Comic Reviews 10/28/11

Here In Bongo Congo

Once again there's lots of interesting-looking new stuff on the new issues comic book shelves of late, so let's see how three of these titles stack-up against each other:

Snarked #1
Publisher: Kaboom!
Roger Landgridge: Writer & Artist
Rachelle Rosenberg: Colors

Boom Entertainment's Kaboom! line of kid-oriented comics has just kicked-off a new comic line entitled Snarked. The series is created by writer-artist Roger Landgridge with colors by Rachelle Rosenberg. Readers may recognize Roger Landgridge as the writer behind last year's acclaimed eight-issue "Thor, The Mighty Avenger" mini-series published by Marvel Comics.

Issue #1 of Snarked lays-out the basic fairytale-like story universe of this comic book. The characters live in a small, unnamed kingdom by the sea, whose popular king went on a sailing trip six months previously and hasn't returned. Two parallel sub-plots begin the issue and merge together by issue's end. In the first storythread, we're introduced to town citizens Wilburforce J. Walrus and his sidekick Clyde McDunk, who live a Popeye and sidekick Wimpy-like existence in the Village, trying to get by during hard economic times. Our second storyline introduces young Princess Scarlett and her baby brother Prince Rusty, who together deal with the political shenanigans of the king's evil advisors, emboldened by their Dad's prolonged absence. Advised by a protective Chesire Cat, the young royals flee the bad-guy advisors and by issue's end have linked-up at the Town's waterfront with Wilburforce and Clyde for mutal continued adventure as they seek to avoid the bad guy's clutches while searching for and hopefully finding the missing king.

Roger Landgridge provides us with a very fresh and original take on the fairytale storytelling genre. On the visual side of the storytelling, he's smart enough to give us a cartoon-type drawing style that works perfectly for entertaining kid and grown-up readers, alike. The story itself is Grade A in quality with a lot of originality here, both in plot and presentation. I liked how the narrative shifted at times into creative poetry that moved the tale along in a very original manner. There's also interesting and effective echoes of previously popular fictional characters which add a nice depth to this title. I particularly liked two such elements: first, Wilburforce J. Walrus literally channeling the well-known Popeye character Wimpy as he cons a town butcher out of sausages and secondly, the use of the Alice In Wonderland Chesire Cat as a very effective character in this new storyline.

So a definite thumbs-up recommendation to check-out this new comic book title, which succeeds as an entertaining new storytelling universe for readers of all ages.

Wonder Woman #2
Publisher: D.C. Comics
Brian Azzarello: Writer
Cliff Chiang: Art
Matthew Wilson: Colors

Issue #2 is already on the new issues shelves at That's Entertainment of the revamped Wonder Woman comic book title, as part of DC's "The New 52" mega-event. The title is scripted by A-list writer Brian Azzarello with art by Cliff Chiang and colors by Matthew Wilson. I had enjoyed reading issue #1 last month, in which Wonder Woman comes to the aid of a young human woman impregnated by the God Zeus and as such wanted to review the continuation of this tale in this month's latest issue.

The storyline in issue #2 is entitled "Home" and advances the tale with two interweaving storylines. In the first storythread, Zeus's jealous wife, Queen Hera, plots with her daughter the Goddess Strife against the poor human who's carrying her husband's love child. Our main sub-plot advances with Wonder Woman bringing the woman to Paradise Island, home of the Amazons. There, we meet Diana/Wonder Woman's mother, Queen Hippolyta, as well as certain individual Amazon warriors. The story builds dramatically as the goddess Strife arrives and battles the Amazons. In a dramatic bridge to next month's story segment, Strife makes a surprise announcement as to having an alternative reason for arriving on Paradise Island.

This is one of the more innovative re-boots of a DC title under "The New 52" effort that I've read so far. The creative team gives us a very unique visual reinterpretation of the Wonder Woman universe. In graphic style its reminiscent of Roger Landgridge's retake of Thor in last year's "Thor, The Mighty Avenger" series, also coincidentally mentioned in the Snarked review above. Two elements particularly stand-out in this adventure tale. One is the interesting mix of old-school Greek mythological story elements with pieces of our modern culture, most effectively used here in the portrayal of some of the younger Olympian gods and goddesses as modern-day, Manhattan jaded clubgoers. Secondly, there's a significant level of bloodshed in this tale that actually doesn't gross-out the reader but instead works well in emphasizing the action-adventure side of the Greek mythological telling of this storyline.

I was very happy with The New 52 Deadman title reviewed in our last column and I'm glad that the new Wonder Woman title also has some entertaining staying power. So also add this strong title to the list of comic books to add to your ever-growing new issues reading pile.

Red Hood And The Outlaws
Publisher: D.C. Comics
Scott Lobdell: Writer
Kenneth Rocafort: Art
Blond: Colors

Yet another of "The New 52" titles handy for review this week is Red Hood And The Outlaws, a series that teams-up three superhero characters: the former Jason Todd/Robin as Red Hood, Green Arrow's former sidekick Roy Harper and the female alien Starfire. The new comic book title is scripted by Scott Lobdell with art by Kenneth Rocafort and colors by Blond.

Issue 31 is the first installment of a multi-issue story arc entitled "I Fought The Law And Kicked Its Butt!" The plot begins with action-adventure, as Red Hood/Jason Todd successfully breaks Roy Harper out of a Middle Eastern prison. The trio assembles on the tropical island of St. Martinique, where a female superpowered character named Essence unexpectedly arrives and asks for Jason Todd's help in solving the murders of a Himalayan sect which apparently mentored Red Hood in the past. The issue ends in a confrontation at the murdered sect member's mountain fortress beween Todd and the mysterious band of murderers, which will no doubt kick-off next month's issue #2 with a huge battle scene.

You'll notice that the story summary above is briefer than in most of my reviews. That's because there's little to summarize in the way of story details here. The bulk of the issue is the over-lengthy Caribbean beach scene in which Harper and Todd take turns sleeping with the sexy alien Starfire. You don't have to be politically correct to be offended by the whole extended bizarreness of the episode, which is basically a young teenage boy's fantasy of having a supermodel-level hot chick around who will sleep with anyone in sight. Its fairly creepy the way writer Scott Lobdell explains away the episode by justifying that Starfire's alien make-up includes conveniently forgetting past male relationships, thus opening her up to quickly jumping from guy-to-guy in the behavior. If all this was a minor part of the plot I wouldn't center my review on it, but unfortunately it serves as the main section of most of the issue, thus sinking the whole issue into a mess of daydream drivel.

So without wasting any more time and effort on the above, my review advice is two-fold: if you're a teenage boy looking to indulge in a daydream hot chick fantasy, then feel free to read this issue. And if you're anyone other than a teenaged boy, don't waste your time or money on this slow-paced, creepy wish fufillment drivel and instead read one of the other many new comics out on the store shelves right now.

Contest Winner Announcement!!!

In follow-up to our previous Worcester history trivia contest, we challenged you in our latest contest to name the Worcester city park or field that historically has been nicknamed "Peat Meadow." This one was apparently a real stumper, as for the first time in a few years we didn't have a single entry. So no winner this time, but the correct answer is Duffy Field, located near Newton Square; the field is located on an old peat bog, which led to the "peat meadow" name and which also results in a very foggy field on certain days.

New Contest Announcement!!!

Here's an interesting trivia challenge for this week. The Bongo Congo panel of contest judges challenges you to e-mail us at Gordon_A@msn.com with the answer to the following question: What is the most commonly-used street name in cities and towns across America? It could be as simple as an Elm Street or Maple Street, or it might be something unexpected. But either way, send us your answer no later than noontime on Wednesday, November 9. 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 chosen via a roll of the dice.

That's all for now, so have a great late-Fall comic book reading week and see you again on November 11 Here In Bongo Congo!

Comic Reviews 10/14/11

Here In Bongo Congo

Good King Leonardo has decreed that we review three brand new Marvel and DC Comics titles that had their respective premiers recently, so let's see how these issues stack-up against each other:

Avengers 1959 #1
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Howard Chaykin: Writer & Artist
Jesus Aburtov: Colors

Marvel Comics has just published issue #1 of a 5-part limited edition series entitled "Avengers 1959." Earlier this year, I reviewed a one-shot comic title of this concept, which presents a 1959 retro version of The Avengers with Nick Fury as teamleader along with team members Kraven The Hunter, Namora, Bloodstone, Sabretooth, Silver Sable and Dominick Fortune. Picture a cross between James Bond-style dapper tuxedoed sleuthing and 1950's superheroes, and you get a feel for the setting of this title. Both the earlier one-shot and this new series are the product of iconic veteran writer-artist Howard Chaykin with colors by Jesus Aburtov.

Issue #1 establishes a multi-issue plotline which centers upon the return of the previous decade's World War II defeated Nazis to try and establish international domination. The story unfolds in several quick two to three-page sub-plots, in which each member of the Avengers undergoes their first encounter with or attack from representatives of the new Nazi threat. Some are outright assaults such as a failed assassination attempt on Nick Fury, while other encounters consist of more subtle espionage maneuvers. A few non-Avenger Marvel elements are also drawn into the conflict, including Black Panther's Wakanda Kingdom and the retro Marvel heroine Blonde Phantom. The issue #1 story segment concludes in a dramatic bridge as Nick Fury is confronted by a mysterious stranger who announces that he's not a foe but a friend who wants to assist the Avengers.

I liked very much the previous one-shot of this retro Avengers concept, with its addition to the wide world of Avengers lore of a Marvel universe reality consisting of Golden Age pulp adventurer-style characterization and plot action-adventure. And Howard Chaykin's definitely the creator meant to explore this concept in this new five-issue mini-series, given his impressive track record with such pulp-style concepts as DC's Blackhawks and his retro style American Flagg! series. This first issue is a very entertaining read, chock full of alternative Avengers history and concepts. I particularly enjoyed the atmosphere of the tale, with our heroes living a New Yoprk upper-crust lifetsyle and adventuring in topcoats and formal clothing, versus traditional superhero costumed adventuring.

My one constructive criticism is that Chaykin needs to settle the plot down very quickly within the upcoming issue #2 into one main, focused plotthread with very little meandering into side plotlines. There are only four issues left in this series and worthwhile story advancement needs to replace the issue #1 lay-out of eight separate sub-plots each taking their storytelling turn for two or three pages. But while the sudden scene shifts make for a somewhat jarring read for issue #1, it does serve the initial storytelling purpose to get this intriguing new Avengers universe out of the gate for what looks to be a very interesting read of this new five-issue Marvel title. So give this month's premier issue a shot and by all means check-out next month's issue #2 to see where veteran storyteller Howard Chaykin takes this interesting tale.

Black Panther: The Most Dangerous Man Alive #1
Publisher: Marvel Comics
David Liss: Writer
Jefte Palo: Art
Jean-Francois Beaulieu: Colors

Marvel Comics has also just published issue #1 of a new Black Panther title. A page one narrative informs the reader that in previous Marvel comic book issues, our hero T'Challa/Black Panther is no longer king of the African nation of Wakanda. Stripped of his powers and wealth, he's moved to Daredevil's old Hell's Kitchen neighborhood in New York City to run a diner by day and serve at night as the new Daredevil-like guardian of the neighborhood. This new series is scripted by David Liss with art by Jefte Palo and colors by Jean-Francois Beaulieu.

The kick-off issue presents a stand-alone one-issue tale entitled "True Sons." The plot begins as a murder mystery, as someone is stalking and killing women who were recently helped in some way by Black Panther. Teaming-up with his new sidekick Sofija and the NYPD, our hero sets a trap which quickly snares a old foe from T'Challa's days back in Wakanda. Without being a detail spoiler, the foe is a very close and long-time archrival. By story's end, T'Challa prevails and wins the day, but not without some end-of-the-story philosophical musing addressing his guilt that the victims were killed because he initially entered their lives to try and help each of them.

I really got a kick out of reading this issue. I haven't been reading many Marvel Comics of late, so the concept of Daredevil being replaced (most likely for the time being, only) in Hell's Kitchen by Black Panther was a fun and unexpected surprise. For this concept to work, the creative team needs to add some fresh story universe elements to the title beyond just dropping T'Challa into Daredevil's old superhero timeslot. Writer David Liss succeeds on this point by adding two well-constructed characters. The first is the aforementioned Sofija, a Serbian immigrant to New York with strong martial arts/action skills, who functions by day as a young waitress in T'Challa's daytime diner while serving as his action sidekick at night. The second sidekick is Police Detective Alex Kurtz, who serves as Black Panther's main contact with the NYPD. While he physically resembles Batman friend Commissioner Gordon, his role is unique here as he walks a tight and delicate line in trying to keep the angry, shoot-from-the-hip T'Challa from crossing the violence line and alienating the police department.

There's a very nice mix in this premier issue of entertaining storyline, action/adventure and subtle emotional themes. I was very drawn-in to this particular portrayal of Black Panther as barely able to control his personal rage as he struggles to bring a Dark Knight sense of personal justice to the mean streets of Hell's Kitchen. It should be very interesting to see how this theme evolves in future issues of this new title. So a definite thumbs-up positive recommendation to check-out this fresh and very entertaining new spin on the world of Black Panther.

DC Universe Presents: Deadman #1
Publisher: D.C. Comics
Paul Jenkins & Bernard Chang: Creators
Blond: Colors

DC Comics has just released its Deadman title re-boot as part of the "New 52" publishing event that revamps all DC comics titles with renumbering along with some restructuring of the DC universe superhero reality. I've reviewed a few of the other New 52 titles in my past two review columns. The Deadman series is co-created by Paul Jenkins and Bernard Chang with colors by Blond.

The issue #1 story segment is entitled "Twenty Questions" and is part one of a multi-issue story arc. Its essentially a revised re-telling of the well-known Deadman origin story, in which an unknown assassin kills circus trapeze artist Boston Brand. At the moment of death, the Hindu deity Rama gives Brand the chance to remain on Earth as the ghostly Deadman, able to enter living folk's bodies and help them with their problems, thereby advancing Brand/Deadman along the road of selflessness toward an eventual afterlife enlightenment. The first half of the issue effectively repeats the well-known Deadman origin facts. The second half of the story focuses on Deadman's philosophical musings on the unexplained purpose of much of this experience, combined with his frustrations with Rama leaving him in the dark regarding motivations for establishing the odd post-life situation he's stuck-in. The issue ends in a dramatic bridge in which Deadman puts the life of his latest possessed "client" in peril in an attempt to gain an upper hand on Rama as a means toward finally getting some situational answers.

I'm happy to report that after reading and reviewing a few below-average-to-average "New 52" titles, in this issue I've finally found a "New 52" title that's blown me away with exceptional high quality. Finally, loyal Deadman fans have a story concept regarding Brand's supernatural situation that the character has always deserved but never been provided with. From the Silver Age onward, Deadman titles have always focused on action/adventure and the mystery of our hero's mysterious killer, giving little focus on the nature of the Rama-Deadman relationship. Issue #1 puts the supernatural side of the tale front and center at last, with Deadman and Rama seemingly established as the co-main characters in the situation, vying with and against each other for their own respective purposes. The scenes in which Deadman as narrator muses on his relationships with various living "clients" add an emotional and very effective element to this unique retelling of the familiar origin story.

This is a gem of a comic book that has the potential, if the quality of issue #1 continues for awhile on a monthly basis, to become the break-out hit of the entire "New 52" series. So hurry on down to That's Entertainment and get-in on the ground floor with issue #1 of this new Deadman comic book series!

Contest Winner Announcement!!!

Our latest contest challenged you with a piece of Worcester historical trivia, asking you to tell us which well-known Worcester arterial roadway has been nicknamed by generations of drivers as "The Speedway." We had several correct entries, so via the roll of the dice our winner is (drumroll, please)...Gregory Goding, who correctly tells us that Mill Street, with its 4-lane and grassed median design connecting from Tatnuck Square to Webster Square, has been known since the horse and buggy days as "The Speedway." Congratulations to Gregory who wins our first prize $10.00 gift certificate to (you guessed it) That's Entertainment!

New Contest Announcement!!!

We had such a good reaction to our Worcester historical trivia contest above that The Bongo Congo Panel Of Contest Judges has decreed that we announce yet another Worcester trivia contest. This one might be a bit more of a difficult challenge-your assignment is to e-mail us at Gordon_A@msn.com with the correct answer to the following question: Which current park or field in the Worcester Parks system historically was known as "Peat Meadow" by Worcester residents? As always, in the event of multiple correct entries, the winner of our first prize gift certificate to That's Entertainment will be selected via a roll of the dice.

E-Book Announcement!!!

Just a quick shout-out to all e-book readers that the recent e-book conversion of my short story collection "Journey Into Dandelion Wine Country," which I mention on my webpage (www.alaniragordon.com) as available from all e-book sources at $9.99, is currently on sale from the Barnes & Noble webpage (www.barnesandnoble.com) for only $7.99!

That's all for now, so have two great comic book reading and leaf raking weeks and see you again on October 28 Here In Bongo Congo!

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!