Straight Outta Gallifrey - Episode 1 - San Diego ComicCon

The Huntress 2: Uneasy Lies the Head

Writer: Joey Cavalieri  

Pencils: Joe Staton 

Editor: Andrew Helfer

Inker: Bruce D. Patterson

Inker: Dick Giordano 

Letterer: Albert T. De Guzman 

Colorist: Nansi Hoolahan

Editor: Andrew Helfer 

Cover Date: May 1989

Release Date: March 14, 1989

Cover Price: $1.00

In The Huntress #1, Joe Cavaleiri gave us a crash course of what we needed to know about this new Huntress, Helena Bertinelli, oppose to the pre-crisis one, Helena Wayne.  Actually, from my vantage point, because I read issue one after the fact, to put it mildly, the debut issue comes off as a crash course, but actually, I have to say, for someone who was reading the book in real time, issue one is rather action packed.  

In issue two which is entitled, "Uneasy Lies the Head...", a reference to Shakespeare's King Henry IV part two, we get a cast of characters who are well rounded based on actions and dialogue.  The landscape written by Cavalieri not only feels real and immediate, but with the multiple players that he plays with in this issue, as a reader, I didn't mind Huntress not being on every page at all.  

Let us go back to the late 80's early 90's, where the crack epidemic ripped a hole through many major cities in the United States.  I grew up in a big city where I witnessed how crack affected the community and the effects of the drug on the community.  Again, this book goes straight for the jugular.  As you can see this neighborhood has the banner: Drug Dealers Get Out.  Joey Cavalieri had his pen on the pulse with the subject matter.  And the drug "crack" is actually mentioned in this story.  Creators always have to be careful when covering something so real like this, especially if the creative team doesn't really have a background or a close connection to it.  Many people in the United States did not use crack; however, there are many who knew a relative, co-worker, or friend whose life was affected by the drug and the lifestyle that come with it.  Many of you who are old enough to remember (and many who are not, but ride with me) when mainstream America tried to accept Hip-Hop culture, the art form would usually be displayed in the most cringe worthy way imaginable.  But in this book, the mob, the drugs, and everything in between and the outskirts of do not feel offensive or problematic at all.  I could be wrong.

Thus far in this Huntress book, the focus is placed on those who are profiting and supplying the drug to the streets, instead of criticizing those who succumb victim to the vice.  In the image above, we see the Huntress being the folk hero, running out a street punk from the block in front of a mother and a daughter, who not only feel empowered by seeing that there is someone who cares about the every day person, but maybe even more so by the fact that the vigilante who intervened in the day to day struggle was a woman, capable, strong, and fearless.  

  

With the Bertinelli family wiped out of existence as far as the mafia game is concerned, you have other tribes who want to fill the void.  One group that wants to incorporate the Wal-Mart model, by being the warehouse, the delivery service, and the seller, are the Colombian gang, who are not named, so I have to refer the them as the Colombian gang right now, thinking they can fill the void of the King of New York.  When the Huntress busts in on their little set up, she really gives them a scare.  She wants answers, but the only thing she can get out of these not ready for prime time crooks is their only plan - take out Tony the Gut, an Italian gang leader who assumed next in command after the Bertinelli gang were exterminated.    

I didn't mentioned anything about Helena's costume in the first blog post.  To be honest, I'm not over the moon about it, but I must say, whenever you get a close up of Helena in any incarnation of the character or costume, she has this "draw you in" intimidating factor, which I adore.  In this close up of Huntress, she looks great, but the costume as a whole is not very tactical and practical as my friend Mark would say.  

The cast of characters in this one are somewhat familiar but necessary for our protagonist.  Sal, the red head curly guy who was Helena's bodyguard turned trainer, plays the role of her confidant - almost like an Alfred if you will.  And I hope that you do.  Then there are two cops, O'Shea and Fiorello, who are written with some good dialogue, considering the space they had to operate.  Fiorello comes off as older, cynical, and seeming to have an ulterior motive against Huntress.  O'Shea appears younger, optimistic, hinting at a future partnership with Huntress, a Commissioner Gordon insider type thing.  Both cops are written as if they are from the "old neighborhood", who became police officers on the streets they ran as a children. 

The baddies, like the Colombian suppliers, Tony the Gut's crew, and an interesting character introduced in this book, Mandragora who is described as being old school.  Mandragora, or the demon, is an interesting character operating outside the realm of our Huntress Universe.  Based on what we see from issue 2, it is as if he appears out of no where, not really present during the Bertinelli run.  Tony the Gut, who thought he had it made in the shade, is intimidated by Mandragora and his shadowed, masked, gun holding friend in the background.  Mandragora, who quotes Shakespeare at will, explains that the mob in America isn't holding up the edicts of what the mob was originally set up for, which is to safeguard the people against outside influences, protection, greedy politicians, overbearing taxmen, and giving refuge to people who can't find work because of their nationality.  Could Madragor be of the supernatural?  We shall see.  

The story concludes with a boom-pow action scene with most of our major players.  Our two cops, O'Shea and Fiorello are there to stop criminal activity, potential or otherwise, Fat Tony and company are present to celebrate their assumed ascension after the death of the Bertinelli family, and members of the Colombian mob are in attendance as well.  Crossfire, mayhem, and Fat Tony sneaking out ensues.  After the smoke is clear, officer Fiorello was shot by a Colombian gang member who didn't realize he was a cop.  Huntress takes the lot of them out, not fatally, of course.  Fiorello, not thinking Huntress is a vigilante for the side of the Angels, instructs O'Shea to shoot Huntress point blank.  

After a long stare down between O'Shea and the Huntress, knowing in his heart of hearts, O'Shea declines from shooting a person who he deems as not being a threat.  I can see a partnership forging here.  

Episode 85: The Wedding of River Song

The Wedding of River Song, which is a season finale, has the Silence, which excites Ashford, River Song, and all of time happening at once.  Ashford and Siskoid discuss their ideas about this Time Story.  Oh, and there is a Wedding-Ish! And one more thing...eye patches! 
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Episode 22: Batgirl Issue 18

Batgirl and Robin team up to take down a common foe.  Robin is somewhat apprehensive about teaming up with a former trained assassin, but she is Bat-Family!  Also, we learn more about Cassandra's character as far as a combat weakness for her, but would actual be normal for us.  

Kelly Puckett and Damion Scott pack so much punch is this single issue story like always.  Ashford and Laurel discuss this fantastic issue.  Original theme song by Mya Briones.  Check her out under the same name on the social networks.  Closing music provided by Merc Bandwidth.  Check out his new album on Spotify.  He does a lot of music for the Wright On Network.  

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Episode 84: Planet of the Giants

Honey, I shrunk the TARDIS team.  Sorry for that; I couldn't resist.  This fall 1964 Science Fiction romp appeared on the television screen of all those  in tuned with this Science Fiction Fantasy's second season.  Planet of the Giants has the TARDIS team face off pesticides, murder, and a big cat.  Check it out.  Write to us at prydonian.post@gmail.com 

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Episode 28: The Alternate Side

On this episode of the 4 Who Rule, April and Ashford rate the story of Seinfeld, the Alternate Side, 4 1/2 Superman Shields, the highest rating thus far.  An episode known for the line, "These pretzels are making me thirsty," but this saga is about so much more.  This is one of the first episodes where Jerry exudes his personality as the character on television who couldn't be more aloof or self-centered, convincing the rest of the television audience and  tv creators that this is the new wave. 
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Episode 21: Batgirl 17

Kelley Puckett, Damion Scott, and Robert Campanella provide another good single issue comic.  Ashford and Laurel discuss issue 17, where Batgirl is encouraged by Barbara Gordon the need to retrieve her facial identity back, so she can have a personal life.
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Episode 7: Ghost Light

Ashford, Jordan, and Diane come together to discuss the Doctor Who serial, Ghost Light.  The Doctor and Ace return to a Victorian House that has a history, or a future, with our hero Ace.  Will the Ace be able to deal with her past while dealing with the Doctor's manipulation.  Write to us at prydonian.post@gmail.com.  Ashford is interested in this serial and wants to learn more. 

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Episode 20: Help My Daddy, Batgirl

Cassandra Cain comes to the rescue like she does; however, the damage is something that is a problem that happened long before this moment as well as after.  Tim, a young child who is asking for Batgirl's help, is the son of a really bad dude.  Kelly Puckett, Damian Scott, and Mike Campanella gives us a perfect story with a sad ending. 

Pick up this book to see some bone crushing action sequences, coupled with poignant expressions on most of the cast of characters.    

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Episode 83: Let's Kill Hitler

Siskoid and Ashford discuss Let's Kill Hitler!  This is River Song's origin story as well as the early beginnings of Amy and Rory.  Steven Moffat brings the ridiculous, the romp, and bombastic to this series six episode.  Great direction, plot twist, and yes...Hitler in a cupboard. 


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Episode 88: Heroes and Heroes

Ashford, Mark, and Laural discuss the final issue of the Gilbert Hernandez and Casey Jones run.  Danko Twag has really lost it in so many ways but one.  Can Black Canary and the Oracle take on a misguided magician and an annoying nice guy?  Tune in. 

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Episode 27: The Stranded

April and Ashford discuss the Stranded.  Yes, three of the gang of 4 trek to Long Island for a mature, adult party.  Navigating through the adulting not only creates anxiety for our main characters, but the motifs of favors throughout this episode leads towards an unexpected climax.  Write to us at feathersandfoes@gmail.com. 

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Episode 26: The Nose Job

April and Ashford discuss the Seinfeld episode, The Nose Job.  George is having issues with his new girlfriend's nose.  Jerry is catching feelings in an elevator, and Kramer is trying to reach the end of his iconic jacket story arc.  Write to us at feathersandfoes@gmail.com about your opinions and concerns. 

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