X-Men: The Animated Series - What Did We Miss in Reruns?

This week at CBR, I look back on those times various scenes or performances were altered in the repeats.  For those of you who found this site while searching for the story behind Gladiator's swapped voices -- well, I don't have a complete answer, but I might've come close.

Batman: The Animated Series - Adapting Two Joker Classics

It's the fiftieth edition of Adventure(s) Time, and a new feature of the, ah, feature is introduced. I look back on "The Laughing Fish" and the classic comics that inspired the episode.

Micro-Reviews: G. I. JOE, Vol. 2, Part Three

G. I. JOE #18 (December 1983). Don’t know who did this cover. It’s not Michael Golden’s debut, is it?

More of Snake-Eyes and Kwinn. They track Scarface to Coney Island, of all places. Hama uses this scenery more than once; it also seemed to appeal to the commercial’s producers.

Kindle Worlds Is Dead (Soon).

So, if you'd like to check out my G. I. JOE novel at Amazon, you only have a few weeks. Amazon has ended the Kindle Worlds program and will be deleting all of the content in July. The book, as of now, is available at this link...

Since the Amazon page will be nuked soon, I thought I'd archive the reviews in this post.  Thanks to everyone who took the time to write a review. (I'll edit it to include any additional ones.)  I would've liked to contribute to a reading project, bumping up the number of JOE reviews on Amazon, but it wasn't meant to be...


Matt
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Great, Mature Continuation of the 80's Animated Series!
May 19, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
This was a great take on what could have been if Sunbow had continued with the GI Joe license! Gene's writing style really draws the reader in and makes you feel like you are right there in the middle of everything going on.

It was refreshing to see new takes on characters and see a few faces show back up. Overall, a great job and I highly recommend this if you're a fan of the classic GI Joe cartoon, but are looking for something with a little more depth and maturity.

erick gee
5.0 out of 5 stars
Add this to your required reading list now, Joe fans!
May 12, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
When I first learned of Mr. Kendall's offering, I was excited to read it as a long time G.I.Joe fan. I'm beyond pleased to note that this title did not disappoint in the least bit! Mr. Kendall gives us the perfect "what if" scenario in G.I.JOE: Season 3.1. If you're a G.I.Joe fan, then consider this required reading.

Batman: The Animated Series – How We Almost Missed Mark Hamill as the Joker

This week at CBR, I'm looking back on the various stories behind the Joker's recasting on Batman: The Animated Series.  Next week, the special fiftieth installment of Adventure(s) Time!

Micro-Reviews: G. I. JOE, Vol. 2, Part Two

G. I. JOE #14 (August 1983). A more stylized Trimpe cover. Dan Green-style inks look nice over Trimpe.

The original TV commercial!

Batman Beyond and the Return No One Demanded

This week on CBR, I look back on the BATMAN BEYOND episode that received a very unexpected sequel in the comics.

Micro-Reviews: G. I. JOE, Vol. 2, Part One

Marvel’s second G. I. JOE reprint volume. Another stunning cover from J. Scott Campbell. The series really starts to come together in this era. Every image on that cover represents a fan favorite from this run of issues.

Superman: The Animated Series – When Superman Became A Ruthless Tyrant (Twice)

This week on CBR, I look back on the "Brave New Metropolis" episode of the series, along with a Mark Millar story with a similar concept.

G. I. JOE Season 3.1 - Chapter Five

Book on sale here. Reviews welcome. Support appreciated.


CHAPTER FIVE

“Good morning, Lieutenant. I trust your family leave went well.”

General Hawk’s office didn’t reveal any idiosyncratic quirks belonging to the Joes’ commanding officer. Anyone who knew the man wouldn’t expect it to.

“Mom’s doing about as well as could be expected,” answered Falcon, hiding his nerves while taking the seat facing the General. “Unfortunately, she’s no stranger to loss. Not that any mother should ever have to bury her son.”

A miniature American flag sat on the desk, joined by a West Point coffee mug and a metal-wire basket packed with manila file folders you just had to assume the General deeply despised. The surrounding walls consisted of the prerequisite portraits of higher-ups in the chain of command, the current Commander in Chief once again receiving headliner status in the top frame.

Why Did Batman: The Animated Series Keep Redesigning Scarecrow?

This week on CBR, I'm looking back on the Scarecrow, and his three distinct looks during the show's run.

The Forgotten Batman: The Animated Series/Batman Beyond Crossover

This week on CBR, I look back on one of the finest Batman: The Animated Series episodes, and an issue of the Batman Beyond comic intended as a sequel, set decades later.

G. I. JOE Season 3.1 - Chapter Four

More from my Kindle Worlds novel, available now...

CHAPTER FOUR

“No offense, but I didn’t ask for company,” Falcon told Jinx, lining up a shot at the nine-ball.

The Joes could often be found at Rhonda’s, a pool hall located an hour’s drive from their homebase, an island of almost-civilization out there in the desert. They kept the tables busy, those nights duty wasn’t chaining them to the base. This evening, Falcon had been alone at the corner table, duffel bag packed with clothes and toiletries still resting inside his jeep, practicing a game of Three Ball.

He could’ve extended his bereavement leave; wasn’t sure why he declined the General’s offer. Didn’t know why he hadn’t returned to base, either. Uncomfortable at home, uneasy about returning to work, not particularly invested in this solo billiards match…Falcon recognized the sour mood, just hoped it wouldn’t last.

“Didn’t even know you’d be here, soldier,” Jinx responded, stepping out of his way as he maneuvered towards the opposite side of the table. “Things were slow, so I came here to break Sci-Fi’s top score on Space Commandos.”

X-Men: The Animated Series - Those Uncanny Cameos

This week at CBR, I look back on the numerous cameo appearances of established characters on the initial X-Men cartoon.  And, in case you missed it, thanks to the assistance of Eric & Julia Lewald and Larry Houston, we've also discovered why the Brood never made an official appearance on X-Men.

G. I. JOE Season 3.1 - Chapter Three

More from my G. I. Joe novel, available now on Amazon.

CHAPTER THREE

She’s a fan, at least. He had that much going for him. Only reason why she let him in the door in the first place.

“Mrs. Kristofer, you have to understand that I’m on your side here,” said Hector Ramirez, graciously accepting the cup of coffee offered by his host. “I’m not eager to believe the worst about your son, believe me.”

A living room shrine to Colin Kristofer, gone too soon, lost in a war Hector protested a few times back in college. Met his first wife at one of those rallies, actually.

Micro-Reviews: GHOST RIDER RESURRECTED (1991)

GHOST RIDER #1 - May 1990. Never read any of these before. Gaping hole in my ‘90s awareness.

I knew how huge GHOST RIDER was in those days, thought it looked cool, but never checked in on it. This is the book that made Howard Mackie’s writing career, justifying his position on Marvel’s top titles.

G. I. JOE Season 3.1 - Chapter Two

Another chapter from my G. I. JOE novel, available on Amazon.

CHAPTER TWO

At least he’s not some loudmouth drill sergeant, thought Tunnel Rat, first in line for the sparring session. Or, as known colloquially, “The Massacre.”

Standing opposite him, in the loading bay of G. I. Joe’s secret base of operations, was the enigma known as Snake Eyes. Every recruit knew of Snake Eyes. First name classified, no known words ever spoken, entire body covered in black leather, his mask reportedly concealing a hideous visage you’d never want to catch before mealtime.

Some said he served as Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrol in ‘Nam. Another rumor had him a mountain recluse, recruited from the snowy High Sierras by none other than General Hawk himself.

His perpetual silence? A vow of silence after the loss of a loved one. Or some quirk in his brain chemistry. Or injured vocal chords, a sniper’s bullet severing any hope of verbal communication for the rest of the young soldier’s life.

Batman: The Animated Series – The Joker’s Cruelest April Fool’s Prank

For April Fool's Day, I look back at the holiday-themed Batman: The Animated Series episode.  (Alfred's expression kinda sums it up.)  And, thankfully, an issue of Gotham Adventures that better reflects the series.