tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82254661235395572902024-03-27T21:06:04.790-04:00FRIENDS of JUSTICESEIGI NO NAKAMARussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03712278452970289276noreply@blogger.comBlogger1055125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225466123539557290.post-55696245952441190652024-03-27T09:01:00.004-04:002024-03-27T09:01:00.135-04:00JLA #55 "Whatever Happened to the Freedom Fighters?" (part one)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7rI5twkGJvSuxm9DLO1SKXokK8hTNK9C-imFxnxukL95qVHybPOwXPgN8d-Adgg5m9Xh77gieUamELlkJbX4O8294ywTeaZ6BXEwRsM-pPXII1MNOastnp1pCrtdRgIC5WFu-8Z42ciWpO7em8k7SL6oUVoXBpZf0UMF1kQRDKU-Uv1OvDK8GlOl7kC_/w492-h640/JLA%2055.jpg" width="492" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2085" data-original-width="1624" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgsVf1rFNdVq6gu9TNEvK1JMwZnIXcl5TC6Jz8WdSC3Sg5MXElyzJ8rnmyeOZyRP_4vzGFehJlKSjKM0n0c0nimIJX5JsmE2HnCg9OtmHN_TIhUQ7yqG0TLTVndqaNNybNvum57m3h-Ilek4b7NXxgY4fTfbhhrVt49oZPleMKJEvv1_CuEQjNXajh36OI/w498-h640/JLA%2055%20RollCalla.jpg" width="498" /></div><div><br /></div><div>The only thing you need to know to enjoy this story is that in order to drag these adventures into more recent history I decided to swap out Earth-2 Superman with Power Girl. I also made the Sandman into Sandy Hawkins. I hope these changes don't prevent you from enjoying "my" take on these three super groups! </div><div><br /></div><div><span><a name='more'></a></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="767" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnZUFBnvZkHiNCPaP4aerOlZowuX47GC3hHUzG59ENM20eImlcVlmEhO5JELnPb6-8JTkNb1qKR2SvhrRfMtaXpUTRYtuGCXuaLO56iSlSkrxh-5_CvkEHcOyAjXHyBaoKRFPvRQgvCl5Y0GVJPiyjnKbpX-igvoFLNvK2z3X9-7jCKSdtKM4tTzvGjTB/w490-h640/JLA55%201.jpg" width="490" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="776" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixa0RSxGsncI60scG4bl_RI9_dzKU2N9L9xLIYLXSWfRlaIHmmtyASZ3XWI2yYh5OxsWAmWcGhalQNbhe6Y2FKGbr5m2w2Sp2gP3iF4YTVUbnxh4XDYuhCJeZ5f-fqFqTC7YfDyy9a85AifgHupcoauzc601dnRQLFt9aNwa35GTR4HkefM_50LWxYKS6o/w496-h640/JLA55%202.jpg" width="496" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="765" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOaQMDuXyHsYFrsc2KS4lULGbM4Ox1HxgWbW18LVVV0Z6uAH89UTeEAiOoLdlaxr2s4eq9ql714KL6SsTeD8oYBxQCppebLodH-WgRKZwWR-HLRpjI51N1scvmEVgHY-j3yPkcPsnJPsMbHcekg6Rr_JBKov_KhCerOssvXzmr6cNKr4ynf6hqEwQvhDw/w490-h640/JLA55%2025.jpg" width="490" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="764" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4CIZBx6kqEiTXYvGmzTnGoDCvsbXRGQ_8A6aRkW-2x-3Q8jmA1W8Z7Cu3LAEAi5b7FXS63gmSTcf94NcFy1cVi06UyQms6qx9XMVKd5_SF_xwbKTk_USWxGKLK9POjm-qkHl2axRhnAFsUnkpqeQbuG9dWJ4Lt64KcN7TSon4XlJFpOwg4dvvXcsvA89/w488-h640/JLA55%2026.jpg" width="488" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="770" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH79VWyhuoeRpdWANgEpKtQq9psa3slPi4nrO2KmDdAgzuTcGHvKH70JIl-Qj8pUGZBZEf8DO8i0IrMKDG1EK73RNgRQBJOm0sdCair8LgHvGbFV2w_Rcv3-6bTuz6VwomMU4jgFNYC7m-7wUKu6iFXnGgMoWZCfzHkdkXnhwjCpW76qwIf5V7MV__HIOx/w492-h640/JLA55%2027.jpg" width="492" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="774" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyk8YBEcrFgE1kuTcsNjIvcnjVqQduLicLHImO3LzgBFPmnsi6jxvbDSelbsa_tMDEuTC9TPQ3XJccuR_Wr7yxlm3amX5grVik966l5c_-88NplbcICmZ8DSCMeQt846H39Qq3atOKWBfTIDjPyYKH0_r-7l9HrMv2kc54e59EN2RPV6Ku_4w7yvBQfpvn/w496-h640/JLA55%2028.jpg" width="496" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="769" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9ThmuAw6p4WwzsuKNdRe795cN7oIg9Mbk8IVPwk71w9Ui5s9PiJkI4anbUdBPafrSsfVhhVVJISmTyFelI8mUOz_ulasx1vN_5FY2NVV8XEEYQQQ0GnmLEIhTLR1ZczuHRjwhV9jDTacoxnX4YWrCdRiqzGIiZHJ9MDA6ypdIGM1YV6Lxd8HGm2NyrTo/w492-h640/JLA55%2029.jpg" width="492" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">....to be concluded!! </div><span><br /></span>Russell Burbagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756652514507714383noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225466123539557290.post-23791751248378724472024-03-27T06:00:00.459-04:002024-03-27T06:00:00.146-04:00All-Star Squadron #35<div class="separator"><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator"></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="665" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6aRZI4SxoR_OskfPcqyNE1L_j_Pjk9I_ZriApYUroJzSiBbsC2fi0BrwWDFqeZNK8kKOur88iODog-1bylPs17PbsZAzWC9sLljf6Z61IM6nlziihyphenhyphenf-j2FlzV6kM1ZPtoaG-kZqK1C_hpVvyNAqpV_mmKRxzb2pkPbRs_uG5AKlTKBowLCkPDUnYoUUi/w266-h400/ASS%2035.jpg" width="266" /></div><p></p><div><b>All-Star Squadron #35 (July 1984)</b></div><div><i>title: </i>"...That Earths May Live!"<br /><i>writer/editor: </i>Roy Thomas<br /><i>penciller</i>: Rick Hoberg<br /><i>inker</i>: Bill Collins<br /><i>letterer: </i>Cody</div><div><i>colorist</i>: Gene D'Angelo<br /><i>letter column:</i> Roy Thomas</div><div><i>cover:</i> Rick Hoberg & Jerry Ordway</div><p></p><p></p><div><b>Order of Appearance</b>: Uncle Sam, the Ray, Phantom Lady, the Human Bomb, Doll Man, Black Condor, and Red Bee </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Other Stars: </b>Hourman; the Spectre; Liberty Belle, Johnny Quick, Starman, Firebrand, Neptune Perkins; cameos by Hawkgirl, Hawkman, Batman, Robin, and Plastic Man</div><p></p><p><b>Opponents:</b><br />Tsunami, Baron Blitzkrieg, the Imperial Japanese Navy</p><p><b>Overall Summary: <br /></b>The All-Star Squadron defeats Tsunami on Earth 2 while the Freedom Fighters defeat Baron Blitzkrieg on Earth-X, and the Spectre is still dead. </p><span></span><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><b>Plot Summary:</b></p>Tsunami attacks Liberty Belle and Johnny Quick, hovering on a buoy after the submarine they were on exploded. Before she can harm them, however, Starman and Firebrand arrive. Thinking she is defeated, Starman goes off to capture the Japanese seamen, while Firebrand offers to take Belle and Johnny back to the mainland. Johnny gets jealous, and flies off on his own just as Tsunami sends another tidal wave at the two women. Neptune Perkins rises from the submarine, too, and battles Tsunami. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><div>The Spectre continues to struggle to stop Earth-X from merging with Earth 2. </div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="811" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhffl1NIUQEeVsuGc04A76PgSAqHleNuIGOllPe-XZVh2kEM0qJqoI-RVCPM12Hvf6urJXM1Z195Fc0aZTGAE2HYskKbRN2eswNHrOe_1GzWYWIicHrP9-Uhm76aB1i7PFNFDyXxWmxTF0i1NSyVPPpFQcCLxgDZvM8cJS4NJVqlZogl4cJlDK7naky_X/w400-h395/ASS%2035%20Spectre.jpg" width="400" /></div><div><br /></div><div>On Earth-X, Baron Blitzkrieg has chained the Freedom Fighters and Hourman up at one of the deserted forts on one of the channel islands off the coast of Santa Barbara. Baron Blitzkrieg explains that after he was psychologically blinded in his last battle with the All-Star Squadron, he went back to Germany. He was undergoing various attempts to cure him when he felt Uncle Sam's psychic energy as Sam was moving between Earth 2 and Earth-X. The Baron willed himself to follow, where he found that his sight was somehow restored. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="678" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-06GOTl6osc5fJ_ibt-BY1eAlVBgwQ3iDDpsZt5IWb0gfzVBJ4VZS58m8hCaqOLNv6iTiyoLaAMl7W1r9UULatWztmgHsJ8vwQffeCllEEpDgft6DIT5deewrZZDmAa5qbrN_gE_NiYtYYwXPpkX3S12Ls-zIS8vO2st4hrGzJDQmvFsvt89TTqpfT2qR/w434-h640/ASS%2035%20(1).jpg" width="434" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Blitzkrieg then met up with the Earth-X Nazis in Occupied France, then met and fought Midnight and Doll Man. He communicated with his associate on Earth 2 and had the Nazis there plan various incidents of sabotage to keep the All-Star Squadron members busy. Baron Blitzkrieg joined the Japanese Imperial Navy in order to help with their attack on Santa Barbara. </div><div><br /></div><div>After the Baron had joined the Japanese they gave him their captive, Hourman. Intrigued, he decided to try to figure out the secret of Miraclo. He knows that Hourman gets his powers from Miraclo, but suspects that Hourman is now suffering from drug withdrawal from not having any more access to it. The Baron wants the formula for Miraclo so that he can use it on himself and get even stronger, and possibly cure his blindness. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="669" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTqqw8X_9jACUGWCvAPzmS3GAiUyUG-jaiF17IDpYKSq8VtICB-M8gYr2TYqyQauNKVYfQaKIokUYF-oe-0XCSuD_zfTydFFihGk13C95ztrDeohyphenhyphen2S_-pG7uewVwKZan6Pkqw_IqWIFD5SlC3johcm1hZv86ruLKuERPrGOr8bDFVbKW0JYeEOvTi12i/w428-h640/ASS%2035%20(2).jpg" width="428" /></div><div><br /></div>Hourman mentions that he was working with black light, so the Baron grabs Phantom Lady, whose weapon is a black light ray. He grabs her black light ray bracelet off her arm and is going to work with it when the Red Bee suddenly arrives, hitting him over the head with a piece of wood and knocking the black light ray to the ground.</div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="678" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirY9_pH7EV_q1So_KP9EnVmNXntGES-eUeJVQRul6OBQrgV_tRw9QlFCzxRqj5xuJf_At91Ieu2I089-c5TilBnDn8sLC7x_Tiq8M4QFZ0E6yCP5lKJJo-E6eYnwTn0FTSf5u70SaQMQb42FHxlj1n2-IMpt7iY8NyejxiX6qYApXprJaG-swUaxm8Pwzw/w434-h640/ASS%2035%20(3).jpg" width="434" /></div><div><br /></div>Red Bee foolishly baits Baron Blitzkrieg, not understanding how powerful he is. While the others look on, the Baron kills Red Bee. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="671" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Ra6jp4E-AFbk3ook3UrdVK7RKSexEHgbOxCJI3h68e-ls1I5maEP0hnyvMdpyoQOAvlKMyZcjvKr5fe28mfHMP1t4_IiynITuHuESyk2U2IJQA6O1OYd2ImHQ9K-uIw0FDwOwonp4VSgtK3skxKibWbamKSSDpQe-XQxmt28Pbvzb5WcOa4FL3dgRMnz/w429-h640/ASS%2035%20(4).jpg" style="font-weight: 700; text-align: center;" width="429" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>The Ray, although still chained to the wall, manages to activate Phantom Lady's black light bracelet, and its rays bathe Hourman, rekindling the traces of Miraclo still in his system. Hourman breaks free and fights the Baron, too. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="670" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgSVfDmSsP4JkQodq-U-GF3EIlJCpWyEz9P14T3RdvIF_OOJ4XTtTubvMDqKrzunfikqk9z_LAh3SoOG2Ic_MQmxeWIyHJD_tucRZbdUhcgW5A9UnvpLyX5SCzYQOZ3RhOMDegU0HYW-BDiUNLOEEBBrNTHCoG_8i8O_J8qzosbJIkeEtV5aLRMIhG2Wz/w428-h640/ASS%2035%20(5).jpg" width="428" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Pushed past his limits, Uncle Sam also breaks free of his chains and joins the battle against Baron Blitzkrieg. Hourman frees the others and verifies that Red Bee is dead. Baron Blitzkrieg's Nazi guards arrive and there is a free-for-all until the sky itself begins to collapse. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="669" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-cTvaoltk8CEcK17ikLmc3vKB1O08x1-Y6PD7jgoyvO-apsanr_hFU_aNsWaVKBl5UEYqJjo6ZEA4FfGhL1G2cIadyibN3lfh6sYvMSQy2K3LbyfjXTeDB8G16DhzQubCGeiL55PQRg5bxz0QPToG6qd7_o8owXH3DdifU93SHIjNeZObsP6Jlq4TLJM/w428-h640/ASS%2035%20(6).jpg" width="428" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Fearing that the world is going to be destroyed, the Baron and his men return to Earth 2 via the Baron's mental powers. The Spectre arrives just after they leave, telling the Freedom Fighters that they have to return to Earth 2 to right the cosmic balance. However, because three Nazis went to Earth 2 with the Baron, three of the Freedom Fighters have to stay behind. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="674" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPi1FqUNordWGSaKxS6BTpOVabYE5tKaMdPx6_l6juxfkUFsuu9WY1E6BpuR68CFglqzp23q4D6hoi9vCjX1OyvsLaVRrbFfK9NFQoIbLI02OJIUtTy2ZydTAOx2e66Ty7lE5mn7VJEzA7PGSES96yWv2hI-Skb-pC1idC2tF0M0On4U1M2zWbbMHkyro3/w432-h640/ASS%2035%20(7).jpg" width="432" /></div><div><br /></div>After a quick argument, Uncle Sam, the Ray, and Black Condor decide to stay, and the Spectre whisks Phantom Lady, Doll Man, and the Human Bomb back to Earth 2. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="680" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjs7Es_UTBZYS1wuVRrlI9hghBN62QdKrATF6npGNBgXJXOJ-jCx-TrcZ02z0eS97wheJYZrXetPyrgBA10LHG858ErhuTOgIfFrM1s3KBIqom-GY4FVDIG1C3GjThnXS9dOk94rKSPfo8o2xhTt1LgoFwrZZOzkCW3Z46_HwcSySHvB3Gtyyvqhsgf0gz/w436-h640/ASS%2035%20(8).jpg" width="436" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, back on Earth 2, Tsunami breaks free from Neptune Perkins and manages to escape from him. On shore, Baron Blitzkrieg and his three Nazis appear before Liberty Belle and Captain Cannon. The Baron is again blinded, so becomes hysterical and in a flash of light he and his Nazis disappear. Johnny Quick, Starman, and Firebrand arrive, and Liberty Belle admits that she is interested in Johnny; he feels the same, and they kiss. Suddenly, the three Freedom Fighters, Hourman, and the Spectre return. They tell the others what has happened, and everyone mourns Red Bee. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;">Review: </b></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div>Well, there you have it, the so-called "origin" of the Freedom Fighters. I'm sure some of you out there enjoyed it, but for me....well, this whole story arc is probably one of my least favorites in my long history of reading comics. In my opinion, almost nothing done in the past few issues was worth doing, and what was done wasn't done well. I know that sounds harsh, but I am just diametrically opposed to everything writer/editor Roy Thomas did with the Freedom Fighters. </div><div><br /></div><div>But let's start with the good points. First, the art by Rick Hoberg and Bill Collins is excellent. As you can see on each of the pages I reprinted here, the two men took their time and made an outstanding effort. I'm a sucker for clear, clean lines like these (as opposed to, say, the murkier or sketchier styles of Gene Colan or Frank Miller) so I have no complaints about the art. Just look at that page directly above this text, the last page reprinted. The triple group shots of Uncle Sam, the Ray, and Black Condor on the left side and bottom, and the Human Bomb, Hourman, Doll Man, and Phantom Lady shot at the top. This is great stuff! </div><div><br /></div><div>And an individual shout out to the colorist Gene D'Angelo, who makes these pages pop. </div><div><br /></div><div>No, my criticism falls squarely on Roy's shoulders. First, as I've said before I was not a fan of moving the six Freedom Fighters from Earth 2 to Earth-X. I really liked the idea of there being a separate (Quality Comics) Earth where the Nazis won World War 2, and I didn't see the need to "link" the worlds by having characters going back and forth between them. Still, if that is what Roy and DC wanted to do, I would have to take it. But then what happens in this issue? Roy blows the ending! It's like he can't make up his mind! He splits the team up by having some go and some stay!?! That dilutes the idea that these six heroes would create bonds and become friends through adversity! Seriously, who thought this was a good idea? I can only imagine that it was done so that Roy would have Phantom Lady to play with for a bit longer, but the idea of splitting the team up before it has a chance to gel is just plain stupid. </div><div><br /></div><div>Also, I disagree with the thrust of the story. The shoe-horning inclusion of Baron Blitzkrieg into the action, and the whole "Hourman is addicted to Miraclo" plot-line take the spotlight away from the Freedom Fighters! In fact, take another look at the cover of this issue. The Freedom Fighters aren't even the main characters in their own origin story! This is fine for an Hourman story, but this is supposed to be a Freedom Fighters story! I can't tell you how angry it makes me when I read this issue and get reminded again that most of the Freedom Fighters do nothing except stand around in chains. Bad, bad, bad. </div><div><br /></div><div>Also, side note: nothing evokes fear like a gold, orange, and pink clad Nazi. Sheesh, couldn't <b style="font-style: italic;">somebody </b>have redesigned Baron Blitzkrieg's uniform? He's blind? No kidding!! </div><div><br /></div><div>Still, no matter how badly I thought the Freedom Fighters got treated in this story, I heave an extra scoop of scorn on Roy for the callous treatment he gave to Red Bee. Similar to the wanton massacre he executed on the five Quality heroes a few issues ago, here he has Red Bee literally get beaten to death, meaninglessly, while the Freedom Fighters simply watch it happen! </div><div><br /></div><div>If Red Bee's peril had made Uncle Sam break free, then it might have served a purpose. Had Red Bee's death served as a distraction, allowing Doll Man to shrink to escape his chains, maybe it would have been worth it. But as it's written, Red Been is murdered for no good reason. He doesn't even put up a good fight! This to me has to be one of the worst deaths of a super-hero in comics history. It's just totally pointless. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, I'm not going to argue that Red Bee was a great character. I'm a Freedom Fighter fanatic, but I'm not crazy. Still, he had potential, and Roy wasted it. Think about it for a second: your only ability is the power to control (?) bees. So you swim (close to 15 miles?!?!) from the Japanese ship to the island. Then you lay low for awhile as you hunt around the island for a few bees. THEN you attack, and your bee friends fly up into Baron Blitzkrieg's mask, distracting him. You get a chance to break Uncle Sam or Human Bomb free before the Baron turns on you. This would have been WAY more heroic, don't you agree? </div><div><br /></div><div>So the story ends, the Spectre returns half the team to Earth 2, we'll lost Uncle Sam, the Ray, and Black Condor, but Doll Man and the Human Bomb will now be permanent members of the All Star Squadron. Riiiight..... </div><div><br /></div><div>Based on the ending of this story, I assume that we will see Phantom Lady again soon. Not so sure about the other guys. </div></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;">Black Condor</span> Moment </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="165" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYZtiYWxyhD30_R9znRBU73KZWlhjFIR5NYznROyEmBPqc9pW47ZhhrBANIThHvHzR-7e3kfIXsUIjuwpOUlY6TXnP3pH3yW8NJ30hfunEe4B8ehPV3OGw9x3KtA3XFyHoWEaBwwg7-aafiC8VkqgpYsdB7aKNOiKlAb0cDOI_-s6Hxqnt5hSd3-DeamC/s320/ASS%2035%20Condor.jpg" width="121" /></div>Black Condor takes a stand. </div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #674ea7; font-size: medium;">Human Bomb</span><span style="color: #e69138;"> </span>Moment</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="159" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZydSpv_dDeFNgFj03qQPg6RlsxFjZlN_tSszC1l_7DqKtmpoBRp0nJuJctWWM_Jz9bzxgLqv0iRYrFmCj7dPTxTzncpt-gWI5Sg4PYO6moJVIeZNGZv6JBc_UI07hq_zxVT1sY58NKyiWqtKMxpXq5QazzXQAhfsZQ8W8S00JZ6Q4Jl8bt5IRxdpmynD/s1600/ASS%2035%20HB.jpg" width="159" /></div></div>The Human Bomb shows his willingness to sacrifice himself. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #ffa400; font-size: medium;">The Ray</span> Moment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="451" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyV3aTSpKWij0BFMrQ-lHiSiXdghvzEtm7W8JYtkSK2YNog_c_W6a-Yi0qp2D6wUk2dHmTBfQ4gdCDso5ZF3di02fvjd_NCXRKEafwvHghsaeEh9dt76Bot9JdLru2F8W6nnT6kPZKkANWEwX4mitQGvANM8zjqohB-VFinviKvztdwLyGiH2saAR_nAIq/s320/ASS%2035%20Ray.jpg" width="320" /></div></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Ray manages to turn on the black light ray, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">which leads to Hourman being able to escape. </div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Uncle</span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">Sam</span> Moment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="301" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESpRwi9jDF8G1rYXE2kjB7TJNz7GXOQyd1fGRaEJ3igNQFP0dRd9V6M31Iz9yw5yb7OGppJzvPUDpUPv5fy10wulo7fgWYqoJqEUmdGeZlU26kezfBVPrqMgZwqWTSDq9EBKtMgDUr5v-jsRVT4RxL3FvGAD88fgAROinSWlO8veMRSm40-ZdCEU5ejPi/s320/ASS%2035%20UncleSam.jpg" width="217" /></div></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Uncle Sam finally challenges the Spirit of America. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Best Moment</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="289" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-CMwrqknVwRcOG4xELKLIrgs1eUW7MDEuwKTOfqGuHdSftZRLrKaZ4tLbJdyz244-Q0huo2Pch1lepkpH0n82CzTVCIXtH7kDz8Ju0LZd9w6IvuHzuTyUBHkJd65gQ2FZen3INM_JMt7zJi3ZeB_eaX8VE2zB426HK9HxKGHIkCJbsnxBm3_CHFlJUXx/s320/ASS%2035%20Hourman.jpg" width="191" /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hourman summons the last vestiges of Miraclo </div><div style="text-align: center;">in his metabolism and breaks free from his chains. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Worst Moment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="447" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLoiI6qRXQJoPHTcedy4zyKVHRW-kDzACGGolViKHZwiaZzKSscRbodW2pZ0TToFhvrhSbPCbdQDUuKS87AeDeOc4Jcgt8fnQBdMARWCIua9UBZffM53UlBHMCSKMkgYs7MhKsf8M279NHRrOF68M-fX_fIvnn3nr9B8PAJzZB8wiTdEUsGr0JN98Hp6s/w359-h400/ASS%2035%20worst1.jpg" width="359" /></div></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Roy, via the Spectre, splits the Fighters up for no particular reason. </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Freedom of Information</b><br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The Human Bomb and the Red Bee do not appear on the cover. </li><li>The cover blurb says, "In this issue: An All-Star Dies!" With Red Bee not on the cover, did ANYONE not guess that he was the hero who was going to end it? </li><li>Although Baron Blitzkrieg remembers Red Bee's name last issue, he doesn't know Phantom Lady's name this time. </li><li>It is approximately 30 miles from Santa Barbara's coast to the Channel Islands. </li><li>This issue was featured in a company-wide subscription ad featuring a hyperbolic description of the Spectre's "deadly choice." (see below)</li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="859" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvSBRWnK6ebJBZbPDdvogafj2I2MqGXYfyQQs4R7BKD3Df7SLapyfiu8nRP7IfAuXLbrr9NILDOXfJ07W8O3h832Ik7bidHfYrBeg0grzWklw-Nkf609DH6rCPDaAdkBBGG9rmrGSV7rz9c-TIBiBDobzvcrjTeX4-CodTkA1Z1SPWvTvKpnv1sbR3xQW/w550-h640/ASS%2035%20ad.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="442" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KfK_12KveKoy5Z16xOqzW5gdzw4LziZr9tPTfgz1BWkrEfGRcWzLz5THq2bMnr2hppqMSLlmnmaIP4ub0IFwrovdwB5eVQbgu11WAKNq_ds8c6YLNWBml8rhDkl7pnWNtwSXxXuHEm0zIHPuSdwetOeLctGbAxlk6_nV5caPFIsFM9YeYl-RME6fUCRh/s320/roll%20call%20FF11b.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">The Freedom Fighters</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>assembled by Len Wein</i></span></div></div>Russell Burbagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756652514507714383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225466123539557290.post-19435510024898829972024-03-20T06:00:00.266-04:002024-03-20T06:00:00.172-04:00All-Star Squadron #34<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="649" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1uQUAim8Vcss1ymEJ2OYwbwOpHwV_znRpoBHik6dTIxz6gAbEONGASPqRluYKWhqAFbkpghGqyulJ5M3kqenekddL_fOwkXDEJHron3UK3U5CWgOKXzcMmkDt1PAr3_Myawd-DR-PmayThdwJoFc7YE8sYXE_wQaYPypcGriQ2w1lKuYTncveohsKoeB/w260-h400/ASS%2034.jpg" width="260" /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b>All-Star Squadron #34 (June 1984)<br /></b><i>title: </i>"The Wrath of Tsunami!"<br /><i>writer/editor: </i>Roy Thomas<br /><i>penciller</i>: Rick Hoberg<br /><i>inker</i>: Bill Collins<br /><i>letterer: </i>Cody<br /><i>colorist</i>: Gene D'Angelo<br /><i>letter column:</i> Roy Thomas<br /><i>cover:</i> Rick Hoberg & Jerry Ordway</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div><b>Order of Appearance</b>: Red Bee, the Human Bomb, Phantom Lady, Doll Man, the Ray, Black Condor, Uncle Sam </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Other Stars: </b>Firebrand, Johnny Quick, Neptune Perkins, the Spectre, Hourman, Starman, Liberty Belle</div><p></p><p><b>Opponents:</b><br />Japanese Imperial Navy (on two worlds), Tsunami, Baron Blitzkrieg</p><p><b>Overall Summary: <br /></b>The All-Star Squadron are involved in would-be invasions of Santa Barbara, CA on TWO worlds, as the Spectre fights to keep them from smashing into each other! </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Plot Summary:</b><br />On their Earth, Firebrand, Johnny Quick, and Neptune Perkins are chasing after a submarine that they saw off the California coast. Neptune dives deep and finds that the sub is, in fact, Japanese. Johnny impetuously follows him, and they both end up captured. Instead of pursuing them, Firebrand goes back to Perkins' house-boat in order to try to get some additional assistance. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="1218" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjEjSMN6rD1iDSEJUNSYH5Gjw5c2jWWUEgDljEO2PW0vm3Ue6wW8NDhBa8dtDBr3Kb3FKbyLcBgwlOSNpYbix8xGZKjVpAx6QiXkRLRNuJ-GYwFlxXb6pZ3BPdVJTLamDVXaSYPGoZVwqervbPpWjw24n6F5Lz0HOmgCj_IDqXjpMKL3y2VWQgXVES1Ax/w400-h348/ASS%2034%20(5).jpg" width="400" /></div><div><div><br /></div><div>The Spectre is in the ether between their world and Earth-X, trying to keep the two worlds from combining and destroying both. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="673" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItGWwV25B0JUiBhe-vIOxUi16sOkpf2vx5am73UkZcsUYRsWJ3kkbp1hMhYScfkwt-iwqyUb_uZv6WYOf0XkGjTs8HLOB-5CHsYFVNpz_VvdUeYactVRyRj6I8Cjo61dvyrm1QLVE3seX_r1rTVxWiTR0iN2SKMcGh5rXICqkQCH_vU-b_P_l5JjioFjG/w430-h640/ASS%2034%20(1).jpg" width="430" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>On Earth-X, Baron Blitzkrieg is still gloating to the Freedom Fighters on a deck of a Japanese Destroyer. The Baron is showing off his hostage, Hourman, strapped to one of the Destroyer's giant gun barrels. The Freedom Fighters are confused, because they were told by Uncle Sam that Hourman had died nearly three months ago. Uncle Sam also notices that Hourman is sweating profusely. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="675" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OR1FMmP1bQKuWJDdcbO4bmvWbgfuAEqmSq3-k6AVgkI0M0ejQLCw53Dtb9ojVRnqVB6G5k1Qxv2xzrcd_qeYGOak6AgqbrkdG9o9bGeBay-E4oUkATMsM2gMRURlvhD0nC9M6EphqLL4O1dhCIpEdgFCP9W39G533VextvPioj7Iq6JuA2zDoT78uVDL/w432-h640/ASS%2034%20(2).jpg" width="432" /></div></div><br /><div>The Ray rides a sunbeam into Baron Blitzkrieg, and the Fighters take on the Imperial Navy. When Phantom Lady inadvertently blinds the Baron with her black-light ray, he goes crazy (due to an earlier incident when he was temporarily blinded.) </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="670" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBv_IwDimzw7oS_YC9d5jwOo78TCugKJhviGbqIwd0mSkHMNhDtK0gb_Z312ezTVtrbwh7yq1SceBiQ2Grb-0vG3UwoMlpncTrCuLezJTBC6kE_7OQddPX_C2VdrQbX5kSoxmZ6V7n_yibarqJLp4VHe2B5-GyIZTCtIhwX9eX1VTilpNzllGLLY0MXPbz/w428-h640/ASS%2034%20(3).jpg" width="428" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The Human Bomb attempts to knock out the Baron, but in his hysteria the Baron accidentally catches the Human Bomb and tosses him into his friends, knocking them all out. Then the Baron himself knocks out Phantom Lady. Red Bee is unaccounted for.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="674" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cywc0pdmWhIJXEnbAvxIhfHl0CMuwk7f_0jR0Cai27xfw81UycOJ44Vbih2HauTqzekj1a01I4VKIZjhjVXziZP_ZELkmG37S50fMsPSRcmtXzE1fbGjTVNro2MzYkd_CrUnngHRf1WqI9wE47Kk6g7C3LyIe2X3KdyZctmJLx3bn50V3fkDXhPc_3CI/w432-h640/ASS%2034%20(4).jpg" width="432" /></div><div><br /></div>As the Freedom Fighters are being taken away by the Japanese Navy, the Baron releases Hourman and beats him soundly. </div><div><br /></div><div>Back on Earth 2, the Imperial Navy attacks the oil fields in Santa Barbara, but they are protected by Starman's gravity rod. Liberty Belle, Firebrand, and Starman attack the submarine, freeing Johnny and Neptune. Then a stray shot by one of the Japanese seamen hits a tank of some kind, and the submarine explodes. </div><div><br /></div><div>Liberty Belle rises to the surface of the water with a wounded Johnny Quick, and as they hover on a buoy, Tsunami attacks! </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="597" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYES1OC6iZHz13phKY7Ucb8XC7dvzz-YwyfhjAsT4ez7WW3S2xaFpIVnBXyShEyNRzIp8tOa10_vfzr6dMJGvixnYiX9V99BjhYfkNBf3NPAPp4bphuIJ8zk0PlMnn76-OpldHDXw9fB1E8cRJYQuJ79foc9z9tGpkOjgBYpjm9qqoN0qjr6grOjZkMbs/w400-h150/ASS%2034%20Spec%201.jpg" width="400" /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="221" data-original-width="592" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsPxn2QLe7tglwrGXfMclEvbu2eHnSot67OY2pkTe7RtODgFVjoFG3FdvZG-Sp7jzWOuB7MedpaPI1hKnhz3Cmg1sO33a_MI_2M2xmmVnW1bKc5XzBJ9M6D6bj68pKLg1AIEZ9uJ26HhgyDV7IjcFgilG_4EUUMIdT9JkRJkLVBOKbgWiAIV8-uFy_UYe/w400-h149/ASS%2034%20Spec%202.jpg" width="400" /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="190" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1Cr0_9R4qZ-wJeRrfSpZSP9BFzDXtnr7TJnI11OtopFCZtIiOhPXgWV0ShIXgekJsmhZRxFj6nOe0h60ijmRGZt2qItigMEOSZqcAJXBknP2ofLyYTR68zkTzevYD5sACLcZzDBhX8GR-9b0aidIH7ykbuARaGHEhzvEOThJTAt_e0P2by8GIqxFLmpB/w127-h400/ASS%2034%20Spec%203.jpg" width="127" /></div></div><div>The Spectre is still in the ether between their world and Earth-X, and is now struggling mightily to keep the two worlds from combining and destroying both. </div><div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;">Review: </b></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div>Let's start with the good stuff: the art by Rick Hoberg and Bill Collins is great! Each character is individualistic and easy to recognize. The art is by far the best part of the issue. Roy Thomas, as the writer, turns in another verbose and overly produced script. But aren't we all used to that by now? </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't particularly care for this installment in this story-line, mostly for the way the Freedom Fighters' story doesn't progress. This time out it is mostly the All-Star Squadron's time in the spotlight, which is fine in theory, but to me Liberty Belle, Johnny Quick, Neptune Perkins, and Firebrand are just not as interesting as the Freedom Fighters. Unfortunately, they are only featured on FOUR pages this issue (the four reprinted above and one would-be splash page). And Starman, who is one of my favorites, is only featured on ONE page. </div><div><br /></div><div>With that in mind, it's not surprising that most of the individual Freedom Fighters don't get a moment to shine. The Ray shows his bravery and mastery of his abilities by attacking Baron Blitzkrieg via a light-ray, but that is the highlight of their encounter. Phantom Lady's black-light ray merely distracts Baron Blitzkrieg. And call me cynical, but as soon as that attack occurred, I couldn't help thinking, "So <i>that </i>is why the Baron is here, because of his hysterical fear of being blinded." Talk about plot contrivances! </div><div><br /></div><div>Also, I have a HUGE complaint about how Roy portrays my favorite Freedom Fighter, the Human Bomb. Not only does he get stopped by a hysterical blind man, but when he is tossed at his friends by said blind man, he doesn't know enough to cover his hand with his body?!? This is amateurism and I don't like it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Likewise, I'm not a fan of the heavy-handedness with which Roy foreshadows what I'm sure is going to happen next issue. Here are the clues, and let's see if you come to the same conclusion I do. Exhibit A: Phantom Lady feels sorry for her erstwhile team-mate, Red Bee. Exhibit B: Red Bee does nothing useful in this story. Exhibit C: Red Bee is missing from the Freedom Fighter round-up by the Baron. And Exhibit D: "For Twin Earths to Live, One All-Star Must Die!" Wanna guess who my money is on? </div><div><br /></div><div>As for the majority of the story, it seems slow moving and, dare I say it, dull. It takes five whole pages for the Japanese Navy to capture Johnny Quick and Neptune Perkins? And then do we really need two plus pages to recount the based-on-fact story of how US oil workers laughed at Captain Kizo Nishino when he fell on a cactus? And a page of Baron Blitzkrieg slapping Hourman around, and telling us that he is a Miraclo addict? (How the Baron would know Hourman's real name and what his situation is, and what Red Bee's name is, is beyond me.) These are all great examples of why Writer Roy Thomas should not have been his own editor! </div><div><br /></div><div>I won't say anything about the Spectre, who is in the same predicament he was in last issue, with no change in his circumstances whatsoever. Ho-hum. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'll end this issue's review on a positive note: the cover to this issue is simply wonderful. The inking by Jerry Ordway on the waves is just fantastic. </div></span></div><div><div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Phantom Lady</span> Moment </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="675" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6g8aip5Wn-VSQzqIV9fc24ufPo51FgzFF-hUtWFWFf5IheG73MULxp53HocN_9OtwuKWLVMcrVt38qqXnr6gxJBkowE8PJ0Kg_0INJVrfzFV4myFbPM91CBjquySygsX9LVOZYEXkxh8NNeQdvvLCBEVVA-8wIqds6K9Wjyv2hkZSUMTlXghxqo_mO-bX/s320/ASS%2034%20PL.jpg" width="320" /></div>Phantom Lady incapacitates Baron Blitzkrieg! </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #ffa400; font-size: medium;">The Ray</span> Moment</b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="673" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vsA_mCVwPLzSbIScm1hmWCwDqbkK7nOUUTSqbntFsIj4d7iGF6WnXn0SFuQnO9cG_yqBlZKv4EMW1Ae5TEL8CQd00IYGsqhlU0jCtLip8ax9p5tJ2yxqn96j7NlyyxMeUrb03dBAHITWuF3aV3-RFlN-c8TxBbINpZNRqE6QIadSJS87NiS_Z24JIh8s/w400-h297/ASS%2034%20Ray.jpg" width="400" /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Ray rides a sunbeam straight to Baron Blitzkrieg. Nice!! </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Worst Moment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="674" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlwzlFifcZQ5Crl6__my035RTQk3jR6K6ERPozbjfLby5Dfr0TWk5Icb8hVEO4YDysAXURZ1O4ib9-_QNNtsr-JXMS4rsYIX86cZDVVOPmIVJPQo2-Cpvwq4dvGyacSghLV6J7Z9FTsesW-wt1Q5f_CvKovjwCksrO1zPMExcmC5mIvg7RLbYy9X4nJs5/w400-h295/ASS%2034%20worst.jpg" width="400" /></div></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The Human Bomb couldn't move his hand </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">so that it wouldn't touch the floor of the Destroyer? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Come ON!! </span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Freedom of Information</b><br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>No Freedom Fighter appears on the cover of this story. </li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="442" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqPavOFmQ5SmDzvjk4gwFKJztS06qNRgw33yDutj_Nl0xmMGmrSWUgBuSKIjOjjUe3dvL4uhdsPjdk7jmrCD-yG8T9xLUSf1lQ28sFGwKkrTszQeMEGNH0P1skoVu2dvarc2XeOV5yVEopZseBApJg-EOnVEc7IAuodzo5gkID2x6dm22olCrTSK9cQn2/s320/roll%20call%20FF11b.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">The Freedom Fighters</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>assembled by Len Wein</i></span></div></div></div></div></div>Russell Burbagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756652514507714383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225466123539557290.post-79565223054494088222024-03-13T06:00:00.479-04:002024-03-13T06:00:00.133-04:00All-Star Squadron #33<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="657" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ppAJOZdW-CL5J7xQfd83n3S7jnm5bTUx1OsBhwo7Una00fDNpIsrC-zmwXQ8c_145KPKp22B_c0C6Q4pQRE5PQ3wgGORXMWuGohsmbleYE9yOcAVQtmi6gvNDrITPy34LGBGaHLGUIPnkC1MYBwYM659taoh-SdzoSdwjw__o4zwb2U1LeEQ1I8voCs-/w263-h400/ASS%2033.jpg" width="263" /></div><p></p><div><b>All-Star Squadron #33 (May 1984)</b></div><div><i>title: </i>"The Battle of Santa Barbara-- Times Two!"<br /><i>writer/editor: </i>Roy Thomas<br /><i>penciller</i>: Rick Hoberg<br /><i>inker</i>: Bill Collins<br /><i>letterer: </i>Cody<br /></div><div><i>colorist</i>: Gene D'Angelo<br /><i>letter column:</i> Roy Thomas</div><div><i>cover:</i> Rick Hoberg & Jerry Ordway</div><p></p><p></p><div><b>Order of Appearance</b>: Phantom Lady, Black Condor, the Ray, the Human Bomb, Doll Man, Uncle Sam, and Red Bee </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Other Stars: </b>the Spectre, Starman, Firebrand, Liberty Belle, Johnny Quick, Neptune Perkins, Hourman</div><p></p><p><b>Opponents:</b><br />Japanese Imperial Navy (on two worlds), Tsunami, Baron Blitzkrieg</p><p><b>Overall Summary: <br /></b>The Freedom Fighters are on Earth-X trying to stop a full-scale invasion of Santa Barbara by the Japanese Navy. Meanwhile, a small group of All-Star Squadron members are on their Earth investigating a potential Japanese invasion there, too. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Plot Summary:</b><br />The Spectre watches as the Freedom Fighters land in Santa Barbara on "Earth-X" as the Japanese Imperial Army and Navy attack! He is stopped from entering Earth-X himself by "the voice" lest his powerful aura upset the cosmic balance. <div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1187" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8UD8ufnvqxpvkIyti8xglRnHQVqfXcJIIS7QJy1BZ_wkE-rxewVBVstNzsNH0z87FR8J-X-DfX5cbT9hb_2Wv9TSKULmIjq88Web5SDAP_gNUwUrYqo2PrwJPYHlZTQMSCNdRyYftUPLekEsL_5j4oNe8OCs3ZPzrCwcZBvfYjwp2HX-sYEMfWkIQQ_s/w640-h458/ASS%2033%20battle%20small.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>After taking a moment to gather their wits as the Spectre's protective aura fades, the seven launch a counter-attack against the Japanese to help the out-numbered US Army defenders. This being a world without any super-heroes, the US soldiers are surprised by the Freedom Fighters' appearance, to say the least. </div><div><br /><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="673" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPGASaB1BMsCPQfPbYZx8JNnK_tfDuYZs2un0zc574k0M8UeuvKMqefXU_zn1WpyGPTKRqW_j_d0tBUNpellXtQlbcMe2UgC8Bo6wMVruPaMm3DNLBw3zlr46bJDGsc3PEal1-W4BEAbwQxZChvuTqXQ5AFglo0cowHtS6rUKa6lGMZpYv7o8K0toUWPS/w430-h640/ASS%2033%20(1).jpg" width="430" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>The seven Freedom Fighters somehow manage to defeat the Army attack, then head out to the coast to stop the destroyers that are bombing the oil refinery. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFV7I2QJeVn4bAIk5gvETlH7AH8ew3pDXi5H8OxCSxIvA3N3mitivr2zm1ttFqwogdtae6S6er23flxFDIqdjVmmVo7nL3vA67bnxpmH71FwDB7ib6GMU1spPXnzssNXyKfKCqS1j6R5ZR-O6FrNs-M2QJeoMvhKSdp8u_hCQcYgAxmMpetGxwwgw65ZX/w426-h640/ASS%2033%20(4).jpg" width="426" /></div></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Meanwhile, "the voice" tells the Spectre again not to interfere. However, when he tries to return to his world, he finds that he cannot. He can only look back on his native world, which he does. He sees Johnny Quick, Liberty Belle, Firebrand, and Starman heading to their Santa Barbara. </div><div><br /></div><div>While being carried by Starman's gravity rod, Belle tells Johnny about Captain Rick Cannon, who she met while they were both in London. He wants to be her boyfriend, but she isn't sure how she feels about him. They are actually on their way to meet with him, but when the All-Stars arrive Rick isn't at the rendezvous site. </div><div><br /></div><div>Starman and Liberty Belle track the footprints in the area while Firebrand and Johnny Quick look around the coast. Firebrand surprises Johnny by flying. She tells him that she has been practicing, and that she can now fly for short periods of time. They fly around the coast and then land on the houseboat belonging to Neptune Perkins. The three of them see a mysterious submarine. </div><div><br /></div><div>In Santa Barbara, Liberty Belle and Starman find a group of Japanese resident aliens and Japanese-Americans being told to rebel against the US by Tsunami. When she threatens her hostage, who happens to be the missing Rick Cannon, Starman and Liberty Belle step in. Tsunami gets the best of them until an old man stops her from killing them, getting wounded in the process himself. As Tsunami escapes, we learn from the old man's dying breath that Tsunami was his daughter. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="681" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs3_fnZmG_VSi_Ibqcts_lAnX5RZGgF_1CovUzq2kIlPdUkrWTKYuHvcE1QQaW_Ej_TIhMp0v02_mZGvvONsqgz3kIxGjFp0kKBNg3AQjrtgliirF7BQ1VPuB5zsNU5l8-7kMqqPjvD3ayi2Hz0oFcZww1v77HVBiOTTLzjCwMfXPwk5t-kyD61rkre2GT/w436-h640/ASS%2033%20(5).jpg" width="436" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>In the ether between worlds, the Spectre tries again to return to his world. In his attempt, he accidentally rips open the dimensional space between Earth-X and Earth 2, and now both worlds seem to want to enter and occupy the same space at the same time! </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="678" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJY4rfDCuVzBOLFQqz-RCW0eI_Kc1v7O3fN4uoa2zAUe5FqZZMkhQzj3mumwMyT6LNaFhGtHDRKrcgidpQfWuyQ9UqWr6qCkmZzBB8s0Y4oJSTuld8c4IYHs7RytgPlLi2tzPYCcBQnm1rFm4oSknv_sRujaHFvF75WvSO-wxjLoo0iQbx3xRnKg_E6pw/w434-h640/ASS%2033%20(6).jpg" width="434" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>On Earth-X, the Freedom Fighters are doing well against the Imperial Navy when Baron Blitzkrieg shows himself, threatening to kill his hostage--- Hourman--- unless they agree to surrender!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="675" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKMQ0GW69XusfOpeC4uqjhwaICFoVMzA_Su-BPHnx_1HxbH6t_TPfwQcVqPi_3YcC4UD2lxNGaqF8zx-XHBxz8VknbFLugs3AG3mHeCAxXj9eK3Af3uH0tR8ehyXyL5iFv2jKYVjcx3fQDZMtUzRJ-2FlvWae8smj3jsEjzBsyxpV_JCg2gpozGhL3GYC/w432-h640/ASS%2033%20(7).jpg" width="432" /></div><b style="text-align: left;">Review: </b></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div>This is probably the best issue of this storyline. The Freedom Fighters show how talented they are on Earth-X, as the other four All-Stars on Earth 2 show us that they are talented, too. The over-arching successes of the two parallel plots make the rest of the "Huh?" moments in this issue not quite as painful to bear. </div><div><br /></div><div>The art, too, is well done. Rick Hoberg seems to know what he is doing, and the inks by Bill Collins add a smooth flow to the proceedings. </div><div><br /></div><div>On the other hand, I remember thinking when I first read this story (and was reminded as I read it again for this review) that we never get a "Hi, my name is...." scene with these characters. Although I was acquainted with the Freedom Fighters already, I know that some readers had to have been meeting them for the first time. Similar to last issue, when Roy never really introduced the ill-fated Miss America, Red Torpedo, Neon, et al, we never get any sense of who THESE seven characters are. And besides, in real time wouldn't they all INSIST on knowing what each other could do, before committing to going on a potential suicide-mission together? I can imagine the Ray saying, "You can turn invisible and blind men with a black-light ray....is that it?!?!" And as mentioned last week, I find it hard to believe that the All-Star Squadron thought it was a good idea to send just seven people against the Japanese Imperial Navy! </div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of ideas that aren't good, please tell me that I am not the only reader who thought the melodrama about the Spectre being caught between worlds was something I've seen before. As a long-time JLA-JSA team-up fan I couldn't help being reminded of the TWO previous incidents when the Spectre was LITERALLY in the exact same predicament: <b><i>JLA #s 46-47</i></b>, and <b><i>JLA #s 82-83</i></b>. Let's hope this time the story is told somewhat differently from the previous versions. </div><div><br /></div><div>The other sub-plot that IS good is the whole scene with Tsunami trying to get Issei and Nisei to join with her and the Imperial Japanese in their attacks against the United States. This hints at the actual scare that the US experienced from Winter 1941 that Japanese-Americans and resident Japanese living on the West Coast would help Japan in their efforts to destroy the US. Of course, no evidence was ever found that any American citizen ever did anything traitorous. That didn't stop President Franklin Roosevelt from signing Executive Order 9066 on February 19, 1942, only a few days after the actual Santa Barbara attack, the basis for the fictional events told in this story. Although this story is told in very heavy-handed and melodramatic way, it was nice to see that none of the Americans or their parents shown in this story agreed with Tsunami. </div></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;">Black Condor</span> Moment </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="681" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2o0XWgyFXDsm3hNydS3B7OKZT6c_XnfYEVaZwbqvyhyLagBNFTNqWIDXKOyYTXg0xYsRAMnvuKQDo8fwQ-Ilk20m2bATIaufNx_DUX0ScNDy3Y4wkcKnw0iUEOKqmiBtnD0dcWrwgPcSKxmnuhBn-j3t-BgKY2tk7zQgPWwnb-25lRlJNZ5VIXhZubTV1/w400-h196/ASS%2033%20BC.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Black Condor is most successful at getting the enemy airplanes </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">to fly into each other, but his best moment might have been </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">dropping the Human Bomb onto the deck of the Japanese Destroyer. </div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Doll</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Man</span></span> Moment</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="667" height="98" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpy-ymRk6GIw5nzvgnsjz9g9baBmYlK8CZ07dv2T6IuhZlPwoR1C04p067GK5-KioaKDAHncq8fwZT_3n4qEoO6_vsfNt1rIc2RqtMJaPkazJt1o7pAY6Yw0oUEF89ptLCcF4rJSjrGoU_gVSe3I44BbDyp0aDK2azNaQTSlPYW3feSG69iL53G19aGjH7/w400-h98/ASS%2033%20DM.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Small but powerful, Doll Man wades right into the Japanese Army </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #674ea7; font-size: medium;">Human Bomb</span><span style="color: #e69138;"> </span>Moment</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="666" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHsMl5Ik_vOgqLG_yJnEzGblZnyQE6AHOWeTlY5ibJW_gVqNvEd-8hNUPy0tm4zSqb7LFSKilfyK_Yf9pv-2l1iogFejcVyc4sYtlJKL8UzOYZCXJ1hB-dwFtfe8VQzoPmd7_Qz0UlA6Kgdbk2QSCsTjqYcJZ9-x41nmRnPOEX5IwuEOJ4OHFQ0HcWDVO/w400-h115/ASS%2033%20HB.jpg" width="400" /></div>The Human Bomb demonstrates his abilities, using the Japanese Army as his tools </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Phantom Lady</span> Moment </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="204" data-original-width="457" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekMK9Oc1W2oT2UvD3E5cQQ4BnUUpzEIJ5mZl1nTB1-1jgpNzazfwhz7_7DdMo_J5foIG9JfCdvjSXzU-EvQOLPD5WGJRUhr-9rqH0Ll9EhbwWKcrUf_lSgOM0tfO5tYUvz4iikCjq9U33KBI1RejFp6jcq91_rSBU_vnZl7BP4iARrOXubCJCIVJBgAf1/w400-h179/ASS%2033%20PL.jpg" width="400" /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Phantom Lady shows off her invisibility powers (?!?!) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #ffa400; font-size: medium;">The Ray</span> Moment</b></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="675" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcE0leEG0xuYiZX3wowrpwl8ZGiLWfEyt62osifFvo0Oq7ROFf7mSQS7SfjfO-VO4gwzy4c7A2m25iG9bOWJtGKecRqjttswAJNS2l5iefsGdNj9vnUM4xyKiG7DnOlV72dRDSEXrsHBIQ7Oo1BxsvwsmMkAZWS1kBC-wUgSr7FI-jI3LQm0vQzw_IK6Lm/w400-h235/ASS%2033%20Ray.jpg" width="400" /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Ray maneuvers a bomb back onto the Japanese Destroyer </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Best Moment</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbK1AxSzLeRvEmH52h8uf_4TdpzGs6RySlwrDDHWUzLJ1m8GELC0Xpwlx1GyTs16C0r_Sax_xPxgzuXQ8mk9MgqDtjvFkm4RLfQjs7ozxopv8I9dapnz_-PObF8gH4rZoU9-CzCWXk6gKsDO3d1pHXCFqCLTGvLiVURpTN77R-nqMFneqWUhxiDNBAMGK/w426-h640/ASS%2033%20(2).jpg" width="426" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Need I say more?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Well....Red Bee isn't featured here. What's up with that? Hmmm.... </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Worst Moment<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitegHrkPfzOO2DO95u9lXoMuU2Fz3efCjl-NLNiCafG1e6yMSoYECAG7DNCdHNTbJJRpPdp2-JlihLvE7syCO1hu_1bpdIOHyhkyxFafCzhHO_0NSn_ZuWUAnVsjC2eAefBoQ56jOh40VdbOv2h3LkXrMx1KYBYfl6nphs5lIMTlWRWepMcJqAUMid4riK/s664/ASS%2033%20JLGL.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="664" height="98" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitegHrkPfzOO2DO95u9lXoMuU2Fz3efCjl-NLNiCafG1e6yMSoYECAG7DNCdHNTbJJRpPdp2-JlihLvE7syCO1hu_1bpdIOHyhkyxFafCzhHO_0NSn_ZuWUAnVsjC2eAefBoQ56jOh40VdbOv2h3LkXrMx1KYBYfl6nphs5lIMTlWRWepMcJqAUMid4riK/w400-h98/ASS%2033%20JLGL.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from <b><i>All-Star Squadron #33</i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="234" data-original-width="681" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TrMsk2GZuXCwFUJeL1NyfzzfTeoYLwWhZOYCvPn14y9LBYxk2h-zXJR6tmdAprEWLbeuCVYWp_5gHdNt1LoMoFIXs3Gtvhu4qdxAevwWue2CDeXT1DKgK0NoRAjoHpuXSdgAJVOSNv3v1ljoOw3X7zy7TyUmmMrQ9iYEHYJX0pIhJkvBGKPtKbXHebJr/w400-h138/ASS%2031%20Neon%20AQMN.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from <b><i>All-Star Squadron #31</i></b></td></tr></tbody></table></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKhShqjUHIP2WEWEyAtQO7kow949CfnXRMtB4MW328tdKtl7VfzbFfq2MWFOuQ2a15SKW3fz6WS-JmsHQPawJPGMvRH4_R5Vqv33BY_cBahylGZosgCPwfTm6_UF3PqOqpuY32wil1PrKmBhBGmfJyqDD4uTXiHzwO-hHsejzWKvstB3qW9YRwaG8jbnZ/s500/JLGL%20Aquaman.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="500" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKhShqjUHIP2WEWEyAtQO7kow949CfnXRMtB4MW328tdKtl7VfzbFfq2MWFOuQ2a15SKW3fz6WS-JmsHQPawJPGMvRH4_R5Vqv33BY_cBahylGZosgCPwfTm6_UF3PqOqpuY32wil1PrKmBhBGmfJyqDD4uTXiHzwO-hHsejzWKvstB3qW9YRwaG8jbnZ/s320/JLGL%20Aquaman.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>For the second time in three issues, </span><span style="text-align: left;">Rick Hoberg uses the same </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Jose-Luis Garcia-Lopez Aquaman pose for a Freedom Fighter</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Freedom of Information</b><br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Although Doll Man finally makes it onto the cover with his team-mates, the Human Bomb and Red Bee do not appear. </li><li>Tsunami makes her debut in this issue. As explained in the text, "tsunami" is Japanese for Tidal Wave.</li><li>"Issei" are Japanese people who have emigrated to a foreign country. "Nisei" are the children of those immigrants. "Kibei" are Nisei born in the US who went back to Japan for education, generally used to refer to people with pro-Japanese ideas. Regardless of what Liberty Belle says, there is no particular way to distinguish between any of these people visually. </li><li>Bronco Nagurski, referenced by Starman when he catches Captain Cannon, was an NFL fullback and defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears from 1930-1937. </li><li>Esther Williams, would-be Olympian swimmer and famous Hollywood starlet, is referenced by Liberty Belle when she calls Tsunami a "bargain basement Esther Williams." At the time of this story (February 1942) there is little chance that Williams, as a member of a travelling water show, would have been well known. Her first film, <b><i>Andy Hardy's Double Life</i></b>, was not released until December 1942, while her first <i>swimming </i>film was <b><i>Bathing Beauty</i></b> in June 1944!</li><li>Likewise, at this point in the story there is nothing to suggest to Liberty Belle that Tsunami has anything to do with swimming at all, so the reference to Esther Williams is doubly wrong. </li><li>When he first arrives on Earth-X, the Spectre cries out, "Sheol and Gehenna!" According to catholic.com "Sheol" is a word used in the Jewish tradition to refer to the general abode of the dead; "Gehenna" is used to solely describe a place of punishment for the wicked. Is this an actual exclamation? For more information on these places, check out <a href="https://thecripplegate.com/sheol-hades-and-gehenna-are-there-differences/" target="_blank">Cripplegate.com</a></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="442" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqPavOFmQ5SmDzvjk4gwFKJztS06qNRgw33yDutj_Nl0xmMGmrSWUgBuSKIjOjjUe3dvL4uhdsPjdk7jmrCD-yG8T9xLUSf1lQ28sFGwKkrTszQeMEGNH0P1skoVu2dvarc2XeOV5yVEopZseBApJg-EOnVEc7IAuodzo5gkID2x6dm22olCrTSK9cQn2/s320/roll%20call%20FF11b.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">The Freedom Fighters</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>assembled by Len Wein</i></span></div></div></div></div></div>Russell Burbagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756652514507714383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225466123539557290.post-73662149653533429132024-03-06T06:00:00.588-05:002024-03-06T06:00:00.138-05:00All-Star Squadron #32<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="651" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bsjYbRDmUh9iEmLyLUuFqOdABiDo_VIK-SE4paFAocGH9ggxQd_hmofUSINHIMYpCnyMT_KDOq955DQrVOFv96rAsBMw5bhvbggPyA5y4Uv74By5hkldZ-LJJ63dURe_iOjUWYtpR3-KzCBLVocT3JP3scwN5p0DGUU7studK_PeGO0MbhzbZLQ3bK3P/w260-h400/ASS%2032.jpg" width="260" /></div><p></p><div><b>All-Star Squadron #32 (April 1984)</b></div><div><i>title: </i>"Crisis on Earth-X: The Prequel"<br /><i>writer/editor: </i>Roy Thomas<br /><i>penciller</i>: Rick Hoberg<br /><i>inker</i>: Bill Collins<br /><i>letterer: </i>Cody & Albert de Guzman</div><div><i>colorist</i>: Gene D'Angelo<br /><i>letter column:</i> Roy Thomas</div><div><i>cover:</i> Jerry Ordway</div><p></p><p></p><div><b>Order of Appearance</b>: Human Bomb, Phantom Lady, Black Condor, Doll Man, the Ray, Uncle Sam</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Other Stars (speaking parts): </b>Liberty Belle, the Tarantula, the Flash, the Spectre, Midnight, Dr. Mid-Nite, Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Johnny Quick, Wonder Woman, Red Torpedo, Miss America, Neon the Unknown, Invisible Hood, Magno the Magnetic Man, Hourman, Wildcat, Ibis, Dr. Fate, Commander Steel, Robotman, Plastic Man, Starman, Firebrand</div><p></p><p><b>Opponents:</b><br />Japanese Navy, German Army, Baron Blitzkrieg</p><p><b>Overall Summary: <br /></b>Uncle Sam and Doll Man tell their individual tales of woe, which converge in an invasion of Santa Barbara, CA! </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><b>Plot Summary:</b><br />The mystery-man named Midnight has burst into a collection of super-heroes at the All-Star Squadron head-quarters, carrying the wounded Doll Man sleeping in a safe deposit box. Green Lantern revives Doll Man as Midnight is patched up by Dr. Mid-Nite. Under the influence of Wonder Woman's magic lasso, Uncle Sam begins to tell the details of how he accidentally teleported himself to another world, a world without any super-heroes that he has dubbed "Earth-X." <div><br /><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="668" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSL5rm-ssvLQfrzDjx7-EC3equJ0T_GRgE2uZWDyONrka7V0TGHUTVjMed29MpUd_c7UE1QpMp10rbhtOosofZBbWbXiYq_uCiM5DlkyFmaFCH0adv8b0O09e7FktkcY1Mfx9sbGSrMu98jcsh783nOqwNXIk0glHw7vk9QtU8APlPFxfKGntb5XWInr-/w428-h640/ASS%2032%20(1).jpg" width="428" /></div><div><br /></div>While there, Uncle Sam gets a vision of what he now knows was the Pearl Harbor attack, so he returns to his Earth to recruit some heroes to go back with him to fight the Imperial Japanese Navy. He picked new heroes, who were eager to makes names for themselves, and one veteran, Hourman. Hourman initially refuses to go, but the younger heroes and Uncle Sam's tale of a parallel world eventually convinces him to join in. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="687" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvtO9gRB5C8dRJzAYHOkOyJWdkSApg8WTrNjhdei1w7qlQL3aRdzVvR7l2Td7OQwDwjw-e22q9d2BD9RPkUiVfRGcq_U8U6j3iHYutasBVdptvogtk8Ph6Aa7GLvUmHYBm6Q_q96Tm8si6v12vneXQFnzHFxdtcolZR5zbAzHadYlNlobiOu_vMfc5G0E/w440-h640/ASS%2032%20(2).jpg" width="440" /></div><div><br /></div>Uncle Sam manages to bring the other six with him back to Earth-X, and they arrive in the air above the Pacific Ocean just as the Japanese Navy is heading towards Pearl Harbor. They manage to defeat the majority of the Zeroes. One remaining warplane gets through on a suicide mission and destroys Red Torpedo's ship, apparently killing all of the heroes except Uncle Sam. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sam eventually washes ashore in Hawaii and learns that no attack took place. He is arrested by the US Army as a crazy man. While on Earth-X recuperating, he comes to realize that preventing the Pearl Harbor attack has stalled the US entry into the war, and so Germany and Japan are getting stronger. Uncle Sam has seen another vision, and this time he thinks the Japanese Navy is planning on attacking the US mainland! Therefore, he rushed back for more help. </div><div><br /></div><div>Midnight now picks up the story, telling of how he and Doll Man were following Uncle Sam when they saw him, Hourman, and the others travel to Earth-X and jumped into their vortex. Somehow, instead of appearing over the Pacific Ocean with them, Doll Man and Midnight appeared in occupied France. They stop Nazis from killing two civilians, joining the Resistance. They spend two months in Paris. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="668" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgQAbHk0143i46vr7ERwup66E8uhgGEQMs5aQGDifIcNZC8ImonsLk3nTmcxrMPTRfGsPI3kzMfIy6M-iu-lfNpwg-h6EqQYccGerHsjV10G9j4PxEiFAFoW54wLZrothnKumfc0TGvvWtEXg3SJAvZMIMCsN_u80AQEZqyFqNKZmOdPsw6w6FCnRH9Tu/w428-h640/ASS%2032%20(5).jpg" width="428" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Then, earlier that night they learned that the Japanese were planning an attack on the United States. Doll Man and Midnight go to Nazi headquarters in Paris and try to learn the site of the attack so that they could warn the US. However, Doll Man is seen by All-Star Squadron enemy Baron Blitzkrieg, and the team make a hasty retreat. Suddenly, a vortex back to Earth appears, and Midnight, Doll Man, Baron Blitzkrieg, and several Nazis enter it. They appear in New York City, and Midnight hightails it to the All-Star Squadron, having read about them in a newspaper he had picked up. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="684" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZNYbgAQbOW48Gjffv8IcJfVbLD32V_vHvzAOvgfj_xDx1Riz60x-vulIlK-yPMtorh0k-jB-i4XsPRUmLytJ16rYtu1rZhfMoI9GLa_4yVcSzbrC0jfLmDyqMqUGPuqkSUjgdHoI4OYj3Pl-Cw9PCZlg9lq7IYqvuMigF-d148bIEw9S4Je5JHUZFrWN/w438-h640/ASS%2032%20(6).jpg" width="438" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Liberty Belle as Squadron leader decides to send a task force with Uncle Sam back to Earth-X to investigate, just as news of a possible enemy submarine sighting in Santa Barbara is coming over the radio. Doll Man confirms that Santa Barbara was the site of the planned attack on Earth-X, too. Unfortunately, there is also news of Nazi sabotage occurring in cities like Metropolis, Gotham, Keystone, and New York. Most of the All-Star Squadron members vow to protect their own cities, rather than go to Earth-X or to California. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="994" data-original-width="688" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62ZU5KIpkma4oN4tLPjtvfr7bug5d7e8ILRdYBG3-IEawGlFiTqVIu2UARDLrQrCpXzKtwMuAcX8_YRP7F5U6NNzrV8j0PfOcb8oEAI5NRNNAOMUicygVKVIpOf8J-H74v4Vem7COjFKVbofpeHOo1TIUAqHenpnfz-EVoCcXZv02t1dcnb_FHz0DXwKb/w442-h640/ASS%2032%20(7).jpg" width="442" /></div></div><div><br /><div>Eventually Liberty Belle, Firebrand, Starman, and Johnny Quick go on a reconnaissance to California while the six members of the Freedom Fighters and Red Bee decide to go with Uncle Sam. The Spectre helps guide the super-heroes to the parallel world, even though "God" does not allow the Spectre to assist them. Unfortunately for them, they appear right in the middle of the Japanese invasion of Santa Barbara! </div><div><br /></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="673" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPbD6hY1eUhUTDw_AiTtxpf935-4DLb_0lwD0cqHn1t05KAmsoEDkfpX6EFwGqtATp-24l2oJMKmEMq39Zid7PNxn4cgL0j31irHmEtXl17-w5fHD_5z-xLb7KNi-iC80Rlyr26leaV_MJ8Xd514ncwhnb3t1iOA__mGFp1PF2qXDvTF8glPPKVRvnsWTG/w431-h640/ASS%2032%20(8).jpg" width="431" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b style="text-align: left;">Review: </b></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div>In my opinion, Roy Thomas is a victim of his own need to be EPIC. This story would have worked LOADS better if he had kept its focus firmly on the six Quality characters who went to Earth-X and who died defending Pearl Harbor. We should have seen the whole story about how Magno, Invisible Hood, Neon, Red Torpedo, and Miss America had succeeded in their initial mission and then chosen to stay on that Earth. These heroes and Uncle Sam could have learned about the attack on Santa Barbara, and THEN Uncle Sam could have come back begging for reinforcements. Then ALL of the other Quality characters (the Jester, Manhunter, Plastic Man, the male Firebrand, the Blackhawks, and the heroes we know as the Freedom Fighters) could have joined Uncle Sam. That gets all of the Quality characters on Earth-X, which is where they belong. </div><div><br /></div><div>As it was presented, we get five heroes we've never seen before and who we will never see again introduced and murdered within six pages. We don't really understand what they can do or who they were, even though Roy (via Uncle Sam) awkwardly throws in their secret identities as he talks about their heroics. </div><div><div><br /></div><div>I am not a fan of Roy Thomas' retro-actively moving the Freedom Fighters from Earth-X to Earth 2 so that they could THEN go to Earth-X. Not only does it throw out all of the Freedom Fighters' individual origins and stories (Black Condor can no longer be a Senator, the Ray can no longer be a reporter, Phantom Lady can no longer protect her father; Doll Man has no Martha Roberts and father to spend time with, etcetera) but as we will soon see, it doesn't really ADD anything to their stories. </div><div><br /></div><div>And really, why do this story in the first place? None of the Freedom Fighters except Phantom Lady have appeared in <b><i>All-Star Squadron</i></b> before, so why not just leave them all on Earth-X, where they started? Why did Roy feel it necessary to have them start on Earth 2? (I'm hazarding a guess, but it was probably because he wanted to use two specific characters, Plastic Man and Phantom Lady!) It has already been established that there is a group of Blackhawks AND a Plastic Man on Earth 1, so why not introduce versions on Earth-X (or is it Earth 2)? And if Roy insisted on having Phantom Lady around, why couldn't there be an Earth-2 version, maybe the blue-and-red version instead of the yellow-and-green original? Why go to the trouble of introducing these characters just so that you won't ever use them again? Just leave them alone! Quality Comics characters = Earth X, unless you want to create Earth 2 versions of any of them. I just don't see the point of this story AT ALL. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>So right off the bat I am not in a good place to enjoy this story. Then, it is just not written very well. <i>Writer </i>Roy Thomas writes things with plot contrivances that <i>Editor </i>Roy Thomas shouldn't have allowed to get through. For example: Uncle Sam "has a vision" of Japanese warplanes attacking an Army base, so he brings back several heroes to this other world, and they just HAPPEN to appear in the middle of the Pearl Harbor attack. Awfully convenient, wouldn't you say? Then Doll Man and Midnight just happen to arrive at Hourman's laboratory, just in time to go through the same vortex, but THEY arrive not in the Pacific, but in the middle of a Nazi attack in Occupied Paris. Also pretty damn convenient for the story! Later, Midnight and Doll Man escape from Baron Blitzkrieg using one of Uncle Sam's vortexes, which just happens to open up around them just when they need it. Pretty damn unlikely. Likewise, Doll Man speaks German and French, because someone has to. Invisible Hood is able to understand Japanese plans to "fight to the death," which really adds nothing to the story. He also happens to have the ability to fly a Zero fighter plane, because, otherwise what good can an invisible man have against a squad of murder machines? Later, Midnight knows all about the All-Star Squadron and our entry into World War Two, even though he just returned to our world earlier this evening. Roy explains that he happened to pick up a newspaper that just happens to mention the Squadron AND their headquarters' location. Contrived much? Lastly we have Uncle Sam inextricably being able to move back and forth between parallel worlds, but only so long as it is convenient for the plot. When it's convenient that he loses this power, he does. At the end of the story Roy decides that it's necessary for the Spectre to be involved in the transportation to Earth-X, even though last issue the Spectre didn't even agree that parallel universes were a thing. This is just poorly written stuff, and I am not a fan. </div><div><br /></div><div>Back on Earth 2, the "main" characters don't get treated any better. Last issue there were nearly 50 super-heroes present at the All-Star Squadron meeting, remember? Yet this time, only a third of them appear. Because they are no longer important to the story, the majority of Squadron members from last issue fade into the background. But why didn't any of them join Starman, Liberty Belle, Firebrand, and Johnny Quick in their trip to Santa Barbara? If the Japanese really are attacking, don't you think a little bit more manpower would be helpful? Now, obviously, the Justice Society and the Seven Soldiers of Victory couldn't get shuffled off to Earth-X. But was there really any good reason that throw-away characters like Airwave, the Whip, Mr. America, Sargon, TNT, and Dan the Dyna-Mite couldn't have participated in the adventure more, either to Santa Barbara or to Earth-X? Atleast that would have toyed with the concept a bit more. </div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, including Hourman in the original group was exactly the kind of plot twist that I was just suggesting, and last issue I enjoyed the idea that perhaps the reason Hourman left the JSA was to travel to Earth-X. However, this time out he is "killed" along with the others. This only makes me doubt the whole direction of this story more. (Spoiler alert, Hourman isn't dead.) Does that mean that the others are somehow alive, too? I sure hope so.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Similarly, the illogical inclusion of Baron Blitzkrieg in this story leaves me scratching my head. He is now on Earth-X?!? Why do we even need this sub-plot about Baron Blitzkrieg? He adds nothing to the plot whatsoever. And by the way, Midnight seems to know him from his attack on Winston Churchill back in <b><i>All-Star Squadron #s 7-9</i></b>. Yet that happened in late December 1941. So how did Midnight know about it, if he was already on Earth-X by that point? </div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>My last complaint is the ability of Uncle Sam to know who Hourman is in his secret identity. Is this a matter of Uncle Sam having some type of "sixth sense" where he recognizes a person's "soul" regardless of what s/he is wearing? If so that would be cool, but it was never something seen before and Roy doesn't clearly explain it. More likely, it's another case of <i>Editor </i>Roy needing Uncle Sam to sneak up on Rex Tyler, so he allows <i>Writer </i>Roy to make (another) short-cut in plotting. </div><div><br /></div><div>Check back next issue when the story gets worse! </div></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Best Moment</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="442" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKJ9dy2ojcYk2eKTXHRh0fcQ8Tpu4tXmwmBO-KqwhTArk77x52iZ5qQLADP8v2IlmHuhhVGJUgdrMtCOW1hc5MIqoPcYoj9sTXID9O0D0EbUsBqhsQ0U-smkMAmSK3UkRfAg1kFUVmJKd-Dq88ZzL4mGFYY-udWOPN02vKZaOExnza7p2h-XCoNkLBOWX/w400-h184/ASS%2032%20Best.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hourman gives the Freedom Fighters their name. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Well done, but I wish it had been one of the Quality Comics characters instead. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Worst Moment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="267" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vu1cVznzcakHLJkeU3aj3KWFJZXtXZAUNw-wzth2yI-pIXHCFXeXnoeqx3v8x4WpE4FEEM9_kAw7Z6_bj4vmpY9PdO_TBuIEOkBaj8v6lHeAZFTD9kqE2YqCbY1dBW4BUsjiNVqyJotgRoVtEJ8XFVDwQKnCUzbVZQGDaiMihWdcf_WraQforpqK2jL3/s320/ASS%2032%20worst.jpg" width="255" /></div></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">A rat ON the LEDGE surprises Doll Man, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">and they make enough noise to attract the Baron's attention. Oy, vey</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Freedom of Information</b><br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>For the second issue in a row, Doll Man and the Human Bomb do not appear on the cover. </li><li>The date of the events of this story is given as February 23, 1942. This is the date of an actual attack on Santa Barbara by Imperial Japan, the Bombardment of Ellwood. </li><li>Ish Kabibble was a radio and movie comedian of the early 1940's. </li><li>Historically, 79 Zeroes attacked Pearl Harbor. </li><li>We learn in this story that Doll Man speaks both German and French. </li><li>Baron Blitzkrieg made his debut in <b><i>World's Finest #246. </i></b></li><li><i>Kamikaze </i>fighter pilots did not enter the war until 1944. </li><li>Although Plastic Man, the Jester, Midnight, and one of the Manhunters were all Quality Comics characters, none of them go with Uncle Sam to Earth-X. </li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="427" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9X4m4uUQjK5mLYG9bM1YykdSAbHzzWbTy2ucY9Yw6_3ShtHGpe2TZ6zenpOfKwianeSdw-V7VSODlU-MUMsgkSmvPSuTunuKyL4dJ64i1kAex-IwmIKQnjjN7LBO1OPlZPYP2CSdf_EPTJLB-mkWZE_mA-qz9qmYC0gWZ9xQ74Hi4y0Vl5vPX0B8EUkA/s320/LOC%20shot.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">The Freedom Fighters</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>assembled by Len Wein</i></span></div></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span></div></div></div></div>Russell Burbagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756652514507714383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225466123539557290.post-78130473687068997142024-02-28T06:00:00.030-05:002024-02-28T06:00:00.135-05:00All-Star Squadron #31<p><b style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="657" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0Gv2ezyaoOJAgamspQEhoPfPEemsAY7TESmlj0ZxMleFCbK1meQsXrH6fruw9n3AOGttjSnJOcj7MZxQqsg1gBoB-TZHT65B6-iZvma8HLSz6fpSLk3nJKudhHAI16Wx3FtTAd5Wmz37xKwbMM-jmUtiGI_qlNudjYNi4YBhl1VMUCS6dLaUJaoAy4wl/w263-h400/ASS%2031.jpg" width="263" /></b></p><div><b>All-Star Squadron #31 (March 1984)</b></div><div><i>title: </i>"Uncle Sam Wants You!"</div><div><i>writer/editor: </i>Roy Thomas<br /><i>penciller</i>: Rick Hoberg<br /><i>inker</i>: Mike Machlan<br /><i>letterer: </i>Cody & Costanza</div><div><i>colorist</i>: Gene D'Angelo<br /><i>letter column:</i> Roy Thomas</div><div><i>cover:</i> Jerry Ordway</div><p></p><p></p><div><b>Order of Appearance</b>: The Ray, Black Condor, the Human Bomb, Phantom Lady, Uncle Sam; Doll Man </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Other Stars: </b>This issue features every All-Star Squadron member (see Roll Call panels below), plus special guest Midnight; cameos of the Shining Knight, Amazing Man, Aquaman, and Blackhawk; cameos by Hourman, the Red Torpedo, Magno the Magnetic Man, Miss America, Neon the Unknown, and the Invisible Hood</div><p></p><p><b>Opponents:</b><br />German saboteurs</p><p><b>Overall Summary: <br /></b>The All-Star Squadron holds its first ever full-membership meeting until it is interrupted by Uncle Sam and Midnight, both asking for help from the Squadron. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Plot Summary:</b><br />On their way to the first full-fledged meeting of ALL "mystery men" in the United States, the Ray meets Black Condor. They then run into Hawkman and Hawkgirl. While approaching the All-Star Squadron head-quarters, Black Condor and the Ray tell the Hawks their secret origins. <div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="677" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrrs8zcZ9gHmyAQ9Y6vR797zXHBdxI45I5xUUzHaosDU-70IVmDgYUvOBTxTdqWtlPfSsJB0RBnsYUtEqSNbXNFPAJfUPAxEPYQ2j8RHZK-r08DZIraD3njt_hhDd3hkWsCcGsVBdwsoazBwYp3DlaJqbBpgg58wmQ4WbvH5Kf8J9nORobREn6N5yt86w/w434-h640/ASS%2031%20(1).jpg" width="434" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="683" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZ7nOAFwf1RjTJk7S10g5JZDPqS8AjCiIvo7L4OOZBkC7Xe6_reKlVrVWT8GyN13OtzIQqLYsH9P7fz7XQQnd4dtZMWKOOj0RnjNEqPuf_KwYlUwKQL1k-EY8mFs7r18-2J27ka7HJ5sPVU25JNe64mCj-LCIRw4szDlQcYAnC0h_xPLZiyux5i9iPDtZ/w400-h195/ASS%2031%20RayOrigin.jpg" width="400" /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>As they arrive at the headquarters of the All-Star Squadron, the heroes all intermingle and meet-and-greet. The Seven Soldiers meet various Justice Society members, the kid sidekicks compare their mentors, and Starman (Ted Knight) recognizes his cousin, Sandra Knight, as the Phantom Lady. She recognizes him as well, and gently chides him for not wearing any mask at all. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="697" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRILMclxNruM5Xzo-94NThmEpYAozcct1GHiyGLnKHOIgAMBiy2QLR4QxEzqNLRkqSRKp6uxEIsOQbjr_-OAm4x2V8j28ygspurVodM2kB-os7hfqXm0CCI4WPHwYH-mXZU67IcN3f-xoFfOQzEwLmjq-6YbO2ehJGrb6PcaoUGLJi_ofumYGgCXrehsz/w400-h383/ASS%2031%20(1a).jpg" width="400" /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="692" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPN1dedX8zZtrMnWE5zX7Vyh1AYBKLVb5uaivrFVBrZHhcmnsMnvsV2_BUd_kCcdUHGu0xV2GKajA3WWt3BbVJmYtwYUTUvKhRCsghLWdi2sPA081VCGu5Qon5CzXh_ZJDWjyTzpr-m58SguWjh2L8W0MToApu9W4ZRYSe2qPxBTHXOIqa_1i4jESIdwr/w400-h381/ASS%2031%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Liberty Belle, in a new uniform that looks suspiciously like her previous one, opens the meeting as the chairperson and calls the roll. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1185" height="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPA7-7KgQqZArXJW_ocuX4Xud4TqmDOh-dnafyrZYoloCK0WI8OnmzYz-09ad45PxGW8SGo1XeFRCFIXdKy6FdzFAdZawVHYHtyLa7L9tlArpzC6i2POYglya82kfSprlZWuFZKUd-G-ZNXZQPT-h-kxG3Utt1rUHcCj1l0lhywjdrxbKDiPZKdtKJQ0UL/w640-h461/A.S.S.31_Page_1small.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1194" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxT-QRGKzmI7-BaAJ7J3uqdzHT98f6CL0Gk-84sANHFHJ1M-aQqTwdCwTMCDS9AaDRUtJYd9AoN_OddSbJBXXnPTGi3v-ejOr4Y44IxMW2jtzkwuUDwMhUYYBfPVXtGqLDEwP9q03oTNxl8cEnxJSwV2cAV76koPgh8H7egx2Y9HKx4Rkywr96fTjtmBVx/w640-h458/A.S.S.31_Page_2small.jpg" width="640" /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>President Franklin Roosevelt addresses the members via closed-circuit television, telling them that their job is to protect the home front (aka the continental United States) from any possible Axis attack. After the President signs off, Black Condor and the Ray both disagree with that idea. They want to lead attacks on Tokyo or Berlin. Before the discussion can get any further, though, Uncle Sam storms in begging for help. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="696" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirs4u-BSu7OCOz7cDpJyrO9xe5DtfmyX9D8CsDDtLpcIjSfM6qGEVijI_sWkbxiLH7El0mlC-c3FqGhVSGxUaclSt7J8E_QVCUATmKukcOlgav45L8cTb5nTq0SiAKPRw7g0h7IiwL29kjcboBMrJeliBnRuVDZNqFtFHgtkLVKabL-T9fUB0H-DSnTBte/w446-h640/ASS%2031%20(4).jpg" width="446" /></div><div><br /></div>Uncle Sam tells them that a few months ago he was pulled into a vortex that took him to another dimensional world. There, he learned that the Axis on that world were invading countries, too, but that there were no super-heroes on that world to oppose them! So he returned to his native Earth and brought back six super-heroes to help him fight Nazis and Japanese on that other world, including Hourman. Unfortunately, although he somehow survived, he believes that all the others were killed. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="687" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9MwHSRw9-hHlsbT4rcr-a5X-LjCKO_0G5KbvfYarUssGFksHhaNl9DQEwD0_PoTO4e7zQqxmfEbLUrD_OR8RvenI9SRl87w-SsBbMY4flLFuAzDrjI5zK_Ziez1hq3yKrn-VEZXoHqx8_Ngt465frdhIhm7s8OPJEhaQRefDgYdsenwrxv9hZoBck3Vo/w440-h640/ASS%2031%20(6).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="440" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Take a note of Neon in panel three above....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>Uncle Sam eventually managed to return to his native world, on this actual night. Knowing that the All-Star Squadron was holding this meeting, he rushed to ask them for help. He wants more volunteers to go back with him. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="674" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArhqU8S2yTRJ38IapBUjqrMblLmLTwNFIvzkYPN5c5JhuGV5jIvv6QFVBXmgThgVifem4Nz1Y0jQNb-UEBOtKpZtfjM7w9HSe9wVmodyyPWtK2hSgg7Lk5y2AdEmk_1XbKdWDA9jUTBA1Aoa6f2d-wdX2eywmDuiSmZe4huyD2BUYNZInEgsWl7RTOoPH/w432-h640/ASS%2031%20(7).jpg" width="432" /></div><br /></div><div>The Spectre and Sargon the Sorcerer admit to having no knowledge of the multiverse. The membership argues over the idea of helping Uncle Sam until Midnight bursts in, carrying an unconscious Doll Man. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="688" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NEaY8V3oymUIjrmmiHDX_UkSc-Kb5CXJIfQP65vg6arypXbRTyscl3ync1IIe43DyYLlcuZlWOHIY4tZfu1qFG51TpcgOJDO4MqwIMx9MnmhPDkQpDxFv6UcQ_j6fSIe8tc75Eg1DAvqteQ9CRNB7ESGgWggn8r2HI_zvwUmh7pwDjDSD1soGZn8ygSR/w440-h640/ASS%2031%20(8).jpg" width="440" /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;">Review: </b></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div>This issue has a lot going for it, I have to admit. However, it's based on a faulty premise and is told so very badly that I just can't recommend it. And of course, Roy Thomas fundamentally changes the Freedom Fighters that we all know and love, which I just can't forgive him for. </div><div><br /></div><div>Starting with the good stuff, though, the art by Rick Hoberg and Mike Machlan is fantastic. This is the debut issue of Rick Hoberg as "permanent artist," and what a debut it is! He had earlier inked penciller Adrian Gonzales' work on this book, so he knew what he was getting into and clearly relishes doing it! His style is clear and crisp, and although some pages or panels may seem dull, I'm sure it was incredibly difficult to juggle 50+ characters in just this one story! I only have two minor complaints about their art: 1. Mr. Terrific in the roll call is facing away from the camera. I understand the idea is to try to make the static "group photo" a little more than just "talking heads," but in this case we literally get the back of his head! That's a shame. And 2. There is a definite lack of backgrounds in several panels. For example, just look at the reprinted page directly above the beginning of this review. As I said earlier, I'm sure it was difficult to draw 50+ characters, but a bit more backgrounds would have been better. </div><div><br /></div><div>I also really like the fact that the Spectre and Sargon the Sorcerer are the two characters who talk about the multiverse. Long-time DC fans know that both of these heroes travel to Earth-One later in their careers, so I thought it was a nice touch to have them speak up here. </div><div><br /></div><div>My major complaints are against Roy Thomas. As he explains in this issue's letter column, he basically wanted his cake and he wanted to eat it, too. Specifically, he wanted to be able to play with the Quality characters that DC owned (the Freedom Fighters, Plastic Man, the Blackhawks) but he also wanted to keep in continuity the story of the Freedom Fighters as being from a world where the Nazis won World War II. Yet in a multiverse with two Flashes, two Green Lanterns, two Supermen, and two Batmen, he didn't want to have two sets of Freedom Fighters. </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't know why he didn't just ignore <b><i>JLA #s 107-108,</i></b> the storyline that introduced the Freedom Fighters and said that they were from a world where the Allies had lost. That story was from 1973, so why wouldn't this set of Freedom Fighters be the second generation of heroes fighting that war? In other words, in the same way that Earth-1 characters like Barry Allen and Hal Jordan were aware of their JSA versions from comics, why couldn't the Earth-X Freedom Fighters have taken their identities from All-Star Squadron era versions of these super-heroes? They never would have met each other, so what difference would it have made? </div><div><br /></div><div>But no, Roy Thomas felt obligated to "explain" a problem that didn't need fixing. In this issue he clearly establishes that the soon-to-be created "Freedom Fighters" are all originally from the Justice Society world, retconning out the main plot point from <b><i>JLA #s107-108</i></b> in a totally needless way. You can't see me, but I am vehemently shaking my head even as I write this. </div><div><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: left;">Besides the fundamental disagreement with the course this story is taking, I have other complaints about this story which have nothing to do with the Freedom Fighters. My biggest gripe is with the story structure itself: Uncle Sam somehow opens up a vortex to another dimension (an ability he never had before and never has again) and then decides to take a group of heroes to "Earth-X." Instead of maintaining the uniqueness of the Freedom Fighters, Roy shoe-horns in five MORE (Quality Comics) characters. WHY!?! The first time I read this story I thought, "Okay, Roy is actually trying to move ALL of the Quality characters to Earth-X. That atleast makes sense...." But as we will see, that is NOT what he was doing. Also, Plastic Man is vehemently AGAINST going to Earth-X, even though he is the most well-known Quality Comics character DC has. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Speaking of going to Earth-X, I hate hate hate when writers try to create drama by threatening established characters you KNOW are not going to be killed. Case in point this issue: Hourman. Roy via Uncle Sam tells us that Hourman is dead. Well..... let me tell you (spoiler alert?), Hourman has appeared more than a dozen times since 1942, so I am guessing that if he IS dead, that he gets better. In fact, knowing that Hourman couldn't possibly be dead, I had hopes for the other initial Quality Comics characters missing in action. Here's hoping that they can return from the dead, too. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lastly, am I the only one who really didn't care for the inclusion of Midnight into this story? We do not know who he is or what he is up to, and never learn it. There is no "introduction" to him like there is for basically every other character in the story! So his attempts to escape from Nazis just distracted me. I suppose Roy will try to knit Midnight's and Doll Man's story in with Uncle Sam's story. We'll see how that goes. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Believe it or not, this story gets worse. We'll be back next week. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;">Black Condor</span> Moment </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="223" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zsMtyJ6mjfCslr4OWXNfP_-T9k-_lT1_vA9XfwjGzyynAAPUHVMHth0re-xoAdhXWZBStjJwuJZcJR46rZOEXFy_SsGB0mky2Xm1LFqMBQjqDzMa6uvUzhmo1vRH3RKyzg0zfM6qClfaMq7YvP_xeVs6wjIUBLa0cIo0ZxoHiyOWZo6DgwtjXh6zUlyV/w400-h341/ASS%2031%20BC.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFQbJlBp6eye-t40u34lXFA8MUeD1NgtHGV0bwe6W9nSPE3AAKd93wVtnEJYvfDl6P3sUqEoBTT9QoviOg3wCrL5tsZo6R9XDzUaGqn227ClcWQFrd1w-vkxrnYStX5-8wFq8STlu0HoAehDJa0Ki4dTIxc3PYvR7GSwn169llMbr3XAoUx1PE_-r2SAA/w365-h400/ASS%2031%20BC2.jpg" width="365" /></div></div>Black Condor speaks up in support of DOING something</div><div style="text-align: center;">(perhaps he's a Republican Senator not keen on FDR?) </div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Doll</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Man</span></span> Moment</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="389" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPuzQZwZWqnWdEZ3oqMbV5JMnWHgfHhS5A3sV_7D15MNyH8i-UCPtw5z4AbHcLpcXUH1BxmuoiTXO2ZHRSURX4LRaai5SZpqmm3f6v9ZJCsE7RGcRnOzB4aFIPJ-EcJkkL5OLHbU59kpWqs2pwufkaQ_okmGwSlLPdO63Hr5lssT7z4uzVz08NmJ7Bdkh/s320/ASS%2031%20DM.jpg" width="275" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Doll Man appears on the very last page of the story, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">unconscious and possibly dying! </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #674ea7; font-size: medium;">Human Bomb</span><span style="color: #e69138;"> </span>Moment</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="242" data-original-width="219" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYHoZzMK_Q4ocC-Fdytwaj3OMtWCtvDT_YnF5cIv320CqPLNTb4sazGTfabieGLbtsLdM1UPseaR7ue2_3E-7cm5UEjnerEj06fbZoSotXmEDwaXzleQClOXapxLKQDC5yXu4rz_H3khJyilWQvxs2MnrhHVV_gCV2ykc_yBN8kTtdhtnf7JoYUL-zNUF/w362-h400/ASS%2031%20HB%20best.jpg" width="362" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Human Bomb has one line of dialogue in this story</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(plus a "Hear, hear!" agreeing with Black Condor) </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Phantom Lady</span> Moment </b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="677" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSinqAWdBJgnxYNAsAh9TLjXF9A12Pkg-dNfVuWFjAROx6X9g31_VCVUTyn4UsTqFGG3lPsJ98Cc6EUmiESN9FgMJJxph3fyUWrU5jVQkFCImlBYgYe2cbkire3iIaqc3jY-MTV9fe-oTYwT1dVidUSMkcCfG8W3AHdF7qAgYbGPvukwDj_jpqLaPItZa/w400-h198/ASS%2031%20PL.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Phantom Lady has several great moments in this story, </div><div style="text-align: center;">but her come-back to Starman is my favorite. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #ffa400; font-size: medium;">The Ray</span> Moment</b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="169" data-original-width="225" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZuYTy1Va4_Trmct98C1ysNiXHiGbXiMOEsnR1Z8XTY4Znrdzx8shpTGQ2-yPfsy-OiAdOZhslloiCqIOpkLkgPLgm7QaXKwKmqiT1t2t0JKXnUzFZnmUbR1Z2eD3k-5Yc049zFHtroy8IxtYwXMUEugDXVC-y9-ar0BK5Y2ZMQiPpjrD280FkpjVetPj/w400-h300/ASS%2031%20Ray.jpg" width="400" /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Ray speaks up in support of helping Uncle Sam </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Uncle</span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">Sam</span> Moment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="678" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweQbKf48beftIoCIYDxSiptzfhDHLbI0nUlNpZVdZM-l7auujuGFcrK8xHK4Thw0UXG9BB3vn8qesh00bbUuoebr7XefKxRu5GqIgY3u3HLrwtEj73QRYIhoeFsXeKXPwtw2fn4G1xf6O3DSdo7gTl9luLKucCvJa8gJNT1y6J0DShkIQXib3ss6TpwI3/w640-h416/ASS%2031%20US.jpg" width="640" /></div></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Uncle Sam gives us a quick "origin" story </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Best Moment</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="322" data-original-width="674" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisN5AsVDNFIMYfx60yBOs1MUiW4giTyXuGqX77Qt0h2rSOjlXtsHXYlLytS6VmumkZqwHbAxYX44vrlNuJkyH2VBOEKn3w6ZyXCpakM7hSR6_tUWWVuJ_B5__Jfc5E3XL-48wWbCIK-wAniBr61CSMpdHz56zOgltnIAJi7dthkh39IlvSoWXqjgqj1hSC/w640-h306/ASS%2031%20Ray%20HB%20BC%20PL.jpg" width="640" /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Human Bomb, Black Condor, the Ray, and Phantom Lady voice their support</div><div style="text-align: center;">of doing something to help Uncle Sam, while more </div><div style="text-align: center;">established heroes like the Atom and Johnny Thunder </div><div style="text-align: center;">flatly refuse to even consider helping. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Worst Moment</b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="147" data-original-width="439" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEJ2ucplF-pfrHQ2CCPo8X67xZz1mLogjPJLMJG3UKfwkqiUfxcYUifDdzzYA4pw6iPX0EYKxWl6ONCx1FIRdaNDrTHWX2I6gw07WMETDkdsTOIt3dewGbOJdAGkrwV0J-3oTgr19Qi9oClkJpE47ivM-ZbCwUPdwYp_RhBvOsE1E5nK8rHGaF4SA3JMV/w400-h134/ASS%2031_HB2.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="439" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7G8_nAebkORL-v7vFAfzxrppnggh_70Ao3g1MG-iXT2pr-s1N84gahdf_mCu2RUTRRU6r1z1BLl71pO10JvS7voZo12_uWZ0gUGGGKVkpFlbjVrl0TP32BjVUtIWRumDb7RmuBA4NJqTDdtOKuQFyvPc_c4HgNzvxAwuJqmFnuQZQubZdqTX9UkDrbbDE/w400-h324/ASS%2031_HB.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Is this a snide criticism of the Human Bomb's safety suit? </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">With literally dozens of mystery men to choose from, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Roy Thomas picked on Roy Lincoln to make fun of?! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Freedom Fanmail<br /></i></b>T<span style="text-align: justify;">his is the issue where Roy Thomas prints his explanation/apology for deciding that there really is no "Earth-X" Freedom Fighters. The yellow box that will live in infamy......! </span></div><div><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="801" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzL73JBpNjA0l-__OeHyz7E1P2CJaTO6HUxj2yT4NHFI3KxxYHLUKuu7W40s60bDNP4uqJ5GyOKSulXTHJ8hpl5MdsWGdKbzUNM5BzapgZ2hzAhl4ga4DvZ842tj66UvBnsEACb6_-GhXiHZvzHcVIU0RJNb49abcxcVcYvUaX2bAFcZMv18suFgfLBR8B/w640-h406/ASS%2031%20LOC.jpg" width="640" /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Freedom of Information</b><br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Uncle Sam references artists Tom Nast and Monty Flagg, two Civil War and World War I era artists famous for their versions of him. Thomas Nast (1840-1902) was an editorial cartoonist who is also given credit for creating the Republican elephant and the Democratic donkey symbols. James Montgomery Flagg (1877-1960) created the "I Want You! For US Army" Uncle Sam poster that this issue's cover is an homage to. </li><li>Midnight is running from the Manhattan Transfer company on the splash page, possibly named after the pop group from the Seventies. </li><li>The Atom is distracted by Phantom Lady's cleavage (see roll call page, reprinted above). whereas Johnny Thunder is clueless to his surroundings. </li><li>If Uncle Sam just got back to his home world today, how did he know about the All-Star Squadron meeting he crashes? </li><li>The Human Bomb and Doll Man do not appear on the cover. </li><li>The picture of Neon on page 20 is a direct swipe of an Aquaman pose drawn by the great Jose-Luis Garcia-Lopez (below)</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="208" data-original-width="370" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJbmFR_i0lb_ejpsLUWdesRTm-ZkNBFzsI4Wj70z2jKsA4H3ATtz2-sSBfD3gFNw5_K1M14pJewU6SvLOf5zcvtXSC1bCs9DOTQrJNb-yPI0g-RR2qFMNmxKJbnHDAWR_f3u0rkZW10QLCxMIRdFZymUWqKyBvFaa71k0znkt8akKpkoWxQT5LLHkQUox/s320/basic%20pose.jpg" width="320" /><br /></div></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="442" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UpfJAkjhf8GJSXUgqbHxBAQ2jPZSDx3a9pzaeUjoH-veHjXN0tSqHpwfBVWzxlJuzlorjh-hmYD-LXng4oPEfUcVnrRm1ejVJ-BK2PdnLoWvKOi2Lo-kHTqEpq0qrJ9atR4Iq9TVObAs38N6iet14vAU-ySlGR3LvStDomShgPL-aiifslEUx7dyDkxp/w400-h284/roll%20call%20FF11b.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">The Freedom Fighters</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>assembled by Len Wein</i></span></div></div></div>Russell Burbagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756652514507714383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225466123539557290.post-34017038309586082352024-02-21T06:00:00.069-05:002024-02-21T06:00:00.150-05:00All-Star Squadron #27<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="657" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBq-0uT0sIxbmS0cT51owPKpUhsKuRKwruYbwlq32KmghjHJIKzKIwIInjyd4dv4gV9B_u8uvt0Poh9VzYTamTfUlfwb-NPXjwNPPTzyy5T8VsG5E7cA9dkNGDj3ZU6aakqhc8IG0DjL9CtmEaFY8iwoHObSSBlSk6ntPq1DszDBCQn3C80XasAcT6VC-o/w263-h400/ASS%2027.jpg" width="263" /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b>All-Star Squadron #27 (Nov 1983)<br /></b><i>title: </i>"A Spectre Is Haunting the Multiverse!"<br /><i>writer/editor: </i>Roy Thomas<br /><i>penciller/artist</i>: Richard Howell<br /><i>inker</i>: Larry Houston (pages 1-9)<br /><i>letterer: </i>Cody<br /><i>colorist</i>: Adrienne Roy<br /><i>letter column:</i> Roy Thomas<br /><i>cover:</i> Jerry Ordway</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div><b>Order of Appearance</b>: Phantom Lady is the only Freedom Fighter to appear in this story. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Other Stars: </b>Firebrand, the Atom, the Guardian, Commander Steel, Johnny Quick, Liberty Belle, Batman, Robin, Tarantula, Amazing Man, Green Lantern, Superman, the Flash; Dr. Mid-Nite, Hawkman, Starman, the Sandman, Wonder Woman, Johnny Thunder; Dr. Fate, the Spectre </div><p></p><p><b>Opponents:</b><br />Kulak, High Priest of Brztal </p><p><b>Overall Summary: <br /></b>Phantom Lady and the other heroes split up to return to their civilian responsibilities after the defeat of the Ultra-Humanite and her operatives. Elsewhere, the Justice Society investigate Dr. Fate's search for the Spectre somewhere in the multiverse. </p><p><span></span></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Plot Summary:</b><br />The All-Star Squadron has completed their recent battle against the Ultra-Humanite. Green Lantern graciously offers to take all of the heroes back to where they need to go. For Phantom Lady, this is back to California, where she left her father Senator Henry Knight during the battles with Infinity, Inc and Vulcan and the Mist. <div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="1000" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggYBc9vNIPLS_FNB13NkstMIH45qYFmwAgo2jSCyCR2uSCr8R1YQpOaW1jDSAuEtjf4MpNj5sOSA03MrSu7GVAztSCA5QXkBUgBN4m8Wtp-svQkAhuTHpbtpmO-DORY3nVMpkcY29yPWMiDEFm9S9gJP70c-PSFYAfBgFvGD9XrjIqmmMl2LmRs_fAae0Z/w640-h460/ASS%2027%20pp2_3.jpg" width="640" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;">Review: </b></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div>I almost did not include this story in the Freedom Fighters' roll call of appearances. However, Phantom Lady is clearly shown here, so even though she has no line of dialogue, this does establish that she is a member in good-standing of the All-Star Squadron. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Freedom Fanmail</i></b><br /><span><span style="text-align: justify;">There is no mention of any Freedom Fighters in the letter column this issue; all the letters are in relation to the debut of Amazing Man, from <b><i>All-Star Squadron #22</i></b>. </span></span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="163" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPFkaEBOQf1fv8BPrGPPmRV5bPNU7AQwuZ3iEDdW-tFfdMnna7BCYgECXP1Q03upyGc-btZ4-G9gm4uEF_eLw5XDtJZoGKD-I_dhkC5nI75-EmIhry__XXZ57oiKGhyphenhypheniFiz1keyHDVy4TCtvmss4f5N6e75hineEOaf6xl-_evLAYhoAi9BcGPU6sSruR/w120-h400/roll%20call%20FF14%20-%20bottom.jpg" width="120" /><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="163" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRMeivK5jXY4jzc_SLnAKojU6jPdK2x493lYfIdSmEd_V8KiNfYSYFMZ9z6K8RDQ1GNGPZBHHnG3hrl_MddIJ8dDHcpO3gMpYda0v5065EcRgxUlbxcHx1gT3SvCvFQJEhRhYROYAjOrMdORzW4TXYLbjn8Icg94n0H8pJK6bzbkMoh7g6kfTtB75v_9d/w90-h400/roll%20call%20FF14%20-%20top.jpg" width="90" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">The Freedom Fighters</b></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>assembled by Len Wein</i></span></div></div></div></div></div>Russell Burbagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756652514507714383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225466123539557290.post-202388398413059612024-02-14T06:00:00.190-05:002024-02-14T06:00:00.139-05:00All-Star Squadron Annual #2 (1983)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="638" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvstMuIg7iFxrZhsKaIfScMlbSiD7bbTvVQttuEVbQRwUKMMNSMs8ubbN_N449dIBfRvKUujAol0xRzZvXLXAplyemiVoVA9IbxjW7XGJR26ec06dY2qKrrzEmDi9gJE9qat59DiwSqirIcGMV_nBJMOShIqbVekqQwgZGfFY3O1y72tOa6JHccW1Vy-Nx/w255-h400/ASS%20Annual%202.jpg" width="255" /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b>All-Star Squadron Annual #2 (1983)<br /></b><i>title: </i>"The Ultra War!"<br /><i>writer/editor: </i>Roy Thomas<br /><i>artist</i>: Jerry Ordway<br /><i>letterer: </i>Cody<br /><i>colorist</i>: Gene D'Angelo<br /><i>letter column:</i> Roy Thomas<br /><i>cover:</i> Jerry Ordway</p><p></p><div></div><p></p><p></p><div><b>Order of Appearance</b>: Phantom Lady is the only Freedom Fighter to appear in this story. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Other Stars: </b>Superman, Robotman, Firebrand, the Flash, Robin, Wildcat, the Guardian, Johnny Quick; Green Lantern, Tarantula, Liberty Belle, the Atom, Batman, and Commander Steel; Infinity Inc members Brain Wave, Jr, Silver Scarab, Jade, Obsidian, Northwind, Nuklon, and Fury; cameos by Hawkman, Starman, Johnny Thunder, the Sandman, Dr. Mid-Nite, Wonder Woman, Dr. Fate, and the Spectre </div><p></p><p><b>Opponents:</b><br />the Ultra-Humanite and her operatives Amazing Man, Deathbolt, Cyclotron; time-displaced Secret Society of Super-Villains Rag Doll, the Mist, the Monocle, Psycho Pirate, Brain Wave, and Vulcan </p><p><b>Overall Summary: <br /></b>The All-Star Squadron heads to Mount St. Helens to battle the Ultra-Humanite and her cronies. They go down in defeat! The bad guys then head to Washington, DC to destroy the US government while Ultra prepares to put her(?) brain into Robotman's body! </p><span></span><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Plot Summary:</b><br />Phantom Lady and six other super-heroes head to Mount St. Helens, where they believe they will find the Ultra-Humanite and her gang, as well as their missing friends. <div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="668" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiI0LjQcdaP85alwVZDTTSOXQJrDPvsMKxyuj1MYVLU-vsJAwUm0hYKrKh8OZVqaa83nPvUZaUTPdI1XrR_Au1yod2snXwCXYvL_JKrClzdwClYlpO0kr88lXz4KwUCpBXeP2op9wV5pt7SGsE8pJks55nD9hyphenhyphenJIRa1NnDBuUovcX11fZ2i9IwH91kwzf5/w428-h640/ASSA%202_1.jpg" width="428" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>They attack, but the combined might of the Secret Society proves too much for them. Brain Wave then sends them into Limbo. The super-villains all depart to New York or to Washington, DC. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="670" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zoKp4a3U2gT2SpF-NUJ1AZ49hrqFcmp3mSOSe_C04uF9Ax883-6MCFlyMGCt0SgNXsot0pMu4YzglO4P7K_H4FPXK0Z1sCd4PxRTJ3acm0YCwcOBYDCcZhlInK5FqaZrpaC48xoXdtRLXaxUfU_iHV85XC0_tc8QNrRheTbudDQbwkOmO4ThFbptw0li/w428-h640/ASSA%202_2.jpg" width="428" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Moments later, Green Lantern and the other missing All-Stars then reappear, all together at Mount St. Helens even though they disappeared individually, all over the US. </div><div><br /></div><div>Commander Steel finds a note from Amazing Man alerting the All-Stars to the super-villains' plans. As the heroes prepare to jet off to Washington, Infinity, Inc also arrive, and the two teams quickly head off together. </div><div><br /></div><div>They manage to defeat the Secret Society of Super-Villains from the future, and save Congress, the Supreme Court, and President Franklin Roosevelt. Then the Atom, Fury, and North Wind arrive at the hospital where the Ultra-Humanite is intending to have her brain operation. They manage to stop her, and in the heat of the battle Cyclotron turns against her and both are destroyed. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Infinity, Inc members return to their present-day using Green Lantern's and Jade's powers, and that also somehow allows Phantom Lady and her group to return from Limbo. Johnny Quick avers that he and the Flash saw the Secret Society return to Limbo as the All-Stars were leaving. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzVLMrbZ_AC8pb6BMewKK_nuDYy1W1HrT9tP7nffjFaOPq7XbAS9OqcooKe7Q9cvuJIQfSgUEVoarkoK6iB4GnfLVEhjlgdRFydyCcDnFXrBL26exxtpjF7yKk8Gf5x4gYGBAz0AuFp-UjH0ep8X4Aa-2laNeUjZ4vdzZ9El7Ka6JTuA-RCtMnMTvmBCH/w426-h640/ASSA%202_4.jpg" width="426" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Firebrand explains that Cyclotron went along with the Ultra-Humanite because his daughter was infected with radiation poisoning from him, and he hoped that the evil scientific genius could help him save her. Now Firebrand swears to adopt the child and cure her of her radiation sickness. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="716" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3cLdbtZ7EsBkIGuxkygl6CjdgThytMYaIQ6fLxN0XL7PAaO7iTy0e-Pgp9D0-kK9uLcdoEdzJi5Odem3a_PQxYlBL1V_a62IhG1iKJLP3Gq_CLqt2oE-X3J46rJPio5l95L1FSYeHSqWKVal-nq5e4_KqefUX7DqqHMsPRa_pPhAtl64rxcZBWe4qT0D/w458-h640/ASSA%202_5.jpg" width="458" /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;">Review: </b></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div>Re-reading this story 40 (?!) plus years after it was originally published, I can clearly and unequivocally point to this issue as the moment where I began my slow conversion against this series. </div><div><br /></div><div>In my opinion, this is the story where Roy Thomas peaked in his over-used tropes and story-telling short-cuts. What I mean is: the melodrama regarding the Infinity, Inc characters was just so much silliness; the rough, badly handled inclusion of the Secret Society (and Vulcan) into the plot was stupid; the ending, where the Ultra-Humanite appears to be killed, even though half the cast here KNOWS that he is alive in 1983, is regrettable; and the shoe-horning in of a bad-guy wearing the Atom's second Golden Age uniform (Cyclotron) who gives the Atom radiation poisoning, who also has a daughter who is going to grow up and have, let me guess, a kid who wears a copy of the Atom's second Golden Age uniform (Nuklon) just seems WAY too convenient and/or contrived. And I won't even mention the fact that Dick Grayson is randomly connected to Dr. Chuck Grayson (Robotman's friend) in a continuity link that just didn't need to happen. Not all Graysons are related. </div><div><br /></div><div>As for what works....Jerry Ordway's art, as evidenced by these reprinted pages, is gorgeous as always. However, this is his last issue of All-Star Squadron. With Jerry Ordway leaving, the regular artist was often not up to the task of conveying the 1942 atmosphere (atleast, it felt that way to me). </div><div><br /></div><div>I've read the story once and scanned it half a dozen times, but I can't find the reason why or how the heroes knew how to go to the right hospital in Brooklyn to stop the operation. I'm sure there was a throw-away line that explains it, but I couldn't find it. For sure there is no reason for the entire ensemble to assemble at the hospital (page 34) and yet, there they all are. Another example of why Roy shouldn't have been his own editor? You be the judge. </div></span></div><div><div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Phantom Lady</span> Worst Moment </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="289" data-original-width="149" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3Pir9bKBLs8LH142JHYg-yPEBfLC1d_wcWd0Khyvd4Lv1Em-cpvQRJHjL5dOVZdaJajGWO0q5q9oElUZEMapy2sGh7eKUHnj6DOYnEPVy9sPj-Xb27jTsHxRBfxqbzAcCnGDx181OCdJ75M_iKsOXYuNbTm_FUdTcztAZAGY-K6252oEtq_pnqJrzbvU/w206-h400/ASSA%202_3%20worst.jpg" width="206" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Phantom Lady is knocked out by the Mist </div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Freedom Fanmail</i></b><br /><span><span style="text-align: justify;">There is no mention of any Freedom Fighters in the letter column this issue because there is no letter column in this issue! </span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Freedom of Information</b><br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Although not explained here, Roy Thomas will use the radiation poisoning that the Atom suffers from Cyclotron here as the reason the Atom eventually acquires an "atomic punch." </li><li>Although not explained in detail here, the baby Terri Curtis will eventually grow up to be the mother of Nuklon. </li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="163" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPFkaEBOQf1fv8BPrGPPmRV5bPNU7AQwuZ3iEDdW-tFfdMnna7BCYgECXP1Q03upyGc-btZ4-G9gm4uEF_eLw5XDtJZoGKD-I_dhkC5nI75-EmIhry__XXZ57oiKGhyphenhypheniFiz1keyHDVy4TCtvmss4f5N6e75hineEOaf6xl-_evLAYhoAi9BcGPU6sSruR/w120-h400/roll%20call%20FF14%20-%20bottom.jpg" width="120" /><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="163" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRMeivK5jXY4jzc_SLnAKojU6jPdK2x493lYfIdSmEd_V8KiNfYSYFMZ9z6K8RDQ1GNGPZBHHnG3hrl_MddIJ8dDHcpO3gMpYda0v5065EcRgxUlbxcHx1gT3SvCvFQJEhRhYROYAjOrMdORzW4TXYLbjn8Icg94n0H8pJK6bzbkMoh7g6kfTtB75v_9d/w90-h400/roll%20call%20FF14%20-%20top.jpg" width="90" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">The Freedom Fighters</b></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>assembled by Len Wein</i></span></div></div></div></div></div>Russell Burbagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756652514507714383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225466123539557290.post-70241361050746728082024-02-07T06:00:00.225-05:002024-02-07T06:00:00.161-05:00All-Star Squadron #26<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="655" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZa1TB__oCCSHq6DYOcxveit7zoWTXGb7I07Bky3KRX3lfWyD9teeGKLS-cQCdmUOzCw18K1VkbLZiGTxUC5vdxykYZE9M_2DMtuizTmkGNjyipBAnfJR04WEOU4STNsiVkYWUq7QeICn-puzMLaZyVj8pPPD6xHtu9peDtHtkqr1c-Gx8EemiQpyFPav/w263-h400/AllStarSquadron%2026.jpg" width="263" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>All-Star Squadron #26 (Oct 1983)<br /></b><i>title: </i>"Talons Across Time!"<br /><i>writer/editor: </i>Roy Thomas<br /><i>penciller</i>: Jerry Ordway<br /><i>inker</i>: Mike Machlan<br /><i>letterer: </i>Cody<br /><i>colorist</i>: Gene D'Angelo<br /><i>letter column:</i> Roy Thomas<br /><i>cover:</i> Mike Machlan & Jerry Ordway</div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div><b>Order of Appearance</b>: Phantom Lady is the only Freedom Fighter to appear in this story. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Other Stars: </b>Robin, Johnny Quick, the Guardian, Wildcat, the Flash; members of Infinity, Inc Brain Wave, Jr, Jade, Obsidian, Fury, Northwind, Nuklon, and Silver Scarab; cameos by Batman, Tarantula, Liberty Belle, Commander Steel, the Atom, and Green Lantern </div><p></p><p><b>Opponents:</b><br />The Ultra-Humanite and her operatives Amazing Man, Deathbolt, Cyclotron; time-displaced villains Vulcan, the Mist, Psycho-Pirate, Brainwave, the Monocle, and Rag Doll </p><p><b>Overall Summary: <br /></b>The All-Star Squadron members already on-site disappear into Limbo, replaced by the time-displaced Secret Society of Super-Villains from the future! A new group of All-Stars must come together, then learn about Infinity, Inc from the mysterious Brain Wave, Jr, before heading off to confront the Ultra-Humanite! </p><span></span><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Plot Summary:</b><br /><div>At the warplane plant in Los Angeles, Batman and Tarantula disappear. Phantom Lady and Robin are shocked to see them replaced by future villains The Mist and Vulcan, Son of Fire. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="677" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWr7kkwbsTrGVJJHdtSjJyDeTV-1xz3suaPXyxEfYmY9OFQJFxAn3clhZExalmkEzJ4qGw-HEbTJQcdq72m30VrsWPDX966tHWrMmu1U0NEX9B-UCg79_D9sEBzIIuvmhKxL3cAryGAmrLSRm3Cy1-kfzZfdu6JJYYhdylOXPq3yO0NDzh5EaVdSCMPC4/w434-h640/ASS%2026_2.jpg" width="434" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>As Vulcan begins destroying airplanes, the Mist knocks out Robin. Phantom Lady then leads the Mist into a wind tunnel, which threatens to pull him apart. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="671" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSfrv8ix3T9A3gZIiDGz8ZNAxrblK2IO-Jl4_N9aEwYUASVnZvp1xG0YG_4ltcbzOS9ByKGv3wrs_q3SBIo1HmR6t6IVDArs4IxzGD5FQ_XOBrp95NtKGC5e0FMUnNdT9J1KnroYgZf4BAmJ033EicI_RGa0y_CkC3CfLMrSlfq1mHFrF2jhX01GYICpO/w430-h640/ASS%2026_3.jpg" width="430" /></div><br /></div><div>He reverts to normal, allowing her to hit him. Vulcan, meanwhile, slams his battle-axe into the wind tunnel, destroying it. Believing that Phantom Lady has been crushed under the collapsing debris, the two villains depart. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="675" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyHlP9LMAxKcjWa-i-Jp1nQnZQbuGge41cjvLzWSwcULIO7ePz1IEwtmm8MS5VRE82v4fUzDeaVxGXXgJ1MqJEASLdc0ee9NEuEeIZqBWJFjFf5OUMosrz5ZPgUQoXxyK-LQXJBYR8YiOSoNMOWBBC0XdgeKeBP8v6oMa1XPJRSRmQnU4GLqb5Er9Mlyy/w432-h640/ASS%2026_4.jpg" width="432" /></div><br /></div><div>At the Brooklyn Navy Yards, Liberty Belle and Commander Steel disappear and are replaced by future villains Psycho Pirate and Brain Wave. Brain Wave knocks out the Guardian, and they quickly depart. </div><div><br /></div><div>In Detroit, Green Lantern and the Atom disappear and are replaced by future villains the Monocle and Rag Doll. They meet Amazing Man, who they bring with when they depart to answer the Ultra-Humanite's summons. </div><div><br /></div><div>Brain Wave, Jr knows that Johnny Quick is still at a Manhattan hospital because of his recent injury, so he goes to meet him there. The future Infinity, Inc member is able to convince Johnny that he might really be from the future, so Johnny brings him back to the All-Star Squadron headquarters with him. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="669" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqm4OoyBFpnb8H9ZKzPlb2OkUGCtAdTtwNpaeJw4rz8edd_oTaI5nUURnSajy0sy3AKnW2NfrwxSxSOR-s_KcKVRxxV7lNR-4-759faIy2_tbXvf7kY4OWjSF5d7NQcftESyxSmrLHKQyUUkV0pdMgVTVKRcdKhn15oB-WkuGIxTdRO5lufVZcRsKzaWj/w428-h640/ASS%2026_5.jpg" width="428" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Besides Phantom Lady, Robin, and the Guardian, the Flash and Wildcat are also in attendance. The Flash tells them that he raced out to each city and found only the comatose bodies of the Infinity, Inc members, which he brought back to their headquarters. Brain Wave, Jr is happy to know that they are all okay. </div><div><br /></div><div>Brain Wave, Jr proceeds to tell the All-Stars that the future Ultra-Humanite somehow made contact with the WW2 era Ultra-Humanite, and together with his father, Brain Wave, the bad guys manipulated the Infinity, Inc members from "the future" back in time to 1942. Ultra-Humanite then mentally controlled them to do her bidding. She also made it so that when All-Star Squadron members touched them, the heroes would be sent to Limbo, swapped out for the future Secret Society villains. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="674" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5hgZRywE2oBg6Fif2wgybazaINrbeVF0qWrhon1TPwga_FEeppBlB4D6y2TVGMqjaEBT-hhQ726dlU7Xy11osiFU9QwEXekGbIbzI9Dl_Ef2eDDewhVJinOfNHPr4TRCc4cz5615JiclEeH6UFo5oyZTx7ElKsJyBhng7mIDRn7h4DyvDEFSUUK2rJvo/w432-h640/ASS%2026_7.jpg" width="432" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Now better understanding the dangers that they face, the six All-Stars and Brain Wave, Jr head to Mount St. Helens to confront the Ultra-Humanite and his cohorts. </div><div><br /></div><div>After they leave, Obsidian and Jade are able to revive themselves and their friends, and Infinity, Inc also heads to Mount St. Helens. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;">Review: </b></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div>What a mess! </div><div><br /></div><div>As always, let's start with the good stuff. The art, by Jerry Ordway and Mike Machlan, is first rate. I especially like their versions of Robin, the Flash, and Wildcat, although I don't know how Ted Grant is able to see out of those tiny mask slots. </div><div><br /></div><div>I like how the Guardian is the more anxious and less trustworthy of the bunch. It not only makes sense that someone would not be willing to swallow Brain Wave, Jr's story whole, but it makes sense that someone like the Guardian, who is basically just a policeman on a beat, is the one to doubt the Cosmic stuff. </div><div><br /></div><div>As for what DOESN'T work.....oh, vey. If you read the plot summary above, I will let it speak for itself. Time-manipulating super-gorillas and displacing super-heroes from one era with super-villains from another....? Come on! I will simply say, how in the world did Brain Wave, Jr KNOW all of that, anyway? His mental powers, right? Suuuuure........</div><div><br /></div><div>Two things in this issue REALLY bothered me, above and beyond the melodramatic situation. First, in the "cliffhanger" ending last issue Phantom Lady and Robin are presented like this: </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxBZzxXy_DGzZMxv0uO2_qXQsyu-V7vWPVmFLeHn3z9OIzWN2k5Ci0u903Czk7O6rxNndieOHsodN8ig-xB9VSHNd7U-rmtgxZ04MeDSlcv1G3jZIgGIwMVZsbqDB4RwW82q4cTif284FBEDQoYCQL5givMQuFWbfGWaDjPFrQOr53cUaHEt7la2MmGb_/s320/ASS%2025_Robin.jpg" width="307" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Read this panel and tell me that Robin doesn't know who has suddenly appearred?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yet in this issue we get the same panel from last time, but with one additional comment: </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHrn6dWRTB-92ZUiWUoPyxah7IIaEWntzZdvBLeKZc1RIo3SijytEkf7EDjkVeYaNI_iuyPBB_ZtZtzCbMCIdw4WG8-Z_yJyhzOX_rmhxhZjecjJF2jhJL24Hs7UHDxO0SiS6rbpGhzWP2TFkYlPpfBpW6vT5lxDNhqamwPt0M-dEhuSgPO6Q3e-5APp2/s338/ASS%2026_Robin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="324" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHrn6dWRTB-92ZUiWUoPyxah7IIaEWntzZdvBLeKZc1RIo3SijytEkf7EDjkVeYaNI_iuyPBB_ZtZtzCbMCIdw4WG8-Z_yJyhzOX_rmhxhZjecjJF2jhJL24Hs7UHDxO0SiS6rbpGhzWP2TFkYlPpfBpW6vT5lxDNhqamwPt0M-dEhuSgPO6Q3e-5APp2/s320/ASS%2026_Robin.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><br /><div>This reads like a cheat to me. Either Robin KNOWS who is about to appear, ("It's.....the Joker!") or he DOESN"T KNOW ("Who.....is that!?!") </div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, it's a minor thing, but when I read this issue, after immediately reading the last one, it pulled me out of the story. </div><div><br /></div><div>Secondly, compare these two self-introductions of two separate characters, shown at two different times in the same story. This is Exhibit A and Exhibit B as to why Roy Thomas needed an editor. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="356" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqn76Bzz2p5wGR08K3VwM-HrEaTqN9XIvkVfpx9qSdHZoYlnIiaIrsMumyDdlnwzjZK-515Uh0h_W5kI1PmmQunYqHHehzIUmqyAS234-CJrYYmkyMYzLAtybRcjtQCuZ88xLn20mdh739R8e2co69QhoJ4bYtq_c6GFiL2J3uSIrGhGAyEv2HBfN6aQd/s320/ASS%2026_Vulcan.jpg" width="320" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="329" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqEe2qy0ewQ1wBveZaHZF4-dlJbc-e77n4JP91k5U9xWLQc0rC-76vOK8nuMHnb-25gpAdIqen_zuUN8GpQglvcgoANF2oymO4dOuM0T_WV_HNfzgnukdCYrVt5r8laxwaoXFlqUqyl0xhmVs_tMn38LibYeTtRv8Q8YFDJlz_q-pz1-ygNrvxbL-VNfR/s320/ASS%2026_Wildcat.jpg" width="320" /></div><br /><div>Vulcan and Wildcat both say the nearly exact thing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, I know it is difficult to write convincing dialogue for a cast of 22 characters, but this is just lazy. A good editor would have suggested a change. </div></span></div><div><div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Phantom Lady</span> Moment <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="493" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfsWCaEmEAVuRLkv1K16qrvCVgRCbbHs45hExRlymaobPAXvoOz3gYUB0ULTU3JzfX6xU6at8GeNXwxIS_uJlXjynYn0doQuvV03J246eEHteJDRJM2RF1OB4X48bl81uVsQPfKUWA5nzwK9GhDlgOR-SBuRJUH2XFuzGrV3j80uKwrOYTRH11fAsFTuE/w400-h266/ASS%2026_PLBest.jpg" width="400" /></div></b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Phantom Lady has internalized her black-out ray. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Freedom Fanmail</i></b><br /><span><span style="text-align: justify;">There is no mention of any Freedom Fighters in the letter column this issue; in fact, there were no letters at all as Roy says good-bye to Jerry Ordway, hello to Rick Hoberg, and asks readers for feedback on the Black Dragon Society story from <b><i>All-Star Comics #12</i></b>. </span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Freedom of Information</b><br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>This the first time Phantom Lady appeared on the cover of <b><i>All-Star Squadron</i></b>. </li><li>The cover is an homage to Marvel's <b><i>The Invaders</i></b>, which Roy wrote before moving to DC. They would often stand around and shout, "Okay, Axis, here we come!" </li><li>The Ultra-Humanite is featured in this story as both the World War II era Dolores Winters AND as her/his then-current (1983) albino gorilla persona. </li><li>Johnny Quick is shown changing into his uniform from the nude, without any athletic supporter or jock of any kind either implied or shown (obviously). </li><li>The Secret Society of Super-Villains were put into Limbo in <b><i>JLA #197</i></b>.</li><li>Vulcan disappeared into Limbo in <b><i>All-Star Comics #61</i></b>. </li><li>Brain Wave made his debut in <b><i>All-Star Comics #15</i></b>.</li><li>The Mist made his debut against Starman in <b><i>Adventure Comics #67</i></b>.</li><li>The Monocle made his debut against Hawkman in <b><i>Flash Comics #64</i></b>.</li><li>Psycho Pirate made his debut in <b><i>Showcase #56</i></b>, fighting Dr. Fate and Hourman.</li><li>Rag Doll made his debut against the Flash in <b><i>Flash Comics #36</i></b>. </li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="163" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPFkaEBOQf1fv8BPrGPPmRV5bPNU7AQwuZ3iEDdW-tFfdMnna7BCYgECXP1Q03upyGc-btZ4-G9gm4uEF_eLw5XDtJZoGKD-I_dhkC5nI75-EmIhry__XXZ57oiKGhyphenhypheniFiz1keyHDVy4TCtvmss4f5N6e75hineEOaf6xl-_evLAYhoAi9BcGPU6sSruR/w120-h400/roll%20call%20FF14%20-%20bottom.jpg" width="120" /><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="163" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRMeivK5jXY4jzc_SLnAKojU6jPdK2x493lYfIdSmEd_V8KiNfYSYFMZ9z6K8RDQ1GNGPZBHHnG3hrl_MddIJ8dDHcpO3gMpYda0v5065EcRgxUlbxcHx1gT3SvCvFQJEhRhYROYAjOrMdORzW4TXYLbjn8Icg94n0H8pJK6bzbkMoh7g6kfTtB75v_9d/w90-h400/roll%20call%20FF14%20-%20top.jpg" width="90" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">The Freedom Fighters</b></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>assembled by Len Wein</i></span></div></div></div></div>Russell Burbagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756652514507714383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225466123539557290.post-74196008841259881722024-01-31T06:00:00.310-05:002024-01-31T06:00:00.330-05:00All-Star Squadron #25<div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="645" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NAKnbHjfLNZgj1tzmXRd18iuk1Wr1DIub0tajaWNlTZ4KWJB1RGJhPlReXlQlae5F6-Pyllr9IgzVAhRppu6T_pfXQOKZ5hJO2jZpfO0Iyc7pHIzkBwzd4YnPD8sMLApEdA4MBlfeTfQPHXNg5X6Rtr50Eiu7eeUQxF4X8Y58fMpqvTER6au-ogZgdRG/w258-h400/AllStarSquadron%2025.jpg" width="258" /></div><b>All-Star Squadron #25 (Sept 1983)</b></div><div><i>title: </i>"The Infinity Syndrome!"<br /><i>writer/editor: </i>Roy Thomas<br /><i>penciller</i>: Jerry Ordway<br /><i>inker</i>: Mike Machlan<br /><i>letterer: </i>Cody</div><div><i>colorist</i>: Gene D'Angelo<br /><i>letter column:</i> Roy Thomas</div><div><i>cover:</i> Jerry Ordway</div><p></p><p></p><div><b>Order of Appearance</b>: Phantom Lady is the only Freedom Fighter to appear in this story. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Other Stars: </b>Dr. Mid-Nite, Hawkman, Starman, the Sandman, Wonder Woman, Johnny Thunder; Batman, Robin, Commander Steel, Green Lantern, the Atom, Liberty Belle, Tarantula, the Guardian, the Newsboy Legion; cameos by Firebrand, Robotman, Superman, and Brainwave, Jr. </div><p></p><p><b>Opponents:</b><br />the Ultra-Humanite and her operatives Amazing Man, Deathbolt, Cyclotron; time-displaced Infinity, Inc members Nuklon, Silver Scarab, Fury, Northwind, Obsidian, Jade </p><p><b>Overall Summary: <br /></b>The Justice Society is ordered to stand down, to prep for a mission for the US government, as other All-Star Squadron members battle Amazing Man in NY, then head off to protect three targeted cities from the Ultra-Humanite's sabotage. And who ends up being the Ultra-Humanite's tools? None other than the members of Infinity, Inc! </p><span></span><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Plot Summary:</b><br />The Justice Society is about to head out to join the fray against the Ultra-Humanite, but are ordered by US Secretary of War Stimson, Army General Marshall, and Army General Brody to prepare to attack the Black Dragon Society instead. <div><br /></div><div>At the All-Star Squadron headquarters several members are fighting Amazing Man, who is working for Ultra-Humanite. However, when Amazing Man learns that she is planning on destroying his hometown of Detroit, as well as Los Angeles and Brooklyn, he swears to help the All-Star Squadron instead. Liberty Belle and Green Lantern convince the others to trust him, and they all split up to stop the Ultra-Humanite's sabotage plans. </div><div><br /></div><div>In Brooklyn, the Guardian and the Newsboy Legion are unable to stop Nuklon and the Silver Scarab from attacking the Brookly Navy Yard. Even after Liberty Belle and Commander Steel arrive, the fight is uneven. Then suddenly, the two All-Star Squadron members disappear, to be replaced by something (or someone) shocking. </div><div><br /></div><div>At a Los Angeles airplane manufacturing plant, Batman, Robin, and Tarantula prepare to defend it from the Ultra-Humanite's attack. The plant is being visited by US Senator Henry Knight and his daughter, Sandra, when Fury and Northwind burst through the roof. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="668" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhToe2IJU6Ul9wX-WHBZfwUgjSjCZjAUC8gN4Eerrj8UplDVvL7BB1JPb73R_3TCBKwyV_KdDoZsrVGFVtJxbDr0XATmkkn9Eh9MM3yyLdOQVtpeUOrU54ERmp3-DPylqpwFblZaRvrXfE94tTgZBN2JMN1kw9YuVMXhrXQsLDp_pavdJuDGF1hJoPJIy9t/w428-h640/ASS%2025_1.jpg" width="428" /></div><br /></div><div>Sandra gets her father into one of the warplanes to protect him as Northwind's army of birds attack the workers and guards, as Fury begins destroying warplanes. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="666" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYAUkaMOl2qqBtux1uj_RqXVYq4HNvsFC1QaRqJ8k2Ag-hvIKkAACSjs1OQHTCxxniGzl28CVbLTFmJEEEAhbLwHzpjChUGUGam8dzZ1LY5ISlMBpo55nMJwxwrXMqzWsf9osl5fbh250QKEX8KXEP_SFryleXospRNKVO33egQ-KyF48Ogkp5OLBdsjP/w426-h640/ASS%2025_2.jpg" width="426" /></div><br /></div><div>Phantom Lady bursts onto the scene, using her black-light ray to blind Northwind so that Tarantula can bring him down. Batman and Robin struggle against the more powerful Fury, but successfully keep her from destroying more warplanes. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="676" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirIJHhcGaTASzgwDGfRPcmcyPjlqIkqGhNXiQjvmnfBNR6ZfkAlgI1xcKKPPhE3-kH17A4Qal1m4ENti5KGYWZqpxDRtcGjXOuwLvmnFUwInK6brHTafP9KiDZbPEjG1hH19vMilNHnbjpSFwyL805ku5nNcgX_O0eadiigiH-Uqfue7IHI4kEZm3mSHO3/w432-h640/ASS%2025_3.jpg" width="432" /></div></div><div><div><br /></div>As Tarantula and Batman try to get the Infinity, Inc members to explain their actions, the two men disappear, to be replaced by---- ! </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="669" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYiWuVExhyphenhyphenx5sIAyu6mpPdJintefnJANwXPra4H8ueMcAxOEa6iCGCXfumxWjMpWkCADOOY4bUHiwkpV0yT5Y97oCpQPy_sPAkunp6x7IkbH_WX_M4vasic8UsX4NzWDbbHFD6FW6VSNd7qnNSZYzeHE8lJUAcgIRbX8M4av2m2os8FbAKFpLT9mnophwj/w428-h640/ASS%2025_4.jpg" width="428" /></div><br /></div><div>A similar scene occurs in Detroit, as the Atom and Green Lantern disappear while battling with Amazing Man against Jade and Obsidian. </div><div><br /></div><div>Back in Manhattan, Brain Wave, Jr wakes up in Tarantula's apartment and heads out to the All-Star Squadron headquarters to find his friends. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;">Review: </b></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div>Let's start with the positives: the art, by Jerry Ordway and Mike Machlan, is stupendous! All of the All-Star Squadron members look on point, and the Infinity, Inc members never looked better. That makes sense, because they were designed by Ordway in the first place. He clearly has an affinity for them. </div><div><br /></div><div>Phantom Lady looks gorgeous, as well, and is again represented as a cool-headed, methodical super-heroine. Her teamwork with Tarantula to bring down Northwind is the highlight of the story; in fact, they and the Atom against Obsidian are the only members who are actually able to defeat their opponents. So, good for you, Phantom Lady. </div><div><br /></div><div>One last thing about Phantom Lady....she now wears green goggles instead of a green mask, as she did during her earlier appearance in this series. While I can understand the need to cover her face, this isn't much of a disguise. And sure enough, Tarantula realizes almost immediately that she is Sandra Knight, whom he had just met. (see bottom panels of third page reprinted above) </div><div><br /></div><div>My gripe is, if Roy is going to maintain that masks on Liberty Belle, Johnny Quick, and Green Lantern, for example, are sufficient to "hide" their true identities, how are green goggles NOT sufficient? If you create a rule that is supposed to work, why ignore it whenever you want to? Tarantula's side-comment took me out of the story. </div><div><br /></div><div>As for the story itself..... well.... ANOTHER time travel story?!? Is it a coincidence that the last story arc that featured Phantom Lady in this book ALSO was a time travel story? Listen, tell me if you've heard this before: villain from the future pulls other characters from the future back into the past and manipulates the situation so that they battle the present-day good guys. That's the plot of this story arc, as well as the plot from <b><i>All-Star Squadron #s 1-3</i></b>! I can understand Roy and Jerry wanting to give a sneak-peak to the then-upcoming <b><i>Infinity, Inc </i></b>book, but why couldn't they have come up with a different plot? What if some All-Star Squadron members had been pulled into the future, instead? Oops, that's the story-line of the then-recent JLA-JSA-All-Star Squadron team-up from issues <b><i>#14-15</i></b>. Ugh. </div><div><br /></div><div>As it was, I remember distinctly reading this story arc and being very disappointed with this book. This story is not very good just because it's so convoluted (even though it looks amazing). And speaking of amazing, one of the other things that annoyed me, that has nothing to do with Phantom Lady, is the characterization of Amazing Man. Here's a Black American in 1942 with a huge chip on his shoulder, given powers by and now in the employ of the Ultra-Humanite. He then hears that his home is in danger, and he swears allegiance to the All-Star Squadron. They all basically believe him and he joins their counter-attack against his former employee. That's a little bit too quick, don't you think? It smacks a bit too much of the writer knowing that Amazing Man is trustworthy, so the other characters therefore know he's trustworthy, too. It's all a little bit too pat. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway....did I mention that the art is incredible? </div></span></div><div><div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Phantom Lady</span> Moment </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="342" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NnGSD1P0a0ZESWRFa60cbxeHY6bwxwFqSMUzigLv7rGM1p9uwlzGsK54c-ozVvllsAb5j0Y1g96955iV_jwmJj8Ut8LeLKjRmHcuGKTK79jwgMHq4pmV6H295Dneh0MBu9VqUXEbZ7tF0dnchoOJVwJobwtMAjh4MOgSrN7BXdiQddQOSmYVEyObDt37/s320/ASS%2025_PLBest.jpg" width="320" /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Phantom Lady blinds Northwind for Tarantula to knock him down </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span><b><i>Freedom Fanmail<br /></i></b></span><span>There is no mention of any Freedom Fighters in the letter column this issue. </span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Freedom of Information</b><br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The Ultra-Humanite in this story is in the body of former actress Dolores Winters. Her (?) plot is to use kidnapped scientist Chuck Grayson to transplant her (?) brain into the body of Robotman. She is threatening sabotage of various sites in the US to keep the super-heroes from tracking her down. </li><li>This is the debut of six members of Infinity, Inc. (Brainwave, Jr made his debut in <b><i>A-SS #24</i></b>). </li><li>US Senator Henry Knight is shown again to be in California, prompting a theory that he is the Senator from California. The actual Senators from California in 1942 were Hyram Johnson (R) and Sheridan Downey (D). </li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="163" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPFkaEBOQf1fv8BPrGPPmRV5bPNU7AQwuZ3iEDdW-tFfdMnna7BCYgECXP1Q03upyGc-btZ4-G9gm4uEF_eLw5XDtJZoGKD-I_dhkC5nI75-EmIhry__XXZ57oiKGhyphenhypheniFiz1keyHDVy4TCtvmss4f5N6e75hineEOaf6xl-_evLAYhoAi9BcGPU6sSruR/w120-h400/roll%20call%20FF14%20-%20bottom.jpg" width="120" /><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="163" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRMeivK5jXY4jzc_SLnAKojU6jPdK2x493lYfIdSmEd_V8KiNfYSYFMZ9z6K8RDQ1GNGPZBHHnG3hrl_MddIJ8dDHcpO3gMpYda0v5065EcRgxUlbxcHx1gT3SvCvFQJEhRhYROYAjOrMdORzW4TXYLbjn8Icg94n0H8pJK6bzbkMoh7g6kfTtB75v_9d/w90-h400/roll%20call%20FF14%20-%20top.jpg" width="90" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">The Freedom Fighters</b></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>assembled by Len Wein</i></span></div></div></div></div>Russell Burbagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756652514507714383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225466123539557290.post-43497791953054425852024-01-24T06:00:00.157-05:002024-01-24T06:00:00.264-05:00All-Star Squadron #5<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="654" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcS6PFNn7K03NoeniDNQNUpClJoOH6BCzCrM3PADY6AOpsd47yuPUUVoQ7iM-tCqQtdbuO9kz0oWsb-SBPFvz955NI2IC5rLiihQKy3zXYzLToUZCjfqp-ZACfVPDpv9i5j7Fl0B9LAVHFRxadFnWyQ6UFuSl8AbGKK_gqUgIX9YiOKu84uPoBxWe2urae/w261-h400/ASS%205%20(1).jpg" width="261" /></div></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b>All-Star Squadron #5 (Jan 1982)<br /></b><i>title: </i>"Never Step On a Feathered Serpent!"<br /><i>writer/co-creator: </i>Roy Thomas<br /><i>penciller/co-creator</i>: Rich Buckler<br /><i>inker</i>: Jerry Ordway<br /><i>letterer: </i>Ben Oda<br /><i>colorist</i>: Carl Gafford<br /><i>editor:</i> Len Wein<br /><i>letter column:</i> Roy Thomas<br /><i>cover:</i> Rich Buckler & Romeo Tanghal</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div><b>Order of Appearance</b>: Firebrand is the only Freedom Fighter to appear in this story. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Other Stars: </b>Dr. Mid-Nite, Starman, the Atom, Johnny Thunder, the Spectre, Hawkman, the Sandman, Dr. Fate, Johnny Quick, Robotman, Liberty Belle, Shining Knight</div><p></p><p><b>Opponents:</b><br />German saboteurs, the Feathered Serpent</p><p><b>Overall Summary: <br /></b>The All-Star Squadron head to Mexico to investigate the disappearance of Shiera Sanders, but not before they deal with the flaming debut of Firebrand! </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Plot Summary:</b><br />The Justice Society members agree to disband their organization so that each of the individuals can join the US Army. Johnny Thunder, however, mysteriously announces that he cannot join the Army... because he has joined the Navy!<div><div><br /></div>Hawkman, the Atom, and Dr. Mid-Nite agree to head down to Mexico together to investigate the disappearance of Hawkman's fiancée, Shiera Sanders (aka Hawkgirl). Before their flight in the morning. they check in on Danette Reilly, who is resting in her brother's penthouse apartment in New York City. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="676" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3FPS4zg_Zrai5Ag4Tp50HxxzdQsaBUNqYBWngyvDopJUy_mLUN98PYTIoIx8NBJz8MjLbxo8NeQTe8NxmEFD8Dv2xmcGueL4gs2DN7e2kWmX_6Or9PbLkD9uhiL8eN4j3Te_Cdq20YCuM0fJ8FQtSyeIzfo7efNiesi9WvjYPQxEWwSsRbWR85W7zI6t/w432-h640/ASS%205%20(2).jpg" width="432" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Johnny Quick and Robotman make quick work of Nazi saboteurs who hoped to blow up the Statue of Liberty. They then join the others at Danette's apartment, where they discuss the next assignments of the All-Star Squadron. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="671" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFgMzpTn-UFddLt8GeoX7CWfAIDUCVehgKl9A2P5KLdpEtLfz3glpd9jWiWHgIc5f6_PvwijCJlloUah_glu3KnKmRxsjov9D8WA-PcVyDUzxM9edTD9vZdEMLsfJ02Sp-R91I1I9EhY1zeBJSX3v0N5r0PflkyCOIV5pxPvjnFhVhQyLeESn1rLMZdU-/w430-h640/ASS%205%20(3).jpg" width="430" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Meanwhile, Danette wakes up and remembers what her brother Rod's friend Slugger had told her about a secret key to a secret closet. Behind the secret door she finds his Firebrand uniform, and as she alters it to fit her female form she is enveloped by flames. </div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSrFQ69qmUSTDPdK2f2Dillerr3WuldewEgZQAr_5Z276yFFV0mV5f3pYHAorzXAUDJiUOUg0Iv9FapdVG-BiHgZbHDPCfGKBud2I7kaE1RRFwzltjxNbPzY4_TIveJzrvGiommq4h9GMfTRTNQidQw6alWdMSByHZOJXn6YzwRqd7H-cj27X6r-ZQQ5O/s1000/ASS%205%20(4).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="681" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSrFQ69qmUSTDPdK2f2Dillerr3WuldewEgZQAr_5Z276yFFV0mV5f3pYHAorzXAUDJiUOUg0Iv9FapdVG-BiHgZbHDPCfGKBud2I7kaE1RRFwzltjxNbPzY4_TIveJzrvGiommq4h9GMfTRTNQidQw6alWdMSByHZOJXn6YzwRqd7H-cj27X6r-ZQQ5O/w436-h640/ASS%205%20(4).jpg" width="436" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Although she initially panics, she begins to realize that somehow whatever Wutan did to her on the volcanic island, she can now control fire. She quickly volunteers to go with the others to Mexico. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="698" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_JsCqbxDNXlqEBQqfImoClnsJn8Oo-n3JKJfMgDatrfvnegQDdCqPdTJej5Hy-hf99TiKmzrqGQb0tIg8ReV22RFUis5Tbf97KddB3rsJxxDzk4xF2BztL2utfGKy_0KF80ccyj9p4MpkuUjZ4kEyisGS4e8GMx65Tetpt52XOEY1dt3Gd6Pa7vD4935/w446-h640/ASS%205%20(5).jpg" width="446" /></div><div><br /></div><div>The next day they arrive in Yucatan and Firebrand is able to stop a Nazi flame-thrower from killing several of the All-Stars. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;">Review: </b></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div>I was not going to include this story in my Freedom Fighters reviews, either, but then I decided that the most famous Quality Comics character to get All-Star Squadron status was Firebrand, so I decided it made sense to include this. Of course, Danette Reilly Firebrand is not the same as her brother Rod Reilly as Firebrand who is still and again not the Earth X Rod Reilly Firebrand, so....I will not include every further issue of <b><i>All-Star Squadron</i></b> that features Danette (which is, I believe, all of them). This issue covers her debut and origin, as shown here, and also has the only appearance of the actual (male) Firebrand in the book, so it will suffice. </div></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As much as I may criticize Roy Thomas' work, he did do some things very well. Case in point: he took a forgotten Golden Age male character with no modern pizzazz at all and re-worked him into a fiery female character who is, arguably, one of the better remembered DC characters from the Eighties. Male Firebrand had literally nothing going for him, but Danette as Firebrand had a fiery personality, a fiery power-set, and a great looking uniform. Well done, Roy. Would it surprise you to learn that she was named for his second wife? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: medium;">Firebrand </span>Moment </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="246" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZ2cmCLTNQQKbi-uE87VEw-Kk2Xstzd9vQHXu-M4abOFREOm5k2JgQbDxD352r77tL55EKdzd4CE5Q2BaK4q-71oH0b4qE04EBX7YywdFuycVzNyWt-zpUueSG1gnO9jBysyl_EQX5HajY5cNQG7tcC0uhtTh2-eBcr1sCkcWbel96YFNFpMkI_dJTmBI/w313-h400/ASS%205%20FB%20best1.jpg" width="313" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="680" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhq1V-xZGJ4gfLCBCVlZ_L3d-MbOsuYa2ZQ690FWnMvo-E-ZVxpO1BcyDbes3j0DCeW7YJya47g6rqIeS_eDH0YZIZgvCcP_J01iZMRnQtQoAKZWo1Oe8v6dZShzsV4hYX3YfmdYsZlyH2ed4QgvRGx0gfvz7GwzzKjaxWJN8vlF4qUpbO25U9aTtlJ4F/w640-h312/ASS%205%20FB%20best2.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="680" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5G-sTMBlTQRulRCtVDWsC19SkmikbqUpNQa7pLIMVe9oQAe2ibFQn-Mvw4gvTMHxFO2f792QET51SHvAG_NaBuq5-vHHH3I-Rlr8mAwWe_EmOTOOvs_PIZ1HztYZE0eiFg_5Q44D_n1BU3PbmrT3AvAPL7dfyYivOQpAzQOI7dEoXMGszZ9LP8stUEaez/w640-h286/ASS%205%20FB%20best3.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="439" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HUtxp0RhpvXS6eXHj316E25h0Xe-alffaqTtZlL9lw5PBpJeXmDrAO7yo1Cm77BhjbF1Bi_-ZMMCoCt4s_9LT3iyXgl-XnsRFwMVoQK43IpvNqDg2v7980oSx3iiKZ7WyZ-2dvEBywT9rl2u8Uy1sPrvWm1aCbdJ0M_O6heW9A1E5-MqHk8AUaAbmURr/w400-h331/ASS%205%20FB%20best4.jpg" width="400" /></div>Firebrand, after a rocky start, enters the fray hands a'blazin, stopping a Nazi flame-thrower cold! </div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Freedom Fanmail</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There is no mention of any Freedom Fighters in the letter column this issue. </div></span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Freedom of Information</b><br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The male, Rod Reilly Firebrand makes a cameo in this story via a newspaper clipping. </li><li>Although shown on the cover, Hawkman, Dr. Mid-Nite, and Firebrand do not participate in the Statue of Liberty adventure. </li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="163" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSxewcyfCi7p5MCY1MKhwXeiHdcBvsagC7Ep8epEr6bEahbClM8Z7Dlp3P6OUG14QmWir4zKGHRZ8-DL6zqurGc_UowoiizpOh7tOA32ZXcRXvRcOvhYtRRm1hpC2Uov6J223ynbzCROMMyFOQsNYXHJOYJJ5td5YtOPdX8Z2sYd9SnNLmu5bRomE8r_wZ/w90-h400/roll%20call%20FF14%20-%20top.jpg" width="90" /><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="163" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzfCEgothUoDt49tawSUzL0TiEyxRbDXUdMxe1FFuiyowJoZPCtli5i6dfoAVb_GESRE7p3Xfxk3MZ_9LsWsaU7TYHWqg1KNysUulfCCZrK3A4LWL7lp3ZVgnC5hq975tXx0SURDHj-dyTxs6UwV7PTmLTrGIPqfTo1Nes6DsDB-8mJKaBgXuOnHu-kAI/w120-h400/roll%20call%20FF14%20-%20bottom.jpg" width="120" /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">The Freedom Fighters</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>assembled by Len Wein<br /></i></span></div></div>Russell Burbagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756652514507714383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225466123539557290.post-2301023041924868452024-01-17T06:00:00.001-05:002024-01-17T06:00:00.136-05:00All-Star Squadron #4<div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAC6Hfjck1B-tU_O9z1tdU0nPwjVUf5fJ0jINLt7wow0ZC21mThdaFWAmVGBJ2feqQOpsX5m_GzVUxx_qPLwWWtIFClKy0ySK5wbBrkEZSMThFzck7JoAz4l1ZEjOsHN7Y6jd-NI4SsJ5uFVtxdLktCiIpG12r4ChzDvWEXcEQCCFOh_6DFcnPCgDGqDRn/s1000/AllStarSquadron%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="651" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAC6Hfjck1B-tU_O9z1tdU0nPwjVUf5fJ0jINLt7wow0ZC21mThdaFWAmVGBJ2feqQOpsX5m_GzVUxx_qPLwWWtIFClKy0ySK5wbBrkEZSMThFzck7JoAz4l1ZEjOsHN7Y6jd-NI4SsJ5uFVtxdLktCiIpG12r4ChzDvWEXcEQCCFOh_6DFcnPCgDGqDRn/s320/AllStarSquadron%204.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>All-Star Squadron #4 (Dec 1981)</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-style: italic;">title: </i>"Day of the Dragon King!"</div></div><div><div><i>writer/co-creator: </i>Roy Thomas</div><i><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>penciller/co-creator</i>: Rich Buckler</div></i><i><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>inker</i>: Jerry Ordway</div></i><i><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>letterer: </i>John Costanza</div></i></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>colorist: </i>Carl Gafford</div><i><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>editor:</i> Len Wein</div></i><i><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>cover:</i> Rich Buckler & Dick Giordano</div></i></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Order of Appearance</b>: Phantom Lady is the only Freedom Fighter to appear in this story. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Other Stars: </b>Johnny Thunder and his Thunderbolt, Liberty Belle, Shining Knight, Liberty Belle, Dr. Mid-Nite, the Sandman, the Spectre, Starman, Johnny Quick, the Flash, the Atom, Robotman, Dr. Fate, Superman, Green Lantern, Hawkman, Batman, Robin, and Wonder Woman; cameo of Plastic Man</div><p></p><p><b>Supporting Characters:</b><br />Danette Reilly<br /><br /><b>Opponents:</b><br />The Dragon King; cameos by Japanese Prime Minister Hideki Tojo and Adolf Hitler</p><p></p><p></p><span></span><span></span><p></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><b>Overall Summary: <br /></b>The All-Star Squadron heads to Pearl Harbor to see the devastation for themselves, then head off to try to catch the Japanese Imperial Fleet with a surprising result! </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><b>Plot Summary:</b><br />The Justice Society members and others involved in the Per Degaton would-be invasion of San Francisco decide to head to Pearl Harbor and see the aftermath of the attack themselves. Unfortunately, Phantom Lady and Plastic Man beg off, leaving the group to stay in San Francisco. Phantom Lady needs to check in with her father, who is sure is a nervous wreck worrying about his daughter. <div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8F4DdWQepqY56ejfUFd2a2pFfVyA1W7mMLH3hZbfAD9ctSZMz0RqNWw3r7RT9WslxTUs6asea1ED9BdEAdjIhb4rQOdjhK_L1MujIyh9sC3XZ-KjhSu7FlsLK8NbamXi6mIhmpuwHwhUqlj5Dg0xYBVtJdZJU3GtR99s0wBwnts9zI5jYbsPMNvSG3nqr/s1000/ASS%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="676" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8F4DdWQepqY56ejfUFd2a2pFfVyA1W7mMLH3hZbfAD9ctSZMz0RqNWw3r7RT9WslxTUs6asea1ED9BdEAdjIhb4rQOdjhK_L1MujIyh9sC3XZ-KjhSu7FlsLK8NbamXi6mIhmpuwHwhUqlj5Dg0xYBVtJdZJU3GtR99s0wBwnts9zI5jYbsPMNvSG3nqr/w432-h640/ASS%204.jpg" width="432" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The others head to Pearl Harbor, where they are stunned by the destruction. They meet the General in charge, who lets them know that the Japanese Imperial fleet is probably still on their way back to Japan. The super-heroes vote to go after it, and catch it if they can. Leaving a few members at Pearl, the majority of the heroes head west. </div><div><br /></div><div>As they near Wake Island or the Midway Atoll, they fall under the spell of the Dragon King. He has synched the Holy Grail in Tokyo with the Spear of Destiny in Germany to weave a spell that converts all of the magic-based members into pawns of the Axis Powers. The non-powered members fight the super-powered members until Hawkman and Dr. Fate realize that the "force-field" has a very specific delineation point. Hawkman goads the super-powered members to chase him back over the "safety line," where all the magic-based heroes return to normal. </div><div><br /></div><div>While all this was going on, the Shining Knight and Danette visit the hospital, where they find her brother, Rod Reilly, recuperating from his wounds. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Review: </b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I almost did not feature this issue in my Freedom Fighters reviews, as Phantom Lady literally shows up in ONE panel. However, it clearly explains why she doesn't continue her adventures with the All-Star Squadron, so I figured it was worth it. Also, we get another quick look at a certain Rod Reilly, who although will NOT be doing anything with this group, WILL be having an effect. More on that next issue! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As for the story.....it's the necessary explanation as to why and how the super-heroes of Earth Two could not have stopped the war as soon as America joined in. DC had already explained that the JSA could not enter Europe due to the Spear of Destiny being in Hitler's procession (in the classic "Origin of The Justice Society" story in <b><i>DC Special #29</i></b>) so it makes sense that Imperial Japan would have something similar to protect <i>itself. </i>Not sure if the Holy Grail was the right relic to use, but, whatever. Any old relic would have sufficed, I guess. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It might be just because I read all three of these All-Star Squadron issues in a row, but this issue seems the least of the bunch. The Rich Buckler art seems more modern than in the previous issues (Superman, Batman, and Hawkman in particular looking more like their modern Earth One versions than the WWII era guys). And the story....it doesn't seem to flow as well, with a lot of stops and starts and side comments about heroes feeling inferior to each other. It was wearing a bit thin by the time the issue was over, I guess. </div></div></div><div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Freedom Fanmail<br /></i></b>This issue's letter column features letters about the All-Star Squadron give-away in JLA #193. Part of that story featured a sailor named Rod Reilly, who we will soon learn was, of course, Firebrand. This is what Roy had to say about Seaman Reilly, and all the Freedom Fighters. This left me scratching my head, but it didn't bode well for my favorite Nazi-fighting group....</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="579" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5j3BfVXjyMo0fEjuQEjggM7wZWWWRcn19_IYAcLpWZhmrw_Q7K12a50jAvqzA2RthC7xwyggSC6f9CcR_PKsWj5m_0Jo4yuzVQsa_OV_poACtJzvEOd9BkxouvSLIde-gRWPPau69F6AqujmSuGrRP2SBG4lUnJnmvFkxVQpcM7AbrWREFHr9ol7CKDqM/w400-h113/ASS%204%20LC.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Freedom of Information</b><br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Although the heroes head west from Hawaii towards Japan, Dr. Fate says, "We can fly no further East....!" or become servants of the Axis. His geography is mixed up. </li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="754" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9C3nEa37LCyqQkdsX6PDsUW2XsgM5HHqCdOBUmjYrHf3mEuUYXbU4tsm0IIUu902zp5tbdOEjfgVCRcNUVn5Mpy_Hcf-Q1IXF4JkI4Z-ZPQKdyJw-dBdmOA6D2mrJflEghIDQ20zOV7pqRImpQwvTlWE1qq1r34JEbUu3iZcHvwcNbX3EeD2Q-EOt_A/s320/JLA%20107%20groupshot1.jpg" width="320" /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">The Freedom Fighters</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>assembled by Len Wein<br /></i></span></div></div>Russell Burbagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756652514507714383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225466123539557290.post-74753145964621527732024-01-10T06:00:00.113-05:002024-01-10T06:00:00.143-05:00All-Star Squadron #3<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="657" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXEjreU5O3Gm44GFHKOdHReTPLS_p47pjA-YYPXvRaVEAaB8B86RN3TU6R6JypQiB3Oh9AqhW2buigRW9AbuApd5XNmdPPZ212uD5yFySaVgmUhBuEe7w9YdeJQk4w1AMQkaQjjSmUdmD4d38H3PWBEbrw1ZvzUjsq7699dzbp6acd2zhpuMvFijD4m9f/w263-h400/AllStarSquadron%203.jpg" width="263" /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>All-Star Squadron #3 (Nov 1981)</b></div><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><i>title: </i>"The Dooms of Dark December!"</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i>writer/co-creator: </i>Roy Thomas</div><i><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>penciller/co-creator</i>: Rich Buckler</div></i><i><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>inker</i>: Jerry Ordway</div></i><i><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>letterer: </i>John Costanza</div></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>colorist: </i>Carl Gafford</div><i><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>editor:</i> Len Wein</div></i><i><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>cover:</i> Rich Buckler & Dick Giordano</div></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Order of Appearance</b>: Phantom Lady is the only Freedom Fighter to appear in this story. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Other Stars: </b>Hawkman, Robot Man, Johnny Quick, Plastic Man, the Atom, Dr. Mid-Nite, Liberty Belle, Shining Knight; cameos by Starman, Dr. Fate, Johnny Thunder, the Sandman, Green Lantern, the Flash, Wonder Woman, Batman, Robin, and the Spectre</div><p></p><p><b>Supporting Characters:</b><br />Danette Reilly, Professor Zee, Eleanor Roosevelt<br /><br /><b>Opponents:</b><br />Per Degaton and his gang from 1947: Wotan, Professor Zodiak, and Solomon Grundy</p><p><b>Overall Summary: <br /></b>The all-new all-different All-Star Squadron squares off against Per Degaton in final battle---! (Guess who wins) </p><p></p><span></span><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Plot Summary:</b><br />Phantom Lady has joined the other "mystery men" in patrolling San Francisco to keep it safe from imminent Japanese invasion... and also from looters and saboteurs. They give the people pride and a sense of hope instead of the stark fear that Per Degaton was hoping for. <div><br /></div><div>Shining Knight and geologist Danette Reilly escape from Per Degaton's submarine. With the aid of the Knight's flying horse, Winged Victory, they head back to the volcanic island to try to rescue the Justice Society members imprisoned there. Wotan and Professor Zodiak follow them. </div><div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="678" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxEqMnLN1BGgLcn_72EAFfnIllv7EXWVaiKb2y4Fe8BIW92WISKSoOL5v8AN2LOqhoQ4VqwhI3DBLbI8rMb7cgp0urKT8JfKwM7Xuitme8Z40WTxeg7oOqLEe_IhEr6b3j0pMqp6SEeMTnc_KoO520iqB7IY5A6bGiC5IK7_it5rZvM6B5UfLeYhuZ93H/w434-h640/ASS%203_1.jpg" width="434" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Later, Phantom Lady and her group head out into the Pacific Ocean to investigate the claims that the missing Zeroes had come inland. They find Per Degaton's submarine, and they dive into the water after it. Plastic Man makes himself hard enough to drill through the metal hull, getting them all inside. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="670" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLurXGiMJwsCMVJPsqFUvuFhYF7561zvcJpK5MELY-YcJpS3AgT6KKBON_2OJgcqmjbQWdHRjrjN6j9dtw9__FUiv-RcNRUbQrI7rPI0FdkP9BGQFLaVAIlR3vd8V5mke4QgsgXpFVf75ZKEKOYU16RF_Uw56txpzS70GIiTiY48zcGbkW63SbbebMCxt_/w428-h640/ASS%203_2.jpg" width="428" /></div><br /></div><div>On the volcanic island, Professor Zodiak's "Universal Solvent" accidentally lands on the Spectre, who frees himself and then all of his team-mates. Wotan and Zodiak disappear back to the future. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="677" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLebZRtG-LtA6iX9EsyPKeGusDOVZ9QRicivQKnbc8BXwHLghxmdBiLaVWcG-_jyCTFOKYG4aBHobSSQqQ6CE_DB2aBoltXQ0MRKZkbB4Xv5dvsDeLufPr8C0YmR7teG-4I80PtmlapIYKtUg9K9Hizmdvc7jFSCVk0TKrcGtXOQyihff0uDXwelrMs_0/w434-h640/ASS%203_3.jpg" width="434" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Inside the submarine, Phantom Lady and company face off against Solomon Grundy, Per Degaton's hypnotically controlled guards, and Per Degaton himself. As things unravel, Per retreats back to the future, making Grundy, all of his guards, and the submarine disappear, too. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="679" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18Cp0nPygtiFHb1WvHFFh9Ymo8ufRlfgKl3xx5C-jQ4Sx4ukkjL9Y_1b8Wgs37EEsTTppDpLf4uEPGk_mm2c3esBG8WVe8hsnwn16oLfUT2QQZ1t5R8i7NA3hC3ZUDCaKhK2ClEuoF6d0qg6vvvsFRk5XGZZSmqqycGSZSkhLuZOgginNAfG3nYBmKgUt/w434-h640/ASS%203_4.jpg" width="434" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div>The super-heroes rise to the surface, where they are surprised to find Shining Knight and the missing Justice Society members. The Spectre whisks them all back to San Francisco, then allows them to hear First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt speak of their founding on the radio. They pledge to help protect the US home front in the War. "Remember Pearl Harbor!" <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Review: </b></div><div style="text-align: left;">As mentioned in last issue's review, here we see Per Degaton failing miserably in his time-travelling plot to take over the world. Was anyone....surprised? I mean, with <i>non </i>time travelling stories it seems like there is an off-chance that someone might be injured or killed or something of consequence might happen, but with time travelling stories isn't it a GIVEN that we will LITERALLY return to the status quo? Am I wrong here? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, anyway, let's agree that I didn't care too much for the mechanics of the story, and move on to the art. It sure did look nice. Rich Buckler and Jerry Ordway make a great team. As mentioned in last week's review, the enthusiasm from all of the creators is still clearly evident, but when you're writing about characters popping in and out of time and dropping "universal solvents" on ghostly guardians, the readers are just naturally going to appreciate the art a bit more than the story, yes? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So let's talk about the finale. Separate from the time-travelling of Per Degaton, the Justice Society is able to survive their death trap because....Professor Zodiak is a clutz?!?! Hardly your heroic rescue, now is it? I had to go back and re-read the story again to see how and why the Spectre was saved, it was such a surprise to me. I don't want to sound like a college Creative Writing professor here but isn't it a bit odd that 1. Professor Zodiak BRINGS a "universal solvent" with him to the island (whatever the hell a "universal solvent" is, notwithstanding) and 2. that none of the World's Greatest Super-Heroes could figure out a way to escape from the death trap on their own, or with the help of the Shining Knight or Danette Reilly? No? Okay, moving on....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Let's talk about Phantom Lady, the reason we're here. She comes off (again) as a professional, with a lot to add as a member of the team. She has a cool gimmick similar to Dr. Mid-Nite, and with her mastery of jiu-jitsu she actually comes across as a more interesting character than, say, the Atom. I don't particularly care for her inclusion here based on my own in-continuity preferences, but if she continues to be portrayed the way she has been over these two issues, I will not complain too loudly. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">No, my biggest complaint with this issue is the heavy-handedness with which Roy Thomas writes. I haven't read these stories in close to 40 years, and I am regrettably finding that they do NOT hold up as well as I would have hoped. I'll just give two examples, both on the last two pages. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When the Justice Society, the Shining Knight, Danette Reilly, and Robin show up over the Pacific Ocean, Plastic Man blurts out, "It's the Justice Society!" He (Roy Thomas) then feels the need to include the thought balloon, "Plus a couple!" Now I ask you, would anyone REALLY ever over-think that? You aren't going to add footnotes to your own thoughts! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One page later, after hearing the First Lady's speech about the creation of the All-Star Squadron, all the heroes standing there spontaneously shout, "Remember Pearl Harbor!" about three months before anyone else was ever reported to have uttered that phrase. Think of it this way, if you can: ON September 11, 2001, did ANYONE say, "Remember 9-11!" Of course not, because it was that very day! I'm not sure if this is pandering on Roy's part or just laziness in trying to create a certain atmosphere, but last issue's scene of average Americans singing The Star-Spangled Banner worked; this doesn't. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">That's it for me this time. And let's face it, if you're familiar with this series you know how Roy Thomas wrote, and you either love it or can overlook it. I contend that Roy Thomas should have had a good editor, a friend he respected who could call him out when he was getting too verbose or going off too far-afield. But maybe I'm in the minority? I remember the early issues of this series fondly, so I hope I'm not in for a huge shock as I re-read them now... </div></div></div><div><div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Phantom Lady</span> Moment </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="679" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgacRV5gug5cVKHNBy5F8IL-EiuWIgbF9pi_mczXPYeOYjeOJV2TmudzzOD9RSmhE2OWl8eF0zS8k8rK-PyqaV1WD1cB4zqKf87zNOngDw0xCCCBmVszp6E0lGFcGX9_Uxs1_lRjVeFlp9NFZiXZTQp7oJyr-oxYqmDl8A7Hd9mgUt6Pr5v5y0gg-13ag/w400-h196/ASS%203_PLBest.jpg" width="400" /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Phantom Lady tosses one of Per Degaton's men into Solomon Grundy! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Freedom Fanmail<br /></i></b>There is no letter column in this issue. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="754" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9C3nEa37LCyqQkdsX6PDsUW2XsgM5HHqCdOBUmjYrHf3mEuUYXbU4tsm0IIUu902zp5tbdOEjfgVCRcNUVn5Mpy_Hcf-Q1IXF4JkI4Z-ZPQKdyJw-dBdmOA6D2mrJflEghIDQ20zOV7pqRImpQwvTlWE1qq1r34JEbUu3iZcHvwcNbX3EeD2Q-EOt_A/s320/JLA%20107%20groupshot1.jpg" width="320" /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">The Freedom Fighters</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>assembled by Len Wein</i></span></div></div></div></div>Russell Burbagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756652514507714383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225466123539557290.post-59872130271154072282024-01-03T06:00:00.170-05:002024-01-03T06:00:00.136-05:00All-Star Squadron #2<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="651" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkYc2pas6-F9e0yRwnicNew_h4NuXFH49iR2inwZ5rWf898Xwdk7Ze4_UkHGr1g17VN_LOMTWPIMom0YdxxhTh0bxELq2fisqUwyO6E_gfKgpcd5Pxz-xB-qBdQ0Ewf7b8o810BwWMxlfsgMh5IxC5RqWc1ouu8KXx_oGDWFSD614jfhM-DGrnF3s8FU_/w260-h400/AllStarSquadron%202.jpg" width="260" /></div><b>All-Star Squadron #2 (Oct 1981)<br /></b><i>title: </i>"The Tyrant Out of Time!"<br /><i>writer/co-creator: </i>Roy Thomas<br /><i>penciller/co-creator</i>: Rich Buckler<br /><i>inker</i>: Jerry Ordway<br /><i>letterer: </i>John Costanza<br /><i>colorist</i>: Carl Gafford<br /><i>editor:</i> Len Wein<br /><i>letter column:</i> Roy Thomas<br /><i>cover:</i> Joe Kubert</div><p></p><p></p><div><b>Order of Appearance</b>: Phantom Lady is the only Freedom Fighter to appear in this story. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Other Stars: </b>The Atom, Dr. Mid-Nite, Liberty Belle, Johnny Quick, Plastic Man, Robot Man, Hawkman in the United States; Shining Knight on an island in the Pacific; cameos by other Justice Society members the Sandman, Starman, Dr. Fate, the Spectre, and Johnny Thunder </div><p></p><p><b>Supporting Characters:</b><br />Danette Reilly, Professor Zee<br /><br /><b>Opponents:</b><br />Per Degaton and his minions from the future Wotan, Professor Zodiak, Solomon Grundy, and Sky Pirate</p><p><b>Overall Summary: <br /></b>Per Degaton travels from the future, using the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor to cover his kidnapping of the majority of Justice Society members. He hopes to use the attack in Hawaii to his advantage, so that he can eventually win the War and take over the world himself! However, there are more Mystery Men besides the JSA still free to hunt him down....! </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Plot Summary:</b><br />The seven founding members of the All-Star Squadron rush from Washington, DC to the US West Coast to investigate and potentially stop a Japanese invasion. On the way, several of the "mystery men" tell each other how they got started as super-heroes. <div><br /></div><div>Per Degaton, who has travelled back from 1947 with a band of super-villains, tells his captives, the Shining Knight and geologist Danette Reilly, how he took advantage of Professor Zee's time machine. With it, he intends to take over 1941 for himself. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="672" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0F5mY5DGP5KAfkRujjyFr8VM1WwYmTmFJTIWXP-7FqRY_beOdE1W4UXWAXAzEl9LvEwbD7fyzfUuw8ZLgwmMZ5bE8a6u82qmU6GIlaVTwduon88I-qx2-nyL-5dcKiy2a-h5j2xC50LwFVVPMVPaP_GXSOgeI26b0X-rTmXfKP45oJJhs718fbpSXnQGE/w430-h640/ASS%202_1.jpg" width="430" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Above San Francisco, the Sky Pirate (from <b><i>Green Lantern #27,</i></b> Aug/Sept 1947) leads a group of hypnotized Japanese Imperial pilots on an attack. The All-Star Squadron arrives just in time to battle against these Zeroes, and as they are defeated they all disappear back into the time stream. Before Sky Pirate disappears he tells Robot Man the entire fantastic story. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="674" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tQbS2cdK9C-7GD0cCNqKgKqs7Jdoj8DQVb43ShS07awrA_7rXCkGAS1QV0xWg699b2rqxK5mDw_Tq1pKLvZhlqoTnyikt07qzVEseOSHBY1C2sx_sXgfUzXcTOqcftKxY_2KgUygZmZilaqvXnhSlv_5EOFkjgUb_SUwNXMzKq-3o3aoRsk76nLG8vAN/w432-h640/ASS%202_2.jpg" width="432" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>On the ground, the citizens of San Francisco head for cover. This includes visiting Senator Henry Knight and his daughter, Sandra. They return to their hotel, but then Sandra becomes Phantom Lady and sneaks out to help in any way she can. This includes helping a woman black out a neon sign that was not turned off during the air raid. </div><div> <div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIGMvFCaZZJG9bj0FPQHegKEwvnbWyeWCwWZ2jcIj4fhpLLej0oJHVeu-CFfgqDFlO_jmsBqqbrOIsaATvtNx5jTc2fPY_dgvpc4FVBhnrjuWMGDgCDRncP63qikI8XdbrK_nGnOtvH_uyZqiWkFdcRH6PdGq52QLBClasntI90jfRaIQpdL5KAgu1mlh/s1000/ASS%202_3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIGMvFCaZZJG9bj0FPQHegKEwvnbWyeWCwWZ2jcIj4fhpLLej0oJHVeu-CFfgqDFlO_jmsBqqbrOIsaATvtNx5jTc2fPY_dgvpc4FVBhnrjuWMGDgCDRncP63qikI8XdbrK_nGnOtvH_uyZqiWkFdcRH6PdGq52QLBClasntI90jfRaIQpdL5KAgu1mlh/w426-h640/ASS%202_3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Phantom Lady is also on the spot when the non-flying members of the All-Star Squadron come across some crooks. She helps stop them, and in so doing joins up with the others. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;">Review: </b></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div>So here it is, the book Roy Thomas had always wanted to write: tales of the Golden Age DC heroes set in the Golden Age! Regardless of how well he, Rich Buckler, and Jerry Ordway told this story, you have to admire their enthusiasm. You can just FEEL the love Roy has for these characters, bursting forth on every page. </div><div><br /></div><div>That being said, there is a lot to unpack with <b><i>All-Star Squadron</i></b>, but I'll go slow (as Roy did, at the time). </div><div><br /></div><div>For those of you who may be unfamiliar with this series, <b><i>All-Star Squadron</i></b> is set during World War II on the Golden Age world where the original Green Lantern, Flash, Hawkman, and their contemporaries were still active. Pre-Crisis this world was called "Earth-Two" to differentiate it from the main DCU world, "Earth-One," where groups like the Justice League and the Teen Titans were active. Instead of writing new stories of the Justice Society, Seven Soldiers, and others on present-day Earth-Two, Roy made the editorial decision to base this series in the past, when (arguably) these characters were at their peak. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the preview story published as an extra in <b><i>Justice League of America #193,</i></b> most of the Justice Society members are kidnapped by the time-travelling Per Degaton and his team of time-travelling super-villains. US President Franklin Roosevelt makes an Executive Order to create the All-Star Squadron as an extra-special war-time protective force. It is then up to remaining JSA members Hawkman, the Atom, and Dr. Mid-Nite and non-JSA "mystery men" Libety Belle, Johnny Quick, Robotman, and Plastic Man to help defend America against Japanese invasion on December 7, 1941. That brings us to this issue, when this group of "mystery men" head to the US West Coast "just in case the Japanese launch a surprise attack there, like they did in Hawaii."</div><div><br /></div><div>As for the story itself, I have to admit that as a kid I enjoyed Roy's Marvel version of this, <b><i>The Invaders</i></b>, which was set in England and Europe during the early days of World War II. This DC series, however, reads a bit differently. In this book there are a handful of panels where the US citizens cry out about the "Nip sneak attack" and "Japanazis" and other, shall we say, <i>out-of-date</i> pejoratives that were certainly used at the time (December 7, 1941) but are borderline racist now (as well as when they were first published, in Summer 1981). Because this series begins on the day the United States entered World War II, there will be a lot of racism shown on the Home Front. In fact, there are quite a few issues of <b><i>All-Star Squadron </i></b>that I do not remember as fondly as I do <b><i>The Invaders.</i></b> We will cover those together if any of them include the Freedom Fighters, but I don't look forward to them....</div><div><br /></div><div>Besides that, this initial story arc was always one of my least favorites, mostly because it features Per Degaton, my personal nominee of One Trick Pony Character of the Century. EVERY single time he appears it is a riff on the "I stole the time machine from Professor Zee and (blank)." And EVERY single time he is defeated, and goes back to working for Professor Zee thinking, "I had the weirdest dream last night." EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. </div><div><br /></div><div>This time his plot is even more convoluted, what with him going back in time from his "current day" in 1947, but bringing a couple super-villains back in time with him! Let me ask you: if you were a King Bee, or Sky Pirate, or Professor Zodiak, would YOU go back in time with Per Degaton!?!! It's just stupid. What could have been a straight-forward "why didn't the JSA prevent Pearl Harbor?" story turns into a time-travelling mess. The art by Rich Buckler and Jerry Ordway is fantastic, and that is by far the best part of the issue! All of the characters, even those I wasn't particularly familiar with, look great! </div><div><br /></div><div>And that brings us to the sole Freedom Fighter featured in this issue. I was happily confused to see Phantom Lady appear in this story, with the origin that I was accustomed to (daughter of a Senator). Firstly, I was happy because she was there at all, and she looks great! Of course, I noticed right away that she now has a mask, something she almost never had in her Golden Age appearances, and absolutely never had during her Freedom Fighters days. Still, you can't really keep your identity secret if you don't have some type of mask on, right? So I forgive that addition to the uniform. </div><div><br /></div><div>However, the point that is glossed over in this issue (and will be continually for the next two years) is the issue that actually confused me: Phantom Lady is NOT and never was from the same world as the Justice Society, so she shouldn't be included here at all! </div><div><br /></div><div>Those of you who have been following my reviews of the Freedom Fighters on this blog know that they are originally from another dimensional world called Earth-X, neither Earth One nor Earth Two, where the Nazis actually won World War II. She and her team-mates never met the Justice Society OR the Justice League before 1973! So to include Phantom Lady here, on what is clearly identified as Earth Two, is more than somewhat confusing! </div><div><br /></div><div>Her inclusion, and that of Plastic Man, and the eventual inclusion of the majority of Quality Comics characters, will eventually be explained in <b><i>All-Star Squadron. </i></b>For now, though, we can only enjoy her appearance and hope for the quick inclusion of her erstwhile team-mates. </div><div><br /></div><div>Specifically, Phantom Lady is portrayed well, not only as coolly professional but also as brave and clever. I seem to recall reading somewhere that Roy chose to include her because she was one of the few female characters at the time, and that he liked her. As a debut, she does just fine. </div></span></div><div><div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Phantom Lady</span> Moment </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="432" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0Ex0LmxBj4i5d5M85Ijdfk2AOCj8LMewCqUXAC_PTNVm3Yv5R_ZMwGVZm8Zy85uul_-c3zEyTiRdUyZY4tSqBheP2p2BEEDiQcO4gOfNVA9U1vfJgcOSny2J5dhNDYbhRcJt1Nop2V9werOVgWCh097qG5y74Qon9P77LZpC2d4vc42e8DUrYAHz-Dcq/w400-h304/ASS%202_PLBest.jpg" width="400" /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Phantom Lady, confident in her black-out light, stops a car full of crooks from escaping </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Freedom Fanmail<br /></i></b>This issue's letter column was a text piece by Roy regarding his love of these characters. It also included a run-down on the debut appearances and origins of all of the characters featured. In Phantom Lady's case, he attributed her debut to <b><i>Police Comics #1</i></b>, but then states that she never had an origin. Does that mean that Bob Rozakis wrote her origin, which appeared in <b><i>Freedom Fighters #15</i></b>?!? I find that very hard to believe..... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Freedom of Information</b><br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Rod Reilly appeared in the prologue and in <b><i>All-Star Squadron #1</i></b> as a member of the Navy. No mention yet of his alter ego, Firebrand. </li><li>Phantom Lady's black-out ray resembles a flashlight, not a bracelet. This is a call-out to her original ray, as illustrated in the Golden Age by artists such as Arthur Peddy. </li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="754" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9C3nEa37LCyqQkdsX6PDsUW2XsgM5HHqCdOBUmjYrHf3mEuUYXbU4tsm0IIUu902zp5tbdOEjfgVCRcNUVn5Mpy_Hcf-Q1IXF4JkI4Z-ZPQKdyJw-dBdmOA6D2mrJflEghIDQ20zOV7pqRImpQwvTlWE1qq1r34JEbUu3iZcHvwcNbX3EeD2Q-EOt_A/s320/JLA%20107%20groupshot1.jpg" width="320" /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">The Freedom Fighters</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>assembled by Len Wein</i></span></div></div></div>Russell Burbagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756652514507714383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225466123539557290.post-43010095836025955342023-12-13T06:00:00.486-05:002023-12-13T06:00:00.141-05:00DC Comics Presents #62<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1594" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_1IVRc0DW4MlOWvIAvlDHoherv16FiXC5DDZGl1OUmhfhdFY0weSDXs5-lIiT_Ogo1CQqgLv5TQ6reH2GNn_kefvjAicVI0z0syfzDwQX_4HPs7ilfMZsoydGgbiI9G7dPoiYdi7IRzpVXIjU3WrO7kOcBIJotUZfNq95O-KjtGXtiKzfLBEJA_tcQ/w251-h400/DCCP62.jpg" width="251" /></div><p><b>DC Comics Presents #62 (October 1983)<br /></b><i>title: "</i>Born On The Fourth of July!"<br /><i>writers: </i>Bob Rozakis & Dan Mishkin<br /><i>penciller</i>: Irv Novick<br /><i>inker</i>: Dave Hunt<br /><i>letterer: </i>John Costanza<br /><i>colorist</i>: Gene D'Angelo<br /><i>editor:</i> Julius Schwartz<br /><i>letter column: </i>Bob Rozakis<br /><i>cover:</i> Gil Kane </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div><b>Order of Appearance</b>: Uncle Sam appears first, followed by a group scene on page 5 featuring: (L/R) Doll Man, The Ray, Black Condor, and The Human Bomb. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Guest Stars: </b>Superman</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Supporting Characters: </b>the President of the United States</div><p><b>Opponents:</b><br />Neo-Nazis</p><p><b>Overall Summary: <br /></b>Neo-Nazis steal the US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, and it's up to the Freedom Fighters and Superman to get them back. </p><a name='more'></a><div><b>Plot Summary:</b></div><div><b><br /></b><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1313" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiols9PcjF0a-nc4cCq80SSQPwQNFdSRL-ysJwMjQ-wetsqusDdTSnwXU0HbtgoQJtA9FGLAFFn24-6RPtq70O_wvM3i9zPceQ-d65eqM1Lle56Yxna_exSl5Lb0_4_yH_6r__RsWmwmggrtHF69NQrAaZ2uycL54tr7O-ySCwIV9CW-Xx1edz-4eYUKDmG/w488-h640/DCCP62%20(1).jpg" width="488" /></div><div><br /></div>"Kid" is on a field trip to the Museum of History to see the travelling Declaration of Independence, but he is more interested in a copy of <b><i>DC Comics Presents #62</i></b>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1510" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKDuc8gFT7Bvdem5NgiQU3pJFSHt4utCZmAS-Lr1aVzyoVVlTb-PTmG1doY3I8SLVGT6r8e-mTMYx2HzExeaCMDFg7W6DIT76uC3srdQi1CHW8oCnQOU7qsfqxqOUkzon141lHSTMwpi4URkV_pVEUmLQ7awmH_i5ykHg4P0QK6tyRS6vqcxJvFSKtFJl/w424-h640/DCCP62%20(5).jpg" width="424" /></div><br /><div>Uncle Sam jumps into the sky to get Superman's attention, telling him that someone has stolen the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Superman is on his way to stop the third national disaster of the day, so doesn't think he has time to stop to listen. Superman flies to southern salt caverns to stop them from collapsing, ruining the environment, and wasting the collected oil in and around them. He goes underground and cools molten ore to create a new, natural metal oil tank to store the oil. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1486" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmCPGwu0una7QEdw8CC4_DUWfCFgrbhSPmrJ5D2NlCt12-L08m6hEjq6laC-DEvvh6VnGxkZsSBXlADOxkAuPj36UOVB0CH0__fuCQ4va9EihP0DjBMGi6HgmpR03uiHGpk3hCI2lxFdLFqwFZ3AAvVQVm_nSKcNp48JsYLlo2MzOrlLRSBMXcslwd5vn/w430-h640/DCCP62%20(6).jpg" width="430" /></div><div><br /></div>On Earth X, Uncle Sam tells the others that Superman didn't listen to him, so they agree to return to Earth-1 to rescue the stolen documents. Phantom Lady and Firebrand are not present, nor are they mentioned. Back on Earth-1, a group of Neo-Nazis plan to dominate and break the American Spirit, then take over the world. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1493" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBh2JM5loTNrV27s_uK1DBy56jeoJ42aE5wUY2vhFDoK6s5LaWetCzQji-mDilrDVgfH8CFXk-0_wJS1W8n5SNaE7eJTPNDay5c8l0G0x4OxnomiDu4jsrYrF2usQbrurlnNObZxvnhA8LFDG2UY_Ke35mMaGYniXXNEKbsbSxhcOUBJXdbG1rEOthEFJM/w428-h640/DCCP62%20(8).jpg" width="428" /></div><div><br /></div>In Metropolis, Clark Kent is broadcasting when some type of freak static jams all radio and television broadcasts. Clark takes the opportunity to investigate the dying wheat crop in the Midwest. He takes a sample of the wheat to his Fortress but can find nothing abnormal with it. He gets a summons from the President and flies off to the White House. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0uzF7EFDo3w7no1rSQd3-1Ud1NxuFQGfIRAF8DmJyfxe8ysQnDtAbPenUZeBbgAWu3Ucpkdirw9RWE9ZGrfy7y_UVMRokUuM9mgdEDaopApvhgH4TmAdAVpWYMZAOVRra8JuxkFzNgca2XRdOixeEOwIHObbcTQXUcCGhAZn64cC5fsz6o9U0nHSEniy/s1483/DCCP62%20(9).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1483" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0uzF7EFDo3w7no1rSQd3-1Ud1NxuFQGfIRAF8DmJyfxe8ysQnDtAbPenUZeBbgAWu3Ucpkdirw9RWE9ZGrfy7y_UVMRokUuM9mgdEDaopApvhgH4TmAdAVpWYMZAOVRra8JuxkFzNgca2XRdOixeEOwIHObbcTQXUcCGhAZn64cC5fsz6o9U0nHSEniy/w432-h640/DCCP62%20(9).jpg" width="432" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Elsewhere, the Freedom Fighters arrive back on Earth-1 right in the middle of a downtown riot. They are working to control the mob when Superman arrives; they sneak away, allowing him to take care of the mob. Superman, who has learned that a fleet of Russian ships appear to be on their way to Florida, stops just long enough to suck the area's air into his lungs so that the rioters all fall unconscious. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9KSohW_sea0urypZpq0K7cxpgET6By3_PpzpWe1S4WuOYY00BcRlFH7f1IyzpRuAkgapd6Eozw4RjuTDR5bgErn3wfyxAvRhZBAabUxvMQtS0Q6NP-q_l-OZ-k0NvQ6LhF-YxIOJtSn0NLQH4sTWWqiZJ706wE570JekAdL7n6YcZQhLG08bdyBKqzv7/w426-h640/DCCP62%20(14).jpg" width="426" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Uncle Sam leads the way to the secret Nazi headquarters, where the Freedom Fighters break in and fight the goons, while Superman flies over the Russian fleet heading towards Florida. He keeps an eye on them, but is not sure what to do. He finds it difficult to concentrate. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1495" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7TssBCivuTkWB6uIIMjD7MbVLxF4YoYDxqrF3I4I43RWnxhsxpqGWq5lG4J0sLd3cYApl1NjjadDQsM5uTxzmUy_IwEjitCnKgfeVM8FgzuCwrGyD5HEnDpPDkknN75w05jvBW_uyoKN5MtLOHbB7OovV_-4m1RXiiVHrwlw1WeKekUsLpJvAUfd_LQi/w428-h640/DCCP62%20(15).jpg" width="428" /></div><br /></div><div>Uncle Sam finds the Declaration and the Constitution and with a timely assist from the Ray, defeats the Nazi leader. Near Florida, the space shuttle starts to hurtle down towards the Russian ships. Superman stops the space shuttle from colliding with one of the Russian ships, then realizes that the stolen documents are the root cause of all of the national disasters. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1488" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXeJh2w3jspsppmVeSW6KgzCa4bw2YDPPCi9bGuL-kszTWjz7e2vQsw9P1y9EjLmpK4vpRd8SEJ4fr3hvEuVNLnTIc_7n0GKwqoLaxA2qkn9bl9bmkcHvrDiFL5wtm4Q8bd2iBDQxxBcFPR97_rIr4MZaVMYYRhqQ_u9zRfFS3KEMfnIK8gdIBrjsjCnir/w430-h640/DCCP62%20(21).jpg" width="430" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>He and Uncle Sam return the documents to the President, and the American Spirit begins to revive. Later, Clark Kent interviews Uncle Sam, who explains what happened and how everyone is now safe. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1495" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqI3dlAxP_G6PRnsCEIdg0DqGF94zzlIZF6d0mVHwMZzmHkVoVNM8HrWI4RAMep4i4bjRG8hmvW_uAQBT2ixW9ed-WvAxpWm2t305O2rtOZ1MyHAfU2XWOV9yax8ghMNkHpq26TtR0phb45i72QCg_N9jy299yf2EcxN3mhvhJoSLUKtb5rGLt9Yc1SvY7/w428-h640/DCCP62%20(22).jpg" width="428" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Back on Earth-Prime, "Kid" finished reading the comic and realizes the Constitution and Declaration of Independence ARE magical, and he wants to see them for himself. Uncle Sam comes along and approves. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;">Review: </b></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div>....and with that, the Freedom Fighters' solo Bronze Age appearances are complete. Sort of. Yes, the Freedom Fighters will appear in CRISIS, and yes, the Freedom Fighters will appear in <b><i>All Star Squadron</i></b>; however, as I will explain at some other time, those are not what I consider the real, true Freedom Fighters. We'll talk about that in the future, but with this issue the adventures of the Freedom Fighters who we have come to know and love are over. </div><div><br /></div><div>When I read that this book was coming out I was ecstatic! I saw the blurb for it below and couldn't wait to read it. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="995" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Dcaqs7saUhXqQz8fuMZjmWjlINcpvAtwFNtyKgvx8_j0BIDgnZQU-YPphOnxBLCjKbtIF40BaK-klDf_I0gLK4oHaybDafbl6LBPln8KaAMDO-o6fH9dOG_7nsH9Wz44h1m9XpKjKcE-1Nz2Voo_jGvthAGPcZM0DaulryWbRnA3coERtumkTdoxkxWA/w640-h302/DCCP62%20ad%20edit.jpg" width="640" /></div><br /><div>The blurb for this issue makes it sound terribly exciting, but the actual story....well, it leaves a bit to be desired. It's not bad, per se, but it's not great, either. There is no mention of the Freedom Fighters' last appearances, or why or how The Ray rejoined them and they all went back to Earth-X. In fact, although it IS established that the Fighters ARE back on Earth-X, there's no explanation as to how they seem to be able to traverse between Earths so easily! And of course, there is no mention of either Phantom Lady or Firebrand, so I have no choice but to believe that they have somehow died since their last appearances. </div><div><br /></div><div>On the other hand, just seeing these great characters again was a treat. Although it was predominantly an Uncle Sam and Superman adventure, the other characters did get short moments to shine. To be honest I would have preferred less Superman and more Freedom Fighters, but the story DID still satisfy a longing several years old. </div><div><br /></div><div>THEN I read the letter column, and I read this fantastic write-up by former <b><i>Freedom Fighters</i></b> writer Bob Rozakis. Read it and see if it doesn't put a smile on your face! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="884" data-original-width="577" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoHQZXe7UDKgp7E53bONxeXjtIWm5V12l1cwb9N3DfJk7SzEg4I5s_yNzophbFoW0ZkJVKgeaVu-rMrLPcqPZBOBLZD-WrcKQ-QSLuAqcEDj7RUJWaCTJvmJHESs8fXlK9u5EY9RGdah_y449lzcSby1ZFt21qx6uRK3LvbZEWusyGlUfVlnWDqcPtxQO/w418-h640/DCCP62%20LC.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="418" /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>....so THAT is what happened after the Freedom Fighters and the Secret Society of Super-Villains lost their books! It all makes sense, and it made me happy to read. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now if this story had really been <i>the end</i> of the Freedom Fighters, I would have been perfectly happy. They were all together and back home on Earth-X. Yes, it was a shame about Firebrand, but, let's face it, he was only a member for about three issues total. And he died saving the rest of the team, so that sounds pretty heroic to me. </div><div><br /></div><div>However, we still have quite a few Freedom Fighters appearances to look forward to IN THE PAST. Confused? Of course, I'm talking about <b><i>All Star Squadron</i></b>! When Roy Thomas returned to DC Comics in 1981 he was promised a book about Earth-2 and the Justice Society: he came up with <b><i>All Star Squadron</i></b>, and the second issue featured our very own Phantom Lady! She and the other Freedom Fighters were supporting characters for the first three years of the book, up until the beginning of CRISIS, and it is those stories that I will now turn my attention to! </div><div><br /></div><div>I will be taking the next two weeks off but join me on January 3 as we return to those thrilling days of yesteryear, just as the Japs have bombed Pearl Harbor and all the heroes in America band together under President Roosevelt's orders as <i>The All Star Squadron... </i>and the Freedom Fighters will <i>never </i>be the same! Join me, won't you? </div><div><br /></div></span></div><div><div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;">Black Condor</span> Moment </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="1000" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenGkmuCpdvdnQq9XbHVQ_SUJUoQcmQlXNEfYkB29JpROHKO79BqUfpesuRPoM3pNvASsP473eHe5iF42b395Rw5jR8f65P3W7UgI_csXQOqLghBCtreYcmTvdlJ0kno45Z8VZ5rcOwCbUaLtnCDtqa9RMsWDjJ3StPBglCzUha0-LatXVrXZEvZ4xRdqi/w400-h371/DCCP62%20BC.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Black Condor flies into a fight to stop some violence, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">then realizes there is a mob at work! </div></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Doll</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Man</span></span> Moment</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="493" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimo1GUZ-yelQE9XGWTpgvVF_W2SPTFb_hd63SgyOD04PY4E6zddqbWjdgkWLlWjpYmfRb8ArJgoPGvm-AgSoG_DVQ-2AC8dnNC87TCOYJkTKC1ZTtzh1fVCknzoRXt0ep49FCeKxhzwNC6kioWPmnvbpYILsaGADuRMhFd2gITgeH_2Gj-BH7YpcFiDaZL/s320/DCCP62%20DollMan.jpg" width="300" /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Doll Man works to stop the brawl in his own unique way! </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #674ea7; font-size: medium;">Human Bomb</span><span style="color: #e69138;"> </span>Moment</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="1000" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLR3r_GsPouM4sW7wOH5AA-gublQEws-tYVrDcaE34WqdxBezEs9X0XeYRmF2NCC5g_sHSNawIeuovqhJWLH3Q9cCBYLFJXHM9NKDiNikSqTddh9hymhz02dzeZf5nn1vjR4lPW_D1WS1KrlzhljKmN8G6BF7VTpifSS5iOJ_cnjPc-WPGCc1XEq9nUU2g/w640-h302/DCCP62%20HB.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Human Bomb opens the door to the Neo-Nazi headquarters! </div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #ffa400; font-size: medium;">The Ray</span> Moment</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="1000" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-wsR1bHYU7bKGC4Rm4xCz0cyR2SvGayKVyV96DXO73k8UJ7AAhLQzuTygpk72OcD18B8lO-373rf8li8UjdoYW5nzTKh5o_Q8_HdMQLMc18Qbrm-KnrX7mFOwOqYa4i4dFyoIH6c7aph1LhB4Azfux_zYBMrCf3cCFJZ2g6jX7Z_bp50lWdEIp85EL5d/w640-h333/DCCP62%20Ray.jpg" width="640" /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Ray stops a Neo-Nazi from burning the US Constitution and the Declaration of Indepence.... </div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Uncle</span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">Sam</span> Moment</b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1494" data-original-width="520" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprolyEXtxwYzTfIMOVNeGWT_pZXUhpspC3driEewH7fOLIl6YtIg2KrjOrZB6ml4qgiIB5_d3z3b5Nyq31ZLs_NT0hP90bQD590kIOXsanJXsbxhFi8xv2EzfWoT2dGNTnaGIbf_QYWJXzbOF-OtEBU4LMWINwOftuBG-oQ247Fbrsb_tnj-VZhHxHDQW/w222-h640/DCCP62%20UncleSam.jpg" width="222" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">....then Uncle Sam takes care of the Neo-Nazi himself! </div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Best Moment</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="988" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEKU3teAyEsJaUtzSC42nRklBHw-HRtaowlYiHNMSDxakbRwrUjIM5Ohwv9RtX1LZt9ycr29f-q0NnRGYgQwv0HcW-oq4M9LuxkZeoMbL7W05vE8R72dQ7KGpTlCMDewy6lnHA-GToyAG58vokg2pkg3lKqMSNt4WPAKqCqgfXBgnGSCNBomC7CtFI8Vk/w640-h365/DCCP62%20rememberance.jpg" width="640" /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Freedom Fighters have a brief moment to remember their </div><div style="text-align: center;">late, lamented series and the misadventures they had together! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Worst Moment</b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVEXkpQ-B2_knO995XwsQ9a8s-oPE50pajOrgmyRu1Fz-EK8e0z7KtQOWJ3kZEJnvmhZyoJLP89hqiwvQUVbdQcFOq1W5NYZ6GQWslACeZhA7Vf57cs1LsawkdDbxoxVp1r362lfjTScayEX06b7KAkfJDNxf2YDvjbqbe2o_wV3PsmHzZCR-tMfphETt/s517/DCCP62%20PL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="517" data-original-width="433" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVEXkpQ-B2_knO995XwsQ9a8s-oPE50pajOrgmyRu1Fz-EK8e0z7KtQOWJ3kZEJnvmhZyoJLP89hqiwvQUVbdQcFOq1W5NYZ6GQWslACeZhA7Vf57cs1LsawkdDbxoxVp1r362lfjTScayEX06b7KAkfJDNxf2YDvjbqbe2o_wV3PsmHzZCR-tMfphETt/s320/DCCP62%20PL.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left;">"Stand together as always...." but without Phantom Lady and Firebrand?!? </span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Freedom of Information</b><br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The Freedom Fighters are living back on Earth X in this story. </li><li>The Freedom Fighters appear to be able to cross-over from Earth-X to Earth-1 easily in this story. </li><li>Phantom Lady and Firebrand are not shown or mentioned in this story. </li><li>The Human Bomb's suit is shown to be bullet-proof in this story. </li><li>The Neo-Nazis are shown wearing gray instead of brown. </li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="258" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYwBvh7uNCLYyzduB056U_GSg9byHIMcxTWSkGTbzm1xrUDhyphenhyphenVUZadcqFYq0MwPeFA_es4F7dhgfxYFSsCloaNXVxJME8sDqMPin_sNBV8LWwQBvbaxC5-483CghQNEPVpi3DAsvmMNtoiRaEXhpnziSUMdytzN2Y-h15DUBeAyWjqV6a59pkLXVbxVp8/w166-h640/DCCP62%20rollcall.jpg" width="166" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">The Freedom Fighters</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>assembled by Len Wein</i></span></div></div></div>Russell Burbagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756652514507714383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225466123539557290.post-12287123395046715832023-12-06T06:00:00.004-05:002023-12-06T06:00:00.146-05:00Wonder Woman #293<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZq6Tvu6Mjv1p4OgT91JZtTjxda0Q-Rr9BOb1Tz2Lo05DFnz4TC4plqBWNR3jZIuPCi4qZ6j8ol1dMr0W1oxseB0ilQle0XRXnnwgMNB41UGWxSgk27JnVTWDgIEvwdE3if7-2hsrabMRipiuiz5j_J6S_xMVaJthTwTQm3vpKjQjUe6vj7qZqj3GtTKPA/s1000/WW293%20(1).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="651" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZq6Tvu6Mjv1p4OgT91JZtTjxda0Q-Rr9BOb1Tz2Lo05DFnz4TC4plqBWNR3jZIuPCi4qZ6j8ol1dMr0W1oxseB0ilQle0XRXnnwgMNB41UGWxSgk27JnVTWDgIEvwdE3if7-2hsrabMRipiuiz5j_J6S_xMVaJthTwTQm3vpKjQjUe6vj7qZqj3GtTKPA/w260-h400/WW293%20(1).jpg" width="260" /></a></div><p></p><div><b>Wonder Woman #293 (July 1982)</b></div><div><i>title: </i>"Countdown to Chaos!" (Judgment in Infinity Part 3)</div><div><i>plot: </i>Paul Levitz</div><div><i>script: </i>Roy Thomas</div><div><i>penciller</i>: Gene Colan<br /><i>inkers</i>: Frank McLaughlin, Bob Smith, & Adrian Gonzales<br /><i>letterer: </i>Ben Oda<br /><i>colorist</i>: Carl Gafford<br /><i>editor:</i> Len Wein<br /><i>cover:</i> Ross Andru & Dick Giordano</div><p></p><div><p><b>Order of Appearance</b>: Phantom Lady is the only Freedom Fighter to appear in this story.</p><div><b>Guest Stars: </b>Wonder Woman (it's her book, so naturally), Raven, Wonder Girl, Starfire, Black Canary, Zatanna, the Huntress, Power Girl, Supergirl, Madame Xanadu</div><p></p><p><b>Supporting Characters: </b>Queen Hipplyta <br /><br /><b>Opponents:</b><br />The omnipotent being known as The Adjudicator and his minions "Death," "Famine," "Plague," and "War"</p><p><b>Overall Summary: <br /></b>An omnipotent being known as the Adjudicator has judged Earth (One) and all Earths linked to it, deciding to destroy them. Wonder Woman and ten other super-heroines try to stop him. </p><a name='more'></a><div><b>Plot Summary:<br /></b><div>At Titans Tower, Raven suddenly screams in pain. Starfire and Wonder Girl rush her to Paradise Island, where Wonder Girl hopes the Amazons' Purple Ray will help her. Queen Hippolyta tells them that the source of Raven's intense pain is from another Earth, so the two Teen Titans use the Amazons' Cosmic Portal to go to "Earth-I" ("I" for Immortal). There they face the Adjudicator's minion, "Death." It is happy to murder as many of the long-living people on this Earth as he can. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="684" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZm3Vyz7qfeb7UA8EaXITZXjbi85yLqwilMbtUp-ouuzFHPNPwyv3o9cs1DBUMMQnp3PrsUQl6CZPK4CFnlYKyUuYQSTQB8D6XDhi_l7pESp13TseW_JR_llsGPG2qi2885YkAuP0y5HfPLwDWaxIGBdlO2nGDY04YdHvPCG04DU49xQoVIbJUhwepdLo/w438-h640/WW293%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="438" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look, there's Phantom Lady in the far left of panel 6</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>However, the Adjudicator witnesses the people stand up to "Death" to try to help save Wonder Girl and Starfire, so he pulls back his minion. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="673" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AQOHv-g6wPr_tTgOMP76b_Nq3NPdIWt-foC1yjAYypQEV3-YsU8pANwCvMOZgNLaoddGdWhs8t7PBbmwdTWKKjdC4kRJ-CJTgYl94V0X3GcbItQaHfT058fAo1bA3o9Uzjs6geK3YepWYpK65A_Txt-hvgt59AjGxB3P9x_pa7zShD9p8NL0mSSh2RbU/w430-h640/WW293%20(3).jpg" width="430" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>On his battleship, the Adjudicator decides to destroy Earth (One) and all Earths linked to it. But before he destroys them, he pulls the eleven super-heroines who battled his minions to him. He encases them in crystals on his spaceship. He intends to take them with him in his travels. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="695" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4plB6FXWElTa4_U3DwiIAfRiIcd6tFSi7JNwfq05XYF1juB749BJt-bdP3c7K3emzzsT8gdqJDe6c3s2mk89p4acUaiya0nLqX4x5MP3QEL8Jtmwv0Or3lN-fSRGM9nCDxfteWnJV6sLfQzhMcVxG5KS-i7N2nty1Od7Hknq6arIXAgakIEhgh6Q0_dO/w444-h640/WW293%20(4).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="444" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look, there's Phantom Lady lying unconscious at the top left<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Wonder Woman uses her magic lasso to break free from the crystal. When the Adjudicator sends his minions after her again, she uses their energy bolts to free Supergirl, Power Girl, and Starfire, who then free the others. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="684" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYqvWU3KG5Xr4T9K_u8M51YsvPQaMU5YnP6pY4h_eBbljufioJQiEKR6BZabMFpxkNV7MiPkZH8A7Opi6R6lTnooAUWCE_wPY-PJRtO-Tlx9MUdr1wUrUFM-vwv9hemWbtK-7Lg2w7VN58OzfREeGva4Fgn9PlQrHLTzW9vBS6dsXRylgq1FDtqr3sGRuX/w438-h640/WW293%20(5).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="438" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look, there's Phantom Lady in panel 1</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>Tiring of this, the Adjudicator begins to destroy Earth(s). Wonder Woman lassos him and makes him confront his past, specifically WHY and HOW he was established as judge, jury, and executioner. He remembers that he was sent out from his home dimension "on a mission" to keep him "out of mischief." </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="674" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITz22g02Mh0-LXbeJN1rxPjPoEWf2qMihTEk3_alWMhurpqCGzivr5nbAlbkM_788hM0dAuEmpT2OjH5SU1HWiYNMw5PvETD9q9-A_Ezzh4R046Lb4Lg98K0OlerTTERnpxyuGO6LnjCKqN6z5Q-TGQ1W5lxsWSUtNhYHY_ISSA0ECRhAoXnPytrNmNih/w432-h640/WW293%20(6).jpg" width="432" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>As soon as the Adjudicator remembers his past, he disappears. Wonder Woman assumes that he has been called back to his home. As his battleship also begins to fade, the women from Earth One find themselves back in Washington, DC and assume the others returned to Earth Two or Earth X. </div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;">Review: </b></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div>I almost didn't include this story in my Freedom Fighters reviews because as you have read, Phantom Lady basically plays the part of "Supporting Super-Heroine in the Background" in this story. After having her own team-up last issue with Madame Xanadu (who?) I was hoping she would. if not front and center, be featured in the second tier. Basically, she's the person waaaay in the back of the photo who you can't make out but know just has to be that Aunt you've met once, six years ago. </div><div><br /></div><div>Phantom Lady has no lines in this story, and she has absolutely NO action scene. Which is strange, because she totally could have used her phantom powers to fade OUT of her crystal cage and free the others. But nope, she doesn't get to do anything. Of course, Black Canary and Madame Xanadu don't really get to do anything, either. This story is not very well organized for the guest stars. </div><div><br /></div><div>What Phantom Lady has is a mention in the story (twice) and a scene (twice). We don't even see her leave, just a comment from somebody that "oh, I guess she must have returned home. Not sure. Let's assume the story is over." </div><div><br /></div><div>As for the story itself, I don't think I have read a worst EPIC story in my life. We finally learn the antagonist's rationale, but it's such a let-down that it seems like a bargain basement "Squire of Gothos" or "Charlie X." And could someone please tell me how or why these other Earths are "linked" to our Earth? He very nonchalantly decides that Earths 1, 2, X, and I are all interconnected, even though we have never heard of Earth-I before (and never will again). It would have been SO much better to have included Earth-3 if we had to have another Earth. Otherwise, Roy Thomas and Paul Levitz should have stuck to Earth One and used Batgirl, Hawkwoman, Mera, Catwoman, and various other Earth One super-heroines instead of muddling the Earths up. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am not a fan of Gene Colan, and this issue is not his best work. And that is all I will say about that. </div><div><br /></div><div>Come back again next week for something completely different, and, oh yeah,.....Superman! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></span></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;">Best</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-size: medium;"> Phantom Lady</span> Moment </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="431" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVUb1T6jerKBfJ_AbLH2S83map8B3Dot2J9a914ZOIiTPv6otAowhUCeYooU6h6UDpnUBDVxjQQciI8QrZnCrNwD-pr1sKyZdjYIWmgig-BhdQD9ksTD9PgUz7FEeEllAcwYGcm40E6LMk0ih0lk-aHuL878WTvSWPEdraYulUv8gEgT5h20VBFmCx3Xn/w365-h400/WW293%20PL%20Best.jpg" width="365" /></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>This is the first we see of Phantom Lady in this story. </div><div>She doesn't even get to say, "Hello." <br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;">Worst </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Phantom Lady</span> Moment </b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="332" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGuK9_0plDf_MFVM4Pfjl6jsdKKDbN1EX82N9HwRXQ8Vb3zhMcTBQbiitXnb0oQIqKWWAL_KKs15w_4EBjNAvQEuPF9rFJZpTyR-uPIREtG6LjqRGu1kxcIlrVk90cpleNNo4S6yQQWJfov_LWCqglMZtXWtaGvNQigyjs2J-jBh4UtOwpEI37Yc01Z4-/s320/WW293%20PL%20Worst.jpg" width="318" /></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the last we hear of Phantom Lady in this story. </div><div style="text-align: center;">She doesn't even get to say "good-bye." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div><div><div><b style="font-style: italic;">Freedom of Information</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Phantom Lady and Zatanna appear in the story but do not appear on the cover. </li><li>No other Freedom Fighters appear in this story. </li><li>Phantom Lady has no lines in this story. </li><li>Phantom Lady is not shown doing anything active in this story. </li><li>Wonder Girl recognizes the Huntress, a woman she has never met. </li><li>There is no scene between Supergirl and Power Girl, although this is their first meeting.</li></ul></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="999" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgei2sEE9faQE8et9ZLrXGE3ux18Hey5sjw-VO1YkZzmUWJzxyvZOYNLyEJ8e9G40sUj32NGCacA-oi3fZ9VUphbaEGDU0r29712pTk43OzmK_czDTMwmI6HUJq3V1j3TGE_AHsWPa0Y2TCdrwY-Eg7S9YI4Lmznq18QPQPhN_h50jAXmaW0t1pePxzBU3l/w640-h166/roll%20call%20FF9.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">The Freedom Fighters</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>assembled by Len Wein</i></span></div></div></div></div>Russell Burbagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756652514507714383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225466123539557290.post-3378374882988845522023-11-29T06:00:00.275-05:002023-11-29T06:00:00.137-05:00Wonder Woman #s 292<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1533" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCloH1ynZlZ2sE15WJ89dBc2NjL2dh3xuJsysV600GpfOgJW96byWkvYsS1lR_Z9aUIxEeWk80UBvpQLzHyVJ3ytjPBditEjh8PmqDH7mswKVvFqBWZDSGX-4da0eygIKL-6uVVsn6bddFvhXEy550-aFkMF1e8wq9Iu5qTJOvRXYpuuL2xnBAE_tIw/w261-h400/WW292%20(1).jpg" width="261" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Wonder Woman # 292 (June 1982)<br /></b><i>title: </i>"Seven Against Oblivion!" (Judgment in Infinity Part 2)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>plot: </i>Paul Levitz</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>script: </i>Roy Thomas</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>penciller</i>: Gene Colan<br /><i>inker</i>: Frank McLaughlin<br /><i>letterer: </i>Ben Oda<br /><i>colorist</i>: Carl Gafford<br /><i>editor:</i> Len Wein<br /><i>cover:</i> Ross Andru & Dick Giordano</div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Order of Appearance</b>: Phantom Lady is the only Freedom Fighter to appear in this story.</p><div><br /></div><div><b>Guest Stars: </b>Wonder Woman (it's her book, so naturally), Black Canary, the Huntress, Power Girl, Supergirl, Madame Xanadu</div><p></p><p><b>Supporting Characters:</b><br />Lois Lane, Zatanna <br /><br /><b>Opponents:</b><br />The omnipotent being known as The Adjudicator and his minions "Plague" and "War"</p><p><b>Overall Summary: <br /></b>An omnipotent being known as the Adjudicator has judged Earths and sent his minions, representative of the Four Horsemen of the Apocolypse, to destroy Earth Two and Earth X. Several super-heroines, including Phantom Lady, try to stop him. </p><a name='more'></a><div><b>Plot Summary:<br /></b><div>Fresh from their battle with the omnipotent alien being known as The Adjudicator and his representation of "Famine," Wonder Woman and Zatanna are interviewed by Lois Lane. Wonder Woman is not talking on the record, but after the majority of the press corps gives up, Lois tries to get an exclusive. Wonder Woman can't admit just how powerless she felt when the Adjudicator blasted her, but Lois knows something very dangerous is happening. She tells Wonder Woman that she trusts her. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="676" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZL5v-k3fqtmXalnGhvuk2YaHuRj3nSIbnqX5uXUJYl3OexbBS4ALDRcHNFfmEPsq9swqNTbl2O7IvbwBJ_bjnWHvilWdcNTH28SprFVBZgBrqIjn2Z_hti3N4whkaZBAKZueCu9FEgYdUMFAi3PbbJkZh3OiA1bIS1WqBwqAs3flw640MoUkhpZP75BV/w432-h640/WW292%20(2).jpg" width="432" /></div><div><br /></div>In the Adjudicator's home dimension between our worlds, he thinks about Wonder Woman and goes searching for other, similar spinning blue spheres. He decides to send "Plague" to the world we call Earth Two. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="673" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4yspe6iBvJoYHYuz18zfZ2t-e4MP_8SZsEKYbATzerVAcIW-zkF12wNXyg6haNQYTdbg5ovNeUr0yKJ00cx2L3vzAlSh1_0vI-Uyhwv8WssOcolw_4h0T-WnLbbAZrdrfy3SPqLphIiMH2eEcvbn3nJDJkx4to9nwrjCeCUZL9fUzdCbiktVYwKu3XM_/w430-h640/WW292%20(3).jpg" width="430" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>There, Black Canary is visiting the JSA brownstone warning them of the Adjudicator's plot and the possibility that he will attack Earth Two. Suddenly (and conveniently) the Adjudicator appears at the US Center for Disease Control with "Plague." Black Canary, the Huntress, and Power Girl fight him, until he suddenly disappears in a bright flash of light. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="670" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZsCVtVSYsDFiDbaDYf_CaQv3VlKhNO2NRpwA08OV_R_CPdeZ36eD5r0Ip9DYoLIUeuaanOLu1x48NvgghVRSn6r8KvXJl1PMkg_3A_48V7LT2kqjCs2fDj-ntZ3B_cA291I0QUgd_Ih87R2UyZLA1RZJpRnVdDyEXwlh11eror1oH6LOoSQLyYzNeh_N/w428-h640/WW292%20(4).jpg" width="428" /></div><br /><div>Meanwhile, back on Earth One, Wonder Woman has sent Supergirl to Madame Xanadu, who sees right through Supergirl's identity of Linda Danvers. Watching them is the Adjudicator, who blinks them to Earth X, changes Linda to Supergirl, and sends "War" after them. </div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="665" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6v3yMUbHaRBgK1z5tMLgr1VKm9hUZq2p4M23Ydj4xgrxgreCZ3kpMzIppnQ8Cxxyu8j7ZWXMtSa8E98GhkMqugGkPzBbtxAglquPJBsUTmBEedlc9GzsPvVjdeJxpPhyphenhyphenSMfeJc6hyvdZrNiQM8sD0iKvJngfI0AJwEcjwERP9jtbu7d_VhRTojwOr9rW/w426-h640/WW292%20(5).jpg" width="426" /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>Wonder Woman wanted them to check on Earth X to make sure it was okay. They find Paris very much still in ruins from World War Two, which only ended on this world in 1973. "War" attacks the women with empty Nazi tanks, which Supergirl is able to destroy easily while also spouting obscure WW2 trivia. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="670" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1jhS3byc0nH3aUe6vFbZYt7srzff7-zz10349REoItFMTSne_xjXX2Ric7FysYD2taEeRG2DEaaspxrACbPWebUBwXZN7uLt7DJzdoxG66Cs1NydHhT_PHMHicXm88wiBGHqdyzhkKRzZw-zCkKwj_MtXjxP8iVRNgD26n-UUOViEq29KUjh-iCK0QzE/w428-h640/WW292%20(6).jpg" width="428" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Elsewhere in Paris, "War" leads mind-controlled Parisiens against the US Embassy. Phantom Lady tries to protect the Embassy and turn the mob back. Madame Xanadu arrives to help, showing "War" the Tarot card for The Fool, which seems to make him disappear. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="660" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WHbjj8blZYvy90ycnEt5COBlr4m7dAzLpKyTeuvkOJCZMGTCnI9edlV81-keTgBRce8tl9exVx3-Dl7whyphenhyphenFMvB8hIf6FX6Q4HoQ7VxJ2qsnvoPC5UMik6mfIpMvZuCX-8QJomk-x1A9839py-QhVjpZM6dOvkI9SLxT2TTz8UlGr3W02DLoHAZ6DTvzZ/w422-h640/WW292%20(7).jpg" width="422" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Supergirl and Madame Xanadu return back to Earth One. Phantom Lady turns her attention back to the angry mob, but with "War" gone they have returned to normal and all is well again. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="677" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGDTMC7na8bX9bVpJQYr1FoJy3-fhkym7g1xX4eSIsvCzsGq6_uN12Tpyr7dboQ1hDI2ZZ6V4f1DiMj-Xh4YhpwHmBtZS6Jbd_815f-sI4iWn0MI8fUjzLuGebnxkPnnwCnRuEPbO1cTlKTAJEQFR-LO2sQXAUJ2BZRNklT1ytXRR_QpyHYF1BlSEmJ5W/w434-h640/WW292%20(8).jpg" width="434" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;">Review: </b></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div>Five years after she and her team-mates shuffled off of the main DCU Earth One stage, Phantom Lady is now back. She has somehow returned to her native Earth X, but there is no mention of the other Freedom Fighters. Also, although she does demonstrate her black-out beam, she does NOT "phase out" as she could during the Bronze Age Freedom Fighters series. And her uniform has been augmented with a pair of green goggles. </div><div><br /></div><div>The goggles, atleast, seem a straight-forward addition by Roy Thomas. She had been shown wearing them during her recent appearances in his <b style="font-style: italic;">All Star Squadron </b>series; she will wear them in all of her future appearances written by him, as well. No explanation here as to why she has them, of course. </div><div><br /></div><div>In fact, there is no reason given for using her here at all, especially when you stop and think about all the other more-mainstream super-heroines who don't appear in this story such as Batgirl, Mera, and Hawkwoman. The inclusion of Phantom Lady and Earth X especially seems to imply that Roy had a certain affection for this particular character. She had just appeared in three issues of his <b><i>All Star Squadron</i></b>; she would end up being the most used Freedom Fighter in that series. Although it would have been nice for Roy or Paul to give us some explanation as to how and why she was actually back on her home world, that was obviously not the story Roy (or Paul) wanted to tell. </div><div><br /></div><div>As for the story itself, I don't think I have read a worst EPIC story in my life. The antagonist's rationale is never clear: he goes from world to world to judge them, and destroys those he finds unworthy. Okaaaay, so does he judge Earth One worthy, or not? Then, why or how does he step off of our dimensional plane and decide to judge Earths Two and X, as well as Earth One? We get a glimpse of Earth Three, but does he not judge THAT Earth, too? You would think he would definitely find that planet unworthy. On Earth Two, Black Canary talks about "the Adjudicator's plan" but how does SHE know it, when the reader doesn't!? It's all very confusing and, dare I say it, stupid. Perhaps it was explained in the first chapter, last issue? If that's the case, the writers and editor owe it to new readers to explain it again, and they didn't. </div><div><br /></div><div>As for the art, I was never a fan of Gene Colan's style, and this is not his best work. I will leave it at that. </div><div><br /></div></span></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;">Best</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-size: medium;"> Phantom Lady</span> Moment </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="665" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZxb_kM08hJIkEOpFAVy8me-qqh4KCBMyRBFoUnabY3h2CO9OcxnI5yIDetBeon7kVlBQEnS1YVwNCHcAsDUg76q8WJRhnJr18PS4539cK8I8CCFh9MT2KvyfORtdPRqaebw_HIkg80v4nWjMpzZBinN3R5wTDJHHvkKXFqXHjuYf4jhUQ57s_FMjFMMy/s320/WW292%20PL%20Best.jpg" width="320" /></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Phantom Lady shows her mettle when she faces an angry mob in Paris</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;">Worst </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Phantom Lady</span> Moment </b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="226" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7u9ADUylO9XDB3Qa5PXcaCBSn_-B_p-zvyyEq70xv6y654SAcmjNv1polgnwZs0VAUHEeZUYCSi8rqqqeyBc7t26jsrse96nigMuQChbykq8aJPtSCQJR6aeqkQwBrtokgQOgHfnOptSxgJZwYSsQd-u3O8sQ_d8aPYgRZvRB2EJfiZs4z-Kl2syUpMJ/s320/WW292%20PL%20worst.jpg" width="220" /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the last we see of Phantom Lady in this story. </div><div style="text-align: center;">She has absolutely nothing to do with the conclusion. </div><div style="text-align: center;">She's willing, but Roy and Paul give her nothing to do. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div><div><div><b>Moment They Could Have Been Cleared:</b></div><div>No mention is made in this story of the Freedom Fighters being wanted by the police, so we can assume that those charges have somehow been dropped. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Freedom of Information</b><br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Although this is a <b><i>Wonder Woman</i></b> comic featuring super-heroines, no female talent was involved in its creation. </li><li>No other Freedom Fighter members appear in this story. </li><li>Madame Xanadu describes Earth X as a planet that has been fighting World War 2 "unabated" for 40 years; however, everyone here knows that the war ended in <b><i>JLA #s 107-108. </i></b> </li><li>Phantom Lady somehow appears at the US Embassy in Paris, although no mode of travel is mentioned. Perhaps she lives in Paris now? </li></ul></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="999" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgei2sEE9faQE8et9ZLrXGE3ux18Hey5sjw-VO1YkZzmUWJzxyvZOYNLyEJ8e9G40sUj32NGCacA-oi3fZ9VUphbaEGDU0r29712pTk43OzmK_czDTMwmI6HUJq3V1j3TGE_AHsWPa0Y2TCdrwY-Eg7S9YI4Lmznq18QPQPhN_h50jAXmaW0t1pePxzBU3l/w640-h166/roll%20call%20FF9.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">The Freedom Fighters</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>assembled by Len Wein</i></span></div></div></div></div>Russell Burbagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756652514507714383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225466123539557290.post-70378974112294370502023-11-22T06:00:00.348-05:002023-11-22T06:00:00.141-05:00Black Lighting #11<div class="separator"><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1520" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZumvPLI_LBuNpjsaDwSOQn6y32jJs95m5Mdh9-JO8cQ0NHn3H3Wg9pmyqitf_aXyuww7ArepQPpX0Hge90uSRiiEh905FJiKp3NidbnfHjIiQIIzZU6Ci0XzfefJpsl3CsRqJUDhzCVEkSk6wdUaKaiAaTYHp-mXoImfncDjmvBYI2AS1hyY46CQthw/w264-h400/BL%2011.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="264" /></i></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Black Lightning #11</b> <b>(October 1978) </b><br /><i>title: "</i>The Rise and Fall of The Ray!"<br /><i>writer/co-plotter: </i>Roger McKenzie</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>penciller/co-plotter</i>: John Fuller<br /><i>inker</i>: Bob Wiacek<br /><i>letterer: </i>Shelly Leferman<br /><i>colorist</i>: Mario Sen<br /><i>editor:</i> Jack C. Harris<br /><i>letter column: </i>Tony Isabella<br /><i>cover:</i> Rich Buckler & Vince Colletta<br /><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Order of Appearance</b>: The Ray is the only Freedom Fighter to appear in this story. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Guest Stars: </b>None</div><p></p><p><b>Supporting Characters: </b>None<br /><br /><b>Opponents:</b><br />None (mention of Quake Master and Killer Moth)</p><p><b>Overall Summary: <br /></b>The Ray revives after almost being beaten to death, and then must help put out a chemical fire on Gotham Bay! </p><a name='more'></a><div><b>Plot Summary:<br /></b><div>The Ray wakes up in Metropolis after a humiliating defeat at the hands of Quake Master and Killer Moth. He isn't sure how long he has been unconscious, and his first thought is to track down his Freedom Fighter friends. Then he reconsiders, altering his uniform into street clothes. He wanders the city forlorn. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5cRYNUxh7KSzcD4J8DEX_WAPmQ5ZkVvybOwwZNJvT_q1As9qyRvxYP5JKX2uA8R3J_2Cg1O9x9f1ZhjDGCqqw8pH-BEgRA7bNMAnUrVe1h0naSGEPVhQC-kJNyMFuvKCA2U_pnbrIYynjv7r0iiaL-Yiga7Jr-GKi5uxB52AkDE-ghhvW2ThoEs-92P4/s1000/BL%2011%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="916" data-original-width="1000" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5cRYNUxh7KSzcD4J8DEX_WAPmQ5ZkVvybOwwZNJvT_q1As9qyRvxYP5JKX2uA8R3J_2Cg1O9x9f1ZhjDGCqqw8pH-BEgRA7bNMAnUrVe1h0naSGEPVhQC-kJNyMFuvKCA2U_pnbrIYynjv7r0iiaL-Yiga7Jr-GKi5uxB52AkDE-ghhvW2ThoEs-92P4/s320/BL%2011%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Across the bay in Gotham City, a fire has broken out at a chemical processing plant. He is almost hit by a speeding fire engine, so he absorbs fire from an escaping tugboat and flies off to investigate. He realizes that it won't be easy to quit being a super-hero.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8MMOribbeMpVffcj4ZNSrnISsFfgQwnZF3KT3MEUMzY_0NrrHq7FczBsh2BJwjh3W5yMkvU4ggbpBqfI__jeu7t1oeHJA_rJp7mOoxoRFW3sdm8YoIZ6r4nz5i1OqxECC0aA5TzVmhMSqUosZwNwbiEyjHIHibrOIR30mu2Bh-HWdqqO5hWjKNzNcYCJ/s1000/BL%2011%20(3).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="991" data-original-width="1000" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8MMOribbeMpVffcj4ZNSrnISsFfgQwnZF3KT3MEUMzY_0NrrHq7FczBsh2BJwjh3W5yMkvU4ggbpBqfI__jeu7t1oeHJA_rJp7mOoxoRFW3sdm8YoIZ6r4nz5i1OqxECC0aA5TzVmhMSqUosZwNwbiEyjHIHibrOIR30mu2Bh-HWdqqO5hWjKNzNcYCJ/s320/BL%2011%20(3).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The Ray flies into the heart of the fire, stopping some pipelines from combusting. After confronting a cop about his intentions, he rushes off to put out another explosion. He saves a plant worker from being crushed by debris but is crushed himself; or so it seems. He converted himself into energy to save himself. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1495" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxRwCfyY8fwd__lHRKNotYYGW8WNEOC-ufIHqSmqM6aUWzbAbd3FLMiaL89DtPUEqt2VbWOwiGlf0sYISYj8YweM1ldJcNFDU_VBN-4FPHFrsRjjFDYa96L2to_2YYp85EzsnUI_xdZl_JFWId5UUxWmquyjZHO78GKqJUYOZ838npYUy7APOkOp5Awmn/w429-h640/TheRay%207.jpg" width="429" /></div><div><br /></div><div>As he saves another person, the Ray overhears that if the vat of chemicals explodes everyone in the immediate area will be killed. The Ray flies into the sky and commits to absorbing all of the heat of the fire, successfully putting it out. However, it was too taxing; he absorbed too much energy too quickly, and he splash lands into Gotham Bay, unconscious! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZeAMuYkIYpkSGIIyActpYFKGDy7-53cgOLZfOzRMEKewgpXGiQGjhPPFHGc5YcVEJgOKlADPEn_YVdkbZmcQiTEdGiYj5yAiQx1D_E3jmtQOzE0S6YicCDYMAhXu46CvQ6tbEofywRV69FTP5zKRH7aC-sghc27qsJfSVM-TLfYOJXguIEJNcHopaI3W/s1483/TheRay%208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1483" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZeAMuYkIYpkSGIIyActpYFKGDy7-53cgOLZfOzRMEKewgpXGiQGjhPPFHGc5YcVEJgOKlADPEn_YVdkbZmcQiTEdGiYj5yAiQx1D_E3jmtQOzE0S6YicCDYMAhXu46CvQ6tbEofywRV69FTP5zKRH7aC-sghc27qsJfSVM-TLfYOJXguIEJNcHopaI3W/w432-h640/TheRay%208.jpg" width="432" /></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;">Review: </b></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div>And so, it ends. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, this is the last in-continuity appearance of any of the Freedom Fighters for five long years. </div><div><br /></div><div>As a kid I was not aware that my DC world was crumbling around me. When I got this story, with its references to the Secret Society of Super-Villains, I naturally assumed that that story actually existed somewhere. It was about a year before I realized that it had never been published! </div><div><br /></div><div>Eventually I found out that <b><i>Secret Society of Super-Villains </i></b>(SSOSV for short) had been cancelled with issue #15, even though the story for #16 had been written, drawn, and lettered. When writer Bob Rozakis found out that <b><i>SSOSV #16 </i></b>was slated to be the last issue, he took action. Preferring that the series go out <i>before </i>rather than <i>just after</i> starting a three-part epic, Rozakis convinced editor Jack C. Harris to end the series one issue early. So the beginning chapter of <b><i>SSOSV #16,</i></b> which was the prologue to this Ray story, was shelved. And because parts two and three hadn't been completed, they now never would be. </div><div><br /></div><div>However, nobody took the time to amend THIS story, so it appeared as it was written, referencing a story that was never published. (Eagle-eyed readers will notice that there is actually no specific reference to the issue where the events prior to this story supposedly take place. I had missed that the first time around.) </div><div><br /></div><div>As a child I had no idea any of this was happening, and only wanted my Freedom Fighters' fix. When <b><i>SSOSV #16</i></b> failed to appear, I was devastated. I then looked forward to <b><i>Black Lighting #12 </i></b>to find out how the Ray had survived. Of course, that issue, too, failed to ever appear. </div><div><br /></div><div>Not only did we never get to see the epic battle between the Freedom Fighters and the Secret Society, but it was never mentioned, either. In 1982 Roy Thomas began to use the Freedom Fighters characters in <b><i>All Star Squadron</i></b>, but that series was set in December 1941, a full thirty-some years before this adventure was supposed to have occurred. Then they appeared in a 1982 issue of <b><i>DC Comics Presents</i></b>, but instead of continuing this adventure, it was a completely new team-up with Superman. Parenthetically, in that issue's letter column writer Bob Rozakis tells what his plans had been for this storyline; we'll cover that information when we get to that <b><i>DCCP </i></b>issue. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the meantime, I often wondered why Bob Rozakis hadn't taken over an issue or two of either <b><i>The Brave & The Bold </i></b>or <b><i>DC Comics Presents</i></b> post- DC Implosion in order to complete this storyline. After all, Batman had met the Freedom Fighters over in the pages of <b><i>JLA, </i></b>and both he and Superman had met Uncle Sam at the heroes vs villains baseball game (<b><i>DC Super-Stars #10</i></b>). And here we have the Ray nearly drowning in Gotham River, after battling bad guys in Metropolis. It should have been easy to shoe-horn Superman and/or Batman into this story and finally give us a conclusion! </div><div><br /></div><div>Alas, it was not to be. Not until 2012 did we get a chance to see for ourselves what was supposed to have happened. But that, as they say, is a story for another time. </div><div><br /></div><div>Next week please join us BACK on Earth-X, as we see one of <i>the other</i> Freedom Fighters guest-starring in <i>another</i> DC book! </div><div><br /></div></span></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #ffa400; font-size: medium;">The Ray's</span> Best Moment</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="1189" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqNBdtM21XndKlpGHNxSx1-ylq-69nKlansKWliB0U2m0h1ckDnaNOv9gJzlK3TkoKt36lciab-gCgB90VylzDzHv8VYQMPDYZickfN3ULfqcw2-e-CcJ_-aoS8PfBBQmYgkLDnjisrbMu6FOhGUWynzFse54w7y6dX0LrmMvHzuJAA3Y-4nrQWmu2uZX/w400-h341/BL%2011%20(4).jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Ray is willing to sacrifice himself for a civilian. </div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Worst Moment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="644" data-original-width="353" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJjP14iQXa8WpUbeUBzei_1H2jukvhBrVkJJGHxI44MP2GSEIyb6lexMV_TcfNNQaVboX-IOb_VYqN9LI2-NsY0FAwbSCuW0fP_jLpfe1nsSRQDCbk4RUErMJJR7msQWOCafLVXyluuXR875SQ6cFLC9FOWVrq69sfuXDun3j3UqOdG0aDRjYTOg88Kdh/w219-h400/BL%2011%20worst.jpg" width="219" /></div></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left;">This inner monologue REALLY lands flat. </span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="1000" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnb1U12iEeTF_tlhKLhaLq-89l_UcftA2yGERbt6P_xQbjDbBqmWzao7xQU4RbneSh3Mpr1bLcjqXKWB2HNw2apKnE0ZNl0drRN2r0yiZrNxtiVGHsDZ-2H8ck_myR8B55BSA4nZj5p8YwE0o5PenXWQCsT88LSeQSdrsirRXeXys1MkP0A51g7J0wmFFj/s320/letter%20column.jpg" width="320" /></div>This issue's letter column is all about Black Lightning, with no mention whatsoever about The Ray or the Freedom Fighters. In fact, it's written by Tony Isabella, who had already been replaced by Denny O'Neil by this point, so it was probably an <i>old</i> column written months before....! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Freedom of Information</b><br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>This is the last issue of <b><i>Black Lighting</i></b>. </li><li>As this story has never been reprinted anywhere and is often overlooked in the pantheon of Freedom Fighters appearances, I am reprinting the story in its entirety below. Enjoy! </li></ul></div></div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="596" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfAIOb58y3plddCNqi6EpEfoUMPBngCv2WpoxDszZIpJhogsRjz_81dYLKgaK_gxuF0XHBTjt9KrSF3tSn1rP0vwSxOBgKFyldTzxq_YldQRYOLJNibr4atoANq33KXGl1mrVv-o28xgOZszPe9Vg6Hq0yFHM-sS7VRg_yvpcdS2PQ4mQiY31Y9xf_Q/s320/BL_11.jpg" width="298" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1487" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJDWzUnPne1HZ_uS0_LKo_xW-ovsFqZ2e4hGwVNOapsCiTwXhCTMKhKO7tF2a1PtF376v34fauvac-I3mmpAoq7Sv-qOMSFwFX54qrjVebTkFryypDV1hIQoyRwTRxr19uParb0PRlkA3icZTvigfmhyDrfn3XjDxuNftwwriZ0NE7-HwgPy03N-Jnwg/w430-h640/TheRay%201.jpg" width="430" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1475" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPCKSgPCdwjMj_3mjlexua9sf99yrclO5Sz2KbdHA9kXfsxCme4K5BY4uyCtiDmZBThvBqCK1Q1u7RXRsD7xMfEqcHDHXt2l9iQA6-VCEmCH5cYa7D-LH1VplpFkbmBwvYE-lqFer9YSnZeyGJtEjC05hNwsZXTJUjv9NY_vTXi40eNkLxn4qGMq9tw/w434-h640/TheRay%202.jpg" width="434" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1488" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QMWpk330fyOIltJSx2-Vi33gLNWVQRZNyD4CFjSnPw2DSzKOtx-fZ0UEq6TJrjgHs3D2IRC8O9XddCbJ42MsFQbaNK5TtwQcr96v7Csas-84lR9Qk6tSnOTmWL7yXnJYyU6O3ENOmiTvo4qGYCpnnYkLYx1tTWQYvrhquvj95IULStK5Ozps5gEQ1Q/w430-h640/TheRay%203.jpg" width="430" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1486" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyp5FGgkcJ0gjPS7fElDoen7RpQz1RfoXot43chlJDqJDDFB7jsbGCDk1xwrTnRWNP1XGyUI9NCy_FSxchiVa0EAvROb3PfIHxGQG8g7xcO425V10A6TIU7TkiBreD4w6FKdnuP9fRrM06T0lp792E-ZTmO1NUx8okmKEYUPQVeYEK0JNSgOAxjBhv1A/w430-h640/TheRay%204.jpg" width="430" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1479" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6JD8FMoze5ACORH1alrcdKt4_ed2cHxhlghrg3_wvHPxt3aNErvwl9R2-VBIztLIpwrLgFOlgD-xQzAR9nAtNqiJrxN6z6DxmGy2Xpgu0zFK9L7UP_wxAR-bMoscQ4CSBP-rQPX-SFZiKvDxMzkFSR4cXPI_1cTBl1iQKSttVCQfX4FMT1JuEmOGnw/w432-h640/TheRay%205.jpg" width="432" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1762" data-original-width="1189" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXIVSxySjeOYyuUj30Cri3-KnkZ50SN0zPnmcGH0UaqXv3lVVal0-VTn70WcBZcs9fuFivgil83zICmAPgmia-evt53nLRevUjjb2f_jer01YJ0YFFvkUHJGCP4xghZULxH5f4GZrzbZk9tuqBB_IOpd-Bo-e4l9nAg_B_ep67B9R87KB85Jw8kl_ZDw/w432-h640/TheRay%206.jpg" width="432" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1495" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorrUi_OqCKKvzcTNzcy86zARz2apnNELY-PbL_kZP_ECev-OQMzJ2FRE2fec06gQQ3yd4DJz3Pfo33b6RZk4dYVJodRMy5tlWkC1wgpXpsCMOss3iJ_iwXKvgaOkZRAF_qLK_YhFZ50AqxxlC5KS5uIXvFPZfgg13Pb6Ji67dIqotFA1IKd8_l4yu7Q/w428-h640/TheRay%207.jpg" width="428" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1483" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPv1MwUuIOC13pcsYkYeV4qC6MVGQB8qpwl5MeGgXU0gl1QdAijmOSp2UOFMFpKh5YDtBfQC1MUSAH9o1zIPuT02oqmkOX96wF5eZY2m71aWxHqdyLPPjg5_HqdHoNsjMHpfsOyN9IF_eMF5y1zvMaCOKSBOo_HTSvSuoFRUwHNgxQGkaxJtZ0UI59fA/w432-h640/TheRay%208.jpg" width="432" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Next Week: </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Believe it or not--- <i><span style="color: red;">Wonder Woman~! </span></i></b></span></div>Russell Burbagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756652514507714383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225466123539557290.post-78588555420558101542023-11-15T06:00:00.112-05:002023-11-15T06:00:00.162-05:00Secret Society of Super-Villains #15<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1514" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznBZHGIb81AnAHb5W2Rm37L-2hSfUhD-iT6iM9Gk7bcFLOF-JjFFWUgWCOmCheKWjDLKIA8HFHWKQ9GfH4agIkK0X5XYWQ6P2assV3nxLXfCD1Rb-IWd9aelfhI2-S3xhmerCZFZHLn_CXCzRT2cbesWJ13I9sTQPAAu9THaModWNVn2CN8W6m6mBRA/w264-h400/SSoSV%2015.jpg" width="264" /></div><div><p><b>Secret Society of Super-Villains #15 (July 1978)<br /></b><i>title: </i>"The Wizard's War of the Worlds!"<br /><i>writer: </i>Bob Rozakis<br /><i>penciller</i>: Mike Vosburg<br /><i>inker</i>: Bob Smith<br /><i>letterer: </i>Jean Simek<br /><i>colorist</i>: Carl Gafford<br /><i>editor:</i> Jack C. Harris<br /><i>letter column: </i>Jack C. Harris<br /><i>cover:</i> Rich Buckler & Dick Giordano</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div><b>Order of Appearance</b>: The Freedom Fighters all appear in one group scene on the very last page of the issue. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Guest Stars: </b>Dr. Mid-Nite, Golden Age Atom</div><p></p><p><b>Supporting Characters:</b><br />Captain Comet<br /><br /><b>Opponents:</b><br />Silver Ghost, Mirror Master, and Copperhead in the Freedom Fighters' related story; The Wizard, Plant Master, Blockbuster, Star Sapphire, and Professor Zoom in the Justice Society related story.</p><p><b>Overall Summary: <br /></b>The Silver Ghost commissions the Secret Society of Super-Villains to help him kill the Freedom Fighters! </p><a name='more'></a><div><b>Plot Summary:<br /></b><div>While the Wizard and his four allies are planning on taking down the individual members of the Justice Society on Earth-2, Mirror Master and Copperhead arrive at the headquarters of the Secret Society in San Francisco on Earth-1 to prepare for the arrival of a mysterious client. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1476" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgZtWskWkau1tBc_03autm9QxfK8xi5gaccMHbWQFP1evIDqDbgPimVle3scg4UwnKs_SlBc7jHt564Aurq2jg5qjxvTJBw_IjNIJi0L4RVLH_Oc0tWe3JeXWuCgsZsa3xVghFFFHhFg0RbJ20jOTXCiw9Vexs4bb2CVLhpYkkaKFzRM71zb2gbqtju4G/w434-h640/SSoSV_15%20(1).jpg" width="434" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The man, cloaked in an overcoat, arrives. He wants to confer with Copperhead and Mirror Master to create a team for a mysterious mission. Together the three of them review the files on the membership of the Society. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1474" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PnM-LpVYUj66DP_CZy3ts7a76HXXhr5RQXac92FG-xnzfpm7bbCE3z8Y5Anlni8V-FwiZ0jBeHKcM9MomdV-TLHoz_Uq_MLBcpS1jINPaWcy8ZzsKZQjRsmuN4eZwhbkvVE_Pnb_yxtROMGCrgKqm9HOexBZ8IyRm-PQrNpeRqtiP8f2SL2DvFTlDm3E/w434-h640/SSoSV_15%20(2).jpg" width="434" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Eventually the client decides on which villains he wants to hire. He then reveals himself to be the Silver Ghost, and the mission he wants undertaken is the murder of the Freedom Fighters! </div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1511" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCigx8K0tpB2sSGzuJu8MpbUp-bdqPfHMrByrRVQlieJvjihFm7Pc1svAiHPQrbftVCo5K8UB_LSYinncjgl7TREYirBg-1LiMCh5tGy3ZmopqFGrdd690lnxpKeO2X5STGqbxSpGsbBNNgfKcXbOLM3QeWN7S2aqf8y2oLEDPlHgYPqRjQUPys4K7AVU/w424-h640/SSoSV_15%20(3).jpg" width="424" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;">Review: </b></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div>I am definitely one of those people who buy team books just because they're team books. I bought <b><i>Secret Society of Super-Villains</i></b> off and on during its run, but when the Wizard targeted the Justice Society, as an avid JSA fan I was hooked. Then on the last page of this story when I see that the mysterious client is none other than the Silver Ghost, I let out a gasp. A cross-over with another of my favorite teams! I could hardly wait! </div><div><br /></div><div>Then came <b><i>Freedom Fighters #15</i></b>, and the announcement that it was the last issue of that book. I was sad to see it go, but I had already seen THIS. I knew their story was going to be continued and perhaps even concluded! I was still totally optimistic that things would somehow work out! </div><div><br /></div><div>Be here next week for the next installment of "Little Russell Burbage's Heart Gets Broken: Russell Is Confused," otherwise known as the review for <b><i>Black Lightning #11</i></b>. </div></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #6fa8dc; font-size: medium;">The Silver Ghost</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #ffa400; font-size: medium;"> </span>Moment</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xzT69W11nnQ1pB1B_q_N_BoBDBuYZNO6x0lEsx6FJ6ms0Sc2D0rKAUCyKVkcWmbOnfhyphenhyphenYEQC-nr7rnbSNozwqZU7-8leVs8FauAaXpe3pxl-QQAQeyAnScx2nCsGSOYy6WtPOdI-hnE8vs7Ch6GcQ1ufx2wTYzTzUAgJFzR5Vjb0LSU6INyWTJOVRSxK/w379-h400/SSoSV_15%20best.jpg" width="379" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The murderer calmly and clearly states his objective. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He has his eyes on the prize, for sure. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Freedom of Information</b><br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The Freedom Fighters do not appear in this story. </li><li>The Silver Ghost's skin is colored silver in this story. </li><li>The Sizematic Twins and Quakemaster were both created by Bob Rozakis. <br /></li></ul></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="1145" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdCSR-zsPNHA4hY-oUt9fIcZ-aIxgJssuLaBRPddaT1m024-0ghIXyAlnCnTkbfTW4bPC3eK8kgMTCISgiLwLPeapbCbB8B-GeoF2ugX_vsGAqINp3ca7SuS3ybrN2DlVqkALzWlsyRkGczc0YhsgTo-hzk3-0XEsipwA5tVTVWm4Aq5eqSeWAFsbzDGz/w640-h122/SSoSV_15%20Finale.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">The Freedom Fighters</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>assembled by Len Wein</i></span></div></div></div></div>Russell Burbagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756652514507714383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225466123539557290.post-21399688811125902282023-11-08T06:00:00.195-05:002023-11-08T06:00:00.145-05:001978 DC Calendar "September" <div class="separator"><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="901" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihu20anOo604Xfi8_GIGMjV1Sv-wWdNVfUPrPb85EmcavebL8x-yjVzirkRxlLabGQjHOJ6HwpHAZ7CC9-qTNxcGd-5CHlopW21IjK0w4qHLRSRQdZZk_BzEXHB2-PTFHsAz3GNSCv8S9vWqKAsb7TyEy8lhCaNGJUGKhSLUwUhFVxZd0M4NTXeb0_vQ/w640-h568/1978%20Sept%20scene.jpg" width="640" /></div></div><p></p><b>1978 DC Calendar (September 1978)</b><p></p><div>The Freedom Fighters vs. Flamesplasher</div><div><i>writer: </i>Bob Rozakis? <br /><i>penciller</i>: Dick Ayers<br /><i>inker</i>: Jack Abel<br /><i>colorist</i>: uncredited</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Plot Summary:</b><br />First Day of School.... and after a happy summer, doesn't everybody kinda hope maybe the school burned down and you won't have to go back? Well, it's happening here thanks to the fiery FLAMESPLASHER...but the young students would've been victims of this inferno if not for the FREEDOM FIGHTERS using their powers to rescue the children and stop this blazing baddie! </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Appearance</b>: All six original members appear in the illustration, attempting to stop Flamesplasher from destroying a school in Chicago. No sign of Firebrand....! </div><div><br /></div><span></span><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Review: </b><br />Marvel came out with a calendar in 1975 that must have made a lot of money, because in 1976 DC followed suit, and for several years in a row you could feature awesome DC and Marvel calendars on your walls! <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="666" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbun-WIFyVvw5wu7GWk4jJ3_1V2O3-c8-lr5SD9y9Iw0x23c4qxmXUPum0jtjbGfvpAutOIXzIgkmAI4MUQ2DlMKuBr0L7ln21lBVCTNc2gK7CoJaF3qM-WL7eWW0VoPA8OsDJGjiarWG2mhza7rLO3kMx9OnvDhelc_PQ3TGB-0PRU4TI8sjPCS9H8Hm8/w426-h640/1978%20Calendar.jpg" width="426" /></div><br /></div><div>In the 1978 version, somebody decided to include the Freedom Fighters. Of couse, the product was created in the end of 1977, which is before Firebrand joined the group! So by the time September 1978 runs around and the Freedom Fighters are featured, Firebrand is nowhere to be seen! </div><div><br /></div><div>That makes this work a hard one to place in Freedom Fighter continuity. On the one hand, the Fighters WERE moving around the States trying to find a "home" in 1977. However, after they battled the Crusaders at Niagara Falls, the group split up and this scene really wouldn't fit into that timeline. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, THAT is why you're seeing it now. My thought is that sometime between the events in FF #15 and Secret Society of Super-Villains #16 the team considered moving to Chicago. Firebrand went back to upstate New York to get all of his personal belongings, which is why he didn't join them at this time. Anyway, that's MY story and I'm sticking to it. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8Iz6NxGJN7mKh0nfbp5N60fO5_dtS0173n1xE5BhoFdYVpNzkbbHNNX32vY0Nzlr6ZqB0ZVSfxZrZ8OJu0ZaNsE6hszzLMxARqNLW-nvYhNBWEXCYKmgTho3vGsJyMT-M-mm7APpE0CXSmr-L0lBDCTgqb_2bw1Jo-B8J96I4CB5Qtg-34iMsacT7Q/s1023/1978%20Sept%20Calendar%20dates.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="1023" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8Iz6NxGJN7mKh0nfbp5N60fO5_dtS0173n1xE5BhoFdYVpNzkbbHNNX32vY0Nzlr6ZqB0ZVSfxZrZ8OJu0ZaNsE6hszzLMxARqNLW-nvYhNBWEXCYKmgTho3vGsJyMT-M-mm7APpE0CXSmr-L0lBDCTgqb_2bw1Jo-B8J96I4CB5Qtg-34iMsacT7Q/w640-h568/1978%20Sept%20Calendar%20dates.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Credits on these calendars besides the artists are hard to find, but the overall "plot" reads to me like a Bob Rozakis story. Also, the calendar features Rozakis favorites such as Robin & Batgirl, Kid Flash, and of course, the Freedom Fighters. Besides, this month's bad guy Flamesplasher is also a Bob Rozakis creation, as is Quakemaster (who fights Wonder Woman). So there is plenty of circumstantial evidence that the plotter/writer was him, but I don't know for sure. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the story in case you can't read the fine print: </div><div><br /></div><div>On Labor Day 1978, the water-powered Flamesplasher is upset when only his fire-powered twin is sent orders from the Mystery Mastermind! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="350" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEA-t7Jhnure3-TcdXKUeirfMH7TzmYGXSaNBd9blujHcxX08ehg8FyLPTQ61LI-AJ-GrppNyk6-87jujYGnXsh3dIALkykF7PHcoK87firRbeWOS-S8NU7DCqjKq6FVt3kXmRrrwtSk3hP04DQPm6WYwZveZ_Gmv6L_RxCg56CNKDKTdzwZm4mq_r7w/w400-h381/closeups%20sept%201978.jpg" width="400" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>On Sept 6 Flamesplasher, sans costume, arrives in a Chicago suburb....unaware that six of his fellow passengers are the civilian garbed Freedom Fighters! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqqzGL0TbOA7knQF89eckhh67B00cgLEx48HrMr1MhJmsDuPg3xfLlJ1CmUnsYH-C6Tza_CrOIuNoL16cOi4wpxRbsN5eIU7UdCtalrs2ApEiiMwuh9NaHFWNJouYxLz5WzxZd1SphaUw3NG3CVyr-TQyDROgFzOyLHPxl7DPJPsoI9JFcZQVNZgCvYSY/s274/closeups%20sept%209%201978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="139" data-original-width="274" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqqzGL0TbOA7knQF89eckhh67B00cgLEx48HrMr1MhJmsDuPg3xfLlJ1CmUnsYH-C6Tza_CrOIuNoL16cOi4wpxRbsN5eIU7UdCtalrs2ApEiiMwuh9NaHFWNJouYxLz5WzxZd1SphaUw3NG3CVyr-TQyDROgFzOyLHPxl7DPJPsoI9JFcZQVNZgCvYSY/w400-h203/closeups%20sept%209%201978.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><br /></div></div><div><div>On Sept 9, unaware of the villainy about to unfold nearby, the Freedom Fighters rent a house, hoping to establish a base of operations for themselves! </div><div><br /></div><div>On September 11, Flamesplasher attacks the neighborhood school! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJjfXjQ2ChR74lnR_13vnkiDU5BV8XLdPvgdbKzkW2GW9X5fccpFN8g_hhDZqQw-tWbGQPHzCATYVrh5IB3iV_O3KIwg2RV8tt7qpdIq1qxFF1bIZFvp3uZ_2GK0bUUGiyf4NaTwiJHQ4dkIUmmwenEvJYg2tsoYbMwfmCTwwpcd0oUpDtD90BoORhg/s1818/1978%20Sept%20Calendar.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1818" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJjfXjQ2ChR74lnR_13vnkiDU5BV8XLdPvgdbKzkW2GW9X5fccpFN8g_hhDZqQw-tWbGQPHzCATYVrh5IB3iV_O3KIwg2RV8tt7qpdIq1qxFF1bIZFvp3uZ_2GK0bUUGiyf4NaTwiJHQ4dkIUmmwenEvJYg2tsoYbMwfmCTwwpcd0oUpDtD90BoORhg/w360-h640/1978%20Sept%20Calendar.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As an extra special treat, here's a scan of the original artwork before it was colored. In this case, I want to say that it looks better WITHOUT colors! What do YOU think? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZkDMN3QCx41c33XT1s1s3bpkmYbJt2AmUunZLJ8Emc0ik0jHdbHsWAGrffsuEjX8Xs71AsZ6NEIsefKY8cIV7sZBKwP9hy7Knanh64iKhTONcHH5BMUp9Em1J7H6ch0SjZkvhFEzRXCvNi-ZX-Msdv7HQ2l2JhqYaDz2e5MDKzEE1T-sliK1MlUUfg/s1127/1978%20Sept%20Calendar%20BW.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1127" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZkDMN3QCx41c33XT1s1s3bpkmYbJt2AmUunZLJ8Emc0ik0jHdbHsWAGrffsuEjX8Xs71AsZ6NEIsefKY8cIV7sZBKwP9hy7Knanh64iKhTONcHH5BMUp9Em1J7H6ch0SjZkvhFEzRXCvNi-ZX-Msdv7HQ2l2JhqYaDz2e5MDKzEE1T-sliK1MlUUfg/w640-h568/1978%20Sept%20Calendar%20BW.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>On Sept 9, unaware of the villainy about to unfold nearby, the Freedom Fighters rent a house, hoping to establish a base of operations for themselves! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">The Freedom Fighters</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="427" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOBYQWW3mtxpomNtdflQJLEow9VKcLn8Rk_lF9nZVbSOuROSNdxNNtfz03cKqmcRxiizBTurRVk8G7jglFp4DzvI7VfzMiYwM3JP_34zxWvlprkz_sBWlSeY6g2b3r3wZz5t9y5JzBBmovO57d90rJGvfyJ6T3BEsP4SgeCQAlnQ9Ny0k0h8dem4Rjq2b/s320/LOC%20shot.jpg" width="320" /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>assembled by Len Wein</i></span></div></div></div>Russell Burbagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756652514507714383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225466123539557290.post-28958132506127998442023-11-01T06:00:00.406-04:002023-11-01T06:00:00.137-04:00Freedom Fighters #15<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1496" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikI2BYV7tAiJFAg445gNzNIJ7oXdFA0IIlpiNXgkKGpLf7f6wv0rVJjfR0R_2v-yRfDE7lTAbAeSyCyAEJDyP6wm7-UfiWXXVF5X-y1v1mWi17ymfAHTWbMY9B5NMntEaEBDh3n5JVMllkL0zHgibklEdzb3DCwht89XFVDsJXGJ4RX82u-YgZWHN9HA/w268-h400/FF15.jpg" width="268" /></div><p><b>Freedom Fighters #15 (August 1978)<br /></b><i>title: "</i>Carnival of Death!"<br /><i>writer: </i>Bob Rozakis<br /><i>penciller</i>: Dick Ayers<br /><i>inker</i>: Jack Abel<br /><i>letterer: </i>Milt Snapinn<br /><i>colorist</i>: Mario Sen<br /><i>editor:</i> Jack C. Harris<br /><i>letter column: </i>Jack C. Harris<br /><i>cover:</i> Alex Saviuk & Frank Giacoia</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div><b>Order of Appearance</b>: Phantom Lady appears first and foremost, then The Ray, Uncle Sam, Firebrand, Black Condor, Doll Man, and finally The Human Bomb.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Guest Stars: </b>Batgirl and Batwoman</div><p></p><p><b>Supporting Characters: </b>None<br /><br /><b>Opponents:</b><br />Alien Invaders</p><p><b>Overall Summary: <br /></b>The Freedom Fighters stop an alien invasion! Hooray! </p><a name='more'></a><div><b>Plot Summary:<br /></b><div>Phantom Lady is on a spaceship flying away from Earth. She thinks to herself that she has come a LONG way from her humble origin, which she then remembers to try to calm herself down. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1478" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AFlLZ_RPPjIVzMDQP03hbkUnmInNGouaVq49aoteJ_yWk2vXYrPS3bR5zxITKxTk8th7yfN59MYomPvxtG_I1HkPMOvcPG8dgb633S28LTGchXSCS6cidNHxBnPBP9PTpkvJSaV9MUeFJQx0bOKNcO-AILFS11Rixwrb5f1eaQtXor8i1KWpy-LCGs9J/w434-h640/FF15%20(2).jpg" width="434" /></div><div><br /></div>She remembers when she saved the life of her father, a US Senator, by stepping out of, and then back into, the shadows. Her father tells her that his savior was some type of "phantom lady..." and she decided then and there to help people permanently. Now, reminded of why she does what she does, she faces her new challenge. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1490" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOONkvr7aeGRarNTNg8eHwYMBol1KiYf5xFMUPblAp9-roHlSfMlH0eYSTVT7jamHYh7Y_PWCLJ4ZlFz2pVLdvw_PDnb9awLi4pCJ3zRKO7BYsLt2eo94DlJupz1CQR9rkp0Ct7eJjHmq5N7vDNKpnL028MV25_RTt7dhgQis9wL1YjuRiTWW4i8gnEhro/w430-h640/FF15%20(3).jpg" width="430" /></div><div><br /></div>Suddenly she is happy to see The Ray reform from the gelatinous glob that he and the Human Bomb had been transformed into. She had phantomed out when the aliens "vacuumed" up the roller coaster car into the spaceship, which allowed her to remain human. Now, working together, they have to come up with a plan to turn the spaceship around and defeat the invading aliens. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1488" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpvrCRldUV1ktAq4cP9r0m6dRGKHjZ8tJrCkkQQFa0x7SY7atvYBfNi_dfKn-8uLgGqU34j6hNQWVtsh4JxGuOXlc69UyT-u-G0ZY02JkbLLbiD4l48m1HCyVfW7qmdD1K18OMjyxxwVUNExSQnYJGYcpWjPyNbD_V8v-83zku6mnxHxpwDfEAt7OSNBy/w430-h640/FF15%20(4).jpg" width="430" /></div><div><br /></div>Meanwhile back on Earth, Uncle Sam and Firebrand confront carnival owner Kathy Kane about the suspicious activities going on at the site. She and her guest, Barbara, switch to their Batwoman and Batgirl identities. Batgirl is suspicious of the Freedom Fighters, but Uncle Sam tells her that "her Daddy" Batman can vouch for them. They tell the women what is going on, about people being replaced by synthetic replicas. They meet up with Black Condor and Doll Man, who found a factory hidden underneath the roller coaster. They all charge off to investigate. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1489" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimda6vG-Hwnwloysro1HgL7jQRuytAFTs3CuSnlP-XYK4YtSkn8s52VLUxiyyUptgYHInE3-NweIXu41TbmH3dzch3fqg_bhf6XLRxMwfxikdW2NmnLwb-iXT7Jqx28YYL33d0TjtWbcVFoWwSPunRA6jfR9-NGV3caQlJqNbrNDgrTvrMEv4DhjD3oegJ/w430-h640/FF15%20(5).jpg" width="430" /></div><div><br /></div>Back in space, the spaceship actually arrives on a planet populated by little men (no women in sight) who seem to have no ears and no mouths. Phantom Lady and The Ray can "hear" and understand the aliens communicating telepathically about their plans to create a giant war-maker out of human jelly.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4Cfw5SMv1RGIMp3zJ0DQRfqjoXBYCCXJSmwBsCaDWadDm8apP6HtU-md0lnjU00xRrSEw9YVtzKlEmjKKnhSKf_wt_GbUA1vcSa_cUB5qcw7srG1Eo7aCsUEpPUo7kMTHkfclpt_ToocxuksUD1mlUYST25JyFLTmGF54Y2rDTgEIvm4CZPM-iLBdaBX/s1474/FF15%20(8).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1474" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4Cfw5SMv1RGIMp3zJ0DQRfqjoXBYCCXJSmwBsCaDWadDm8apP6HtU-md0lnjU00xRrSEw9YVtzKlEmjKKnhSKf_wt_GbUA1vcSa_cUB5qcw7srG1Eo7aCsUEpPUo7kMTHkfclpt_ToocxuksUD1mlUYST25JyFLTmGF54Y2rDTgEIvm4CZPM-iLBdaBX/w434-h640/FF15%20(8).jpg" width="434" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Phantom Lady thinks that feeding excess power to The Human Bomb in the war-maker's foot will destroy it. She tells The Ray to convert to pure energy and then to "spark" the war-maker's foot, where she believes The Human Bomb's essence is. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1483" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-dSW66BZ3XmouGA8iLeAgEbBZ8aDial03QZSepgSMtOT0ZXZJEaRm0pXikDyIqqWlBUOMA_HPXmI9WNyf9iu0lS-Kl2xrYxb8xP-yggK9X55uHvIHAYljiTpWNdJddkE_fvvjJTwROAnBgEP_C_sXTlqbH8ha51dmu62m275_aPHf6Zl8H6taINnKvjf/w432-h640/FF15%20(9).jpg" width="432" /></div><br /></div><div>It works, as The Human Bomb reacts to the Ray's excess energy and destroys the war-maker, causing it to revert back to all of the stolen Americans. Together they all fight against the invaders. (Yeah, it's weird.)</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1483" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjWsjiPxlJFH99POSQMOiuz25URN3K7_lccC0E85WjiuDViTEzhtv11RLPK2_1GB4HyUXt5GSUcwIAOJKIZvXWxDVL1iVwdZ-WQy7JGD0W16xJ3dEv4_inGZkAqPUEemiYQkaUEgNEA7XBmEs2KqWb9nlRLlXrfsHmXdcuEC8K7SeO5Mror5j6PqTUEA6/w432-h640/FF15%20(11).jpg" width="432" /></div><div><br /></div>Back on Earth, the remaining Freedom Fighters, Batwoman, and Batgirl confront the little green men who they find in the hidden factory. However, the aliens are able to use some type of mental force to stop the heroes from charging. When Doll Man grows to normal size, that counters the mental command against him not to fight, and he is able to knock out two of the aliens. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1488" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHs8mfNrsz2cpFhZpvcIZppMAr2k6-LsafxxeVYs9BEkAYUSH5w7yukH-XGm7SIacYXbU2qp9gz5bHuAymYonAs919c2PGuAAkQleLgrzrgcWY4_tVGqIW5IQAsoBOZUfhUjEtyhLi5A1hdNdpgJE9SsSkXcfLn79P_Zafi1sYKnv3j_yDE5TvdoDIvPU4/w430-h640/FF15%20(12)%20DM.jpg" width="430" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>That frees Batgirl, who knocks down the remaining aliens. As they are being restrained, one mentally commands their synthetic men to attack. The heroes make quick work of the synthetic men, who apparently were not created with fighting in their skill set. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1007" data-original-width="994" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDfniaR2erzXIyVR2ayJLeBbK1IeSVF2eA3fEnMLh_FL1EOgzegqzs7pf8K9srngg67dGonvoTQJg2jLM9jhdDeRkSRy04TfEVxBZjmMLRkVLTyvq4EcC5OYZhFYj1X-UcsB6O7uDd_BK0jX_eNZhyVj5sWYuQP_N9FZkBMwr6IY93Q36vgZRL6ajIFom/w395-h400/FF15%20(15).jpg" width="395" /></div><div><br /></div>As the last of them are defeated, Phantom Lady and the others and the kidnapped humans return. As everyone is distracted by this, the aliens rush onto the spaceship and immediately take off, escaping. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1476" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NYa0n0y_rQbu_8xZ5OZ8uL54kD7JVNyzdc4H7WEPTJW4lYAjC1EUpdS4nLTw_qckCTQQEcCfTtlzHt5Dg0OQgvwa4uUhpR1dluNnUXK4tD4w2dEE8ecF03n9ZRqVHBNgRai3VKiYB5FdO1AsTLfonkoWBLXy140R-z-9DXjgIiZ1YSmYwJpBBUY6QsNI/w434-h640/FF15%20(16).jpg" width="434" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>That night, Barbara Gordon heads back to Washington, DC but the Freedom Fighters decide to stay put. They will travel with Kathy's carnival, all the while searching for the Silver Ghost. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="982" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixukRAr6cdHMvGITgXJnhLlYS6s6kIJgxcwJSCX_JOVrT5oMdaXftFbSWzYkbQW28geTlonL2IoiE4Fj9K4pdRZFLBVPQ_b5KX-qZuhr-Au0XBHh88qEN2QEBNr_9JRbNyGzn1TbgF8D9u9gIsGnksSlgHZdyjjHidziehlPeiV-QCzEsDwzj58Yya8n92/w400-h225/FF15%20(17).jpg" width="400" /></div><div><br /></div><div>However, according to the Next Issue box the Freedom Fighters will FIND the Silver Ghost...in the pages of <b><i>Secret Society of Super-Villains #16</i></b>! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;">Review: </b></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div>When you get to the end of this story you are probably thinking, "That story was really weird and not very good." Then you think, "Well, their decision to continue as carnival side-show entertainers sounds fun, so next issue will hopefully be better." Then you realize, "But holy shit, before that there's going to be a crossover with the Secret Society of Super-Villains!! Cool!!" </div><div><br /></div><div>You're in for a bit of heartache and a long, long wait, Little Russell Burbage. </div><div><br /></div><div>You turn the page and read the letters' page and find out that this is the LAST issue of <b><i>Freedom Fighters. </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>This is depressing news, but not completely surprising. Copies of the last few issues have been sitting on the comic racks for months. Specifically I remember seeing <b><i>FF #12</i></b> (arguably one of the best issues) seems like EVERY TIME I went to get new comics. </div><div><br /></div><div>Still, this was one of my favorite titles and I was not happy. Little did I know that the DC Implosion nee Explosion was just around the corner, and was going to break my little 13-year old heart to pieces. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oddly enough, this issue also features this in-house ad. Look for a very familiar face among the rest of the gang (of losers). </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="674" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEqM99yONjYCVctnRLSMy5F9xGhyLnPs_58jq4qS6Fo9lYcUZ-_ewaA6OnElGMR7jKgcweZR17Xx2Y-A8L1QBDIN61cDwpj6NTNle53TmWHAohSgIml8RDDTsAEA1mIh9IM3208UtDG1aWvMEXaw3zZqstd6D7MmzoxXdBdKmTLDpG4rAy9QxrHWdqodw/w432-h640/DCExp%20Ad.jpg" width="432" /></div><br /><div>What else is there to say about this issue? The art by Dick Ayers and Jack Abel is competent but not very exciting. Some of the scenes where pieces of the synthetic men go flying are just not very good. </div><div><br /></div><div>And the story? As I mentioned last issue, Gardner Fox did it better in JLA #4. How or why did the aliens hit on the idea of reprocessing humans into a super soldier? Why start their attack from a minor carnival on the East Coast? How did Kathy Kane not notice that her guests were acting strange? Why were there no female aliens? (Stever Gerber tackled this issue in the pages of <b><i>The Defenders</i></b> with the alien race the Badoon, which was fun.) After one or two aliens are knocked down by Doll Man and Batgirl, why didn't another alien just order the Freedom Fighters to stop their physical activity again? Why do I care? </div><div><br /></div><div>Sure, we had to wrap everything up in one issue, but if writer Bob Rozakis knew that this was the last issue, why try to pigeon-toe in Batwoman and Batgirl in the first place? They add nothing to the story. If the location was going to be Kathy Kane's carnival, then I understand the inclusion of Batwoman. In fact, she would have made a great additional Freedom Fighter in the long-run. But Batgirl, as much as I love her as a character, just gets in the way of Black Condor, Uncle Sam, and Firebrand having more to do here. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, to sum up, this is a lousy last issue, but the hope is that the Freedom Fighters' story will continue to its conclusion in <i style="font-weight: bold;">Secret Society of Super-Villains. </i><i>(Present-day Russell Burbage sighs.) </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>But before we get to the SSOSV, join us here next week for a very special Freedom Fighters appearance that I couldn't decide WHERE to post before---! </div><div><br /></div></span></div><div><div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;">Black Condor</span> Moment </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="985" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxf2dmCb_4NUpV-VjCKyhktQtxkBUQpA-mxFjvfsGmr8qyOvFTFeO39JIpjMM2dElSemtRNDiG-8sNY4fkvxMk0WvO4XdyaGbfDUhvm4NjCGCUOtfLwfVkEKKzpjN6gzmYSgWErYjsQ5UokvRpxvSiuITNDwH5L_rH-PNS47dQb9r6hGWhYyKvhL_brHKo/w400-h190/FF15%20BC.jpg" width="400" /></div></div></div>Black Condor gets a fight scene against the synthetic men, </div><div style="text-align: center;">as he admits they aren't much of a fighting force~! </div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Doll</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Man</span></span> Moment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="999" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Zoh4NL9WjjpP7eZuFzcMFsIgUUGo3BuBhGGJ0oEyYg12dUDncuKrnlk2mU80Lp-HZjpN8sRNh89PeoU3jYV62-Eu2lssn1rbVUN9gIeS1jXhx9QqEIn8upDcF5CDdWKpkzRCi5_hbUWWTzeq_WEhdB_42xP_MqWkdo5VIa4heyNnuhuieG6ovqM3Bcwu/s320/FF15%20DM.jpg" width="320" /></div></b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Doll Man escapes from the aliens' mental prison, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and gets the drop on two of them--- literally! </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #ff00fe; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #ff00fe; font-size: medium;">Firebrand</span><span style="color: #e69138;"> </span>Moment</b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="737" data-original-width="662" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBJPYvSs2feaMphb5RkvzQqluRiRY5r4d6trwiuV5cmpYH3eFS4EB7GilHOtimoILKLlC91MY03YT0xgTl5kyz2eXupizkMb6KX5RKncrX3WGQw1fdG5hmuV5wMJT6ZW2w6T7M2kbiw9cTaUJrRziPS7x_alcuiixFuCgbFCZ1GxFz5JjD_aZ5mmF4az_/s320/FF15%20FB.jpg" width="287" /></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Firebrand gets a scene fighting the synthetic men</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">that he shares with Batwoman. </div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #674ea7; font-size: medium;">Human Bomb</span><span style="color: #e69138;"> </span><span>and </span></b><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #ffa400; font-size: medium;">The Ray</span> </b><b>Moment</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="990" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjh8YQ_9ZOMkDiu2oW2ZcVSiDzVYJRj26WoMmE-5-23x0O3CsO8SLXnI5dyPbf7elXMMv4oRe14h5PAR9vtIUtCVi07aY-xSavJXSn_n8iHQ7bRxfAoLQ0UwJpwbtyLrs5PqO-5Xt4-Bmiby-6GY2QSfHOB1VbxwvwrDswai_UmDzVpsyoFZJhCkKo1e9E/s320/FF15%20HB%20Ray.jpg" width="320" /></div></div>The Human Bomb saves the day and doesn't even know it, </div><div style="text-align: center;">when The Ray overwhelms him with energy until he explodes! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Phantom Lady</span> Moment <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="653" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-AXx3pHc0hjJOX08_s7PkvX0tiqhuZBNKk8KbCUgE-ks1kGHQK1IEVZeTKfsC-Wf1OJ0LrL6DXtpkxeglgVHgd-du87yRV7xjraN7hsmkNZ9HRdROsjyJ9xrkhMeY3GsH-5uesH9isZUHleoMkNQWes68GF-Ew4oGwSDrtvncuQVY3ZaElGH1QWObcRs/s320/FF15%20PL.jpg" width="320" /></div></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Phantom Lady takes on more of a leadership role here and I love it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">See below for more on this! </div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Uncle</span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">Sam</span> Moment</b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="319" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4XiugagExEnmLfMigQC_EMJeQnz54UYvZC7fbPAQWLFwqSVQ6d9fQwt9tPrsycvqjqlAK7upYRPM9ggC0khEWqT5qW_1da6dk1ucXB2dyZTaXjQvrN3OJjYy6K-s6SYcmaB_ed2NoVjHx0tew8_5Czt7x1-aieLWuadfIjv71LiegdjzhfzGtpozP8Sp/w173-h400/FF15%20US.jpg" width="173" /></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Uncle Sam knocks the synthetic mens' blocks off. Kpow! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Best Moment</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><img border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="653" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-AXx3pHc0hjJOX08_s7PkvX0tiqhuZBNKk8KbCUgE-ks1kGHQK1IEVZeTKfsC-Wf1OJ0LrL6DXtpkxeglgVHgd-du87yRV7xjraN7hsmkNZ9HRdROsjyJ9xrkhMeY3GsH-5uesH9isZUHleoMkNQWes68GF-Ew4oGwSDrtvncuQVY3ZaElGH1QWObcRs/s320/FF15%20PL.jpg" style="font-weight: 700;" width="320" /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">To me the best moments belong to Phantom Lady, who refuses to succumb to anxiety or </div><div style="text-align: center;">inaction, and listens well enough to come up with a plan to save the day. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I would have liked to have seen this personality trait continued if the book had gone on. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Worst Moment</b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="983" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnwQYG5nWANehMS49FaoeU34AlbAtTWq2RlPQvqbC2KT6FJ55r92qH_5ZVy9knoSw93j5ioccAlcVDiFitjEiTNhHknqYS2NUgSJgGd1P7hQgKg8QNqIE90d1PP_goHEe0PpwlieqgOsipXiF05SGfNR9LQmz8mPHqNB31tWYTKFzdaby-8JJqFi4GkTc/w400-h200/FF15%20worst.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left;">In order to complete the story the aliens get away and </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left;">there is no explanation as to their motivations. Not good, guys. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></div></div><div><div><b>Moment They Could Have Been Cleared:</b></div><div>As this story does not concern the "outside world," there are no opportunities for the Freedom Fightrers to aver their innocence. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="1000" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnb1U12iEeTF_tlhKLhaLq-89l_UcftA2yGERbt6P_xQbjDbBqmWzao7xQU4RbneSh3Mpr1bLcjqXKWB2HNw2apKnE0ZNl0drRN2r0yiZrNxtiVGHsDZ-2H8ck_myR8B55BSA4nZj5p8YwE0o5PenXWQCsT88LSeQSdrsirRXeXys1MkP0A51g7J0wmFFj/s320/letter%20column.jpg" width="320" /></div>This issue's letter column was all about the cancellation of this book and the immediate future of the characters crossing over to the pages of Secret Society and Black Lighting. </div><div>"...the DC Explosion happens right now!!" (sigh) <div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAp-WC48kCFp8quok5KXw_uAYmSXtT2BB1jOJJKND6OzmR8vJ0ZJoYObig70IuiZtDtBFLJqzgSRpdL_UHAB49fQrNATSkWslgrFeSqhiEwyaudybd0LZLQIlLYYoLD1dgYRHCgoe0tBdmjaM29WvGhVdWGTV-NjfqwXoPI4fx4QBOGv2whO2hOadUE5V/w492-h640/FF15%20LoC.jpg" width="492" /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Freedom of Information</b><br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Black Condor does not appear on the cover. </li><li>Uncle Sam references meeting Batman, which occurred in <b><i>JLA #s 107-108</i></b> and in <b><i>DC Super-Stars #10. </i></b></li><li>What do you suppose happened to the leftover synthetic men? </li><li>This cover is some of the earliest work of Alex Saviuk. He told me when I asked him to sign this for me at Heroes Con that he was asked to do a few covers by Jack C. Harris, as he was already drawing <b><i>Green Lantern</i></b> for him at that time. </li><li>Over fifteen issues, Uncle Sam appeared on EVERY cover. The Ray comes in at #2 with thirteen covers, then the Human Bomb and Doll Man tie with twelve covers each. Phantom Lady appeared eleven times, Black Condor appeared ten times, and late-comer Firebrand appeared on four covers, every issue while he was a member. </li></ul></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">The Freedom Fighters<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><img border="0" data-original-height="93" data-original-width="405" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jw5J8DjGu_hUqQa2b9pnQ4sJ4S0gcfRwQQKVxRMAres59T9pgpK5QlLyLopLCJMVLdlurGsCvweWQoKf58JC1WlQMWNYhiKDgb3pyIBEi6TDc1GmfoQXe6Jpdd8PTyAdeb8wf_MDLR647_X5EMpi-cMxu6d39_Um3a5_VgMjMUWXoBSmA3O9Eqh4wsrr/s16000/FF13%20rollcall.jpg" /></div></b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><img border="0" data-original-height="93" data-original-width="70" height="93" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4_-kb1HK197y8JBntVQ4qCC6PzfdjMuj22mNK3uphwiWxPEx1GZQ5fazZDyAZrrCnel7cj0ZCZGDm8EVADSG7zF0CiGtuPDFrY0t7TZILcHiF7LAGTnj9FJENkj0oB3RYePECipZGGVZOtORIjJWibUEAbzUFY6plrl-lR1O1mlZRUtRNEPtm38X7F01/s1600/FF13%20rollcall%20FB.jpg" width="70" /></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>assembled by Len Wein</i></span></div></div>Russell Burbagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756652514507714383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225466123539557290.post-5853571467348310432023-10-25T06:00:00.345-04:002023-10-25T06:00:00.152-04:00Freedom Fighters #14<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9eeLw0rOKSRYE6fid-sWGWQWhiuhfn8Jy6NxacJ-95Grq58HlBG9BOcc3n5FQDz9qYrh6iM4NKdLQjdXXYh4lWC2yyIuxbILmPY5Si_j0Aoed01cZUjKfLKygtJHPdF9hPlEQ42poSQsus9nkFd3a2GLuVoomfc4lF3KJVh1FafnQbSQhJW0Kwn7_ZA/w260-h400/FF14.jpg" width="260" /></div><p><b>Freedom Fighters #14 (June 1978)<br /></b><i>title: "</i>Sideshows of Doom!"<br /><i>writer: </i>Bob Rozakis<br /><i>penciller</i>: Dick Ayers<br /><i>inker</i>: Jack Abel<br /><i>letterer: </i>John Workman<br /><i>colorist</i>: Mario Sen<br /><i>editor:</i> Jack C. Harris<br /><i>letter column: </i>Jack C. Harris<br /><i>cover:</i> Rich Buckler & Jack Abel</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div><b>Order of Appearance</b>: All appear in one group scene on page one: (L/R) Doll Man, The Human Bomb, Phantom Lady, Uncle Sam, Black Condor, and The Ray</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Guest Stars: </b>Batgirl and Batwoman</div><p></p><p><b>Supporting Characters:</b><br />WGNY-TV reporter Martha Roberts, <br /><br /><b>Opponents:</b><br />aliens, "clone" copies of our heroes</p><p><b>Overall Summary: <br /></b>The Freedom Fighters visit a travelling carnival and stumble into an alien invasion plot! </p><a name='more'></a><div><b>Plot Summary:<br /></b><div>In Provincetown, Massachusetts the Freedom Fighters, including new member Firebrand, are relaxing at Kane's Karnival. Unbeknownst to our heroes, Barbara Gordon (Batgirl) is also visiting the owner, Kathy Kane, who is secretly Batwoman. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1023" data-original-width="822" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmw1-w496t_tKl0ES_rVrswJupMp1yiQUDgoHsTiFkyYrpLxJJ1263vwrpJ8yrQXdv8m4HNTctduAhiCcCTbt22L2sMhowToMgCBOvzT3JmLg5MRrDvArgYZMJfTWS97YRCWB63MZ_pSdXftHhMvDpCw1ZYSDh4H3UAzO8-xdwORKv3eMjDoDA6wnl4dD/w514-h640/FF14%20(1).jpg" width="514" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Phantom Lady, the Ray, and the Human Bomb go on the roller coaster while Doll Man and Firebrand have lunch. Firebrand tries to calm Doll Man down, who is upset that his girl-friend Martha didn't quit her job at WGNY-TV to join up with them. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1485" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bJlHcQmHsXqjKwqiMsydTVa_bmojJtHK7a94s5JwwR95OfpNSTVp2LNrStVnayzo_rz0Q5UYTqrMCdnZYjrKeAUYThnzFzMRNHerdp7hRyEcy6NZz6rsiA2FadxH77A1E1fT9ljQvNB6C2ABty1rHQAz7zrJGgCbUATmPSQkInH7d8SesDHC4dw3o3F5/w430-h640/FF14%20(2).jpg" width="430" /></div><br /></div><div>On the roller coaster, someone plants a bomb and the tracks explode. The Freedom Fighters jump into action. Black Condor grabs the Ray to help rescue the riders while the Human Bomb jumps out from the rail car and tries to stop its acceleration. Two kids fall, but are rescued by Black Condor and the Ray. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1015" data-original-width="999" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawN8RQI7SIVr3ungwHk4LjE9KbxiEbFm0aYgX22wcIQCqoJ37VRGnFKIxzcNaq_IxATiflEd2uU_1enAFtu_-ELcEUrKz844GqgeemEBiYY-0pW8MWOFpAvXZmzQhBDFZyfsGZ4C6_0Q-99S6_Y3B2SAGL7FTzFYXxKbaGFJPRSRAF6xxCdTPFwXqJ4Qi/w394-h400/FF14%20(10).jpg" width="394" /></div><div><br /></div>Meanwhile, Doll Man and Firebrand chase after the suspected bomber, followed by Batgirl and Batwoman. Doll Man hits him after being thrown by Firebrand, but then he's captured by the Dynamite Duo. When the police arrive, the Freedom Fighters disappear. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1477" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltBB-0WfuKCorTL0NXTidwck6xXky3NSyOzfVwcfeO1TlTjxy7Re6YXhA1AcmU9-hT0Ug4o8fFnT2Mq7NtUyML4jS_NTDFw9F6Lks5EGYqVxid3QvEJ-5VrsKDAsEd8hfBr9hesYAcBjgO9fjn_JNrYfkfVG1Im4NGJy9p9AhG-9I0DagGOLMJGbtP4It/w434-h640/FF14%20(11).jpg" width="434" /></div><div><br /></div>Later that night, the Freedom Fighters are watching the local news when Uncle Sam tells them he has an idea for them to stop running from the police. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="1000" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2UWUCqWMC3to7fAnX6ctriky_xwT5Osdf-2m-nV_67pib9Xt1fcwWxhFUpLvml-LilnIEjMlhgMwIMixtt78ReJmgIhOPFyecSbg3VTtaRN2GsmFdIIoFG4LyRXSNKjpfUm_HJKqQuBaz4Iai6qNOLDqepGLzvw0oaNd_hzWmq24OwuA7xuddmQ3V1y_/w400-h223/FF14%20(12)%20.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The next day the Freedom Fighters in their civilian identities audition for Kathy Kane as a sideshow attraction. Uncle Sam is the ringmaster, Black Condor and Firebrand are acrobats, the Ray is a "fire-eater," Doll Man is an escape artist, and the Human Bomb is a magician with Phantom Lady as his assistant. They are hired. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>That night, the Ray, Phantom Lady, and the Human Bomb go on the roller coaster again. They buy tickets from an alien (?) without noticing. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1489" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TJ4AK9Oc8J33dbFtSE0vDi2RHyiNHKTJ_WBoEplK3GZwIlZcynBIl9xDzIE-Xg_IIFr7XoIS1DgQA9TSMUVBbJCOX-cDPjT0ZFssAEmeIrN2UmpaZXILPIAUnWzn0AwYCSNbayQ-hp16BX_N6Xul1CEkH_EnZebHQJaPbcAMywq4NEVwysnPAed9EWz3/w430-h640/FF14%20(15).jpg" width="430" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>As the others walk around the carnival trying to relax, the three return. They demand that the others go on the ride, too, and the group ends up fighting. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1487" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkM5_G4I30p-C7TyVYqRSzD6s-1z_vvOZrkQ_vihr8klUIzbSWlvg-voczdmI2JWEB423haUl9nsmDp6W2uGitWaXPGvd-idnJjzVNigruDKsS2LT9DgyxM9Ic2J7w-H11Eltu_RUSx7e4pl_977E2H4avFytwKcT6zBW7dFNaL2tWgUYP6ksss-pMxsy/w430-h640/FF14%20(16).jpg" width="430" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>The three turn out to be zombie-like copies that disintegrate when hit. Uncle Sam, Black Condor, Doll Man, and Firebrand suit up. Black Condor and Doll Man head over to try to find their friends, and Uncle Sam and Firebrand head to Kathy's office to confront her. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="999" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4yjMTh8YVIGsxKBKFT9qcQKQYPjC448lEjc-mJ6Y3YYSFNuV6FYJjOQZbpWH1CWsZ70FanvhLzlj9fgp-UTm-h5kZgzdDhTyyYnRZb7uqhOP7eBd8FPfjM30KEogtH8DuzQJi2i3DwIsh0JisX7wLJnAoetlp6g1KozEuqi7exoeGhZnOK85PyDMOcqSx/w395-h400/FF14%20(17).jpg" width="395" /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;">Review: </b></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div>This is an issue that I feel a bit ambivalent about. On the one hand, the idea of the Freedom Fighters travelling around the East Coast incognito with Batwoman makes a lot of sense (well, comic-book sense). On the other hand, I know what is coming in one more issue so I can't get overly enthusiastic about this story direction. (And if you don't know what I'm referring to, you'll find out next week). </div><div><br /></div><div>As I said, the Fighters posing as side show attractions is brilliant. I will never not think that's a great idea. On the other hand, shoe-horning Batwoman AND Batgirl into this story makes less sense. Did Batgirl really have to be a part of this? It's logical for Kathy Kane to be here (it's her carnival, after all) but do we really need ANOTHER non-powered character to add to the mix? Including them here makes Doll Man and Firebrand a little less good at their jobs, as they are not allowed by Bob Rozakis to actually catch the alien. See what I mean? </div><div><br /></div><div>And speaking of aliens, I am NOT a fan of alien invasion stories, and this one is especially odd. It reminds me of the classic Justice League of America story "The Cosmic Fun-House" from <b><i>JLA #7</i></b>, where aliens are switching Americans for their "people" via a carnival side-show attraction. See the similarities? It was a silly idea back in 1961 and it's a silly idea here. And this story is NOT as good as that one is! </div><div><br /></div><div>What Bob Rozakis does do better is characterization. I get the feeling that Phantom Lady enjoys being fought over by the Ray and the Human Bomb, but that she's about at her limit. She doesn't say anything while they fight over going into the roller coaster except, "I really wish you two boys would grow up!" According to Uncle Sam (on the next page), he thinks she has her eye on a different Fighter altogether! We never hear who he thinks she likes, but remember this exchange: we will return to this topic much later in our reviews. </div><div><br /></div><div>Also of interest is how Rozakis puts Firebrand and Doll Man together. Firebrand is I guess supposed to come off as something of a narcissist? Certainly he has a super-hero ego. There is only one page of dialogue between them, but it's clear that Doll Man is not a big fan of Rod Reilly. I'm not sure I like him much, either, but I do kind of agree with him here. As a kid when I first read these comics I didn't understand any of the subtext, but as an adult I can maybe imagine where there might be something? What I mean is: here's a character running around in hot pink and red calling himself Firebrand, with no love interests. Possibly gay? He's on Martha's side, telling Darrel that she shouldn't be expected to give up her life to traipse around the country with them. This, Darrel finds annoying. Interesting...</div><div><br /></div><div>As for the art, I am not a fan of Jack Abel's heavy inks on Dick Ayers' competent pencils, but this issue especially there seems to be a lack of backgrounds and details where we usually get something. Because the story is set in a carnival, there are plenty of panels where in order to represent the expanse of land, there are no backgrounds at all! I don't know, the art just seems mediocre to me. And the printing on my copy makes the inks even heavier on certain pages, which doesn't help. </div><div><br /></div><div>My other artistic complaint has to do with the roller coasters. They seem to be drawn as large as they need to be, depending on the situation. On the splash page they look positively huge, but later in the story they seem tight. Add to this the fact that there are no seat belts or locking mechanisms in them at all and I call "lazy artist!" </div><div><br /></div></span></div><div><div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;">Black Condor</span> and </b><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #ffa400; font-size: medium;">The Ray</span> Moment</b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="1000" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzATttWjgb2AuBZJfepBeMmsnLUbn2Esr5JCtdqYv36TG0tXUHDUE6LrsFWfpuTJ4gCV6Ks8nrrjgMVJzm6Xr3hEbS81uNl8t0wxgvoAdH14Mksdc8HOOWD4ms2CuPhvD8hK_-7Da5qGyU5xCuhLUhbzUNi2Zxa489U0D0L7YERFUDSe05YeaVsYUU-Y6/w400-h381/FF14%20BC%20Ray.jpg" width="400" /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Black Condor and the Ray save the kids who fall off the roller coaster. </div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Doll</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Man</span></span> </b><b>and <span style="color: #ff00fe;">Firebrand </span></b><b>Moment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="992" data-original-width="999" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipznAMFSW-oNX8N_mmfEoOkMTvjaszw-0ngVPeaIAZqQlEtx5uwKzrQhrJ5g11e6Nb4dYW0CgdaAhp3_nhzyQj2IFFnFT6AJ5erV4XznqGmiRETd_brcIvC8Dr0-6jFeHH-0Mb-4Cy4ag0BpKeg4PLI0i4OypJcBvTpqXUIfHr_qKhZq1OB_GWlDqEa8HA/w400-h398/FF14%20FB%20DM.jpg" width="400" /></div></b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Doll Man and Firebrand use teamwork to try to catch the terrorist. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div><br /></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #674ea7; font-size: medium;">Human Bomb</span><span style="color: #e69138;"> </span>Moment</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="663" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVAEKP4eb47WT-Rdba4xicXmCzMrOLFWHaDVJ3pqjW2x0_oYN_YoDBClBaMdiNcpJIfDn6rC9PCtox3nGMxqU0XfjKOjKj3LSuwgZeKgBuYLE0ySu2rLhVGj1lun7CgYroY58bJY6RRKma0gnPe1IHYeHyo7RfVHtj1rVPcr5B9LOJzycrhcfiztlmI9J/w308-h400/FF14%20HB1.jpg" width="308" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="999" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZN0DJp7b0Zl9H89WE7AXu18nQFp2zx94i_jm4vQejWesME2BNRoyFKyxqNhW48A3EslSvCw2oTJ1zUKrZiPoxEUg6SlOBZ3Zeiav4EMqsTtRlP8whWFL07WV29JZuPdY0Tu_XxvLc40wUDXDWOV5g3YrvMoVpuG80c5ch3KIUUUiPqmkP-ejQ3Q_GK2O/w400-h251/FF14%20HB2.jpg" width="400" /></div></div>The Human Bomb tries to stop the roller coaster car from plummeting to the ground. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Phantom Lady</span> Moment </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="664" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwM4J_WcZPOjdRXwKd_OHha-VlzTejSvGakH9xFYrRz5hwihQJw1LOwn9CydyQ5WqNdmWXFJJlO78v8X5yP2-a_-US4Jog96z1h-PK_liVJU2hj4Uyldp7PLaEFDQwDZesMKfETXv49crpnbQzykDQa7YmUWkPaShqCaw8m0Jovg-pxz9HNGWxRrXRDFKR/w310-h400/FF14%20PL.jpg" width="310" /></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Phantom Lady tries to keep the passengers calm, but realizes it's a waste of time. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Nice self-realization on her part! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Uncle</span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">Sam</span> Moment</b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="978" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUc-Duvyr8X9enDt53Fyq0IiM-JD5RK6tKdMgU3HDmVbTm9uBxhOLF75XyvtCBC6mK_g_JLtiz15-hUWUOPMlsoKHMIZC2szNwpzSqGkayrRzBQyq0Ql1o5Vy0hw2bLC_on6htkwh_4D7hQAqpQAwu5icgYFXZo1nT_pvTE92YBJZSPPXSjxFrXUIrC8G/w400-h378/FF14%20US.jpg" width="400" /></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Uncle Sam introduces the Fighters' new secret identities.</div><div style="text-align: center;">In fact, this scene is....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Best Moment</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1493" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2MaQVZQ4VOH7quncLu8J662ZMANgjaU1h-OdDOLtBvjMc6-1VLS5Iuk0q4UJzncsATxKDbH9qBHk9EEWmQJJYGl6zUNUQAFdjCtfRr4YeHAt-WnfNeHzysUSLvbUR2DBGvT6-ragf22PAOVuTI2cSKsmXZgPYnC0gMSPuP5gLTiKwvBdfUGUEDU0bDJ5/w428-h640/FF14%20(13).jpg" width="428" /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Uncle Sam thinking about how the Fighters are secretly using their powers </div><div style="text-align: center;">as Side Show acts is just fantastic. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Worst Moment</b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="1000" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8lUGTL_Elhg1LlEeqG02Sx-89DzIGsSAab0xZuVu9kORLl0doS2_LaLFiq1j-O3VYuVZsriwMvHuxmpavtrCDaaWUyk2vm-T2HVLr2BvjfvZGZ43NS7upZ7Bbu8UuAbt9-CC6rIawXY6Ppir66ALvkqO6uH8_S7X2jztXeDYVZdPv_pcR9Xu7VqE14hwv/w400-h378/FF14%20(14).jpg" width="400" /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left;">Roy, Happy, and Sandy are arguing about who gets to sit next to who.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left;">So... they don't notice that their ticket-taker is an ALIEN!?!?! </span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div><div><div><b>Moment They Could Have Been Cleared:</b></div><div>There isn't a moment in this issue where the Freedom Fighters could have cleared their names; they're too busy establishing new identities. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="1000" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnb1U12iEeTF_tlhKLhaLq-89l_UcftA2yGERbt6P_xQbjDbBqmWzao7xQU4RbneSh3Mpr1bLcjqXKWB2HNw2apKnE0ZNl0drRN2r0yiZrNxtiVGHsDZ-2H8ck_myR8B55BSA4nZj5p8YwE0o5PenXWQCsT88LSeQSdrsirRXeXys1MkP0A51g7J0wmFFj/s320/letter%20column.jpg" width="320" /></div>This issue's letter column was about FF #11, and includes the nutshell that the "power" that granted the Renegades in that story was Homilus itself. Also, Editor JCH hints at an "exciting announcement" for the next issue. Hmm...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1318" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCcCt8XJCtuT1peA2oVCJq2x_eQDIYe1xdE3UhPEh0X4T0I2YIc75fnrdn1TAHJPCRWUR2IVJbW8U-96jeKh0hTJ4iurBaXH4JA39LHz224klNg22vzBHsD2q01YEmYr82PZVcw92Eax08z5LI0pTAFoRPX-xvOPr3AFslx8fkQ0KgfdQJi5pZu7KOBxw/w486-h640/FF14%20LC.jpg" width="486" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Freedom of Information</b><br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>For the first and only time all seven members appear on the cover. </li><li>Firebrand has joined the Roll Call on page one. </li><li>Batgirl and Batwoman discuss recently meeting The Huntress from Earth-2. Little do they know they're about to meet the heroes of Earth-X!</li><li>The Ray is holding Phantom Lady's hand on page one. </li><li>No one is strapped in on the roller-coaster cars! </li><li>The Human Bomb and Phantom Lady appear in their costumes on only one page in this issue. </li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">The Freedom Fighters</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="163" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHF2QSVwKgZymuE59xyB2NBH48UNCAuZIV4kP_5PnE8Ktv5LZWALZPMYTdrHDS7KMOpqJvWbMwAt_m1xrRz8obPadpkZoLn3o1G_reKzOqbh9Gbmqn2HZtjwmYMyXaofp_SfwQDjWWg6nJktx0XC7vez4tStLpvPONZuUzfY535OtCkQyxUrr9aDNqTkz/w90-h400/roll%20call%20FF14%20-%20top.jpg" width="90" /> <img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="163" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBLEolo-q5Rc7P0LlNFhjeO5rxhK6wrpgF6M6MrlUKFWxZ_PVkBTZyxqo-vRT72IPXanOLQA2EEy9XoludA5mjB3m7EuYJz_1Ml_GxMciQmC8ZiFqr5ZYwEetkx1r8WivDF-e7IX9s2XS3FfyeucOZ4DkJIi0Vb12Y34z-biVGHmwDT1ut1RePKXXKlMr/w120-h400/roll%20call%20FF14%20-%20bottom.jpg" width="120" /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>assembled by Len Wein</i></span></div></div></div>Russell Burbagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756652514507714383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225466123539557290.post-13964080615414616392023-10-18T06:00:00.322-04:002023-10-18T06:00:00.145-04:00Freedom Fighters #13<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1516" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJOmxcAFf7Bn4-jXYisFBWyd2dOEWAMAvp8G8Hx9ZQamo5-9CGbmagrdUx_hO61uB6vcO1wpzAnu57z1Rl_tdHWq8xJ3seIwUDTTttlgAnSkIgbYSTk3Gs_TJstVb4xBcwmyx7O1L_Izaq6oQW6mMY-MmVmqbmoZpkr3z4QFA9f4lTgiQA_JGFMljoxg/w264-h400/FF13.jpg" width="264" /></div><p><b>Freedom Fighters #13 (April 1978)<br /></b><i>title: "</i>The Amazing Origin, The Deadly Return, The Startling Secret of The Black Condor!"<br /><i>writer: </i>Bob Rozakis<br /><i>penciller</i>: Dick Ayers<br /><i>inker</i>: Jack Abel<br /><i>letterer: </i>Milt Snapinn<br /><i>colorist</i>: Jerry Serpe<br /><i>editor:</i> Jack C. Harris<br /><i>letter column: </i>Jack C. Harris<br /><i>cover:</i> Rich Buckler & Jack Abel</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div><b>Order of Appearance</b>: Most appear in one group scene on page one: (L/R) Phantom Lady, The Ray, The Human Bomb, Uncle Sam, Doll Man, and newest member Firebrand; Black Condor appears on page two</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Guest Stars: </b>None</div><p></p><p><b>Supporting Characters:</b><br />WGNY-TV reporter Martha Roberts<br /><br /><b>Opponents:</b><br />possessed Black Condor, the demon Homilus</p><p><b>Overall Summary: <br /></b>A possessed and super-strong Black Condor is back, and he wants to convert his friends to Evil! </p><a name='more'></a><div><b>Plot Summary:<br /></b><div>During a WGNY-TV News Update, the newscaster tells us that the Freedom Fighters have freed Doll Man from the electric chair at the New York State Prison. He also notes the absence of the Black Condor, and the appearance of Firebrand; he suggests that perhaps they are the same man. He suggests that the Freedom Fighters are trying to change identities to elude the law. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="631" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_d2YkeHNojA6mSGektoEir_AcUWZpqSfX2hmV309JOuGkDsvNCr5ZcH00v27D47AtLLwmz2jbKt3FvJsvaTIi8H3r0rhPUEIpouAuJBvbZH6rnCnjKtZpgU-qH2cz0n2s886ewYir_Ci31Lj2Kz8B_YAXQCTxvk7K_kctiV8ilvrL15RDk6IUsCl7oJRR/w504-h640/FF13%201.jpg" width="504" /></div></div></div><div style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div style="clear: both;">Meanwhile, on Interstate 4 heading into Vermont, the Freedom Fighters and Martha Roberts are attacked by a wild and crazy Black Condor, who tosses their WGNY-TV news van on its side as if it were paper. The Ray melts a hole in the roof so that they can escape. </div><div style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="539" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwj_xtWUL9ZrC0TxVKaznXwjRraL57F0Kwfsl0eKZufUwpGbkVLMtqXIaZJlnn5ULok9VZuIg7IzP2hdB-c4Pyn_MdayJZ8ahcgZoe-TlFcEYfzZIOJkdm8TUAc6gxSvGc-5UEj5VW7twMA9XoUgZmfcPxr-0-cF-FGs6jSnWGvPD-7mzN4TpZDFyyHvjV/w432-h640/FF13%203.jpg" width="432" /></div><br /></div><div style="clear: both;">Black Condor knocks Uncle Sam a block away, then stands up to the Human Bomb's touch. Black Condor grabs the women, even a phantomized Phantom Lady, and flies off. </div><div style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="538" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXHJrWUUfWqwxkMSZT4KO-_s7zuiouw_WixPWEEMqxfzTOlvH-bVeij8fJIy5rjrMVUGkilkFI4iBcMRKiUwgE8llF09owMaThL2YFDE35V0Fe-JNXRqryFxMF3nZou-G3Qr70aZM9CE6PctWORtm_t26kMDrgmDc56h8X0yrnEvnpxd9qRGM1EmG6upM/w388-h400/FF13%205.jpg" width="388" /></div></div><div><br /></div>As they fly off, Martha begs Phantom Lady to come up with a plan to defeat Black Condor. She thinks back about Condor's origin. He was born Richard Grey, Junior, and was brought to Mongolia by his archeologist parents. He was the sole survivor of a raid on his parents' troop by Mongol warriors. <div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="348" data-original-width="750" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZviLJ1W0bZXznUVW8AirftoAncVkr2VQRjTAbzf8e0NcyshFCCVFUGYhLLhtuCkj-fU5msvvQ1jWAjOKiuCj1MYNAWFuWDkUzqO3ACarUVhYVfH9Qqgb5_mFnshfdV8AnMsskEuRW9D-ISZZtKOGvwrpKyD9elOqrbBjo31dU37TGahSq-0MU1gjqW5x/w400-h185/FF13%207.jpg" width="400" /></div><br /></div><div>When a condor arrived at the site of the massacre, instead of eating him she took him back to her nest. He grew up there, trying to learn how to fly like his nest-mates. Eventually, he managed to learn how to ride the air currents. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="534" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWodmdjXGrfXQkccCv0cpcJKpItoxaH3raclILlyFpBzxWg1K-zgwVuyV2NaHHV6x2qvbv3SWJxpbKgATRvEBNzZza1F77GKJ_zTq_tfShF8VV0bQGkrgLU7ua7FYCIQC-VXbmphze4Bged0OD3_kTRXbfL1fzushDRhNU2uGcXYjSY2fA52Vj2tpVEZ4/w428-h640/FF13%208.jpg" width="428" /></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Later, Richard Grey, Jr is tutored by a hermit named Father Pierre. He learns languages and culture and all about the Western world. A year later, Father Pierre is killed by the Mongol Raider named Gali Khan. Black Condor uses his ability to fly to fight against evil, first in Asia and then in the United States. He resembles US Senator Thomas Wright, so when Wright is assassinated, Black Condor takes his place.</div><div><br /></div><div>But that origin story doesn't help the women escape from the currently crazed Condor's clutches. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="538" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVetyCsiCOpQf-iaRRYP0lrDHnI79ghSHyXhgP2OsBY_L-3SLZMxVRe4LIF_Nzr05QhgRnKnSr7xNrL9XVKHObOc_5yfhhUVlmHwKeJqIFqMq_XQvh6T-uCkv1JMTfKyxndOfrKDbXHQGrsPyFlalMfClNbhen7XL2Z3EB4Dt5SzTgktuzYm9n3aK0p9x/w430-h640/FF13%209.jpg" width="430" /></div><p></p><p>Back on the country road, the men right the news van and argue about what to do next. Doll Man suddenly suggests that they head towards Rutland, Vermont because he has a hunch that is where Black Condor is heading. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMS6NXlF3BmkyERjk3sqFQSGH_6NvjW1dw02GPHmQRaKpkynwWW00BL9Y2YxVkJQX1ItIP7l-5gDJsdAFcoR0OMdK_-2cgd_DSybUPs3TfRvC92W1ZjzOsqasQL9jB3GuXsnJz4_ZnwYemR9MO32BVtP0OGledCbBo1by4Mupmevdss-uAFWcKPfGcmQ4/w428-h640/FF13%2010.jpg" width="428" /></div><div><br /></div>The men catch up to Black Condor, who is waiting for them in the middle of the town. Before the men can attack, however, a bolt of mystic lightning strikes each of them and Phantom Lady, transforming each of the Freedom Fighters into blue-hued super-powered "zombies." <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="537" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaZHapNajWUihdYYGyD0AjfrdH4FgYeQNIXE88-7cLYcQdIWGreerMlkDUzt1VZL-w7LxmQaG5qJftAtQfRlWcLXvHy8I6sWQPoljNp41QN3hw6GnwEsilg8BGgLhqfG4ez7v9d0mx1q2RyeeT6om5WIJ_Y9zKsE8gwBmfOIYHDTk80ZxkVe5KN8msxNF/w430-h640/FF13%2011.jpg" width="430" /></div><p>Surprisingly, Firebrand is not affected, so he leaps onto a roof to get away from their attack. However, this leaves Martha at their mercy, which of course they don't have. Considering being a "live coward" versus a "dead hero," Firebrand is shamed into trying to defend Martha from his possessed team-mates. </p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="539" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUAhUKSxH1LZsq5uMdHGwaVWC69hlspdNGjkDTlN89z2J8n51Yife65aZoyrvWXvSWQfNfW32a6D6jv2NAuWpRjtDvs8kI4bCsDz64pl1QazBKu0lbD8F_ng9Fa7aNFy2nMq1xBfE1VtVQ6hFd-Y5cp07yvVpZfJcGstTN0LfcM5BVaPdnLG8AxkBK1BI/w434-h640/FF13%2012.jpg" width="434" /></div><p>Firebrand grabs a live wire and attacks the Ray, who starts to absorb the energy. He then starts to absorb the electrical energy out of his friends, too. Eventually the Freedom Fighters except for the Ray are back to normal. The Human Bomb then steps up and causes the Ray to overload all of his energy out into the night sky, reverting him back to normal, too. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="538" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcXWaAd6e39Kvju0Ch6Ypzg2OQjBhHLPw9YKC3xDbLF_SzI4UUCYvn7GJB4NH0I0YG2-aBv3s2zibbLTk4uDyM9Tdjsa5B2k8-xtZnGAprdOO_Dxk8eCatxRYn42ENaF6zuXoWNDVhFuRYKljS4dt0eYf-rD8inn3tslc8PqfvQ-MFItu7WdOy0I-TeuU/w400-h301/FF13%2016.jpg" width="400" /></div><p>Black Condor explains that he had been falling gradually under Homilus' mental control ever since the demon attacked them back in <b><i>FF#6.</i></b> Eventually he could no longer free himself. Luckily, Homilus had not met Firebrand before, so he remained free of the demon's influence. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="597" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoeo9IK9DSqzfcXmA_p1-Hfve6j4ojvvcDECsPyCsBqr3zedrwVhzQrBgp7BRS66nJcqdJE17jslx7G6npJ-bR58Y_hXLupojnnjGUx3WW6PBqjOYrL6EQVXBXUYunpGUOYBtZFKaVolq2i-qOHXnaec37OTVTFbJlGzLmq1YG7jq2ARDoz7CjWg0pyXa/w478-h640/FF13%2017.jpg" width="478" /></div><p></p><p>Tom Fagan pops up, wondering what the excitement is all about, but the Freedom Fighters say hello and then head out. </p><p></p><p>Elsewhere, someone is watching the WGNY-TV broadcast with coverage of Firebrand. This man recognizes Firebrand and wants him dead. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;">Review: </b></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div>I can remember seeing Black Condor show up at the end of last issue and thinking, "It's about time!" One of my favorite things about reading group books was enjoying the comings and goings of the various members. On the other hand, <b><i>Freedom Fighters</i></b> pretty clearly had SIX (then seven) members, and for one to be gone for such an extended time really brought me down. </div><div><br /></div><div>And what a return this is! This is basically "Black Condor kicks his friends' asses and. oh yeah, we learn his origin." The action choreography flows nicely, the "escape" to Rutland makes sense, and the final face-off against Homilus is well done. This is one of my favorite issues in this series. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, that being said, I do have a few comments. Firebrand has no particular powers, right? And yet he manages to stand up against his more super-powered team-mates for a page or two. This seems strange. Also, even though this is meant to be Firebrand's redemption, his changing his mind from being an opportunist to being a hero was awfully fast. I suppose the violence against Martha is worse than is what is implied, and that forces him to make a sudden conversion. Still, I have to admit that I never particularly warmed to Firebrand, partly due to his reluctance here to save a literal damsel in distress. </div><div><br /></div></span></div><div><div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;">Black Condor</span> Moment </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="601" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYRhP1zOv7TYvHa1bzM7yD3AnTPwM8mP9GAM7yRTS5K1EIYrHX0xEOyqdMNZm6fiY435erFaY74f5i0Eb72SIR2DAiOxPnAHZafhzhztm9DbruJLxIOpqh9ZZtDeF2oetmq4ajKv2E6Vfey59aFEOfHOla3vJTLj-KT0O58Nnr94QOjNkVEb4Ly0RFU1GV/s320/FF13%20BC.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Black Condor is able to beat up all of his friends, such as flipping Human Bomb into the van. </div></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Doll</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Man</span></span> Moment</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="536" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURq5kaU5yPlBO8TdwoXqy0sJFrH_qhGt0C_E1KGEvZzdvpIl6bhoRj5SCBlbwAMwuFPQuahTMwbSkJf3yG6lvhJ4Kjf3OsGCwkhcnini-sKZmsth9O9xKryRZ3FkbmZtgk6D6AtSRaULovssKHfx2atEaDZK9suX_UCKbTB2v7OlUEq8z-uCGFeXYR-FE/s320/FF13%20DM.jpg" width="320" /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Doll Man tries to knock Black Condor out, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">but finds that Zombie Black Condor's head is now as hard as a brick. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #ff00fe;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #ff00fe; font-size: medium;">Firebrand</span><span style="color: #e69138;"> </span>Moment</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="538" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8FFEu-_gq0KMCsTP0L5F4mwgv14GSrU-xQCNblMwyNFzcerlioch-8d45VldhOlskw3lFJxW6QZ1nbPFMs2x4Skzh4Gq44oDouUwANttm84VXi0IHbAdYlzKqHiTodSS9U0PxOOReNFQu2CYr2f-QEc4RheaMtNZ_-KBOujMJ70Urff1pi3pSx7KL5dA/s320/FF13%20FB.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Firebrand steps up and shows that he's not a coward after all. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div><div><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #674ea7; font-size: medium;">Human Bomb</span><span style="color: #e69138;"> </span>Moment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="916" data-original-width="538" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIiVA_CabA9DQzKCksN2OPsQFRQabPgEZzDyd9iGifZb-x-qkndS30XI2IBcwDY8PhBuE1tArjkEpVFBIAq6a1kUsbMgHpqHlQKGqojz7AUkb1loRFUUgTKkV0MtHA6Y-tvjePOr2y3vFvNXynRiexPEgjbz_bgfCwr1_x_Xl85hvmXsgaDIxlmLs34oKj/w235-h400/FF13%20HB1.jpg" width="235" /></div></b></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="381" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtdGRFSUrryPY1vY02Ycu10KDkRI7joYZAj3BoSa4G9VwBTLRDxshz_TxgUWlHoznsqnw8k-y2mWLSm0kGu7LqhwdSS5xVPen8V5kj6EarlR54d-LL8kRfmZRheB8470ZKihdO2iJm5APsujR7Ssy7E4YYcZZWo8ygY9sLA5_D5-j6ZPxQxHxfSmJQaIp/s320/FF13%20HB2.jpg" width="261" /></div>The Human Bomb tries to use his explosive power against Black Condor.</div><div>It doesn't work. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Phantom Lady</span> Moment </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="532" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX12RKemP_7SeVy1Ry56Um7t0UsUmXFmVNAbifyw9E5ddKPYBVg1RatbTgVE5uMV19k8qFFmbRCa9yWVtmqazIf5mwiKy3jKhf4Sena9yUxwjsFk7Vw0Vyd1coCTMk6nANroeo8-gT81RVHCsW56TD-uvBIB4SXu14sgY7MBAEzy6ZTiVkYWRzNFPtab6n/s320/FF13%20PL.jpg" width="319" /></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Phantom Lady tries to "phantom out" but Black Condor can still grab her! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #ffa400; font-size: medium;">The Ray</span> Moment</b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="538" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qpfTjQlMj9fswuU5WG2VDe81zDOakZwiudRLbJFm1_Mk29Lqh3BBSIrYW6L1yJW5s53bPaiWqW44IPO7Qq4xc1JHtiV6lpl6caKzQPn70tD7y9kYQ741AaANhR7Gf-eq_VuqH5F91biHPXOlS36fhM730z_OADyPeGUlY26SylMc9uCISSd2GE8D_zb5/w400-h300/FF13%20Ray.jpg" width="400" /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Ray is able to blast all of the demon's energies out of his friends. </div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Uncle</span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">Sam</span> Moment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="538" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3R8nj8qamVnTsADxhkKfftlQeIReZROi5yTGQle8GtPpm29-PtaAA72YCrpNg26htTjBHpu2qUJrfg60SMnhiR3t4ka8xeB3UV1qPadWhOixB-FC_AnzdvChjBk4_6bKMuyrwAncscK-RHZ_6-8RDdRnjlb82G1Ea8o16pk8jzw66VjFyGcdF4gSO6ecA/s320/FF13%20US.jpg" width="320" /></div></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Uncle Sam thinks he's stronger than Zombie Black Condor. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He's wrong. </div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Best Moment</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="538" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Ffercznib1uCwWSetBQOZl9QR15LC6FmV7AiCF0an7TutT6F-niT5b-sLMlNw1vess3cmWOyyt2-UMkHZxiYmZFhfpTP8xAD46U1H1H9mixBHQPQkXb2nhIVSIyUTSUTishoLuCdbINRHr0gDHs_hm53y3h7MB3IpEYbdu0xSlgPE1YGKS0CJoDpYh4n/w400-h399/FF13%20best.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Firebrand figures out that the Ray's energies can free the Freedom Fighters</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">from the demon's possession. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Worst Moment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="1000" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lUVVSQQPfxYa8EBauemxtygJErH-EUy0qQblNEBC_Z-jEOM3kHVFYBu0f8-Pa68v4CdCpgQSDyDRY-hRiPk3It_43drDq6_wKqSZ9YnkFN45oMoBxcRxwY3Dv5mb0UcHQCLGKz7dWZqTEG8Kvijf6zt7nqZ_vUIGzw66y4FNoDt8ywfPAa2xC7H75J7J/w400-h201/FF13%20worst.jpg" width="400" /></div></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left;">Sure, hang out with condors long enough and you'll learn how to fly. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div><div><div><b>Moment They Could Have Been Cleared:</b></div><div>For the first time in awhile, the story is self-contained and there was no chance for the Freedom Fighters to prove their innocence to the world. Maybe next time! </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="1000" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnb1U12iEeTF_tlhKLhaLq-89l_UcftA2yGERbt6P_xQbjDbBqmWzao7xQU4RbneSh3Mpr1bLcjqXKWB2HNw2apKnE0ZNl0drRN2r0yiZrNxtiVGHsDZ-2H8ck_myR8B55BSA4nZj5p8YwE0o5PenXWQCsT88LSeQSdrsirRXeXys1MkP0A51g7J0wmFFj/s320/letter%20column.jpg" width="320" /></div>This issue's letter column was mostly answering fan's questions about the "new" Fighters' logos (actually original from the Golden Age) and where else we could find Dick Ayers' art. Also, JCH requested post cards telling him who was everyone's favorite Fighter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KL29Qt3XOMOan8IvnKbVxOhcLlJWoB_PYry66uq3F3_z-4ual4xnThwwhe2aAZPIzIwRU7w1Kdcsg0HmVvovIroVrRvL_mN1vWmm-rm1fiWS7A2kkcUEuaYIiPVBF5a7dLDW5E9J8CychB91wfrqDVV88VaYM2Pw95on5c9uC9z-RHSxA89YFVa3ekyN/w432-h640/FF13%20LC.jpg" width="432" /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Freedom of Information</b><br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Although this issue is all about Black Condor, he fails to appear on the cover! </li><li>To be a Senator in the United States you must be over 30 years old, so in theory Black Condor is the second oldest member of the group (after Uncle Sam). Although, he isn't really Tom Wright, so there's no way of telling how old he <i>really</i> is. </li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">The Freedom Fighters</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAEoiRBUUPYAETXMNJIfwsW07XbpAeVVnE_Qd-ls8bM6j8EgUGn4bA1Ak1w9ybcou_5eTHTQioZfrUqFN_xj8WTJLMNYenN0J8Sh__HXJcGaV_ywQCuuJaoO1fhVHvs-fCTMg91JK33Q5jP0Qs0HbQj6TI6NOvpsUe6vI5bWo6L1IWpe71wAVwM24ZN7L/s405/FF13%20rollcall.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="93" data-original-width="405" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAEoiRBUUPYAETXMNJIfwsW07XbpAeVVnE_Qd-ls8bM6j8EgUGn4bA1Ak1w9ybcou_5eTHTQioZfrUqFN_xj8WTJLMNYenN0J8Sh__HXJcGaV_ywQCuuJaoO1fhVHvs-fCTMg91JK33Q5jP0Qs0HbQj6TI6NOvpsUe6vI5bWo6L1IWpe71wAVwM24ZN7L/s16000/FF13%20rollcall.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4_nDAyooMBhsLnQlWgtOI89ZWw2num_FKhj0ut6ekqBtEmbqpE3yHxM9VjFk5dKwF2Fu88b79A25EIw3gLl8sBN-w930z77bxk0fsA8tpHjSsVByycDRxIkbrlpL7IuH-rc7M5sZAmw_vLf234mag07n11d1LJjWKJEG2dk-4jklo1v-94TlHZM-PR2F/s93/FF13%20rollcall%20FB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="93" data-original-width="70" height="93" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4_nDAyooMBhsLnQlWgtOI89ZWw2num_FKhj0ut6ekqBtEmbqpE3yHxM9VjFk5dKwF2Fu88b79A25EIw3gLl8sBN-w930z77bxk0fsA8tpHjSsVByycDRxIkbrlpL7IuH-rc7M5sZAmw_vLf234mag07n11d1LJjWKJEG2dk-4jklo1v-94TlHZM-PR2F/s1600/FF13%20rollcall%20FB.jpg" width="70" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>assembled by Len Wein</i></span></div></div></div></div></div>Russell Burbagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756652514507714383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225466123539557290.post-70003233452472272362023-10-11T06:00:00.406-04:002023-10-11T06:00:00.137-04:00Freedom Fighters #12<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1551" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8Qu_AC6TmCoVrRdXfiOS3u1Ka2AkvL1_JHtpvBEOEChrLykNFJsYHj9eP8K2r-zqTMpjty1Zi-2neFWPbsYBBSk7F4FaZsBkaffEjbI4hn2xIplw2gK5b3LSC4_0Fa4gJ2zmZ6-I--9fDdSeN8P9T_k_GwHRMxu0DlvCmxT2oMXV2SYN-xKOLH2Dug/w258-h400/FF12.jpg" width="258" /></div><p><b>Freedom Fighters #12 (February 1978)<br /></b><i>title: "</i>Bust-Out in the Big House!"<br /><i>writer: </i>Bob Rozakis<br /><i>penciller</i>: Dick Ayers<br /><i>inker</i>: Christian Volt<br /><i>letterer: </i>Ben Oda<br /><i>colorist</i>: Bob LeRose<br /><i>editor:</i> Jack C. Harris<br /><i>letter column: </i>Jack C. Harris<br /><i>cover:</i> Rich Buckler & Jack Abel</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div><b>Order of Appearance</b>: The Ray, Doll Man, the Human Bomb, Phantom Lady, and Uncle Sam all appear on page one; Black Condor appears on page nine</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Guest Stars: </b>Firebrand, who makes his Bronze Age debut in this issue</div><p></p><p><b>Supporting Characters:</b><br />WGNY-TV reporter Martha Roberts, Acting District Attorney Michael Tulane<br /><br /><b>Opponents:</b><br />The murderer of DA David Pearson</p><p><b>Overall Summary: <br /></b>The Freedom Fighters decide to break Doll Man free from prison before his scheduled execution. </p><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><b>Plot Summary:<br /></b><div>Doll Man has been found guilty of the murder of DA Pearson, and his execution is scheduled for 11 pm tonight! All appeals have been denied; even a request for mercy from the Justice League has been ignored. It seems like there is no way to prevent the execution. </div><div><br /></div><div>At 2 pm EST, the Human Bomb, Phantom Lady, and Uncle Sam are still in Texas trying to establish new secret identities for the Freedom Fighters to move there. However, Human Bomb insists they must return to New York in order to free their friend. Uncle Sam wonders if Doll Man might really be guilty, which angers Human Bomb enough to toss Sam out of his chair. The Human Bomb refuses to believe that Doll Man is guilty. He tells them that he is going back to New York either with them or without them. Uncle Sam reluctantly agrees, and the three head back to New York. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdX_JnV7E29Vo0BldMjUB1g0uAjcxPC8e7Geu0SqhE08GQSj_g4rKodw-2wF9nJRi5v4wO75CYciHe-8GGNhx7_f2_Kf4P8z8Vt-j7xYeojJPz_Ydx_Z2diSaXVdqv06uFFbrpnHXjYpNOXt7C1QHOj9r4HS_rKvq69gLaAdN7MVvyxDqRtSdZOyWPs_TS/s800/FF12%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="538" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdX_JnV7E29Vo0BldMjUB1g0uAjcxPC8e7Geu0SqhE08GQSj_g4rKodw-2wF9nJRi5v4wO75CYciHe-8GGNhx7_f2_Kf4P8z8Vt-j7xYeojJPz_Ydx_Z2diSaXVdqv06uFFbrpnHXjYpNOXt7C1QHOj9r4HS_rKvq69gLaAdN7MVvyxDqRtSdZOyWPs_TS/w430-h640/FF12%202.jpg" width="430" /></a></div></div><div> </div><div>At 2:45 pm in upstate New York, the Ray confronts his mysterious benefactor, who admits to being Rod Reilly. He tells the Ray that he is also from Earth-X and was the super-hero Firebrand. Reilly became Firebrand as a bored playboy, then after the war broke-out he became a double agent. Firebrand, traitor, would give Nazis secret plans, only to double-cross them as Rod Reilly, resistance fighter. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9V3ZlrE4LYw9v93gi2uyyHjC-vThMB3ydJzLVKL4n74EVG2sq5WuUFLOEa1WerChRcTh2u75o86VRVt168Zz_ymk5sb7myYy7x7xbADMRJWwLWckX689YDf4J-O3sK_cDYv82G4SbdfmqI-mve7WgPZD6Dp4xV1wCG3TohCx64ou1w4kY79-WwNaKW0E/s800/FF12%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="545" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9V3ZlrE4LYw9v93gi2uyyHjC-vThMB3ydJzLVKL4n74EVG2sq5WuUFLOEa1WerChRcTh2u75o86VRVt168Zz_ymk5sb7myYy7x7xbADMRJWwLWckX689YDf4J-O3sK_cDYv82G4SbdfmqI-mve7WgPZD6Dp4xV1wCG3TohCx64ou1w4kY79-WwNaKW0E/w436-h640/FF12%205.jpg" width="436" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>He thought that the Freedom Fighters had followed him to this Earth in order to track him down for revenge. The Ray admits knowing of him, but thought that he had died. The Ray has recuperated from his injury, so has decided to go to break Doll Man free. Firebrand agrees to go with him and help him. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyKQQZXavVM3QOUUJ5RjCOvFSdBnr8Y-Lz_V9qWHxJKK68P5_qj_lhI6vkmOHCo4_E5yzg39eBZjgvSJvU2LyFB25J-rqJz0JlSowAhyzkeB3QDkcTixWL4YwhQ_W5xJ_qG00Dc5m-q5LScytoUTe8QgNVVLSngsrv-b5OS3oCQ-GjKfBexS1-1mhiIPQ/s800/FF12%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyKQQZXavVM3QOUUJ5RjCOvFSdBnr8Y-Lz_V9qWHxJKK68P5_qj_lhI6vkmOHCo4_E5yzg39eBZjgvSJvU2LyFB25J-rqJz0JlSowAhyzkeB3QDkcTixWL4YwhQ_W5xJ_qG00Dc5m-q5LScytoUTe8QgNVVLSngsrv-b5OS3oCQ-GjKfBexS1-1mhiIPQ/w426-h640/FF12%206.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>At 4:15 pm at State Prison, Doll Man has been fitted with a harness that nullifies his powers so he cannot escape. Reviewing his case, Martha suddenly thinks of something and rushes off to investigate. By 9:30 pm she has found enough evidence to clear Doll Man and accuse someone else. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJyuqZYsSkpYf6hN8HUDrZXbKID78VK3nuW161IRVM9G0u7j4vMubhVxTYcElEa5VwIbhuXROdsdpioGY6PgxKP0eQc8pgVU_mWieVu0X_n4u_r0h4xfVk4f--iWA46H2aMuHD8BBAaQjr7XQjBbaFfwvZ1Xe5NdWwrIQU2pjuv95Df_wkoupVOjX_xlG/s800/FF12%208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJyuqZYsSkpYf6hN8HUDrZXbKID78VK3nuW161IRVM9G0u7j4vMubhVxTYcElEa5VwIbhuXROdsdpioGY6PgxKP0eQc8pgVU_mWieVu0X_n4u_r0h4xfVk4f--iWA46H2aMuHD8BBAaQjr7XQjBbaFfwvZ1Xe5NdWwrIQU2pjuv95Df_wkoupVOjX_xlG/w428-h640/FF12%208.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br /></div><div>However, on the way back to the prison she is run off the road. It is 10:35 pm. </div><div><br /></div><div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="538" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBIGsESPZ7cofYYLnpFU2q52rJG-fX7QgyLzaROxoFzJo0cx3jT9xs4cwPUBJJoZpNmSpaN4AAvVZ-LimRJC3Z0QyZPHle9RBDW-hucHZMA_am3nO104UI70PLBpeGaY4umXlHbhC-iEBOKcWyVeMCDug5o6Cc_jFYFL0MhvtOKF84wt0puh4bK0CzHBp/w430-h640/FF12%209.jpg" width="430" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>At the same time, back at the prison, Doll Man walks his "last mile." Reporters try to talk to him, but he stoically remains silent. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At 10:40 pm reporters doing a live broadcast at the prison talk to acting District Attorney Michael Tulane, who is presiding over the execution. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At 10:58 pm the Freedom Fighters meet up outside the prison walls. With the Human Bomb leading the way, they break into "the big house." The Ray stops the electricity from flowing into Doll Man, saving his life. Firebrand disarms Tulane, and they all escape with Doll Man. </div><div><div></div><div><br /></div>Moments later, Martha breaks in, frantic that she was too late to prevent the execution. When she learns that Doll Man is still alive, she eagerly explains that she did some investigative reporting and found that there was a member on Pearson's staff who was a known affiliate of the Silver Ghost, Raphael Van Zandt. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihiWFKRsYmVpVx1l2P0v1jwH_BRPNvIdeyYQWE-X7AnZ6VU6xcL71vjrFruf82nCLz_Kj0y-IJGDUWyqc3B85PFXSTRlGBNx6SLUKFajdBz2VxvxrtspTiayhu0iZvYfG8KmKno22CU5pA2jhQYjxNhQaWsx75N5cR-ZvRGivSacg4qXEf4R_9AxZUGzgr/s800/FF12%2015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="541" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihiWFKRsYmVpVx1l2P0v1jwH_BRPNvIdeyYQWE-X7AnZ6VU6xcL71vjrFruf82nCLz_Kj0y-IJGDUWyqc3B85PFXSTRlGBNx6SLUKFajdBz2VxvxrtspTiayhu0iZvYfG8KmKno22CU5pA2jhQYjxNhQaWsx75N5cR-ZvRGivSacg4qXEf4R_9AxZUGzgr/w432-h640/FF12%2015.jpg" width="432" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Martha explains that this man was in the position to shoot Pearson and had the motive because Pearson had found out about his crooked dealings. Of course, she is talking about Assistant DA Tulane. She says that he had shot Pearson, then had gladly framed Doll Man for the murder. Live on television, Tulane confesses. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWpZeDpEEY9MdlTVWr9EUb1Mtg1YyaFyLSLp92Q66vWLDOSKtnFErW8aQuB8fyZ18XHahdvjS2x_lRynFyt05hXg33-mWnmO8YuY0s9VLLT_4AUUPwbAZ-YhmTtgTGSrhk8vRPNRh_sunjEnPKBdUpodE3TAMbGIexA_MqoFBX5dxgdnQCQEFq_pES669/s800/FF12%2016.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWpZeDpEEY9MdlTVWr9EUb1Mtg1YyaFyLSLp92Q66vWLDOSKtnFErW8aQuB8fyZ18XHahdvjS2x_lRynFyt05hXg33-mWnmO8YuY0s9VLLT_4AUUPwbAZ-YhmTtgTGSrhk8vRPNRh_sunjEnPKBdUpodE3TAMbGIexA_MqoFBX5dxgdnQCQEFq_pES669/w428-h640/FF12%2016.jpg" width="428" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Later, at midnight, the Freedom Fighters meet up with Martha. She is driving them back to the city in her WGNY news van. After she updates them all on what happened at the prison after they had left, she tells them the reason she was run off the road: she was spooked by the Black Condor, who suddenly re-appears! </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;">Review: </b></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div>This is absolutely the best LOOKING <b><i>Freedom Fighters </i></b>issue in the entire run. Instead of Jack Abel's heavy inks we get Alfredo Alcala's beautiful fine lines, and BOY does it make a difference on Dick Ayer's pencils. I'm not sure why Alfredo Alcala filled in on this issue (Jack Abel was back in the next) but I remember the sheer joy I felt when reading this story as a kid. Even now, when I re-open it and remember that THIS is the issue that Alcala did, I think, "Great stuff!" </div><div><br /></div><div>As for the story, it's pretty great, too. It's a very well plotted adventure. The only real complaint I have about it is that it should have happened a few months ago! For anyone who knows anything about murder mysteries, it seemed PAINFULLY obvious who the real culprit had to be, and the fact that nobody IN the story seemed to consider Tulane as a suspect just makes this frustrating in the extreme. Martha's fantastic investigative reporting should have happened during Darrel's trial, not on the night of his scheduled execution! </div><div><br /></div><div>Besides the timing of Martha's save (gotta milk all the drama out of the series that you can, I guess) I really liked this issue. I especially loved the inclusion of the clocks on every page. It reminds me now of the MASH season 8 episode "Life Time" that features a ticking clock on screen during the entire episode. Of course, Bob Rozakis did it first, as this issue is from 1978 and that MASH episode first aired on November 26, 1979. </div><div><br /></div><div>Two more minor complaints. The first one concerns the cover. When the group is breaking INTO the prison by destroying the outer wall, why in the world isn't the Human Bomb front and center? I suppose DC wanted to play up the inclusion of Firebrand, but really? The Human Bomb is the guy! </div><div><br /></div><div>Also, you may remember just two issues ago this particular scene between the Human Bomb and Uncle Sam: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="329" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaX28liZ5A9GlWw4n34-MAoX22no673atZG_QDj3wtMbym5UbqkyT-OwtfVSBTF38GSQj68-38ewv41OVbiCSoyOlLKyijA_dCT1cHr2gqXEjSqKoDUFNbfdi082Tuc0JNayRz_HBjp2hksxxSbenNfwWTh8FFQfNbksQiO2dvgep48zucNG57pM8Ktkc/s320/FF10%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></div><br /><div>This time, out, though, Uncle Sam is ready to reconsider the personality of Doll Man? I *think* Bob Rozakis was probably trying to convey Uncle Sam's overwhelming faith in Democracy, as well as Roy's unswerving faith in his friend, but the way it's presented it just doesn't work. </div><div><br /></div><div>Lastly (literally) I LOVED the return of Black Condor! Tom, where the hell have you been? I guess we'll find out next issue! </div><div><br /></div></span></div><div><div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;">Black Condor</span> Moment </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="538" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTDh-aL065svzQENOmPP0MSf6APeTauAyYJeI3aA-zYfojHA2OIsW7Upsyej2v5352K3A6fu-xho35Gc8LYJk02M_ccd3bZYoPli_9tO2266ReIK60kSdYTFQjo7OE0H1BDHAvXOi_iqM3dvCE4RkEh5t4Fcp0uyjqwGiSu3E4cDAzRuEqwj7KhGbfLZx/s320/FF12%2017%20BC.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Black Condor makes his dramatic return on the last page! </div></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Doll</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Man</span></span> Moment</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="229" data-original-width="537" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4kHB2gE432r8--6zIu8XHBgIv7qDq5LLwsjWCc8zprMskOs9Jtk2ax3xQ9kDgl1fEfwE_2DYCXRRO97foMgPuctwwpvWAmLmqay6ljCnFNZ_xuGdSrYTtFXYiV2dnA9cpEAua4jXuJ_OCHHMoVN21Io2sN2nHG0CIi110j-OrvnMFzTiTp1hzcffUUN1/s320/FF12%2010%20DM.jpg" width="320" /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Doll Man heads solemnly to his scheduled execution </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #ff00fe; font-size: medium;">Firebrand</span><span style="color: #e69138;"> </span>Moment</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="523" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGwwjSpizIGFTB-2LHDvEBWFjzywwJq9beNoddIshMuWc8b1mKqm3ovg4ABU9x9hfnuUXyg9sOhccrivWlzj_X00se5BDbHbgggIPEg0CBha_bB59hr4Go1ZhavvfpedwhswVbhzNN8VkdHlOzkIbfpo1I1hfnAEtNCIYAeyAmD27kMjEI3XHnbo1UYVl/s320/FF12%2013%20FB.jpg" width="279" /></div>Firebrand steps up and saves Doll Man's life </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #674ea7; font-size: medium;">Human Bomb</span><span style="color: #e69138;"> </span>Moment</b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="538" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfBGVdR3R8UJed3h6hD09dXXlrEknDcikHvmvVBXPeZJr8Svr3EeuIW_b2oCUY9iQdG_grG_T4q3WLrvL0Tgah2Nz-lPhlD_NB69exr2eSV0-v2HS0MBJ35NT1Z_0Ta3OPnmSxtZWDcsZnBQ7dis37YGRmb1DSJ1k8FtUxMmwaZWkVN-60r_NZsjYdHhQ/s320/FF12%203%20HB.jpg" width="320" /></div></div></div><div>The Human Bomb won't stand for any disparaging words against his buddy Darrel </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Phantom Lady</span> Moment </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="538" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3JBgmdmHLFy7NmzWockv7euCU7g3nZrhFUfYJoNldBXkHixXjwiv0Dc0nIdu_W0eNZ5Uj_OvC0aLOs2ujAyZ5ZojgqI3iQilVTaQZhMDRFEa1me4Mf0VNnmLURzTGWJqYcorBfnez5zStpQ2HSqc35I8hu2uwkTAsfwCBeMZlY_f0CREAvjDE8NfvN7L/s320/FF12%2013%20PL.jpg" width="320" /></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Phantom Lady helps the team escape from the prison guards </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #ffa400; font-size: medium;">The Ray</span> Moment</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="538" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1ioFJn474LEnMKvy6ToSiRBf-CyvW_ifhVY3i4E5U3ssvA2NQkjcWx7ccbXuJ9KJLfGdZzL6ko4I_YdQymBfOOaY6Q79lj03YYEdX2Ko72LQNTg987rA-KkIqYRm9__6wDDKJnhV_LwWgzwZ4j_vfFYt72WfKDjoyi1fsZstD1ETVxh5pb7QSWK37SQf/s320/FF12%2012%20Ray.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Ray prevents the electric chair from killing Doll Man </div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Uncle</span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">Sam</span> Moment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="538" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QGxh2gRDqWTonVs-SSjLYXy8JBRkQnN4E4RQEPHZXwisgpl6IqdBpTm_6MSabNN-tuKt5-NtBuXwEfNbc70Z2HdbiuV6m8Bx46p9Ief4lYwNehB_C6lbAiC_VDuUUxKznyttsgV24p8Cu5Nih6TCAm1csIBmVkx9eT288v304pLkb3sChk9fClbT8HS9/w400-h223/FF12%203%20US.jpg" width="400" /></div></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Uncle Sam comes around to Roy's way of thinking </div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Best Moment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="538" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvcsb_T0Hq_RO0-g9R6BUbMeNnbAZnwCUCTMjPPz7h7j80VnVeG5EYKpjjU-wZkqEFOq2Z7duEdaz14XgrtQr3XKi1eNEfld1Y02wqtGTdoR0aQjCsyO1beoxrNVWJgVK8OTfD047npopD4WLXQUu8U5pR20mraxCaTCk0BBOpMswyPHmvGTdZlIPopVjb/s320/FF12%20Best.jpg" width="320" /></div></b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Human Bomb tells the press "No comment." </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Worst Moment</b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="360" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYk1X_us3jpJeq4p4eNl3Ro684z7nftcFxMArJfHzgrLGDiQaA64Wvnlig7uA7h4MVwoJgR9OsJ_XHjHSot5o9YWKfv9AcPqNXfMLwwtwogSmZ6yynpy4tgA5bHOflDZ-6Y7WtgteLiOzNKVrwdFm-1r7rf2oOolI505xHW4a9Nuszs8bfig6NLq2X6-pk/s320/FF12%20worst.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left;">Uncle Sam considers the possibility that Doll Man is guilty?!? </span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div><div><b>Moment They Could Have Been Cleared:</b></div><div>There is a throw-away line on the first page about a request for mercy from the Justice League. If DC *really* wanted to clear the Freedom Fighters' names, the JLA would have appeared after the trial and worked to prove Doll Man's innocence. At the same time, you know that detectives like Batman and the Elongated Man would have found the Silver Ghost and cleared this whole misunderstanding up. So a throw-away line meant to prove that the Fighters were part of the mainstream DC Earth-1 universe inadvertently makes it sound like the JLA is a bunch of jerks for letting Doll Man be killed. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="1000" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnb1U12iEeTF_tlhKLhaLq-89l_UcftA2yGERbt6P_xQbjDbBqmWzao7xQU4RbneSh3Mpr1bLcjqXKWB2HNw2apKnE0ZNl0drRN2r0yiZrNxtiVGHsDZ-2H8ck_myR8B55BSA4nZj5p8YwE0o5PenXWQCsT88LSeQSdrsirRXeXys1MkP0A51g7J0wmFFj/s320/letter%20column.jpg" width="320" /></div>This issue's letter column was all about the Crusaders appearance. Note that JCH mentions that the secret identities of the Crusaders resembled former DC employees, haha! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="595" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbmasKIe0ifbJ4YpraiO3Bt6s8dPyQFc74oKxb7rG7MxVklZBlLii_DDjm85fN15qIO3mQKxG_K7Xk2z6tUgqVNz8wnOlVC8DAPdntIEpUMeb4FqHckD0HByoTVAoyjefgcZw4bg3ouJD7gY5PQTAAwckJ9e0afgXmtU7ZL7td4NRScT7KRSM2BCl-neQ/w476-h640/FF12%20LC.jpg" width="476" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Freedom of Information</b><br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Inker Alfredo Alcala uses the pen-name "Christian Volt" for this story. </li><li>Rod Reilly refers to their home as "Earth-X," with no real reason for doing so. Perhaps he saw/read/heard it referenced as such on the news. </li><li>Executions in New York ended on August 15, 1963 with the death of convict Eddie Lee Mays. </li><li>New York reinstated the Constitutionality of executions in 1976, but never actually executed any one. </li><li>New York's maximum security state prison is Sing Sing Correctional Facility located in Ossining, New York, 30 miles north of New York City. </li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="191" data-original-width="518" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwERaX49tLJSdrR7Nt2tdHhC-GKknC7lXo4ycWtGGTGh4Cwo4Ha7Sg5FlmHEwjbEDNO1Vvt7ap-gd1upc-6Aca1lalBKn0sXSoQWxPVgI9E7nk0G1LRVjKvS3lGylpbrGShhBQddr5rtvLMLEAoqRh6XX2ZFK1fT5PpBIxBKfMYj2j_0ZxSJy5JSv64ivk/w400-h148/roll%20call%20FF11%20b.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="131" data-original-width="1196" height="70" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEu_gzqeQs9z_DUy5wLagUg1qh87lxnt9huDQEXp_Jd9g2HDzlGVoz6XN2Rio8BvXZXicCaUp47o1g2kVWZpR9IpSugCXQSCm4KfXoETwysOW4geNgUsJNdn551HWCOPFLayQR2WGUK-uGQc35Mfk4aG49HhVXeo6XZUiyj40rDn5N8ZWh65RsVplD22kH/w640-h70/roll%20call%20FF11%20logos.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="442" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vc0i6iwmk0bivT-HXCPZvKh2TK6EpnEzwkEBRmgCvrlGHHf9Gq54YnKhGqqL1Uf5TuoZi4rMofOSJLdX0uC1dgulyP_oLue-nSg68TOSOXgsGVD36Kglc2LRi2MCjzVJ1bSWntP1RNVoT0RUxzvlQjMsV6BT_XnH1c6EQewUtBXm_N2rM_taziXTb3tf/s320/roll%20call%20FF11b.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">The Freedom Fighters</b></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>assembled by Len Wein<br /></i></span></div></div></div></div>Russell Burbagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756652514507714383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225466123539557290.post-81526848503027554182023-10-04T06:00:00.334-04:002023-10-04T06:00:00.157-04:00Freedom Fighters #11<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="517" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGr6uwFEvrc3Rhe9kSjDbLFFjcbEZKcwxkJUAZGc0PNOkMUZzTnOjvvraHaHWwoq99QZIKBHn7bIXUm6Tp9uwXqB7ldc2GoDSuVkgMV_118In3w031CXcKWUrnm8qTARprFgd0bCuXQpN9IB5i4ud5w3_hg7PWkebyB-_dQwOnRF1OBC8dkl4CjSzGPkeG/w259-h400/FF11.jpg" width="259" /></div><b>Freedom Fighters #11 (December 1977)<br /></b><i>title: "</i>Divided We...Die??"<br /><i>writer: </i>Bob Rozakis<br /><i>penciller</i>: Dick Ayers<br /><i>inker</i>: Jack Abel<br /><i>letterer: </i>Milt Snapinn<br /><i>colorist</i>: Liz Berube<br /><i>editor:</i> Jack C. Harris<br /><i>letter column: </i>Jack C. Harris<br /><i>cover:</i> Rich Buckler & Jack Abel<p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div><b>Order of Appearance</b>: The Ray opens the issue; we then see Doll Man in New York City; then Phantom Lady, Uncle Sam, and The Human Bomb are shown in Texas. The Black Condor does not appear in this story. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Guest Stars: </b>None</div><p></p><p><b>Supporting Characters:</b><br />The Ray's mysterious benefactor, WGNY-TV reporter Martha Roberts<br /><br /><b>Opponents:</b><br />Chief Crazy Horse, Tall Tree, Rain-In-The-Face, and Thunder Cloud</p><p><b>Overall Summary: <br /></b>Three Freedom Fighters are in Dallas, the Ray is in upstate New York, and the Doll Man goes on trial in New York City! </p><a name='more'></a><div><b>Plot Summary:<br /></b><div>In some cabin in upstate New York, the Ray is recuperating from a bullet wound in his shoulder. The Ray, in his delirium, remembers how he became the Ray when he was caught in a cosmic storm while riding in a stratosphere balloon. He has been nursed back to health by a mysterious stranger who thinks the Ray and the Freedom Fighters are hunting for him. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="531" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFY7bFL1gQbyj_4G48z6GLTjW2QKJZYvYBzNU7QbWraOcptnr4IAODbckzyp1Y4bfJWlPB6O9BtVGX579umqf0EVsiaDqZywKiwdm7urR5JSZi0aebmQsuVgb1OHLvpdiNSl2glPV6igGCjphvMicyQ9OrcjTl7vB0_io-m0Ln31A1ifY4uMCQ8oSVPxFL/w424-h640/FF11%20(3).jpg" width="424" /></div><br /></div>In New York City, the murder trial of Darrel Dane begins. We learn that the case against him is very bad, even though it is based entirely on circumstantial evidence. <div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="534" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixAx1K0vZh_ivUm27KDohlwNFOSPFsQVs72kxoTHaU0wekzanazsunofZy9kXgPsN7D5WVu6Ta0nP77TPd03gdwCNdyWC0EMNitZDTcwyZfU4fUDVbHIcSEFyUnMJuX3i-bvso6J2ZNlYNG19zAoV5QH5_gE4Sa2fFWYZoe_r3FgHgK7eZEy90nK2wFrCE/w428-h640/FF11%20(4).jpg" width="428" /></div><div><br /></div>In Dallas, the Human Bomb, the Phantom Lady, and Uncle Sam are trying to establish new identities far from New York. Their lives as refugees are making them all a bit on edge. On the way to an employment office, they encounter four Native Americans begging for coins. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="539" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnJbJ-zuTaJxQoS7MUnhE2_DeLDP0xQmA0Diae7vYsV4yqP5TTm7d4sFc2ELxHEabkcxfrZS47GTVHKTsTOP-IP9RvYXRtDD78S6_5ps3TmlqSSlV03MtY4fD4F6yIEx6dn5c186Fyaj6ek-5nNojgJ2rYyjryBztjsYzpMnqrzmJGFjef4CCkLPsqOQR/w432-h640/FF11%20(5).jpg" width="432" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The quartet then pray to their ancestors for help and are suddenly gifted with incredible powers: Chief Crazy Horse gets super-speed, Tall Tree gets super-growth ability, Rain-In-The-Face gains the ability to blast water from his hands, and Thunder Cloud gains the ability to blast lightning from his eyes. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="537" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOf3WNTErmOmwnLE00SXdb7Y838k8PRZmUjQrDq5LXpMOgED4NAL_fP7oYOb2tqUefCyy8rFOBOkM6i1yNSjaRFkGuijfadQqxI0oPy5U93GbFWy3SGkl-TRDMdTs9D-4vYMoevl66wpdy7M9f8FiHwfyCm_nlqTWwxfUQJK7qnqa_qK3_TAsEP2gHYP1/w430-h640/FF11%20(7).jpg" width="430" /></div><div><br /></div>They immediately decide to rob a bank. The Freedom Fighters are still in the neighborhood, so they try to stop the bank robbery but fail. </div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="535" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jlO80yu0VC2c6QbBiAjtxcNe4lfbfjZauvJeQEm-PCHtU2C2GCNvTIWi7fKJ2m4FJ5WYQ_CpnDf5eGMT5828tXTrCdinDUFPBiOV5aUrKHMODdou4p7j9mLQcEV32a5xre6gshXp1YQXaYFUMOdSaMkhVY3qcYkOwDYtFENmapiwUhn6CbOgwigRuiUP/w428-h640/FF11%20(11).jpg" width="428" /></div><div><br /></div>At Darrel's trial, it looks bad for him. It's revealed that the real killer called the victim's secretary away, and then Doll Man coincidentally (?) stumbled into the office while she wasn't there. He denies calling her away and killing the District Attorney. </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>The Freedom Fighters come across the Native Americans again, and this time the Fighters use team-work to defeat them. The local police turn a blind eye while the Fighters escape. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="531" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcY86hTo-J_cPSZgTF0AeLigs3hJfg2x5ryikF4viHsk6r5KRnpQ8OCte68CelmqbcJfwTyAPrehFr80cKeF93JB6Dh1xgGcJ8XMXrC_uv-Z6UmA1KazqH6soWFQ1X1XnsSkFuFz2PNE37ZkfziggW_lcY2e7a5rhfvC5Nz39isqdOoUUG1is3dK9Z59XH/w424-h640/FF11%20(14).jpg" width="424" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>At Darrel's trial, he is found guilty of murder. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;">Review: </b></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div>This is another well plotted and fun issue. Although I'm not sure exactly why the three Freedom Fighters went to Texas instead of to, say, New Jersey, it does allow for the introduction of the Native American bad guys. Of course, they are the weakest part of the story, but part of the dissatisfaction with them is 40plus years of improved cultural understanding. Besides, appreciation of all people and all races doesn't mean that there aren't bad Native Americans. I would have liked to have gotten a little more characterization of Chief Crazy Horse, Tall Tree, Rain-In-The-Face, and Thunder Cloud, but at least we do see that they are not all carbon copies of each other. They seem a bit of a stereotypical "gang," but for a 17-page comic book in 1978 I guess that it was you were going to get. I wish they had come back, and either been given some more characterization or maybe switched sides to be heroes. </div><div><br /></div><div>By the way, it is noted in the letter column of FF #14 that it was supposed to be made more clear that these men gained their powers from the demon Homilus (from <b style="font-style: italic;">FF #6</b>) just like Black Condor did. Because these characters suddenly being given super-powers with no explanation is incredibly bad plotting, I welcome this explanation, although I don't know how we as readers were supposed to understand this! And the idea that the demon was still alive or active at this point would have been disconcerting! </div><div><br /></div><div>The origin of the Ray is helpful, but typical Golden Age stuff. What, exactly, is a "cosmic storm," and how in the world would you gain the ability to control light and heat by being caught in one? Oh, because comics? Okay. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hazard a guess that the majority of readers would have had NO idea who the Ray's benefactor was. My knowledge of other Quality heroes at the time I originally read this book was zilch. Did YOU know who Rod Reilly was? </div><div><br /></div><div>It's unfortunate that Rozakis could not have squeezed Black Condor into this issue somewhere. He is mentioned as being missing, and that's it! </div><div><br /></div><div>As for the trial of Doll Man, this is progressing nicely in comic-book time. The evidence against Darrel Dane is staggering, and it's not surprising that he is quickly found guilty. On the other hand, all the investigation and follow-up work that we will see next issue REALLY should have occurred before the whole thing went to trial. I'll write more about this next time. </div><div><br /></div></span></div><div><div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;">Black Condor</span> Moment </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="175" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEzzMv0CurxS03Gnww2gstPDE0ioIiWutPGsTVaIDqzf50E3QoRm2sF9aD4zNrMAAvBMPoH5hD7aE51ztFStjiYL1dCZbsizc-QBuzCeG-60ONwpHc_wcgtsW-NY_3w7cX9l_skL73EeC6Plt9hywP4Zqc5F9TErGcBv4YW_D_nG7cxUz_Yp2tJ3b4mLK/s1600/FF11%20BC.jpg" width="175" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Black Condor does not appear in this issue! </div></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Doll</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Man</span></span> Moment</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5wdKVG-ZbO53gsZMcZ-7uoFRdDE5fUukB0SZ2XyI-fWkE5CdiFQ-8sGxDfzFoPY0FidVuY4MQzm_FULBDCjNbYMvr_18Agp5InN-2Ghgqy6hf0ErLFQ8Okt-NlpC2ZJEpJM1lH_c7R9pqKug7ehdYfAUiznv9zBhww8fpYNSkv6vS6yLKxwKbjWt4O1f/w428-h640/FF11%20(13)%20DM.jpg" width="428" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Doll Man confronts the evidence against him with honesty.....doesn't he?!? </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #674ea7; font-size: medium;">Human Bomb, </span></b><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Phantom Lady,</span> and </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Uncle</span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">Sam</span> </b><b>Moment</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="526" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UHtCPT1oBGrvFxRFTyKtZMJWvasg9HIFKzo5oTdXHD6c731wgCWCCz2PKvROJcZw1E_ib3n1KAObX7PqQuX7OUXyAwlUXGjukfb2ps8Y0R34EdOjIl1Qv_YYL9hCxefPOeuJnDKyZ0xIqjaCpi178kVTGso6I55yJB3bGXbaiKRlOozQ0tor1EEW4pSk/w420-h640/FF11%20(15)%20-%20HB%20PL%20US.jpg" width="420" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Human Bomb, Phantom Lady, and Uncle Sam work together</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">to take out the Renegades. </div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #ffa400; font-size: medium;">The Ray</span> Moment</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="535" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcD-Vevj5yKc9rUHA6bRzfVMyDIJNjEPOnUAZiol6lhKtpbfyy-_DMmyOcG9yU9N236Jhqs5nlYxPpt7tP8PxlhxHiX5wTvx821eZ8ASDyf4xxIz63EvWr7V2qJf1e-r99yNCYPTs1iFnCraWgCyk72zwdYIjkrlJ-ihYNjl_quSFfm4vMlZ_ktSINB8_L/w428-h640/FF11%20(2)%20Ray.jpg" width="428" /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Ray remembers his origin while he </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">is recuperating from an attack by Silver Ghost. </div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Best Moment</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="217" data-original-width="287" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTW9Y8xLozxq4Ube-BFEuxxheA309d4v3mD89rOa0r8Zmr0w69_SA-S4hROsD8xAXQUcSP-QuYuBD5-GNYLO9cl4fIxf0rIf2zQH09AZg_XKSHQ-s1aDMzDWambQcYOqa7lUEn_rAOKCmSworiSgM-FyxXMiYZN2xmyT6pH_W6IJ32FdXSMZgpU0Nr-3eo/w320-h242/FF11%2016%20W.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The whole story is based on the antagonists moaning about freedom and equality; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the Dallas police have the final word on this. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It works here because we know that the Renegades </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">really WERE only out to help themselves. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Worst Moment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFhMeOzlH-lR_3J3VdkWAxPP0MYIj5jDd4WIxoMuR7oppMjlvBzS9niPNt1p7TUuQUKz_zp3YGQrjQhBW9RaBxolq6AV-3psSawIDxv7riT7KAdn0SAnd1Ij-5oS22W6reyAlFbc0jutAktHA-7DW63px4b1W-KGgqwQA2n_sIGzSPAevDk1ucS-QyQpl/w432-h640/FF11%20(8).jpg" width="432" /></div></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left;">Only in the DCU would four guys pray to their ancestors </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left;">and then suddenly get endowed with super powers. Uh.....no. <b> </b></span></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div><div><div><b>Moment They Could Have Been Cleared:</b></div><div>Similar to last issue, there wasn't a particular moment this time out where the Freedom Fighters could have cleared their names. I suppose Darrel's lawyer could have brought up all of the bogus charges against Doll Man to have them aired and swept away, but that probably wouldn't have worked, which is why he probably didn't do it. He also could have called on Batman, Green Arrow, and the Elongated Man as character witnesses (they met in <b><i>JLA #s107-108</i></b>), but that would have probably been too confusing. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="1000" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnb1U12iEeTF_tlhKLhaLq-89l_UcftA2yGERbt6P_xQbjDbBqmWzao7xQU4RbneSh3Mpr1bLcjqXKWB2HNw2apKnE0ZNl0drRN2r0yiZrNxtiVGHsDZ-2H8ck_myR8B55BSA4nZj5p8YwE0o5PenXWQCsT88LSeQSdrsirRXeXys1MkP0A51g7J0wmFFj/s320/letter%20column.jpg" width="320" /></div>This issue's letter column was dedicated to answering fans' questions and requests, such as how to get the book published more often (buy more copies) and how Black Condor has more than one secret identity. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="585" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisT7HNDiTXeagY7H5EAAn6wOTFgXQXGLdOJ89M_ScZEByPphT0Akp7T3MpBOiBLYDhAcSiB6MKA9c0_5OZ1KF-vCUMNf-L_x2Nco0Gqw--VOBie19tPNRkDIgVukPXFGMbH2Cn03yBNqUKgJFG3JuMR7vIh3px3zUSdq-EHfV18ax8v6FwDBw-rJ73vpTp/w468-h640/FF11%20LC.jpg" width="468" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Freedom of Information</b><br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The group is called "The Renegades" on the cover, but never in the story. </li><li>This is the second cover in a row without Black Condor on it. Probably because.... </li><li>Black Condor does not appear in this issue. This is the first time that any member has missed an issue. </li><li>Starting this issue, the following "roll call" and introduction appears on page one. </li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="191" data-original-width="518" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwERaX49tLJSdrR7Nt2tdHhC-GKknC7lXo4ycWtGGTGh4Cwo4Ha7Sg5FlmHEwjbEDNO1Vvt7ap-gd1upc-6Aca1lalBKn0sXSoQWxPVgI9E7nk0G1LRVjKvS3lGylpbrGShhBQddr5rtvLMLEAoqRh6XX2ZFK1fT5PpBIxBKfMYj2j_0ZxSJy5JSv64ivk/w400-h148/roll%20call%20FF11%20b.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="131" data-original-width="1196" height="70" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEu_gzqeQs9z_DUy5wLagUg1qh87lxnt9huDQEXp_Jd9g2HDzlGVoz6XN2Rio8BvXZXicCaUp47o1g2kVWZpR9IpSugCXQSCm4KfXoETwysOW4geNgUsJNdn551HWCOPFLayQR2WGUK-uGQc35Mfk4aG49HhVXeo6XZUiyj40rDn5N8ZWh65RsVplD22kH/w640-h70/roll%20call%20FF11%20logos.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="442" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vc0i6iwmk0bivT-HXCPZvKh2TK6EpnEzwkEBRmgCvrlGHHf9Gq54YnKhGqqL1Uf5TuoZi4rMofOSJLdX0uC1dgulyP_oLue-nSg68TOSOXgsGVD36Kglc2LRi2MCjzVJ1bSWntP1RNVoT0RUxzvlQjMsV6BT_XnH1c6EQewUtBXm_N2rM_taziXTb3tf/s320/roll%20call%20FF11b.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">The Freedom Fighters</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>assembled by Len Wein</i></span></div></div></div><br /></div>Russell Burbagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756652514507714383noreply@blogger.com0