Daggers of the Mynde!

 Week Ending 3rd April 1976

When you read this blog it will probably be days away from Easter, the time for eating chocolate and watching Ben Hur on TV for the hundredth time, but its also the second biggest date in the Christian calendar after Christmas. In 1976 Good Friday came on the 16th April. so I guess this year is a little early, but there will be lots of Easter eggs in this week's blog if you look. One that I'll give you the heads up for, as it has some strong connections to religion. I know that some readers skip over the letter pages, but if you've got time, check out Mike Gibas' letter in this week's Avengers Mailbag. He mentions Steve Englehart's writing in the Doctor Strange Sise-Neg Saga from the Avengers weekly and how he as a Christian finds it offensive. I don't agree with him, but I accept his point of view, I wonder how he got on with the current Silver Dagger storyline in Super Spider-man? In 1976 and 1977 there was a large movement by the establishment to tell people what is right and wrong, good and bad, like Mary Whitehouse's moral crusades and the banning of Action comic. The kick back came with punk in music and fashion and great writers who just wanted to tell great stories. So peace be with you all no matter what religion you follow or not and enjoy the chocolate eggs in moderation as you read this week's blog. 

The Mighty World of Marvel #183

Dave Hunt drew this British commissioned cover. The Grand Comics Database suggests that either Frank Giacoia or Mike Esposito or even both inked Dave's art. 

The Incredible Hulk “Blast!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Herb Trimpe

Inker: Jack Abel

Originally published in The Incredible Hulk #173

Cover date March 1974

(Published in November 1973)

This second part opening splash page was by an unnamed artist who based the design on the twelfth page of last week's issue with three inserts, one for the new story title and the other two for the hero and antagonist of this story, the Hulk and the Cobalt Man. Ralph Roberts had deliberately brought his ship into waters where a nuclear bomb was being tested. His brother Ted was shielded from the blast by Bruce Banner, however Ralph, due to his own intentions was not.

The shockwave hit the ship, tossing and tormenting the battered hull. One man stood firm, bearing the full force of the explosion, almost with a rueful smile on his lips until he collapsed. Bruce and Ted take his brother below decks to see the ship's doctor. As Ralph comes round his body starts to glow blue, his muscle tissue expands. Refusing any help Ralph makes a break for it, knocking all the crew out of his way. Suddenly, Ralph smashes his way back above deck in his Cobalt Man armour. He begins going on a rampage on the ship, prompting Bruce to transform into the Hulk and fight back. As the two powerhouses clash, damage to the ship occurs to the point where it begins taking water. As they fight the radiation from the Cobalt Man causes a transformation in the green goliath,  as he starts to feel weak, his skin becomes pink as he starts to become Bruce Banner, but not before he smashes Cobalt Man through the ship's hull into the water below, damming the ship to a watery grave. Now as Bruce Banner he starts to pass out as the ship begins to capsize into the ocean. As Ted and the crew abandon ship in lifeboats. Roy Thomas's choice to turn a would-be "Iron Man" into a super-sized Hulk foe seems nothing less than the need to have a villain of around the Hulk's size and power to fight the strip's star. It feels a little like a cheap "monster of the week" format. Fair enough he was reusing an old character and freshed him out a little. Next week "the deadly secret of the Cobalt Man" but can that save this story? Find out in seven.   

Marvel Mastermind 1975 Winner

At last Marvel revealed the name of the recipient of Marveldom's all-time accolade-the Marvel Mastermind! Last week we saw the special tie-breaking quiz that had been sent to the twelve Marvelites who answered every question in the original quiz correctly. The answers printed below with a reminder of the questions. But who won? Well believe it or not it was once again a tie. Marvel super-brains Nigel Kitching and Peter Judge both scored 36 points so, in the end, after hours of discussion, argument, and expensive transatlantic phone calls, the tie-breaking device inserted at the bottom of the quiz was referred to. The decision was to award the Marvel Mastermind trophy to Peter Judge from London for his sentence made up from the letters of MASTERMIND being the best. His sentence was "Marvel Art Successfully Takes Every Reader's Mind Into New Dimensions." I wonder what Nigel Kitchen's sentence was like? Peter received a copy of "Origins of Marvel" and "Son of Origins" both personally signed by Stan Lee and an original sketch by Happy Herb Trimpe, as well as a magnificent Mastermind Certificate. Commiserations to the eleven runners-up who each received a certificate signed by Stan and Herb and a copy of the Superman/ Spiderman Team-Up book. The tie-breaking questions and answers will follow throughout this blog.

Daredevil “Daredevil vs Death's Head!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Syd Shores

Originally published in Daredevil #56

Cover date September 1969

(Published in July 1969)

I have no idea who drew this second part opening splash page, could it have been Jeff Aclin, but done to mimic Gene Colan's style? I can't really say. Karen Page's father had been abducted by the ghostly figure who calls himself Death's-Head. Daredevil leaps to the challenge and tries to get the bottom of things.

 

The spectral Death's Head hovers about the man without fear, tormenting him. When our hero jumps onto him both quickly come down to the ground with an awkward bump as Daredevil discovers that in fact his tormentor was nothing more than a radio-controlled balloon. With an aching shoulder to show for all his effort Daredevil races after the skeletal horse riding fiend, dodging a near miss from a flaming scimitar, but not a solid blow from a bola that knocks more than the wind out of his sails. Karen's mother sees the skirmish and calls the police. With Daredevil easily bested, Death's -Head dresses up the hero in a version of the villains own costume while he remains unconscious. Placing him on his horse, he sends him charging at the newly arrived police to have them serve as his executioners. Seeing the terrified sight, enhanced by a hideous message as if from something from beyond the grave, played loudly towards them, the police begin shooting. Is this "the end" for Daredevil? Find out next week.

The Mighty Marvel Mailbag

P C Garrity from County Durham felt compelled to write in defence of the great Jack "King" Kirby because of a recent letter from a certain Mr. "Nameless" from Kilburn in London, who made the rather bold as to claim that Jack Kirby is over-rated and that John Buscema and Neal Adams are the best in the field. P C wants to classify that Kirby's art as bold, dynamic and breathtaking at times. Of course, he has bad days, who doesn't? But his drawings of vehicles, machines and outer space are complex studies of fantasy. Gordon Robson from Glasgow has got a great idea for Holiday Specials. When Summer and Christmas come, why not double the pages, double the price and print full-length stories of the regular characters in all of the mags. Philip Greenaway from Mid Glamorgan writes a script-style letter as a sneaky way of saying, thanks to Stan and Jack for their peerless portrayal of The Fantastic Four. Michael Keogh from Kent points out that 1975 brought "Origins of Marvel Comics", "Son of Origins...", "Superheroes", "Savage Sword of Conan", "The Titans", Spider-man appeared on TV, Stan Lee on Magpie, Day by Day and Pebble Mill. There was Marvel and Spiderman cover patches. FOOM is back again. Marvel adverts appeared on TV, Stan speaks at the ICA. What a year, "76 will be just as good, maybe better.

The first letter of the second page features a letter from someone who seems to be called York Needham, I had to double check if that was the person's name or their address, but I presume That they came from Midhurst in Sussex. York believes that the quality of the British Marvel mags is slowly creeping up on their American counterparts, but does see problems, the three strips, Shang-Chi, Iron Fist and the Inhumans, have already caught up with their American mags in terms of dates, The stories in the British mags are beginning to be more up-to-date and of depth. Most are now from greater the early Seventies. The letters, too, are improving, with little of the trivia that dominated the letter pages of the early mags. The letter ends with York saying that the comics from the 17th January contain three out of their four favourite strips, the Fantastic Four, Doc Strange and the Panther, the other being the Inhumans, all on top form. Sise-Neg Genesis is the best story yet of Dr. Strange. Angelo Fitzhenry RFO, KOF, QNS, FOOMer from London enjoyed reading the mags, but is afraid it won't last for long., because  British Marvel features 23 stories in 7 mags, which eats away at the supply of fresh stories.

The Fantastic Four “The Mark of..the Madman!”

Writer: Stan Lee 

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Joe Sinnott 

Originally published in The Fantastic Four #82

Cover date January 1968

(Published in October 1968)

Although offered a membership with the Fantastic Four, Crystal wishes to gain permission from her fellow Inhumans to replace the Invisible Girl as a member of the group while she is on maternity leave. Suddenly an inter-dimensional doorway opens and through it walks Lockjaw, Crystal's pet dog. But he isn't alone, following him are the Alpha Primitives, the Inhumans' deadly drone race.

The Alpha Primitives abduct Crystal, she tells her teammates not to fight them as it's hopeless, they can't be beaten. Of course for the male members of the Fantastic Four hopeless isn't in their vocabulary, Reed tells Ben and Johnny to go into action. Ben doesn't need to be told when it's time for "Clobberin' Time". But the Alpha Primitives massive numbers manage to over come them as they bungle the young girl back through Lockjaws' inter-dimensional doorway. Reed doubts that Black Bolt was responsible for Crystal's abduction. John can't understand why Lockjaw helped the Alpha Primitives as she is his mistress. Reed orders them to prepare their intercontinental rocket for launch. An Inhuman servant reports to his master that the Alpha Primitives have return from their mission after successfully capturing Crystal. The servant's master is Maximus the mad who sits on Black Bolts throne, with Medusa chained and helpless due to a chemical coating of Maximus's own design. When Crystal is brought forward the mad ruler explains that Lockjaw is under his control due to a hypno-stud in his imperious hide. Crystal asks how Black Bolt's brother came to power. The answer will be explained next week.

Journey into Mystery “I fought the Molten Man-Thing!”

Writer: Stan Lee 

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Steve Ditko

Originally published in Journey into Mystery #7

Cover date January 1960

(Published in September 1959)

Another creature thriller starring a "Man-Thing", but not that the swamp Man-Thing readers of Dracula Lives have come to know and love, this "Man-Thing" is a molten monster from a volcano. Frank Harper is a commercial pilot, after having to crash land a plane he is ordered to take a holiday, so he does on the tropical island called Nepuka. The island's volcano erupts spews forth a monster that threatens the villagers. Frank Harper gets it to follow him to an aircraft testing area where he turns high-powered blowers onto the creature, cooling down its temperature. The creature has to retreat back to the volcano because it needs high temperature to survive. One interesting note is that Frank Harper was later retconned to be the Eternal Makkari.

Super Spider-man with the Super-Heroes #164

Dave Hunt also drew the second cover in this week's selection of British covers, this time definitely inked by Frank Giacoia. It riffs on John Romita Sr's original cover from the Amazing Spider-man #115, but in a landscape format, also this version is more violent as Aunt May actually fires a gun at Spidey. The original artwork was sold by Heritage Auction on the 24th June 2007 for $262.90 (£198.25). I like the danger and shock of this cover so much that I'm naming it my Cover of the Week. 

Spider-man “The last battle!”

Writer: Gerry Conway

Artist: John Romita Sr.

Inker: John Romita Sr. and Tony Mortellaro

Originally published in the Amazing Spider-man #115

Cover date December 1972

(Published in September 1972)

This opening splash page has been re-drawn by an unnamed artist using the original opening page as a templet, but better to fit the scene into a landscape page. Spider-man has been knocked out by Aunt May as he sneaked into Doctor Octopus's hideout. At that moment, Hammerhead and his men burst in the front door, in order to secure control of the New York underworld from his rival Dr. Octopus.

Hammerhead's men are kept at bay by Doc Ock's high-tech defences and his men. Spider-man revives, still unaware that his Aunt had knocked him out. After a brief battle with Hammerhead, Dr. Octopus decides it's time to leave. He finds Aunt May just as she is about to call the police, learning that she's seen Spider-man, and heard gunshots. He convinces her that calling the police would be unnecessary. Meanwhile Gwen arrives at the Daily Bugle to see if they've heard anything about Aunt May. Ned Leeds has information that someone fitting Aunt May's description was hired by an employment agency to house keep a place in Westchester. Joe Robertson, Ned, and Gwen set off to see if May is there. Back at Doc Ock's hideout, Spider-man continues his search for his Aunt but gets into a confrontation with Hammerhead. Soon Hammerhead stuns Spidey and is happy to leave because he stole some valuable document from Doc Ock's control room. Spidey finds Dr. Octopus with his Aunt May. In spite of his ulcer acting up again, Spider-man manages to beat the villain into submission, but is forced to flee when Aunt May threatens to shoot. The web-slinger flees as the police arrive to round up all the crooks. Joe, Gwen, and Ned arrive as Spidey slips away to change into Peter Parker. As the Police lead Doc Ock away he asks to have a brief word with Aunt May. Later she tells Peter that she's not coming back, as Peter is a grown man who can make his own decisions. Following Dr. Octopus' request she has decided to stay and look after his home. Meanwhile at New Jersey airport Hammerhead boards a plane knowing when Doc Ock gets out of prison he will be waiting for him.

Another week of the Marvel Sea-Monkey offer and this time it's the X-Men's Cyclops that features on this week's coupon. The artwork comes from this week's The Titans cover.

The Mighty Thor “Who can stop the Abomination?”

Writer: Stan Lee 

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Vince Colletta

Originally published in The Mighty Thor #178

Cover date July 1970

(Published in May 1970)

This landscape opening second part splash page has been drawn by an unnamed artist, who I must say has done an incredible job, keeping it to a high level that matches John Buscema's artwork.

Thor has been transported by the Abomination to the Stranger's world to fight the alien Elder. He decides to take time to work on new strategy. Back in Asgard, Odin agrees to allow Sif to seek out his missing son. Meanwhile on the Stranger's world, Thor lays low in his Donald Blake alter-ego. He happens upon the Abomination, who has rallied the Stranger's captives. Blake overhears his intentions to take over the Stranger's citadel for his own evil ends. Spotting Blake, the Abomination over-powers the lame doctor, taking away his cane before he can strike the ground. Tossing the weak doctor to one side he plots his next move. Blake is relieved when Sif arrives with his cane. Changing back the two gods attack and easily defeats the Abomination and his minions. The Stranger is alerted by the battle. Realising that such a powerful being would be a threat to the realm of Asgard, Thor uses his mystical hammer to travel back to the point in time before he summoned Thor to the Stranger's world. This time the Thunder God easily knocks out the Abomination, returning the gamma monster back to his cell. Thor returns to Asgard and is reunited with Sif, embracing each other with a kiss.

The Human Torch and the amazing Spider-man vs. Morbius. The artist didn't sign the centre-spread and I couldn't identify who they were.

Into battle with Herb Trimpe

British Marvel editor, Neil Tennant wrote this profile on Herb Trimpe. In 1966, after a spell in the US Air Force, Herb joined Marvel doing a little freelance inking on the side. He graduated to pencilling various stories, when Marie Severin moved on from the Hulk Stan Lee remembered that Herb had shown interest in drawing the Hulk some months before. Over the next eight years Herb drew the Hulk, his name becoming synonymous with that character. The comic became so popular that for a while it even outsold Spider-man! By 1975 Herb felt that his creativity was being stifled and stereotyped. He knew the Hulk so well that he was beginning to draw him automatically. He wanted a change. Now a married man, he, his wife and son packed their bags and temporary said goodbye to New York and the Hulk, to start again in England, moving to Cornwall. He began to branch out and draw a variety of Marvel features. Iron Man, Planet of the Apes and most recently the Super Villain Team-Up.

Looking back on his stay in Cornwall, he thinks it did him a lot of good. "The whole look of my work got better," he says now, "I've had to start thinking seriously about each panel. Work has become a challenge again." The centre-spread in next week's Super Spider-man was drawn during his stay in Cornwall. He was asked to draw anything he liked, to let his imagination run wild. This is just what he has done. Entitled "Into Battle" the spread is a futuristic battle scene, contrasting the glamour of a cavalry charge 150 years ago with the technological fury of futuristic air warfare. Make sure you pop back into the blog next week to get a good look at that Masterwork Centre-spread.

Doctor Strange “Cloak and dagger”

Writer: Steve Englehart

Artist: Frank Brunner

Inker: Dick Giordano

Originally published in Doctor Strange #5

Cover date December 1974

(Published in September 1974)

The stolen Eye of Agamotto shows the face of a dead man, Doctor Strange as he faced Death in the unworldly dimension inside the mystical artefact. Clea curses the Silver Dagger who had murdered Strange and kidnapped her. Silver Dagger tells her that he soul has been saved, while it is her who is wallowing in witchcraft and blasphemy, it is she who is cursed, unless she purges herself of her sin and surrender herself to the Lord. He slew her mentor because he was  beyond redemption. She calls him insane, but he tells her that he is as sane as anyone. They had called Christ insane, so too Cotton Mather and the members of the Inquisition. Cotton Mather was a Puritan clergyman and author in colonial New England. Mather wrote Wonders of the Invisible World in 1693, which was endorsed by William Stoughton, the Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts and chief judge of the Salem witch trials. In the trial nineteen people were executed for witchcraft, one of which was pressed to death for refusing to plead. Mather, though not involved in the legal proceedings his book defended the trials. The Inquisition is obviously, the Spanish Inquisition, whose harsh judicial institution enforce Catholic orthodoxy, primarily targeting Jewish and Muslim converts suspected of secretly practicing their former faiths. Between 1478 and 1834 they prosecuted 150,000 people, executing somewhere between 3,000 to 5,000 of them.

The Silver Dagger reveals his own origin to his chained and tortured prisoner. Once he was a Cardinal in the Catholic Church, a potential successor to the Pope. However, the College of Cardinals had passed him when time came to choose a new Pope, due to his youth and fanaticism. He then studied the black arts, with his goal to learn the secrets involved in the working of magic, he became determined to become God's personal weapon in the fight against Satan. While studying to be "the Silver Dagger," he traveled the world, learning everything he could from the adepts of the "dark religions." After gaining their knowledge he would slaughter them as part of the Lord's vengeance. When he sought out the Ancient One he found out he was too late, following his death Doctor Strange became the new Sorcerer Supreme. As the Silver Dagger continues trying to break Clea, Dr. Strange's soul returns to the Earthly plane through the Eye of Agamotto. Disorientated Strange's spirit mistakenly enters a wax dummy of himself. Silver Dagger seeing its stumbling movements as an attack, swiftly cuts it to pieces. Silver Dagger thinks that it was nothing more than a parlour trick by Clea and leaves. The still restrained Clea touches the dummy and something happens. We'll find out what when we start "picking up the pieces" of this story next week.

Super Spidey Mailbag

Jurgen Hart from Oxford is nearly twenty but has been reading Marvel since he was seventeen. His views on SMCW are Spider-man brilliant, Iron Man quite good and Thor not bad. In MWOM he didn't like the Hulk, Daredevil was very good and the Fantastic Four were really great. On the Super-heroes, it used to be great with the Silver Surfer and the X-Men were exciting. Barry Won from Leicestershire gives review of the British comics and the American monthlies. Andrew Butler from Nelson in Lancashire had the full set of Spider-man comics but sold them for a miserable price because his mum kept nagging him to get rid of them. Now he's very sad and bored because he has no Spider-man to thrill to. When he tried to get them back all he got was a few creased-up ones, So here's a warning to all Marvelites. DO NOT sell your comics at a second-hand shop. Absolutely!!

Spider-man in Brighton

"It was a bitterly cold morning as the passengers disembarked from the London-Brighton train. Peter Parker shivered and pulled up the collar of his windjammer. His shivers weren't just a result of the cold."

That's how this double page feature starts. Last year the web-slinger made a special appearance at a ABC Cinema in Brighton to signing autographs and giving out prizes to a quiz for young Marvelite fans.

Brighton Quiz Winners!

The first ten correct entries to our Brighton Quiz were received from the following Marvelites.

Anthony Boden, Michael Walsh, John Batting, Stewart Hall, Mark Mitchell, David Shoesmith, Mark Roper, David Hobden, Donna Hobden, and Christopher Hobden who each won a Super Spiderman Tee-Shirt.

The piece ends with "Spider-man groaned and decided that it was time for Peter Parker to go and catch the train back to London. He removed his camera from its secret hiding-place and swung out of the cinema. "Superman! They'll be mistaking me for Dennis the Menace next!" he mumbled bitterly. "Even in Britain it's a thankless task being a super hero!"

Iron Man “The states of doom”

Writer: Archie Goodwin

Artist: George Tuska

Inker: Johnny Craig

Originally published in Iron Man #10

Cover date February 1969

(Published in November 1968)

I have no idea who drew this second part opening splash page, is it me or does the style of this artwork look like early George Pérez? Or after studying David Wenzel's artwork from the Avengers #176 (US edition) it looks a little like the opening splash page of that comic, could it be by him with maybe Pablo Marcos inking it? After fleeing reporters who were trying to get the scoop on the rumours secretly released by the Mandarin that Tony Stark is a traitor. Returning home he changes into his Iron Man armour to use his channels as a member of the Avengers to clear his name. Not even a phone call to the President of the United States can help him.

Angered Iron Man flings the phone back on the handle, but it rings again, he thinks it's another reporter, but its from a mysterious woman offering a solution to his problems if he meets her at the shop of Mei-Ling. As you can imagine it's a trap set up by the Mandarin. Nick Fury and Jasper Sitwell from SHIELD intercept Iron Man before he can enter the shop. They want to take him in  to answer questions from the agency's Executive committee about his Boss's dealing with foreign powers. Iron Man goes with them but a few minutes later flees, telling them that he has a previous engagement. As he turns and flies Fury shoots him with a "vacuum blast", damaging his armour. Fury and Sitwell chase him on foot, but Iron Man makes quick repairs to his armour and gets his boot jets working again. Nick Fury quickly makes a call ordering "Operation Hawk" and the Armoured Avenger is headed off by the SHIELD Heli-carrier. Continued next week.

Marvel Mastermind winner 1976

Marvel Mastermind tie-breaking questions 1 to 3.

1. What is the Christian name of Peter Parker's father? 

Richard Parker. (3 points)

2. Which character, associated with Medusa, Gorgon and Karnak, is physically unable to utter a word?

Many people replied "Black Bolt", But he can speak but when he does his voice destroys cities. The correct answer is Lockjaw. (3 points)

3. On the cover of the very first issue of the Mighty World of Marvel, Spider-man advises readers to turn to which specific page number?

Page 20. (2 points)

More answers in the Avengers weekly.

The Thing and Doctor Strange..together “Death-song of destiny!”

Writer: Steve Gerber

Artist: George Tuska

Inker: Mike Esposito

Originally published in Marvel Two-in-One #6

Cover date November 1974

(Published in August 1974)

Doctor Strange fans will love this week's Super Spider-man as they get another helping of the Sorcerer Supreme. Stephen and Clea wait on a subway station platform for the next train, but become witnesses to an accident which results in a young harmonica player falling on the tracks. A group of delinquents steal the girl's harmonica and push her onto the tracks in front of an incoming train. She begs Stephen to save the harmonica and forget her. Stephen chooses to do as she asks, but when she is hit by a subway train, she explodes into a shower of sparks. These sparks bathe all who are present. 

Taking the girls harmonica, Doctor Strange realises that the musical instrument is mystical in origin. He and Clea rush off to figure out what purpose it has. Elsewhere in the city Ben Grimm is trying to have an early night in his room in the Baxter Building when the phone rings. The call is from Mrs. Coogan, whose grandson, Duffy was the youth who stole the harmonica from the young girl. Duffy Coogan has been wracked with fear after the accident. Mrs. Coogan used to look after Ben Grimm when he was a child. Ben agrees to go and see her grandson. Meanwhile, Doctor Strange uses the Eye of Agamotto to enter a trance state that allows him to peer past the view that separates our world from the infinite worlds beyond. The answers to so many questions will be revealed next week when "Dr. Strange meets the Thing!"

Avengers Weekly #133

It's a very busy cover from Michael Netzer, mainly because of all the text surrounding the action. They used the original Avengers last week, but I kind of wonder wouldn't the Conan or the Iron Fist covers from the US comics have been a nice change as I'm not that fond of this Black Knight vs. Arkon cover. Dan Adkins inks Netzer's art.

Conan the Barbarian “...The mound of the moon!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Ernie Chan

Originally published in Conan the Barbarian #38

Cover date May 1974

(Published in February 1974)

This second part opening splash page is by an unnamed artist, it shows Conan meeting the high priest Gimil-Ishbi, who he is told can help him break the curse that has been placed on the Cimmerian. He has been haunted by a were-woman. The barbarian offers him gold for his help, but the priest demands lifeblood in return. Gimil-Ishbi tells him that no sword can prevail against Lilitu, the were-woman or against her mate Ardat Lili. But he offers him a silver cask to win his freedom and the necessary spell to recite.

Conan is disgusted but pays him quickly by taking his life. Conan travels across the Turanian plains. He follows the instructions of the priest, in a derelict building with four walls and only one entrance Conan seals the windows and doors with thin lines of the grey powder from Gimil-Ishbi's silver cask. In an instant the beats of giant wings are heard the shadowy form of Lilitu's mate, Ardet-Lilu enters the room. Conan shouts the words the priest told him to say. The strange human beast is wrecked by pain, Conan plunges his sword into the beast. Lilitu the were-woman arrives but cannot enter the room due to the spell, the Cimmerian tortures her lover, making her tell him who set her and the curse upon him. In return for sparing Ardet-Lilu's life, Lilutu tells him who wanted the curse placed on him. When he hears the name, Conan grimly lets the beast man go. But he forgot a warding ritual and so the two creatures quickly turn on him anew. Conan runs, heading to the source of his troubles, Narim-Bey, who had forced Amytis to spout the details of her faithlessness some time ago. Conan easily beats the pitiful swordsman, leaving him for the were-creatures as he steals away on Narim-Bey's horse. Fed up with Turanian civilisation, betrayed by Amytis and fearing the return of his foe Prince Yezdigerd, Conan decides he's had enough of Turan and rides westwards to the Hyborian kingdoms again as a free man. Who next week will face "The dragon from the sea!"

Avengers Mailbag

Yvonne Eden from Surrey writes that she has been a divine believer for ten years and her favourites are Thor and Conan, but has Marvel ever thought of turning their collective talents to some of Moorcock's heroes? Especially Elric of Melniboné? Maybe but he'll need a little convincing. Patrick Thompson from County Longford can remember purchasing his first Marvel mag on the 11th November 1972 with MWOM #6, but his favourite mag has always been the Avengers weekly with its gloss-covers. C Green from Wirral in Cheshire fell out of a tree while climbing for conkers and all he could think of was the Avengers and the Black Panther. A G Ritchie from London says the reason why 400,000 Marvel comics are bought each week is because of the outstanding art of big names like John Buscema, Gil Kane and Gene Colan make Marvel Comics a cut above the rest! Mike Gibas from Hertfordshire had just read Avengers #123 and the Doctor Strange tale. The art by Brunner was fantastic, but it is Steve Englehart's story which got him worried and upset. Englhart's story with Sise-Neg going back in time to become the God or Genesis riled him up. Mike is a Christian, his God is Genesis, many Christians and Jews worship this God. He feels the tale insulted his religion and made a mockery of God. A God who gives hope to all peoples in this world. A man from the future, going back in time and becoming a deity, a great idea! But why, oh why, make him a God, the true God? A deity who is still worshipped. What made the story more annoying was your interpretation of the biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah. The bible is God's word. The story denied this by having Sise-Neg announce himself as God. So now all miracles, the Creation, Exodus and the Virgin Birth are just the workings of a man from the future. To Mike this story has more controversy in it than the Warlock saga from Planet of The Apes. In that tale another ordinary man proclaimed himself God. But this time you show Jesus Christ on a world created by a man, implying that Christ is just a man and not the Son of God. Whether it is cinema, books or comics, when you move into the field of modern religion you're just asking for trouble. He suggests the only Gods Marvel should write about should be DEAD ones, like Thor and Odin. (Normally I make a brief summary of the letters in the letter page, but I didn't want edit Mike's letter too much and allowed you to see his point of view, even though I do not agree with his opinion. I belief that intelligent people can hold their dear beliefs and still enjoy a variant view of those beliefs.) Bernard Person from Cheshire confessed that he stopped reading comics, but he couldn't stay away and pretty soon he started again.

The Avengers “Arkon's kingdom!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Tom Palmer

Originally published in The Avengers #84

Cover date January 1971

(Published in November 1970)

This second part opening splash page is by Jeff Aclin pencils with Duffy Vohland inks, with a catch-up box, credits and a new story title added. The original art was sold on Heritage Auctions on the 22rd December 2021 for $720 (£542.92). The Black Panther finds himself the captive of Arkon and the Enchantress when he had travelled to the Well at the Centre of Time to throw away the cursed Ebony Blade. Even though the Enchantress has learned the truth through a magic spell Arkon still thinks that the Knight is still a spy for the Avengers and wishes to strike first. 

On Earth the Scarlet Witch has dreamt about the events that lead to the Knights capture. Discovering that Dane Whitman was no longer home the Black Panther goes to search for Thor, so that he can use his enchanted hammer to transport them to Arkon's dimension. The two Avengers are on their way back when the Avengers mansion suddenly vanishes. An image of the Enchantress informs Thor that it is her doing with the Avengers her prisoners. The Vision, Goliath, Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch find themselves in Arkon's world as his army attacks. During the battle the Avengers are smothered by the greater numbers and are captured. When they are taken before the Enchantress and Arkon, the Scarlet Witch once again rejects Arkon's proposal to become his queen. He orders them locked away. Thor and Black Panther soon arrive and fight their way to Arkon's castle. Thor takes on Arkon's army while the Panther frees their comrades. A pitched battle with Arkon, the Enchantress and the Black Knight, who is still under the Enchantress' spell, is fought. The Scarlet Witch's Hex bolt strikes the Enchantress spell freeing the Black Knight from her enchantment. The Knight joins his teammates in battling Arkon and his men, one of Arkon's thunderbolts knocks the Black Knight's ebony blade into the Well at the Centre of Time. Arkon realises that the Enchantress had lied to him and he ceases hostilities. The Avengers leave with Arkon gaining some wisdom.

Marvel Mastermind winner 1976

Marvel Mastermind tie-breaking questions 4 to 8.

4. Daredevil is really Matt Murdock and, for a time, he went by the name of Mike Murdock. But as a child, he had a nick-name. What was it?

Easy its Daredevil. (2 points)  

5. What distinction do the Human Torch, The Thing, Mr. Fantastic and Marvel Girl share that is not shared by any other Marvel Super-Hero?

They all attended Metro University. (4 points)

6. In what issue of a British weekly did the strongest human being on earth meet the most powerful immortal in Asgard?

Mighty World of Marvel No. 45 (Hulk versus Odin). (2 points)

7. The Sub-Mariner had all his Super-powers at birth except which one?

Flight. He had to acquire the wings on his feet. (3 points)

8. The very first Marvel Club in America was called the Merry Marvel Marching Society. All early members received a record along with their membership card. What were the first two words on that record?

Face Front! (4 points)

More answers in Dracula Lives.

Iron Fist “To meet...the Ravagers!”

Writer: Chris Claremont 

Artist: John Byrne

Inker: Frank Chiaramonte

Originally published in Iron Fist #3

Cover date February 1976

(Published in November 1975)

I've no idea who drew this second part opening splash page. After landing in trouble at Heathrow Airport, when their crashed plane brought Iron Fist and Misty Knight into conflict with the villain known as the Ravager. The villain has fled leaving Danny to slip away and change back into his civilian guise to dodge any tricky questions from Scotland Yard, however this puts him on the list of suspects.

Danny visits Misty in the hospital. She has lost her biotic arm during the airport fight so he'll have to search for Colleen by himself. But seeing all those injured during the Ravager's attack he decides to do something about it in spite of Misty's protests that he should focus on saving Colleen. Using his keen senses, Iron Fist is able to track Ravager's radioactive footprints to the General Post Office Tower in London. If you read comics in the mid seventies every British reader would have recognised the Post Office Tower. Kids these days know it better as the BT Tower. Upon its completion in 1964, it was the tallest structure in London and remained so until 1980. Chris Claremont was born in London and only moved to America when he was three. John Byrne was born in Walsall, Staffordshire and only moved to Canada when he was eight. Both used their connections with Britain in their stories making them feel very authentic to a British readership.

Confronting the villain inside the tower Iron Fists battles Ravager. During the fight Iron Fist manages to shatter Ravager's armour, which reveals him to be really the villain known as Radion, the Atomic Man. As the two battle, the commotion is covered by BBC News and watched by Misty in her hospital room. As the report goes on, Misty witnesses a giant explosion that occurs from within the General Post Office Tower. Find out next week if Iron Fist can survive the "holocaust!"

Dracula Lives #76

"England's No.1 Fear Book!" it reads, but what about Scotland, Northern Island and Wales? Pablo Marcos drew and inked this Dracula cover, again like the Avengers weekly cover earlier I'm not fond of this cover either. It seems to be a little boring, OK the action is a car falling off a cliff as Dracula bites the driver, but the image seems static.  

Dracula “Cry revenge!”

Writer: Marv Wolfman

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Tom Palmer

Originally published in Tomb of Dracula #35

Cover date August 1975

(Published in May 1975)

I found the original artwork of this second part opening splash page on 2DGalleries comic art collectors page, The names on the top of the original art board are David Wenzel and Frank Giocoia. Dracula has killed Martin Beatering at the request of Daphne von Wilkinson, who in exchange will help the vampire get information on Doctor Sun. Dracula then turns and does the same to his wife Tilly. Returning to Daphne's studio, Dracula is still thirsty and takes the fashion model named Angie as desert. von Wilkinson has three more victims for him, He tells her he will kill them over the following nights until the information he needs is obtained. The following night Dracula sets up a dinner date with Ken Mitchell his next victim. 

Mitchell admits to stealing Daphne's work but justifying it as it happens all the time in the fashion industry. Dracula explains that Daphne has "forgiven" him and wishes to hire him so that he might steal designs for her failing business. Mitchell is interested, the discussion continues in a "quieter" men's room where Dracula feasts upon Mitchell. Dracula wonders why he's doing a woman's bidding as he could spend time hunting Doctor Sun himself, while this exercise is only wasting his time and draining his vampiric powers even more. The next evening Dracula visits Jack Bolt, when he asks what Daphne wants, Dracula explains that she has sent him to kill him because he never took her suggestions seriously. Jack Bolt proves to be no match for Dracula and he shares the same fate as the others. His final kill is a shrewd business man Winston Twindel who Dracula encounters driving through Scotland. Dracula appears in Twindel's car and feeds upon Twindel and sends his car driving off a cliff. Returning to Daphne's home three days later, Daphne informs Dracula that she was able to get information from her man in Scotland Yard. She explains their investigations of Dr. Sun point to the city of Boston in the United States. Daphne asks for reassurance that all her targets are dead. As Dracula departs he proved her with evidence that her enemies are dead by having them as vampires, enter the room to feed upon her. Next week's story will be "Midnight flight to hell!"

Letters to the House of Dracula

In general Ian Smails, from Tyne and Wear offers congratulations on Man-Thing, as the stories as far as issue 67 are very good. However the latest story, "Where Worlds Collide", is verging on his disliking with the entrance of Cosmos/ Magic. The mag should be devoted to normal horror and not horror/fantasy topics. He says that Werewolf by Night should also be kept free from mad magicians and sorcerers, mad-bent on trying to conquer the world or avenging personal vendettas. Even Count Dracula comes up against stupid creatures and organisations which seem to riddle the mag. He believes that the Dracula stories are becoming very tiresome and predictable. Pete Underwood from Warrington writes about the quality of British letter writers in the weekly mags. There may be some controversy over his choice of great letter writers with his pen pal from Dean Mullaney, the best in the states and Neil Fisher the best in Britain. That will stir up a hornets nest as it has been proven that Neil copies a lot of his letters from the American letter pages. Speaking of copying letters, this letter and the editor's reply also appeared in full in the second page of last week's Cryptic Correspondence. 

Werewolf by Night “Some-times the moon brings death!”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: Don Perlin

Inker: Don Perlin

Originally published in Werewolf by Night #32

Cover date August 1975

(Published in May 1975)

This second part opening splash page is by an unnamed artist who uses the first panel of last week's page 21 as the premise of this page. Jack had returned home to find the Moon Knight standing in his living room. It is revealed that the Committee had hired Marc Spectre, gifting him a costume with various weapons to deliver Jack Russell to them, paying him $10,000 to do so. Phillip Russell grabbed Moon Knight, restraining him long enough for Jack to flee from the house.

As the full moon rises Jack transforms into the Werewolf, Moon Knight gives chase, following the beast in a helicopter piloted by his assistant Frenchie. The fight continues on the moon drenched streets of Los Angeles with the mysterious costumed foe battering the Werewolf with several well-placed karate kicks from his silver-lined boots. Meanwhile Lieutenant Victor Northrup takes an airplane to Haiti on the trail of former werewolf Raymond Coker. Coker is at that time deep in conversation with an aging Voodoo witch named Jeesala of the Thousand Years. Jeesala tells Coker that he is still cursed by the mark of the Man-Beast. In Los Angeles the fight continues while Moon Knight's partner, Frenchie, goes to Westwood Hospital and abducts Lissa and Topaz. Moon Knight finally renders the Werewolf unconscious and dragging him towards his helicopter where Frenchie waits with Lissa and Topaz. Next week the conclusion to this story starts with "Wolf-Beast:Moon Knight."

Marvel Mastermind winner 1976

Marvel Mastermind tie-breaking questions 9 to 11.

9. The first super-hero, a member of the first group, discovered and identified a second, "lost" super-hero. That second super-hero discovered a third, "lost" super-hero whom a second group

identified. This third super-hero and the second super-hero had, at one time, been co-members of a third group. The third super-hero went to join the second group and battle the second super-hero. Identify the super-heroes and the groups.

The 1st Superhero was the Human Torch, 2nd Superhero the Sub-Mariner, 3rd Superhero Captain America. The 1st Group was the Fantastic Four, 2nd Group was The Avengers and the 3rd Group was the All-Winners Squad. (4 points)

10. Which issue of a British weekly, features a single pin-up of Spidey and the Fantastic Four,

Mighty World of Marvel #13. (2 points)

11. Who shot Betty Brant's brother?

Blackie Gaxton. (2 points)

More answers in the Planet of the Apes.

This Marvel Masterwork Pin-up of Dracula Lord of Vampires was drawn by Howard Bender (penciller) and Frank Giacoia (inker) as per their signatures under the gargoyle. The date under that reads Oct 31 75, I wonder if it was drawn on that date or did they feel that the 31st October was a fitting date for a horror poster. I like to think the subject was chosen as it was drawn on Halloween. 

It's another chance to buy three issues of FOOM magazine. Marvel's giant journal brings readers the facts, photos and info on the characters -human and super-human, inhuman and unhuman- who make Marvel want it was in 1976. What's more, as from issue thirteen, FOOM will devote a page of each issue to British Marvel Comics. That's a move that proved that Marvel in the states takes British Marvel seriously. It's America's bicentennial year yet Britain has gained a foothold in the bastion of American Comic Culture. Those British pages will kick off with a two part spread in issues 13 and 14 all about our brilliant British Marvel weeklies, giving you the low-down on the batty Bullpenners in New York and London who toil to produce Britain's greatest comic weeklies! For just one Pound you could have issues 12, 13, and 14 of FOOM, with FOOM issue 12 expected in May 1976! If only I knew that then, FOOM magazines go for silly amounts these days. 

Bullpen Bulletin

Items , news and gossip all topped by a revolutionary non-alliterative title.

The first Item suggests that everyone's talking about the latest "smash-hit feature" the Phantom Eagle in the Avengers weekly. The second instalment of the air-ace of World War I continues in  next week's issue of the Avengers. In the next Item it warns are SHIELD fans to not miss Colonel Nick Fury's surprise guest appearance in Iron Man in Super Spider-man with the Super-Heroes. The third Item states that British Comics are 101 years old this year! The cultural phenomenon began in 1874 with the publication of "Funny Folks" which was celebrated at the "Comics 101" convention for comic artists and collectors a couple of weeks back. There was an exhibition of comic art which included Barry Windsor-Smith's work, talks and lectures on various aspects of the history of British Comics. The convention was organised by Denis Gifford. The final Item teases those who enjoyed Stan Lee's "Origins of Marvel Comics" and "Son of Origins" as they will be joined by a third Origins book already in the pipeline.

Man-Thing “The wonder of Wundarr!”

Writer: Steve Gerber

Artist: Val Mayerik

Inker: Sal Trapani 

Originally published in Adventure into Fear #17

Cover date October 1973

(Published in July 1973)

This splash page for this week's second part is by an unnamed artist.  Last week the Man-Thing discovered a strange craft in the swamps with primitive curiosity the swamp creature releases the craft's passenger. A man-child named Wundarr who had been sent by his parents as a baby to save him from their planet's impending doom. Having grown to manhood in isolation in side the capsule Wundarr had not lost his innocence, nor learned the dangers of his gifts on a new world. 

Elsewhere mere miles away Jennifer Kale was from a nightmare, but when her Grandfather, Joshua Kale and her brother Andy rush in to see what the commotion was about she can't remember. Her Grandfather reassures her, it'll be alright but deep down he is worried about what these dreams mean. Wundarr's curiosity leads him to play with a swamp alligator who does not take kindly to having its tail pulled. The beast snaps back, unknowing that this was an attack Wundarr continues to play by smashing the reptile's head against a tree killing it. Wundarr's inability to understand his own actions prompts him to play with the Man-Thing next. The Man-Thing believes he is being attacked causing the two to end up battling, which takes them into the town of Citrusville, where the two cause carnage in the streets. Eventually the Man-Thing grows weary of the fight and just walks away. A panicked Wundarr tries to seek comfort from the Man-Thing, with a childlike fear that he is going to be left alone. The muck-monster loathes that emotion and lashes out slipping Wundarr across the face with a burning touch. Feeling rejection from his "adopted mother" Wundarr bounds away from Citrusville into the worried world. Next week "Death haunts the swamp!"                       

Planet of the Apes #76

Ron Wilson pencils yet another generic apes cover. It doesn't look related to the actual story featured in this issue, which is a real shame I would have loved to see Jason fighting a gypsy gorilla. It's very probable that Dan Adkins pencilled Ron's artwork.

Planet of the Apes “Even an ape who is pure of heart...”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: Mike Ploog

Inker: Frank Chiaramonte

Originally published in Planet of the Apes (US) #6

Cover date January 1975

(Published in March 1975)

This splash page for this week's second part is by an unnamed artist, but the text box tells us how last week the strange group of river boat travellers had stumbled upon a band of gypsies in the forests outside of the Forbidden Zone. The two parties are lost for words until the ape called Gunpowder Julius breaks the silence with a greeting that is meet with more silence. He tries again, this time the female matriarchal ape, Mama Lena,  offers them a drink and warmth by the camp fire.

Meanwhile in the Ape City a messenger brings bad news to Xavier the Deputy Administrator, who governs in the Lawgiver's absence. A band of black-hooded gorillas have been terrorising humans and apes, causing a full-fledged civil war. At the same time a mutant drone named Dee reports to five enlarged, disembodied mutant brains collectively known as the Supreme Gestalt. The Ape Supremacists, Brutus, has taken a mutant force and is in pursuit of the Lawgiver and his two youthful companions. Meanwhile at the gypsy camp a young girl called Malagueňa spills broth on Jason's shoulder. This leads to a gentle loving conversation between the two youngsters and the attention of Malagueňa's "lover" the Grimaldi a volatile gypsy chimpanzee, who strikes Jason with jealousy. Steely Dan pulls Jason to one side, reminding him that they are guests. Gypsy law demands that the argument is settled by combat. Jason and Grimaldi are bind together by their wrists and each armed with a dagger. The one who stands at the end of the fight may cut the binding free. After the brawl ends Jason manages to win and the gyspy crowd demand that he slay Grimaldi as it is their way. But as Jason says he can't the matter is taken from him as a laser blast strikes Grimaldi, killing him. Brutus holds the deadly weapon as he leads an army of mutant drones into the camp. The battle with Brutus and a confrontation with "the Planet Inheritors" continues next week.

Marvel Mastermind winner 1976

Marvel Mastermind tie-breaking questions 12 to 14.

12. At one time, three super-heroes who no longer do so, wore glasses in their everyday identities. Name all 3 Super-heroes?

Spiderman, Thor and the Hulk. (2 points)

13. To what place have both Tony Stark and Flash Thompson been that very few other characters in the Marvel Universe have been?

Viet-Nam. (2 points)

14. At Marvel, there are story editors whose names appear in the spash-page credits of the comic stories. In addition there are British comic book editors in Britain. None of these people's names are acceptable as answers to the following question:-

Over the years there have been a dozen different editors in New York of the British Comic Weeklies. Name 5 of them. (Note: If a person has been both British Comic Book Editor in America and a story editor, then his name is acceptable as an answer to the question).

Steve Gerber, Roy Thomas, Len Wein, Sol Brodsky, Duffy Vohland, Jim Salicrup, Scott Edelman, Mark Hanerfeld, Tony Isabella, Roger Slifer, Dwight Decker, John Warner, Michelle Brand, Pete Iro and Jay Mitchell. (One point each, maximum 5 points)

Apes Forum

Gregory Dunne QNS from County Derry thinks Rico Rival cannot draw apes. He lists examples, in POTA #58, page 7, frame 5. The gorilla in that frame is an example of his useless skill in drawing apes. He thinks all he can draw are the humans. However he congratulate Rival on his drawings of Dr. Hasslein, he's real evil looking. After people have been asking if they are too old to read comics Steve Meredith KOF from Salop adds to the conversation but saying that he buys two copies of POTA each week. One for himself and one for his 71 year old gran. Amanda Hill from Sheffield, like other POTA fans is compiling a scrap-book about the TV series. She's desperately short of info and pics. Marvel promised more photos for ardent scrapbook fillers and she asks for more articles and photos. Mark Marsden from Leeds thinks that "Planet..." "Beneath..." and "Escape..." are ace. He has all issues of POTA except for three mags, they are issues one, forty-two and fifty-two. He asks if you have any of these he'll buy them. I wonder did he manage to complete the series?

Ka-Zar “Return to the Savage Land!”

Writer: Mike Friedrich

Artist: Paul Reinman

Inker: Mike Royer

Originally published in Ka-Zar Vol 2 #1

Cover date January 1974

(Published in September 1973)

This splash page for this week's second part is by an unnamed artist, the text tells the reader that Ka-Zar and Zabu have returned to the Savage Land after a long adventure in the civilised world. But he has returned to savage dangers as Malgato  a red priest, has released some of his trained Pterodactyls to retrieve the lord of the jungle. They do so by way of capturing Zabu. Ka-Zar not wishing to leave his friend rides another Pterodactyl back to Malgato's castle, with the savage lord's knife unable to pierce the winged dinosaurs' hide. 

When Ka-Zar arrives Malgato's servant the brutish Maa-Gorr wishes to fight with him but the Priest offers a parley so he can discuss the danger the Savage Land faces. The Red wizard informs him that a spell keeps the cold from the Savage Land that must be renewed every thousand years. Ka-Zar has heard of the legends that it requires the sacrifice of a man and woman of heroic stature for the ritual to Garokk, the Sun-God. Ka-Zar refuses so the wizard entraps him in a net trap. Maa-Gor beats him with a large club, but Ka-Zar and Zabu escape with the man-ape pursuing them. Maa-Gor and Ka-Zar fight, after first commanding Zabu to flee. What should be an easy win for Ka-Zar he soon realises Maa-Gor is more than what he appears, as Malgato had placed a strength spell on the Man-Ape increasing his strength and speed, which becomes too much for Ka-Zar who is rendered unconscious through strangulation. An image of Malgato appears commanding Maa-Gorr to stop and bring him to the castle. There Ka-Zar is rudely awakened by a bucket of cold water. He finds himself tired to a stake as Malgato tells him he will be sacrificed. Ka-zar refuses to submit, even so the priest  introduces him to his sacrificial companion, Shanna the She-Devil. Next week "The Sacrifice!"

Black Panther “Thorns in the flesh Thorns in the mind”

Writer: Don McGregor

Artist: Billy Graham

Inker: Dan Green

Originally published in Jungle Action Vol 2 #15

Cover date May 1975

(Published in February 1975)

The Black Panther is in pursuit of Eric Killmonger when he takes time to bathe his wounds at the side of a river. While in a forest of thorns, whose scent of ripening tropic fruit hides Salamander K'Ruel, one of Killmonger's men, from the Panther's acute senses. Salamander pulls the string of his bow tight as he aims a deadly arrow shaft at his target. Death cleaves the air, its benzene and gasoline covered arrow head flies towards the Panther's skull. At the last possible moment T'Challa dives into the water away from the momentum of the arrow. 

Believing the "Panther-devil" dead M'Halak searches for the hero's remains. Like a crocodile attacking its prey the Panther leaps from the water, grabbing M'Halak's neck and flinging him onto the shore. Salamander K'Ruel realises that the Wakandan Chief does not die easily and readies another deadly bolt to his bow, only missing the magnificently leaping Panther by millimetres. The Panther rushes Salamander K'Ruel to grapple his opponent, but finds to his displeasure that the move was a mistake as a hundred needles puncture his flesh. Quills that drive deep into his arms and chest, through the soft parts of his palms where he clutched at K'Ruel. He feels the pain that drives agony into unconsciousness. When his consciousness returns, so does the pain, he finds himself tied between two trees. Salamander K'Ruel explains that he gained his powers from the Resurrection Altar. Through giant blisters on his body he can grow poisonous thorns. He leaves the Panther to the wild animals of the forest, to return to Killmonger with his news. In the delirium of pain T'Challa's memories helter-skelter in his mind, unrelated moments from the passage of time, like memories of his father, T'Chaka and the golden afternoons he spent with him. Those memories fade as a lizard crawls over his body. But a bigger threat appears in the sky, a pterodactyl begins to swoop down for the easy kill. Continued next week.

The Titans #24

The Grand Comics Database doesn't list the name of the penciler for this landscape cover, but they do list Mike Esposito as the inker of this piece. Judging by the style of the art it looks like the same artist who drew the main cover art also drew the floating heads of the Sub-Mariner and Cyclops.

The X-Men “Mekano lives”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Ross Andru

Inker: George Roussos

Originally published in The X-Men #36

Cover date September 1967

(Published in July 1967)

Burglars break into the mansion but get more than they bargained for when the Beast defeats them. The other X-Men are making plans to get to Europe to face Factor Three and rescue the Professor. Hank hooks up the unconscious crooks to Cerebro to wipe their memories and send them to the police to confess their crimes. With the X-Plane too low on fuel to take them to Europe Warren calls his parents to borrow money to get to Europe, but they are away. other methods to gain money turns up blank. With no other choice, they decide to use their mutant powers to earn them the money. Marvel Girl, Cyclops and Angel offer their powers to a construction site. However, the foreman declines their offer as they are not part of a union. Later Scott, Jean and Warren find Iceman and Beast entertaining people for donations.

The show is interrupted when a young student called Tom who now calls himself Mekano bemoans that he had felt neglected by his father and stole a high tech exo-suit from a university laboratory. He tells the crowd that he intends to demolish the New Memorial Library, implicating Beast and Iceman in his plan. Iceman is apprehended by the police while the Beast attacks Mekano, only to be easily knocked out with a single blow. Mekano arrives at the library, trashing the place when the rest of the X-Men arrive. The police try to arrest them, but Marvel Girl easily subdues them as Cyclops and Angel to deal with Mekano. However the villain overpowers them and continues his rampage. The over overconfident villain underestimates a jump, barely managing to grab the ledge, the weight of the armour causes the ledge to break. Thankfully Jean's telekinetic powers save him from the deadly fall. Safely on the ground Mekano is approached by the police, the X-Men and also his father Andrew Regal, who wonders why his son would go on such a rampage, Tom explains that his father’s philanthropy work had left him neglected. Andrew Regal agreeing to pay for all the damage his son has done the stolen exo-suit is returned as the police release Tom into his father’s custody. Mr. Regal offers the X-Men an award for their help. They decline but accept a loan of the $1,500. With the money they fly to Europe unaware that the commander of Factor Three has been watching their every step.

Captain America “The Super-Adaptoid!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Frank Giacoia

Originally published in Tales to Astonish #84

Cover date December 1966

(Published in September 1966)

Last week Captain America had defeated the Adaptoid and when the Avengers, Goliath, the Wasp and Hawkeye returned from a mission he briefs them on the strange intruder. Goliath tells Cap that he'll examine the Adaptoid after he finishes some other business, Hawkeye also makes his leave as he wishes to visit the Black Widow. So once more Captain America is left in charge to watch over the Adaptoid, little knowing that the whole time they were in its presence it was adapting all their forms.

Cap takes a stroll in the mansions courtyard terrace when he is attacked once more by the Adaptoid, this time adapting into a form that is an amalgamation of all the Avengers forms. The size and strength of Goliath, with wings like the Wasp, a bow and arrow like Hawkeye and the athletic skills of Captain America himself. Adaptoid resumes its primary mission to destroy Captain America, how calling itself the Super-Adaptoid. Its blistering attack on the Captain soon overwhelms the Avenger. The Super-Adaptoid then carries Captain America into the air in order to drop him to his death. With some resistance and incredible athletic skill, Cap makes a safe landing from a dangerous height into New York Harbour. Believing that no-one could survive that fall, so Captain America must be dead, the Super-Adaptoid returns to its masters.  However in the cold waters a gloved hand bobs up. Weakly with an unfaltering resolve Cap's body returns gasping for air having has just barely survived.

Titans Transcipts

Steven Whatley RFO, KOF, TTB, from Surrey after nine years a Marvel fan has decided to write his first letter reviewing British Marvel. On the Titans he says its great, Captain Marvel and The Inhumans are the best. Don Heck also does a superb job on Mar-vell. Captain America and Nick Fury are improving each week and the Sub-Mariner is getting better now that Gene Colan is drawing him. L D Smith RFO, KOF, QNS, TTB, PMM FOOMer from Leicestershire gushes over Archie Goodwin's writing in Captain Marvel. Charles R Grundy RFO, KOF from Oxford writes that the Titans mag has definitely some good points, in particular, for sheer bulk of material it is easily the best value of all the British Marvels and with five stories it can hardly fail to have something for every Marvelite. But he feels that the artwork definitely suffers from being reduced as it seems so much less clear. Richard Thomas from Macclesfield remembers Stan Lee signing his copy of "Son of Origins" at the Round House. He had to travel nearly 200 miles to see him. A journey worth taking. On The Titans he thinks it is the best mag in Britain. It has everything Marvelites have been asking for over the past three years.

Its Blade the vampire slayer vs Dracula Lord of the Vampires in this centre-spread stand off by Jeff Aclin (pencils,) and Mike Esposito (inks). 

The Sub-Mariner “Helpless, at the hands of Dragorr!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Bill Everett

Inker: Bill Everett

Originally published in Tales to Astonish #94

Cover date August 1967

(Published in May 1967)

Following his battle with It, Namor gathers a council of war who unanimously agree to take action against the surface world due to their perceived transgression against Atlantis. Lady Dorma protests but Namor is unwavering and decides to take solitude at sea to think of the best way to humble the surface dwellers. While he is absent an invitation from a dictator of a small island nation named Dragorr, arrives asking for an alliance between the two nations. Believing it to be a surface trap, the Sub-Mariner decides to go to Dragorr's island nation to teach him a lesson. Dragorr's minion, the Gnome detects Namor's approach and fires at him allowing Dragorr's men to capture him and take him before Dragorr himself.

Namor is immobilised in an energy field and brought before Dragorr who explains he lured him to his island to exploit Namor's superior strength to dispose of a rebel army. Much to Namor's surprise, the energy field also allows Dragorr to control his actions. The Sub-Mariner crushes the rebellion with ease. After which  Namor is kept prisoner. Monitoring the events Dorma goes to rescue him, taking a potion that allows her to breathe on the surface. With help from some rebels she uses a hydro-rifle to free the Sub-Mariner from Dragorr's control. Dragorr challenges Namor to one-on-one combat. Namor is surprised by Dragorr's superior strength, but realising the truth he orders Dorma to shoot Dragorr with the hydro rifle, which reveals that Dragorr is nothing more than a robot controlled by the Gnome. Gnome attempts to jump out of a window but is captured in a net by the rebels. Namor and Dorma head back to Atlantis. I Have to say even though Bill Everett is a legend I feel his Sub-Mariner adventures are a bit lame when compared with other artists.

Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD “Die cries the unloving”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby and Don Heck

Inker: Mike Esposito

Originally published in Strange Tales #146

Cover date July 1966

(Published in April 1966)

 Nick Fury and his SHIELD frogmen attack squad break into the underwater lab of the hooded scientists known as "THEM," with  a "sonic vibrator." But as they do they are attacked by a group of "hammer-hand androids". The agents quickly battle them. Meanwhile on board the SHIELD Helicarrier Count Royale tells the SHIELD board of directors he represents a group called Advanced Idea Mechanics, who are not just a mere business organisation but a Society of the greatest intelligent minds on Earth. They have come to offer them their services and technology. However he feels they cannot do so while being answerable to men such as Nick Fury who have the "lack of intelligence" or "over-inflated egos."

Speaking of Nick Fury he and his men have become trapped between two walls of "electric energy waves". Fooling the enemy he tells them that they have set a "pint-sized fission bombs" to blow up the base, causing a stalemate. The hooded scientists feel they are too valuable to "THEM" to die. Suddenly a group of the "hammer-hand androids" have gotten loose and turn on the evil scientists. In the chaos they smash the control of the electric barrier freeing Fury and his men.  Soon the SHIELD agents polish off the androids. Surveying the lab, Fury realises they're "no penny-ante outfit", comparing them to the Nazis of World War Two and HYDRA. He also realises that the scientists must have been geniuses who sold their ideas. Agent Sitwell adds that he could be referring to AIM who were established two years ago as a functional International cartel. Next week Nick Fury looks for "the Enemy within!"

Captain Marvel “Tricks of the Mynde!”

Writer: Marv Wolfman

Artist: Wayne Boring

Inker: Frank Giacoia

Originally published in Captain Marvel #24

Cover date January 1973

(Published in October 1972)

This week's second part opening splash page is by an unnamed artist. Rick Jones has been capture by Doctor Mynde to use him in his scheme to take over the Pentagon and then all of America. Ten years ago he had worked with Professor Benjamin Savannah, designing weapons of war for the United States. The powers that be said that the weapons would never be used, But Mynde stood against his bosses and was removed from his post and warned never to speak of their discoveries. 

Dying from radiation poisoning from one of his experiments Mynde designed a new body that would survive, his head and brain was transplanted onto his android frame and with that he started to dream and plan of a world ruled by him. Part of his plan was to use Rick's Avengers pass to gain access to the Pentagon and with his army steal the deadly weapons stored under it. Rick goes along with him until he gets the chance to strike his Nega-Bands together and swap places with Captain Marvel. The Kree Captain battles Doctor Mynde, his assistant Madame Synn and Mynde's army, but the numbers may be too much for one man and it looks like Mar-Vell is on the ropes. Madame Synn asks why the Doctor does not finish the hero off. Mynde levels his wrist blaster at Mar-Vell and fires a deadly shot but  unexpectedly Madame Synn is hit and killed. Her death caused Mynde to loose his mind with grief. With is sanity gone he raises his blaster to his head and even Captain Marvel can't stop him from taking his own life. Next week "Rick Jones wanted for murder!"

See you in seven.

Make Mine Marvel.