"Star Trek #44 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

NOT WORTH CONSUMING

The continuing saga of the Apple occurs, and the storyline goes from bad to worse. Now, Spock is possessed and it looks like Kirk has to violate the prime directive…AGAIN!!!!

 This plot device is getting thin real quick.

"Neverwhere"

WORTH CONSUMING!

At first I couldn’t figure out where this story was going. But once I introduced to the floating markets, secret passageways, and bizarre mix of humans and metahumans of unknown London- I was hooked. While I was happy with the ending, I didn’t want it to end and ended up demanding a sequel.

According to the forward, Neverwhere was originally a novel and then became a series on BBC. If both are true, I will be revisiting London Underground in these formats.

The Incredible Rockhead/ Zinc Alloy #0 Free Comic Book Day Edition

This Free Comic Book Day title offers a peak at two new kid-themed superheroes. First is Rockhead, a young boy who can turn to stone and is aided by his friend, Paper-boy. Do you see where this is going? It appears their biggest rival is Scissors! The only thing missing are characters based on Lizard and Spock (It’s a Big Band Theory reference- Google it!)

The Zinc Alloy story wasn’t as lame. It’s about a student who builds a giant mechanical robot. However, when his attempt to save his town from a tornado backfires, he ends up a pariah.

Both stories end on a cliff hanger. With this title being geared to youngsters, I’m not sure if that was such a brilliant move. I remember hating cliff hangers, especially if I didn’t have the conclusion readily on hand. I’ve never heard of the publisher Capstone, but there are several activities and ads for child-based DC titles. They’re really the highlight of this book, sadly.

Kids will probably like this book. Parents have nothing objectionable to worry about with the exception of some gross humor about bodily functions. But, it’s not really an “all-ages” thing.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Scalped Vol. 1: Indian Country

NOT WORTH CONSUMING

I’ve never read or seen a work about modern Native American life that didn’t have at least a smattering of hope for the future or the Pride of being of noble heritage. Scalped is gritty, raw, dangerous and above all, dark with despair. I know that Native Americans have been given a raw deal and live in the worst of poverties, but when I want to read a comic book, I want the fantasy and allure. Not the local news.

I didn’t enjoy it and I really hated the ending. I couldn’t figure out where it was going. I now know based on research that there is a volume 2. I have no intentions of pursuing it.

Not worth consuming.

(Parental note: with its graphic sex, language, and raw violence- this book is not recommended for those under 18.)

"Star Trek #43 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

NOT WORTH CONSUMING

A sequel story to the classic Trek episode, “The Apple.” With an early Chekov appearance, roses that bloom with darts of death and exploding rocks and some pretty wicked sets- this issue should have been a hit. Sadly, if it was an exploding rock- it would a be a DUD!

 

What happened? Sadly, this is an example of how the age of the crew just caught up with them. Too old to participate in a rough and tumble adventure like the “Apple” was, this time around Kirk and Co. had to put ice on their shoulders and be philosophical, diplomatic, and waxing.

"Star Trek #42 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

For a story involving Scotty as the main character, this is actually very good. Are gremlins tearing apart the Enterprise or has the Scotsman being drinking a wee too much?

Sadly, like several Trek episodes, there’s an ending that you really can’t grasp unless you’re a Rhodes Scholar or Isaac Asimov. So, it lost a few points there. (Enough to equal one star).

 Still, it’s very much worth consuming.

"Star Trek #41 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

NOT WORTH CONSUMING

The episode of the Animated Star Trek in which the Orion Pirates are seen for the first time is supposed to be a classic. I didn’t like that episode and I surely didn’t like this issue!

 The Orions are ugly, sadistic and cruel- why don’t I like these guys? They’d give the Empire a run for their money. It all boils down to poor writing. These guys just aren’t that interesting.

Willie & Joe: the WWII years Volume I

When I wrote my review for volume II, I lamented the fact that I did not read these volumes in order. I am now glad I didn’t.

This volume is full of Maudlin’s earliest works, which are neither clean nor very concise. The punch lines are too long and there are way too many inside jokes without an abundance of footnotes which were well received in the 2nd volume. Having the introduction helped answer a few of the questions I had left unanswered in the footnotes.

However, I am now convinced, had I read this volume 1st, I probably would have decided to not try for the companion book. And to overlook that volume would have been a terrible oversight.

Welcome to Tranquility Vol. 1

WORTH CONSUMING!

Was reading in this month’s Wizard about a Gail Simone Mini Price Guide and what a co-incidence!! I had just checked this book out of the library a few days before.

 This combines the mystery of CSI, with the devoted homage of classic comics of the 1940’s and 50s of Alan Moore’s Supreme run, with the teen edge of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. This is a great series about a community of aged super heroes and the town they founded for their own kind and their families.

 The mystery of who killed Mr. A is really good and the characters are well-written and you get engaged in this community very quickly. Was not happy with who the bad guys turned out to really be. And the premise of why the heroes settled in this locale is kinda lame.

 Regardless, I am hooked and cannot wait to get my hands on further volumes.

"America Jr. Volume 1 (v. 1)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

The concept of a New Country spawning from the US has been done to death. Firstly (and most famously, I might add), with Jefferson Davis. But, more recently the concept has been examined in episodes of Family Guy, The Simpsons, and a graphic novel by Boondocks creator, Aaron Macgruder. So, when I saw this book, I was a little weary, but the back cover sample strip included “Star Wars” in its punch line and won over my skepticism.

 

 I am very glad it did. The art is ultra-clean and the writing is some of the best I have ever read in the indies. With its take on sci-fi/pop culture/ and geekdom- it’s a direct relative of the classic strip “Foxtrot”. And much smarter than Family Guy and the strips tell a continuous story as opposed to The Simpsons. And what even better, AJr. is nowhere near as militant as Macgruder’s work.

 

 I hate that there is only 1 volume out right now. I cannot wait for more.

"Essential Captain America, Vol. 4 (Marvel Essentials)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

It is always a treat to sit down and read some classic Cap tales. I love ’em.

This volume covers Caps battles with the Secret Empire and career as Nomad. Sadly, these tales have already been reprinted recently in color under the trade titles Captain America & The Falcon: Secret Empire and :Nomad. Thankfully, there were about 20 issues I had yet to read. However, since I had trouble remembering some of those oft too-reprinted tales (and that I love CA)- I reread those tales too. It was worth the time and effort.

"Star Trek #40 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

 

WORTH CONSUMING!

If I had to list episodes of Classic Trek I hate- the Harry Mudd episodes would be top of the list, right behind the space hippies episode. However, this 2 issue tale about Kirk biggest foil (sorry Klingon’s- but here’s Mudd in your eye) is very witty, charming, and funny as heck!

"Star Trek #39 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

 

WORTH CONSUMING!

So, I find out pretty quick that Harry Mudd is back! Oh joy! (note my sarcastic tone) But, I want to read this entire series and press on.

 It’s actually really good. Mudd is the lord of a planet in which his every desire is met. When Mudd decides he wants a challenge (and to leave this hell)- the planet sends him the Enterprise.

A very funny issue, especially to see Kirk (who’s usually unflappable) in total despair in having to deal with Harcourt Fenton Mudd.