Ms. Mystic #1
Published by Pacific and © Neal Adams, October 1982
Title: “Ms Mystic”
Synopsis: The Science Investigation Agency accidentally opens an interdimensional rift, gaining a powerful ally who can help them protect the environment.
Writer: Neal Adams
Artist: Adams
Art assistance: Michael Netzer (as Michael Nasser)
Review: Denny O’Neil and Neal Adams’ classic Green Lantern run could be heavy handed, but those comics are masterpieces of subtlety compared to this one. The environmental message here is ham-fisted, but any book with Adams on pencils has potential. It will be interesting to see how this series develops.
•••
Title: “From the Tales of Zed: Rescue Rhapsody”
Synopsis: A piper tries to save a fairy from an ogre-like creature, but ends up captured himself.
Writer: Chris Miller
Artist: Miller
Review: Chris Miller’s rendering and visual storytelling are very advanced, but the dialogue-free story offers little reason to return for more.
Grade (for the entire issue): B
Second opinion: “… a load of New Age nonsense … .” – The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003
Cool factor: Neal Adams doing a creator-owned superheroine book.
Not-so-cool factor: The general clunkiness of the story.
Character quotable: “As a vessel of the Earth’s revenge, I assault your abominable outer crust … to expose your disease-ridden insides …” – Ms. Mystic, mistress of words
A word from the editoral director: “We believe that Ms. Mystic #1 is one of the most collectible comics to come along all year.” – David Scroggy, in an “Editorial News” column in this issue
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on Aug. 24, 2010.
