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.