DC Special Series #10
Published and © by DC, April 1978
Title: “This Immortal Destiny”
Synopsis: Inza Nelson – wife of Doctor Fate’s alter ego, Kent Nelson – recalls her husband’s transformation in the ruins of Sumeria.
Writer: Paul Levitz
Penciler: Joe Staton
Inker: Michael Netzer (as Michael Nasser)
Review: Origins stories are often told as flashbacks, leaving them short on dramatic tension. All three tales in this issue suffer that affliction, most noticeably this leadoff “diary excerpt.” Still, the story does its job, introducing the possibility-rich back story of Doctor Fate. The art is interesting, though not entirely successful.
•••
Title: “This Light A-Borning”
Synopsis: Young New Gods confront a secret outpost of Apokolips on New Genesis – a confrontation that gives Lightray his powers.
Writer: Gerry Conway
Penciler: Don Newton
Inker: Frank Chiaramonte
Review: This solid story gets nice art from Don Newton, though it’s somewhat hindered by odd panel shapes and heavy inks.
•••
Title: “The Canary Is a Bird of Prey”
Synopsis: Raised by her father to be “the best cop you’ll ever know,” Dinah Drake instead becomes … the Black Canary!
Writer: Gerry Conway
Penciler: Mike Vosburg
Inker: Terry Austin
Review: The best of this issue’s three tales. Terry Austin adds excellent polish to Mike Vosburg’s pencils, though anatomical problems remain.
Grade (for the entire issue): B+
Cool factor: Cool characters and interesting art teams.
Character quotable: “Have you ever regretted not living what most people consider a ‘normal woman’s’ life … ?” – Green Arrow (Hmm. Do you really want to ask the Black Canary that?)
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on Oct. 2, 2009.
