Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 31, Conan the Barbarian 32

Conan 031 coverConan the Barbarian #31 – “The Shadow in the Tomb” – Roy Thomas/John Buscema/Ernie Chan

This one starts with Conan serving as a mercenary with a cohort of Turanian soldiers. They’re looking for rebel hill tribes and find them soon enough, when the hill-men ambush them near some rocky cliffs. Conan is in the middle of the fight (naturally), but the Turanians are badly outnumbered so their captain (Malthuz) orders a retreat into the rocky hills. Continue reading “Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 31, Conan the Barbarian 32”

G.I. Joe Reviews: G.I. Joe 31, G.I. Joe 32

GIJoe 031 coverG.I. Joe #31 (January 1985) – “All Fall Down” – Larry Hama/Rod Whigham/Andy Mushynsky

This one starts with the Joes moving a bunch of vehicles (a Mobat, Vamp, RAM, and Wolverine) out of Fort Wadsworth, which isn’t exactly inconspicuous but doesn’t seem to raise suspicion in the suburban neighbourhood surrounding the base. One guy who might be suspicious is Fred Broca, the Cobra Crimson Guardsman who’s been re-assigned to watch Fort Wadsworth for anything out of the ordinary. Continue reading “G.I. Joe Reviews: G.I. Joe 31, G.I. Joe 32”

Frankie Drake Mysteries Reviews: Season 3, Episode 10

Frank Drake title season 3A Sunshine State of Mind – Director: Ruba Nadda/Writers: Jennifer Kassabian, Keri Ferencz

This one starts with the gals gathered at Frankie’s office, complaining about the heat wave gripping the city. Trudy’s mom (Mildred) comes in to tell them she’s bought a place down in Florida, in a resort called Miami Springs. Mildred admits she spent a lot on the place (and some of Trudy’s aunts and uncles bought in as well), but she’s happy to have a nice vacation property and Trudy seems quite thrilled too. Frankie gets a call from her mom (Nora), who tells her she bought property in Miami Springs as well, and is the one who talked Mildred into investing. Unfortunately, Miami Springs is a scam; Nora isn’t worried about the money she lost, but she does feel bad for getting Mildred (and her family) mixed up in a fake deal. Continue reading “Frankie Drake Mysteries Reviews: Season 3, Episode 10”

Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 29, Conan the Barbarian 30

Conan 029 coverConan the Barbarian #29 – “Two Against Turan” – Roy Thomas/John Buscema/Ernie Chan

This one starts with Conan arriving in Aghrapur, capital of the Kingdom of Turan, where he turns a few heads even among the jaded city dwellers. As he walks the streets, a statue of the “living god Tarim” is paraded past and the people go into a frenzy of worship. Continue reading “Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 29, Conan the Barbarian 30”

G.I. Joe Reviews: G.I. Joe 29, G.I. Joe 30

GIJoe 029 coverG.I. Joe #29 (November 1984) – “Beached Whale” – Larry Hama/Frank Springer/Andy Mushynsky

Last issue, the Joes ran into trouble with Cobra down in Florida and got their brand new Killer Whale hovercraft all shot up. This issue starts with them pulling the Whale into a secluded cove to do some repairs and evacuate Deep Six, who was wounded last issue. Continue reading “G.I. Joe Reviews: G.I. Joe 29, G.I. Joe 30”

Frankie Drake Mysteries Reviews: Season 3, Episode 9

Frank Drake title season 3A History of Violins – Director: Cal Coons/Writer: John Callaghan

This one starts with Frankie and Trudy attending a violin concert featuring a famous (but somewhat reclusive and eccentric) violinist named Natasha Petrov. Continue reading “Frankie Drake Mysteries Reviews: Season 3, Episode 9”

Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 27, Conan the Barbarian 28

Conan 027 coverConan the Barbarian #27 – “The Blood of Bel-Hissar” – Roy Thomas/John Buscema/Ernie Chan

After last week’s digression into Savage Tales territory with “Red Nails”, we’re back to Conan’s regular storyline. This story begins with him riding through some desert land south of the Zaporoska River when he hears a woman scream. He comes upon a huge brute (Turgohl) menacing a Khitan woman (Suwaan) and quickly jumps in to help her. Continue reading “Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 27, Conan the Barbarian 28”

G.I. Joe Reviews: G.I. Joe 27, G.I. Joe 28

GIJoe 027 coverG.I. Joe #27 (September 1984) – “Snake Eyes: The Origin Part II” – Larry Hama/Frank Springer/Andy Mushynsky

Last issue, some Joes (Torpedo, Trip Wire, and Mutt) went into the Everglades to flush out some Cobras (Cobra Commander, Destro, Baroness, and Zartan) who were hiding there. They captured Firefly and Wild Weasel, who quickly escaped, forcing the Joes to track them through the swamp. Meanwhile, Mutt’s dog (Junkyard) made friendly contact with the Cobras and led them into the swamp. Continue reading “G.I. Joe Reviews: G.I. Joe 27, G.I. Joe 28”

Frankie Drake Mysteries Reviews: Season 3, Episode 8

Frank Drake title season 3Ward of the Roses – Director: Stephen Reizes/Writer: Andrew Burrows-Trotman

This one starts with Frankie arriving at the local campaign headquarters of Etta Rose, who’s running for alderman for the Ward. Continue reading “Frankie Drake Mysteries Reviews: Season 3, Episode 8”

Conan Reviews: Red Nails

Conan Savage Tales 002 cover (Red Nails)“Red Nails” – Roy Thomas/Barry Windsor-Smith

This story originally appeared in Savage Tales issues 2 and 3 (which were published a few months apart), but I’m including it here because it’s part of the Chronicles of Conan reprints that I’ve been using … plus, it’s a really good story, based on one of Robert E. Howard’s best (and last) Conan tales. Continue reading “Conan Reviews: Red Nails”