So, did you survive the last couple of days? The East Coast was buried in an avalanche of snow. The Arizona Cardinals was buried in an avalanche of points by the Carolina Panthers. And I kept my To-Be-Read pile from burying me in a large collection of four-color books to be reviewed for I’ve Got Issues. I did narrow my list to just three books, but there was a lot of other good books that crossed my way. Send me a note with what you have been reading, so that maybe I can give it a look.

Batman ’66 #30

Writer: Lee Allred
Artists: Michael and Laura Allred
Letterer: Wes Abbott

Well, this is it. The final issue of Batman ’66. But unlike the 1960s Batman television show that it was based on, the creative team was able to put together a proper conclusion to the this series. Not only a fitting conclusion to this series, but it was a proper love letter back to the show. There are references on nearly every page, if not every panel, back to the TV show. It could be panels that referenced scenes from the opening credits, like the villains approaching from the right to attack the heroes, or Batgirl dashing across the panel on her motorcycle. There were references to the stock footage used every episode, such as Batman and Robin running to the Batmobile and speeding out of the Batcave towards Gotham City, just 14 miles away. They even through in some references to the theatrical movie that was released utilizing the tv show cast, which forever changed the world by introducing us to Bat-Shark Repellent. Not only that, but they also manage to work in nearly every villain and character from the TV show as well as from this comic series, all within the pages of one single issue. Kudos to DC for putting out this series, and I hope that it continues on in the various specials throughout 2016.

Star Trek #53

Writer: Mike Johnson
Artist: Tony Shasteen
Colorist: Davide Mastrolonardo
Letterer: Chris Mowry

I know I have recommended the ongoing Star Trek comic a few times in the past. I really like what IDW has done with the relaunch of the Star Trek franchise following the 2009 movie. Following that movie, IDW launched a new ongoing title, utilizing two-part stories that retold stories from the original 1960s series, but using the current cast. From time to time, writer Mike Johnson has inserted original stories, often highlighting one of the crew members that we see in the background of the movies. That would be the case with this issue.

The stars of this book are the Orion crew members aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise (Kai) and the U.S.S. Tereshkova (Gaila). Kai and Gaila are brother and sister that have been part of Starfleet, but serving on different ships. We did meet Gaila in the 2009 movie – she was the roommate of Uhura who was caught in a moment of indiscretion with Jim Kirk. A meeting between the two ships allows for a sibling reunion. However, a distress call sends the two ships into action, only to realize they have been caught in a trap by the Orions.

There is a lot more to the story, but I just don’t want to give too much away. But I really do enjoy these looks into the backgrounds of the background characters, and I hope that Mike Johnson continues this in years to come.

Scarlet Witch #2

Writer: James Robinson
Artist: Marco Ruby
Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit

I was pleasantly surprised by the first issue of Scarlet Witch last month, so I made it a point to come back for #2. Let me just say, I was BLOWN AWAY by how good this story was! Yes, I need to stop saying that about any books that James Robinson writes. And as entertaining as this story is, that’s not the main reason to buy the book.

Seriously, you need to buy this book for the Marco Ruby art. It’s freaking incredible. I’ve read books done by Ruby before – checking my database, I actually own his very first comic work, a three-issue series he did for Image, After the Cape. Maybe I missed it before, or maybe this is just the natural progression of his art, but it fits this book so perfect. Reading this book reminded me of a young Bill Sienkiewicz, but without the dark color palette. Given the nearly-out-of-control reading pile that I have, in addition to my daily duties as Dad, Father, Son, Brother, and Employee, it is very rare that I ever read a comic twice at one time. This would be one of the rare exceptions, all because of the Ruby art!

The other item with this comic that made me do a double-take is the cover. Looking at the digital image above tends to give it away, but looking at the physical copy, it appears to just be a topographical map of an island. It was only after I had read the book and set it aside that I saw the second image on the cover. Seriously, David Aja, that is one incredible cover.

Finally, let’s rewind last week, and fast-forward this week!

Last Week:

• In honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, Cullen reviewed the first two volumes of March for 60 Second Review.
• Brent shared his Four Comics I Want – Silver Surfer, Captain Marvel, Star Wars, and Doctor Fate.
• Cullen kept the Comic Cards Calvacade series going with episodes 5 and 6.
• John reviewed the books and broke down the contents of DC’s Earth One titles for John of All Trades.
• Jerry continued exploring the early adventures of the Ray Palmer Atom with Throwback Thursday.
• Late Thursday night, John put out a review of the pilot episode of Legends of Tomorrow.
• The guys sat down to discuss the Secret Wars event of 2015 on the podcast.

This Week:

• Voting is still ongoing for the WCPE Best of 2015 survey. Have you cast your votes yet? There’s still time!
• Lucifer starts up tonight. Will you be watching? Check the WCPE TV listings to see listings.
• Cullen will be busy with his 60 Second Review and new episodes of Comic Cards Calvacade.
• John give us his Four Comics I Want, and will take a look at Green Arrow with his John of all Trades feature.
• Jerry is back with another look at the Silver Age Hawkman with Throwback Thursday.
• The guys talk about Faith as the first book discussion of 2016 on the podcast this week.

Categories: Jerry

Tags: Batman '66, I've Got Issues, James Robinson, Jerry McMullen, Laura Allred, Lee Allred, Marco Rudy, Mike Allred, Mike Johnson, Scarlet Witch, Star Trek, Tony Shasteen