JAY GARRICK THE FLASH #6 DC COMICS
Like the rest of this series, this final issue is heartwarming and highlights Jay Garrick’s place in the DC Universe. He was the father figure to everyone. Whether it was Barry Allen, Wally West, Bart Allen, the legacy heroes of the JSA, he was Dad. So, giving him a daughter was fitting. Sure, people crabbed and moaned like they do when characters are shoehorned into modern continuity. But the truth is that Judy Garrick is a great character and deserves more. And while Doctor Elemental is a bit of a clown (really cyborg sharks?!) he too has potential. Will they get the chance is up for debate as DC seems to be backpeddling hard on this new Golden Age that we were promised a while back. Which is a shame as Jay’s actions here show that he has developed considerably during the new Golden Age cycle. Let’s hope that DC sticks to the plan. 9 out of 10 Grahams.
WONDER WOMAN #8 DC COMICS
Treading on some dangerous ground for a big payoff, as writer Tom King starts us off with domesticated Diane in a Stepford Wife dress making dinner on page one! That’s definitely going to trigger some people. This one is all on the reader because when all the philosophy is done and over with, the mysterious Sovereign is in for trouble. Experts may be over analysing the discussions here for eons to come. A thought provoking issue but definitely a heavy dark tone here. And then we get some early shenanigans with Trinity. I would suggest reader that first. Not sure how to rate it but I think a 7 out of 10 Grahams here.
DUDLEY DATSON AND THE FOREVER MACHINE #1
Dark Horse is at it again, scooping up the characters from Comixology. Creators Scott Snyder and Jamal Igle return for this 1st issue. The story of a young inventor who thinks too small gets caught up with a secret society and now the universe is up for grabs. Dudley is a well writen character and the backstory of the secret society is well set in history. So it will certainly appeal to conspiracy fans and Dudley’s circle of family and friends certainly add depth to the story. A good read with an interesting story and likeable characters with a dab of suspense earns it an 8 out of 10 Grahams.
MAD MAGAZINE #37 EC PUBLICATIONS
Sigh! You know, growing up in the time frame I did, Mad Magazine was very important to me. Biting polital satire, real life looks at topics that were common for everyone, long running characters from the likes of Dave Berg and Don Martin, all helped make me a well rounded person. And this issue acts as a sort of tribute to comedy and comedians which is has been a theme since the early days when comedy geniuses like Ernie Kovacs, Bob and Ray, and Stan Freberg not only talked about the magazine but were also contributors. And while this issue is features numerous reprinted items from the 1980’s onward, it all starts out with a very depressing sign of the times. Under the index lays a disclaimer stating this issue’s features come from a time when things were (and I quote) ‘…less mindful and sensitive to matters of race, gender, sexual identity, religion and food allergies.’ And then states that some of the articles may have been altered because of this. I think this is a good issue deserving of an 8 out of 10 Grahams. I give the modern society that forced the publisher to add that disclaimer a 1 out 10.