Adventure Comics #450
Published and © by DC, March-April 1977
Title: “The Watery War of the Weather Wizard”
Synopsis: The Weather Wizard steals an experimental “vibrojector” to use against the Flash, but ends up battling Aquaman instead.
Writer: David Michelinie
Artist: Jim Aparo
Review: Another issue, another lame villain, and another round of medical supplies hijacked off some ship. David Michelinie did some fine work during the Bronze Age, but this issue isn’t one such example. Once again, the saving grace is Jim Aparo, whose fluid style is a nice fit for Aquaman.
•••
Title: “Return to Destiny”
Synopsis: Convinced that a Justice Leaguer murdered his friend, J’onn J’onzz returns Earth for some big punching – beginning with Supergirl.
Writer: Denny O’Neil
Penciler: Michael Netzer (as Michael Nasser)
Inker: Terry Austin
Review: J’onn J’onzz’s blind rage is out of character and makes little story sense. The stylish art makes it enjoyable, though.
Grade (for the entire issue): B
Second opinion: Included on Alan Brightmore’s “Individual Comics That You Should Not Be Without” list, from “A Consumer’s Guide to D.C. Comics, Part 2,” Comics Unlimited #51, October-November 1979.
Cool factor: Terry Austin over Michael Nasser is pretty cool. (But, then, Terry Austin over just about anyone was pretty cool during the Bronze Age.)
Not-so-cool factor: Spellchecker didn’t know what a “vibrojector” was. That’s probably not a bad thing.
Collector’s note: According to MyComicShop.com, there is a Mark Jewelers variant of this issue.
Character quotable: Eat cold ice, Fish-Man!” – The Weather Wizard (umm … what other kind of ice is there?)
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on Feb. 3, 2010.
