CRYPT OF SHADOWS #1 MARVEL COMICS
Another classic 1970’s Marvel horror title gets a brief resurgence in this one off that proves that the Marvel Cinematic Universe is still trying to force it’s way into it’s comic-verse. In short tales narrated by Agatha (oh nope, I’m sorry) Lady Harkness, who has suddenly gone from being the elderly white haired old crone who nannied Franklin Richards over in the original Fantastic Four title, to an alluring thigh high boot wearing ‘Magical Futurist’ living on another planet? Then we get three tales, most of which have direct Cinematic ties as we take a visit to WandaVision world where writer Chris Condon manages to keep a fair blend of the Scarlet Witch comic mixed in. And with the future Kraven the Hunter and Blade movies on the horizon, the two meet up with the Werewolf By Night (who’s own one and done tv special garned favorable ratings) to do battle with some vampires. Finally finishing off with a story of ecological disaster featuring the Man-Thing and the Sub-Mariner (who have recently made appearance in the MCU). Of the three writer Benjamin Percy’s tale starring Man-Thing is the most creative. The problem here is that all of the writers and artists do a really good job with the respective stories. Now, whether you are a believer in the ‘Loss of Copyright Status’ conspiracy theory or the ‘Let’s Keep Pushing the Interest In the MCU Up’ conspiracy theory, (by the way, I believe this one-shot falls into both camps) this is not a bad little one-shot. 7 out of 10 Grahams.
WONDER WOMAN #14 DC COMICS
When writer Tom King hits his mark, he really shows his understanding of the source materials and backrounds. With Steve Trevor dead (again!), Diana has gone to mourn and can’t be found. While Wonder Woman fans for decades have argued over their relationship, this one off break in the current story gives the perfect definition of what they mean to each other. With cameos from the Wonder Girls, Batman and Superman, this story really exemplifies all of the humanity behind these characters. Clark and Bruce are suitably worried and aggrivated by their inability to help. The Wonder Girls are logical and point out that Diana just needs some alone time. And the scenes between Steve and Diana are absolutely heartbreaking. But the best part of the story featuring the super-villains who realize that this killing has doomed them all and all they can do is wait for Wonder Woman to reappear and totally destroy them. Resigned to their fates, they play pool, meditate, etc. Everyone just waiting for the other shoe to drop. And I won’t spoil the final page but it’s pretty cool. 10 out of 10 Grahams.
CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS #7 FACSIMILE EDITION
Yep, this was the big one. Oh sure, dozens of minor characters had fallen to the big white energy wall but this one grabbed readers by the throat and made them cry. And while there are a few logistical issue with this one, this is the issue that showed DC wasn’t messing around any more. As Kara Zor-El heroicly sacrificed herself for Superman (and really just beat the snot out of the Anti-Monitor!) the whole backstory of the Monitor/Anti-Monitor is revealed. And George Perez really shows what he could do with a comic panel. Especially wonderful were the little backround scenes. Brainiac 5 sobbing over the loss of his great love. The Legion’s Wildfire reporting the loss of one of their own. Beast Boy’s comments about the Marvel Family. The Golden Age Atom coming to terms with Wildcat’s injuries and his own advancing age. And while, this was the first really big death in the series, another was right around the corner. While this facsimile edition still represents well, it does not convey the true shock that we all had back in the day. 10 out of 10 Grahams.
ETERNAL WARRIOR #1 VALIANT COMICS/ALIEN BOOKS
The Valiant Universe is really the Little Engine Who Could. From it’s first appearance in the 1980’s spearheaded by Jim Shooter, to its selling to Acclaim Comic in 1994 to its relaunching in 2004, etc., etc., etc. So it’s reappearing now is no great surprise. Many of the characters go all the way back to the 1960’s and their starting point under Gold Key Comics. Back before we were collectors and simply readers, the Gold Key hero comics were looked upon as a poor bastard third cousin to Marvel and DC. The kind of books when the person ordering for the newsstand had no idea what they were ordering. Which is kind of a shame because these characters obviously have some sort of charm to have lasted to this day. The Eternal Warrior started in the Jim Shooter Years but that isn’t a bad thing. And the fact the story bounces between time frames keeps it interesting. As we go from Pompeii in 79 CE to the Crimea of 1317 to today. Well drawn, interesting story, excellent inking and coloring. What more can you ask for. 8 out of 10 Grahams.
