The Return Of Superman 30th Anniversary Special #1 [Part Two] - DC Comics

THE RETURN OF SUPERMAN 30th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL No. 1, December 2023

Opening this anthology book’s second half, Karl Kesel’s "The Metropolis Kid" is probably the comic’s most touching tale, courtesy of a twelve-page script which focuses upon just why Superboy convinced Perry White to believe in him despite the adolescent’s arrogant bravado and cockiness. Indeed, the Ontario County-born writer does a first-rate job in depicting the shades-wearing Kon-El as a well-meaning metahuman, who whilst happy to hog the limelight from a local fire’s real first responders, arguably does so with the best intentions at heart – and even attempts to later make up for what the youth sees as his mistake by flying a replacement skateboard to his “favourite grommet” when the original is blow apart by an errant shot from Bloodsport’s LexCorp-produced firearm.

Nobly assisting the penmanship for this story, especially once the narrative turns in favour of a much more action-packed shoot-out between the genetically-engineered Kryptonian clone and the villainous Robert DuBois, is Tom Grummett, whose energy-packed fight scenes add plenty of “Blam Blam Blam” to the duo’s sadly short-lived confrontation. Furthermore, Superboy’s co-creator appears very good at depicting Bloodsport’s facial horror at discovering that the “microscopic coating of Kryptonite” on his bullet-tips has no effect on the wannabe Man of Steel.

Finishing off “this special that’s sure to be a classic in the future” is "Betrayal" by Dan Jurgens. Initially focusing upon the Daily Planet’s mistake of publicly stating “Superman Is Back” in the guise of Hank Henshaw, this tale eventually moves on to Metropolis’ modern-day problem with the mass-murdering cyborg as he almost effortlessly defeats a combined assault upon him by Superboy, Steel and the Eradicator; “I was afraid this’d be over by the time I got here. Not that I’m hoping for rampant destruction, death, and mayhem, you understand.”

Essentially a somewhat sentimentally sweet apology by the newspaper’s Editor-In-Chief to the genuine Justice Leaguer, this yarn’s already quite palpable sense of drama is debatably doubled once the Phantom Zone-bound antagonist discloses he’s simply seeking a means to reincarnate his dead wife and friends, rather than “create a new Engine City.” Such motivation genuinely causes something of a dilemma, as no reader will understandably forgive Henshaw for “incinerating seven million men, women and children.” Yet, the former Astronaut’s current desire to simply resurrect his ‘loved ones’ is a much more reasonable incentive, and one many a bibliophile might sympathise with.

The regular cover art of "THE RETURN OF SUPERMAN 30th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL" #1 by Dan Jurgens

Sgt. Flag #2 - G-Man Comics

SGT. FLAG No. 2, May 2023

In many ways a straightforward no-holds barred scrap between the titular character and Pteranodon-like super-villain Omicronbie, Rik Offenberger’s script for Issue Two of “Sgt. Flag” still manages to provide the ex-sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps with some enjoyable development. In fact, “Virus” seems to show a genuinely remorseful aspect to the ordinarily arrogant special agent’s personality, whether it be his sorrow at seeing the grotesque, crucified corpse of a dead comrade-in-arms, or slightly tongue-in-cheek acknowledgement as to Christopher Squires’ comprehensive clean-up operation following the hero’s most recent mission; “Sorry, didn’t know you were so touchy about the kid.”

Equally as intriguing as Rob McFarlane’s growth though, is the brief insight into the sadly short-lived career of Mister Mystery and the mask-wearing operative’s decidedly deadly first encounter with his eventual murderer. Looking somewhat like an amalgamation of the Green Lantern and Riddler, the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) operative’s special abilities are surprisingly never shown on the printed page. However, even in this comic's fleeting flashback, the predominantly jade-coloured character should still create a few exciting possibilities as to his crime-fighting capabilities in the mind of the more imaginative bibliophile.

Ultimately however, Offenberger’s “love to letter to my favourite Nineties’ comics, with all the macho action that made them famous” succeeds thanks to its breathtakingly frantic finale in which Flag appears to be repeatedly cornered by his would-be-killer, only to snatch up yet another well-placed firearm or grenade. This chase sequence, claustrophobically contained within the gung-ho G-Man’s rental home is absolutely captivating, and will surely force any reader encountering it to hold their breath quite literally until McFarlane has smashed through the building’s upper-floor window and subsequently blown it sky high with a spectacularly 'loud' splash-page explosion.

Of course, adding much of the dynamism to these marvellous moments is Gilbert Monsanto, whose phenomenal pencilling really adds a dangerous raw edge to both Rob’s attitude and belligerent behaviour. The former chief instructor for Whilce Portacio’s comic creation school in Manila makes it crystal clear with his sketching that a foul-mouthed Sgt. Flag is purely out for revenge, and cares little for the chaotic collateral damage his hot-headed plan will cause – except perhaps the non-return of his security deposit.

The regular cover art of "SGT. FLAG" #2 by Mike Gustovich

Moon Knight [2021] Annual #1 - Marvel Comics

MOON KNIGHT ANNUAL No. 1, December 2022

Undeniably containing plenty of spooky shenanigans, courtesy of a script which is chock-full of Werewolves, Vampires and super-heroes, Jed MacKay’s penmanship for this annual must have pleased the vast majority of its audience upon its release in October 2022. But whilst the Canadian writer does a sterling job in setting up a seemingly no-win situation for the titular character as he faces arch-nemesis Jack Russell in a supposed battle for Diatrice Alraune’s life, some of the contrivances which need to occur for the Darkhold’s prophecy to occur and subsequently fail are a little hard to believe; “I’ve come a long way from Malibu, Marc. I realised that this curse wasn’t about me.”

For openers, Marlene’s accusation that her daughter’s abduction at the hands of the original Werewolf by Night is all Moon Knight’s fault is a bit far-fetched, considering she is the person who bought the young girl back to America from the safety of France because “I thought we would be okay.” Sure, the adolescent was kidnapped by lycanthropes in order to impel the Fist of Khonshu into a ‘final’ showdown with the Legion of Monsters member. But none of the events depicted within this thirty-page tome would ever have taken place if the woman hadn’t unwisely chosen to attend her ex-husband’s funeral and brought Diatrice with her.

Furthermore, if all the former West Coast Avenger had to do was wait until “the terrestrial alignment or whatever is over” for Russell’s plan to fail, then why didn’t he do just that once Yehya Badr informed him about the prediction’s crucial planetary orientation.? Instead, this publication’s protagonists recklessly smash a silver-laden automobile straight through the front door of Jack’s hideout, violently wade into a pack of werewolves and resultantly repeatedly risk the girl’s life before she testily admonishes them herself once the configuration is over.

Happily however, those bibliophiles able to overlook these quibbles should still find this comic to be a rather enjoyable, pulse-pounding publication, largely thanks to some prodigious pencilling by Federico Sabbatini. Indeed, the Italian illustrator’s ability to sketch Spector’s shrouded alter-ego smacking both Russell and his fur-covered cronies about is one of the highlights of this book, alongside Khonshu’s evil-looking shadow as the Egyptian deity urges Hunter’s Moon to cold-bloodedly kill Diatrice once he finds her.

Writer: Jed MacKay, Artist: Federico Sabbatini, and Color Artist: Rachelle Rosenberg

The Return Of Superman 30th Anniversary Special #1 [Part One] - DC Comics

THE RETURN OF SUPERMAN 30th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL No. 1, December 2023

Arguably reading more like a memorial to the unconscious, hospital-bound editor-in-chief of the Daily Planet than the actual Man of Steel, this Thirtieth Anniversary Special for “The Return Of Superman” certainly still captures the audience’s attention by having Cyborg Superman shockingly attack S.T.A.R. (Scientific and Technological Advanced Research) Laboratories for no discernible reason. However, Henry "Hank" Henshaw’s treacherous assault upon the advanced scientific research facility is sadly soon side-lined in favour of several authors simply penning a series of short, character-focused yarns that individually target the “Four Supermen [who] Rose To The Challenge” of replacing Kal-El following the Kryptonian’s apparent death over three decades ago.

First up is “Speed!” by Louise Simonson, which depicts John Henry Irons’ armour-encased alter-ego battling a carload of laser cannon-carrying criminals, who unwisely decide that Metropolis’ recent blackout is the perfect opportunity for them to stake their claim on a local block of hapless residents. Prodigiously pencilled by Jon Bogdanove, this fast-paced fight fest is visually somewhat reminiscent of Frank Miller’s more recent art-style and resultantly crackles with raw energy as Steel tackles a pair of toastmasters in front of a cheering crowd; “Bet this’ll stop the bad guys the next time they show up around here!”

Slightly more thoughtful is Jerry Ordway’s “…He Had Me Thinking He Was Superman…”, a twelve-page investigative piece that centres around Perry White’s first encounter with the utterly merciless Eradicator, and shows that the elderly reporter can still ‘follow his nose’ to a good story whenever the opportunity arises. Indeed, in many ways the ancient extra-terrestrial vigilante takes a back seat to the newspaperman, as Lois Lane’s boss not only intercepts the analogue radio wave used by the tale’s arms traffickers. But also interviews enough bystanders to determine where the much sought after weapons shipment is being loaded.

Equally as enticing with his illustrations as his penmanship, the American author/artist does an excellent job of selling some of this one-shot’s contrivances to his audience by repeatedly sketching White as a savvy-headed individual who knows just where and when to be to get a scoop. Furthermore, this yarn’s layouts perfectly portray Eradicator’s machine-like, emotionless pursuit of justice and inhumane willingness to prosecute evil-doers far beyond what is acceptable to Metropolis’ Police Department.

The regular cover art of "THE RETURN OF SUPERMAN 30th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL" #1 by Dan Jurgens

Blowtorch: Bad Roads #1 - Page1 Comics

BLOWTORCH: BAD ROADS No. 1, November 2023

Described in its solicitation synopsis as “the bare-knuckled, rough and tumble, gritty, bloody crime thriller you’ve been waiting for”, Alex De-Gruchy’s script for Issue One of “Blowtorch: Bad Roads” definitely lives up to its promise of being an utterly uncompromising twenty-two-page periodical packed full of savage violence and edge-of-your-seat shenanigans. In fact, arguably ensnaring something of Derek Kolstad’s neo-noir action franchise “John Wick”, this comic should captivate its audience’s attention just as soon as the ex-military mercenary’s sport utility vehicle is stolen from a petrol station and its owner menacingly vows to track the thieves down.

Delightfully though, Alfred Paige’s mask-wearing creation doesn’t simply wade into the local criminals’ hideout all guns blazing as some less well fleshed out characters might do, and instead initially bides his time watching his opponents – even when the gang’s leader mercilessly cuts the throat of one hapless fellow hoodlum who unwisely was stealing drugs money from him; “Make sure they weigh him down enough, I don’t want his bones ever seeing the light a’ day.” This patient approach makes the subsequent firefight all the more genuine and believable, especially when its generated by the C.H.E.S.S. operative understandably thinking that a helplessly bound boy in a wooden shed is probably a prisoner, rather than the boss’s disconcertingly loyal lad.

Of course the big pull for any perusing bibliophiles is the insane action which occurs once Blowtorch heads for his pilfered vehicle and starts gunning down anyone foolish enough to get in his way. Rather excitingly, this exchange of bullets does not go all one way either, as Richard encounters much more resistance than he was anticipating. Indeed, one of this book’s best moments comes after the cold-blooded killer is back in the seat of his beloved SUV and attempting to make an unsuccessful drive for freedom.

Equally as good at pencilling as De-Gruchy and Paige are story-telling is Igor Kurilin, whose black and white panels add a distinctly dark and foreboding night-time ambience to the publication’s layouts. The illustrator proves especially good at capturing all the last second decision-making that takes place within the former soldier’s mind, as events increasingly grow out-of-hand due to more and more of Conroy’s heavily-armed minions congregating upon his progressively perilous position outside a farmhouse.

Creator: Alfred Paige, Script: Alex De-Gruchy, and Art: Igor Kurilin

Simon N. Kirby, The Agent #5 - G-Man Comics

SIMON N. KIRBY, THE AGENT No. 5, June 2022

Providing an intriguing insight into the technological development of Simon N. Kirby’s cutting-edge super-suit inside the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Washington D.C. field offices, Rik Offenberger’s script for “Aktion!” must have ticked a lot of boxes for comic book fans who simply enjoy pulse-pounding pugilism and decidedly dirty treachery. In fact, this twenty-page story is arguably pretty much faultless as it quickly grabs the reader by the scruff of neck just as soon as disloyal laboratory assistant Mark Hollister cold-bloodedly murders poor Doctor Haas before the scientist has finished calibrating his latest ceramic trauma plate prototype.

Delightfully though, this publication isn’t simply about having the Rothlander Industries insider tackle the G-Men’s Quantico-educated leader in a one-on-one fist-fight either, with the Swastika-wearing Nazi villain soon being swapped out for the much more formidable Tigerstrike. Able to withstand an early onslaught by a number of the Agent’s best operatives, this villain’s assault upon the best the Super Service can provide is impressively mesmerising, especially once it becomes clear that Tony Tarantino’s striped alter-ego isn’t at all phased by the sizeable number of Kirby’s fellow protagonists confronting him; “Like the man said, I could do this all day!”

Ably adding plenty of “Thwamm!”, “Thwomp!” and “Waauugghh!!” to these Caped Agent Program proceedings are the prodigious pencils of Alan Faria, which do a great job in both depicting the sheer busyness of the brutal battle and the plethora of colourfully-costumed combatants it contains. In addition, the artist is very good at illustrating the sheer sense of betrayal upon the “third-generation” F.B.I. Special Agent’s face and the hero’s determination to best the Aryan Alliance’s disagreeable weretiger before he makes a bold escape underground.

Slightly more tongue-in-cheek is Offenberger’s “Twenty-One Candles”, an eight-pager whose opening birthday celebration scene and subsequent dance sequence at Club Baby Seals noticeably contrasts with the distinctly serious nature of this comic’s main narrative. Proficiently sketched by Dean Juliette, this tale provides plenty of spotlight upon some of the G-Men’s female members, such as Pocahontas, Maya Santiago, and the original Bette Noir. But suddenly turns disconcertingly dark upon the arrival of the colossal Xadrian and the mad deity’s grisly demise via Atomik Bombshell’s deadly microwaves.

The regular cover art of "SIMON N. KIRBY, THE AGENT" #5 by Alan Faria

Unstoppable Doom Patrol #6 - DC Comics

UNSTOPPABLE DOOM PATROL No. 6, November 2023

Packing every sort of super-villain a comic collector could imagine within its twenty-two-page plot, including a walking/talking pachyderm, Issue Six of “Unstoppable Doom Patrol” must surely have mesmerised its audience with its unrelentingly assault upon each reader’s senses. Sure, the pulse-pounding pugilism never stops as the titular characters are “caught off guard” by the Brotherhood of Evil in their very own headquarters. But American author Dennis Culver still somehow manages to provide several of the team’s roster with some notable character development, especially the likes of Niles Caulder, the Man of Muscle Mystery and the members of “the all-new Flex Force.”

Furthermore, this book contains an impressive hook straight from the start in the form of Flex Mentallo providing his fresh-faced, inexperienced trainees with “the ultimate test” against the Chief’s A-listers. This sort of narrative will arguably take many a nostalgia-hungry bibliophile back to the days of Stan Lee’s New Mutants and Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, as the inexperienced squad attempt to “capture the flag” from a determined Robot Man, Elasti-Woman and Negative Man.

However, this publication doesn’t stop there, due to General Immortus launching “his attack against the Doom Patrol right in the heart of their home base, the Shelter” and readily revoking memories of Magneto’s many assaults against the Uncanny X-Men with his Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. So savage a sudden strike allows the writer to pen plenty of the aforementioned high-octane-laced pandemonium, whilst simultaneously intriguing his audience with all the different special abilities the numerous metahumans on show seem to impossibly possess; “Invisibility! Invulnerability! Super-speed! She’s got every power you haven’t thought of, so start naming them! Super-strength! Heat Vision!”

Working his own magic throughout this publication is artist Chris Burnham and colorist Brian Reber, whose talents combine together to create some truly memorable panels, such as when Robot Man absolutely smacks the overly-confident Elephant Man straight into tomorrow with a sock to his tusk-filled jaw. In addition, towards the end of the comic, when the Immortal Flame and Monsieur Mallah seeks to seemingly raise Dorothy Spinner back from the Dead, the illustrators do a marvellous job of imbuing the creepy night-time scene with all the palpable trepidation and strangeness anticipated for so unnatural a sequence.

Writer: Dennis Culver, Artist: Chris Burnham, and Colorist: Brian Reber