Happy Thanksgiving!!

IMO - Toys better than Comic: DC Super Powers

In 1984 DC Comics introduced one of the best toys lines, the Super Powers Collection. It had the "Big Seven" Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkman, Aquaman and Batman plus Robin of course. There were only 4 villains Lex Luthor, Joker, Penguin and Brainiac.

Each figure had a "super power" when you squeezed their arms or legs. Some came with accessories like Wonder Woman's lasso of truth, Joker's sledge hammer or Penguin's umbrella. Of course being a kid at the time I had all these and played with them religiously. They interacted with my GI Joe's too. That's a crossover we'll never see.

At the same time the toy line was being launched DC also released a comic of the same name.

The 5 issue Super Powers series was written by comics legend Jack Kirby. He also drew the covers along with interior art on issue 5.

The story started out strong enough with evil Darkseid plotting to take over Earth. Providing portions of his power to four generals, who in turn passed those powers along to the four super villains.

Of course Lex, Joker and Penguin all fail leaving Brainac as the last villain standing. Brainiac chooses Wonder Woman and her Amazon sisters as his targets and plans to use them to create war and destruction across Earth.

He abandons this plan after seeing his most hated foe Superman. Brainiac decides Superman would be a better weapon as a de-evolved caveman.

The other heroes must now battle Superman along with trying to find a way to help him.

This is when the story takes a turn for the worse. The heroes, plus villains, are all transported to Apokolips while Darkseid's troops are sent to Earth.

Metron arrives, gathers the heroes and villains into some sort of "brain booster" and defeats Darkseid. blah blah blah.

Seemed like the ending was rushed or not all that thought out.

The artist on the book, Adrian Gonzales, did a good job of emulating Jack Kirby's unique art style. One page in particle also stuck out at me, more for the ubsurdity than anything else. Joker has been talking to a psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum. Delving into his past to determine what might be the cause of Joker's madness.

Seeing him as a baby Joker and both parents with Joker features is just silly and totally over the top.

In my opinion you should skip over this mini series and go right to playing with the toys.
Maybe the second series which came out with the second wave of toys is better. I won't hold my breath.

Birthday/X-Mas wish list

My birthday is a couple of weeks away. More hints and suggestions of what I'd like.

If you think the Wonder Woman Underoos, belt with lasso, tiara and braclets are too gay, you don't know me very well. 

Advertising, it Works! : Cosmic Odyssey

I found this ad for Cosmic Odyssey, a 4 part mini series that came out 1988. I remember seeing this series then, but not really being a fan of the New Gods I didn't read it.

Got the collected trade paperback so thought I'd give it a shot. 

John Stewart is Green Lantern but he's too cocky, which has devastating results. His arrogance leads to a planet exploding. Killing all the inhabitants.

John doesn't handle his tragic mistake well and contemplates suicide.

J'onn J'onzz, Martian Manhunter, expresses his disappointment in Green Lantern. Doesn't feel he's strong enough to handle being a hero. 

Orion also wreaks havoc, to Superman's surprise. He had only wanted Orion to create a diversion not to slaughter people in cold blood.

Batman + Orion = One Punch!
Batman has a way of telling people he's had enough of them and their attitude. Seems he feels the same towards Orion as he does Guy Gardner.

Those moments made this story worth reading.  

Along with learning more about the Anti-Life Equation, first team ups for some characters, and a dramatic save by Doctor Fate. 

Some story elements also seem to be tied to later stories. John Stewart in Green Lantern: Mosaic, Darkseid and the Anti-Life Equation in Final Crisis. Starfire and Adam Strange in 52. 

Birthday / Xmas Wish List

"By Your Command"

Its my birthday month and I think Matt would like this too

IMO - Contest Time: Superman Movie vs Wonder Woman TV Show

Both contests have great 1st prizes! And both include a trip to DC Comics offices in NYC.

   But which would you rather win?

Wonder Woman TV Series -
  Daring Rescue Contest

   1st prize - Become part of upcoming Wonder Woman story

the Great Superman Movie Contest - 

  1st prize " A Role in the Upcoming Movie! " 

Its a hard choice this time. I want them both!  Superman contest has better 2nd prizes.

It's Saturday Morning!

What's good on to watch?

IMO - Which looks better?

Mister Miracle 1970's series by Steve Englehart and Marshall Rogers

 

or  

Mister Miracle 1990's series by J.M DeMatteis and Ian Gibson 

Without having read either one, in my opinion, I'd have to pick the Englehart and Rogers series. If for nothing else the awesome Marshall Rogers art. 

Retro Read - Trial of the Flash

Before a trial you need a crime!

Reverse Flash - Professor Zoom - is dead.
         Flash is charged with killing him.

After a long and difficult trial, the verdict is in -

Flash series ends on a bitter sweet note. Reunited with his lost love, Iris, in the future. Several centuries in the future.

Definitely an iconic, memorable story. 

The art by Carmine Infantino was great and couldn't have looked better. 

DC Comics drops cover prices!

Thought this was timely with current DC comics dropping in price from $3.99 to $2.99

Birthday / X-Mas wish list!

It's that time of year for a new calendar too!