I Reads You: DC Comics

Showing posts with label DC Comics. Show all posts

Thursday, May 8, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You #132

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #132

DC COMICS

STORY: Sholly Fisch

PENCILS: Randy Elliot; Robert Pope

INKS: Randy Elliot; Scott McRae

COLORS: Silvana Brys; Jason Lewis

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Alex Antone (reprint)

COVER: Randy Elliot with Silvana Brys

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (April 2025)

Ages 8+

“Trial and Error”

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? #132 opens with “Trial and Error,” which is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Randy Elliot. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma at the county courthouse. Why are they there?

The gang are witnesses for the prosecution in the trial of the crooked real estate developer, “Ethical” Ed Morrissey, who pretended to be an “alien gorilla” as part of his real estate scams. The problem is that a trio ghosts: a judge, a prosecutor, and bailiff, has appeared, and these apparitions are determined to put our favorite ghost-hunting detectives on trial. And the punishment is being sent down the River Styx.

As usual, the second story, “Go for Broke,” is a reprint story. It is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Robert Pope (pencils) and Scott McRae (inks). [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You #31 (cover date: May 2013).] The story opens at Bunny's ski lodge where a ghost on skis is terrorizing and, in some cases, even hurting the lodge's guests. Now, it's time for Mystery Inc. to get involved, but the last time they tangled with that ghost, they all ended up with broken legs!

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #132 offers as a theme scheming ghosts. For me, however, the best part is that this issue offers the work of some of my favorite Scooby-Doo artists. Randy Elliot rocks the courtroom with some traditional Scooby-Doo antics, while the art team of Robert Pope and Scott McRae dazzle (as always) with a mystery that is staged in a traditional Scooby-Doo setting, the haunted ski lodge.

Writer Sholly Fisch anchors this issue with two imaginative tales. Stalwart Scooby-Doo comics colorist, Silvana Brys, delivers the goods, as usual, while colorist Jason Lewis dazzles in the reprint story, “Go for Broke.” Letterer Saida Temofonte is perfect for Scooby-Doo.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #132 is as enjoyable as Issue #131 was, so hopefully, this is the start of a good run in the series. So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read this issue, and maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie, later. And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Primer: Clashing Colors” by Jennifer Muro & Thomas Krajewski and Gretel Lusky.]

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

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Tuesday, April 15, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: ORION #15

[This review of Orion #15 is the first comic book review that I ever wrote for my “Negromancer” blog, the original version, way back in mid-Summer of 2001. Recently, I was able to recover my files from two early aughts hard drives. Beginning with this review, I am going to go back and re-edit all my original “Negromancer” comic book reviews and post these updated versions to my “I Reads You” blog. I hope you enjoy the trip back in time.]

ORION #15

DC COMICS

STORY: Walter Simonson

ART: Walter Simonson

COLORS: Tatjana Wood; Digital Chameleon (separations)

LETTERS: John Workman

EDITOR: Joey Cavalieri

COVER: Walter Simonson with Tatjana Wood

56pp, Color, $3.95 U.S., $6.50 CAN (August 2001)

Orion and The New Gods created by Jack Kirby

“At the Edge of the Abyss”

Orion is a DC Comics superhero character that first appeared in New Gods #1 (cover dated: February 1971) and was created by writer-artist Jack Kirby. Orion is the son of the super-villain, “Darkseid” of “Apokolips,” who traded him to “Highfather” of “New Genesis” in a peace deal between the two planets. Orion has powers similar to that of Superman, and he rids a device called an “Astro-Harness.” In 2000, DC Comics began publishing Orion, a 25-issue series written and almost entirely drawn by Walter Simonson (best known for his run on Marvel Comics' Thor from 1983-87).

After a little over a year, the fifteenth issue brings to an end what could be considered the first major arc of Walter Simonson’s engrossing epic comic book series, Orion. The story/epic begins in the first issue with Darkseid’s occupation of the town of Main Line, Nebraska in a bid to extract the “Anti-Life Equation” from the town’s inhabitants. Mentally exhausted and frustrated by his sire’s machinations, Orion meets Darkseid in combat and seemingly kills him in the fifth issue of the magazine. By the eleventh issue, Orion has mastered the Anti-Life Equation and begins to order Apokolips, New Genesis, and Earth in an attempt to end war, suffering and strife.

Orion #15 offers Darkseid's returns. But is Darkseid actually another opponent who seeks to engage Orion in battle?

THE LOWDOWN: I must admit to being mostly disinterested in Jack Kirby’s New Gods and other “Fourth World” comic books that are not the work of Kirby (with the exception of an occasional mini-series or odd stand alone story here and there). That was the case until John Byrne took over the mid-1990’s revival of the New Gods (Vol. 4, 1995-97) for the final four issues (#12 to #15) and then, produced subsequent 20-issue series , Jack Kirby’s Fourth World (1997-98).

I was saddened to see Byrne extinguish the title, but I was curious after the announcement that Simonson would have a follow-up magazine that would focus on Orion. It is in Issue #15 that we can see what Simonson does when he is really “on his game,” and as good as he has been, this issue is a career highlight precisely because he doesn’t rely on the fact that he can rest on his laurels because he is a mature and practiced veteran. His knowledge, ability and passage meet at a nexus that the best comic book creators rarely reach even in a career of standout work.

Orion is one of those rare “these days” books in which the title thrives not just on the popularity and strength of the characters, but primarily upon the skills of the artists involved. Simonson’s tales are not only epic in scope, but are also melodramatic and operatic in execution. As in the best of serializations, Simonson weaves strong character development, directs engrossing plot lines, and executes the genre trappings with verve of an old hand who is an old master.

Orion is in fact a sad and pitied figure in the tradition of tragic royalty. Blessed and cursed by birth and history and with power and a great warrior’s skill, he struggles to bring order to his universe precisely because he cannot find that same order anywhere. His home of Apokolips is a nest of never ending intrigue, betrayal, and hypocrisy. New Genesis, the enlightened opposite of Apokolips is more of the same except it has flowers, sunshine, and nice architecture. Earth is the playground of misguided super powered beings that, in the long run, are actually largely ineffective.

It is in the world that the reader must see and engage the lead, which is not a slight of the other characters. Even those that are not necessarily as developed as others, Simonson endows them with their own list of wants and needs and weaves them into the vast tapestry that is Kirby’s Fourth World. However, it is Orion that we must follow, because Simonson draws the reader to him; the reader sees the world only through Orion’s eyes. Yes, the others are interesting, but we view them always with the thought in mind of how he or she fits into Orion’s story. Is he friend or enemy of Orion? What does she want of Orion? This is truly one of the standards by which other “solo” books should be measured. Regardless of how “cool” or interesting a supporting player might be, that player is merely a piece on the lead’s board. No supporting player should have a story or plot thread concerning him that does not directly affect the lead.

About Simonson art – what is there to say? Like Byrne, he captures the sense of grandeur, scale, power, and dynamism that was in Kirby’s work, and executes it in their own inimitable style. Rather than an homage or remake, Simonson continues the saga the way one storyteller would follow the others before him who were also painting, so to speak, on a larger shared canvas. One can see Simonson’s considerable skill and talent in the vitality of the line work, the simultaneous grace and roughness of the inking, and the draftsmanship of a man who knows what he is doing. The panel layouts and arrangement so much serve the story in plot and pacing that one knows that it could never be any other way – meaning he didn’t do it to make pretty original art for buyers who are easily wowed by the eye candy of a pinup. Characters literally leap off the pages, and they pose with the grace and confidence of proven warriors and kings born. There is pathos and drama that is better than some “movie” and is worthy of the theatrical stage. Every single panel matters, and Simonson wastes nothing. There is no filler to snap the attention of those easily distracted. This is quality work, good storytelling, and style over substance.

If you ignore so-called mainstream work, Orion can be your guilty pleasure that is not a guilty pleasure. For the ones chasing alternate covers, “Ultimate” titles and revamps, there is good food at this table called Orion.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Walter Simonson and of Jack Kirby's “Fourth World” will want to find a trade collection of Orion (2000).

[This comic book also includes the back-up story, “Great Than / Less Than” from writer Kevin McCarthy, artist John Paul Leon, colorist Tatjana Wood, and letterer John Workman.]

★★★★ out of 4 stars

EDITED: Sunday, April 13, 2025

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. “I Reads You”

In 2018, DC Comics began publishing trade collections of Walter Simonson's Orion, which you can find at Amazon.

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Tuesday, March 25, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #131

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #131

DC COMICS

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Sholly Fisch

PENCILS: Walter Carzon; Randy Elliot

INKS: Horacio Ottolini; Randy Elliot

COLORS: Silvana Brys; Pamela Lovas

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Harvey Richards (reprint)

COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Silvana Brys

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (February 2025)

Ages 8+

“Scaries Not Included”

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? #131 opens with “Scaries Not Included,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Walter Carzon (pencils) and Horacio Ottolini (inks). The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma attending the “Coolsville Collectible Toy Fair.” There, they hope to collect items for the “Children's Toy Drive.”

What they find instead is agitated toy collectors looking for items that are exclusive to the toy fair. Everyone is caught up in exclusives fever when an elf, specifically an elf-like “drow,” crashes the show. Can the gang survive collector's mania long enough to solve the mystery of this dark elf?

As usual, the second story, “Not Just Yeti,” is a reprint story. It is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn Randy Elliot. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You #94 (cover date: October 2018).] The story opens at “Benji Ford's Rockin' Gym,” an indoor climbing wall facility. It's being haunted by a “yeti,” and the owner, Benji Ford, believes that the only ones who can help him are the experts of Mystery Inc. While the gang has taken on the yetis a.k.a. “abominable snowmen,” in the past, this is the first time a yeti mystery is set on top of an indoor climbing wall and not at or near the top of a mountain. So what is really going on here?

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #131 offers a Christmas-like theme via the opening story, “Scaries Not Included.” Although there isn't much Christmas spirit among the toy collectors in this new story, it is a treat from Scooby-Doo comic book stalwarts: Derek Fridolfs, Walter Carzon, and Horacio Ottolini. I consider that a Christmas gift from this comic book series. Also, “Scaries Not Included” accurately depicts the collector's mania atmosphere that permeates conventions and toy fairs where show exclusive toys, action figures, and play sets are offered.

The reprint story, “Not Just Yeti,” another duo of Scooby-Doo stalwart creatives, Sholly Fisch and Randy Elliot, offer a Scooby-Doo mystery favorite supernatural pest, the yeti. Honestly, yetis in Scooby-Doo television series have always scared me, so I consider this tale a nice offering.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #131 offers a reading experience that is a bit more fun than what the previous issue presented. So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read this issue, and maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie, later. And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Anti-Hero” by Kate Karyus Quinn, Demitria Lunetta, and Maca Gil.]

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

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Monday, March 10, 2025

DC Comics from Lunar Distributors for March 12, 2025

DC COMICS:

Absolute Batman #4 (2nd Printing Cover A Guillem March), $4.99

Absolute Batman #4 (2nd Printing Cover B Gabriel Hernandez Walta & Frank Martins Card Stock Variant), AR

Absolute Batman #6 (Cover A Nick Dragotta), $4.99

Absolute Batman #6 (Cover B Frank Quitely Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Absolute Batman #6 (Cover C Simon Bisley Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Absolute Batman #6 (Cover D John McCrea Card Stock Variant), AR

Absolute Batman #6 (Cover E Alex Maleev Card Stock Variant), AR

Absolute Superman #5 (Cover A Rafa Sandoval), $4.99

Absolute Superman #5 (Cover B Sean Gordon Murphy Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Absolute Superman #5 (Cover C Jae Lee Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Absolute Superman #5 (Cover D Darick Robertson Card Stock Variant), AR

Absolute Superman #5 (Cover E Sean Gordon Murphy Card Stock Variant), AR

Action Comics #1084 (Cover A Gleb Melnikov), $4.99

Action Comics #1084 (Cover B Jae Lee Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Action Comics #1084 (Cover C Nicola Scott Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Action Comics #1084 (Cover D Howard Porter Courtside Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Action Comics #1084 (Cover E Dani Card Stock Variant), AR

Aquaman #3 (Cover A John Timms), $3.99

Aquaman #3 (Cover B Tula Lotay Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Aquaman #3 (Cover C Gavin Guidry Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Aquaman #3 (Cover D Sweeney Boo Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Aquaman #3 (Cover E Jenny Frison International Women's Day Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Aquaman #3 (Cover F Salvador Larroca Card Stock Variant), AR

Batman Adventures #12 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover A Mike Parobeck & Rick Burchett), $3.99

Batman Adventures #12 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover B Super Powers Variant), $4.99

Batman Adventures #12 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover C Mike Parobeck & Rick Burchett Foil Variant), $7.99

Batman Adventures #12 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover D Blank Variant), $4.99

Batman And Robin #19 (Cover A Javier Fernandez), $4.99

Batman And Robin #19 (Cover B Juan Ferreyra Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Batman And Robin #19 (Cover C Miguel Mendonca Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Batman And Robin #19 (Cover D John McCrea Card Stock Variant), AR

Batman Dark Patterns #4 (Of 12)(Cover A Hayden Sherman), $4.99

Batman Dark Patterns #4 (Of 12)(Cover B Stevan Subic Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Batman Detective Comics (2022) Volume 5 Gotham Nocturne Act III HC, $49.99

Batman Detective Comics (2022) Volume 5 Gotham Nocturne Act III TP, $29.99

Black Lightning #5 (Cover A Fico Ossio), $3.99

Black Lightning #5 (Cover B Tom Raney Card Stock Variant), $4.99

DC Finest Suicide Squad Trial By Fire TP, $39.99

DC Vs. Vampires World War V #7 (Of 12)(Cover A Otto Schmidt), $4.99

DC Vs. Vampires World War V #7 (Of 12)(Cover B Santa Fung Card Stock Variant), $5.99

DC Vs. Vampires World War V #7 (Of 12)(Cover C Marguerite Sauvage Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Deadman Omnibus HC (2025 Edition), $125.00

Detective Comics #31 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover A Bob Kane), $6.99

Detective Comics #31 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover B Bob Kane Foil Variant), $9.99

Detective Comics #31 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover C Blank Card Stock Variant), $7.99

Gotham City Sirens Trigger Happy TP, $17.99

Green Arrow (2023) Volume 3 Against The Wall TP, $19.99

Green Arrow Archers Quest Omnibus Volume 1 HC, $125.00

Green Lantern Corps #2 (Cover A Fernando Pasarin & Oclair Albert), $3.99

Green Lantern Corps #2 (Cover B Dave Wilkins Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Green Lantern Corps #2 (Cover C Ariel Olivetti Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Green Lantern Corps #2 (Cover D Nathan Szerdy Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Green Lantern Corps #2 (Cover E Fernando Pasarin & Oclair Albert Recruitment Poster Acetate Variant), $9.99

Green Lantern Corps #2 (Cover F Gavin Guidry Card Stock Variant), AR

Green Lantern Corps #2 (Cover G Keron Grant Card Stock Variant), AR

My Adventures With Superman TP, $17.99

Mystik U Freshman Year Enchantments TP, $16.99

Saga Of The Swamp Thing #37 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover A Stephen R. Bissette & John Totleben), $3.99

Saga Of The Swamp Thing #37 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover B Mondo Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Saga Of The Swamp Thing #37 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover C Super Powers Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Saga Of The Swamp Thing #37 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover D Stephen R. Bissette & John Totleben Foil Variant), $6.99

Saga Of The Swamp Thing #37 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover E Blank Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Superman '78 TP, $17.99

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Thursday, February 20, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You #130

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #130

DC COMICS

STORY: Sholly Fisch; Scotty Beatty

PENCILS: Valerio Chiola; Robert Pope

INKS: Valerio Chiola; Scott McRae

COLORS: Valerio Chiola; Heroic Age

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Dezi Sienty

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Kwanza Johnson (reprint)

COVER: Valerio Chiola

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (December 2024)

Ages 8+

“Mayor May Not!”

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #130 opens with “Mayor May Not!,” which is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Valerio Chiola. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma attending a costume ball thrown by Mayor Flowers. The party is also a campaign event for the mayor's reelection campaign. It seems as if the mayor has invited the whole city to this event, but did he also unknowingly invite a werewolf?

As usual, the second story, “Paranoidal Activity,” is a reprint story. It is written by Scott Beatty and drawn by Robert Pope and Scott McRae. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You #19 (cover date: May 2012).] The story opens as the Mystery Machine drives up to “the Spectral Silk Mill.” Mystery Inc. has been called to this old silk mill by its current owners, Mr. Stanislaus and Mr. Oliveri, to discover if the place really is haunted. For their latest case, the gang has decided to test their new high tech equipment in the detection of ghosts. Will that work, or will it just get in the way of the ghost-busting?

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #130 doesn't really have a theme so much as it finds its ghostly instigators in suspects that manage to be both surprising and expected. This isn't a particularly good issue, but like #129, the lead story is drawn by Valerio Chiola. I really dig Chiola's quirky and funky illustrative style which brings some needed freshness to the pages of this series that is well into its second decade. Chiola's squashed and stretched art reminds me of legendary cartoonist and Plastic Man creator, Jack Cole, and it looks like some of the graphical storytelling frequently found in kids' comics and graphic novels.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #130 may not be top of the line, but it is still a Scooby-Doo comic book. So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read this issue, and maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie, later. And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Deadman Tells the Spooky Tales” by Franco and Sara Richard, Isaac Goodhart, and others.]

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

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Tuesday, January 28, 2025

#IReadsYou Movie Review: AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)

Running time: 124 minutes (2 hours, 4 minutes)

MPA – PG-13 for sci-fi violence and some language

DIRECTOR: James Wan

WRITERS: David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick; from a story by James Wan and David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick & Jason Momoa and Thomas Pa'a Sibbett (based on the character created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger and appearing in DC Comics)

PRODUCERS: James Wan, Rob Cowan, and Peter Safran

CINEMATOGRAPHER: Don Burgess

EDITOR: Kirk M. Morri

COMPOSER: Rupert Gregson-Williams

SUPERHERO/FANTASY/SCI-FI and ACTION/ADVENTURE

Starring: Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Amber Heard, Dolph Lundgren, Temuera Morrison, Randall Park, Jani Zhao, Indya Moore, and Nicole Kidman with the voices of Martin Short, John Rhys-Davies, and Pilou Asbaek

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is a 2023 superhero, action-adventure and science fiction-fantasy film from director James Wan. It is a direct sequel to the 2018 film, Aquaman, and it is also the 15th and final installment of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). The film is based on the DC Comics character, Aquaman, that was created by artist Paul Norris and editor Mort Weisinger and first appeared in More Fun Comics #73 (cover dated: November 1941). In Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Black Manta forges a deal with a mysterious evil from Atlantis' past, forcing Aquaman to forge an alliance with his imprisoned brother in order to save Atlantis.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom opens four years after Aquaman/Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa) became King of Atlantis and married Mera (Amber Heard). They are now parents to a son, Arthur Jr. Aquaman splits his life between land and sea, strengthening his bond with his father, Thomas Curry (Temuera Morrison), and getting wise advice about being a father from him. However, splitting time between his life on land and his life as the ruler of Atlantis has led to clashes with the High Council of the Seven Kingdoms.

Meanwhile, David Kane/Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen) continues to seek revenge against Aquaman for the death of his father (as seen in Aquaman). With the help of marine biologist, Stephen Shin (Randall Park), Kane finds a mysterious artifact, “the Black Trident.” As soon Kane touches the trident, it possesses him and connects his mind to the mysterious Kordax, the undead king of the lost undersea kingdom of Necrus. Soon, Kane, at Kordax's command, is poisoning the surface world with an element known as “Orichalcum.”

Aquaman's mother, Atlanna (Nicole Kidman), the former queen of Atlantis, implores him to seek the help of his imprisoned brother, Orm Marius (Patrick Wilson), the deposed King of Atlantis in order to stop Kane. But can Aquaman trust Orm, who tried to kill him and whom he removed from the throne of Atlantis?

While watching the original film, Aquaman, I could not help but notice that many of its story points and plot elements were glaringly similar to those found in Marvel Studios' Black Panther, which debuted earlier in the same year, 2018, that Aquaman hit theaters. I also find Black Panther elements in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, but none as pronounced as in the first film. I also believe that Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is strongly influenced by the Star Wars “prequel” films, especially Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.

That said, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is like the first film – a grand, old-fashioned, action-adventure fantasy film. The sequel is quite entertaining, but not as solidly entertaining as the first film.

The plot, narrative, and character drama in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom seem forced when they are not being over-the-top, and are lacking in genuine emotion and feeling when they not being forced and over-the-top. Director James Wan and his co-writers emphasize sound and fury. It is as if they believe that the more CGI, action scenes, explosions, subplots, and weird-looking things they throw on the screen the less likely that the audience will realize how ungainly this film is. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom isn't cinematic art; it's merely corporate entertainment product, and unlike the first time, Warner Bros. Pictures didn't as lucky with the sequel.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom treads water just not to be mediocre. I will admit that its production values and special visual effects all look quite good. Visually, the film is sumptuous even if the drama is rickety. And as I write this, I am just remembering that I like the film score, although I am sure that I have heard parts of it in another film.

Also, I admire that Jason Momoa throws himself into this film, doing his best to make it seem like the most fun he and the audience could ever have in a superhero movie. Unfortunately, it was the Aquaman movie before Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom that was really fun.

B-

★★½ out of 4 stars

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

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Tuesday, January 21, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #129

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #129

DC COMICS

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Ivan Cohen

PENCILS: Valerio Chiola; Walter Carzon

INKS: Valerio Chiola; Horacio Ottolini

COLORS: Valerio Chiola; Silvana Brys

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Rob Levin (reprint)

COVER: Valerio Chiola

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (October 2024)

Ages 8+

“Dine & Dash”

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #129 opens with “Dine & Dash,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Valerio Chiola. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma coming off their most recent case which I guess could be called “The Case of the Goblin Golfers.” Fred decides to treat everyone to dinner at his favorite place, but his favorite place is now a sports-themed bar and restaurant called “Munch Madness.”

Before there was Munch Madness, there was the “Pizza Playhouse,” Fred's favorite... haunt when he was a boy. The restaurant even featured a band of anthropomorphic animal performers, “the Pizza Pack.” Although the performers were animatronic, Fred loved them, especially “Elliott the Elephant.” Fred is feeling a nostalgic sense of loss when a phantom version of Elliott suddenly strikes, so now Mystery Inc. has a new mystery to solve.

As usual, the second story, “Magic Hassle,” is a reprint story. It is written by Ivan Cohen and drawn by Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You #79 (cover date: May 2017).] The story opens at night as the Mystery Machine drives up a mountain road to “Mystic Mansion.” It is “the world's most famous magicians' hangout,” and Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, and Scooby-Doo are invited guests to an event being held there.

Tonight is special, as the magician, “Rickey D,” is debuting a new trick in order to tests the skills of Mystery Inc. Surprisingly, there is something going on between Rickey D and another popular magician, “Murdstone the Magnificent.” However, that is put aside after some tools-of-the-trade disappear, and a vampire arrives to break-up the show.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #129 has as its theme nostalgia. The focus is specifically on how people resent the change or disappearance of things they loved fiercely in the past. In the first story, “Dine & Dash,” Fred is disappointed that his childhood pizza restaurant slash playground has been replaced by an adult sports bar that is now a clubhouse which emphasizes buffalo wings and sports. In the reprint story, “Magic Hassle,” Murdstone the Magician resents his young rival, Rickey D, and his flashiness and prefers a legendary and groundbreaking magician and escape artist whose act lost favor with audiences decades in the past.

Nostalgia and resistance to cultural change are timely subjects, especially after at least a quarter-century of the rise of so-called “toxic fandom.” That aside, nostalgia as a theme here makes for highly entertaining stories. I will say, though, that “Magic Hassle” has an awkward ending.

Many of the recent new stories in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? Have been written by Derek Fridolfs, who is also a comic book artist. He often draws the cover art for the issues for which he has written a story. For issue #129, Valerio Chiola draws the opening story and also draws the cover art. So it is both odd and delightful to see Chiola's quirky graphical and illustrative style featured as the cover art. Also, “Magic Hassle” is drawn by one of the very best modern Scooby-Doo art teams, Walter Carzon (pencils) and Horacio Ottolini (inks), and the art features the brilliant colors of Silvana Brys. The art is a big reason why I am giving this issue a high rating.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #129 may have the highest rating that I've every given an issue of this series, but the last year or so has featured some really good individual issues. So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read this issue, and maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie, later. And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Lois Lane and the Friendship Challenge” by Grace Ellis and Brittney Williams.]

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

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Thursday, December 26, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #128

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #128

DC COMICS

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Georgia Ball

PENCILS: Randy Elliot; Dario Brizuela

INKS: Randy Elliot; Dario Brizuela

COLORS: Silvana Brys; Candace Schinzler-Bell

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Jessica Chen (reprint)

COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Silvana Brys

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (August 2024)

Ages 8+

“Dehydrated”

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #128 opens with “Dehydrated,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Randy Elliot. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma visiting a local lake for a lazy day of floating and fishing. Unfortunately, the place is haunted by a three-headed version of the monster of antiquity known as “the Hydra.” And you know, Mystery Inc. is never one to let a mystery go unsolved.

As usual, the second story, “Scuba Scoob,” is a reprint story. It is written by Georgia Ball and drawn by Dario Brizuela. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You #54 (cover date: April 2015).] The story finds Mystery Inc. in the Caribbean Islands for some scuba-diving fun via “Scuba-Duba Boat Tours.” However, the boat tour's owner, Farukh, is having trouble with a monster shark. As usual, Scooby and the gang have a mystery to solve.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #128 has as its theme vacations on the water ruined by water-based monsters. This issue is blessed by being drawn by two of the best modern Scooby-Doo comic book artists, Randy Elliot for “Dehydrated” and Dario Brizuela for “Scuba Scoob.” The latter story features some dazzling color and color effects by Candace Schinzler-Bell. In fact, it is the art and colors that really stand out this time around. The stories are nice and feature nice monsters, but these simply aren't stand out stories.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #128 does not match up to the quality of issue #127, but a Scooby-Doo comic book is always a good thing. So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read it, and maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie, later. And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics 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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Wednesday, November 27, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #127

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #127

DC COMICS

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Sholly Fisch

PENCILS: Walter Carzon; Scott Neely

INKS: Horacio Ottolini; Scott Neely

COLORS: Silvana Brys; Heroic Age

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Dezi Sienty

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Alex Antone (reprint)

COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Silvana Brys

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (June 2024)

Ages 8+

“Dog Tag”

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #127 opens with “Dog Tag,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma enjoying a night of “Laser Tag.” However, what Shaggy calls the “Freaky Fright Stalker” is taking the fun out of the game. Can the gang solve this mystery?

As usual, the second story, “Con Games,” is a reprint story. It is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Scott Neely. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You #25 (cover date: November 2012).] The story finds Mystery Inc. attending “MonsterCon.” It's packed with authors, filmmakers, sci-fi fans, and cosplayers. The con's organizer, Woody K. Wackerstein, is certainly happy about the turnout. But when the “Phantom of the Con” makes his regularly scheduled appearance, the apparition threatens to put an end to the convention fun.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #127 has as its theme fandom and fan gatherings. “Dog Tag” is set in a “Laser Tag” entertainment center, and although people have been playing it since the 1980s, “Laser Tag” remains popular. The monster in the story visually references the alien, “Predator” that first appeared in the 1978 film, Predator, and also appeared as recently as the Hulu original film, the Emmy-nominated, Prey (2022).

I enjoy stories set in the world of science fiction and comic book conventions. I still fondly remember author Sharyn McCrumb's 1988 satirical novel, Bimbos of the Death Sun, which is set at a science fiction convention. This issue's second story is set set at a con, and features a number of pop culture references. Woody K. Wakerstein, the organizer of “MonsterCon,” is a substitute for Forest J. Ackerman, an author and magazine editor. Ackerman was also one of the founders of science fiction fandom. Another substitute character is “Walt Palace,” who is based on director William Castle (1960s 13 Ghosts), who is known for his B-movie horror flicks for which he used gimmicks to promote.

The best thing about this issue is that it features the art of two of the best Scooby-Doo comic book artists, Walter Carzon and Scott Neely. Each artist's illustrations also features gloriously shimmering bright coloring from Silvana Brys and Heroic Age, respectively.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #127 is a good issue, much better than the previous one, #126. So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read it, 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, “Dear DC Super-Villains” by Michael Northrop, Gustavo Duarte, Cris Peter, and Wes Abbott.]

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

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Wednesday, October 16, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: BATMAN: EARTH ONE Volume Two

BATMAN: EARTH ONE VOLUME TWO

DC COMICS

STORY: Geoff Johns

PENCILS: Gary Frank

INKS: Jonathan Sibal

COLORS: Brad Anderson

LETTERS: Rob Leigh

COVER: Gary Frank with Brad Anderson

ISBN: 978-1-4012-6251-8; paperback (June 21, 2016)

144pp, Color, $14.99 U.S., $17.99 CAN

Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger

Batman: Earth One Volume 2 is 2015 hardcover original graphic novel (OGN) published by DC Comics. It is written by Geoff Johns; drawn by Gary Frank (pencils) and Jonathan Sibal (inks); colored by Brad Anderson; and lettered by Rob Leigh. Set in a reality that is different from the flagship Batman titles, Earth One Vol. 2 pits Batman against The Riddler for the first time.

In 2009, DC Comics announced plans to publish new graphic novels that would retell or re-imagine the beginnings of Batman and Superman. Each character would have his own ongoing series of original graphic novels depicting his earliest moments as a superhero and crime fighter. Each graphic novel would be a stand-alone story set on a new Earth with an all-new continuity. Superman: Earth One Volume One arrived in October 2010 and Batman: Earth One Volume One arrived in 2012, both released as hardcover original graphic novels. To date (2024), there have been three releases each featuring Superman and Batman, and some releases featuring other DC Comics characters. [My review is based on the 2016 paperback edition of this graphic novel.]

Batman: Earth One Volume Two opens in the gritty, contemporary metropolis of Gotham City in the wake of the murder of Mayor Osward Cobblepot (as seen in Vol. 1). The police and the public believe that Batman murdered the mayor, but the actual killer is Alfred Pennyworth. The former Royal Marine and friend of Bruce Wayne's late father, Thomas Wayne, Alfred is now Bruce's head of security and partner in Bruce's war on crime and corruption as the costumed-wearing vigilante, The Batman.

Something else, however, is also troubling Gotham City. It has been plunged into terror by an enigmatic anarchist, terrorist, and killer calling himself “The Riddler.” He begins with a bang with the murder of five people who plunge to their deaths in an elevator. Batman is determined to stop him, but he finds himself caught in the conflicting ideologies of Detective Jim Gordon of the Gotham City Police Department (GCPD) and of Alfred. Gordon is also dealing with the troubles of his partner, Harvey Bullock. Once flashy and overconfident, Bullock is now traumatized by the discovery he made in a serial killer's basement (as seen in Vol. 1).

If that weren't enough melodrama, Gotham Mayor Jessica Dent wants Bruce to help her discover the identities of the five VIP Gotham residents who have taken over the late Mayor Cobblepot's criminal empire. However, her brother, District Attorney Harvey Dent, has hated Bruce since they were children, and he has his own secret agenda. Meanwhile, there are reports of a bizarre creature, called “Killer Croc, prowling the sewers of the city, treating human and animal as meat for the beast.

THE LOWDOWN: I was crazy about Batman: Earth One Volume One. It is like a “Batman Family” story because Johns writes it as if it were an ensemble crime drama. Batman is obviously the lead, but Vol. 1 seems to treat Bruce Wayne as one of several supporting characters in the story. I rather like that.

In Batman: Earth One Volume Two, John makes Bruce Wayne the lead, with the Batman being only one part of a complicate life of purposes. The story seems to be about Bruce Wayne working out who he is. Is Bruce just the Batman, or is Bruce a civilian with a mission that is just as important as Batman's mission as a costumed vigilante? It is an interesting take, one that is more interesting than anything to do with The Riddler angle of the story.

Speaking of the Riddler: I have not yet read Batman: Earth One Volume Three, but I believe the first two volumes had a big influence on director Matt Reeves' 2022 Batman film, The Batman, especially Vol. 2. Reading this graphic novel, over two years after first seeing The Batman, I find that Vol. 2 seems quite familiar. It wasn't long into reading this that I was making connections to the 2022 Batman film, which also has The Riddler as a terrorist-like villain.

British comic book artist, Gary Frank, has displayed his muscular compositions and forceful graphical storytelling to readers for the better part of four decades – three decades in the U.S. I don't think Geoff John's edgy, retooling of Batman, which owes a lot to Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Returns and to Alan Moore and Brian Bolland's Batman: The Killing Joke, would work quite as well without Frank's brawny storytelling and pencils. Inker Jon Sibal captures that strength with a balance of sinewy precision and consistent and deft grace in his inking.

Colorist Brad Anderson makes the art both bright and dark – bright to reveal the emotional moments and dark to hide the danger. Another strong contributor is Rob Leigh; his lettering is what gives the story a balance of sound and effect.

I don't know if there is going to be more Batman: Earth One. Truthfully, Earth One should have been the direction taken by the “Rebirth” launch of the flagship Batman in 2016. But what do I know? I'm not a comics publisher selling comic books in a stagnate market for American comic books.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Batman comic books will want to read Batman: Earth One Volume Two.

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

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Monday, September 16, 2024

DC Comics from Lunar Distributors for September 18, 2024

DC COMICS:

Absolute Batman The Dark Knight The Master Race HC (2024 Edition), $125.00

Absolute Power Super Son #1 (One Shot)(Cover A John Timms), $5.99

Absolute Power Super Son #1 (One Shot)(Cover B Lucio Parrillo Card Stock Variant), $6.99

Absolute Power Super Son #1 (One Shot)(Cover C Reiko Murakami Card Stock Variant), $6.99

Absolute Power Super Son #1 (One Shot)(Cover D Logo Design Foil Variant), $7.99

Batman By Grant Morrison Volume 1 TP, $39.99

Batman Day 2024 Batman Elmer Fudd Special #1 (Cover A Lee Weeks), $5.99

Batman Day 2024 Batman Elmer Fudd Special Noir #1 (Cover A Lee Weeks), $5.99

Batman Day 2024 Batman One Bad Day The Riddler HC (Mitch Gerads Variant Dust Jacket), $17.99

Batman Day 2024 Batman The Long Halloween #0 (Cover A Tim Sale), $3.99

Batman Day 2024 Batman The Long Halloween #1 (Cover A Tim Sale), AR

Batman Day 2024 Batman The Long Halloween #1 (Cover B Tim Sale Foil Variant), $9.99

Batman Day 2024 Batman The Long Halloween Deluxe Edition HC (Tim Sale Variant Dust Jacket), $49.99

Batman Day 2024 Batman Wayne Family Adventures #1 (Cover A Starbite), AR

Batman Day 2024 Detective Comics #27 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover A Bob Kane), $7.99

Batman Day 2024 Detective Comics #27 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover B Blank Variant), $8.99

Batman Day 2024 Detective Comics #27 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover C Bob Kane Foil Variant), $9.99

Batman Day 2024 Joker The World Special Edition #1 (Cover A TBD), AR

Batman Detective Comics Volume 3 Gotham Nocturne Act II HC (2022), $29.99

Batman Detective Comics Volume 3 Gotham Nocturne Act II TP (2022), $19.99

Batman Incorporated The Complete Series TP, $29.99

Batman Superman World's Finest #31 (Cover A Dan Mora), $3.99

Batman Superman World's Finest #31 (Cover B Ian Churchill Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Batman Superman World's Finest #31 (Cover C Edwin Galmon Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Batman Superman World's Finest #31 (Cover D Nicola Scott Artist Spotlight Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Batman Superman World's Finest #31 (Cover E Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez & Joe Prado Hispanic Heritage Month Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Batman Superman World's Finest #31 (Cover F Dave Johnson Batman 85th Anniversary Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Batman Superman World's Finest #31 (Cover G Marco D’Alfonso Card Stock Variant), AR

Catwoman #68 (Cover A David Nakayama), $3.99

Catwoman #68 (Cover B Rachta Lin Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Catwoman #68 (Cover C Rose Besch Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Catwoman #68 (Cover D Nicola Scott Artist Spotlight Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Catwoman #68 (Cover E Marcio Takara Card Stock Variant), AR

Catwoman #68 (Cover F Tirso Cons Card Stock Variant), AR

Crisis On Infinite Earths #6 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover A George Perez), $3.99

Crisis On Infinite Earths #6 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover B George Perez Foil Variant), $5.99

Crisis On Infinite Earths #6 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover C Blank Variant), $4.99

Dark Knights Of Steel Allwinter #3 (Of 6)(Cover A Tirso Cons), $4.99

Dark Knights Of Steel Allwinter #3 (Of 6)(Cover B Skylar Patridge Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Dark Knights Of Steel Allwinter #3 (Of 6)(Cover C Riccardo Federici Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Green Lantern By Geoff Johns Volume 2 TP (2024 Edition), $39.99

Jay Garrick The Flash TP, $16.99

Jenny Sparks #2 (Of 6)(Cover A Jeff Spokes), $4.99

Jenny Sparks #2 (Of 6)(Cover B Ben Oliver Card Stock Variant), $5.99

John Constantine Hellblazer Dead In America #9 (Of 11)(Cover A Aaron Campbell), $4.99

John Constantine Hellblazer Dead In America #9 (Of 11)(Cover B Mike Deodato Jr.), $4.99

Joker The World HC, $24.99

Multiversus Collision Detection #1 (Of 6)(Cover A Dan Mora), $4.99

Multiversus Collision Detection #1 (Of 6)(Cover B Mikel Janin Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Multiversus Collision Detection #1 (Of 6)(Cover C Riley Rossmo Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Multiversus Collision Detection #1 (Of 6)(Cover D Game Key Art Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Multiversus Collision Detection #1 (Of 6)(Cover E Jon Sommariva Card Stock Variant), AR

Multiversus Collision Detection #1 (Of 6)(Cover F Bugs Bunny Game Key Art Card Stock Variant), AR

Superman #18 (Cover A Jamal Campbell)(Absolute Power), $4.99

Superman #18 (Cover B Francesco Mattina Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99

Superman #18 (Cover C W. Scott Forbes Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99

Superman #18 (Cover D Sweeney Boo Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99

Superman #18 (Cover E Nicola Scott Artist Spotlight Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99

Superman #18 (Cover F Al Barrionuevo Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), AR

Superman The Triangle Era Omnibus Volume 1 HC, $125.00

Wonder Woman #13 (Cover A Tony S. Daniel)(Absolute Power), $4.99

Wonder Woman #13 (Cover B Phil Jimenez Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99

Wonder Woman #13 (Cover C Stanley Artgerm Lau Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99

Wonder Woman #13 (Cover D Nicola Scott Artist Spotlight Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99

Wonder Woman #13 (Cover E Gleb Melnikov Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), AR

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Tuesday, September 10, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #126

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #126

DC COMICS

STORY: Derek Fridolfs; Sholly Fisch

PENCILS: Valerio Chiola; Scott Jeralds

INKS: Valerio Chiola; Scott Jeralds

COLORS: Valerio Chiola; Silvana Brys

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Brittany Holzherr (reprint)

COVER: Derek Fridolfs with Valerio Chiola

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (April 2024)

Ages 8+

“Girls Night Ouch!”

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #126 opens with “Girls Night Ouch!,” which is written by Derek Fridolfs and drawn by Valerio Chiola. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma making some plans. Not everyone has the same plans for this evening. Scooby and Shaggy have an all-you-can-eat buffet to attend, and Fred is going to investigate a haunted kitchen.

Meanwhile, Daphne and Velma are going to a local bookstore for a release party for the second book in the popular, teenage vampire romance book series, “Once Bitten.” The series' author, Steven Majors, is going to read from “Twice Bitten,” the new book, but his appearance is nothing compared to a surprise appearance. It seems that the book series' star, the vampire Danté, has arrived and is tearing the bookstore apart. Can Daphne and Velma solve this mystery alone?

As usual, the second story, “Ghost Writers,” is a reprint story. It is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Scott Jeralds. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You #76 (cover date: February 2017).] The story finds Mystery Inc. investigating a haunted library. Paige the librarian wants to know why the ghosts of Edgar Allen Poe and William Shakespeare are haunting her library. Now, Scooby and the gang have to discover what these literary ghosts want.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #126 has as its theme literary hauntings. The new story is set in a book event at a local book store, and of course, there is an obvious reference to author Stephenie Meyer's Twilight book series. Readers familiar with Twilight will enjoy the references to the book and to its fans and – dare I say it – its devoted, cult-like following.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #126 is not a particularly good issue compared to recent issues. Still, it's 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!

C+

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Metropolis Grove” by Drew Brockington.]

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

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Monday, August 19, 2024

DC Comics from Lunar Distributors for August 21, 2024

DC COMICS:

Absolute Power Task Force VII #4 (Of 7)(Cover D Stephen Platt Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Batman Superman World's Finest #30 (Cover A Dan Mora), $3.99

Batman Superman World's Finest #30 (Cover B Puppeteer Lee Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Batman Superman World's Finest #30 (Cover C Lucio Parrillo Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Batman Superman World's Finest #30 (Cover D Jorge Jimenez Batman 85th Anniversary Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Batman Superman World's Finest #30 (Cover E Daniel Bayliss Card Stock Variant), AR

Batman Volume 2 The Bat-Man Of Gotham TP (2022), $16.99

Crisis On Infinite Earths #5 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover A George Perez), $3.99

Crisis On Infinite Earths #5 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover B George Perez Foil Variant), $5.99

Crisis On Infinite Earths #5 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover C Blank Variant), $4.99

Dark Knights Of Steel Allwinter #2 (Of 6)(Cover A Tirso Cons), $4.99

Dark Knights Of Steel Allwinter #2 (Of 6)(Cover B Mona Finden Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Dark Knights Of Steel Allwinter #2 (Of 6)(Cover C Dan Panosian Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Dark Knights Of Steel Allwinter #2 (Of 6)(Cover D Qistina Khalidah Card Stock Variant), AR

Elseworlds Justice League Volume 1 TP (2024 Edition), $34.99

Gotham City Sirens #3 (Of 4)(Cover A Terry Dodson), $3.99

Gotham City Sirens #3 (Of 4)(Cover B W. Scott Forbes Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Gotham City Sirens #3 (Of 4)(Cover C Jeehyung Lee Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Gotham City Sirens #3 (Of 4)(Cover D Guillem March Connecting Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Gotham City Sirens #3 (Of 4)(Cover E Guillem March Connecting Prismatic Gloss Variant), $6.99

Gotham City Sirens #3 (Of 4)(Cover F Natacha Bustos Card Stock Variant), AR

Green Lantern By Geoff Johns Volume 1 TP (2024 Edition), $24.99

Green Lantern War Journal #12 (Cover A Montos), $3.99

Green Lantern War Journal #12 (Cover B Mark Spears Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Green Lantern War Journal #12 (Cover C Jason Geyer & Alex Saviuk DC Super Powers Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Jenny Sparks #1 (Of 6)(Cover A Jeff Spokes), $4.99

Jenny Sparks #1 (Of 6)(Cover B Guillem March Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Jenny Sparks #1 (Of 6)(Cover C Homare Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Jenny Sparks #1 (Of 6)(Cover D Saowee Card Stock Variant), AR

Nightwing #117 (Cover A Bruno Redondo), $4.99

Nightwing #117 (Cover B Bruno Redondo Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Nightwing #117 (Cover C Stevan Subic Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Nightwing #117 (Cover D Jason Geyer & Alex Saviuk DC Super Powers Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Nightwing #117 (Cover E Belen Ortega Swimsuit Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Nightwing #117 (Cover F Serg Acuna Card Stock Variant), AR

Nightwing #117 (Cover G Nicola Scott Beetlejuice Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Superman #17 (Cover A Jamal Campbell)(Absolute Power), $4.99

Superman #17 (Cover B Tony S. Daniel Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99

Superman #17 (Cover C Stjepan Sejic Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99

Superman #17 (Cover D Guillem March Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99

Superman #17 (Cover E Jason Geyer & Alex Saviuk DC Super Powers Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99

Superman #17 (Cover F Elizabeth Torque Swimsuit Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99

Superman #17 (Cover G Mikel Janin Resistance Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99

Superman #17 (Cover H Chuma Hill Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), AR

Superman #17 (Cover I Chris Bachalo Beetlejuice Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99

Swamp Thing By Nancy A Collins Omnibus HC (2024 Edition), $125.00

Swamp Thing By Rick Veitch Volume 1 Wild Things TP, $29.99

Titans #14 (Cover A Lucas Meyer), $3.99

Titans #14 (Cover B Chris Samnee Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Titans #14 (Cover C Mattia De Iulis Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Titans #14 (Cover D Jason Geyer & Alex Saviuk DC Super Powers Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Titans #14 (Cover E Saowee Swimsuit Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Titans Beast World Tour TP, $29.99

Titans Beast World TP, $29.99

Wonder Woman #12 (Cover A Daniel Sampere)(Absolute Power), $4.99

Wonder Woman #12 (Cover B Julian Totino Tedesco Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99

Wonder Woman #12 (Cover C Tony S Daniel Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99

Wonder Woman #12 (Cover D Guillem March Swimsuit Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99

Wonder Woman #12 (Cover E Mikel Janin Resistance Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99

Wonder Woman #12 (Cover F Jorge Fornes Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), AR

Wonder Woman #12 (Cover G Elizabeth Torque & Sabine Moss Beetlejuice Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99

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Monday, July 22, 2024

DC Comics from Lunar Distributors for July 24, 2024

DC COMICS:

Absolute Power Ground Zero #1 (One Shot)(2nd Printing Cover A Dan Mora), $4.99

Absolute Power Origins #1 (Of 3)(Cover A Irvin Rodriguez), $3.99

Absolute Power Origins #1 (Of 3)(Cover B Dave Wilkins Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Absolute Power Origins #1 (Of 3)(Cover C Alitha Martinex & Danny Miki Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Absolute Power Task Force VII #2 (Of 7)(Cover A Pete Woods), $3.99

Absolute Power Task Force VII #2 (Of 7)(Cover B Simone Di Meo Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Absolute Power Task Force VII #2 (Of 7)(Cover C John Giang Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Absolute Power Task Force VII #2 (Of 7)(Cover D Stephen Platt Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Absolute Power Task Force VII #2 (Of 7)(Cover E John Timms Connecting Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Absolute Power Task Force VII #2 (Of 7)(Cover F Dan Mora Foil Variant), $6.99

Batman Dark Age #4 (Of 6)(Cover A Michael Allred), $5.99

Batman Dark Age #4 (Of 6)(Cover B Chris Samnee Card Stock Variant), $6.99

Batman Dark Age #4 (Of 6)(Cover C Jorge Fornes Card Stock Variant), AR

Batman The Brave And The Bold #15 (Cover A Simone Di Meo), $7.99

Batman The Brave And The Bold #15 (Cover B Khary Randolph), $7.99

Batman The Brave And The Bold #15 (Cover C Dan Hipp), $7.99

Batman Vs. Robin TP, $19.99

DC Connect #51, AR

Detective Comics #1087 (Cover A Evan Cagle), $4.99

Detective Comics #1087 (Cover B Kelley Jones Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Detective Comics #1087 (Cover C Guillem March Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Detective Comics #1087 (Cover D Sebastian Fiumara Card Stock Variant), AR

Flash #11 (Cover A Mike Deodato Jr.), $3.99

Flash #11 (Cover B Javier Rodriguez Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Flash #11 (Cover C Matt Taylor Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Flash #11 (Cover D Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez Artist Spotlight Wraparound Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Green Arrow #14 (Cover A Phil Hester)(Absolute Power), $3.99

Green Arrow #14 (Cover B John Giang Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $4.99

Green Arrow #14 (Cover C Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez Artist Spotlight Wraparound Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $4.99

Harley Quinn #42 (Cover A Sweeney Boo), $4.99

Harley Quinn #42 (Cover B Lesley Leirix Li Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Harley Quinn #42 (Cover C Ben Harvey Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Harley Quinn #42 (Cover D Marcial Toledano Vargas Card Stock Variant), AR

Nice House By The Sea #1 (Of 12)(Cover A Alvaro Martinez Bueno), $4.99

Nice House By The Sea #1 (Of 12)(Cover B Nick Robles Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Nice House By The Sea #1 (Of 12)(Cover C Hayden Sherman Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Nice House By The Sea #1 (Of 12)(Cover D Dani Card Stock Variant), AR

Poison Ivy Volume 2 Unethical Consumption TP, $17.99

Power Girl #11 (Cover A Yanick Paquette), $3.99

Power Girl #11 (Cover B Terry Dodson Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Power Girl #11 (Cover C Inhyuk Lee Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Robin Tim Drake Compendium 1 TP, $59.99

Supergirl Woman Of Tomorrow The Deluxe Edition HC, $49.99

Zatanna Bring Down The House #2 (Of 5)(Cover A Javier Rodriguez), $5.99

Zatanna Bring Down The House #2 (Of 5)(Cover B Jenny Frison), $5.99

Zatanna Bring Down The House #2 (Of 5)(Cover C Ariel Diaz), $5.99

Zatanna Bring Down The House #2 (Of 5)(Cover D Jenny Frison Virgin Variant), AR

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Tuesday, June 18, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You #125

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #125

DC COMICS

STORY: John Rozum

PENCILS: Randy Elliot; Robert Pope

INKS: Randy Elliot; Scott McRae

COLORS: Silvana Brys; Heroic Age

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Randy Gentile

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Jeanine Schaefer (reprint)

COVER: Randy Elliot with Silvana Brys

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (February 2024)

Ages 8+

“No Laughing Matter”

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #125 opens with “No Laughing Matter,” which is written by John Rozum and drawn by Randy Elliot. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma opens stuck with the aftermath of their jaunt to the country. They ended up needing a local farmer and his tractor to help with a Mystery Machine breakdown.

The farmer, however, tells them that they were lucky not to break down after dark because they might have run into the local monster, “the Hyena Man.” The creature has been terrorizing the area outside of Coolsville for the past month or so. As they head back into town, they encounter Katie Yoder, a local reporter who has been covering the mystery of the Hyena Man. Mystery Inc. offers to help Katie solve the mystery, but the countryside outside Coolsville is full of places where the Hyena Man can be or will not be...

As usual, the second story, “The Boy Who Cried Werewolf,” is a reprint story. It is written by John Rozum and drawn by Robert Pope and Scott McRae. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo #132 (cover date: July 2008).] The story finds Mystery Inc. investigating a strange case. A local youngster claims that a werewolf damaged his father's vintage muscle car, but his father believes his son damaged the car and is trying to avoid taking responsibility for his actions. So it's back to the scene of the monster crime, but maybe the werewolf has a reason for not wanting an investigation.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #125 has as its theme “therianthropy,” which is the ability of humans to metamorphose into animals or animal hybrids via “shapeshifting.” Perhaps, the best known form of therianthropy is “lycanthropy,” the ability to be become a wolf or wolf-like hybrid, both of which are known as the “werewolf.”

The first story, “No Laughing Matter,” is produced by two of my favorite Scooby-Doo creators, writer, John Rozum, and artist, Randy Elliot. Rozum offers a story that feels down-home Scooby-Doo and is a comfy fit for readers' Scooby-Doo imaginations. Elliot always captures the classic look and feel of old-school Scooby-Doo, especially of the 1969-70 Saturday morning cartoon series, “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! And like the episodes of that beloved series, “No Laughing Matter” has some key kooky and quirky characters.

The reprint story, “The Boy Who Cried Werewolf,” is written by Rozum and is drawn by another of my favorite Scooby-Doo art teams, Robert Pope (pencils) and Scott McRae (inks). This story is a nice morality and father-son tale about owning up to one's irresponsible actions.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #125 is a fun read, and like issues #123 and #124, it is 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, “Diana and the Hero's Journey” by Grace Ellis and Penelope Rivera Gaylord.]

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

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Wednesday, June 12, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: THE BATMAN & SCOOBY-DOO MYSTERIES (Volume 2) #2

THE BATMAN & SCOOBY-DOO MYSTERIES (2022) #2

DC COMICS

STORY: Ivan Cohen

ART: Dario Brizuela

COLORS: Franco Riesco with Carrie Strachan

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte

EDITOR: Kristy Quinn

COVER: Dario Brizuela with Franco Riesco

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (January 2023)

Ages 8+

Batman created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger

“Rash Decisions”

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries was a 12-issue comic book limited series that DC Comics published in 2021 and 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, Scooby-Doo and friends have joined Batman and (often) Robin to solve mysteries in various animated television series and comic books.

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries sold well enough that DC Comics began a second series in October 2022. I did not subscribe to the first series, but I did subscribe to the new one. I will try to review each issue for you, dear readers, although some kind of glitch has kept me from receiving the first issue, so...

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #2 (“Rash Decisions”) is written by Ivan Cohen; drawn by Dario Brizuela; colored Franco Riesco; and lettered by Saida Temofonte. This issue guest-stars Batgirl/Barbara Gordon and Poison Ivy.

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #2 opens in front of the Gotham Police Department. Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma is meeting with Police Commissioner Jim Gordon. When Batman finally arrives, the group heads to the police charity ball. Just as the event is beginning, the commemorative corsages arrive and start spewing a green mist that causes an allergic reaction. Soon, all the police officers present are beset by an itchy rash.

Even Barbara Gordon is affected, so Batman asks Daphne to take her home. Soon, Daphne finds herself inside “the Clock Tower,” from where Barbara keeps her eyes and ears on Gotham City. It is also the occasional home of Batgirl. And considering her condition, Barbara asks Daphne to assume her identity as “Batgirl!” Will this bit of high-stakes cosplay turn out to be a rash decision?

THE LOWDOWN: As a child, the most important characters in my life were Batman and Robin and Scooby-Doo and company (and also 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).

To this day, I am always excited about the worlds of Batman and Scooby-Doo coming together. Obviously, The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries is one of those comic book series that is perfectly made for me.

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #2 has a villain, a mean-spirited Poison Ivy who does not mind making people sick. However, the real story of “Rash Decisions” is Mystery Inc.'s Daphne Blake. Writer Ivan Cohen offers a pleasantly surprising plot – Daphne playing Batgirl, and it works. Barbara and Daphne make a great team, and I would enjoy them reunited in a future comic book.

As usual, Dario Brizuela's illustrations and Franco Riesco's colors are animation-inspired, with Brizuela summoning the ghosts of old Hanna-Barbera cartoons. Everything about the story, art, and graphics, including Saida Temofonte's lettering, creates the vibe of classic kids' comic books that were based on television cartoon characters. I can't wait to read the next issue.

Holy comics review, Batman! Hopefully, this is the first of many reviews of The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries. I enjoyed this issue, so until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

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

[This comic book includes a 7-page preview of the original graphic novel, “Teen Titans Go! Undead?!,” by Michael Northrop and Erich Owens,]

A-

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

You can buy THE BATMAN SCOOBY-DOO MYSTERIES 3" trade paperback collection at Amazon.

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I Reads You

Thursday, May 8, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You #132

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: ORION #15

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #131

Monday, March 10, 2025

DC Comics from Lunar Distributors for March 12, 2025

Thursday, February 20, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You #130

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

#IReadsYou Movie Review: AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #129

Thursday, December 26, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #128

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #127

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: BATMAN: EARTH ONE Volume Two

Monday, September 16, 2024

DC Comics from Lunar Distributors for September 18, 2024

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #126

Monday, August 19, 2024

DC Comics from Lunar Distributors for August 21, 2024

Monday, July 22, 2024

DC Comics from Lunar Distributors for July 24, 2024

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You #125

Wednesday, June 12, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: THE BATMAN & SCOOBY-DOO MYSTERIES (Volume 2) #2

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