Why is that good news?

In February of 1989, I wrote: "The truth, however, is that there are comics for adults, and they are capable of looking profoundly into the human condition", and Suspended Animation was born. In that column, I wanted to introduce adults to the idea that there were comics titles they could enjoy. I believe I accomplished that.

I also wrote: "The purpose of this new weekly column is to review the best and worst in comics. We will review comics written and drawn solely to entertain as well as comics with political, religious, and philosophical slants". For twenty years, I expressed my opinion on what was the best and worst in comics. Job done.

In fact, at the height of its popularity, Suspended Animation was published in dozens of newspapers and magazines, broadcast on radio, featured on more than one hundred web sites, and read by four million folks interested in comics. It is the longest running comics review column in history.

There is more good news.

Although sales have steadily fallen throughout the past two decades, and I suspect that monthly titles will cease to be published in my lifetime (if I live another twenty years), those who wish to read them will enjoy comic books and strips for many years to come.

Why?

Because collecting comic books and strips has become a hobby, millions of copies and thousands of titles remain in collections all over the world. They will continue to be available to buy, sell, and trade long after new comic books and strips are published.

Hardcore fans will continue to produce fanzines about comic books and strips. It is now more affordable to publish them than in the past.

Did you notice the operative word is "continue". Suspended Animation will be continued by Mark Allen.

I thank my readers for allowing me to write about comics.

Goodbye and God bless.

Continually yours,

Michael Vance

Well, the girls are at it again. In this issue, Betty and Veronica bicker about boys and fashion, make up, and resume bickering about boys and fashion. Their¢s has to be the longest running love/hate relationship in comic books. But it¢s all done in well-drawn and well-written light-hearted fun, and these two girls are destined to remain friends long after the Human Torch and The Thing hug each other, Lois Lane and Superman tie the knot (for real and for ever), and Blondie divorces Dagwood and runs away with his boss.

The yin and yang of Betty & Veronica is recommended for young girls.

Michael Vance

Jughead #186/23 pgs. & $2.25 from Archie Comics/pencils: Rex Lindsey, words: Craig Boldman/ sold in the same places as Betty & Veronica.

I never imagined that the last comic book I¢d ever review would be Jughead, but it somehow seems appropriate. After all, old Juggie never grew up, and neither have I.

Jug is a lazy, hungry, directionless, geeky little kid in a teenaged body. In this issue, only pizza can get that body out of bed during a snow-day break from school, he goes to the beach during the winter to get away from crowds, and loses out on a prize because of his aversion to cold.

Jug is also incurably likable. This juxtaposition of poor human qualities with human virtue is what makes all of the Archie cast believable because there is something of Jug in each of us. As is true with all of the Archie titles, stories are simple and whimsical, and dialog is believable. Each story is well-drawn, visually easy to follow, and focused on simple, clean lines and backgrounds.

Michael Vance

Check out Dark Corridor #1 for two Michael Vance short stories at www.mainenterprises.ecrater.com .

Interested in the exciting Oklahoma Cartoonists Collection & Toy and Action Figure Museum? Try fourcolorcommentary. blogspot.com and www.youtube.com/watch ?v=eCARtM5BvvU.

I thank R. A. Jones, Dr. Jon Suter, and Mark Allen for their contributions. Without them, I could not have continued this column for twenty years. I offer double thanks to Mark Allen who will continue Suspended Animation.

My special thanks go to the newspapers, magazines, fanzines and websites that published my reviews, and to my readers. I would deeply appreciate a goodbye from readers who wish to do so at MiklVance@Yahoo.com.

I also wish to thank the comics writers and artists who have enriched and influenced my own writing. They gave me one of the great loves of my life, imagination, and with them, I have traveled into the past and the future, into outer space, and, most importantly, into the human heart.

In comic strips, Walt Kelly (Pogo) and E. C. Segar (Popeye) had a major impact on my own work. Alley Oop by V. T. Hamlin and Dave Graue cannot go unmentioned as well.

Among comic book writers, I honor Will Eisner, Harvey Kurtzman, John Broome, Gardner Fox, and Stan Lee for what they taught me as a writer, and for thousands of entertaining hours.

Comic book artists to whom I owe gratitude must include Gil Kane, Ogden Whitney, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, and Wayne Boring. They helped to make my life a four-color adventure.

And finally, I will always love those artists who worked with me in comic strips and books as well. In particular, my deepest, heartfelt thanks go to Wayne Truman, Grass Green, Duane Hanson, C.T. Smith, and Rob Davis. You brought joy into a very solitary life.

And thanks, mom and dad, for not throwing my comic books out.

Michael Vance

Check out Dark Corridor #2 for a Michael Vance short story at www.mainenterprises.ecrater.com .

Interested in the exciting Oklahoma Cartoonists Collection & Toy and Action Figure Museum? Try www.fourcolorcommentary.com and www.youtube.com/watch ?v=eCARtM5BvvU .

A sample of his major work includes: ACE (¢41-¢42) Marvo, Unknown Soldier, Vulcan; ANGLO-AMERICAN (¢44-¢45) Commander Steel, The Crusaders; ARCHIE (¢39-¢44) Black Hood, Hangman, Shield Steel Sterling; BETTER (¢41-¢52) Doc Strange, Fantastic Worlds; DC COMICS (¢48-¢69) Aquaman, Batman and Robin, Green Arrow, Hawk-man, House of Mystery, House of Secrets, Jimmie Olsen, Johnny Quick, Legion of Super Heroes, Metal Men, Mystery in Space, Robotman, Shining Knight, Star Spangled Kid, Strange Adventures, Superboy, Supergirl, Superman, Tales of the Unexpected, Tommy Tomorrow; DELL (¢55-¢66) Broken Arrow, Dracula; EC COMICS (¢54-¢55) Crime Suspenstories, Crypt of Terror, Haunt of Fear, Impact, Shock Suspenstories, Tales from the Crypt, Valor, Weird Science-Fantasy; FAWCETT (¢41-¢53) Bulletman, Capt. Marvel, Capt. Marvel Jr., Capt. Midnight, Commando Yank, Golden Arrow, Hopalong Cassidy, Ibis, Marvel Family, Mary Marvel, Minute Man, Mr. Scarlet, Phantom Eagle, Spy Smasher; HARVEY (¢66-¢67) Bee-man, Jigsaw, Kazzan, Magic Master, Man in Black, Pirana, Satan, Spyman; MARVEL (¢40-¢76) All Winners Squad, Blonde Phantom, Captain America, Captain Wonder, The Destroyer, Human Torch, Miss America, Sub-Mariner, The Terror, Time Machine, Tuk, Whizzer, Young Allies; NOVELTY (¢47-¢48) Blue Bolt, Target,; PENDULUM (¢73) 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Call of the Wild, Frankenstein, The Invisible Man, Mysterious Island, Time Machine; QUALITY (¢42-¢54) Black Condor, Blackhawk, Dollman Kid Eternity, Uncle Sam, Nuts; STREET & SMITH ¢41-¢43) Ajax, Capt. Jack Commando, Doc Savage, Little Nemo, The Shadow; WARREN (¢65-¢68) Creepy, Eerie (¡65-¡66/¢68; WESTERN (¡64-¢69) Dr. Solar, and Mighty Samson.

Crandall won the Harvey Award and was inducted into the Jack Kirby Hall of Fame in 1999. He also wrote promotional comics and the comic strips Our Ever Changing World (58/¢59-¡60) and Our Space Age (¡60-¢69). His work is highly recommended.

Michael Vance

Reed Crandall

Crandalls major work included: DC COMICS (¢40s-¢72) Weird War Tales, various titles; DELL (¢58-¢61) Frogmen, Gunsmoke, Hercules Unchained, Mystery Tales, Thief of Baghdad;. EC COMICS (¢55-¢56) Confessions Illustrated, Crime Illustrated, Crime Suspenstories, Crypt of Terror, Extra!, Haunt of Fear, Impact, M.D., Mad, Piracy, Shock Illustrated, Shock Suspenstories, Tales from the Crypt, Terror Illustrated, Two-Fisted Tales, Valor, Vault of Horror, Weird Fantasy, Weird Science-Fantasy; FICTION HOUSE (¢41-¢45) Kaanga, Kayo Kirby, Sheena; GIL-BERTON (¢57-62) Classics Illustrated: Hunchback of Notre Dame, In Freedom¢s Cause, Julius Caesar, Land of the North, Lord Jim, Octopus, Oliver Twist, Reign of Terror, Romeo and Juliet, Three Musketeers; HARVEY (¢62-¢66) Alarming Adventures, Big Hero Adventures, Captain Freedom, Unearthly Spectaculars; MARVEL (¢41-¢75) Astonishing Comics, Kid Colt Outlaw and various western titles, Battle, Battlefront, Captain America, Creatures on the Loose, Journey into Mystery, Unknown Worlds, Justice Comics, Love Romances, Marines in Battle, Men¢s Adventures, Mystery Tales, Mystic, Mystical Tales, Navy Tales, Quick-Trigger Western, Strange Stories of Suspense, Strange Tales of the Unusual, Strange Tales, Tales of Justice, Tales of Suspense, Uncanny Tales, The Vision; QUALITY (¢42-¢53) Blackhawk, Military Comics, Buccaneers, Captain Daring, Captain Triumph, Dollman, Espionage, Firebrand, Hercules, Midnight, The Ray, Uncle Sam. T. S. DENISON (¢67-¢72) Treasure Chest; TOWER (¢66-¢68) Dynamo, Noman; WARREN (¢64-¢75) Vampirella, Blazing Combat, Creepy, Eerie; WESTERN (¢62-¢73) Believe It or Not, Boris Karloff Tales of Mystery, and The Twilight Zone.

Crandall also worked in educational and promotional comics. His art has been extensively reprinted, and receives the highest recommendation.

Michael Vance

Check out Dark Corridor for a Vance story: www.mainenterprises.ecrater.com . and the Oklahoma Cartoonists Collection at www.fourcolorcommentary.com

Marvel has offered readers another alternate rendition of Spider-Man, in Spider-Man Noir. I've always been a fan of the concept of "What If...?" stories, but is this one worth fans' time and money? Following are observations of the first issue.

Writers David Hine and Fabrice Sapolsky present readers with a post-Great Depression world in which the poor are victimized by the rich, and the rich are controlled by the criminal underworld. It is a dark vision, to be sure, but not entirely without merit. A young Peter Parker, inspired by his Aunt May (an outspoken figure who is a thorn in the establishment's side), is not afraid to spit in the eye of the outlaw element. His desire is to help usher in an age of equality for all classes. Let's hope he lives long enough.

A sympathetic reporter, Ben Urich, takes a liking to Peter, and tries to protect him from his own youthful passion and overzealousness. Urich is sympathetic in another way, however. A way that certainly adds human frailty to his character, as well as another dark, depressing element.

Story notwithstanding, the art of this book is the star of the show. Carmine Di Giandomenico tailors a world that certainly fits the mood. Strike that - it creates the mood. The settings in the first issue are either depressing or sleazy, and in one instance, both. The city appears dirty, even under a blanket of snow. The characters have the appearance of the downtrodden and defeated, with the arrogance of Norman Osborn's ilk and Peter's defiant spirit being the exceptions.

Finally, the book throws predictable, but entertaining, mysteries at readers: Who is the Spider-Man? And, is he a murderer?

Spider-Man Noir is not an uplifting read. From beginning to end, the reader is "treated" to a cold, overcast sequential experience, albeit with potential rays of light. The gore factor is a bit heavy, but this is still well-done comics storytelling.

Review by Mark Allen

Broome is considered one of the best writers during the Silver Age of comic books, starting somewhere around 1955. Although he wrote in many different genres, he almost always injected an element or two of science-fiction into his comics stories. When writing science-fiction for comic books, Broome¢s strong sense of character, his injection of science into the core of a story, and his story twists made him a master of his art.

His work has often been reprinted in soft- and hardback collections. Broome¢s major work includes : DC COMICS--The Atom (¢47); Atomic Knights (¡60-¢64); Batman (¡64-¢69); Big Town (¡51-¢58); Captain Comet (¡51-¡54/¢71); Charlie Chan (¡58-¢59); Dr. Mid-Nite (¡47-¢48, ¢72-¡74); Elongated Man (¡65-¢67); Flash (¡46-¡47) , [2nd version] (¡56-¢70, ¡71/¢76/¢85); Ghost Patrol (¢48); Green Arrow (¡59/¢61); Green Lantern [1st version] (¡47-¢49), [2nd version] (¡59-¢70); Hawkman (¡47-¢48); Justice Society of America (¡47-¢51); Kid Flash (¡60-¢63); Mystery in Space (¡51-62); Phantom Stranger (¡52-¡53/¢71); Sargon the Sorceror (¡46-¢48); Sensation Mystery (¡52-¢53); Star Hawkins (¡60-¢63); Strange Adventures (¡51-¢62); Strange Sports Stories (¢63); FAWCETT COMICS: Captain Marvel, (¡42-¡43); Lance O'Casey (¢43).

Broome also wrote the comic strip Nero Wolfe (¢56-¢57). His stories have been reprinted in Mysteries in Space (Simon & Schuster, ¡80), Secret Origins of the Super DC Heroes (Harmony, ¢76), Green Lantern and Green Arrow (Coronet, ¢72), Batman from the ¡30s to the ¡70s, (Crown Publishing, ¢71) and several other collections.

John Broome won the coveted Inkpot Award in 1998. His work is highly recommended.

Michael Vance

Check out Dark Corridor #2 for a Michael Vance short story at www.mainenterprises.ecrater.com .

Interested in the exciting Oklahoma Cartoonists Collection & Toy and Action Figure Museum? Try www.fourcolorcommentary.com and www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCARtM5BvvU .

Lately, Marvel Comics has been producing one of the most entertaining and endearing ongoing comics projects the industry has seen in years. "Civil War?", you say? Nope. "Secret Invasion!" rings the response. Wrong again.

No, this is not some massive crossover, engineered to overdose readers on teeth-clenching conflict and ever-descending darkness, while simultaneously draining their wallets. Just the opposite. The continuing story of Franklin Richards: Son of a Genius is the light-hearted, all-ages account of the little boy who lives with the Fantastic Four. His heroic family often out on a mission, or otherwise engrossed, Franklin is left in the care of his robot "nanny", H.E.R.B.I.E. Lucky for readers, one 'bot is not enough to keep an eye on this toe-headed tyke.

Generally, Franklin's adventures involve his tinkering with father Reed Richards' amazing inventions. Anyone even slightly familiar with the large role said creations have played in Fantastic Four comics and/or movies can imagine the sheer wonderment a child would experience when left to his own devices in Dad's lab. You can also imagine the hilarious hijinx that ensue when Franklin dives in.

The art and "feel" of Franklin Richards is inspired by the strip Calvin and Hobbes. And, while not on the same level, the simple pleasure of reading it is not unlike what is felt enjoying Dennis The Menace or Peanuts.

What's more, Franklin is one of the few comic books being published (along with various Archie publications) that has the potential for crossover appeal to readers of newspaper comic strips, exclusively - Yes, they're still out there, folks. With several short stories routinely contained within one comic book, all written so as to require zero knowledge of the character's history, these comics are accessible to everyone. Which is EXACTLY who should be reading them, by the way.

Kudos to creators Chris Eliopoulos and Marc Sumerak. Let's hope Marvel keeps them, and Franklin, around.

Franklin Richards: Son of a Genius is recommended.

Review by Mark Allen

There has long been speculation and never much agreement about what makes something an icon. If it were possible to reduce the creation of such a symbol to a formula, that illusive secret would make everyone rich.

It is, however, possible to point out differences in icons. Veronica Lodge is an icon. She wears no costume, has no super or extended powers, enjoys no exciting adventures like Luke Skywalker or Indiana Jones, and yet is known by almost everyone. What she is is a selfish, conniving, egotistical, rich girl who has done nothing to earn her wealth and has no ambitions beyond whatever captures her interest for a moment.

She is also beloved. Considering the aforementioned character flaws, that is amazing indeed.

In the reviewed numbers of her title, Veronica attempts to become the center of attention at her prom, squanders money on possessions she doesn¢t need, tries to buy friendship, gossips about and manipulates her friends, and generally makes life crummy. She is and does what the most selfish part of most of us would like to do but don¢t, and we live the worst of our desires through her without bearing the consequences. That¢s the secret of her success.

It certainly doesn¢t hurt that she is well drawn and consistently written in mostly believable situations and with believable dialog. Her success is also possible because she is contrasted by Archie and Betty, Midge and Moose, and a cast of characters who are actually trying to get life right, selflessly, to varying degrees. Without them, Veronica would be a horror.

Now that you know her secret, buy her title, and enjoy. She is a guilty pleasure you can afford.

Veronica is recommended.

Michael Vance

Check out Dark Corridor #2 for a Michael Vance short story at www.mainenterprises.ecrater.com.

Interested in the exciting Oklahoma Cartoonists Collection & Toy and Action Figure Museum? Try www.fourcolorcommentary.com and www.youtube.com/watch ?v=eCARtM5BvvU .

It's official. The Iron Man movie is a hit. According to Box Office Mojo , it grossed over $318,000,000, and ranked 21st in all-time domestic grosses, coming in before half of the Star Wars flicks, and all Indiana Jones and Harry Potter movies. So, far be it from me not to recommend Iron Man: The End.

Understand, I'm not recommending it because of any particular financial statistics. This book gets three cheers from me because it's a well-done piece of sequential art.

Writer David Michelinie is no stranger to the character, having had part in introducing Tony Stark's alcohol problem to readers in the '70's, and creating Jim Rhodes, a character that has played prominently in the comics and the movie.

In The End, Michelinie portrays Stark as an aging inventor, challenged to leave a final, lasting technological mark upon the world, and find a replacement to take up the mantle of the armored adventurer. Aided by co-plotter Bob Layton, another Iron Man veteran, he deftly portrays a mentally and emotionally exhausted character, still struggling with past addictions, and desperate to complete his "greatest- - and last- - gift to humankind." In this, Marvel's tradition of interesting and complex characters continues.

Bernard Chang's art is highly instrumental in impressively portraying the technological aspects that have always been important to the character. He also ably etches years of pain and weariness on the face of Stark, as well as the determination by which the character has always been marked. Inks by Layton round out what is a note-worthy chapter of Iron Man lore.

So, what was with all of the movie talk, you ask? That was simply to illustrate the point that millions of Americans continue to discover something many have known for years - that there is much literary value and entertainment to be found in the pages of comic books.

Now, go introduce a fan of the movie to Iron Man: The End.

Review by Mark Allen

Fourteen creative writers and artists are looking for a few, good creative minds. In their own words:

"Welcome to the online home of the Blue Plaque Publications Co-Op. The BPP is one of the oldest co-ops still in existence, and serves as a meeting ground for like-minded publishers interested in creating their own comics and [fan]zines.

"Along with the regular club newsletter, THE BLUESLETTER, the BPP also plans and publishes group projects such as the BPP SPECIAL and other joint ventures between its members."

In short (and most BPP publications are short indeed) if you want to self-publish your own work without interference from an editor, this cooperative is for you.

Most of the work is comics or comics related, and varies widely in subject, quantity, and quality. The latest BPP Checklist offers six publications: "The Least Last Lost Past Participle of Lust on our List", "Captain Spectacular", "The Scriptgraphics Small Press: The BPP Issue #6", "Kulprit", and…well, you get the idea. The titles alone promise variety.

All are reasonably priced, and some titles are free!

The latest issue received at Suspended Animation was Monster World #1 by Sam Gafford. It is a tiny 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" mini-comic of eight pages about a world where monsters are real and opposed by a C.I.A. like agency, S.T.A.K.E. I can't review it here because of conflict-of-interest; Sam Gafford is my friend, therefore, my review would be biased.

But if you are most interested in the polished, heavily structured work of professional publishers like DC and Marvel Comics, Blue Plaque Publications will not be your cup of tea.

If you are interested in reading the hands-off art and story of the BPP, or in joining, send an email to: Floyd Sumner at blackmirth@hotmail.com.

Michael Vance

Check out Dark Corridor #2 for a Michael Vance short story at www.mainenterprises.ecrater.com.

Interested in the exciting Oklahoma Cartoonists Collection & Toy and Action Figure Museum? Try www.fourcolorcommentary.com and www.youtube.com/watch ?v=eCARtM5BvvU .

Ah, high school life. Many of us have been there. Best friends. Crushes. Drama auditions. Nightly dreams that take place during the American Revolution....
Okay, that last one might not be common place for most. But for 17-year-old Bea Whaley, it is. What's more, she finds herself falling for a man who is a regular cast member in her dreams.
Right away, I see that The Dreamer has great potential to draw young female readers to comics. I also see that it's not a "girl comic". Confused? No need to be, as you will soon see.
The Dreamer is well-constructed from the bottom, up. So, what's the "bottom" for a comic book story, you ask? Characterization, dear reader, what else? If readers don't care about a character, why should they invest in a story? As with any structure, without a good foundation, everything else falls apart. And EVERYONE likes great characters, gender notwithstanding.
Thanks to writer/artist Lora Innes, that characterization is accompanied by an engaging, dramatic plot, and more. "And more? What's THAT mean?" Well, the plot takes place primarily in the dream, and I'm not going to spoil it for you. Bea's every day life, however, has the "feel" of a situation comedy. In it, she shares her dream with her girlfriends, decides how to deal with her long-time crush having competition from a dream-suiter, spars verbally with a facetious cousin, and..., well, you get the idea. It makes for a satisfyingly humorous read.
Innes' art work does not have a polished, professional look. It does, however, have a bold, clean line, lends wonderful expression to the cast members, and is utilized quite successfully in switching from modern day to tales of old. All in all, it helps make this a comic book that is unique and entertaining.
The Dreamer is recommended for teen readers and up. Find it at your local comics shop, online retailers and auctions, and at www.idwpublishing.com .

Review by Mark Allen

The format of Archie and Friends usually includes a story focused on Archie and a story about a secondary character like Dilbert (the resident boy genius), or Katy Keene (the fashion model), or Jughead (the jughead). Not so for issue #117 in which Archie, assorted pals, and several high school teachers travel to London with promised trips to Madrid, Nairobi, Rome, and Zurich.

In addition to leaving the familiar haunts of Riverdale, this first of a four issue ¡mini-series¢ within the title also promises a James Bond type adventure for the ensemble. Imagine a Saved by the Bell episode on television.

If this all sounds atypical, throw in an atypical team of writers and artists. This is Archie with a twist, and a fun twist at that, because the artist and writer of the first of the four issues are exceptionally talented.

While staying true to the visual icons of Archie and cast, artist Rex Lindsey adds much more to his backgrounds and setting than usually graces an Archie issue. His line is clean and sure, and his visual storytelling is flawless.

Writer Alex Simmons keeps each cast member in character while adding believable dialog and the plot twists needed for such an extended story. Since most Archie stories are six or eight or twelve pages in length, this promised four issue adventure is an Archie novel by comparison.

My kudos to the creative and editorial staff of Archie Comics whom consistently turn out solid entertainment that can be enjoyed by anyone. In an industry where the dark underbelly of life now dominates, Archie & Friends and all of the Archie titles are recommended for the young and the young at heart.

Michael Vance

Check out Dark Corridor #2 for a Michael Vance short story at www.mainenterprises.ecrater.com .

Interested in the exciting Oklahoma Cartoonists Collection & Toy and Action Figure Museum? Try www.fourcolorcommentary.com and www.youtube.com/watch ?v=eCARtM5BvvU .

Zinc Alloy, published by Stone Arch Books, 40 pages, hardback.

As a parent, I want my children to enjoy reading. As a comics fan, I want more young readers drawn to the hobby. Zinc Alloy could help on both counts.
Zack Allen is your typical, small, nerdy boy. A favorite target of bullies, noogies and wet willies are a regular occurrence. Zack is also extremely intelligent, however. He must be, since he manages to build a giant robot, primarily for the purpose of teaching said bullies a lesson. Instead, he ends up becoming a hero.
Though Zinc Alloy is a graphic novel for elementary readers, I'll admit to my own initial excitement at finding it on the shelf of my local library. After all, actual graphic novels for children are still rare, despite increasing acceptance of the literary form. My kids love it. And, I think parents will enjoy reading it to their children, due mostly to it's light-hearted fun and potential life lessons.
Author Donald Lemke has created a character in Zack Allen to which most young children will be able to relate. He has also produced a story that is brimming with action, humor and the potential for great learning.
As younger readers are apt to be drawn into a story by the illustrations, artist Douglas Holgate is to be commended for his ability to translate Lemke's story into exciting visual form. His characters have individual personalities, and his robotic protagonist will no doubt illicit plenty of responses like "Cool!" and "Awesome!". Hey, children getting excited about reading - that's what it's all about, right?
Additional features include a glossary of words used in the book, a short history of comics, and discussion questions that parents and/or teachers can use to drive home important points.
Zinc Alloy is highly recommended for young readers. Parents should buy it for their children, and libraries should stock it. Find it at bookstores, online retailers (Amazon lists it for under five dollars.) and at www.stonearchbooks.com .

Review by Mark Allen

For those obsessed with sex, that actually means that when I won a magazine on eBay, the merchant included a free book with my purchase-Action Force #20 from 1987.

Yes, I am easily excited.

As backstory, Action Force was a 24 page, magazine-sized comic book published by the British division of Marvel Comics every week. It featured edited reprints of G.I. Joe published in America with added British stories and filler pieces. It was published to stimulate the sales of a line of "action figures", i.e. toys for boys.

I'm glad my copy was free. It was worth what I paid for it.

The British produced stories based Action Force in Europe. The G.I. Joe reprints were edited for continuity with these stories.

The art is serviceable and the stories difficult to follow since they are only a segment of a larger continuity. The dialog is a bit stilted, and certainly the primary audience for Action Force was young boys since melodrama and action, action, action dominate. The theme is international military intrigue with just a touch of James Bond thrown in for spice.

So why review a comic book title that was not exceptional and was published more than twenty years ago? There are two reasons.

First: One of the joys of this still relatively new hobby of collecting comic books and strips is that you can now find and purchase almost anything, no matter how old.

Second: If you haven't read Action Force, it is new to you.

Alright, you caught me. The real second reason is that it was a freebie.

Action Force #20/original price $1.50, 24 pgs., Marvel Comics/various writers and artists/sold in some comic shops, on ebay, and on-line comics dealers.

Review by Michael Vance

Check out Dark Corridor #1 for two Michael Vance short stories at www.mainenterprises.ecrater.com .

Interested in the exciting Oklahoma Cartoonists Collection & Toy and Action Figure Museum? Try www.fourcolorcommentary.com and www.youtube.com/watch ?v=eCARtM5BvvU

Everyone knows the pain of a doomed relationship, either personally or through a friend. Sometimes it is due to someone's inability to grow up. Perhaps the reason is too much distance, either geographically or emotionally. Or, it could have been because a publisher cancelled a really great comic book title, leaving a giant hole to be filled in readers everywhere.

(I may have shoe-horned that last example, a bit.)

DC Comics' Chase was launched and cancelled in 1998, thus making emotional donuts out of said readers. One of those donuts was me.

Chase had a premise previously unseen and was, in my opinion, one of DC's most entertaining titles at the time. It's cancellation was a loss for readers.

The main character, Cameron Chase, worked for the DEO. That's "Department of Extranormal Operations" to you and I. They keep an eye on all metahuman activity. Considering Chase's disdain for super powered individuals, one may wonder if this is the perfect job for her, or the worst job she could have. Regardless, the premise worked.

Writer D.C. Johnson made Chase a deep, complex and likeable character, simultaneously weaving wonderful webs of entertaining plots. One of the most enjoyable came in issue six, entitled "Family Secrets." Within, he reveals the reason for Cameron's dislike of superheroes, as well as giving a thoroughly engrossing peek into the world of previously-unknown second-tier DC heroes. That single issue was my favorite of the entire run.

The art of J.H. Williams III was based in reality, pregnant with mood and, somehow, seemed engulfed in shadows without being obscured. His storytelling and panel arrangement were non-traditional, but never confusing. His work fostered "eye-flow" and the reader wasn't left wondering which way to go on a page. In short, it was quite stylish.

Chase is still a wild ride, and is recommended for all but the youngest of readers. Find it at comics shops or online retailers and auctions.

Mark Allen

Who reads about Archie's girlfriends, Betty and Veronica, in B & V Spectacular? Here are a few clues. "How to Have Your Own Beach Bash!", "Home EC. Or Shop?", "Eco Friendly Tips, Fashions & Fun!", and "Cool Summer Fashions!" are all cover blurbs for this Archie Comics title.

What, you couldn't guess? Young girls read this title, you ninny! Girls, girls, girls!!! Therefore, who is not qualified to review these themed issues for young girls? Why, it's ye old reviewer, me, the ninny!

I don't know nothin' 'bout birthin' no babies, or how to apply make-up, or how to look pretty and attract a guy (although I am kind of cute). I do know art, however, and B & V is no slouch in this department, maintaining the high standard of minimalistic or 'cartoonish' art in all Archie titles.

About half of each issue features an actual story; visual and prose essays about the social and cultural aspects of being a girl round out each edition.

In the latest reviewed issue, the girls find a new swimming hole that is claimed by those mangy boys as their exclusive secret. The rest is talk, talk, talk about clothes, summer vacation ideas, and clothes, beach tips about sun-block and sun glasses, and, well, clothes.

Dialog is believable, and Betty and Veronica and their supporting characters all ring true to long established personalities. But don't ask me about the nuances of wearing a bikini to the beach, or doing my nails, or flirting appropriately with the new hunk in town.

I don't even know how to flirt with the old hunk in town.

Betty & Veronica Spectacular comics are recommended for young girls.

Michael Vance

Check out Dark Corridor #1 for two Michael Vance short stories at www.mainenterprises.ecrater.com .

Interested in the exciting Oklahoma Cartoonists Collection & Toy and Action Figure Museum? Try www.fourcolorcommentary.com and
www.youtube.com/watch ?v=eCARtM5BvvU

Mark Allen

Type the above title into your browser or www.bailsprojects.com/(S(smxt4e454yvud23abrsd1w45))/whoswho.aspx , and here is what you will find on the home page:

"On November 23, 2006, the "Father Of Comic Book Fandom" and creator of this database, Jerry Bails, passed away in his sleep. This website remains a continued tribute to his efforts at making sure that those who helped create our favorite four-color medium are given the credit that they richly deserve."

In addition to this introduction, you'll find the most comprehensive listing of American cartoonists and their work ever compiled.

It wasn't always so.

The Who's Who of American Comic Books was originally published as a series of magazines. If you can find a set today, buy them. They are rare indeed. I am blessed to own a set, and have used it as a source of information when writing Suspended Animation for almost twenty years.

That list of cartoonists and their work includes an artist's or writer's birthday and deathday, his education, the comics titles he worked on and the dates they appeared, and comics related work like comic strips, advertising, prose books, movie posters, and much more.

This list is so comprehensive that I'd guess one could spend years reading without finishing it. It is unparalleled and unsurpassed in the world of comics.

It is difficult to imagine a serious fan of comics who would not find hours of enjoyment here. In fact, no matter how great a comics scholar, there is something surprising and new on almost every page.

That aforementioned home page finishes with: "Thank you Jerry Bails; may the rest of us in comic fandom continue to do your example proud."

Amen.

This wonderful resource receives the highest recommendation.

Review by Michael Vance

Check out Dark Corridor #1 for two Michael Vance short stories at
www.mainenterprises.ecrater.com.

Interested in the exciting Oklahoma Cartoonists Collection & Toy and Action Figure Museum? Try www.fourcolorcommentary.com www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCARtM5BvvU and .

Sometimes, life is about catching up. I suppose, in the eyes of some, I will have only begun to do so, as I just now read my first comics work by the team of Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale.

"What's that you say, Mr. Professional Comics Reviewer? Isn't that somewhat irresponsible of you?" No, it isn't, as I'm not a professional. Just a fan, lucky enough to have been syndicated, lo these past eight years. My only responsibility is to tell people about comics work that is exceptional, not trendy. And, in my opinion, Hulk: Gray, while certainly popular with many, is not exceptional. Just solid.

It's not that writer Jeph Loeb's characterization is bad, there's just nothing new, here. We've seen General Thunderbolt Ross' obsessive hunting of the Hulk. We've seen the monster's outrage at being locked in an underground bunker. We've seen the Hulk battle Iron Man, Betty Ross (the General's daughter) pine away over Bruce Banner (aka The Hulk), Banner lament his Jekyll-and-Hyde condition, and Dr. Leonard Samson, Psychiatrist, analyze Bruce/Hulk, his behaviors and relationships. No, we've never seen the Hulk caress a cute little furry animal to death, and, while unusual (and creepy), that's hardly enough on which to base a six-issue mini.

It's not that Tim Sale's art is below par. In fact, his Hulk looks quite formidable and frightening, if a little too "devilish" at times. After all, the Hulk is a monstrous brute, not a demon. The sometimes-pointy eyebrows and misshapen, "snaggly" teeth seem a bit over the top. Sale's storytelling abilities are quite superb, and his characters highly expressive. They're just not being used to convey any new ideas.

It's not that Hulk: Gray isn't recommended - it is, for all but the youngest readers. But I also recommend that it be bought at a discount, as I bought it. Find it at comics shops, comics conventions and online retailers and auctions.

Review by Mark Allen

This critical retrospective celebrates the work and life of one of comic¢s most original and fiercely independent cartoonists in the last fifty years, Steve Ditko.

Not only is he the co-creator of Marvel Comics Spider-Man and creator of Dr. Strange, he is, without question, the leading proponent in comics of the Objectivist philosophy of life established by writer and novelist Ayn Rand. Objectivism is similar to libertarianism. He has paid a heavy price for that philosophy; Ditko has never received the financial remuneration he deserves, admittedly because of the restrictive contracts that he signed when it was common to do so in the publishing industry.

Ditko¢s reality based art has a subtle awkwardness in human stance and an off-kilter perspective in the environment of his characters that has made it unique and perfect, in particular, for teenaged Spider-man and mystic Dr. Strange.

This volume is full of this art, the characters he created, and of his personal history, including a more implied than stated criticism of his philosophy and the negative impact it has had on his career as an artist. Therefore, if you¢ve ever wanted to work in comics or to know about the working conditions therein, or what it means to be creative in the world of art, Strange and Stranger is for you.

If you¢re a comics fanatic who wants to learn the above plus as much as you can about the man and the artist named Steve Ditko, this book is also for you.

Since Ditko is in his 80s at this writing, I doubt their will be a more comprehensive retrospect published during his lifetime. This wonderful book receives the highest recommendation.

Review by Michael Vance

Check out Dark Corridor #1 for two Michael Vance short stories at www.mainenterprises.ecrater.com .

Interested in the exciting Oklahoma Cartoonists Collection & Toy and Action Figure Museum? Try www.fourcolorcommentary.com, and www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCARtM5BvvU .

I've always been a sucker for the classic Marvel characters, as portrayed in their infancy by the likes of Stan Lee, Steve Ditko, Jack Kirby, and the rest of the Silver Age Marvel crew. But no character has intrigued me more than Peter Parker, aka Spider-Man. That's why I had to check out Marvel's recent 5-issue miniseries, Spider-Man: With Great Power.

Not a re-telling so much as an expansion on the classic origin, Spider-Man: WGP takes place between the time Peter gets bitten by that infamous radioactive spider ("genetic super spider" for those who have only seen the movie) and his Uncle Ben's untimely demise.

The story focuses on his career as a professional wrestler, which turns out to be much longer than in the original version. What is appealing about this story is that writer David Lapham makes Peter relatable to today's teen. From his desire to be considered an adult ("It's Spider-Man...I don't want to be kid, lad, or tot anything! I'm all grown up!", he tells the wrestling promoter.), to his inability to handle the world of grown-ups, despite his desire, it all rings true. Dialogue, motivations, everything. Lapham also serves up a wonderfully ironic ending, complete with foreshadowing.

The art of Tony Harris is also exceptional. Harris' work is not easily mistaken for that of anyone else. He is highly stylized, incredibly skilled in characterization and one of the best storytellers in comics today. It's a shame that his work was absent from the interiors of issue five, but David Lapham (as fine an artist as he is a writer) did a respectable job of maintaining "flow", protecting the reader from a serious jolt.
All-in-all, Spider-Man: With Great Power is a worthy addition to the canon, and worth the reader's hard earned lucre. Recommended to all but the youngest of fans. Find it at comics shops, and online auctions and retailers.

Review by Mark Allen

What is the value of seeing only the last ten minutes of a movie or reading the last five pages of a book? Well, one might learn that the movie or book wasn't worth watching or reading. Sigil: Death Match publishes the last six, unpublished issues of an epic, SF comic book series released several years ago and cancelled before those issues made it to book and comics shops.

You might ask: "okay, Mr. Big Tease Comics Reviewer, are you hinting that this isn't worth reading?"

I'm glad you asked.

You see, this tough mercenary soldier bears a powerful "sigil" or mark on his chest that allows him to save his home-world of Gaia while his soldier buds invade this weird world dominated by giant lizards that walk like men. There is lots and lots of fighting, monsters, giant space ships, huge planets, impossibly muscled heroes and beautiful babes, explosions, and dying in Sigil: Death Match.

I ask again, Mr. Reviewer, is it really worth reading?!?

There isn't lots and lots of plot, or much characterization, or originality. Yes, the art is pretty good. But comics should be about art and story.

HEY!! ARE YOU DEAF, MR. REVIEWER!?! Should I buy this or what?!?

Yes, it is written by Chuck Dixon who owns a well-deserved reputation for writing solid adventure comic books. This really isn't one of those, however.

Does this mean that Sigil: Death Match isn't really worth the $17.95? Yep and yep, that's what it means, and I'm as surprised as you. And that's sort of unusual for a comics publisher who has otherwise always won high praise from this reviewer.

Michael Vance

Check out Dark Corridor #1 for two Michael Vance short stories at www.mainenterprises.ecrater.com.

Interested in the exciting Oklahoma Cartoonists Collection & Toy and Action Figure Museum? Try www.fourcolorcommentary.com and www.youtube.com/watch ?v=eCARtM5BvvU

Reprinting material from Rampaging Hulk, #'s 1-9, and The Hulk, #'s 10-15, both originally produced in magazine form, this tome is nearly 600 pages of some of the best comics work done in the '70's.

The Rampaging stories feed an ongoing feature in which the Hulk, his "sidekick", Rick Jones and an alien woman named Bereet contend with extraterrestrials intent on subjugating Earth. While there's not much deep character development, writer Doug Moench keeps the action and intrigue snappy and satisfying. His stories from The Hulk are a bit different, but interesting as they have the "feel" of the Hulk t.v. show of the same era, which was intentional on Marvel's part.

Most impressive, however, is the art contained in this massive volume. Normally, I don't care for art team changes in each successive issue of a series. It works for the Rampaging stories, however, due largely to the high level of inking talent. Pencilers Walt Simonson, Jim Starlin, Sal Buscema and Keith Pollard are naught to be sneezed at, but with the likes of Alfredo Alcala, Alex Nino, Tony Dezuniga, Jim Mooney and Rudy Mesina embellishing their work, a true comics art fan can't go wrong. Even Herb Trimpe's work, which I've never warmed to, is to be admired with Alcala's finishing touches.

The reprints of The Hulk are a little more uniform in appearance, even though the work of sole pencil artist Ron Wilson also enjoys an assist from none other than Ricardo Villamonte, Ernie Chan, Bob McLeod and others.

Many of these Hulk stories carry the mood of the old monster and scifi movies and pulps. This Essential volume is highly recommended for fans of such fare, as well as all Hulk fans and comic art afficionados.

Review by Mark Allen

Review by Mark Allen

Review by Mark Allen

Imagine the 'knights and damsels' comic strip Prince Valiant sprinkled with pseudo light sabers and aliens and you've pictured Scion, a comic book series that ran for thirty-nine issues before its original publisher went out of business.

Scion: Royal Wedding republishes the last six issues of the monthly series as a trade paperback. These issues recount the convoluted tale of a forced marriage between members of two warring peoples. But plot and subplots that verge on soap opera overkill are restrained by the author, and Scion reads like a fantasy novel.

Restraint is the key word is this review. If you are looking for long, epic, bloody battles laced with lots of preliminary action, you won't find it here. What you will find is lots of dialog sprinkled with a sword fight or two, solid characterization, and enough back-story to make everything interesting.

You'll also find reality-based art that well serves its story. It is, however, not spectacular art. Everything needed to tell a story visually is well done, but the artists, at least at this point in their careers, are not the next, hot-new-things in the fickle world of comics fandom.

If you've noticed that the terms "well serves" and "interesting" are average terms, you¢ve understood the nuances of this review. If, however, you believe Scion is not here recommended for readers, you are mistaken.

Average is not bad. It means that half of the titles published are poor compared to Scion.

Although it lacks the original vision of a Tolkein, or an original point of view (i.e. style), Scion is a solid bit of adventure storytelling that deserves the attention of fantasy fans.

Michael Vance

Check out Dark Corridor #1 for two Michael Vance short stories at
www.mainenterprises.ecrater.com .

The Li'l Depressed Boy

Mark Allen

There have been pivotal events in the history of comic strips and comic books. Among them are the creation of the first superhero, Superman, of the first non-super powered costumed hero, Batman, and the first female superhero, Wonder Woman.

Each of these firsts is debatable. As example, some think that Popeye was the first super-powered character in comics. But the first super team was unquestionably the Justice Society of America that debuted in All Star Comics in the 1940s. (No, no, no, Mr. Marvel Zombie, it wasn¢t the X-Men.)

If you¢d like to learn everything about the Justice Society and its spin-off characters and titles, there is no better source than the first three volumes of All Star Companion. If you want to learn everything about the editors, writers and artists who brought the Justice Society and its spin-off characters and titles to life since the 1940s, that information is also there.

The third volume has just been released. Inside this volume are hundreds of art examples, creator photographs, biographies, and interviews of various lengths, and just a huge chunk of comics history fact and debunked fallacy.

These volumes are literally hog-heaven for die-hard comics fans, and those looking to die-harder than they've been in the past. Because there are very few current characters whose creation and history are not rooted in the first and related super teams, you are certain to find fascinating information about your particular favorites as well.

It will be a cold meal, however, for casual comics readers who have no favorites.

Each volume of the All Star Companion is highly recommended for any fan of comics interested in the history of the genre. MV

Mark Allen

Mark Allen

Fanzines are amateur magazines that reflect the passions of their editors, writers and artists. Comic Fan reflects the love of comic books and strips. I have written for probably more than one hundred fanzines in the last three decades. When I was a younger man, I thought they were a stepping stone to a professional career as a writer. As a modestly successful writer, I later thought of them as a trap, an easy way to self-publish without the growing pains of rejection from professional magazines.

Throughout the evolution of my opinion, fanzines have always remained fun, like a lively chat with a friend about a shared interest. This issue of Comic Fan is a chat about Marvel Comics¢ Doctor Strange comic books; one of the founding fathers of comics fandom, Jerry Bails; and about whether or not lots of different comic book titles, fanzines, and even movies are worth the effort to read or watch.

It is peppered throughout with rough and polished art-- some barely doodles and some near professional standards. And boy is it fun.

I now think of fanzines with great fondness, and honor anyone who takes the time not just to stand on the sidelines and watch but to participate, whatever the passion and whatever the level of their talent and insight. So I challenge you to not only buy Comic Fan and some of the fanzines and comics it reviews, but to make a fanzine of your own someday.

Receiving this fanzine is like getting a long letter from a beloved friend. That is always a delight, and Comic Fan is recommended for, well, comic fans.

Michael Vance

Check out Dark Corridor #1 for two Michael Vance short stories at
www.mainenterprises.ecrater.com .

Interested in the exciting Oklahoma Cartoonists Collection & Toy and Action Figure Museum? Try www.fourcolorcommentary.com and www.youtube.com/watch ?v=eCARtM5BvvU .

Review by Mark Allen

Then, I found Hand of The Morningstar.

The Hand is a group of super beings who act on the will of a seemingly supernatural entity called..., well, the Morningstar. Dispatched globally, wherever a disaster is in the works, be it natural or man-made, the Hand appears to "care for the world," as stated by team leader, Titan. But, is the Morningstar really a benevolent being, concerned only for the safety of humankind, or something entirely different?

This is the basic question posed by the series, and as of the end of volume two, I'm all in.

Writers Brett Burner and Mike Miller (also the artist of the series) have set up a wildly entertaining story line that involves insane action, great characters and that building sense of dread mentioned above. Specifically, readers get to watch as Titan, who comes across as shallow and self-absorbed, appears to become something more. Kudos to those fine gentlemen for developing sympathetic characters.
Miller kicks in another heavy contribution, as he super-charges Hand with an art style that is clean, dynamic, action-oriented and expressive to a fault. Miller knows his craft, and it shows.
Hand of The Morningstar is one of the best team comics offered today, and is recommended for all ages, but especially those who enjoy well-crafted superhero stories. Volume three is also available, with volume four expected in May.
Find it at online auctions, some online retailers, and at www.zgraphicnovels.com.

Mark Allen

Since 1989, the mission of Suspended Animation has been to find and review comic books,
comic strips, and graphic novels that adults will enjoy. Sonic X is not one of those titles; its target audience is young readers. Consider the supporting evidence.

The simple plot is the same in every issue: Sonic the Hedgehog or one of his supporting
cast stops Eggman (aided by his robots) from becoming the Emperor of the World. There isn't much dialog in each panel. The simple art, anime-influenced, relies on color and choreography instead of artistic detail to catch a reader's eye. The stories are almost always visually linear. The
principal characters are talking animals; ever-present robots aren't frightening in appearance. Even Eggman looks more silly (like an aging Hippie) than threatening. There is no blood and guts shown. No living character is graphically hurt; only robots are destroyed.

However, in the 28th and 29th issues, there is a hint at more complexity, both in plot and art, than in previous issues. In fact, the "green-eyed monster" introduced as the latest threat to Earth is almost frightening.

Almost.

So, why is Sonic X being reviewed in a column intended to find comics for adults? Ocassionally, we recommended titles that wont interest older readers to save them wasting their hard-earned bucks.

Let it be clear that none of the above implies that Sonic X is poorly written or drawn. It is indeed well written and drawn, and Sonic X is recommended for pre-teen and teenaged readers.

But not for you, grandpa. You'll have to read future Suspended Animation reviews to find
your cup of tea.

Michael Vance

Check out Dark Corridor #1 for two Michael Vance short stories at
www.mainenterprises.ecrater.com.

Interested in the exciting Oklahoma Cartoonists Collection & Toy and Action Figure
Museum? Try www.fourcolorcommentary.com.

Mark Allen

The sad thing is that the praise lavished on Caniff by his admirers in this tome about his professional and personal life is completely justified. Caniff was and remains one of the greatest cartoonists who ever lived. Indeed, in his day, his reality-based art and storytelling were a huge influence on the newspaper comics page and in comic books.

You'll find lavish examples of this work in this book including Sunday pages, daily strips, promotional art, sketches and character designs.

Advice: today's comics artists could do themselves a world of good if they studied and immolated Caniff's pen and brush work and his visual storytelling, particularly staging. But they don't. And today's comics writers could do themselves a world of good if they would study and immolate Caniff's pacing, dialog and characterization, especially in Terry. But they won't.

Finally, readers would do themselves a world of good if they would buy and read this definitive biography of a master cartoonist, and one heck of a nice guy. That means you, bucko.

Buy. Enjoy. Learn about one of the greatest art-forms in the world and one of its greatest practitioners, Milton Caniff.

Meanwhile receives the highest re-commendation.

Michael Vance

Check out Dark Corridor #1 for two Michael Vance short stories at www.mainenterprises.ecrater.com.

Interested in the exciting Oklahoma Cartoonists Collection & Toy and Action Figure Museum? Try fourcolorcommentary. blogspot.com and www.youtube.com/watch ?v=eCARtM5BvvU.

The Twelve, #0, by Marvel Comics.
This issue includes origin stories of Rockman, Laughing Mask and Phantom Reporter from comics' Golden Age. At least one of the stories (Laughing Mask) is reprinted for the first time. Also included are character sketches and a preview of issue 1. Recommended for all readers, but most especially those who seek affordable Golden Age reprints.

Reviews by Mark Allen

This collection adapts several of the lesser works of American novelist, Mark Twain, and lesser is meant as a pejorative.

"Tom Sawyer Abroad" was written when Twain was in financial straits, and decided to cash in on the fame of one of his best known character. It is the longest piece offered,features the best art, and reads almost like an Indiana Jones adventure as Sawyer sails to exotic locals in a hybrid boat/balloon. But Abroad lacks the deep characterization that made Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn artistically and commercially successful, and is only mildly entertaining.

"The Mysterious Stranger" was a barely disguised, controversial discussion of religion,and Twain wasn't much of a philosopher. The art is exceptional, but the theology is silly.

This collection is recommended only for hardcore Mark Twain fans.

Michael Vance

Graphic Classics: Special Edition/61 pgs. and $6.95 from Eureka Publications/various
artists and writers/sold at book and comics shops, and at www.graphicclassics.com.

If you're fast, you can get this collection of adaptations of short works by Poe, Bierce, Lord Dunsany, Conan Doyle, and Mary Shelley for free! If your local comic book shop participates in Free Comic Book Day in May, this jewel is yours!

If you don't have a local comics shop, or one that participates, Special Edition will be available at a later date from the publisher and selected outlets.

Free or not, it is worth your effort to find a copy of this "sampler" of other Graphic Classics collections. Most of the adaptations are of horror short stories, and even Mary Shelley's gothic romance is at least historically interesting. Most of the art is reality-based and better than interesting.

This collection is recommended.

Michael Vance

Check out Dark Corridor #1 for two Michael Vance short stories at www.
mainenterprises.ecrater.com.
Interested in the exciting Oklahoma Cartoonists Collection & Toy and Action Figure
Museum? Try fourcolorcommentary. blogspot.com and www.youtube.com/watch ?v=eCARtM5BvvU.

Yep, here's another one of those thick, digest collections of the antics of Archie and his various pals. What sets this digest apart from its sister publications? This title focuses on that out-of-focus loafer in the multi-pointed fez, Jughead Jones.

Yes, the usual collection of stories, single or half-page gags, and word games are here, all featuring Jug, Archie, Betty, Veronica, and the usual gang of suspects. What makes this digest different, besides Jughead, is a substantial sampling of "Lil' Jughead", and Jughead in light parodies. This batch of issues includes parodies of The Wizard of Oz, Indiana Jones movies, and several genres of motion pictures, TV, and other comics titles. All are well-written and well-drawn.

My favorites, however, are the "Lil' Jughead" stories. There was a day when Archie and his gang were regularly featured in their own title when they were kids of about eight or nine years of age. It was called Lil' Archie. Obiously, the challenges of teenagers are different than the milieu of pre-teens, and Lil' Archie reflected these differences. Picture Veronica with buck teeth.

"Lil' Jughead" is this pre-teen milieu with a starring role for Jug, and they are tasty treats indeed. It almost goes without writing that these digests are perfect for children who don't need to be awash in violence, sex, and drugs; their conflicts and themes are age-appropriate.

It is oddly necessary to write that these tales are also perfect for anyone who is un-interested in the ocean of violence, sex, and hedonism that now washes up on our shores daily.

Jughead's Double Digest is recommended for readers who enjoy light comedy.

Michael Vance

Check out Dark Corridor #1 for two Michael Vance short stories at www.mainenterprises.ecrater.com.

Interested in the exciting Oklahoma Cartoonists Collection & Toy and Action Figure Museum? Try www.fourcolorcommentary.blogspot.com and www.youtube.com/watch ?v=eCARtM5BvvU

Mark Allen

Review by Mark Allen

Review by Mark Allen