Monday, January 31, 2022

Marvel Comics Presents #48

After about 4 dozen issues, Spider-Man is finally given the chance to star in his own multi-part series and what do you know? He's gotta share the spotlight with smelly old Wolverine. It's all part of MCP's new plan to have Logan play host a la Marvel Team-Up or Marvel Two-In-One with members of the Marvel Universe. I'm all for a team-up. They're one of my favor genre of superhero comics. But enough with the Wolverine already!

As for this story's plot- a mutant girl and her father are targets of a gang of baddies. Both Spider-Man and Wolverine have history with the pair. So cue up the team up!

The two 8-pagers were fan-dam-tastic! The Wasp comes face-to-face with an obsessed fan with tragic results that come with a twist. Then the mistress of meteorology Storm is reunited with, of all people, Doctor Doom. Apparently, the two have a platonic history to which puts Storm up there with Reed Richards and Doom himself, as the only people who share the Latverian leader's respect.  

My thoughts of these 2 stories. 1) Give Wasp her own mini in this book! Just make sure that the creative team is Dwight J. Zimmerman (Sensational She-Hulk) and Rodney Ramos (Transmetropolitan) 2) Where can I find that Storm/Doctor Doom first meeting? This issue has piqued my interest so badly!

Rounding things out, the Devil-Slayer story keeps getting more bizarre and I love it! The characters change should be only temporary, hopefully. But for now, I really dig it!

4 great segments. Even if Wolverine continues to steal the show!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.


Sunday, January 30, 2022

The Secrets of Chocolate (2022 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Challenge)

French comic book creator Franckie Alarcon is given the assignment of a lifetime! He's to follow confectioner Chef Jacques Genin for a year in order to create a graphic novel that unlocks the mysteries of Chocolate! During his time, Franckie will learn how cocoa beans turn into cocoa and then later chocolate. He'll explore the challenges chocolatiers face both professionally and personally during the holiday rushes of Christmas, Easter and Halloween. 

After the holiday rush, Franckie spends a week as an intern at Chef Genin's chocolate works. The pace is grueling. Then Franckie heads east to Peru to visit a fully operational cocoa plantation while being introduced to the global initiatives of fair trade and eco-friendly indigenous farming techniques and the protection of endangered heirloom crops.

I found Alarcon's book fascinating. As a professional chef and culinary instructor, I find it increasingly difficult to get high-schoolers to want to read. So, I am on the lookout for alternative texts in order to teach cooking techniques to them. And I know that I at least learned a lot. Unfortunately, due to a scene involving 'sexual chocolate', I don't think I'll be able to use this book in schools.

There are 2 types of chefs in the world. Bakers and those who can do everything else. I am not a baker. But I can do chocolate work. Still, despite being able to do it, I've had trouble trying to understand some of the process. Thanks to Franckie's illustrations, I understand the cocoa development process. Though, I still don't know why white chocolate isn't chocolate if it has cocoa butter in it! 

Chefs have very strong opinions about work ethic, food, taste and quality. Chef Genin and his sous chef, Sophie are not afraid to share theirs! And they pass along a few recipes as well. One thing to keep in mind is that all of the recipes are based on the metric system. I'll need to use the Google measurement converter tool before I tackle some of them however.

When it came to the recipes, I had trouble with Chef Genin's definition of a praline. His have zero nuts of any kind in them. I checked and both American, French and Belgian praline recipes call for nuts- just different types. All Genin's pralines call for are butter, sugar and fruit. No nuts and No chocolate! For a book about the revelations of chocolate, Franckie Alarcon spends a lot of time on a cocoa-less confection!

Franckie also eats a ton of chocolate. Considering how much the author eats in a year, I'll never understand how he didn't gain any weight. That is unless he took a lot of liberties and decided to not drawn himself getting bigger over time!

Though The Secrets of Chocolate debuted in American retail outlets last year, this book is actually a lot older. Alarcon's quest occurred between 2013-14. It then was published a few months later in French. This book probably would have come overseas sooner if not for the pandemic. 

I really enjoyed this book. Though it wasn't a bad read I had to take my time with it. It was very technically and quite philosophical. Plus, I feel like too much time was spent on non-chocolate candies. That being said, I'm actually looking forward to more time with Franckie Alarcon. His Art of Sushi dropped just last month and upon completing this visual journal of sugary delights, I placed an order for it at my favorite LCS.

A shining star in the growing trend of culinary graphic novels.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Completing this review completes Task #44 of the 2022 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge. 'About Cooking/Food.'





Saturday, January 29, 2022

Marvel Comics Present #47

Once again, the 3 back-up stories are far more superior than the cover tale. 

In the one-and-done stories, we've got Captain America and a character referred to as the Arabian Knight. 

With Cap, he's at a VA hospital doing a physical demonstration for some vets. For some reason, a bunch of terrorists decide to invade the facility. The cool thing about this story was how it showed that despite age and disability and discharge, vets can still be heroes!

The Arabian Knight is a Bedouin prince named Abdul Qamar who first appeared in pages of The Incredible Hulk in 1980. Somehow with his moniker and harem of Arabic beauties, I don't think this character would fly in today's comics. At least not with Millennial and Gen Z readers. 

Anyways, a demon has possessed the prince's tribe; including his bevy of wives and his infant son. As with any devil, there's a twist decision that regardless of his decision will result in Adbul Qamar living in a tormented inner hell till the end of his days. The Arabian Knight must either kill his son and save his people or kill all his kin to protect his progeny. 

Speaking of devils, the hero Devil-Slayer is down in Central America. His most recent bout with a pack of soldiers of fortune led by the ghost of a pirate captain, has caused Devil-Slayer's costume to be damaged beyond repair. Only his magic cloak seems salvageable. That's all well and good as the cloak can still provide the hero with an arsenal of machine guns, grenades and bazookas. The magic mantle seems to also be able to dress Devil-Slayer up as a 3rd-rate Rambo...

The only thing of note about the fourth and final story in this book is that Wolverine's battle with white and black shadow demons comes to a close. Once again, it ends tragically. Big surprise there!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars. 

Friday, January 28, 2022

Marvel Comics Presents #46

A new series begins in this issue. Starring the Devil-Slayer, it has the occult superhero going down to a fiction South American country. On his quest to rid the world of demons, Devil-Slayer comes across a mission under siege by a junta. 

Now I know what you are thinking- why should Devil-Slayer even care about getting embroiled with a banana republic. Well, maybe he'll save the day since the mercs are under the leadership of the ghost of legendary pirate ship!

In one of the single issue stories, the Christ figure Aquarian returns. I haven't seen him since the days of late 70s Fantastic Four and Marvel Two-In-One. Here, the hippie hero is wandering America looking to help whenever he's got a chance. With his log hair and peace & love persona, Aquarian becomes the target of a ultra-conservative group operating in the Midwest. It's a wild story that smacks of Billyjack or the David Carradine vehicle Kung-Fu. But not in a bad way!

In the other 8-pager, Namor, the Sub-Mariner teaches a lesson to 2 illegal whalers who make the mistake of trying to hunt one of the Atlantean's fishy friends. Okay- I know that whales are fish. But I was being colorfully alliterative. 

Let's talk about the cover story. Wolverine is still battling that black and white dual entity that in reality just a mutant with a glandular thing. The other thing of note is that Wolverine is starting to show affection to a female. A female whose lover died like 3 issues ago! Anyways, I think I know what's coming because anytime the mutant falls for someone it's a pretty sure thing that girl is gonna wind up dead. 

A decent issue with some memorable moments.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Banana Fox and the Book-Eating Robot (Family Comic Friday)

Kids- be sure to return your library books and you might end up in library jail like our hero, Banana Fox!

Believing that the Secret Serpent Society is finally defeated, Banana Fox and his pals think they might have a chance to relax. That is until they run across Sour Grapes, Jr., the son of the SSS's leader. Turns out children can't go to jail. But as Banana Fox finds out, if you don't give your books back to the library, you'll end up in jail! 

True- this is likely a plot by Sour Grapes Jr. Especially since the young villain has a new job as a library volunteer. But is it really fair to have to go to library jail when the book return is in reality a book-eating robot?

This chapter book graphic novel was a hilarious read. I chuckled several times to this, the second in the Banana Fox series by James Kolchaka (Johnny Boo). Banana Fox is a rather featherbrained hero much like The Tick. Banana Fox has that overly-optimistic approach to superheroing as sometimes he has trouble finding the bad in people. And the main character seems to get confused a lot seeing trouble when good intentions are the only thing on the menu. 

I just love this topsy-turvy look at good and evil!

The characters of this book are memorable. The banter between both Banana Fox and his human sidekicks and the kid villain were both witty and brilliant. They're all clearly much more smarter than Banana Fox. But they also seem unaffected by the hero's surreal look on life! And Sour Grapes Jr. really does love his Loopy Boopy Bunny books!

The artwork is a bit cartoonish. But it's something that young readers will delight in. And with the zany traps and clever dialogue, parents and guardians will too! You know how Bugs Bunny gets all double-talkish and confuses the heck out of Elmer Fudd or Daffy Duck? That's how the villain of this book befuddles Banana Fox. Only, in this book, you don't have resulting explosions or falling anvils which in return should appease many violence-avoiding grown-ups.

I'm a little disappointed in myself that I didn't read book #1 first (Banana Fox and The Secret Serpent Society). But this book was from last November and still on my library's new shelf. The good thing is you don't have to have read that volume in order to understand or enjoy this graphic novel.(Though I'm not sure why he's called Banana Fox...)  But when you finish this one, you might want to go back and start from the beginning. I just hope I remember to bring this book back least I get put in library jail!

A great laugh for readers aged 7-10 or so. 

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.






Thursday, January 27, 2022

Marvel Comics Presents #45

If you are going to own this issue, the reason why is the 8-page one-shot starring the Mr. Fixit Gray Hulk. That's because in this one shot story, the dream of every fan boy of comics and professional wrestling comes true. 

That's right! The Incredible Hulk takes on the Hulkster- Hulk Hogan. In a bizarre twist of art parallels real life, Mr. Fixit wrassles Hulk Hogan for the right to use the name Hulk!

 In real life, Marvel sued Terry Bollea for the name use of Hulk. In 1984, Marvel filed suit the WWF and Bollea. That's because up until that time, Hogan was going by the ring name of Incredible Hulk Hogan. In an agreement, Hogan had to drop the Incredible part. And he had to pay Marvel royalties for use of the Hulk part. 

By 1994, the Hulkster was tired of both the WWF and paying royalties. So shortly after going over to the WCW, the wrestler changed his name to Hollywood Hogan. He also turned from hero to heel.

This was a great story. One in which I am sure that Marvel didn't pay royalties to Hogan for using his likeness in a comic! 

A sure collector's item for any fan of pro wrestling!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.


Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Marvel Comics Present #44

The complete origin of the entity at the center of the Wolverine story is revealed. And our baddie is a really, really fat guy! Man, Marvel sure likes its villains to be obese. The Blob. Kingpin. Whatever this things real name is. Talk about fat shaming. 

The Avengers bring out the really, really big guns in an attempt to end the Enchantress' thrall over Wonder Man. Enter Captain America and Thor!

The Doctor Strange 8-pager was my favorite story. Doctor Strange has a new student- the Bull-like humanoid Rintrah. Strange is about to go out for a night on the town and encourages his apprentice to practice his magic. But a missed spell causes a mound of trash to take on a monstrous form. Now it's killing New Yorkers indiscriminately. Can Rintrah take out the trash on this baddie before it's too late?

Lastly, there's another one-and-done with another Native American hero: the Puma. I've never encountered this character before. And I must admit that my first encounter was forgettable. I honestly cannot remember what happened in this story. 

This issue wasn't terrible. But when you can't remember what happened in 25% of the book, I don't really think you can give this anything close to a perfect grade.

Rating: 6 out of 10 stars. 

Tuesday, January 25, 2022

Silver Surfer: Black

The Silver Silver seeks redemption as he battles the King in Black in this tabloid sized collection.

Donny Cates (Cosmic Ghost Rider) pens this epic tale that seems to play fast and loose with the rules of physics. And I must say that I am really torn to be a fan of Silver Surfer: Black or to be it's biggest critic.


I've never really connected with much of Marvel's cosmic stuff. This book with it's flashbacks and flash forwards is a little hard to follow. There's even a time paradox! I think… Plus at one point the Surfer claims that he's billions of years old. This really seems to contradict the Galactus Saga that occurred in issues #48-50 of Fantastic Four. But I will admit, I’m not really caught up on my Norrin Radd comics.


One thing I cannot downplay is the artwork. Tradd Moore is freaking amazing. It's like year 3000 type advanced stuff. This psychedelic look at the cosmos has so much tiny detail to it, I wonder how long it took The Luther Strode artist to complete all 5 issues that comprise this volume.


Donny Cates notes that Stan Lee's death was announced as he was writing the fifth and final issue. As Silver Surfer has long been considered Stan's best work - by fans and the Man himself, Cates was inspired to change this book's ending. In the afterword, Cates says that he erased the entire last issue script and started over. He wanted the ending to honor Stan Lee's positivity that he exuded to his reading public.

I really would have liked to have seen what Cates' original script was going to be. I know it's all erased now. But a recreated rough draft inclusion in the sketch book section would have been nice. I like knowing about deleted scenes. It would have been cool to compare what was with what could be. Especially since missed opportunities is a theme of this story.

Silver Surfer: Black was an interesting read. The art was a masterpiece. The story was as confusing as a lecture on advanced physics could imaginably be. I understood each scene. I just couldn't figure out the right order in which the plot was to have taken place. 

Expect a lot of tinkering with the Marvel timeline when reading this.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Monday, January 24, 2022

Hogan's Heroes #3 (2022 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Challenge)

In the waning days of World War II, the P-47 Thunderbolt flown by my wife's grandfather was shot down. He parachuted behind enemy lines and wound up in a Nazi POW camp. Russian ground forces were breaking though Germany from the East. As the Russians treated captured Nazis a lot more harshly than other Allied forces, a guard used hand gestures and scribbles in the dirt to orchestrate a prison break with granddad. 

While behind enemy lines, the German solider held a Luger on my wife's grandparent. Any time they met other Axis troops, the guard make show of having caught an American. Once they got into Allied territory, the guard handed over the Luger and became the prisoner of an American pilot. Eventually they both made it to a base to which as the two parted ways, the German solider saluted before surrendering his credentials and gun to his co-conspirator. The two were never to meet again.

I tell this story because I often joke to my wife that her grandfather was the inspiration for the World War II sitcom Hogan's Heroes. Though to be honest, there's a episode of M*A*S*H* that follows my in-law's plight a lot more closer. But if you ever saw pictures of my wife's grandfather in his uniform, he looked a heck of a lot like Col. Hogan.

Hogan's Heroes aired on CBS for six seasons from 1965-71. It starred Robert Crane as Col. Robert Hogan. The pilot along with the rest of the POWs of Stalag 13 very well could leave the prison camp at any time as the guards and it's commandant, Col. Klink, are incompetent boobs. But in secret, the soldiers have been ordered to remain behind bars, secretly working to sabotage the Axis forces with a hidden radio, vast system of tunnels and contacts with the German and French resistance. 

Klink knows that Hogan and his men are behind the string of catastrophes that besiege the Nazis. But with his perfect record of no recorded official escapes, Klink survives being transferred to the dreaded Russian front. Klink's main prison guard, the portly Sgt. Schultz also keeps a blind eye as long as whatever Hogan does won't get him into trouble. 

The argument that secretly Klink and Schultz were working for the Allies in order to save their own necks seems to be confirmed in this issue. For one, Klink acknowledges on several occasions that he knows Hogan has a secret radio and other spy devices. Yet he does very little to uncover it. Klink also doesn't seem very upset that Hogan's men have brought in several goats onto the compound. The same goes for Schultz, who permits the farm animals as long as he gets a share of fresh milk every day.

The goats are just a goofy prop for the rest of this issue's plot. A noted German spy has decided to use Stalag 13 as her headquarters while she plans a secret mission. Hogan is tasked with learning the names of her spy ring. The list is in her head and things get tricky when one of the goats causes the intelligence coordinator to get injured. Now with amnesia, Hogan must play the part of a German doctor to help the enemy regain her memories and save the Allies from a forthcoming Nazi invasion. All the while, Klink's uniform is falling to pieces thanks to those hungry goats.

Hogan's Heroes managed to do something that really nobody has been able to do before or after- make Nazis funny and fan-favorite. I've heard many fans of the show express their love for Schultz in particular. Schultz was played by Austrian born American actor John Banner. Banner, also a Jew, lost a lot of his family to the Nazis. The actor would often claim that Sgt. Schutz was not a Nazi but instead a good German who got forced into fighting a war that he was not in support of. So maybe Schultz really was secretly on the side of the Allies.

It has long been a goal of mine to own a copy of Hogan's Heroes. My dad had a coverless copy that I would pour over whenever he would bring out his comic book collection. If I'm not mistaken, this was the issue he had! 

Part of Dell Comics' fabled line of comics based on licensed properties, Hogan's Heroes ran sporadically for 9 issues from 1966-69. The likenesses of many of the actors is pretty decent. Sadly, the images of Cpl. Newkirk, played by future game show legend Richard Dawson looks nothing like him. But I really thought French resistance member LeBeau and Schultz were literally going to jump off the page; they're so lifelike. 

Before I go, why don't I bring you up to date on my 'real life' inspirations for Hogan's Heroes. Ernest Useted, Sr. returned home to Connecticut and married high-school sweetheart Helen. They had several children before relocating to St. Louis. Ernie passed away in the late 90s before I had a chance to meet his eldest grandchild, Jan.

As for the German solider, I know a little about him. After Helen passed away, I had a chance to inspect the Luger and credentials first hand. With a degree in history, I was able to utilize a few websites. I learned that after the war, the guard was interned in Oklahoma and then Nebraska. A number of low-level German POWS were kept in the US up to around 1947 as investigations were made into each prisoners war crimes backgrounds. 

In 1946, the former Nazi known as Schmiddt, was granted work release parole and worked in a Nebraskan grocery store with several other prisoners. One resident recalls that the Germans were' very quiet and polite. A couple went on to marry local girls.' 

By the fall of '46, Schmiddt was released and quietly disappeared. He probably stayed in the US as former records of the POWs would have recorded if the parolees returned back to Germany. A number of former Nazi soldiers changed names without going through official channels after their release to further distance from their Axis past selves and it's possible Schmiddt did too. It's just another one of history's mysteries I guess.

Hogan's Heroes will forever be tied into the war from which it came. Though Ernie and Schmiddt's backstory probably had nothing to do with the show, their story of their escape in World War II will forever be linked to the show in my eyes. And the comic book of course is yet another link to it. That's the beauty of personal histories. They have unusual pathways!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Completing this review completes Task #12 of the 2022 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge. 'More than 20 years old.'

Sunday, January 23, 2022

Asterix Omnibus, Vol. (2022 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Challenge)

How many American students can recall the adventures of Asterix the Gaul when learning French in elementary or college? I know I am one of them!

Created by Rene Goscinny & Albert Uderzo, Asterix debuted in the pages of the French comic mag Pilote in 1959. The series takes place around 50 B.C. during the Roman occupation of Gaul (now modern day France). Only Asterix's village remains unconquered by the Roman Empire. That's all thanks to a special potion that gives Asterix and his kinsmen tremendous strength and resilience. 

The Roman Empire will do anything to get their hands on this secret and that's the subject of the first Asterix story. Titled 'Asterix the Gaul', readers are introduced to a tiny Gaul powerhouse that looks like a cross between Marvel Comics' Thor and a Smurf. 

Asterix's best friend is the gentle giant Oberlix. As a tot, Oberlix fell into a vat of the potion and thus never needs a power up. With his massive strength, the dimwitted Oblerix always carries with him a menhir, a gigantic oblong stone carving.

The other main character of this series is the Druid Panoramix, sometimes known as Getafix in American translations. Panoramix is responsible for creating the potion that gives Asterix his strength. The Druid uses a golden scythe to properly harvest the mistletoe and other ingredients for the mighty elixir. 

In the second Asterix adventure, 'Asterix and the Golden Sickle', Panoramix's blade is damaged. Needing a new one right away, least his potions lack their oomph, Asterix and Oblerix travel to another town in hopes of buying a new blade. The pair wind up mixed up in a racket to make counterfeit blades involving the Gaulish black market, petty thugs and corrupt Roman officials.

The third story, titled 'Asterix and the Goths' takes place immediately after story #2. Panoramix is able to make his special potions and attends an annual meeting of Druids. At the convention, Panoramix is kidnapped by Goths (modern day Germany) and it's up to Asterix and Oblerix to rescue their magical friend.

As of 2021, there have been 39 official stories starring Asterix. Since 2020, American kids publisher Papercutz obtained the rights to publish the tales to English audiences. So far the first 15 stories have been collected in omnibus form with a couple of modern adventures being released individually. 

I feel like there are a lot of influences on adventures of Asterix. The rapid-fire dialogue is straight out of 1930s Hollywood comedies. The goofy characters invoke thoughts of Herge's TinTin. The swashbuckling aspects remind me of the Uncle Scrooge tales of Carl Barks and Don Rosa. The fluid artwork has touches of Disney and Peyo. And the name puns and inside jokes usually involving creative fonts is all very British. So I felt very at home with this book.

The irony of Asterix is that the real hero of Gaul is Oberlix. He never has to refill on the magic potion. So, Oberlix could just wipe all the Romans off the face of Gaul and be done with it. If he was vindictive enough, Oberlix probably could become the new village chieftain. But deep down all Oberlix wants is to fill his belly with boar and beer. Is that all of us, really?

The tales of Asterix are fun reads for all with a little something for everyone. There's adventure, magic and humor. And maybe even a little educational what with the phrases in Latin and encounters with historical figures like Caesar and Cleopatra. Sometimes the plot seems to go in circles. Especially with the main 3 characters winding up in prison a lot. But there's enough creativity to keep those running jokes from getting stale. 

Rene Goscinny and Albert Uderzo hit upon a magic formula in Asterix. Could it be in the art?Is it the storytelling? Heck, it might be the Druid's mistletoe! Regardless, these stories are a timeless delight that will enchant any reader!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Completing this review completes Task #15 of the 2022 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge. 'Translated from another language.'


Saturday, January 22, 2022

Marvel Comics Presents #43

 Another very good issue. 

We start learning more about the origin of the Black/White entity that is terrorizing Hong Kong. Tragic backstory about a poor mutant that becomes lab rat fodder. If they had started with this in the story, I probably would've been a fan of this entire story. At least this story has been improving over the past couple of issues.

Iron Man makes 2 appearances. He's still working with members of the Avengers to free Wonder Man from the enchantments of the Enchantress. Then in a single issue story, Tony Stark must dive into his company's newest AI when a baddie long thought dead imparts himself as part of the tech.

The last story was my favorite. It too was a single issue story; starring the daughter of X-Man Banshee. Theresa Cassidy is on Muir Island home alone when a group of mutant villains storm the house looking for poppa. Called the Kinsmen, these antagonists don't seem to realize that the child of a mutant might too have special powers. Using not just her inherited vocal mutant powers, but some ingenuity and martial arts training, Siryn plays the role of Kevin McAllister in this mighty Marvel take on Home Alone.

4 solid chapters. I think 8 pages was enough for the Iron Man story. But I would have liked Siryn's story to maybe have been a two-parter. It was very funny. I think doing 3 segments (or more) wouldn't have worked. But I think you could have done one cliffhanger with a Home Alone type booby-trap saving the day at the beginning of part 2. A missed opportunity but still a very good issue of MCP.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Friday, January 21, 2022

Marvel Comics Presents #42

A sacrifice makes the Wolverine story start getting decent.

Hank Pym and The Wasp join Iron Man in the attempt to redeem Wonder Man from the influence of The Enchantress. 

Union Jack is joined by the Invaders in a mission to repeal Axis forces during World War II.

But the star of this issue was the 8-pager involving Colleen Wing and Misty Knight: The Daughters of the Dragon. The kung-fu detective pair go undercover at a circus to uncover a murderer. 

I've read a few things starring the Daughters of the Dragon. It was decent stuff. But this story by Jo Duffy was really super. I know that Duffy wrote several issues of Power Man and Iron Fist. But I don't know if she ever wrote about Wing and Knight in that series. Regardless, I do know that Marvel never had Jo Duffy conduct a series starring just the duo. And they really should have!

In just 8 short pages, Duffy created a backstory, an intriguing mystery, 80s action movie level action and added a little bit of sex appeal. I might not have read such a series new as my teenage comic book tastes were rather different. But if it did exist, you could be sure as soon as I finished this issue, I would have been on Amazon or other used comics site and gotten my hands on it ASAP!

A very good issue with a great 8-page Daughters of the Dragon story!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Zatanna and the House of Secrets (Family Comic Friday)

Sorry to not do a Family Comic Friday last week. I had a bout with a nasty chest virus. Thankfully, it wasn't COVID. But due to waiting on COVID results and other tests, I had to quarantine. So I couldn't head to my library for some new all-ages stuff. But my hiatus is over and it's time to dive back into my weekly look at comic book and graphic novel reads for families to enjoy!

Zatanna and the House of Secrets is a recent offering that I've been waiting a very long time to get my hands on. I have always been a fan of DC's horror anthologies; cutting my teeth on them at a very young age. Thus, I was really excited to see how young adult novelist Matthew Cody (Cat Ninja) tackled the House of Secrets and it's long rich history. 

Zatanna lives in the House of Secrets with her father, Zatara. Zatara is a magician stuck to hosting magic shows at retirement communities. Secretly, Zatara is the caretaker of the House of Secrets. But Zatanna is blissfully unaware of this; as well as dad's real magic abilities. This is until one night, when Zatanna's father appears with a black eye and strict to not let his stage assistant, Pocus the rabbit out of her sight. 

Living in a bizarre run-down looking house with an off-beat dad, Zatanna is desperate to fit in with her school friends. With Pocus in her backpack, the girl sneaks out of the House of Secrets to a Halloween party thrown by the coolest kids at school. Things seem fine until a strange looking boy with blue skin attempts to steal Pocus and makes off with the key charm fastened around the bunny's collar.

A little unraveled from the incident, Zatanna hurries home. But now, her house is transformed into a menagerie of magical oddities. And a mysterious woman who holds Pocus' key charm and now claims to be the new owner of the House of Secrets. 

I really enjoyed this book. It told a very imaginative story set within the DC Universe. It had lots of nostalgic Easter eggs. But it also managed to seem fresh and brand new too! 

I do feel like the editors or just the book designer ruined a couple of surprises. I had an inkling of the addition of one classic DC magical character thanks to the cover. But a couple of the establishing pages seemed to ruin the overall surprise. Why do companies feel the need to ruin everything in a commercial of teaser?

I really like the artwork of illustrator Yoshi Yoshitani (I Am Not Starfire). It's got a traditional Japanese quality mixed with hints of Las Vegas and fairytale. It was a very nice fit for this enchanted graphic novel. 

Zatanna and the House of Secrets is recommended for ages 8-12 and I think that's appropriate. There's nothing scary. A couple of ultra-thrilling scenes. And a few laughs peppered in. 

I'm hoping there's more to Zatanna's story. There's more than one House and there were more than one horror anthology. So maybe a Zatanna and the House of Mystery is coming up. I would really like that and I think young readers would too!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.


Thursday, January 20, 2022

Showcase Presents Enemy Ace, Vol. 1 (2022 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Challenge)

 In 1965, DC Comics decided to turn the tables on their plethora of war stories when they debuted the Enemy Ace in the February issue of Our Army At War. Written and created by Robert Kanigher (The Losers), the series was told from the point of view of the enemy! While DC had done the occasional story from the perspective of an enemy combatant, there hadn't been a series which showed had the other side fought. 

Set in World War I, the main character is Baron Hans Von Hammer. Known as the 'Hammer of Hell', Von Hammer is a character going through many changes throughout the Great War. He's royalty. Thus his way of war is almost chivalric with what many young soldiers consider an outdated code of honor. Enemy Ace refuses to shoot armed opponents. His underlings have no qualms firing upon their sworn enemies no matter what. 

The baron's military title is archaic as well. With over 50 confirmed kills, Von Hammer rises up to become the rittmeister of his squadron. The term rittmeister is German for calvary master despite the fact that the horse he rides is an airplane.

The Fokker Dr. I flown by the Enemy Ace is as much as a character in this series as the Baron himself. In many issues, the plane has a face painted on the front propeller. Unfortunately, the visage is less terrifying and more Thomas The Tank Engine. But as it's motor hums, Von Hammer swears he can hear the plane accusingly taunting him with the words 'Killer...murderer...killer!'

Von Hammer's only friend is a black wolf that roams in the nearby Black Forest. While waiting for repairs to the Fokker, the Enemy Ace takes to the wilderness to keep his visual accuities sharp. As he enters the woods, he is always meet by the wolf and the two share a quiet bond as natural born killers during their hunt.

The original artist for Enemy Ace was Joe Kubert (Sgt. Rock). Kubert's ability to draw weapons of war with such accuracy is reason enough of place him in the comic book hall of fame. Together with Kanigher, Kubert brought forth adventures of Enemy Ace that were gritty, adventurous and often tragic. It will be a very long time after I get over the death of poor Schatzie! But despite the heartache, many of Enemy Ace's foes were very much the product of superhero comics.

Von Hammer's first main foe was a hooded French pilot known as The Hangman. A British decent of King Arthur's court, some porcine masked fighters and an American cowboy are just some of the colorful characters that will challenge the Enemy Ace in the skies above France's No Man's Land. 

This 500 plus page volume contains every Pre-CRISIS main appearance of Enemy Ace (with exception of his appearances in Justice League of America as a part of the Five Warriors From Forever.) Kanigher wrote all of the stories with Neal Adams (Strange Adventures), Howard Chaykin (American Flagg) and John Severin (Semper Fi) taking on the penciler role after Joe Kubert stepped aside. A murder mystery starring the Dark Knight in the pages of Detective Comics caps the action and adventure. 

You would think that a series about a pilot in the skies of World War I would get old. It did get predictable with every story following a set formula. Every story has Baron Von Hammer retreating to the woods during repairs to visit his lupine friend and ponder the horrors of war before going back into battle to smite the enemy flyer of the day. Yet despite the repetitive nature of the plot, Robert Kanigher and his artist teammate manage to pump out dozens of thrilling war stories that I couldn't get enough of. 

War is Hell and the sky is the killer of us all. But this volume was shear delight!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Completing this review completes Task #20 of the 2022 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge. 'Over 500 pages long.'


Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Marvel Comics Presents #41

The one-and-done story involves a corner of the Marvel mutant universe that I wasn't aware of: Freedom Force. Mystique along with several members of Magneto's Brotherhood of Evil Mutants agree to work deadly missions for the government in exchange for pardons of their past sins. 

I'm assuming this was the House of Ideas' answer to DC's Suicide Squad. Still, I liked it. 

When a Senator is kidnapped by another group of rogue mutant baddies, Freedom Force is called to the rescue. But will these reformed villains carry through with the extraction when they discover their mission is to save the strongly anti-mutant Sen. Robert Kelly?!

The Hercules story wraps up. It took the final chapter to get good as there is an assassination attempt on the life of both Herc and his progeny. 

Wonder Man's story continues to amuse. Hank McCoy, the Beast, is out of action (and in traction) thanks to the events of the last issue. So stepping up to stop the Avenger actor on a rampage next is Iron Man himself- Tony Stark.

Still can't really get into the Wolverine story. He's hanging around a group of Hong Kong pirates that are on the hunt for an entity that is killing indiscriminately. It's some kind of negative and positively charged being. Only it operates at the same time. The action is good. I'm lost with the backstory plot. 

A better offering after a couple of previous issue duds. 

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #40

There's a fan-favorite issue of The Avengers that guest-stars David Letterman. From 1983, Wonder Man is invited to the NBC late night talk show to discuss his latest flick. 

Jump ahead to 1990 and Simon Williams is back on the talk show circuit hawking the new movie he's making while under the enthrall of The Enchantress. Instead of Dave and company, Wonder Man is in Burbank to meet with Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon! There's also The Beast, Hank McCoy, on site hoping to break the hold Asgardian goddess has on the acting Avenger. We've also got Ronald Reagan and wife Nancy who calls for the government to stop the terror that is Wonder Man. 

I liked the Reagan cameos. But I'm not sure why they're here because by 1990, George H.W. Bush was president. Bush 41 and VP Dan Quayle are mentioned in this chapter. But why aren't they involved? That doesn't make a lot of sense to me. 

Again, only 1 out of 4 stories were enjoyable. The Wolverine story is typical Logan fodder. Gritty. Corny. Overblown. The Hercules story just doesn't connect with me. Maybe it's because I've not read the miniseries that sets up just where the Roman Hero is at this moment in the Marvel Universe. 

And I'm not familiar at all with the character known as Overlord. I think he's an Eternal. Not sure. Of all the Jack Kirby properties, The Eternals is probably my least favorite. Just as I've been nonplussed to see Eternals on screen, I have very little enthusiasm with this 8-pager.

Not Worth Consuming!

Rating: 3 out of 10 stars.

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Marvel Comics Presents #39

 An overall forgettable issue of the anthology series. 

The only thing that sets this issue truly apart is that finally after 39 issues, Spider-Man appears! It's regrettable that Spidey's story is a one-and-done tale of only 8 pages. I guess the wall-crawler wasn't as big as a draw in the late 80s as opposed to the plethora of mutants that have starred in this series. 

The story is simple. Peter Parker is struggling to balance his personal life, marriage and career as a superhero. Trouble arises thanks to a warning from the Spidey-sense. It's not a super villain this time but a bunch of eco-terrorists with good intentions. They want to save a bunch of lab animals being mistreated. 

Being devoted to truth and justice, Spider-Man has to apprehend them since these animal lovers are breaking the law despite the goodness in their hearts. How can Spider-Man be true to himself while in the middle of a crime scene that is very much a gray area ethically?

One oh too short, heartwarming tale. 3 forgettable fillers.

Not Worth Consuming!

Rating: 3 out of 10 stars.

Monday, January 17, 2022

Scooby-Doo Team-Up #50

This is it! The final issue of Scooby-Doo Team-Up!

Naturally, Sholly Fisch and Dario Brizuela have selected Batman and Robin to pair with Mystery Inc. for this series' swan song. 

The story starts off with the teen detectives arriving in Gotham to answer a call for help. Only Batman and Robin didn't ask for help. But that doesn't mean that weird things hasn't been occurring around the Dynamic Duo.

All day, Batman and Robin have been approached by various incarnations of the Dark Knight. There's the Pirate Batman. The 1920s Mobster Batman. The Vampire Batman! It seems like the multiverse has gone Batman crazy all of a sudden. But when variants of a certain Great Dane start showing up, all of a sudden it's a CRISIS ON INFINITE SCOOBYS!

The cover spoils just who is behind the identity crisis. It's Bat-Mite and his 5th Dimension counter-part Scooby-Mite (last seen in SDTU #3). I think it's fitting to use the impish imp for this finale in many ways. For one, Bat-Mite is able to bring in characters from throughout the multiverse without destroying it. For another, Bat-Mite was the character who ushered in the end of Cartoon Network's amazing Dark Knight team-up series, Batman: The Brave and the Bold

This was a double anniversary issue. It celebrated Batman's 80th birthday as well as Scooby's 50th. The two franchises have come a long way since their first meeting on the small screen back in 1972. I loved seeing all of the incarnations of the Mystery gang including the live-action movie cast and my personal favs- A Pup Named Scooby-Doo! 

This issue should also be considered an Elseworlds tie-in!

If you are a fan of just one of these franchises, you will love this book. If you are a mega-fan of both like me, this issue was a dream come true. I hate that this series ended. But I am glad that DC brought the magic back with the 12-issue maxi-series Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries; which is still in it's current run.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9.999 out of 10 stars, because I'm still upset this series ended!

Sunday, January 16, 2022

Scooby-Doo Team-Up #34

While working a case with the fellas of Mystery Inc., Velma and Daphne are called to Gotham City. Taking Scooby with them, the girls have been summoned by Batgirl, Black Canary and Huntress- the Birds of Prey. A gigantic bird known as a Roc, a mythical creature of Middle Eastern origin, has been attacking the city. 

Since Velma and Daphne have a background in dealing with monsters, they've been approached to act as interim members of the Birds of Prey. It's a good thing, now that a thunderbird and a phoenix have begun attacking Gotham as well!

A really great issue. Another masterpiece by Sholly Fisch and Dario Brizuela! Fisch adds those little Easter eggs of DC nostalgia; like with the mystery villain that Mystery Inc. is originally on the search for before the girls go to Gotham City. Dario Brizuela just has an art-style that echoes the original Scooby-Doo cartoon as well as Alex Toth's take on Super Friends. They're like an all-ages duo for the ages!

The inclusion of Huntress was the only down-side of the story. I've never really been a fan of her. She never felt like an appropriate heir to Batman and/or Catwoman. And then Post-CRISIS, I never really got into her crime-family Catholic heritage background. She always felt like a vigilante nun to me. And in this issue, she's like a grumpy Debbie Downer. If we could have replaced Huntress with a different Bird of Prey like Katana or Hawkgirl, that would have been great!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.  

Marvel Comics Presents #38

The 25-chapter long Black Panther story 'Panther's Quest' is finally over. And T'Challa's replacement in Marvel Comics Presents is.... drum roll... Wolverine!

Big surprise.

Really, Wolverine. Again?

The story is interesting however. In the middle of Hong Kong, an entire city block has just disappeared. Something so big and sweeping doesn't seem to be Wolverine material. So I am intrigued to know where this one is gonna go. 

Wonder Man, Simon Williams, is the star of another multi-parter. The Avenger actor has been hired to portray the original android Human Torch in a major blockbuster. This is rather ironic since Wonder Man has a connection with the World War II era character in the creation of another Avenger, The Vision. 

Lastly, the Excalibur adventure comes to a close. The 80s Excalibur series was an wild ride and this conclusion is no different. Especially when the heroes create further Warner Bros. inspired android opponents to battle the Loonies. Too bad they didn't create Disney inspired characters. But I am sure such a thing would have been a lawsuit waiting to happen. 

With a Mr. Fixit one-shot rounding out the line-up, this was a pretty good issue. 

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Saturday, January 15, 2022

Marvel Comics Presents #37

I liked how this chapter of the Excalibur story pays attention to Kitty Pryde's dragon Lockheed and the inter-dimensional gatekeeping bot Widget. People tend to overlook these but Lockheed and Widget are important members of the Excalibur team too!

The one-and-done story involves a character I've yet to ever encounter. Called Devil-Slayer. He's a cape with a cape that houses a vast repertoire of weapons and other tools of defense against the dark arts. It was originally the property of a demon or wizard and the minions of the villain will do anything to get it back. Like set a trap inside a crowded airport lounge filled with demons disguised as humans.

Lastly, The Black Panther story finally comes to a close. Very satisfying. In fact, it was so good I read this chapter twice. 

I wonder two things about this story. 1. Why was is so gosh darn long? Was in supposed to be a mini-series or graphic novel that got scraped? And 2. Was this story ever collected as a trade paperback? Being so huge, I'd be surprised if it was never collected.

Answer to question 2 upon further research- it was- in 2018! Now I wonder why it took nearly 30 years to get collected!

Another good issue. Can't wait to see who will be taking Black Panther's lengthy residency in the pages of MCP new...

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #36


Rachel Summers comes face-to-face with her Phoenix persona when the Loonies put the mutant in a scenario straight out of the future! Her future! Days of Future Past, that is! Mutants are hunted indiscriminately. Kitty Pryde is now in her mid-40s. Going by Katherine Pryde and accusing this future Phoenix of her murder, can Rachel survive in a future that is not her own?

The one-shot story has Hellcat Patsy Walker taking on a drug ring after failing to save an undercover cop dressed as a bag woman from murder. Good action. A little convoluted plot involving making the homeless become drug manufacturers under duress. 

The remaining half of this issue is devoted to Black Panther. That's right! This issue of MCP only has 3 story segments! They doubled up the pages meaning they actually doubled the action for once. Will 16 pages finally be enough to get us through 24-parts to finally see T'Challa in a mother and child reunion? God, I hope so. This story has dragged on forever!

Not a bad issue of the anthology. Having 16 pages of the Black Panther story instead of the usual 8 just through off the pace of this very formulaic series. 

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Friday, January 14, 2022

The James Bond Omnibus, Volume 001 (2022 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Challenge)

Casino Royale, Live and Let Die, Moonraker, Diamonds Are Forever, From Russia With Love, Dr. No, Goldfinger, From A View To A Kill, For Your Eyes Only, Thunderball.

I'm familiar with all of these James Bond adventures thanks to watching all of the films with my dad and grandpop as a child. But I've never read any of Ian Fleming's novels that gave birth to the world's greatest spy. Thus I was very excited when I found this anthology at my favorite used book store- Books Do Furnish A Room. 

Prior to debuting in the movies, Ian Fleming signed an agreement with The Daily Express to adapt his books into newspaper dailies. Fleming was hesitant at first. He didn't want his works to be dumbed down to an elementary level. Fleming also didn't like on how Bond was originally designed. But I'm glad he finally settled with John McLusky!

The Bond strips were McLusky's first gig. An art teacher at the Slade School of Art, McLusky drew Ian Fleming's creation in a way that is really eerie. That's because McLusky's Bond looked just like Sean Connery- almost 5 full years before the Scottish actor would take on the role in 1962's Dr. No.

The interesting thing about these adaptations are how different they are from the live-action films produced by Albert Broccoli. Comparatively, the strips could be considered dull. For example, in Moonraker, Bond doesn't go into outer-space and there's no blimp or Golden Gate Bridge in the adaptation of A View To A Kill. Broccoli clearly felt that in order to enthrall audiences, the wow factor needed to be set to 11. But here in these comics, Fleming crafted some very elegant mystery-thrillers that are very British.

Casino Royale is perhaps the weakest of the stories. For one thing, it was Ian Fleming's Bond debut. Pilots always have kinks to work out. Plus, that story was adapted by Anthony Hern; who just doesn't seem to have a firm grasp on the character. The other stories were adapted by Henry Gammidge with the except of Dr. No which was written by Modesty Blaise's Peter O'Donnell. Dr. No wasn't bad. But Gammidge really seemed the ideal writer for the James Bond comics. 

1962's Thunderball was perhaps the most clunky story. Ample time is devoted to Bond's time at a health spa in which he runs afoul of a Tong gangster. The plot to steal 2 nuclear bombs by Ernst Blofeld and his cronies at SPECTRE is drawn out to perfection. But the ending is rushed to just 2 pages with zero actual appearances by baddie Emilio Largo or Bond Girl Domino Derval. 

For a solid minute, I felt that maybe some pages were omitted from this volume. But the numbering of the strips don't skip. I later researched this and discovered that The Daily Express temporarily ended it's relationship with Fleming and rushed a quick ending to the story. After Fleming and Daily Express editor Lord Beaverbrook settled a dispute over the comics strip rights to The Living Daylights, Bond would return to print in 1964. 

And that's where we end volume 001. Well, not quite. Ever heard of the Bond story Risico? Neither had I. It's a short story buried within the pages of For Your Eyes Only. So far, there has never been a Bond film called Risico. But maybe! 

Risico reads a lot like Ian Fleming's anti-drug opus. In this story, Bond goes to Italy to end the heroin trade that has been flowing into the UK. Just about every character makes PSA sounding statements about the evils of opium and heroin. It almost feels that Ian Fleming watched a few episodes of Dragnet while writing this book. Good story but very propagandized. 

The first James Bond Omnibus was a delightful read. The right artist was selected for the strip. It took a little while, but this strip also found it's voice. If you've never read the original works but are more than versed in the films of James Bond, this is a wonderful look at a little known corner of MI6. 

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Completing this review completes Task #19 of the 2022 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge. 'That was made into a movie.'



Thursday, January 13, 2022

Marvel Comics Presents #35

The Coldblood story by Doug Moench concludes in this issue. It was a charming little sci-fi story that had a lot of twists to it. Too bad this character never got his own series. Maybe Marvel felt that it had too many similarities to Deathlok.

With just 2 chapters left, Black Panther finally makes it to the compound holding his mother. But before he can find her, he's got to penetrate the fortress-like defenses first. 

In the Excalibur story, my favorite member is highlighted- Kurt Wagner, AKA Nightcrawler. The Loonies and their mysterious boss have put Kurt into a circus setting. This is normally Nightcrawler's forte. But as with his teammates simulated prisons, this circus is designed to play on the mutant's insecurities and fears. Usually those fears are about Nightcrawler looking like a demon with blue skin, fangs and a tail. But how will Kurt react when he discovers that at this circus, he's human and the performers are all monsters?

The one-shot story stars Her. Her is the whom the scientists if the Enclave create after Him revolted and fused into Adam Warlock. Her has taken on the monikers of Paragon, Ayesha and Kismet over the course of her 40 year plus history. Why Fabian Nicieza decided to call the character Her could be because the heroine was still known as Her in 1989. Or, the Deadpool co-creator decided to write a story during her early days. Such past stories aren't unfamiliar territory in Marvel Comics Presents. It's just not made clear whether this is a earlier set tale or not. And I don't know enough about Her's history to know further.

4 decent stories. Not perfect. But I enjoyed it.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.


Marvel Comics Presents #34


It's Meggan's time to shine. Though she's a bit of a bleached-blonde airhead on the surface, deep down, Meggan has a heart of gold and the tenacity of a beast. Literally!

In Meggan's entrapment, the Loonies have placed the mutant into a setting very similar to the Munsters. With Meggan playing the cousin Marilyn role, the rest of the family despise her and call her a freak which only opens the old wounds of being not quite human. Meanwhile, Kitty Pryde has managed to escape and it's revealed that the Loonies are under the control of a big boss. Only we don't quite know who the mastermind is. Yet!

With the Black Panther story, the favorite character of mine turns out not to be hurt at all! Thus Gene Colan and Don McGregor are forgiven for the red herring cliffhanger from last issue. 

Coldblood's story keeps getting interesting. The next issue is the last chapter. 

Our one-shot story stars Captain America in a team-up with Thin Man. I thought he was the leader of the Great Lakes Avengers. Turns out, he's a minor member of the Liberty Legion whose last appearance, up to this point, was 1976! Interesting paring of heroes. Okay story. 

Marvel Comics Presents continues to be like a roller coaster. This issue just happens to be one of the peaks. 

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Marvel Comics Presents #33

This issue's Excalibur focus is on Captain Britain. I don't mean to offend the people of the UK, but Brian Braddock is the worst member of England's mutant superhero team. Captain Britain is so powerful and yet he's completely insecure. His got a woman who is head over heels in love with him and he treats her like crap. Why did they make him the leader of the team???

So when the Loonies have older incarnations of the hero beat the crap out of him, I kinda cheered. I lie. I really did cheer!

With it comes to the Black Panther story, I hate it! First they killed off a friendly little dog. Then they killed off an innocent child. Now the best character in the whole story gets gunned down. And no, it's not Black Panther! Don McGregor and Gene Colan (Daredevil) have better not have made another poor decision and kill off this guy! 

The 8-page single story stars Namor, The Sub-Mariner. It's a poignant tale about the mass pollution and destruction of our oceans. Unlike other relevant comics stories that have been a part of this series, this story was actually good despite being preachy. I think artwork by a young Jim Lee (X-Men) has something to do with this! Don McGregor redeems himself. Well until I find out what happens in the next Black Panther segment.

Worth Consuming! But just barely!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Jinny Hex Special #1 (2022 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Challenge)

The story of Jonah Hex continues in the pages of this one-shot special.

Virginia Heck, AKA Jinny Hex, is the great-great granddaughter of the notorious Old West bounty hunter. Jinny's mother has recently passed away. As a result, Jinny has inherited two things: her family's auto body shop and a mysterious chest full of 19th century guns, weapons and futuristic gadgets.

Just as Jinny is about to open the doors to the shop for the very first time, a man moseys in claiming to be an old flame of her mother's. If you do the math, he might also be Jinny's father. While Jinny is longing to fill the gap brought upon by a deceased parent, Jinny's friends are getting bad vibes from this guy. It appears that Jonah Hex's ability to read people is not one of the gifts Jinny inherited from her family. 

I haven't really dove into the Brian Michael Bendis curated Wonder Comics imprint. But as a fan of DC's Western titles, I was interested in learning more about the progeny of Jonah Hex. Though he created Jinny Hex in the pages of Young Justice, Bendis didn't write this story. Eternity Girl's Magdalene Visaggio pens this over-sized special. I appreciated how the writer didn't just focus on the 2020s. Instead, this story goes back to the 1880s and ties in Jonah Hex's legacy with both the character and the plot.

The editors really got me with a clever 'prank.' On one page, Jinny talks about needing to get the Justice League involved. You then turn the page and there's a 2-page scene in which Batman, Black Lightning and Katana are assisting with a brownstone fire. I was really hyped to have these characters taking a role in this special. Unfortunately, it just turned out to be a Snickers ad. No lie! Yup- you fooled me!

Speaking of ads, being an early 2021 DC book, there are a ton for the Future State storyline. I must say I have zero interest in that massive cross-over. I think this is a first for me. The art looks weak. The ideas seem borrowed. And $4.99 per issue is just too rich for my blood. 

A good story with decent art. It does a great job moving forward the Hex family tree. I'm just not sure if Jinny Hex is strong enough of a character to do it on her own.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Completing this review completes Task #16 of the 2022 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge. 'Read a book with a female protagonist.'


Monday, January 10, 2022

Marvel Comics Presents #32

Part two of the Excalibur story and we don't have the whole team. That's okay. Writer Michael Higgins (Power Pack) keeps the insanity up with this Shadowcat starring chapter. It appears that the Loonies have placed each team member of Excalibur into a fantasy world that both plays against their fears and insecurities and also sorta negates their special abilities. 

Quite natural to star things off with Shadowcat. Kitty Pryde might not be the team leader. But she's always been the brains of the outfit!

The Black Panther story continues to improve. Last issue, Black Panther received a letter from his mother. It appears to be a forgery or something written under duress. After an altercation with a would-be assassin, T'Challa finally gets his first real lead as to who may be behind his mother's imprisonment. 

The Coldblood story continues to be amazing.

Lastly in our one-and-done story, the mutant Sunfire stars in a story set against an all-new villain with energy powers that can manipulate matter. I've always felt that Sunfire was an underused character. I disliked that he left the X-Men after his initial mission with the team. So I greatly appreciated having him back if only for 8 pages of story. 

4 great chapters. Here's hoping the series is finally going back in the right direction after several very weak issues. 

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.


Gotham City Villains Anniversary Giant One-Shot

2021 was a milestone year for several member's of Batman's Rogues Gallery. With a Penguin story by one of the actor's who have portrayed the villain, Danny DeVito, I was excited for the special. And I was very much willing to pay the full $9.99 cover price. 

I won't be making that mistake again.

The DeVito story was all over the place. It should be considered a cautionary for allowing actors free range to craft stories that stroke inflated egos. (Danny Devito played the Penguin in 1992's Batman Returns) I don't want to spoil this story. But it's definitely a fantasy story that never, EVER would happen in legitimate Batman canon.

I'm not ragging on just Danny Devito and what I assume is his comic book writing debut. Ms. Marvels' G. Willow Wilson's story starring Poison Ivy was confusing and too artsy-fartsy. And the Scarecrow story by Wes Craig (Deadly Class) makes an odd left turn and implicates Nightwing as some sort of chosen one in Dr. Crane's bizarre plans which were already too spastic to understand. 

There were some good stories. I loved the twist at the end of the Ra's al Ghul story. The Talia story was decent as well. I enjoyed how Stephanie Williams' (Wonder Woman: Black & Gold) take on the Red Hood kinda had a take on the villain's legend similar to that on Gotham

The Mad Hatter story was just fantastic. It would have made a great segment on an episode of Batman: The Animated Series. But the story that shined the most starred the villain that gets so little respect that cover artist Lee Bermejo (Batman: Noel) didn't even bother to put him on the cover: Killer Moth!

Killer Moth gets a bad rap mostly because he gets his butt kicked in Batgirl's origin story. And then by the hero again and again and again. Still, his short story, which was way too short was the cream of the crop! Mairghread Scott crafted an epic in less than 10 pages. If DC would greenlight a Killer Moth series written by the Transformers writer, I would request it in my LCS pull box in a heartbeat!

There's a big difference between this special and the most recent DC holiday special I read in Decmber, is that the festive book tried too to be relevant for just about every race, gender and creed instead of focusing on quality. In this special, I feel that the writers were trying to get too much into the psyche of the characters. Thus storyline suffered greatly in many of the stories. Many of Batman's arch-enemies are insane. If you try to craft a tale from the point of view of a madman, things aren't going to make sense and that's what happened with the Scarecrow, Poison Ivy and Al Ghul stories. I have no idea what Danny DeVito was trying to do with the Penguin. 

While this special was much better than last year's holiday annual, I'm still disappointed. To have to give up a Hamilton plus tax, I'd expect perfection from DC Comics. I hate to not support new comics in a day and age where consumership is greatly waning. But I can't afford to keep throwing my money away on sub-par works. Especially these pricey ones.

Do better, DC!

Rating: 6 out of 10 stars