"Batman: Mitefall"

NOT WORTH CONSUMING

I’m not really sure that this tale qualifies as an Elseworld. It doesn’t carry the imprint, but it is a spin-off of the “Legends of the Dark Knight” series that’s comprised of Elseworld-like adventures. The only reason I read this book, much less added it to my collection is that it was included on Wikipedia’s list of Elseworlds titles.

The art doesn’t work. It’s too raw and childish. Although O’Neil’s art is a perfect fit in his work on “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” series. But here, it’s much too jumbled.

Also, the storyline is a complete mess. Now in all fairness, this problem may stem from the fact that I did not know that this was a sequel to a story arc in the “Legends of the DK” series. Yet, while I am inclined to collect that series in the future, I’m not in dire need to read the prequels any time soon.

"Star Trek #16 (DC Comics 1989-1996, 2nd Series)"

After the horror that was the last 3 issues, Peter David returns with a tale about the original crew. Sadly, this episode is too much like TOS episode, “The Empath.” When promised new tales, don’t give me a thinly veiled remake and sell it as an original, never before told story.

Sorry, that just doesn’t work with me.

Superman and Batman: World's Funnest by Evan Dorkin and Friends

WORTH CONSUMING!

This is one of my (new) all-time favorites. Mr. Mxyzptlk and Bat-Mite destroys every possible world in the DC Universe (Pre-Crisis, Post-Crisis, and even the Crisis itself). And it boasts an all-star cast of illustrators. This is very much in the realm of “Matt Hembeck Destroys the Marvel Universe”, only funnier.

Essential for DC fans, even if you don’t like Elseworlds.

Once I finish with all the Elseworlds, I may re-read this tale to bring the whole series full circle.

"Batman: Master of the Future"

WORTH CONSUMING!

This book is the sequel to “Gotham by Gaslight”. The events clearly take place during the Chicago World’s Fair of 1889 and mixes in the Great Fire. Though, I can’t place who the villain, a Leroi something another. Is he real, fiction, I dunno?

 The ending is lame- yet another person uncovers who Batman really is. When is someone gonna write a tale when someone forgets who Batman is in real life???? And I don’t mean the Riddler, I am talking someone like Robin or Alfred gets amnesia. If someone does decide to do this storyline, I call co-plotter byline!!!!

"Batman: Gotham by Gaslight (Elseworlds)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

So, after about 2 years of collecting Elseworld tales, I finally decided to read some of them. (I still have about 2 dozen tales to collect to have the entire series) Naturally, I start with the first ever tale in the series.

Despite that it doesn’t say that it’s an Elseworld, it’s the first book to explore the “infinite” earths since the end of the Crisis. Gaslight is a fun tale, a bit short for my taste. But more importantly, a format is being established, and I think I am in for some real treats.

I solved the “mystery” of who’s Jack the Ripper within the first 5 pages. That was a bit of a letdown. However, the twist in which Bruce Wayne gets accused of the crime is really cool. And I like how the ending has one of those “better dead than dishonored” endings found in many of the Hercule Poirot mysteries.

I cannot wait to delve in deeper to the Elseworlds.

"Poirot's Early Cases: 18 Hercule Poirot Mysteries"

NOT WORTH CONSUMING

Agatha Christie’s mysteries are known for not being 100% fair with the reader. However, when you read a 200+ page work, you tend to give Dame Agatha a bit of leeway to having a highly unlikely plot twist or the fact that a pair of shoes being the key to the whole crime, despite the fact that until the mystery was solved, the word “shoe” appears not even once in the entire book.

But, when you’re given only 15 pages to solve the crime, such overlooks of important clues really insults one’s intelligence. That’s a main reason why it took me 3 weeks to finish this book. After about 7 preposterous solutions, I started to feel cheated and well, to be honest, my heart really wasn’t in it to continue. I mean, if the writer isn’t willing to devote herself to her book, why should I?

Fans of Christie will like this book. But, if you want to really get to know her for the first time, skip this collection of the early cases of her most famous character and read “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd”. You’ll be glad you did. Then, after you start to understand her style a little, feel free to give these tales a try. I just hope they don’t put you off wanting to read more of her works. (If you are like me, you just may feel like a break from it for a while.)

"Star Trek #15 (DC Comics 1989-1996, 2nd Series)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

From the cover, you can tell that the end of the Worthy’s journey is not gonna end well.

However, this volume is done quite well. Why couldn’t the entire 3-issue arc have been as good? I really enjoyed the ending (and no, it’s not related to that old joke Q: “What was your favorite part?” A: “The End”) This ending really captured the tribute to Lost in Space like I think Bill Mumy was trying to do. He should have just used the Lost in Space folks (the heck with Licensing!).

Worthy of Consumption.

"Star Trek #14 (DC Comics 1989-1996, 2nd Series)"

NOT WORTH CONSUMING

The cover says ‘In Memory of the Worthy.’ How can one do that when this bunch of lameos won’t go away?

 Remember when Bill Mumy was the creepy kid on the “Twilight Zone” who sent people to the cornfield (IE purgatory) when he didn’t like them or got bored with them? Well, by the end of this issue, I was wishing I had the ability to do that to the Worthy.

The best scene is when the Gorn attack and the leader of the Worthy boasts of his exploits with the Reptilian Race centuries ago. Seeing the Gorn gush like teens at a mall appearance of the Backstreet Boys was hilarious.

Still, that one scene couldn’t save the day.

"The Lindbergh Child (Treasury of XXth Century Murder)" by Rick Geary

WORTH CONSUMING!

A great read. This is a book for people who love comics, but are afraid to read them in public.

I want to read the entire series.

Worth Consuming.