The merging of monsters and monkeys!

 Week Ending 23rd June 1976

This blog is all about the joy, the nostalgia and collective goodness of these childhood memories. I've no time for any negativity, there's enough of that in the modern world. I think I'm always fair and never too judgemental. I have opinions that are different to others and other people views are different to mine. I like to review the letter pages to give a taste of the readers points of view. The soap opera back and forth was all part of the charm. I won't cast the pantomime villains and I'll generally give everyone the benefit of the doubt. But last week I made an error of judgement. Neil Fisher was at the time a serial letter writer, but his letters were not without some controversy. Adan Cainer accused Neil in Dracula Live #71 of copying Bryan D Leys' letter from Tomb of Dracula #2 which was printed in Dracula Lives #61. Neil explains that Bryan is a pen-pal of his and had asked him what he thought of TOD #2 and Byran had used Fisher's views in that letter. Later John Ellis from Warrington had a letter printed in Dracula Lives #80 saying as much. Following the accusation made in DL#71 Mark Shaw has a letter printed out in Dracula Lives #72 pointing out that in Dracula Lives #64 another letter from Neil Fisher appeared, he showed his father who said it reminds him of a piece in the "Daily Mirror." Sure enough there was an article which begins: "Transylvania. It is after midnight..." just like Fisher's letter. Last week I wrote out the double page letter from Neil Fisher that had been printed in MWOM #194, because it was ready hard to read in the original comic. When I started to type it out I thought this doesn't read like a kid from Merseyside in the 70's but once I started it I was determined to finish it. I wish I hadn't bothered. Regular Friend Of The Beesting Paul B commented that the letter from Neil Fisher in MWOM was copied almost word for word from a three page feature written by Steve Sherman about Jack Kirby that appeared in DCs Kamandi, the Last Boy on Earth #32, cover dated August 1975, published May 1975. Thanks Paul B, a Power of the Beesting No-Prize (PotBNoP) is on the way. I'm not saying that Neil Fisher didn't buy loads of comics, of course he did. He must have had many opinions on them but he was a serial copyist. I checked online for the article, it is there. I also checked to see if Neil was active online. He was a couple of years ago. He even asked did anyone remember which issue of MWOM he had a massive two page letter printed in? I nearly replied to that post, but I thought better of it. The Power of the Beesting is all about the love of comics and the positive joy they bring. Not the negativity, so read on this week's blog and feel the Power of nostalgia. 

The Mighty World of Marvel #195

There is some disagreement over who pencilled this cover, Nick Caputo from the Grand Comics Database believes that Keith Pollard was the artist, however Ron Wilson believes that he pencilled it himself. What is known is that Frank Giacoia inked it. I'm leaning more towards Pollard than Wilson, but what do you think.

The Incredible Hulk “The battle of the brutes!”

Writer: Len Wein

Artist: Herb Trimpe

Inker: Jack Abel

Originally published in The Incredible Hulk #179

Cover date September 1974

(Published in June 1974)

Bruce Banner found himself welcomed into the Brickford family home after the Hulk had returned to Earth from Counter Earth. The Brickford's also had another house guest, the gentle monster known to the wider world as the Missing Link, previously seen in MWOM #54, but now named Lincoln. The Brickford's son, Jimmy-Jack, became ill and Bruce suspects it is radiation poisoning caused by exposure to the Missing Link. Meanwhile at the Hulkbuster base Major Glenn Talbot has returned after weeks in a Russian prison camp. This second part opening splash page was. drawn by an unnamed artist.

Talbot is reunited with his joyful wife Betty, his father-in-law General Ross and Colonel Armbruster who is surprised to find his digital watch shorted out after he shakes Talbot's hand. Dismissing it as a technical malfunction Armbruster escorts Glenn away for a debriefing. Elsewhere Bruce explains to Lincoln that he believes that the gentle giant poses a danger his friends. Not understanding he believes that Bruce is trying to drive him away from his new happy life the Missing Link swats him away, accidentally knocking Bruce down a mine shaft. Before he can hit the ground, he transforms into the Hulk, who knows only that he has been attacked and jumps to the surface to defend himself. A fight breaks out across the mining pit. As the battle rages on the radioactive energies begin to surge out of control within Lincoln. Realising that his friend was telling the truth, Lincoln reaches critical mass and explodes. When the dust settles the locals dig Lincoln out of the rubble. A confused Hulk pulls himself free, the humans who he sought to defend the Missing Link from show Lincoln such friendship, yet he is filled with loneliness. With the menace over he somehow senses that it will take years for Lincoln's radioactivity to blind again to a critical level. He won't be alone for long, because next issue he'll have to face "Once more...the Wendigo!"

Bullpen Bulletin

Sensational scoops that'll surely stun, stale and shock you!

This week's Bullpen Bulletin appears in MWOM, SSMwtSH and the Avengers weekly. The first Item tells readers of those mags that when the Great Games begin the Thing will be "At the mercy of Torgo!" in this week's terrific issue of The Titans. The next Item tells how Ray Wergan dropped into the American version of the Mighty Marvel Bullpen to say "Howdy." Who's Ray Wergan you ask, well he's the fellow in charge of the British office of Mighty Marvel! There's actually two sets of editors; those in America and then there's Ray who wields the whip over Neil, Alan, and Tony in London! The third Item reminds readers about the final two parts of the "Quadra Poster" and reveals that the layout was done by Larry Lieber, the pencils by Ron Wilson and it was inked by Dave Hunt! The fourth Item asks if readers noticed the covers of the weeklies have had their date sequence changed. The explanation is it all started with issues dated 12th June, that is 9th June, well they would have been dated 12th June if they hadn't brought the dating forward by three days to correspond with the new on-sale day. New on-sale day you ask, well once upon a time the Marvel Weeklies went on sale on Saturdays. Then they were made available on Fridays and now... they're on sale on Wednesdays! So instead of having Saturday's date on the cover, it's Wednesday's date. The final Item is a plug for the upcoming bicentennial issue of the Mighty World of Marvel, which will see British Marvel's very first mag will be reaching issue 200 in July and needless to say, it'll be a very special issue, full of surprises.

Daredevil “Quoth the Nighthawk, 'Nevermore!'”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Syd Shores

Originally published in Daredevil #62

Cover date March 1970

(Published in January 1970)

Night time and the lights flash over Broadway with neon brilliance, but in a hushed alleyway, yards from the milling crowds a hero sombrely stalks the shadows in search of the lurking evil. Earlier that night Matt Murdock had received an anonymous phone call, whose caller freely offered a tip that one of the world famous theatres was going to be a target for a robbery. Something in the tipsters voice told Daredevil that he wasn't some phoney crackpot with an axe to grind.

From the shadows the man without fear's hyper-sensitive ears eavesdrop on a couple whose conversation between them is little more than the usual "boy-and-girl" small talk. Breaking in that conversation is a more heated exchange between two gruff men, Jo-Jo and Weepin' Willie, who if they don't get their act together will miss the opportunity to make a killing on a tidy job as the theatre box office is about to close in five minutes. As the countdown tic's on they have to race through red lights to get to the theatre on time. Just to make matters worse the parking lot is full. Eventually the dum duo arrive at the box office just behind an old lady who's buying her ticket. The teller informs the lady that she's not late as the action only starts on the second reel. But for Jo-Jo and Weepin' Willie the action starts now. As they pull a gun on the teller and make off with the day's takings. Daredevil intercepts them as they make a break for it, but using a gun they pin him down. They make a run for it so Daredevil has to swing to catch up with them, but in doing so he nearly collides into a costumed adventurer who is also swinging into action on a rope. Daredevil suddenly suffers from a bout of dizziness. The masked man who calls himself the Nighthawk captures the crooks and takes all the credit. Readers of Avengers weekly #106 will recall the masked man or even his alternative universe version last seen in Avengers weekly #137. Afterwards, Nighthawk returns to his home, a large mansion owned by his secret identity Kyle Richmond. Find out "the secret of Nighthawk" in next week's issue!

The Mighty Marvel Mailbag

Roy Tedman RFO, KOF, QNS from Surrey lists his favourites in the categories of Favourite Marvel mags, Favourite Super-teams, Favourite Super-villains, Favourite Super-heroes, Favourite writer and editor and Favourite artist. Funny how he lists writer with editor. He picks 1) Stan Lee, 2) Roy Thomas, 3) Tony Isabella. Ivor Davies from Dumbartonshire believes that there is a conspiracy against him with sixty letters sent in and none of them printed! He congratulates Peter Judge on winning the Mastermind contest with 36 out of 40 on the tie-break! Ivor could get only 24! So Peter deserves the title. Ivor is pleased to see York Needham has acknowledged the exciting debates in the letters pages. It's great to see arguments and opinions being constantly brought up on the pages. Some of the arguments are so resounding and thought-provoking that the letter page becomes more interesting than the story itself. Neil Jackson RFO, KOF, QNS from London gives his own awards complied from fans votes, which you can find in his letter. Neil is also compiling a "Contents of the British Weeklies" that he is hoping to have printed by the time his letter was printed. He originally mentioned it in MWOM #178.

Stephen Poppitt RFO, QNS, FOOMer from Cambridgeshire doesn't want MWOM turned into The Titans format, like what happened to SMCW. He begs Marvel to leave MWOM as it is. He was shocked by the full-page spread on page 28 of #184 announcing the coming of the X-Men to MWOM. Keep the X-Men in The Titans where they belong, and bring back Jolly Jack Kirby's art. Johne C Hill from Herts is offering to give away 200 Marvel weeklies to any British Marvelites who correctly answer his Marvel quiz, 30 mags to the winner, 25 mags to the runner up and 20 mags to the third placed runner up. Here's the Questions.

1) Who Created Conan the Barbarian? 2) Who was originally called "Him"? 3) Who is Martin Stanley Lieber? 4) In which Comic book did Spider-man first appear. (Title and number.) 5) What do the initials M.M.M.S. stand for? 6) Which two monsters appeared in the first issue of Marvel Two-in-One? 7) What is the name given to a collector of comics? 8) In which Comic did Howard the Duck first appear? 9) Who was the first-ever Marvel character scripted by Stan Lee? 10) Which comic did the character "Digger" host? 11) Who is Adam Austin? 12) Who is Irving Forbush? 13) With which issue did the comic "Creatures on the Loose" expire? 14) Who became the Man-Thing? 15) Name at least four Marvel Characters who smoke cigars. On with the letters next up Gary Sadler from Croydon who after finishing reading this week's Titans, came to the conclusion that it is about time there was a British super-hero. The only trouble is Americans give the English a strange sort of 18th century language, using such words as "Blinking", "Mates", "Catch 'em" and "What'll it be, Gov'ner? A half or a pint?" "Bloomin'" and "Bloke". Can't Americans see that the British speak the same language? The final letter is from the Nameless One from Peterborough that found a way to use back covers or covers of comics. Draw round a character, or the head of a character, with an old round tin lid and then cut them out and stick them on some paper or cardboard to make good badges.

The X-Men “The torch is passed!”

Writer: Roy Thomas 

Artist: George Tuska

Inker: John Tartaglione

Originally published in The X-Men #43

Cover date April 1968

(Published in February 1968)

Magneto observes the funeral of Professor Xavier, who died battling the evil subterranean Grotesk as seen in last week's issue. The master of magnetism plans to attack the young mutants during their moment of loss. He calls for Quicksilver but the human speedster is nowhere to be found. Meanwhile at the graveside the sombre X-Men grieve for their mentor. We soon learn why Quicksilver didn't answer Magneto, using his super-speed he had traveled to Xavier's funeral to pay respects from afar. He is spotted by the X-Men, thinking that they intend to attack him, Quicksilver foolishly speeds away.

Before the X-Men can go after him the priest starts Xavier's eulogy to finish the service. Magneto is furious with Quicksilver and vows to punish his wayward subordinate and then destroy the X-Men once and for all. With the funeral service over, the X-Men return to the mansion. Changing into uniforms they play a tape of the Professors' final will. In the video, Xavier explains that he was dying of a terminal disease that medical science could not possibly cure and asks the X-Men to carry on with their mission now he's gone. He also explains that he had been training Jean in the art of telepathy and be cautious of Magneto, whom he suspects will soon strike again. The X-Men then watches tearfully as Xavier says his final words. Meanwhile at Magneto's citadel Quicksilver returns and is reunited with the Toad and the Scarlet Witch, who have also rejoined Magneto's Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, following events in Avengers weekly #65, you can see just how far behind the X-Men's stories are. Reunited with his sister, the two mutants lament over their departure from the Avengers, their return to the Brotherhood and the death of Charles Xavier. Magneto enters the room and demands Quicksilver's loyalty in return for helping his sister regain her powers. When the snivelling Toad tries to curry his master's favour Magneto hurls the subordinate away. Soon Magneto turns his attention toward a ship its cargo a giant super-computer. The evil mutant uses his magnetic powers to lift the boat out of the water. Next week we'll see more of "The power of Magneto!"

All of the weeklies feature this paid advert for Count Dracula ice lollies from Walls. Each lolly was black as night ice on red jelly on a core of delicious "snocreme", but if that wasn't enough to tempt you to pay one in those hot summer nights they also featured a "Trace-a-face" lolly stick. Once you bite through the lolly you could use the plastic stick to make a scary face. There were six different horror sticks to collect. Dracula's sinister gang included Dr. X and the Wolf Man amongst their number. And if that wasn't enough to make you keep your cool that summer the wrapper of these special lollies also featured a terrifying competition to win a Real Movie Projector and a full length horror film! But you'll need all six "Trace-a-face" lolly sticks to enter. I remember these really well, but I couldn't recall which horror creatures featured on the other four sticks, but thanks to a quick internet search I found the horror "stars" to be a Zombie, a monster, Captain Death who ever that was and of course Dracula himself.

It's the second part of the Airfix Dogfight Doubles Competition and this time it's Sergeant Nick Fury who introduces the final two planes to be identified. So together with the four answers from last week's World War Ones dogfights two World War Two need to be named from a list of six. Your choices are (G) Beaufighter, (H) Mosquito, (I) Messerschmitt Me 110, (J) Messerschmitt Me 109, (K) Me 262 and (L) Spitfire. The closing date for this competition was the 5th July 1976 and the winners will be the first ten completely correct answers drawn at random who will win an Airfix "Same Day Flyers" kits.They are easy to assemble, rubber-powered flying aircraft, which can be built and flown on the same day! While the one hundred runners-up will each win an Airfix "Dogfight Doubles kit. So as Fury says "Shake it you slobs and get your eyes trained on these planes. You recognise 'em? If not, why not? They all blazed their way to glory in the Second World War. So on your marks, get set, GO!"

Super Spider-man with the Super-Heroes #176

Dave Hunt pencilled this landscape cover that is very heavily copied from John Romita Sr.'s original cover from the Amazing Spider-man issue 127. In fact some of the figures look like they have been cut and pasted from Romita's original artwork. Frank Giacoia inked Dave Hunt's artwork. The top banner boasts "Pulse-pounding thrills with Thor, Dr. Strange and Iron Man!" But what about the Thing?

Spider-man “The dark wings of death!”

Writer: Gerry Conway

Artist: Ross Andru

Inker: Frank Giacoia

Originally published in the Amazing Spider-man #127

Cover date December 1973

(Published in September 1973)

This landscape opening splash page was drawn by Dave Hunt, as you can tell from his signature on the left of the page, using the original Ross Andru splash page as reference. Spider-man swings by Mary Jane's apartment building and discovers that MJ must have witnessed the murder of a girl right outside her window. 

Returning the concern Mary Jane shown him following Gwen's death, he changes into Peter Parker to check up on her. The frightened Mary Jane tells him that she saw the whole thing, but refuses to go to the police in fear that the killer might target her next. Peter is angry at her and says he's not a towel holder for cowards and storms out. Secretly he's pretending in the hope that it sparks her to call the police. Changing back to Spider-man, he swings through the city in search of the killer. Just then he is attacked by the Vulture. Spidey deduces that he's responsible for the murdered girl. The web-slinger is knocked for a loop, giving the villain a chance to get away. Spider-man later meets up with the Human Torch to check on the status of the Spider-Mobile.

The two work through the night building the Spider-Mobile from scratch. By the next morning Spider-man leaves to resume his studying in the apartment he shares with Harry. When Harry returns home Peter tries to get him to open up and talk, but Harry flips out. Later at Empire State University, Peter meets Mary Jane and tries to talk to her about the night before. She lies to him telling him that she really saw nothing, but he doesn't buy it. Flash Thompson arrives offering both of them a lift in his new car, which they accept. Suddenly Peter is alerted to danger by his Spider-sense. The Vulture swoops down and grabs Mary Jane and flies off with her. The attack causes Flash to swerve off the road and crash, knocking himself out. Peter, unhurt by the crash rushes off to change into Spider-man. As he does so he's confronted by Professor Warren again about his attendance and slipping grades. Peter makes excuse that he can't stay and talk. Finally finding a safe place to change. Spidey manages to catch up to the Vulture and prevents him from dropping Mary Jane to her death. This brings out anxiety flashbacks that another woman close to him almost was killed.

Spider-man vows to get the Vulture and swings away. Suddenly he hears screams coming from the University Biology labs. Entering the lab he finds the Vulture terrorising a young girl with glasses and short hair, who Spidey recognises as one of the lab assistance. The villain tells Spider-man that this is not his concern. Spidey makes it his concern and rescues the girl by webbing up the villains hand-like claws. The Vulture bites away at the webbing with his teeth to free himself. Their fight takes them outside, where a crowd and the police have gathered. Quickly Spider-man blinds the Vulture by shooting webbing in his eyes. The police then attempt to apprehend villain by tossing a net over him. The blinded villain throws the net off and grabs at who he thinks is the short haired girl from the lab. Spidey still thinks that it is Mary Jane who he is after as the Vulture lifts him into the sky. Among the crowd, watching with manic joy is Harry Osborn, who hopes that the Vulture will kill Spider-man, if not, he will, as the Green Goblin. The Vulture pulls the webbing from his eyes, realising that his hostage is not the girl he names as Christine, but Spider-man. Instantly he drops him from a great height in the hope that the fall will kill the wall-crawler. Next week "the Vulture hangs high!"

Iron Man “The terror strikes!”

Writer: Archie Goodwin

Artist: Johnny Craig

Inker: Johnny Craig

Originally published in Iron Man #14

Cover date June 1969

(Published in March 1969)

Jeff Aclin (pencils,) and Dan Adkins (inks,) created this landscape second part opener especially for the British comic. Stark's Plant on a tropical island has been beset by "Voodoo" and raided by the Night Phantom. Tony Stark and local police officer Inspector Christophe set out to investigate when they are set upon by the Phantom, who flings their jeep into the jungle.

Tony Stark wakes to the voice of Janice Cord who has taken him to her friend, Travis Hoyt's house. Inspector Christophe had insisted that Janice see to Stark while he set out to pursue the Night Phantom. The wheelchair bound Hoyt is angered that stark is in his home, embittered against all technology after a crippling accident. Stark leaves to return to the scene of the accident to recover his attaché case and change into Iron Man and search for the Inspector. Meanwhile Janice concerned that Hoyt had made Stark leave and face possible danger. Hoyt quarrels with her grabbing her arm. Suddenly Janice realises that Hoyt is standing. He tries to pull her into a secret passage way but as she struggles Hoyt picks her up carrying her through a subterranean passage. As she resists she claws at his face, dislodging what proves to be a plastic mask of Hoyt's original face, to reveal the Night Phantom beneath. He tells her about his origin, how his sabotage campaign was intended to prevent damage to an underground pool to drain away. Arriving at the pool, we find the imprisoned Christophe. Outside Iron Man tracks the signs of struggle to a hidden cave. The mystery continues next week.

The third part of the Quarda-poster is presented in this week's Super Spider-man with the Super-Heroes. Drawn by Ron Wilson from the layouts by Larry Lieber and inked by Dave Hunt this quarter features the Human Torch battling the Sub-Mariner. The final part appears in this week's The Titans.

The Web and the Hammer

Stephen Beckett from Paisley likes the new sensational mag Super Spider-man with the Super-heroes. But asks what are you going to call it for short, S.S.M.F.T.S.H.? He notes that Marvel responds to the letter writers where as DC letter columns like Weird War and Unknown Soldier the editors hardy respond. Neil Maggs from Bristol is starting his own Spider-man fan club in his area. There'll be lots competition with prizes to be won, your favourite mags to be sold cheap, plus lots more stuff like stickers, badges and posters. Mrs A Dart writes to promote her eight year old grandson who has made his own comic strips. Did Gregory Charles Dart from Cheshire ever take it up full time. Martin Tudor from Birmingham was shocked that the Spider-man weekly was going to have the same layout as The Titans. After seeing this comic, he is disgusted. How could anybody at Marvel even dream of printing such a monstrosity? Marvel are famed for their excellent art and stories, but in this new "Super Spider-man" you butcher the art of such people as Jack Kirby, Gil Kane and even Frank Brunner,

David Williamson from Bradford couldn't believe that five long stories fit into one mag while still keeping the price low. Spider-man, Iron-Man and Thor are just as good, if not better and with the smaller panels the artwork looks Ace! G Highfield from Merseyside gets three of the weeklies, but why did they put the Super-Heroes with SMCW? They are sure that other Marvelites like them were saddened at their disappearance, though when they saw they were in New Super Spider-man all was forgiven. B M Letts from Surrey congratulates Marvel on two superb triumphs. First, Superman vs. Spider-man. It was spectacular, Doc Octopus and Luthor were the obvious choice for villains. How about the Justice League of America meeting the Avengers? Secondly,  the story with Morbius and the X-Men in Super-Spiderman was wayout. They would like to see the return of the Defenders, preferably in their own mag.

The Thing and Power Man “I created Braggadoom! The mountain that walked like a man!”

Writer: Roger Slifer, Len Wein and Marc Wolfman (plot)

Artist: Ron Wilson

Inker: Vince Colletto

Originally published in Marvel Two-in-One #13

Cover date January 1976

(Published in September 1975)

It's the weekend and Luke Cage is short of cash so he's prepared to listen to a new case on such short notice. Arnold Krank has come seeking to hire Luke Cage's services. He explains that he worked for Krashner's Bio-Systems Incorporated, where he worked in bio-engineering on a special Bio-Genectics project. During his tenure, he accidentally created a life form from a special cellular tissue he'd been working for. His boss, Mister Krasher congratulated him on his discovery and swore that the name of Arnold Krank would become a household name around the world. 

Newsmen came in their droves to report on the new life form. One reporter got too close and poked the mass jelly with his finger. Everyone stood horror struck as the protoplasm responded to his touch and pulled the reporter into his mass consuming him in front of the room's watching eyes. One human wasn't enough, Mister Krasher became the second victim of the ever growing glob. The remaining reporters ran as the humanoid figure grew. The creature, Krank dubbed Braggadoom, would eventually grow out of control. Krank tells Luke Cage that he went to the Fantastic Four to seek Reed Richard's help, but only the Thing was home. He agreed to help and now he was fighting Braggadoom, but he is in need of help himself. Luke Cage rushes to the stadium where the Thing is already battling Bragadoom. Soon the creature had a hero in each hand. Ben and Luke face "the mountain menace" next week.

The Mighty Thor “The World Beyond!”

Writer: Stan Lee 

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Joe Sinnott and Bill Everett

Originally published in The Mighty Thor #184

Cover date January 1971

(Published in November 1970)

According to the Grand Comics Database Jeff Aclin pencilled this second part opening splash page with Duffy Vohland applying the inks. The Universe is awry, on its far-flung edge a giant force threatens the existence of every living thing. Odin had sent the Warriors Three to investigate but as no news has been heard from them Odin himself decides that he will venture into the World Beyond to seek the source of the trouble.

Thor tries to convince his father to let him go in his stead, but he declines ordering his son to remain in Asgard and protect the realm from those who might capitalise on Odin's absence. The Silent One joins Odin as he teleports to the World Beyond, leaving Thor to worry about the fate of his father and of the universe. While elsewhere Loki the God of Evil notices Odin's departure from the realm and decides to usurp the throne once more. Teleporting to the land of the Frost Giants, Loki rallies them to attack Asgard while Odin has departed. When the Giants attack Asgard, they take Balder prisoner. Hearing the news Thor rushes into battle to save his friend aided by the Lady Sif. However the sheer number of Frost Giants soon overwhelmed her and Thor is forced to rescue her. Returning to the heart of the battle, Thor manages to save Balder and with this victory the Storm Giants are forced to retreat. On his return to the palace, Thor and Sif share a brief romantic interlude, until they are interrupted when an astral image of Odin who has confronted Infinity in the World Beyond. It turns out that Infinity is too strong for Odin, the outcome of the battle is revealed as the image disappears. Fearing for his father's fate, Thor realises that he has no other choice but to venture into the World Beyond and face Infinity himself. 

Doctor Strange “Shadowplay!”

Writer: Steve Englehart

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Klaus Janson 

Originally published in Doctor Strange Vol 2 #11

Cover date December 1975

(Published in September 1975)

The enigmatic Eternity had warned Doctor Strange that time is running out for humanity. But Strange vows to prove him wrong. Strange journeys into an inner realm of shadows to find the answers. If the Doctor is to overcome Eternity he must first overcome himself so he must face versions of himself. A successful man of power, a drunken discarded derelict, a brilliant Occult adapt and the man of mystery.

While traveling in a world conjured up by Eternity, Doctor Strange meets a version of himself dressed in a surgeon's smock, who presents him with an invitation to the "Dance of the Red Death." Strange accepts the offer and follow his doppelgänger through the thick fog to a mansion that is populated by versions of Stephen Strange. The real Stephen Strange is taken to see this group's leader a power-mad tyrant in a Richard Nixon mask. Not to give away any politics but Steve Englehart had a thing for Nixon. Not in a positive light. Englehart had written the Secret Empire story-line as seen in Captain America issues169, cover dated January 1974, published October 1973 to issue 176, cover dated August 1974, published May 1974. With the conclusion to events seen in issue 175 Englehart had intended the reveal of the leader of the Secret Empire to be President Nixon himself and not just a generic President. He wasn't sure if Marvel would allow it and so censored himself, which he adds was probably unnecessarily. Nixon faced impeachment, on 9th August 1974, and became the first US president to resign, which is mentioned in this strip. I guess by the time this original story was printed in America Nixon had become a very easy target. The "Nixon" of this story tells the real Doctor Strange that he is disrupting society by making people think like him. The "Stranges" shout that "Society needs order" and under "Nixon's" order attack Doctor Strange. Over powering him they have him locked in a dungeon with his Drunkard persona.

Avengers Weekly #145

David Wenzel pencilled and Duffy Vohland inked this Avengers cover as verified by the "sign-off stamp" that can be found on the back of the original art board. Heritage Auctions sold the original artwork for $1,732.75 on the 20th May 2017. In Pounds Sterling that would be around £1,291.  

Conan the Barbarian “Exit: Red Sonja!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Crusty Bunkers

Originally published in Conan the Barbarian #144

Cover date November 1974

(Published in August 1974)

This splash page was drawn especially for this week's second part by an unnamed artist. This story continues the freely adapted David A English tale "The Tower of Blood". Uathacht had appeared to Conan and Sonja to make a deal in which she agrees to cast a spell to weaken her brother in order to free Conan, so he may willingly fulfil her hedonistic fantasies. Conan only agrees if Red Sonja is also set free. When the time comes for her to release them both Uathacht reneges and tries to kill Sonja.

Conan and Sonja attempt to flee the Tower of Blood, but encounter a group of the bat-like Afterlings. Conan readies himself for a fight them with his torch thinking that they are out for blood. The creatures speak telling Conan that they will offer no resistance. They reveal that Uathacht's spell has left Morophia in a weakened state, which has freed them from his control. They show the two humans the way out and warn them to be quick as Morophia has other resources. Conan and Sonja find a room filled with tapestries, books, exotic jars and swords. The barbarian recognises that one jar filled with a black liquid, that he saw once bubbling up from the ground in a southern desert. He recalled seeing a prankster who tossed a firebrand into it and it burned. Conan spreads the black liquid over the room's contents, but before he can ignite it the vampire himself appears and transforms into several of Conan's past enemies. As Conan fights the monsters Sonja manages to start a fire, burning the black liquid and the vampire in a painful death. Conan and Sonja are unfortunately trapped by the flames, they have to make their escape by scaling down the outside walls of the tower. Sonja starts to slip and fall but Conan grabs hold of her, but even then he can't stop them both from falling. Suddenly they are rescued by the Afterlings, who carry them to the cavern floor. When they make their way out of the red mist Sonja knocks Conan out to spare him from the bounty hunters who would still be chasing her. She hopes that in a few hours he will be laughing, drinking and wenching in the taverns of Shadizar the wicked and hearing songs too bittersweet for Red Sonja's ears. Next issue "the last Ballard of Laza-lanti!" 

Avengers Mailbag

Neil Fisher from St. Helens pens another letter, I wonder where did he copy this one from? He writes that he gets a lot of American Marvel's by mail order and really likes the western mags and suggests that some of those stories could feature in the Planet of the Apes. He then goes on to say that the British buy more western paperback books than any other country in the world. Now I know he's copied that from someone else. Steve O'Sullivan from London asks what types of pencils Marvel artists like Jack Kirby use when drawing comic strips? A 2B pencil is the answer. Geoffrey Suter from Hants writes that Conan may be a thief, a reaver, a slayer, but he could teach us so-called civilised people a thing or two. He only kills if he has to, and he would rather have not. He also had a rough code of chivalry. He was good to women and never forced his attentions upon them. He attempted to help anyone he could, even if, sometimes, it would not be beneficient to his needs. He was a mercenary, but he was often the saviour to many heads of royalty and ordinary people. I think Geoffrey really likes Conan. Neal Fidelo RFO, KOF from Edinburgh didn't like Conan when he first came to the mag, but the character has really grown on him! The art by John Buscema, teamed with Roy Thomas in the Avengers and Conan, makes the mag one of the best out. John Farrell from Liverpool wonders are the offers in the American mags available to UK readers if they convert the price? Unlucky John they aren't. 

The Avengers “...Captives of the Sentry!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Sal Buscema

Inker: Tom Palmer

Originally published in The Avengers #91

Cover date August 1971

(Published in June 1971)

This second part opening splash page was drawn by an unnamed artist. The Avengers had been holding their own against the Sentry and Goliath. At one point the Vision defeats the Goliath, but their overconfidence leads to their down fall and the Sentry defeats both the Scarlet Witch and the Vision, taken back to Ronan's citadel as hostage. Once inside Ronan's ship Wanda and the Vision are held captive with energy bonds that have been programmed to nullify the mutant and the android's unique powers.

For one short moment the two teammates come close to expressing their mutual, secret feelings for each other. The Vision pulls away refusing to let his emotions show. Ronan ridicule them over it for a while but then he turns his attention to the Wasp and the primate Yellowjacket who is protecting the Wasp from several other primate beings, who had been the missing members of a science expedition whom Hank and Jan were searching for in the first place. Ronan torments Captain Marvel that he intends to use his "Evo-ray" to devolve the human race back to the simplest of lifeforms. Out side the citadel Quicksilver arrives with Rick and looks for a way to break into Ronan's ship. Using a steel bar and his super-speed Quicksilver drills his way into the ship. While Quicksilver keeps Ronan and the Sentry occupied Rick frees Captain Marvel and the Avengers. As the battle continues a transmission from a Kree outpost declares that the Skrull have invaded Kree space.

Ronan is forced to abandon the fight and flee, leaving the Sentry behind on Earth, confused by its lack of programming the android explodes destroying the devices that maintain the tropical zone and de-evolving ray. Goliath shakes off Ronan's mind control while Yellowjacket and the other de-evolved expedition members revert back to their normal selves. Hank admits that throughout the mission Yellowjacket was little more than a dead weight and decides that now would be a good time to retire. and resign as an active Avenger. With that the Wasp agrees to follow his lead and retire too. But all those present are concerned that this is not the last they’ve seen of the Kree, but Hank is sure that if they do return he'll fight them with a test tube and the Avengers will fight with all their super-powers.

Master of Kung Fu “Mysteries six!”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: Keith Pollard

Inker: Sal Trapani

Originally published in Master of Kung Fu #36

Cover date January 1976

(Published in October 1975)

This second part opening splash page was drawn by an unnamed artist. Shang-Chi had seen Moon Sun murdered with a dagger, yet minutes later he found him alive and well. The old man resists answering Shang-Chi's questions, but he insists that he will answer in due time. With more mysteries in store the China man allows that answer to wait. Moon Sun must leave for a time but instructs Shang-Chi to approach one of the canvas covered crates and announce himself to it. He does so with the first one. A voice replies that he is glad but would like to know him as more than a name and he asks him to remove the canvas.

Pulling the canvas away he reveals a horned and hoofed  man behind the bars of a cage. He introduces himself as Pan Sing, son of silenus, half brother to Dionysus, a coward, a lecherous, bibulous an exile from the House of Faun and a mystery. Pan Sing instructs Shang-Chi to introduce himself to the second canvas. He does so and a voice behind that one asks him to remove the canvas too. Beneath it another cage, this time holding a wolf-man who calls himself Cinnabar and warns the China-man that if not for the bars of his cage he would spill his blood if attacked. Shang-Chi removes the canvas of a third cage, inside a being called George, a hawk-man with wings and claws. The fourth canvas covered mystery is a glass tank that holds a mermaid called Sheena. The fifth canvas covered cage holds Rynor, a centaur with a unicorn's horn on his head. The final covered cage holds Sybilis and Snake a giant two headed snake creature, one male one female, both arguing with the other, the final members of the circus of monsters. Just then Moon Sun returns to introduce the final member of his circus and his greatest treasure, his daughter Tiko. Moon Sun requests that Shang-Chi protects and shields his traveling menagerie from the Warlords of the Web and their leader, Darkstrider. The circus is taking an extensive tour of the west of America and they require a bodyguard. Shang-Chi agrees much to Tiko's delight. The next morning the circus is already aboard a train. Shang-Chi is puzzled that there are just nine people in the circus, Moon Sun admits that his Circus of Mystery is also one of cooperation, the star attractions are also the workers and Sybilis and Snake would appreciate it if they were counted as two making the mystic troupe ten in number. As the train departs and gathers speed the ninjas of the Warlords make their way along the trains roof. Next week Shang-Chi and the Cicus of Mystery find themselves "Trapped in Darkstrider's web of death!"

Planet of the Apes and Dracula Lives #88

Pablo Marcos created this special cover that marks the first issue of this hybrid comic. He plays to his strengths, featuring Dracula at the centre, next to Gene Colan, Marcos draws a fantastic version of the Lord of the Vampires. His version of the Macabre Man-Thing and a group of gorillas from Earth's future are spectacular too. It's a cracking cover and my Cover of the Week. I'll bring your notice to the top banner that reads "And now: The long-awaiting merger of Marvel's mightiest mags!" Was it "long awaited"? I think not, they only really mentioned it last week.

All stories start with a beginning, a middle and an end, in the world of comics their lifespan goes "Hatch, Matched and Dispatched!" So for the Planet of the Apes and Dracula Lives weeklies there comes the middle part of their run when they face the dreaded "merger!" So this relaunch gets a gentle welcoming to readers who haven't picked up the sibling comic. From the darkest reaches of Transylvania and the plausibility of a terrifying future comes the greatest action and suspense comic from the mighty world of Marvel... Planet of the Apes and Dracula Lives! They promise shock after shock every issue every week, with simian adventure, jungle action, seething swamp fever and real horror! A feast of fury, clearly consolidating the Marvel age of comics!

Planet of the Apes “The Traveling Progress show”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: Mike Ploog

Inker: Mike Ploog

Originally published in Planet of the Apes (US) #13

Cover date October 1975

(Published in August 1975)

This second part opening splash page was drawn especially for this week's issue by an unnamed artist. Jason in an impetuous and rash action has left his friends and set out on an angry quest to get his cold revenge on the gorilla Brutus for the murder of his parents. On the way he meets Lightsmith, an enlightened wayfarer of knowledge and progress and his apprentice Gilbert a mute gibbon. Lightsmith gives Jason a guided tour of his Wagon of Progress and the many artefacts of progress that the Tardis-like wagon holds. 

Such wonders included relic that burned the demons out of your clothing, that strangely looked like an iron, that came with a dangly thing that powered it when it was stuck in the vein of God called electricity. A sacred shrine that spoke the word of God, that looked like a television set. When God's emissaries, called computers, broke down man had to stand in line in banks to receive some they called bread and magic talismans or good luck charms that you could pin onto your clothing, the one Lightsmith showed Jason read "I Like Ike", a dig at the 34th President Dwight D Eisenhower. Meanwhile Jason's friends Alex and Malagueña were travelling by horse through the forest in search of him, all of a sudden they were set upon by bandits from the trees. Unaware of this Jason finishes his meal with Lightsmith and Gilbert who offers him the "civilised" practice of an after dinner cigar. The young human coughs his guts up and doesn't smoke again. After dinner the three travellers continue their journey when they come across an encampment of savage apes. Lightsmith recognises the leader, Maguanus and the tribe Assismians. The savages bring out two prisoners to sacrifice on their camp fire, Alex and Malagueña. Although Jason never wanted to see both of them again he won't stand by and watch them die a horrible death. Lightsmith comes up with a plan that will be revealed in next week's episode "Masquerade!"

Man-Thing “To Face...the Foolkiller!”

Writer: Steve Gerber

Artist: Val Mayerik

Inker: Jack Abel

Originally published in Man-Thing #4

Cover date April 1974

(Published in January 1974)

An unnamed artist drew this second part opening splash page. A family had witnessed their father killed by the Foolkiller, but thankfully they had been lead to the edge of the swamp by the Man-Thing, where it was spotted by F A Schist and his men. Schist ordered his driver to run down the Man-Thing, but all that happens is the front grill of the jeep is swallowed by the swamp beast's miry form. When no violence is levelled at Schist, the mother of the family asks Schist for a ride into town. At first he refuses but after a gesture from the Man-Thing he changes his mind and agrees to drive the family into town for help. 

However on the road they drive past the Foolkiller's truck. He recognises Schist, another name on his list. He drives at them at speed and rams the jeep off the road with his truck. Meanwhile at a diner, Richard tells Ruth how he incurred the wrath of the Foolkiller, explaining that while he was a DJ at a radio station in Ohio, he received a threatening letter from the Foolkiller demanding him to stop playing "blasphemous" music. Openly mocking the Foolkiller on the air he had became a target ever since. The Foolkiller had sent a note into the radio station threatening Richards, who read the note out on air and even went as far as dedicating a song to him, George Harrison "The art of dying!" The DJ got another note right after the Foolkiller blasted the station's mast to smithereens. Just then the unnamed man (Steve Gerber,) who given Rory and Ruth fuel, as seen in last week's issue, enters the diner. The similar cars plot that I mentioned in last week's blog pays off, causing Richard to mistake his car and the man for the Foolkiller. Richards causes a disturbance by beating up the man, calling him a murderer and telling Ruth to call the police. However outside the dinner you can see a truck line up with the window in preparation for some road rage, find out what happens in "a clear crystal ending!"

Monsters, Movies & Monkeys

...it's the Marvel Summer of fun!

The new look Planet of the Apes and Dracula Lives features a special double page spread packed with things to do in the summer of 1976. Up first is the ComiCon 76, the ninth annual British Comic Convention, which is a two-day event featuring a Dealers Mart, Film Shows, a Star Auction, and much much more! It was held at the Regent Centre Hotel, Carburton Street, London on the 21st and 22rd August. The second thing you could do if you're a Monster movie fan was why not lumber down to your local Cinema to see "Monsters From an Unknown Planet"? The new "spectacular" monster movie from Japan. It features a joint attack on Earth by Mechagodzilla, an enormous robot and Titanasorous, a dinosaur, masterminded by invaders from good ol' outer space. It would be out in the cinema in August. While you visited the cinema in 1976 you might also bump into your friendly neighbour Spider-man. Well after his successful personal appearance at the Astoria Cinema, Brighton, as showcased in SSMwtSH #165, Uncle Reg of ABC Cinemas has asked Marvel to arrange a whole string of personal Spider-man appearances at ABC Minors Matinees all over the country. No dates printed here you would have to check local at the time for details. Do you remember a while ago Marvel held a special Sea-Monkey offers well here are some Marvel/ Sea-Monkey events. There's not enough room to print all of it so check out the item for whose crazy items got printed.

Dracula “A Halloween holocaust!!”

Writer: Marv Wolfman

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Tom Palmer

Originally published in Tomb of Dracula #41

Cover date February 1976

(Published in November 1975)

This second part opening splash page was created especially for this issue by David Wenzel. On a strange night like no-other a group gathers, including Dracula and a number of his enemies who had sort to slay him. Their reason is to combine forces and challenge their common foe, the evil Doctor Sun, who has plans in motion to conquer the world. Blade cannot believe what his eyes are seeing, the great and noble Quincy Harker teaming up with the damned lord of the undead.

Aurora tells Blade that Dracula would kill her because she loves him to which Blade replies that the vampire cares nothing about her love. Blade has no interest in getting involved with their battle with Doctor Sun. He departs on bad terms as he only came to destroy the vampire who killed his mother. Aurora asks Dracula if he would ever kill her? He assures her not as long as she continues to amuse him. Rachel Van Helsing tells Dracula that during the recovery of his ashes Juno was killed. The vampire departs to face Doctor Sun, but unknown to him, Blade has decided to keep an eye on Dracula to make sure that the vampire lord does not cause Harker and the others trouble. Detecting Dracula's presence on his property, Doctor Sun sends out his mind-controlled soldiers to confront him. The Vampire Lord proves to be too powerful for the soldiers to handle. He kills them all, including one soldier who under his hypnotic power he forces to commit suicide. Blade follows Dracula covertly down into Doctor Sun's lab. The doctor attempts to blast Dracula with his powerful mental bolts, but misses. Blade reveals himself and shouts at Dracula that it's time to wipe out Doctor Sun. Find out what happens next week in "A final battle waged!"

Apes Forum

Dominic Murphy from Devon reviews all the weeklies save for Dracula Lives. In POTA he found Ka-Zar complete rubbish, Warrior of Mars was reasonable, but not up to the usual standards and Captain Marvel spoilt the mag. But when Warlock arrived he adds glamour and style. One of his questions is "How far ahead do you plan your mags?" There isn't an exact answer but around four weeks elapses between starting to prepare a mag for press and the date it actually goes to press. Then the purists among us might wish to add to that the six-week printing schedule that you may have seen Marvel mention now and then. Mike Burgess from Sussex thanks Marvel for mentioning the Secretary Simian Centre, he's had quite a good response, but further letters are more than welcome. Christopher Jenkins from Shrewsbury writes to congratulate Marvel on the latest POTA story. Mike Ploog is easily the best artist. His drawings of the Inheritors and the Drones make POTA the best Marvel mag of the moment for art. Darren Buckland from Wiltshire has taken information from the Children's Britannica it tells you what 'Banshee' is an old Irish word meaning "Woman of the Fairies." It also says when any person in those families is about to die, the Banshee is supposed to utter a mournful "keening" or screaming in the night. The expression *to howl like a Banshee comes from this belief."

Ka-Zar “Terror of the waves!”

Writer: Gerry Conway

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Bob McLeod

Originally published in Ka-Zar Vol 2 #7

Cover date January 1975

(Published in October 1974)

Ka-Zar, Lord of the Savage Jungle, goes incognito to combat a gang of pirates in this second part opening splash page that was pencilled by Jeff Aclin. The original artwork was sold by Heritage Auctions on the 25th September 2016 for the sum of $61, which is around £46. Ka-Zar had agreed to help his friend, Kem Horkus revenge his brother Bar Horkus by killing Ghakar, the man who betrayed him by leaving him to face the creature their tribe called the Behemoth. In the city of Tandarr-Kaa Ka-Zar and Kem had gotten themselves captured, but with the help of Kem's cousin, Jira, they make a stealthy escape only to be discovered and recaptured by Ghakar and his men. But before they can finish them off Kuurak Ghodar and his bodyguard enter the scene to demands answers. Find out what they are in next week's issue. 

The Titans #36

This landscape cover by Ron Wilson is nothing like Jack Kirby's original cover from the Fantastic Four issue 93, in that one Torgo is absolutely pulverising the Thing. Here it's the Thing who's doing the clobbering. It's the Human Torch who's doing the Ron Wilson "looking-backwards" pose.

The Fantastic Four “At the mercy of Torgo!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Frank Giacoia

Originally published in The Fantastic Four #93

Cover date December 1969

(Published in September 1969)

An unnamed artist uses Jack Kirby's original artwork as inspiration for this landscape opening splash page. Mister Fantastic, Crystal and the Human Torch are following the trail of the Skull slave-trader's space ship to rescue their teammate Ben Grimm. In true Stan Lee/Jack Kirby weird science style the Torch flies in the vacuum of space and his flame detects the radioactive trail of a saucer ship.

Meanwhile on the Skrull planet of Kral the Thing watches the Cat-Man defeat the Primitoid in the Arena of Death before it's his turn to face Torgo in battle. Ben tries to convince Torgo to rebel against his Skrull masters, but they put a stop to that with a demonstration of their Sonic Disrupter, that causes an asteroid orbiting their planet to fall into the sun. The gladiatorial battle continues as a large globe enters the arena, Torgo throws it at the Thing but he catches and crushes it, causing it to explode. In the confusion Torgo readies the killing blow, while the judges question if the Thing had defeated himself he punches Torgo down. The battle is stopped and declared to be void. In space, the three heroes from Earth finally catch up to the Skrull saucer being piloted by the Thing's abductor, the Slave-Master. They quickly subdue him and question him to learn the whereabouts of Ben. Soon they arrive on Kral where they disguise themselves with local clothing and commandeer a flying car. In the Arena, the fight is restarted with new weapons. Ben takes advantage over Torgo but refuses to kill him. 

Torgo breaks free and the tables are turned with Ben lying helpless at his feet. Elsewhere in the city, Reed arrives at Boss Barker's apartment there he captures a henchmen and forces him into a car where Johnny and Crystal are waiting with the captive Slave-Master. Now having a guide, they fly through the city towards the Arena. Where Torgo has won the match. The spectators are demanding that he kill the Thing. He refuses as there is no honour in murdering a worthy opponent. Angered by his defiance, the Skrulls prepares the Sonic Disrupter to destroy both combatant's worlds. Before it can a shock wave caused by Crystal destroys the device. Torgo seizes a weapon and begins freeing the other slaves. With no threat to their homeworlds the slaves revolt and attack their masters. Amongst the ensuing chaos the Fantastic Four escape in their saucer, setting course back to Earth. Ben remembering that a robot named Torgo had become a true friend. Next week "the lady is a witch!"

Ghost Rider “Domm of the serpent-man!”

Writer: Gary Friedrich

Artist: Mike Ploog

Inker:Jim Mooney

Originally published in Marvel Spotlight #8

Cover date February 1973

(Published in November 1972)

Notice the title to this week's tale. I think it should be "Doom" not "Domm" but I left it in for a laugh. This artwork by Jeff Aclin (pencils,) and Duffy Vohland (inks,) bridged the gap from last week's story to this second part. Johnny Blaze had come to Arizona to jump the Copperhead Canyon as part of his motorcycle show, when a man called Sam Silvercloud had picked him up from the airport and took him to the desert to abandon him at gunpoint to make a statement to the US government that the land should be returned to the rightful owners.

Daringly Johnny jumps onto the back of the pick-up, to recover his motor bike and rides off back into town. After speaking to the manager of the rodeo where Johnny's stunt show will take place he learns that Silvercloud is part of the rodeo. Johnny goes to find the Indian and calls him out for a fight. Silvercloud and Johnny swap blows until they are stopped by Snake Dance, who instructs Silvercloud to leave. While distracted, Silvercloud sabotages Johnny's motorcycle. As night falls Johnny Blaze changes into the Ghost Rider who rides in to the town where he is confronted by Snake Dance and his "Snake Men." Snake Dance transforms into a giant snake and chases after the Ghost Rider. To escape Ghost Rider is forced to jump over the Copperhead Canyon. However, when his motor bike reaching 100 mph the engine explodes sending Ghost Rider falling to his doom. Return next week to find out "can even a Ghost Rider Die?"

The fourth and final part of British Marvel comics Quadra-poster by Ron Wilson from Larry Lieber's layouts and inked by Dave Hunt, features Mister Fantastic, the Invisible Girl and Doctor Doom. I wonder what it looks like when you put it together?

Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD “And shall a planet perish!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Don Heck

Originally published in Strange Tales #151

Cover date December 1966

(Published in September 1966)

This second part opening splash page was drawn by an unnamed artist. Nick Fury has been captured by Hydra who plans on setting off the Overkill Horn that will detonate the world's atomic weapons while the Hydra hierarchy waits in fallout shelters, to emerge as the new rulers of the planet. 

The leaders of Hydra plan to depart in their command jet to their secret fallout shelter. But before they do the Supreme Hydra, Don Antonio Caballero orders his men to execute Fury in front of his Hydra soldiers as a symbol of the strength and might of Hydra. Fury suspects that the Supreme Hydra isn't Caballero but someone else in disguise, but he can't prove it until he breaks free. With commando grit Fury smashes his way free and manages to make his way to the Hydra command jet. Soon he's got the bird up in the air and away Scott free. On the ground Caballero smiles and orders the "casualties" to rise. It was a ruse, the Overkill Horn is on board the plane he's flying and it's heading towards SHIELD! At that moment in SHIELD communications room a SHIELD technician reports that they have located the Overkill Horn and it's airborne. Sitwell prepares to destroy the aircraft. On board the craft Fury realises that the radio isn't working. The Supreme Hydra gloats that soon the Overkill Horn will sound its deadly blast, Fury and SHIELD will die and the birth of Hydra's rule will begin. Next week it will take "the power of SHIELD!" to stop Hydra!

The Sub-Mariner “The Power of Attuma!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: John Buscema 

Inker: Frank Giacoia

Originally published in Sub-Mariner Vol 2 #4

Cover date August 1968

(Published in May 1968)

This second part landscape splash page was drawn by an unnamed artist. Namor has been exiled from Atlantis and finds himself unexpectedly surrounded by a trio of Attuma's menacing barbarian scouts.

While the barbarians break the news to Namor that Attuna has captured  the Prince's own people the Sub-Mariner drops his guard leaving himself open to a blows from one of the brutes that knocks him out. He is taken to Attuma's court, where Attuma shows Namor that his Atlanteans have already been forced into slavery. He lies telling him that Lady Dorma, Lord Vasti and Warlord Seth have all been killed. Namor breaks free from his bonds and challenges Attuma to combat. Attuma dons an electrically charged suit of armour. Attuma's men witness that and question if he is a man who fights without honour. Does he deserve to be their leader? One barbarian named Gorgul decides to free the Lady Dorma who Attuma had not killed but held captive with all the other Atlanteans. Gorgul collapses from the injuries sustained in last week's duel with Attuma, but not before he shows her which machine to destroy that is powering Attuma's armour. Feed back from the explosion causes Dorma to collapse. With the machine destroyed Namor defeats Attuma and forces the barbarians to flee. Namor leaves the Atlanteans to continue his search for the villainous Destiny, still believing that Lady Dorma had died.

Captain America “To be reborn!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Joe Sinnott

Originally published in Tales to Suspense #96

Cover date December 1967

(Published in August 1967)

Following the news that Captain America has retired people all over New York have been dressing up as the star-spangled hero in hopes of becoming his replacement, but mostly causing harm to themselves. The police are worried not only that the underworld are targeting those foolish enough to dress up like Cap but also there are plenty of crooks, traitors and creeps who want to make a team for themselves by killing Steve Rogers now that his secret identity has become public knowledge. I said last week that it was a big mistake telling the world his real identity, here's your proof.

Rogers doesn't propose to give them that chance. Still the harassed police sergeant warns him it's going to be open season on anyone who looks like him. Later criminals hunt down a man who has hired a Captain America costume. They chase him across the rooftops and cause him to fall from a ledge. The real Steve Rogers hears the commotion and investigates. As the false Cap slips Steve Rogers leaps to his rescue. A sniper hired by a crime boss takes the opportunity to shoot Steve while he's an easy target. Another Steve Rogers appears at another window and confuses the hitman. He takes a shoot at the one in the window then return to shot the Steve Rogers who saves the falling fake Cap. Suddenly DumDum Dugan and Nick Fury break into the room. Across on the roof the criminal gang have caught up with Steve and the fake Cap. Roger's disarms them as Fury arrives. The man in the fake Captain America costume was a SHIELD agent who was part of an intricate plan to not only convince Steve Rogers to become Captain America once again, but also to stop the hitman from killing Rogers. After the whole episode, Steve agrees to resume his identity of Captain America. Next week "the Black Panther!'

But what about the Quadra-poster featuring Spider-man vs the Green Goblin, the Sub-Mariner against the Human Torch, the Thing battling the Hulk and Mister Fantastic rescuing the Invisible Girl from Doctor Doom as drawn by Ron Wilson and Dave Hunt? What did it look like when all four parts are fitted together? Well it looks something like this.

Sorry about the differences in colour these comics are 50 years old you know! Some fade over time, don't we all. If someone wants to tinker with the colours, remove the centre-folds and straighten the lines be my guest, I would love to see it restored, but I lack the time, the patience or the skills to do it justice. Speaking of time, it's time to go and start planning next week's Power of the Beesting blog, so till then...

See you in seven.

Make Mine Marvel.23