As for this blog, ...nurgh... will offer a critical review of every mini-comic packaged with action figures of the day, in much the same manner as our Wednesday Is Any Day For All I Care column...
Super Powers Collection 1: Superman (DC/Kenner, 1983, Free With Purchase)
In this one, Luthor amps up his battle suit by taking over a nuclear power station. There's a nice meta moment in the first panel, when a security guard asks "Ed, ever have the feeling something is going to go wrong?" This was also back when Lois wore her hair in those hot little braids, although that bolo-tied top's gotta go. Superman shows up to confront Luthor, and when kryptonite rays overwhelm him, he signals the arrive of his Super-Mobile via belt buckle.
There's clumsy transitional dialogue between the last two pages that repeats "...is safe again..." and Lex keeps calling Superman his friend, but otherwise this one is pretty fair. For once, the Super-Mobile finally makes sense to have around, and the art is quite nicely on model.
Super Powers Collection 2: Batman (DC/Kenner, 1983, Free With Purchase)
The Dynamic Duo exchange fay dialogue with Alfred before encountering Jokerized Gotham citizens. All by the numbers until Wonder Woman shows up in her invisible plane to help out against the Clown Prince of Crime. Aside from that bit of randomness, everything remained numbingly standard. The art on this one drove me nuts, with elements of Carmine Infantino, Gil Kane, and Joe Staton, but of course nowhere near as good as any of them.
Super Powers Collection 3: Wonder Woman (DC/Kenner, 1983, Free With Purchase)
When Superman foiled Brainiac's plans to destroy Metropolis with a meteor, the evil robot got even by turning the Man of Steel nasty with his mind ray. While the destruction of Earth's great monuments by Superman is fun, I can't help but be peeved the titular heroine doesn't show until halfway into the booklet. On the other hand, Wonder Woman drops Supes like a sack of potatoes as soon as she lassos him in magically delicious fashion. Another nice thing is that Diana Prince figures out Superman was being mind-controlled and who was responsible almost immediately with her keen intellect. Of course, you could argue her swiftness in flying her invisible jet up to Brainiac's ship whilst avoiding being manipulated herself was due to half her book going to set-up with another hero, but I'll happily whitewash in her favor. While it might be a drag the Amazing Amazon proves herself with another guy's foe, the resolution is fantastic (imagine the skeletal Ed Hannigan Brainiac grinning like a sentient marital aide!) Finally, Wonder Woman is always upbeat and in control of the situation.
Kudos to the unidentified writer! My best guess on art would be Eduardo Barreto (who was doing the real book around that time,) perhaps with a heavy-handed inker (Colletta?)
Super Powers Collection 4: The Flash (DC/Kenner, 1983, Free With Purchase)
Apparently, Brainiac didn't stay straight for long, as he turned his ship right around and started nabbing heroes (including the DC Trinity and Hawkman) with the intention of stealing their powers. "I have captured half of the Justice League of America... soon the rest shall be mine as well." The Flash was in that latter half, and fared best of the lot mentioned. His story was solid, with the nicest art so far. The pencils vaguely resemble early Sal Velluto, but the stellar inks are where the real action is at, possibly from Mike DeCarlo.
Super Powers Collection 5: Brainiac (DC/Kenner, 1983, Free With Purchase)
Despite the collectible numbering, this third outing by the living computer in a row convinces me these booklets were not meant to be read in the assigned sequence. Brainiac takes over Earth's computers and starts wrecking stuff. Batman is the first to notice, probably because he hadn't gotten around to fighting Briainiac yet. Surprisingly upfront about not being wholly up to the task, the Cowled Crusader calls up Superman to avert disasters. Then the Dark Knight goes it alone against Brainiac's rather silly looking Power Action Computer Kick, and proves "I possess the greatest super-power of them all! My power is my brain! I can outthink even you!"
Decent story, nice art, but please no more Brainiac!
Super Powers Collection 6: The Penguin (DC/Kenner, 1983, Free With Purchase)
Bruce Wayne and the surprisingly chipper Carter Hall attend a Wayne Foundation charity benefit that's assaulted by trained birds. Hawkman uses his ability to communicated with all things feathered to calm the birds, then captures most of Penguin's men in a net. Batman nabs his fowlest foe himself.
Seeing Batman and Hawkman in good spirits, cracking jokes and such, reminds me how long ago 1983 was. Besides that though, run of the mill.
Super Powers Collection 7: The Joker (DC/Kenner, 1983, Free With Purchase)
Most of this one is a chase scene involving Batman, and so far this booklet has featured more of the title character than any of the rest. It goes by quick, with a surprise guest appearance to wrap things up.
Super Powers Collection 8: Aquaman (DC/Kenner, 1983, Free With Purchase)
So Wonder Woman isn't the only star late to their own story, but I'd feel better about it if Aquaman weren't also a disrespect magnet. The Penguin starts a ruckus at the new seaside aquarium, and when the Flash fails to stop him, the Scarlet Speedster calls on Aquaman to save the day. The Sea King then commands the creatures of the ocean to do all the work for him. A pun-laden script and middling art do no one any favors.
Critical reviews of every Super Powers Collection mini-comic:
#9-16
#17-23
- The Aquaman Shrine:
Scans of every mini-comic appearance by the Sea King, plus a line overview, creator credits, and various other merchandise.
1984 Super Powers Give-A-Show Projector - Batblog:
SP 25th Batman & Robin Wallpapers
Batman-related spin-off products.
The Penguin toy and comics.
The Joker toy & comics.
Batman, Robin and Riddler toys, comics and vehicles. - Being Carter Hall:
Hawkman mini-comic appearances reviewed.
Super Powers Collection Puffy Stickers and Album - Crimson Lightning:
Extensive commentary on the Flash mini-comic.
Coverage and anecdotes about the Flash action figure.
Flash SP TV Commercial.
Classic Covers: Super Powers #2.
Super Powers Collection #4 - Dispatches from the Arrow Cave:
Complete scans and commentary on the Green Arrow mini-comic. - Doom Patrol:
Red Tornado mini-comic scans and commentary. - Firestorm Fan:
The Nuclear Man in comics and figures. - Fortress of Baileytude:
Enormously comprehensive coverage of SP Superman-related items, including large scans of file card art! - Justice League Detroit:
Colección Super Amigos: Liga de la Justicia de Detroit Bootleg Action Figures
Colección Super Amigos: Vibe
Colección Super Amigos: Vixen
Colección Super Amigos: Zatanna & other Liga de la Justicia de Detroit Mini-Comics - The Legion Omnicom: A look at the 3rd wave Tyr action figure.
- Love Dat Joker: Extensive commentary on the Clown Prince of Crime's role in the set, including figure photos and complete scans of his appearances from the Batman, Green Lantern, and his eponymous mini-comics.
- Once Upon a Geek:
Dr. Fate and Blue Devil mini-comics and toys.
Follow-up crossover coverage and supporting blogs links. - Speed Force: An overview, unproduced Flash figures, and memories.
1 comment:
These couldn't have been read in sequence. It's obviously been a long time since these came out, but as a kid I remember that the figures were released in waves where the comic book story groupings made more sense. Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, and Joker were the first ones I remember seeing in the store. Then Flash, Robin, Lex Luthor, and Aquaman. As a kid I was most looking forward to Wonder Woman, and remember finally finding her and the Penguin at the same time, and finding Brainiac and Hawkman last. The vehicles were released like that too, with the Supermobile available first, followed by the Lex-Soar 7, then the Batmobile. The Hall of Justice was available just before Christmas that year.
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