NTS #3 - Class of 2064

New Talent Showcase #3 (Class of 2064)
"Class Trip, Part 3: Dark Side of the Earth"
Words & Letters - Todd Klein
Art - Scott Hampton
Colors - Shelley Eiber
Edits - Marv Wolfman & Ernie Colon

Yowie Wowie... today we're wrapping up yet another of our features!  Man, New Talent Showdays is turning out quite a bit different from (say it with me) Action Comics Daily!  I really thought that these stories would stick with us for, at the very least, 4-6 weeks.

Heck, the back cover of this very issue promises that we'll also see the "startling conclusion" of Forever Amber!  So that's all-three of our NTS "flagship" features done... already!  This is one wild ride, innit?  I tell ya, when I finally get around to publishing the "dedicated" New Talent Showdays page... it's gonna look disjointed as hell!

Let's wrap up our time with the kids and Free Earthers!

--

We open with Pern and Tycho rescuing Chryse from the hot air balloon just in the nick of time before it hovers over the microwave receiver.  Feels like we've missed a scene between chapters, as I don't quite know how we got here, but alas... here, we are.  After getting to safety, a still unconscious Chryse begins to seize.  Pern's all sorts of worried, but Tycho assures him that she has epilepsy, and appears to be past the worst of her seizure.  Pern's a bit annoyed that Tycho did some background checking on the object of his affection... but, whattayagonnado?  Chryse comes to just in time for our trio to be confronted by... FREE EARTHERS!

While elsewhere, the Canyon Police bumble and stumble their way into a plan, the Big Free Earth (BFE) fella proceeds to chat up the children.  He claims to mean them no harm, and just wants to show them the truth.  They hop into his hooptie, and fly over the site of World War III's Ground Zero... Phoenix, Arizona?  Whaaaa?  Well, Phoenix has such a bad case of "little big town syndrome", I'm sure this was a fist-pump moment... even if it's only due to the absolute decimation of our fair city.

The Big Guy keeps talking... and shares with the kids the story of how the ones that survived the bombings had to deal with radiation... all things we've come to expect from fallout-type situations.  The craft lands and the kids exit, only to find themselves at a "Radiation Camp".  The BFE tells Chryse that they need her.

Back at the Canyon, the Police still try and figure out how to track down and rescue the children... but, they're too boring to really dedicate an entire paragraph to, so... back to the Camp!  Chryse has her memory jogged about her last visit to the Doctor... before the trip.  If you recall, from way back in Chapter One, that Doctor had mentioned something about getting the "virus" out to Earth.  Well, this is when that happened.  The Virus was placed into Chryse's medication in hopes that it would arrive safely where it was needed.  The BFE removes his gas-mask-helmet gimmick, to reveal his deformed visage.  He tells the kids that he's dying... however, the "virus" can help those around him who are not yet that far gone.  Chryse doesn't even need to think about it, she hands over the virus-laden meds.

The BFE puts his helmet back on and asks the kids to relay the true story of the Free Earth movement upon their return to Mars (or wherever).  Pern and Tycho agree... and, check this out, we get a group-hug out of it!  Isn't that the most adorable thing you've ever seen?

Right about now, the Canyon Police finally catch up with the kids... and they're taken back to rejoin their classmates.  When the dust settles, Pern tries to "seal the deal" with Chryse.  Well, I've got some bad news for ya, Copernicus... the Martian Girl only has eyes for Tycho!  Chryse and Tycho retire to the bedroom... and, from the hearts floating about... are probably in the process of doin' it!  Welp, didn't expect that... but, I should've.

The story proper ends the following morning.  Tycho makes a comment about The War of the Worlds... and compares it to this instance of the Martians landing on Earth.  He just hopes they were in time.

--

That was a pretty satisfying ending, wunnit?  I don't think it's anything we didn't already see coming, but it was still quite good.

From the get-go, it felt as though we weren't given all the information we needed about the Free Earthers.  Even in the earliest pages of this feature, it seemed as though they were more "freedom fighter" than "terrorist".  Though, I suppose nowadays that might be a dicier and more contentious statement than I intend for it to be.

We're living in an era where the media has a measure of control over the "narrative".  Regardless of your stance, you always know when "your side" is getting the short shrift in the news.  The Free Earth Movement has been condemned... to the point where the children of Mars/LaGrange are told, in no uncertain terms, that the FE's are the bad guys.  If you recall, the one bit of advice Pern's father gives him before leaving on the trip was to watch out for Free Earthers.

The earlier parts of the story had several "doth protest too much" sort of statements... so, the ultimate reveal was pretty-well telegraphed.  If a writer tries to convince you over and over again during the earliest part of their story that something walks and talks like a duck... you can be damn sure it's not gonna wind up being a duck.

That said, this was all perfectly fine.  The cast was, for the most part, likable... and the threat/non-threat felt substantial.  The writing was quite good, with some fun moments of humor in otherwise dire scenes.

I think my only problem with Class of 2064 overall was... the sorta-kinda disjointed feeling I'd get between scene transitions.  I feel like there were a few scenes left on the "cutting room floor", ya know?  I could be completely talking out my ass (and I likely am), but some scenes just "happened", ya know?  Last week we talked about the "beach stories" that the classmates reflected on.  Feels like we should've seen that... otherwise, why bother referencing it? Even consider the opening to this chapter.  Pern and Tycho are already saving Chryse?  Feels like we missed something.

Also, the brief cutaways back to the Canyon Police... felt like both too much and not enough time was spent with the cops trying to track down the kids.  It was a worst of both worlds situation... made me wonder why Klein even bothered with it.  I don't think we needed a page of the Police lamenting the fact that they'd have to deploy a helicopter to facilitate the search... but, we got one!  While this added a "scene" to the story... it didn't add anything substantial.  Ya follow?  There really wasn't any need for it, because nothing actually came of it.  I'd have been fine if the Canyon Cops just showed up at the end, and told the trio that they'd been looking for them all this time.

Overall, though... I think if you sat down with this story, you'd have a mostly good time with it.  As mentioned, the characters are likable... and, as cliche as it might've been, it's always fun to see the girl wind up with the nerd, right?  I probably ought to mention the art... which remains fantastic throughout this entire feature.  I really wish there were more chapters of this.  I haven't looked into the future... so, for all I know, we might just get another go-round with these kids down the line.  I kinda doubt it... but, ya never know!

Definitely recommend checking this one out.

Tomorrow: The King's Treaty...?

NTS #2 - Class of 2064

New Talent Showcase #2 (Class of 2064)
"Class Trip, Part Two: Between Earth and Sky!"
Words/Letters - Todd Klein
Art - Scott Hampton
Colors - Shelley Eiber
Edits - Marv Wolfman & Ernie Colon

Today we're checking back in with the feature I felt performed the strongest last time out.  Let's see if it can keep up with the quality.

But first... how many folks reading this remember the old tagline for Rice-A-Roni being "the San Francisco treat"?  I only ask because I had an interesting conversation with the wife last night.  A co-worker of hers had brought in some Rice-A-Roni for lunch... to which, the wife made a comment about it being "the San Francisco treat".  Everybody there looked at her like she had three heads.  They'd never heard anything so silly.

Now, usually, I'd just assume that she was surrounded by Millennials (or younger) or whatever, who just didn't happen to grow up in the 80's or 90's... but, this was a pretty diversely-aged crowd.  People from their early 20's into their 60's... and none of them had ever heard this tagline.

The wife began to second-guess... and wonder if she'd simply imagined this weird tagline for boxed rice.  And so, off to Youtube they went... only to find, ya know, a ton of commercials with the jingle.  Her co-workers heard said jingle... annnnnd, still none of them remembered it!

Did a little bit of research on it... and learned that they actually retired that jingle back in... 19-friggin-95.  A quarter of a century ago!  The slogan itself has popped in and out (as recent as 2016)... but, not the jingle.  What's the point without the jingle?!  Oh well.  Not sure why I shared that non-story, but... I had to tell somebody, and I have no friends.  Whattayagonnado?

Onto the book!

--

Chapter Two opens with the Lagrange Field Trippers setting down at Grand Canyon Base (after a stop in Hawaii we don't get to see)... we see this information being reported to that gimp-suited Free Earther that we saw in the "Next Issue" blurb last week.  He reminds one of his followers that they need the girl (the Martian with the Virus)... and they need her unharmed.  Meanwhile, at Canyon Base, we get us a nice heaping dollop of exposition.  Looks like World War III occurred in 2025 (so, I guess this blog will definitely not hit its 10th Anniversary), however in the years since, Earth has started to make something of a comeback thanks to resource-trading with the Lagrange Colony.

We get a brief cutaway with that weirdo Free Earth dude, where he talks a bit more about the nebulous virus.  I'm really not sure what to make of it at this point... hopefully, that's intentional.  From here, we pop back over to the Canyon, where dozens of hot air balloons take in the sights from above.  Our main man Pern would really like to go on one... mostly so he might get the opportunity to be alone with the Martian Virus Vessel, Chryse Whatsherface.

The teacher, Mr. Rampling gives our guy the "thumbs up", and so (after apparently trading out his orange shirt for a green one) he makes a spectacle out of asking for the fair Martian's company.  She turns him down flat (after making reference to something that went down in Hawaii... that, again, we didn't see).  Instead of hangin' with Pern, she'd much rather be accompanied by Tycho!  Tycho, being the nebbish weirdo that he is, passes her along to a new kid named Robert Paya... who, apparently knows more about hot air balloons than anybody.

The kids then hop in "mule"... which is to say, a little ship, so they can jet off to the balloon landing site.  Just then, a balloon draws near, however... it's already occupied... by some Free Earthers!  The baddies (well, I think they're the baddies) fire oodles of tranq darts into the quartet of kids... and manage to knock Robert completely out.  Amid the distraction, they nyoink Chryse into the balloon with them.

She begins to panic... then, feigns like she's going to pass out.  We're getting a lot of that this week in New Talent Showcase, ain't we?  Anyhoo, as she sways around on weird street, she knocks the gun out of one of the terrorist's hands... and grabs it!  She holds the Free Earthers up, threatening to fire... before reality sets in, and she realizes that... she hasn't the foggiest idea how to pilot a balloon.

Back at "Wotan's Throne", Pern and Tycho shake off their own tranqs... and proceed to hop into the "mule".  Naturally, neither of them have ever flown such a thing, but... Pern's gotta Pern, he doesn't give nary an "eff".  He does what he can to make the thing take off.

After a quick check-in with the Martian Hostage Girl (where she laments the fact that Earth's gravity is too damn heavy), we wrap up at the Canyon Police Center, where... some guy... notices that the balloon with Chryse on board is about to fly into a Microwave Receiver... which will make it go boom.  Then, he's held up... I think?  Maybe?

--

Bit of a mess, right?  Not bad... just, I dunno... "sloppy"?

Just like when we ran through Action Comics Weekly, I get the feeling that American comics writers haven't quite "solved" the eight-page story.  The pacing is kind of hectic... and uneven.  It's hard to get our bearings when we bounce from tight-paneled action to entire (somewhat wasteful) pages of exposition.  It feels kinda backwards.

That said, there still is a lot to like here.  For one, the art... it's still quite excellent!  Well, outside of a couple coloring gaffes, and the fact that a lot of the kids have "Byrne face", which is to say, their faces (and haircuts) are identical, so it's a little tough to tell 'em apart in a crowd.  I guess that's more a "storytelling" complaint than anything though.

The story... well, we get a few callbacks to things, that honestly, seem more interesting than anything going on on-panel.  We get a callback to a "swimming mishap" having to do with Chryse and Pern in Hawaii.  Frankly, I think I'd rather be seeing that play out.  I feel like we really ought to care about these characters, otherwise, what does it matter when one of 'em gets abducted?  We've seen Chryse on, what... a half-dozen panels?  All we know is she's the Maguffin Martian... and that's just not enough to get me to invest in her well-being.  Maybe the scene was cut to fit into eight-pages?  Maybe we'll actually get to see it later on?  I dunno.  All that having been said, I did think it was funny that she chose Tycho as "chaperone".

Overall, a weaker chapter than the opening... but still, (despite my paragraphs of kvetching) plenty to dig.

Tomorrow: Dungeons, Dragons, and... Detention?!

NTS #1 - Class of 2064

New Talent Showcase #1 (Class of 2064)
"Class Trip"
Script & Letters - Todd Klein
Art - Scott Hampton
Colors - Shelley Eiber
Edits - Marv Wolfman & Ernie Colon

Time for our fourth-and-final offering from the first issue of New Talent Showcase!  So far, I gotta admit, I've been pleasantly surprised.  We haven't seen anything that's likely to rock anyone's socks... but, I'd say it's been quite solid, especially considering the fact that we're looking at "New Talent".

When we looked at those Bonus Books (1988-1989) a few weeks ago... those featured plenty of New Talent... and, were at times, a bit of a muddled mess.  Maybe it's because they had more pages to fill in those instances?  Who knows...

Anyhoo, let's "take it home" with our first foray into the Class of 2064!

--

Our story opens on Mars... it's March 19, 2064... which, doesn't really feel like the far-flung future it probably did back in ye old 1984, does it?  There's this Martian Virus, see... and it looks as though it might just change the fate of human society.  We begin with a man in a flying saucer type of vessel (with the words FREE EARTH crudely scrawled across it) attacking a much more refined-looking transport vehicle.  He is threatened with destruction, should he decide not to back off.  He continues nonetheless... resulting in, well... his destruction.  Welp, can't say they didn't warn him!

We shift scenes to a darkened room, where a Doctor/Dignitary of sorts laments any loss of life in the name of procuring this Virus... so, we might assume that this "Free Earther" is a sort of Freedom Fighter, attempting to use this Virus for "good"?  Well, we'll get there.  Anyhoo, this Doc-Dignitary expresses that he is sort of a double-agent... both smiling for the establishment (Lagrange) and wanting to get this Virus sent off to Earth.  Ya see, he's snuck a bit of it into the medication of a girl named Chryse Bantry... who is about to be rocketed off to Earth.

Okay, another scene-shift... to a residence in the Lagrange Colonies.  Now it's May 28... and a young student named "Pern" is woken by his parents, because today he's to board a shuttle!  Ya see, it's the Class of 2064's big trip... and, as luck would have it, they're headed to Earth!  Now, I'm not exactly sure if Lagrange is necessarily on Mars... or if it's some sort of gigantic floating space station near Mars.  I suppose if I were a betting man, I'd say it's on Mars (maybe?).  Whatever the case, "Pern" has a bit of a space-hangover, having partied a little too much the night before... but, he's still quite looking forward to the adventure.  Before heading out, Pern's Pop warns of the "Free Earthers".

We rejoin Pern out on the fields, where he meets up with his pal Tycho.  Wow, lotsa "futury" names here.  They talk a bit about the "Free Earthers"... who are apparently the "biggest threat" to their whole way of life.  We learn that Tycho has been tapping into the Police Computer system to keep tabs on the Free Earthers... this makes Pern a bit uneasy.

Our boys make it on time to meet up with their friends... and it's here that we meet a young woman named Maris.  Pern thanks her for the party the night before and immediately begins to flirt.  Tycho doesn't know how Pern can be so outgoing.

Apologies (for near tardiness) are given, bags are stowed, seat-backs are returned to their yadda-yadda-yadda... and it's two-minutes til take off.  We learn that there's going to be a "Martian Girl" on board... which, I don't know if she's just from a Colony on Mars... called Mars... or, whatever.  Hmm... could this be that Martian Girl?!  The folks in charge are not 100% certain she doesn't have "it"... and by "it", I'm pretty sure they're talking about that Virus.

The shuttle takes off... and the Class of 2064 is finally headed to Earth.  At this point, the students are introduced to, heyyyy, whattayaknow, Chryse Bantry... that Martian Girl.  She apparently won a scholarship of some sort to get a seat on this here rig.  She doesn't look like your stereotypical "Martian"... she just looks like a gaudily-dressed human gal.  Our boy Pern is immediately smitten...

... and so, he heads right on over to flirt.  It's here that we learn that "Pern" is short for Copernicus... which, yikes.  They chat for a bit, with Chryse not appearing to be interested in the slightest... not that I can blame her.  Anyhoo, we see here that this entire exchange is being observed by... the Free Earthers!  They have a sneaking suspicion that this Martian Girl is in fact "carrying" (because they, like Tycho, have tapped into the Police Computers)... and they're going to do whatever they can in order to confirm that... up to and including... killin' her!

--

Wow... I really enjoyed this!  This might be the strongest offering from this issue... just really solid stuff!

Only thing I'm kind of wonky on is the difference between Lagrange and Mars... though, I'll concede that might just be a case of my being too dense... or thinking too hard.  I know there are things called "Lagrange Points"... which, I sort of understand, but wouldn't attempt to explain.  Not sure if this has anything to do with that... or if anything I've typed into this here paragraph even matters!

The characters we're introduced to are pretty relatable... the conflict has been established... the world(s) have been built... all in eight pages!  You really can't ask for much more from an opening chapter!  Really fun stuff here... looking forward to seeing where this one goes!

Our writer, Todd Klein is probably a pretty familiar name to comic fans... though, maybe more as a Letterer.  He is one mighty prolific fellow... who actually has a fair amount of writing credits to his name!  He wrote (among other things) a bunch of back-up features in Green Lantern (vol.2) and had a decent run on Omega Men for DC Comics.  I tell ya, if the DC Wiki is to be believed, he's got credits doing just about anything one can do in the comics creation process.  He maintains a blog that I really cannot recommend enough if you're a fan of DC Comics History... there is an absolute wealth of information and ephemera to check out here!

Let's talk art for a minute.  I really dug the way this story looked... it evokes a little bit of Moebius, giving the characters both a familiar yet otherworldly feel.  It comes to us from Scott Hampton, a heck of an artist... and a fella with a really interesting resume.  He's done a bunch of work in the industry, including (but not limited to) Simon Dark, Doc Savage, and Star-Spangled War Stories featuring G.I. Zombie for DC... some Sandmanny stuff for Vertigo... plenty of non-DC stuff, and even provided painted art for the Magic: The Gathering card game!  Really excellent stuff!

Overall... yeah, I think Class of 2064 gets my vote for best story this time out... don't worry, I won't go throwing a poll up tomorrow!

Tomorrow: Wrapping up the first issue!
And Then: Something... kinda bizarre?

Simon Dark #1 (2007)

Simon Dark #1 (December, 2007)
"What Simon Does"
Writer - Steve Niles
Artist - Scott Hampton
Letters - Todd Klein
Colors - Chris Chuckry
Assistance Editor - Stephanie Buscema
Editor - Joey Cavalieri
Cover Price: $2.99

This is one of those books that I remember actually buying.  I was checking out with my normal weekly stack, and the fella behind the counter recommended it... saying it would be like The Crow.  I guess my indifference caught him off guard (I've never seen or read anything related to The Crow), so because kinda spun into "hard sell mode".  Telling me I really didn't wanna miss out on this one, because he felt it was going to be the next big thing.

At the time I was doing comic reviews at my old blog (which I'm currently scouring for anything that may have held up), so I figured "What the heck?"... I picked it up, and after working my way through my pile of books... I finally checked out Simon Dark.  Following my normal synopsis-section, I'm going to include my original review from late 2007, and follow that up with my current thoughts and see if there has been any change in my opinion.

--

We open on the remains of a Gotham City church.  Two blindfolded men are being marched toward it by a group of characters wearing balaclavas.  We appear to be in the midst of a ritualistic murder.  The two fellas are lined up, and one of the masked men is set to put a bullet in the back of each of their heads.

He's able to fire off one shot before a curious individual enters the scene.  He is wearing a patchwork mask, a red and black striped shirt, and a tattered trench coat.  Why he waited until one of the murders was able to take place is unknown... I guess he draws the line at two.  He leaps over the gunman and produces a sort of garrote and decapitates him with precision.

The balaclava boys are all chased off, and our man helps the surviving captive to his feet.  His savior asks for a reward of food, and so he empties his wallet.  Our patchwork fellow is the star of this series, he is Simon Dark.

We shift scenes to a bit later.  The coroner's wagon is en route to the dilapidated church.  Inside is medical examiner, Beth Granger.  Upon arrival, both bodies are discovered.  The first with a bullet lodged in the back of its head, the other whose decapitation is so cleanly done that it is assumed to have been done with a buzz saw.

Beth is chatted up by a detective with whom she she seems to share a mutual attraction.  Her dedication to her duty precludes her from exploring those feelings more freely.  The 'Tec informs her that the headless fella went by the name of Richard Guest, a software executive worth millions.

As the meat wagon pulls away, Granger overhears the nearby children singing a nursery rhyme about a protector who hides in the park... who goes by the name of Simon Dark.  This song appears to follow her all the way back into the city proper, and into a local convenience store.  The cashier tells her to pay it no mind, as it's just a silly song the neighborhood kids made up.

We shift again to an unmarked moving truck.  Inside are a father and daughter who are new to Gotham.  The girl doesn't seem to be all that fond of her new city, but does mention that the burned-down church they passed was "kinda cool".  They reach their destination, and begin to move their belongings inside.  Atop a pile of books is Tales of Mystery and Imagination by Edgar Allan Poe.  From off panel, a gloved hand swipes it... and leaves a buck in its stead.

In a darkened mansion a group of (presumably evil) older men are convening.  The news of the day is the death of Richard Guest... and the odd freak that did him in.  One of the underlings takes full responsibility, and promises to make things right.  His bargaining chip... is his life.

We finally return to Simon, and observe him creeping through the (at the moment unattended) convenience store.  He picks up assorted sundries including some kitty chow, and leaves a wad of cash on the counter before being nearly discovered.

Simon returns to the church, where he's apparently made his home.  He hops down, feeds his cat, and begins reading his newly found book.

--

Original Review (dated 10/16/2007):

Rounding out this week's reviews is a book featuring a BRAND-NEW character in the DC Universe... Simon Dark.  Simon Dark #1 is by Steve Niles and features art by Scott Hampton.  This book became my "bottom of the pile book" after I flipped thru it, and saw that it may be a chore to get through.  Not that it looked bad, necessarily... it, just looked like a book that I'd try-out, and never pick up again.  This book featured several elements I don't exactly dig. Elements that I'm not entirely sure are elements, however, are things I feel are cliche. 

For example, a Gothic character reading out of an Edgar Allen Poe book.  A lead character who is shown brutally killing someone in the beginning of the chapter, and then gently feeding a cat at the end.  Then, quite possibly my least favorite comic book storytelling tool of the past decade... the "man on the street" point of view. It was fun when it wasn't done as often... but, now if it isn't a Police Officer's point of view, it's a Newspaper Writer's... if it's not a Newspaper Writer's, it's an EMT's... I understand what it's trying to accomplish... establish a bit of a character menagerie, and add a bit to the story at large... but, it just feels so contrived. 

Expository dialogue and all. I'd be remiss not to mention, the one bit that I really had a hard time swallowing... The fact that this book is based in Gotham City, features ritualistic murders... and there was no sight or mention of, uh, I dunno... Batman!  I'm hoping that Batman's non-appearance in this issue (and maybe arc/series as a whole), is something that will be addressed.  Like, maybe Batman knows of this Simon Dark, and is watching him from off-panel. As for Simon himself... he's pretty much, just there.  This issue, at least for me... seemed to showcase more the feel of this neck of Gotham than the Simon character himself.  I think I'll try to stick with this book thru it's opening arc.  I certainly enjoyed the artwork, though... muddy and dark, fully fitting the mood... and the Simon design is fantastic... there's almost a familiar feel to him, while at the same time, he looks completely new.

--

2016 Revisit:

Upon reflecting on my earlier review (from almost a decade ago... where does the time go?) I think I may have been a tad unfair.  What I held against it was really my failing to see the forest for the trees.  Being as though this was set in Gotham, I automatically assumed it would be at least somewhat in the "shadow of the bat".  In rereading I see how bad an idea that would have been.  Simon Dark is its own animal, it doesn't need any Bat-character cameos or lore.

I feel I mistook character introductions for an enforced "point of view" tool.  I'm really unsure where my head was at back in 2007... perhaps I'd just read one of those horrendous Frontline minis from Marvel and triggered some Post-Boring-Story-Device-Stress.  The side characters introduced here did not overstay their welcome, and make me wonder how all of their disparate worlds would collide in the coming chapters.

My only real complaint would be how little screen time Simon gets... and even that, I can appreciate why they chose to keep him somewhat scarce.  To me, it's a sign of a good story and a captivating character when I'm really curious and anxious to know more about him right off the bat.

Some things from the first review that I maintain... I still really dig the art.  It fits the tone of this book perfectly.  Also, I still feel as thought him reading the Poe book is a little bit too "cute"... and the juxtaposition between the precise murder and lovingly feeding his cat feels a little bit played.  It reminds me of a scene in a mafia movie where the "Big Boss" is crying during his daughter's dance recital, and meanwhile his "boys" are offing some poor fool.  Like, we get it... he's got layers.

I don't head a whole lot about this (good or bad) online... but I feel it's definitely worth checking out.  It's not available digitally, however the entire run has been collected in three volumes.  As of this writing, Instocktrades has all three available for under $10 apiece.  If you're looking for something a bit different that still takes place in the (pre-Flashpoint) DC Universe, you can do far worse than Simon Dark.

--

Interesting Ads:

I remember this one being scrutinized for hints like mad around this time!

Such a disappointment...