AQUAMAN #9 DC COMICS
Well, after 8 issues of a storyline that I really having nothing nice to say about, Aquaman is back in his original reality. He’s come back to us without a hook for a hand, so at least we’ve got that. And we didn’t get a lengthy explination about his new abilities. And, he did get a shave. All in all, I’m calling this one a win. With a guest appearance by Justice League Unlimited members, Aquaman comes back to us with a new set of allies including Wonder Twin Zan and old sorcerer pal, Arion. And while I really enjoyed Aquaman telling Batman that he didn’t want to be tested, he doesn’t want his people becoming Justice League Blue, and generally pissing Batman off, this return feels off. But the final page mystery does promote some interest. Let’s see if writer Jeremy Adams can get us back on track. I’d go with a 7 out of 10 Grahams.
BLUE FALCON & DYNOMUTT #1 DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT
When the Blue Falcon and Dynomut first appeared on Saturday mornings in 1976, he was a rather ordinary super-hero. His bird motif secret identity had been done over and over. Blue Falcon meet the Owl, Hawkman, Birdman, the Falcon, Marvel’s Nighthawk, etc, etc. Borrowing much from the well worn rich men turned super-hero concept such as Batman, Green Arrow, Green Hornet, Iron Man, etc, etc. Having a goofy sidekick robot dog made it more appealing to the children watching. The fact that the Blue Falcon didn’t even get billing in the show’s title just went to prove that he wasn’t all that important. But as time went on and Blue Falcon made some cameos, we quickly got to know the character. We were never initially given an origin story or backstory of his lair, airship, or even Dynomutt. His special appearance in the Dexter’s Laboratory episode Dyno-mite, was amazing and was definitely an homage to the 1960’s Batman television show. And the passing of the Blue Falcon mantle to his son in the Scoob! movie was spot on. So with Jimmy Palmiotti’s story filling in some of the original’s backstory, I’m not sure if I’m happy. Part of the joy of the first Blue Falcon was his lack of a backstory. Like a few other heroes I can think of, when they finally got a detailed backstory, they lost some of their interest. Plus, the bad guys shoot his dog! I mean, that just ain’t right. (Yes. I get it. The dog has to be injuried so he can get the cool robotic upgrades. That doesn’t mean it’s right.) What I do like most about this is that Blue Falcon is still the super-hero he once was. A real life super-hero existing in a Hanna-Barbera world. I am willing to see where this goes after Dynomutt is created. 7 out of 10 Grahams.
RETURN TO SKULL ISLAND #3 TITAN COMICS
Any one else getting a certain 1966 Toei cartoon feel from the cover alone. And the lightning makes me stronger joke three pages in means someone knows their 1962 King Kong vs Godzilla movie history. And while I can certainly appreciate this little references, what we have here is still a Kong book without much Kong. And so far, many of the other inhabitants of Skull Island don’t seem all that dangerous. Which is ggod as apparently wounded Kong is in a cave sniffing Vicks Vapo-rub. Writer Simon Furman’s story is good but it’s not a Kong story. And artist Christopher Jones does a great job of illustrating characters. I just wish he could get to do more with Kong. 6 out of 10 Grahams.
