THE CAT'S MEOW: What's Good on the Shelf This Week 

GARGOYLES #2: “Clan-Building, Chapter Two: The Journey (Teen/Young Adult)

Greg Weisman (w); David Hedgecock (p/i); Will Terrell (c); cover by Greg Guler and Stephanie Lostimolo

Publisher: SLG Publishing
Format: bi-monthly series

Concept: Stone by day, warriors by night, the Gargoyles were betrayed by those they had sworn to protect. In modern Manhattan , the spell that held them frozen for a thousand years is broken, and the Gargoyles live again! (from slgpublishing.com)

In this issue: Debate over the Gargoyle menace rages on New York 's airwaves, while the shadowy Quarrymen take matters into their own hands. Will an injured Goliath be able to get himself and Elisa to safety before he becomes the Quarrymen's first victim? (from slgpublishing.com)

Review: Disney's “Gargoyles” premiered in the fall of 1994, and aired for two seasons. For my money, it's one of the best shows Disney has produced to date. With three-dimensional heroes and villains, spectacular action sequences and plot lines that spanned several episodes, it was certainly original. Now series creator Weisman and crew are back. “Clan-Building” chapters 1-2 pick up where the original three-part episode “Hunter's Moon” left off; it's a perfect jumping-on point for those who are unfamiliar with the characters, and a perfect refresher for those that are. Speaking as a fan, it's great to see these characters again, and I look forward to issue #3, which will contain all-new story material.

Look out for: a little bit of blood

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THE BATMAN STRIKES! #28: “The Comic and the Straight Man” (All Ages)

Jai Nitz (w); Christopher Jones (p); Terry Beatty (i); Heroic Age (c); John J. Hill (l); cover by Jones and Beatty

Publisher: DC

Format: monthly series

Concept: Follow the adventures of Bruce Wayne in his early years as Batman. Based on the current animated series.

In this issue: It's the most unlikeliest Dynamic Duo ever when Joker gets a new helper, Scarface! As if that wasn't strange enough, Batman has to ask for help from the only person who can stop Scarface, the Ventriloquist! (from dccomics.com)

Review: An evil talking puppet is creepy enough, but pair him with the Joker, and things really get nutty! I don't know anything about the Ventriloquist's past (that's Wesker), but this issue makes him seem like he's actually not a bad guy apart from Scarface's influence. I like that Alfred is the one who offers a suggestion that helps Batman track Joker and Scarface down.

Look out for: a little bit of blood

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Disney recently released ROBIN HOOD on DVD in a special “Most Wanted Edition.” To celebrate this event, faithful readers, I have once again pulled something from my collection. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you…

THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD (All Ages)

Writers/artists are unknown to me at this time.

Publisher: Gold Key

Review: I find ROBIN HOOD, originally released in 1973, to be one of Disney's most purely enjoyable films. One year later, Gold Key issued this title, based on said film. (There were seven published issues that I am aware of; I'm not sure if there were any more.) In addition to the familiar characters, the series took some liberties and added new characters and locations. Thus, we find our foxy hero (often accompanied by Little John) being pursued into the mysterious, believed-to-be-haunted Wildwood by mercenaries hired by the Sheriff; sneaking into Nottingham Castle to deliver a homing pigeon to Maid Marian (so she'll be able to get a message to him whenever the need arises—hey, with no Internet or cell phones, what else was a person to do?); teaming up with Prince John to save the Royal heritage; thwarting a baron's plan to make Maid Marian his bride; rescuing Skippy and Tagalong from the Sheriff; captured by a fierce gorilla and being rescued by Friar Tuck, of all people; collecting a ransom payment to save King Richard; and seeking out the Enchanted Sword of the Castle of the Mystic Moors for Maid Marian's ransom. Some issues also featured backup stories starring Skippy the rabbit. Like the movie, these are fun, light-hearted stories which serve no purpose except to ENTERTAIN.

Please note that these issues are not available in any collected format that I am aware of; however, you may be able to find some of them in the back issue bins of comic shops. You can also order some of them from Mile High Comics.

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To be included in next week's column:

KRYPTO THE SUPERDOG #4

MARVEL ADVENTURES AVENGERS #8

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #103

By thy side,

John “Figaro” Norris

12/17/06

Any questions or comments, contact me at comicsintheclassroom @ gmail.com