DC Challenge #6 (April, 1986)

On his deathbed in 1955, Albert Einstein solved "der great mystery! Der concept of der Unified Field. I am now unbound by der reschtraints of time!" This gave Einstein extraordinary power over reality.

Batman: On the planet Rann, the Caped Crusader and Hawkwoman wondered after Captain Marvel and Dr. Fate, lost elsewhere. Batman went on the prowl, but stumbled into a warp hole. Einstein had brought Batman to the Plane of Holes "to make sure I could properly coordinate between planets dat are light-years distant!" For no discernable reason, Einstein then sent Batman to a jungle, where black savages attacked the Darknight Detective with spears. Robin the Boy Wonder showed up on a Whirly-Bat to pick his mentor up, but turned out to be a demon in disguise, and dropped the Caped Crusader into an active volcano.

Aquaman & Zatanna: Had a cameo appearance together in the Plane of Holes by Einstein's will.

"A Matter of Anti Matter" was perpetrated by Elliot S! Maggin, Dan Jurgens and Larry Mahlstedt

You can now read synopsis for the full issues of DC Challenge at our big brother blog ...nurgh... Reader discretion is advised...

DC Challenge #1 (11/1985)
DC Challenge #2 (12/1985)
DC Challenge #3 (1/1986)
DC Challenge #4 (2/1986)
DC Challenge #5 (3/1986)
DC Challenge #6 (4/1986)

2009 DC Direct Women of the DC Universe: Vixen Bust

Women of the DC Universe: VIXEN BUST
DESIGNED BY TERRY DODSON
SCULPTED BY BARSOM
With her Tantu Totem securely fastened around her neck, Vixen takes her place in the WOMEN OF THE DC UNIVERSE bust series!
Dressed in her current yellow costume, this unique member of the JLA is emerging from a base of African grasses.
This hand-painted, cold-cast porcelain bust measures approximately 5.75” high x 3.75” wide x 3.75” deep and is packaged in a 4-color box. Manufactured to order.
Advance-solicited; on sale November 18, 2009 * Bust * $55 US

Aquaman Shrine Interview with Chuck Patton - 2009

Back in February, I decided to do a creator profile for this blog on Chuck Patton, the criminally under-appreciated co-creator of the Detroit-era Justice League. Patton has since moved on from comics, but after stumbling upon my humble blog, we had a brief dialogue. I love Patton's work, and told him so, but between my anti-social tendencies and minor virtual presence, I wasn't inclined to do anything myself to take advantage of my good fortune. However, I know Rob Kelly's a swell guy with a heavily trafficked series of blogs. Further, Rob is also a Patton fan, as he's mentioned at his Aquaman Shrine and sadly discontinued JLA Satellite blogs. Most importantly, Rob's a great interviewer, and I knew he could get Patton the coverage he deserved, and me the article I wanted to read, without actually doing the work!

Presto! Interview Magic!

The short version is that Patton drew the most iconic Justice League of America this side of George Pérez or José Luis García-López, so of course the 1980s dictated he'd soon get stuck with breakdancers and cyborgs. Also, I suspect from what I read, someone in DC editorial must have blackballed Patton. This guy did fantastic work, and would have been a boon for any title that would have him, but he's losing jobs to Ed Barreto and Paris Cullins? Both of whom I like, but still... Barreto was a terrible fit for New Teen Titans, where Patton could have buoyed it after the mismanaged transition to Direct Market Only. Visions fill my head of Patton following Pérez on Wonder Woman instead of the awful Chris Marrinan... Detective Comics under Patton instead of Graham Nolan... maybe Green Lantern and Aquaman could have held down series in the 80s with Patton on board? Oh, how I weep for the possibilities...

Anyhow, Rob and Chuck Patton were a fine pair, though I was disappointed by the lack of Detroit coverage. Patton is on record as (understandably) hating Vibe, but no mention was made of Steel, Gypsy, Vixen or even Zatanna. Patton and Kelly shared love for Aquaman, and Elongated Man got name-checked as well. My favorite, Martian Manhunter-- not so much. But of all his creations, Patton spoke at length only of Dale Gunn. I always liked Dale, but where he was presented as a Steel supporting character, he was conceived in the Batman/Green Arrow mode. I blame the hairline.

2009 DC Direct Zatanna 1:6 Scale Deluxe Collector Figure

ZATANNA 1:6 SCALE DELUXE COLLECTOR FIGURE
With a wave of her wand, mistress of magic Zatanna becomes the latest addition to the popular 1:6 scale deluxe collector figure line!
Dressed in her trademark intricate and authentically detailed costume of removable top hat and tails (not to mention fishnets!), Zatanna also comes with accessories including a magic wand, a rabbit and her “Hex Appeal” book.
The figure features 28 points of articulation, is packaged in a deluxe 4-color window box with a fifth panel and includes a display stand.
Manufactured to order. Advance-solicited; on sale November 11, 2009 * Collector figure * $99.99 US

1970s Detroit League 7-11 Slurpee Cups

Between Random Acts of Geekery and The Aquaman Shrine, I cobbled together these images of 1970s Slurpee Cups featuring members of the Detroit Justice League. Obviously, Elongated Man is the real treat, but Aquaman and Batman remain merchandising treats. Note to self: Next April Fool's, consider Slurpee Cups for Vibe, Vixen, Steel, Gypsy, and hell, why not Sue Dibney and Dale Gunn too? All these other supporting characters got one!

DC Challenge #5 (2/1986)

Martian Manhunter: Back in New York City (or is it Metropolis? I'm confused,) the invaders prepared to publicly execute our alien heroes. Supergirl and Superman were helpless so long as a weird machine projected red sun radiation about them, so Jemm silently blasted it with his tikka jewel. "Good going, J'emm! Kara, what say we return the favor?" The Girl of Steel released the Son of Saturn, Manhunter from Mars and Starfire. Superman announced, "together, we'll show that these no-goods don't speak for all aliens!" The Maid of Might added, "When we're through with 'em, they'll be lucky to mumble!"

Geoff Johns and Ethan Van Sciver talk ‘Vibe: Rebirth’

I'd missed out on this massive Vibratory happening for weeks, until Kelson at Speed Force hipped me to a series of message board posts made by Ethan Van Sciver that he'd collected on the subject of Paco Ramone's Resurrection. Then Shag at Once Upon A Geek directed me to the full Newsarama interview...

DC Comics announced on Tuesday that a mini-series early next year called Vibe: Rebirth will re-introduce the once-dead character Paco Ramone, bringing Vibe back for good into the fictional world he left more than 20 years ago.

Dixon at Crimson Lightning has also scored a thumbnail image of the first issue's cover.

Who... wants... this? I run a Detroit-era blog, and I do not want this. Vibe co-creator Chuck Patton commented on this very blog "And for the record---Ive always HATED Vibe and wished I had spoke up then and refused to design that idiot! LOL But I was young and.....well that's a story for another time....." So basically, the only guaranteed sale is to Scipio at the Absorbascon, and perhaps the apologist Michael Bailey at Fortress of Bailytude. What are they thinking? At least I'm getting a new Bloodwynd Mini-Series out of DC's temporary madness...