DOOM PATROL #1 DC COMICS
Ever since their first appearance in My Greatest Adventures, the Doom Patrol has held a specialplace in my heart. This was an interesting time in DC history. Super-Hero title were back but everyday heroes like the Challengers of the Unknown, the Sea Devils, and Rip Hunter and his Time Masters were taking center stage. And the Doom Patrol had that edge to it that made it seem more dark and dire. The problem was that after it’s initial run, nobody was able to catch that lightning in a bottle from the first series. Over the years, multiple attempts have been made to bring the team back. None have been able to pull it off long term. And I fear that this is going to be one of those. Somehow tying into some new Next Level event that hasn’t happened yet and that’s never a good start. Darcy Van Poelgeest’s story is a little all over the place not being able to decide whether it’s serious or humorous. (In all fairness, other Doom Patrol titles have also bounced back and forth.) Niko Henrichon’s art style is appropriate here as we join our team facing the bottom of the barrel in regards to cases. Cliff is still Cliff, Larry is still weird, and Rita seems a little meaner than before. It also leaves us on a cliffhangar that is way too deep for even me. I really want to like this title but I fear it’s only here for as long as the Next Level overarching plot needs it. 6 out of 10 Grahams.
LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #1 DC COMICS
Another one of the Next Level new titles phase 2 or is it 3? After ll this time, you would think that bringing back the Legion would be a bigger deal. But this is a new interpretation. Brainiac 1 of 5 (?) is a privite investagator with Matter-Eater Lad as a sidekick. Super-powers are banned in the United Planets. Superboy has a vague connection to the not yet developed team. And it’s number one member is Lightning Lord?! Oh, and RJ Brande is dead. Murdered, it appears. This is definitely not my Legion. And Hayden Sherman’ art style doesn’t really appeal to me. In certain cases, the characters look too young. I had hoped for so much more from DC in this returning title. I got let down. 4 out of 10 Grahams.
BATMAN/SUPERMAN/WEIRD AL WORLD’S WEIRDEST #1
DC has always had a unique relationship with comedians. Bob Hope. Jerry Lewis. Don Rickles. And like all those comedians, Weird Al seems to fit right in. And when you put Mark Waid (with help from Tyrone Finch!) you know you’re going to get one doozy of a story. And like any version of World’s Finest involving Weird Al, Mr. Mxyzptlk, and Mark Waid’s knowledge of the DC verse, you have to read and reread every page cause they are chalk full of insider jokes and cute cameos. Zatanna working a kid’s birthday party and swearing at the birthday boy! The return of Mr. Nobody! And the guys dressing in Ben Cooper Halloween Costumes! Priceless! A really fine tale that delivers a notable message. Totally worth the price of admission! 9 out of 10 Grahams.
MADAME TARANTULA #2 VON HOFFMAN PUBLISHING
When I was a much younger man, I discovered a Warren Magazine called the Rook. A black and white magazine that made very little sense to me at the time. A cowboy time-traveller whose ship was a giant chess piece? With a robot associate, he had ties to H.G. Wells and Sherlock Holmes. It was all fantastic. Madame Tarantula gives me that same feeling of discovery. Not sure if I’m getting everything but I am fascinated by it. The western gear, the six-guns against robots, a heroine much like bright eyes from the Dollars trilogy. Just what in the Sam Hill is going on here? Don’t tell me though. I like the mystery. And it all looks nice thanks to the creative art of Mike Hoffman, Antonio Conversano, and Val Mayerik. Great art, intriguing stories, what more could you ask for? 9 out of 10 Grahams.