DC Dog Days of Sumer Special #1

8 action packed adventures for all you DC Comics fans. 

A $9.99 price tag might be pretty steep for most of you. But I am a holiday themed comic addict and since I was going on vacation this week, I could not pass it up. 

There's quite a few of DC's best working on this book including Dan DiDio, G. Willow Wilson, Stjepan Sejic and a cool-looking cover by Francis Manpul. While there's an impressive list of talent on this book, the quality of the stories do vary. 

The best stories were:

• A Killer Croc tale of the crime lord's Miami origins, set in the Everglades.
• Beast Boy's feats of strength during his much needed summer vacay.
• Red Lantern Dex-starr teaches a milquetoast the benefits of rage when some Khund vacationers go on the war path.
• On a jungle safari, Animal Man must protect his family when an ancient menace targets them as his next meal. 

The worst:

• A Superman and Krypto team-up. The story of the duo facing an alien menace was good. But the art was really poor. 

In the middle was:

• A Justice League story involving a Minotaur named Ferdinand. His quest to find a suitable main course for the League's BBQ was admirable, especially since I am a professional chef. But I don't know this character and that made it hard to make a connection with the story.  
• Captain Carrot's cartoon world is undergoing a CRISIS. With Earth-23's Superman out of commission, the bunny must rely on the grim and gritty Atomic Batman of Earth-17 whose all about logic Yet, with the sun feeling unappreciated, the only way to save the day means relying on some hilarious cartoon physics! Again, the art wasn't all that great. But it seemed to match this Looney Tunes inspired tale.

If you are keeping count, I just mentioned 7 stories. That's because #8 is one that I couldn't decide whether I loved it or hated it. It involved a pair of drunks deciding to ride an untamed bull (wearing a pained on smiley face) at a county fair. To the rescue is Batcow! This was an absurd story that had some hi-highs and some groan-worthy lows. I'm sure that I don't feel okay with this story. I just don't know whether to hate it or love it. 

Overall, I enjoyed this special very much. For the most part, the stories were great. It was the artwork that wasn't, in my opinion, DC Comics quality. If you are going on a vacation anytime this summer, pick up the DC Dog Days of Summer Special. Almost perfect for reading on a breezy evening after a long day of fun in the sun.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew! in The Oz-Wonderland War #3

The epic triple-sized cross-over between Captain Carrot and his Amazing Zoo Crew, the people of Oz, and the residents of Wonderland comes to a close. With all of the needed rulers of Oz rescue, with the exception of one, this united coalition of freedom fighters take it to the Nome King one final time.

The series started with a whimper but ended with a bang. I enjoyed it very much. I’m typically not a fan of funny animal books, but I grew up reading Captain Carrot and I love Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass (it’s also my favorite Disney film.) This mini-series was darn near perfect. The only thing really missing was Alice. However, in an article by series scribe Nelson Birdwell, it just wasn’t feasible since Alice dreams of being in Wonderland whereas determined by a sequel book to Wizard of Oz, Dorothy lives in Oz. So, I was able to forgive that slight.

(Spoiler) I’ve also been saying that this is the weirdest crossover ever- that was until the final page when Captain Carrot’s alter ego Rodney rabbit came face-to-face with the inferior 5! Now, as far as I know, nothing ever came of this surprise ending. But, as I think about it, I would love to one day see a Captain Carrot/ Spider-ham/ Inferior 5/ Great Lakes Avengers crossover with a special appearance by the Legion of Substitute Heroes. Hey, Marvel and DC, could we make this happen? PLEASE!!!!!!!

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew! in The Oz-Wonderland War #2

Captain Carrot, the Zoo Crew, and a combined effort of Oz and Wonderlanian forces continue to search for more of missing leaders of Oz. This time up for rescue are the Scarecrow and a certain Wizard.

I really enjoyed this issue. It was a lot more fluid that the first book. I think it just needed a little time to hit its stride. It’s a good thing Captain Carrot has Dorothy Gale around or none of the missing Oz characters would ever have a chance of being found. But it’s a real shame Alice isn’t in this book. I wonder why she’s not here. I miss her. Hopefully, her absence will be addressed.

On the subject of absent promises, the Jabberwock was promised to be in the issue last issue, but he was nowhere to be found. I’m not sure why. However, he does appear here- along with a strange team-up between Captain Carrot and almost every funny animal of the rabbit persuasion to exist in DC Comics history. Along with several bunnies I’ve never heard of, the Good Captain meets up with another rabbit donning the red and gold- Marvel Bunny and briefly reunites with the love of his life- Wonder Rabbit. Sadly, their love is left unrequited.

 Also, thanks to some editor’s articles throughout this issue, I now know why in the last issue of Captain Carrot and the Amazing Zoo crew why we were promises with a 6-part series on the Oz-Wonderland War and only received 3. That’s because of the Zoo Crew series getting cancelled. Originally, there were to be a 6-part story that took place in the pages of Captain Carrot. However, shake-ups at DC caused the title to be scrapped altogether. The higher ups did manage to get this series to see the light of day as a mini-series and made 3 double sized issues instead of 6 standard sized comics. Thus, nothing was omitted and DC actually found a way to keep their promise in order for this series to find newsstands and eventually my collection.

 Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

 

 

 

Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew! in The Oz-Wonderland War #1

 

It’s perhaps the weirdest cross-over of all! Captain Carrot and is squad of super-powered funny animals from earth-C are recruited by the Cheshire Cat to help Wonderland’s finest to save the leaders of the land of Oz. It appears there’s this guy called the “Nome King” and he’s the leader of a race of hairy bearded creatures called “Nomes.” Are the supposed to be gnomes? I don’t know, but these guys are mean. Along with his Nome soldiers, the Nome King wears a golden hat that gives him control of those scary flying monkeys.

 

With these baddies plus a bunch of other unusual creatures that have struck fear in the hearts of many a resident of Oz and Wonderland, it’s up to the Zoo Crew to save the leaders of OZ before the Nome King gains access to a portal connecting Oz to Wonderland. With each leader of Oz captured, the Nome King’s power is increased exponentially. So, with every Oz leader saved, the Nome King gets weaker.

 

There’s only one problem, the Nome King has changed these leaders into random inanimate colored objects in color coordinated places. So, if you got changed into a red fire hydrant, the Nome King would place you in a field of roses along with a red vase, some ruby red slippers, and a red rubber ball. The caveat is that you only get one guess or that person is the Nome King’s object forever. But, there is a little bit of the Batman villain the Riddler in the Nome King as each mission can be solved by a riddle that reflects the past history of Oz and Wonderland.

 

Since Captain Carrot and the Zoo Crew have never heard of Wonderland or Oz, they’ll need help from the White Rabbit and Dorothy Gale to help solve the riddles. In this first chapter, the combined earth-C-Wonderland-Oz must save the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion. Can they do it without letting their egos and unfamiliarity with the land of Oz get in their way?

 

A very interesting first chapter. It’s not at all what I expected. I thought the Zoo Crew would somehow be dragged in a war between the people of Wonderland and Oz, as the title implies. I thought some Zoo Crew members would have taken sides and it would’ve been like a true civil war. Instead, I like this idea of a team-up that involves solving a series of puzzles much better that my first thoughts. It captures the works of Lewis Carroll and L. Frank Baum quite well.

 

Worth Consuming.

 

Rating: 8 out of 10 star

Captain Carrot & His Amazing Zoo Crew #20

Unable to find a permanent writer and artist for Captain Carrot, DC moved the Zoo Crew to miniseries only status. Thus this issue is the final issue of the original series. In a fitting nod to the very first appearance of Captain Carrot, in the pages of The New Teen Titans, Changeling- AKA Garfield Logan- AKA formerly Beast Boy, is transported to Earth-C in hot pursuit of a major villain from the Earth Prime universe. Or is it Earth 1? I always get that confused.

Anyway, it’s fitting for Changeling to come to Earth-C, as he’s got the ability to change into almost any type of animal. The only problem is that his animals are always green. So, it's tricky when he infiltrates an Earth-C prison as an elephant with sea sickness.

I hate that this series came to an end. It wasn’t perfect, but it did have its moments of shear genius. This book has made a believer and fan of funny animal books.

Worth Consuming.

Rating 10 out of 10 stars.

Captain Carrot & His Amazing Zoo Crew #19

It’s the beginning of the end. With only 2 issues left, the Zoo Crew return to one of their all-time classic adventures, when the gang meet back up with Frogzilla. This time Froggy has a crab partner and they’re looking to not only eliminate Captain Dodo, again, but to put the Zoo Crew out of House and home.

This is a great story ruined by an unneeded character. This crab guy is really just a sleazy realtor/ developer. He’s not needed for the story. To have Frogzilla terrorize the high-seas is story enough.

Too bad, this could’ve been an instant classic!

Rating 8 out of 10 stars.

"Captain Carrot & His Amazing Zoo Crew #18"

The Zoo Crew aren't really fighting each other like this cover implies. I hate when books don't match the material promised on their covers.

In this the second all-solo adventures issue in a row, we finally learn of the format change. It appears that series artist Scott Shaw went off to greener pastures and so in an attempt to stay on target with not having the series go into delays or even get outright cancelled, the publisher has had a team of artists and writers pushing out small vignettes when time allows.

The 3 stories are very good. But, the framing piece which has half of the Zoo Crew going to the mall for some pre-vacation shopping and the other half perusing Yankee Poodle’s secret files is disjointed. First, of all, Alley-Kat-Abra is supposed to go to the mall, but here story has her at the opera, but there isn’t an explanation as to why she went there instead. Then we see Rubberduck and Pig Iron gasping over some big secrets hidden in Poodle’s file, but what they are is seriously overlooked. I wish some better story editing of those framing pieces would’ve been executed. It would’ve made this a superior issue. Instead, it’s a hoo-hum comic starring Funny Animals with super powers.

Rating 5 out of 10 stars.

 

"Captain Carrot & His Amazing Zoo Crew #17"

This issue has 3 solos stories featuring Captain Carrot, Pig Iron, and Rubberduck. I’m not sure why they’re going the solo route right now, because the next issue is also an all-solo adventures issue, that will obviously feature the other 3 members of the Zoo Crew.

Each story is very good and I didn’t have any complaints. It’s just strange to have the series go off in another direction without some much as a letter from the editor or anything of the sort.

Worth Consuming

Rating 9 out of 10 stars.

Captain Carrot & His Amazing Zoo Crew #16

In perhaps the most disappointing issue in the entire series, the Zoo Crew face off against a giant Goodyear Tire! Now, this issue is a parody of a classic Blackhawk issue, commonly referred to as the War Wheel. Years later, it would be the basis for a two-part episode of Justice League on Cartoon Network, which would bridge the DC heroes of World War II with the likes of Superman and Green Lantern.

For those reasons, this is considered the most sought after (and most valuable and hard to find) issue in the entire series.

Yet, it stinks to high Heavens.

The Crew bicker like crazy, the puns are terrible, and the whole motivation of the fiend behind the Giant Tire of Terror is ridiculous and that’s saying something for a comic book starring Funny Animals.

I was sorely disappointed in this issue and I hate that I had to pay more for this lackluster issue in order to complete my collection.

Not Worth my time or Consuming.

Rating 3 out of 10 stars.

Captain Carrot & His Amazing Zoo Crew #15

In the conclusion to the Crisis on Earth C-, the Zoo Crew and the Just’a Lotta Animals team up to defeat a group of animal baddies from Earth C and Earth C-. It’s just like those classic team-ups of the JLA and JSA every summer in the pages of Justice League of America. Except, everyone’s got fur- but I love it.

This is the best story in the whole series. I was pleased with every panel, every pun, all of it. It’s that good. A little known and little seen classic of the pre-Crisis DC Universe.

Worth Consuming.

Rating 10 out of 10 stars.

Captain Carrot & His Amazing Zoo Crew #14

In true DC fashion, a cross-dimensional crossover occurs between Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew and the Just’a Lotta Animals- comprised of animal versions of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and many others. The only problem is that Rodney Rabbit draws the JLAnimals, so how do they exist? Taking a page from Gardner Fox, it appears that this Earth C- is real, and when Rodney dreams, he connects with that universe!

It’s a really great event that takes a profound knowledge of classic DC Comics from the 50s and 60s to really appreciate the love and care Roy Thomas and Scott Shaw have for their craft and creations.

The best book in the entire series, thus far!

Worth Consuming.

Rating 10 out of 10 stars.

Captain Carrot & His Amazing Zoo Crew #13

 

This might be the best issue of the entire series. The Zoo Crew is trying to enjoy some summer rays when a freak snow storm blankets the entire West Coast. Entire the new villain, Cold Turkey. A walking Thanksgiving dinner that has cold producing powers. It's such a great gimmick. Plus, Cold Turkey is so diabolical; he ranks up there with Captain Cold and Mr. Freeze! He’s awesome.

I really enjoyed this issue and I thought it was an instant classic that deserves a second chance amongst today’s readers.

Worth Consuming.

Rating 10 out of 10 stars.

Captain Carrot & His Amazing Zoo Crew #12

 

The Zoo Crew gains a member when a young mouse gains the ability to change in size. When his papa is murdered by a booker, this new hero called Little Cheese vows revenge and enlists the Crew to help bring the Fat Cat down.

This issue seems to take a lot of stuff out of the Spider-man play book. The only thing missing is the old “Great Power/ Great Responsibility” mantra. Well that and the being bitten by a radioactive spider deal.

But, it was a good issue and for being a funny animal book and it’s a very smart book. I liked it.

Worth Consuming.

Rating 8 out of 10 stars.

Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew #11. (Halloween Theme)

 

The epic 2-part story of the Wuz-Wolf concludes with Peter Porkchops finding a way to become Iron Pig again. It’s a fairly creative way to end the story- but it just seems a little too…oh I don’t know, convenient. To have a piece of metal just happen to contain the very particles that causes you mutation show up in the hands of your arch-enemy. It’s just very neat and tidy. I was disappointed.

  I was not disappointed in the Rubber Duck back-up story. The villain he fights, the Salamandroid, is drawn in such an exceptional high quality. It may not be DC Earth Prime quality, but I could’ve seen this guy fighting the Thundercats. I was impressed.

A fairly good issue, it’s just not my favorite, by far. Here’s hoping the next issue goes back to those higher standards of quality than this one.

Worth Consuming

Rating 7 out of 10 stars.

Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew #10. (Halloween theme)

In what is probably the first of my ghoulish reads for the 2013 Halloween season, I read another issue of Capt. Carrot. In this tale, Pig Iron is confronted with a character from his past- a diabolical wolf whose been curse into a Wuz-wolf- “part wolf and all man!” It’s a neat twist for a world made up of animals.

  The gang at DC have done it again making yet another connection to the funny animal books of the 1940s- as both the wolf and Pig Iron in his depowered form of Peter Porkchops were both featured in numerous DC issues right around the time of the second World War. It’s extremely clever and I believe the right direction for this title to go in. The secondary story featuring Fastback and his domestic troubles in finding employment were quite good. I just couldn’t believe some of the puns in that story were actually of X-rated films. I guess comics about funny animals just aren’t for kids after all!

Worth Consuming.
Rating 9 out of 10 stars.

Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew #3

The Zoo Crew take full advantage of a well-used Justice League of America plot-device: team up pairs of heroes to tackle multiple threats. It works when a minor super villain is used in a story that the combined might of just Superman and Green Lantern could do by thereselves while the rest of the League stayed home and watched Homeland. It works here too, but not for the same effect. Here, it gives the newly formed team a chance to bond and advance character development. I actually appreciated it.

   The main villain of Brother Hood is ---, well I won’t say due to spoilers. However, I am sure I have the villains true identity figured out.

Worth Consuming.

Rating 9 out of 10 stars.

Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew #2

Issue #2 of Zoo Crew takes a page out of the Fantastic Four’s handbook. With the Pluto mind-beam crisis averted and Superman having returned to his home planet, the Crew is left wondering what’s next?! Most everyone wants the team to continue. However, Pig Iron makes like Ben Grimm and wants his privacy. Being the only character that can’t change, Pig Iron is stuck being a metal monstrosity and that kinda thing tends to unsettle the town folk. It’s up to Captain Carrot and 5/6 of his Zoo Crew to help the creature decide if he’s on the side of good or evil.

 Along with this episode, there’s a secondary plot of a mysterious group who have plans to overthrow the government of the US of S (Species). I like the “cat and mouse” storyline and I am looking forward to how it will play out in future issues.

Worth Consuming.

Rating 9 out of 10 stars.

Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew #1

Not only does Superman star in this premiere issue of Zoo Crew, but a classic Justice League of America villain cameos as a strange beam from outer space is causing humans on Earth Prime to act like animals and the animals of Earth-C are becoming feral.

It’s a classic first issue. It’s actually a little brainier than I expected. I thought it would be a very childish book. While funny animals do appeal primarily to kids, one must remember that there are tons of normal sane adults who love Mickey Mouse and there are some classic adult graphic novels that use animals instead of humans. Speigelman’s Maus and Crumb’s Fritz the Cat come to mind in that latter category and both are definitely not for kids!

True, some of the jokes are staler than 4 day old bagels. But some of the puns like naming a duck action star who drives a super-fast Trans Am, “Bird Rentals” are inside jokes that a more mature reader would only get.

I think Captain Carrot’s got potential.

Worth Consuming.

Rating 8 out of 10 stars.

The New Teen Titans #16

This issue actually marks the first appearance of Captain Carrot. In the middle of this issue, there is a 16-page insert that introduces readers to mild-mannered Clark Kent and his secret identity of Superman. Wait, What? I thought this was supposed to be a funny animal book?

   In an attempt to garner readership, the Man of Steel makes an appearance on an alternate earth ruled by walking (upright) talking animals. As a strange energy beam causes people on earth to turn into animals, Superman intercepts a meteor and somehow breaks a dimensional plan to sweep him to Earth-C.

  I’m not sure why Superman was chosen to team-up with the Zoo Crew and not the Teen Titans. I mean, this whole set-up takes place in their magazine. If you’re not going to use them, why not put the Zoo Crew preview in an issue of Action Comics or DC Comics Presents? BTW, you’ll actually need this issue as a cliff-hanger occurs that’s only resolved in Captain Carrot #1. In fact, until I stumbled upon the book in a 10-cent box, I would never have known I needed this title to complete my collection. I would have been pissed if that happened.

In regards of the Teen Titans, I enjoyed that book very much. Starfire falls in love with Mr. Right. Only he’s a HIVE mole and is using her to infiltrate the Titans. The book is full of drama and teen angst and low on action. But, that’s okay. It’s like DC’s answer to X-Men, only with a smaller cast to keep the plots tighter. I appreciated that and the George Perez art ain't bad either. I think I’ll be collecting this title real soon!

Worth Consuming.

Rating for Captain Carrot Preview: 8 out of 10 stars.

Rating for Teen Titans story: 10 out of 10 stars.

Average rating: 9 stars.