The final issue of this run of The Dreaming has finally arrived digitally. If you haven’t read the 19 issues that came before, there’s no point in starting here. If you have, I think you’ll find it a satisfying conclusion. As expected, writer Simon Spurrier has returned the main players to where he found them, but it’s been an enjoyable ride. His new character Dora gets a good send-off to adventures elsewhere, and the rest of the cast each have their moments. Dream himself is also at last on the scene once more. I’ve enjoyed the writing and art, particularly the art of Bilquis Evely, but everyone rose to the occasion including colorist Mat Lopes and letterer Simon Bowland. Nicely done all around.

Recommended.

New comics, even digital ones, have slowed due to the current pandemic, but this is one I’m just catching up on. It’s just as entertaining as the previous eight issues. We have the Li’l Olsens (a bit like Peanuts), reporter Jimmy in Kandorland, Arm-Fall-Off Lad and his family, the odd villain the Porcadillo, and high school Jimmy at his school’s Casino Night with young Lex Luthor. Fun for all ages! This really is a great series, I hope to enjoy the rest of it whenever it’s out.

Recommended.

First, let me say how much I like seeing my logo for this book used on an EC Comics pastiche, parodying perhaps the company’s most infamous cover.

This issue has two excellent stories. The first is “The Man That Was Used Up” freely adapted from the Poe story by cartoonist Rick Geary. Rick’s work is always a delight, his combination of creepy and cute is a rare mix that is hard to beat. Here we have Poe himself meeting a famous war hero and being very impressed with the man in every way, from his intelligence to his manly figure. Poe is determined to find out more, and perhaps is sorry he did.

The second story is “Berenice” written by Alisa Kwitney, art by Mauricet. This one is more realistic in approach, and leans more toward horror than humor. Doctor Egaeus is very fond of his cousin Berenice, and to protect her, decides he must perform some dental surgery. Later, after they marry, he comes to regret that decision.

Always fun is the two-pager pitting Poe against The Black Cat by Hunt Emerson.

Perhaps my favorite issue of the second season! Recommended.

I haven’t posted here in a while for several reasons. First, the corona virus situation has put me out of the mood. Second, I had nothing to review because I’ve been reading this wonderful strip collection for the last month. I love Pogo, and I love these strip collections, but Pogo is a dense strip that takes time to read and appreciate, even when it’s just going for slapstick humor, and I can only read about 15 pages at a sitting. At over 300 pages of strips, that takes a while. Worth every minute, though.

There’s plenty of goofy humor, but also a share of political satire, as in the strip above where a pig takes the place of Soviet Union leader Nikita Krushchev. This collection covers 1955 and 1956, which was an election year, so there’s a fair amount of “Pogo for President” business and other election hoohah, with P.T. Bridgeport and other bombastic characters. The Olympics in Australia gets some funny coverage, as do a reporter and photographer from “Newslife,” who are quite sure Pogo is not a possum. The majority of these strips draw humor simply from the familiar characters of the Okeefenokee Swamp, their frequent misunderstandings and confusions, with Pogo about the only level head in the bunch. It’s great fun, and Walt Kelly is in fine form here.

Highly recommended.

First, I love the Steranko Hulk homage on the cover!

In “The Black Cat,” Michael Kerr is a Washington lobbyist funneling auto-maker money to congressmen in return for legislation in their favor. As a reward, he’s given a prototype smart car, one that seems to anticipate his every destination and is ready to take him there in a flash. Before long, friction develops between man and car that does not end well. As Kerr is quite unlikeable, that was okay with me.

“The Gold Bug II” takes place in space, where an astronaut is depending on his robot servant to some important work. I liked the art on this one, but found the plot a bit hard to follow.

Hunt Emerson’s “Poe and the Black Cat” two-pager is easy to follow, and as funny as usual.

Recommended.