As CAPTAIN BLUE HEN crosses over the 1,500 mark and heads toward the finish line, here are my contributions. BACK STORY: This began as a challenge issued to Captain Blue Hen from some friendly comic shops in Texas and Ohio. Captain Blue Hen Comics didn’t win
that challenge, but they came close. Then, they were invited to keep going and participate in the 2,021 COMIC CHALLENGE - - same rules, the winner is the shop/group that reads and posts 2,021 comics first.
#138, 139, 140, 141, 142 MONEY SHOT VOLUME 1 TPB
(5 issues, Vault Comics) If you're offended by explicit material, don't pick this one up. The blurb on the back cover tells a lot, but not all: "A story about scientists having sex with aliens for the glory of mankind - and money." It's written by Tim Seeley, and his stories always have a secondary theme or meaning for those who want to probe and penetrate further to look for it. Rebekah Isaacs' art style is appealing, a little bit Arthur Adams, a little bit Dan Parent. Mature, adults readers only. FOUR out of Five STARS.
#143 PUNISHER SOVIET #6 of 6 (Marvel MAX, May) Garth Ennis writes the most gritty, realistic Punisher tales. I often feel guilty for being satisfied by the brutal justice of these stories. I suspect there are numerous DC politicians who take contributions in exchange for voting as Russia wants, rather than serving the people who elected them. Frank meets up with the Russian mobster and finds guess what?, an American senator, in his presence. Justice is served. 5 STARS.
#144 SHOPLIFTERS WILL BE LIQUIDATED #5 of 5 (Aftershock, March) A satiric take on consumerism that makes some valid points but unfortunately gets muddled by all the side issues and multi-characters. The artist also provided colors, which are an eyesore. This is not for everybody. Even though I'm an Aftershock advocate, I'm not going to pretend to like everything. 2 STARS.
#145 CIMMERIAN: QUEEN OF THE BLACK COAST #2 (Ablaze, March) It's nice to see the European take on Conan. Interesting art in this adaptation of the classic story that holds true to the original, but doesn't deliver on the "savage hero uncensored" promise. Still a decent Conan tale,better appreciated by fans who can't get enough. 3 STARS.
#146 BASKETFUL OF HEADS #6 of 7 (DC Hill House, May) Want to explore some Hill House titles but are wary of the horror? This one is too quirky and funny to be scary, but a great mystery tale. That basket is getting pretty crowded. 4 Stars.
#147 KILLADELPHIA #5 (Image, March) I'm loving this story of a vampire invasion of Philadelphia led by an undead President Adams. However, this issue seemed like a filler, and didn't advance the story that much. 3 Stars.
#148 CATALYST PRIME: SEVEN DAYS #6 of 7 (Lion Forge) I like the art so much more than Gail Simone's well-done but unexciting story. I'm just a jaded old reader of superhero fare who's seen too many stories like this one. 3 Stars.
#149 EDGAR ALLAN POE'S SNIFTER OF TERROR SEASON TWO #6 of 6 (Ahoy, March) This title was the reason I decided to follow Ahoy Comics during their First Wave launch in 2018. It is my favorite of everything they have put out. Funny spins and twists on classic horror, all introduced by a tipsy EAP. This issue trashes "The Purloined Letter" and Robert Lois Stevenson's "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." Love, love, love the parody cover. FIVE STARS.
#150 GRUMBLE: MEMPHIS & BEYOND THE INFINITE #1 (Albatross Funnybooks, March) I'm a fan of writer Rafer Roberts and artist Mike Norton. Loved Grumble Vol 1. This continues for there, but if you didn't read it you might have trouble following this. There is no flashback explanatory scene. Magic, talking dogs, aliens, wrestlers make for a funny blend. Didn't have as much magic for me as Volume 1, but it's early. We'll see. THREE STARS.
#151 ONCE & FUTURE #7 (Boom, March) This begins the second story arc. Duncan and Rose are working with bad ass Granny to rid the world of the left behind monsters from Volume 1, when a transformed Galahad crosses over to make more trouble while an even older menace is revived. FOUR STARS
#152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157 PRODIGY: THE EVIL EARTH Trade Paperback, collects Prodigy Issues #1-6 (Image, 2019) High octane action- adventure from the imagination of Mark Millar. Main character Edison Crane is a mash-up of Sherlock Holmes, James Bond, Indiana Jones and Doc Savage. Only he can handle multiple world threats at the same time. So much fun, a real delight to read. The art is the best I've seen from Albuquerque. FIVE STARS.
#158, 159, 160, 161 BLOODSHOT BOOK ONE (Valiant, 2019) by Tim Seeley and Brett Booth. Reprints Bloodshot #1-3 plus FCBD 2019. Yes, I did list this book already in the 1000 Comics Challenge. However, after reading PRODIGY and enjoying the hell out of it, I wanted to read something similar next. I'm glad I re-read this. I liked it even more the second time. I'm all up for a slam-bang battle tale with Bloodshot doing what Bloodshot does best -- kill multiple villains and terrorists with efficiency and much malice. Writer Tim Seeley frees him of the entrapment of being a living weapon created to follow the orders of Project Rising Spirit or whatever covert organization has control. Now, he's free of influence and ready to use his deadly abilities to protect the innocent. FOUR STARS.
#162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167 TINY TITANS VOLUME 1: WELCOME TO THE TREEEHOUSE (DC Comics, 2009) Reprints Tiny Titans Issues #1-6. I bought this on the recommendation of The Captain. I wanted to send some books to my 4-year-old grandson, who's a good early reader. I read it as well, just to make sure there was nothing too old for him here, finished in two sittings and loved every minute of it. A fun book with simple and whimsical art by Franco that is appealing without being overly cute. Art Baltazar respects his audience, leaves out the standard super-hero fights with villains, and concentrates on the kid relationships, school, playground, etc. in short short stories that make their point and move on. FOUR STARS.
#168 WALT DISNEY'S UNCLE SCROOGE #333 (Gemstone, 2004) Going through my collection looking for items to send to my four-year old grandson, an avid reader. This will do nicely. Reprints stories from mostly European versions of Uncle Scrooge, including a cool Carl Barks tale from 1951. FOUR STARS.
#169 OWLY VOLUME 1: THE WAY BACK Scholastic/Graphix has done a great service by bringing the wonderful Owly books to a wider audience. To add to that appreciation, Andy Runton's whimsical funny animal book now has dialogue and is fully colored. What a treat!
These are the perfect books for pre-schoolers to begin their early reading. The Way Home is a beautiful simple story about friendship and helping others. This one is heading to my grandson's mailbox. He's already a fan of the self-published Owly books and will be delighted to see this in color.
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