comic reviews 9/30/11

Here In Bongo Congo

Good King Leonardo noticed lots of premier new comic book titles out there this week, so let's see how three of these issue #1's stack-up against each other:

John Carter Of Mars: A Princess Of Mars #1
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Roger Langridge: Writer
Filipe Andrade: Art
Sunny Gho: Colors

In lead-up to next summer's Marvel Comics/Disney movie production of John Carter Of Mars, Marvel Comics has just published issue #1 of a 5-issue mini-series of the story. I've previously reviewed a few issues of various Dynamite Comics titles which either re-tell or add new adventures to the well-known Edgar Rice Burroughs-penned science fiction tale of a 19th century American who's mysteriously teleported to Mars (called Barsoom by the natives) and has many pulp adventures with the various Martian indigenous races, along with a romance with Martian Princess Deja Thoris. This latest interpretation of the tale is scripted by Roger Langridge with art by FilipeAndrade and colors by Sunny Gho.

Our new re-telling of the tale is entitled "First Contact!" Its a fast-moving plot which begins with Carter disoriented after teleporting to Mars and being captured by the dominant, green-skinned warrior race. Most of the issue #1 storyline balances the desire of Carter to escape his captors with the fact that he and the Martians actually warm to each other as they each get to know a bit about the other side. When an opportintuy to escape does arise, Carter walks into danger only to be rescued by his giant Martian guard dog. The incident further bonds Carter to the aliens, just in time for a high tech battle to ensue between Barsoomian races. The premier issue story segment ends in a dramatic bridge, as Carter and his jailers/new allies capture a battle survivor, who turns-out to be none other than Princess Deja Thoris herself.

There have been so many comic book and fictional tellings of this tale, that a new comic title better bring something very special to the reading table if its going to make its own mark within the wide inventory of John Carter storytellings. Both surprisingly and happily, this new title adds such groundbreaking quality and storytelling to the well-worn franchise. I suppose this success really shouldn't be that much of a surprise, given that Roger Langridge scripts the title. Langridge proved in last year's popular "Thor The Mighty Avenger" series that he has a strong ability to add a fresh perspective to a well-known, established fictional storyline. He wonderfully repeats that Thor franchise success here with John Carter. From the dialogue to the visual presentation to the basic story action/panel lay-out, the Langridge-led creative team gives us a very fresh and entertaining new storytelling spin, to the point where by issue's end, I felt as if I'd read a brand-new John Carter adventure, as opposed to a very creative re-telling of a familiar pulp science fiction classic story.

So a positive thumbs-up review recommendation to read this new mini-series, whether you're already a John Carter fan or just looking for something new to experience. And if the quality of next summer's tie-in movie is anything close to the creative and high quality approach of this comic book title, there's going to one mega-box office blockbuster hit out there in the cinematic version of this excellent comic book series.

Stormwatch #1
Publisher: D.C. Comics
Paul Cornell: Writer
Miguel Sepulveda: Art
Allen Passalaqua: Colors

Among the many new titles being released as part of DC's "New 52" restructuring is Stormwatch #1. For the uninitiated, Stormwatch is a title created by Jim Lee at Image Comics which further evolved at Wildstorm Publishing and is currently revamped for inclusion in the new DC universe. The concept is that Stormwatch is an international team of heroes, currently affiliated with the United Nations, that has secretly protected mankind from alien threats over the centuries. The DC revival of the series includes some previous Stormwatch characters, a few new team members and DC's well-known superhero the Martian Manhunter. The title is scripted by Paul Cornell with art by Miguel Sepulveda and colors by Allen Passalaqua.

The issue #1 storyline is part one of a multi-issue story arc entitled "The Dark Side." The story mixes three sub-plots together to re-start the world of Stormwatch. In Moscow, a team of Stormwatch folk including the Martian Manhunter pursue and confront a citizen with mysterious powers who has no intention of getting involved in superbeing do-gooding. In a very unique plotthread, an alien artifact transforms the moon into a sentient being equipped with giant claws and a huge eye, intent on threatening the Earth. And in the Himalayas, a pair of superpowered Stormwatch members trackdown a giant, frozen worm creature (shades of Dune!) for unexplained purposes. The issue ends in a dramatic bridge as the Moscow team is defeated by the mysterious superbeing Midnighter, who offers the pursued Moscow super-citizen a chance to kill every bad guy on the planet.

I had a mixed reaction to reading issue #1 of this new title. On the positive side, there's a lot of fun and intriguing story stuff jam-packed into this issue. Any one of the three sub-plots has enough action, adventure and fresh plot concepts to stand-alone as a full-issue storyline. I particularly enjoyed two story elements: the "rogue sentient moon" plotthread and writer Paul Cornell's style of dropping into the dialogue intriguing backhistory treats about various team members, which reflect their centuries-long history and lives. There's also a nice feel of grand-scale, science fiction-like events unfolding in these storylines, similar to Warren Ellis's story approach in the acclaimed Planetary series, which was a sister publication to Stormwatch in its earlier Wildstorm Publishing incarnation.

Balancing this good story stuff is a very jumbled story presentation; the fun stuff is just thrown all over the story lay-out with absolutely no explanation of the Stormwatch team concept or their backstory. Everything that I've described so far in this review about the Stormwatch universe was derived from sources outside of issue #1. This premier issue gives the reader absolutely no orientation or explanation of who the heck these folk are or what they're all about. So a mixed review, here: a definite recommendation to check-out this title, along with the helpful warning that DC better add some page-one narrative details to future issues, or the confusion's gonna mount for "New 52" readers who aren't veteran Stormwatch fans, and the title will be in danger of fading in fanbase support.

Static Shock #1
Publisher: D.C. Comics
Scott McDaniel & John Rozum: Writers
Scott McDaniel: Pencils
Jonathan Glapion & Le Beau Underwood: Inks
Guy Major: Colors

Another one of the "New 52" titles premiering this past week is issue #1 of Static Shock. Again for the uninitiated, Static Shock is 15-year-old African-American teen Virgil Hawkins, who has costumed hero adventures using his electromagnetic powers. The character has been around the DC and animated television universe for a few decades and actually originated as a proposed concept for Marvel Comics based on the Spiderman teen-angst model. The new title is scripted by the team of Scott McDaniel and John Rozum, with pencils by Scott McDaniel, inks by Jonathan Glapion and Le Beau Underwood and colors by Guy Major.

The issue #1 re-boot is appropriately entitled "Recharged" and opens with a fast-action sequence as Static battles to control a renegade STAR Labs technician who's out-of-control wearing an electromagnetic power suit. The plot shifts to more of a mystery/intrigue theme as we learn that the lab tech was actually manipulated by a large supervillain syndicate led by the villain Piranha. A second plotline focuses on Virgil Hawkins's civilian life, as he tries to adjust to his family relocating from Dakota to New York City. Virgil's civilian and hero identities blend together in his daily life when he spends time in his new role as a student intern at STAR Labs. The issue #1 story introduction ends in a dramatic bridge to next month's issue as Virgil/Static is attacked on his patrol of the city by members of the superhero gang.

This is a decent and entertaining read for teenaged fanboys and fangirls as well as older readers. Its the first DC comic that I've read since the most recent Blue Beetle title of a few years ago that specifically stars an average-teen-with-powers and as such does an admirable job of filling the shoes of that previous teen-oriented comic book. You can definitiely see how the original teen angst persona of Peter Parker/Spider-Man influenced the Static creators. Beyond that target audience effort, I was impressed with the quality of the storytelling. The writers have a knack for weaving subtle but intriguing story elements into this issue which most likely will lay the groundwork for interesting developments in future monthly issues of Static Shock. My two favorites were an unexpected reference to the possibility of events attracting Hawkman's attention and the presence of some corrupt police detectives as active members of the villainous syndicate.

So a positive thumbs-up recommendation to both check-out issue #1 of this latest incarnation of Static Shock and to stick around for the upcoming issues to see where some of these interesting plotthreads lead over the next several months.

Contest Winner Announcement!!!

Our latest contest challenged you to e-mail us with your honest opinion, good, bad or anywhere in between, regarding the quality of all or some of the many "New 52" titles that are part of the ongoing re-boot of the DC Comics universe. And our contest winner is (drumroll, please)...David McBarron, who tells us that so far he's read the New 52 Detective Comics, Action Comics and Green Lantern issues. David tells us that he thought that the Superman plot in Action actually was similar in some aspects to a Spider-Man story element. In addition, he adds "The stories seem good so far and the art was excellent...it also seems that the heroes in these books are more on the edge and are a little more gritty...I will keep reading them for awhile and see what happens." Sounds like some good obervations and advice from David as we all continue to read various New 52 titles. Congratulations to David as the winner of our first prize $10.00 gift certificate to That's Entertainment!

New Contest Announcement!!!

Let's try another local Worcester piece of trivia again for our latest contest. Your challenge is to e-mail us at Gordon_A@msn.com with the correct answer to the following question: What well-known (and well-traveled!) Worcester roadway has been nicknamed "The Speedway" by generations of Worcester drivers? As always, in the event of more than one correct contest entry, our winner of the first prize $10.00 gift certificate to That's Entertainment will be selected via a roll of the dice.

That's all for now, so have a great two weeks of comic book reading (and baseball playoffs watching!) and see you again on October 14 Here In Bongo Congo!

Comic Reviews 9/16/11

Here In Bongo Congo

Good King Leonardo is back this week with an interesting variety of new issue comic books to review, so let's get right to it and see how these comics stack-up against each other:

Reed Gunther #1
Publisher: Image Comics
Shane Houghton: Writer
Chris Houghton: Art

Image Comics has a new comic book series out entitled "Reed Gunther." There are four monthly issues on the That's Entertainment new issues shelves of this comic book with a Western Adventure theme that's billed as fun "for all ages". I decided to review issue #1 to get a better feel for the premise of the comic book. The series is scripted by Shane Houghton with art by his brother (I presume) Chris Houghton. A back-of-the-book blurb explains that the pair initially was producing this series as a black-and-white independent comic until it was picked-up and produced in color by Image Comics.

Our issue #1 storyline is entitled "Reed Gunther And The Steak Snacking Snake!" Our heroes are cowboy-for-hire Reed and his sidekick, Sterling the bear, who doesn't speak but is clearly "smarter-than-the-average-bear", as our old friend Yogi Bear used to say. While out camping, our heroes come to the rescue of Starla, a woman rancher whose cattle are disappearing one-by-one. Its quickly discovered that a gigantic snake is devouring cattle one huge gulp at a time, hence the title of the story. Hijinks ensue as our trio tries different strategies to defeat the snake rustler. Without being a detail spoiler, by issue's end the problem is solved. And on the last page we see Reed riding off on Sterling's back into the classic Western sunset, in search of next month's issue #2 Wild West adventure.

This new title is an adorable and very entertaining fresh addition to the Western Adventure comic book storytelling genre. The Houghton brothers succeed on all counts in creating a comic book world that's clearly geared to kid-level reading and entertainment while still providing enough high-quality storytelling to serve as a worthwhile reading pasttime for teen and adult readers, alike. Two particular storytelling elements stand-out in distinction. The first is the decision to use a very cartoony graphic style for this comic book. It works extremely well to convey the emotions and facial expressions of the characters, which is particularly important when one of the lead story stars is a non-talking bear who communicates through facial cues. Secondly, there's a nicely-constructed sub-plot here in which Starla and Reed get off on the wrong foot, which to me at least, ultimately conveyed a nice life lesson for young readers about trust and getting along with others.

In sum, its both refreshing and just-plain-fun to have a new and cute addition to the non-superhero world of comics that doesn't take itself seriously in delivering-up some good old-fashioned comic book entertainment. So using one of Reed Gunter's favorite expressions, for pickled beets sake, folks, go out and read this comic book!

Zatanna #16
Publisher: D.C. Comics
Writer & Art: Adam Beechen and Victor Ibanez

While there's a lot of attention this past week among fanboys and fangirls regarding DC Comics rolling-out its company-wide "New 52" make-over, there are a lot of traditional DC new issues titles still on the new issues shelves from just the past few weeks of publishing. One of them is issue #16 of the ever-popular "Zatanna" comic book, starring the DC universe's favorite good-looking magician/sorceress. Issue #16 is written and drawn by the creative team of Adam Beechen and Victor Ibanez.

The storyline is entitled "The Sorceress's Apprentice." Its a humorous, tongue-in-cheek plotline in which a sleep-deprived Zatanna is unexpectedly visited by the blue-skinned Klarion, an impish sorcerer-boy from Limbo Town, the magical place in the DC universe that's also the hometown of Klarion The Witch Boy. The creepy kid claims he wishes to becomes Zatanna's magical apprentice, but its soon apparent that he has an ulterior motive for getting into her secret magician's library. Without revealing any details, the bulk of the plot consists of Zatanna giving chase to Klarian from her library through many magical dimensions, ultimately foiling the brat's scheme and dumping him back in Limbo Town where he can do no more harm. The issue wraps-up in a nice joke that began on page one of the issue, relating to sleep deprivation and dreaming.

I've reviewed a few previous issues of this title run and have always been impressed with the creative team's ability to mix quality light humor with a magical thriller plotline. This issue is no exception, and actually exceeds the quality of previous issues in this regard. The art is of very high quality and just the perfect graphic style for conveying the colorful magic realism scenes of Zatanna and brat-boy hopping through very creative other-dimensional scenery in their magical adventure. Two particular full-page panels, one conveying the magical vastness of Zatanna's library and one when she finally catches Klarian in another magical dimension are among the most poster-worthy comic book scenes of the year. And finally, a deserved shout-out to the creative team for bringing this title to a pre-New 52 close with that nice, understated final scene that combines a cute joke with some relevant pop culture references.

So a very positive thumbs-up recommendation to check-out this final issue in the latest Zatanna comic title run. Let's hope that there's room someplace in the DC universe after all of the "New 52" bedlam and consternation subsides for a similar high quality Zatanna title. In the meantime, I'd suggest reading issue #16 and backtracking through the That's Entertainment new issues and back issues inventory for copies of the previous 15 Zatanna issues and/or softcover reprint compilations.

Batgirl #1
Publisher: D.C. Comics
Gail Simone: Writer
Ardian Syaf: Pencils
Vicente Cifuentes: Inks
Ulises Arreola: Colors

Well, the "New 52" brave new world of DC Comics is finally here and for my first review of the bunch I chose issue #1 of the new Batgirl title. The reboot of Batgirl is scripted by veteran writer Gail Simone with pencils by Ardian Syaf, inks by Vicente Cifuentes and colors by Ulises Arreola.

The issue #1 story is entitled "Shattered" and stars the original Barbara Gordon/Batgirl character. While its acknowledged throughout the tale that Barbara has undergone some sort of miraculous experience to regain her mobility and leave behind her wheelchair-bound Oracle persona, we're not let-in on any of the details in this premier issue. Instead, a few sub-plots are threaded-together that focus on Barbara/Batgirl literally getting back on her feet into everyday life, both as a costumed crimefighter and a civilian. We see Batgirl in her first new crimefighting effort, rescuing an innocent couple from potential gruesome torture and murder by masked home invaders. Barbara spreads her wings and finds herself an eccentric new roommate. And finally, Batgirl trails a mysterious masked murderer and in confronting him in a hospital, fails to prevent the villain's latest murder, as such accused by a cop on the scene as being "a murderer" for hesitating for a moment and not stopping the hit.

As both a comic book reviewer and a longtime fanboy I try to be a pragmatic guy, cherishing old comic book traditions and legacies while also embracing inevitable change and new, fun publishing ideas. So I'm not completely opposed to the DC attempt to shake things up with the New 52 effort, although I don't like the renumbering of landmark titles such as Action Comics and I still believe that the old numbering will be restored in a few years as landmark old-numbering anniversary issues come-up on the publishing horizon. However, I'm also a believer in the old saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," and as such I'm critical of this new Batgirl rebooting.

The 25-issue Stephanie Brown/Batgirl series ran circles around this first issue Batgirl reboot regarding both artistic quality and story content. At the risk of ticking off the gazillions of Gail Simone fans, this is a dull and weak story representation of Batgirl. I felt like I was reading a DC tale written in the duller stretches of the 1980's, full of hokey dialogue and stiff character behavior. The dialogue between Barbara and her new roommate is just amateurish writing, but worst of all is the Just-Plain-Stupid cliffhanger ending, in which a cop screams "murderer" at Batgirl for failing to stop the bad guy. If a return to such tired mid-20th century comic plot cliches as supposed cliffhangers is what's in store for readers in the "New 52," we're all in big comic book reading trouble.

So to get to the point asap, a disappointed thumbs-down recommendation on this particular New 52 reboot effort. When DC files for the inevitable bankruptcy when the New 52 doesn't resolve the company's ongoing financial solvency problems, let's hope that the new company investor overlords, Chinese or otherwise, do us all a favor and apply the common sense of restoring Batgirl and a few of the other "unbroke" titles to their pre-New 52 quality.

Atomic Robo #1 (Volume 6)
Publisher: Red 5 Comics
Brian Clevinger: Writer
Scott Wegener: Art
Ronda Pattison: Colors

Red 5 Comics has has just published issue #1 in the sixth and latest 5-issue Atomic Robo mini-series. As Atomic Robo fanatics like me can tell non-readers, the series chronicles the tongue-in-cheek adventures of our favorite Robot lad, created back in the 1920's by Thomas Edison's main inventor rival Nichola Tesla. The previous volumes of this series each features a multi-issue story arc set in a different 20th century historical period, blending the pop culture and scientific technology of each era into a very entertaining science-based action adventure. The comic book is scripted by Brian Clevinger with art by Scott Wegener and colors by Ronda Pattison.

The new volume 6 series is the first plotline set in the present-day August of 2011. As head of his scientific research company Tesladyne, Atomic Robo receives an emergency request from NASA to rescue 5 astronauts stuck in Earth orbit. The plotline follows a 7-hour countdown, as Robo and his scientist support team, all featured in previous storylines, scramble to figure out how to get-up into orbit and save the astronauts. An interweaving sub-plot features two ultra-nerd Tesladyne scientists, who Robo dispatches to London to assist Scotland Yard in investigating the mysterious vanishing of a London building. Issue #1 ends in a dramatic cliffhanger, as Robo gets up to Earth orbit to find a situation that no one on Earth expected.

The key to the very popular success of this comic book franchise is the creative team's skill in blending some really interesting science action adventure plot details with a very witty, well-presented sense of humor on the part of Robo and his co-stars. The closest comparison that I can make is to the comic strip Dilbert's sense of humor, toned-down a bit and mixed in with old-school science fiction pulp storytelling, and you're in the Atomic Robo ballpark. Volume 6 keeps the Atomic Robo series winstreak intact, giving us a much-needed fix of this wonderful, wacky and funny blend of unique comic book adventure and humor. Its also fun to read a Robo tale set in the present-day for a change. Note to Red 5 Comics: after five volumes of historical story settings as well as the current present-day setting, how about setting the upcoming Volume 7 series sometime in the future?

So stop reading this review already and get down to That's Entertainment to pick-up your very own issue #1 copy of this latest Volume 6 series starring everyone's favorite Atomic Robo!

Contest Winner Announcement!!!

Our latest contest challenge was for you to correctly tell us which Red Sox player has hit the longest home run in Fenway Park's history and also tell us in what permanent way has the team commemorated the event at the stadium. And our contest winner selected via a roll of the dice from among several correct entries is (drumroll, please)...Keith Martin, who correctly identified Red Sox slugger Ted Williams as the player who belted the longest-ever Fenway home run into the right field bleachers. The homer was belted on June 9, 1946 in a game against the Detroit Tigers and traveled 502 feet before it landed at the fan seated in Section 42, Row 37, Seat 21. Its estimated that the ball would have traveled a total of 535 feet if the seat hadn't gotten in its way! The seat is painted red among a sea of green bleacher seats to permanently honor The Splendid Splinter's achievement and game tickets to sit in the seat can be purchased for $23.00 a game. Congrats to Keith who wins our contest first prize $10.00 gift certificate to That's Entertainment!!!

New Contest Announcement!!!

Let's focus this week on the current mega-event in the comic book reading world, DC's roll-out of The New 52. Your challenge this week is to e-mail us at Gordon_A@msn.com and tell us what you think, either positively, negatively or a mix of both, about specific New 52 premier issues. I'm hearing all sorts of opinions ranging from very good, unfortunately bad and much in-between, so let's hear from you about which titles you like or dislike, and why. I personally was disappointed in Batgirl #1 (see review above) and my brother Dave tells me that Animal Man #1 and Action #1 are really, really good comics. So tell us what you think! As always, our first prize contest winner will receive a $10.00 gift certificate to That's Entertainment (you can buy more issues of The New 52 with your prize)!

That's all for now, so have two great comic book reading weeks and see you again on September 30 Here In Bongo Congo!

comic review 9/3/11

Here In Bongo Congo

Good King Leonardo has proclaimed that we celebrate the passing of Hurricane Irene with an eclectic mix of new comic books to review. So let's see how these three titles from DC, Dynamite and Marvel Comics stack-up against each other:

Superman Beyond #0
Publisher: D.C. Comics
Tom DeFalco & Ron Frenz: Story & Pencils
Sal Buscema: Finished Art
Chris Beckett: Colors

DC Comics has just published a one-shot issue #0 entitled Superman Beyond. The plot is set in the same futuristic world of the very popular Batman Beyond series, in which a young Terry McGinnis pairs with an elderly Bruce Wayne to fight crime about a generation from now in "Neo-Gotham." This futuristic Superman companion to that series is scripted and penciled by the team of Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz, with finished art by veteran artist Sal Buscema and colors by Chris Beckett.

The issue #0 story is entitled "Home Is The Hero!" and stars a slightly gray-haired version of Superman aged into late middle-age. The early plotline establishes Superman's current life situation: his wife Lois Lane having passed away and his powers diminishing with age, Clark Kent/Superman struggles with a late middle-aged life crisis. Our hero is shaken out of his funk when an everyday Metropolis convict is accidentally doused with the Meta-Human chemical featured often in the Batman Beyond series, transforming him into a dangerous Hulk-like being. When the future Justice League is knocked out of action by the villain, its Superman to the rescue. Two sub-plots dominate the action portion of the story; the main superfight and a subtle storyline, in which Superman tries to help the villain deal with the horror that his transformation has brought to his wife and daughter. The issue wraps-up with a nice final page that brings Superman and the aged Bruce Wayne together with a hint that we'll see this "World's Finest Beyond" pair again in some future DC Comics publications.

While I expected an obvious futuristic Superman tale in this issue, I was surprised and happy to read how far the creative team went to incorporate Superman into the preexisting world of the Batman Beyond series. Its a very entertaining treat to read the blend of old and new in this high quality comic book. The old includes a cameo by Terry McGinnis along with major storytime for Bruce Wayne and that futuristic JLA. The new includes Superman/Clark Kent himself, along with our old pal Jimmy Olson, who has evolved into an international media conglomerate head, sort of a kind-hearted version of Rupert Murdoch, if you can believe it. Beyond the action adventure entertainment of this tale, the real success of this story is the quiet message built into the plotline, one that's really brought home in the final Bruce Wayne/Superman scene, a message that as our heroes age and somewhat decline, they still have a valuable and worthwhile role to play in their respected lives as aging heroes. Its a positive life lesson for the story characters and readers alike, one that's special both as pure comic book reading entertainment and as a philosophy-of-life affirmation.

So a very positive thumbs-up recommendation for the good DC reader to check-out this excellent comic book, which succeeds both as a very satisfying conclusion to the recent Batman Beyond series and as a stand-alone enjoyable one-shot interpretation of an older version of Superman who still has a lot to contribute to and enjoy regarding his DC universe world.

Warehouse 13 #1
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Ben Raab & Deric A. Hughes: Writers
Ben Morse: Art
Jonathan Cooper: Colors

Dynamite Entertainment has just expanded its inventory of eclectic comic book titles with the publication of Warehouse 13 #1. The comic book is based upon the hit SYFY cable network television series of the same name. For the uninitiated, the t.v. show is a comedy-drama mix that follows the adventures of a team of secret service agents who "bag and tag" mystical artifacts and store them in Warehouse 13, a vast secret installation in the wilds of South Dakota that resembles the secret government mega-warehouse in the final scene of the first Indiana Jones movie. Issue #1 of the new comic book title is scripted by Ben Raab and Deric A Hughes with art by Ben Morse and colors by Jonathan Cooper.

The issue #1 storyline sends lead agents Pete Lattimer and Myka Bering off to Rio De Janeiro to investigate the latest in a series of earthquakes which lead investigator Artie Nielsen believes are artifact-related. Our adventurers follow a trail of clues to a shady Brazilian mining conglomerate, which has a habit of finding major gold discoveries in the earthquake zones. Eventually, we learn that the company is using an ancient Chinese mystical hammer artifact which creates the diasters as its wielded in search of treasure (Thor never had this problem with his hammer, did he?). The second half of the storyline turns to action-adventure, as Pete and Myka evade corrupt Brazilian police, identify which company excecutive is wielding the artifact and nab the gizmo for safekeeping back at Warehouse 13.

I've mentioned in previous reviews that I'm always expecting the worst in t.v. show or movie-related comic books, as so many of them combine clunky graphic styles with wooden attempts to recreate the success of the visual medium on which they're based. Thankfully, we don't have that problem with this new title. The comic book succeeds in avoiding both traps, providing excellent artwork combined with a storyline that is fresh and entertaining, both as a stand-alone comic book and as a representation of the t.v. show. A creative tip-of-the-hat is deservedly due to the writing team, who do a great job of providing the little personality traits of the various characters which have gone over so well among fans of the show. These range from team leader Artie's grumpy-bear personality, to twenty-something member Claudia Donovan's creatively witty remarks, and finally to the fun and funny repartee between partners Pete and Myka which make the show such a pleasure to watch.

A blurb at issue's end announces that next month's issue is written by two of the television show's writers. Given the quality start that writers Raab and Hughes have provided in their issue #1 debut, I'd say the newcomers have big creative shoes to fill in next month's issue. So another positive review recommendation for a new comic book title that strongly stands on its own two feet as an entertaining science fiction comic book while also successfully transferring the quality of a hit t.v. show to comic book format.

Spider-Island: The Amazing Spider-Girl #1
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Paul Tobin: Writer
Pepe Larraz: Art
Andres Mossa: Colors

As part of its wider "Spider-Island" publishing event, Marvel Comics has just released issue #1 of a three-issue mini-series entitled "Spider-Island: The Amazing Spider-Girl." The premise of the event series is that for various reasons, which I'll leave for readers to discover for themselves, random civilians around the Island of Manhattan start to exhibit Spider-Man type powers. This title stars Spider-Girl/Anya Corazon, who according to a page one introduction used to be just a costumed nonpowered crimefighter but is now among the many who actually have Spider-Man's special powers. The mini-series is scripted by Paul Tobin with art by Pepe Larraz and colors by Andres Mossa.

In the extremely fast-paced issue #1 storyline, all hell is breaking loose in New York City as the "Spider-Person Epidemic" expands. The plot kicks-off with Anya and her roommate attacked at their high school by an army of "Society Of The Wasp" humanoid wasp creatures, whose mindless goal is to kill as many Spider-People as possible. Various Marvel universe players enter the fray in unexpected ways, including the ninja assassin society The Hand and Hobgoblin. Without being a detail spoiler, its worth noting that the battlers either ally themselves with or oppose Spider-Girl in unexpected ways. The issue ends in a very dramatic bridge as a major Marvel universe villain reveals him/her/itself as one of the infected Spider-Persons and offers a surprise alliance with our heroine.

This is an excellent comic book issue to read as a first-time exposure to the wider Spider-Island event series. The concept of a city-wide Spider-Man type of superpower epidemic is so fresh and well-presented that I couldn't help but wonder why someone at Marvel had never thought of this event concept before. A major shout-out is deserved for the art team, who give us a graphic style perfectly suited to the very fast pace of battle action in this series, with the panels just leaping off of the printed page. My only constructive criticism is that given the complexity of the mix of sub-plots and constantly-shifting action details, there is a bit of a feeling here that the plot details are somewhat too compressed, in order to jam all of the interesting story details into three short issues. This series and its readers might be better served with a five or six-issue publication schedule that would allow the creative team more room to explore all of the wonderful things happening in this title. But perhaps issue #3 will segue into one of the other Spider-Island event comic titles.

So that one question aside, I highly recommend not missing a moment of the fun of this very creative new Spider-Man universe mega-event. If you haven't started reading the series yet, I'd recommend jumping-into it with this issue and if you're already reading some of the other Spider-Island titles, definitely prioritize this three-issue mini-series at the top of your ever-growing new issues comic book reading pile!

Contest Winner Announcement!!!

Our latest contest challenged you to pitch to us your favorite comic book villain, also explaining why you rank he/she/it as number one on your list of baddies. And our contest winner is (drumroll, please)...Kevin Browne, who tells us that his favorite bad guy is James Gordon, Jr. Kevin tells us that Detective Comics writer Scott Snyder has revealed Police Commissioner Gordon's son to be a major Batman universe villain, one who Kevin feels serves as an excellent "dark mirror" to Batman Dick Grayson's goodness. An interesting choice-it should be fun to see where Detective Comics and any other Batman comic book titles take this villain in future Batman stories. Congratulations to Kevin who wins our first prize $10.00 gift certificate to That's Entertainment!!!

New Contest Announcement!!!

We're heading into the final stretch of baseball season, as our Red Sox and the Yankees battle neck-and-neck for first place in the American League East Division. In recognition of all of the home runs that the Red Sox have been belting lately, the Bongo Congo panel of contest judges offers-up the following Red Sox home run trivia contest challenge. E-mail us at Gordon_A@msn.com with the correct answer to the following question: Which Red Sox player has hit the longest home run at Fenway Park, and how has the team commemorated that home run in a permanent way at Fenway Park? This is a fun Red Sox fact that many fans cherish as a piece of Sox historical trivia, so e-mail us asap! As always, in the event of multiple correct entries, the winner of the first prize $10.00 gift certificate to That's Entertainment will be selected via a roll of the dice from among the correct entries.

E-Book Announcement!!!

Just a quick announcement that my science fiction & fantasy short story collection "Journey Into Dandelion Wine Country" has just been re-released by Xlibris Press (www.xlibris.com) as an e-book for only $9.99! Feel free to check-out a very positive book review posted on my webpage (www.alaniragordon.com) or go to the xlibris page or anywhere else where e-books are sold for a copy today!

Finally, just a reminder that we're temporarily on a bi-weekly new comic book reviewing schedule. So have two great comic book reading weeks and see you again on September 16 Here In Bongo Congo!

comic reviews 8/17/11

Here In Bongo Congo

Good King Leonardo made a personal royal visit this past week to the new issues comic book shelves at That's Entertainment and has decreed that we review the following three new issues that caught his eye while on his state visit:

Warlord Of Mars: Fall Of Barsoom #1

Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment

Robert Place Napton: Writer

Roberto Castro: Art

Alex Guimaraes: Colors

Dynamite Publications has added another title to its Warlord Of Mars comic book series with this past week's issue #1 debut of Warlord Of Mars: Fall Of Barsoom. As I mentioned in my review earlier this year of the Dejah Thoris: Princess Of Mars title, the series is based on Edgar Rice Burroughs's classic John Carter: Warlord Of Mars pulp novels, in which the late 19th-century American is transported to Mars and has exotic action adventures within the Martian civilization, whose residents refer to the red planet as Barsoom. The new title is scripted by Robert Place Napton with art by Roberto Castro and colors by Alex Guimaraes.

The issue #1 inside cover establishes the story setting as 100,000 years before John Carter's fictional arrival on Mars. Entitled "Book One: The Tide Of Battle", the plotline establishes political thriller maneuvering in a science fiction setting by alternating two plotthreads. In one storyline, a reckless Martian emperor dissolves the political alliance that has united three humanoid races in peaceful co-existance for eons. All three races begin to clash, while two additional barbaric races of red and green warriors decide to jump into the growing chaos. The second subplot weaves planetwide environmental catastrophe into the storyline, as Martian scientist Tak Nan Lee documents an unexpected speed-up in the depletion of the planet's oceans and breathable atmosphere. The two storyline's merge in an issue-ending cliffhanger, when Lee stumbles-upon a chaotic battle while out in the wilderness and rescues a barbaric red princess, who appears to be an early version of the well-known Princess Deja Thoris.

This is an interesting addition to the ever-widening Dynamite Publications grouping of John Carter story universe titles. The artwork is exquisite, as the artistic team goes to great pains to visualize this exotic planet in which multiple alien races co-exist in a lush setting that combines pulp fiction art deco style with old-fashioned royalty trappings. I was also very entertained by the political thriller approach to structuring a new Barsoom adventure title. There are so many colorful alien races and individual characters enlisted in this tale, that there's a great opportunity here for future monthly issues to entertain us with a wide range of storylines and adventures. My one constructive criticism centers on scientist Tak Nan Lee; from his wardrobe to his jetfighter to his 21st century American style of speech, he seems somewhat out-of-place in this very exotic science fiction otherwordly setting. I have a theory that future issues of this title may reveal that he's an out-of-time travelor from Earth, similar to the John Carter storyline.

But irregardless of that one point, this is a fun and fresh addition to the wide-ranging John Carter/Barsoom story universe, and well-worth reading from the very beginning with this month's kick-off premier issue #1.

Richelle Mead's The Dark Swan: Storm Born #1

Publisher: Sea Lion Books

Richelle Mead & Grant Alter: Writer

Dave Hamann: Art

Nelson Cosentino De Oliveira: Colors

A new comic book publishing house called Sea Lion Books has just released issue #1 of a new comic entitled "Richelle Mead's The Dark Swan: Storm Born." For the uninitiated, this is a comic book adaptation of popular writer Richelle Mead's Storm Born novel series. The fantasy/magic title stars Eugenie Markham, a "freelance shaman" living in Arizona who assists regular folk who have problems with otherwordly creatures (demons, bad spirits, etc.). The comic book is written by Mead herself in partnership with Grant Alter. The art is produced by Dave Hamann with colors by Nelson Cosentino De Oliveira.

Issue #1 quickly establishes Eugenie's fictional world situation for the reader with an entertaining six-page scene in which she assists a man who's favorite running shoe is inhabited by a bad demon. The remainder of the issue balances two intersecting plotlines. In one, we're introduced to the characters in Eugenie's private life, including her fellow-shaman stepfather, mother, eccentric roommate and a guy she quickly falls for in a bar. The second plotthread entangles Eugenie in the evil side of the world of magic, as she seeks to assist a client who's young sister has been supposedly kidnapped by bad-guy fairies. Our heroine's personal and professional world's collide in an issue-ending cliffhanger, as Eugenie and her new boyfriend are attacked by an ice demon.

This is an extremely entertaining and fresh addition to the ever-growing inventory of magic realism comic book fiction on the market these days. It rises above the pack with a wonderful mix of humor and drama, along with a successful balance between story narration and magical action-adventure. The real slam-dunk success here is the in-depth quality of writer Richelle Mead's plot. Obviously adapted from a successful novel series, the comic book truly reads as a graphic adaptation of a fictional world that was originally constructed in novel format. The writer's narration of the tale is at least three times the amount of detail usually imported into a comic book storyline, with the result that it successfully adds a richer-than-normal story narration in balance with the character dialogue.

Those writing highlights aside, the two very best features of this new comic book title are the artwork and humor. The art team's work is top notch, with pleasing colors, graphic style and excellent command of character's facial features. I particularly enjoyed the range of humor in this comic book, from the little touches such as the possessed running shoe to the broader comedic strokes, such as Eugenie's oddball roommate who passes as a Southwest Native American to pick-up chicks at bars. One word of caution: this is not a comic for kids, with its at-times graphic sexual depictions of Eugenie's growing relationship with her new boyfriend. As such, the publisher might wish to toss a "some adult-themes" warning on the front cover of future issues. That point aside, my thumbs-up positive recommendation is for all good comic book readers to rise above the fray of the many youth and teen-oriented magic fantasy offerings such as the Harry Potter and Twilight series, and enjoy this excellent graphic presentation of a very entertaining magical fantasy series written for the adult fan.

Captain America Corps #2

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Roger Stern: Writer

Philippe Briones: Art

Matt Milla: Colors

The Marvel Comics five-issue mini-series entitled "Captain America Corps" is up to issue #2 this month. Given that this is the summer of Captain America, both at the movies and in various comic book titles, I was curious to see how this limited edition series stacked-up with the other Captain America venues out there right now. This series is scripted by Roger Stern with art by Philippe Briones and colors by Matt Milla.

The issue #2 story segment is entitled "Enemies Of The State." A quick two-page introduction summarizes the issue #1 story segment. Set in an unspecified future timeframe in New York City, our main character is Shannon Carter, the Avenger known as the superhero American Dream. Shannon is the niece of SHIELD agent Sharon Carter and is following in Cap's Avenger footsteps. A Watcher-like being called The Contemplator assembles Shannon with four versions of Captain America from four alternate realities, in order to counter someone who is erasing the many Captain Americas from across the multiverse, thereby threatening the nature of reality itself. The Contemplator transports our five heroes to one of those altered realities, in order to impress upon them the bleakness of a world order without Cap's influence. Without being a detail spoiler, our team battles federal police state forces to try and redress the altered mess. By issue's end, they've freed several Marvel hero characters from imprisonment and set themselves up for further conflict in next month's story segment with that reality's version of a band of superheros who are still loyal to the police state.

I was drawn into this story more than any other alternate reality-themed comic book that I've read in the past few years. The title's creative team have put a huge amount of thought and effort into incorporating a very wide range of alternative/what if versions of Captain America into a single storyline. Its fascinating to read the details of each Cap's personality and style differences, from the female future Cap embodied in Shannon Carter, to a Golden Age-styled Cap and even an alternate Cap who embodies many of Wolverine's raw personality traits. However, the quality home run here is writer Roger Stern's brilliant idea to give each separate Cap limited personality segments drawn from our well-known hero's complex personality. Separately, they're each limited and somewhat flawed in their abilities and behavior, but when our five heroes work together, they literally combine into one multi-talented Cap and succeed in their efforts.

A final shout-out has to go to the art team's simply stunning, poster-worthy two-page spread on pages 4 and 5 of the story, in which our fivesome battle the police state's giant bad robot version of Cap. All in all, this is the freshest alternative story spin on a well-known A-list superhero that's out there in this summer's new issue reading stacks. I'm planning on back-reading last month's issue #1 to fully experience the five-issue unfolding of this wondrous "what if" tale, and I'd suggest that all fanboys and fangirls out there do the same!

Contest Winner Announcement!!!

Our contest challenge this week was for you to identify a current "exclave" example in the U.S., in which a land area is part of one U.S. state while being completely surrounded by the territory of another state. And our contest winner selected via a roll of the dice from among several correct entries is (drumroll, please)...Gregory Goding, who correctly identified The Kentucky Bend as a famous American exclave. Alternately known as "Bubbleland," the bend is a piece of land within an oxbow loop of the Mississippi River that is legally in Fulton County, Kentucky but surrounded by land legally within Tennessee and Missouri. Another interesting correct answer was submitted by Jeremy Mower, who points out that Liberty Island, home of the Statue Of Liberty, is legally land within New York State while completely surrounded by water legally designated as part of New Jersey. Congratulations to Gregory who wins our first prize $10.00 gift certificate to That's Entertainment!!!

New Contest Announcement!!!

As we mentioned last week, its time this week to go back to a comic book-related contest challenge. There are so many great comic book villains out there, both in comic book form and on the movie screens in comic book genre films these days, that have inspired us to offer you a villain challange this week. So e-mail us at Gordon_A@msn.com with your submittal of your favorite comic book/graphic villain; tell us who he, she or it is and why you favor this person/thing as your number one bad guy/girl/it in comic books past or present. Our winning entry will receive the first prize $10.00 gift certificate to That's Entertainment, so tell us now who's your favorite "bad to the bone" character!

Bongo Congo Review Schedule Announcement!!!

Just a quick note to our loyal readers: as you know, I also write fiction short stories (see www.alaniragordon.com for information on my story publications and availability). I have a few story writing comittments that need immediate attention, so to schedule some writing time, so for the time being, I'll be providing fresh comic book reviews for you on a biweekly basis instead of weekly. That said, the next column of new reviews will be available for your enjoyment on Friday, September 2. Thanks for bearing with me on this schedule adjustment and I hope to get back to providing you with brand new comic book reviews on a weekly basis as soon as possible.

That's all for now, so have a great "Dog Days Of August" comic book reading week and see you again in two weeks Here In Bongo Congo!!!

comic reviews 8/14/11

Here In Bongo Congo

Good King Leonardo is back from a great vacation and has decreed that we review this week three new comic books, one that features Captain America and Bucky along with two that star Batman. So let's see how these comics stack-up for some August summertime comic book reading:

Captain America & Bucky #620
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Ed Brubaker & Marc Andreyko: Writers
Chris Samnee: Art
Bettie Breitweiser: Colors

The long-running Captain America title is up to issue #620 this month; in its current incarnation, the series is emphasizing the Captain America/Bucky partnership by publishing under the full "Captain America & Bucky" title. The latest multi-issue story arc is scripted by the team of Ed Brubaker and Marc Andreyko, with art by Chris Samnee and colors by Bettie Breitweiser.

Issue #620 begins a fresh five-issue story arc entitled "Masks." The first issue in this story is a retelling of the well-known origin of Cap's sidekick Bucky. The spin here is a fresh narrative of the tale, using the concept of a costumed hero's facemask as a metaphor for Bucky's tough childhood experiences. We learn page-by-page the details of Bucky's early life and how he ultimately wore three different masks at different stages of his life: an emotional mask of indifference as a shield against family tragedy, a mask of toughness as he trains to ultimately become eligible as Cap's sidekick, and finally an actual costumed hero facemask as Bucky, thereby allowing him to drop the emotional masks and function as more of a normal human being in his civilian identity.

Given the summertime popularity of Marvel's Captain America movie (a great movie, by the way!), a fresh comic book revisit to Cap and Bucky's World War II origin days couldn't be timed any better. The writing team of Ed Brubaker and Mark Andreyko are at the peak of their narrative skills here, giving us a storyline that balances moving personal emotion with building action that will obviously explore the heroic duo's early wartime adventures in the next four issues of this multi-issue story arc. The biggest plus here is Chris Samnee's wonderful artistic presentation. Samnee developed a wide fan folllowing (myself included) with his top notch work in last year's eight-issue "Thor, The Mighty Avenger" title. As I mentioned in a review of that series, Samnee is similar to well-known artist/writer Tim Sale both in graphic style and a highly skilled ability to convey heartfelt emotion through both his character's facial expressions and style of panel lay-out. The result here is to add a valuable new interpretation to the many tales of the early days of the Cap/Bucky partnership, one that should only increase in emotional impact and old-fashioned action-adventure with each further issue of this five-part storyline.

So do yourself a favor and give yourself a double treat this week by seeing the Captain America movie at the cinema and getting-in on the ground floor with the first issue of this very entertaining new Captain America and Bucky storyline!

Batman Beyond #8
Publisher: D.C. Comics
Adam Beechen: Writer
Chris Batista: Pencils
Rich Perrotta: Inks
David Baron: Colors

DC's Batman Beyond title is up to issue #8 this month. For the uninitiated, this is a futuristic Batman title in which teenager Terry McGinnis fights crime in a very high tech future Gotham City, mentored by an elderly Bruce Wayne. The current monthly series is a follow-up to the animated television series and a previous Batman Beyond mini-series. The comic book is scripted by Adam Beechen with pencils by Chris Batista, inks by Rich Perrotta and colors by David Baron.

The issue #8 storyline is entitled "Inque," (pronounced "ink") and interweaves two storythreads. One is a detailed flashback personal history, filling-in the origin of the supposed supervillain Inque, a woman who turns to a life of high tech supervillain crime in follow-up to medical experimentation that gave her the ability to transform into a rubbery, inky slinky-like creature tough to stop or control. Without being a detail spoiler, we learn some very personal details of why this woman chose to follow a path of crime instead of the superhero life. A second plotthread is more high action-oriented, as our young futuristic Batman does battle with Inque. The issue climaxes as the past and present storythreads nicely blend together into a very personal moment in Inque's battered life, dealing with love and family ties.

I've enjoyed every issue of both of the Batman Beyond comic book titles and this current issue is no exception. The personal backstory of Inque is both heartbreaking and very relevant to today's real-world situation of poor folk in third world countries trying to survive while being exploited in human trafficking situations. While the young Terry/Batman is almost a secondary character behind the main Inque origin story sequences, this is still a credible Batman tale that adds well to the wide-ranging Batman story and family universe in both an emotionally moving and entertaining manner. An editor's note at the end of the story announces that within the upcoming September DC publishing title shake-up, "Batman Beyond" will return in a comic entitled "10,000 Clouds," coming soon from DC.

So a definite thumbs-up positive review recommendation to round-out the current Batman Beyond eight-issue title run with this month's issue and keep an eye out for the continuing entertaining adventures of our futuristic Bat-Boy within this Fall's revamped DC comic book title publishing structure.

Flashpoint: Batman Knight Of Vengeance #1
Publisher: D.C. Comics
Brian Azzarello: Writer
Eduardo Risso: Art
Patricia Mulvihill: Colors

Yet another among the many DC Comics Flashpoint mega-event mini-series is the three-issue "Flashpoint: Knight Of Vengeance" title. Since all three issues of this short series are currently on the new issues shelves at That's Entertainment, I decided to review the kick-off issue #1. The series is scripted by veteran comic book scribe Brian Azzarello with art by Eduardo Risso and colors by Patricia Mulvihill. For those very few readers not familiar with the very popular Flashpoint series, the various titles present a DC universe altered by a foe of The Flash, to the point where we literally have an alternate reality in which the backstories and present-day roles of most DC heroes and villains are significantly altered. The Flashpoint universe also is experiencing a world war in which Wonder Woman and Aquaman lead their respective empires in a brutal war against mankind, with the main battlefield in Western Europe.

Issue #1 of the Batman mini-series constructs for the reader the basics of the altered Batman portion of the Flashpoint universe. In the Flashpoint reality, the young boy Bruce Wayne died in his family's robbery, leaving the father Thomas Wayne to evolve into an angry, violent and extremely bitter version of Batman. The family business empire rests upon Wayne Casinos, run by Wayne's chief flunky Oswald Cobblepot, who never becomes The Penguin. The plot focuses on Wayne and Police Commissioner Gordon beginning to investigate the kidnapping of Gotham Judge Harvey Dent's twin toddlers by who else, The Joker. Action ensues as clues lead Batman into a confrontation with a very different, alternate version of Swamp Thing. Without being a detail spoiler, the Swamp Thing confrontation gets wrapped-up by issue's end, leaving the final page of issue #1 as a prequel to issue #2's expected Batman/Joker confrontation.

I have a mixed reaction to issue #1 of this mini-series. On the plus side, in the capable hands of the creative team this is a very entertaining reinterpretation of the Batman legend. As with the other Flashpoint series titles that I've read and reviewed, its a real fun kick to absorb the many alternate universe adjustments to our familiar DC universe friends and foes. My particular favorite here was a major alteration regarding Police Commissioner Gordon and the Gotham Police Department, which I won't reveal in this review. On the negative side, there's no connection in this plot to the events of the wider Flashpoint series (i.e., the world war). The plot seemed to drag with this disconnection. As such, I'm giving this comic book title a conditional thumbs-up positive recommendation. As a stand-alone Batman story, it is fun and worth reading. However, there's a disconnect with the bigger Flashpoint universe, to the point that leads me to place this title toward the bottom of the Flashpoint reading list. As such, I'd recommend reading most of the other Flashpoint titles first if you wish to stay up-to-date on the story progression of this DC mega-event.

Contest Winner Announcement!!!

Our latest contest challenge was for you to correctly tell us which nearby U.S. state was originally part of Massachusetts before gaining its independent statehood. And our contest winner selected via a roll of the dice from among the correct entries is (drumroll, please)...David Ruiz, who correctly identified Maine. A few folks assumed the correct answer was one of the states physically bordering Massachusetts, but Maine was an "exclave," which is a territory physically separated and noncontiguous from the remainder of the same territory. In 1820, as a result of a growing population and a political deal regarding slavery, Maine became the 23rd state under the Missouri Compromise. Congratulations to David as the winner of our first prize $10.00 gift certificate to That's Entertainment! And a worthy shout-out to two other correct entrants, Stan Hosmer who tells us that he's descended from either the first or second Maine Governor and Keith Martin, who tells us that he's a former Maine resident.

New Contest Announcement!

Since we had a lot of interest in last week's question, before we offer another comic book-related contest, let's try one more geography trivia contest. Now that you all know what an exclave is from the answer above, your challenge this week is to e-mail us at Gordon_A@msn.com and identify to us at least one existing exclave that exists somewhere in the U.S., today. Believe it or not, there are a few locations in the U.S. considered territory of specific states but completely surrounded by land of other states, thereby totally separated from the rest of their home state. As always, in the event of more than one correct entry, the winner of the first prize $10.00 gift certificate to That's Entertainment will be selected via a roll of the dice.

That's all for now, so have a great summertime comic book reading week and see you again next week Here In Bongo Congo!

comic reviews 7/28/11

Here In Bongo Congo

Good King Leonardo has an eclectic mix of comics in his new issues reading pile for this week, so let's review a variety of three of them-one DC Comics, one Bongo Comics and one Marvel Comics title apiece:


DC Retroactive: Flash-The 70's #1 (One-Shot)
Cary Bates: Writer
Benito Gallego: Pencils
Sal Buscema: Inks
Kevin Colden: Colors

DC Comics has a new series out this week entitled DC Retroactive, with the intriguing goal of producing one-shot issues that are throwbacks/tributes to a particular comic book era. The first group of comics out of the publication gate focuses on the decade of the 1970's, with veteran creative teams who worked in that era paying tribute to the style and content of that decade's comic books with brand new stories. George at That's Entertainment tells me that after the 70's are addressed in this series, DC will issue retroactive tributes to the 1980's and 1990's styles of comic book-producing. I chose to review this week The Flash one-shot in this series, scripted by veteran writer Cary Bates with pencils by Benito Gallego, inks by veteran artist Sal Buscema and colors by Kevin Colden.

The brand new throwback tale in this issue is entitled "Son Of Grodd" and naturally gives us a tale focusing on the historic conflict between Barry Allen/The Flash and his well-known super-intelligent gorilla foe Gorilla Grodd. The story interweaves two plotthreads. In the main storyline, Grodd hatches a bizarre plan to disrupt Barry Allen's marriage to Iris by cloning a human-looking son from a combination of his own DNA and DNA stolen from Iris. Without being a detail spoiler, the story proceeds with complicated developments involving Iris being subconsciously manipulated into helping to raise the rapidly aging clone, who goes rogue on Grodd and attacks him. By issue's end a temporary team-up between Grodd and The Flash, with the help of the clone's maternal figure Iris, resolve the situation. A secondary plotthread focuses on domestic issues between Barry and Iris, as they cope with the discovery that at least for now, The Flash's superpowers have made him unable to father children.

This was a very interesting and entertaining comic book for a few reasons. First and foremost is the high level of satiric campiness/cheesiness/kitschiness of this story. I don't think I've ever read a mainstream superhero comic book with this level of heavy-duty campiness in it; certain snippets of dialogue, storyline and facial expressions are beyond hilariously nutty. I'm assuming that the creative team wanted to pay tribute to some of the wacky story premises of the more innocent 1970's era of comic book publishing. There's just no way this level of campiness isn't a very deliberate creation. And it works very well here, for a lot of laughs and fun entertainment. Secondly, the artistic style is a perfect recreation of one standard type of 1970's-era artwork, thanks to veteran Sal Buscema's timeless quality inking skills. And third, the heavy campiness of the tale is somewhat balanced with a nicely constructed serious subplot focusing on the personal relationship issues of Barry and Iris, which concludes in a nice way.

As an added treat, there's a really fun, 25-page 1970's tale reprinted from "DC Comics Presents" issue #2 as a second story in this issue, republishing an excellent timetravel tale starring Flash, Superman and Flash's archenemy Professor Zoom. So a definite thumbs-up recommendation to enjoy this oversized one-shot comic that gives us a mix of a new and a reprint story, each well-representing the comic book style of the bygone 1970's comic book publishing era. If this Flash issue in the "Retroactive 1970's" series is an indication, fans young and old won't be disappointed with this excellent tribute series!


Sergio Aragones Funnies #1
Publisher: Bongo Comics
Sergio Aragones: Writer & Artist
Tom Luth: Colors

Bongo Comics (Good King Leonardo's favorite name for a comic book publisher!), best known for its Simpsons and Futurama titles, has just published issue #1 of Sergio Aragones Funnies. For decades, Aragones has been acclaimed as a very funny cartoonist on the staff of Mad Magazine and is also known for such comic book titles as Groo The Wanderer, Plop! and my personal favorite, the Fanboy six-issue mini-series published by DC Comics back in 1999 as a fun parody of comic book fandom. Aragones is assisted in this new title by colorist Tom Luth.

The 26-page issue #1 provides all-new comedy material in an eclectic mix of of narrative styles and graphic presentations, ranging from one-page gag cartoons to multi-page stories. Page one presents a 7-panel hello to the reader from Sergio himself. There's a very well-presented retelling of the Trojan Horse story with an unexpected and funny punchline, along with a very entertaining and hilarious true autobiographical tale, in which the college-aged Sergio and his friends served as Indian extras in a Western movie shot by a Hollywood studio near his college in Mexico. The issue also has two fun "find what's wrong with this picture" games, including one set in a comic book shop not unlike our favorite home-away-from-home, That's Entertainment!



Needless to say, this new comic book is a gem of a title, offering up a fresh and well-stocked mix of all that is part of Sergio Aragones extensive, decades-long world of cartoon magazine humor. I love the variety in this funnies-oriented comic book, from a few traditional, multi-page stories to one-page cartoon gags to those two interactive puzzle challenges. The depth and detail of Sergio's wonderfully-complex panels are on full display here, just jam-packed with crowds of people and things, showing us once again that Aragones pioneered the fun "find that person or thing in the crowd" style that has become even more well-known these past few years with the advent of the "Where's Waldo?" puzzle challenges. The hilarious two-page Letters To The Editor page also deserves a loud shout-out, as its full of hilarious letters from real-life comedians and comic industry folk, mixed with a few serious, heartfelt congratulations to this pioneer of comic book humor on his latest comic book endeavor.

You're missing-out if you don't read this funny offering from one of the giants of cartoon/comic book comedy, a man who's work is as fresh, timeless and relevant today as the day he drew his first gag. So don't miss out and get yourself over to That's Entertainment for your very own copy of Sergio Aragones Funnies #1!


Daredevil #1
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Mark Waid: Writer
Paolo Rivera: Pencils
Joe Rivera: Inks
Javier Rodriguez: Colors


Marvel Comics has just published issue #1 of a brand new Daredevil series. There are two separate stories in the premier issue. The main tale is scripted by veteran writer Mark Waid with pencils by Paolo Rivera, inks by Joe Rivera and colors by Javier Rodriguez. The bonus story is also written by Mark Waid with art by Marcos Martin and colors by Muntsa Vicente.



The main story interweaves three storythreads. In the initial pages, Daredevil intervenes at an organized crime family wedding to stop a kidnapping by a bizarre supervillain, resulting in much action and bedlam at the wedding, amongst guests armed to the teeth. A second plotline focuses on Matt Murdock trying to function as a New York attorney, all-the-while fending off constant attention on him from both the general public and his fellow lawyers, in the wake of his being outed as Daredevil in previous Marvel Comics Daredevil titles. The third plotline commences toward the end of the story, as Daredevil is attacked by a foe who seems to know a lot about his weaknesses. The issue ends in a dramatic bridge to next month's issue as the attacker is revealed to be a certain good guy fellow Marvel superhero.

There have been so many Daredevil comic book titles and issues over the years that I was curious to see how A-list writer Mark Waid would attempt to provide a fresh perspective on our hero in this new series. To his credit, Waid doesn't try to reinvent the basics of the Murdock/Daredevil stroy universe. Instead, he injects a layer of levity and light humor into Murdock's personality that has been sorely lacking over the years. Its both entertaining and refreshing to read in both of these stories a version of Murdock who isn't burdened with multiple layers of guilt and angst over the particulars of his situation. The second story in this issue particularly succeeds on that account, giving us a wonderful tale in which Matt and his sidekick Foggy take a stroll around New York. The art is wonderful, giving the reader a feel of cinematic-like mobility as the blind Murdock effortlessly leads Foggy around the city, all the while espousing an update and positive philosophy about both New York City and life itself.

So whether you're a long-time Daredevil fan like me or a newcomer to all things Daredevil, you'll be highly entertained by this new Daredevil title. And a well-deserved tip-of-the-review-hat to the creative team for giving us two separate stories in this issue, which given their high quality make it seem as if we're getting two full-length comic stories combined into one excellent and affordable monthly issue. I plan on continuing to read this title, at least for awhile, on a monthly basis to see how Mark Waid's infusion of a more positive outlook within Murdock's personality plays-out in the monthly storylines.

Contest Winner Announcement!!!

Our latest contest challenge was a historic trivia question, asking you to tell us just how many millions of postcards were mailed in the U.S. in 1913, the peak year for use of postcards back in the pre-internet/e-mail/twitter days of personal communication. And our winner selected via a roll of the dice from among several correct entries is (drumroll, please...) Jeremy Mower, who correctly answered that over 968 million (almost a billion!) postcards were mailed in the U.S. that year. Jeremy adds that the number calculates-out to almost ten cards mailed for every man, woman and child alive in the country at the time. Jeremy also signs his entry as "Jeremy From The Paris Of The Eighties," which any local native knows is Worcester! Congrats to our winner of the first prize $10.00 gift certificate to That's Entertainment!


New Contest Challenge Announcement!!!

Last week's history trivia contest was so popular that the Bongo Congo panel of contest judges has decided to offer another history challenge for this week. Your challenge is to e-mail us at Gordon_A@msn.com with the correct answer to the following question: which northeastern state was actually entirely part of Massachusetts until it gained its independence as a separate state in 1820? As always, in the event of more than one correct entry, our winner of the $10.00 first prize gift certificate to That's Entertainment will be selected via a roll of the dice.



We'll be on vacation next week, but we'll return with new comic book reviews, our current contest challenge winner announcement and a new contest challenge on Friday, August 12. So have two great comic book reading weeks and see you again then Here In Bongo Congo!

comic reviews 7/21/11

Here In Bongo Congo

Its Women In Comic Books Week again Here In Bongo Congo, with Good King Leonardo decreeing that we review the following three new comic books starring female characters in the main story roles. So let's see how these issues stack-up against each other:

Wolverine & The Black Cat: Claws 2, Issue #1
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray: Writers
Joseph Michael Linsner: Art
Dan Brown & Nick Filardi: Colors


Marvel Comics has just published issue #1 of a three-issue mini-series as the second short installment in the ongoing Wolverine & Black Cat: Claws series. A page-one narrative informs the reader that the first series teamed-up the Marvel duo in an adventure that took place in the Antarctic wilds of Ka-Zar's Savage Land. This current installment is scripted by the team of Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray, with art by Joseph Michael Linsner and colors by the team of Dan Brown and Nick Filardi.


Two sub-plots interweave and eventually combine in this issue. The first storythread focuses on the dating relationship between our two heroes; as they unwind in an upscale New York restaurant after their Savage Land adventure, they juggle sharp banter about their relationship with the immediate crisis of an ongoing robbery of the restaurant by a masked gang. The second ploththread follows the escape from The Savage Land of villains Arcade and White Rabbit. Naturally, they end-up tracking our heroes to the New York restaurant, (which is obviously having quite a busy night!), where a new battle begins. Without being a detail spoiler, the storyline takes a surprise twist as Wolverine and Black Cat are abruptly tossed via alien technology into the future, where they meet an unexpected futuristic Marvel universe hero for further adventure in next month's issue #2.


I enjoyed very much this kick-off issue of the Claws 2 mini-series, for a few reasons. First and foremost among the high points is the writing team's dialogue. Veterans Palmiotti and Gray are at the top of their game in providing sharp and witty dialogue between Wolverine and The Black Cat, who are fun and funny whether sparring over a meal about their romance or smoothly tossing zingers at their foes in the heat of battle. Secondly, I liked the story continuance from the first run of this title into this second series; its tough to compress a detailed plot into only three issues, so there's a lot more depth and detail in the adventure by building on the previous series as a strong backstory. And third, I was very impressed and entertained by the sudden surprise futuristic twist in the final pages of this issue. Taking a 180-degree story turn by unexpectedly tossing our heroes into a future setting could have been a blunder, but in the capable hands of this writing team, the turn works very well and provides a rich extra layer to all that's happening in this fast and fun adventure tale.

So a definite thumbs-up positive recommendation to get-in on the ground floor with issue #1 of this very entertaining Wolverine and Black Cat team-up. And also enjoy catching-up on the comic book issues of the first series, Claw 1, available at That's Entertainment.


Michael Turner's Soulfire #0
Publisher: Aspen Comics
J.T. Krul: Writer
Marcus To: Pencils
Saleem Crawford: Inks
Beth Sotelo: Colors


Aspen Comics has an issue #0 on the new comics shelves this past week kicking-off Volume #2 of its Soulfire series. The comic has an October, 2009 printing date, so I suspect its a reissuance or restocking to push upcoming publications of this title. Irregardless of the publication schedule, the series is scripted by J.T. Krul with pencils by Marcus To, inks by Saleem Crawford and colors by Beth Sotelo.

Issue #0 presents a limited, 12-page story that provides an introduction to the storytelling universe of this series. The year is 2212 and apparently magic is returning to modern society. In high tech megacities such as Beijing, China and Sydney, Australia, individuals are emerging with meta-human style powers that are deemed in this title as the reemergence of magic into the modern world. Not much happens in this issue #0 beyond interactions among friends who exhibit these powers. In the Beijing pages, two friends stumble upon a magical lizard hatchling at the zoo. In Sydney, a handful of magical-powered young adults talk about the burden and confusion of their powers. Two leaders are also introduced: Maliki, an eons-old winged magical woman who mentors the good guys and by issue's end, an unnamed magic-powered bad guy who's assembling young bad folk about him in San Francisco.

I was a fan of the late Michael Turner's art and writing efforts at Aspen Comics and I'm glad to see the creative folk at that publishing house continuing their comic book title efforts in his stylistic footsteps. There's nothing cutting-edge here, just a brief, decent-enough introductory storyline sold at a reduced price to introduce readers to the second edition run of this series. It serves its purpose of aquainting newbies like me to the Soulfire characters and succeeds in assuring us that if we get into this title we'll get exquisite art along with a fresh take on the "emergence of folks with powers" theme that is repeated often in the comic book publishing world.

So a deserved positive recommendation for this decent promo-style issue #0 of all-things-Soulfire over at Aspen Comics. As a final review comment, beyond the 12-page kick-off story segment we're treated to some very nice sketchbook pages of the characters, along with some decent advertising of reprint compilations of various Aspen Comics titles, including Fathom and the Volume 1 series of Soulfire, all available in one form or another at That's Entertainment.


Flashpoint: Lois Lane & The Resistance #1
Publisher: D.C. Comics
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning: Writers
Eddie Nunez: Pencils
Don Ho: Inks

Among the many mini-series titles under D.C.'s Flashpoint mega-event umbrella is issue #1 of the three-issue series entitled Flashpoint: Lois Lane & The Resistance #1. As I've mentioned in previous Flashpoint series reviews, the premise of this series is that a foe of The Flash has altered reality, such that Aquaman and Wonder Woman are leading their respective kingdoms in world war against mankind, resulting in millions of deaths at the war front in Western Europe. While Barry Allen/The Flash seeks to find a way to restore the world's proper reality, he must interact with a wide range of DC universe characters whose own backgrounds and storylines have been radically altered in the new world timeline. This particular Flashpoint title is scripted by the team of Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, with pencils by Eddie Nunez and inks by Don Ho.

Issue 31 is entitled "Breaking News" and weaves the Lois Lane story piece into the fabric of the Flashpoint saga. The plot moves forward quickly with much action and adventure; reporting on a Parisian fashion show when the war erupts, Lois is a rare survivor of Aquaman's flooding destruction of Paris. Rescued by Amazons, Lois is transported to England as a captive of Wonder Woman's empire. The story progresses through Lois's initial months of captivity as she develops a double life as a spy for America against her captors balanced with her cover as a supposedly willing convert to the Amazon cause. The issue #1 storyline ends in a cliffhanger as Lois and a surprise ally are exposed and face life-threatening danger at the hands of the Amazons.

This particular mini-series addresses a key piece of the Flashpoint saga that's referred to in other titles, that being the role of Lois Lane as a leader of the human resistance behind enemy lines. As such, its both informative regarding the wider story universe being constructed within Flashpoint and entertaining as a stand-alone action-adventure tale. This is the first Flashpoint title I've read that drops the reader right into the frontlines of the world war, so the story also succeeds from the perspective of a war comic book. A tip-of-the-review-hat is also deserved to the creative team, who blend the story together with a strong combination of excellent artwork and engrossing dialogue. As a final review comment, the front cover hints at the addition of The Demon and an Ambush Bug-like character as future issues unfold, which should add further interesting developments to this unfolding tale.

So a well-deserved positive review for yet another Flashpoint series comic book title. While I've enjoyed the four titles that I've read so far, for its success in filling-in some of the big picture elements of the ongoing world war, this particular title is my personal favorite read to-date in the Flashpoint series.


Contest Winner Announcement!!!

Our latest contest came about after New York Yankee Derek Jeter recently reached the 3000-hit plateau by hitting a home run. We asked you to tell us of the 27 Major League Baseball players who reached 3000 hits before him, who is the only one to also hit a home run for number 3000? And our contest winner selected via a roll of the dice from among several correct entries is (drumroll, please)...Kevin Browne, who correctly tells us that former Red Sox Third Baseman Wade Boggs also hit a homer for his hit number 3000. Congratulations to Kevin, who wins our first prize $10.00 gift certificate to That's Entertainment!

New Contest Announcement!!!

The Bongo Congo panel of contest judges have an unusual historical trivia challenge for you this week. As we all know, way back in the day before the advent of e-mails, tweets, etc., penny postcards sent through the U.S. mail were a very routine way for folks to drop notes to each other; many collectible magazines refer to old-time postcards as the e-mails and tweets of their day. The popularity of postcards peaked in 1913, the year that a huge, and I mean HUGE number of them were mailed around the U.S. Your challenge this week is to e-mail us at Gordon_A@msn.com and tell us just how many millions of postcards were mailed in the U.S. in that peak year of 1913. If you're guessing, again, think really huge, because its a pretty mind-boggling number! As always, in the event of multiple correct answers, we'll select the winner of the first prize $10.00 gift certificate to That's Entertainment via a roll of the dice.

That's all for now, so stay cool in this summertime heat by having a great comic book reading week and see you again next week Here In Bongo Congo!