Blue Devil #9

The saga known as the Blue Devil/Trickster team-up concludes with James Jesse's true motive: he's planning to rob a bank while the entire bank is in transport to a new location! 

Okay- gotta ask; in the real world, do they really do this??? I know that the occasional house will get moved via a large truck. But an entire bank branch? With the vault and all it's cash still inside? With bank security still inside? Along the side of a winding canyon road?

This was a hilarious ending to the misadventures of Dan Cassidy and The Trickster. But this was such a far fetched heist. It was rather absurd! stories starring flying men and mutant villains I can believe! This mobile bank robbery- 100% unbelievable!

Worth Consuming. 

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Blue Devil #8

After taking a small detour to view Blue Devil's first appearance in comics (Fury of Firestorm #24), I returned to the second half of this Trickster story. The tale goes from romantic comedy to buddy-cop road trip. And I think it actually got better!

James Jesse is perfectly written by Dan Mishkin and Gary Cohn. And to have Keith Giffen taking over for departing Paris Cullins (who is still doing covers) was an acceptable substitute. If you need a laugh, this is a great issue to help the stresses of 2020's insanity fall away.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Blue Devil Special Insert from the pages of Fury of Firestorm #24

I've taken a brief break from Blue Devil to review some past history.

In the pages of Blue Devil #7, The Trickster, James Jesse, mentions having dealt with Blue Devil in the past. Once again, I made a common mistake. As a kid, I always thought that the first issue of a super heroes titled series was the first appearance. But that almost always isn't the case. With regards to Blue Devil, he first appeared in a special insert in the pages of Fury of Firestorm #24.

In this introductory story, Dan Cassidy has yet to meet with the demon Nebiros. A master special effects wizard, Dan is in the process of building the Blue Devil suit in which he will become permanently attached to. While giving the state of the art costume a test run, Dan runs afoul of Jesse who is in the middle of a huge heist. The result is a comedy of errors with the cast and crew of the Blue Devil film who have become an integral part of the Blue Devil series. 

I am kinda glad that I didn't read this first. This has all the markings of a typical 1980s first appearance issue. The rough introductions. Those corny jokes. But it also makes sense why Blue Devil #1 didn't feel like a first appearance issue. 

One thing not typical of this 'first issue' is the art. It's a thing of beauty by the great Paris Cullins. 

As for the main story of Fury of Firestorm, I didn't read it. I have the entire series and so I plan on reading it. Someday.

Special Insert Rating: 6 out of 10 stars. 

Blue Devil #7

Danny has made it back to Tinsel Town!

Having fought death so many times, the Blue Devil takes a leap of faith as asks his long-time crush, Sharon, out for a date. With the film crew pitching in with favors galore, this first date should be one to remember. And it will; thanks to the appearance of The Trickster! 

James Jesse is being targeted by an all-new villain. And based on previous history between Trickster and Blue Devil, the Flash Rogue needs the help of Dan Cassidy!

Previous history??? Apparently, the first appearance of Blue Devil happens not in Blue Devil #1 but in the pages of Fury of Firestorm #24! Good thing I have that issue in my collection or I will be majorly pissed. 

I guess I am off to dig that book out of my bins before moving on to issue #8.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Blue Devil #6

After the supernatural events with Zatanna in Mexico, Dan Cassidy is ready for the normalcy of Hollywood. But first, he makes a detour in Las Vegas. But it's not for pleasure. 

Along his travels, Cassidy runs into a pair of aliens who are being hunted by some mighty indestructible robots. It's a massive comedy of errors and a direct return to the charm that made me fall in love with the series.

The mid-1980s line of new DC heroes was very hit-and-miss. Blue Devil ranks up there with Blue Beetle and Booster Gold as some of the best. I guess there really was a pot of gold on the other side of DC's rainbow!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Blue Devil #5

 

Go to Hell, Blue Devil!

That's literally what Dan Cassidy does when he recruits Justice Leaguer, Zatanna to help him finally be freed from his rubber suit imprisonment. All Dan has to do is waltz into Hades, ask the demon who zapped him for help and he'll be released. 

If only Dan's ego wouldn't get in the way...

Sorceress Zatanna, who opened the breach between earth and the realm of the underworld, is on point. She'll stay on this side of the portal to prevent any little minions from crossing over. And it that doesn't work, then there's always the Mexican army to save the day!

Lots of action and adventure. While the Blue Devil series is a supernatural based one. It's not overt as say a Hellblazer or Son of Satan series. I'm perfectly fine with this as I like horror and the macabre. But I have very little to do with demons and such. Yes, they're in this book. But I don't feel like they're going to jump off the page at me or something. Those kind of books, I can do without. 

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Blue Devil #4

Dan Cassidy seeks to be freed from the Blue Devil suit by teaming up with the mighty Zatanna.  But in order to be freed, Cassidy will have to ask the demon who imprisoned him. And he'll have to ask nicely. Does our reluctant have what it takes to face Nebiros once more without letting the past difficulties get in the way?

We got a brief visit from the Elongated Man. I really wish their was more of him in this story. Ralph Dibny isn't my favorite superhero or anything like that. But he (and wife Sue) were the heart and soul of the DC Universe and any chance to return to that pure presence gets me right in the feels. 

Dan and Zatanna make a great team and I wouldn't mind seeing more of them together. Also, I know that won't be the case. But they have great chemistry.

A very good chapter in the Blue Devil saga that succeeds in the chemistry department as opposed to the direct supernatural elements. 

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.