The Power of Magneto and the SHIELD!

 Week Ending 30th June 1976

Well because you demanded it another Power of the Beesting blog that looks at the five fantastic weeklies from 50 years ago. Let's be honest no-one demanded it, like they didn't demand the merging of the Savage Sword of Conan with the Avengers weekly, or the Super-Heroes with Spider-man Comics Weekly, or Dracula Lives with the Planet of the Apes, but they happened anyway for good or bad. So one more week for good or bad here's another week's worth of stuff and nonsense, even if you didn't demand it.

The Mighty World of Marvel #196

There is some confusion to whom drew this British Marvel commissioned cover, The Grand Comics Database considers that either Mike Nasser or Ron Wilson pencilled this cover, although Nasser told Jason Schachter of the GCD that he is fairly certain he pencilled the Wendigo figure. Again the GCD isn't certain who the inker was, but Frank Giacoia seems to be the most likely choice. 

The Incredible Hulk “And the wind howls...Wendigo!”

Writer: Len Wein

Artist: Herb Trimpe

Inker: Jack Abel

Originally published in The Incredible Hulk #180

Cover date October 1974

(Published in July 1974)

The Hulk lands with a bang in upstate New York, crashing through a farmer's fence. Unlike most that the Hulk encounters, the farmer doesn't flee, but instead berates the brute for the damage he has caused. At first, old greenskin seems truly apologetic, before realising that he's the Hulk and shouldn't apologise to any "puny human" and bounds away. Before long, he is detected by a Canadian Air Force base as he crosses the Canadian border. This particular facility was built for the express purpose of monitoring any threats like the Hulk, after his last appearance north of the border in MWOM #158 to #161. As he progress further into Canada the commander orders Weapon X to be mobilised.

The Hulk finds peace in the forest, that is until a pack of ravenous wolves pile on top of him and quickly disturbs his solitude. Falling into a ravine the Hulk flexes his muscles, causing the wolves to scatter. Meanwhile, back at Hulkbuster Base, General Ross meets with Colonel Armbruster and Major Talbot to discuss a pending visit of the President of the United States. Armbruster is concerned that Glenn, may not be ready just yet to greet the President after only recently escaping from a Russian prison. Glenn lets them know that he's determined to meet the President no matter what. As Betty calms Glenn down Armbruster is concerned that Talbot isn't fit enough to meet anyone, never mind the President of America. In Quebec, the Hulk wandering through the woods when suddenly he hears a mysterious feminine voice. The buzzing in his brain is driving him to fits of anger. Inside the small cave that is where the voice is calling from Marie Cartier and Georges Baptiste discuss how Marie had acquired knowledge of the dark arts to find a way to free her brother, Paul, of the curse that transformed him into the monstrous Wendigo. She plans to use an occult ritual to transfer the Wendigo's form from her brother to a surrogate host, namely the Hulk. Georges is angered that she is willing to condemn another's life just to cure her brother. Just then the Hulk enters the cave. Hulk-tinued next week.

The Mighty Marvel Mailbag

At school Patrick Watson from Kent was the only one in his class who collected Marvel Comics, but after spreading the faith there are now five boys who collect Marvel Comics weekly. Michael Nicholson from Bowness-on-Windermere also has encouraged his fellow classmates to read Marvel comics. At the time he was working on the second volume of a synopsis on all aspects of Marvel for his English class at school. As usual, the teacher has a low view of your comics, but he hopes to change that when they read his work. Nicholas Shringler from Wolverhampton prefers British Marvels to the American ones, because the UK are presenting the cream of the US stories, which makes it easier to form a complete collection. With an introduction to Marvel came from the American comics, cherry-picking comics to buy because he like the look of the covers, which caused problems getting long-story lines when he missed out an issue so lose interest. Wing S Lan QNS, RFO from West Yorkshire questions the dumbing down of the many competitions Marvel have run, even expressing doubts about British readers capabilities to enter a writers' contest. Wing takes it as an insult. True, the reading age of British Marvels is lower on average than in the States, but there are plenty of Marvelites who can write good stories, including the younger ones. They ask to just give them a chance. You don't have to give the winner a prize, just an FFF for filling a page.

Daredevil “The origin of Nighthawk!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Syd Shores

Originally published in Daredevil #62

Cover date March 1970

(Published in January 1970)

This second part opening splash page was created by an unnamed artist to create a montage of events that reveals NightHawk's back story. Having first appeared as a villain against the Avengers, under the manipulation of the Grandmaster, as seen in Avengers weekly #105. Here Roy Thomas freshens out his origin, in the Avengers story Nighthawk had been part of the Squadron Sinister, a team based, very obviously, on DC's Justice League of America, with variants of Superman, the Green Lantern, the Flash and Batman with Nighthawk taking that part and of course Hyperion, Doctor Spectrum and the Whizzer being the other three. Thomas makes a slight twist with the Bruce Wayne identity as Kyle Richmond is portrayed as a bored multimillionaire who one fateful moonlit night stumbles across an old alchemy book in his library from which he creates a formula that increases his prowess and physical abilities whenever the moon shone. He then set about to maximise his abilities through a rigorous programme of exercise. He admits he later learned that the Grandmaster had caused him to uncover the alchemy tome.

It could be levelled that Kyle Richmond had been manipulated by the Grandmaster which influenced his villainous tendencies, but the Elder of the Universe has long since gone and here Richmond still craved acclaim and applause that comes with political and finical power. May be he had always been a bit of a narcissist. Later his character would take a u-turn and become more like Bruce Wayne, especially when he joins the Defenders. Nighthawk carries out a series of episodes to upstage and discredit Daredevil. Karen pressurises Matt into giving up his Daredevil identity now that there is a new "hero" to take his place. However Daredevil realises that there is something fishy going on and tricks Nighthawk into boasting how he's been staging the crimes to discredit Daredevil, as well as also reaping benefits from the crimes at the same time. The recorded message is played to the people on the street. This leads to a confrontation between DD and Nighthawk which takes them to the New York subway, where Nighthawk manages to escape by jumping between an oncoming subway train. As he leaves he vows to one day get revenge on Daredevil. A threat that never bears fruit. 

The X-Men “The power of Magneto!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: George Tuska

Inker: John Taraglione

Originally published in The X-Men #43

Cover date April 1968

(Published in February 1968)

This second part opening splash page was created by an unnamed artist. Great story title by the way. The X-Men have booked passage on a ship carrying new scientific equipment as cargo in the hope that it would act as bait to lure Magneto out of hiding. It's a very basic plot that assumes many illogical reasonings, like why the X-Men chose that ship out of the hundreds they could have chosen and why Magneto did the same. Anyway it works and the X-Men leap into action.

Magneto didn't want his showdown with the X-Men to happen so soon, but seeing his hated foes approach his base, Magneto has no choice but to order his Brotherhood of Evil Mutants in to action. With the combination of Magneto's Brotherhood and the many traps set up around his base the X-Men's original confidence is knocked out of them. Their final defeat comes as Magneto pulls a lever that electrifies the floor, knocking the X-Men unconscious. With his hated foes defeated, Magneto vows to destroy the X-Men once and for all. What happens next will have to wait till next week in "Red Raven, Red Raven!"

This full page in-house advert for the Avengers weekly and the newly merged comic snappily titled Planet of the Apes and Dracula Lives, asks "Is this the end of the Avengers?" Well it isn't but it could be in three weeks, so I would advise if you haven't already you really should, because it really is stunning. As for the Count Dracula fans they should pick up these weeklies before the Lord of the Vampires takes a short break.  

The X-Men Bonus Feature “Call him...Cyclops”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Werner Roth

Inker: John Verpoorten

Originally published in The X-Men #43

Cover date April 1968

(Published in February 1968)

Taken as the back up to the previous X-Men strip in their US monthly this bonus feature takes a closer look at the leader of the uncanny X-Men's mutant powers and how they work. Like how the teenager absorbs the energy from the sun and stores it like a human solar battery, in a process that's not unlike photosynthesis. Cyclops' powerful optic blast can only be controlled with the use of his ruby quartz glasses which prevents them from firing. 

It goes on to explain the application of Cyclops' visor, also made from ruby quartz, is controlled by a button on the side of the visor or from a hidden glove trigger that Cyclops can use when his hands are bound. A handy "get-out-of-jail" plot device that explains how Scott is firing his optic blasts when he's captured and his hands are restrained, something that readers had noted in the past. It explains the force that his blast doesn't give off heat and the strike can force objects away much like Iron Man's "Repulsor Rays". Extended use can leave Cyclops drained, but he can recharge with exposure to the sun, although his eye beams may discharge more rapidly than they can be replenished. The piece explains how Scott Summers is also a trained fighter. Most of the time we see demonstrations of the optic blast as a powerful force, but in some cases where absolute precision is required Cyclops can adjust his visor to create a microscopic width if needed. Or he could just squint I suppose. The narrative ends by posing the question is Cyclops' power is strong enough to face the Hulk? Scott hopes he never finds out, while most readers would love to read that story. In two week's time the origin of the Iceman will be told.

This is a cracking Marvel Masterwork Pin-up by Mike Zack of Shang-Chi. Not sure why it was printed here, it would have been better suited for this week's Avengers weekly, where a Daredevil pin-up was printed on the inside back page. Swapping the two would have made more sense. The artwork originally appears on the inside front cover of Deadly Hands of Kung Fu Magazine #24, cover dated May 1976, published by Marvel/Curtis Magazine in April 1976. The detail is brilliant, as Fu Manchu watches his Si-Fan assassins battle his own son. Mike Zeck's work is underrated and sometime not of the quality as shown here, but in strip form always readable.

Frosties Present your roaring reporter Tony in "Witch Doctor!" Tony the Tiger goes to the heart of the jungle to film a report on a primitive tribe, who invite him for breakfast. He wonders what's on the menu and gets a surprise when he finds out that he is. The tribe are cannibals and plan to boil him alive and serve him up. Tony points out that he is a tiger and not human but all the chief wants to do is add some seasoning, until Tony introduces them to the great taste of a real breakfast, Kelloggs Frosties! Soon Tony's got them eating out of his handed even speaking English when the chief tells him they're "Gr-reat!" That's right chaps, Frosties make a real tiger-rr out of you! This paid for advert also appears on the back covers of Super Spider-man with the Super-Heroes, Planet of the Apes and Dracula Lives and also on the back of The Titans. 

Super Spider-man with the Super-Heroes #177

This landscape cover is a slightly modified cover by John Romita Sr. that originally appeared on the front of the Amazing Spider-man issue 128, with some orientation of the artwork to fit the new format, the background has been expanded and re-coloured with the odd brick added. 

Spider-man “The Vulture hands high!”

Writer: Gerry Conway

Artist: Ross Andru

Inker: Frank Giacoia and Dave Hunt

Originally published in the Amazing Spider-man #128

Cover date January 1974

(Published in October 1973)

First thing first, take a closer look at this week's copyright text at the bottom of the page. Spider-man, Dr. Strange, Iron Man, the Thing, Thor and the Moon Knight are listed as trade names and trademarks. Does that mean that the Moon Knight is coming? Keep reading the blog to find out. One of the original inkers on the story, Dave Hunt, handled this re-creation of this landscape splash page which is based on the Ross Andru original splash page. Hunt copies closely Spider-man and the Vulture but recreates a completely new background scene. You can see Dave's signature on the right of the page next to the skyscraper, you can also see the original artwork on the Heritage Auctions website where it was sold for $1,493.75 on the 23rd February 2017. That would be something like £1,131.54 in British money. 

The Vulture drops Spider-man from a lethal height which takes all of his skill and all of his web-fluid in order to make a giant spider-web net for him to bounce off and save himself from the fall with no web fluid to spare. Changing back to Peter Parker, he decides to check out the Empire State University bio-lab where the Vulture had previously attacked him. There he finds Professor Clifton Shallot, who was an expert in studying organic mutation until his funding was cut. Later checking ESU's records Peter learns that the girl murdered last week was a student named Gloria Jenkins, who had shared a flat with Christine Murrow, the lab assistant the Vulture was after. Without glasses the murder victim was a dead ringer for Christine. Peter realises her death was due to mistaken identity. Later after a heated discussion with Jameson Peter checks the files at the Daily Bugle where he learns that Adrian Toomes, the Vulture is still in prison custody. As Spider-man our hero checks out one of his informers, who gives him information that leads him, this time as Parker, to a shipping yard, where the Vulture attacks him again, dumping him into the harbour.

Peter survives but realises that Mary Jane may still be at risk. As Peter he calls her a cab to take her to the police station to make a report. Peter wants to go with her to make sure she follows it through. The cab is attacked by the Vulture, who causes it to crash. The villain takes Mary Jane away, as a revived Peter changes into his web-slinging costume to go after them. Once again they fight and this time the Vulture flees. Deducing the true identity of this version of the Vulture he goes after the villain's next target while the cab driver takes Mary Jane to the police. Later at the ESU bio lab Spider-man confronts Christine Murrow. The Vulture arrives and attacks Spider-man but the hero defeats him with the help of a mutation reversing serum he created with Curt Connors. The Vulture reverts to his true form, Professor Clifton Shallot. Spidey reveals to Christine that he deduced Shallot as being the villain after the Vulture said a similar phrase that Shallot said earlier that day. When the funding for Shallot's research was cut, he took the Vulture's costume he acquired and his mutation device to make himself appear like the Vulture. Spidey asks Christine what was her excuse for letting Shallot kill? Christine pretends to be innocent, but she must have known about the whole plot and not reporting Shallot to the authorities out of fear, had caused the murder of her friend which could have been avoided if she had reported it to the police, to begin with. I'll admit sometimes Gerry Conway's plots are a bit convoluted but the coming adventures are classics, starting with the excellent "introducing...the Jackal!" classic. 

The Mighty Thor “In the grip of Infinity!”

 Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Sam Grainger

Originally published in The Mighty Thor #185

Cover date February 1971

(Published in December 1970)

Come join the mighty Thor as he prepares to embark upon one of his strangest journey's of all. As Odin in peril in the World Beyond, the Prince of Asgard must abandon his post guarding Asgard to venture the World Beyond and rescue his father. As he does so he reflects on the events that led him to this point. How his father's words still echo in his ears, of a giant cosmic hand which had torn away at the fabric of the Universe. He remembered the unmoving Silent One. How the Odin-Sword had threatened to unsheathed itself before his father had left to probe the World Beyond, only to return in the form of a vision to warn his son about "Infinity!"

Arriving in this mystical realm, Thor is confronted by its guardian, a strange four-armed creature with strength and magical abilities that rivalled his own. Its name is the Guardian. The Thunder God battles on bravely only to finds himself overpowered by the creature. However before he surrenders to defeat, Thor demands to know who Infinity is. The calling of his name awakens the very skies, a booming voice cries out "Who mouthed my name?" The Guardian begs for mercy, but none is given.The Guardian has failed and he must now pay the price as his body goes stiff and lifeless, slumping forward into the shallow waters dead! Infinity, appears as a massive black void in the shape of a hand. It shows off its incalculable power by consuming another world from Thor's universe before disappearing again. The gathers himself and ventures further until he spots the Silent One standing on a misty cliff. The young god leaps toward him demanding answers. Like before none is given and Thor can't cause the Silent One any harm. The Thunder God helplessly watches yet another world consumed by Infinity. That world's population is consumed and brought into the World Beyond, into the Thrall of Infinity. The cosmic events continue next week. 

The Web and the Hammer

Jeff Lamber writes that Gerry Conway has taken over the scripting on Spider-man. which is some legacy to live up to when the gent preceding him was Spidey's creator, Stan Lee. It's interesting that Stan will let other writers handle Spidey but not the Silver Surfer. Michael Preece from the West Midlands interest in Spider-man Comics Weekly started 152 issues ago, when he saw his little cousin at the doorway with a mag and smirk on his face. Michael knew he was on to something that he didn't know about. Snatching the mag and flicking through it he caught the Marvel bug. From then on he bought it every week. It's great, it's fabulous, brilliant, action-packed and exciting. Graham Parkinson from Sheffield thinks that the new-style Super Spider-man isn't as good as he expected. He can't say why, but he would rather have the old Spider-man Comics Weekly back. Isn't it a mistake that with the old SMCW it used to take two or three British editions to cover one American edition. Now it's four or five stories every month in the British edition for one American edition, so you are going to catch up even faster. He's not complaining of having a whole story in Spider-man, far from it. It's just that he would like to know what will happen when the stories catch up. The editor points out that ever since Marvel came to Britain, it's been one of their burning ambitions to establish "British-produced" Marvel stories. So that's one of the exciting possibilities for the future.

Paty Cockrum and Mike Esposito created this horror themed Marvel Masterwork centre-spread. They signed their signatures "Paty + Espo" just under Satana's knee. A roll call for all of Marvel's horror heroes and villains are Morbius, Ghost Rider, Dracula, Satana, Mephisto, Son of Satan, Werewolf by Night and Tigra, plus there's a couple of ghostly faces in the mists as well as a hooded skull who could well be Death itself and at the top right, a lady with a bat crown on her forehead. A PotBNoP for anyone who can name her.

It was the 70's and cop shows on the television were massive. None were quite as big as Kojak with the tough guy Lieutenant Theophilus Kojak, played by the charismatic Telly Savalas. There series ran for five seasons making 118 episodes, the first being the 1973 made-for-TV movie, "The Marcus-Nelson Murders." The film served as a pilot for the Kojak television series which ran from October 1973 to March 1978. Corgi was keen to cash in on its popularity with this version of Kojak's Buick, even though in the US and the UK the show would only be transmitted well past most kids bedtime. The toy featured doors that opened, a detachable roof beacon clamped on top, the figures of Crocker and Kojak, plus for every would-be cop a New York Police Badge. I pretty sure I had this toy, but I'm not clear if mine came with the police badge. One thing for sure though is I can definitely say that I loved it baby!  

The Thing and Power Man..together! “The mountain menace”

Writer: Roger Slifer, Lein Wein and Marv Wolfman

Artist: Ron Wilson

Inker: Vince Colletto

Originally published in Marvel Two-in-One #13

Cover date January 1976

(Published in October 1975)

I can't say who drew this second part opening splash page, but the artist copied the scene from the cover of Marvel Two In One issue 13, originally drawn by Ron Wilson, with the figures of the Thing and Luke Cage flipped to the Braggadoom's other hands. I wonder why the original cover art wasn't re-used to save time and money? After a lab accident a strange life-form was created that after absorbing a number of humans and growing in size, it went on a rampage in New York's Central Park. Last week its accident prone creator enlisted Ben Grimm and later Luke Cage's help to deal with the growing problem.

The two heroes fight the monster across the city, as the battle prolongs the monster continues to grow and grow in size and strength, with Ben and Luke becoming nothing more than dolls to Braggadoom the creature flings them to one side. In a macho exchange of punches the two heroes decide to fight again but this time the creature has got his creator in his giant hand. With the monster expends all its energy during the fight it shirks to its original size. After the fight, Ben and Luke part company, and Krank takes the miniaturised Braggadoom home to raise him as if it were his own son. Next week the ever loving' Thing meets up with the Son of Satan!

Iron Man “And the dreams cry...Death!”

Writer: Archie Goodwin

Artist: Johnny Craig

Inker: Johnny Craig

Originally published in Iron Man #14

Cover date June 1969

(Published in March 1969)

This second part opening splash page was created by an unnamed artist that uses the events from last week's episode. While searching for the unknown origins of an explosion which destroyed Tony Stark's Caribbean armaments factory, Iron Man investigates the being known as the Night Phantom, unknown to him Janice Cord has been captured by the Phantom.

Janice dislodges the latex mask from her writer friend Travis Hoyt to reveal that he has always been the Night Phantom. The fiend tells Janice about how he came to be. After a plane crash in which he was paralysed Travis Hoyt relocated to Haiti. He grew to despise technology and industry and while investigating Stark's plant, Hoyt found a radioactive pool. He learned that through exposure to the pool's waters, he was able to walk and became much stronger. However at the same time, it destroyed his skin, forcing him to cover his face and body up with a mask and bandages. He starts his sabotage campaign to prevent recent construction from causing the underground pool to drain away. Arriving at the pool, where he previously imprisoned Christophe, and tries to immerse Janice in the corrosive waters. However, Iron Man, who tracked signs of Night Phantom's struggle with Christophe, bursts in and attacks. Hoping to gain more power, Night Phantom dives into the pool, but the vibrations of the heavy amplified drumbeats have already weakened ground beneath him, causing him to be pulled underground with the last of the waters. Stark's ponders how quick his workers rebuild the plant and how his own personal life cannot be as easily repaired. 

Doctor Strange “A mind gone mad!”

Writer: Steve Englehart

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Tom Palmer

Originally published in Doctor Strange Vol 2 #11

Cover date December 1975

(Published in September 1975)

This second part opening splash page was created by an unnamed artist, but to be fair the artwork looks just like Gene Colan's original work. Doctor Strange in a world conjured up by Eternity is given an invitation to the "Dance of the Red Death". There he finds it populated by Stephen Strange doppelgängers whose leader is a power-mad tyrant in a Richard Nixon mask. "Nixon" has Strange attacked by his doppelgängers. When he is incapacitated they lock him up in a dungeon with his drunkard persona. There, he finds his doppelgänger's escape tunnel. 

The real Doctor tries to finish digging the tunnel out, but is forced to incapacitate the drunk when he attacks him. In an interlude the astral form of Baron Mordo flits to-and-fro like a moth about the dark monoliths that make up the streets of Manhattan. He seems to be lost in a form of madness. In another interlude Clea meditates to mentally reach Stephen. The Sorcerer Supreme gets himself free and re-enters the party as if he's one of the doppelgängers. Strange tries to confront "Nixon" when Red Death arrives and starts killing the other doppelgängers, knocking out "Nixon" and melting his mask away to reveal another Doctor Strange doppelgänger beneath it. Using the Eye of Agamotto Strange melts off Red Death's face to reveal a "mask of comedy" underneath. The "Nixon/Strange" loses all his power when the light of truth was shone on him. After Eternity appears and brings Doctor Strange to the lair of the Ancient One. Meanwhile in the real world, Baron Mordo's astral form reaches its destination, void of either hope of fear he enters the lair of the age Ghengis, who begins to laugh. Next week the start of the grand finale, "the end of the world!"

Avengers Weekly #146

This Neal Adams pencilled, Tom Palmer inked cover is a classic that originally appeared on the front of the Avengers (US edition,) issue 92. It does spoil the ending that won't appear till the end of next week's issue, but still. Although the Kree/Skrull War is said to have started six week's ago in Avengers weekly #140 this cover really sums up this saga. It might be controversial when you look at the next cover, but this one is my Cover of the Week. You've just got to have a Neal Adams Cover as the CotW winner!

This beautifully crafted page was created by Alfredo Alcala and it originally appeared on the inside cover of the Savage Sword of Conan issue 3, published by Marvel/Curtis magazine on October 1974, with a cover date of December 1974. 

 

Conan the Barbarian “The last ballad of Laza-Lanti”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Crusty Bunkers

Originally published in Conan the Barbarian #45

Cover date December 1974

(Published in September 1974)

The verse that was sung by Laza-Lanti was taken from The Singer in the Mist a poem by Robert E Howard and appeared in Weird Tales. It was used with the permission of Glenn Lord who was Robert E Howard's literary agent. Conan finally arrived at the Zamoran capital Shadizar. His last time in Shadizar was in SSOC #6, when he came seeking his fortune, but ended up rescuing Jenna from a giant bat creature named Night-God. This time we find Conan relaxing in a tavern, trying to drown is sorrows and wash the taste of Red Sonja out of his mind.

A song comes to him above the din of the tavern, he listens to the haunting lyrics from the minstrel Laza-Lanti, whose blonde hair with a black streak sets him out as being different. Conan tells one loud mouthed drunken to be quiet so he can listen to the song. Elsewhere in the tavern another loud mouthed brute shows off to a girl by throwing money at the minstrel, then he tries to wash out the black streak from Laza-Lanti's mop. Conan doesn't like that kind of bullying and inevitably a brawl breaks out. Conan even in a drunk state can take down a bar full of drunks, but it only takes one well placed dagger wielding thug to spoil things, luckily for Conan Laza-Lanti places his dagger in the cut-throat's back saving the Cimmerian. The disturbance alerts the guards and lands Conan and Laza-Lanti in jail. The minstrel sings a tale of the nearby Dark Valley, where he was born. He had fled the valley when he was a child, on the run from a monster which has since stalked him. Laza-Lanti has vowed to return to the place of his birth to free it from the monster's power. Using a hidden dagger and some cunning the minstrel convinces the jailer that it is in his best interest to set them free and allows them to tie him up. Conan decides to accompany Laza-Lanti as he confronts the strange horrors of Dark Valley.

Bullpen Bulletin

A Heaping Helping of High Class Hoopla and Happy Hyperbole!

The first Item tells readers that Summer is here, and that means softball season (how very American,) is in swingin' session, with virtually every member of the Bullpen takin' a turn with the bat. Herb Trimpe says we're gonna blitz the opposition anyway. He said the same thing last year, but had to flee to England for the winter to live down his premature predictions! The second Item brand important news to readers of Avengers weekly and the MWOM, after Dracula Lives merging with Planet of the Apes into one weekly magazine that features the most fantastic and far-out features of both between the covers of a single title. Beginning the 21st July the Avengers weekly will merge with the MWOM. The purpose of the amalgamation is to free the schedules for possibly the most exciting project British Marvel ever had the pleasure of announcing here in these pages. Two things about this notification, the first is Dracula Lives and Planet of the Apes was only revealed the week before they merged, while this merger gets three week's notice. The second is a new project gets an early promotion. If you don't already know (and even if you don't,) stick with the Power of the Beesting to find out. For the third Item check out the Bullpen Bulletin page in The Titans later in this blog.

The Avengers “All things must end!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Sal Buscema

Inker: George Roussos

Originally published in The Avengers #92

Cover date September 1971

(Published in July 1971)

The Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver and the Vision enjoy some downtime after the Assemblers saved the planet from an oblique attack by the Kree, lead by Ronan the Accuser. Wanda asks if someone wants to accompany her with a stroll thru the park. This was obviously a hint that she wanted the Vision to join her, but the android didn't take the hint. Jarvis suddenly bursts in to break the tension with a newspaper reporting on their recent adventure in the Arctic. The technicians they saved have told their story to the Daily Bugle, provoking mass hysteria about alien invaders.

The technicians had been asked to remain quiet about being turned into neanderthals by the Kree de-evolution ray. Goliath arrives to see what the commotion was all about. Quicksilver alerts his teammates to a television bulletin where a reporter interviews H Warren Craddock, who has been appointed head of the US’s newly formed Alien Activities Commission. Craddock vows to seek out and destroy every alien on the planet, stating that he has reports of 153 individuals suspected of being alien spies and that he will check every source, including Avengers Mansion. The Vision has heard enough, but Pietro points out that perhaps the American people haven't as they are eager to fight a war with a foe they are told is their true enemy. Just then Rick Jones and Captain Marvel enter the room after hearing the discussion, Mar-Vell offers to give himself up. Goliath weighs up that maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea, but the Vision replies that at first a man of the Kree could be contained for no reason, then the detainment of androids will follow, next mutants, then giants, until ultimately a left-handed man would fight a right-handed man to death for the remains of a bombed out planet. 

Before the debate concludes the Avengers are  alerted of the arrival of Carol Danvers in a helicopter that suddenly crashes towards the roof. Captain Marvel and the Vision save her and bring her inside. We last saw her in the Avengers weekly #142, when she interviewed the Avengers, as head of security when the Sentry had attacked the Cape Canaveral base and kidnapped Captain Marvel. This time Carol on a leave of absence from her head of security job, offers Mar-Vell a hiding place on a friend's farm while the witch-hunt cools down. With  SHIELD jets flying over head on orders "from the top." Mar-Vell accepts the offer so with Carol in a Quinjet that takes off and out-runs the SHIELD interceptors. The very reliable Sal Buscema made a massive mistake here drawing Nick Fury without his eyepatch. Of course the inker could have fixed it later but George Roussos left it. Maybe he thought it was intended as a clue that wasn't, a case of look at the red herring and miss what's really going on. Anyway the hysteria and hate fuelled paranoia continues next week.  

Avengers Mailbag

A double page of letters this week with the covers artwork from the Avengers (US edition,) #82 by John Buscema and Tom Palmer as the centre piece. The first page starts with a letter from Martin Tudor RFO, KOF, QNS from Birmingham who takes a look at the portrait format weeklies, starting with the Avengers and Conan which is as good as ever, even with the change of artist. Rick Buckler must be Marvel's most unpredictable artist. You never know whether to expect good work or rubbish. The Brain-Child saga was enjoyable and it was pleasant to see 'the other' Buscema in Avengers for a change. Shang-Chi's is much appreciated, Moench is an old-fashioned 'story-teller', he can adapt to any type of character and turn out a masterpiece. He doesn't like the way the Phantom Eagle has been printed. If he's going to appear print half or all of a story not in bi-weekly instalments. Simon Lloyd RFO, KOF, TTB, voices his opinion on the Avengers weekly, which he thinks has declined in recent weeks. It was great around issues 70-90. He places the blame with the introduction of Conan to the mag. Tony Hutchins from Newcastle-upon-Tyne has news of Marvel action figures that are on sale in the UK. It had been ten years since Mark Ashby from Kent first clasped the Fantastic Four #44 in his sweaty hands. Since then he's bought and collected many Marvel mags including the British weeklies. He gives his review of the shop "Dark they were and Golden-eyed", when he opened the shop door with trembling hands the smell of musty comics hit his nostrils. It was like a dream come true, for the shop was full of Marvel comics from the early sixties up to the present day. There in the shop was The Fantastic Four issue 1 at thirty-five pounds. He couldn't afford that, but he did pick up issue 52 and 53 for one pound each. Alan Davison from Newcastle-upon-Tyne writes that Marvel Comics play an increasingly vital part in his life. First he was just overwhelmed by the art and later by the characters who are complex and certainly not kid's stuff. Alan gives his points about each Marvel artists, which inker and characters suits them well.

Master of Kung Fu “Web of dark death!”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: Keith Pollard

Inker: Sal Trapani

Originally published in Master of Kung Fu #37

Cover date February 1976

(Published in November 1975)

Shang-Chi has joined Moon Sun’s circus as protector to the troupes many myth-based members. But no sooner does the train journey begin than they are attacked by Dark-Strider's ninja army, the Warlords of the Web. Taking the fight to the roof of the train Shang-Chi defeats them, when they flee, jumping off the engine into the path of the train. To his surprise he finds that there’s no evidence of the train being jarred by obstacles, no blood on the tracks, no bodies left behind and no screams. He quickly rejoins the others with questions, but as ever with this circus these aren't forthcoming. Moon Sun explains if you truly wish to learn the secret of the mystery you must approach the mystery itself.

The old man asks Pan Sing to explain. Agreeing that Shang-Chi has earned the knowledge he explains that the circus had been invited to play for a powerful man in Taiwan. The man was a Mandarin who after their performance requested that they remained with him forever. Once they chose their freedom on the road he vowed to hunt them down. Pan Sing called Dark-Strider a tiger in human form. Rynoir calls Pan Sing's story a lie, the Mandarin never invited the circus to stay, he was displeased with their performance and ordered them to leave, but the circus carried on which angered the man, who vowed to hunt them down. He was like a mantis in human form. Angel-Hawk has a different story, they had performed for a poor farmer and his wife, but the shock of seeing Cinnabar had terrified his wife so much she had died. The farmer had vowed revenge no matter how long it would take, he trained to become the Dark-Strider. Angel-Hawk described him as a crane in human form.  Sybilis called their tormentor a serpent in human guise, which Snake agreed with. The group had performed for the Taiwan government, who became very drunk as they watched. The leader of the government was afraid that they might have blurted out some government secrets and so sent their agent, the Dark-Strider to silence them. Cinnabar calls out Sybilis and Snake as liars. In the streets of Taiwan he had seen a man beating a woman. When the circus stepped in to save her the man had cried after them that he would hire the Dark-Strider and the Warlords of the Web to hunt them down and that the Dark-Strider is a dragon in human form. Shang-Chi then asks Seena, who had remained silent for her version of the narrative. A woman whose heart was broken with bitter sympathy after seeing the circus had vowed to mend natures cruel mistake by having her lover, the Dark-Strider, slay them and so end their misery and thus they would be reincarnated in the beauty she wished to share. Sybilis tells Shang-Chi that Seena lies, she would tell him that the Dark-Strider is a spider in human form. When Shang-Chi asks Tiko for her explanation she says it is not her place to say, it is no-one's place to explain the beauty of a mystery. But before she can continue Moon Sun interrupts, telling them it is best they get some rest on the long journey. Shang-Chi doesn't protest. The next day they arrive at a deserted plain. Shang-Chi wonders who will come there to see them but Moon Sun tells him not to worry. All the entourage erect the tent in readiness for the Circus of Moon Sun, that opens in next week's issue.

I really do think that this page should have appeared in this week's Mighty World of Marvel, the top banner couldn't be any more clear as it reads "The Mighty world of Marvel Pin-up Page!' Todd Gesicht from the Art of Marshall Rogers Facebook group believes it was drawn by Marshall Rogers. Lloyd Smith also of that group posted a page  of FOOM magazine issue 12 which featured that artwork and at the bottom of the article Marshall Rogers is named as the artist. It is more likely that Todd Gesicht meant to say that the issue was #13 as it featured an article on Daredevil in that mag. Although I don't have a copy of either issues and can't confirm it either way. Any way it's a cracking pin-up of Daredevil vs death's-Head.

While this week the other four weeklies featured Tony the Tiger's advert/adventure in the "Witch Doctor" the back page of the Avengers weekly has a different strip advert. Frosties Present your roaring reporter Tony in "Flight to Venus!" Tony the Tiger takes a trip as the first tiger to land on the planet Venus. As his space capsule touches down Tony eats a bowl of Kelloggs Frosties before disembarking. When he takes an exploration of the planet surface he looks for any signs of life, no matter how small they might been. Using a magnifying glass he peers into a crater looking for miniature creatures when a large shadow appears over him. Just then a giant tiger pawl picks him up. The punch line is Tony holding a box of Frosties and says "Well these Frosties sure make a real Tiger-rr of you!!!"  

By the way Kelloggs I'm still waiting for my free cereal for all this product placing and promoting. Frosties really are Great!

Planet of the Apes and Dracula Lives #89

This beautifully painted cover is a classic Bob Larkin Planet of the Apes cover that originally appeared in the Marvel/Curtis Magazine Planet of the Apes issue 13. I wonder was it intended to appear on the front of the British weekly version issue 87 because text at the bottom left reads "Also starring Ka-Zar and Captain Marvel!" the latter only last appeared in issue 87. It might be the heat in Britain this week, but I'm going to name two Covers of the Week, with this the second. 

Planet of the Apes “Masquerade!”

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 is the opening splash page that features the story title but not any creator credits. Alex and Malagueña have been captured by a wild group of gorillas who are called the Assimians and are being burnt at the stake. Jason and his new friend Lightsmith witness their plight and set about forming a plan to rescue them. With disguises gathered from the Wonder Wagon Lightsmith, dressed in a Klu Klux Klan outfit proclaims to the apes that he is the "Wizard of Firewind" and he has come to match his powers with their leader, Maguanus.

The Assimians are mesmerised by this and take in the masquerade. Jason with a bear rug covering his body presents them with a powder and lays it on the ground. Unknown to the apes it is magnesium and Lightsmith lights a dollar bill with a lighter. With that he tells mesmerised watchers that if the power-flash is green it will prove that Maguanus is powerful, but if it's purple they must obey the wonderful Wizard of Firewind! The Magnesium burns purple and exploded into the sky causing the gorillas to panic. Maguaus orders his warriors to kill the intruders but they are too frightened to do so. Under the orders of the "Wizard of Firewwind" they free Alex and Malagueña from their stakes in the fire. Lightsmith tells his companions to make their way back to the wagon slowly. Jason's foot snags his heel on the bear's tail and the rug is pulled away to reveal he's human. With the "curtain dropped" the trick from the "Wizard of Oz", sorry I mean "Wizard of Firewood" is revealed and Maguanus orders the Assimians to attack and kill the humans which they do with blood in their eyes. Lightsmith pulls out a machine gun and shoots above the apes, and orders Jason to do the same with his crossbow. Jason instead makes his aim lower. Thankfully the group escape in the wonder wagon with Gilbert at the wheel. Alex thanks Jason for his help in reducing them, although Jason has still not forgiven his friend and tells him that he save them just as he would have saved anyone, he still has revenge on Brutus on his mind. Lightsmith can read the tension and asks Jason to sit with him as he drives them to his home in Old South Dakota. When they arrive Lightsmith points out his home in the head of Abraham Lincoln at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

Apes Forum

Steve Haskett from Cheshire felt compelled to write to ask why Marvel is torturing him with weird ideas like "Malagueña in the Forbidden Zone" when you could be adapting "Battle for the

Planet of the Apes" and even the TV series stories? He's not saying POTA is rubbish as why would he be buying it. The Black Panther and Ka-Zar are brilliant, no doubt about it. Steven questions the use of the "giant River Slug" seen on the cover POTA #74, yet there was is absolutely no mention of it inside. Stephen Bailey from Essex first came into contact with Marvel when was travelling to Manchester by train and bought SMCW #115 to read. He was so excited to discover such a gold mine of literature that he left it on the train, but now he reserves a copy every week. Stephen is emigrating to New Zealand soon, and would like to know, can he buy Marvel mags there? The answer is yes you can but only after a few week from their UK publishing date. Peter Farman from Berkshire is greatly impressed with the way in which Marvel have compressed over 10 years of experience in the American

comic-business into 6 mags here in Britain. He collects both UK and US mags, but he does tend to consider the British mags as anything from slightly to a lot worse than their American counterparts. One reason for his disappointment is shown in the Black Panther story from POTA #78, Peter was angry about that it was not printed in its entirety. Monica Lynne's costume has been re-drawn from a sparse covering to an unrealistic-looking 30's style costume. This is supposedly to protect the minds of the innocent little British readers, who, he assumes, are too immature to look at the pencilled bodies of bikini-covered female figures. That is not all, pages 4 and 5 of the story have been totally edited out. They would have shown T'Challa and Monica kissing next to a lake. Peter thinks that type of editing is totally unnecessary.

Dracula “A final battle waged!”

Writer: Marv Wolfman

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Tom Palmer

Originally published in Tomb of Dracula #42

Cover date March 1976

(Published in December 1975)

From the darkness over Boston's beacon Hill a vampire observes from the shadows as Blade joins forces with Dracula to fight a military unit who has been placed under the hypnotic powers of the evil Doctor Sun. The two battle on unaware that the vampire whom Blade has been hunting is secretly watching. Doctor Sun opens a trap door causing Blade to fall into a pit of spikes with only his quick reactions breaking his fall as he braces himself against the pit's walls. However his hands are skinned against the concrete of the pit's walls and the blood from them causes him to slip toward the spikes. Dracula makes his way to confront Doctor Sun in their final battle.

Meanwhile, back at Harold H Harold's apartment, Frank Drake believes that they have waited too long and decides that they should take a more active role. All agree to join him except for the cowardly Harold. Aurora guilt-trips him into joining them while she and Quincy stay behind. Back in the pit, Blade manages to slow his descent and begins working his way out of the deathtrap. Dracula meanwhile is battling Doctor Sun's powerful mind bolts to try and force Dracula to assume his mist form. In great pain Dracula resists the transformation. Drake, Van Helsing and Harold sneak into Sun's hideout and find Juno's body with his head decapitated. Rachel wonders why, he was already dead. Blade makes it out of the deathtrap but still has to face a bunch of enslaved soldiers. As he fights them, he notices the vampire who killed his mother watching him. Distracted he is knocked out with the butt of a rifle by one of the soldiers. Back in Doctor Sun's chambers Dracula still fight off Sun's attack when his opponent attempts another means to destroy him, light beams in the shape of crosses. The evil brain in a box laughs at Dracula's pain. Find out why this story is no laughing matter in next week's blog.

Man-Thing “A clear crystal ending!”

Writer: Steve Gerber

Artist: Val Mayerik

Inker: Jack Abel

Originally published in Man-Thing #4

Cover date April 1974

(Published in January 1974)

This opening page was drawn by Jeff Aclin, I have seen the original artwork board placed online by the owner and Aclin's signature can be seen on the top right margin. The inker's name wasn't present so maybe Aclin inked it himself. I have to say that the top panel is beautiful and I would love it on my wall, but the bottom, all be it functional, doesn't hold my eye. Could it be the dreaded deadline, but you could argue that it still is pleasing to look at. As the Man-Thing stalks the swamps Richard Roy has mistaken an innocent stranger as being the magical Foolkiller. All are unaware that in the background a truck driven by the psychopath is heading their way.

The diner owner pulls Richard off the stranger just as the real Foolkiller rams his truck through the diner window. Richard is knocked unconscious and taken prisoner by the madman. The Foolkiller than drives back to the crashed jeep and takes Schist as his hostage as well, deciding to execute them together. Taking them back to the swamp, the Foolkiller is about to eliminate them when the Man-Thing appears on the scene. Feeling the fear from Schist and Rory the Man-Thing touches the Foolkiller's shoulder burning it. Schist in the confusion flees into the swamp. The Foolkiller tries to blast the beast with his laser pistol but the Man-Thing burns it and his hand with his touch. Satisfied that no more action is needed the swamp creature turns and walks away. The Foolkiller takes aim at the creature's back with determination to purify the monster by the right of God, but Richard jumps on his back, causing the ray to blast the preservation tank the body of Reverend Michael Pike has been suspended in. A shard of broken glass from this tank pierces the Foolkiller's heart and instantly killis him. The Reverend's body collapses across his prodigy's fallen form, ending his holy war in a weird poetic justice sort of way. Next week the "Night of the laughing dead!"

Ka-Zar “Evil rains!”

Writer: Gerry Conway

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Bob McLeod, Joe Rubinstein, Klaus Janson and Neal Adams

Originally published in Ka-Zar Vol 2 #7

Cover date January 1975

(Published in October 1974)

An unnamed artist created this third part opening splash page, although from the look of it, it might well be like last week's second part Ka-Zar opening splash page and was drawn by Jeff Aclin, but I can't really say. Ka-Zar in his plight to help his friend, Kem Horkus, get revenge on his brother Bar's death, has been captured by Ghakar, the man who had abandoned Bar to death. The tribe's leader Kuurak Ghodar rules that both Ka-Zar and Kem must face death in the "purging".

Ka-Zar and Kem are shackled to a boat and sent down the river towards the wild rapids. Ka-Zar manages to steer the raft with his untied legs towards a large rock. The force of the water causes the boat to shatter freeing them from their bonds. Through the rough waters Ka-Zar pulls Kem to the shore. When they recover Ka-Zar makes his way back to the town of Tandar-Kaan, in the tavern he finds Ghakar and takes his revenge on him for the death of Zabu and the men who he had neglected. Later Ka-Zar meets up with Kem who had freed his cousin Jira from the leader of the tribe Kuurak Ghodar, by killing his bodyguard with a knife. Jira and Kem agree to leave Tandarr-Kaa to start a new life. Ka-Zar has his own plans, to find the body of his brother and friend Zabu and bury him. The search goes on for hours searching the shore line in case the sabre-tooth tiger had washed up. But before he reached breaking point he finds a set of tracks that imply that Zabu wasn't dead, but injured. Ka-Zar swears he'll find him, even if it takes him "Down into...the Volcano!" as we might find out next week.

A fantastic pin-up of Dracula Lord of the Vampires, drawn by Marshall Rogers as per his signature seen in the bottom right hand corner. The date next to it reads 96 3, which no doubt means March 1976. It was two good to hide away at the back of a comic, it's stunning.

The Titans #37

This cover pencilled by Steve Stiles was based on the cover from the Fantastic Four issue 93 by Jack Kirby (pencilled,) and John Verpoorten (inks,). The Grand Comics Database suggests that Bruce Patterson inked the artwork.  

The Fantastic Four “The return of the Frightful Four!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Joe Sinnott

Originally published in The Fantastic Four #93

Cover date December 1969

(Published in September 1969)

This landscape splash page was either completely re-drawn by an unnamed artist or that artist cut or copied the figures from Jack Kirby's original splash page and repositioned them into a landscape frame with a new back ground drawn. 

Sue and Reed reveal that they have finally decided on a name for their son, Franklin B Richards. Sue points out that Franklin is named after her and Johnny's father and the middle initial B stands for Benjamin, named after their close friend Benjamin Grimm, known to all as the Thing. As the family celebrate they are unaware that they are being watched by the Frightful Four, who have reformed to take on the Fantastic Four once again, with Medusa rejoining their ranks after the Trapster had told her of their plans. Meanwhile the Fantastic Four visit the home of Agatha Harkness, who has a world-famous reputation as a child minder, apparently. Even though she has been retired for many years she agrees to take on her latest charge when she learned who his parents were. Agatha lives in a scary mansion on Whisper Hill, in Salem.

Soon all the introductions are made and that night the Fantastic Four retire to their rooms as guests of Agatha. Unknown to all the Frightful Four have broken into the mansion and secretly they incapacitate Ben, followed by Johnny. Then they trap Reed and Sue in their room and head off to kidnap Franklin. At this point Medusa tackles the Wizard, she had only re-joined the group to help protect the Fantastic Four from them. She smashes the Wizard into his teammates but the Sandman recovers quickly and stops her. She is quickly bound by the Trapster's paste. So the Frightful Four have only to face Agatha and her cat Ebony before they can kidnap Franklin. To their surprise Agatha casts a spell that allows Ebony to grow into a panther size demon cat. The Wizard flees in terror, Miss Harkness turns the Sandman into petrified rock and the Trapster runs but is caught by a giant demonic monster in one of the many dark corridors. When the Fantastic Four free themselves, they are shocked to find all the villains defeated and Agatha quietly rocking Franklin to sleep in his cradle. Later Agatha sees the Thing looking at one of her books about the Salem witches, she hints that the way he looks at her one would almost think she was truly a witch. Ben is spooked by that thought and runs off down the corridor. Next week, or is it "Tomorrow...World War Three!"

Bullpen Bulletin

The Titans version of the Bullpen Bulletin features a different image of the Hulk than the one that appeared in the Avengers weekly. The third Item of this week's Bullpen Bulletin reveals the winners of the Stypen cartridge pens, Cumberland Graphics Ltd, "Be a Stypendous Writer" competition that was advertised in the Titans. After they received billions of entries the judges have chosen the prizewinners. Category A (Christmas) winners are Angela Parks from Coventry, Paul Oakley from Liverpool and Tuula Perryman from Northants. Category B (Spies) winners are Jill Hemsley from Gloucestershire, Julie Chisholm from Southampton and Julie Smith from Nottinghamshire. Category C (My Favourite Animal) winners are Hilary Putman from Bristol, Blanche Mackay from Oxfordshire and Catherine Lewis from London. Each of the above won either a Fidelity record player, or a Transistor radio, and in addition to these prize-winners there were a large number of consolation prizes of £1.00 each.

The Sub-Mariner “Defeated by...the deadly Dr. Dorcas!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: John Buscema 

Inker: Frank Giacoia

Originally published in Sub-Mariner Vol 2 #5

Cover date September 1968

(Published in June 1968)

You know I might not get the thrill from the Sub-Mariner strips like I do with other strips, but John Buscema's artwork on it is as good as his best on the Silver Surfer, that which alone makes it a cracking read. Dazed, bewildered and drastically weaken by the shock of an exploding missile in the waters off the coast of New York Prince Namor staggers ashore. No rest it given as he's attacked by a giant robot. 

The avenging son of Atlantis battles the mysterious robot, ripping its body apart but causing an explosion in the process, which renders him unconscious. Two men find him and take him away. Later he awakes to find himself inside a room next to a giant tank of water filled with deadly tiger-sharks. He's also now wearing a strange vest. A woman enters the room with food and drink for him. He asks how he came to that place, she tells him he will forget he is a prisoner. A man enters and tells Namor that he isn't the girl's prisoner but his, Doctor Dorcas the man who created the robot he fought and the base he currently stands in. When Namor becomes aggressive Dorcas operates a circuit that sends high current through the vest that Namor is wearing. Elsewhere the Lady Dorma comes too after her injury, she asks where Prince Namor is. Lord Vashti tells her that Namor didn't know she survived and left believing that she was dead. Lady Dorma goes in search for her Prince but her submarine is attacked by a giant squid. Meanwhile Diane Arliss tells Namor of how she came to serve Doctor Dorcas, with her brother Todd. Todd was an Olympic champion swimmer, adored by the world for his achievements. But after an accident caused when he rescued a man from the sea he injured his back and couldn't swim ever again. The pair came to Doctor Dorcas for help. He agreed to help but at a price. Next week find out the price and watch out for...Tiger Shark!"  

Dave Hunt drew this centre-spread of the savage Sub-Mariner verses the Human Torch!

This full landscape page in-house advert features the "Double Dynamite" weeklies the Mighty World of Marvel and the Avengers week, two great action mags on sale that week. The text in an arrow box asks "Is this the end of the Avengers?" Was this a hint at the future because lower down another text box reads "Zap round to your newsagents now-before they're sold out!"

Captain America “And so it begins..!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: John Kirby

Inker: Joe Sinnott

Originally published in Tales to Suspense #97

Cover date January 1967

(Published in October 1967)

Captain America answers a call for help, only to find that he has walked into a trap setup by the crime syndicate. After making quick work of the gunmen who were hired to kill him, Cap reflects on the price he must pay to be Captain America. Meanwhile in the jungles of Wakanda, the Black Panther finds that one of his outposts has been attacked and his men murdered. He soon discovers a group of soldiers clad and armed with futuristic uniforms and weaponry. He defends himself but quickly they overpower him.

Back in the states Captain America  is identifying his attacker to the police at the local precinct station house. It's funny at this period in Captain America's career he isn't worried about people seeing him unmasked. I wonder at what point did his identity come a secret again? Later he is driven home by a police officer but still his mind wonders about Agent-13. She hasn't returned any of his calls. Meanwhile, Agent-13 has just succeeded in taking the place of female spy Irma Kruhl while on a secret SHIELD mission for Nick Fury. Back at Avengers Mansion, Cap hears a thump on the roof and goes up to investigate. There he finds a strange looking sky craft that calls him forward. It is an unmanned drone under the control of T'Challa, whose face appears on a video monitor asking Cap for his help because the invaders of his land are somehow tied to Captain America. T'Challa tells him that the ship travels on magnetic waves and can fly at mach speed, it can bring him to Wakanda in 53 minutes! Puzzled why he is connected to an invasion of a jungle kingdom, Cap accepts the request for help and operates the starting button that sends the ship into the air, in this fantastic Kirby panel. Next week he could be in for "The shock of a lifetime!"

Titanic Transcripts

Mark South from Manchester complains about the cover of The Titans #28, and wonders if Marvel cares about their covers. Just look at the thickness of Power Man's left leg as compared to his body. It's as thick as his body! Wait till he reads comics in the late 80's and 90's, he's not going to like Rob Liefeld. Mark writes that Mike Friedrich and Jim Starlin have improved Captain Marvel no end, and he looking forward to the epic Thanos war. He sees the art on Captain America being better than usual, but Kane still has not reached his full potential. His humble opinion, is that Jack Kirby used to be a good artist but he has lost his skill and Bruce Berry's inking does not help. Perhaps if Vince Colletta or Joe Sinnott inks it that would help. Mark saw Gil Kane's art on "White Tiger" in "Deadly Hands of Kung-Fu" and thought it was rotten, or, at least, the inking was. Rico Rival must be the worst inker to have appeared in any Marvel mag. Nigel McFarlane from Middlesex thinks it was a great idea to switch round of the X-Men and the Fantastic Four. The X-Men never belonged in The Titans. The art was cramped and each weekly episode was so long as to be almost boring. The FF never needed all the space for art that it had in MWOM, and each week he was heartbroken that the episode was too short.

Richard Cookson from Lancashire wants to know where Marvel got all the fantastic stories from and how they managed to cram them into The Titans. Keith Sparrow from Surrey decided to put pen to paper on the subject of the development of British Marvels and The Titans. Over the last few years there has been a large surge of incredibly talented artists and writers into the comics medium. The trouble is, it seems to be totally concentrated in America. Surely you must be able to dig up some over here to follow in the footsteps of Barry Smith especially after saying that you hope that the British mags will eventually turn out all-British strips, and for Keith it can't come too soon. Darren Yekiel writes that The Titans is really something, he's been getting it since it first started. He writes that the heroes never seem to lose, they always win. But out of all crimes committed, only 60% of the criminals get caught, but there are always some who get away. And Darren would like to see some villains getting away with something evil.

Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD “The power of SHIELD!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby and Jim Steranko

Inker: Jim Steranko

Originally published in Strange Tales #152

Cover date January 1967

(Published in October 1966)

You can see more and more of Jim Steranko's creative style on the artwork every week. It's becoming a real joy to read. Great title by the way too! Nick Fury has escaped Hydra in their own command jet, but has no way of radioing SHIELD headquarters. Unknown to him he has ran into a trap, the Hydra jet he thought was Hydra's way of getting to their nuclear shelter was in fact a decoy that housed the Overkill Horn weapon that was about to set off every nuclear missile around the globe and he was unknowingly delivering Armageddon. 

SHIELD missiles are fired at the Hydra jet but without communications there is no way to signal them. Fury rolls the jet upside-down and wiggles the wings to signal that he is on board. It  works and the missiles suddenly overshoot the jet. The Overkill Horn starts to build up energy that is detected by SHIELD's tech boys. They realise that the weapon is on the Hydra jet with Fury On board. Even so Agent Sitwell has no option but to order the launching of a "Strato-Mine", which could ignite the very atmosphere and destroy the Overkill Horn. Elsewhere the Supreme Hydra removes his old disguise of Don Caballero and dons his new identity of "Emir Ali-Bey". He plans to locate and eliminate Laura Brown, the daughter of his predecessor, who had turned traitor and helped Fury a year before. He departs in his "Hover-Limousine" thinking it is a shame that Fury will die without ever learning his true identity. Fury manages to ditch the plane the sea when he realises that the Overkill Horn was hidden on the jet's wing. Suddenly a SHIELD submarine surfaces under orders from Agent Sitwell to recover the Colonel. Next week Hydra will find out that "...Hell as no Fury!"

Ghost Rider “The snakes crawl at night..”

Writer: Gary Friedrich

Artist: Tom Sutton

Inker: Chic Stone

Originally published in Marvel Spotlight #9

Cover date April 1973

(Published in January 1973)

Continuing from last week the Ghost Rider falls to his death down Copperhead Canyon after being forced over the edge by Snake Dance's giant serpent. Snake Dance and the Apache followers hear the loud thud of the impact and assume the deed is done. Back at the Rodeo, a hired hand informs Casey that there is no sign of Johnny Blaze anywhere. Casey is a little irritated at Johnny's disappearance, but in a way he never wanted the purity of the rodeo spoiled by a bunch of noisy engines. Roxanne suggests that Johnny might have rode out to the canyon. Considering that she could be right Casey asks Sam Silvercloud to drive her out there and take a look.

Sam and Roxanne drive out to the canyon, once there he tells her that they are wasting their time. When she asks him what he means he admits that Johnny is dead, then binds her hands behind her back to deliver her to Snake Dance. Back at the Rodeo the frustrated Casey happy to learn that Bart Slade the road manager has offered to ride in Johnny's place. Hours later the blazing afternoon sun pounds down on the Copperhead Canyon floor where a body stirs in the loose rock. Miraculously the unmarked Johnny Blaze struggles to his feet in the still dry air when he is confronted by Satan himself. The Devil informs him if Johnny dies through any means other than his own  evil machinations, he would lose any right to Johnny's soul. While pondering at what he meant Johnny is rescued by a passing helicopter. Elsewhere on the Indian Reservation Sam Silvercloud offers Roxanne to Snake Dance who orders his followers to prepare her for a sacrificial rite to the Snake-God. Snake Dance leaves, but the reason why he does what he does must remain a secret for a while. The helicopter pilot drops Johnny off at the rodeo with just enough time before the show starts, but night falls and he becomes the Ghost Rider once more. Next week he must face "the evil of Snake Dance!" And so on that note another blog ends. But in the meantime stay cool in the heatwave and... 

See you in seven.

Make Mine Marvel.