Moonstar #4
I learned my lesson from last time (6-12-26), where I went to Zia Comics to find Issue #3 of this series, but went on a Friday and didn’t find it and ended up with a $50 hardback instead. (But, it was a cool hardback.) This time, I went on Wednesday, New Comic Book Day (in 100-degree heat, not a nice walk). They had one copy on the rack. I’m not sure if that was all they’d ordered for the rack or if the others had all sold. Mission accomplished whether I was just lucky or not.
I read Issues 1 and 2 (5-14-26), so I won’t rehash the intro to the series or the character of Moonstar. I read Issue #3 on an “archive” site. I was more than happy to pay for a comic book I enjoyed and wanted to support, but that wasn’t an option. In the issue, Dani is dead. She’s in a dreamscape fighting for her life against the spirit inside the soul-stealing sword. Dani is able to learn her enemy’s, Kyron’s, future plans in the encounter, but he’s able to learn the location of Dani’s parents. Dani’s ally, Kian, helps her return to life. They rush to her parent’s house, but they’re gone.
In this issue, Dani is determined to save her parents and stop Kyron’s plan, which involves finding a stone tablet. There’s an unnecessary and long argument about which goal to pursue. They find the tablet and Kyron finds them and brings Dani’s parents with him. So, this was filler to make five issues for the trade (which I’m doubting is actually going to be produced). I’m disappointed. The only worthwhile thing that happens is Kian finally tries to make a play for Dani, but their moment is interrupted.
The next issue is supposed to be final one. If I’m able to go on that Wednesday when it comes out, I’ll try to get it. I still like the character and the next issue should be better (and I’m going to have to stop buying new floppies).
The Rockeeter: The Island #4
I thought about getting another Captain America trade paperback that was available, but I wanted to look at some reviews before plunking down another $40. I instead picked up this Rocketeer issue. I did recently buy a Rocketeer trade (6-11-26) and I’ve previously bought another Rocketeer limited series (5-24-22). I will not rehash the background of the character here.
I wasn’t sure if the art on the cover would be the same as inside (I hoped not), but the image of the Rocketeer with King Kong on Skull Island was more than enough to sell me. I was also curious about creator Dave Stevens being listed on the cover credits. He’s not around anymore.
The art on the inside is the same as the cover. It looks like a young kid’s comic, which the Rocketeer generally isn’t. The story is based on one written by Stevens before he passed. I did read that he had a bunch of other story ideas, but doing comics didn’t pay as well as the commercial art he was doing. This is a final issue of the limited series, so I’m coming in late, as well.
This was fun. It was really fun. I don’t how Cliff and Betty got stranded on the island, or how Betty got captured by Kong, who has, of course, fallen for her. Somehow, it all seems normal for these two. What surprised me was the co-stars. Cliff is hiding from a Tyrannosaurs Rex with Amelia Earhart, who had crashed on the island a while back.
The dinosaur, Bloodscale, comes after Betty, which prompts a fight with Kong. Cliff rescues her and then fights the dinosaur as the Rocketeer. Earhart joins the fight. Peevy arrives with Popeye the Sailor Man to attack Bloodscale. Adventurer and journalist, Tintin, arrives with a group of natives. They all manage to put the dinosaur down. Earhart stays behind to protect the island, but the rest are able to leave.
Okay, Earhart I wasn’t entirely surprised by, but Popeye and Tintin? They are named, along with Kong, though not called King Kong. Yes, they look like them, too. I didn’t know that these characters were somehow in the public domain. There’s nothing in here that says the characters are on loan. Who else might show up? You think the Rocketeer might crossover with Betty Boop next? (That might be awkward with Cliff’s Betty there.)
Just for the fun and surprise guest stars, this one is a good time. There is an advertisement for another Rocketeer series this summer. It’s a rare time that I’m pleased buying an Indy comic. Yay, my 100-degree walk wasn’t a complete waste.
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