Jessica Jones: Alias, volume 2

     Jessica Jones is hired to find a missing girl in upstate New York. For the most part, the town is glad she's there to help. But as the detective digs deeper into the disappearance, she discovers a secret shame that is haunting the town. It has a anti-mutant problem and the young girl Jessica is hired to find claimed she was a mutant. Was the missing child a target of a homo superior hate crime?

     Then Jessica goes on a blind date with Scott Lang. Just what do the two have in common? The answer might surprise you in this very charming story by Bendis.

     This entire volume was great. The Ant-Man story had a 'When Harry Met Sally' appeal to it. It was very fresh and very New York. 

      But the story about missing teen was awesome. There were hints of Twin Peaks. Yet, the small town feel behind the mystery actually was more representative of an even more obscure, short-lived series called Picket Fences. There were some powerful parallels between the hatred of mutants and the discrimination that minorities and homosexuals face. 

        Of course, Bendis does a fantastic job. But I can't overlook the amazing artwork by Bill Seinkiewicz, Mark Bagley, David Mack, and Michael Gaydos. Gaydos crafted an entire scrapbook as from the perspective of the runaway and it was amazing. It's published in it's entirety in the back of this volume. Amazing stuff!

       Worth Consuming!

       Rating: 9 out of 10 stars. 

The Flash #22 (The Button Part IV)

     The Button comes to close in this issue of the Flash. While Batman and the Flash hoped to find the source behind the mysterious button, instead the duo unlock another forgotten member of the DC Universe.
      The cover of this issue spoils who returns. But just what is his role and does this mean the return of the Justice Society- that's something you'll have to read for yourself to find out. 
       I knew that Chapter IV wasn't going to bring the Watchmen and the DC Heroes to a head. But I really didn't expect this story to end on such a whimper. The first 3-parts were great. This one didn't match the action and excitement of the previous chapters.
       I honestly don't understand why DC allowed such a big spoiler on both the regular and variant covers. Did DC want to avoid fans having a collective stroke if somebody let slip the return of Jay Garrick? It just seems like a bad decision if you ask me.

      Worth Consuming but fair less superior than it's predecessors. 

      Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

1977: A Madman Turns 40: 2017- Day 149

   It's Memorial Day today. Now like some holidays such as Labor Day and Thanksgiving, Memorial Day doesn't take place on the same day. But I thought I could still take a look at Memorial Day in my birth year.

Wilmington National Cemetery,
Wilmington, NC.

An unknown relative places flowers at a Veteran's Grave,
Sawtelle Veteran's Cemetery.

A joint forces Memorial ceremony,
Ramstein Air Force Base, Gemany.

     Of course, there was more than just parades and tributes on this day. For many, there were BBQs and celebrations galore.

Celebrities such as Steve Martin and Karen Carpenter
engaged in a charity softball game, Las Vegas, Nevada.

      Here's a scene from a random cookout in rural America.

    Okay- well, that's my look at Memorial Day, 1977. Hope everyone has a great day. 

     Until next time...

Ian Fleming’s James Bond: Service Special One-Shot

 Great Britain Has Been Insulted!

   When a high ranking American official goes on record proclaiming England’s lack of usefulness as an ally to the U.S., a terrorist cell makes it their mission to silence this enemy of the Crown. Working on a series of coded communiques, sent to MI6, as his only clues, secret agent James Bond is tasked with infiltrating the nationalist extremists and shutting it down permanently before they can enact revenge. And if 007 can win back the affection of the United States in the process, even better.

   Star Wars: Darth Vader’s Kieron Gillen pens an interesting James Bond adventure in this one-shot from Dynamite. The author does a masterful job capturing the wit of Sean Connery’s 007 throughout the book. He also follows the basic plot of a Bond film pretty well. Gadgets, M, Q, and Moneypenny all make their appointed rounds. It’s just a little odd to encounter a 007 story that’s not filled with femme fatales christened with names that have naughty double meanings.

   The artwork was fair. Artist Antonio Fuso’s (Torchwood) pencils didn’t really wow me. I’m not sure if rendering 007 as normal looking guy, and not in the style of one of the many actors to have portrayed the character in film, was a great idea. I felt more disconnected to this version of James Bond because of his generic every-man look. Thankfully, the writing was good enough to make up for some of this slack. The art deco style of the cover, credits, and establishing pages were stunning. They made me feel like I was looking at the opening credits of a real life Bond flick. Major kudos to the design team on this.

   James Bond: Service Special was an entertaining read that seems almost ripped from today’s headlines. It was a tiny bit confusing at times in the beginning. But I felt that the overall story was very fresh as was the concept of a MI5, acting in concordance with MI6. That was completely new to me. Upon further research, it turns out there’s actually been an MI1 all the way to MI19. Only MI5 and MI6 remain in the present day. But I was able to follow this caper quite well without that prior knowledge of British Intelligence.

    Worth Consuming

    Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

The EC Archives: Crime SuspenStories, Volume 3

   Dangerous dames, cunning con men, scorned lovers, and murderous psychos fill panel and page of Crime SuspenStories, Volume 3. Reprinting issues 13-18 of EC Comics’ classic crime thriller comic, this book is lovingly reprinted by Dark Horse Comics.

    I consider myself someone of an expert on EC books. I’ve been reading and collecting them since I was about 10. So, I have seen a variety publisher’s efforts to reprint this stories in so many different styles. In my opinion, I can officially declare that Dark Horse’s efforts are clearly best.

    Up until Dark Horse took over the license, I would have rated the Russ Cochran editions the best. These hardcover collections from 1986-1988, are considered by many to be the standard for EC Comics reprints. They were printed on prestige acid-free paper with beautifully bright covers. Unfortunately, the Cochran interiors were printed only in black and white. The decision  was in an effort to cut costs down, but ultimately it was disappointment to readers. That’s not the case with the Dark Horse volumes. Every dismembered victim is brought to gruesome life in vibrant 4-colors on shiny, hi-stock paper.

    Dark Horse’s collections are little paper time capsules. This era of EC Comics lore is just as the publisher was beginning to overtake DC Comics as the industry leader. With EC’s popularity, new titles were being developed. Initial advertisements for MAD, originally published as a comic book, are highlighted throughout the run of these books. There’s also a number of stories written by Ray Bradbury. Just  prior to issue #13’s release, Bradbury signed an exclusive contract with EC to publish comic adaptations of his works. Also highlighted are masters such as Johnny Craig and Jack Kamen who spin original yarns of revenge gone wrong. Volume 3 also collects the first ever EC works by Al Williamson.

    Another thing that I appreciate with this collection is that the original letters pages are restored. These pages contained Bill Gaines insightful editorial commentary. The Russ Cochran volumes reprinted the original pages as well. Yet when Gladstone took over the licence, they were replaced with a letters page composed of modern readers opinions. That’s all well and good for Gladstone. But the new letters don’t reflect the irreverent tone that would inspire Stan Lee with his letter pages at Marvel.

    The book retails for $49.99. For many, this collection isn’t cheap. But it’s a superior omnibus of reprints that rival anything currently on the market. Collectors of 1950s shock comics will love this book.

    Book will arrive in stores on June 27th, 2017.

    Worth Consuming!

    Rating: 9 out of 10 Stars.

  (This review originally was posted on Outrightgeekery.com on 5/24/17.)

Astronaut Academy: Zero Gravity (Family Comic Friday)

 

  Today's selection for Family Comic Friday is an all-ages graphic novel called Astronaut Academy: Zero Gravity. This 2011 book by Dave Roman is the first of a series that explores the adventures of the diverse student body at Astronaut Academy. The main character is Hakata Soy, a former leader of a super-team, whose just transferred to the academy. Yet this book is really a who's who of the attendees of the space station school. 
        Most of the students and teachers are perplexed by the new student. Some want to be friends with Hakata, others are destined to be enemies. But everyone wants to know why he's not as cool as he used to be. (Hakata is actually on the run from enemies he ran afoul of and is trying to lay low.)
      Astronaut Academy reminds me of a series of books from the 80s called Sideways Stories from Wayside School. Each chapter focuses on one character and their perspectives and interactions with others. Each segment can be read alone as it's own story or together as a thrilling novel about bravery and friendship.
        This book started off really strange. The flow just felt all wrong for some reason. Some of this is because the first 2-3 segments are framed like TV-commercials for the academy. But it's not until we meet the character of Hiro does things really seem to gel.
       Hiro loves to space walk. He is so fond of it, he always wears his space suit. Often he sneaks out of class to play hooky by floating in space. Honestly, his static look at life makes him the star of this book.
       Once characters like Hiro kept popping back up into the story, I felt like we had a winner on our hands. The art is a little crude but the overall story is enjoyable once a solid continuity was created. If your child enjoys books on life at a strange schools like Wayside or the Jedi Academy series, Astronaut Academy would be another fun place for youngsters to tour. 
        Only 1 other book (AA: Re-Entry) has been published in this series by the versatile Roman. It make take about 30 pages to really hit it's stride, but this series is worth sticking around with. This book by First: Second is lots of fun to read. It would make an ideal summer reader!
  
     Worth Consuming!

      Rating: 8.5 out of 10 stars.
      

1977: A Madman Turns 40: 2017- Day 144

 

  I've been looking forward to this day since I first came up with the idea of A Madman Turns 40. Today marks the 40th anniversary of the debut of Star Wars. 
   
      That epic story of good versus evil. A young farmer boy becomes the hero of a fledgling rebellion. 

       A love story that spans ages. Boy rescues girl. Boy kisses girl- a lot. Turns out boy and girl are siblings. 

Opening day of Star Wars at Mann's Chinese Theatre.

       I love Star Wars. It's always been around. Loved it so much, I was playing the soundtrack today during the cooking class I teach in honor of Star Wars turning 40.

      For most, turning 40 would freak them out. Not me. As long as Star Wars is my same age, I'm fine with it. I was that way when I turned 30. Same when I turned 35. Getting older doesn't bother me because Star Wars is the same age as I. Plus, Star Wars doesn't die. My parents, who encouraged my love of Star Wars, especially my dad, have passed. But Star Wars has always been there for me.

The original 4 Burger King glasses. I still need them for my collection.

       I really wanted there to be some sort of showing of the first Star Wars in theatres today.  But I guess Disney didn't think it through enough to do such a thing. That's okay- I've been catching up on episodes of Star Wars Rebels today instead. 

The early bird Star Wars figures.
Kenner didn't know that Star Wars would be so hot and didn't make enough
action figures. So for Christmas, 1977, Most kids got a certificate
promising to ship the figures ASAP.

        Star Wars changed the world. It changed movies. Inspired a generation of new film makers. It changed how sequels are crafted and film franchises are marketed not just to fans but specifically kids. Thanks to Star Wars, big blockbuster movies have to have toys and merchandise in order to help make money and meet customer demand. 

I even named 2 of my children after characters in the film-
Guess which 2. You'll never get the right answer!

        Star Wars and it's director, George Lucas changed how we consume. Yet, despite any draw backs, I wouldn't change a thing about it. 

      Okay- I would change 1 thing...

      HAN SHOT FIRST!

  
     Well, that's my look at 1977 for today. Until next time-

     May the Force Be With You...

1977: A Madman Turns 40: 2017- Day 142

       After what happened last night in Manchester, it's really hard to want to be nostalgic today. The great Roger Moore of the Saint and James Bond fame passed away today at 89 and it just doesn't feel right to post on Facebook some sort of tribute to him today. 
   
      Sadly, terrorism isn't anything new these days. It seems like we just wait by our phones and computers for news of the latest terror attack. I turn to CNN regularly wondering to myself 'what horrible thing has happened now..."- not because I'm secretly hoping for tragedy or anything like that. With my social anxiety, it's more like being unemployed and going to the mail in fear of yet another mounting bill.

      Terror is sadly a way of life in 2017. But even for 1977 standards, terrorism wasn't a new concept. Nor is the use of juveniles as a way to get your message of hate across, as this supposed suicide bomber did last night in the name of Islam.* In fact, 40 years ago today, Moluccan nationalists held a train and an elementary school hostage for almost 3 weeks in the Netherlands. The dozen or so terrorists held 105 students and 50 adults as prisoner.

      Thankfully, the siege at the school ended without any loss of life. The children were allowed to leave a couple of days earlier as they all came down with a mystery virus. (It's believed that authorities spiked the kids food with laxatives to get things moving in the hostage negotiation process, so to speak.) Sadly, one hostage died in the onslaught of a Dutch anti-terrorist unit in ending the crisis on the train.

      The Moluccan community has never apologized for this incident. Though decades later, a couple of the former terrorists gave their lives to Christ and meet in person with the now adult hostages and made amends. 

     As I have learn over the years, healing takes time. A really long amount of time. It drives me nuts when I have to process something over with therapy. But the breakthroughs come. And sometimes, like right now, you learn something and it sets you back a bit. 

    What I'm getting at is that there are going to be a lot of children, teens, and family members who experienced last night's bombing, that will need therapy, healing, and support. As someone who works security for events part-time, I understand that the venue workers, road crew, and even the performer of the show, Ariana Grande will need support too. But it bothers me that I see more people on social media offering their prayers and encouragement to the headliner (who was nowhere near the blast) than the dozens of lives that were either killed or severely injured. 

     Where have our priorities gone?...

      I think that's all that I have to heart or spirit to put into today's post. 

      Until next time...

* ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks moments before this post went live.

Batman #22 (The Button, Part III)

    After an illuminating journey through the timeline, the Flash and Batman return to the Bat Cave. Only, this isn't the Bruce Wayne Batman's secret base of operations. For the Flash and the Dark Knight have somehow returned to Flashpoint!
     I liked that this chapter did it's best to explain what happened to the Flashpoint universe. Plus, it was touching to get to see Bruce and his father reunite. Somehow, I suspect this episode is going to deeply impact the Caped Crusader's mission in the very near future. But, there's still a ton of questions to be answered. However, I don't think that's ever going to happen- at least any time soon. 
     As for the ending of this issue, it was a bit of a mind bender and I really don't have a clue quite where this is all going. (Okay- I have a small clue, if only because of the oh so unsubtle spoilers revealed on the forthcoming covers of Flash #22.)
      Speaking of Flash #22, my LCS was out of the final chapter to 'The Button', but they did order me a copy which I hope to get this week. I'll be reviewing that one ASAP!

     Worth Consuming!

     Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Street Fighter V: Wrestling Special (Free Comic Book Day, 2017)

   In this offering from this year's Free Comic Book Day, a young fighter named Dan who's been training his whole life to be a fighter finally gets a chance to enter the ring. His opponent- a group of WWE Diva type wrestlers who want to be treated as fairly as the men wrestlers are. Much is at stake with this battle royale. For Dan- the chance to prove himself. For the ladies- a new hot tub in the women's dressing room!
    Then travel back to the 1980s when the Cold War was fought weekly on the mat of the squared circle. Here a Soviet wrestler battles an American soldier themed grappler. It looks like the pride of Mother Russia is going to win it all, thanks to the help of Mikhail Gorbachev?! Good thing our American fighter has the Gipper, 40th President Ronald Reagan, to help make this a fair fight. 
      I've never read a Street Fighter comic book before. But in the 90s, I would play marathon sessions with cousins and buddies in my neighborhood. What I remember is that Street Fighter was a martial arts themed video game. So where's all this wrestling coming from?
     Both stories were truly bizarre. Though I don't think you can get any weirder than tale starring the battling leaders of the USSR and the good ole US of A. I didn't really have plans to read this book any time soon but I got stuck in line at a drive thru forever and thankfully, I had a copy on hand. Don't ask why- but it's always good to have a book or two on hand for emerengcies such as this. 
     I laughed out loud a few times. Whether this was intentional by the good folks at Capcom and UDON Entertainment or not, is unknown to me. But it did give me a few chuckles. 
        With some racy art and a couple of scenes of guys getting kicked in the nuts, this is not an all-ages comic. But if you are a wrestling family, this book with be right up your alley.

       Worth Consuming!

       Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

1977: A Madman Turns 40: 2017- day 140

       It's the final curtain tonight for the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. So for today's A Madman Turns 40 let's look at what this piece of Americana looked like the year I was born...
  

The Official 1977 Tour Book.
My Aunt Cindy had a copy of this when I was little.
I spent hours reading it...

       One of my cousins was a member of the circus. This is the 1976-1977 line-up (BELOW.) I'm not sure if he was a part of the group at this time or not. But it's a pretty cool picture. 

       In my opinion, the removal of the elephants from the circus was Ringling Bros. final nail in the coffin. America has had such a fascination with the giant beasts. Not having them play a part of it I think cause circus goers to lose interest. 

A trio of friends sharing a cold beverage.

The Legendary animal trainer Gunther Gebel-Williams with a big cat buddy. I got to see him a couple of times before he retired in 1990.

Animal trainer Meryl Meister and her dancing poodles,
backstage at Madison Square Garden.

Monkeying around...
These guys were still around when I would go to the circus as a kid...

Well, that's a brief look at the Big Top during my birth year. Sadly, it's now the end of an era. Until next time...

Quirk's Quest: Into the Outlands (Family Comic Friday)

 
   Quirk is a commander in the Crutonian army. He's tasked with the mission to explore and document the uncharted lands to the north of Crutonia. But when Quirk's ship, the H.M.S. Gwaniimander runs afoul of some menacing 4-eyed sea-giants, his mission becomes one of survival. 
       Now minus a ship, most of his provisions and half of his crew, Commander Quirk must rely on his skills to complete his mission and hopefully return home a hero. Sadly, Quirk's not the most competent of leaders and dissension is in the ranks. Plus, he's raised the suspicions of a crazed hag who may have kidnapped one of his crew. Thankfully, the pygmy natives of this region are immune to her charms and offer to lead the crew of the Gwaniimander out of the treacherous region and into presumably safer pastures.
       The first book in the Quirk's Quest series was quite interesting. It read a lot like a child's version of Master and Commander- only starring what looks like members of Jim Henson's Muppets gang. I enjoyed what I read and I hope there's going to be at least a second book.
       Amazon rates this book for grades 3-6 and I would have to agree with them on that. Several characters die in the book or at least get severely injured. Seeing Kermit's distant cousin get smushed by  giant boulder might be very unsettling to younger readers. (Who am I kidding, that scene made me sad- and I'm almost 40!) Plus, that creepy old witch is pretty creepy.
        An adventuresome read that breaks the rules of traditional children's graphic novels. This would make a great summer read!

      Worth Consuming

      Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

The Flash #21 (The Button, Part II)

  
   The Flash arrives in the Bat Cave to find a bloodied Batman and a partially eviscerated Reverse Flash. As a crime scene investigator by day, the Flash immediately gets to work casing this crime scene. Soon some pesky questions arise:

• What triggered the strange electricity between the mysterious smiley face button and the Psycho Pirate's mask
• How did the Reverse Flash find his way to the Bat Cave?
• How did Eobard Thawne once again beat death only to be murdered again moments later by a mysterious force?
• And what did the villain mean with his last words: 'I saw God?'

     It looks like the Flash and Batman aren't going to get anywhere using traditional methods. So, the Flash breaks out his handy cosmic treadmill in hopes of going back in time to observe the Reverse Flash's invasion of the Dark Knight's lair. 

      In the travels through time and space on the time travelling device, the duo uncover more hidden parts of their past that have been wiped out by an unknown entity. But no one could have predicted just where the Scarlet Speedster and Batman's race through the Speed Force will take them- straight to the XXXXXXXXXX. (Edited for spoilers.)

     Another thrilling chapter of 'the Button.' More of the highly controversial New 52 is undone and above all, the Pre-New 52 timeline is returned to canon once more. Another great cliffhanger, too! Joshua Williamson (Birthright) has done a phenomenal job in this chapter. I can't want to see what he's got in store next in Batman #22.

    Worth Consuming

     Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

1977: A Madman Turns 40: 2017- Day 137

    Today's look at 1977 is going to be brief.

    On this date in Madman history, the US, the Soviet Union, and several other nations signed the Environmental Modification Convention. This pact prevented nations from weaponizing the weather in order to cause devastating effects towards an enemy nation.

    We had to sign a treaty preventing the use of weather WAR machines! What the what?

     Was there a Batman villain threatening the to flood Gotham City? This kind of things sounds ludicrous outside the realm of comic books! I've been do this project for 5 months now and so far, this is the craziest thing I've ever heard. 

     I'm so glad we took immediate care of this issue. It wasn't like nuclear bombs or chemical weapons were any threat to mankind! But let's make sure man doesn't have the ability to make it snow in the Sahara.

     Folks, now we know why for the past 40 years Superman just hasn't ended famines in Africa or droughts in California. He's forbidden by international law to do so!

    Geez, Louise.

    Until next time- maybe keep an umbrella handy...

Batman #21 (The Button, Part I)

   After months of getting nowhere, Batman and the Flash decide to put their heads together behind the mysterious smiley face pin that was discovered in the Bat Cave. But before the Flash can arrive on the scene, another speedster makes a surprise appearance in the Dark Knight's lair- Eobard Thawne, the Reverse Flash!

     When this book dropped last month, a lot of fans where upset that this opening chapter of 'the Button' didn't do enough to move Rebirth storyline closer to the highly anticipated crossover between the DC Universe and the Watchmen. I thought this opening was a fine starter, especially with the shocking cliffhanger. Hey- DC's not going to pass up such an epic event on just a few issues of Batman and the Flash. It's coming, give it time.

     I really loved the opening scene of this issue as well. It reminds me of how Crisis started out all though years ago. Plus, having the Psycho Pirate's helmet play such a large part in the flow of the action, 'the Button' is proving to just be another amazing chapter in the ever changing history of the multiverse which started in Flash #123 'The Flash of Two Worlds' all the way back in 1961.

     Worth Consuming

      Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

1977: A Madman Turns 40: 2017- Day 133

     I couldn't let this milestone pass up- 40 years ago today, newspapers nationwide began advertising a new film due out in theatres a mere 10 days later. That film was of course, you guessed it: STAR WARS!

     The types of ads varied but the below image is widely considered the most common:

The Critics were really raving about the film. Even Time Magazine called it the best movie of the year. That's quite high praise for a film that it's producers and studio heads had little to now faith it.

Smaller variation of the square ad. Includes one hell
of a quote from the folks at Newsweek.

    Some newspapers ran the above ad. This one is known commonly as a mini poster. Large metropolitan areas that had more than one theatre were where this advertisement was to be found. This method of ad allowed theatres to pool their resources together and save money on marketing.

     There's one last ad that ran in papers that were documented for May 15, 1977. This one seen above was a mishmash of artwork from the poster and live-action scenes from the film.

      Well, that's my look at my birth year (and favorite year) for today. Hey, 2 posts in a row. I'm really feeling like I am beginning to get back to my old self before my last job took control of my life. Here's hoping tomorrow I can make it to 3.

    Until next time...

1977: A Madman Turns 40: 2017- Day 132 / Wonder Woman '77, Volume 1

  
  Today's A Madman Turns 40 doubles as a review. 

     Wonder Woman '77 pays loving tribute to the live-action show from the 1970s. Astute readers will note that the TV series version of Wonder Woman starring Lynda Carter starred off in 1976 on ABC and was a live-action TV-movie featuring Cathy Lee Crosby in the title role in 1974. But after season one, ABC was ready to cancel the show- not because it wasn't a hit but because it's World War II setting just wasn't cost effective. 
      

Title card for the series.

     The same thing happened to the 1966 Batman series when it was cancelled in 1968. But unlike that series, the Wonder Woman series was saved from cancellation limbo by CBS. As a result, the show was bumped to the modern day of 1977, and Wonder Woman/ Diana Prince was set as a member of a CIA-type agency called the Inter-Agency Defense Command (IADC).
Instead of battling Nazis, Wonder Woman and her partner Steve Trevor Jr, played by the suave Lyle Waggoner (the actor had played his father Trevor Sr. in the show's first season), the pair fought mad scientists, burglars, and the occasional extraterrestrial. 

Promotion still from the pilot episode.

    Volume one of these series reprints the first two specials published by DC Comics in 2014 and 2015. I'd had been wanting to buy these books first hand but I wasn't willing to spend $8 an issue for them either. But it has my favorite year on the cover and I kept this on radar and wish list until I could get it for a good deal. Recently, one of my favorite comic book shops was having a going out of business sale and I was able to snag this book up for pennies on the dollar. 

     So how was this volume? Was it worth the wait? And does it capture the spirit of the TV or fall flat?

      It was very much worth the wait. There's a Volume 2 out and I hope to one day get my hands on it one day. I thought the artwork was outstanding; not only capturing the likenesses of star Carter and Waggoner but it's fill with great cameos of celebs who might have starred on the show during it's heyday.

      Wonder Woman is captured as a symbol of hope and freedom for not only the US but the world here. There's an added element of Diana being a feminist icon which wasn't so much a theme on the show, but over the past 40 years, Wonder Woman has definitely morphed into such.

      One thing different from the series and these specials are the use of Wonder Woman's Rogue's Gallery. If I'm not mistaken, none of them appeared on the show, except maybe Giganta.  Here, characters such as Cheetah, Solomon Grundy, and Doctor Psycho factor into some very entertaining adventures. Plus some of the villains that only grace the live-action series such as the evil Skrill make appearances. And there's some great surprises that make this a read full of cheesy 70s fun! And oh, the memories of watching Wonder Woman reruns as a kid...

    Plus, don't miss Andy Mangels' essay on the historical impact of the 70s series and a awesome gallery of sketches and unused work.

    Worth Consuming

     Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

    

The Lunch Witch: Knee-deep in Niceness (Family Comic Friday)

     The Lunch Witch returns in this 2016 graphic novels from Papercutz.

     Grunhilda's last adventure left her heart just a little extra cheery and for a witch, that's not a good thing. Her pesky ancestors aren't happy about it and they aren't afraid to let the Lunch Witch know about it, as they constantly bang on her floor with brooms. It hopes of smoothing things over, the Lunch Witch's dog Mr. Williams tries to make her heart a little less nice. But a mistake ends up making the Lunch Witch's hometown of Salem insanely nice- including her. With the clock ticking, the ancestors and the Lunch Witch's pets must find her and reverse the spell or she and the whole city will be sickly sweet and nice forever!

     Deb Lucke has struck gold again with the Lunch Witch: Knee-deep in Kindness. Her grotesque artwork, dark humor, and sense of adventure has created a world that is both fun and a little spooky. When I was a kid, there were a series of books called Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. They were tongue-in-cheek and just a tad frightening. But it was a good scary that kids in grades 3 and up. That's this series to a tee.

      I've read recently that Saturday Night Live actress Kate McKinnon has been tapped to play Grunhilda in a live-action film based on the first book. I hope they keep the whimsy and charm of the books and don't turn it into another blockbusting disaster like The Grinch or the Cat In the Hat. Hopefully, they won't make it too dark for kids.

       If your child are fans of Lemony Snicket or Harry Potter, then why aren't you letting them read the Lunch Witch? It's a great series that is very underrated. But that's going to chance when the movie comes out sometime next year. So, get on that band wagon today.

     Worth Consuming

     Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

The New Teen Titans: The Judas Contract

 
   With the animated version of the Judas Contract recently coming out on DVD, I wanted to read the original source material before I gave the film a view. I just happened to be sitting on a vintage copy of the complete story and so I gave it a read (Note: my review of The New Teen Titans: Terra Incognito comes before this volume.)
     The Titans have recently added a new member to their ranks for the first time since reforming. But it's their downfall, as newcomer Terra, is actually in league with their arch-enemy, the deadly Deathstroke the Terminator. But before the teens can come to blows with the combined forces of Deathstroke, Terra, and HIVE, they must taken on the equally lethal Brother Blood who just happens to have brainwashed one of the Titans into becoming his newest follower.
      An exciting collection that introduces the character Jericho to the mix along with revealing Dick Grayson's metamorphosis from Robin into Nightwing, and the secret origin of Slade Wilson. Plus, more hints about the forthcoming Crisis on Infinite Earths are contained within. Masterful stories by Marv Wolfman with just as equally amazing artwork by George Perez.
       A true classic that is a must have for fans of Crisis, the Teen Titans, or just darn fine comic books.

    Worth Consuming!

    Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Avengers by Brian Michael Bendis: The Heroic Age

    

    This massive collection features 3 Avengers stories written by living legend Brian Michael Bendis. Set at the beginning of the Heroic Age, right after the fall of Norman Osborne’s Dark Reign, the Avengers big three- Tony Stark, Thor, and Steve Rogers- are tasked to reform the Avengers and to bring back glory and honor to the privilege of being one of earth’s mightiest heroes. The stories collected in the massive tome are: Avengers (2010-2012) #1-6, New Avengers (2010-2013) #1-6, and the Avengers Prime miniseries. 

Overall ratings:
Avengers: 9 out of 10
Avengers Prime: 7 out of 10
New Avengers: 10 out of 10
Grand Total Rating of Book: 8.7

1977: A Madman Turns 40: 2017- Day 129

 

  
     For today's posting we focus on Joan Crawford. 40 years ago today, the legendary actress and notorious hater of wire hangers, passed away. 

     The actresses' career spanned 5 decades and is considered one of the greatest actresses of all-time, but she never won an Academy Award. 

     She made so many beloved films that it's hard to select what her best role was. But my favorite was the 1962 version of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane. Crawford starred as the tormented Blanche Hudson. Bedridden, Blanche is cared for by her sister Jane, a failed child actress who resents her sister. Jane was played by the equally great Betty Davis. In real life, the two stars hated each other and it showed in this super creepy psychological thriller.

     Of course, after death Joan Crawford's dirty laundry was aired. In 1977, her adopted daughter Christina published a tell all biography of life growing up in Hollywood. Later developed into a major motion picture starring Faye Dunaway, the personal life of Joan Crawford was forever tarnished as her chances at winning mother of the year were forfeited by her violent mood swings and battle with the bottle.

     Well, that's my look at 1977 for today. I know that I haven't been very good at these articles lately, but I am trying. Hopefully, I'll be back again real soon. 

    Until then...

Jessica Jones: Alias, Volume 1

  The ground-breaking series that inspired Netflix's Jessica Jones. 

   Retired from the superhero game, Jessica Jones still has powers and still wants to do some good. So she becomes a private detective, but not before burning quite a few bridges in the superhero community. When Jessica accepts a case to find a missing sibling, she stumbles upon the secret identity of one of the pillars of the Avengers- Captain America. This case just got interesting...
    Then Jessica is hired by a woman claiming to be the husband of Rick Jones- the Forrest Gump of the Marvel Universe. As she searches for Rick, Jones will uncover some uncomfortable truths about not only the superhero community and herself as well.
     Originally published under the title Alias from 2001-2004 under the MAX imprint, Brian Michael Bendis pens this series that puts the Max in Marvel Max. It's some very edgy stuff- not just for it's time but for the entire Marvel Universe. I don't know what was more unnerving; hearing your favorite superheroes use the F-word like a Tarantino character on an epic monologue or seeing your favorite Marvel characters have hardcore sex. 
     Just like the live-action series, this is not for kids. And no- this series is not based on the Jennifer Garner series, either!
     
     An intriguing series, very well written but not your dad's comic book by any sense.

    Worth Consuming!

    Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.