Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Thunder and Lightning: Lightning Under the Weather

Black Lightning is a great superhero who has been way underused, so for that reason its great to see him in these shorts... having said that this focus on his kids does not seem to be working. I really didn't get the humor in this short. On the other hand, BL fighting the natural disaster themed Masters of Disaster all by itself would have made for a good short. Sure, have the girls join in the fight. I'd take that too. But the lightning sneezes just didn't cut it for me. The one joke I will admit to liking was the Booster Golden Crisp vs Blue Beetle Berry Crunch cereal gag. Why aren't those on store shelves now?

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Superman Peanut Butter

Nothing makes you think of Superman more than peanut butter, right? At least it had to be healthier than one of those random sugar serials that superheroes usually get. In any case, this 1981ad included Lex Luthor in his classic purple and greens and it should get props for that alone. I don't think taste was really the secret to the peanut butter's success though because when I was a kid I didn't have a very discerning palate but I insisted on this brand. Way to go corporate America!

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Buckle Up With Supergirl

And now a word from the sponsors... I thought a little break from Super Friends was in order so lets take a week or so to look at some of the classic commercials that may have aired on Saturday mornings in the 80's.

Super History of Superman: Superman: Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut (2006)

This film is the kind of idea that sounds amazing on paper, like say on the back of a DVD cover; Richard Donner's original take on Superman II, the Superman II that would have been made without meddling and cost cutting by the producers. The mind can only imagine some epic, untold story worthy of a 25 year wait. The sad truth is that the "Richard Donner Cut" cannot really exist because many scenes that would belong in it were never actually shot. Still, this cobbled together version of the movie contains some real gems including restored scenes with Jor-El.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - The Incredible Crude Oil Monster

Oh the evils of big oil.  Fortunately, even though Aquaman almost drown because he had some oil on his pants, he was able to later swim through the big crude oil monster to rescue an eaten pair of Hawks. Luckily they found the creatures one weakness... laundry soap. After all, "the old soap trick always cleans up the bad guys." Good one Hawkman.

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - Haunted House

This episode had the Wonder Twins kangaroo bowling. I could pretty much wrap up on that note,  or I could that is if it didn't also feature a house haunted with a master of ants. A couple of laugh inducing Exxor transformations salvaged this from being completely worthless even if it was still close.

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Episode Count: 0409
Series Count: (11 of 66)

Crisis of Infinite Episodes - One Small Step For Mars

Superman stopped an earthquake by giving mother nature a hug. How sweet. And that was just the warm up. The main course was an alien invasion from Mars. Now where is the Martian Manhunter when you need him? The aliens were quite a diverse group - extra points for the "cosmic cyclops." Honestly, this was probably the worst of the season so far. Nothing really happened other than alien hijinks followed by capture. I fear that its awfully early in the run for me to be getting bored. There are still over 50 to go... At least I know there are some classic villains coming up in a few.