THE CAT'S MEOW: What's Good on the Shelf This Week- #164 ____________________________________________________________________
Reviews by John Norris, October 27, 2009

BILLY BATSON AND THE MAGIC OF SHAZAM! #8: “Come Together!” (All Ages)

Art Baltazar & Franco (w); Byron Vaughns (p/i); David Tanguay (c); Travis Lanham (l); cover by Vaughns

Publisher: DC

Format: monthly series

Concept: Welcome to the brand-new, all-fun adventures of Billy Batson as the World's Mightiest Mortal — Captain Marvel!

In this issue: It's the fight of the century! In this corner, wearing a red jumpsuit with gold-trim, is Captain Marvel! And in the other corner, wearing no trunks but made of metal, is Sivana's evil robot! Who will win? And where is Mary Marvel during all of this madness? (from dccomics.com)

Review: There's an interesting contradiction in this issue. That is, technology and magic are presented from both a hero and a villain's point of view. The wizard Shazam comments on the fact that people seem to put their faith in technology instead of magic. Dr. Sivana seems to have faith in both. Baltazar and Franco make the point that, beyond being a matter of faith, technology and magic in the wrong hands equals disaster, but in the right hands, it can be used for good. It's a well-done issue.

CARS: RADIATOR SPRINGS #1 (All Ages)

Alan J. Porter (w); Silvio Spotti (p/i); Flavio B. Silva (c); Deron Bennett (l); covers by Allen Gladfelter

Publisher: BOOM! Kids

Format: four-issue miniseries

Concept: An all-new CARS arc that shines the spotlight on the residents of Radiator Springs!

In this issue : Lightning McQueen is hanging out with his friends in Radiator Springs when he realizes that everyone knows his story, but he doesn't know anyone else's. McQueen wants to know how his friends ended up in Radiator Springs - and why they decided to stay. The first issue of Cars: Radiator Springs shines the showroom spotlight on Flo and Ramone!

Review: Now that we know Lightning McQueen's story from the movie and THE ROOKIE miniseries, Porter and crew direct our attention to the other colorful residents of Radiator Springs, starting with Flo and Ramone. We learn how they first met, and how Flo became the soul of the town. It's a nice, feel-good story with equally nice artwork. The page where Flo and Ramone fall in love is just wonderful. Classic Disney fans will recognize a cameo appearance by Susie, the Little Blue Coupe.

MUPPET PETER PAN #1 (All Ages)

Grace Randolph (w); Amy Mebberson (p/i/c); Troy Peteri (l); covers by David Peterson, Mebberson & Shelli Paroline

Publisher: BOOM! Kids

Format: four-issue miniseries

Concept: The Muppets retell the story of Peter Pan.

In this issue: The timid Kermie Pan resides in the magical realm of Neverswamp, where the pushy fairy Piggytink tries to toughen him up! One night, while searching for his shadow, Kermie Pan and Piggytink encounter the Darling children, who run away to Neverswamp and encourage Kermie Pan to battle Captain Gonzo!

Review: If success is measured by hilarity, then MUPPET ROBIN HOOD was a smash. Now the Muppets turn their attention to James Barrie's beloved story. Randolph and Mebberson waste no time breaking the fourth wall, as Sam the Eagle takes the reins from the narrator, changes the location from London to Boston , and even plays the father to Wendy, John and Michael. This issue tells us how Kermie Pan and Piggytink meet—and let's face it, if those names don't make you smile, something is WRONG—and how they encounter the Darling children and rescue his shadow. The issue is filled with hilarious dialogue, especially Sam and the narrator at odds over the story's direction, and Mebberson's artwork is a delight.

By thy side,

John “Figaro” Norris

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