"Star Trek #27 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

 

One of the best concept issues of all-time. This involves a day in the life of the Enterprise. Everything’s routine until a red alert and thing things get really interesting.

It’s also one of the best “Chekov” storylines I’ve ever run across.

Great cover too!

"Fallen Son: The Death of Captain America"

 

WORTH CONSUMING!

Waited a loooonngggg time to read this book- but it’s highly worth the wait. Jeph Loeb is one of the greatest writers of all time- and not just in comicdom. Heck- this is the genius behind LOST.

The miniseries is comprised of 5 issues, each dealing with one of the stages of grief. The best are “Depression”, dealing with Spidey’s reaction to the death of Capt. America. And ’Anger", which has a ton of comical moments during a poker game between Ben Grimm and the New Avengers.

"Star Trek #26 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

This issue is another Spock and the Surek tale. But compared to the previous one- this one is much better.

It involves the Romulans, a bicycle and the irony that the black first officer is racist towards a half human/ half vulcan captain.

"Star Trek #25 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

The most menacing species in the entire galaxy is a race of Kittens. Mind you, these kittens have phasers- but I would rather face them than to come home in the dark to my 3 guys having forgotten to leave a light on.

This 2-part story is the best in the series!

I love it. Worth consuming for any Trek, humor, or comics fan!

"Star Trek #24 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

The funniest Trek story since “A Trouble with Tribbles”. This story is perfect and extremely well crafted!

 
I loved every minute of it.

 The cliffhanger occurs in the next issue, so I am happy!

"DC Comics Universe Holiday Bash! (issue #1)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

Several great stories done in the real fashion of comics- the DC Fashion. No stereotypes, no gratuitous use of stars on the cover only to be graced with a pin-up. Sure, Bats’ story is only 2 pages, but gosh darn it; at least it’s a story!

 I love DC better than Marvel, and this issue, albeit a very short issue compare to most deluxe books, is very much worth consuming!

"Manga Claus"

WORTH CONSUMING!

This Marunas kid stole my idea. In 1994, I came up with Kung Fu Santa, and I’ve been developing parodies ever since.

Did this guy know someone I went to school with? How did he get my idea?!

Good book- appropriate for ages 9 and up. Nice use of limited color. Worth consuming, but gosh darn it, it’s my idea- so only 4 stars, the 5th goes to me!!!

 

"Marvel Holiday Special (Giant One Shot 1994)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

Some very good stories and amazing art. However, buyers beware!!! This issue lists a ton of stars on its cover. But many of them appear in Pin-Up form (i.e. She-Hulk and Wyatt Wingfoot).

So to be fair, I take away one star, but it is still worth consuming!

 

"Justice League Unlimited Issue 28"

WORTH CONSUMING!

A cross between “Jingle All The Way”, “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Scrooged”. Wonderful- and it lacks any of the sterotypes of Comic Book Holiday issues (See Justice League Unlimited #16)

Sadly, this issue is wayyyyy to short and goes to fast- blame Flash.

Very much worth consuming- A Holiday Classic.

"Justice League Unlimited Issue 16"

WORTH CONSUMING!

Great tale- Sheira is back in her Hawkgirl costume, and we get to learn a little more about Atom Smasher. For one, he’s Jewish, but does every holiday super hero “special” have to have both a token Jewish person and/or a token alien who hasn’t an understanding of what Christmas means, but happens to celebrate a festival from their home world that conveniently happens the same time as Christmas???

And for the question about the Jewish character, it’s not a racist thing- but I do notice an absence of those who celebrate Kwanzaa! Is this a deliberate oversight?

Sadly, this issue is too small, and Firestorm (a personal fav) is used too sparingly. Still, with 4 stars, it’s worth consuming!

The Analects (Penguin Classics)

WORTH CONSUMING!

Finally- Eastern Philosophy. I had gotten sooooo tired of Western Philosophy; I thought I was in a gladiator movie. Okay, bad joke.

But why choose Confucius? I’m going to show my age here, but I choose him mostly due to the means of why I am most familiar with him. Remember Funky Winkerbean? Sure, it’s still runs today, but remember when Funky was funny and actually starred Funky? Well I do, and in fact, I remember how Funky would read the works of Confucius. They were very insightful and wise- only they were twisted at the end with a joke. So, I thought, okay- it’s safer to try than something I had no idea about.

Well, it freaked my wife out. While in this joyous holiday season, I got depressed. So my wife was afraid I was searching for a new religion. Safely to say, she had nothing to worry about.

"Star Trek #23 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

NOT WORTH CONSUMING

 

Redjack returns and this time he possesses the crew. Based on my least favorite original series episode, this issue is amongst my least favorite of the DC version.

 The only saving grace is that for the longest time, no one realizes who’s doing the killing and Bryce and Konom are major players in the action.

 If not for this, I wouldn’t give it any stars at all!

Rating: 1 out of 10 stars.

"Star Trek #22 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

NOT WORTH CONSUMING

If I had to pick my least favorite episode of Star Trek: TOS, it wouldn’t take long to pick one. Hands down- “Wolf in the Fold”. The spirit of Jack the Ripper is in fact an Alien demon entity?

 I don’t think so.

So of course, they bring “Redjack” back. And I hate almost every minute of it. The fact that Scotty is not the main character in this arc keeps it from being only 1 star!

Rating: 1 out of 10 stars.

DEAD SEA SCROLLS, 1947-1969 by Edmund Wilson

The Dead Sea Scrolls were announced recently to be making a visit to North Carolina’s Science Museum in Raleigh. So when I found that a book on the Scrolls was in the next level of my Dewey Project readings- I jumped at the chance to prep myself for the exhibit.

(Note: Sadly, I never followed through and didn't go to see the Scrolls!)

"Star Trek #21 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

 

This is your typical Star Trek tale. An away team explores a new planet that’s in danger of exploding/ getting sucked into a black hole/ destroyed by comet- etc, etc. While on the planet, an angry entity manipulates reality causing calamity. Red Shirts die.

 

Keeping the away team from being rescued is some sort of interference. Time is running out, but of course, the day will be saved with just moments to spare. Kirk, Spock, and McCoy banter at end of story. The End.

 

That’s this issue in brief. Somehow, I feel like I seen this before…

"Marvel Adventures Spider-Man Vol. 7: Secret Identity (v. 7)"

WORTH CONSUMING! 

The stories in this collection are excellent, especially the Night Thrasher story. In fact, I’d love for them to do an entire Marvel Adventures series on him.  The art, however, is off. Parker looks even more child-like than he should. Instead of a 15-16 year old kid, this Parker looks 11, 12 tops. Plus, the Green Goblin’s costume looks funny- as in something’s missing or not drawn correctly (not HA HA! funny)

 So, while I still say this is worth consuming- I only give it 8 stars- due to the art.

"Marvel Adventures Spider-Man Vol. 6: The Black Costume (v. 6)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

Spidey gets his black costume in this volume and the retooling is excellent.

 MA:SM always has great storytelling and the way these 4 stories interlock and yet stand as independent issues is very well crafted. 

"Shazam!: The Monster Society of Evil"

Once you read the director’s cut info in the back of this volume, the story seems to make more sense and not as childish. This is hard, especially, since the main super heroes are kids!

  Art is amazing, and whoever did the color should have won an Eisner!

 

"Star Trek #20 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

NOT WORTH CONSUMING  

I’ve not really ever been a Sulu fan. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not him! I meet Takei in 1986 (I was 9! oh my Lord), anyway, I meet him while he and Koening were signing autographs at a video store in Cary, NC.

 Chekov was getting treated like he was David Cassidy or something, so while my Dad I and waited our turned (we had just gotten George’s autograph 1st)- Mr. Sulu actually spent time talking with us. He showed great interest in a young fan and it was really cool getting to talk with him for about 10 minutes.

 I must have sounded like such a dork.

 But, sadly, when it comes to the character of Sulu, besides “Naked Time” and “Mirror, Mirror”, none of the Sulu storylines get anywhere and he’s never been written well for on a consistent basis. This is no exception as last issue was not a great Sulu story.

 This issue is no different. And there’s a nit galore as he’s not even married yet at this time and yet within 15 years his supposed to have a 20-something daughter aboard the Enterprise B.  

 Well, I just can’t rate this issue positively. This issue just wasn’t worth consuming!

"Star Trek #19 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

NOT WORTH CONSUMING

 I know this series was first published 22 years ago, but I really think for anyone who reads this series should read the letters section. Called “Hailing Frequencies Open”, the section is not just letters, but updates on upcoming stories and events that have taken placed at conventions.

  In an earlier issue, it’s mentioned that at ComicCon, one person asked why there isn’t more stories about Chekov. The person who asked that was Walter Koenig. This issue is the result of that event.

 While the story itself was lame, I would’ve hated it more had I not read about this in a previous issue.

"Star Trek #18 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

 NOT WORTH CONSUMING!

This one’s a solo story about Scotty. I hate it! Star Trek Characters are very weak by themselves. But, put them together and it’s magic.

 It starts off ok, but the plot gets predictable. Think Scooby Doo mystery in which you know the bad guys is secretly the random person introduced at the beginning of the show.

 Now, you just read Star Trek issue 18! 

Star Trek #17 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)

 WORTH CONSUMING!

 A great story involving Sulu and Uhura. The character of Bearclaw is ok, but I’d rather Chekov been involved instead.

In this story more of Uhura’s background is fleshed out and it’s about time too! Now, let’s give her the command chair!

Sulu plays a big role and his first command has a very poignant end!

Worth Consuming! 

Star Trek #16 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)

NOT WORTH CONSUMING!

There’s an Andorian spy on the Enterprise. Remind anyone of a certain classic Trek episode? Really, Return to Babel? Hasn’t that been done before?

 

"Star Trek #15 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

 

WORTH CONSUMING!

 Romulans and Klingons and Kirks, oh my!

  The Mirror Saga comes to a close, though I wish it stuck around a bit longer.

"Star Trek #14 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

 For those fans of Trek who love to find “nits”, there’s a big one on the cover. The Klingon in chains is everyone’s fav- Mr. Konom. However, he does not wear the uniform of the Klingon Empire.

 Spock and, well Spock approach the Mirror Klingons to help destroy the Empire in this issue. Clearly, Spock’s been healed, and he’s feeling much better now! 

"Star Trek #13 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

 Yes- this takes place after Search for Spock.

 No- this cover is not a fake-out like the special “Death Of Sadsack” issue (Simpsons Reference)

 Remember, this is the Mirror Universe!

I can’t say more, less I spoil it. So I’ll just say, worth consuming.

"Star Trek #12 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

 

WORTH CONSUMING!

 For those of you familiar with the movie series- it would seem logical that Spock’s damaged resurrection would explain why he stays on Vulcan and receives training to re-educate himself in Vulcan society.

  However, this issue takes a turn that is very logical, but results in an illogical role for Spock and his mirror counterpart.

 So I only give this 8 stars.

"Star Trek #11 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

 The Excelsior enters into the mirror universe as an all-out invasion mounts. Lots of great twists and turns.

"Star Trek #10 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

 WORTH CONSUMING!

 I told you that you wouldn’t believe who returns! Wow! This storyline should have been the next Trek movie- it’s that good!

And you will not believe how Kirk bends the rules (again!) and yet gets to command the Excelsior!

It’s a wild ride- worth consuming!

"Star Trek #9 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

 

WORTH CONSUMING!  

Immediately after Search for Spock, all heck is about to break lose on Jim Kirk and the Enterprise crew.

 Spock is back, naturally. But, he’s kinda lost his way and might not make it! The Excelsior wants revenge! And you will not believe who makes a return!

"The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: The Black Dossier"

NOT WORTH CONSUMING

 You know how when you go to a Rolling Stone concert, you really love hearing the classic tunes, Like “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” or “Satisfaction”, but when they start playing the stuff from their new album, you make a beer run (hopefully in time before they play Sympathy for the Devil).

 Well, this book is the equivalent to an Alan Moore Concert.

 Give me the classic team stuff- Mina Harker, Allan Q, Nemo. But please keep that bloody “other” team crap away from me. Plus, I’m trying to read a graphic novel- so let’s stop with the novellas already.

  And this is not a book for kids under the age of 18! Lots of nudity, sex, and such. Sadly, there’s not enough action! Well, not the action I’m talking about, if you get my drift.

Rating: 3 out of 10 stars.

"Star Trek #8 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

 

WORTH CONSUMING!

 This issue is a classic example as to why having pre-marital sex will get you into big trouble. And that’s part of the fun. View this issue as a sci-fi version of “Reefer Madness” or some other STD exploitation film of the 30s or 40s. Just add the slight chance- we’re talking a 1 to the 10th power with about 3 billion zeroes behind- that trekkers actually have to ability to get some and you’ve got a classic MST3K experience waiting to happen.

  Worth consuming- if only for the camp value.

"Star Trek #7 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

 Until the advent of Commander Data, Saavik was my favorite new Star Trek character. Thus, I am so glad to catch a glimpse at her origin.  Not much of this entire story is canon, but with Spock dead, you have to choose someone else for Saavik to want to Pon Far with.

 Plus, it’s only fitting that the awesome (and terribly underused) Romulans return in this story.

Bullwinkle and Rocky: Marvel Moosterworks

I found this book in a bargain bin at this year’s HeroesCon. Figured, what the hay, I like Rocky and Bullwinkle as a kid, might be a fun read. And bits of it were fun, but this seemed to be too childish for me.

 I read the whole thing, but I am not planning on keeping this book.

"Star Trek #6 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

 No, don’t get your hopes up- the Mirror Universe hasn’t been revisited (yet). This time a shape-shifter hopes to kill an ambassador before he can reach a peace summit on Babel. Sound Familiar?

With a few plot holes and an already used plot device, it wears a bit thin. But, there is great action sequences, very well written dialogue, and a very intriguing mystery. So, I still give it a Worth Consuming!

"Star Trek #5 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

If memory serves me correct, DC artists refer to the theme on the cover as the “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” motif. It’s been done to death on numerous covers, especially Justice League titles.

 Like the covers, the whole violation of the Prime Directive storylines been done to death too. It started with “A piece of the Action”, and then there’s the Nazi episode, the Marvel series focused on it at least twice, and Lord knows that Jim Kirk could care less about it. And at times, that’s how I felt about it. The ending was sweet and it’s saving grace from a totally bad review-

 

Batman: Harley & Ivy

Witness the formation of one of DC Comics' most tightest friendships turned whirlwind romances! Batman: The Animated Series' Paul Dini and Bruce Timm rejoin forces to bust Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy out of Arkham! While on the lam, the girls will take on a banana republic known for it's massive deforestation practices, Hollywood big wigs making a movie about the criminals, the big guy Batman, and each other!

I was surprised how titillating this story was. There's nearly nude prison showering, gratuitous crotch shots in lingerie and much more. Well, based on that scene in Mad Love when Quinn asks Mr. J if he wanted to take a ride on his Harley, maybe I'm not that surprised. 

While the story is firmly set in the TAS universe, this miniseries isn't all ages!

This volume also includes 2 short stories. Judd Winick (Red Hood: The Lost Days) pens a tale in which Harley seeks to best The Joker with planning the greatest heist ever pulled! Unfortunately for Harley and Ivy, they pick an event attended by Bruce Wayne and Tim Drake. Then Paul Dini is back with a story that has Harley and Ivy betting who can get the most smooches while confined in Arkham. Can Harley even compete against a villain who can control men with her special plant based pheromones? 

If you love Harley Quinn- and I truly do- you will enjoy this collection of stories! Poison Ivy isn't one of my favorite characters. But she works really well with Harley Quinn. They are such a great paring of opposites. 

Again, not suitable for all ages because of the eye candy artwork and innuendos. Those jokes might work on TV as they could be glossed over. But when they are in print, it's hard to avoid the tongue-in-cheekiness. 

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

"Star Trek #4 (DC Comics 1984-1989, 1st Series)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

The conspiracy deepens to even greater depths and 2 of the most powerful forces in the universe duke it out for the answer to the ultimate question: “Which is better, Good or Evil?”

 Also, events that occur in this issue are actually canon in relation to Star Trek VI. That’s what I really love about this storyline and makes it very much worth consuming!

"Star Trek #3 (DC Comics 1984-1989, 1st Series)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

The plot thickens as a conspiracy is revealed in the escalating war with the Klingons. Plus, a rare, but classic Trek baddie is revealed.

"Star Trek #2 (DC Comics 1984-1989, 1st Series)"-

WORTH CONSUMING!

The confusion about why there needed to be a shuttle plus a beam out has been solved, and this storyline just keeps getting better. The dark horse of the series in Konom, the Klingon with the heart of a space hippie.

"Star Trek #1 (DC Comics 1984-1989, 1st Series)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

 Immediately after the Wrath of Khan, the Enterprise adventures continue. True, it’s apocryphal, but it makes a great read when you need a Star Trek fix. While most of the characters don’t look much like themselves, the ship looks great and so do the Klingons. Despite a few plot gaffs towards the end, Compared to the Marvel series of the early 80’s, I can already tell that I am in for a treat.

The Bible: An Owner's Manual : What You Need to Know Before You Buy and Read Your Own Bible

NOT WORTH CONSUMING  

The concept for this book is brilliant: An owner’s manual to help people better utilize their Bible. Kinda like the manual I got for my stereo, only not in Korean.

  But, after the concept, it all goes down hill from there. True, this book was written 25 years ago. But, the advice in this book is all wrong. Never should you read your Bible from Genesis to Revelation. It’s essential for new readers (believers or not) to start with the Gospels. Everyone I know says start with John, but I think Luke a good alternative.

  At times this book lives up to what it intended, but once you get through the intros for each chapter, it starts to turn into a text book. There’s lots of experts and scriptures quoted, but this should not be used for a devotional. Especially, since I ended the book wondering if the author was a Christian or just a Bible scholar who researches religion for the sake of research. That ambiguity left me hating a book I really didn’t enjoy from the get go.

"Showcase Presents: Aquaman, Vol. 1"

 WORTH CONSUMING! 

There’s some very nice gems in this book. But, sadly, several stories seem to be copies of themselves and the repetition makes this book a little tedious.

 The main problem I have with the books in this book is as such,  Aquaman has yet to have a main and recurring villain (by 1962, when this book ends). You see a few possible glimpses as a villain named Black seems an awful lot like Black Manta and a character from Atlantis seems to be Aquaman’s evil twin, and happens to make an evil presence by the mid 60’s

 Still, I like Aquaman, faults and all. And I probably will end up buying Volume 2 when it comes out.

"Star Trek #18 (Marvel Comics 1980-82)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

 How else to end a Star Trek Series but to explore the relationship between a (hu)Man and his Vulcan.

  I haven’t a clue if Marvel even knew what was about to happen in the upcoming movie (Wrath of Khan), but this store is very apropos. Especially since the next 3 movies deal exclusively with that relationship.

 Very good story and art, too!

"Star Trek #17 (Marvel Comics 1980-82)"

Can’t really say that I remember much about this issue. I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not. So to be fair- I can’t really judge this book (cover or not).

"I Watched a Wild Hog Eat My Baby: A Colorful History of Tabloids and Their Cultural Impact"

 Not at all what I was expecting! True- this is a history of the Tabloids, but it focuses too much on the 1950’s and early 60’s and not enough on the meat of the Tabs- namely 1968-1995.

  This book read more like a business book and not a history into the stories themselves. When it does spend time on those stories, this book shines, but the author spend too much time on gross sales and circulations. So much, I thought I was reading line graphs and pie charts. Plus, there should have been more pictures of celebs and covers- particularly an example of the WEEKLYWORLDNEWS.

  I’d say my like/hate ratio is spot on 50/50, so I will not rate this book in the negative or positive.

"Star Trek #16 (Marvel Comics 1980-82)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

A very good story involving trolls, gremlins and gnomes. My wife would hate it! But, this story is lots of fun and very entertaining! Art is a bit off, as you obviously can see from the cover. However, this is one of the better efforts from this series. 

“Star Trek #15 (Marvel Comics 1980-82)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

 The art is some of the best in this series. Really good storyline too.

My favorite part of this issue is the cover. Now, plot-wise, it’s a bit misleading, but true to the meat of what happens. But, in terms of art and especially color palate- I really like it. Very clean.

"Star Trek #14 (Marvel Comics 1980-82)”

NOT WORTH CONSUMING

This very uninspired tale of Kirk being brainwashed by an alien entity and believing that he’s some Pharaoh/ God.

 Art is poor, color is uneven, and really, that’s what you think the Enterprise looks like?

"Star Trek #13 (Marvel Comics 1980-82)

WORTH CONSUMING!

 This may be my favorite comic book cover of all-time! Great use of light instead of shade, powerful detail, a classic Femme Fatale/ Pulp pose. Very retro- classic 70’s Marvel!

The story’s not bad either. But, then again, anything with the Klingon’s isn’t bad. This could have been a Trek episode- worth consuming!

What if... This Was the Fantastic Four? (Mike Wieringo Tribute, Autographed)

WORTH CONSUMING!

 Based on a 3 issue arc in the late 80’s in which Spidey, Ghost Rider, The Hulk and Logan were temporarily the FF, this story examines what if the line-up change was permanent.

I loved it. The best What if story I have ever read and my 2nd most favorite of all-time!

A tribute to the late Mike Wieringo, who was working on this story when he died suddenly. This issue is a limited edition book that is available only at select Comic Book Conventions and is autographed by 17 artists and writers who collaborated on finishing the work of Wieringo