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 DC’S I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST CRISIS #1     DC COMICS

Ah yes, ’tis the season for over-sized one-shots. This one is rather off in it’s subject matter. Instead of focusing in on the upcoming spooky season, we take some time to revisit the Crisis storyline from 1985. (Has it really been almost 40 years?! Damn, I’m old!) But not only the actual Crisis but other universal altering tales like Final Night and Final Crisis. And while this is an interesting mix of stories and concepts, the mix might be a little too random. Many of the stories here require you to know the original storylines from long ago. And while it was cool to see more of the JSA in action, the book’s initial story featuring Batgirl during the original Crisis is by far the most touching. Definitely, a one-shot for comic historians. 7 out of 10 Grahams.

 

DC ALL IN SPECIAL #1     DC COMICS

Like most epic storyline (I refer to them as ‘The Next Big Thing’) this one is a mind-numbing mish-mash of plot points setting up for a new universe (and a whole new set of titles!) to be born. So, I’ll try to break it down to it’s basics. Darkseid bonds with the Spectre to discover his purpose and in doing so creates a new universe that is a good deal darker than usual. And, of course, the first dark heroes to appear (and be given their own titles are DC’s royal trinity, Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. The real question is will Booster Gold be around long enough to live up to his real potential? The same but different … again. And it started off on a bit of a high note. And really, a flip book? That ain’t right. 6 out of 10 Grahams.

 

 SVENGOOLIE 45TH ANNIVERSARY HALLOWEEN BOO-NANZA #1

     Straight from the vaults of METV, a wonderful one-shot that says so much about the history of the role of the horror host. And while this is a reminder of my age, it is also a fun time with corny gangs, cheesy set ups, local celebrities getting to put on a scary face and watch classic horror and sci-fi films. From those of you who grew up in and around the Chicago-land area, all of your old favorites are here including Tombstone and Kerwyn as well as new personalities like Gwengoolie and Nostalgiaferatoo. And while I could fill this blog with pages of rememberances and interesting facts about the program, I think that that is not necessary. With a nice little history section and a great pin-up by legendary comic artist Christopher Jones, this one is a book to own. 9 out of 10 Grahams. 

 

 WEREWOLF FRANKENSTEIN #1     ZOMBIE LOVE STUDIOS

Holy 1968’s Frankenstein’s Bloody Terror, where I was first introduced to a Frankenstien-Werewolf combination! Writer Chris Robinson introduces us to a unique question. What if the Frankenstein Monster fought a werewolf and was infected/cursed with lycanthropy? And while Marc Yarza’s art is spectacular, the Frankenstein Monster is rather too orderly and proper. However, his ghostly see-through vampire is startling and epicly colored by Steve Canon. With a follow up issue currently getting crowd-sourced, I’d be interested in seeing where this story goes. For fans of strange horror films and odd concepts! 8 out of 10 Grahams.