Doctor Who: Prisoners of Time: Volume 2 (Doctor Who Month)

 

In this volume of IDW’s tribute to 50 years of Doctor Who, we focus on some of my all-time favorite Time Lords. It doesn’t hurt that these are the guys I grew up with. But I also love that my Doctor- the fifth played by Peter Davison is covered here.

Someone with connections to the Doctor in the future is still kidnapping his companions. But, unlike the last volume where he was caught off guard by this occurrence, the Doctor is starting to catch on.

I liked the IDW used the original artist for the Colin Baker era comics. It was also need to see a character used only in those comic adventures be used for that Doctor’s adventure. Very smart. I loved it.

What I was not a fan of was the art. Okay, let me back up. The art of the aliens, the TARDIS, and the supporting characters is very good. But, the fifth, seventh, and eighth Doctor and their companions are not photo-realistic looking. One might say, it’s a comic, it’s not supposed to look real. However, the sixth Doctor, Peri, and the Master look like the actors who played them. So, if that issue could capture the looks of Colin Baker, Nicola Bryant, and Anthony Ainley, why couldn’t the other artists have done as good as job on their mandated Doctors as well. (Plus at least 3 of the last 4 Doctors in volume 1 looked like the actors who portrayed them, so I have a very valid argument.)

Despite the art, the stories were all very good and the writing captured the style and mannerisms of all the characters. I desperately cannot wait for volume 3 and the answer to just who is behind these kidnappings.

Worth Consuming.

Rating 8 out of 10 stars

Wibbly Wobbly Timey Whimey rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Doctor Who: The Key to Time- A Year-by-Year Record (21st Anniversary Special) (Doctor Who Month)

 

How best to learn more about the early, early, early days of Doctor Who than this exhaustive diary of the first 21 years of the classic British sci-fi classic. Covering its inception and first ever airing in November 1963 to April 1984 with the first appearance of the sixth Doctor, just about everything you wanted to know about the original series is covered here.

It’s a little more focused on the technical and behind the scenes aspects of the show. But that’s fine with me. I want to start really collecting Doctor Who episodes on DVD and I’m not sure I want to know everything that happens. I like being surprised, even if it’s a 30 year old episode.

There’s also quite a bit of editorial covered in this book from reviews of TV critics to angry mothers who make Fredric Wertham looked like a proponent for the comic book medium. I like the reviews, but the Mothers Against Doctor Who passages get kinda old, kinda quick.

There’s plenty of Doctor Who photos in this book, most are black and white, but there are some gems in brilliant 4-color spread format. Also, any artwork in this book was commissioned by fans. I thought that was really cool.

I think that for 1984, this was a great offering for American fans of Who, since not much probably was available on this side of the pond. But, I am sure in this day and age, there are much more comprehensive and more professional records of the series. I hope to find them, but for now, this was a great log of the early days of my all-time favorite TV show.

Worth Consuming.

Rating 8 out of 10 stars.

Wibbly Wobbly Timey Whimey rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Happy Thanksgiving and...

DC Retroactive: Green Lantern - The '70s #1

 

   I rate this book as both OK and Worth Consuming at the same time. 

   First of all- the lost tale is lame. Green Lantern and Green Arrow do not team-up together and both of their adventures end very ambiguously and I HATE THAT! Plus, the art was all wrong. Why couldn’t DC Comics get Neal Adams to it? It would have been great having Denny O’Neil and Adams take another turn on the Green Guardians.

  What does makes this book worth consuming is the reprint tale. It’s GL/ GA #76, the classic story that gave birth to relevant comics. It’s a classic and thus anything that reprints that pivotal issue is a book worth a gander.

   Worth Consuming/ Not Worth Consuming.

   Rating: 5 out of 10 stars.

Captain Carrot & His Amazing Zoo Crew #20

Unable to find a permanent writer and artist for Captain Carrot, DC moved the Zoo Crew to miniseries only status. Thus this issue is the final issue of the original series. In a fitting nod to the very first appearance of Captain Carrot, in the pages of The New Teen Titans, Changeling- AKA Garfield Logan- AKA formerly Beast Boy, is transported to Earth-C in hot pursuit of a major villain from the Earth Prime universe. Or is it Earth 1? I always get that confused.

Anyway, it’s fitting for Changeling to come to Earth-C, as he’s got the ability to change into almost any type of animal. The only problem is that his animals are always green. So, it's tricky when he infiltrates an Earth-C prison as an elephant with sea sickness.

I hate that this series came to an end. It wasn’t perfect, but it did have its moments of shear genius. This book has made a believer and fan of funny animal books.

Worth Consuming.

Rating 10 out of 10 stars.

Captain Carrot & His Amazing Zoo Crew #19

It’s the beginning of the end. With only 2 issues left, the Zoo Crew return to one of their all-time classic adventures, when the gang meet back up with Frogzilla. This time Froggy has a crab partner and they’re looking to not only eliminate Captain Dodo, again, but to put the Zoo Crew out of House and home.

This is a great story ruined by an unneeded character. This crab guy is really just a sleazy realtor/ developer. He’s not needed for the story. To have Frogzilla terrorize the high-seas is story enough.

Too bad, this could’ve been an instant classic!

Rating 8 out of 10 stars.

"Captain Carrot & His Amazing Zoo Crew #18"

The Zoo Crew aren't really fighting each other like this cover implies. I hate when books don't match the material promised on their covers.

In this the second all-solo adventures issue in a row, we finally learn of the format change. It appears that series artist Scott Shaw went off to greener pastures and so in an attempt to stay on target with not having the series go into delays or even get outright cancelled, the publisher has had a team of artists and writers pushing out small vignettes when time allows.

The 3 stories are very good. But, the framing piece which has half of the Zoo Crew going to the mall for some pre-vacation shopping and the other half perusing Yankee Poodle’s secret files is disjointed. First, of all, Alley-Kat-Abra is supposed to go to the mall, but here story has her at the opera, but there isn’t an explanation as to why she went there instead. Then we see Rubberduck and Pig Iron gasping over some big secrets hidden in Poodle’s file, but what they are is seriously overlooked. I wish some better story editing of those framing pieces would’ve been executed. It would’ve made this a superior issue. Instead, it’s a hoo-hum comic starring Funny Animals with super powers.

Rating 5 out of 10 stars.

 

"Captain Carrot & His Amazing Zoo Crew #17"

This issue has 3 solos stories featuring Captain Carrot, Pig Iron, and Rubberduck. I’m not sure why they’re going the solo route right now, because the next issue is also an all-solo adventures issue, that will obviously feature the other 3 members of the Zoo Crew.

Each story is very good and I didn’t have any complaints. It’s just strange to have the series go off in another direction without some much as a letter from the editor or anything of the sort.

Worth Consuming

Rating 9 out of 10 stars.

Captain Carrot & His Amazing Zoo Crew #16

In perhaps the most disappointing issue in the entire series, the Zoo Crew face off against a giant Goodyear Tire! Now, this issue is a parody of a classic Blackhawk issue, commonly referred to as the War Wheel. Years later, it would be the basis for a two-part episode of Justice League on Cartoon Network, which would bridge the DC heroes of World War II with the likes of Superman and Green Lantern.

For those reasons, this is considered the most sought after (and most valuable and hard to find) issue in the entire series.

Yet, it stinks to high Heavens.

The Crew bicker like crazy, the puns are terrible, and the whole motivation of the fiend behind the Giant Tire of Terror is ridiculous and that’s saying something for a comic book starring Funny Animals.

I was sorely disappointed in this issue and I hate that I had to pay more for this lackluster issue in order to complete my collection.

Not Worth my time or Consuming.

Rating 3 out of 10 stars.

Captain Carrot & His Amazing Zoo Crew #15

In the conclusion to the Crisis on Earth C-, the Zoo Crew and the Just’a Lotta Animals team up to defeat a group of animal baddies from Earth C and Earth C-. It’s just like those classic team-ups of the JLA and JSA every summer in the pages of Justice League of America. Except, everyone’s got fur- but I love it.

This is the best story in the whole series. I was pleased with every panel, every pun, all of it. It’s that good. A little known and little seen classic of the pre-Crisis DC Universe.

Worth Consuming.

Rating 10 out of 10 stars.

Captain Carrot & His Amazing Zoo Crew #14

In true DC fashion, a cross-dimensional crossover occurs between Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew and the Just’a Lotta Animals- comprised of animal versions of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and many others. The only problem is that Rodney Rabbit draws the JLAnimals, so how do they exist? Taking a page from Gardner Fox, it appears that this Earth C- is real, and when Rodney dreams, he connects with that universe!

It’s a really great event that takes a profound knowledge of classic DC Comics from the 50s and 60s to really appreciate the love and care Roy Thomas and Scott Shaw have for their craft and creations.

The best book in the entire series, thus far!

Worth Consuming.

Rating 10 out of 10 stars.

"Iron Man, Vol. 1: Believe" (Marvel NOW!)

 

In this retool of Marvel’s #1 film property, playboy Tony Stark is going through a bit of a mid-life crisis. But, when an old flame winds up mysteriously dead and the Extremis virus is released to the buying public by AIM, it’s Iron Man who has a renewed purpose in life.

I thought it was enjoyable as the series is trying to reflect more of the movies that the general public is more familiar with. There are tons of new super cool armors, but they aren’t new to me as I’ve seen these before on the short lived Disney XD cartoon, Iron Man Adventures, already.

Perhaps the best thing of this series from the Marvel NOW! books that I have read is that this volume didn’t end on a cliffhanger. The story wraps up in a fairly neat package. Yes, egos are bruised and there’s a lot of carnage and destruction in Iron Man’s wake, but at least I could finish this book with a resolution and not have to wait weeks or months for volume 2.

Rating 8 out of 10.

Batman: The Black Glove Deluxe Edition

 

Finally, Batman RIP makes sense! This was the story I was missing to fill in those gaps. In this deluxe edition that really reads more like an omnibus, Batman discovers that he has a son and then goes on to question his grip on his sanity as a trio of Batmen disperse a level of vigilante justice unseen in the Batman universe since the 1930s.

It also goes into a little more detail about the “Day that Robin Died” experiment and writer Grant Morrison does a fantastic job tying it those trippy Batman tales of the psychedelic 1960s.

The art is fantastic, but it is also some of the most graphic I’ve ever seen in a DC Comics publication not rated for mature audiences Those scenes are not my taste at all. Again, this massive volume is the bridge that helps tie in Batman RIP and is very much needed to be consumed! Excellent stuff.

Worth Consuming

Rating 9 out of 10 stars.

Happy 50th Anniversary, Doctor Who!

Peter Panzerfaust Volume 2: Hooked

 

The legend of Peter Panzerfaust continues with another Lost Boy recounting how Peter and the Boys tried to save one of their own after being captured by the Nazis in volume 1. We also meet the Darling family and discover how they ended up never “growing up.” Also, the Indians are accounted for as a band of gypsies fighting against Nazi occupation but being in disguise as American Indians in order to prevent Hitler from taking it out of the Gypsy population for their numerous defeats at the hands of the Lost Boys.  We also have an epic battle between Peter and a certain enemy captain with only one hand.

This volume was as good, if not better than the first. I really couldn’t put it down and I seriously believe I finished reading this is one night! It was that good. The uplifting ending in which Wendy is reunited with the Darling family dog, Nana is inspiring. Thankfully, the legend of Peter Panzerfaust is far from over!

Worth Consuming.

Rating 10 out of 10 stars.

Peter Panzerfaust Volume 1: The Great Escape.

As a huge fan of Peter Pan for various reasons and it was highly recommended by somebody I respect at one of my favorite comic shops, I found Peter at the library and I snatched it up! It’s got a lot of the magical charm of Fables, mixed in with the horrors of World War II and it stars Peter Pan! This book is awesome.

It all appears in flashback as a biographer recounts how the legend of Peter Panzerfaust really happened from the lost boys who fought against the Nazi occupation of France. Nobody is surrendering here folks. Tying in the Lost Boys, the Nazi adversary destined to become Capt. Hook, and finding a brilliant way to tie in pixie dust without being girly, this is one of the most original and yet classic series to come along in a while.

I devoured this book. I could not put it down and I was so glad that I also managed to check out volume 2 at the same time as I got my hands in this book.

Worth Consuming.

Captain Carrot & His Amazing Zoo Crew #13

 

This might be the best issue of the entire series. The Zoo Crew is trying to enjoy some summer rays when a freak snow storm blankets the entire West Coast. Entire the new villain, Cold Turkey. A walking Thanksgiving dinner that has cold producing powers. It's such a great gimmick. Plus, Cold Turkey is so diabolical; he ranks up there with Captain Cold and Mr. Freeze! He’s awesome.

I really enjoyed this issue and I thought it was an instant classic that deserves a second chance amongst today’s readers.

Worth Consuming.

Rating 10 out of 10 stars.

Captain Carrot & His Amazing Zoo Crew #12

 

The Zoo Crew gains a member when a young mouse gains the ability to change in size. When his papa is murdered by a booker, this new hero called Little Cheese vows revenge and enlists the Crew to help bring the Fat Cat down.

This issue seems to take a lot of stuff out of the Spider-man play book. The only thing missing is the old “Great Power/ Great Responsibility” mantra. Well that and the being bitten by a radioactive spider deal.

But, it was a good issue and for being a funny animal book and it’s a very smart book. I liked it.

Worth Consuming.

Rating 8 out of 10 stars.

Capstone Presents Mr. Puzzle (Free Comic Book Day edition)

In this Free Comic Book Day offering from 2013, a young boy named Walter in turned into a super hero named Mr. Puzzle. His super power is to be able to solve any problem, as long as it’s formulated like a puzzle or brain twister. Thus, a super villain could rule Mr. Puzzle’s city as long as he doesn’t give the hero a series of puzzles and escapes to solve. Basically, a common thug with little interest in crossword puzzles and a huge metal pole could be this guy Mr. Puzzle’s worst nightmare!

This book is purely for kids until age of 10. For a mature reader like myself, it’s very elementary stuff. I liked it in terms that I knew who the intended audience was. However, it’s not my cup of tea and I saw some real plot holes, like the one I just pointed out. Still Worth Consuming.

Rating 7 out of 10.

Futurama #3

 

I’ve read this before, but I got this in a grab bag and I don’t own the issue (read this in a trade as a library book), so I added it to my collection- AND read it again!

In this issue, the Delivery Express gang become engrossed in a Pokémon meets Mogawi type fad. When Leela finds a rare specimen, Amy’s rich as sin parents must own it at any cost, but in a Gremlins-type twist, if you combine 2 of these creatures together, they turn into a hideous monster! Cue the Godzilla gags!

I like Futurama, it’s no Simpsons, but it’s still funny and I’d rather watch it that the way too crude humor of Family Guy and its myriad of spin-offs! A very funny issue with some very off-the-cuff sight gags.

Worth Consuming.

Rating 8 out of 10 stars.

The Big Bratty Book of Bart Simpson

What’s a more awesome way catch up on the Simpsons when you don’t have it on TV or any DVDs to watch? This trade paperback contains 4 issues of the Bart Simpson spin-off comic. Though he’s the star of the series, there’s plenty of Lisa, Homer, Marge, and Maggie along with Bart! What makes this even better; I found it for only a dollar on a discount bin at a used book store!

Filled with hours of fun and Simpsons craziness- this was a great pick-me-up to read during bedtime after a long day of work, housework, and stress!

Worth Consuming.

Rating 10 out of 10 stars.

Tales from the Crypt Presents the Vault of Horror #1

This is where things get really crazy. This is not a reprint of Vault of Horror #1. It’s actually a reprint of Vault of Horror #28, packaged with a reprint of Weird Science #18! I’m not sure why Gladstone did it this way. It’s very confusing and makes a collector like me pull his hair out!

Both issues are very good with fantastic art by greats like Johnny Craig, Al Williamson, and Wally Wood. Zombies, murdering relatives, bizarre robots, and a very bizarre planet abound in these classic reprints. I’m not at all disappointed with their quality. But, will I seek out the individual issues that make out this book is up for debate. Maybe if I find them for a good price or as a gift, I’ll add them to this collection.

Anyway, I loved this issue and this Tales from the Crypt sponsored work will be in my collection for years to come!

Worth Consuming!

Rating 9 out of 10 stars.

Doctor Who: Aliens and Enemies (Doctor Who Month)

From the Daleks and their first appearances in 1963 to the reinvention of the Cybermen during the David Tennant years, this guide by BBC Books is not quite a definitive guide to the aliens and baddies of the Doctor Who Universe. But it’s pretty darn close. Every Doctor is covered in this guide, except for the 8^th Doctor. Why they didn’t focus on the Master’s appearance in the Paul McGann TV movie is beyond me, but it wouldn’t made this book all so much more encompassing. There’s no Matt Smith stuff either, but this was published before he came on the scene.

Each entry includes a small plot synopsis of the episode(s) in which the creature appears, description of the being’s race and demeanor and even technical points on how the FX and makeup wizards of Doctor Who created the characters for the long running show.

There is a companion volume called Monster and Villains. I hope to one day get my hands on that one. Maybe I’ll get my wish and McGann’s Doctor will be covered in that guide.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Wibbly Wobbly Timey Whimey rating: 6 out of 10 stars.

Doctor Who #1 (Matt Smith, 1st Series), (Doctor Who Month)

 

In this first Matt Smith “Doctor” Doctor Who issue, the TARDIS is experiencing a sort of computer virus after the Ponds decide to check their emails with the TARDIS phone. It’s pure craziness when just about every sort of SPAM imaginable attacks the crew of the Big Blue Box.

Not only is the story good, but the caricatures of the characters is spot on. Though, maybe some anatomy lessons are needed. For instance, in a panel where Amy points at Rory, her finger is so huge; I thought it was a guy’s digit. Plus, I wonder if this artist drew for MAD Magazine, because it looks some much like those movie parodies.

A very well executed issue that’s a very funny satire on society’s internet culture. I look forward to future issues.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Wibbly Wobbly Timey Whimey rating: 5 out of 10 stars.

The Cast of Doctor Who unauthorized, #1 (Doctor Who Month)

In this Blue Water Comics offering, we’re giving the biographies of 4 actors to portray the Doctor. Along with the first actor to ever play the Doctor, William Hartnell, this book introduces readers to Tom Baker (4^th), Paul McGann (8^th), and Matt Smith (11^th and current Doctor.)

It’s a very sweet tribute to the long running science fiction series that is just days away from celebrating 50 years! Each biography is great as is the art. I like that a different artist is used for each actor and the segue ways are beautifully done as a tribute to the Doctor.

TO my knowledge, there hasn’t been a second issue. That’s a shame, because there are 7 more actors who could use the bio treatment (8 if you could Peter Cushing’s movie tenure as Doctor Who, not The Doctor. I would love to read more. I’m not sure if Blue Water didn’t make more because this didn’t sell or if IDW or the BBC ordered a cease and desist. If anyone knows, please let me know.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Timey Whimey, Wibbly Wobbly rating: 3 out of 10.

"Doctor Who: Cold-Blooded War!" (Doctor Who Month)

 

In this one-shot from IDW, the 10^th Doctor and Doctor are summoned to a planet on the verge of a massive civil war. Thinking that the duo is ambassadors sent from earth, the Doctor and Donna actually join forces with the Ice Warriors of Mars in hopes of bringing peace. But when terrorists kidnap the Doctor, it’s up to Donna to foster the peace process or the Ice Warriors will be forced to impose martial law!

Next to the fifth Doctor, David Tennant is my favorite Doctor. They say you only have one favorite/ first Doctor. I say “Phooey!” Davison is my all-time favorite Doctor. Tennant is my favorite modern Doctor! Plus, Tenant grew up idolizing Davison, so it’s no wonder I love them both almost equally!

This story captured the excitement and dialogue of the Tennant/ Noble ear. The art needs a ton of work. The Ice Warriors look cool- but the Doctor and Donna look nothing at all like themselves. But, superior storytelling and a tragic ending is classic 10^th Doctor Who!

Rating 8 out of 10 stars.

Wibbly Wobbly Timey Whimey rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Doctor Who Classic Series 4, #1 (Doctor Who Month)

 

This publication by IDW reprints 3 stories from Doctor Who Monthly, starring Colin Baker. Baker is considered by many to be the worst Doctor. But, I like him. I feel a little bad for him, I think he got a bad rap- unlike other actors who played the Doctor, Colin wasn’t allowed to choose his own costume, nor was he able to truly develop his own character. Plus, it didn’t help that the producer of the show at the time wanted out, but was forced by the BBC to continue on for another season. Talk about phoning it in (yes, Police Box pun intended!)

Here, the Doctor, companion Peri, and an alien penguin encounter the Whovian equivalent of the Grapes of Wrath. That meeting leads the Doctor to an alien planet in which someone is experimenting on the peasant populace with Cybermen!

I liked it! I thought the art was good, the storytelling superb, and that the writer captured the vernacular of both the 6^th Doctor and Peri. I have the rest of this series and will eventually finish it. I just want to read more stories of other Doctor’s in time for the 50^th Anniversary, which at this point is only 9 days away!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Wibbly Wobbly, Timey Wimey Scale: 8 out of 10.

Doctor Who #23 (Marvel 1984-86) (Doctor Who Month)

I read this issue as a chance to tribute my Doctor- the fifth Doctor, Peter Davison. Tom Baker was the first Doctor I ever encountered, but Davison was the first regeneration, so I feel like I got to know him from the very beginning. He’s very wise, but it’s no stogy like Baker’s Doctor. The 4^th Doctor, whether he liked it or not was an authoritarian. It was his way or the highway. With Davison, it was like hanging with a big brother or that ultra-cool uncle who liked kids. The fact that one of Davison’s companions was a young people also helped make that special connection with me all these years.

It’s funny that my second favorite Doctor, David Tennant’s 10^th Doctor is not only just like Davison’s Doctor, but he’s married to Davison’s daughter and is now his son-in-law.

In this final issue of Marvel’s Doctor Who, the Doctor takes a vacation on a deserted isle. Thinking it’s 1983, it’s actually 1943 and it’s the middle of the second world war! Captured by a Japanese soldier, the Doctor must keep on his toes in order to survive. The story had a tragic ending, but it was classic fifth Doctor all the way.

Then there is a backup story about the Daemons and their attempt to crash the barrier beyond infinity. Can you say Star Trek V? Anyway, it’s got a trippy Twilight Zone ending that was really cool.

Lastly, there is a rendition of the first ever Doctor Who tale, An Unearthly Child. Only, this story is total parody and not exactly what I was promised on the cover of this final issue. I enjoyed the tale, but I feel like it was false advertising.

Overall, a really good Doctor Who issue. It’s a shame that the comic didn’t last that long, but this did occur during the waning years of Who and very few American markets still showed the show in syndication.

Thankfully, people never gave up hope and love for the Doctor, as he’s an international smash hit again!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Wibbly Wobbly, Timey Wimey Scale: 9 out of 10.

Doctor Who #4 (Marvel 1984-86) (Doctor Who Month)

 

I’m pretty good when it comes to detecting if an artist has just cut and pasted the same image over and over. From what I can tell of Dave Gibbons’ amazing work in this issue, he drew each and every Dalek by hand and they look fantastic. He didn’t C&P here. He might’ve traced a little, but it’s still original artwork compared to what artists will do 30 years later in the Doctor Who/ Star Trek: The Next Generation team-up by IDW. They use the same image of a Borg solider no less than 27 times in a span of 3 issues!!!

Dave Gibbons is a freakin’ genius. His artwork is just so clean and expressive. This is a sign of things to come in Watchmen- published a few scant months after this issue.

The Dalek story is awesome! I loved their Were-lok minions- this alien wolf men were pretty scary and funny too! It’s a shame they never were on the original series!

The back-up tale is about a mechanic on Galifrey who must rescue a kidnapped TARDIS. The Doctor narrates this story and it’s implied that the mechanic is him as a child. But, I’m hoping it’s not because it would be in direct contradiction of Doctor Who mythology of the past 25 years!

Overall, a really good story with some of the best Who artwork of all-time!

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Wibbly Wobbly, Timey Wimey Scale: 10 out of 10.