book is hard to follow. Most of the Six are kept off stage for most of the book and other than perhaps Octavius (who has a great battle with the Hulk), none of them is really allowed to shine, and whatever Doc Ock's world dominating plan was is kind of lost on me.
Overall, not bad if you see it a library. Couldn't recommend buying it retail.
View all my reviews
June 1, 2014
Comic Book Reviews: Batman '66, Indestructible Hulk, Silver Surfer, Masks, Justice League Adventures
Batman '66 #34:
This issue brings back a lesser-remember Batman villain from the TV series, Marsha Queen of Diamonds and she has a totally outlandish and audacious scheme that strikes at the heart of the Dynamic duo. This was just a fun story that really was in keeping with the spirit of the TV show.
Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0
Indestructible Hulk #16:
This book served as a prelude to the inhumanity saga and finds Bruce Banner frustrated as things haven't quite gone according to plan with him giving SHIELD use of the hulk in exchange to being able to build and create scientifically. Banner's shown having to intimidate people to get more funding. (You going to argue with a guy who turns into the Hulk?) However, even his efforts to be a groundbreaking scientist are frustrated as on three straight days, the groundbreaking scientific project he's trying to create is actually solved by fellow Marvel science guys Tony Stark, Reed Richards, and Hank Pym.
Banner needs to hulk out but he needs to be restrained until it's time and for that, he needs the help of his lab assistant Randall Jessup to keep calm until the Hulk is actually needed. Jessup in some ways is reminiscent of Rick Jones. The book explains how he became equipped for dealing with out of control angry people in some nice flashbacks. Jessup's a good character though I'm dubious at why Waid so openly tips his hands as to what will happen to him.
Overall, this was a nice issue that sets up the next story arch.
Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0
Silver Surfer #2:
At the end of the last issue, the Surfer is challenged to protect an alien world and told that even if he doesn't the most important person to him, Dawn Greenwood, will be killed. He has no idea who Dawn Greenwood is but because he's Norin Radd, he will do what he can to protect the innocent and confront the Never Queen.
The Never Queen is just a great character and concept. Dawn Greenwood also is just incredibly likable and plucky. The plot takes a couple nice turns as the Surfer learns that he hasn't been told the whole truth.
Overall, I'm really enjoying this arch and the new Silver Surfer. It's the type of fun that makes people fans of science fiction in the first place.
Rating: 4.25 out of 5.0
Iron Man Volume 1 #53:
Mostly this was a decent issue, continuing Iron Man's battle with the flame powered cultist from Issue 52. There's nothing great or bad about the issue other than it spends a lot of time telling us backstory about a character who would never be seen again. Still Jim Starlin writes a competently done Iron Man story here.
Rating: 2.75 out of 5.0
Masks #8
This final issue of the pulp miniseries wraps up with the heroes battling the villain for the first part and then having an ethical debate about their differences, particularly in regards to their willingness to kill ranging from: none at all (Green Lama) to only if forced (Green Hornet) to as he sees fit (The Shadow). This was kind of interesting but the last issue wasn't that place. The story did end on a positive note.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.0
My overall thoughts on the series: It did a good job with what it had to do. With few true "superpowers" among the group of pulp heroes, they needed an enemy big enough to draw them together, but not absurdly over the top, and they succeeded. Most of the cast did get screen time and the art really does carry the story with the solid art direction of Alex Ross. While we don't get too deep with most characters, we get deep enough with everyone.
Overall series rating: 4.0 out of 5.0.
Justice League Unlimited #9:
This story features the Justice League travelling back to Camelot, which is a pretty fun concept, and there's some nice art of this battle with Morgana Le Fey.
The story is dragged down by massive amounts of padding to get this thing to 20 pages. We're given the origin story of shining night, which is great, except his role in the story is minimal. The focus of the story is Vixen (Green Lantern's rebound girlfriend after Shiera in the TV series) who spends the entire issue refusing to listen to Merlin and dragging out the story.
Rating: 1.75 out of 5.0
This issue brings back a lesser-remember Batman villain from the TV series, Marsha Queen of Diamonds and she has a totally outlandish and audacious scheme that strikes at the heart of the Dynamic duo. This was just a fun story that really was in keeping with the spirit of the TV show.
Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0
Indestructible Hulk #16:
This book served as a prelude to the inhumanity saga and finds Bruce Banner frustrated as things haven't quite gone according to plan with him giving SHIELD use of the hulk in exchange to being able to build and create scientifically. Banner's shown having to intimidate people to get more funding. (You going to argue with a guy who turns into the Hulk?) However, even his efforts to be a groundbreaking scientist are frustrated as on three straight days, the groundbreaking scientific project he's trying to create is actually solved by fellow Marvel science guys Tony Stark, Reed Richards, and Hank Pym.
Banner needs to hulk out but he needs to be restrained until it's time and for that, he needs the help of his lab assistant Randall Jessup to keep calm until the Hulk is actually needed. Jessup in some ways is reminiscent of Rick Jones. The book explains how he became equipped for dealing with out of control angry people in some nice flashbacks. Jessup's a good character though I'm dubious at why Waid so openly tips his hands as to what will happen to him.
Overall, this was a nice issue that sets up the next story arch.
Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0
Silver Surfer #2:
At the end of the last issue, the Surfer is challenged to protect an alien world and told that even if he doesn't the most important person to him, Dawn Greenwood, will be killed. He has no idea who Dawn Greenwood is but because he's Norin Radd, he will do what he can to protect the innocent and confront the Never Queen.
The Never Queen is just a great character and concept. Dawn Greenwood also is just incredibly likable and plucky. The plot takes a couple nice turns as the Surfer learns that he hasn't been told the whole truth.
Overall, I'm really enjoying this arch and the new Silver Surfer. It's the type of fun that makes people fans of science fiction in the first place.
Rating: 4.25 out of 5.0
Iron Man Volume 1 #53:
Mostly this was a decent issue, continuing Iron Man's battle with the flame powered cultist from Issue 52. There's nothing great or bad about the issue other than it spends a lot of time telling us backstory about a character who would never be seen again. Still Jim Starlin writes a competently done Iron Man story here.
Rating: 2.75 out of 5.0
Masks #8
This final issue of the pulp miniseries wraps up with the heroes battling the villain for the first part and then having an ethical debate about their differences, particularly in regards to their willingness to kill ranging from: none at all (Green Lama) to only if forced (Green Hornet) to as he sees fit (The Shadow). This was kind of interesting but the last issue wasn't that place. The story did end on a positive note.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.0
My overall thoughts on the series: It did a good job with what it had to do. With few true "superpowers" among the group of pulp heroes, they needed an enemy big enough to draw them together, but not absurdly over the top, and they succeeded. Most of the cast did get screen time and the art really does carry the story with the solid art direction of Alex Ross. While we don't get too deep with most characters, we get deep enough with everyone.
Overall series rating: 4.0 out of 5.0.
Justice League Unlimited #9:
This story features the Justice League travelling back to Camelot, which is a pretty fun concept, and there's some nice art of this battle with Morgana Le Fey.
The story is dragged down by massive amounts of padding to get this thing to 20 pages. We're given the origin story of shining night, which is great, except his role in the story is minimal. The focus of the story is Vixen (Green Lantern's rebound girlfriend after Shiera in the TV series) who spends the entire issue refusing to listen to Merlin and dragging out the story.
Rating: 1.75 out of 5.0
Christians and Superheroes
I'm a Christian who writes superhero fiction (some parody and some serious.)
On this blog, we'll take a look at:
1) Superhero stories
2) Issues of faith in relation to Superhero stories
3) Writing Superhe ...more
On this blog, we'll take a look at:
1) Superhero stories
2) Issues of faith in relation to Superhero stories
3) Writing Superhe ...more
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