Down The Rabbit Hole, Part One

Reading the facsimile reprint of the first issue of JLA/Avengers sent me down the rabbit-hole of digging out and re-reading the 1996 DC Versus Marvel/Marvel Versus DC.

Legend has it that the inter-company acrimony stems from fierce competition. What it comes down to is sharing the slices of The Pie. I'm not sure who said it, Joe Quesada or Dan Didio - and I don't mean to demonize either one - but someone is on record as being quoted as saying, "Why do an inter-company crossover where DC and Marvel have to share the profits and proceeds", when we can enjoy the wealth of our labors on our own characters? When Spider-Man and Superman team up, the split is 50/50. Same with Batman and The Hulk and New Teen Titans and Uncanny X-Men.

What's interesting about DC Versus Marvel is that it's the entire line... and it's decided on fan votes.

Didn't anybody learn anything from the 1988 fan-vote Death of Jason Todd? At that time, no one really thought that the fans would kill off Batman's second Robin, Jason Todd. However, they did.

The unfortunate outcome of DC Versus Marvel is that Marvel's characters either tied or bested DC. There's the off-panel battle between Lobo and Wolverine, where Wolverine comes out on top. There's the near stalemate between Batman and Captain America, with serendipity favoring Batman.

Admittedly, I have to read a little more closely, but there's the budding infatuation between Robin Tim Drake and Jubilee that hampers that face-off.

One fan reviewer put it that it's hard to please every individual fan with an outcome, so it may seem that the actual story just sort of stays flat and bland. A Contest of Champions that really has no decisive winner. Yes, there were winners and losers. Storm beat Wonder Woman. Flash beat Quicksilver. Thor beat Captain (SHAZAM!) Marvel. Superman beat The Hulk.

Aside from the battles, it all feels so much like Crisis on Infinite Earths. Realities and worlds hang in the balance for the winners and losers.

My only other gripe, if I'm allowed to is that we get one-offs. We get Ben Reilly. Smart Hulk. Wally West and Kyle Rayner. Maybe mullet Superman. 

I know, it's a minor nitpick. However, just as with JLA/Avengers, we're not really seeing a "Classic" line-up. We're not seeing "Classic" versions of the characters. Further, why not create a single, shared reality where everybody knows everybody? Clark Kent knows Peter Parker - Peter Parker knows Jimmy Olsen. Get passed the familiarity and get right down to a story that affects all the characters.

That seems to be the flaw I find in DC Versus Marvel.

But, that's just one fan's opinion - and you're entitled to it. 

 

 

There's a Kitchen Sink in Here Somewhere! JLA/Avengers 1 Review

 

That is such a beautiful George Perez cover.

The story opens with a prologue featuring Krona searching the multiverse for answers. Krona inadvertently created the multiverse trying to see its origin and beginnings. The viewer he used exploded shattering the universe into a multiverse. As punishment, the Guardians of the Universe on OA transformed him into pure energy and cast him out. He has returned, and in his wake Polechamus and Qward are destroyed along with the realities surrounding them. Ultimately, Krona faces The Grandmaster. 

Later, Terminus shows up in Metropolis. After a pitched battle, the Justice League manage to defeat him. The Spectre (Hal Jordan) whisks the beaten Terminus from their reality. Meanwhile, in New York, The Avengers are battling Starro. She-Hulk, Yellow Jacket, Triathlon, Quicksilver and Thor are among those taken over by Starro's "face hugger" offspring. Carol Danvers manages to free Pietro Maximoff from a face hugger. He provides the breakthrough the team needs. Vision puts a face hugger on Scarlet Witch and through it, she unleashes chaos magic that forces Starro to flee screaming in agony.

Back at their moonbase Watchtower, the Justice League are confronted by The Watcher and The Grandmaster. En Dwi Gast tells the League that they must gather talisman to ward off Krona and save their reality. Wally West uses the Speed Force to send the team to The Avengers reality where they are able to collect the Ultimate Nullifier! Following their encounter with The Avengers, Earth's Mightiest Heroes - with The Atom eavesdropping - encounter Metron, who lists the same talisman that they must gather to save their reality!

The Avengers travel to the Justice League reality, for a return encounter. The Atom follows Metron to where he confers with The Grandmaster...

It almost goes without saying that George Perez's art is spectacular and fabulous. He is legendary from the pages of both teams, having developed his trademark "Patented Perez Rubble". That's how detailed his art is. down to the very rubble. He is aided and abetted by Tom Smith on Colors & Separations, with Comicraft handling lettering. That's amazing as each character has their own lettering voice.

Busiek's story is EPIC! It's COSMIC! It's GRAND and SPRAWLING! It's not just a Justice League or Avengers story. It's not just bringing these two teams together - in conflict, then, possibly in harmony - it spans both the DC and Marvel Multiverses. Before the teams appear, we get to see Arkon and Thundra as well as the Weaponers of Qward and the Crime Syndicate. While Krona is the major bad guy of the story, it also involves The Grandmaster, Metron and The Watcher. There's so much to this story, so much detail, so much thrown in, there's bound to be a kitchen sink somewhere as well. This isn't a light, disposable, forgettable story. This. One. Plays. For. KEEPS!

One the one hand, that's awesome! It's a spectacle of a story. On the other hand, it's hype to the hilt, and possibly teetering on the edge of being bloated and overblown. It's starts with both Superman and Thor chomping, spouting and just plain yelling. It's possible that there's some minor mind-control there, or maybe just a negative reaction to the opposite realities.

This is no small adventure. 

Perez's art is awesome as ever. Busiek's story is huge. It borders on the, "it's not the size of the fish that counts..." it's how you tell this story.

JLA/Avengers 1 earns five stars. 

Archie's T.V. Laugh-Out 79 Review

Archie has been following right along with DC Comics and Marvel Comics with facsimile reprints.

The latest Archie Comics facsimile reprint is Archie's T.V. Laugh-Out 79, from September 1980. The original cover is something of a Jaws tie-in. Archie builds a sand shark at the beach. It's so realistic that Jughead decides to move his snack cooler just a little farther away! It's a hilarious gag. Unusual that it's a two-part, or two-panel gag. Usually, Archie covers feature a single image with just the set-up and the punch line.

What's even more interesting is the Jaws tie-in. The original Jaws film came out in 1975, based on the 1974 Peter Benchley novel. The sequel, Jaws 2 was released in 1978. Jaws 3-D was released in 1983. This 1980 issue falls between Jaws 2 and Jaws 3-D. Perhaps to capitalize on the original cover gag, two variant covers were released to tie into the Jaws theme. Both feature a movie-poster quality. The foil variant features Veronica swimming, with the Jaws shark below.

They are both cool covers.

The first story, Words and Music, finds Reggie up to his usual self-centered, self-promoting antics. He wants to move to a better venue. He thinks Betty and her tambourine are holding him... er, The Archies back. He recommends firing her. He strong-arms playing one of his songs for the club owner checking them out. Half-way through Reggie's song, the club owner uses the restroom! During a break, Betty writes some lyrics. The Archies back her up. The club owner is impressed and signs The Archies - spotlighting Betty! The laugh is on Reggie!

Next up, Alex tries to show up Alan by cooking up something better than pizza. He makes a mess of his Chef's kitchen! The laugh is on Alex, when his chef chooses pizza in the end! The only problem with the Josie and the Pussycats story is that Alex Cabot looks and acts like Reggie Mantle's twin! There really is no way to tell the two apart! It's only when Alex gives his chef the boot from the kitchen that he's different. Even the whole gag of making a mess of the kitchen trying to show up Alan - a one-off himself of Archie - seems like a total Reggie move.

Another fun story is Li'l Archie and Jughead using a goat to mow the lawn when the family mower dies.

The last story finds Sabrina's aunts with a cursed Egyptian statue. Touching it might spread the curse! Harvey scoffs, until one of the aunts uses magic to convince him.

All in all, it's solid, light-hearted comedy from the Archie gang. 

Archie's T.V. Laugh-Out 79, facsimile reprint, earns five stars. For the extra effort on variant covers. Your mileage on that may vary.  

They Put a Spell on You!

Although thrilling and action-packed, Buckler and Giordano's cover for All-Star Squadron 4 is somewhat flat and lackluster. Inexplicably showing the heroes fighting amongst themselves! In-fighting among the greatest heroes of all time! "A Battle You Never Expected!", reads a caption. "The Justice Society of America vs. the All-Star Squadron".

The question Roy Thomas, Rich Buckler and Len Wein address in this issue is this: with heavy hitters such as Superman, Dr. Fate, Green Lantern, Johnny Thunder and his Thunderbolt, The Spectre and Wonder Woman, why wasn't the war over before it even started? Captain America punched Hitler! Chewbacca punched Hitler!

The answer comes in the form of The Dragon King. He has arrived at a secret base in the South Pacific. Hitler has his Spear of Destiny, the legendary and fabled spear that pierced the Savior's side. Apparently, Tojo also has a mystical talisman: the Holy Grail! The jeweled stone cup that the Savior used at The Last Supper before the crucifixion. The power of those talisman holds great magic.

That magic is amplified in the hands of the Axis to warp the minds of the heroes so that they do not directly attack Germany and Japan! Which is a convenient plot device to explain why Superman doesn't just simply crush the Axis powers. Superheroes, like regular folk, fight side-by-side to overcome evil.

The art by Buckler and Ordway continues to shine. Gafford's colors are awesome as is the lettering by Costanza.

It's such a simple out to say that magic keeps the heavy hitters from crushing the Axis, yet it sets the tone and direction of the book. Characters like The Atom, Dr. Mid-Night, Johnny Quick, Liberty Belle and Robotman might be able to invade Europe or Asia, which would make for a dramatic, gripping adventure. The Big Guns maybe not so much.

All Star Squadron 4 earns four stars.    
 

Like Sands in an Hourglass...

Another outstanding cover! Buckler and Giordano capturing the All-Stars fighting Solomon Grundy, while Degaton stands by commanding!

This issue is all about dialogue. Degaton recaps everything that happened in the previous issue. It's fun to bask and enjoy his endless monologuing, while following the distinct voices of Wotan, Professor Zodiac, Grundy and The Shining Knight. The spouting between all of these characters is just a word soup. Then there's the slang of the other All-Stars mopping up the zombie Japanese Zeroes.

As the heroes manage to turn the tide, the bad guys start turning and feeding on each other. Wotan and Zodiac abandon Degaton to get their own revenge on their adversaries. Eventually, Grundy does the same. 

The action comes together somewhat smoothly. A casual remark means that Hawkman, Johnny Quick and Robotman were able to follow markers to catch up to the rest of the group. 

Zodiac's dropped vial conveniently falls on The Spectre, allowing him to free the rest of the captive heroes. Some details feel slightly rushed or maybe brushed over. However, Degaton's house of cards does come crumbling down rather quickly when it's clear his plan has fallen completely apart.

It's interesting that once everything is unraveled, everyone forgets Degaton. What all this amounts to is an explanation as to why the Justice Society and Golden-Age superheroes could not prevent that attack on Pearl Harbor. It's a very convenient plot device. Still, a fantastic launch to the All-Star Squadron. Standing firm as patriots and fighting for freedom. One of the reasons why colorful costumed heroes came about in the first place. To inspire.

All-Star Squadron 3 earns four stars. 

Hello, Exposition, My Old Friend... Or, He's Monologuing! The All-Star Squadron 2 Review!

 

Joe Kubert brings the Sgt. Rock, "Our Heroes at War" vibe with the cover to All-Star Squadron 2! A scene leaping from inside, shows Robotman, The Atom, Johnny Quick, Liberty Belle, Hakman and Plastic Man ripping apart one Japanese Zero from an aerial squadron over the ocean! 

Roy Thomas and Rich Buckler's story picks up from the next moment from the end of the previous issue. It is the morning of December 7th, 1941, "... a day that will live in infamy!" The historic Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The Atom and Hawkman, founding members of the Justice Society are leaving FDR and the White House with Dr. Mid-Nite, Johnny Quick, Liberty Belle, Plastic Man and Robotman. They're being sent off to the West Coast to prevent further Japanese attacks.

This issue is actually jam-packed! 

Leaving the White House, the All-Stars come across looters taking advantage of the day's confusion and hysteria! Boom! Stopped!

On their flight west, Hawkman suggests that they reveal their identities to one another in order to build trust and camaraderie. Over the next four pages - one panel per hero - each one reveals the briefest of Secret Origins!

And then, Degaton monologues! He waxes egotistical and reveals his whole plan to Sir Justin and Danette Reilly!

The story is a veritable dump of information! Degaton catches everyone up on his many plots, leading to this current plan to divide and conquer! If he alone isn't a pure, devious genius, he's assembled a crew fitting and worthy: Grundy, Professor Zodiac, Sky Pirate and Wotan! Degaton even gets a Fact File page! This is Degaton's third attempt at world domination. 

Len Wein is to be complimented for guiding Roy Thomas, Rich Buckler and Jerry Ordway in how this issue and story unfurls. Carl Gafford provides brighter, more optimistic colors and John Costanza's lettering is less muddy and obscured. Still, newsprint is newsprint. There is an editorial page devoted to more detailed history.

While the exposition and monologuing could be a drawback, it doesn't really slow or bog down the story. It just adds to the drama and intensity. Your mileage may vary on that. There is a nationalism and patriotic vibe that seems quaint, dated and somewhat corny to modern post-Vietnam cynicism.

All Star Squadron 2 earns five stars.

Assembling the Squadron! All Star Squadron 1 Review

 

Rich Buckler's cover is just amazing. Dr. Mid-Nite, Hawkman, and The Atom pouring over photographs of Golden-Age Mystery Men. The cover question "Who Will Be the Heroes of the All-Star Squadron"? Pause for just a moment and consider... "mystery men" and "mystery women" actually posing for photographs, like Hollywood celebrities of the day! Between Hawkman and The Atom is a photograph of The Golden-Age Batman and Robin. These are not newspaper photographs. These are portraits. Posed portraits. In the foreground is a posed portrait of The Spectre. Now, granted, it is possible that a shutterbug might catch one of these colorful figures off-guard. All of the photos on the cover feature the heroes smiling at the camera. Even The Dynamic Duo seem to be caught in a pose, although whether they're smiling is hard to tell. This is going to be a fun book to read, simply because no matter what happens inside, no matter how serious, dramatic or Earth-shattering, the heroes will face it with a positive "can-do" attitude. These heroes will face the hard knocks and shrug each one off with a wink and a smile! These are not angsty, navel-gazing costumed vigilantes... except for Vigilante.

Roy Thomas' "The World on Fire!" opens with Hawkman returning to the Justice Society of America headquarters, where he runs afoul of - - Plastic Man!? A quick recap recounts Solomon Grundy overpowering The Flash, Green Lantern and Wonder Woman; Professor Zodiak capturing The World's Finest team of Batman and Robin along with Superman; Wotan capturing Dr. Fate and The Spectre; and Sky Pirate capturing Johnny Thunder and Thunderbolt along with The Sandman and Starman! Hawkman, Dr. Mid-Nite and The Atom faced and bested The Monster! On their way to Washington, Hawkman and Plastic Man encounter King Bee! They quickly best him and his winged henchman!

Elsewhere, Sir Justin, The Shining Knight and Danette Reilly are captured by Per Degaton and his crew!

All these events lead up to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

At the White House, Hawkman and Plastic Man are joined by Robotman, The Atom, Dr. Mid-Nite, Johnny Quick and Liberty Belle! They are commissioned as The All-Star Squadron and head to San Francisco to head off saboteurs and ultimately stop Degaton!

Buckler and Ordway's art is just simply Golden-Age eye-candy. On newsprint, John Costanza's lettering is somewhat muddy and blurred. Carl Gafford's coloring is top-notch. Len Wein guides creators Roy Thomas and Buckler to a thrilling, enjoyable story.

The Greatest Generation saving the world earns five stars.

Maybe Late to the Party... Thoughts on The Curious Case of Natalia Grace Season One

 

I may be a little late to the party.

The Curious Case of Natalia Grace was release in 2023. It ran for three seasons from 2023 through 2025. I'm midway through season two, Natalia Speaks, where she shares HER side of the story.

Her story is tragic, shocking and sensational. It makes for "tabloid television" the kind of gaper's block you would find on Geraldo! The Maury Povich Show, Dr. Phil, or any one of the typical daytime talk shows.

The first season is all about things like "control", "manipulation", "narrative" and "spin".

Natalia's story unfolds from her adoptive father, Michael Barnett. He comes across very articulate. Very flamboyant. The story he tells is quite vivid and detailed. Almost polished and rehearsed. It's quite possible that Michael and Kristine Barnett's version of the story may be based on the 2009 horror film "Orphan". The Barnetts adopted Natalia Grace in 2010. Season One focuses primarily on Michael Barnett and his son, Jacob, leading up to Michael's trial for the abandonment of Natalia. As Michael's grip on the "narrative" and "spin" apparently slips, and the seeming house of cards starts to collapse, he comes across more of a bitter, vindictive, whiny cry-baby. An unnecessarily foul-mouthed one at that.

My take-away from Season One is that it is not Natalia's complete story. It's only the horrific experience with the Barnetts. 

Natalia Grace was born in Ukraine to a single, low-income mother. Natalia's mother was told that she could not afford to care for Natalia properly. In Season One, she comes off as not wanting to be tracked down for any information on Natalia. Eventually, she provides DNA and critical birth information.

What's missing is any information from Gary and Dyan Ciccone. Did they decline to be interviewed? What comes across is the question of why they only had Natalia for a year after adopting her. The quick and glossy answer is that they found some behavioral issues with her. But there's several accounts that the Ciccones were trying to find a new home for her with couples that also had dwarfism, to the point that the narrative and spin is that the Ciccones were shopping her around.

Toward the end of Season One and midway through Season Two, the story comes across that Kristine Barnett may be the true villain of the story.

The sad thing is that very few people came to Natalia's help and rescue.

It's a shame that her story was negatively sensationalized and turned into trashy tabloid television.

There are a lot of noble couples and families looking to build relationships and support future generations through adoption. Hopefully this one story doesn't severely damage that.   

Stuck in The Golden Age With Dr. Fate

 

I was really excited when Pierce Brosnan was cast as Kent Nelson, also known as Dr. Fate. Defender of Order versus Chaos. Fate previously made an appearance on Smallville. Clark got to see glimpses of the Justice Society. It would be exciting to see one of the original, founding members of the Justice Society on the big screen. He was going to be working with Carter Hall, Hawkman; Atom Smasher and Cyclone!

I never really got past The Rock as Black Adam. Sure, he was portrayed as a wronged individual, looking for justice and vengeance and retribution and revenge. Which was why he crossed paths and swords with the JSA. It was just incredibly confusing that the character was split from Zachary Levi's Captain (SHAZAM!) Marvel. I'm still confused. I'm not sure I really want to know.

I didn't watch Remington Steele for Brosnan. I watched Remington Steele for Stephanie Zimablist. She was my excuse for bad grades in high school.

Brosnan's Bond was fairly enjoyable. Mom and Dad were Sean Connery fans. Mom and my sister were Roger Moore fans. Cathy, my wife, is a George Lazenby fan. Gotta respect the man that connected with Diana Rigg! I'm not sure I know any Timothy Dalton fans (He was pretty good as Prince Baron in Flash Gordon; as well as an appearance on Doctor Who, and as The Chief in Doom Patrol!)

Brosnan was my era or generation Bond. I'm not sure the material was up to his performance. Wherever the bar is set, the next mission or adventure usually has to up the ante. By Die Another Day the ante had been upped to the extreme. The hotel made entirely of ice (ICE!) was extreme... extremely redonkulous!

As an aside, one of the reasons Daniel Craig ditched a lot of the paraphernalia was due to Mike Meyers' Austin Powers parodies. Craig was quoted in some interview somewhere that Austin Powers poked so much fun at the Bond tropes - not to mention the Mel Brooks-Buck Henry Get Smart parody - that Bond had sort of become self-parody. Look closely at some of the scenes with Q, there's a bit of self-deprecating humor and parody in those scenes. Connery's Bond didn't seem to take Q seriously. neither did Brosnan. Q gave Brosnan's Bond two specialized cars. The second one had a stealth, cloaking ability, like Harry Potter's blanket.

Off and on Brosnan has made some impressive solo films. Some, hit or miss. Seraphim Falls with Liam Neeson and The Matador with Greg Kineer stand out. After The Sunset is somewhat shaky. Remember Me with Robert Pattinson is engaging. We don't have to talk about the Mama Mia! films... 

Celebrating his 73rd birthday today, Brosnan has most recently been in The Thursday Murder Club with Ben Kingsley, Helen Mirren and Celia Imrie... along with David Tenant and Jonathan Pryce.

Might be a good day to give that a spin... it just might be better... Fate.

   

A Salute to Marv Wolfman and His Half of The New Teen Titans

 

I blame Burt Ward. 

There's a whole legion of Bat-fans that grew up watching Adam West and Burt Ward as Batman and Robin. It was Burt Ward's performance as Dick Grayson, also known as Robin, The Boy Wonder that got me interested in the Teen Titans. I could have been an X-Men fan. Crimefighting sidekicks versus teenage angst and puberty. Stan Lee's Uncanny X-Men was about teenagers gaining super-powers at a certain age and living in a world that feared and hated them. Robin, Kid Flash, Aqualad, Speedy and Wonder Girl fought crime. Smiling and joking. Almost like The Amazing Spider-Man without all the teenage baggage. Don't get me wrong, teenagers have baggage. My superpower as a teenager was invisibility. I also repelled girls. I wasn't really athletic, or smart. I didn't have an award-winning personality. I didn't stand out for any reason at all. So, I accepted my lot in life as a comic book geek and reveled in it.

Instead of Uncanny X-Men, I went Teen Titans. 

Marv Wolfman turned 80 yesterday (May 13th, 2026.) He and George Perez relaunched and revived the group as The NEW Teen Titans! Aqualad was benched. Speedy made rare guest appearances. Gar Logan went from Beast Boy to Changeling. Wolfman and Perez introduced Victor Stone as Cyborg, Koriand'r as Starfire and Raven... as... er, um... Raven.

The core of the team was Dick Grayson's Robin, Wally West's Kid Flash and Donna Troy as Wonder Girl. (Side note, probably another reason I'm a Teen Titans fan is both The Penguin and Wonder Girl name drop in The Monkees' Randy Scouse Git...) Wolfman and Perez also introduced a sense of teenage angst that wasn't there in the original Teen Titans. Robin struggled against The Batman's tight reins. Kid Flash struggled with emotions and feelings for Raven and a girl from hometown Blue Valley that developed magnetic powers. Wonder Girl was an independent photographer in a relationship with an older, soon-to-be divorced gentleman. 

George Perez gets a lot of well-deserved credit for the look of The NEW Teen Titans. Marv Wolfman, along with Perez came up with the angle. Raven's father was the demon Trigon. Starfire's sister was the evil Blackfire. The team fought against a cult led by Brother Blood. They also dealt with drugs and runaways. Issues that were somewhat realistic, but still able to fit in a comic book world that could be dealt with using comic book rules and solutions.

As much credit as George Perez deserves, Marv Wolfman is a talented writer who carved out a place for NEW Teen Titans in the DC Universe.

I still blame Burt Ward for drawing my attention to his groovy team of sidekicks...  

Back-Up Feature - The Origin of the JSA; 52, Week Forty-Nine Review

 

52 may have been an attempt to ride the wave of 24. The FOX political thriller starring Keifer Sutherland was a weekly series with events that occurred in real-time. What that meant was the fifty-minute drama contained fifty-minutes of action, adventure and suspense. there were no time gaps. Typically, there's a jump, usually over the boring stuff. 24 contained no boring stuff. Every second, every moment was jam-packed with something. The series occurred over a single twenty-four-hour period. That single day was rolled out over twenty-four weeks. 52 was a single story - an EVENT! - that rolled out every Wednesday for a full year!

Week Forty-Nine, as the series winds down to its conclusion, finds the Justice Society in China trying to rescue Black Adam from captivity. When Adam finally is free, he has nothing but vengeance in mind and heart. Elsewhere, Doc Magnus unleashes his Metal Men on Chang Tzu. He's been developing a new Metal Man for the vile creature. After destroying Chang Tzu, Magnus helps Professor Morrow, creator of The Red Tornado, escape. 

Following the main story is a two-page back-up featuring an abbreviated origin of the Justice Society. Written by Mark Waid, with art by Don Kramer, inks by Michael Bair and colors by Alex Singlair, the spread highlights the landmark first superhero team, leaping out of the mists to fight Nazis and turn the tide of WWII. Later, they are summoned out of retirement by the Justice League. As time passes, the legacy of the JSA continues, with new heroes taking up the mantle and baton of the original, older heroes. The feature ends with a roll call and Essential Storylines.  It's an enjoyable piece.

Your mileage may vary on the main story of 52. The cover, posing Doc Magnus as Bond, firing Metal Men bullets is simply eye candy. It would make a great wall poster. The back-up feature on the JSA is well worth the price of admission.

From April 11th, 2007, 52: Week Forty-Nine, "Eve of Destruction" earns four stars.  

Revisionist History; Secret Origins 31, Starring The Justice Society of America Review

 

The Challenge for writer and fan Roy Thomas is putting an end to the Justice Society of America. With the landmark Crisis on Infinite Earths series, a single Earth, a single timeline and reality was written. Legend has it that some writers found it confining. I would argue that that may have been the case for Thomas and The Golden-Age portion of the DC Universe. All-Star Squadron was left without Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman and Green Arrow, and their associated, connecting characters. Power Girl had to be re-imagined. Robin and The Huntress were erased along with The Golden-Age versions of Batman and Catwoman. Fury had to be re-imagined. Green Arrow and Speedy were no longer members of the Seven Soldiers of Victory or Laws Legionnaires. The Justice Society was trapped in a Ragnarok loop to preserve the universe. All-Star Squadron came to an end and replaced with the Young All-Stars title. Infinity, Inc. may have come to a close around the same time as well. 

Roy Thomas re-imagines the origin of the Justice Society of America, post-Crisis. Michael Bair, Bob Downs and Carl Gafford handle the art, with Jean Simek lettering. Mark Waid edits.

The story is pretty much similar to DC Special 29, from 1977. Without Batman, The Flash and Green Lantern head off to Glasgow. Superman does not make an eleventh-hour save. The significant difference is that FDR is in fact killed by a Valkyrie. The Spectre goes into the afterlife to plead for his return to lead the country, nay, even the world through the second great war. That's really the centerpiece of the story. Jim Corrigan pleading for the life of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and the comparison to Moses that FDR did not survive into the "Promised Land".

What really comes out is that The Spectre and Dr. Fate could easily eliminate Hitler and the Nazi threat, just the two of them. Add Green Lantern, Hourman and possibly The Flash, and the Axis powers might be stopped in its tracks. Hawkman, The Atom and The Sandman are pretty good in hand-to-hand, or espionage agents. Unfortunately, fictional characters, comic book characters can't fix or solve real-world problems. They're stuck fitting into a reality. Which is an explanation for Hitler diverting from invading England. 

It's a great story. Thomas updates it well. Bair's art is thrilling, providing a number of individual character poses. The opening splash page appears somewhat weak, but the end page splash is pretty decent.

Over all, Secret Origins 31, featuring The Secret Origin of The Justice Society of America earns four stars.  

Our Heroes at War; DC Special 29, The Untold Origin of The Justice Society Review

Kudos to Paul Levitz. Thirty-seven years after their first appearance in All-Star Comics 3, Winter 1940, Levitz reveals the secret origin of comics' first superhero team. Their debut appearance was made up of dinner conversation. The team gathered and shared solo adventures. This origin story accomplishes a few things. Primarily, it explains why Hitler did not invade England during World War II. Secondly, it provides an action-packed origin story for the Justice Society, including Superman and Batman. This story takes place prior to Wonder Woman's debut, as well as a number of other Golden-Age heroes.

Levitz establishes that President Roosevelt attempts to keep his promise not to enter the war - unless of course the United States is attacked. That would occur almost a year after these events of November 1940. That's when Agent Smythe carrying an important message from Intrepid, Sir William Stephenson, imploring the Commander-in-Chief to aid the British against the Nazi Reich. FDR's solution is to use "Mystery Men", costumed superheroes - basically civilians - in covert operations.

Smythe contacts Batman, The Flash and Green Lantern and sends them off to Glasgow. Dr. Fate observes as the trio is captured and moved to Hitler's Berlin, where he is about to make an example of them. Fate and Hourman rush to the rescue. Fate also summons The Atom, Hawkman and Sandman. Ultimately, The Spectre and Superman make an appearance. The heroes end up fighting Valkyries. The Atom even saves FDR from a "fatal" Valkyrie blast. He quips that it's impossible to split The Atom. Little do he know...

Joe Staton, Bob Layton and Anthony Tollin pack the punch for Levitz's bombastic script. Bill Morse's lettering is superb - even in newsprint, which is finicky and fickle.

The opening and ending splash pages are a treat. This is definitely for Justice Society and die-hard comic-book-y fans. Readers that enjoy Dr. Fate, The Spectre and Superman fighting Valkyries and Nazis. It's definitely wonky.

As such, The Untold Origin of The Justice Society in DC Special 29 earns five stars.

     
 

The Thrilling Action-Packed Conclusion; JSA: All Stars 8 Review

If DC Comics is about anything, it is about "legacy". The idea that the mantle, the torch is passed down. Jay Garrick, Alan Scott and Carter Hall were heroes of the Golden-Age of Comics. The Flash, Green Lantern and Hawkman. When the Silver-Age was launched, Barry Allen, Hal Jordan and Katar Hol took up the mantle and carried the baton. These three, along with Ted Grant were captured by Legacy first, because they don't have a counterpart in the Justice Society. Their legacy is with the Justice League. Hawkgirl, Dr. Fate, Stargirl, Hourman, Dr. Mid-Nite, and Mr. Terrific are all legacy heroes. They've taken on the mantle and picked up the baton from previous heroes.

So it was that The Spectre told them to prepare and brace themselves to go on the rescue mission. What seems off is that it's obvious that it's not really The Spectre. He's Legacy's captive as well. So, it just seems out of place he would be presenting and narrating each hero's personal journey. 

When the Justice Society regroup at their New York City brownstone headquarters, The Spectre reappears. Just as the team is piecing together important clues. The Spectre stands revealed by Dr. Fate as Legacy, and he whisks them off to another realm, where they find their teammates. Fate and Hawkgirl are able to free the real Spectre, who in turn reveals Legacy's more true identity - The Wizard! In the ensuing battle, he is fighting for survival. Gone and forgotten are the Injustice Gang. Where are they now? 

The Spectre ends the conflict by sending The Wizard to hades, where he will be confronted by the sister he murdered. Condemnation or retribution. Jay, Alan, Carter and Ted are troubled by this fiery fury. Yet they are heartened that they can be inspired by this new generation in turn as they pass on inspiration.

As enjoyable as it is, it's all sort of thin and flimsy. The Wizard's plot kind of floppy. While the pacing of the story is smooth, the motivation seems somewhat forced. It has to happen because it has to happen! Taken separately and individually, the issues are enjoyable, unfortunately they don't really stack up all that well as a whole. Your mileage may vary on that.

JSA: All Stars 8, "And Justice For All" earns three stars.

All's Fair in Love and Hate and Life and Death; JSA: All Stars 7 Review

 

Well this certainly is interesting. Michael Holt, inheritor of the Mr. Terrific moniker is a man without faith. Bored and suicidal, he is confronted by The Spectre, once an agent of wrath and vengeance but now the spirit of redemption. The Spectre tells Holt of Terry Sloane, the original Mr. Terrific. Holt takes up the challenge to equal or surpass Sloane's accomplishments. The reason Holt is lost and faithless is that he lost his wife. He's alone now. He doesn't believe in an afterlife or a future. 

After visiting her grave, Holt is confronted by a pair of DEO agents. He overpowers them. Then he visits Mr. Bones at his DEO office. What ensues is nothing more than a heated argument. What comes out of the argument is that Bones has been aware that Holt's wife was pregnant. Michael didn't know. Now he believes that wherever his wife is, she's not alone. It's a sweet and touching sentiment. Going for the feelz.

This issue is extra-sized. It seems split between Michael Holt and Terry Sloane. 

The second story is not so much about Terry Sloane, or his exploits as Mr. Terrific, but the impact he has on his ne'er-do-well brother, Ned. Brother Ned is a drunk and gambler. Not very successful at either. He's somewhat bitter toward the more ambitious, focused and successful Terry. Until a Christmas party, where Ned encounters a former employee bent on murdering Terry.

There really is very little action. It's more conversation... arguing. Avoiding things until they can't avoid them any longer. Push coming to shove. Still, the only connection among these character profiles in The Spectre. Which is weird, because he's supposed to be captive of Legacy with Jay, Alan, Carter and Ted. There's nothing connecting these stories back to the introduction in the first issue. No mention of the rest of the team. That's the disconnect. Even more odd, this is an extra-sized issue to accommodate a story by fan-favorite and award-winning author Michael Chabon. So, these stories feel more like padding and filler and fluff. As stand-alone stories, they're enjoyable. However, the pretense and pretext that they're pieces of a larger picture just doesn't seem to hold up to basic scrutiny.

JSA: All Stars 7, "Fair Enough" and "The Strange Case of Mr. Terrific and Doctor Nil" earns three stars.   

Right in Front of His Eyes; JSA: All Stars 6 "Out of the Shadows" Review

Geoff Johns and David Goyer seem to be somewhat selective in their memories. The '80's weren't totally terrible. Roy Thomas was doing pretty exciting things with the Justice Society in the pages of All-Star Squadron and Infinity, Inc. Dr. Charles McNider had hung up his special goggles and was replaced as Dr. Mid-Nite by Beth Chapel. Although the name may have caused some confusion. There was the classic Nurse Chapel on Star Trek; and, over in the pages of Spawn and Youngblood, there was a mercenary named Chapel. Still, the gender-bending re-imagining of Dr. Mid-Night wasn't all that bad... unless you're not a fan of flowing, puffy sleeves.

Dr. Mid-Nite may be one of those difficult, challenging characters. He is more unique as a superhero. It's hard to imagine more than one individual in an accident that causes blindness that can only be reversed or cured by corrective lenses... or the unique ability to see clearly in total darkness.

Pieter Cross is a unique individual. He suffers the very same blindness that Charles McNider does!

Cross faces almost the same personal situations that McNider does as well. He returns to his hometown of Portsmouth to reconcile with the family that faced a loss he feels responsible for. Along the way he rescues a pregnant woman from a train accident. And learns a very important personal lesson along the way. It's a great story. Stephen Sadowski and Wade Von Grawbadger provide enjoyable art for the Johns and Goyer story.

The back-up story, "Blind Spot" by Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso is just as enjoyable, focusing on McNider's misplaced trust.

Once again, these stories are great character profiles. Still, what seems to be missing is the connection to the first issue. It's vague and unclear what role The Spectre is playing in all this. It's unclear how this story ties in to what's going on with the four - possibly five - captive JSA members. If The Spectre is Legacy's captive along with Jay, Alan, Carter and Ted, how is he able to act as host and narrator to each breakout story? There's an expectation of a thread or a link that isn't there. Which is a disappointing letdown.

JSA: All Stars 6, shining a light on the darkness that Dr. Mid-Nite works in, earns three stars.

He Has All the Time in the World, JSA: All Stars 5 Review

Time.

The Spectre pulls the curtain back on Rick Tyler. Son of the legendary Rex "Tick-Tock" Tyler. Better known to the public at large as Hourman, "The Man of the Hour"! Admittedly, Miraclo is addictive. Like a steroid. Originally, it might have been conceived as a vitamin, an energy pill. However, with addictions growing, and programs like Alcoholics Anonymous among other addiction recovery programs, Miraclo (and perhaps Gingold) becomes more of a taboo. Both Tylers suffer from addiction, not just to Miraclo, but as adrenaline junkies. Hooked on the thrill of adventure and action.

Fortunately, both Rex and Rick have conquered the lust. Or have they?

An interesting development is Rick's flash-forwards - his ability to see events an hour in the future. This precognition, or perhaps foreknowledge comes in pretty handy as a crimefighter. If they weren't so disturbing and painful to witness. 

Adam DeKraker, Prentis Rollins and John Kalisz Provide the spectacle to Johns and Goyer's ongoing character profiles.

"An Hour at a Time" gives Rick Tyler the opportunity to confront his inner demons and face the monkey on his back.

The back-up story, "Conduct Unbecoming" as told by Howard Chaykin is an interesting historical period piece. Funny that Rex would be mistaken for Dr. Mid-Night or Mr. Terrific!

Once again, these stories are fine and enjoyable as stand-alone one-shots. Yet, they continue to fall short by not making any connection to the whole. There's no explanation for The Spectre's narration. There's no connection to the bad guy Legacy or the Injustice Gang. no explanation as to how this will help rescue Jay, Alan, Carter, and Ted. There's no explanation as to how The Spectre is narrating these stories if he's Legacy's captive, too.

JSA: All Stars 5, spotlighting the Hourman legacy earns three stars.

Tales of Time Present, Tales of Times Past; JSA: All Stars 4 "A Star is Born" Review

Here we go again.

The Spectre once again pulls back the curtain, this time on Courtney Whitmore, Stargirl. The latest in the very long Starman line. Thanks to James Robinson, the Starman family tree has many branches and has been very fruitful. Not just Ted Knight, but the departed David Knight, as well as the late Sylvester Pemberton, who was both the Star-Spangled Kid and Skyman, and Courtney's near predecessor Jack Knight.

Geoff Johns and David Goyer's Stargirl story is kind of a bummer. Only because Courtney's biological father is a down-on-his-luck grifter who ends up an F-list henchman for The Royal Flush Gang. He doesn't even get a cool costume. He's not even a high card. He's the "Two of Clubs". Or maybe just Number Two.

It's a pretty simple story. Courtney and Pat head off to Atlantic City. They beat up on The Royal Flush Gang, put Courtney's biological dad behind bars and have a bonding moment. It's pretty cool.

As far as the Starman family goes, this is a treat and delight. Pat and Courtney bond. The story fits into the ongoing "Father-Child" theme that Robinson established with Ted and Jack.

Even better, the back-up story is a Tale of Times Past courtesy of Robinson and Tony Harris spotlighting Ted Knight fighting Nazi spies posing as FBI Agents.

These stories are entertaining as character-profiles. Your mileage may vary, but for fans of James Robinson and Tony Harris, as well as the Ted Knight Starman connection this is definitely a highlight. Still, what's missing is a thread or shred of connection to the main narrative. All well and good, but how does this story fit into rescuing Jay, Alan, Carter, Ted and presumably The Spectre from Legacy and the Injustice Gang? That whole line seems to be forgotten in each one of these stories.

On their own and as a pair, the Stargirl and Starman stories are enjoyable. However, what's missing is the connection these stories have in the series as part of any larger picture. 

JSA: All Stars 4 earns three stars.

The Pickled Fickle Finger of Fate! JSA: All Stars 3 "Challenging Fate" Review

Once again, The Spectre draws back the curtain on another member of the Justice Society of America. The Spirit of Redemption is acting more like The Phantom Stranger or Rod Serling, host and presenter. This time, we see Hector Hall, son of Carter and Shiera Hall, one-time Silver Scarab of Infinity, Inc., now, the latest iteration of Dr. Fate.

In Salem, MA, Hector walks into a bar where he finds Nabu. Usually, Nabu is confined to the helmet of Fate. Yet, he steps out for... a beer and some peanuts. Hector is older from his Infinity, Inc. days. As the latest Dr. Fate, he is able to look around the room and see each person's ultimate... fate, how they will die and when. Both in a booth in the bar and the Tower of Fate, Nabu presents Hector with his own fate! In conflict with his father, Carter (or Katar, it's somewhat convoluted.) The original fate of Cater and Shiera is that they meet their end from Hath-Set time and time again. Yet what Nabu presents is that Hector is destined to be the end of his parents. It's a destiny that Hector will not accept and vows to change. He vows to make a future of his own.

The art by Kitson and Kalisz is nice, but it just comes down to a couple of talking heads. The story is predominantly conversation, with an interlude of action. Domestic conflict between father and son. It seems to amount to navel-gazing. 

The back-up story by Darwyn Cooke is enjoyable simply for Darwyn Cooke. He brings a horrific take to the master sorcerer. And a bit of wit and whimsy. The banter between Kent and Inza is Nick and Nora inspired. It's a fun story.

Once again, this issue and these stories are stand-alone and do not seem connected to the main narrative. They don't seem to be advancing the story set-up in the first issue. It seems that the point of the mini-series is to spotlight the legacy characters in solo stories with a comparison to the originals. These two stories are fine asides. Unfortunately, there's no Injustice Gang, there's no mortal adversary, no thread other than The Spectre.

"Challenging Fate", JSA: All Stars 3, by Geoff Johns and David Goyer leaves something to be desired. It earns three stars.

Fluff Piece JSA: All Stars 2 "Flying High" Review

 

Wow. Just... wow.

With Jay Garrick, Alan Scott, Carter Hall and Ted Grant along with The Spectre captives of "Legacy", each member of the Justice Society of America was given forty-eight hours to pull themselves together and reconcile the past the face the challenge of the present for a brighter future. That was what The Spectre told the team. It was somewhat vague if it was the actual The Spectre or Legacy posing as The Spectre.

Here, The Spirit of Redemption pulls back the curtain on Kendra Saunders. Granddaughter of Speed Saunders, great-niece of Shiera Saunders, the original Golden-Age Hawkgirl. Quickly and smoothly recapping her origin, The Spectre launches into her adventure. Rescuing her grandfather from a militia armed with anthrax that they intend to unleash on Seattle. Kendra quickly, however roughly, dispatches the militia members and rescues her grandfather. Afterward she pays a visit on a little girl that turns out to be her daughter. Pregnant at fifteen, Kendra gave Mia up for adoption. 

The Reunion seems to be healing and cleansing for Kendra. However, this is a stand-alone story that in no way connects to the main narrative. It's a fine, touching story. It's got action and great art by Phil Winslade. But that's it. 

The back-up story by Loeb and Sale is equally enjoyable. It's a hoot of hilarity. Carter helps Midway City's finest capture a trio of bank robbers. He plays cards with the police commissioner. He's late for dinner and has to warm up Shiera's cold shoulder. Still, there is absotively no connection to the previous issue.

It's all a very nice piece of filler. It's a fluff piece.

Hawkgirl in "Flying High" and Hawkman in "The Same Thing Happens Every Night" are enjoyable stories, individually and together. 

JSA: All Stars 2 earns three stars.

For Those That Follow... JSA: All Stars 1 "Legacy" Review

 

David Goyer and Geoff Johns present the Justice Society of America facing Legacy!

The Spectre pulls back the curtain. Sand is escorting The Icicle on a military transport to prison in Florida. Solomon Grundy rips open a side of the plane. Freed, The Icicle cushions the planes crash landing. The rest of the Injustice Gang is on hand, greeted by the Justice Society. The battle engages! It's all very dramatic and somewhat posing and posturing. Very quickly The Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkman and Wildcat are transported out of the battle by the bad guys. Sand is immobilized! Returning to their Manhattan headquarters, they try to deduce what the device is that paralyzed Sand and kidnapped four of their members.

The cover is awesome.

Sal Velluto's art, with Bob Almond inks and John Kalisz colors is just the very definition of eye-candy. Ken Lopez's lettering has each character's voice down and dialogue, roll call and effects are unique.

Legacy himself is pretty much a mystery and cypher at this point. Somewhat hollow and shallow. The cliffhanger sets up the master plan that will undoubtedly unfold as the story progresses.

JSA: All Stars 1, "Legacy" earns four stars.

The Final Curtain! The Last Days of the Justice Society of America Special Review

One of the few tropes or rules of comic books is that there is very rarely - if ever - a "The End". It's really The Never-Ending Story. A writer may move on from a character, or from a comic book title, and tie up as many loose ends as possible, or move characters into a different place. Changes can be undone. Deaths are not usually permanent. There really has only been five significant, permanent death in comic books: Jor-El and Lara (and most of the planet of Krypton), Thomas and Martha Wayne and Uncle Ben Parker. Those deaths are permanent mainly because they make up the core identity of Superman, Batman and Spider-Man. Bucky Barnes' death was undone as was Gwen Stacy's for the sake of Story. Comparatively, when Sir Arthur Conan Doyle reached a finishing point or boredom with Sherlock Holmes, his final solution was to throw Holmes and Moriarty off Reichenbach Falls locked in deadly combat. The hue and cry was so loud that Conan Doyle brought Holmes back from the dead.

Following the seminal, landmark, epic Crisis on Infinite Earths maxi-series, Roy Thomas was faced with the unenviable task of writing "The End" to the Justice Society of America. In consolidating its legion of super-heroes to a single Earth, with a single history and timeline, the Superman Family, Batman Family, Wonder Woman Family and Aquaman were all shifted to modern appearances and removed from The Golden Age. In-comics continuity had the Justice Society start without including Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. Aquaman made only a few Golden Age appearances and apparently was not a part of any team until the Justice League. Oliver Queen, The Green Arrow was also erased, as was his membership in The Seven Soldiers of Victory or Law's Legionnaires.

A single Earth with The New Teen Titans, The Outsiders, Infinity Inc., Doom Patrol - a veritable host of superhero teams and characters seemed to crowd out the more geriatric Justice Society. And so, a "The End" was fashioned.

The story finds Hitler able to wield the legendary, mythical Spear of Destiny, the spear that pierced the side and heart of Christ, the Savior. He wields the spear to bring about the end of the world. He calls down from the heavens Ragnarok, or Gotterdammerung! The Justice Society, save The Spectre, Dr. Fate, Power Girl and The Star-Spangled Kid are locked in an endless loop in an alternate reality, to preserve the true reality and save the universe. It is a hard, emotional ending for fan-favorite characters.

It is evident that it is a labor of love for Roy and Dann Thomas. It is deeply and heavily researched and historically accurate to the period. David Ross and Mike Gustovich provide the art. David Cody Weiss provides the lettering. 

Thomas admits that this could have been a multi-issue series rather than a single issue one-shot. The only downside is that the art and lettering suffer from being presented on newsprint rather than on glossy paper. Weiss' lettering is muddy and the art muted in places due to production values.

It is an epilogue of sorts for Crisis on Infinite Earths in that DC Comics' founding characters are given their final curtain bow.

The Last Days of the Justice Society of America Special earns four stars.

A Veritable Treasure Trove of Invaluable Information! The All-Star Comics Illustrated Index Review!

Murray R. Ward's All-Star Comics Illustrated Index spotlighting the Justice Society of America was definitely one ambitious undertaking! A few words of his own, followed by a few words from Roy Thomas, then headlong into a veritable definitive Who's Who of the Justice Society. Secret Origins, notable adventures and appearances. All of this is a post-Crisis on Infinite Earths wrap to the Golden-Age era, Earth-2 and the classic Justice Society. Crisis on Infinite Earths erased the Golden-Age era Superman family, Batman family, Wonder Woman family and Aquaman. The sliding timeline meant that the Justice Society had already formed without these heroes. Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman were now part of the Justice League. And Wonder Woman wasn't even a founding member of the Justice League! Black Canary was a founding member of the League, and Diana joined later.

So gone were Superman, Batman and Robin, Helena Wayne as The Huntress and Wonder Woman. 

Starting with DC Special 29, from August-September of 1977, which featured the Secret Origin of the team, this illustrated index features a breakdown of the first four issues of All-Star Comics. The highlight being All Star Comics 3 from Winter 1940, the very first appearance of the classic line-up of the Justice Society.

It's incredibly detailed and researched. Very informative. Unfortunately, it also seemed to be short-lived and cancelled.

For what it is, a first issue and launch of a series it earns five stars.  

Kneel Before This Man of Steel! JSA: The Unholy Three

Elseworlds. A Jolley Roger Production. Sequel to The Liberty File.

Clark Kent reveals his true identity. As he murders Shiera Sanders. What's mind-blowing is that he turns out to be Zod! Not Kal-El. As a reckless youth on Krypton, he is about to be sentenced to The Phantom Zone, when an American scientific wormhole project draws him to Earth. Realizing his potential, he is placed with Jonathan and Martha Kent and, as he put it, indoctrinated.

Not sure if this is a continuity error or a plot hole, but in The Liberty File, it appeared as if Hitler had a Superman. Not just J'onn J'onzz drawn through a similar means as Zod was drawn to the Allies. Perhaps that was a red herring. It is an interesting turn of events. Hitler tries to use an Übermensch in world domination. The Martian Manhunter turns out to be more altruistic. The United States attempts something similar, and the tables seem to turn - the Übermensch attempts world domination! It's somewhat unclear it Zod is working alone, or if he was working with The Parasite and Steelwolf. The work seems to be similar. Zod is killing meta-human agents!

It isn't until Bruce and Rex connect with another agent, Wesley Dodds, The Sandman, and Alan Scott, The Green Lantern, that "Kent" tips his hand.

The Trigger turns out to be in Chernobyl. Realizing that Kent, The Super-Man has gone rogue, Bruce makes an emergency call: The Atom, The Hawk (Hawkman), The Huntress, Mercury (The Flash), The Tornado (The Red Tornado) and The Star (Starman). Each one relinquishes their cover to answer the summons.

What follows is a glorious, spectacular blowout mother-of-all slugfests! The Atom and Hawkman are early casualties.

Dan Jolley brings the goods as far as story. Tony Harris, Ray Snyder and JD Mettler bring all the blood and guts and gore in the art. From Zod's subtle murder of Shiera at the top, to Alan Scott, Al Pratt, Carter Hall and all the injuries that pile up with Theo Knight, Wes, Helena, Jay and the rest. It seems that superhero Ragnarok involves all the capes and cowls mounting against Kryptonians.

JSA: The Unholy Three earns four stars. 

The Dark Reflection JSA: The Unholy Three 1 Review

Elseworlds. A Jolley Roger Production. Sequel to The Liberty File.

1948. Supposed to be eight years after the events of The Liberty File. Those events were placed in 1942. That would make The Unholy Three six years instead of eight.

Dan Jolley and Tony Harris double-down in this story. They open with Sandy Hawkins being tortured by The Parasite, who is a KGB interrogator. The Parasite is teamed with Steelwolf. Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne is living the dream as The Bat back in Gotham City. He's captured Harvey Dent, who's been working with Pamela Isley and Anton Arcane. Dent is now a horrific genetic mutation, half-man, half-creature. Some kind of insectoid creature. A darker image of Two-Face. Returning to Wayne Manor, Bruce is confronted by Army General Maitland and Clark Kent. The General wants The Bat, The Clock and the Super-Man to track down "The Trigger" that The Parasite and Steelwolf are after. The trio head off to Berlin, where Parasite murders Johnny Thunder.

Bruce sends Clark off for documentation while The Bat and The Clock head off for clues. Kent encounters Shiera Sanders. Later, in costume, he catches with them and together they bring down The Parasite, who seems to have turned on his partner.

Once again Dan Jolley has crafted a dark mirror image of familiar faces. This is, once again, a mature readers story. There's a flashback sequence that explains just how unreasonably bitter and angry Terry Sloane is toward Bruce Wayne. It's chilling. Tony Harris and Ray Snyder provide the smoke and shadows, with JD Mettler providing the dark tones. Ken Lopez once again breaks it all up with fine lettering.

The Cold War is as dark a place as the World War, with the same question being, Who can you trust?

JSA: The Unholy Three 1 earns four stars.  
 

Hello, Darkness, My Old Friend... JSA: The Liberty File 2 Review

Elseworlds. A Jolley Roger Production.

1942. World War II. "Chaz" McNider, The Owl, was wounded in the explosive conflict in the previous issue. He's recuperating in hospital. There's a comment from Rex Tyler, The Clock, that McNider's codename should have been something more personal than "The Owl", being that he's such a horndog, ladies' man. McNider's convalescence is cut short by The Scarecrow, an incredibly creepy and horrific Nazi "cleaner". The Scarecrow murders McNider, then murders The Bat and The Clock's contact. During the ensuing chase and conflict. Terry Sloane's paramour is gunned down as well. Just as he was about to propose. 

Sloane revives his "fair play" costume of Mr. Terrific and joins The Bat and The Clock. They manage to overcome The Scarecrow. The trail of the Nazi Übermensch leads back to Africa. There, Bruce Wayne uses the vital piece of information to sway the alien "super man" to the Allies side. The tide of the war does turn, against Hitler and Germany.

Dan Jolley's story is definitely for fans of the Justice Society as well as the Elseworlds concept - DC's version of "What if...?" Jolley's story is also for more mature readers, and not for the squeamish. Definitely not an all-ages book. Your mileage may vary on that. Jolley does a fine job of misdirection and creating a surprise conclusion that is definitely genuine and thrilling. Tony Harris, with Ray Snyder and Matt Hollingsworth on art creates a very dark and moody atmosphere, perfect for the period piece. Tyler makes a comment about Bruce Wayne's disguises changing his hair color. It seems confusing and kind of falls flat with the shadows and dark tone of the art. Ken Lopez's lettering is enjoyable as it changes from narration to sound effects.

Overall, it's a thrilling alternate version of familiar characters. JSA: The Liberty File earns four stars.

Through the Glass More Darkly - JSA: The Liberty File Review

Elseworlds. A Jolly Roger Production.

1942. World War II. The Joker is re-imagined as Jack, The Grin. He's an underworld figure that has come upon a vital Nazi communique. He's hidden it and is in the market to sell it to the highest bidder. The Nazi's want him for it. The Allies want him for it. The Bat has been assigned to work with The Clock and The Owl. We're jumping right in, into the story as it unfolds. Apparently, Ted Grant, The Cat is dead. The Bat typically works alone. Trust issues. Charles McNider, The Owl (we might recognize him in another reality as Dr. Mid-Nite), is quite the ladies' man, or maybe, a bird dog. He jokes that he's compensating for his blindness. Rex Tyler, The Clock, is the strong man. Not so much with finesse or subtlety, like The Bat. The trio follow The Grin's trail to Africa. Until reconnecting with The Bat, Jack has been suffering from amnesia.

"Chaz" contacts singer Dinah Drake, The Canary for information on where to find Jack. They do. The three manage to get their hands on the important information. It could turn the tide of the war!

Dan Jolley story is definitely for mature readers. This is not an all-ages book. Which is the only downfall. It has everything else. Jack is written very violent and blood thirsty. The reality really doesn't seem to matter; The Joker is written as incredibly violent. It's almost gratuitous. More and more, Batman comes off as deranged and unhinged, rather than focused and determined. Tony Harris on art with Ray Snyder and Matt Hollingsworth just adds to the sinister bent of the story. Ken Lopez's lettering is enjoyable for The Bat's narration and the prompts that move the story along and the pacing.

Your mileage may vary, based on the dark grisly tone.

JSA: The Liberty File 1 earns four stars.         

Beware The Power of the Darkest Night! JLA: Age of Wonder 2 Review!

Years pass in "The Age of Wonder". Ambition grows. Barry Allen and Ted Knight, now joined by Ray Palmer as The Atom and the enigmatic Plastic Man investigate the explosion at a munitions warehouse that killed Oliver Queen, The Green Arrow. Diana, Princess of the Amazons of Themyscira, was seen escaping the blast. Urban legend The Batman advises that the League should have paid closer attention to an eyewitness. He tells them to find the woman.

As Bruce Wayne, he does. Lex Luthor now is President Wilson's secretary of defense. Diana, an emissary from a Paradise Island, is also Luthor's protege. Luthor is manipulating world events toward world war! Hal Jordan advises the British Army against the Kaiser's forces. He discovers Luthor's treason. In attempting to stop Luthor and Diana, Hal is murdered. 

What comes next is the unimaginable. The Kaiser unleashes an atomic bomb on London, leaving more than 200,000 dead, the city in ruins and uninhabitable.

The one hope is the dying General Jordan send his ring to find Clark Kent. The Super Man returns and unites the League to crush the Prussians. Batman and Diana defeat Luthor. As Luthor is executed for treason, Clark Kent forms the Justice League of Nations.

Adisakdi Tantimedh's story is truly the darkest before the dawn. Luthor's naked ambition to leave a mark and be remembered as greater than The Super Man brings a hellish world tomorrow. P. Craig Russell, Galen Showman and Dave McCaig ignite the explosive fury of Luthor's devilish machinations. It is tragic that Hal and Diana are casualties of Luthor's madness. The hope is that a brighter day rises like a phoenix from the ashes.

JLA: Age of Wonder 2 earns five stars
 

The Man of Tomorrow Can't Catch a Break! "JLA: The Age of Wonder" 1 Review

Jonathan and Martha Wayne are in Philadelphia for the 1876 Exposition. Lois Lane is there, interviewing one of Thomas Edison's top men, Lex Luthor. "The Age of Wonder" opens with Clark Kent making his debut as "The Super Man" at the Exhibition. He selflessly and generously offers his services to Edison. While most men work toward advancement for financial gain. Kent is a humanitarian and philanthropist. Persuaded by Lex Luthor, Kent, Nikola Tesla, Barry Allen and Ted Knight decide to branch off from Edison. Knight develops a power rod, becoming The Starman. Following a freak accident, Barry Allen becomes The Human Flash. With Luthor and Thomas Wayne funding, they become The Justice League of Science. When an alien wielding a Green Lantern power ring arrives on Earth and dies, Hal Jordan joins the group as The Green Lantern. 

Kent maintains his firm stance as a generous humanitarian, even when the public's greed turns noble efforts to failure. Luthor tires to make his mark with unique and singular discoveries, which bring him into direct conflict with Kent. 

Luthor manipulates Jordan to an extreme effort against The Man of Tomorrow.

Adisakdi Tantimedh's story is quite riveting, an ideal Elseworlds "What if..." tale. Unfortunately, the utopian future crumbles under human nature, ambition, avarice and greed. 

P. Craig Russell, Galen Showman and Dave McCaig capture the Industrial Revolution quite vividly and enjoyably. Bob Lappan's lettering enhances the period piece.

JLA: Age of Wonder 1 earns five stars.     

The Bloody Betrayal! Union Jack "Fate" Review

As Union Jack, Joey Chapman is mesmerized by his friend, Kenneth Crichton, who is now the new Baron Blood! It's a simple resolution to the cliffhanger of the previous issue. Almost too simple. Joey doesn't really escape the trap. Kenny takes another victim but then vanishes. The real action hero is the late Christopher. He's not really part of the coven, so without any allegiance, he can help Joey against the baroness.

Baroness Blood has set her sights on a party at Falsworth Manor. So, it's all coming together. The baroness, the vampires, the grail. Joey versus Kenny. Lady Jacqueline and her guests all in the middle!

Then comes the ultimate betrayal! The girl and the goblet! Plus, a set-up for a re-match.

Ben Raab and John Cassaday have crafted a very chilling horror story with underwear on the outside. Cassaday's art with Dave Stewart on colors along with Richard Starkings and Comicraft are pretty creeptastic in a chilling good way.

Blue is the color of the undead, friend or foe!

Union Jack, "Fate" earns four stars!
 

Bride of the Vampire: Union Jack "Faith" review

While his friend, Kenneth Crichton convalesces, Joey Chapman investigates the connection between the cadre of vampires and The Holy Grail. He visits an acquaintance at the museum who explains the history of the grail, the connection to Arthurian legend and divine and mystical properties purported to it. This acquaintance lets Joey know that the grail is on its way to New York. There's also vital information on an encrypted disk, which turns out to be a dead end.

The mystery is, Who is leading this new vampire group? The original Baron Blood was killed years ago by Captain America. And yet, he's returned!

It turns out that the baron took a bride! She's been gathering followers and even making an attempt to lure Kenny Crichton. The sheer irony - Kenny is part of the Union Jack legacy! Union Jack has been battling Baron Blood for ages. His mother, Jacqueline, was Spitfire with The Invaders during World War II!

Ben Raab and John Cassaday have woven a truly macabre thriller. This has all the elements of mystery, suspense, thriller and horror. Dave Stewart, Richard Starkings and Comicraft add all the shadows and the scary things that lurk around the corner. The story builds to a shocking cliffhanger for the final act!

Union Jack, "Faith" earns four stars.