SCI-FI SHALL NOT DIE!: MISSION ... MARS!

Sci-Fi Shall Not Die! #3 is in Main Enterprises' prolific pipeline and should hit print in 2024. This installment will contain articles, illustrations, photos ... and is Mars-missioned.

That means H.G. Wells' The War of the Worlds and its 1953, George Pal/Byron Haskin adaptation will occupy the forefront, but Haskin's Robinson Crusoe on Mars will also enter the spotlight.  

I'll essay the latter, describing how writers Ib Melchior and John C. Higgins updated Daniel Defoe's adventure classic for the big screen. I'll also focus on the fable's fabulous cast: Paul Mantee, Victor Lundin, Adam West and Barnie the Woolley Monkey. 

Beyond a doubt, the new Sci-Fi Shall Not Die! is one to look forward to, especially if one holds a penchant for the red planet ... and who doesn't?  

HAPPY BATMAN DAY 2021

TERRIFIC TEAM-UP: NIMOY, WEST & CRAIG

TERRIFIC TEAM-UP IMAGE: REGEHR AND WEST (TO THE ZORRO CAVE)

TERRIFIC TEAM-UP IMAGE: WEST, WARD AND REEVES BY ALEX ROSS

HAPPY 80TH, CAPED CRUSADER!!!

Late March 1939: A black-gray (tinged with blue), caped figure with menacing cowl enters the cultural consciousness.

Twenty-seven years later, I, a mere boy of two, becomes enthralled by an in-color, television series that plays via my family's black-and-white set. Adam West and Burt Ward consume my thoughts, actions and dreams. From that point, nothing is the same.

As the years pass, my obsession with Bruce Wayne and his linking lore intensifies. I track down other Batman incarnations: chapter plays, cartoons, collectibles and the most prolific source of all, comic books. 

Some stories depict wild, tongue-in-cheek scenarios; others exude brooding atmospheres, in particular the '70s Neal Adams run, which nurtures the Bob Kane/Bill Finger seeds in ways that leave me spellbound and enriched. 

This progressing, darker trend follows me into the '80s, where I encounter Frank Miller's "The Dark Knight Returns" and Alan Moore/Brian Bolland's "The Killing Joke". I soon embrace Norm Breyfogle's fantastic, fluorescent panels, relishing his brilliant overlap of retro and contemporary styles.

Then comes Tim Burton's film-noir retelling with Michael Keaton, an adventure that spawns further, big-screen entries and animated variants, ultimately capped by Christopher Nolan's daring Christian Bale trilogy. 

On the heels of this fruitful feast, crossover submissions with Ben Affleck catch my eye, in addition to an acclaimed, weekly prequel. The grand, eclectic collective is sealed. My allegiance to the idolizing cause takes deeper root--and expands.

Throughout the experience, I bounce forward and (especially) backward, revisiting the Dark Knight's foundation, acknowledging his presence as the symbolic son of Zorro, Sir Galahad, Sherlock Holmes and the Shadow; an earthbound Kal-El, robbed of his parents so that he might aim his angst against eccentric adversity with the maximum, Bondian zeal. 

As a result of my avid delving, the Dark Knight's trusty sidekicks help guide my moral compass: the faithful Alfred Pennyworth, steadfast James Gordon and acrobatic Dick Grayson, aka Robin and Nightwing. And to bestow me with an ample stream of amorous accompaniment, Barbara Gordon's Batgirl and Selina Kyle's Catwoman become my steady dates. 

But no matter how enticing these supporting characters strike me, Batman remains the Gotham guardian who inspires me most: the one who gives me the incentive to keep an ethical stance and the vehement vigor to face life's obstacles, no matter how daunting.

Batman has always been and always will be my hero. That millions of others share this sentiment speaks volumes. 

Here's to another Bat-tastic eighty years of superheroic influence. No doubt another plentiful spree of dark and vibrant, crime-combating wonders awaits...

Collection Recommendation #11: Batman '66 Meets Wonder Woman '77

An on-screen teaming of Adam West's Batman, Burt Ward's Robin and Lynda Carter's Wonder Woman wouldn't have been so far-fetched a few decades back. A couple of Justice League/DC video-taped team-ups featuring West and Ward had become a reality in the '70s (remember Hanna-Barbera's "Legend of  the Superheroes"?); and "Wonder Woman", like West/Ward's classic series, was known to invite big-name stars to the show and sprinkle it with good-spirited camp. Of course, if the crossover had occurred, it would have likely taken place in "Wonder Woman'"s third (Disco Era) season, though a crafty flashback could have connected the earlier periods. 

For what it's worth, such a crossover has reached fruition, and it even features an intriguing, time-linking prelude. "Batman '66 Meets Wonder Woman '77" is a 6-issue collection now available in one, easy-to-grab, affordable (hardback) volume, but to the chagrin of some, the content may prove as peculiar as it's fulfilling.

In this instance, writers Marc "Bruce Wayne: the Road Home" Andreyko and Jeff "Batman '66 Meets the Man from U.N.C.L.E." Parker give us the more recent Dark Knight adversary, Ra's al Ghul, who rejuvenates himself within the legendary Lazarus Pit to resume his post as League of Shadows guru. Along the way, he faces Bruce Wayne, whom he first met during the crime fighter's youth: circa WWII, when Diana Prince/Wonder Woman just happened to be on hand to rescue the youngster. (BTW: the latter initiates a surprising, new genesis for the Caped Crusader.)

Yes, an interesting concept, which does click for the most part, except the look and texture feels post '90s even when we're in the '40s, '60s and '70s, with characters sometimes appearing in tune with their original stations, yet at other times stepping from out molds that are far too extrapolated.

For example, though Ward's Boy Wonder consumes most of the plot, he's replaced (er, that is, becomes) Nightwing in the story's final phase. Whether Ward is, in fact, supposed to be playing the "matured" crime fighter is anybody's guess, since the depicted costume and height variance thwarts a precise impression. One's imagination is left to decide the matter, though for most of us, the idea of recasting would seem illogical, if not undignified. Clarity (via physical emulation or prevailing verbiage) would have helped. 

Also, though West's Bruce Wayne/Batman is represented by an apt likeness, Carter's Diana Prince/Wonder Woman does seem to fluctuate throughout the adventure (as she does in DC/Dynamite's "Wonder Woman '77 Meets the Bionic Woman": soon to be reviewed). At the same time, there's no mistaking the actress' enchanting glow, even when her physicality is blurred. In fact, the mighty Amazon's placement among the panels becomes the team-up's predominate highlight. 

On the whole, therefore, the artwork of David Hahn (as assisted by Karl Kesel; Bill Williams; Wes Abbot; Alex Ross; and "Madpencil") wavers in its execution, though when it counts, never fails to give the exploits a movie-serial vivacity, no matter what the decade. Fans will also appreciate the parade of supplemental characters who visit the panels: some in significant supporting roles and others relegated to cameos.

On the side of virtue, we find Batgirl (an implied, older Yvonne Craig) and Catwoman (okay, her virtue is debatable): at first represented by a villainous Eartha Kitt, who's then replaced by a Julie Newmar/Lee Meredith variant, acting at one point as the Dynamic Duo's for-appearance-only escort to Paradise Island. There's also a sprightly visit from Deborah Winger's Wonder Girl. 

Alas, as a missed-opportunity, Lyle Waggoner's Steve Trevor comes and goes, with any resemblance to the actor being at best minor. A definitive take would have made the performer's inclusion more ironic, since Waggoner was, after all, West's main competitor to portray Batman.

On the henchmen side, we're offered Ra's Al Ghul's daughter, Talia (both in adult and child form); Cesar Romero's Joker; Frank Gorshin's Riddler; and nondescript (though highly detailed) versions of Mr. Freeze; Killer Croc; Clayface; Copperhead; and Cheetah: a grand group for sure, though again, the modern manifestations often distract from the nostalgic feel. In other words, their appearances within their particular landscapes are welcome, but still present an uncanny-valley awkwardness.

In a similar fashion, the story's sprawling backdrops and intricate interludes seize one's attention with their mythological monsters, assailing warriors and CinemaScope maze, but are otherwise a bit much, contradicting what the original shows could have afforded during their runs. (On second thought, such ingredients could have been featured way-back-when, but would have been nowhere near as lustrous as they're drawn and pigmented within this parallel track.)

Again, such see-sawing forces "Batman Meets Wonder Woman" to stand as something other than its intent, which becomes further punctuated by its slick '70s segment. On the other hand, compared to most current, published superhero sojourns (whether DC or Marvel), the adventure avoids becoming condescending or politically highbrow. In that respect, even if the conceptualization seems more a thing of its own, in heart and soul, it does capture the originals' moral sensibilities: an honorable asset. 

On the whole, there's enough good (even well-crafted cleverness) in "Batman Meets Wonder Woman" to pave the way for more DC/Dynamite decades-hopping experimentation. The ending sure implies a Justice League emergence; so why not tinker with the various crossover potentials? It's always nice, too, to see our old favorites interacting again, if not on the television screen, then at least on the printed page, where (no matter the outcome) an imaginative seed can always take root. 

I saw Batman vs Two-Face...

As far as animated, lighthearted Batman adventures go, "Return of the Caped Crusaders" was the best '16 spawned and far eclipsed the on-its-heels "Lego Batman Movie", which for whatever confounding reason gained a widespread, theatrical release over the former. 

To most fans (young or old alike), "Return" was a joy-beyond-joy experience and as such had big shoes to fill,. So, does the highly anticipated sequel, "Batman vs Two-Face" rise to the occasion? Well, it's not as bold as the first re-entry, but still an honorable companion piece. The thing is, I (and I'm sure many others) expected an adaptation of Harlan Ellison's long-thought "lost episode" as the basis for the film, especially since it was recently adapted as a DC graphic novel. With that not being the case, "Batman vs Two-Face", directed by "Return'"s Rick Morales and written by its writers, Michael Jelenic and James Tucker, becomes (for better or worse) a "lost-and found", movie-length episode of an entirely different kind. 

To its advantage, West and Ward again vocalize Bruce and Dick/Batman and Robin, though there's underlying sadness here, since West passed away only a few months prior. Nevertheless, we do have William Shatner adding to the gaudy glee, portraying Harvey Dent/Two-Face (in a role that some claim West had hoped Clint Eastwood would have played if only filmed in the '60s). Shatner's contrasting tones work well for the character(s), with a signature approach for Dent and a rough, mean one for Two-Face. In animated form, Dent also resembles a '60s version of Shatner: ideal for the nostalgic atmosphere.

In this instance, Dent's transformation comes via a Hugo Strange Jekyll/Hyde lab mishap. In his traditional mode, Two-Face mistakenly goes after Batman (and Robin) to avenge his horrid alteration, but receives a rehabilitative "cure", which initially links to the clever King Tut: a delusional two-face in his own right. Throughout it all, we come face-to-face with a string of familiar personas and on-target voices which enhance the coin-flipping villain's anguished caper. 

There's Julie Newmar reprising her role as Catwoman, joined by movie Catwoman Lee Meriweather as Lucille Diamond, manipulative public defender. Desmond Dumas supplies the voices of Joker, Bookworm and the film's narrator; Wally Wingert that of the Riddler and King Tut; and William Saylers as Penguin. In addition to voicing Strange, Jim Ward costars as Commissioner Gordon; Thomas Lennon as Chief O'Hara; Lynne Marie Stewart as Aunt Harriet; Steven Weber as Alfred Pennyworth and a Two-Face thug, plus we get a special-guest appearance from Sirena Irwin's Dr. Quinzel (Harley Quinn yet-to-be). 

Holy stupendous line-up, indeed! Of course, "Return" offers every bit as much in this regard, which puts "Batman vs Two-Face" at a second-comer disadvantage. What we're basically given in Two-Face's retold reign of crime is a long, cameo cavalcade, accompanied by nods and spoofs of literary duality and a mental twist that puts an envious Robin (as well as all of Gotham) at a hideous disadvantage: clever, but not enough to elevate this sequel over its predecessor. 

Otherwise, in its brightness and throwback staging, "Batman vs Two-Face" makes for a speedy and fulfilling chunk of fun. It could also further paved the way for additional "Batman '66" animated movies, but without West, we can only anticipate an imitator to occupy his spot. That'll work, but if there's anything "Batman vs Two-Face" confirms, it's an official end to a sentimental era, of which West was a most essential part.

("Batman vs Two-Face" is now accessible per any number of home-viewing options and will be available on disc Oct 17.) 

RIP ADAM WEST...

You were my hero when I was a little boy and remained such through these many decades. Your version of Batman taught me how to dream big dreams, to be a good person...to see the world as a colorful and exciting place. Because of your series, my mind opened to other forms of fantasy and adventure--none of which would have happened if you had not made such an enormous impression on my life. 

No matter where you appeared, Mr. West, you were always the real deal, whether rubbing elbows with the Three Stooges in "The Outlaws Is Coming" or Sammy Davis in "Poor Devil", indulging in a "Zombie Nightmare" or crossing paths with the wholesome "Lois and Clark", the curvaceous "Black Scorpion" or the somber "Robinson Crusoe on Mars". I can still recall how I excited I was to find you in the great Karloff's "Voodoo Island"; hosting the offbeat anthology, "Tales from Beyond"; and let's not forget that harrowing "sand shark" encounter on "The Outer Limits".

I'll miss you with all my heart and especially savor that wonderful moment when you visited Rider College in the '80s: without question, the fondest memory of my young adulthood. Gosh, it still puts me on top of the world just to think that I was in your awesome presence!!! 

Collection Recommendation #8: Batman '66 Meets John Steed and Mrs. Peel--the Avengers

In November '16, I reviewed the hardback compilation of "Batman '66 Meets the Man From U.N.C.L.E." (see "Collection Recommendation #6). Now, DC/BOOM! Studios has released another compiled, '60s crossover: "Batman '66 Meets John Steed and Mrs. Peel--the Avengers"!!!

The British Avengers were wildly popular in the day (and if the truth be known, still are), with Patrick MacNee as the suave John Steed and Diana Rigg as the lovely Emma Peel: his second, sensational, female companion in the series, after Honor Blackman's Cathy Gale. Whether in black-and-white or color, the Avengers' adventures were quirky, smart and always thrilling. A team-up with Adam West's Batman and Burt Ward's Robin would have been a historic sight to see, arguably even more so than one with U.N.C.L.E.'s Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin. Well, our hopes and dreams have at long last come true...well, at least in comic-book form. 

In the crossover, penned by the witty Ian Edginton with remarkable renderings by Matthew Dow Smith, we're offered an intriguing scenario with Bruce Wayne and a pretty, British business associate being held up at a Gotham gemstone exhibition by Julie Newmar's Catwoman. It seems the feline fiend intends to steal the coveted White Star Diamond, but she's not the only one out to stir trouble, for an attack on Gotham is soon underway by none other than the Dynamic Duo's sophisticated, Londinium foe, Lord Marmaduke Ffogg (played by Rudy Vallee on the Batman series, and in this case, conjured with a nifty resemblance to the famed crooner). And guess what?! Ffog's invasion is enforced by none other than the Avengers' ol' robotic adversaries, the Cybernauts!!! Holy mechanical hi jinks!!!

To see how all the pieces fit, you'll have to read the story, but I'll say this much: It leads to a super-duper finale, with plenty of clever banter throughout, thanks to our adoring Avengers and charming Caped Crusaders. Also, Ffogg and the Cybernauts click with impressive precision: a teaming that feels ever-so-fated. There's also a cool guest shot by George Sanders' Mr. Freeze, and it's so neat to see Catwoman and Peel mingling in the early phases: the ideal, adolescent fantasy made real. (Gosh, if only Batgirl had kicked her way into the action, but alas...)

This exciting hardback edition is a bargain at $20 and contains 144 pages (i.e., all six issues) of raucous, swingin' fun.  

Next up: "Batman '66 Meets Wonder Woman '77", which has already surfaced via separate issues, but will inevitably converge in a hardback volume of its own. Oh, yeah!!! Keep those dreams come true a-comin'!!!

Collection Recommendation #6: Batman '66 Meets the Man from U.N.C.L.E

In the realm of "if only", a crossover of the Adam West/Burt Ward "Batman" and the Robert Vaughn/David McCallum "Man From U.N.C.L.E." would have been as historic and cherished as the '60s Batman/Robin/Green Hornet/Kato grouping (sequelized recently by DC; see "Collection Recommendation 2": June '15). Now, thanks to DC, we have writer Jeff Parker's dynamic reverie-come-true of spies and caped derring-do: all six exciting installments packaged in one stylish, hardcover volume, which features a steady stream of fantastic, collaborative artwork by David Hahn; Karl Kesel; and Pasquale Qualano. 

"Batman '66 Meets the Man from U.N.C.L.E." (aka, "The Batman Affair") grants each stellar side its proper due. We not only have West/Ward's Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson, but Yvonne Craig's Barbara Gordon/Batgirl; Burgess Meredith's Penguin; and Anne Baxter's Olga, Queen of Cossaks, propelling the action. Robert Vaughn's Napoleon Solo and David McCallum's Illya Kuryakin tangle in particular with Olga in the adventure's initial phases, giving it a Cold War ambiance that's sure to please any '60s spy fan. 

We also witness an early Arkham escape (the story's prelude, in essence) from none other than Pengy, but it's really a ruse that allows other dastardly inmates to fly the coop and assist T.H.R.U.S.H. in its quest for global chaos. 

The T.H.R.U.S.H. inductees include several of Batman's most endearing adversaries, such as Egghead; Mr. Freeze; Sandman; and Siren. Other villains not seen on the television series also appear: Hugo Strange; the Scarecrow; and Poison Ivy (a role that Ann-Margret may have played if only her schedule had allowed).  

Solo, Kuryakin and their boss, Mr. Weatherby, believe Batman can assist them against the T.H.R.U.S.H scheme, but also suspect the Caped Crusader's alter-ego, Bruce Wayne, might be guilty of abetting the villains' breakout, since it appears that many T.H.R.U.S.H. members are of affluence. Of course, the agents' suspicions are wrong. It's instead one of Batman's adversaries (guess who!) who's working with the fiendish organization to implement a wild, mind-control scheme, but can our heroes conquer its psychedelic complexities?

Though the third season of "U.N.C.L.E." evoked a campy, Batman-ish tone, Solo and Karyakin  play it straight through most of Parker's tale. (All the same, there's a swell, tongue-in-cheek nod to Vaughn's "Superman III" Ross Webster, for those in the know). Unlike the Batman primaries, the U.N.C.L.E. agents don't hesitate to kill their opponents, rationalizing their stance at one point to Robin, but thereafter sweeping any further justification under the rug to ensure the story's pace. 

This heartfelt flow makes the adventure a genuine gem throughout, balancing the two, pop-cultural sides seamlessly; and the joyful artwork adds much to this, with the more distinct likenesses favoring the Caped Crusader crowd, though with enough existing resemblance to Vaughn and McCallum to allow the U.N.C.L.E. aspect to click. (Alas, Weatherby looks no more like Leo G. Carroll than Commissioner Gordon looks like Neil Hamilton. As far as the other characters go, there's just enough mirroring for one to get the point, with Freeze leaning more toward George Sanders than Otto Preminger or Eli Wallach. Sandman and Siren, on the other hand, only bear a mild resemblance to Michael Rennie and Joan Collins, but at least the characters' antics appear on target.)

Leafing through the chapters in one, fell swoop is the way to go. At the $20 range, the hardback is a steal that any Batman or T.H.R.U.S.H. villain would dare not evade.

Too bad this crossover didn't enter official, television reality, though I don't see why an animated adaptation couldn't manifest, considering the success of "Return of the Caped Crusaders"; alas, the late Vaughn can no longer be a part.

If you love the '60s Batman series, U.N.C.L.E., or any aspect of the period in which these incarnations reigned, you'll be more than pleased to add this compilation to your library. 

Next up: a hardback edition of the "Batman Meets Steed and Mrs. Peel" series, scheduled for March '17. Holy team-up, indeed!!!