Justice League America # 34: "Island Life" AKA "Club JLI"

Creators: Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis, Adam Hughes, Art Nichols, Bob Lappan, Gene D'Angelo, Kevin Dooley, and Andy Helfer
Publisher: DC
Pulblished: 1989

Booster Gold and Blue Beetle empty the JLA coffers and front a casino, with the two of them acting as the superhero attraction. F that saving people stuff - lets make some $$$$! The two think they're onto the perfect plan, however a couple of monkey wrenches are going to be tossed their way: a monster old as time who doesn't take kindly to casinos, and a card counter who also doesn't take too kindly to casinos.

WildC.A.T.S X-Men: The Modern Age 3D

Writer: James Robinson
Artist/Inker: Adam Hughes/Mark Farmer
Colorists: Joe Chiodo & Martin Jimenez
3D Conversion: Ray Zone
Publisher: Marvel
Published: November 1997

This was the comic that I found for $0.25 that had the long sought after 3D glasses. I just got to reading it. The story is decent. The X-Men and the Wildcats folk infiltrate a rogue Hellfire sect. The leader of the Hellfire sect is trying to summon the power of a demon to work for him. However, the X-Men and Wildcats put a quick stop to that. Not more complicated than that.

The 3D effects are good too. The issue is devised by adding a red and blue tint, which allows the reader (with the help of the glasses) to see a three dimensional image. Monsters vs. Aliens in 3D does this same thing, but instead of using the red and blue channels, they use twin projectors which create the same effect. It's pretty frickin' cool! This leads to a crystal clear image with eye poppin' visuals! Go see it!!!

Death Hawk # 1

Writer: Mark Ellis
Artist: Adam Hughes
Cover Artist: Dave Dorman
Publisher: Adventure Publications
Published: May 1988

NOW THAT'S A COMIC COVER!

Forget the story, that cover speaks for itself! Here's a bad ass and wherever this guy goes, so goes ADVENTURE! And look at that eyeball thingy - shit yeah!

For you nit pickers here's the story: Death Hawk is hired to return a relic to his employers, and on his quest he meets the vivacious and deadly Vanessa, who has other plans for the relic...thus begins ADVENTURE!

The Dreaming # 55

Writer: Bill Willingham
Artists: Peter Gross, Daniel Torres, Paul Pope, Michael Kaluto, Phil Jimenez, Adam Hughes, Linda Medley, Bill Willingham, Marc Laming, John Stokes, Zander Cannon, Albert Monteys
Publisher: Vertigo
Published: December 2000

D is for dreaming.

The Dreaming is a great story. It follows Danny Nod as he visits various 'tales' to retrieve their books that are due back to the library. Danny is a hard working chap, and armed with his wits and indomitable dedication to the library he strikes forth.

His first stop is to see the troll under the bridge, who is more interested in turning Danny into a meal than returning his book. However, Danny being quick witted, makes a compelling argument that this troll has less than remarkable role models, (ie. the one that got tricked by Jack, and the other bested by a billy-goat), so why doesn't he turn a 180 and do the right thing. The troll, not one to be seen less than his fellow kin, kindly returns the book.

Next stop is to the see the nefarious Snidely Whiplash, who like his villainous troll counterpart is more concerned with obtaining the mill by tying it's owner to the tracks than returning his tale. Not one to shy away from danger Danny enters the scene, gets his book, and offers a few encouraging words to the damsel in distress. Off again.
The tales continues to follow Danny on his quest for the library books. He visits various tales: the sword in the stone, Arabian Nights, the 3 little pigs, Robin Hood's final decree, Wendy and Peter Pan, and finally, Jack and the bean stock.

Beyond the exceptional artwork by the various artists, this self contained story is excellent. Danny's determination to retrieve the books of the various tales is smart, quirky and above all fascinating. (Plus I got it for 33 cents!) I particularly enjoyed the spin on Robin Hood's tale. Robin Hood fired his last arrow, and where it was to fall he would be buried. Instead it hit a stag, which bounds off. Robin's men, although a bit taken aback, are loyal to the core and begin the long search. Similar to Danny's resolve to find the books, they'll find that stag.