ACTION COMICS #454 FACSIMILE EDITION DC COMICS
Unless the new Supergirl movie is going to show that Superman loves hamburgers, I have no idea why DC decided to reprint this one. Unless, of course, they have finally figured out that these comics will always be better than the over-complicated, multi-title crossovers that take over a year to get through that is being put out these days. In one simple issue we get a faceoff between the 1970’s version of the Toyman, an obvious reference to the real life energy crisis that people of the time were worrying about, So when the Man of Steel starts to find his powers waining, he’s got to keep eating more and more calories. Silly, enjoyable, good clean fun with an enviromental message. Throw in a two page Tarzan Pom Poms candy ad by the stunning Joe Kubert and a bonus Atom back up as the Mighty Mite battles plants gone mad. And all originally for twenty-five cents in September of 1975. 9 out of 10 Grahams.
FURY OF FIRESTORM #1 DC COMICS
You would have thought the DC would have learned after the disasterous 2nd phase of the New 52 but no, now we are recreating that with the Next Level or All In phase two. And as much as I would love to bad mouth this new old title, I have to acknowledge that writer Jeff Lemire has not only done his research but has crafted a really interesting story. All versions of Firestorm get a moment and regulars Ronny Raymond, Professor Martin Stein, and Lorraine Reilly all return. And the question raised is What Happens If the Firestorm Matrix became sentient? Helping tell the tale, artist Rafael De Latorre bounces back and forth with art styles making this a visually appealling book. 8 out of 10 Grahams.
SUPERMAN’S PAL JIMMY OLSEN #115 FACSIMILE EDITION
DC proves once again that the old stories are the best as we jump back to August of 1968. A time when Superman had a pal and a girlfriend that had their own titles. My only complaint back then was why didn’t DC have a title called Superman’s Boss Perry White. However, at the time, Aquaman was having a bit of a resurgence and was popping up here and there. He had joined Lois Lane in an issue of her title and writer Leo Dorfman made good use of the character as Jimmy is granted aquatic powers and takes over as the ruler of the seven seas. Plus a secondary tale as a new member of the Jimmy Olsen Clubhouse decides to discover Superman’s secret identity. More nostalgic fun from a time when a single issue of a comic could keep you entertained all month. 9 out of 10 Grahams.
CRITTER #11 ANTARCTIC PRESS
The adventures in the Critterverse continue as a ‘simple’ bodyguard gig starts to go sideways when the diva magician the girls are supposed to be guarding summons up a fire demon at her premier Vegas show. Along with being in a casino with more in your face references to a certain hot place, can the kittens do the job? Tom Hutchison’s storyline continue to gain momentum. And whether it is a phasing hand or a ghostly girl with cat ears, artist Fico Ossio does a fine job with not only the art but the colors as well. And with letterer Kel Nuttall illustraiting Hutchison’s words, we have a perfect example of independant comics at their best. 8 out of 10 Grahams.