Gold Key Alliance #1

   My comics shop owner was looking out for me this week.

   I had overlooked Gold Key Alliance, but he plucked it out of the stack and asked if I was interested.

   Since it includes several characters I enjoyed when I was a tad, my answer was obvious.

   I knew this series included several classic Gold Key Comics heroes, including Magnus Robot Fighter, Turok Dinosaur Hunter, Dr. Solar and Sampson.

   Of course, the trick in bringing those characters together is the fact that they each come from a completely different reality.

   Magnus is from the distant future. Turok lives in an alternate reality where dinosaurs still live. Sampson is from a dystopic future, post disaster. Dr. Solar is the only "modern day" character in the bunch.

   This series solves that problem, oddly enough, by bringing the characters all to the present, though it's a world that's different from the one we know. In this reality (which seems to be set in the modern day), robots are commonplace (though they don't seem to be as sophisticated as the ones the original Magnus faced), there's a dinosaur preserve guarded by Turok, Sampson seems to have a fragile grip on reality, and Dr. Solar - well, let's just say that character has a lot in common with the new Thor.

   As a first issue, this isn't bad - but it has to spend a lot of time checking in with the characters and doesn't always give us a clear idea of what the heck is going on - but it rolls along quickly and includes some fun action sequences.

   So while it's not "my" Gold Key, it has potential. It made enough of an impression that I shouldn't need reminding to pick up the next issue.

Grade: B

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Free Comic Book Day Reviews

Hey, it's Free Comic Book Day all over the world, and for the first time in a while I actually made it to my local comics shop today - and man, was it packed!

Nothing like giveaways to bring out the mob - but he seemed to be selling lots of comics, too, so that's what it's all about.

Anyway, here are some thumbnail review of the freebies I picked up - as always, I encourage you to send in your comments at the link below, or email me at chuckscomicoftheday@gmail.com and tell us about the ones I missed.

On with the reviews!

Iron Man / Thor

This original story by Matt Fraction is mighty thin - one of Tony Stark's old inventions threatens the Earth - but it's saved by some outstanding art by John Romita, Jr. and Klaus Janson.

But I'm not sure who's more smug in this story - the bad guys or the heroes.

But I love that opening splash panel.

Grade: B

Iron Man / Nova

Gee, Iron Man again. You'd think Marvel had some reason to focus on him.

This is an all-ages issue in the Marvel Adventures vein and it's good clean fun, as the two heroes face the Red Ghost and his Super-Apes.

There's also a back-up featuring the Super Hero Squad (from the animated TV show), which seems just one step removed from Not Brand Echh. But it's fun for what it is.

Grade: B-

War of the Supermen

I have to admit that I haven't been following the whole Kandor / Superman storyline lately, but this issue does a good job of making the upcoming mini-series enticing, as Earth faces an invasion by (and probable destruction at the hands of) 100,000 Kryptonians.

Good art, lots of tension and a good cliffhanger.

Grade: B+

Doctor Solar / Magnus, Robot Fighter

If this issue is any indication, the upcoming relaunch of these comics will also be a reboot, as we start fresh at the beginning of the careers of both heroes.

That's an excellent idea, because the continuity on the last go-around had become muddy indeed. These are two of my favorite characters from Gold Key in the '60s - here's hoping for the best from the new versions.

Grade: B+

Irredeemable / Incorruptible

This comic takes the easy way out - instead of presenting a new story, it's a reprint of the first issues of both series.

of course, that also makes it a terrific value, since you're getting about eight bucks worth of comics for free - and both books are quite good, needless to say.

Grade: A-

Archie's Summer Splash

The only thing Archie does better than high school is summer, and here we have the Riverdale gang taking a trip to the beach, where they encounter their old friend (and sometimes nemesis), Cheryl Blossom, who decides to compete with the band "The Archies" by forming her own musical group.

Good fun and great art!

Grade: B

Yow!

Now here's another fun comic, this one focusing on the John Stanley Library, including Nancy, Melvin Monster, Tubby, Judy Junior and Choo Choo Charlie (the last two, I must admit, are new to me - or before my time).

This one hides behind a cool cover by Seth, and it's loaded with real comics treasures.

Grade: A

Fraggle Rock / Mouse Guard

Fraggle Rock is a truly beloved show from Jim Henson, and it's well preserved here in the upcoming series by Archaia. The story follows the adventures of two different Fraggles - Boober and Red. Lushly illustrated, it certainly sparks my interest in the ongoing series.

The flip side of the book is devoted to the Mouse Guard, and it's also a wonderfully illustrated "done-in-one" story about the fight for survival.

Grade: A

So all in all, a good haul, and another successful Free Comic Book Day! (At least for me!)