Comics Reviews: 1984 Preview

Well, that’s 1983 finished, so now it’s on to 1984. They say your own personal Golden Age for comics is when you’re twelve, and I was twelve in 1984, so a lot of these comics resonate for me (although I was reading a lot of Marvel stuff then too, especially Spider-Man). As usual, I’ll divide the comics into groups to keep things manageable; since I’ll be adding several comics to the 1984 reviews, my usual groupings will be shuffled a bit, as you’ll see. Continue reading “Comics Reviews: 1984 Preview”

Veronica Mars Reviews: Season 2, Episode 13

Veronica Mars S01 titleEpisode 13: Ain’t No Magic Mountain High Enough

This one starts at school, with Veronica arriving at Ms. Hauser’s class to help organize a fundraising carnival for the senior class trip. The rich kids want to go to Catalina for the trip, but everyone else wants to go to Magic Mountain at Disneyland; guess who’s getting their way? Continue reading “Veronica Mars Reviews: Season 2, Episode 13”

Comics Reviews: DC Comics Presents Annual 2, Superman Annual 9

DC Comics Presents Annual 2 coverDC Comics Presents Annual #2 – “The Last Secret Identity” – Elliot S! Maggin/Keith Pollard/Mike DeCarlo, Tod Smith

This is one of those goofy Silver Age-type stories that old time fans seem to like so much. I’ve never been a huge fan of those, although this one’s certainly well told. It could even fall under the category of “Imaginary Story”, but it’s presented as if we’re meant to take it seriously. I can’t imagine it being canon post-Crisis though. Continue reading “Comics Reviews: DC Comics Presents Annual 2, Superman Annual 9”

Comics Reviews: Legion of Super-Heroes Annual 2, JLA Annual 1

Legion Annual 2Legion of Super-Heroes Annual #2 – “Whatever Gods There Be” – Paul Levitz, Keith Giffen/Dave Gibbons

This annual came out right after issue 303, so some of the plot set-ups have already been resolved in my reviews of the regular issues. More specifically, Shrinking Violet’s situation hasn’t been resolved, Dream Girl is still leader, and Dawnstar hasn’t left yet. This one starts on Daxam, where a group of Legionnaires (Dream Girl, Ultra Boy, Star Boy, White Witch, and Cosmic Boy) are helping restore the planet after the damage done by Darkseid. Continue reading “Comics Reviews: Legion of Super-Heroes Annual 2, JLA Annual 1”

Veronica Mars Reviews: Season 2, Episode 12

Veronica Mars S01 titleEpisode 12: Wallace and Rashard Go to White Castle

Following on the heels of last episode’s visit from the Chicago reporter, Wallace has decided to do the right thing and tell the truth about Rashard Rucker running over the homeless dude a few months back while drunk. Veronica reminds Wallace that Rashard is the best high school basketball player in the country, the next LeBron James, so people aren’t going to be happy. Wallace says he has to do the right thing and Veronica promises to stand by him no matter how many people hate him. Continue reading “Veronica Mars Reviews: Season 2, Episode 12”

Comics Reviews: All-Star Squadron 28, Warlord 76

All-Star Squadron 28 coverAll-Star Squadron #28 – “By Hatred Possessed” – Roy Thomas/Richard Howell/Gerald Forton

Today I’m finishing up with the All-Star Squadron and Warlord issues that were pushed out of synch because of their annuals. The next couple posts will wrap up the other 1983 Annuals and then I’ll do my preview for 1984. Last issue, Dr. Fate went looking for the Spectre and found him guarding the tomb of Kulak, evil sorcerer. Fate and Spectre fought and Fate ended up being tossed through countless dimensions into oblivion. Continue reading “Comics Reviews: All-Star Squadron 28, Warlord 76”

Comics Reviews: Flash 328, Wonder Woman 310, Green Lantern 171, Jonah Hex 79

Flash 328 coverFlash #328 – “Reverse-Flashback” – John Broome/Carmine Infantino/Joe Giella

Last issue ended on a cliffhanger, as Flash was called to the JLA Satellite to see if he would be kicked out of the League after being arrested for killing Professor Zoom. The vote was split and Superman was supposed to be the tie-breaker, but we still don’t get to see the Man of Steel’s decision. Yeah, this is a reprint and it ends on the exact same cliffhanger as last time, with Superman about to render his decision. So we’ll have to wait a little longer to see if Flash stays in the JLA or is asked to leave. Continue reading “Comics Reviews: Flash 328, Wonder Woman 310, Green Lantern 171, Jonah Hex 79”

Veronica Mars Reviews: Season 2, Episode 11

Veronica Mars S01 titleEpisode 11: Donut Run

This one starts with an awkward elevator encounter between Veronica and Logan. Veronica’s heading up to see Duncan, who’s been totally out of it since Meg died. Logan is surprised to hear Meg had Duncan’s baby, but Veronica gets a bigger surprise when she sees Kendall coming out of Duncan’s room … naked. Continue reading “Veronica Mars Reviews: Season 2, Episode 11”

Comics Reviews: JLA 221, Legion of Super-Heroes 306, Batman & the Outsiders 5, All-Star Squadron 27

JLA 221 coverJustice League of America #221 – “Beasts” – Gerry Conway/Chuck Patton/Pablo Marcos

This one starts with a bunch of rich people going to a very private party. These are people with so much money that they’ve gotten bored with the usual entertainments and decided to look for something unique. They’re all wearing masks, so you might think it’s some kind of Eyes Wide Shut sex party, but they actually end up underground at a large gladiatorial arena. We don’t see the combatants, but judging by the comments they’re animals of some kind. The spectators really get into it; one woman looks like she’s creaming herself when the blood starts flying. Continue reading “Comics Reviews: JLA 221, Legion of Super-Heroes 306, Batman & the Outsiders 5, All-Star Squadron 27”

Comics Reviews: Superman 390, Action 550, DC Comics Presents 64, Warlord 75

Superman 390 coverSuperman #390 – “Lost on a Comet” – Cary Bates (plot), Elliot S! Maggin/Curt Swan/Dave Hunt

This one starts with Vartox, in a deep state of unconsciousness, inside a comet in the far reaches of space. The comet runs into an alien spaceship, dislodging Vartox, who can’t remember who he is or how he got there. His heroic instincts are intact though, and he immediately tries to help the stricken ship. Continue reading “Comics Reviews: Superman 390, Action 550, DC Comics Presents 64, Warlord 75”