Word Balloons

My reviews of comics I've been reading.  Might throw in some thoughts on TV shows or movies, or whatever I feel like ranting about!

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Cadillacs and Dinosaurs: Blood and Bones

Writer - Roy Thomas

Art - Dick Giordano with Steve Stiles and Esteban Maroto

Covers - William Stout

While not exactly a sequel to Mark Schultz's Xenozoic Tales, this miniseries actually takes place with his blessings. In fact, it occurs during issue #10 of Xenozoic Tales and sequelizes the very first Xenozoic story from Death Rattle #8. Schultz had already thought about furthering that story and provided Roy Thomas with his ideas and some sketches - which are reproduced in issue #3 of this series.

But this run also tries to capitalize on the short-lived cartoon series of the same name and kind of becomes a bridge between the source material and the TV show. While most of the sensibilities are of the comic book, many of the characters' appearances are derived from the look of the show. This series also features the multitudes of Terhunes that were expanded in the show including adding a mother to the poacher family.

Roy Thomas and Dick Giordano have been doing pulpy stories for a large majority of their careers by the time this was published in 1994, so it was a slam dunk that they could handle this project. Thomas's story features a return to Fessenden Station and another encounter with the mysterious 'Brainies.' Add in a dollop of politics and some poachers and it makes for a typical Xenozoic story!

While Giordano's art isn't as sharp or detailed as Schultz's originals, he does still have a flair for expression and action. The classic comic book art is still fun and energetic, and has it's own charm. Giordano even manages to "paraphrase" some of Schultz's original panels throughout the series. Fun stuff!

And in typical Xenozoic form, each issue features a backup story. The first just catches readers up on the world and the characters for new readers who may not have read Schultz's original comics. Issue #2 sequelizes a short from Xenozoic #6, so we get to see exactly how Jack and Hannah rescued their friend Remfro and his glider from the deep blue sea! The third issue is a completely original story of a Dino fight club that Jack puts and end to. Nothing amazing, but still entertaining little additions to the world.

While not the most earth-shattering stuff, it does a nice job keeping the spirit of the original alive. I don't think these were ever collected (at least I couldn't find anything showing that), so if you see them in yard sales or second-hand book stores, they're worth a read.

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Xenozoic Tales Vol 2

By Mark Schultz

Jack Tenrec's life is in danger. But who's behind the attempts on his life and why?

The story deepens in this volume of Schultz's epic series. But I'll warn you up front, you're in for a permanent cliffhanger at the end of this one! So far, Mark Schultz has yet to create or release an issue #15 in this series, so everything has been in limbo since 1996. There are always rumors swirling that there will be an original graphic novel or something that will wrap up the story, but so far there's nothing on the horizon.

The story really gets moving in this collection. Jack's role, along with all of the Old Bloods, is further defined and we get to see how important those old mechanics are to the new world. Hannah gets a more in depth back story and additional mystery about who she is and where she really comes from. And the whole world grows as the story changes venue to the lands of Wassom and how that tribe deals with surviving in the New World. Lots of interesting hooks for the future, but we only get to see a trifling of Schultz's ideas.

Most of the themes from the first volume are continued here. Thoughts on the environment, polution, man's invasion of nature, and the role politics plays in all of it feature heavily. Only once in a while is it heavy-handed, but much of it is just part of the story where the readers can extrapolate things back into the real world.

The artwork remains stunning and alone is enough reason to seek out this collection. From intense action panels to broad seascapes to a little cheesecake here and there, every page is a marvel. Heroic poses abound and the animals themselves are majestic and beautiful. The details make every panel pull you into this world and get lost completely. Schultz's love for the characters and material comes through with every stroke of the pen.

If you are a fan of this style pulp adventure, you owe it to yourself to read this book, if not own it so you can revisit it over and over again. It's definitely a series I'll return to sooner than later!

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Avengers Origins: Thor #1

Writer - Kathryn Immonen

Art - Alejandro Barrionuevo, Michel Lacombe & Jeff Huet

Cover - Marko Djurdjevic

A young Thor struggles to live up to his destiny after Odin sends him on an errand to have three magical gifts created - including the mighty Mjolnir!

This one-shot is a prequel to the famous Journey into Mystery #83 in which Don Blake becomes inbued with the powers of Thor. Here, we're focused on the Asgardian side of the origin. We meet a younger Thor along with Sif and Loki and get to see how their relationships form the basis for Thor being exiled to Earth. Odin definitely shows a fatherly tough love for his son, after Thor tears up the Nine Realms when he first learns to wield Mjolnir. I just find it tough to believe that he's actually worthy at that point due to the immaturity he displays by seeking out conflict and battle with the likes of Hela and Surtur.

The art is well-suited to a fantasy story. The heavier linework and shadow make Asgard feel very medieval and torchlit. Asgard has beautiful landscapes and skylines that draw you into the world. The action panels and fantasy creatures are well realized and exciting to engage with. The artists actually suffer a bit in the last few pages that focus on the more modern world. It feels very two-dimensional and not as exciting.

For a one-shot, this was a fun read and works as a great transition from Thor: Son of Asgard, and a perfect companion piece to Journey into Mystery. Nice piece of the Marvel Universe tapestry.

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Journey Into Mystery #91

Story - Stan Lee

Script - Robert Bernstein

Art & Cover - Jack Kirby & Dick Ayers

From around the world in China, the Radio-Active Man comes to destroy the mighty Thor!

This issue kind of serves as a history lesson today! The events early in the issue seem to take place during the Sino-Indian War from late 1962. Don Blake is part of a U.S, delegation of heathcare workers sent to India to aid in their defense of the border against the invading Chinese. But when things get hot, Blake can't help but turn into Thor to defend the soldiers and civilians from marauding Chinese tanks. The government then seeks a way to defeat the thunder god, and sparks the creation of the Radio-active Man!

A lot of this issue is as jingoistic as anything from the World War II era! The Cold War is in full swing here, and there is no hiding it! The opening lines of the issue read like something out of 1943 instead of 1963!

A good portion of the issue is actually dedicated to Dr. Chen Lu, who inbues himself with the radioactive energy and becomes the titular villain. We get a peak behind the Red Curtain and see the typically evil heads of government threaten Lu's life if he doesn't come up with a way to defeat Thor. And in a typically selfish manner, Lu decides he should give himself the power, because only he is really worthy. And really, what a better reason to take on Thor?

This follows a similar plot structure to many other stories of this era - the villain's origin is established, the villain demonstrates his power and defeats or minimizes the hero, then the hero comes up with a clever way to defeat the villain. Standard stuff here. I just really don't know how radioactivity can be used as a hypnotic device. I probably wouldn't have questioned it as a kid, but my adult brain says, "huh?"

The art is actually a little disappointing in this one. Kirby seems like he was a bit rushed here (he only draws EVERY book about now!) and the backgrounds aren't as detailed as usual, and often times some sort of effect takes up a good portion of the panel. That said, there are a few panels that are winners - some of the establishing panels of China and the interior of Lu's laboratory are a few standouts. There are some really fun Chinese-themed robots that are outstanding!

Overall, this is a decent story with a huge political tilt to it. Interesting to read from a historical - both an international events view, as well as that of our cultural attitudes of the time - and a Silver Age comic standpoint.

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Tales of Suspense #41

Story - Stan Lee

Script - Robert Bernstein

Art - Jack Kirby & Dick Ayers

Cover - Jack Kirby & George Roussos

Iron Man becomes an unwitting tool of the mysterious Doctor Strange! After escaping prison, Doctor Strange intends to use the increased electrical energies of his mind to take over the planet! How will Iron Man overcome the strange Doctor's powers?

Just to be clear, this issue does NOT feature the Doctor Strange we all know as the Sorcerer Supreme. This is Carlo Strange, who only appears a handful of times throughout Marvel history. But you can see that his name and that impressive cape on the cover were most likely inspirations for the Sorcerer who would premiere shortly after this story!

These early Iron Man stories are a little tough, honestly. Iron Man gets mesmerized from a distance and in his trance he frees Strange from prison. It actually takes a good amount of time in the story for Iron Man to bring him to justice. And Strange's motivation is pretty weak - he wants to impress his daughter. It seems Stan must have been feeling guilty about working too much during this time, as we just had a story in Tales to Astonish where the villain was looking to impress his grandson after working too much. Comic book writing as therapy - whatever works!

Some of the good things in this issue are that we're introduced to Stark Industries and some of the things that Tony is working on as part of his "day job." We also get a nice demonstration of some of Iron Man's abilities and the uses of his "transistor-energized magnets!" We also get to see Tony carry the armor in his attache case for the first time! Well, small steps in building the mythology for this character!

Kirby's art is pretty straight-forward in this one as well. I'm still impressed with his panel layouts and the detail he puts into the backgrounds. No blank backgrounds here! I love that!

While this wasn't a stellar issue by any means, it does move Iron Man a bit forward in his personal story and even sets him up as a greater part of the Marvel Universe. Not one for everyone, but if you're an Iron Fan, it might be fun!

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Tales to Astonish #43

Story - Stan Lee

Script - Larry Lieber

Art - Don Heck

Fired from his position as a corporate scientist due to his age, Elias Weems creates a device that will age everyone! Now he plans to use the device to get his revenge on a narrow-minded company and the rest of Center City! How can even Ant-Man fight age itself?

While this may not have been the most amazing Ant-Man story, it is a nice change of pace super-hero story. Punching and fighting can't win the day here, so Ant-Man has to use his compassion and understanding to turn Weems from his path of evil. The moral message is a little heavy-handed on the last page, but it wasn't a bad story.

Two other stories are featured in this issue as well, one follows on a similar theme of someone getting fired only to be replaced by a machine. Not sure why this was on Stan and Larry's mind so much, as unemployment seemed about average during this time. Even Steve Ditko's art on this story was sub-par. The other story featured a super-powered young man pursuing a dream to be a Major League pitcher. While the ending was fairly obvious, there was so much more that could have been done with this story.

Not the worst comic I've read during this period, but it certainly is forgettable. Definitely the kind of issue that made comic books a disposable media in those days.

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Xenozoic Tales Vol. 1

by Mark Schultz

After the Cataclysm, the Earth has reawakened and the dinosaurs walk the world again. But man still has some artifacts of old civilization - ruined cities, firearms, and mechanical marvels that power the cities and can move him around this new world. But there are still dangers around every corner, and you need a man like Jack Tenrec to keep you safe.

Quite the phenomenon in the late 1980's and early 1990s, this book reprints issues one through six and includes the very first Xenozoic story from Death Rattle #8. The first issues featured two stories each and served to really set up this world. In fact, this entire volume is Schultz world-building and establishing his characters. The world is a different place and much technology has been lost in the 500 years since the Cataclysm. Some people retain the ability to work with machines, but others have degenerated to a hunter/gatherer state. While people still huddle in cities, the interior of the land is very wild and dangerous and hides many unique secrets.

While there are still scientists hoping to bring mankind back to a greater form of civilization, there are also criminals and politicians that only look out for themselves. The more things change, the more they stay the same! The complexities of this new world only offer more issues and more conflict.

Jack Tenrec is a mechanic and a de facto leader in the tribe of the City by the Sea. While he chooses not to be an official member of the government, others look up to him and respect him for his ideals. He warns that people should live in concert with the world, not try to change it for their benefit, but those in power don't often listen until it's too late. Jack's affinity for machines has him living and working in a garage separated from the rest of the city, where he works on his archaic vehicles and converts them to guano power from whatever those ancients used. Cleaner energy for sure!

Jack is introduced to Hannah Dundee, an ambassador and something of a scientist from the distant land of Wasson. She seeks to initiate trade and knowledge exchange between the tribes. She is insatiably curious and headstrong. Just like any woman should be in the post-Cataclysmic world.

There's a lot of commentary in the undertones of the book, and some that's not exactly undertones as well. This book forms a cautionary tale about ecological and political disaster that we can still take to heart almost 35 years later. And all of it is draped in a lot of pulp action and gorgeous line art.

Schultz is in the same category of the Dave Stevens (The Rocketeer), Al Williamson (Flash Gordon), and Milton Cannif (Terry and the Pirates). His art style is gorgeous with detailed lines and a style that borders on the cheesecake. You won't find any ugly women in this series! He takes special care in rendering the animals and dinosaurs as well, and his backgrounds are full of detail and shadow that just draws you into this world. From complex machinery that has a real Jack Kirby feel to the expanses of the Xenozoic world, each panel is a joy to explore. This book is worth your time even if you don't want to read the story. Just page through it and absorb the artwork.

Filled with monsters, machines, and mysteries, Xenozoic Tales is certainly worth a read. Escape the current world for an afternoon and disappear into Mark Schultz's creation. You won't regret it.

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Fantastic Four #14

Writer - Stan Lee

Art - Jack Kirby & Dick Ayers

Cover - Steve Ditko

Arriving back on Earth after their trip to the moon, the team is greeted by enthusiastic fans and supporters. But after having barely any time to relax, Sue is whisked away by Namor and he dares Reed and the others to challenge him in his own domain! But something is odd about the Sub-Mariner's behavior, something that has him under the influence of someone in the shadows!

I was looking forward to this one and really wanted it to be, well, fantastic. It just wasn't that great. It was fine, but Lee's plot used way too many conveniences or contrived devices to make this a solid issue. Way too many "magic" fish and a few of Reed's miracle ready-for-anything devices pushed this one too far. The mento-fish (which allows psychic communication over great distance) and the hypno-fish (pretty self-explanatory) were just the beginning of the contrivances that had me cringing a bit. I know - Silver Age Comic, and these things do have an element of fun too them, but too many is too many.

Ben also drags his girlfriend, Alicia, along on the journey to the ocean depths to challenge the Sub-Mariner. May not be the smartest move to put your significant other in deep jeopardy, and Ben even remarks that he expected to have to put up an argument with Reed to bring her along, but Reed just accepts it and they go on their merry way! Now I thought this would actually have a bearing on the story since the power behind the scenes is Alicia's step-father, the Puppet Master. But even so, Alicia's presence was completely useless. Stepdad didn't ever realize she was there!

There were some fun one-liners and exciting one-on-one battles with Namor, but this story never really rose above average. Even so, it's still an early Marvel comic that sets up so much down the line. A decent read for people who are interested in exploring these formative years of the Marvel Universe.

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Marvel Special Edition Featuring Star Wars #3

Writer - Roy Thomas

Art - Howard Chaykin

Cover - Ernie Chan

The comic book adaptation of Star Wars complete in this one issue! Not only does it tell the entire story, but it does so in an oversized format, twice the size of a regular comic book! And yes, this was printed before it was known as A New Hope.

I had a fit of nostalgia when I found this in my basement recently. Needless to say any thoughts of cleaning said basement went out the window when I sat down and re-read this fantastic comic book! It took my right back to the long summer days when I was a kid and would read and re-read this comic book! Hey, there was no Disney+, no blu-rays, not even VHS. If you wanted to experience Star Wars again outside the theater, this was one of the only ways that was possible!

This isn't a line-for-line translation of the film. Thomas takes some liberty with the dialogue and adds in a lot of descriptive text that was a hallmark of Marvel comics at the time. Some of those new lines still echo in my mind almost as much as the real dialogue from the movie! Now I can't say for certain that some of these lines weren't in an early draft of the movie script, but they'll always remind me of this comic book!

But there's more to this than just a movie adaptation. You see, there are also some of the infamous deleted scenes that are actually included in this portrayal. We get the scene at Toshi station where Luke meets up with Biggs and they talk about the rebellion before Biggs ships out. Not the most important scene, but because of this story, I knew that scene existed and was shocked to find out it wasn't something that Roy Thomas just added in. Also, we get the scene where Han Solo talks with Jabba the Hutt before blasting out of Mos Eisley with Luke, Obi-Wan, and the droids. Now, in the comic, Jabba was just some random yellow alien - nothing like the slug-creature we would see in Return of the Jedi. But at least we had a sense of who Jabba was and what a problem it might cause for Han down the line.

Howard Chaykin's pencils are pretty spot on. Most of the characters, locations, and technology is well represented. I'm assuming he had a lot of photo reference to work from, but he never really gets Chewbacca quite right. He has a very dynamic style that represents the movies action very well, but you can tell he didn't have access to the moving pictures since his action often plays out a bit differently than the film. Still, I've always enjoyed his work and even seeing this early example is fun and engaging.

Honestly, with nostalgia aside, this is one of the best movie adaptations I've come across. Originally presented as six issues of the monthly series, they had the space and time to do a very accurate retelling of the movie. Most other adaptations were limited to 48 pages or so. But being such a key item from my childhood just makes this all the more important and engaging!

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Wild Cards V: Down and Dirty

Editor: George R. R. Martin

Authors: John J. Miller, Roger Zelazny, Leanne C. Harper, Arthur Byron Cover, Melinda M. Snodgrass, Edward Bryant, Stephen Leigh, Pat Cadigan, and Walter Jon Williams

Cover: Michael Komarck

As a gang war breaks out across the Jokertown ghetto, a new mutated version of the wild card virus strikes New York causing more deaths and transformations. Now the local Aces and Jokers find themselves fighting on two fronts just to stay alive. After the globe-trotting escapades of the previous volume, Martin and friends return us to New York and some fan favorite characters. It's great to see the Sleeper, Turtle, Bagabond, and others take the stage again. Like that earlier installment, this is a series of inter-related short stories, this time detailing the events around the gang war. We actually pick up with some characters during the events of the last book before everything moves forward in the timeline. Continuity is becoming a big part of this series now and each story builds on the previous like a literary house of cards. There are a number of stories that are serialized throughout this book, meaning they're kind of broken up in chapters between other stories. We've seen a little of that previously in the series, but this time Martin intertwines three different stories throughout the book. Disappointingly, the gang war story is really more of a background to this overall mosaic. Only a few stories really spotlight that storyline. The good news is the wild card virus outbreak and the escalating political intrigue more than make up for any lack in the gang war story. I found myself more interested in those plotlines as the book went on. There are also some very personal journeys for the Turtle and Dr. Tachyon in this book that really had me looking for the next chapter relating their stories. Most of the stories were very engaging and kept me actively turning pages. I felt Edward Bryant's "The Second Coming of Buddy Holley" was a bit of a weak point for me. Not only did the story not really fit into any of the storylines, but Cordelia Chaisson doesn't seem to make for a great protagonist. This is two books in a row where I hit a bump on stories focusing on her. I didn't think I was going to enjoy "Jesus was an Ace" by Arthur Byron Cover, but it really did give me a great insight into Reverend Leo Barnett. I'm sure there are bigger things in store for that character in future books. Overall, this was a better and more interesting read than the last one. While there was a bit of jumping around between stories, it still kept me interested and wanting to read more. My head was spinning at possibilities and I can't wait to see what the gang has in store for the future! 

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Advanced Dungeons & Dragons #32

Writer - Dan Mishkin

Cover & Art - Tom Mandrake

Onyx and his father continue their quest to find the Pillars of Gold beneath Waterdeep, only to discover they're dwarves not actual gold - and one of those dwarves is Onyx's grandfather! But a renegade dwarf in search of power wants to destroy all the "pillars" to claim his magical fortune. Hell of a day for a family reunion!

These two issues are just fun stories, a little silly, but overall an engaging read. Nothing too earth-shaking (except maybe the Umber Hulk), just entertainment - but I think the Umber Hulk could have used more page time. He exits the scene too quickly! D&D fans will find a unique twist on the "Flesh to Stone" spell in here that I liked, but others may call shenanigans on! For a deeper cut, it seems that Onyx's grandfather is special to lesser-known dwarven god, Dumathoin. He's responsible for the "Pillars" and watches over these caverns under Waterdeep.

I really enjoy Tom Mandrake's art. While he usually does spooky and moody pieces, here he leans into a more cartoony style that fits the tone of the story very well. His thicker pencils give an added dimension to dwarven sturdiness and solidity, and some of the detailing on the umber hulk is very nice!

The story has got a lighter tone and doesn't take itself too seriously. Makes for a nice breezy read providing a short delve into a D&D adventure.

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Star Trek: Crew #5

Writer, Art & Cover by John Byrne

Captain Robert April and the crew of the Enterprise arrive at the Alpha Eridani system only to find that the entire system is gone! After some additional investigation, the crew finds that several star systems in the vicinity are also just...missing! As the mystery deepens the Enterprise itself is pulled across the galaxy...but to where?

This is the final issue of the miniseries, but while it gets us closer to the Pike era of the Enterprise, we still find the future "Number One" as a Lieutenant and Pike himself first officer. We never get to see how she earns the coveted first chair or why Pike chooses her. I've enjoyed following her early career, but those are the things I was most interested in reading about.

Likewise I found this final story to be somewhat odd. Sure there are other Star Trek stories like this, but when you discover that the intelligence behind kidnapping entire star systems along with ship are little more than super-science Pac Man, it's a little disappointing. In fact, there is little internal logic in this story at all. Billions of life forms should have been killed as result of the Pac Men's scheme, but it seems only the Enterprise loses crew members.

I always enjoy John Byrne's art and this issue is no real exception. He does manage to make the Pac Men look somewhat threatening, but his layouts are what really make the artwork the highlight of this story.

Not my favorite story of this miniseries, so I feel it ends on something of a whimper. This issue would be worth skipping unless you really want some more screen time with the Strange New Worlds characters.

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Advanced Dungeons & Dragons #31

Writer - Dan Mishkin

Art & Cover - Tom Mandrake

After being awoken unceremoniously by an errant air elemental swooping through his room, Onyx finds a helmet left in the creature's wake that sends him on a new adventure - one that not only promises treasure, but reunites him with long-lost family!

Mishkin provides us with another humorous side story here that focuses on Onyx and his disreputable father. Heading into the sewers of Waterdeep in search of the lost Pillar of Gold, the two bicker and battle their way through muck and secret passages. These two definitely have some issues to work out, and treasure hunting might be the best way to do it. We finally get some long-awaited backstory on Onyx and have some fun meeting his "pappy!" Not the deepest story, for sure, but it is rather fun.

Mandrake fills in this story for Jan Duursema. While his art isn't quite as pretty, the expressions on the characters are priceless on every page! He has a great capacity for darker stories, so one that takes place predominantly in a sewer is right up his alley! But he also doesn't miss the humor in the situations or the dialogue and the art and layouts hit just the right notes.

Again, maybe not the deepest of D&D stories, but a nice side quest that focuses on character development and backstory. Something every DM should stick in every so often!

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Star Trek Annual #2 (1991)

Writer - Peter David

Pencils - James W. Fry & Curt Swan

Inker - Arne Starr

Adjusting to college life can be tough - even if you're James T. Kirk! Kirk arrives at Starfleet Academy and things don't go quite the way he anticipated. He has to deal with sloppy roommates, childish pranks, a tough courseload, and a cheating scandal! But is that too much for a future starship captain?

This story was a little longer than it needed to be. It would have probably been a bit interminable if not for the writing of Peter David. David creates levity in the right places, while hitting familiar notes for anyone who's attended college or any Star Trek fan. His dialogue is pretty sharp and always has a Peter David punch to it.

Surprisingly, Kirk isn't the together womanizer you might expect here. He's actually a determined student who'd rather study than party, though he does meet up with a young Carol Marcus (from Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan) in this issue. They're romance doesn't really get going yet, but there's a spark and a one-night stand that kicks it all off. Kirk does get down to business in the latter part of the story when he does some unorthodox things to figure out the cheating issue.

Star Trek fans will love seeing cameos by a lot of characters from the original series - some as teachers and faculty members, others as students. Nice to see Kirk a little starstruck by someone as well. It kind of speaks to scenes that will play out in the show later on. A fun game of celebrity spotting throughout the issue.

The art in the issue is a little substandard. It's not Curt Swan at his best, that's for sure. This is very late in his career and the linework just isn't that solid. James Fry does some solid work, but nothing outstanding. This is pretty 'plain jane' comic book art, with no frills and nothing extraordinary.

While not the most amazing read, it had a few fun moments and die-hard fans will get a kick out of a young Kirk and other character appearances.

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Wonder Woman (Vol 5) #11

Writer - Greg Rucka

Art - Liam Sharp

Cover - Liam Sharp & Larua Martin

"The Lies" Part 6

Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor have finally found their way back to Themyscira, but all may not be as it seems. Meanwhile, Etta Candy discovers that things aren't what she thinks with ARGUS as she comes face-to-face with a deadly threat.

The story finally wends its way back to Wonder Woman and her exploration of her mysterious muddled history and the fact that she no longer has access to Olympus or Themyscira. But just as I was ready for a few answers, this issue just piles on more mystery and more subterfuge. It seems the subplot is going to morph into the main plot for the next arc. I was kind of hoping for some concrete clues or something here, but Rucka is just sucking us readers in deeper. I admit that I'm intrigued and will definitely come back for more, but this is certainly a slow burn.

I'm equally curious about the Etta Candy storyline. Etta follows her boss, Sasha Bordeaux (formerly of the Batman comics), and trips to some major deceptions going on with ARGUS. This has been on slow boil for a few issues now, and I've been very intrigued. Rucka definitely has the mystery lover in me engaged. But after 6 issues (and almost a six months of "real" time) I would have thought more answers might be forthcoming.

Sharp continues to impress with his artwork spotlighting a few more full-page spreads that really catch the eye and capture your attention. The anguish on Diana's face near the end of the issue is palpable and you really feel for her as her beliefs start to kind of come apart. Sharp just makes this whole book so engaging and real.

A great effort by all the creators here and a great read for comic fans who don't mind the long format storytelling.

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Wonder Woman (Vol 5) #9

Writer - Greg Rucka

Art - Liam Sharp

Cover - Liam Sharp & Laura Martin

Variant Cover - Jenny Frisson

"The Lies" Part 5

Back from Bwunda, the team gets some down time. During that time, Steve and Diana get the chance to discuss what might be in store for them in the present, and the future.

There's actually a lot going on in this issue. Dr. Minerva and Etta work with the resources of ARGUS to find some clue as to how you might get to Themyscira. Minerva has some big theories about "Paradise Island" and how Wonder Woman has been able to go back and forth all this time. Lots of letter column and forum fodder here, I'm sure! All in good fun! Nice to see them working the problem together, but there is a greater mystery still brewing in the background. More next issue as this story comes to a close, I'm sure.

The true focus of this issue is a romantic one - the reconnection of Diana and Steve Trevor. After spending the New 52 years romantically entwined with Superman, Diana now finds herself available again after the death of that version of the Man of Steel. She and Steve are drawn together, and have a lovely scene beginning to build the bridges of a new relationship.

For the past several issues I've praised Liam Sharp for his moody and creepy jungle scenes, but here he proves that he can also hit the high notes of a beautiful beach sunset and a cinematic clinch that could grace the cover of a romance novel. The pages with Diana and Steve are really beautiful and well formatted - made all the better by the magnificent color work of Laura Martin.

While this issue is a bit of a pause before the finale, it's still a great chapter in the overall story and will give Wonder Woman fans goosebumps.

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Wonder Woman (Vol 5) #7

Writer - Greg Rucka

Art - Liam Sharp

Cover - Liam Sharp & Laura Martin

Variant Cover - Jenny Frison

"The Lies" Part 4

After meeting up with Steve Trevor's team, Wonder Woman and Cheetah rescue the missing girls and head off to find the Warlord Cadulo. Not only do they need to rescue the remainder of the missing girls, but they have to stop Urzkartaga from taking over Steve's body!

Living up to the story title, a lot of lies and deceptions are revealed this issue as they pertain to Cheetah. Many things about Urzkartaga and his curse haven't been true, and they've forced Cheetah do kill and do a lot of things she would never have done. She'll have to reconcile all of this in the future, and hopefully Wonder Woman will be there to help her through it all.

I'm guessing we'll get to some of the lies surrounding Wonder Woman over the next couple of issues, but I'm curious to see if any of them relate to Steve Trevor, Etta Candy, or ARGUS in general. There may be lies on Olympus, but what about on Earth?

I felt this was a pretty straightforward issue from a story arc standpoint. In fact, Wonder Woman may have defeated Urzkartaga just a bit too easily. Maybe we're not entirely done with him and Cadulo yet.

Sharp's art continues to be a high point in the series from his unique interpretation of Cheetah to the horrifying giant of Urzkartaga. The jungles remain moody and dark, and the entire atmosphere seems almost claustrophobic. Brilliant stuff!

Very solid issue that keeps you engaged and wanting more. Story may be running a touch long, though.