Marvel Comics Presents #149

There are no multi-part segments in this issue. It's all one-and-done's as the editors have something massive planned for the upcoming 150th issue!

Vengeance, the newest headlining feature in MCP, is on a quest to find a missing boy.

Fan-favorites Colleen Wing and Misty Knight, the Daughters of the Dragon, take on a case that involves domestic violence.

The Starjammers, led by Christopher Summers, try to quell a squabble on an isolated planet before it turns into a huge intergalactic incident. 

Finally, a crippled former Soviet submarine learns that despite Prince Namor's distaste for how humanity has spoiled the seven seas, there's a little bit of human blood beating in the heart of the Sub-Mariner.

I really liked both the Daughters of the Dragon story and the underwater adventure with Prince Namor. The detective story was masterfully written. I hated to close the book on the Sub-Mariner. Wonderful art and storytelling.

The character of Vengeance; I could take him or leave. Mostly leave. The dialogue of his human identity, Michael Badilino, is like that of a terrible 80s cop movie. And when in demon form, this version of the Spirit of Vengeance is just too hardcore for my liking. I honestly think Vengeance likes that the flames of Hell are always licking at his feet. At least Johnny Blaze and Danny Ketch seemed repentant of the mess they got themselves into.

Lastly, that Starjammer story. My feelings on it are kinda mixed. I thought Kelly Corvese's (Spider-Man) story had good writing but a script that seemed too similar to the Vance Astro story from a little ways back. The only character I liked was Corsair. And I thought the artwork by Alexander Morrisey (Punisher Back to School Special) just wasn't that great. 

An okay issue that has a couple great stories. But I think the real fireworks are being held for the next issue which will be an anniversary giant!

Rating: 6 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #148

Black Panther makes a triumphant return to the pages of MCP since the conclusion of his 25-part story in issue #37. In this 8-pager, Black Panther is on the trail of the mutant Sabretooth in the jungle wilds of Wakanda. 

Jason Strongbow, the Indian superhero known as American Eagle, has another fish out of water adventure. Only this time, he's not in the Big Apple. He's in the Middle East taking on an American soldier who tragically was left behind after Desert Storm. Having lost his mind and turned into a despotic nomad warrior, it's up to Strongbow to bring one of our missing sons home.

In the most powerful story of the bunch, and that's saying a ton after that American Eagle story, the hero who could be anyone; even you- Captain Universe, has claimed another temporary host. This time around he's Elijah Jackson, a former star baseball player reduced to a near vegetative state due to a massive stroke. When thugs try to rob his struggling daughter who's recently returned from another desperate trip to the pawn shop, Elijah transforms into Captain Universe, this time armed with a baseball bat, in order to save the day. 

The lone multi-part segment stars the punk-rockish Vengeance. It's an interesting story. But it doesn't hold a candle to any of the 3 one-and-done tales. The Black Panther story has a great twist ending. The American Eagle story is poignant and powerful. The Captain Universe story takes that American Eagle epic and blows it out of the water!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

1st Issue Special #11 (2022 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

A college science experiment for extra credit results in coed Jonathan Drew unlocking his psychic potential. A million-to-one series of events results in the device attached to Drew's noggin to encounter a power surge. At first, it seems that Drew is just a little dazed. But when he asks for a glass of water and telekinetically pours the glass with his mere thoughts, Drew learns that he's one powerful psychic.

At first Drew and research scientist, Dr. Andrew Stone aren't sure what to make with these new found abilities. But when Drew's trial attorney sister, Maria, is killed in a hail of bullets from members of the mob, Drew soon realizes his destiny. He will use his newfound powers to take down the thugs who killed his sister. 

Armed with his new mental abilities and a pistol loaded with tranquilizer darts, Jonathan dons a blue and orange body suit to obscure his identity. His vigilante moniker is Assassin. However, just about everybody knows who Assassin really is thanks to media efforts by Dr. Stone to bring Drew in peacefully before he crossed the ultimate line: murder. But since our hero never kills anyone, he just knocks them out and ships baddies off to jail, I'm not sure whether or not calling yourself Assassin is such a great idea. In Drew's defense, the name Sandman was already taken.

Codename: Assassin was created in a joint effort by issue co-writers Gerry Conway and Steve Skeates, along with Frank and Nestor Redondo. Conway had previously co-created the vigilante character of the Punisher for Marvel. So I think Assassin was supposed to be like DC's version of Frank Castle. Somewhere along the way from Carmine Infantino designing the look of the character and the Redondo Studio putting the final touches on everything, the character of the Assassin went from cold blooded murderer to a much more muscular version of The Shadow. Only they kept the bad boy name. It's like when you have a pit bull named 'Killer' but you have him neutered. The intimidation factor just isn't the same.

Assassin's super-powered foes are almost polar opposites. There's the slinky former circus freak called Snake and then there's the blustering Powerhouse with the ability to siphon off electricity. Both have been hired to protect a mob boss from the Assassin. Snake is really cool looking with his lanky form and green scales. Powerhouse looks like a guy in one of those old scuba suits without the bell helmet. Snake can't be caught; making him a tough foe to nail down. But he's not very powerful. Powerhouse is a shocker but he's about as maneuverable as a bronze statue. 

Just before Assassin is about to tussle with Snake and Powerhouse, the story ends with a cliffhanger. Readers are encouraged to write in for more adventures of Codename: Assassin. Apparently the fan response was rather lacking because it wouldn't be until 2008-09 (roughly 31 years later) until Jonathan Drew would return to print in the pages of a few Superman Family titles. 

In his modern day appearances, the Assassin finally lives up to his name! Working in conjunction with Project CADMUS, Drew killed off several Guardian clones along with project overseer, Dubbilex. Afterwards, Drew would be recruited by General Sam Lane to develop a plan of defense in the light of a potential Kryptonian Invasion. That appears to be the last we've heard of the Assassin... for now.

Rating: 6 out of 10 stars.

Completing this review completes Task #43 (Written by 2 Authors) of the 2022 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

Justice League of America #135 (2022 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

It's the 14th annual meeting of Earth One's Justice League of America and the Justice Society of America from Earth Two. This time around, a third Earth is in danger: Earth-S!

A prehistoric ruler named King Kull has declared war on humanity. The last of his race of protohumans, Kull has vowed to hunt mankind to extinction just as the human race did to his people. In order to do this, Kull attacks the Rock of Eternity and has trapped Captain Marvel's elders and Mary Marvel's patron goddesses, along with the epic wizard, Shazam! 

Just prior to his enslavement, Shazam mentally ordered the super-speedy Mercury to recruit a number of heroes from Earths One, Two and S to stop Kull's plans. After gathering a grand total of 18 heroes, Mercury sends them off to various locations throughout the multiverse. First stop- the Atlantis of Earth Two where women are the dominant gender. Exiled Queen Clea has recruited IBAC, the Penguin and Blockbuster to assemble a device that when attuned to similar technology on Earth's One and S, will result in the end of humankind. 

The 'Crisis on Earth-S' storyline would continue through issue #137 which culminates in one of the very first meetings between Captain Marvel and Superman. This 3-parter is very heavy in Shazam family lore. IBAC is the anthesis of Captain Marvel. He's a milksop delivery man who turns into a fascist brute when he says 'I Back.' King Kull is another villain from Shazam's past. However, if you don't know of the character's background then you will find much of this opening chapter to be rather silly. 

Our story begins with King Kull flying a spaceship to the Rock of Eternity. Now if you're like me, you are wondering what is a prehistoric sovereign doing with a UFO? Turns out that Kull somehow entered a state of suspended animation only to wake up millions of years in the future; our present. With his genius level intellect and membership in the Monster Society of Evil, King Kull has been able to develop a number of gadgets and devices of mass destruction in his quest to eliminate mankind. 

If I had prior knowledge of King Kull, I probably would have been able to suspend my disbelief. Thankfully, the DC Wiki filled in my gaps. Since I don't own issues #136 and 137 yet, it might be a little while before my collection gaps are lessened. 

With rosters of the JLA/JSA and Shazam's Squadron of Justice on both the cover and front page of this issue, I more than meet the challenge of reading a book 'With a Map, Family Tree or Roster in the front/front page'.

Completing this review completes Task #32 (With a Map, Roster or Family Tree in the front/front page) of the 2022 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

Department of Truth, Vol 2: The City on a Hill

It's training day for the Dept. of Truth's newest recruit, Cole Turner. His trainer is a real piece of work. First up on the agenda: an airport in Denver and a Bigfoot hunter in the Pacific Northwest. As Turner learns about the process of changing myth into truth and how to repeal conspiracies that seek to alter our reality, he'll face his old demons- literally. 

It's been about 8 months since reading the first volume to this book. I tell you, this is one scary series from James Tynion IV (Something is Killing the Children). It's not because of the demons or historical references to Aleister Crowley and his sex magic occult. It's because of how close to accurate this book hits with public sentiment against/for the COVID-19 vaccine and events of January 11th, Pizzagate and Jeffrey Epstein. 

I feel like I'm to blame for some of this book. In the 90s and 2000s, I was big on conspiracy theories. And in some ways, I guess I still am. Though I'm not wearing tin foil hats or worrying that the FBI is listening in on my phone calls, I still have alternate views on things. Take climate change for instance. I believe that it's real. I just think how it's coming about is less man made carbon level related and more man made sin nature. See, I'm sounding like a nut too.

We all have our conspiracies. How many of you out there think Tupac faked his death or that red M&Ms cause cancer? We live in a world of distrust and misinformation. So really, who can blame us?

James Tynion IV seems to really have done his conspiracy theory research. With a book about two sides fighting to change reality, he does a very good job of presenting multiple points of view on things like the JFK assassination and UFOs. There's a really solid mystery to the Department of Truth. I just hope that Tynion doesn't fall into the trap Chris Carter did with The X-Files and keep dragging the story out ad nauseam. Let there be a definitive ending. Above all, don't take the easy way out by saying things were all a dream like with the end of X-Files season 10 going into the premiere of season 11. 

Worth Consuming and scary as hell!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Let's face it; the main reason any of us wanted to see this movie was for the introduction of Professor X, Reed Richards and Blackbolt into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We do get about 20 minutes of them along with a Maria Rambeau Captain Marvel and the Peggy Carter Captain America. It's about 15 minutes more than I expected based on other big multiverse team-ups. (I'm looking at you Arrowverse!) But that big 'reveal' just wasn't enough to make this Doctor Strange sequel all that watchable.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness does introduce viewers to modern superhero America Chavez. Her ability to transverse alternate worlds is the catalyst of the majority of this film's plot. Someone with unspeakable power wants America so that they can travel freely throughout the multiverse. But in able to harness that power, America Chavez must die. That's something Stephen Strange and Sorcerer Supreme Wong will risk their lives to prevent. And with Wanda Maximoff on their side, they just might very well stop this force of evil. That is unless there's a traitor in their midst.

With a title like 'Multiverse of Madness', I was expecting quite a few multiverses. I was hoping to maybe visit the Marvel 2099 reality and maybe see some Agents of SHIELD. Yet, with exception of one scene that is rapid fire, there's very few multiverses being traveled too.

The first Doctor Strange film really ignited my passion to read through the earliest comics to star the Sorcerer Supreme. That means I've read a lot of Doctor Strange over the past 6 years. This movie just didn't feel like a Doctor Strange movie to me. But it is very much a Marvel movie and it's got the director's fingerprints all over it!

Sam Raimi was behind the camera for this movie. Raimi is no stranger to Marvel films, having directed the first three Spider-Man features. But those are Sony pictures and this is Disney. Yet, there's a lot of blood, gore and demons spilling over into almost every scene of this motion picture. Such stuff is what Raimi cut his teeth on with his Evil Dead series of horror comedies. That army of damned souls look like they were borrowed from Army of Darkness and there's another Raimi staple in the mix with a cameo by the Man himself, Bruce Campbell. Though can anybody tell me where brother Ted Raimi (Xena: Warrior Princess) is hiding in the multiverse? Cause I didn't see him!

I don't think having Sam Raimi as the director is what put me off major parts of this movie. Though seeing a bunch of characters with their heads explode was a little off-putting. I don't think Uncle Walt would approve of that. Not having seen WandaVision isn't an excuse that I buy either cause I followed things quite well. I just felt that this movie really dragged along at a snail's pace and this whole thing could've been resolved in about 30 minutes. Not the 2 plus hours of run time!

Another issue I had was with the character America Chavez. I thought the actress playing America was really good. I had no issues with the character's LGBTQ background. My whole thing was her appearance. I've only encountered the character in a handful of books. But she's always seemed to be a more body positive character like Valiant's Faith. Yet, actress Xochitl Gomez (The Baby-Sitters Club) is rail thin. Shame on Disney for passing up a chance to portray a superhero who also battles the scale.

If you are looking for an adequate Doctor Strange sequel, check out Spider-Man: No Way Home. It reveals more about what happened after the first film that this picture does. Too long. Not enough multiverse. Missed opportunities in a film that doesn't feel like a Doctor Strange movie. It's very Marvel but just too dog gone long.

Rating: 6 out of 10 stars.

Edison Beaker, Creature Seeker: The Night Door (Family Comic Friday)

Edison Beaker is about to learn that there's more to the family business than getting rid of those pesky bugs. Edison's uncle is the owner of Creature Seekers. What appears to be your average extermination service is actually earth's last line of defense from dark creatures that sneak over from an alternate universe known as the Underwhere.

One night, Edison and his sister Tesla join their uncle on a call. When a dragon destroys the building their uncle is working in, the siblings learn that this isn't one of those standard pest control gigs. The Night Door that prevents an army of dark creatures from invading earth has been damaged and a mysterious orb that acts as a lock to the barricade has been stolen. 

With his sister and uncle kidnapped by the minions of the evil Baron Umbra, Edison must transverse the Underwhere in order to find the orb. Armed with the flashlight given to him by his missing father, Edison will take a dark and fanciful journey to find a way to save the earth, his family, and maybe himself!

It was the artwork that immediately caught my eye. By page 5, I really felt that creator Frank Cammuso's (Knights of the Lunch Table) style was influenced by Bill Waterson's iconic Calvin and Hobbes comic strip. After completing this book, I notice that one of the reviewers made the connection as well. So a big pat on the back for that.

I felt that the artwork on this graphic novel was so lively and fluid, I didn't think I was reading a book- I was watching an animated feature movie! The character of Uncle Earl just screamed the voice of Patton Oswalt. I couldn't really tell who the other characters voices were in my head. But the dialogue was so rapid fire and funny. 

I really enjoyed this 2018 release. A sequel dropped in 2019. I hope I can get my hands on that one because The Night Door left me wanting more- in a good way! I must know what happens next! 

Beautifully illustrated. Smartly and humorously written. And full of action and adventure!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Batman Tales: Once Upon A Crime (2022 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

Batman Tales: Once Upon a Crime takes 4 classic children's stories and adds a Dark Knight twist to them.

+ Damian Wayne is home sick with a fever. In his dreams, he imagines that

he's a little wooden boy who dreams to become a real life sidekick. 

+ Detectives Bullock and Montoya are tasked with finding who stole a very

expensive diamond called ‘The Green Pea’. So let's haul in every baddie

Gotham has into questioning from Harley Quinn to Two-Face in order for Bullock and Montoya to get to the bottom of things.

+ Faithful butler Alfred Pennyworth is cleaning Wayne Manor when he falls

through the looking glass into Wonderland. They ought to call it Arkhamland

as all of the characters Alfred meets are from Batman's Rogue's Gallery.

+Lastly, Batman is assisted on a wintery night by a mysterious woman clothed

in snow and frost in this adaptation of Han Christian Andersen's The Ice Queen. 

Derek Fridolfs and Dustin Nguyen reunited to bring young adult readers this digest volume of myth and fable. In 2009, the pair first joined forces in the

creation of the L'il Gotham Universe where Batman's friends and foes are just a bit smaller and a whole lot cuter. Fridolfs and Nguyen's first entry was a short story in Detective Comics Annual #27. This resulted in a digital miniseries spin-off, the aptly named L'il Gotham.

 

In the digital series, Batman and son Damian celebrated the holidays in a way only the Caped Crusader can- fighting bad guys! On Thanksgiving they fight bargain shoppers and thieving birds during a scheme planned by the Penguin. On New Year's Catwoman contemplates whether to spend the next 12 months

on the straight and narrow or keep on as a master cat burglar. 

Once Upon A Crime continues with that same fanciful style first ushered forth in the annual and digital spin-off. Fridolfs and Nguyen are real students of the Batman Family. The creative duo seem greatly influenced by Batman: The Animated Series with appearances by series characters such as Roxy Rocket, Condiment King, Nora Fries and the Phantasm.

The second story which is modeled after The Princess and the Pea was the best of the quartet. Great dialogue and very creatively plotted. The Pinnochio story was pretty good as it paints a picture of what life would be like if Bruce Wayne and Talia al Ghul wed. I felt that the Wonderland story was just too gosh darn silly. Lewis Carroll's classics starring Alice weren't known for being

very logical. But that yarn lacks that mathematical edge that reflected Caroll's passion for numbers. Though Nguyen’s illustration of the Jabberwock was breathtaking.

The final story was very different in tone. That story was completely in verse. It also lacked the humor of the other 3 tales. I'm not very familiar with Andersen's The Ice Queen. Isn't this what Disney's Frozen is based on? If so, then geez did Disney take a lot of creative license. While I didn't really know the original source material, I really liked this story for its tragic journey that ends in hope.

For my reading challenge, I'm supposed to read and review a Young Adult Graphic Novel. Amazon classifies this book as being for readers aged 8-12. According to several educational websites, a Young Adult reader is one from ages 12-17. While I am on the low end of the spectrum of the age range with this book, I'm still meeting the qualifications for this task.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Completing this review completes Task #35 (Young Adult GN) of the 2022 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge. 

Marvel Comics Presents #147

After several issues devoted entirely to the 'Siege of Darkness' storyline, there's an almost clean slate to the anthology series. Wolverine has been gone for a while and Danny Ketch bid adieu last issue. Taking over the Ghost Rider feature is the most punk rock of all the Spirits of Vengeance, the aptly named Vengeance.

A little about Vengeance. In human form, he's Michael Badilino. Former member of Special Forces, Badilino is a rough and tough New York City cop. Some think he's a part-time vigilante when he's not on patrol. Those guys don't know the half of it. 

There's a new killer on the streets of the Big Apple and it's causing Badilino's 'Ghost Rider' sense to go off. The murderer is meta-human called Psiphon, who gains power and endurance from feeding off the negative emotions of others. I think you can tell where this is going as Badilino is a big bad ugly and his alter ego, Vengeance is even meaner.

Unlike most other issues of this series, the Vengeance story is the only multi-parter. Falcon stars in a drama involving his day job as a social worker, an abused child and a string of arson cases. Native American hero, American Eagle is back in New York trying to save a pair of Indian teens who have run in with the wrong crowd in the big city. 

The last story involves those former Danny Ketch Ghost Rider allies, the Masters of Silence. This 8-pager is their last appearance in the Marvel Universe. But other than why I've gleaned from the Marvel Wiki, is about all I know about the story. It's forgettable.

I'm happy with the new Ghost Rider feature. It's a breath of fresh air. The American Eagle story keeps making me wish that Marvel would have made a fish out of water title with the character back in the 90s. And I loved- I mean LOVED that Falcon story. Powerful stuff that features Sam Wilson's true superpower- social justice. But gee, I wish I could have recalled that Masters of Silence story. They're such a stylistically appealing group of heroes. But obviously, they were grossly misused. 

3 out of 4 ain't bad.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #146

Issue #146 marks the last of the 'Siege of Darkness' devoted issues. 

You really get the sense that these 4 segments are designed mostly to tie up the loose ends. Though there are some notable occurrences peppered throughout.

In the Doctor Strange segment, the demoness Salome makes her first appearance. A minor character that has yet to appear in any movie or TV show as far as I can tell. This debut probably does very little to move the issue value needle. But that could change.

Readers are re-introduced to the Nightstalkers. A trio of ghoul hunters composed of Blade, Hannibal King and Frank Drake; these guys really hate each other. The Children of the Night might have a legitimate chance if the Nightstalkers decide to finish each other off first!

The Devil-Slayer, Eric Payne, is finally given a chance to redeem himself. After years of battling booze, demons and skeptics, the troubled hero finally comes out on top. 

Lastly, continuing from last issue's Ghost Rider story, Danny Ketch attempts to move Heaven and Earth to safe a friend and ally from a deadly Lilin attack.

Speaking of that Ghost Rider story, this is Ketch's swan song in the pages of MCP. At least as a main feature. Wolverine stepped down several issues ago and next issue, Vengeance, that much more hard core version of Ghost Rider will take over for a little while.

Lastly, I want to talk about the cover. As you may recall, MCP has flip covers. The Blaze cover was far more superior than the Doctor Strange image I chose. I don't know why, but I just like the one with the Sorcerer Supreme more for some reason.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #145

It's another round of 'Siege of Darkness' stories in this issue. 

Morbius, the Living Vampire comes face-to-face with the half-Vampire vampire hunter, Hannibal King. It's not Morbius whom King is after. It's a young Lilin child that Morbius feels should not be held accountable for the sins of the father or mother Lilith in this case.

A blast from Doctor Strange's past returns in the midst of this crisis. She's being haunted by her own demons. However, when she learns who her truth father is, things suddenly fall into place.

Danny Ketch is back at one of his favorite haunts, the Cypress Hills Cemetery, where an ally of the Midnight Sons is being held captive by a faction of Lilin.

Finally, Blade makes contact with an ally from his Dracula hunting days. Unfortunately, the guys buried under a ton of rubble and time and air is running out.

All 4 of these stories were good tie-in segments to the 'Siege of Darkness' crossover event. But if you were to read all of the main titles and glossed over this issue, I really don't think you'd miss anything. Of the 3 tie-in issues of MCP (thus far), this is perhaps the issue that most captures the origin anthology spirit this title intended. But geez- that flip cover of Morbius by Steve Lightle and Fred Harper. Man, what a mess. That's why I went with the Ghost Rider cover instead to represent this issue.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #144

Another issue, another round of 'Siege of Darkness' segments. 

The main feature has most of the main players of the story line. Since the enemy, Lilith, is also the fabled mother of vampires, the group known as Midnight Sons are distrustful of one of their allies, Morbius, the Living Vampire! The Midnight Sons are saying that their distrust is due to the revelation in the last issue of a traitor in their midst. But I call BS. 

Blade is part vampire. Yet, his allies haven't turned against him. In a social relevance twist that could only be dreamed up by Marvel, the prejudice is against Morbius because he looks like a vampire! The racism Blade experiences along with the recoil people have against one who looks like Morbius bleeds over into a second segment starring the two.

Meanwhile, Scarlet Witch is still battling a demon within the computer cyber realm that I imagine would one day be called the Internet. And at a school play, the Werewolf by Night, Jack Russell has tracked a group of Lilin. They seek to kill the parents and teachers in attendance while Russell is out for blood. The action unfolds on stage to the awed crowd. This is the best Halloween pageant ever!

Last issue, I thought all of the stories were pretty extraneous to the cross-title plotline. I do not feel that way here. Those first two segments involving Morbius and the traitor are some important pieces of information that readers of regular titles like Doctor Strange and Ghost Rider might be missing out on if they don't read this bi-weekly (or has it gone monthly now?) anthology title. 

As for the extra entries, I don't really see the point of the inclusion of the Scarlet Witch. I've heard of ghosts in the machine but not demons. However, the Werewolf By Night story was sheer gory delight. It didn't move the Midnight Sons story along. But it was magnificent in such a marvelously morbid way.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #143

After wrapping up several multi-part stories, MCP #143 is poised to introduce 4 all new tales. But things are a bit different in this issue. Instead of 3 multi-part stories and a one-shot tale, all 4 segments in this issue are supplemental chapters to the Marvel cross-company story arc 'Siege of Darkness.'

Lilith, the mother of Demons is launching an all-out attack on the Marvel Universe. In order to take over the world, she must first rid the world of its supernatural defenders. In order to do this, Lilith summons the Lilin, her satanic spawn of super-powered demons!

A lot of action has already transpired in the pages of titles such as Doctor Strange and Ghost Rider. I don't have those issues, nor have I read them prior. So forgive me if I don't have all the details 100% accurate.  

Johnny Blaze is alive! Along with Danny Ketch and the new Spirit of Vengeance, aptly named Vengeance, Blaze is separated from the forces mustered by Doctor Strange. It's kinda fortuitous as the trio of hellraisers learn that there's a traitor in the midst of heroes referred to as the Midnight Sons.

Elsewhere, Jack Russell attempts to rescue a group of trick-or-treaters who have been kidnapped by Lilin. The Scarlet Witch learns that demons can also exist in digital form. Rounding things out, the Devil-Slayer, Eric Payne, fights a duo of demons- baby Lilin called Infinks as well as the damning call of the bottle.

Everything that transpires in this issue as well the couple of issues is all going to refer to the 'Siege of Darkness' story line that introduces Marvel's Midnight Sons imprint. As mentioned previously in other reviews, I read these issues months prior and am just now getting caught up. As the Midnight Sons thing hasn't been something to pique my interest, my forthcoming reviews will probably be less than stellar. It's a lot harder to explain a bunch of vignettes that may or may not offer anything to the story than a quartet of stories that are split up into multiple chapters.

I think the overall concept is intriguing. And there's a bunch of differing characters being used. No Wolverine! No Iron Fist! But 3 times as many Ghost Riders! But this issue of MCP is what comic fans would consider a supplemental money grab as the segments don't really do anything to move the overall plot along. Well, maybe that Spirits of Vengeance chapter does with its revelation of a rat in the midst of Doctor Strange's group of heroes. But it's such an insignificant bit of information that otherwise could have been included elsewhere.

Rating: 6 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #142

As mentioned previously in another review, the 3 multi-part stories all come to a close in this issue. I was happy with the Wolverine story's ending and that adventure was enjoyable overall. Ghost Rider's action-packed romp through New York and Hong Kong was good. But it lacked substance. I might have actually done a back flip with the Spellbounder story coming to an end.

What really makes this issue stand apart is the introduction of a character named Alex Grimmond. MCP has seen several new characters make their debut in its pages. But this may be the first and only time that a main character made their first and only appearance in any Marvel publication. 

Grimmond wants to join the 1400 Club. It's an elite association of assassins. Only 1400 killers can be a member at a time and the only way to gain membership is to kill the head honcho, the British accented Foreigner. 

This was a really good tale if only for the twist ending that I didn't see coming. I would have loved a follow up story to this. However, upon checking the Marvel Wiki, as of press time of this review, there has never been another appearance of Grimmond in another comic book from the House of Ideas. 

A great ending to a couple of stories. Another tale was okay. And we're done with a multi-parter that was terrible from almost the very first panel. The thing that makes me the most excited about this issue is that issue #143 is a complete clean slate of 4 new story segments.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Haylee and Comet: A Tale of Cosmic Friendship (Family Comic Friday)

Haylee and Comet: A Tale of Cosmic Friendship is the first in a new series of graphic novels for beginning readers. In this debut volume, little human Haylee wishes upon a falling star for a new best friend. At the same time, our falling star, Comet, is also wishing for a new BFF. Soon it's a lifelong friendship between young girl and dirty snowball! 

In their first series of adventures, the pair build a friendship. Not just a bond between pals. But an actual ship that is half rocket and half sail boat. Afterwards, Haylee presents Comet with a very special gift. But when the present is damaged, what can Comet do to not upset his new friend?

This growing series is written and illustrated by Deborah Marcero (Ursa's Light). Marcero is a K-8 educator and professor of creative writing. You can really tell when a children's author has some sort of education background. Because along with being fun, this book is also imaginative and educational!

In between chapters, Deborah Marcero includes a page of fun ideas for readers (and maybe their best friends) in order to continue the narrative of Haylee and Comet and to put to practice through imaginative play. Then at book's end, there's a 2-page feature on just what are comets. 

With all the extras unexpectedly peppered in, I was an instant fan of this book. It hits all of the right elements I look for in a graphic novel or comic for younger reads. Fun-Check. Funny-Check. Encourages play-Check. Educational without being dull-check, check. This was a perfect book for readers in grades K-5 to second grade.

If this book is an instant favorite of the young reader in your life, then the fun doesn't end. A second volume debuted earlier this year and just last week, book 3, 'Over the Moon' became available for retail. 

I highly recommend!

Worth Consuming!

Marvel Comics Presents #141

Guess who's starring in the single issue feature, again. Yep. It's Iron Fist. I swear, with having Wolverine, Ghost Rider and Iron Fist in every issue, the original concept of MCP being an overall anthology series of the Marvel Universe is essentially dead. 

On the flip side of this, change is about to come as the 3 multi-part stories are all in their penultimate segment phase. 

Wolverine discovers an inter-dimensional portal. If he can close it up, he'd get rid of those pesky aliens and hopefully free a bunch of islanders from mental enslavement. 

The Spellbounder story has been anything but spellbinding. I read this story but I mostly am just going through the motions with it.

The Ghost Rider/Double Dragon- I mean the Masters of Silence team-up, is just about to face the big boss. 

You know, if this entire issue had been an 90s arcade game, I think I would have been all over it. A Street Fighter type game with Ghost Rider, Wolverine and Iron Fist. Epic. Since these type of games were quartets, I wonder who the fourth character would be... Luke Cage? Punisher? Hellcat? I'd love to visit the alternate earth in the multiverse where this video game idea is a reality...

Rating: 5 out of 10 stars. 

Marvel Comics Presents #140

Wolverine is now officially teamed with Doc Samson. Recently freed from his mental enslavement by extraterrestrials, Samson is working to free other humans from their torments. But can the good doctor really be trusted?

The Ghost Rider story that pits him with the Masters of Silence is still action-packed. But that now seems to be all of the story. It's like a Double Dragon video game now. Just continual fighting until you get to the big boss.

I'm just not a fan of that Spellbinder story. This is not because the character is a female. Not at all. It's because the story bounces from reality to induced fantasy; often without warning. And I swear this is just a grown-up version of Rainbow Brite. 

And for our one-and-done story, guess who's back! If you guessed Iron Fist, give yourself a cookie! I mean it's not like the Marvel Universe has other characters or anything. Unfortunately, I don't really remember anything about it either. 

This issue is like a ski slope. You start off on the highest high. But as you make your way through the book, you keep getting lower and lower. Only this time its lowering in quality, not height.

Rating: 5 out of 10 stars.

The True Story of Smokey Bear (2022 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

Mandela Effect Quiz Time- How many of you thought the name was Smokey THE Bear? C'mon, lets see those hands!

Nope- It's Smokey Bear. Don't feel bad. I thought the same thing too. 

Now here's another Mandela Effect Quiz question- Smokey Bear the cartoon character was inspired by a cub found after a forest fire? If you raised your hands in agreement with this one, you are wrong again. But this time, don't blame a time traveler going back in time and screwing around with the time line. Blame the U.S. Forestry Service and a promotional comic book from 1959!

The character of Smokey Bear first appeared in ads in 1944. His first slogan was 'Smokey Says- Care Will Prevent 9 Out of 10 Forest Fires.' Three years later, Smokey came up with his now ubiquitous saying of 'Only YOU Can Prevent Forest Fires.' So where did the living symbol Smokey Bear originate from?

In 1950, a 17,000 acre fire swept through Capitan Mountains of New Mexico. A group of National Guardsmen were working in one particularly fierce hot spot when winds began to overtake the men. The soldiers found a rocky outcrop and safely rode out the fire. Afterwards, the men noticed a scene of total devastation. Animals and fauna were burnt beyond recognition. The only exception was that of a small cub clinging to the trunk of a partially destroyed tree.

The cub's hands and feet were badly singed. But he was alive. The guardsmen took the little guy to the nearest ranger station where a veterinarian was able to nurse the cub back to health. Originally the bear was named Hotfoot Teddy. He was renamed Smokey shortly after. 

As the cub regained his health, national news services picked up the story. Sensing a potential marketing windfall, the US Forestry Service adopted the cub as their real life Smokey Bear mascot. Little Smokey was sent on a PR tour all across the United States. People would flock to state fairs, festivals and local national parks for a chance to see the real life mascot. 

When Smokey got too big to tour, a special pen was set up at the National Zoo in Washington. Fan mail began pouring in to Smokey and his wife Goldie Bear to the point that the postal service had to create a new zip code just for them! 20252 is still used to this day. Those eager to learn about fire safety and prevention can still write to that address for free information. Though a lot of that stuff can now be found online.

So why do some of us think that the cartoon Smokey originated from a little New Mexican bear? In 1959 the Forest Service teamed with Dell Comics to produce a 16 page promotional comic titled 'The True Story of Smokey Bear.' To offset some of the cost, Dell released a 10cent comic called Smokey Bear: His Life Story (Four Color #962); which was filled with his biography, fictional adventures and fire prevention tips. The promo comic reprinted the biography from that issue and was given away to children for decades.

The True Story of Smokey Bear has been reprinted at least 7 times, including a Spanish edition. The last official printing of the comic appears to be from 1991. In the book, it's proclaimed that the Forest Services were inspired to create an ad based on the cub to warn against wild fires. Yes, for time, a realistic rendering of the cub was used in advertisements. However, Dell twisted the facts a bit to say that the cartoon bear we all know and obey evolved from that fire in 1950. 

Saying that you named a bear after a cartoon probably doesn't make for a good story. You might excuse Dell for using a little creative license. However, the legend of Smokey Bear, which was presented in comic book form for nearly 40 years, has now become the reality with TV shows, including History Channel's Pawn Stars going so far to state the the promotional icon got it's origin from a little bear that survived incredible odds.

Now you know the truth about Smokey. My apologies if I ruined childhood history. 

Smokey Bear passed away after a long life and legacy in November, 1976.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Completing this review completes Task #27 (About Nature) of the 2022 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge. 

Black Lightning #6 (2022 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

Jefferson Pierce is on a rampage! Thugs have kidnapped Peter Gambi, the local tailor who has been like a father to Pierce since he was a lad. Behind the abduction are 3 super powered members of the 100. Their mission- to incapacitate and capture the Metropolis super hero known as Black Lightning! 

As the inner city's newest hero conducts his frantic search for his missing friend, Black Lightning reflects over his origin story. An unknown assailant murdered Jefferson's father in cold blood. Shortly afterwards, Peter Gambi moved into the neighborhood and hired Pierce to work in his tailor shop. Over time, Gambi became like a father to Jefferson. Gambi helped the young man through high school and college, earning a scholarship. 

After college, Jefferson would return to Metropolis to work as a school teacher. Noticing a super powered void in the more urban areas of the big city, Pierce would become a hero in his own right with help from Gambi. The tailor created a costume equipped with a special belt that generates a powerful force field and electrical charges. 

Though Peter Gambi might have filled the void in Jefferson's life after the death of his pop, and currently is a trusted ally, right before this issue ends, one of the villains reveals that Gambi is the man who murdered Mr. Jefferson! Could this be true? Or is this yet another mind game devised by the deadly gang lord, Tobias Whale?

This issue of Black Lightning was written by Tony Isabella. Isabella created the character after DC noticed the popularity of Marvel's Luke Cage and desired to cash in on their own black comic character. Originally, editors wanted Isabella to retool a ridiculous character called the Black Bomber. Literally this concept was like a superhero version of the film Watermelon Man in which a white supremacist when under direst changes to an African American and becomes a hero of the black community. Thankfully, Isabella with previous experience having worked on the Luke Cage series, convinced DC to abandon this idea. As a result, in 1977 a more wholesome black character who actively participated in his embattled community as both a 'cape' and a civilian was created in Jefferson Pierce, AKA Black Lightning.

One thing that might surprise fans is that the original version of Black Lightning was NOT a metahuman. Being a star decathlon athlete armed with gadgets and gizmos are what originally give Jefferson Pierce his spark. Before Black Lightning's first series was to become a victim of the DC Implosion, Pierce would eventually gain electrical powers. Retroactively, events from DC's Invasion story line would be revealed as the cause of Black Lightning's powers before eventually the character being retconned to be a metahuman. 

While Black Lightning wasn't DC's first black superhero, the character has evolved to become one of the foundations of not just the DCU's black community but the publisher itself. A popular live action series on the CW seemingly continues the story of the original series. Black Lightning would add a couple of new members to the local community's superhero population: his daughters Anissa and Jennifer; DC's Thunder and Lightning!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Completing this review completes Task #40 (By an author who shares your first or last name- in this case my first!) of the 2022 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge. 

The Official Prince Valiant Collection (Vol. 1)

A young prince rises through the ranks of King Arthur's Court. Thus begins the saga of Hal Foster's Prince Valiant. 

I'm not sure where I scored this over-sized collection of early newspaper comics. I think it might have come from a grab bag which is a pretty nice find if that's the case. Nearly 100 pages of story. 

That had to be how I came across this book. As a child, I loved the dynamic artwork of Prince Valiant. But the writing and lack of word bubbles bored me to tears. Prince Valiant was always the lead feature in my area's Sunday Funnies. Yet, there never was anything funny about it. Plus, with the story being continued week after week, if you missed anything, you were totally lost.

That's why I appreciate this collection. At least 3 stories are collected in their entirety here and there's a beginning of a fourth. Though the cover doesn't say it, this is supposed to be volume 1 of a continuing series. However, I don't think publisher Pioneer was in business long enough to produce other volumes. There is a small shining light of hope to all this as Pioneer did manage to release 18 issues and an annual of further Prince Valiant material. So I could continue the story if I ever felt like searching for the other 15 issues not covered by this edition.

This book does manage to collect the very first stories of Prince Valiant. Getting to read the character's origin story was really cool. It's set at a time where dinosaurs are dying off but there's just enough for folks to think they're dragons and monsters. The aspect of Prince Valiant not just being around in the days of King Arthur's Court but also as a full-fledged member of Camelot was new to me. The original full title of Hal Foster's series was Prince Valiant in the Days of King Arthur. However, by the 1980s when I first encountered the strip it was simply shortened to Prince Valiant.

A lot must be said of Hal Foster's work. Yet, I don't think it all could be put into words. There's an air of realism mixed with bravado in Foster's art. Every character looks modeled after a movie matinee idol. The scenery is given just as much loving eye to detail as the characters. And Foster's prose is a mix of Old English bard and 1930s pulp.

I enjoyed this read. I think I was finally old enough to enjoy it. Having a bunch of the strips in order helped too. Though the editing of them was a bit hap-hazard. Whomever was in charge of formatting this book did happen to number the panels, often of different shapes and sizes, from time to time. But I shouldn't have to find panel #3 right next to panel #8 of the next page over!

Swashbuckling action in the vein of Errol Flynn or in this case: Robert Wagner. Google it!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

X-Men Noir: Mark of Cain

The sequel to X-Men Noir has a much different tone. The story starts in jungles of Madripoor with the original '40s Angel, Wolverine, Cyclops and Puck seeking the legendary Eye of Cyttorak. In desperate need of cash, these survivors from the first miniseries take a job for a crime lord which results in a double cross! But when the boss winds up dead back in the States, there's a second chance to score some bread from this rotten deal. The only thing standing in their way- recently paroled Professor Charles Xavier and his newly formed Uncanny X Men!

This Marvel Noir entry had a little bit of everything. The first chapter was like if Indiana Jones was a mutant. Then there's a Hong Kong crime picture. Horror thriller. Mission Impossible type heist. And a wrap up with a Body Heat/Double Indemnity type mystery noir. 

While I did feel that the Mark of Cain was much better than the first X-Men Noir book, it wasn't perfect. At times, this book was a bit schizoid. That's not me trying to be poetic or something. That's a literal assessment.

One thing that I appreciated more with this series was the lack of the prose pulp that really caused the first volume to lag. I think those extra 2-3 pages were needed. This story definitely was action packed!

The behind the scenes stuff was a lot more in-depth this time around too. So many great images. And those variant covers- breathtaking!

The final image of this story sets things up for a third volume. That would round out a trilogy. Alas, that just doesn't seem likely. Mark of Cain debuted on shelves in 2009. I just don't see Marvel rounding things out any time soon. Marvel does get nostalgic and returns to it's theme storylines from time to time. Marvel2099 is making a return currently. Could Marvel Noir be awaiting in the wings? If so, I hope we find out what happened immediately after the curtains feel on this adventure.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Shuri and T'Challa: Into the Heartlands (Family Comic Friday)

Marvel might have overtaken DC Comics in the movie department. But DC has the clear advantage in graphic novels for teens and young adults. However, in the past year, Marvel has been making some strides in that deficiency. One of the House of Ideas most recent additions for readers aged 8-12 is the original Black Panther graphic novel Into the Heartlands. 

Shuri is the youngest member of the Wakandan royal family. Her half brother T'Challa, is being trained to become both the ruling king and next Black Panther. Uncle S'Yan is the current protector of Wakanda and mother Ramonda is the queen regent. That all leaves very little for Shuri to do except work on her inventions and hopefully stay out of trouble. However, when Shuri and T'Challa get in a fight during an important ceremony, a sacred site is damaged. Even worse, Ramonda and several others who attending the event have become sickened by a mysterious virus. Could Shuri and her brothers actions have brought a curse down among her people?

Finding record of a special stone that was believed to have special healing properties, Shuri and T'Challa sneak off in order to help their ailing parent. The clock is ticking and the siblings must act fast. A lot is riding on the search for an artifact and an untraveled area of Wakanda; both of which might not even exist!

I think Marvel was super smart to make Shuri the focus of this graphic novel instead of T'Challa. With the passing of actor Chadwick Boseman, Marvel is going to focus mostly on the women of Wakanda in the new live-action film Wakanda Forever. Producers are staying pretty quiet about the specifics of the film, only that it will deal with the African nation after the unexpected death of King T'Challa. Personally, I think Shuri will become the next Black Panther. So, to have a book that has her as the main focus for younger readers is a good introduction/re-acquaintance to Shuri.

Not only is this a great adventure story, it also has a lot of elements of mystery to it. Keen eyed readers need to really pay attention to the first act in order to solve some of the mysteries uncovered by Shuri and her brother. 

The story is split into 3 sections with a different artist for each act. I understand why the art changes from act 1 to the second. After the children enter the Heartlands, the setting is more of a fantasy spirit world that the ghosts of Wakanda dwell. I wasn't quite so sure why the art changes again in act 3. Though now as I write this review, I think the art changes again as it reflects the different way Shuri sees her homeland and maybe her place in it after her time in the Heartlands. 

I must say, even though the artwork is different, it's really hard to tell if you don't really look at it. I think that's because of the seamless storytelling by Roseanne A. Brown (Serwa Boateng's Guide to Vampire Hunting). Cris Peter's (Astronauta Magnetar) palette mix of traditional African tones blending with more futuristic darker pastels throughout the book helps those transitions almost unnoticeable.

This book also includes a bonus chapter into the forth-coming Captain America: The Ghost Army (2023). It too is for readers aged 8-12. I'm a huge fan of Cap and the Howling Commandos, some of which appear in the extra segment. Thus, I am so psyched for that book. But there's also an ad for the Black Panther Legends miniseries in the back of this book and if you ask me, I'd think a sneak peak of it would be more of draw to perspective readers than a Captain America book set during World War II.

Alas, I don't work for Marvel's advertising department.

An enjoyable starting point for perspective new fans of this holiday season's Black Panther sequel and a fun place for established fans to get refreshed with a majority of the film's major players. It's completely full of Wakandan history and lore and a great tale about moving forward with healing in the light of past wrongdoings instead of resorting to cancel culture.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #139

For the past two issues, Wolverine has had his tropical island vacation ruined by some pesky aliens, a navy blue gorilla and a seemingly possessed islander. In the past 16 pages of story, Wolverine has had this notion that he knows who the islander is. This chapter reveals that yes, Logan does know who that fella is- Hulk psychiatrist Doc Samson! Now we've got a Wolverine team-up!

The Ghost Rider/Masters of Silence story is a pretty good kung-fu caper. It has a lot of Bruce Lee movie type elements to it. 

I really don't know what to think about the Spellbounder story. The lead character at the point can't really tell what's real and what is illusion. In my bones, I also feel like this story steals a lot from Rainbow Brite. I don't know why. That's just the vibe I get. 

Our one-shot story stars that Captain America foil, Batroc the Leaper. When a bank is robbed by a diminutive goon with psychic powers and his gang, a desperate bank manager hires Batroc to recover the stolen cash. For a fee, of course!

The Batroc story was a laugh riot. Such a romp by Silver Surfer scribe Mike Lackey. The artwork is by someone referred to as Pedi. Whoever this person is, they're a complete unknown. The Marvel Wiki has nothing about this artist other than listing the work on this story. Not even a place of birth! Google searches just take me to pedicure artists. So if I had to describe the style, I would compare it to that of 'Mazing Man's Stephen DeStefano. It's vibrant. It's impressionistic. And it's kinda wacky. 

A good offering of segments. Though, I really think the Spellbounder tale has turned into something I'd expect from a girl-centric weekday cartoon series from the 80s. If the creators of it didn't steal some element from Rainbow Brite, I'll eat my hat.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.