Showing posts with label DC Comics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DC Comics. Show all posts

Thursday, December 7, 2023

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #124

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #124
DC COMICS

STORY: Ivan Cohen; Sholly Fisch
PENCILS: Walter Carzon; Robert Pope
INKS: Horacio Ottolini; Scott McRae
COLORS: Silvana Brys; Heroic Age
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Dezi Sienty
EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Kwanza Johnson (reprint)
COVER: Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini with Silvana Brys
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (December 2023)

Ages 8+

“Driven to Crime”

Welcome, dear readers, to my continuing journey through the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series, which began publication in 2010.  I continue to renew my subscription so that I can continue to review this series for you, dear readers.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #124 opens with “Driven to Crime,” which is written by Ivan Cohen and drawn by Walter Carzon (pencils) and Horacio Ottolini (inks).  The story finds Mystery Inc.Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma visiting the set of the television series, “Riding Around with Celebrities in My Town.”

The host, Len, informs the gang that he is planning a spin-off series, “Flying Around with Celebrities Above Town.”  However, a gruesome ghost that calls itself “the Aviator” is totally against anyone flying around his unfriendly skies.  Now, it's up to Scooby and company to ground this wraith.

As usual, the second story, “Just Plane Spooked,” is a reprint story and is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Robert Pope and Scott McRae.  [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #18 (cover date: April 2012).]  The story finds Mystery Inc. visiting the owner of the airline company, “Receding Airlines.”  It seems that his airline's flights are being haunted by the ghost of “Cordelia Fairheart,” a famous female aviator (“aviatrix”) who disappeared with her plane over the ocean over eighty years ago.  Now, in order to solve this mystery, Shaggy and company will have to do something that absolutely scares him – take a flight!

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #124 has as a theme aviator ghosts.  The new story, “Driven to Crime,” which is drawn by one of my favorite Scooby-Doo comic book art teams, Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini, is surprisingly different.  The best part of it is its unusual ending, which is more about restorative justice than criminal justice.

The reprint story, “Just Plane Spooked,” is produced by another of my favorite Scooby-Doo creative teams, that of writer Sholly Fisch and artists Robert Pope and Scott McRae.  Although the ending is typical, the story still stands out because the storytellers sell the idea that flying in an airplane practically drives Shaggy bonkers, and that turns out to be funnier than I expected.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #124 is a fun read, and is, like issue #123, an exceptional issue.  So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read it, and maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie, later.  And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

B+
★★★½ out of 4 stars

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Young Alfred: Pain in the Butler” by Michael Northrop and Sam Lotfi.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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Thursday, September 28, 2023

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #123

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #123
DC COMICS

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Sholly Fisch
PENCILS: Valerio Chiola; Robert Pope
INKS: Valerio Chiola; Scott McRae
COLORS: Valerio Chiola; Candace Schinzler-Bell
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte
EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Adam Ansari (reprint)
COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Valerio Chiola
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (October 2023)

Ages 8+

“Swede and Sour”

Welcome, dear readers, to my continuing journey through the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series, which began publication in 2010.  I continue to renew my subscription so that I can continue to review this series for you, dear readers.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #123 opens with “Swede and Sour,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Valerio Chiola.  The story finds Mystery Inc.Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma attending Coolsville's very own Swedish festival, “Välkommen.”

However, a “draugr,” an undead creature from Scandinavian sagas and folktales, is also attending the festival.  This draugr, which appears as an undead, reanimated Viking, is ruining the festival.  Can Shaggy and Scooby solve this case with the help of a smelly fish dish?

As usual, the second story, “A Midsummer Night's Scream,” is a reprint story and is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Robert Pope and Scott McRae.  [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #49 (cover date: November 2014).]  The story finds Mystery Inc. attending the “Shakespeare Outdoors” festival's production of William Shakespeare's beloved play, “A Midnight Summer's Dream.”

Now, some of the play's most famous characters have come to life and are raising magical havoc.  Can Mystery Inc. solve the mystery and Shaggy's donkey head?

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #123 has as a theme summer festivals.  “Swede and Sour” is a surprise.  Valerio Chiola's pliable compositions give this kooky story a sense of motion, so Derek Fridolfs' story results in an odd treat.  Still, I don't think this “draugr” was played to the hilt.

“A Midsummer Night's Scream,” the reprint story, is this issue's better story.  Sholly Fisch is one of my favorite Scooby-Doo comic book writers (as is Fridolfs).  This Shakespearean riff is beginning to end kooky.  It is one of the most unexpected Scooby-Doo comic book stories I've ever read, and it offers the best “bad guys” I think I've ever come across in this series.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #123 is a fun read and also an exceptional issue.  So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read it, and maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie, later.  And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

B+
★★★½ out of 4 stars

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Fann Club: Batman Squad” by Jim Benton.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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Friday, August 18, 2023

#IReadsYou Movie Review: BLUE BEETLE

Blue Beetle (2023)

Running time:  127 minutes (2 hours, 7 minutes)
MPA – PG-13 for sequences of action and violence, language, and some suggestive references
DIRECTOR:  Angel Manuel Soto
WRITER:  Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer (based on characters from DC Comics)
PRODUCERS:  Zev Foreman and John Rickard
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Pawel Pogorzelski (D.o.P.)
EDITOR:  Craig Alpert
COMPOSER:  The Haxan Cloak

SUPERHERO/FANTASY/ACTION/FAMILY

Starring:  Xolo Maridueña, Bruna Marquezine, Damien Alcazar, Adriana Barraza, Belissa Escobedo, Elpidia Carrillo, Raoul Max Trujillo, Modesto Lacen, and Harvey Guillén, Susan Sarandon, George Lopez, and  (voice) Becky G

Blue Beetle is a 2023 superhero and action-fantasy film directed by Ángel Manuel Soto.  The film is based on the DC Comics character, Blue Beetle/Jaime Reyes, that was created by Keith Giffen, John Rogers, and Cully Hamner and first appeared in the comic book, Infinite Crisis #3 (cover dated: February 2006).  Blue Beetle the movie focuses on a young man who finds himself chosen to be the symbiotic host of an alien artifact that gives him a suit of armor.

Blue Beetle introduces recent college graduate, Jaime Reyes (Xolo Mariduena), who is returning to his hometown of Palmera City.  He receives a warm welcome from his family:  his father, Alberto Reyes (Damian Alcazar); his mother, Rocio Reyes (Elpidia Carrillo); his Nana (Adrian Barraza), his younger sister, Milagro (Belissa Escobedo); and his uncle, Rudy Reyes (George Lopez).  Jaime soon learns that his family will lose their home due to financial difficulties and to Alberto's poor health.  Still, Jaime is optimistic that he will quickly get a job and make enough money for his family.

Some time later, Jaime meets Jenny Kord (Bruna Marquezine), the daughter of Ted Kord, the currently-missing CEO OF Kord Industries.  Jenny is at odds with her aunt, Victoria Kord (Susan Sarandon), the current CEO.  Jenny discovers that Victoria has dark plans for her recent discovery, an alien artifact called “the Scarab.”  Jenny steals the Scarab, and not knowing its true nature, she passes it on to Jaime.
 
As soon as Jaime touches the Scarab, it activates and attaches to him, creating a suit of armor around him.  The suit gives Jaime extraordinary powers, such as flight, super-strength, and invulnerability, but those powers are unpredictable.  Now, Jaime's family calls him a “superhero.”  However, Jaime isn't sure that he wants to be a superhero, and Victoria Kord will do whatever she has to do – including murder – to regain possession of the Scarab.

The Blue Beetle first appeared in Fox Comics' Mystery Men Comics #1 (cover dated: August 1939) and was the secret identity of a young police officer, Dan Garrett.  The second Blue Beetle first appeared in Charlton Comics' Captain Atom #83 (November 1966) and was Ted Kord, an industrialist and owner of KORD Industries.  I mention this because Dan Garrett is referenced in this film.  Also, Ted Kord, with a new origin, is a major subplot in this film, although the story is that he has been missing for years under mysterious circumstances.

However, this is Blue Beetle/Jaime Reyes' film.  He comes across as a normal young man in his early twenties.  Warner Bros. didn't even cast some muscular young android-like actor for the role.  Xolo Mariduena's body is in good shape, but he looks more like a high school kid still in physical development.  Everything about Xolo comes across as boy-next-door, which makes him more relatable to a larger segment of the audience.  After all, Jaime seems so vulnerable that even an alien suit of armor doesn't seem capable of completely protecting him.  If there is a superhero of the people – the champion next door – Xolo makes Jaime Reyes as Blue Beetle fit the role perfectly.

Like Warner Bros.'s 2019 DC Comics film, Shazam, Blue Beetle emphasizes family, and the Reyes are delightful.  George Lopez's Uncle Rudy is a scene stealer, and I'm glad the story reveals that there is so much more to him than meets the eye.  Of course, one can judge how good a family is by placing it in contrast with a problematic family, and that is the Kords.  Susan Sarandon plays the evil aunt, Victoria Kord, with relish, although she doesn't really go over the top.  The film puts Jenny Kord, smoothly played by actress Bruna Marquezine, at the center of the good family (the Reyes)-bad family (Victoria Kord) dynamic.  Which will Jenny ultimately choose?  Like Shazam, Blue Beetle shows how cool an extended or surrogate family can be, especially to someone in need.

I like what director Angel Manuel Soto does with his collaborators, cast, and crew.  Blue Beetle is an easy-going superhero film that is fun for a family audience, even with the sometimes intense action and dark plot elements.  I'm surprised that the film has as its themes, “imperialism in the name of democracy” and “militarized capitalism,” neither of which are ever portrayed as a good thing.  Uncle Rudy even calls Batman a “fascist,” which has caused a stir in some Internet circles.  This film definitely has an anti-authoritarian streak.

That aside, Blue Beetle is hugely and surprisingly entertaining, and it sparkles with humor.  By focusing on Jaime Reyes as much as it does on the Blue Beetle armor, the film gets to center on the most winning aspect of it story, family and friends.  Blue Beetle won't get the attention of bigger superhero film productions, but it has more heart than most of those other films.

[Blue Beetle has two extra scenes during the end credits.]

B+
★★★½ out of 4 stars

Friday, August 18, 2023


The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Thursday, August 17, 2023

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #122

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #122
DC COMICS

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Sholly Fisch
PENCILS: Randy Elliot; Robert Pope
INKS: Randy Elliot; Scott McRae
COLORS: Sylvana Brys; Jason Lewis
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte
EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Alex Antone (reprint)
COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Sylvana Brys
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (August 2023)

Ages 8+

“The Key of Eeek”

Welcome, dear readers, to my continuing journey through the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series, which began publication in 2010.  I continue to renew my subscription so that I can continue to review this series for you, dear readers.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #122 opens with “The Key of Eeek,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Randy Elliot.  The story finds Mystery Inc.Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma attending the “Coolsville Concerto in C Minor?”

Why, you ask?  This piano recital is being performed by the top students at a local piano school, and Daphne is one of those top students.  However, the mythological being, “Pan,” has decided to crash the recital.  Can Mystery Inc. solve this mystery before the entire recital is canceled?

As usual, the second story, “Monsters of Rock,” is a reprint story and is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Robert Pope and Scott McRae.  [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #33 (cover date: July 2013).]  The story finds Mystery Inc. attending a concert by the glam-rock band, “Smooch” (a substitute for the real-life band, “Kiss”).

However, everyone's good time is ruined when the ghost of “Johnny B. Badd” crashes the concert.  So why is the spirit of a classic singer from the early day of rock 'n' roll haunting Smooch?  Hopefully, Mystery Inc. can solve this mystery before the haunting ruins Smooch's tour.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #122 features the theme of “haunted public musical performances.”  It offers a new story, “The Key of Eeek,” that presents another side of one of the character, Daphne.  Over the last three decades, various Scooby-Doo films and television series have expanded on the character of Daphne, making her smarter, more intelligent, and more well-founded than the early TV series did.  So, while this story isn't great, I like what it presents.  Besides, it is drawn by Randy Elliot, one of my favorite Scooby-Doo comic book artists.

Two years after “Monsters of Rock” was first published (2013), the members of the classic line-up of the band, Kiss, were the costars of the direct-to-DVD animated film, Scooby-Doo! and Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery (2015).  Kiss also appeared in the Season Two episode of “What's New, Scooby-Doo?” (“A Scooby-Doo Halloween” – October 24, 2003, Episode #6).  In “Monsters of Rock,” Smooch pales in comparison to the real Kiss, but the fictional band is a nice substitute.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #122 is a fun read.  So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read it, and maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie, later.  And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

B-
★★½ out of 4 stars

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Superman of Smallville” by Art Baltazar and Franco.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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Tuesday, June 27, 2023

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #121

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #121
DC COMICS

STORY: John Rozum; Sholly Fisch
PENCILS: Walter Carzon; Robert Pope
INKS: Horacio Ottolini; Scott McRae
COLORS: Sylvana Brys; Heroic Age
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Dezi Sienty
EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Kwanza Johnson (reprint)
COVER: Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini with Sylvana Brys
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (June 2023)

Ages 8+

“Local Legends”

Welcome, dear readers, to my continuing journey through the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series, which began publication in 2010.  I continue to renew my subscription so that I can continue to review this series for you, dear readers.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #121 opens with “Local Legends,” which is written by John Rozum and drawn by Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini.  The story finds Mystery Inc.Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma are visiting the small town of “Pond Cove.”  The town is beset by monsters:  the Goat Man, the Lizard Man, and the Green Devil, in particular, but it has also been the longtime haunt of Bigfoot.

Professor Collier at the local “Intercontinental Museum of Cryptozoology”believes that there is more to these hauntings than people suspect.  Mystery Inc. agrees, but can they unravel the mystery before someone gets away with something?

As usual, the second story, “Mummy Knows Best,” is a reprint story and is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Robert Pope and Scott McRae.  [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #24 (cover date: October 2012).]  The story finds Mystery Inc. visiting the museum.

They are getting an early preview of the exhibit of the mummy of King Tookooforskool, which was discovered by the famous archaeologist and adventurer, North Dakota Smith.  When the mummy comes to life, however, the gang has a new mystery to solve.

I usually find a theme shared between the two stories in each issue of Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?, but issue #121 doesn't seem to have one.  I really like “Local Legends” because of the reason I usually like many of the stories in this series – it would make a good plot for an animated Scooby-Doo direct-to-DVD film.  It has a main plot, but the secondary plot is the one to watch.  That would play well in an animated film.  Plus, “Local Legends” is written by a favorite Scooby-Doo comic book writer, John Rozum, and a favorite series artist, Walter Carzon.

I don't have a lot to say about the reprint story, “Mummy Knows Best.”  It has some nice ideas, and I like Robert Pope and Scott McRae's odd art.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #121 is a fun read.  So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read issue #121 and maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie, later.  And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

B-

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Shazam! Thundercrack” by Yehudi Mercado.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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Friday, June 23, 2023

#IReadsYou Movie Review: THE FLASH

The Flash (2023)

Running time:  144 minutes (2 hours, 24 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, some strong language and partial nudity
DIRECTOR:  Andy Muschietti
WRITERS:  Christina Hodson; from a screen story by John Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein, Joby Harold (based on the DC Comics characters)
PRODUCERS:  Barbara Muschietti and Michael Disco
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Henry Braham
EDITORS:  Jason Ballantine and Paul Machliss
COMPOSER:  Benjamin Wallfisch

SUPERHERO/FANTASY/ACTION

Starring:  Ezra Miller, Michael Keaton, Sasha Calle, Michael Shannon, Ron Livingston, Maribel Verdu, Kiesey Clemons, Antje Traue Temuera Morrison, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Nicolas Cage, George Clooney, Jason Momoa, and Jeremy Irons

The Flash is a 2023 superhero and action-fantasy film directed by Andy Muschietti.  The film is based on the DC Comics character, The Flash, with the two most famous versions being created by the teams of writer Gardner Fox and artist Harry Lampert and writer Robert Kanigher and artist Carmine Infantino.  The film is the 13th entry in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU).  In The Flash, the superhero known as “the fastest man alive” uses his super-speed to change his family's tragic past, but also creates a world without superheroes.

The Flash opens at a very important time in the life of Barry Allen/The Flash (Ezra Miller).  His father, Henry Allen (Ron Livingston), has been imprisoned, wrongfully convicted for murdering his wife and Ezra's mother, Nora Allen (Maribel Verdu).  As a police forensic investigator for the Central City Police Department, Barry has been using his knowledge and connections in a bid to free his father, whose next appeal of his conviction is a day away.

However, Barry's superhero life intrudes, so he races to Gotham City where he helps Batman (Ben Affleck) stop a terrorist group.  After that, the Flash visits his childhood home.  Overcome by his emotions, Barry starts running so fast that he does not realize that his power, super-speed, has tapped into the “Speed Force” to such an extent that he has traveled back in time.  Although Batman's alter-ego, Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck), warns him against doing so, the Flash travels back in time, again.

He returns to the day his mother was murdered and changes events in order to save her life, and the thing about which Bruce warned Barry occurs, the unintended consequences of time travel.  Soon, Barry comes face to face with his younger self, college-age Barry (Ezra Miller).  Not long afterwards, Barry learns that his big change to the past has also created an Earth without superheroes.  As an alien threat looms, the two Barrys seek out the one superhero everyone knows exists – or at least once existed, Batman.  However, this Earth's Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton) does not want to be Batman again, even if it dooms the world.

When I first heard of the premise of The Flash, I knew that Warner Bros. Pictures wanted to make its on version of Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios' multiverse adventure, Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021).  Unlike this very sharp Spider-Man flick, The Flash is not as crisp and as efficient.  The Flash's action scenes are always at least a minute too long and too overdone.  The drama is a bit too melodramatic, sometimes in danger of being corny.  Still, director Andy Muschietti and his editors offer a film that is often quite engaging, thrilling, and entertaining.

I believe that the persons that really carry The Flash are first, Ezra Miller as The Flash/Barry Allen and as younger Barry Allen and second, Michael Keaton as Batman/Bruce Wayne.  This time around Ezra offers a superhero and alter-ego that are both far less annoying and forced than they were in Joss Whedon's 2016 superhero film, Justice League.  Miller is so good at portraying two versions of Barry that they seem like distinctly different people and personalities.  Here, Miller's Flash is more like a quirky character than in Justice League, where he seemed like bad character writing and a resulting confused and awkward performance.  Sadly, Miller's legal problems may keep them from portraying the Flash again, which is a shame.  They have finally got a bead on how to play that kind of character in a way that makes him endearing.

To a slightly lesser extent, Michael Keaton also carries this film.  His Batman/Bruce Wayne is one of the most famous iterations of the character, having appeared in director Tim Burton's Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992).  Keaton revives the beats of the way he played the character over three decades ago, while adding a lot of new flavors to his character and new engagement in his performance.  After this appearance, I would really like to see more of Keaton's Batman.

Ben Affleck also makes a really nice turn as the “DCEU Batman/Bruce Wayne.”  Sasha Calle as Kara Zor-El/Supergirl gives a performance that makes the character seem shoe-horned into this film.  And there are some delightful cameos from other actors and characters that have appeared in DC Comics-related film and television series.  Plus, there is a surprise appearance from another cinematic Batman.  As I have said, however, Ezra Miller and Michael Keaton put a light-speed jolt into The Flash.  I found The Flash entertaining, but I'm giving it the grade I am because of Miller and Keaton.

[The Flash has one scene at the end of the credits.]

B+
★★★½ out of 4 stars

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

------------------------


Thursday, May 25, 2023

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #120

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #120
DC COMICS

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Sholly Fisch
ART: Valerio Chiola; Scott Neely
COLORS: Valerio Chiola; Jason Lewis
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte
EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Alex Antone (reprint)
COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Valerio Chiola
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (April 2023)

Ages 8+

“Djinn-Kies!”

Welcome, dear readers, to my continuing journey through the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series, which began publication in 2010.  I continue to renew my subscription so that I can continue to review this series for you, dear readers.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #120 opens with “Djinn-Kies!,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Valerio Chiola.  The story finds Mystery Inc.Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma attending the “Coolsville Antiques Auction.”  Velma has even brought a Van Dinkenstein family heirloom, a vase, for appraisal.  However, a thieving Djinn (a magical spirit from Arabian and Islamic mythology) keeps arriving in a cloud of smoke and stealing antiques.  Can the gang solve this mystery before everything valuable gets stolen?

The second story, “Give Me a Ring” is, as usual, a reprint story and is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Scott Neely.  [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #30 (cover date: April 2013).]  The story finds Mystery Inc. called to New Orleans.

It seems that two of the world's great archaeologists, Lewis Clark and Stanley Livingston, have discovered the legendary “ancient ring” that belonged to the “voodoo queen,” Marie LeFaux.  Hundreds of years ago, Marie used the ring to turn people into zombies.  Lewis tells the gang that Stanley was turned into a zombie after he placed the ring on his finger.  Can the gang solve the mystery of the new zombie and the cursed ring?  Can Shaggy and Scooby survive the spicy Cajun food?

If Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #120 has a theme, it is that the two stories involve some of my favorite fantasy beings/creatures.  So the theme is “for Leroy's pleasure.”  The title “Djinn-Kies” is a play on Velma's favorite exclamation, “Jinkies!”  Besides that, the story features a delightful mix of an antique-stealing Djinn, family heirlooms, and a secret armoire.  It is also produced by Derek Fridolfs and Valerio Chiola, two of my favorite Scooby-Doo comic book creators.

As a Louisiana native, I like having “Give Me a Ring” set in a cartoon version of New Orleans.  Zombies, voodoo, Dixieland jazz, and a playful nod to spicy Louisiana food:  I think these would make the perfect elements for a Scooby-Doo straight-to-DVD movie.  Oh, and “Give Me a Ring” is produced by Sholly Fisch and Scott Neely, Scooby-Doo favorites of mine.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #120 is simply a fun read.  So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read issue #120 and maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie, later.  And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

B

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Diana and Nubia: Princess of the Amazons” by Shannon Hale & Dean Hale and Victoria Ying.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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Tuesday, March 28, 2023

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #119

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #119
DC COMICS

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Sholly Fisch
ART: Randy Elliot; Dave Alvarez
COLORS: Silvana Brys; Candace Schinzler-Bell
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte
EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Aniz Ansari & Jessica Chen (reprint)
COVER: Derek Fridolfs and Silvana Brys
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (February 2023)

Ages 8+

“Centaur Attention”

Welcome, dear readers, to my continuing journey through the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series, which began publication in 2010.  I continue to renew my subscription so that I can continue to review this series for you, dear readers.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #119 opens with “Centaur Attention,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Randy Elliot.  The story finds Mystery Inc.Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma arriving at the “Coolsville Equestrian Center.”  There, Daphne and her horse, Daisy, are participants in the “Coolsville Equestrian Meet.”  However, a monstrous centaur is determined to ruin the event.  Can the gang stop the creature in time to save the event?

The second story, “Knight Mare” is, as usual, a reprint story and is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Dave Alvarez.  [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #52 (cover date: February 2015).]  The story finds Mystery Inc. attending the “Renaissance Faire.”  Everyone is having fun until a ghost, “The Scarlet Knight,” arrives to ruin the event.  What's the story behind this ghostly knight, and will Shaggy and Scooby once again be coerced into being the bait for a trap to catch the the Scarlet Knight?

If Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #119 has a theme, it involves riding horses and ghostly villains that want to stop fun events from occurring.  Both stories, the new and the reprint, feature Scooby-Doo comics creators that are among my favorites.  That said, this is an average issue in the series, especially considering that there have been several above average issues published in the last year.  The villains are not that interesting, but both artists turn in some nicely drawn pages featuring excellent graphic design within the individual panels and overall pages.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #119 is a slight downgrade from issue #118.  Still, it is a Scooby-Doo comic book, Scooby-Doo fans.  So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read issue #119 and maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie, later.  And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

B-
★★½ out of 4 stars

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “My Buddy, Killer Croc” by Sara Farizan and Nicoletta Baldar.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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Tuesday, March 21, 2023

#IReadsYou Movie Review: SHAZAM! Fury of the Gods

Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)

Running time:  130 minutes (2 hours, 10 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for sequences of action and violence, and language
DIRECTOR:  David F. Sandberg
WRITERS:  Henry Gayden and Chris Morgan (based on the DC Comics characters)
PRODUCER:  Peter Safran
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Gyula Pados
EDITOR:  Michel Aller 
COMPOSER:  Christophe Beck

SUPERHERO/FANTASY/ACTION/COMEDY

Starring:  Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Glazer, Adam Brody, Ross Butler, D.J Cotrona, Grace Caroline Currey, Meagan Good, Rachel Zegler, Helen Mirren, Lucy Liu, Marta Milans, Cooper Andrews, Faithe Herman, Ian Chen, Jovan Armand, and Djimon Hounsou with Gal Gadot

Shazam! Fury of the Gods is a 2023 superhero and fantasy film from director David F. Sandberg.  The film is based on the DC Comics character now called “Shazam.”  Shazam! Fury of the Gods is a direct sequel to the 2019 film, Shazam! and is also the 12th installment in “DC Extended Universe” (DCEU).  Fury of the Gods continues the story of the teenage foster kid who becomes a superhero by uttering one magic word, “SHAZAM!”

Shazam! Fury of the Gods opens in Philadelphia two years after the events depicted in the first film.  Billy Batson (Asher Angel) can still transform into an adult hero, the champion who bears the name “Shazam” (Zachary Levi).  Billy will turn 18-year-old in a few months, which he believes means that he will loose his foster parents, Rosa (Marta Milans) and Victor Vásquez (Cooper Andrews).

Billy shared the power he got from “The Wizard” (Djimon Hounsou) with his five foster siblings.  He calls them the “Shazamily.”  His foster brother, Freddie Freeman (Jack Dylan Glazer), is an adult superhero who calls himself “Captain Everything” (Adam Brody).  His older foster sister, Mary Bromfield (Grace Caroline Currey) is trying to be an adult while also being a superhero.  The other foster kid/adult hero pairs are Eugene Choi (Ian Chen and Ross Butler), Pedro Peña (Jovan Armand and D.J. Cotrona), Darla Dudley (Faithe Herman and Meagan Good).  Billy/Shazam is desperate to keep his “Shazamily” together, but they are having a rough time being superheroes.  After doing a less than stellar job saving civilians from a collapsing bridge, Shazam and company discover that the local media refers to them as the “Philly Fiascoes.”

Bigger troubles are ahead, however.  “The Daughters of Atlas” have imprisoned The Wizard, and they want to regain the powers he stole from the gods, including their father, the Titan Atlas, and gave to his new champions – Billy and his Shazamily.  Can they survive the attack of the daughters:  Hespera (Helen Mirren), Kalypso (Lucy Liu), and the reluctant Anthea (Rachel Zegler), and save the world from destruction and from the fury of the gods?

In the first Shazam! film, the drama was driven by Billy Batson's internal conflict.  It was built around the tension between the foster family Bill could have and did not want and the biological family he wanted but could no longer have (if he ever really had it to begin with).  In Shazam! Fury of the Gods, Billy/Shazam fears losing the foster family that he eventually embraced, and with such a theme, he must inevitably learn that one should not hold onto things too tightly – even loved ones.  The Daughters of Atlas must learn the same, concerning the things to which they cling too tightly.  Billy/Shazam's dilemmas don't resonate this time around the way they did in the original film, and, at times, Billy and Shazam's obsession with holding onto the family seems forced.  But at least this film has the requisite drama.

Shazam! Fury of the Gods, like Shazam!, is a very entertaining film that is part energetic superhero movie, part charming comedy, and part heartwarming family film.  The superhero action is not as intense as that found in most superhero films, although Fury of the Gods' action is more intense than in the original.  Some of the villains' murderous intentions seem really murderous.

Except for the increase in intensity, everything about Fury of the Gods is a little down from the first film.  It is not as poignant, not quite as funny, and it seems too long, although it is a littler shorter than the original film.  Still, fans of Shazam! will likely enjoy Shazam! Fury of the Gods.  It even has a nice cameo appearance by another DC Comics superhero, and that cameo makes me wish that we could get more Shazam! Films.  It would be fun to see Billy Batson and Shazam team up with other DC  heroes and pitted against DC villains.  It is likely, however, that Shazam! Fury of the Gods is the final half of a truly unique pair of superhero movies.

B
★★★ out of 4 stars

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


NOTES:
Shazam! Fury of the Gods has one extra scene in the middle of the credits and one at the end of the credits.

The DC Comics character, Shazam, was the first comic book character to have the name “Captain Marvel.”  A boy named Billy Batson became Captain Marvel by uttering the word, “Shazam!”  Captain Marvel was created by comic book artist C. C. Beck and writer Bill Parker.  He first appeared in Whiz Comics #2 (cover-dated:  February 1940) which was published by Fawcett Comics.  A legal dispute caused Fawcett to stop publishing Captain Marvel comic books in 1953.  DC Comics revived the character in 1972, but by then, Marvel Comics owned the trademark to the name “Captain Marvel.”  Thus, the original Captain Marvel is now called Shazam.


The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Sunday, February 12, 2023

Warner Bros Debuts the Official First Trailer for "The Flash"

Warner Bros. Pictures presents “The Flash,” directed by Andy Muschietti (the “IT” films). Ezra Miller reprises their role as Barry Allen in the DC Super Hero’s first-ever standalone feature film.

Worlds collide in “The Flash” when Barry uses his superpowers to travel back in time in order to change the events of the past. But when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod has returned, threatening annihilation, and there are no Super Heroes to turn to. That is, unless Barry can coax a very different Batman out of retirement and rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian… albeit not the one he’s looking for. Ultimately, to save the world that he is in and return to the future that he knows, Barry’s only hope is to race for his life. But will making the ultimate sacrifice be enough to reset the universe? 

“The Flash” ensemble also includes rising star Sasha Calle, Michael Shannon (“Bullet Train,” “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”), Ron Livingston (“Loudermilk,” “The Conjuring”), Maribel Verdú (“Elite,” “Y tu mamá también”), Kiersey Clemons (“Zack Snyder’s Justice League,” “Sweetheart”), Antje Traue (“King of Ravens,” “Man of Steel”) and Michael Keaton (“Spider-Man: Homecoming,” “Batman”).

“The Flash” is produced by Barbara Muschietti (the “IT” films) and Michael Disco (“Rampage,” “San Andreas”). The screenplay is by Christina Hodson (“Birds of Prey,” “Bumblebee”), with a screen story by John Francis Daley & Jonathan Goldstein (“Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” “Spider-Man: Homecoming”) and Joby Harold (“Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” “Army of the Dead”), based on characters from DC. The executive producers are Toby Emmerich, Walter Hamada, Galen Vaisman and Marianne Jenkins.

Joining director Muschietti behind the camera are director of photography Henry Braham (“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” “The Suicide Squad”), production designer Paul Denham Austerberry (“IT Chapter Two,” “The Shape of Water”), editors Jason Ballantine (the “IT” films, “The Great Gatsby”) and Paul Machliss (“The Gentlemen,” “Baby Driver”), and costume designer Alexandra Byrne (“Doctor Strange,” “Guardians of the Galaxy”); the score is by Benjamin Wallfisch 
(“The Invisible Man,” the “IT” films).

Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Double Dream/a Disco Factory production of an Andy Muschietti film, “The Flash.” It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures and is set to open in theaters in North America on June 16, 2023 and internationally beginning June 14 2023. #TheFlashMovie 

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Wednesday, January 18, 2023

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #118

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #118
DC COMICS

STORY: Ivan Cohen; Sholly Fisch
PENCILS: Walter Corzan; Scott Neely
INKS: Horacio Ottolini; Scott Neely
COLORS: Silvana Brys; Jason Lewis
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte
EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Alex Antone (reprint)
COVER: Walter Corzan and Silvana Brys
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (December 2022)

Ages 8+

“And the Winner Isn't...”

Welcome, dear readers, to my continuing journey through the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series, which began publication in 2010.  I continue to renew my subscription so that I can continue to review this series for you, dear readers.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #118 opens with “And the Winner Isn't...,” which is written by Ivan Cohen and drawn by Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini.  The story finds Mystery Inc.Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma … making a silent film?!  Actually, the gang is helping film a promotional short for the upcoming “Movie Awards.”  However, a ghost, calling itself the “Silent Phantom” is determined to ruin the show.

The second story, “Dial 'E' for Eeeeeeeeek!” is, as usual, a reprint story and is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Scott Neely.  [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #32 (cover date: June 2013).]  The story finds Mystery Inc. invited to the studios of notorious film director, Alfred Hatchplot.

He is known for his scary movies that make audience jumpy, but now, he claims that something is making him jumpy.  It seems that Hatchplot is being haunted by the menaces from his filmograpy, including the dark birds from his film, “The Annoying Birds.”  Can Scooby and the gang solve this case before these menaces start targeting them?

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #118 is a nice movie-themed issue.  The opening story “And the Winner Isn't...” is produced by one of my favorite Scooby-Doo comic book creative teams, but it is actually not a winner.  However, it does have an unusual ending regarding the villain, one that I don't recall ever seeing in a Scooby-Doo comic book, TV series, or film.

“Dial 'E' for Eeeeeeeeek!” is a nice spoof of Alfred Hitchcock and his films.  Alfred Hatchplot is a rather tame take on Hitchcock, who supposedly could be quiet a tyrant on his film sets.  The shower scene in Psycho, which is arguably Hitchcock's most famous film, gets a nice send-up as a movie entitled “Whacko.”  Shaggy and Scooby even take a spin around Psycho's infamous shower scene with a bathtub scene of their own.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #118 is an improvement over issue #117, which would have been a disaster if the reprint story had not saved the new story.  So grab your popcorn and “Scooby Snacks” and read issue #118 or maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie.  And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

B

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Green Lantern: Alliance” by Minh Lê and Andie Tong.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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Monday, November 7, 2022

DC Comics from Lunar Distributors for November 8, 2022

DC COMICS:

Absolute Dark Nights Metal HC, $125.00
Batgirls #12 (Cover A Jorge Corona), $3.99
Batgirls #12 (Cover B Audrey Mok Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Batgirls #12 (Cover C Paulina Ganucheau ’90s Cover Month Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Batgirls #12 (Cover D Rian Gonzales Card Stock Variant), AR
Batman Incorporated #2 (Cover A John Timms), $3.99
Batman Incorporated #2 (Cover B Jorge Molina Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Batman Incorporated #2 (Cover C Chris Burnham ’90s Cover Month Foil Multi-Level Embossed Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Batman Incorporated #2 (Cover D Ivan Tao Card Stock Variant), AR
Batman Incorporated #2 (Cover E John Timms Design Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Batman Urban Legends #21 (Cover A Michael Cho), $7.99
Batman Urban Legends #21 (Cover B Jorge Fornes), $7.99
Batman Urban Legends #21 (Cover C Edwin Galmon), $7.99
Batman Vs. Robin #3 (Of 5)(Cover A Mahmud Asrar), $5.99
Batman Vs. Robin #3 (Of 5)(Cover B Alex Maleev Card Stock Variant), $6.99
Batman Vs. Robin #3 (Of 5)(Cover C Mateus Manhanini Card Stock Variant), $6.99
Batman Vs. Robin #3 (Of 5)(Cover D Carlo Barberi ’90s Cover Month Card Stock Variant), $6.99
Batman Vs. Robin #3 (Of 5)(Cover E Mario Fox Foccillo Era Card Stock Variant), AR
Batman Vs. Robin #3 (Of 5)(Cover F Tony S. Daniel Card Stock Variant), AR
Batman Vs. Robin #3 (Of 5)(Cover G Mario Fox Foccillo Fight Poster Batman Vs. Red Hood Card Stock Variant), AR
Batman Vs. Robin #3 (Of 5)(Cover H Mario Fox Foccillo Fight Poster Batman Vs Spoiler Card Stock Variant), AR
Batman Vs. Robin #3 (Of 5)(Cover I Mario Fox Foccillo Fight Poster Batman Vs Nightwing Card Stock Variant), AR
Batman Vs. Robin #3 (Of 5)(Cover J Mario Fox Foccillo Fight Poster Batman Vs Robin Card Stock Variant), AR
Blood Syndicate Season One #6 (Of 6)(Cover A Dexter Soy), $3.99
Blood Syndicate Season One #6 (Of 6)(Cover B Jay Hero Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Catwoman Volume 1 Dangerous Liaisons TP, $16.99
Dark Crisis On Infinite Earths #6 (Of 7)(Cover A Daniel Sampere & Alejandro Sanchez), $4.99
Dark Crisis On Infinite Earths #6 (Of 7)(Cover B Cully Hamner Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Dark Crisis On Infinite Earths #6 (Of 7)(Cover C Ariel Colon Infinite Crisis Homage Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Dark Crisis On Infinite Earths #6 (Of 7)(Cover D Ben Oliver Black Adam Movie Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Dark Crisis On Infinite Earths #6 (Of 7)(Cover E Crystal Kung Card Stock Variant), AR
Dark Crisis On Infinite Earths #6 (Of 7)(Cover F Rafael Sarmento Card Stock Variant), AR
Dark Crisis On Infinite Earths #6 (Of 7)(Cover G Daniel Sampere & Alejandro Sanchez Foil Card Stock Variant), AR
Death Of Superman 30th Anniversary Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover A Dan Jurgens & Brett Breeding Gatefold Variant), $10.99
Death Of Superman 30th Anniversary Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover B Jim Lee & Scott Williams), $10.99
Death Of Superman 30th Anniversary Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover C Ivan Reis & Danny Miki Funeral For A Friend Variant), $10.99
Death Of Superman 30th Anniversary Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover D Dan Mora Jon Kent Variant), $10.99
Death Of Superman 30th Anniversary Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover E Francesco Mattina Doomsday Die-Cut Variant), $10.99
Death Of Superman 30th Anniversary Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover F Dan Jurgens & Brett Breeding Gatefold Premium Polybag Variant), $10.99
Death Of Superman 30th Anniversary Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover G Francesco Mattina Doomsday Variant), AR
Death Of Superman 30th Anniversary Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover H Jim Lee & Scott Williams Black & White Variant), AR
Death Of Superman 30th Anniversary Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover I Dan Jurgens & Brett Breeding Foil Variant), AR
Death Of Superman 30th Anniversary Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover J Rafael Sarmento Doombreaker Variant), AR
Detective Comics #38 (Facsimile Edition)(2022), $6.99
Diana And Nubia Princesses Of The Amazons TP, $9.99
Flash By Mark Waid Omnibus Volume 1 HC (Book Market Edition), $150.00
Flash By Mark Waid Omnibus Volume 1 HC (Direct Market Edition), $150.00
Flash The Fastest Man Alive #3 (Of 3)(Cover A Jason Howard), $5.99
Flash The Fastest Man Alive #3 (Of 3)(Cover B Scott Kolins Card Stock Variant), $6.99
Flash The Fastest Man Alive #3 (Of 3)(Cover C Jorge Corona Pencil Card Stock Variant), AR
Flash The Fastest Man Alive #3 (Of 3)(Cover D Jorge Corona Foil Card Stock Variant), AR
I Am Batman #15 (Cover A Christian Duce)(Dark Crisis), $3.99
I Am Batman #15 (Cover B Jeff Spokes Card Stock Variant)(Dark Crisis), $4.99
I Am Batman #15 (Cover C Khary Randolph ’90s Cover Month Card Stock Variant)(Dark Crisis), $4.99
I Am Batman #15 (Cover D Canaan White Card Stock Variant)(Dark Crisis), AR
Justice League Volume 2 United Order HC, $24.99
Multiversity Teen Justice #6 (Of 6)(Cover A Robbi Rodriguez), $3.99
Multiversity Teen Justice #6 (Of 6)(Cover B Stephanie Hans Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Multiversity Teen Justice #6 (Of 6)(Cover C Eleonora Carlini Card Stock Variant), $4.99
New Golden Age #1 (One Shot)(Cover A Mikel Janin), $4.99
New Golden Age #1 (One Shot)(Cover B Gary Frank Card Stock Variant), $5.99
New Golden Age #1 (One Shot)(Cover C Todd Nauck Card Stock Variant), $5.99
New Golden Age #1 (One Shot)(Cover D Michael Allred Card Stock Variant), $5.99
New Golden Age #1 (One Shot)(Cover E David Talaski Card Stock Variant), $5.99
New Golden Age #1 (One Shot)(Cover F Dan Hipp Card Stock Variant), AR
New Golden Age #1 (One Shot)(Cover G Michael Allred Foil Card Stock Variant), AR
New Golden Age #1 (One Shot)(Cover H David Talaski Foil Card Stock Variant), AR
Nice House On The Lake #11 (Of 12)(Cover A Alvaro Martinez Bueno), $3.99
Nice House On The Lake #11 (Of 12)(Cover B Aaron Campbell Card Stock Variant), $4.99
One-Star Squadron TP, $16.99
Superman #75 (Special Edition)(Cover A Dan Jurgens), $3.99
Superman #75 (Special Edition)(Cover B Dan Jurgens Foil Cardstock Variant), AR
Superman Son Of Kal-El #17 (Cover A Travis Moore)(Kal-El Returns), $3.99
Superman Son Of Kal-El #17 (Cover B John Giang Card Stock Variant)(Kal-El Returns), $4.99
Superman Son Of Kal-El #17 (Cover C Steven Butler ’90s Cover Month Card Stock Variant)(Kal-El Returns), $4.99
Superman Son Of Kal-El #17 (Cover D Jeff Dekal Card Stock Variant (Kal-El Returns), AR
WildC.A.T.s #1 (Cover A Stephen Segovia), $3.99
WildC.A.T.s #1 (Cover B Jim Lee Card Stock Variant), $4.99
WildC.A.T.s #1 (Cover C Stanley Artgerm Lau Card Stock Variant), $4.99
WildC.A.T.s #1 (Cover D Ben Oliver Card Stock Variant), $4.99
WildC.A.T.s #1 (Cover E Brett Booth & Sandra Hope ’90s Cover Month Foil Multi-Level Embossed Card Stock Variant), $4.99
WildC.A.T.s #1 (Cover F Jeff Spokes Connecting Card Stock Variant), AR
WildC.A.T.s #1 (Cover G Alan Quah Card Stock Variant), AR
WildC.A.T.s #1 (Cover H Dan Hipp Card Stock Variant), AR
WildC.A.T.s #1 (Cover I Jim Lee Pencil Card Stock Variant), AR
Wonder Girl Homecoming HC, $39.99
Wonder Woman #793 (Cover A Yanick Paquette)(Kal-El Returns Tie-In), $4.99
Wonder Woman #793 (Cover B Clay Mann Card Stock Variant)(Kal-El Returns Tie-In), $5.99
Wonder Woman #793 (Cover C Joshua Sway Swaby Nubia 50th Anniversary Card Stock Variant)(Kal-El Returns Tie-In), $5.99
Wonder Woman #793 (Cover D Jen Bartel ’90s Cover Month Card Stock Variant)(Kal-El Returns Tie-In), $5.99
Wonder Woman #793 (Cover E Joe Quinones Card Stock Variant)(Kal-El Returns Tie-In), AR


Saturday, October 22, 2022

#IReadsYou Movie Review: BLACK ADAM

Black Adam (2022)

Running time:  124 minutes (2 hours, 4 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for sequences of strong violence, intense action and some language.
DIRECTOR:  Jaume Collet-Serra
WRITERS:  Adam Sztykiel, Rory Haines, and Sohrab Noshirvani (based on characters created by Bill Parker and C.C. Beck)
PRODUCERS:  Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, and Beau Flynn
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Lawrence Sher (D.o.P.)
EDITORS:  John Lee and Michael L. Sale
COMPOSER:  Lorne Balfe

SUPERHERO/FANTASY/ACTION

Starring:  Dwayne Johnson, Aldis Hodge, Pierce Brosnan, Noah Centineo, Sarah Shahi, Quintessa Swindell, Marwan Kenzari, Bodhi Sabongui, Mohammed Amer, Jalon Christian, Henry Winkler, and Djimon Hounsou with Viola Davis and Henry Cavill

Black Adam is a 2022 superhero and action-fantasy film from director Jaume Collet-Serra.  The film is based on characters created by writers Bill Parker and Otto Binder and artist C.C. Beck originally for defunct publisher, Fawcett Comics, and now owned by DC Comics.  Black Adam the movie focuses on a legendary hero who returns to life after nearly 5000 years, bringing his unique form of justice to his besieged homeland.

Black Adam opens in 2600 BC.  In the city of Kahndaq, there is a legend that the tyrannical king, Anh-Kot (Marwan Kenzari), intended to create an object of dark magic, the Crown of Sabbac, which is known to give the wearer great power.  He enslaves his own people and forces them to dig in the mountains for “Eternium,” the magical crystal Anh-Kot will use to make the crown.  A legendary hero, Teth-Adam (Dwayne Johnson), arises and kills Anh-Kot before the hero himself is buried somewhere in the ruins of the Anh-Kot's castle – so the legends say.

Present day Kahndaq is oppressed by members of the international crime syndicate known as “Intergang.”  They are searching for university professor and resistance fighter, Adrianna Tomaz (Sarah Shahi).  She is trying to locate the Crown of Sabbac, with the help of her brother, Karim (Mohammed Amer), and some of his colleagues.  Ambushed after finding the crown, Adrianna revives Teth-Adam, and although he kills her assailants, the risen hero proves to be something much less than a hero.

Meanwhile, from the United States, the superhero Hawkman/Carter Hall (Aldis Hodge) leads a group of heroes, the Justice Society:  Doctor Fate/Kent Nelson (Pierce Brosnan), Cyclone/Maxine Hunkel (Quintessa Swindell), and newcomer Atom Smasher/Albert “Al” Rothstein (Noah Centineo), into Kahndaq to take Teth-Adam into custody.  While Adrianna and her son, Amon (Bodhi Sabongui), watch, Teth-Adam battles the Justice Society throughout the city.  However, Teth-Adam will be forced to confront the truth about himself and about his past if he and the Justice Society are going to stop a great evil from ruling Kahndaq again.

In case you are wondering, Teth-Adam does not become “Black Adam” until the end of the film.  He is neither hero nor villain.  Black Adam, in the case of this film, is not so much an anti-hero as he is simply Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.  The movie only exists because Johnson willed it into existence.  Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Films' original plan was apparently to make Black Adam a supporting character/villain in the movie Shazam that was released in 2019.  Johnson wanted more for the character than to be a mere lackey, and truthfully, had he appeared in Shazam as Black Adam, Johnson, as an international movie star with a huge personality, would have dominated the film in ways that probably would have been bad for it.

In the case of Black Adam the movie, it is Johnson's will that holds this film together, otherwise, it would fall apart.  The screenplay is a disaster with a plot that is a patchwork of clumsy sub-plots.  The film's pace is uneven, being a mixture of tedious action sequences and unnecessary fighting.  The characters are either barely likable or are ridiculous.  The kid character, Amon Tomaz, is actually quite nice, but his mother, Adrianna, is really irritating.

Don't get me started on the Justice Society.  As Hawkman, actor Aldis Hodge is so intense that it makes a lot of his performance seem like overacting.  [Actor Michael B. Jordan also has a problem with being too intense.]  Pierce Brosnan is embarrassing as Doctor Fate, but Brosnan's problems could be a poorly written character and crappy dialogue.  The superhero Cyclone is … tragic.  So is Atom Smasher, but actor Noah Centineo delivers Smasher's bad dialogue in a way that sounds funny.

Twice while watching Black Adam, I wanted to walk out of the film, but I was seeing it with a friend.  Black Adam seems much longer than its 124-minute running time.  At one point, I thought the film was over, so I checked my phone and discovered that there was more than a half-hour left.  I can only recommend this films to die hard fans of superhero movies and to fans of Dwayne Johnson.  I could not recommend this film to anyone else.  I'm only giving this film a “C” grade because I am a fan of Johnson and an admirer of what he has built for himself; if not for him, I don't know how much lower I would go.  I am not sure that I could watch Black Adam again, even in bits and pieces when it becomes a cable TV staple.

C
★★ out of 4 stars

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Thursday, October 20, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: THE BATMAN & SCOOBY-DOO MYSTERIES Extravaganza #1

THE BATMAN & SCOOBY-DOO MYSTERIES EXTRAVAGANZA #1
DC COMICS

STORY: Ivan Cohen; Sholly Fisch
ART: Dario Brizuela; Randy Elliot
COLORS: Franco Riesco; Silvana Brys
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte
EDITORS: Michael McCalister
COVER: Dario Brizuela with Franco Riesco
40pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (August 2021)

Ages 8+

Batman created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger

“Glove Story” and “Going Bats”


The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries was a 12-issue comic book maxi-series that DC Comics published began publishing in 2021 and concluded this year (cover dated:  June 2021 to May 2022).  The series brought the characters from both the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? and Batman comic book series together.  Over the past five decades, Mystery Inc.Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma have joined Batman and (often) Robin to solve mysteries across various entertainment mediums.

The first few issues of The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries sold well enough that DC Comics published The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries Extravaganza #1.  This one-shot comic book reprinted The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries issues #1 and #2 (cover dated June and July 2021) under one cover as a double-sized issue.

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries Extravaganza #1 begins with The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #1 and the tale entitled “Glove Story.”  It is written by Ivan Cohen and drawn by Dario Brizuela.  “Glove Story” opens inside the “Gotham City Museum of Culture.”  Batman has called Mystery Inc. to help him with a mystery that even he cannot solve.  It seems that an exhibit featuring Batman's different costumes over the years has been robbed.  What's missing, you ask?  The gloves on one of the costumes are not the original ones.  So how can Scooby and the gang help Batman?  Well, it is a question of time in a story that guest stars Robin and Alfred Pennyworth.

Next up is The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #2 and the story, “Going Bats.”  It is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Randy Elliot.  “Going Bats” opens with Mystery Inc. helping Batman and Robin capture The Joker in order to stop his latest plot.  As a reward, Batman takes Scooby, Shaggy, and the gang to visit the trophy room in the Batcave.  The visit is ruined when a ghost shows up in the Batcave and starts agitating the bats that live there.  Can Mystery Inc. and Batman and Robin solve this mystery before all the secrets of Batman and the Batcave are exposed.

THE LOWDOWN:  As a child, the most important characters in my life were Batman and Robin and Scooby-Doo and company (and Josie and the Pussycats).  Two of my all-time favorite animated television episodes are the team-ups of Batman and Scooby-Doo in two Season One episodes of “The New Scooby-Doo Mysteries” (1972-73).  They are “The Dynamic Scooby-Doo Affair” (Episode 2, September 16, 1972) and “The Caped Crusaders Affairs” (Episode 15, December 16, 1972).  So I'm always excited about such a union, except that I never got around to reading any issues of The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries until now via The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries Extravaganza #1.

“Glove Story” is a nonsensical tale of time travel, but it is drawn by one of my favorite Scooby-Doo comic book artists, Dario Brizuela.  “Going Bats” is the better of the two stories.  It is written by one of my favorite Scooby-Doo comic book writers, Sholly Fisch, and drawn by one of my other favorite Scooby-Doo comic book artists, Randy Elliot.  It is also a very clever Joker tale, which I won't detail, for you, dear readers, in order to avoid spoilers.  I can say that it is the reason that I am giving this issue the grade I am.

Colorists Franco Riesco (“Glove Story”) and Silvana Brys (“Going Bats”) dress these stories in beautiful hues; they helped to make The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries one of the prettiest DC Comics of 2021.  And it would not be a Scooby-Doo comic book without the lovely lettering of the great Saida Temofonte.

The first issue of a second The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries series recently hit comic book shops.  Fear not, dear readers, I have gone the subscription route this time, so I'll start posting reviews as soon as the issues start arriving.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of the union of the worlds of Batman and Scooby-Doo will want The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries Extravaganza #1.

B+
★★★½ out of 4 stars

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"



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Saturday, October 15, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #117

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #117
DC COMICS

STORY: Ivan Cohen; Sholly Fisch
PENCILS: Valerio Chiola; Dario Brizuela
INKS: Valerio Chiola; Dario Brizuela
COLORS: Valerio Chiola; Franco Riesco
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte
EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Kristy Quinn (reprint)
COVER: Valerio Chiola
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (October 2022)

Ages 8+

“Beast of Eatin'”


Welcome, dear readers, to my continuing journey through the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series, which began publication in 2010.  I continue to renew my subscription so that I can continue to review this series for you, dear readers.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #117 opens with “Beast of Eatin',” which is written by Ivan Cohen and drawn by Valerio Chiola.  The story finds Mystery Inc.Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma on morning television.  Scooby and Shaggy have joined Juliana Perez to launch her new TV segment, “International Eats.”  However, a Sasquatch is stealing all the food for the show.  Can the gang solve the mystery before Shaggy and Scooby starve?

The second story, “Snack Attack” is, as usual, a reprint story and is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Dario Brizuela.  [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #37 (cover date: November 2013).]  The story finds Mystery Inc. in the middle of a terrible situation.  They have visited five grocery stores, and none of them has any “Scooby Snacks.”  They have just visited a sixth store, and the situation is the same – no Scooby Snacks.

The gang decides that it is time to visit “Deauboy Bakeries,” the factory that produces Scooby Snacks.  There, the owner, Mr. Deauboy, informs them that he hasn't produced any Scooby Snacks in a month and that he has shut down the factory.  The villain behind this is even more shocking.  It a monstrous version of the Scooby Snacks mascot, “Skippy Snackerdoodle.”  Can Mystery Inc. bring this monster hound to heel?  Can they save Scooby Snacks for Scooby's … and Shaggy's sake?

“Beast of Eatin'” is a convoluted story, something about former spies and betrayed feelings.  At times, the story really isn't coherent, and Valerio Chiola's art and graphical storytelling can't really crack the contrived nut of this story.

Luckily, the reprint story, “Snack Attack,” is pretty straight-forward.  If you've every wondered about Scooby Snacks, what they are and where they come from, Sholly Fisch, one of the best Scooby-Doo comic book writers, offers his behind-the-scenes look at Scooby's favorite go-to-snack.  The story is drawn by one of my favorite Scooby-Doo comic book artists, Dario Brizuela.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #117 follows two really good issues, #115 and #116, and only the reprint story keeps #117 from being a disaster.  Because of the “Scooby Snacks” story, I will recommend #117 to collectors of Scooby-Doo comic books.  And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

B-
★★½ out of 4 stars

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the original graphic novel, “DC League of Super-Pets: The Great Mxy-Up” by Heath Corson and Bobby Timony.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"



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The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Amazon wants me to inform you that the affiliate link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the affiliate link below AND buy something(s).