Review: YOUNG JUSTICE #1

YOUNG JUSTICE No. 1 (2019)
DC COMICS/Wonder Comics – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Brian Michael Bendis
ART: Patrick Gleason
COLORS: Alejandro Sanchez
LETTERS: DC Lettering
EDITORS: Mike Cotton and Andy Khouri
COVER: Patrick Gleason and Alejandro Sanchez
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Amy Reeder; Derrick Chew; Yasmine Putri; Jorge Jimenez; Evan “Doc” Shaner; Patrick Gleason
40pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (March 2019)

Rated “T+” for “Teen Plus”

“Seven Crises”

Young Justice is a DC Comics superhero team that consists of teenage heroes.  The first iteration of Young Justice appeared in the one-shot comic book, Young Justice: The Secret #1 (cover dated: June 1998), which lead to the first issue of an ongoing series (cover dated: September 1998).  The new year 2019 sees a new Young Justice ongoing series.

DC Comics and superstar writer Brian Michael Bendis have launched a young readers imprint, “Wonder Comics,” which will feature in-continuity stories.  The first Wonder Comics series is Young Justice.  It is written by Bendis; drawn by Patrick Gleason; colored by Alejandro Sanchez; and lettered by DC Lettering.

Young Justice #1 (“Seven Crises”) opens in Gemworld.  [You remember that place, right?  Amethyst: Princess of Gemworld?]  Gemworld apparently has suffered through seven “Crisis” events, and Earth is always the focal point.  So invade Earth, specifically Metropolis, and demand that Superman appear.

Jinny Hex, Robin/Tim Drake, (fake) Wonder Girl/Cassie Sandsmark, Impulse, and Teen Lantern fight an invasion that they don't understand.  Young Justice is back!

Young Justice #1 is not nearly as good as classic Brian Michael Bendis-written first issues he did for Marvel Comics (New Avengers, Ultimate Spider-Man, various Iron Man and Miles Morales comic books series).  No, make that Young Justice #1 is not anywhere in the same league as classic Bendis Marvel #1 issues.

Young Justice #1 is a fight comic featuring wall-to-wall action.  Patrick Gleason's art here is not his best, and his storytelling is similar to what readers will find in event comics – big action not big drama.  Colorist Alejandro Sanchez turns in professional work... that is not his best.  DC Lettering, whatever or whoever that is, at least hits high notes on the character logos.

I expect a lot of Bendis comic books, and I might read future issues of Young Justice.  Young Justice #1 is good, but not good enough to make me anxious for a second issue, the way I hankered for the second issues of classic Bendis Marvel titles.

6 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 12, 2019

DC COMICS
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APR190457    CATWOMAN #12    $3.99
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OCT180551    DC POSTER PORTFOLIO STANLEY ARTGERM LAU TP    $24.99
MAR190576    DETECTIVE COMICS #1000 DELUXE ED HC    $19.99
APR190464    DETECTIVE COMICS #1005    $3.99
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APR190430    EVENT LEVIATHAN #1 (OF 6)    $3.99
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APR190470    FLASH #72    $3.99
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APR190488    JUSTICE LEAGUE ODYSSEY #10    $3.99
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APR190498    RED HOOD OUTLAW #35    $3.99
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APR190504    SUPERGIRL #31    $3.99
APR190505    SUPERGIRL #31 VAR ED    $3.99
APR190506    SUPERMAN #12    $3.99
APR190507    SUPERMAN #12 VAR ED    $3.99
MAR190599    SUPERMAN ACTION COMICS THE OZ EFFECT TP    $19.99
MAR190602    TERRIFICS TP VOL 02 TOM STRONG AND THE TERRIFICS TP    $16.99
MAR190607    UNITED STATES VS MURDER INC TP VOL 01 (MR)    $16.99
APR190512    WONDER TWINS #5 (OF 6)    $3.99
APR190513    WONDER TWINS #5 (OF 6) VAR ED    $3.99
APR190514    WONDER WOMAN #72    $3.99
APR190515    WONDER WOMAN #72 VAR ED    $3.99

Review: FUTURE QUEST #12

FUTURE QUEST No. 12
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Jeff Parker – @JeffParker
ARTIST: Evan “Doc” Shaner
COLORS: Veronica Gandini
LETTERS: ALW Studios' Dave Lanphear
COVER: Evan “Doc”Shaner
VARIANT COVER: Tony Harris
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2017)

Rated “T” for “Teen”

“The Last Stand”

Future Quest has come to an end – for now.  Future Quest is a 12-issue comic book series that re-imagines and re-interprets the classic sci-fi and superhero television series created by American animation studio, Hanna-Barbera.  Published by DC Comics, Future Quest brings together the stars of the TV programs “Jonny Quest,” “Space Ghost,” “The Herculoids,” “Birdman,” “Frankenstein Jr.,” “The Galaxy Trio,” “The Impossibles,” and “Mightor.”  The series modernizes the characters from these series and also alters some of them to one extent or another.

Future Quest is written by Jeff Parker; colored by Hi-Fi; and lettered by Dave Lanphear.  Evan “Doc” Shaner is the series' lead artist, with other artists stepping in for particular chapters and side stories (Steve Rude, Ron Randall, and Craig Rousseau).  Future Quest centers on the cast of “Jonny Quest” (referred to as “Team Quest”), as they lead the fight against the universal and time-line threat, Omnikron, and also against a plot by Quest adversary, Dr. Zin, to use the entity.

As Future Quest #12 (“The Last Stand”) opens, the plan created by Dr. Benton Quest and his fellow scientists to stop Omnikron has failed.  Now, the fate of the Earth may rest in the hands of young Jonny Quest and his brother, Hadji, but will their tragic losses of their pasts hold them back from doing the very thing that can hurt Omnikron?

Overall, I liked Future Quest.  I still say that the best issues were the early issues, maybe the first three.  At times, the series seems to meander, as writer Jeff Parker moves from one side-story to another, from one origin/back story to another.  There are so many characters that Parker does not really engage many of them beyond a surface level, except for a few moments.  One of those few moments happens this issue and employs Jonny and Hadji to great affect.

Lead series artist Evan Shaner did not draw every issue of this series, but he returns for issues #11 and 12.  Other than Steve Rude, Shaner is the best choice for Future Quest.  Stylistically, his work recalls classic Hanna-Barbera character and conceptual design, both in spirit and in execution.  Shaner's storytelling is fantastic.  Most of the pages he draws here are wonderful, as he captures that classic sense of wonder that has drawn young readers to comic books for decades.

I think there will be more Future Quest series, which is a good thing.  I would like to see Parker and Shaner return to it, but focus on a single Hanna-Barber series.

A-
8.5 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: FUTURE QUEST #5

FUTURE QUEST No. 5
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Jeff Parker – @JeffParker
ARTIST: Evan “Doc” Shaner; Craig Rousseau
COLORS: Hi-Fi; Jeremy Lawson
LETTERS: ALW Studios' Dave Lanphear
COVER: Evan “Doc”Shaner
VARIANT COVER: Steve Rude with John Kalisz
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2016)

Rated “T” for “Teen”

“The Wheel of History” Part 5

Future Quest is a comic book series that re-imagines and re-interprets the classic sci-fi and superhero television series created by American animation studio, Hanna-Barbera.  Published by DC Comics, Future Quest brings together the stars of the TV programs “Jonny Quest,” “Space Ghost,” “The Herculoids,” “Birdman,” “Frankenstein Jr.,” “The Galaxy Trio,” “The Impossibles,” and “Mightor.”

Future Quest is written by Jeff Parker; colored by Hi-Fi; and lettered by Dave Lanphear.  Evan “Doc” Shaner is the series' lead artist, with other artists stepping in for particular chapters and side stories, such as artist Craig Rousseau for this issue.  Future Quest centers on the cast of “Jonny Quest” (referred to as “Team Quest”), as they lead a struggle against the universal and time-line threat, Omnikron, and a plot by Quest adversary, Dr. Zin, to use the entity.

In Future Quest #5 (“The Wheel of History”), Team Quest and company try to figure out the meaning of a set of ancient cliff paintings.  They encounter agents of F.E.A.R. and also an old Quest adversary.  Plus, dinosaurs stampede and a hero is reborn.  Also, meet “The Impossibles” in the story “Code Name: Cobalt.”  Learn about their origin and meet someone who wants to be their newest member.

Future Quest #5 starts with what may be the best 12-issue set of pages that I have read all year.  “The Wheel of History” highlights why writer Jeff Parker and artist Evan Shaner are the heart and soul of Future Quest.  Other artists have shone well, but when Parker and Shaner are together, it's magic, man – at least for me.  It is not even close; Parker-Shaner is DC Comics' best creative team.

Parker and Craig Rousseau are also good on The Impossibles story, which is a nice read.  But when I recommend Future Quest, I'm pimping Parker-Shaner, the dynamic duo of DC's best comic book.

A

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


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: FUTURE QUEST #4

FUTURE QUEST No. 4
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Jeff Parker – @JeffParker
ARTIST: Jeff Parker; Ron Randall; Evan “Doc” Shaner
COLORS: Hi-Fi
LETTERS: ALW Studios' Dave Lanphear
COVER: Evan “Doc”Shaner
VARIANT COVER: Paul Renaud
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (October 2016)

Rated “T” for “Teen”

“How the Mighty Fall!”

Future Quest is a comic book series produced by DC Comics that re-imagines and re-interprets the classic sci-fi and superhero television series created by American animation studio, Hanna-Barbera.  Future Quest brings together the stars of the TV programs “Jonny Quest,” “Space Ghost,” “The Herculoids,” “Birdman,” “Frankenstein Jr.,” “The Galaxy Trio,” “The Impossibles,” and “Mightor.”

Future Quest is written by Jeff Parker; colored by Jordie Bellaire; and lettered by Dave Lanphear.  Evan “Doc” Shaner is the series' lead artist, with artists Ron Randall and Steve Rude as frequent contributors.  So far, the main focus of Future Quest is the cast of “Jonny Quest” (referred to as “Team Quest”):  Jonny Quest; his adopted brother, Hadji; his father, Dr. Benton Quest; family bodyguard, Race Bannon; and, of course, Jonny's dog, Bandit.

Future Quest #4 (“How the Mighty Fall!”) opens on the world of Mightor as the hero faces the universal and time-line threat, Omnikron.  Meanwhile, Space Ghost sidekick, Jan, tries to remember her past, with some encouragement from Team Quest.  Two extra stories, “The Structure of Fear” and “Frankenstein Jr. Making Friends,” peak in on the evil Dr. Zin and the terror organization, F.E.A.R., and tells the origin story of Frankenstein Jr., respectively.

I eagerly tore through Future Quest #4 – another whirlwind reading tour of an issue of Future Quest.  I love this comic book because I love classic Hanna-Barbera sci-if/superhero series like “Space Ghost” and “Jonny Quest.”  I also love this series because writer Jeff Parker is gifted in his ability to create pop comics that recall the imaginative, weird, and escapist fun of comic books and TV cartoons past.  This issue, Parker even treats us to some of his comic book art with the story, “The Structure of Fear.”  I did not know that he could draw comics.

I must say that I think that Future Quest will read better, for many readers, in trade paperback form.  For various narrative and production reasons, Future Quest is told in chucks, interludes, chapters, flashbacks, back story, cutaways, etc.  It often seems that Future Quest can never give the reader enough of one thing because it has to jump over to another thing.

Still, Future Quest is DC Comics' best comic book right now.

A

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


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: FUTURE QUEST #2

FUTURE QUEST No. 2
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Jeff Parker – @JeffParker
ARTISTS: Evan “Doc” Shaner – @DocShaner (p. 1-13); Ron Randall (p. 20-27); Jonathan Case (p. 19-22)
COLORS: Jordie Bellaire – @whoajordie
LETTERS: ALW Studios' Dave Lanphear
COVER: Evan “Doc” Shaner
VARIANT COVERS: Jill Thompson
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (September 2016)

Rated “T” for “Teen”

Part Two: “Visitors from Beyond”

Future Quest is one of four comic books produced by DC Comics that re-imagine and re-interpret classic television series and characters created by American animation studio, Hanna-Barbera.  Future Quest brings the stars of Hanna-Barbera's action, sci-fi, and superhero TV series together.  That includes “Jonny Quest,” “Space Ghost,” “The Herculoids,” “Birdman,” “Frankenstein Jr.,” “The Galaxy Trio,” “The Impossibles,” and “Mightor.”

Future Quest is written by Jeff Parker; primarily drawn by Evan “Doc” Shaner; colored by Jordie Bellaire; and lettered by Dave Lanphear.  So far, the main focus of Future Quest is the cast of “Jonny Quest” (referred to as “Team Quest”):  Jonny Quest; his adopted brother, Hadji; his father, Dr. Benton Quest; family bodyguard, Race Bannon; and, of course, Jonny's dog, Bandit.

Future Quest #2 (“Visitors from Beyond”) opens with the cast of “The Herculoids” and “Space Ghost” fighting the Omnikron, some kind of reality-devouring entity.  Back on Earth, “Team Quest” and their new friend, Ty, find an “alien” visitor.  Now, they have to protect the visitor and themselves from the forces of longtime Quest nemesis, Dr. Zin.

I was initially cynical about DC's Hanna-Barbera comics, and I still am about the other three.  However, I am in total love with Future Quest.  Jeff Parker is doing some of the best storytelling ever done for Hanna-Barbera's sci-fi and superhero characters.  Hell, it might be the best.  When people talk about wanting more comic books that are fun to read, Parker's ears must burn because they are talking about his comics, especially Future Quest.

Parker's partner-in-crime (against mediocre comic books) is Evan “Doc” Shaner.  His drawing style is clean, recalling animation art and the cool and slick flair of John Romita, Sr.  Shaner's Future Quest compositions are wide open, and that perfectly captures the youthful enthusiasm and sense of adventure that permeates classic “Johnny Quest.”  It is telling that Ron Randall and Jonathan Case, the artists who draw the second half of Future Quest #2 and who are fine artists themselves, take their graphical cues from Shaner.  “Doc” is the boss.

In my review of Future Quest #1, I wondered if future issues of Future Quest could be as good – long term – as I thought the first issue was.  Future Quest #2 is as good.  I can't imagine this series falling apart form here, but then, the Cleveland Cavaliers are the 2015-16 NBA Champions and not the Golden State Warriors.

A

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


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: FUTURE QUEST #1

FUTURE QUEST No. 1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Jeff Parker – @JeffParker
ARTISTS: Evan “Doc” Shaner – @DocShaner (p. 1-19, 28-30); Steve “The Dude” Rude (p. 20-27)
COLORS: Jordie Bellaire – @whoajordie
LETTERS: ALW Studios' Dave Lanphear
COVER: Evan “Doc” Shaner
VARIANT COVERS: Steve Rude with Steve Buccellato; Bill Sienkiewicz; Aaron Lopresti; Joe Quinnoes
40pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2016)

Rated “T” for “Teen”

Part One: “Lights in the Sky”

A few months ago, DC Comics announced that it would publish a small line of comic books that would re-imagine and re-interpret classic Hanna-Barbera television series and characters.  Hanna-Barbera was an American animation studio that produced animated television series for American television networks, mostly for broadcast on Saturday mornings, but also for prime time.

Future Quest, the first of these comic books, debuted recently.  Future Quest brings the stars of Hanna-Barbera's action, sci-fi, and superhero TV series together.  That includes “Jonny Quest” (one of those prime time animated series), “Space Ghost,” “The Herculoids,” “Birdman,” “Frankenstein Jr.,” “The Galaxy Trio,” “The Impossibles,” and “Mightor.”

The cast of “Jonny Quest” seem to be the stars of Future Quest, and are referred to as “Team Quest.”  They are Jonny Quest; his adopted brother, Hadji; his father, Dr. Benton Quest; family bodyguard, Race Bannon; Race's love interest and spy-type, Jezebel Jade; and, of course, Jonny's dog, Bandit. Future Quest is written by Jeff Parker; drawn by Evan “Doc” Shaner; colored by Jordie Bellaire; and lettered by Dave Lanphear.  Artist Steve Rude contributes eight pages to this first issue.

Future Quest #1 (“Lights in the Sky”) finds Jonny and Hadji wearing classic Quest rocket packs and zipping around the Florida Everglades. Meanwhile, Dr. Quest receives two visitors from “Inter-Nation Security,” who have come to see him about strange anomalies popping up all over the Earth.  Meanwhile, Team Quest's arch-nemesis, Dr. Zin, suddenly appears in the Everglades and attacks Jonny, Hadji, and Race.  However, all of Earth is about to be drawn into an epic struggle that threatens the galaxy and perhaps, even the universe.

I was cynical about DC's Hanna-Barbera (sometimes known as “H-B”) announcement.  Quite a bit of the storytelling that entertained me in my early and formative years came from classic H-B series.  It is not often that comic book versions or even TV remakes of classic 1960s and 1970s H-B series have pleased me.  [I really like the Scooby-Doo straight-to-video movies that Warner Bros. has been producing since the late 1990s].

However, I'm all in on Future Quest.  Writer Jeff Parker has captured the sense of adventure, fun, and wonder that permeated classic action/superhero/sci-fi and fantasy H-B series like “Jonny Quest” and “Space Ghost.”  It does not matter that Future Quest will unite characters that have rarely appeared together, if at all.  If H-B had brought together “Jonny Quest,” “Space Ghost,” “The Herculoids,” “Birdman,” “Frankenstein Jr.,” “The Galaxy Trio,” “The Impossibles,” and “Mightor,”  I can't imagine that it would look too different from what at least this first issue of Future Quest suggests.  Also, my feeling is that Jeff Parker is doing this the right way.

I am a fan of artist Steve Rude.  He claims “Space Ghost” as a huge influence on his work as a comic book artist, especially on the comic book, Nexus, which he produces with writer Mike Baron.  It is good to see him work on Future Quest.  Rude on Future Quest is a no-brainer.

But series artist Evan “Doc” Shaner takes a backseat to no one on this comic book.  His clear line drawing style recalls classic H-B, but also captures the spirit of those wonderful European comic graphic albums that appeal to readers, young and old, such as Tintin and the Smurfs.  When Jordie Bellaire adds her magical colors, the comic art in Future Quest looks fantastic.  It evokes H-B while being something new, fresh, and vibrant.

In fact, this is what the classic, but old H-B action TV series need – a fresh take and a new beginning.  Part of me is still doubting.  Is this first issue a fluke?  Can Future Quest be as good – long term – as I think this first issue is.  I believe in Parker and Shaner.

A

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


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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