Marvel Comics Presents #63

Two segments really come to the front on my mind- the title Wolverine story and a horror legend starring Thor!

With Wolverine, a head injury has caused Wolverine to lose control of his feral side. Now, I know what you are thinking; doesn't Logan have a healing factor? Well, yeah, he does. But he doesn't just heal instantly. So as his brain slowly rewires itself, Wolvie is out of control and on the hunt for a group of mercs who have kidnapped his friend and lover, Tyger Tiger.

With Thor, the god of Thunder recalls a voyage to the new world in which a group of Vikings encounter the devilish Varnae. The last vampire of Atlantis. As most of the colony end up under Varnae's power, Thor must rid the New World of the bloodsuckers. While the story itself was kinda hoo-hum, the ending was killer. Literally. But I also loved how it tied in a local legend from my neck of the woods.

The Poison story is still visually appealing and stylistically bizarre and the Scarlet Witch story ends in the way I expected it to. But I liked that the creep who is the villain behind everything gets what's coming to him.

A very fun issue. Not perfect. But each segment had elements that I enjoyed.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Classics Illustrated #075- Lady of the Lake (2022 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

Reading advocate LeVar Burton is quoted as saying 'If your child is passionate about superheroes then dammit, buy them comic books.' I think that quote is more than apropos of the comic being reviewed today. 

Though the cover touted it was 'recommended by educators', Classics Illustrated still got a bad rap. Russian born publisher Albert Lewis Kanter saw the appeal comics had to children and decided to create a line of comic books based on classics of literature. The hope was that child would marvel at the adventures of The Three Musketeers, Ivanhoe and The Count of Monte Cristo (the first 3 subjects in the series) in cartoon form and then head to their local library and search out the real McCoy to read! If LeVar Burton was alive in 1941, I really think he'd be dinging Albert Lewis Kanter's praises.

Despite this bold effort to make learning more accessible for children, some teachers initially frowned upon using comic books as a teaching tool. If you read Jean Shepherd's childhood accounts, there's a great account of him and a friend getting in trouble with sneaking a copy of Robinson Crusoe in class. Even though it was the bane of teachers everywhere, Comics Illustrated thrived from 1941-1969. A total of 169 issues were released along with a sister series devoted to elementary school aged students. Almost every issue was reissued at least twice.

The books were first released as Classic Comics until 1947. With the name change, the book shrunk from 64 to 56 to finally 48 pages. Paper rationing during World War II and rising paper prices were the culprit. 100-page Special issues were released focusing on historical and biographical subjects.

The final change that became probably the most iconic part of the series came in 1951. Instead of simple line-drawn covers, the front page boasted beautiful full color painted covers. Also in 1951, Kanter signed a deal with Curtis Circulation and together they partnership began to directly advertise Classics Illustrated to schools as an educational tool. Beating Clif Notes by 7 years, with the coming of the Atomic Age, Classics Illustrated started to achieve a level of credibility with educators as an introductory tool to works of fine literature. 

Over the years, a number of talented artists worked on Classics Illustrated. John Severin (Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commandos), Dick Ayers (Fantastic Four), Joe Orlando (Creepy), and Reed Crandall (Blackhawk) were among some of the names who illustrated multiple issues of the series. But when it came to the writing, Albert Kanter let the original text speak for themselves!

Actual lines of text and dialogue were taken directly from the original works and placed into the panels of art. With the case of Classics Illustrated #075 The Lady of The Lake, the story was written by Sir Walter Scott. The story is written in verse instead of prose. Being a Scotsman, many of the verses don't really rhyme on paper. But if you remember how Groundskeeper Willie pronounced things differently, the epic poem's rhythm comes more from the inflection than the vocabulary.

Scott's story of chivalry, honor and romance is a fantasized account of historic events. The noble James Fitz-James becomes lost during a stag hunt. Secretly, Fitz-James is King James V. While lost, he encounters a beautiful maiden named Ellen, who is the daughter of a Scottish Clansman named Douglas. 

Douglas was once a mentor to James. Now an exiled enemy, Douglas is asked to join the dishonorable Roderick Dhu to wage war against King James. Fighting with Roderick is Malcolm, who owns the heart of Ellen. Hoping to save Malcolm, Douglas seeks King James in an attempt to reconcile. But before he surrenders to the King, Douglas kicks major butt in a number of physical challenges.

Ultimately, King James is victorious. He mortally wounds Roderick. Douglas and Malcolm are imprisoned. But when Ellen comes to advocate for her people's release, James and the Maiden both learn whom each other really are. And a happy ending is achieved as father is released and King James joins the Lady of the Lake and Malcolm in matrimony. 

I've never had to use Clif Notes to read a comic book before. But the prose was like reading the King James Bible. (This King James is not the one who authorized that version of the Bible.) There's a bunch of Scottish terms and thankfully, the editors do annotate what some of those words mean. But I was so lost. If not for Wikipedia, I probably wouldn't know what happened or why it did.

I own about a dozen issues of this iconic comic series. Reading a Classic Illustrated is one of my reading challenge tasks. I was going to choose a Western themed issue. But since I had just read a John Wayne Civil War era book, I tried to diversify. I was thinking the Lady in the Lake was the one from Arthurian legend. Gee, was I wrong. 

A beautiful selection from one of the most classic comic book series of all-time. This issue is just one of more difficult issues to navigate due to how it's written and the brogue. But beautifully illustrated and that cover is outta-sight. Unfortunately, the visual appeal isn't enough to make my rating that very high.

Not Worth Consuming!

Rating: 3 out of 10 stars.

Completing this review completes Task #5 (Issue of Classics Illustrated) of the 2022 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

Four Color #1048- The Horse Soldiers (2022 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

John Wayne. One of the top box office draws from the 1940s-60s, Wayne starred in over 170 movies in a career that spanned roughly 50 years. Though his star started to wane in the 1970s, Wayne earned an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for 1969's True Grit.  

In 1959, during the pinnacle of his career, John Wayne starred in a Civil War picture titled The Horse Soldiers. Wayne played Col. John Marlowe, a Union solider sent deep behind enemy lines to destroy a train depot and it's supply train. With Col. Marlowe is regimental surgeon Major Henry Kendall. As Marlowe's wife died during surgery, the Colonel is resentful of doctors. But he understands that will Kendall around, many of his troops will survive this mission. 

Joining the troops on the mission is Miss Hannah Hunter. Normally a Southern Belle wouldn't be a part of a union secret mission. But since Hunter and her servant Lukey know of the Union's agenda, they're both along for the ride until it's mission accomplished.

The Horse Soldiers was directed by John Ford, a frequent Wayne collaborator. Based on same name novel by Harold Sinclair, the film was distributed by United Artists. Though number one at the box office, The Horse Soldiers has been regarded as a Hollywood failure. That's because the $4 million dollar box office was not enough to recoup the high salaries of both Wayne and costar William Holden (Stalag 17).

One surprise name attached to the film is that of Althea Gibson. A professional golfer and tennis player, Gibson was the first black woman to win a grand slam title when she won the French Championships in 1956. Wimbledon and the US Nationals were won in '57. Gibson repeated those two titles the following year. The Horse Soldiers was Gibson's only film credit. While her role as Lukey did not garner her any award nods, she was praised for her refusal to say her lines in ' the stereotypical 'negro' dialect written in the script.'

The Horse Soldiers was released as part of Dell's Four-Color Series, issue #1048. The script was written by Gaylord Du Bois (Turok, Son of Stone). Wonder Woman's Mike Sekowsky penciled. The cover artwork was taken from the theatrical poster. This was not the only movie tie-in released by Dell. They also reissued the complete Harold Sinclair novel (Dell F76) with a completely different painted cover that seems to show John Wayne's character atop a steed.

Having never seen this film, I don't know how accurate the adaptation is to the film. However, I can say that the ending seems rushed. The story plot is summarized with production stills in the front inner cover. Yet, some of that introductory material is omitted from the comic itself, primarily General Grant giving his orders to Col. Marlowe. The inner back cover is utilized to finish out the story which sees Marlowe and Kendall parting ways. The artwork seems to resemble Wayne fairly well. But I couldn't pick the other actors out of a lineup; much less really telling if Sekowsky captured the likenesses of Holden, Gibson and the rest. 

Overall, an entertaining story. Good art. But the plotting seemed uneven. The opening scene seems to take over 1/3 of book's roughly 64 pages. The climatic final battle- less than 2!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Completing this review completes Task #25 (Set in the 1800s) of the 2022 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

Marvel Comics Presents #62

A new Wolverine story begins in this issue.

Tyger Tiger and another accomplice of Wolverine's are kidnapped by a group of mercs hired by a rival gang leader with his eyes on Madripoor. Wolverine is right on their trail. When a blow to the head causes Wolverine to lose control, his feral side is unleashed. 

I've always heard that Wolverine had to keep his unbridled side under wraps. But in 40 plus years of reading comic books, I've never experienced that before. Until now! And I must say, this is the time of type starring Logan I can get behind. I think it's because he's lousy internal voice is silenced in this one. 

Yeah, yeah. Wolverine is the best at what he does. And what he does isn't very nice. But I like my Wolverine stories when he doesn't mention all that all the time. Go figure.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Pat McCormick's Charley & Humphrey #1 (Family Comic Friday)

If you grew up in the bay area during the 1960s or 70s, then does this edition of Family Comic Friday have a treat for you. Pat McCormick's Charley and Humphrey are back in a new series of comic books from 10 Ton Press.

Now I'm not from San Francisco. In fact, the furthest West I've ever gotten is Albuquerque. But I remember seeing some of the exploits of Charley (the Horse) and Humphrey (the Dog) a couple of years back in a documentary about local TV kids shows. Last month, when I saw the notice for this new series, I placed an order through my favorite LCS because I remembered how funny these two puppet pets were. 

After a couple of weeks of waiting, my copy finally turned up. COVID is still causing shipping delays from Diamond Distributing. But I must say, this premier issue was worth the wait. 

Issue #1 has Charley very nervous about having to make a speech that will christen a new ship at the docks where the horse works. Roommate Humphrey is a little peeved at not being invited to the big event. That's mostly because where Humphrey treads, trouble follows. And follows it does when a batch of nasty fleas decide that horse meat is a tastier treat than dog. 

Expect a lot of laughs and a bunch of mayhem when Humphrey takes the Bay area's slowest means of mass transit to stop the fleas from ruining Charley's big day at the docks!

I really enjoyed this comic. The writing was very well balanced between big slapsticky jokes and dry witticisms between the bus driver and Humphrey. Be sure to explore the backgrounds of each pages as there are some great Easter egg gags hiding. 

I liked the artwork too. It mostly captures the look and style of Pat McCormick's puppets very well. Though the way artist John Hageman positions each character's mouth when they are speaking in some odd off-kilter way did irk me somewhat. Overall, I liked the style which looked like an animated sibling of Spongbob Squarepants and Ren & Stimpy.

Even though I compare the artwork in this book to one of the most controversial kids cartoons of all-time, this issue was wholesome fun. Writer Justin Sane made sure to make the good clean fun very clever. Nothing is dumbed down here; meaning that kids and adults will find something in this book to enjoy. 

This is the first all-ages work from 10 Ton Press. The Indy publisher is mostly known for it's line of rock and roll biographical one-shots which are not for kids. But you'd never know it hear. The publisher has plans for at least 10 issues to be released bi-monthly. Meaning issues #2 should be hitting stores in March. 

If you grew up to Charley & Humphrey and your grandkids or kids love to read- get them this book! Preorder it! In the meantime while you wait, fire up Youtube where there are dozens of skits starring Charley, Humphrey and friends to watch. Each are less than 2 minutes long. Each are guaranteed to make you laugh!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

 

The Three Stooges TV Time Special #1

Larry, Moe and Curly shine in a pair of all-new stories in this 2017 special from American Mythology. 

The first yarn has the boys going on a budget vacation. Using Shemp's car, the fellas are heading to the beach. But thanks to a traffic jam, Moe decides to take the scenic route. Which we all know never goes poorly!

The second story has the guys competing in a Double Dare type game show. The tasks the contestants have to complete harkens back to some classic Stooges bits. But it's the punchline to the story that only the most loyal of Stooges fans will get. (Madman translation- I kinda got it but it's also something that doesn't provide an 'A-ha!' moment for me either.)

Though this is called the Three Stooges TV Time Special, only one of the stories is about television. Well, I assume the game show story is about a TV show. I don't recall seeing any studio cameras. I know that the Stooges are considered icons of TV, but they got their start on stage and later screen. In other words, it doesn't make sense to me why this is a TV Time special.

As with just about every American Mythology comic featuring the Three Stooges, there's extra material. Along with a couple of one-page gags from probably Dell or Gold Key, there's an article on the Stooges exhibit at Geppi's Entertainment Museum. I knew that the GEM in Baltimore closed before the pandemic. That's how I realized that this wasn't a recent release even though I just purchased this on the new releases shelf at my LCS. But that's okay! I wasn't feeling all that great and appreciated the pick-me-up.

There's also an interview with a Stooges super-fan. One that also happens to be a priest. So you heard it here first- The Three Stooges are kid tested, man of the cloth approved!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #61

The Hulk and Wolverine team-up story comes to an end with a surprisingly bright ending. One that I was very very pleased with. And look at that cover. It's so stunning. By Vision and the Scarlet Witch artist Richard Howell, I wonder how many covers starring Wolverine and the Hulk can be considered 'beautiful.' I know this one is!

The one-and-done story has a blast from Doctor Strange's past, Marjorie Brink. Now this is a character that only appears in this one issue. But she apparently played a major role in Strange's life as a former lover. In only 8 pages, this story spans decades. A fanciful tale that does a ton in just a very brief amount of time.

In the Scarlet Witch story, Wanda has awaken in the past. Looking in a mirror, she looks like herself but she's wearing pirate garb. Turns out that the creep from the last issue sent her consciousness into a distant relative who happens to sail the 7 seas while practicing witchcraft. 

I just shuddered. What is happening to Wanda Maximoff's body in the present day?

The Poison story is weird. I'm not sure where her path with the homeless, and possibly mentally ill Mop Man is going. I'm empathetic to her secret identity plight as a struggling single mom. Plus the art by Star Wars' Cindy Martin is amazingly alluring. But I have zero idea where this tale is going.

Not a bad issue. Not perfect either. I guess this is one of those diamond in the rough issues.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Flavor Issue One

Here's a classic review that I did in 2018 but never got around to posting it. 

Enjoy...

Marvel Comics Presents #60

A pair of Marvel ladies have stories that begin in this issue. One character, I am very familiar with. With the other, this is my first ever encounter with the character.

Let's start with the character I feel like I know like the back of my hand- Scarlet Witch. The mutant sorceress has gone to college. Not to get a degree but to do research on occult studies with some ancient tomes at the college library. A noted arcane arts history professor wines and dines Wanda who starts to feel a little funny during her meal. After a brief slip from consciousness, the Avengers wakes up trapped in the past and facing persecution as a witch!

The next story involves a woman who goes by the name Poison. Originally appearing in the pages of Web of Spider-Man, Poison has super-strength abilities thanks to bonding with an alien entity. She can also kill with a glance; disfiguring them in the process. She also has a pretty provocative outfit for early 90s Comics Code approved comic. I think only Typhoid Mary is more, uh, alluring...

This story doesn't seem to have a set direction yet. I feel like this introductory chapter is a chance to set-up the players. There's Poison. Her son who doesn't understand why mom goes out at night. The next door neighbor who watches the son and thinks mom has gone whoring. And then there is the Mop Man. 

He's a homeless man who carries a mop. Obviously. And he might be schizophrenic. That's not quite certain. But someone definitely tried to kill him. Though what Mop Man has to do with Poison isn't clear- yet. I guess we'll find out next issue.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #59

 It's Hulk Vs. Wolverine Vs. Wolverine. 

The cover with the original X-Men in the background might reveal who this doppelganger is. I'll try not to ruin it just in case you wanna read this issue. Keep in mind, this is a 30 year+ issue. But maybe it's still too soon to spoil it!

The Werewolf by Night story along with the Namor adventure end in this issue. Both were great. I wish the Sub-Mariner tale was longer. It just had this great banter between the ruler of Atlantis and Sandra Rain, a documentary filmmaker with a quick wit and even sharper tongue. 

Finishing out the offerings in this issue is an 8-pager starring the Punisher. A youth is torn between the anti-hero and an arms dealer. A very powerful story with a message. It's classic Marvel storytelling at it's finest. 

4 very good segments.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Best of DC Blue Ribbon Digest #23 (2022 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

From 1979-1986, kids got a real treat everytime they went to the supermarket: The Best of DC Blue Ribbon Digest and it's shorter lived sister series DC Blue Ribbon Digest. For only $.95 ($1.25 for the longer 'Best Of' books), kiddos hot 100 pages of your favorite superheroes and comedic characters. 

Each issue had a specific theme. There was Superman Vs. Luthor. The Years Best Team Stories. Binky's Summer Fun. Batman's Villains. There were even a couple of holiday editions too! 

Sure, the books were released in digest form. Sure, the original source material wasn't designed for digest form so things didn't quite look right. Sure, the lettered dialogue was like a font size 2. But the covers rocked and if you annoyed mom and dad long enough in the checkout line, you were guaranteed a copy or two.

The Best of 1981 issue of the series featured 10 tales from DC's vast line of titles. The overall winner was from Detective Comics #500. 'To Kill A Legend' sees Batman and Robin gifted a chance from the Phantom Stranger to save a Wayne family on another Earth from the gun of Joe Chill! It's an Alan Brennert, Dick Giordano and Adrienne Roy instant classic!

The other 9 stories: 

Sivana's Nobel- Dr. Sivana's reputation as an evil mad scientist is at risk when Captain Marvel nominates the fiend for a Nobel Peace Prize, based on the fiend's 'failed' experiments that end up benefiting humanity.

The Dummy- Sgt. Rock's Easy Company have just lost their BAR man. Their new recruit ends up being a real dummy. Literally!

A Day In The Lives- Witness a typical day in the lives of the New Teen Titans. Changeling has to save his dad's company. Cyborg meets some special fellas who totally relate to him. Kid Flash enjoys dinner with the fam. And Raven takes on a demonic power. 

Piper at the Gates of Hell- A House of Mystery yarn about a small town that participates in a hellish rite in return for it's societal panacea. 

The Haunting- After his wife and son leave him, Jonah Hex goes on a binder that brings up ghosts from his past.

The Triumph- Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps take on a pair of foes that will one day usher in a CRISIS and a BLACKEST NIGHT.

Whatever Happened to the Crimson Avenger?- Len Wein, Alex Saviuk and Dennis Jensen answer that question.

The Pursuit of Joy- A segment from the short-lived but powerful 'Tales of Gotham City' series. A virtuoso and a struggling violinist are destined to meet on the streets of Batman's home turf.

The Dying Day of Lois and Lana- Superman struggles to find the cure to a plague that has Lois Lang and Lana Lang's hours numbered. It's the same virus that killed Ma and Pa Kent! So for the Man of Steel, this is personal!

I didn't feel that this was a perfect collection of stories. The Sgt. Rock adventure was rather odd. I can't believe that Rock would be tolerant of a rookie that carries a ventriloquist dummy with him everywhere. But he does! If it was Nick Fury, the kid would have his butt chewed out and the dummy in pieces. 

Personal tastes aside, this was a wonderful anthology issue based on the top tales of 1981. Even at 44 years old, I jump for joy when I find one of these beauties for a good price. Sure, I need a magnifying glass now to read them. But there's such a wave of nostalgia that comes over this madman when I hold one of this tiny beauties in my hand. The smell of the newsprint. The feel of the smooth cover and rough paper. I loved it!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Completing this review completes Task #36 (Issue from an Anthology Series) of the 2022 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

 

Marvel Comics Presents #58

The mystery behind the alternate Wolverine is finally revealed. It's a satisfying reveal and it's a blast from the past!

The Werewolf by Night story is getting even more crazier by the minute. We've got an immoral clan of lycantropes with a thing for hedonism on one side. Then we've got a religious nut who thinks all werewolves are instruments of Satan. Poor Jack Russel is caught in the middle with 2 targets on his back. 

I really love the Namor story. The banter between him and Sandra Rains, the director of the underwater documentary crew, is epic. It ranks up there with Sam & Diane, Maddie & David, Kate Hepburn & Cary Grant. Yes- I am implying that there's a little sexual tension here.

The Iron Man one-shot tale is the weakest of the bunch. It's yet another story of somebody stealing Tony Stark's tech. I'm getting kinda tired of that old tale. It's not like other characters in comicdom don't have the same repeated plot. But when it comes to Batman and the Joker, Captain America and the Red Skull, The Fantastic Four and Doctor Doom, there's a thread of originality running through. Not when it comes to somebody trying to become an armored warrior by robbing Tony Stark. The only thing that changes is the serial number of the suit being targeted.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #57

A new wrinkle into the Wolverine/Hulk story. Logan seemingly died. And now Hulk is being attacked by said dead Wolverine. 

Nothing really memorable for this issue's offering from the Werewolf by Night story. 

A new multi-parter starring Prince Namor, The Sub-Mariner. A documentary filmmaking team is attacked by unknown terrors of the deep. While Namor doesn't really approve of humans mucking around it his domain, he's also not going to stand for wanton killing of anyone under the waves either.

Lastly, the one-and-done story focuses on Alicia Hardy- the Black Cat. Can't really say much about the story itself. But I did like the surprise ending. Okay, maybe not a surprise in the sense of like a clown jumping out of a cake instead of a sultry dancer. More like a suspenseful 'oh, damn', moment like when all the pieces of a puzzle come together to reveal who Kaiser Soze real it.  

Not really a standout issue in the series. But not a stinker either.

Rating: 6 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #56

The Stingray story, written by Len Wein, ends on such a high note. If I could go back in time, I'd do everything in my power to convince Marvel to do a series based on Stingray written by Len Wein! It's so freakin' good! 

Speedball appears in the one-and-done story. It's illustrated by a legend as well. Steve Ditko! Ditko! DITKO!! Written by Mary Jo Duffy, this story has Speedball going up against a gang of men in masks based on the number of pips on a die! Really great story. I've got half a mind to add the early issues of Speedball to my wish list. If the team who did this story is the same on the series, I may very well might. 

The Wolverine/Hulk story adds as clone at the same time as killing off on of the two heavyweights.

The Jack Russell story is so freakin' bloody. If DC published this, it would be a Vertigo level publication. Definitely not for the kiddies!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Powers in Action (Family Comic Friday)

Hiya Folks- I've been cleaning out my Google Docs and I found this unpublished classic review from when I was a writer for Outrightgeekery.com. Other than grammar, I've not made any updates to when I wrote this in 2019.

Enjoy!

Marvel Comics Presents #55

Wolverine and The Hulk are busy getting acquainted. 

Brother-in-laws Stringray and Tiger Shark get into such a ruckus, they end up hurting the one person both of them loves most.

Jack Russell seeks a tribe of berserk werewolves and ends up becoming the target of a religious fanatic who seeks to cleanse the world of his kind.

But the story that gets my attention is the 8-pager set in China. A group of brothers make up a Communist superhero known as the Collective Man. A hero of the People, the government forbids the brothers from going to visit their dying mother. That's really the wrong move as nothing stops a collective man from his mama!

I've never heard of the Collective Man before. The logo on the back cover for the character(s) is so cheesy looking. But this was a very good story that was action packed. I wonder if he makes a appearance in Shang Chi or is this a character too controversial for Marvel to present least they fear the Communist Chinese government's reprisal in the all too important international movie theater market. But I'd be happy to see him appear in the MCU.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars. 

The Batman/Judge Dredd Collection

The 1990s was the cross-publication crossover era. After a brief blip in the late 70s, the DC and Marvel universes went through most of the 1980s without the two sides ever meeting. Then in the 90s with Marvel facing bankruptcy, the worlds of the two big publishers collided. Not to be outdone, the major indy publishers followed suit. Shi meet Daredevil. The Ninja Turtles meet Savage Dragon. And Batman meet everyone!

That's how the DC Universe came to meet the citizens of Mega City One!

In Judgment on Gotham, a futuristic piece of tech transports the feared Judge Death to Gotham City. In a melee with Death, the Batman gets his hand on the dimensional warping gadget and finds himself in Mega City One facing down the one and only Judge Dredd! Meanwhile, back in Gotham, Judge Death forms an unholy alliance with the Scarecrow! 

Vendetta in Gotham sees Judge Dredd in Batman's backyard and he's come with a sentence on the Dark Knight- a death sentence! 

The story Die Laughing is supposed to be the next story. According to the ending of Vendetta in Gotham, that's where things wrap up. Yet, for some reason, The Ultimate Riddle came next. It has Batman, The Riddler and Judge Dredd enslaved by a powerful being who has joined the mightiest fighters in the galaxy in a no holds barred battle royale.

Vendetta in Gotham wraps things up with the Joker joining forces with the Dark Judges in Mega City One! 

Finally, the last Czarnian, Lobo is hired to protect an intergalactic children's host who happens to get kidnapped by the mutants of Mega City One. The story was a wild ride. What would you expect from a 1990s era Lobo story? Not sure why this one was added to a collection of Batman/Judge Dredd crossovers. But I am glad it was. Now if we could get a Lobo/Deadpool crossover!

5 amazing adventures. The level of violence, gore and naked flesh would make this a Vertigo property. But I guess DC saw a cash cow and thought they'd lose sales and they might of! I'm sure 2000AD didn't care one bit. But this is definitely not something for all ages. Maybe not mature audiences only type stuff. But please don't buy this for your under 11 years old Batman fans!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Dio- Holy Diver (2022 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

If you hit record stores in late May 1983 you might have seen a certain debut album with some interesting art. The cover shows a giant demon creature standing over a mountain side as a priest wrapped in chains struggles to stay afloat in the waters below. Welcome to heavy metal band Dio and their debut album Holy Diver.

The religious right had a fit. They argued that the artwork was satanic with a demon killing a man of the cloth. But Dio front-man Ronnie James Dio argued that things were from a different perspective. And that perhaps it wasn't a priest being killed but in fact a monster!

The cover was painted by Randy Berrett and has since become known as one of the most iconic album covers of all-time. The album cemented Ronnie James Dio as one of the preeminent heavy metal headliners after tenures with the bands Rainbow and an Ozzy-less Black Sabbath. But the question still persisted 'What's the story behind the album cover?'

Over the years, Ronnie James Dio and his wife Wendy would conduct charity work for exploited children; later for child sex victims of the Catholic church. In interviews, Dio would claim that his controversial album cover was coming true. Some would question if Dio himself was a victim of molestation, having been raised in the Catholic church. While Dio was not officially listed as having answered in the affirmative, the singer would continue to allude to his Holy Diver artwork as being something 'not as it seems.'

Ronnie James Dio passed away in May, 2010. While he never fully gave away all of his secrets, he left a backstory to the Holy Diver artwork. According to wife Wendy, Dio was okay with the story being revealed after he passed. She just needed to find the right voices to do it.

To mark the 10th anniversary of Ronnie James Dio's death, Dio's widow selected 30 Days of Night's Steve Niles to take the singer's notes and turn them into a cohesive story. Artist Scott Hampton (Black Widow) would illustrate. Together, readers were taken back in time to an age of magic and dragons. 

On a secluded island, Father Emil seeks to convert it's pagan inhabitants to Christianity. The elders imprison the priest in hopes of teaching him a lesson in tolerance. But when it's revealed that the holy man has been poisoning the children with lessons on hate, the adults find that they make have to put an end to Father Emil.

The story was quite good. But I was really hoping for a foreword or even an afterword to delve more into the mind of Ronnie James Dio. The priest on the cover of the album is wearing modern vestments. I would have liked to known if setting the story in what I assume is medieval times was intentional or a game time decision in hopes of not offending the Church. 

Scott Hampton's artwork was really chaotic. Some characters looked cartoonish while others looks amazingly lifelike. There's also a lot of nudity in this book (and why are they floating?!). With the druid-like village and excessive skin, this book felt a lot more like a prequel to The Wicker Man than a tell-all about what really happened between the demon, Murray, and the drowning priest. 

This graphic novel clocks in at 124 pages. All story. No backstory. And backstory was why I bought this book! I guess I'll just never know the full ins-and-outs of the artwork to Holy Diver!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars. 

Completing this review completes Task #22 (With a music or art theme) of the 2022 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

Vampirella Valentines Day Special (2022)

I wrapped up my Valentine's Day readings with a real vamp. Four stories of love and romance from Dynamite Entertainment.

The first story was the best. A retiring detective reflects on his first encounter with Vampirella which was a Valentine's Day night to remember.

Then Vampirella must protect New York City from a pair of elemental kaijus.

In a story set during the days of the Old West, a pair of outlaw lovers seek refuge from a mysterious benefactor known to help gunslingers arrange a much needed disappearance.

Lastly, Vampirella travels overseas to investigate reports of a Valentine's Day killer.

I've been reading comic books for like 40 years. This is the first time I've ever read a Vampirella comic. It is because of how she's dressed? More than likely. It's definitely not because of the horror aspect. I try to shy away from sexpot characters. But my favorite LCS knows I'm a big holiday comics collector and they ordered this for me. They've made good recommendations for me in the past, so I went with it. They did a good job on this.

Only the first story involved sex. Even then, it was off-screen stuff. And still, it was the best written of the quartet. I wasn't sure if the Old West story involved Vampirella or not. Or one of her multiverse alternates. (I might not read Vampirella stories but I am aware of her exploits from reading the previews.)

Have I become a Vampirella fan? Will I be requesting more Vampirella in my in-box? Probably not. But I will be open to collecting more holiday adventures starring the iconic horror dream queen. 

Happy V-Day!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars

Strange Love Adventures #1

For the past couple of years, I've been lamenting both the pricey $9.99 MSRP and the lack of quality of the over-sized DC holiday specials. Well, it's Valentine's Day and I laid down a Hamilton for this years romance offering. 

And I must say- this one was great!!! 

Instead of trying to make a political statement (or insult it's bread & butter readers), DC actually crafted 8 stories that were entertaining and fun! They all had heart, which is probably a good thing since this is a Valentine's Day special. True, not every story takes place during V-Day but love is definitely in the air. 

Highlights include: 

• Harley Quinn goes on the rebound from the Joker once again to become the Bride of Black Adam?!
• Sgt. Rock is sent to dinosaur island and makes allies from unlikely pair of love birds
• Alfred reflects on his time as the patriarch of the Batman Family
• Billy Batson calls upon Clark Kent to help him navigate his first date
• Iris Allen and the Flash go on a Valentines double-date with Grodd

I am surprised that DC didn't focus on same-sex relationships or gender identity in this special. While the Alfred story is about the bonds of family love and the Harley story ends with her and Poison Ivy having a romantic night together, the majority of these stories are about heterosexual relationships. I really would have thought that DC would be all about Love is Love in this special, which for a special about love and romance, would have been completely appropriate. I'm just thankful that for once DC left out references to Trump, Global Warming and more of it's triggering soap boxes. 

Now if only DC would carry this formula to it's Halloween and Holiday specials. But with the forthcoming deaths of most of the heavy hitters of the DCU, I'm not holding my breath. At least this special was satisfying!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Archie's Valentine's Spectacular (2022 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

It seems only natural that Archie Comics has decided to issue an Archie Valentine's Day special this year. Since his very first appearance in the pages of Pep #22 (Dec. 1941), love has always been on Archie's mind. 

The first love interest for Archie was Betty; as she was moving into the redhead teens' Riverdale neighborhood in that first story. 4 issues later, Archie's love life was forever complicated when the wealthy Veronica Lodge moved into town. 

For decades, the eternal question was 'Betty or Veronica?' In 1982, the love life of Archie Andrews got even more complicated with the arrival of the spicy redhead, Cheryl Blossom. In recent years, Archie has even developed a relationship with Josie and the Pussycats bassist Valerie Smith. 

In this Valentine's Day special, a new love of Archie's is introduced. A songstress named Taylor Sweet, has become the latest pop sensation thanks to a love song based on a failed relationship with Archie. If you figured out that Taylor Sweet is a play on Taylor Swift- give yourself a cookie. Now if you can figure out if Archie is supposed to be Harry Styles, John Mayer, Jake Gyllenhaal- you win the game. Though with Archie's red hair and penchant for the guitar, the safe money would be on Ed Sheeran!

There are 3 classic Archie love-stories added to this special. Betty and Veronica take readers on a history of romance from the prehistoric age up through the Elizabethan era. Then Midge suspects that their might be some pent-up romance behind the practical joke war between Jughead and Veronica. Obviously, the real meaning behind it all is much sillier than that. Lastly, Betty and Veronica become fans of the works of a new romance novelist. Nobody knows who the writer really is. But when Ronnie finds an unpublished manuscript on Mr. Weatherbee's computer, surely the Bee can't be the hot new writer! Can he?

This was an endearing V-Day special. But it was far from perfect. For one thing, the artwork in the opening story was uneven. Taylor Sweet wasn't drawn in the Archie way. It looked like somebody drew a character from the Jonny Quest universe in with the Archie Gang. Things just didn't gel properly.

Then there is the romance novel story. It's definitely a product of times gone by. Nowadays, if a school official was revealed to be the brains behind a fiery romance novel, there would be hell to pay. Have said official share their sexy works with their students, A) the employee would be terminated and B) parents would file a lawsuit to have such works scrubbed from library shelves. I'm not being political with this statement.As a public school teacher, I'm just stating fact. 

Despite how controversial that last story could be, it was also the best of the bunch! That's because it was the work of Dan Parent, the definitive modern Archie creator! Again, just stating fact!

Dan Parent also crafted the cover. It features several of the many loves of Archie Andrews. But the truest romance on the cover doesn't even involve the world's oldest redheaded teen. It's Jughead and his affection for a properly cooked Pop's Chock'lit Shoppe cheeseburger!

Ah. Young love at it's most innocent.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Completing this review completes Task #14 (Published This Year) of the 2022 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

Red Sonja Valentine's Day Special

Love, Hyrkanian Style!

Red Sonja is the target of a love potion gone wrong. Expect lots of magic, blood and mayhem.

I'm not sure why I didn't read this when new last year. Pandemic was probably behind it. My favorite LCS may not have been open to the public. Or I was just not comfortable leaving my house at the time. But for one reason or another, I didn't own this book until sometime after February 14th.

I've got mixed feelings about this book. I really didn't have a clue where the book was going for the first about dozen pages. I didn't get the joke on the inside cover with the credits. I really thought there were 6 different short stories in this. So, I was really confused as to why the first story was so freaking long. 

Then you got the fact that Red Sonja lives in a time prior to the existence of Valentine's Day. How can this be a Valentine's Day special? Sure, 'love' is in the air and there are cupids in this book. But, it's like when there is a Flintstones Christmas Special. Christ was not born during the time of the giant lizards. These kind of anachronisms just irk me. 

The story overall was very well written. It's by Fables' Bill Willingham! Of course it's well written! I thought the middle spread of 'Red Sonja's Dating Tips' were hilarious. It too was anachronistic. But it was intended to be humorous. It did not irk me. 

I also loved the retro variant cover. Though I must be honest. I thought that Red Sonja was kissing one of the characters from Planet of the Apes. Silly me..,

Enjoyable. Not really Valentine's Day. But I see the effort and I appreciate how Dynamite Entertainment is attempting to start up a run of Valentine's Day specials. 

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Patrick The Wolf Boy Valentine's Day Special

From 2001, the comedic genius of Art Baltazar and Franco combine to bring fans another round of hi-jinks starring Patrick the Wolf Boy. This time around involves the holiday of love- Valentine's Day!

I'm not sure why Patrick had a heyday in the earliest of early 2000s and then just seemed to go the way of the dodo. Patrick the Wolf Boy is hilarious. Most segments are only 2 pages in length. But I laughed and laughed. 

I know that Patrick is a tribute to former child actor Butch Patrick and his werewolf character of Eddie Munster. But there's also elements of Dennis the Menace with Patrick's shenanigans and Calvin and Hobbes with Patrick and his parents, babysitter crush and school chums. 

Nothing felt stale. It was creative. It was seasonal. And did I mention it was gosh-darn funny? 

This is the second holiday special starring Patrick the Wolf Boy that I own and have read. There's about a dozen more one-shots out there and I want them all! Thanks to this special, I'm adding every one of them to my wish list now!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

DC Super Pets: Comet: The Origin of Supergirl's Horse (Family Comic Friday)

This Valentine's Day, a couple of special little girls will be getting this book as a gift from my wife and me. I know that technically this isn't a comic book. But it's written by a comic book author. It's illustrated by a comic book artist. And it contains characters from your favorite DC Comics titles! So I'm counting it for Family Comic Friday. 

In this book geared for young readers under the age of 8, kids will be introduced to Supergirl's magical flying horse, Comet! This book is just one of several new paperbacks by Steve Kortae and Aw Yeah! Comics' Art Baltazar that focuses on the pets and animal sidekicks of your favorite heroes and villains including Superman, Aquaman and Green Lantern. This is the second wave of origin books from the talented duo. Books starring Krypto, Ace, The Bat-Hound and Streaky the Supercat were released in 2017. All are still in print. 

After you met all of the DC Super Pets, you can then read up on their adventures in about a dozen age appropriate adventures illustrated by Baltazar. They're written by a host of talented children's authors such as A Dog and His Girl Mysteries' Sarah Hine-Stephens.

One reason I think DC decided to release this next wave of origin books is economic. The animated DC League of Super-Pets is tentatively due in theaters this May. That all depends on COVID, of course. But with the voices of Dwayne Johnson,. Keanu Reeves and Kevin Hart, Warner Bros. is pulling out all stops for this cartoon adventure! What a brilliant way to introduce youngsters to several unfamiliar animal characters than to pre-release a number of introductory volumes featuring the stars. 

However, I am a bit confused why DC and Warner chose to release a book on the squirrel-like Green Lantern B'DG! (pronounced Badge), instead of Ch'p whom is going to be in the movie. 

The youngsters I am gifting this book too are too young to read this on their own. But I have a feeling their Dads will definitely be reading this to them. Plus, I've got to get them started on Supergirl early! If they are a fan of this, you can be sure they'll be getting the Streaky book for Christmas!

A fun read for the whole family and the perfect appetizer for this Summer's animated super pet blockbuster!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Fred & Bianca Valentine's Day Special

The cover says that this is the Fred & Bianca's Valentine's Day Massacre. However, the official title is called Fred & Bianca's Valentine's Day Special #1. If you are a collector of holiday themed comics, you might have to search for either in order to find it as different databases have it listed under either name.

If you become a fan of Fred & Bianca and you want more of their adventures, don't base a search on what it says in the top right corner. There's no such thing as a comic called 'X-Thieves'. Instead, you have to search for a comic called Aristocratic Xtraterrestrial Time-Traveling Thieves. I'm thinking publisher Comics Interview is guilty of attempting to monopolize on the popularity of X-Men with that little triangle blurb. As for me, I bought it strictly for the V-Day theme. And while love and romance is in the air with this book, the holiday is never once mentioned. 

Before going into the details of this issue, a little back story. Fred is the alien on the left who has the face of a horse, tail of a kangaroo and toes of X-Man named Nightcrawler. Bianca is on the right. She's human. Both are thieves that fly around in a ship able to change shape and size. And it's called a TARDIS! No lie, they really refer to Fred's Fredmobile as a TARDIS like in the big blue box from Doctor Who. 

Oh, and the pair are lovers.

Anyways, in this story, Fred and Bianca are working on their next heist when the pair run across one of Bianca's old flames. It's a bounty hunter who is still hung up on Bianca. Under the delusion that Fred hypnotized Bianca away from him, the merc kidnaps Bianca. He'll make Bianca fall back in love with him or die trying. That means Bianca too!

This 1989 special was entertaining. I'm just a bit miffed that there's nothing really holiday related. That's because this issue is a reprint of issue #5 of Aristocratic Xtraterrestrial Time-Traveling Thieves. There's also a Fred & Bianca Mother's Day Special. I'm a little hesitant to pursue it least its just a reprint of a matronly themed issue from the Indy series. 

Who am I kidding? If I found it for a buck, I'd be buying it. I'm that much of a sucker for holiday comics of any kind.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #54

A couple of issues ago, I talked about an 8-pager starring the Hulk. I mentioned that Hulk was green and he wasn't being referred to as Mr. Fixit. I wondered if this was a flashback. It appears that that story was indeed a flashback because the Hulk is here and he's gray once more. Whether Hulk is still a mob bouncer by the name of Fixit is unclear. That's mostly because in the opening salvo of this Wolverine team-up, Logan mostly encounters Bruce Banner as he's getting his butt kicked by a grizzly bear! Why isn't he hulking up? I think we'll have to wait to the next issue to find out!

The Stingray story in which Tiger Shark is his brother in-law is fantastic. I'm eager to see where this is going!

Jack Russell, the Werewolf by Night, begins a 6-part story. His wolf form is growing ever more fierce. Every full moon, Jack is chaining himself in a cloistered area. However, there's been a number of slayings that look like the result of a wolf. Is Jack losing control to the point that he's escaping, killing and then re-chaining himself to a concrete wall? It doesn't seem possible. But the evidence of a werewolf killer is pretty damning. 

In the one shot story, the secret Kali-loving hero, the Shroud encounters a dangerous young girl. With her ability to project intense light, this woman is the antithesis of the Shroud and she's sworn to revenge her family by killing any and all followers of the god Kali! That means Shroud has a giant target on his back!

All 4 segments were very good. Wolverine is better when he's not so arrogant. Stingray deserved his own series, as long as if it was penned by the legendary Len Wein (Swamp Thing). I'm intrigued by the mystery at the center of the Werewolf by Night story. And I really enjoyed the Shroud story. 

I was completely surprised by that because from encounters within the pages of Super-Villain Team-Up and Spider-Woman, I loathed this character. But with a much better framework story explaining his whole hero posing as a crime lord shtick and Batman-like compassion, I had a much favorable view of Shroud. It doesn't mean I'm going run out and buy a full run of Shroud appearances. But I don't dislike the character anymore- for now!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #53

I've really not been a fan of the Billy Mumy/Miguel Ferrer Comet Man story. Maybe the domestic violence storyline that runs through the plot hits too close to home. Maybe it's just not that good. Well, I can't dog on the finale. There's a satisfying but eerie twist that was thrilling, unforgettable and unsettling. 

The B-lister aqua-hero Stingray debuts in this book with the opening chapter of a 4-parter. I did not know that the character had ties to the Sub-Mariner arch-villain, Tiger Shark. They're brother-in-laws! It's definitely got promise!

There's also a one-and-done starring Black Widow and Silver Sable. The two femme fatales battle it out on the Eiffel Tower in order to lay claim to a former Nazi war criminal. Widow's working for SHIELD. Sable is working in the employ for some other international law enforcement agent. A flip of the could decide who claims the prize.

Plus, Wolverine attempt to reform his fallen protege Wild Child comes to an end. The ending is far from unexpected. But I did not expect to be such a fan of it. 

4 superb segments in an anthology series that has had more misses than hits.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #52

Rick Jones and the Incredible Hulk appear in this issue. Just not together. 

Former Hulk sidekick Rick Jones is in the Caribbean taking a much needed break from the rigors of being a touring rock star. When the landlord of his motel is accosted by a gang of brutes wearing animal masks, Jones uses his experience as a former sidekick to Captain America to bring about some vigilante justice.

The Hulk story must be a flashback. In recent issues, he's been going as the gun metal gray Mr. Fixit. Now Hulkster is green again. Maybe Marvel had a special on green ink as the alien race of telepathic pranksters are also green.

The Wolverine/ Wild Child story is actually really good. It's refreshing to see Logan being compassionate and a little vulnerable for a chance. The Comet Man story continues to be trash. I just can't get into this domestic abuse multi-parter.

Once again 3 out of 4 stories are very well executed. 

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars. 

Marvel Comics Presents #51

The newest Wolverine led story has Logan facing his demons from his days in Alpha Flight. His former Omega Flight apprentice Wild Child has resurfaced after years of being believed long dead. Seeking another chance, Wolverine will pull out all stops to save the floundering mutant. 

Iron Man rejects a UN cease and desist order to conduct a one-man rescue mission for a close person friend being held captive by a Communist Asian nation. Though never mentioned by name, the country is either China, North Korea or Vietnam. My money is on China, with North Korea a distant second. Regardless, Marvel refused to name names least they be boycotted! 

And that infuriates me when companies like Marvel will turn a blind eye to the Chinese government's atrocities all for the sake of profits!

Then the French solider of fortune, Le Perigrine is recruited by the US Navy to help free a vessel from terrorists. I'm wonder if Tom Clancy wrote this one because it's got a military cover-up almost as big as the Red October!

A pleasing trio of stories to balance out the really lame Comet Man story. The only thing about this story that impresses me is that Billy Mumy and Miguel Ferrer wrote this story. Most people remember Mumy from Lost in Space. But I did not know that Robocop's Miguel Ferrer wrote comic books! Now I know why he didn't very many comics...

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

All-Pro Sports Comics #1 (2022 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Challenge)

Even though I was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, I paid very early attention to the career of one Vincent Edward Jackson.  

Oh, you don't know Vincent Edward Jackson? Well, do you know Bo- Jackson, that is!

Jackson played a trio of sports for Auburn University including baseball and football. Bo's impressive scoring of 17 touchdowns and almost 1,800 yards during his senior year earned the Tiger the Heisman Trophy and Walter Camp Award in 1985. While Bo's future looked paved in goal with teams such as the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Buccaneers putting early bids on the multi-sport star. Ultimately, Bo went on to play with the Kansas City Royals and Los Angeles Raiders while securing several lucrative endorsement deals including Nike and a live-action cartoon series with NBC. 

But early on as a child, Bo Jackson almost ended up behind bars. The 8th of 10 children, Jackson's family were literally dirt poor in rural Alabama. They lived in a 3 room shack that did not have indoor plumbing. Often targeted for his stutter, Jackson developed a violent temper. The angeralso earned him a nickname- 'Bo-hog', later shortened to just BO.

A violent incident of animal cruelty put Bo at an impasse- clean up his act or got to juvenile detention. For the sake of his mother, Bo chose to put his aggression into school sports. Bo become a 3-sport star and was heavily recruited by many SEC schools. Jackson selected Auburn due to it's proximity to his family and the rest was history.

Some of that history includes Bo running a touchdown for a then record of 92 and 93 yards, breaking baseball bats over his knee when he struck out, hitting a home run in 4 consecutive at bats, and becoming the first player in MLB all-star history to hit a homer and to steal a base in a game. He was the MVP for that 1989 game. 

The Bo Jackson train came to a screeching halt in a January 1991 NFL play-off game against the Cincinnati Bengals. A rough tackle resulted in Bo dislocating his hip. Somehow upon being taken off the field, the hip popped back into place and the damage was done. Blood vessels damaged, Jackson was soon diagnosed with avascular necrosis which killed all of the cartilage within Bo's hip socket. 

Bo would never play football again. After taking 1992 off to get a total hip replacement, Bo returned to baseball with the Chicago White Sox and the California Angels. While Bo did have some impressive numbers, chronic pain kept him from ever playing more than half a season's worth of game. By 1994, Bo Jackson hung up his cleats for good. 

This issue of All-Pro Sports Comics was published in 1991 just as Bo's career ending injury had experts wondering 'what if?' Published by Burke Publishing, this issue was to usher forth a vast line of comics based on current and all-time great superstars of all areas of sports. Ultimately, only 5 issues were published. Joe Montana, Wayne Gretzky, Larry Bird and Evander Hollyfield were featured in these unauthorized biographies. Sadly, Burke Publishing folded sometime in 1992 before the release of the much promised issue to feature 'Steffi Graf Graf and the Babes of Tennis!' All-Star Sports Comics would be Burke's only comic book publication.

There is supposed to be a variant cover to this issue. Bo in his Royals uniform is the lesser known version. Despite the rarity of the KC Royals cover, I haven't seen a very big difference in the prices of the 2 comics. Though, I've run across the Raiders issue on several occasions in bargain bins throughout the North Carolina comic convention circuit. 

Bo Jackson will never be a part of Canton or Cooperstown. His career was too short and he never played for a championship team. But those short several years that Bo did play were exciting. If anything, Bo will forever be enshrined in my personal hall of fame. He was an amazing specimen who unfortunately became a victim of a career ending injury.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars. 

Completing this review completes Task #37 (About Sports) of the 2022 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

Ghostbusters: Ghost Busted (2022 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Challenge)

Manga.

Comics and graphic novels that originate from Japan. Often printed in black & white for either economic reasons, aesthetic purposes; or both! Based on Japanese scrolls from the 19th Century, most manga is read from right to left. The artwork is highly stylized and sometimes a characters emotions or a scenes overall theme might result in the characters looking totally different for a panel or two. While a majority of manga is based on popular Japanese franchises or an all-new idea, a manga set to a licensed property from the West has become a growing trend in the past 50 years. Batman, Star Wars, Star Trek (Original Series and Next Gen.) and the Marvel Universe have all received the manga treatment. 

Ghostbusters.

A doomed labor of love from Dan Aykroyd to create a project to help keep best friend John Belushi out of trouble, resulted in the birth of a comedy horror franchise. In 1984, the world was introduced to the Ghostbusters. Ray, Peter, Winston and Egon. These four heroes work to free New York City from the threat of the demonic Gozer and it's army of ghosts and demons. After a not-as-good sequel, an amazing ABC Saturday cartoon series and toy line and a handful of video games ranging from god-awful (Sega) to epic, the Ghostbusters were turned into a manga in 2008.

Ghost Busted is set a couple of years after the events of Ghostbusters II. Reinstated by the mayor of New York, the guys set about ridding the world of spectral threats. But instead of just blasting every ghost they run across, the Ghostbusters have also gotten into the medium business. 

Realizing that many spirits are just the deceased trying to right some wrongs before heading over to the other side, the fellas now try to solve the Big Apple's ghost problem peacefully. However, should things get out of hand, the Ghostbusters are not afraid to use their nuclear powered proton packs. 

While the Ghostbusters continue to investigate the paranormal to great success, a character from the team's past hasn't had it so good. A plan of revenge is brewing. Allies are being recruited. Soon, a new team of busters will wall the city streets. A team of the undead. Meet the Ghostbuster-busters!

This Manga might not be all that traditional. The publisher, Tokyopop isn't Japanese. It's an L.A. based company whose Manga division was based in Germany. Up until 2011, Tokyo pop published German translations of Japanese comics as well as original English language Manga for American markets. The company now focuses strictly on Japanese properties. 

Also, this book reads left to right like a traditional English language text. The panels also rotate clock-wise instead of counter. But the artwork is definitely traditional manga. When a character gets emotional, they become angelic chibis or hyper-sensitive emojis. 

So Ghostbusters: Ghost Busted wasn't very true to the manga genre. However, I'm not your average manga reader. The number of manga I've read compared to traditional comics and graphic novels looks like the electoral college numbers between Reagan and Mondale. With exception of the cat-centric What's Michael?, I don't think I've read anything manga that wasn't based on an American property. 

Plus, I love Ghostbusters. I didn't realize how much I needed them until COVID. With being lockdown and then bogged down, I counted down the days to the true sequel of the franchise Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Even after being pleasantly surprised with that 2021 film, my hunger for Ghostbusters continues to gnaw. Consider my appetite sated. But I'll be hungry for another round of my favorite ghost hunters soon! Because CRUD! No Slimer!!!

Though I might have cheated reading an Americanized manga published in Germany, I enjoyed this read. The 2022 reading challenge is supposed to take me out of my comfort zone. I argue that I did venture out a bit. I just didn't swim out into the deep end of the manga pool

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Completing this review completes Task #41 (Manga Work) of the 2022 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.