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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B-list villain Dr. Death holds Gotham – including Batman and Robin – hostage with a deadly allergen. A surprisingly weak 45th-anniversary outing for DC’s flagship Detective Comics. Creative talent includes Gerry Conway, Gene Colan, Klaus Janson and others.
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The Shi’ar come to Earth as the X-Men (and guest star Tigra) battle Deathbird and her new allies – the Brood! An action-packed, chockablock issue from Chris Claremont, Dave Cockrum and Bob Wiacek.
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The Teen Titans race to save one of Kid Flash’s childhood friends from what appears to be magnetic demonic possession. A little rushed but still a solid outing from the regular New Teen Titans creative team of Marv Wolfman, George Pérez and Romeo Tanghal.
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When the Justice League’s very first foes reappear, new Leaguers must battle original members before the team can stand united against the threat. Gerry Conway’s story does its job, but the real treat here is the art of George Pérez, Jim Aparo, Joe Kubert and others.
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Captain Victory and his crew explore an Insecton hive, while Ms. Mystic chases poachers in her comics debut. A pair of creator-owned tales from two of comics’ all-time greats, Jack Kirby and Neal Adams.
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Batman makes an unsettling discovery about his father, but the Huntress is there to help him crack this Christmas case. A serviceable holiday outing from Mike W. Barr with crisp art from underrated Bat-master Jim Aparo. Plus, a backup feature starring Nemesis.
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Spider-Man, Angel and Daredevil help the House of Ideas launch Marvel Fanfare, an upscale foray aimed at comics’ emerging Direct Market. While featuring some fantastic art from the likes of Michael Golden and Paul Smith, this debut issue’s stories fall a bit flat.
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While visiting the Nullport space station to pick up a new cruiser, the Legion uncovers a Khundian plot. The lead feature, by Paul Levitz and Pat Broderick, is solid, but the real treat is the backup story that welcomes Keith Giffen to the 30th century.
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