JAY GARRICK: THE FLASH #3 DC COMICS
Jeremy Adams continues to prove he can navigate the Golden Age as he gives us a taste of the JSA’s big 5 in a wonderful flashback intro. My only question is, I thought that due to the Spear of Destiny, the JSA were unable to enter Germany? Maybe, I’ve got my time frame wrong or Wutach Canyon was in a remote part of Germany that fell outside the Spear’s influence? Never mind, I digress. But after a really well done flashback (no pun intended!) we get a thought provoking explination for the results of temporal disruption from Mr. Terrific. A great use of a cameo by Quiz Kid and Fairplay and the revelation as to the identity of the long lost Golden Age version of villian Mr. Element know as Doctor Elemental keep the excitment going. Plus, I must admit, the father/daughter discussion about keeping an eye on each other was true. And Diego Olortegui’s art does really well to keep the vibe going. I give it a 9 out of 10 Grahams.
ALTER EGO #185 TWOMORROW PUBLISHING
It’s when issues of Alter Ego highlight long forgotten heroes and villains from defunct publishing houses that I believe they do some of their finest work. These titles are the foundation for the comics of today. Like Ice Man from the X-man? Then, check out the Sub-Zero Man! Like the Red Tornado? Then check out the Twister! The comic output of Novelty/Curtis Press was some of the earliest comics having been set up in 1940. The publisher had ties to Centaur Comics and National (aka DC) Comics. So when they decided to create their own, it led to an epic 9 year run. And not only is the history all spelled out here, it also provides tantalising glances of the heroes that were appearing in such titles as Target Comics, and Blue Bolt. With characters such as Sergeant Spook, Spacehawk, and the Chameleon, they might not have been as dramatic as some other heroes but they had their loyal fans. Page after page filled with the Target and the Targeteers and White Streak drawn by such legendary greats as Simon & Kirby, Bill Everett, Basil Wolverton, and Paul Gustavson. This is a terrific look back at the history of comics that many younger fans have no idea about. The Twister currently appears in an independant comics called The Masters. So they still have their appeal. Rabbit holes like these are a true joy to tumble down. I give it a 10 out of 10 Grahams.
WITH ALL THE GODZILLA TITLE OUT THIS WEEK, I DECIDED TO PAY A VISIT TO RESIDENT GODZILLA EXPERT, SLY HONDO AT THE IMAGINARY CABLE ACCESS STUDIOS OF WSTV TO GET SOME FRESH OPINIONS.
We both agreed that Godzilla Rivals Jet Jaguar versus Megalon was a great use of two more obscure characters in the Godzilla universe. Nola Pfau’s story provides pleanty of action and kaiju battles. It also does a good job touching upon the subject of attempted suicide. Even providing a reader warning and a list of resources to deal with the issue. And while other comic titles have been more detailed in their depictions, Megan Huang does well in the general look of the kaiju. We agreed that it earned an 8 out of 10 Grahams.
Godzilla War For Humanity was a different story. While I loved the variety of characters from Toho stable and could handle the 1960’s underground comic art style of Jake Smith, Sly wasn’t thrilled with the ‘bursting at the seams’ amount of kaiju and thought the art was a bit cartoony. We settled on a 7 out 10 Grahams.
We also tended to disagree with Justice League vs Godzilla vs Kong. Sly liked the interactions between all the characters. And to be honest, I think he really enjoyed pointing out that Godzilla took down Superman. We did agree that Christian Duce’s art really does justice (again, no pun intended!) to not only the Kaiju creatures but the human characters as well. As well as the dialog and emotions between the heroes and villains in Brian Buccellato’s script. But I had a hard time not looking at the title as an obvious cash grab and I will admit to not really liking the newer kaiju creatures created in the Legendary Film Universe. Again, we agreed to disagree and gave it a 7 out of 10 Grahams.
