On the shelf: Zatanna gets her own series again, and Dynamite takes another trip into Hanna-Barbera's future

 If Archie Comics is so serious about making Amber Nightstone a nemesis for Sabrina, why not give the teenage witch her own series again?

As we've previously discussed, 5 page stories in one-shots, such as the Josie & The Pussycats Halloween Spectacular, released last month, and the just released Sabrina Holiday Spectacular, just won't cut it. Writer Ian Flynn spent many years writing Sonic The Hedgehog for Archie, and can do a book-length story, but Archie has gone el-scrimpo in recent years, hence these 1-offs with 5 pages of original story, and backed by reprints.

In the new book, Amber is taken aback by a show of compassion from Sabrina. What happens next will be a surprise.

Meanwhile, Archie's knuckleheads have decided to showcase Archie Andrews himself in the 4 part Archie is Mr. Justice, somehow giving the red-headed teen the abilities of the hero whose history goes as far back as Archie's own history, back to the Golden Age. Tim Seeley, another writer who should know better, has already told readers in this first issue that each issue will have different points of view. Where is Sabrina when you really need her?

Archie is Mr. Justice shouldn't stop at 4 issues. It should be 12, so that each POV is given room to breathe. Just like those 5 page shorties.

Rating:

Archie is Mr. Justice: B--.

Sabrina Holiday Spectacular: B.

In 1967, artist Alex Toth blessed Hanna-Barbera & CBS with The Herculoids, the tale of a bizarre team of heroes tasked with defending their homeworld. The original series had 1 season of episodes, but the open was changed the following year for reruns due to the meddling of media nanny Peggy Charren.

The series returned in 1981 as part of NBC's short-lived Space Stars, which also ran for 1 season.

Come February, Dynamite is taking readers to Amzot, or, Quasar, as it was known in 1981.

Tom Snegoski, a fan whose resume includes writing a number of diverse books, including Vampirella, is teaming with artist Craig Rousseau for the new series.

As a refresher, here's 1981's "The Firebird":

This should be fun.

Actor Martin Kove is best known now to generations of fans for Cobra Kai and the "Karate Kid" movies, but he's also a comics fan.

That said, Kove is launching AMP Comics, which debuts in February with the Western, Prodigal Son. Kove is not a writer, but a publisher. Hmmmm.

We all know who Dick Tracy's true love is. His eventual wife, Tess Trueheart.

So figure that Tess will play a role when Dick is given a Valentine's special from Mad Cave in February. We're digging.

If you're an old school fan like me, you'd rather see Zatanna in heels instead of knee boots.

Count Jamal Campbell as one of us.

Campbell (Naomi, Far Sector) will write & draw a new series featuring the Princess of Prestidigation from DC in February, and, oh, does Zee look so fine. Let's just see how far this will go.