KC Carlson by Stuart Immonen

A KC COLUMN by KC Carlson

DC COMICS

Young Justice #14

Young Justice #14 — This is quite a bit of coincidence here. I spent much of last weekend reading (aka “catching up on”) DC’s Wonder Comics titles, of which Young Justice is one. (Even if previous versions of the title preceded when Wonder Comics was born. That’s a long story, and I’m already noticing people nodding off. Especially Roger…)

This issue is quite special in another way. It’s bringing in the characters from the other Wonder Comics titles — including Dial H for Hero, the Wonder Twins, Naomi, and the entire Young Justice roster. (I assume Amethyst is included, even if she recently received her own new solo title!) This is by Brian Michael Bendis, John Timms, David F. Walker, and Mike Grell. Grell seems like an odd “wild card” for this title, so maybe something else weird is going on here… (Teen Warlord? Green Arrow Lad? Kid Legion of Super-Heroes?) (Thought I forgot that he drew LSH once upon a time, didn’t you?)

Also in this issue: How will Superman revealing his secret identity affect Connor Kent? Interesting question…

Mister Miracle by Steve Englehart & Steve Gerber

Mister Miracle by Steve Englehart & Steve Gerber — This is one of Roger’s favorites! (Mine also!) Three years after Jack Kirby wrapped up his long run on the escape artist character he created, the two above-mentioned writers took over the series, writing 11 amazing issues of Mister Miracle (1971, 1st Series) #19-25, The Brave and the Bold #112, #128, and #138, and DC Comics Presents (1978, #12). Assisting them were writer Bob Haney, with artists Marshall Rogers, Vince Colletta, Rick Bryant, John Fuller, Michael Golden, Joe Giella, Russ Heath, Jim Aparo, Richard Buckler, and Dick Giordano! It’s been said that all of these great creators really added to Kirby’s lore of the characters by providing additional background detail to Kirby’s core history. And you’ll see that here in this new 216-page hardcover volume, with the return of many of the core Apokolips villians, as well as Scott Free’s (Mister Miracle’s real name) close friends and quirky foes!

Mister Miracle #24

During the series run, the Fourth World aspects of the series initially introduced by Kirby largely fell by the wayside in favor of more traditional superhero action. There were multiple team-ups with Batman (mostly in The Brave and the Bold). Also, when the series was (again) cancelled with issue #25, several storylines were left unresolved. Even with the series collected here cancelled prematurely, Mister Miracle (and his partners Big Barda and Oberon – who generally pretended to be Scott’s uncle) returned again and again, eventually becoming involved with the also weirdly quirky Justice League International series. (If you haven’t already, you should also check out that frequently wacky series.)

There were also many attempts to revive the Mister Miracle series. Most recently, another quirky fan-favorite writer — Tom King — stepped in to write a 12-issue limited series in 2017-2018.

If you like oddball superhero comics, Mister Miracle’s many different runs should provide you with much fun and excitement! After you sample Kirby for the basics, don’t forget to pick up this new Mister Miracle by Steve Englehart & Steve Gerber hardcover! You won’t be sad!

Aquaman Giant #3

Aquaman Giant #3 — Wayne Markley has been teaching me about this almost secret cult of Giant-Size (100 pages!) DC comics! Initially produced and sold at Wal-Mart stores, these 100-page giants are a sweet mixture of new and reprint material — both of good/great quality — and now available through comic shops. Here’s what this week’s Aquaman Giant #3 contains:

New Material: Aquaman and Tempest race to stop an enraged monster that has escaped its magical tomb under the city of New York. By writer Steve Orlando and artists Ken Marion and Sandu Florea. Plus an eight-page story from writer Tom Taylor and artist Pop Mahn, which has Aquaman and Mera teaming-up to stop Lex Luthor from drilling into the ocean floor. Hmm.

Reprint material: “Throne of Atlantis Chapter 2”, from Aquaman #15 (2013); “The Enemy of My Enemy”, from Mera: Queen of Atlantis #3 (2017); and, “Blood of the Manta: Chapter 1” from Teen Titans #9 (2018).

MARVEL COMICS

History of the Marvel Universe – Treasury Edition Javier Rodriguez cover

History of the Marvel Universe – Treasury Edition — This collects the entire recent six-issue History of the Marvel Universe comic book series into a 232-page paperback. There are two covers: The Direct Market Cover is by Javier Rodriguez (who pencilled the entire series). Steve McNiven (and possibly others) provide the cover for the Book Market Edition. Mark Waid is the writer and maybe one of the few people left in the industry who knows this stuff inside and out, despite frequently being called “that DC Guy…”. Perhaps this will be the project that finally changes people’s minds about that… It also sez here that “this is a new tale featuring previously unknown secrets and shocking revelations, connecting dozens of threads from Marvel’s past and present!” ‘Nuff Said!

Gwen Stacy #2

Gwen Stacy #2 (of 5) — Things aren’t going so good for Gwen (despite her new solo title). Her dad is hurt and hospitalized, as well as being implicated in corruption charges. So, of course her plan is to cross the Crimemaster — or worse! By Christos N. Gage and Todd Nauck, with a real good-lookin’ cover by Adam Hughes!

Marvels Snapshot: Sub-Mariner

Marvels Snapshot: Sub-Mariner — The beginning of a series of specials that show off Marvel’s greatest characters — from the Golden Age to today! This first issue starts strong with a story of Marvel’s debut superstar: Prince Namor, the Sub-Mariner. Written by best-selling novelist and Emmy Award-winning TV writer Alan Brennert (L.A. Law and lots more!), and illustrated by superstar artist Jerry Ordway (Superman titles, All-Star Squadron, Crisis on Infinite Earths). In 1946, the boys are back from WWII, but unfortunately, they haven’t left the battlefields behind. When reporter Betty Dean and Namor reunite at Palisades Park (I wonder if those old comic book clip-out tickets to Palisades Park are still good?), they soon find themselves under attack! Also guest stars the All-Winners Squad! This project is curated by Marvels writer Kurt Busiek (Astro City), and the series will have covers by Marvels artist Alex Ross. There will be a total of eight Snapshot Specials over the next four months. (That’s a new issue of Marvel Snapshot every two weeks!)

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Cable #1

KC CARLSON — Oh, yeah, there’s a new Cable #1 this week also. Does anybody actually care? Not counting paperbacks & hardcover collections, there have been at least 18 comic book titles with “Cable” in the logo. (Somehow they’ve never done Cable & Gwen Stacy.) Who’s buying all these comics? Cable’s Mom? I must be missing something…

WESTFIELD COMICS is not responsible for the stupid things that KC says. Especially that thing that really irritated you. Oh, great, now I’ve ticked Cable off… It was bad enough when Ambush Bug was trying to kill me… Hmmm… Cable and Ambush Bug #1!!! The new #1 crossover hit of 2020!!!