DOOM PATROL #99 DC COMICS
While I want to complain about the fact that the Big Two keep reaching back into the past to keep releasing these facsimile editions because 80% of their new titles just cannot connect with a large audience, I keep my mouth shut because these old tales are entertaining as heck! Bursting out of the My Greatest Adventure title in issue #80, writers Arnold Drake and Bob Haney (along with artist Bruno Premiani) brought together a group of misfits that not only took over the title six issues later but lasted until the title ended with issue #124. And is still around today. It’s hard to imagine that everybody’s favorite Teen Titan Beast Boy started out right here in issue #99. Sporting an attitude, a Fonzie jacket, and a green face that didn’t change colors when he turned animal, Beast Boy was a product of the times. Amazingly, Beast Boy is one of those characters that DC writers understood and allowed him to mature and grow. He was one of those rare success stories that DC should be proud of. Between characterizations, classic art, and wacky entertaining plots, this one earns itself 9 out of 10 Grahams.
BATMAN ’89 ECHOES #1 DC COMICS
Michael Keaton’s Batman was almost enough to make us forget about Adam West’s, almost. Unfortunately, this current look back into the world of the Warner Brothers film series just doesn’t have enough of the film’s charm to keep me interested. Now, writer Sam Hamm does an excellent job of introducing us to newer characters that are necessary to continue the on-going story. And Joe Quinones does well in capturing some of the celebrity likenesses of the time period. I think we’ve just strayed too far from the beaten path. Possible that after another issue, we might get more but issue one is off to a slow start. I give it a 6 out of 10 Grahams.
HOWARD THE DUCK #1 MARVEL COMICS
The 1970’s were an odd and amazing time in comic history. Anything went and the thought process of “throw it at the wall and see if it sticks” gave us a multitude of unique characters. And Steve Gerber and Frank Brunner’s Howard the Duck topped that list. Unfortunately, after that initial 33 issue run, several creative teams have tried to recapture that lightning in a bottle … and failed. This one-shot celebrating his first appearance in the pages of 1973’s Fear #19 comes pretty close. With a group of What If? short tales, a variety of writers and artists do a good job of representing the little duck with the cigar. And with cameos by some of Howard’s guest stars from his old title popping up, I really did have some fun reading this. (Omega the Unknown and Le Beaver?! C’mon, who else is feeling nostaligic? Where’s Dr. Bong and the Space Turnip?) While not everything I wanted it to be, it did give it the old school try. I give it an 8 out of 10 Grahams.
FLESH-EATING CHEERLEADERS HOLIDAY SPECIAL #1
Well the gang over at After Dark continues the saga of the Flesh-Eating Cheerleaders with some sexy Santa distracting dancing and a sled full of evil worm/maggot aliens to bring peace, joy, and flesh eating to all the good people of the world. A little short on run time, James Mascia could easily been expanded but this was just enough to remind us why this independant adult title is always worth the price of admission. And whether it be the jolly St. Nick or the flesh-eating cheerleaders in their holiday nighties, artist Deivid Deon does a jaw dropping job on the art. But where he really shows off is the outside scenes on the rooftops! While not for everyone, this one is worth checking out. Especially if you are a fan of 1970’s and 80’s science fiction B-movies. I give it a 9 out of 10 Grahams.