Welcome back, Kiddie Cops. As promised, here are some more retro-reviews from my personal comic book collection. Now, we’ve already covered a large number of comics since discussing the mega-crossover event of 1985, Crisis On Infinite Earths, but many of those comics were produced later and only happen to “occur” chronologically in my collection immediately after the Crisis as history is being re-written. But in the real world, the Crisis lasted into 1986, eliminating a number of characters and titles from the DC Universe. Just like DC is doing now, creating several new titles in the wake of Infinite Crisis, back in 1986 and early 1987, the company began to launch several new titles or tweak the premise of existing titles. And what better way to accomplish that task than to launch yet another, albeit smaller, crossover.
Legends 1-6 (DC Comics, 1986-87) — Darkseid launches a gambit to turn the populace of Earth against its heroes using the persuasive powers of Glorious Godfrey. The plot focuses heavily of the legends surrounding the heroes, hence the name, and includes a running verbal battle between Darkseid and the Phantom Stranger as they watch events unfold from Apokolips. Darkseid has some initial success crushing the spirit and even lives of some heroes, and does indeed turn much of the populace against the heroes. In a parallel to Marvel Comics’ current Civil War, the growing outrage against superheroes even prompts in-story President of the United States Ronald Reagan to declare all heroes who do not cease their activities outlaws. Superman is sidelined; Captain Marvel is demoralized; the Detroit-era Justice League is decimated. But the Phantom Stranger points out that Darkseid has failed to account for one segment of the population who will always believe in heroes and their legends — children.
The series brought about real change in the DC Universe on the heels of the Crisis, change as permanent as any in comics. The series served as a springboard for a new Cosmic Boy miniseries, as the time-traveling Legionnaire was in the past when Darkseid’s assault began. It launched the beginning of a new era for Captain Marvel and the Flash as Wally West assumed the costumed identity of the late Barry Allen. It ushered out the Detroit-era Justice League and relaunched the team with many principle characters from Legends — Dr. Fate, Batman, Captan Marvel, Guy Gardner, Black Canary, Martian Manhunter and Blue Beetle. And it provided an early glimpse of the soon-to-be-relaunched Wonder Woman.
Detective Comics 569-70 (DC Comics, 1986-87) — This two-parter came out at the same time as the Legends miniseries, but actually has to “occur” slightly before. In Legends #4, one scene has Batman in battle with the Joker and declaring, “After what you did to the Catwoman, I ought to kill you, Joker ——” referring to Detective Comics #570. However, Robin appears prominently in the Detective story arc, but is hospitalized throughout most of the Legends series for injuries sustained in Legends #2.
So, what did Joker do to Catwoman? Contemporary issues of Batman and Detective Comics had Catwoman semi-reformed and working alongside Batman and Robin in their nightly crime-fighting activities. Additionally, Batman had revealed his dual identity to Catwoman, and Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle were dating out of costume. In this arc, the Joker is out of sorts, lacking the creative spark that will inspire a challenge with Batman until he is reminded by one of his henchmen that Catwoman is now working with the Dark Knight. Joker flashes on the idea of taking Catwoman away from Batman, both literally by kidnapping her, and figuratively by then brainwashing her into returning to a life of crime. In this, the Joker succeeds, with the help of Dr. Moon.
Along the way, Joker demands that the recently brainwashed Catwoman reveal to him Batman’s secret identity. What she tells him is lettered very small, indicating a faint whisper, and leads Joker to an innocent family named Benson where the story’s final showdown takes place. But the panel where Catwoman tells Joker Batman’s secret identity clearly says “Robert Redford.”
The Warlord 114-15 (DC Comics, 1987) — These two issues of Warlord continue the quest storyline, but also tie in with the Legends miniseries of the time. DeSaad is dispatched to Skartaris by Darkseid to attack the legend of Travis Morgan, the Warlord. In the end, DeSaad is dispatched, but not before Morgan’s reputation has taken a severe hit among the denizens of the inner world.
That's it for today, Kiddie Cops. Happy collecting.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Cleaning Out The Last Of The November Clutter
Let's jump right in:
52 Week 29 (DC Comics) — This issue encapsulates what is wrong with Luthor’s Everyman project and “instant powers” in general. Luthor bought the Infinity Inc. name, and apparently the rights to many of the currently unused code names, too. Do the newbies want to live up to the ideals of their predecessors? That’s the last thing on their minds, well behind instant fame, living in the moment, glory-hogging. With some guidance and training, some of these folks might make decent heroes someday. But the selfless, heroic ideal holds no value for them whatsoever. This issue’s characterization of the Everyman heroes is spot-on for today’s live-for-the-moment/what’s-in-it-for-me/if-you-don’t-agree-with-me-you’re-a-moron mentality.
Supergirl 11-12 (DC Comics) — The constant changes in creative talent aren’t doing this title any favors. There’s just no story flow, and the rest of the DCU seems to just ignore the character completely. For instance, in issue #11, Supergirl is working with the Outsiders; didn’t she already “try out” that team in her first stroy arc, along with the Titans? I bought this issue because the advance solicit info mentioned Nightwing, but the story is so disjointed, who cares? Is Kara dating Boomer now or just staying with him? Is she with the team? Doesn’t seem to be any mention of her in the Outsiders book. Then comes #12, which does not pick up after this issue. No, other than the presence of Boomer and a page-long talk between Nightwing and Boomer about Kara, this could be a completely different character. Again, I only bought this issue for the new Terra preview, but nothing here is making me want to pick this title up for the star character. I do wanna see more of this new Terra, though.
Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes 24 (DC Comics) — Now this title is Kara done right. This is still supposed to be the “new” Supergirl, but she’s a more recognizable Supergirl than the other one. No efforts have been made to explain exactly where she came from in the timeline, but the future/time travel element let’s Waid, Kitson and Gray get away with it. This is a fun read.
Donald Duck and Friends 346 (Gemstone) — Sadly, this is the last issue of this title for a while. Cost of paper is forcing Gemstone to limit their offerings in the immediate future. Another, kid-friendly title bites the dust.
JSA Classified 19 (DC Comics) — This looks like an interesting arc pitting a metahuman body parts stealing Ultra-Humanite against Dr. Mid-Nite. The concept is somewhat gruesome, but this first chapter by Scott Beatty, Rags Morales and Michael Bair is a solid, entertaining read.
Civil War: Choosing Sides (Marvel Comics) — For the most part, I was disappointed in this comic. The Iron Fist chapter doesn’t give readers any information not already available in Daredevil or the new Iron Fist book. I didn’t much care for the Venom, Ant-Man or USAgent installments; they just did nothing for me. Part of why I bought the issue was for the appearance of Howard the Duck. His brush with the registration act is humorous, but I didn’t care for Roger Langridge’s art. It wasn’t awful, but it wasn’t quite Howard, either. This issue also includes the Marvel Comics/Guiding Light crossover, a story that seems oddly placed as all of the New Avengers are shown working side-by-side, and did little for me.
That’s it for today. Depending on holiday activities, we’ll try for some Retro-Reviews next week before my December comics arrive. Happy collecting, and Happy Holidays, everybody.
52 Week 29 (DC Comics) — This issue encapsulates what is wrong with Luthor’s Everyman project and “instant powers” in general. Luthor bought the Infinity Inc. name, and apparently the rights to many of the currently unused code names, too. Do the newbies want to live up to the ideals of their predecessors? That’s the last thing on their minds, well behind instant fame, living in the moment, glory-hogging. With some guidance and training, some of these folks might make decent heroes someday. But the selfless, heroic ideal holds no value for them whatsoever. This issue’s characterization of the Everyman heroes is spot-on for today’s live-for-the-moment/what’s-in-it-for-me/if-you-don’t-agree-with-me-you’re-a-moron mentality.
Supergirl 11-12 (DC Comics) — The constant changes in creative talent aren’t doing this title any favors. There’s just no story flow, and the rest of the DCU seems to just ignore the character completely. For instance, in issue #11, Supergirl is working with the Outsiders; didn’t she already “try out” that team in her first stroy arc, along with the Titans? I bought this issue because the advance solicit info mentioned Nightwing, but the story is so disjointed, who cares? Is Kara dating Boomer now or just staying with him? Is she with the team? Doesn’t seem to be any mention of her in the Outsiders book. Then comes #12, which does not pick up after this issue. No, other than the presence of Boomer and a page-long talk between Nightwing and Boomer about Kara, this could be a completely different character. Again, I only bought this issue for the new Terra preview, but nothing here is making me want to pick this title up for the star character. I do wanna see more of this new Terra, though.
Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes 24 (DC Comics) — Now this title is Kara done right. This is still supposed to be the “new” Supergirl, but she’s a more recognizable Supergirl than the other one. No efforts have been made to explain exactly where she came from in the timeline, but the future/time travel element let’s Waid, Kitson and Gray get away with it. This is a fun read.
Donald Duck and Friends 346 (Gemstone) — Sadly, this is the last issue of this title for a while. Cost of paper is forcing Gemstone to limit their offerings in the immediate future. Another, kid-friendly title bites the dust.
JSA Classified 19 (DC Comics) — This looks like an interesting arc pitting a metahuman body parts stealing Ultra-Humanite against Dr. Mid-Nite. The concept is somewhat gruesome, but this first chapter by Scott Beatty, Rags Morales and Michael Bair is a solid, entertaining read.
Civil War: Choosing Sides (Marvel Comics) — For the most part, I was disappointed in this comic. The Iron Fist chapter doesn’t give readers any information not already available in Daredevil or the new Iron Fist book. I didn’t much care for the Venom, Ant-Man or USAgent installments; they just did nothing for me. Part of why I bought the issue was for the appearance of Howard the Duck. His brush with the registration act is humorous, but I didn’t care for Roger Langridge’s art. It wasn’t awful, but it wasn’t quite Howard, either. This issue also includes the Marvel Comics/Guiding Light crossover, a story that seems oddly placed as all of the New Avengers are shown working side-by-side, and did little for me.
That’s it for today. Depending on holiday activities, we’ll try for some Retro-Reviews next week before my December comics arrive. Happy collecting, and Happy Holidays, everybody.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Hitting Some November Highlights
Hello again, Kiddie Cops. Sorry for the delay between posts. Work craziness abounds this month. So, without further ado, here are some quick thoughts on a number of the November releases — I haven’t read everything yet, but most of it.
Werewolves: Call of the Wild 1-3 (Moonstone) — This three-issue series is written by Mike Oliveri and illustrated by Joe Bucco. It’s a werewolf tale, a murder mystery and darn fine comics all rolled up in one package. A few of the plot twists seem predictable, but the greatest strength of this series is its treatment of the werewolves as regular people — some good, some bad, some honorable and decent, some not-so-much. It’s a moody little series that I highly recommend, and feels as if it could be part of a larger story. If it is, I’ll be seeking out other chapters, to be sure.
52 Weeks 26-28 (DC Comics) — We’ve reached the halfway point in this series and so far, I have to say, I’m mildly curious about where the story lines with Ralph, the mad scientists and the space heroes are going; Steel just seems wasted in the series, and the break-out stars are the Question and Renee Montoya and the totally awesome Black Marvel family.
Justice League of America 3 (DC Comics) — I thought Brad Meltzer did an incredible writing job on Identity Crisis and his previous Archer’s Quest arc in Green Arrow, but so far, he’s just disappointing me in this book. The big three are sitting and talking, not fighting; the time frame is jumbled; and the repetition shows that even Meltzer is confused about what is going on.
Nightwing 126 (DC Comics) — More greatness from Marv Wolfman and Dan Jurgens. This is the second part of what, at the time, was going to be only a four-issue arc. Yet Wolfman has introduced several interesting supporting characters, adding a richness that should have always been a part of this title.
Batman 658 (DC Comics) — Grant Morrison’s four-part Batman & Son concludes in this issue. It’s a nice story, one I’ll likely keep in my collection, but it suffers from the ongoing nature of comics. Iconic characters like Batman must stay somewhat static and recognizable, therefore, real, lasting change cannot occur. So when Talia drops off their son with his father, you know the boy cannot remain in Batman’s world indefinitely. Sure enough, the story ends with him maybe dead, but with enough doubt planted to allow the boy to return at some point. So, the story changes nothing.
Teen Titans 40 (DC Comics) — So Bombshell is the latest Titans traitor — a character we’ve never seen before this arc. That always negates any emotional impact from the story, even if the characters know each other for years. The reader doesn’t.
Fables 55 (DC Vertigo) — I love how Willingham introduces this chilling plan to wipe out the exiled Fables and the rest of our world, only to provide a simple, logical reason, in story, why it can’t happen and makes the whole thing WORK.
New Avengers 25 (Marvel Comics) — Tony Stark’s perspective on the events of Civil War, but it’s really not. This issue was a little disappointing because I was expecting more of Stark’s insights.
Birds of Prey 100 (DC Comics) — Nice jumping on point for a consistently good, well-written and illustrated comic showcasing strong female leads. Nice.
Checkmate 8 (DC Comics) — This arc looks to be what I want from this title. Checkmate operates in a world filled with metahumans, that can’t be escaped nor should it be overlooked, but while acknowledging that fact, this should be primarily a spy story filled with espionage. I hope it continues.
Civil War 5 (Marvel Comics) — Spider-Man takes a major pounding as he decides to leave Iron Man’s side and Cap considers help from the Punisher. I like the ideas in this series, but I’m still worried about the direction of the Marvel Universe after it's over.
Those are the books I’ve read so far this month that evoked the strongest reactions. Check back next time for more.
Happy collecting.
Werewolves: Call of the Wild 1-3 (Moonstone) — This three-issue series is written by Mike Oliveri and illustrated by Joe Bucco. It’s a werewolf tale, a murder mystery and darn fine comics all rolled up in one package. A few of the plot twists seem predictable, but the greatest strength of this series is its treatment of the werewolves as regular people — some good, some bad, some honorable and decent, some not-so-much. It’s a moody little series that I highly recommend, and feels as if it could be part of a larger story. If it is, I’ll be seeking out other chapters, to be sure.
52 Weeks 26-28 (DC Comics) — We’ve reached the halfway point in this series and so far, I have to say, I’m mildly curious about where the story lines with Ralph, the mad scientists and the space heroes are going; Steel just seems wasted in the series, and the break-out stars are the Question and Renee Montoya and the totally awesome Black Marvel family.
Justice League of America 3 (DC Comics) — I thought Brad Meltzer did an incredible writing job on Identity Crisis and his previous Archer’s Quest arc in Green Arrow, but so far, he’s just disappointing me in this book. The big three are sitting and talking, not fighting; the time frame is jumbled; and the repetition shows that even Meltzer is confused about what is going on.
Nightwing 126 (DC Comics) — More greatness from Marv Wolfman and Dan Jurgens. This is the second part of what, at the time, was going to be only a four-issue arc. Yet Wolfman has introduced several interesting supporting characters, adding a richness that should have always been a part of this title.
Batman 658 (DC Comics) — Grant Morrison’s four-part Batman & Son concludes in this issue. It’s a nice story, one I’ll likely keep in my collection, but it suffers from the ongoing nature of comics. Iconic characters like Batman must stay somewhat static and recognizable, therefore, real, lasting change cannot occur. So when Talia drops off their son with his father, you know the boy cannot remain in Batman’s world indefinitely. Sure enough, the story ends with him maybe dead, but with enough doubt planted to allow the boy to return at some point. So, the story changes nothing.
Teen Titans 40 (DC Comics) — So Bombshell is the latest Titans traitor — a character we’ve never seen before this arc. That always negates any emotional impact from the story, even if the characters know each other for years. The reader doesn’t.
Fables 55 (DC Vertigo) — I love how Willingham introduces this chilling plan to wipe out the exiled Fables and the rest of our world, only to provide a simple, logical reason, in story, why it can’t happen and makes the whole thing WORK.
New Avengers 25 (Marvel Comics) — Tony Stark’s perspective on the events of Civil War, but it’s really not. This issue was a little disappointing because I was expecting more of Stark’s insights.
Birds of Prey 100 (DC Comics) — Nice jumping on point for a consistently good, well-written and illustrated comic showcasing strong female leads. Nice.
Checkmate 8 (DC Comics) — This arc looks to be what I want from this title. Checkmate operates in a world filled with metahumans, that can’t be escaped nor should it be overlooked, but while acknowledging that fact, this should be primarily a spy story filled with espionage. I hope it continues.
Civil War 5 (Marvel Comics) — Spider-Man takes a major pounding as he decides to leave Iron Man’s side and Cap considers help from the Punisher. I like the ideas in this series, but I’m still worried about the direction of the Marvel Universe after it's over.
Those are the books I’ve read so far this month that evoked the strongest reactions. Check back next time for more.
Happy collecting.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
More Links In The Chain
Just another quick post for today to call attention to the update links to the right. The first one connects to my comics for sale site. The others are comics news sites I frequent. Been meaning to post them for a while now and haven't gotten it done. Now it is. Check 'em out. Happy collecting.
Redefining Heroes
We’re going to begin this batch of retro-reviews with a misplaced annual. If you’ll recall, one of the many reasons for going back through the entirety of my comic book collection a book at a time is to correct any continuity errors I have created by the placement of specific books. Well, Green Arrow annual #7, published by DC Comics in 1995, presents a number of surprises and requires a number of decisions. And some of the decisions I made before can now be “adjusted.”
Let’s begin first by making a distinction in terms. I once read a brilliant entry online (I’m sad to say I no longer remember exactly where, although I am reasonably certain that it came from a discussion thread on the wonderful Captain Comics site, which explained the differences in several similar comics-related terms. Two of those terms, which apply to this situation, were retcon and revision. By this person’s definition, a revision is adding something previously unknown to a well-known story. The addition or change doesn’t so much change the overall story, but maybe adds a new aspect or significance. A retcon, on the other hand, a term short for retroactive continuity, changes the original story into something completely new, often taking the form of an “everyhting-you-know-is-wrong” type of revelation. Now either of these devices can be wonderful story-telling tools if used properly, and each can be disastrous in the wrong hands. But in general, it is accurate to say a revision builds upon what has gone before, while a retcon brushes aside as meaningless what has gone before in favor of something new.
The story in Green Arrow annual 7 is definitely a revision. All of the DC Comics annuals of 1995 shared a Year One theme, so naturally, this tale deals heavily with the secret origin of Green Arrow. All of the familiar elements are there: Ollie falling overboard from his own yacht and washing ashore on a seemingly deserted island where he has to use his wits to survive; along the way, he perfects his skills with a bow and arrow, and finally secures a ride back to civilization when he discovers a small band of drug smugglers on the island and captures them. This specific tale — created by Chuck Dixon, Rick Burchett, Eduardo Barreto, Chris Renaud, Gerry Fernandez, Lee Loughridge, Albert de Guzman, Darren Vincenzo and Scott Peterson — adds a “contemporary” (more on this in a minute) framing sequence and a few additional details between Ollie’s washing ashore on an island and discovering the band of drug smugglers. The addition does very little, if anything, to change those familiar elements, but adds some new ones into the mix, nonetheless.
In this tale, Ollie washes up on one island, develops his skills with a bow, etc., then learns he is not alone on the island. A shipwreck victim has been on the island for almost a year. He and Ollie, working together, manage to fashion a crude raft in an effort to escape the island. During the construction of the raft, Ollie learns something about his companion, which causes Ollie to leave the island alone. Being an inexperienced sailor, Ollie only makes it to another nearby island on his own. This second island is where Ollie discovers and captures the drug runners, and Green Arrow is born. However, what happened on that first island that led to Ollie leaving alone comes back to haunt him in the “contemporary” sequence of the story. It’s a great read, doesn’t change the essential origin story, but adds in the motivations for the current tale, while also explaining, in story, why some of the details of GA’s origin aren’t always repeated when this tale is retold. In short, it works wonderfully. I highly recommend it.
Now, as this story is part of the Year One theme, even the “contemporary” framing sequence of the tale is supposed to have happened within that first year of Green Arrow’s existence. However, that presents a problem. The only costume Green Arrow wears in this story is the one designed by Neal Adams in the late 60s/early 70s — the all-green version. However, the Silver Age GA, even post Crisis, has been shown to wear the green tunic and leggings with the red boots and gloves.
Sometimes I’ll “fix” such a costuming problem by assuming that the character’s memory is just a tad off. Hey, it happens to all of us sometimes. Do you remember exactly what you were wearing in all of your memories? This “fix” works best when someone else is doing the “remembering.” But since the framing sequence is the part with the wrong costume, this particular “fix” doesn’t work as well for this story.
So instead, I chose to ignore the Year One designation on the cover and simply assume that in my universe, the framing sequence actually happens a few years after GA’s public debut, after he has switched to the Neal Adams costume.
Now, however, another “fix” is open to me, allowing me to place this story a little farther back in time. Now that we’ve seen the events of Infinite Crisis and know about the reality-altering effects of Superboy-Prime’s efforts to break out of the dimension he’s “imprisoned” in, this can be a Year One story, and the different costume can be explained by a super-punch. Aren’t comics fun?
OK, moving on ...
The Warlord 108-113 (DC Comics, 1986-87) — Most of these issues are standard one- or two-part tales of Travis Morgan traveling through the hidden world of Skartaris in search of the wizard who may be able to cure his daughter, Jennifer, who has been afflicted with rapid-aging since #100. Traveling with Morgan is Shakira, an occasional ally of the Warlord who can transform herself into a cat, and Daimon, an old friend of Shakira’s who the reader has just met a few issues ago.
In the first arc, the trio comes to a frozen wasteland where the people are threatened by a vampiress. Eventually she is dispatched, but not before Daimon falls in battle. Issue #111 takes Morgan and Shakira to an underwater village, but the most important details of the issue are revealed on the letters pages. First is the announcement that new editor Bob Greenberger will be taking over with the next issue. The second is a response to growing criticism from readers that Morgan doesn’t seem to be in a big hurry to find the cure for Jennifer. Greenberger promises that the quest story line will be wrapped up in the next few issues, and that big changes are coming in the direction of the title.
Then in issue #113, we start to see some subplot elements being introduced that involve the surface world and fallout from the tale in Warlord annual #5, which also heavily involved the surface world. All of these issues of Warlord are new to me, but I suspect the surface world is going to begin playing a much heavier role in the events of Skartaris, and I feel that is a mistake. Morgan has been seen on the surface with other heroes during the Crisis, as well as a time or two during the late 1980s relaunch of Green Arrow by Mike Grell, also the creator of the Warlord. I have no problem with such occasional, mostly secret interactions. But on the whole, I like my Skartaris well-removed from the surface world Morgan comes from. I’m not sure if I’ll like these changes once they arrive.
Teen Titans Spotlight 1-2 (DC Comics, 1986) — When last we saw Starfire in the pages of New Teen Titans, she was leaving Tamaran for Earth, disgusted that her people had embraced the rule of her sister, Blackfire. The premiere issues of this new title depict her arrival back on Earth in a fashion too often neglected in science fiction stories. Starfire has been a Titan for several years by this point, but by and large, her experience of Earth is limited to New York City. When she arrives back on Earth, mistakenly landing in South Africa, she has no idea where she is, nor how to return to New York from her current location. Being a stranger in a strange land is complicated further when Starfire is confronted by the people of the region and the rule of the land, Apartheid. The young alien is manipulated by the South Africa government, and led to believe she has killed someone before she is able to sort out the seemingly insane behavior of the citizens of the land.
Jon Sable, Freelance 40-43 (First Comics, 1986) — These two two-issue arcs are straight-forward action-adventure fare. The first takes Sable to a marksmanship competition where a fan feels snubbed by Jon and sets about to gain revenge by setting up Jon for execution. The second issue involves Jon stumbling onto a terrorist plot and an “old” friend he thought was murdered. All four issues are recommended.
The New Teen Titans 24-25 (DC Comics, 1986) — The re-formed Titans return from the disastrous mission against Cheshire. Robin Jason Todd, Hawk and Speedy each decide to leave for his own reasons, leaving Wonder Girl, Jericho, Aqualad and the new Flash, Wally West. These four are reunited with Changling and Cyborg who relate their battles with Changling's step-father Steve Dayton, now driven insane by his Mento helmet. Meanwhile, Mento has decided that he should follow in the footsteps of the late Niles Caulder and create his own version of the Doom Patrol to help him kill his step-son and the other Titans. To achieve this end, Mento creates accidents, then saves the victims by turning them into monstrous members of his new Hybrid. Thus a pair of Greek archaeologists are transformed into Harpi and Gorgon, and a former Israeli soldier becomes Pteradon. In an initial attack, the three reluctant creatures are captured by the Titans and offer to help defeat their “creator.” But Mento sends a fourth member of the Hybrid, this one a willing participant in the experiment which transforms him, to free the others. This Behemoth, a former sumo wrestler, “rescues” Gorgon, Harpi and Pteradon, taking Aqualad captive in the process.
Action Comics 584 (DC Comics, 1987) — This is the first post-Crisis issue of Action Comics published. This incarnation of the book focused on team-ups between Superman and various guest-stars, this time the Titans. Apparently before they can attempt to rescue the captured Aqualad, Wonder Girl, Cyborg, Changling and Jericho must confronted a demented Superman, apparently drunk on his own power and destroying everything in sight. It takes a while, but the Titans are finally able to figure out that things are not quite what they seem.
And those are the retro-reviews for today.
Let’s begin first by making a distinction in terms. I once read a brilliant entry online (I’m sad to say I no longer remember exactly where, although I am reasonably certain that it came from a discussion thread on the wonderful Captain Comics site, which explained the differences in several similar comics-related terms. Two of those terms, which apply to this situation, were retcon and revision. By this person’s definition, a revision is adding something previously unknown to a well-known story. The addition or change doesn’t so much change the overall story, but maybe adds a new aspect or significance. A retcon, on the other hand, a term short for retroactive continuity, changes the original story into something completely new, often taking the form of an “everyhting-you-know-is-wrong” type of revelation. Now either of these devices can be wonderful story-telling tools if used properly, and each can be disastrous in the wrong hands. But in general, it is accurate to say a revision builds upon what has gone before, while a retcon brushes aside as meaningless what has gone before in favor of something new.
The story in Green Arrow annual 7 is definitely a revision. All of the DC Comics annuals of 1995 shared a Year One theme, so naturally, this tale deals heavily with the secret origin of Green Arrow. All of the familiar elements are there: Ollie falling overboard from his own yacht and washing ashore on a seemingly deserted island where he has to use his wits to survive; along the way, he perfects his skills with a bow and arrow, and finally secures a ride back to civilization when he discovers a small band of drug smugglers on the island and captures them. This specific tale — created by Chuck Dixon, Rick Burchett, Eduardo Barreto, Chris Renaud, Gerry Fernandez, Lee Loughridge, Albert de Guzman, Darren Vincenzo and Scott Peterson — adds a “contemporary” (more on this in a minute) framing sequence and a few additional details between Ollie’s washing ashore on an island and discovering the band of drug smugglers. The addition does very little, if anything, to change those familiar elements, but adds some new ones into the mix, nonetheless.
In this tale, Ollie washes up on one island, develops his skills with a bow, etc., then learns he is not alone on the island. A shipwreck victim has been on the island for almost a year. He and Ollie, working together, manage to fashion a crude raft in an effort to escape the island. During the construction of the raft, Ollie learns something about his companion, which causes Ollie to leave the island alone. Being an inexperienced sailor, Ollie only makes it to another nearby island on his own. This second island is where Ollie discovers and captures the drug runners, and Green Arrow is born. However, what happened on that first island that led to Ollie leaving alone comes back to haunt him in the “contemporary” sequence of the story. It’s a great read, doesn’t change the essential origin story, but adds in the motivations for the current tale, while also explaining, in story, why some of the details of GA’s origin aren’t always repeated when this tale is retold. In short, it works wonderfully. I highly recommend it.
Now, as this story is part of the Year One theme, even the “contemporary” framing sequence of the tale is supposed to have happened within that first year of Green Arrow’s existence. However, that presents a problem. The only costume Green Arrow wears in this story is the one designed by Neal Adams in the late 60s/early 70s — the all-green version. However, the Silver Age GA, even post Crisis, has been shown to wear the green tunic and leggings with the red boots and gloves.
Sometimes I’ll “fix” such a costuming problem by assuming that the character’s memory is just a tad off. Hey, it happens to all of us sometimes. Do you remember exactly what you were wearing in all of your memories? This “fix” works best when someone else is doing the “remembering.” But since the framing sequence is the part with the wrong costume, this particular “fix” doesn’t work as well for this story.
So instead, I chose to ignore the Year One designation on the cover and simply assume that in my universe, the framing sequence actually happens a few years after GA’s public debut, after he has switched to the Neal Adams costume.
Now, however, another “fix” is open to me, allowing me to place this story a little farther back in time. Now that we’ve seen the events of Infinite Crisis and know about the reality-altering effects of Superboy-Prime’s efforts to break out of the dimension he’s “imprisoned” in, this can be a Year One story, and the different costume can be explained by a super-punch. Aren’t comics fun?
OK, moving on ...
The Warlord 108-113 (DC Comics, 1986-87) — Most of these issues are standard one- or two-part tales of Travis Morgan traveling through the hidden world of Skartaris in search of the wizard who may be able to cure his daughter, Jennifer, who has been afflicted with rapid-aging since #100. Traveling with Morgan is Shakira, an occasional ally of the Warlord who can transform herself into a cat, and Daimon, an old friend of Shakira’s who the reader has just met a few issues ago.
In the first arc, the trio comes to a frozen wasteland where the people are threatened by a vampiress. Eventually she is dispatched, but not before Daimon falls in battle. Issue #111 takes Morgan and Shakira to an underwater village, but the most important details of the issue are revealed on the letters pages. First is the announcement that new editor Bob Greenberger will be taking over with the next issue. The second is a response to growing criticism from readers that Morgan doesn’t seem to be in a big hurry to find the cure for Jennifer. Greenberger promises that the quest story line will be wrapped up in the next few issues, and that big changes are coming in the direction of the title.
Then in issue #113, we start to see some subplot elements being introduced that involve the surface world and fallout from the tale in Warlord annual #5, which also heavily involved the surface world. All of these issues of Warlord are new to me, but I suspect the surface world is going to begin playing a much heavier role in the events of Skartaris, and I feel that is a mistake. Morgan has been seen on the surface with other heroes during the Crisis, as well as a time or two during the late 1980s relaunch of Green Arrow by Mike Grell, also the creator of the Warlord. I have no problem with such occasional, mostly secret interactions. But on the whole, I like my Skartaris well-removed from the surface world Morgan comes from. I’m not sure if I’ll like these changes once they arrive.
Teen Titans Spotlight 1-2 (DC Comics, 1986) — When last we saw Starfire in the pages of New Teen Titans, she was leaving Tamaran for Earth, disgusted that her people had embraced the rule of her sister, Blackfire. The premiere issues of this new title depict her arrival back on Earth in a fashion too often neglected in science fiction stories. Starfire has been a Titan for several years by this point, but by and large, her experience of Earth is limited to New York City. When she arrives back on Earth, mistakenly landing in South Africa, she has no idea where she is, nor how to return to New York from her current location. Being a stranger in a strange land is complicated further when Starfire is confronted by the people of the region and the rule of the land, Apartheid. The young alien is manipulated by the South Africa government, and led to believe she has killed someone before she is able to sort out the seemingly insane behavior of the citizens of the land.
Jon Sable, Freelance 40-43 (First Comics, 1986) — These two two-issue arcs are straight-forward action-adventure fare. The first takes Sable to a marksmanship competition where a fan feels snubbed by Jon and sets about to gain revenge by setting up Jon for execution. The second issue involves Jon stumbling onto a terrorist plot and an “old” friend he thought was murdered. All four issues are recommended.
The New Teen Titans 24-25 (DC Comics, 1986) — The re-formed Titans return from the disastrous mission against Cheshire. Robin Jason Todd, Hawk and Speedy each decide to leave for his own reasons, leaving Wonder Girl, Jericho, Aqualad and the new Flash, Wally West. These four are reunited with Changling and Cyborg who relate their battles with Changling's step-father Steve Dayton, now driven insane by his Mento helmet. Meanwhile, Mento has decided that he should follow in the footsteps of the late Niles Caulder and create his own version of the Doom Patrol to help him kill his step-son and the other Titans. To achieve this end, Mento creates accidents, then saves the victims by turning them into monstrous members of his new Hybrid. Thus a pair of Greek archaeologists are transformed into Harpi and Gorgon, and a former Israeli soldier becomes Pteradon. In an initial attack, the three reluctant creatures are captured by the Titans and offer to help defeat their “creator.” But Mento sends a fourth member of the Hybrid, this one a willing participant in the experiment which transforms him, to free the others. This Behemoth, a former sumo wrestler, “rescues” Gorgon, Harpi and Pteradon, taking Aqualad captive in the process.
Action Comics 584 (DC Comics, 1987) — This is the first post-Crisis issue of Action Comics published. This incarnation of the book focused on team-ups between Superman and various guest-stars, this time the Titans. Apparently before they can attempt to rescue the captured Aqualad, Wonder Girl, Cyborg, Changling and Jericho must confronted a demented Superman, apparently drunk on his own power and destroying everything in sight. It takes a while, but the Titans are finally able to figure out that things are not quite what they seem.
And those are the retro-reviews for today.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Enter The Lair Of The Beast
We’re not going to be talking about new comics this time. Nor will we delve into a typical retro-review posting. There’s a third category of comics reading I engage in, or maybe it might be more appropriate to say I’ve been neglecting it of late, and that’s why we haven’t discussed it here.
For almost a year, I concentrated my back issue purchases on completing the runs on Warlord and Jon Sable, as well as securing some coveted individual back issues fondly remembered from childhood. Those books were placed where they belong in my collection, and I’ve been reading them for the first time as I go back through everything in “chronological” order. Obviously that process started before I was regularly posting about comics on my blog, but maybe someday we’ll go back and do some retro-reviews on stuff even older than the mid-1980s.
Anyway, once I started going back through re-reading my collection, I didn’t stop buying back issues. Other old titles have become available and been snatched up. Trade ads in some of these older comics have prompted me to go in search of other titles and/or issues. In cases where I’ve bought something else and already passed the point where it should be inserted in my collection, I’ve set those issues aside as something to read once I’ve finished this initial run through. For instance, I’ve always been curious about Infinity Inc., but never purchased an issue except for #45 which was part of a crossover with The New Teen Titans. Recently I found a good deal on the first 12 issues of that title and bought them to finally give it a try. The title began in the early 80s, however, and our current retro-reviews have us in 1986, well past where these books “occurred.” So they’ve been added to the stack of stuff to read later.
Also in this stack are trades or hard-bound collections which are not “in continuity” such as Marvel Essentials or DC Showcase reprints. I have several of each of those, as well as a couple Marvel Masterworks and DC Archives editions. There’s also copies of Batman Illustrated by Neal Adams vols. 2 and 3. And some comics-themed magazines, both current and back issues which were of interest. Basically, it’s a hodge-podge stack of anything I’ve bought which either doesn’t fit nicely into continuity or is older than where I’m currently reading. And all of these books are set aside in this stack to read when I finish going through my collection in “chronological” order.
Except, that’s taking longer than I expected it would.
And the stack of other stuff is getting very large.
Very, very large.
Almost rivaling the stack of prose books I haven’t gotten around to reading yet. But that’s a whole other issue, and, of course, I’m working on it, too.
But I digress.
Back to the stack of comic “also-rans.” I decided I needed to start working on that stack, even if only occasionally, so that it doesn’t become too overwhelming. And at the top of the stack was ...
The Essential Tomb of Dracula, vol.1 (Marvel Comics) — This huge black-and-white trade collection assembles Tomb of Dracula #1-25, Werewolf By Night #15 and Giant-Size Chillers #1 for an entertaining romp through the most popular early 1970s Marvel Monster title. The tales are set in then-contemporary times and begin with American Frank Drake traveling to an ancestral castle in Transylvania, Castle Dracula. He brings along his girlfriend, Jeanie, and his “friend,” Clifton Graves. The trio are hoping to cash in on Drake’s infamous family name. Of course, the corpse of Dracula is discovered, the remaining stake is removed, the dark prince of the undead is revived and once again unleashed on an unsuspecting world. Many of these tales take place either in Transylvanian or London, and an assortment of vampire hunters are introduced to challenge Dracula. Some are descendants of famous vampire hunters, such as Quincy Harker and Rachel Van Helsing. This collection also includes the introduction of Blade, another vampire slayer who has gone on to a successful movie series starring Wesley Snipes.
Tomb of Dracula is a fun read, and I’m not even a fan of vampires, typically. And, the Essentials volums are a great price for this much comics reading. Well worth the price of admission.
For almost a year, I concentrated my back issue purchases on completing the runs on Warlord and Jon Sable, as well as securing some coveted individual back issues fondly remembered from childhood. Those books were placed where they belong in my collection, and I’ve been reading them for the first time as I go back through everything in “chronological” order. Obviously that process started before I was regularly posting about comics on my blog, but maybe someday we’ll go back and do some retro-reviews on stuff even older than the mid-1980s.
Anyway, once I started going back through re-reading my collection, I didn’t stop buying back issues. Other old titles have become available and been snatched up. Trade ads in some of these older comics have prompted me to go in search of other titles and/or issues. In cases where I’ve bought something else and already passed the point where it should be inserted in my collection, I’ve set those issues aside as something to read once I’ve finished this initial run through. For instance, I’ve always been curious about Infinity Inc., but never purchased an issue except for #45 which was part of a crossover with The New Teen Titans. Recently I found a good deal on the first 12 issues of that title and bought them to finally give it a try. The title began in the early 80s, however, and our current retro-reviews have us in 1986, well past where these books “occurred.” So they’ve been added to the stack of stuff to read later.
Also in this stack are trades or hard-bound collections which are not “in continuity” such as Marvel Essentials or DC Showcase reprints. I have several of each of those, as well as a couple Marvel Masterworks and DC Archives editions. There’s also copies of Batman Illustrated by Neal Adams vols. 2 and 3. And some comics-themed magazines, both current and back issues which were of interest. Basically, it’s a hodge-podge stack of anything I’ve bought which either doesn’t fit nicely into continuity or is older than where I’m currently reading. And all of these books are set aside in this stack to read when I finish going through my collection in “chronological” order.
Except, that’s taking longer than I expected it would.
And the stack of other stuff is getting very large.
Very, very large.
Almost rivaling the stack of prose books I haven’t gotten around to reading yet. But that’s a whole other issue, and, of course, I’m working on it, too.
But I digress.
Back to the stack of comic “also-rans.” I decided I needed to start working on that stack, even if only occasionally, so that it doesn’t become too overwhelming. And at the top of the stack was ...
The Essential Tomb of Dracula, vol.1 (Marvel Comics) — This huge black-and-white trade collection assembles Tomb of Dracula #1-25, Werewolf By Night #15 and Giant-Size Chillers #1 for an entertaining romp through the most popular early 1970s Marvel Monster title. The tales are set in then-contemporary times and begin with American Frank Drake traveling to an ancestral castle in Transylvania, Castle Dracula. He brings along his girlfriend, Jeanie, and his “friend,” Clifton Graves. The trio are hoping to cash in on Drake’s infamous family name. Of course, the corpse of Dracula is discovered, the remaining stake is removed, the dark prince of the undead is revived and once again unleashed on an unsuspecting world. Many of these tales take place either in Transylvanian or London, and an assortment of vampire hunters are introduced to challenge Dracula. Some are descendants of famous vampire hunters, such as Quincy Harker and Rachel Van Helsing. This collection also includes the introduction of Blade, another vampire slayer who has gone on to a successful movie series starring Wesley Snipes.
Tomb of Dracula is a fun read, and I’m not even a fan of vampires, typically. And, the Essentials volums are a great price for this much comics reading. Well worth the price of admission.
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