The fingerprints of Charles Dickens are all over this DC reprint digest, as the Victorian author’s classic tale serves as inspiration for more than one story. (Except for Jack Kirby’s Bronze Age Sandman adventure, of course, a story widely distributed for the first time in this issue.)
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Topo the octopus runs off with Aquababy; Aquaman pursues, but winds up battling Starro the Conqueror instead. Weak villains bring down the story, written by David Michelinie, but the art by Jim Aparo is strong. (The J’onn J’onzz backup feature, drawn by Mike Netzer and Terry Austin, is pretty, too.)
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The Weather Wizard steals an experimental “vibrojector” to use against the Flash, but ends up battling Aquaman instead. David Michelinie comes onboard as writer, but Jim Aparo’s art (as well as Mike Netzer and Terry Austin’s art on the J’onn J’onzz backup feature) is the real draw here.
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Aquaman must stop the Marine Marauder, a “lowly marine biologist” who uses air-breathing sea creatures to steal swine-flu vaccine. Steve Skeates story is pretty silly, but Jim Aparo’s art is excellent as usual. Throw in a well-drawn backup story by Mike Nasser and Terry Austin (written by Denny O'Neil) and this is one to pick up for the art.
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Bad science and other silliness undermine what should have been a promising superhero anthology. Only the Neal Adams cover and some above-average Batman art from Michael (Nasser) Netzer save this one from being a total stinker.
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The Shadow and his associates follow clues to thwart the robbery of worn-out currency making its way back to Washington, D.C. While perhaps not as strong as its reputation, this revival debut by Denny O’Neil and Michael W. Kaluta is certainly enjoyable.
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A certain bright star in the sky helps several DC universe characters successfully navigate Christmas Eve adventures. This collection of short tales is pretty solid throughout, with a young Frank Miller’s first-ever outing on Batman being the best present in the pile.
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’Tis the season for this collection of reprints – and an unpublished Angel & the Ape story – from the DC archives. Creative gift givers include Denny O’Neil, Nick Cardy, Bob Oksner and more.
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With the Bend Sinister looming and Doctor Strange laid low, it’s up to Spider-Man to save the day. One of the better annuals of the Bronze Age, from the epic team of Denny O’Neil, Frank Miller and Tom Palmer.
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Clea’s efforts to reveal the Defender’s past to Valkyrie reintroduces the team to past perils. This Giant-Size outing features classic Golden and Silver age work from the likes of Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Bill Everett and Steve Ditko, along with a gorgeous framing sequence penciled by Jim Starlin.
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