Isis #1
DC Comics; October-November 1976
Cover uncredited

Title: “Scarab — The Man Who Would Destroy”
Synopsis: When an ancient pyramid is relocated to America, only Isis can stop an evil magician bent on conquering the world.

Writer: Denny O’Neil
Penciler: Ric Estrada
Inker: Wally Wood

Review: DC’s TV line of comics must have been geared toward a younger audience, because this issue all but revels in simplistic mediocrity. Despite this reviewer’s generally fond memories of the Isis television show, this comic book version fails to connect on almost every front. Denny O’Neil — usually one of the Bronze Age’s better writers — delivers a goofy, unsophisticated story laden with painful dialogue. On the art side of things, Ric Estrada’s art is serviceable at best, and Wally Wood’s sub-par inks help little. Even as simple nostalgia, this comic simply fails to connect.

Grade: D+

Cool factor: Little Me loved watching Isis on Saturday mornings …
Not-so-cool factor: … but even Little Me took a pass on this comic.
Notable: This issue includes a one-page text essay, “The Legend of Isis.”
Character quotable: “A bolt of death flash will empty you of life as a water jar is emptied on a hot afternoon!” — Scarab, powerful magician, not-so-good trash talker.

Each week, Andrew Wahl takes a look at a Bronze Age Fantastic First. For more reviews like this one, check out Wahl’s website, ComicsBronzeAge.com. Bronze Age Fantastic First reviews © 2013 Off the Wahl Productions. All rights reserved.