Blue Devil Annual #1

This wasn't the last Blue Devil issue released for it's 1984-86 run. This annual WAS the last issue I read, however. So technically, when it comes to DC Comics, they saved the best for last.

Something is causing the supernatural heroes of the DC Universe to fight each other. Manbat is going for The Creeper's throat. Madame Xanadu and the Phantom Stranger are about to hex each other into oblivion. And thanks to about $6 million dollars in damage to his hard work for an upcoming flick, Blue Devil is about ready to rip the Demon, Etrigan's head off!

Just what or who is behind this madness? Throw in Felix Faust, Black Orchid, Nebiros, the demon who caused Dan Cassidy to become fused within the Blue Devil suit, and a bunch of baby imps and it's an all war!

This was the essential Blue Devil issue! The desert setting for the final showdown. The banter. The action. I wanted more of this. 

One could argue that the foundations of Justice League Dark are laid in this annual; even though it took about 3 decades for it actually happen. I think you could also argue that the other supernatural team that Blue Devil was a member of, Shadowpact, was birthed in this over-sized issue. 

Another factor in the positive for this issue is that not only does Blue Devil co-creator Paris Cullins pencil the cover, he also illustrated the whole shebang! Cullins left the series after less than a dozen issues and the art quality dropped significantly. I'm really glad that we got his artwork in this epic story! Having Cullins in on the action really was the cherry on top to this perfect read!

Summer Fun indeed! 

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Blue Devil #31

 

This is it! The final issue of Blue Devil. 

Dan Cassidy's journey started with a demon. And now Blue Devil's story is gonna end with a devil. And not just any devil but THE DEVIL!

Wellllllll... Not quite. This Lucifer is actually an out of work character actor who specialized in playing monsters. Needing cash and some excitement, Lucifer turns to a life of crime. But his short career in crime keeps running afoul of Blue Devil. 

Jump ahead a full calendar year. Lucifer has been paroled and seeking revenge against Blue Devil. Now armed with a magical text stolen from Madame Xanadu, the devil is definitely in the details with this one!

Not a bad ending for the series. But I would have liked Blue Devil to have a final FINAL confrontation with the demon that entrapped him within the devil suit.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Blue Devil #30

While Blue Devil is a member of the Superman Family, the character also has some deep ties with the Flash family as well. That's because of Dan Cassidy's past with former stuntman cum rogue, James Jesse AKA The Trickster! 

After a pair of outings with the Flash baddie and a Kid Devil one-off with Captain Cold, it's time for the entire Rogue's Gallery to give Blue Devil and friends a bunch of headaches. Captain Boomerang, Heatwave and the rest stop by Hollywood; along with Gorilla Grodd! 

If you are a fan of the Scarlet Speedster, you will enjoy this issue!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Blue Devil #29

As you might recall, Blue Devil bought a condo which just happened to be the cousin to both the House of Mystery and House of Secrets. After allowing Cain and Abel to make some renovations, Dan Cassidy is ready to move into his new adobe. But there's only one problem: the House of Weirdness seems to be allergic to it's new owner. And now Blue Devil has an infestation problem. An infestation of imps! 

Boy does Cain hate imps!

A return to the kooky macabre roots of Blue Devil. The past 2-3 issues had been just odd. And while they were mostly great reads; they were far from perfect. Issue #29 was a perfection! 

If you love DC horror from the 70s and you like your superheroes a little on the zany- this is a dollar bin delight to search for!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Blue Devil #28

In this rather ridiculous episode, Blue Devil fights a villain with the abilities and powers of your standard helium balloon. 

This would otherwise be a forgetful story if it wasn't for the inclusion of Bryan Buck. Buck was a teen who won the 'Why I Should Be In Dare Devil' contest. His idea was that with his ability to make balloon animals, he could help our hero by making weapons and vehicles out of latex and air from his lungs. And so that's what editors and writers did in this story.

Did nobody else submit an idea? How bad were the other ideas? The mind boggles at all of this. 

Blue Devil is noted for being an absurdist title. Maybe B. Buck's idea was the most far-out. But then I have to ask: what were some of the more 'normal' ideas that got rejected?

A very doofy issue for sure!

Rating: 5 out of 10 stars.

Blue Devil #27

When the cartoon creations of a beloved animator come alive at an awards show, it's up to Blue Devil and his pals to come to the rescue. But things get seven more screwy when those friends start becoming animated avatars as well!

Blue Devil is at it's best when it's at it's most zaniest! And this issue is straight up daffy!

Featuring some comic relief from the very earliest issues of this series, I am truly sad to see this overlooked titles' run coming to an end!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out 10 stars!

Blue Devil #26

What do you do if you get cut from your baseball team? If you're a disgruntled member of Metropolis' all-star squad, you find a robotics genius, suit up to look like a big green gargoyle, and seek revenge on your old teammates. 

Unfortunately, you're screwed if you decide to pick the day Blue Devil Dan Cassidy chooses to watch the national past time.

A great story with a fun mystery twist and lots of action!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Blue Devil #25

For you new to the comic book scene- holiday special issues is a thing. There are a bunch of Christmas books. Halloween comics are growing in popularity. Every once in a while, we get lucky with a Valentines or Thanksgiving book. But I've never seen a St. Patrick's Day themed book until now!

It's St. Patty's day in Metropolis Blue Devil is enjoying some suds at an Irish Pub when a bunch of Leprechauns run amok!  With Superman away, Big Blue must team up with the Man of Steel's best friend, Jimmy Olsen to get behind the rampage! They'll need all the luck of the Irish possible to save the day from this wee folk rampage!

Tons of Fun! I wish I could have waited to read this around St. Paddys. But I was on such a tear with getting through the Blue Devil run and I just couldn't wait. 

Whenever you decide to read this, just be sure to wear green!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars. 

Blue Devil #24

Even though Blue Devil appeared in the pages of Fury of Firestorm, the character is definitely a part of the Superman realm. Maybe it's a legacy thing as Superman was the one to sponsor Firestorm's membership into the JLA. 

In this issue, Dan Cassidy is pitted against one of the Man of Steel's most creative foes- the Toyman. After a billionaire entrepreneur obtains the rights to the Toyman's playthings, the villain vows revenge. 

I'm way behind on catching up on my reviews of Blue Devil singles. And I'm not gonna lie: I don't remember this story at all! I guess it wasn't a stinker as I don't have any strong feelings against it. But then again, I don't have any strong feelings for the story. So, it wasn't anything special either.

Oh well...

Rating: 5 out of 10 stars.

Fury of Firestorm #47

Bolt is no longer in charge of this heist. Things have gone bad from worst as the deadly Multiplex has staged a mutiny and now not only is Mr. Raymond and his girlfriend Felicity Smoak being held hostage; so is Dan Cassidy!

The past couple of chapters of this 'Bolt Saga' were deadly serious. And yes, what is occurring at the Pittsburgh computer symposium is a life and death situation. But the back-stabbing happened between this group of villains is freakin' hilarious! 

I loved this dramedic chapter. But if you were to package the past 3 inter-series issues together into a trade paperback, the sudden addition of comedy would make for some uneven reading. 

A great single issue story and that alone is what my rating is based.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Blue Devil #23

En route to The Big Apple, Blue Devil experiences car trouble and ends up taking a detour in the Steel City. His stop in Pittsburgh brings him face-to-face not only with Firestorm, The Nuclear Man but several foes lead by the dastardly Bolt!

The combination of Blue Devil and Firestorm villains is the result of a planned heist at a computer symposium. But things are quickly going off the rails! No- it's not because of the sudden (but expected) appearance of the heroes. It's because this motley crew is turning on each other and making alliances! With Felicity Smoak and Ronnie Raymond's dad as hostages, the stakes have never been higher for The Nuclear Man!

It's been hinted at for several issues now. Finally Blue Devil and Firestorm meet- and at each other's throat too! It was great and I loved it!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Fury of Firestorm #46

Though Blue Devil first appeared in the pages of Fury of Firestorm #24, stuntman Dan Cassidy and the Nuclear Man never officially met. (Blue Devil appeared in a completely separate insert story in the issue). If you think the two heroes are actually going to come face-to-face to each other- think again!

Firestorm operates in my beloved Pittsburgh, PA. Blue Devil is a resident of Hollywood. So, as this story is just coming together, expect Blue Devil to be heading East to the Big Apple with a stop off in the Steel City. It's a Hulk #180 situation with the heroes only coming face-to-face in the last panel! (And no- this isn't a spoiler...)

As Blue Devil drives to NYC, Professor Stein and super-jock Ronnie Raymond are about to enjoy some downtime at a computer convention. Of course, this symposium will be anything but serene as the villainous Bolt, who first appeared in as a Blue Devil baddie, has recruited some Firestorm foes to help rob the event!

So yes, Firestorm and Blue Devil will eventually meet. It's just going to be in the pages of Blue Devil #23, that's all...

A nearly flawless issue. It just plays out like a soap opera on Friday with the team-up, the real reason for buying this issue, drawn out until the coming 'Monday.'

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Blue Devil #22

Fan favorites Jorj and Lehni return as Blue Devil makes another trip back to Sin City! This time, it's to stop an alien bountyhunter from capturing his quarry. Not like this time- it's not Jorj and Lehni who are the bounties. 

So just then who is this time? The answer very much might surprise you!

Lot's of fun this issue was! Too bad there's only a handful of issues left to read...

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Blue Devil #21

If you thought Dan Cassidy's time buying a condo was bad, wait till you Blue Devil's test drive while buying a car! A villain in a massive behemoth of an automobile called the Roadmaster is making the other cars eat his dust. Or at least the Roadmaster would if the gigantic vehicle wasn't eating the other drivers LITERALLY!

Guess who is in the sites of the Roadmaster next!

A very fun road rager! Too bad Roadmaster never appears again. He was such a great baddie! I'd love to see the Dark Knight take him on in his Batmobile!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars!

Blue Devil #20

Blue Devil has a new residence- it's a condo! A condo that happens to be referred to as the House of Weirdness! 

After being evicted from the House of Secrets and the House of Mystery, brothers Cain and Abel have become the de facto landlords of this new domicile of the demented. But by being landlords and not tenets, that makes for Dan Cassidy becoming the newest resident. 

For his first night as occupant, Cassidy, along with Cain and Abel, must prevent a literal invasion of Hell on earth when a deceased 60s rock star seeks to make his triumphant return to earth at the expense of the souls of several thousand concert attendees. 

A beautiful mix of humor, macabre and weirdness. Post-Crisis Blue Devil is a return to that zany vibe that made me fall in love with the series!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Blue Devil #19

If you were a regular reader of the Blue Devil letters page, you would be aware that a Kid Devil solo story had been in the delayed works for some time. I think with the coming CRISIS storyline, lots of great ideas got pushed to the side.

Now with DC Comics having to straighten out the effects of the reality altering done by the Anti-Monitor, those wild ideas finally got a chance to shine.

In order to stay a child sidekick, Kid Devil has to work with the think tank at The Institute of Hypernormal Conflict Studies, which has signed on the newly reformed Captain Cold as a gust lecturer. This reformation hasn't say very well with The Trickster, who despite being reformed as well, is itchy for some action. 

This was one of the funniest issues in the series is quite a long time. After the Blue Devil/Trickster two-parter, Blue Devil's humor level kinda petered off. Sure, the over series has been kooky and weird. But the comedic tone had dulled somewhat. Then came the Rogues. It's what this series has needed for some serious laughs: superstar villains from another hero's title. 

This being Post-Crisis- we miss you Barry Allen!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Blue Devil #18

It's the CRISIS. And that means that worlds are colliding. Two versions of Dan Cassidy converge as the Anti-Monitor gets closer to achieving his ultimate goal: the total destruction of the multiverse!

Blue Devil gets a chance to set what life would be like if Dan Cassidy never bonded to the techno-suit. Only this flesh-toned Cassidy is engaged in an intergalactic battle against alien invaders with help from the Omega Men. 

So maybe being forever cursed to be stuck in a rubber suit by a demon isn't all that bad.

A trippy multiverse story that just proves once more than DC's Crisis on Infinite Earths was the greatest story ever told!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Blue Devil #17

The sky has turned red. Planets are disappearing. Time has jumbled. 

 CRISIS is here! 

And the glamorous people of Hollywood have decided to celebrate the end of the world in style. 

Not everyone is going to sit idly by as reality comes to an end. A pirate by the name of The Fisherman who pilots a gigantic mechanical sea monster has decided he's going to take it all with him! Too bad this villain choose a party in which superheroes such as Blue Devil and Kid Devil are on the guest list.

Oh, and it's raining globulous creatures now!

Nobody said that the end of the DC Universe was gonna be dull!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Blue Devil #16

So our new superhero has a name- The Vanquisher. He's like The Punisher if he was once a hall monitor. In other words, Vanquisher likes to get discipline people because he's power mad. And he's got massive chips on his shoulder!

When it comes to Dan Cassidy- Blue Devil just doesn't sit well at all with the Vanquisher. That's because Vanquisher doesn't feel like Dan paid enough dues to become the Blue Devil. 

Being cursed to forever rest inside a big giant blue suit for all eternity by a demon; yeah, that's not due paying worthy. 

Not really sure why we need Vanquisher. He's like when J. Jonah Jameson would create bad guys to battle Spider-Man because JJJ thought that the web-slinger was a villain himself. But here, the reasons why don't quite gel with the hatred of Vanquisher against Blue Devil. Making for this chapter in an otherwise enjoyable and quirky part of 1980s DC Comics a little uneven.

Rating: 6 out of 10 stars.

Blue Devil #15

The studios in which Dan Cassidy works unveils it's newest fully automatic ride. It stars a giant monkey, some pesky aerial flyers and an iconic building. 

A ghost in the machine causes the ape to go haywire, grabbing a tourist. Still in attack mode, the planes star shooting back at the big baboon- with real ammo! So, it's up to Blue Devil, who had a hand in some of the attraction's circuitry, to save the day.

But just who is this new mystery man that's popped up on the scene? And why is he so bad? No, he's not a villain. He's just terrible at this superhero thing! I mean he really stinks!

Where's Kid Devil when you need him?

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10.