The Thing #1

After sharing co-starring duty in Marvel Two-In-One, the ever lovin’ Thing from the Fantastic Four finally has his own solo comic. Here, legendary scribe John Bryne crafts a tale in which Ben Grimm goes back to his trampling ground of Yancy Street. Here he meets up with the leader of the Yancy Street Gang and recalls his origin.

There’s not much punching or fighting here. But, there is a really good story. I like the twist ending and it’s got a very poignant conclusion that is both bright and sad and the same time.

I’ve dabbled in this series and now I think the time has come for me to start collecting the entire series. 

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Street Sharks #2 (of a three issue series)

Maybe it’s because I haven’t read issue #1. But, this comic book about several human brothers who are turned into a gang of extreme sports lovin’ sharks (that can live on land and breathe air) is a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle knock-off. Which is ironic as Archie Comics published TMNT in the 90s right when they published this 3 issue mini-series.

The dialogue is full of corny jokes and is trite. The art is gritty and that maybe is to reflect the gritty. in-your-face nature of the street sharks. Sadly, they come across as annoying clones of Poochie from Itchy and Scratchy. Plus, the diabolic mad scientist is this series conducts some experiments that are borderline too much for kids. I recommend this not be for kids under 10.

In my opinion- NOT Worth Consuming.

Rating: 4 out of 10 stars.

DC Comics Presents: Mystery in Space #1

A tribute issue in honor of the passing of the great Julius Schwartz, long-time Editor In Chief of DC Comics. Schwartz was known for having concept covers drawn up and then would assign writers to use that idea for use in a forthcoming issue of said title.

In this issue, the First story is a team-up of Adam Strange and Ralph (Elongated Man) & Sue Dibny. I love the Dibnys, God rest their souls. So, to have them pop up here is awesome. That story involves a chance meeting in a remote African nation and the terrible consequences of Strange’s Zeta beam having on global defense in the wrong hands.

The second story is by Batman scribe, Grant Morrison. That should be a great issue. Sadly, it delves into some metaphysical metaphor for how Adam Strange was a catalyst for American’s fear of the bomb and the generation gap in terms of Vietnam. It’s really a stretch and a very confusing and awful tale.

Thankfully, the first story totally makes up for that drivel and makes this book very much Worth Consuming.

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

DC Comics Presents - The Flash #1

A tribute issue in honor of the passing of the great Julius Schwartz, long-time Editor In Chief of DC Comics. Schwartz was known for having concept covers drawn up and then would assign writers to use that idea for use in a forthcoming issue of said title. It's also fitting that the Flash is used as one of the heroes to pay respect to Julie as it was Schwartz who was solely responsible for the Speedster's 'return' to comics in the 1950s.

The first take has Barry Allen testifying against a mob boss. But before he can testify, an assassin marks the criminologist for death. Cameos abound with Iris West, Martian Manhunter, Deadshot & more.

The second tale features some of the Flash’s Rogue’s Gallery. However, the story is rather flat.

Worth Consuming if for just the first story alone.

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

DC Comics Presents Batman #1

A tribute issue in honor of the passing of the great Julius Schwartz, long-time EIC of DC Comics. Schwartz was known for having concept covers drawn up and then would assign writers to use that idea for use in a forthcoming issue of said title.

Here, Len Wein, Geoff Johns, and Carmine Infantino explore Batman’s relationship with the TV. In the first tale, the actor playing Robin on TV’s hit Batman is found murdered. Now, it’s up to the Dynamic Duo to solve the crime.

The second tale is even better in which a reality TV show’s producer always seems to know when Batman is going to strike fear in the hearts of Gotham’s underworld. Once the Dark Knight finds out is going on, he may be to late to stop Two-face from exacting revenge on the media mogul.

Two great tales, very much Worth Consuming.

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

DC Comics Presents Atom #1

A tribute issue in honor of the passing of the great Julius Schwartz, long-time EIC of DC Comics. Schwartz was known for having concept covers drawn up and then would assign writers to use that idea for use in a forthcoming issue of said title.

Here, Dave Gibbons, Mark Waid, Dan Jurgens, and others devise 2 different takes in which the Atom is required to “ride a deadly grenade!”

The first tale incorporates the classic motif that writer Gardner Fox got his ideas by his dreams tapping into the Earth-1 universe. Along with Schwartz and what I assume is pitcher Whitey Ford, the Atom must find a way to go back to Earth-1 after some criminals strand him in the “real world.”

The second tale isn’t quite as charming. Atom still must take a ride on a grenade, but that tale doesn’t hold a candle to the first tale. It does feature 60s super-criminal Chronos, which uses ideas from an imaginative writer, a thinly veiled Schwartz, to stage a series of super crimes.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

DC Comics Presents: Justice League of America #1

A tribute issue in honor of the passing of the great Julius Schwartz, long-time EIC of DC Comics. Schwartz was known for having concept covers drawn up and then would assign writers to use that idea for use in a forthcoming issue of said title.

In this issue, Harlan Ellison, Marv Wolfman, and Peter David contribute 2 tales surrounding a cover in which the Justice League is plagued by their super powers and weapons. The first tale is awesome. It has the future JLA going back in time to stop the newly formed League from getting decimated by a time travelling villain from the 30th century.

Sadly, Harlan Ellison’s tale really sucks rocks. Here, Schwartz is a character in his own tale, in which he dreams that his characters have taken over his life and he hates them for that! I really think that’s hogwash. Ellison, good a writer he may be, tends to embellish facts AND likes to restructure characters into more controversial subjects than they really are. Case in point: his first draft for City of the Edge of Forever in which Scotty was to become a drug addict.

Thankfully, the first tale makes this issue worth consuming, but just barely.

Worth Consuming!

  Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.