Fantastic Four #9 (2026 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

In 2003, Marvel established an imprint for all ages. Unlike Star Comics in the 1980s, this imprint would star the heroes of the 616-Universe. First titled 'Marvel Age', the plots were taken directly from the earliest issues to bear the Marvel Comics brand name. Written by Stan Lee and featuring the art of Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko and others. Marvel Age Spider-Man and Marvel Age: Fantastic Four. The retellings would be written by the best and brightest of the Marvel Bullpen with Manga inspired artwork by up-and-coming artists from the Japanese inspired medium. 

In this issue which reimagines Fantastic Four #9 from 1962, the Fantastic Four's most deadliest foes, Doctor Doom and the Sub-Mariner have joined forces. Doom has invented a device that can control the gravity of any object. The plan is for Prince Namor to visit the Baxter Building under the rise of a proposed truce. While there he will hide Doom's device inside the recesses of the skyscraper. 

It's actually not very hard for the Sub-Mariner to hide the device. While Sue Storm is Mister Fantastic's girlfriend, she's been developing feelings for Namor during their recent skirmishes with the ruler of Atlantis. Ben Grimm and Little brother Johnny Storm want to mop up the floor with Namor. Sue wants to finally have a chance to sort through her feelings. Meanwhile, Reed Richards smells a rat and right he is! Because Doctor Doom has activated his gravity device, sending the Baxter Building into outer space with the Sub-Mariner aboard! Heading directly towards the sun, with the oxygen running thin, I guess only so much can be said about honestly and loyalty when you make a deal with Doctor Doom!

The writing by Marc Sumerak was quite good. I've read this issue a number of times. The original, I mean. So it is a bit weird to experience this plot with references to more modern pop culture icons like Jerry Seinfeld. Though, did kids from 2005, when this Marvel Age issue was published, know who of the comedian and star of a TV series that went off the air 7 years prior? So the references are a bit awkward- too  awkward. But this is something that the big two publishers have been guilty of for decades. But it's also forgivable. Trying to relate to kids is hard. Not everyone can do it.

What, in my opinion, isn't quite so forgivable is the art. I should be a crime to think that you can't make a comic book for children without dipping into the Manga ink well. Sure, Manga is what has inspired a large number of artists who hit the scene in the past 30 years. But it should not be the only style of artwork that young comic book readers are exposed to. Especially for such an iconic family the Fantastic Four. That ever-changing look of characters based on their emotions which is a Manga staple just doesn't work with The Thing or the Human Torch. Heck, it doesn't even work with the plastic fluidity of Mister Fantastic. You'd think that it would considering that he's stretchy. But here, it just looks weird. Blame artist Alitha Martinez for that. However, I'm really confused as I've experienced some of her work before and it did not look like this. Maybe early in her career she tried the Manga route. If so, I am glad it was a phase or the comic collecting world would have been deprived of one of the most talented female artists of the past 2 decades.

If this  wasn't a FF comic book, I probably wouldn't keep it. But just like when I listen to Queen, a bad Fantastic Four comic is better than no Fantastic Four comic book at all!

Completing this review completes Task #8 (Fantastic Four Comic from the 2000s) of the 2026 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

Rating: 5 out of 10 stars

Fantastic Four Unplugged #1 (2026 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

It's 1995. The economy of the comic book industry is not promising. The speculator bubble has burst after showing signs of weakness as non-collectors are sweeping in buying massive amounts of first issues while an more established titles all but gathers dust on display shelves. With some readers it will be years before they return to collecting new comics. For Marvel, the situation couldn't be more dire. Bankruptcy is looming around the corner. The standard price of a Marvel comic is now $1.50 an issue. Premium titles are asking for $2.00 or more. Loyal fans are claiming that because of the higher prices, they can no longer buy as many weekly or monthly issues that they could in years prior.

In response, Marvel decides to use an idea that brought huge success to DC Comics in the 70s when they faced a similar economic crisis during the Implosion of 1977-78. The House of Ideas will offer a slightly larger page count (36 full color) slew of monthly titles at a discount price. The main difference is that these books will be comprised of 100% all new material. NO reprints!

The first such title in this line would be based on Marvel's First Family: The Fantastic Four. Titled Fantastic Four Unplugged, each issue would be a stand alone story starring a member of the FF family in a solo adventure. Every issue could act as an entry point to the regular Fantastic Four series. Potentially, it might also inspire fans to investigate a character's solo regular series as was the plan for the forthcoming Avenger Unplugged series.

Issue #1 stars the blue-eyed ever loving Ben Grimm, AKA The Thing. If you're wondering why the debut issue doesn't start the Fantastic Four's leader Reed Richard's, it is because at this point in time Mister Fantastic and his arch enemy Doctor Doom have been declared dead from a recent conflict. 

On a dreary rainy night, everything seems to be going wrong for poor Ben. All of a sudden, a fiery #4 appears overhead in the night sky. Johnny Storm is summoning the team for the next Earth saving emergency! Or so it seems. 

Having commandeered a taxi cab occupied by a really crabby concert musician already late for her next recital, the Thing makes it to a crowded bridge where the Human Torch's summons seemingly appeared from. The police report that a fiery monster is running amok at the center of the causeway. That doesn't sound like Johnny Storm. And it isn't. Instead it's one of the Mad Thinker's Super-Adaptoids and it's attacking everyone and everything in sight. But how is this android functioning with the Thinker supposedly away in a maximum security cell? The Thing will have to figure that out later. Right now he's got lives to save, including that 'screwy blonde musician ' who appears to be next on the Super-Adaptoid's list of victims!

Illustrated by Heltor Oliveira, the art work is definitely a product of the times. Those with powers have a muscular structure that seems impossible even amongst the most built of bodybuilders. The women are impressively stacked and rather ridiculous looking. I've been to my fair share of recitals. Never have I encountered a member of the orchestra wearing a low cut scarlet dress with super high slit!

As for the writing and plotting, it's pretty darn good. Ben Grimm's dialogue and vernacular are perfect. A little wordy but hey, Stan the Man was known to make the Thing a blabbermouth. Excellent level of Ben Grimm crankiness. Plus writer Mark Lackey along with Oliveira really got me with one scene where the Super-Adaptoid confronts a citizen and seemingly decapitates him off screen. We later find out that the guy was just really badly maimed, but survived. Yet the creative team behind this issue had me visioning the worse . It's a textbook example of how much worse things are envisioned by the reader when it's done off-panel. 

A decent issue that also comes with a sort of family tree of the Fantastic Four, along with a file card look at Ben Grimm. Both were really cool. But I must do a bit of investigation. There's a mysterious broken line connecting Doctor Doom with Reed Richard's father. Are they related? Is Victor Von Doom the half brother of Mister Fantastic? Dude, that would be such a freaking awesome plot twist! And I really gotta check this out.

A fair book that is saved by the writing, plotting and its extras. Plus, I must give serious kudos to Jim Calafiore's cover. It really fooled me as I thought it was embossed and 3-dimensional!

Completing this review completes Task #7 (Fantastic Four Comic from the 1990s) of the 2026 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Fantastic Four #268 (2026 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

This 1984 issue of Fantastic Four has heartbreak, mystery and tons of action. Not to mention a bunch of guest stars!

The story takes place after the Secret Wars. The Thing has temporarily stepped away from the team in order to find himself on the Battleworld. Taking his place is She-Hulk. Jennifer Walters has been on the team for a couple of weeks now and seen action as the FF's heavy. But she's yet to seen the interior of the Baxter Building. Sue Richards has just previously experienced a miscarriage. So in order to give Sue and husband Reed a chance to mourn, Johnny Storm thinks now is as good a time as any to give She-Hulk the deluxe tour of the team's headquarters. 

One of the areas where Johnny takes Jen is to a little seen 'trophy room' full of tech recovered from the Fantastic Four's numerous encounters with baddies. One of the newest additions to the room is the mask of the recently deceased Doctor Doom! And it gives both the Human Torch and She-Hulk the creeps . Rightfully so! Because all of a sudden the mask comes alive and starts destroying the entire building!!!

I had mentioned that this issue had a bunch of guest stars in it. Assisting with the complications of Sue Richards gamma infused pregnancy are some of the Marvel Universes leading experts in gamma radiation. Dr. Michael Morbius, Dr. Bruce Banner, Professor Walter Langkowski (Alpha Flight's Sasquatch) are consulted to tragic circumstances. Even the diabolical Otto Octavius is given a day pass from prison on the good and desperate word of Mister Fantastic. But alas it just wasn't meant to be.

As a parent of multiple multiple miscarriages, I can completely sympathize with Reed Richard's. Knowing my wife was suffering and that my children were at risk, I too would have moved Heaven and Earth to save them. God knows I tried.

Speaking of Bruce Banner- he actually makes 2 cameos! That's because during her tour of the Baxter Building, She-Hulk recounts her origin story to Johnny Storm. Thanks to a blood transfusion from cousin Bruce, Jen first became the Savage She-Hulk before gaining full control of her rage and emotions as the Sensational She-Hulk!

The characters all with beady little eyes. The blondes all with Farrah Fawcett style hairdos. The dark blue uniforms with the white collars. She-Hulk in all her Amazonian stature and allure. This is quintessential John Bryne Fantastic Four! The only thing missing is Wyatt Wingfoot. But don't worry; he's teased to be returning in the next issue.

Lastly, I have to marvel at the cover. It's a combination of an actual photograph of Doctor Doom's mask and John Byrne's version of ray beams shooting out of the mask's eyes! The creator of the real life Doom mask is Eliot R. Brown. Some of you might recognize his work of the famous live action cover of 1985's Amazing Spider-Man #262! Note: The image I have used is a hi-definition version found on Marvel.Com. Here you can see the full outline of the mask and the rivets. On the original cover, all that is really hard to make out. One of the few times that digital beats paper...

A great issue with action, adventure and sadness! But absolutely powerful. 

Completing this review completes Task #6 (Fantastic Four Comic from the 1980s) of the 2026 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars. 

New Avengers #1 (2026 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

 Avengers: Disassembled.

It was the darkest day for Earth's Mightiest Heroes. The Scarlet Witch realized that her twin boys, Billy and Tommy, weren't real. It just wasn't humanly possible for a mutant and an android to produce biological children. Going into severe psychosis, Wanda destroys the Avengers Mansion, murders her husband, the Vision, and kills a couple other Avengers, including one of the Ant-Mans. Public and government sentiment of the Avengers reached an all-time low seeing Tony Stark and Steve Rogers disband the team in return.

Now it's 6 months later. There's one less super group to save Manhattan. Freshly outted as Daredevil, Matt Murdock travels to the Raft, an ultra-top security containment facility for most of Earth's most dangerous villains underneath Ryker's Island. With Luke Cage in tow as a bodyguard, and perhaps to keep up the appearance that he's not really the Man Without Fear, Murdock is conducting legal business on behalf of Mister Fantastic with one of the inmates. 

Meanwhile, a mysterious person has hired Electro to take out the prison's electrical grid and free as many of its occupants as possible. The motive behind this action is just as unknown as Electro's new benefactor, but the member of the Sinister Six is ready to prove the he's got what it takes to bring Manhattan and the World to its knees all by his lonesome. All those he frees have to do is one day owe Electro a favor.

Though issue #1 of New Avengers has quite a bit of action, don't expect the team to be back in action just yet. This issue is to primarily get most of the players onto the game board. Along with Murdock and Power Man, this episode adds Spider-Man, Spider-Woman and Captain America to the fray. There's also Reed Richard's mystery client. But I am pretty sure that there's still a couple more heroes to add to the roster who are unaccounted for.

Brian Michael Bendis penned this opener into a new chapter of the Avengers. I know he's got a lot of detractors out there. But I like him. He's a lot like Tom King in that he makes a lot of enemies by screwing around with fan's favorite characters by either killing them off, or making them gay or trans or making them into bad guys. But unlike with King, I am mostly okay with Bendis' changes because they're very well plotted and make sense. I think Tom King just has a singular plan to ruin my childhood...

David Finch is the artist for this issue. He did an amazing job. However, I think it must be said that it wouldn't have been so amazing if not for the masterful brush strokes of Danny Miki as the inker. It's got that George Perez/Frank Quitely quality to it of which I am such a fan!

The iconic, and oft recreated cover was crafted by colorist Frank D'Armata.

An amazing 2005 issue that kicks off one of my most favorite incarnations of the Avengers!

Completing this review completes Task #11 (An Avengers Comic from the 2000s) of the 2026 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

Worth Consuming! 

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Farewell, My Lovely by Raymond Chandler

Keeping in mind that I've only read about half of the Philip Marlowe novels written by Raymond Chandler, Farewell, My Lovely is currently my least favorite of the bunch. First published in 1940, this is only Chandler's 2nd Marlowe novel. So it's early Chandler. Unpolished Chandler. 

I'm learning that Raymond Chandler is a fantastic writer. He paints pictures with words that are so vibrant, I feel like I am there. But when it comes to plotting, the writer isn't the most thorough or revealing. You know that conspiracy theory board where the paranoid guy has red strings going all over the place? Well I feel like Chandler uses two bulletin boards placed on opposite sides of the room, because some of the connections he makes with the clues behind the mystery are a bit of a stretch.

There's a trio of Russian cigarettes that contain a secret in them. How Chandler connects the murder of a client all the way to the organized crime racket of a seaside California town still has my scratching my head. If it didn't have anything to do with the plot, I would consider it a red herring. But Chandler does find a way to glue the puzzle pieces together. I just think he forgot to tell us how he did it. 

There's a famous anecdote about where Howard Hawks is trying to adapt The Big Sleep to a screenplay and he can't figure out how one of the characters died to which Raymond Chandler telegraphed back 'Damned of I Know.' The Big Sleep was Chandler's first Marlowe novel. So you can imagine how excited I am to read it in light of this Hollywood legend. 

Some of the Philip Marlowe novels were originally published in the pulps, only without Chandler's iconic hero in the starring role, and being around 50 pages or less, having slightly changed plots. And yes, some of the plots were altered quite a bit. The scene where Marlowe goes to a hotel and shares a pint of whiskey with the manager is a moment taken directly from 'Pickup on Noon Street'.

So what's the plot to Farewell, My Lovely? In a nutshell, Marlowe runs into a massive ex-con who needs help finding his sweetheart: a girl by the name of Velma. After Moose Malloy accidentally kills the man that owns the new establishment at the locale that used to be where Velma worked, the big guy flees. Several cops warn Marlowe away from the case. But you never can tell the detective to stay away from a mystery. That's practically invitation for the shamus to keep on looking for clues.

Marlowe's search for Velma will hopefully lead the cops to arrest Malloy. In the meantime, he takes a rather small assignment, helping a pretty boy playboy conduct a money drop for some stolen jewelry. Smelling a set up, Marlowe goes around to case the scene. But that's a bad idea, because it results in his client's death. With the help of a loaded cigarette case of reefers and a spunky news reporter, the P.I. will stumble in the path of a con man playing celebrity psychic, his odorific henchman and a disgraced doctor who holds the narrator captive with truth serum and dope before finds his way to freedom and the off shore gambling houses of one of the state's leading 'legitimate businessmen!'

Argue as much as you like that a lot of Marlowe's exploits seem to repeat throughout the books he stars in. But the 2 chapters where the dick languishes in a drugged fueled haze is completely new territory. Plus, I do not recall marijuana playing a role in any of the other novels written by Chandler.

Chandler takes Marlowe all over L.A. County it seems. If it was a travel guide, this would be one of the most amazing works of mental pictures about the underbelly of Southern Coastal California. But this is a crime noir. One that is written so well but needs a road map to get from Point A all the way to Point B. I think this would have worked better as 2 short stories. One about Marlowe's encounters with Moose Malloy and a second about the murdered client. I think if Chandler had done that I would be a fan of 2 amazing novellas instead of on the fence about a very confusing mystery novel. Though, some of the confusion could be based on my copy being a UK edition. 

Perhaps some of the late 1930s slang used by the characters in this book were changed for British audiences. It's possible. I just don't know how likely that could be.

Rating: 6 out of 10 stars.

Avengers #366 (2026 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

The cover for this 1993 issue touts that this is a '30th Anniversary Issue'. But for a very large majority of it, this book didn't feel like it led up to the hype. There's 2 stories in what feels like a slightly oversized issue. I didn't count the number of pages but with the prestige format cover, it felt thicker than a standard early modern age Marvel publication. 

The first story sees Captain America, Hank Pym, Natasha Romanoff and a really super powered lady named Sersi, who are attempting a rescue mission of the Black Knight, Hercules and the Inhuman Crystal. Occurring sometime after the destruction of the Kree home world at the hands of the Supreme Intelligence, a rogue Kree General is holding the Avengers responsible for the obliteration of his planet. To exact his vengeance, the Kree warrior has activated a Nega-Bomb, which will destroy planet Earth in about 30 minutes. Just enough time for the Avengers to save the day with a moment of reflection on the part of Hank Pym to marvel at the original lineup of Earth's Mightiest Heroes and to give his seal of approval to the current incarnation.

Story #2 really has nothing to do with the anniversary of formation of the Avengers. Instead, we get a guest appearance by Deadpool!  A couple of B-list villains rob a Manhattan bank in hopes of obtaining the contents of a former weapons master that will lead to the discovery of the world's most deadliest weapon. Throw in Bloodwraith, the demon possessed former squire of the Black Knight, along with the Black Knight himself and you've got a 3-man free-for-all that seems really out of place here.

If you read the editor's note on the letters page at the back of this book, you will learn that this issue was very, very delayed in coming out. That could explain why there's a backup story. Perhaps the creative team was running out of time and thus had the main story come in short. A second tale gets included by a totally different crew to keep with the promise of several super-sized anniversary issues. Toss in one of those breath-taking embossed covers, paint it entirely in gold lamé ink and you hopefully have produced something that will make the Marvel faithful satisfied despite being way behind schedule.

I enjoyed seeing an early Deadpool appearance. He's not as insane and off-the-wall irreverent as the Merc With a Mouth has become in the 21st century. That story was written by Glenn Herdling. Illustrated by Mike Gustovich. 

As for the opener, the script was crafted by Bob Harras with art by Steve Epting. Epting also pencilled the cover..

Definitely a product of the 1990s post-bubble industry. It's full of overly muscular heroes. Scantily clad vixens. Plus a level of violence that looks tame to 2026 standards but was rather shocking 4 decades ago.

Completing this review completes Task #10 (An Avengers Comic from the 1990s) of the 2026 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Avengers #239 (2026 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

This comic book came out with a cover date of January, 1984. I was 5 years of age. To say that by the time I was 5 that this comic book was my introduction to David Letterman would be a good guess. But you would be wrong.

My parents were on the young side when they had my in 1977. By 1983, neither were the age of 30 yet

 My mom, a nurse, worked nights. My dad was in college. They were night owls. They were hip-ish. To say that the exploits of David Letterman, his musical sidekick Paul Shaffer and the rest of the Late Night crew was already a nearly nightly session at my home would be an accurate description. The infamous interview between Jerry Lawler and Andy Kaufman in a cervical collar, was an early childhood memory for me. A traumatizing one. But one that I remember fondly. That's for sure.

This is one of those issues that I owned in my original childhood collection. The one that I foolishly allowed to be stolen when I was in middle school. I don't remember where I bought it. Heck, my dad might have bought it and then it ended up in my collection. But I could guess 3 possible locations that it was bought at: the Grocery Boy Jr., 7/11 or Tales Resold. All from the Raleigh Brentwood area. 

The story is a classic. Wonder Man's movie career has stalled. To help jump start it, Simon's agent gets him booked to Late Night With David Letterman. Unfortunately, since Wonder Man is currently on reserve status with Earth's Mightiest Heroes, the show's producers are wanting some more well known Avengers to tag along as well. With heavy hitters Captain America and Thor away on personal missions, Hawkeye and the Vision call in as many favors as they can to support Simon's big break. 

Along with Hawkeye, the Beast, Black Widow and Black Panther are all able to make. (I just realized that it appears that Clint Barton and Vision only made it to the letter B of the Avengers roll call!) Also in attendance is Fabian Stankowicz, a recent lottery winner who's been creating ways to attack the Avengers in order to make a name for himself. Using his knowledge of mechanics, Stankowicz turns Letterman's studio into an arena of death! 

This story also features the SHIELD super heroine Mockingbird. Fresh from their honeymoon, Hawkeye introduced her to his teammates and it's a good thing too because Stankowicz hadn't planned on Mockingbird being in attendance and she pretty much is the catalyst that saves the day! Though Letterman and Paul Shaffer and the World's Most Dangerous Band lend hands as well. 

This issue was part of Marvel's notorious 1984 Assistant Editor's Month event.  In 1983, Shooter and his editors went to the West Coast for Comic-Con and left the junior editors to take over the reigns for a month. As a result, some of the most off-the-wall stories and ideas were brandied about, such as the canon story where Aunt May temporarily becomes a herald of Galactus! I've got a few of these issues. I'd love for Marvel to reprint all of those issues as an omnibus. Though with GI Joe, Conan the Barbarian and other titles not being licensed by Marvel anymore, such a collection might be impossible. Perhaps I will add them to my already rather large wish list...

A fantastic issue that I am more than excited to have back in my collection!

Script by Roger Stern. Art and cover by Al Milgrom and Joe Sinnott. Michael Carlin is the editor to blame for this story!

Completing this review completes Task #9 (An Avengers Comic from the 1980s) of the 2026 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Dick Tracy Book 3: Official Movie Adaptation

Len Wein takes over the scripting role for the third and final issue of Disney Comic's Dick Tracy miniseries. Issue #3 is the official adaptation of the live action film starring Warren Beatty, Al Pacino and Madonna. 

I felt like this was a fairly good adaptation of the movie. It's been decades since I saw it. Maybe the 2 prequel issues helped me to enjoy it more. Though I think to consider the 1990 noir film based on the popular Dick Tracy comic strip a children's movie, was perhaps a bad idea. There's a lot of murders and violence. Mostly from Tommy guns and explosions. But at least one character is killed by being buried in a cement coffin called 'The Bath.' Don't even get me started on the abuse the Kid suffers at the hands of Steve the Tramp!

One thing that I didn't realize was how much sex was in this movie. There isn't anything blatant. But the costumes worn by Madonna's character Breathless Mahoney are pretty risque. And the innuendo she pours over Dick Tracy, trying to lure him away from his sweetheart Tess Trueheart was quite silacious. At the time, I was only 12. What did I know???

Kyle Baker was the artist for the entire series. It's interesting work to say the least. The background sets and the NPCs of the story have that traditional early Kyle Baker style that's raw, fierce and sometimes uninhibited. But when it comes to the characters created by Chester Gould, they look like they were penciled and inked by the Dick Tracy creator himself. With one exception: the title character! I'm wondering if there was a clause in Warren Beatty's contract that all promotional imagery, including comic adaptations, had to have his likeness. 

Al 'Big Boy' Caprice, who was played by Al Pacino, had the legendary actor's eyes. But Big Boy is drawn more like Pacino appeared under a good 10 pounds of foam rubber makeup. Madonna's character looks more like a sultry blonde illustrated by Patrick Nagel. It could be anybody in a blonde wig in a slinky dress that hangs onto the body in the right places. 

As for Tracy's squad of do-gooders, Dick Tracy Jr, Sam Catchem and such, they vary in style. The Kid has coal black button eyes whereas Sam looks like Flattop in a bowler with a permanent grin on his face. If you're familiar with the comic strip, based on the artwork, you should be able to figure out some surprise reveals ahead of time. Just keep a detecting eye out.

Lot of fun. I think being in my late 40s, I was able to enjoy this book more than I would have as a preteen. This trip down memory lane has got me wanting to see the live action picture again. That's really saying something because I remember when I first saw the film, I was really blasé about how it turned out. Dick Tracy 1990 has a reputation of being a terrible movie despite really killing it in theaters those first 2 weeks in theaters. It has become a sort of cult classic. Maybe it warrants another view. I'm definitely in the right frame of mind for it!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Dick Tracy Book 2: Dick Tracy Vs. The Underworld

The debate will always be 'Who has the best Rogue's Gallery: Batman or the Flash?' Once you figure that out, #3 is undoubtedly that of always honest cop, Dick Tracy! The blood thirsty Flattop, with his horizontal cranium. The Brow, with his multiple folded forehead that rivals that of Duke great, Shane Battier. Names like Mumbles, Prune Face, Itchy and Breathless Mahoney either indicate a physical attribute or character trait that gives the reader a clue as to the type of villain Tracy and his men will be encountering. 

I was 12 when Dick Tracy hit theaters and I admit that I caught the fever. When it was announced that in the 1990 live action film all of Dick Tracy's main foes were assembled in what was built as an all-out gang war with Tracy and his squad in the middle to protect and serve the post-prohibition citizens of the metropolis, known simply as 'The City', I was thrilled! I grew up spending a lot of time on the farm owned by my grandmama and her family. The adventures of Dick Tracy were a weekend surprise as the major newspapers of Raleigh, NC didn't carry the strip. I feel in love with the unique criminals and their clever names. B.O. Plenty! You knew that guy stunk! Although they had been killed decades earlier, I grew up reading the classic Dick Tracy stories that were collected in comic book format. There probably was a paperback collection floating around the house. So imagine my disappointment when 90% of the promised characters get knocked off in the first 15 minutes of the Warren Beatty led movie!

If you are like me and you felt that a majority of the best Tracy villains were killed off way too early, then you will love the first 2 issues of the Dick Tracy comic miniseries produced by Disney during its all too brief experiment as a comic book publisher. Issues 1&2 act as a prequel to the movie. I've learned over the years that the live action film had underwent dozens of rewrites as the franchise rights changed hands several times in the 70s and 80s. So I wonder if perhaps there's was a lot of stuff that was not good enough for the silver screen but still warranted public notice. Hence the prequel treatment.

In book 2, Prohibition finally gets repealed. The illegal trade of alcohol is no longer a lucrative venture. As a result, Prune Face makes a play for the numbers racket run in The City solely by Lips Manlis. When some of Prune Face's gang wipe out a deli that is secretly a front for illegal sports betting of the Manlis gang, Lips' right hand man, Al 'Big Boy' Caprice is incensed! He wants revenge. But Lips is concerned about making waves what with Dick Tracy given carte blanch by the Chief of Police, on cleaning up the criminal element of The City! 

Seeing Manlis refusing retribution as a sign of weakness, Big Boy begins a play to take over. Meanwhile, a group of unknown thugs have knocked over an armored truck. Tracy and his men manage to apprehend all but 1 of the robbers, who flees to the sewers for help from a mysterious figure known only as The Mole! As Tracy investigates a robbery, the FBI send an agent to search for a criminal who might have taken up residence in The City. His investigation and how it ties into the armor car heist will amaze even the most staunchest of crime noir/mystery lovers with a plot that rivals Mickey Spillane, Agatha Christie and James Bond's papa, Ian Fleming.

Showing the origins of the two-way wrist watch radio, along with introducing about another dozen novelty villains of the Dick Tracy Rogues Gallery, book 3 is the official adaptation of the 1990 live action film.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Dick Tracy Book One: Big City Blues (2026 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

1990 saw a longtime dream of actor/director Warren Beatty come true when a feature length live-action version of the crime comic strip Dick Tracy debuted in theaters. Beatty had developed a treatment for such a film in the early 70s. Film rights switched hands many times and yet Warren Beatty was constantly attached to the project, chomping at the bit to play one of his long time heroes. 

Dick Tracy was created by Chester Gould. The police detective with unwavering scruples debuted in newspapers beginning in 1931. 3 years later, Dick Tracy would hit radio airwaves before a string of movie serials would thrill kids and adults alike in 1937 with a 15-parter starring Ralph Byrd. Add in a Dick Tracy cartoon that aired on television during the early 60s, that was the limit to the character's non-print appearances in the media until the 1990s. 

Disney Studios through Touchstone Pictures and Buena Vista Pictures finally got involved in the Dick Tracy project in the 80s. With Warren Beatty leading the project not just as the lead actor but now behind the lenses as director, superstars came out of the woodwork to appear in the film. Al Pacino, Dick Van Dyke, Dustin Hoffman and Madonna, arguably the biggest female pop singer of the time, all signed onto the picture which finally debuted on June 15, 1990.

There was a ton of licensing for the film. Toys, bubble gum cards, clothing, even a video game were released as tie-ins. Disney released a 3-issue comic book miniseries. During this time, Disney self-published their own comics for a very brief 3 year period. They were high quality works featuring art by media juggernauts. Unfortunately, Disney Comics was one of the many smaller publishing houses that couldn't survive when the comic book bubble burst in the early 90s.

John Moore wrote the script for this series. Art was from Kyle Baker. If you were expecting this issue to be an adaptation of the movie, you'll have to wait. Issues #1 and 2 are actually the prequel build-up. The story begins in 1938. Prohibition is about to be repealed. The gangs of 'The City' are in chaos as the lucrative cash flow from illegal bootlegging runs dry. Prune Face is attempting to encroach into the numbers racket controlled by rival Lips Manlis. Numerous small time thugs hide in the shadows in hopes of picking through the debris and casualties left in the war of the growing mob war. 

Most of the City's police force are on the payroll of either Manlis or Prune Face... Or BOTH! That is except for one police detective that wears a bright yellow overcoat and matching fedora everywhere he goes: Dick Tracy. Having recently arrested the son of an important socialite for public intoxication, Tracy finds himself stuck at a desk job. But when his girlfriend, Tess Trueheart's father is murdered while transporting 'kitchen supplies' for Lips Manlis, Tracy disobeys orders. With Tess distraught and the police claiming that Mr. Trueheart was really a smuggler, Dick investigates on the sly to find Mr. Trueheart's killer.

This was a totally unexpected treat. But probably not how you think. I wasn't expecting this to be the comic book adaptation of the film. Based on the cover title proclaiming 'Big City Blues', and how I have learned over the years that Warren Beatty longed a trilogy of Dick Tracy films, I came into this selection of my reading challenge as being a continuation of the 'first film.' I didn't know that I was going to get the inside track on how things lead up to the events of the film. 

A must for fans of Dick Tracy. It took me forever to find all 3 issues. I like to have an entire story run before I read the title. However you won't have to worry about a cliffhanger here. The story ends with a satisfying ending that you could use as the entryway into the film. Or you could wait until you find issue #2. But if you decide to skip ahead as it turns out that issue #3 actually is the adaptation of the movie, you'll be just fine, I think.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Completing this review completes Task #38 (A Crime Comic) of the 2026 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

Fright Favorites: Horror Classics to Haunt Your Movie Night by David J. Skal

It might not be referred to officially as American Movie Classics anymore, but I love the AMC Channel. It's where I feel in love with Walter Huston's Treasure of the Sierra Madre. It's also where I saw Marilyn Monroe get her toe stuck in that faucet in The Seven Year Itch. And every October, I can count on each night's programming being loaded with creepy classic horror and sci-fi thrillers in lead up (or countdown, depending on how you look at it) to Halloween. 

While it seems that the 24th-31st of each October is devoted solely to the exploits of Michael Myers night of mischief; except for that one time Silver Shamrock Novelties tried to ruin All Hallows, you can count on an amazing array of horror flicks from the past 100 or so odd years of cinema.

I found my copy at a Five Below of all places. Just as some have said that they felt like Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye was just speaking to readers to pick it up, I felt like this book was screaming at me for attention. Maybe I should have stopped at the introduction. The author clearly states that this book is anticipated for Halloween viewing sessions. I'm all for seasonal reading. But nothing on either sides of the cover indicated a need for autumn weather and falling leaves. So I just went for it. Besides, if you are creating this book for Halloween watch parties, you should focus on 31 films and not just 27! Maybe I have the wrong calendar but October is supposed to have 31 days of which #31 is Halloween. 

(Note: upon editing my review and searching for an image of the book to put on my blog, I have learned that there once was an edition of this book sponsored by Turner Classic Movies. In that volume, Skal featured 31 different books. From what I can glean, the 4 missing books are not titles that  ACM has the rights to. Regardless, I am staying with my original assumptions of the book post-review.)

The author starts off with some of the earliest horror films that thankfully still exist. As he works his way through the Silent Era, into early exploration of color and then through the Hayes Code of Hollywood through the renegade 1960s that gave birth to the R-rated or worst slasher pics, Skal gives an amazing history of the history of horror in film. 

Technically, Skal examines 54 total movies. For every THEM! the author explores in depth, he also devoted the last page of each chapter to another similar film. It's a lot like when I worked at Suncoast Motion Picture Company and I would give customers recommendations on the VHS movies they selected. "If you like A then you'll like B!" (Man, did I love working there. I still marvel at the time during the busy Christmas rush, this lady came up to me and said, and I quote "I'm looking for this movie. It stars that guy and he's always with that girl and they fall in love.", as much as I remember with pride correctly guessing the film in 1 try, for the life of me, I can't remember which movie it was I said!!!)

Anyways, despite 54 films being looked at, there are some noticeable absences. If you're looking for Hitchcock, it's only The Birds. The only 'Alien' in this book is John Carpenter's The Thing. Halloween obviously gets an entire chapter while Friday The 13th only a recommend. As for the 2 films that scarred me for life, Roddy McDowell in The Legend of Hell House and The Amityville Horror II, they are not to be found. As for comedy, there's quite a few looked at. Alas, John Carradine's visit to The Monster Club, co-starring Vincent Price, is not one of them. 

That's how these types of books go. They can only go so far without turning into an encyclopedia. Some great films are going to be left out. Some others that are real head scratchers like 1993's Hocus Pocus, get added. But there is 1 film that I will never watch, even if you paid me. It's so evil, I hated reading the chapter about it!

I would love a sequel. In fact, I'd love even more a spin-off. A look at Christmas movies! But make it 25 films. No!! Make it 26. Throw in a Thanksgiving romp for good measure. Oh, who am I kidding. Cover Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Years with 31 days worth of holiday flicks. It would be an Advent I'd never forget from my film recommending friends at AMC!

Worth Consuming! 

9 out of 10 stars. 

The Batman Adventures #21 (2026 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

Famed biological researcher, Dr. Emile Dorian had escaped from Arkham Asylum. Placed there by Batman and Selina Kyle, Dorian first plans tortuous revenge and then to biologically alter the DNA of the Dark Knight and Catwoman. To capture the pair, Dorian visits Dr. Kirk Langstrom, where the evil scientist injects Langstrom with a new version of the Man-Bat serum. 

Now under Dorian's control, Man-Bat succeeds in capturing Batman first. In the meantime, a mysterious figure has traveled to Dorian's island compound where he meets Tygrus, a mutated cat creature that fell in love with Selena. The stranger turns out to be a werewolf and he's hoping Dorian can do something to reverse the man's lupine curse. Tygrus agrees to help the desperate man and they travel to Gotham to find Dorian.

Tygrus and his new friend first go to Selena Kyle's apartment. There, they witness Man-Bat kidnapping the woman and they follow them to Dorian's new lair. When they approach Dorian, the biologist agrees to help both the reluctant werewolf as well as Tygrus. Seeing that Tygrus desperately wants to be with Kyle, Dorian decides to help his creation become human. Seeing the ultimate revenge, the scientist will conduct a brain swap between Tygrus and the Batman!

A sequel to the season 1 episode of Batman: The Animated Series 'Tyger, Tyger', this issue brings back all the major players along with the addition of the werewolf. Though it is not disclosed in this issue, the wolf man is Anthony Romulus, who first appeared in the season one episode 'Moon of the Wolf.'

Kelley Puckett was the writer. Artwork by Mike Parobek.

Completing this review completes Task #14 (Batman Comic from the 1990s) of the 2026 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Batman #361 (2026 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

Dr. Kirk Langstrom's tenure as a superhero was a brief one. By the early 80s, Langstrom's feral side won over, with the bat expert succumbing to the addictive properties of his bat-gland serum.

In this 1983 issue, Langstrom is suffering a psychotic break. An encounter as the Man-Bat against the Batman in the previous issue, led Langstrom to hallucinate that the Dark Knight killed his daughter Rebecca. In revenge, Man-Bat infiltrates the Batcave and kidnaps young Jason Todd, still sporting a full head of blonde hair. In a demented episode of eye-for-an-eye, thinking he has kidnapped Batman's progeny, Man-Bat plans on transforming Jason into a hybrid bat and raising Todd as his son!

Written by Doug Moench, this issue is notable for the first modern appearance of Detective Harvey Bullock. Introduced as a bit player in Detective Comics #441 (July, 1974), Bullock languished in comic book purgatory for almost another 9 years before reappearing here in his traditional slovenly appearance; bedecked in a loud painted tie and obviously buying off the rack.

The Jekyll and Hyde dichotomy of Dr. Kirk Langstrom and the Man-Bat would see the character switching sides a number of times over the course of the next 5 decades. The more Langstrom's savage persona takes control, the more of a villain Man-Bat becomes. In the past decade, the character has been portrayed more as a tragic anti-hero, that keeps becoming Man-Bat out of addiction to the rush of the transformation Langstrom feels when in bat form. Some recent appearances in the new millennium have involved Man-Bat as an unwilling member of the Suicide Squad, leading the Man-Bat Commandos, a branch of the League of Assassins that used a stolen version of the Lanstrom Serum, and assisting the Bat Family during the Dark Nights: Metal storyline.

Issue was illustrated by Don Newton.

Completing this review completes Task #13 (Batman Comic from the 1980s) of the 2026 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Sherlock Holmes and the Masquerade Murders by Frank Thomas

I figured 'what the heck...' I had been riding high from my enjoyment in reading a non-canonical Sherlock Holmes novel that co-starred the Prince of Darkness. Having another similar book on hand, I did the rare thing and went right into another Holmes mystery. 

1986's Sherlock Holmes and the Masquerade Murders was written by Frank Thomas. No, not the former infielder for the Chicago White Sox who now sees testosterone supplements on TV. But this Frank Thomas is famous too; as he was an early teen star in television, starring as the lead in Tom Corbett, Space Cadet. Though the title of this book might lead one to believe that it's another Holmes crossover, it is not! I thought being the 'Masquerade Murders', that maybe Holmes and Watson were summoned to Paris where they were to confront the dreaded Phantom of the Opera! Alas, that's just not the case.

The case begins at an investment firm where an auditor is found dead. Known to have a bad heart, Scotland Yard wants to rule it an accidental death. However, something smells fishy to Holmes and he decides to take the case despite objections from the Commissioner of Police and the influential owner of the firm. Using his arsenal of reformed confidence men, safe crackers and the cherubic lads who make up the Baker Street Irregulars, Holmes and Watson seek to uncover a murder that is masquerading as death by natural causes.

This was a book that needed to build up steam. I think that the artist did a pretty good job writing in Dr. Watson's voice. However, I think Thomas overdid things quite a bit trying to remind us of the previous adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The Sherlock Dracula only requires you to have a prior knowledge of 'The Adventure of the Essex Vampire', along with Bram Stoker's Dracula, understandably. Thomas not only alludes to many of Holmes' original cases, there's plenty of references to the previous 5 Holmes works written by Thomas. 

The book was exactly 250 pages. I think by page 185, maybe 190, it really hits its stride. I haven't read every Holmes novel by Doyle. What I have read is mostly the earliest stuff. I'm not used to Holmes utilizing so many reformed criminals to solve his cases. A member from the Irregulars, absolutely. But that's about it. I really liked the crew Holmes had assembled. The break in of the investing house was on par with Mission Impossible. Plus, there were some funny moments like when Holmes' crew accidentally followed the wrong carriage after telling the World's Greatest Detective that they would 'cover the bad guy like a tent!'

I'm not going to hunt for further Holmes stories by Frank Thomas. But if I stumbled across another, I would have no issues buying it as long as the resale price was decent. Apparently, 2 of the works involve Holmes and the complex card game of bridge. I've got to admit, they've got me intrigued. But since I don't have a clue how to play that game, it's up in the air as to whether I'll appreciate it or not.

Another reason I might not be able to find another Frank Thomas penned mystery is that they might have all disintegrated! The cover to my copy was coming apart in flakes. By the time I finished it, the wrap-around looked like an old pirate's map. There wasn't a smooth edge to be found. It's probably going to hit a free shelf or get donated to a thrift store because in its current state, I doubt a used book shop would buy it. It's funny, but the Holmes book from a decade earlier held together much better than the later copy did!!!

Rating: 6 out of 10 stars.

The Holmes-Dracula File by Fred Saberhagen

I'm not sure when and where I got this 1978 novel by Fred Saberhagen. I've been holding onto it for a very long time. I can tell you that much.

This is actually the second book in a series. Thankfully, this book can act as a stand alone read. You pretty much just need to have some knowledge about Sherlock Holmes and Bram Stoker's Dracula. 

The concept behind Saberhagen's Dracula series is that Count Dracula survived his death at the end of Stoker's work. Deciding to chronicle his side of the story, in The Dracula Tape, the vampire then records his life up to the present day while interacting with notable figures of literature and history. 

In the Holmes-Dracula File, the Count is seeking Mina Harker, whom he considers his true love. The search takes him to London, just days before Queen Victoria's 60th Jubilee. With Saberhagen's version of Dracula, vampires don't have to feed on blood daily. Although a fast can cause them to become less powerful and to age rapidly. Upon stepping foot on the docks, Dracula in his wizened appearance is Shanghaied and taken to a makeshift research clinic where he is subjected to experiments. 

Meanwhile, the bodies of several derelict Londoners have been found floating in the Thames. Only they didn't die from drowning or any other sort of misfortune. No, these bodies tell a different story as they all show signs of the Plague!

Just as the author has taken liberties with the legend and established lore of Dracula, Saberhagen does the same with Sherlock Holmes; especially with the sleuth's possible true lineage. This is very much a non-canonical story, though it builds heavily upon the Holmes mystery The Adventure of the Essex Vampire. 

You might think why would Sherlock Holmes and Count Dracula meet? In this story, Dracula, once he returns to full strength is often confused as the World's Greatest Detective. Why? You can thank Hollywood for the idea. That is because both Dracula and Holmes are described as having the appearance of the late, great Christopher Lee who portrayed both characters many times in the 60s and 70s. It was this sort of brilliance that made me a fan of this Victorian horror mystery!

The book is told in alternating first person narratives. First Dracula is your narrator. Then Dr. Watson. Every other chapter is told by one or the other's perspective. While I am not familiar with Saberhagen's Dracula stories, I have read several of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's original Holmes adventures. Saberhagen does a fantastic job capturing Watson's voice and manner of speech. Even more impressive is how distinct Dracula's narration is. This book really feels like 2 different people wrote it instead of one guy doing a terrible job of both. I'd have no problem reading another of the author's Dracula chronicles. But being a nearly 50 year old series, I doubt it would be so easy finding other volumes. 

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Batman Family Giant #13 (2026 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

In 1974, DC Comics unveiled a new anthology series called Superman Family. Though Superman was featured on the very first issue, the series centered on the adventures of friends and family of the Man of Steel. Superman Family served a financial purpose for DC as they cancelled the titles devoted to Jimmy Olsen, Lois Lane and Supergirl individually and merged them into a giant sized publication for the affordable cover price of 60 cents. Numbering of the series picked upon that  issue #164 of Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen.

A huge success, DC followed up with the anthology formula with Batman Family the following year. Unlike Superman Family, the numbering for the new series began with #1. A few issues later, it was rebranded as Batman Family Giant. The exploits of Vicki Vale, Alfred Pennyworth and the Huntress were regular subjects along with reprints. The first main feature was a monthly team-up of Batgirl and the Dick Grayson Robin. Their first pairing was supposed to be featured in an issue if 1st Issue Special. However, once it was decided to create the Batman sister anthology, editors decided that the Boy Wonder and Batgirl combo would be an excellent selling point with readers. 

Beginning at issue #11, Man-Bat was also made a main feature of the title. An attempt had been made to feature the Jekyll and Hyde type character into a superhero in his own title. However, the idea proved unpopular and the series was cancelled after issue #2. However, as there were still several Man-Bat stories on tap that had yet to be published, the idea was to burn those stories in the pages of Batman Family.

Eventually, Robin and Batgirl, billed as the Dynamite Duo were fated to team with Man-Bat. 

In this issue, both Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon are gifted a new motorcycle. There's no note or indication who sent it. But it intrigues both sleuths, who don their costumes and decide to take their new choppers for a spin. This turns out to be a massive mistake as once they mount their new rides, their arms are essentially handcuffed to the handlebars. Then the motorcycles go into automatic pilot mode, and once in New York City, the two heroes meet, Travelling at speeds well exceeding the speed limit Robin and Batgirl about to play a most deadly game of chicken.

Meanwhile, Dr. Kirk Langstrom is trying to settle into his new role as superhero. Making a new start in the Big Apple, Langstrom has perfected his genetic serum, allowing his body to change into the Man-Bat while keeping his level headed Langstrom personality.

Staying sane as the Man-Bat hasn't been easy. In his most recent experience, a gang armed with a special type of flashlight was able to transform the Man-Bat into a savage jaguar creature. On his latest patrol of the city, Man-Bat runs afoul of the gang with the specialized light source. Knowing that he'll never be free until he can destroy that lantern, the new found hero goes in for the attack. Disarming the the gang, Man-Bat makes a leap for the device. Only another player has taken control of it: the Outsider! 

A classic foe from the 1960s, the Outsider was originally the resurrected Alfred Pennyworth, devoted butler to Bruce Wayne. The process that revived Alfred changed his psyche to wanting to kill Batman and anyone associated with him. It also changed his appearance with his skin becoming chalk white and covered in boils. Able to telekinetically control matter, it's very likely that the Outsider is behind the attack on Robin and Batgirl. Only it doesn't add up. Alfred Pennyworth hasn't reverted to the Outsider persona in years. Has Pennyworth gone mad again? Or has a new player found the key to becoming one of Batman's most deadliest of does?

Published roughly 8 times a year, Batman Family Giant survived until late 1978. Ultimately cancelled with issue #20, the series originally was to survive the infamous DC implosion. Batman Family Giant was actually outselling Detective Comics at the time. Execs actually planned to cancel Detective Comics. Artists and writers protested the loss of such an iconic title and thus Batman Family Giant got the axe. In a sort of compromise, Robin, Batgirl and Man-Bat's adventures were continued in Detective Comics, now given the 'Giant' moniker as the page count was upped to 68 with a $1.00 price tag. After 15 issues, the series lost the extra word and pages 'effectively cancelling Batman Family for good'.

'The Man Who Melted Manhattan' was written by the Answer Man, Bob Rozakis. Artwork was attributed to Don Newton, Marshall Rogers and Bob Wiacek. This issue is notable as being the first professionally published work by eventual Batman Norm Breyfogle, who submitted a redesigned Robin uniform in a portfolio display titled 'Robin's New Look?' in the back of the book. 

Completing this review completes Task #12 (Batman Comic from the 1970s) of the 2026 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.