DETECTIVE COMICS #140 DC COMICS
Ahhhh, a reminder of the good old days when I could plunk down my hard earned dime and enjoy a veritable cornicopia of comic entertainment! I mean, of course I got my adventure of Batman and Robin fighting the amazing new foe, the Riddler but I also got the Golden Age Robotman (this was 1948 after all!). I thrilled at the detective skills of Slam Bradley and his pal Shorty. And finish it off with Brooklyn, Rip Carter, and the rest of the Boy Commandos! One of the best part of the Facsimile Editions is the ads and featurettes that filled the pages. Kodak film, Old Nick Candy Bar and Bit-o-Honey (a personal favorite!) And the Kellogg’s variety cereal pack. And even though the Riddler may have died at the end of the story, he be back two issues later! This one can’t help but earn a 10 out of 10 Grahams.
BIRDS OF PREY #2 DC COMICS
Kelly Thompson’s story continues to entertain and give us some interesting cameos. I mean aside from me who remembers Barter?! The plan to raid Themyscira, has a 30/70 chance of succeeding and yes, I’m being generous. And thanks to a handy text box, we are reminded that this series is happening in the same time period as Wonder Woman’s current disasterous series. Leonardo Romero’s art spotlight each members’ personalities and offers up an interesting take on between the comic borders travel. Another series that manages to make it past the crucial first issue. I think this one might have some distance in it. I give it an 8 out of 10 Grahams.
TRANSFORMERS #1 IMAGE COMICS
And yet another reboot of the classic cartoon series which like every cartoon series of the 1980’s had it’s own toy line. Back in those days, it why we had cartoons … to sell toys. And while some of the old favorites are here, Jetfire, Soundwave, Ratchet, Teletraan One, it’s still not the same. While, I will agree that this is a good start to get new readers that may not be as familiar with the originals, for older fans, the nostaliga factor is the big selling point here. But Daniel Warren Johnson’s story makes one thing perfectly clear. Bumblebee is NOT all that and a bag of chips. I give it a 7 out of 10 Grahams.
ALICE COOPER #1 DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT
Writer Rodney Barnes’s line about Alice Cooper’s albums not selling like they used to is a great way to look at this comic. I was there when Marvel gave Cooper a one shot issue in the 50th issue of Marvel Premier. And I’ve tuned into the various versions from different publishers over the years. I like his music and thought some of his theatrics back in the day were pretty cool. But I honestly would not be pounding on the doors of Dynamite yelling for more Alice Cooper comics. But that’s a mistake because the story here is a simple tale wonderfully illustrated by Edu Menna is definitely worth the price of admission as the Devil decides the world of man needs to love his music. Unholy Crossroads, Batman! I give it an 8 out of 10 Grahams.
FEARLESS DAWN THE BOMB #2 ASYLUM PRESS
Steve Mannionstory and art! Dawn! Nazi Zombies! I shouldn’t have to say any more. 10 out of 10 Grahams.
THE MIDNIGHT SHOW #1 DARK HORSE COMICS
Cullen Bunn’s script reminds me of the 1991 horror movie Popcorn about a lost uncompleted film that suddenly reappears and causes havoc. This story taps into everything horror film nerd and I love it. A mysterious director who vanished and is presummed dead. A group of horror fans getting to see it for the very first time. Retired B-movie queens making a quick buck selling 8×10 autographed glossys while elderly horror hosts share stories. And Brian Hurtt’s art is absolutely perfect. Sure to be a fan favorite. 10 out of 10 Grahams.