Reviews, ruminations, and (occasional) ramblings.
Send in the Clones – Director: Charlie Haskell/Writer: Paul Robert Coyle
This one starts in the present day—or what was the present day when this episode first aired—with a woman named Alexis (who looks just like Alti) buying a chakram and some ancient strands of hair from a shady dude. Continue reading “Xena Reviews: Season 6, Episode 16”
Batman #443 – “The Coming of Crimesmith” – Marv Wolfman/Jim Aparo/MikeDeCarlo
This one starts with a family going out for a jog at night and running into some muggers. Batman shows up and pounds them, using their fear of him to dictate their responses. Tim Drake and Alfred are in Bruce Wayne’s car nearby, so Tim can see how Batman operates. Tim is eager to put on the Robin costume and become Batman’s partner for real, but Batman says he has a long way to go before he’s ready for that. Tim is determined, so he agrees to whatever training Bruce wants. Continue reading “Comics Reviews: Batman 443, Detective 610, Legends of the Dark Knight 3”
That’s another year gone by in my DC Comics reviews. 1989 had some cool (and iconic) stories, so I’m looking forward to seeing what 1990 will bring. There probably aren’t quite as many iconic storylines this year, but the Batman juggernaut will continue, fed by the popularity of the movie that came out in 1989. The Firestorm series comes to an end this year, otherwise there aren’t really any big changes, though I will shuffle my review groupings a bit just for balance. As usual, I’m using Mike’s Amazing World as a reference for the cover dates. The only discrepancy will be in New Titans, whose issues 67 and 68 both came out in July (with no issues in either June or August); I’ve moved #67 forward to June just to balance things out a bit. Continue reading “Comics Reviews: 1990 Preview”
To Helicon and Back – Director: Michael Hurst/Writers: Liz Friedman, Vanessa Place
After the end of last episode, Gabi and Varia make peace and the Amazons have a celebration dance. Xena’s not invited, since she’s not an Amazon, so she camps out in the woods. But some party-crashers show up; a bunch of masked men sneak in and attack the Amazons. They fight back (with help from Xena), but the leader of the attackers knocks Varia out and takes off with her. His men follow, leaving many dead and injured Amazons behind. Continue reading “Xena Reviews: Season 6, Episode 15”
Justice League International Annual #3 – “Around the World With the Justice League” – Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis/Mike McKone/Pablo Marcos, Bruce Patterson
This one starts with the natives on Kooeykooeykooey (a small island in the Pacific) discussing an idea proposed by the chief’s nephew, herb. Kooeykooeykooey is strategically located, so the Americans and Russians both want to set up bases there. Herb thinks that the natives can keep the great powers away and preserve their idyllic way of life by offering their island to the Justice League. Continue reading “Comics Reviews: Justice League International Annual 3, New Titans Annual 5, Wonder Woman Annual 2”
Question Annual #2 – “Losing Face” – Dennis O’Neill/Bill Wray, Shea Anton Pensa
This one starts with the Question stopping a mugging and getting stabbed in the arm. He then has to stop the bigoted victim from taking revenge on an unconscious mugger, so he’s in a bad mood by the time he gets home. As Aristotle Rodor (aka Tot) patches his arm (using the Question mask as a bandage), they reminisce about how Vic Sage became the Question ten years ago. Continue reading “Comics Reviews: Question Annual 2, Green Arrow Annual 2”
Path of Vengeance – Director: Chris Martin-Jones/Writer: Joel Metzger
This one starts with a meeting of Amazon queens from various regions discussing amalgamating their scattered tribes. Varia (leader of the Greek Amazons) leads a foray against some Roman troops who have encroached on Amazon land. Continue reading “Xena Reviews: Season 6, Episode 14”
Batman Annual #13 – “Faces” – James Owsley/Michael Bair/Gray Morrow
This one starts with Batman and Commissioner Gordon investigating the remains of a bombed-out house. The house belonged to an undercover cop (Anthony Wells), whose body is so mangled it’ll have to be identified by dental records. Wells was trying to boost his career by infiltrating a bunch of thugs led by a guy named Freddie Richards, a known associate of Two-Face. Continue reading “Comics Reviews: Batman Annual 13, Detective Annual 2”
Wonder Woman #37 – “Stranger in Paradise” – George Perez, Mindy Newell/Chris Marrinan/Steve Montano
This one starts with a news report about the upcoming visit to Themiscyra by a special contingent of outsiders. Hermes is supposed to transport them there, but he’s disappeared and his roommate Steve Trevor won’t tell reporters where he’s gone. Continue reading “Comics Reviews: Wonder Woman 37, Firestorm 92”
You Are There – Director: John Laing/Writer: Chris Black
This one starts with Xena and Gabi heading to the far north again, reuniting with Beowulf in a tavern. The first clue something weird is going on is that Beowulf is no longer in love with Gabi. Odin hears about Xena’s arrival and sends some Valkyries to take care of her, but Xena and Gabi kick their asses. Outside, a modern-day reporter named Nigel shows up with a TV crew to interview Xena. Continue reading “Xena Reviews: Season 6, Episode 13”