It's just (Grizzly) bear necessities of life!

 Week Ending 15th September 1976

Regular Power of the Beesting reader Colin Jones wondered about the lack of ads for a certain fast-approaching new comic in the current batch of weeklies. Well Colin need not wait any longer as the "world's newest and greatest super-hero" makes a teasing appearance in the shadows. Find out more later on amongst the regular stuff and nonsense. 

The Mighty World of Marvel #207

This British cover, drawn by Dave Hunt, was based on Herb Trimpe's original cover artwork from the Incredible Hulk issue 185. The Dave Hunt original artwork was sold by Heritage Auction on the 7th March 2020 for $1,920, which is around £1418 in today's conversion rate. Frank Giacoia inked Dave's pencils. 

The Incredible Hulk “The Hulking of a President!”

Writer: Len Wein

Artist: Herb Trimpe

Inker: Herb Trimpe

Originally published in The Incredible Hulk #185

Cover date March 1975

(Published in December 1974)

This second part opening splash page was drawn by an unnamed artist to segue from last week's dramatic ending when Colonel Armbruster rescues the President by pushing Glenn Talbot over the edge of Bruce Banner's confinement pit. The Major had just returned from captivity in Russia where his communist captors had implanted an explosive device that would detonate when near the President. Talbot's body explodes, killing himself and Armbruster in the blast. The sudden and violent death horrifies everyone, especially Betty, her father tries to shield her from the carnage as the smoke clears but the General will have to protect her from a deadlier sight as the shock of what happened starts the change in Banner's body triggering his transformation.

Bruce warns General Ross to get the President and Betty out of the area. Ross orders the sliding roof to be immediately closed. A metal sliding door slams closed, but the Hulk's awesomely powerful leg muscles propel the man-brute up thru the thick steel barricade to crash land on the catwalk. Ross guides the President out of the compound, but in doing so he has to leave his daughter who the Hulk instantly notices as she's so grief stricken over Glenn's death. The Hulk in his childlike way tries to comfort Betty. The base's soldiers rush in to get Betty to safety but the Hulk smashes them to one side. In the master control room an order is given to seal the sub-service levels, but that doesn't stop the Hulk as he busts thru the compound's roof to escape with Betty. Ross is able to get into a new battle suit, the HS-1000 and confronts the Hulk. I can only imagine that the HS stands for "Hulk Smasher." While the suit is heavily armed with many different weapons, including lasers and sonic blasters the Hulk still manages to incapacitate it. This is one of the worst designed creations of Herb Trimpe, I imagine that it would be easily pushed over on uneven ground. Just as the Hulk is about to land a killing blow on General Ross, Betty's pleas for the Hulk to stop, which creates enough time for Ross to blast the Hulk with a gamma blaster at point blank range, knocking him out. As Ross marvels over the fact that he has finally beaten the Hulk, Betty hysterically asks him was it worth the cost, with the loss of the Colonel, Bruces and even her husband, Gwen? Find out the cost next week in "the day of the Devastator!"

The Avengers “The menace of Maximus”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Neal Adams

Inker: Tom Palmer

Originally published in The Avengers #95

Cover date January 1972

(Published in October 1971)

This second part opening page features two panels and was created by an unnamed artist and leads into some devision between the Avengers. With the arrival of the Inhuman Triton, who requests aid to find his king, devision grows in the Avengers. On one side the Vision demands that the Avengers head off into deep space to rescue their kidnapped teammates the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver, as well as their friend Captain Marvel, from the clutches of the Skrulls. While Iron Man however believes it is their duty to help the Inhumans in their hour of need. With Goliath surprisingly being the adult in the room it is decided that the Avengers will split into two teams. One team comprised of Captain America, Goliath and Rick Jones will travel to San Francisco with Triton to aid the Inhumans while the other team, consisting of Thor, Iron Man and the Vision, will journey into space to search for the missing heroes.

Just before the second teams sets off, the Mandroid control crew over ride the individual command settings to operate the suits of armour remotely. This allows the first team to head west. In San Francisco, Black Bolt and his friend Joey are pinned down in a dilapidated building while a street gang who had been exploiting Black Bolt's amnesia pursues them, as seen in The Titans #7. As a scuffle breaks out, Joey, Black Bolt's young friend, is taken hostage by the gang's leader. The stand off is broken as Captain America suddenly arrives, surrendering to the thugs by throwing his shield as requested. It bounces off a wall taking out the crook before he can shoot. Goliath and Triton have already rounded up the other thugs. After the skirmish, Black Bolt joins the Avengers to head towards Attilan to stop his mad brother Maximus. Black Bolt and the Avengers board the Quinjet and at his request Joey is allowed to join them. Now there are some continuity errors, or questions at least here. In The Titans #8 the Avengers see "Black Bolt" being used by the criminal Lionel Dibbs, Thor volunteers to go and sort it out for personal reasons. The watching Avengers include, Captain America, Wanda, Pietro, Vision, Goliath and Thor, so its safe to assume that it takes place before the start of the Kree-Skrull War as seen in Avengers weekly #140. Also in that story Medusa, Gorgon and Karnak meet the imposter "Black Bolt" in San Francisco. Gerry Conway mixes up the continuity over the next four issues of The Titans, with the final part of that story, in The Titans #12, seeing the Inhuman Royal Family reunited save for Triton. You could argue that in the next issue of MWOM Black Bolt returns to San Francisco with Joey, but without Triton, but that is a bit of a stretch because in The Titans #9 Black Bolt still has amnesia and Joey has no knowledge of the Inhuman Race.

Look I'm not casting shades at the continuity errors. The Kree-Skrull War is one of the greatest storylines in Marvel history and Roy Thomas weaves the threads of different characters together very neatly, including his and Neal Adams' run on the Inhumans from the Amazing Adventure/The Titans comics as well as enhancing the Inhumans' origin and the Galactic histories of the Skrulls and the Kree races. Smartly tying up Captain Marvel's loose ends while his comic strip was rested. It's a masterpiece, I just think Gerry Conway story, which to be fair came out before this, was the problem. Another minor thing is Black Bolt is supposed but to have amnesia, but seeing Triton possibly brings back his memory, but also he seems to be aware of the threat to Attilan by the Kree. May Be his origin explains more of it. As the Avengers with Rick Jones, Joey, Triton and Black Bolt head to Attilan the silent Inhuman mulls over the time when he discovered Maximus doing a shady deal with the inter-galactic Kree. One of Ronan the Accuser's lieutenants would allow Maximus to gain the Attilan throne and rule the Earth as their Vice-Regent when they took over the Earth. Black Bolt hearing the treason leapt into action using his incredible sonic voice to cause the Kree ship to crash. Sadly the crash also caused the death of Black Bolt and Maxinus's parents, which thereby causing Maximus's mind to snap with madness. Now would not be the time for grief or self-guilt, if the Kree and Skrull rage war across a myriad of worlds and Maximus the mad makes good on his unholy alliance the cosmos may weep. This chapter in the Kree-Skrull War concludes next week.   

The Mighty Marvel Mailbag

Stephen McGonagle FFF from Dunbartonshire writes a massive letter in reply to Phil Greenway's "Kirby is better than Adams" letter that was printed in MWOM #193. This is one letter that's worth reading in full but here are the highlights anyway. Stephen points out that there seems to be two sides to the argument, first the look of Adam's artwork is reality, while Jack Kirby's art is sadly deteriorating. It reached its peak in the mid and late sixties, but has since gone downhill. especially in his stay with DC. The second side is Jack Kirby has reached and passed his peak. He cannot hope to go any further. He may still have his love for comics, but that extra flair has gone. Praising Adams more he says that in less than ten years he has influenced comic art more than Kirby had in 35 years. There's loads more good points that are well worth reading so I suggest if you want to read one letter this week read this one. Gary Bracey from Liverpool is an 18 year old, who receives 15 American Marvels a month and all of your British-Based weeklies, who feels British Marvels are entering a Golden Age, with the introduction of the mind-bending art of Kirby, Everett, Romita, Colan and other incredible artists too numerous to mention. As well as the new inkers and pencillers who are currently embellishing the pages of the American Marvels. Artists like Adams, Steranko, Brunner, J and S Buscema, Starlin, Alcala, Weiss and Tuska. Jan Leski from Middlesex writes in to answer Ivor Davis' challenge in MWOM #186. Can anyone who denies that Steve Gerber is NOT Marvel's best writer. Jan believes that Steve Englehart is better and winning an Irving Award in 1975 proves it. Jan still admits that he still likes Gerber's writing abilities a lot, especially on Man-Thing and Howard the Duck. Paul Maxwell RFO from Manchester enjoyed the MWOM/Avengers merger and is sure that it will boost sales. But there are two small problems, the first being that even though the Hulk and the Avengers have enough pages, Conan and Daredevil don't, they need more. And the second problem is the title takes up too much space on the cover. 

Conan the Barbarian “The dweller in the pool!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Dick Giordano

Originally published in Conan the Barbarian #50

Cover date May 1975

(Published in February 1975)

This week's story continues the Conan adventure freely adapted from Gardner F Fox's novel "Kothar and the Conjurer's Curse". Conan stands at the fabled Gifting Tree amid treasures untold, behind him the carnivorous giant plant, known as Pthassiass, who wastes no time in attacking the Cimmerian and his companions. The girl Stefanya hangs on Conan's arm like a dead weight as the barbarian's free sword arm slices the creature's tendril, but still it attacks meaning that he must discard the girl to toughen his attack. However Conan falls afoul to the greedy blood-thirsty plants who are less formidable foes than Pthassiass. Their tendril yield ready to the sharp steel of Conan's sword.

While Conan wriggles free of the killer plants he notices that the Dweller has not attacked him while he was occupied. It seems to be hanging back from the garden as if in fear. Furiously he chops away until he hears a feminine scream of abject terror. Frenzy grips him as he grips harder to his sword's leather hilt. The screams are coming from the serving-wench, Gwineer, who is quickly gobbled up by the Pthassiass. Conan's blows barely do any damage to the creature, however he manages to lure it into the plants, whose tendrils and vines attack Pthassiass, flaying the flesh from its bones. Stefanya regains consciousness, knowing little of what has gone on. Conan explains that Torkal Moh had used Pthassiass to guard the spoils he had took from travellers. The garden's man-eating plants had kept a balance so that the guardian wouldn't get out of control. The dweller must have been more vulnerable to the plants than Conan, possibly because they elude a special poison. They and Pthassiass must have been natural enemies. With the amulet safe once again in Conan's possession he and Stefanya leave the garden. Inside the castle they are reunited with Lupalina, the wolf-woman who when she sees recognises her as Chrysala. Find out more about the girl's history in next week's "The story of Chrysala's daughter!"

Coming soon to British newsagent shelves Britain's own super-hero, for the first time in any comic! The world's newest and greatest super-hero! Who is he? Well you don't see any details here, the silhouette shows little apart from what looks to be a staff worn on his back. There no sign of his unique hair style so to readers in 1976 this new hero just looks like a generic super-hero. Did this get the buzz going then? Well I'm not really sure. But knowing what I know now I'm buzzing for what's coming.

As British Marvel promised way back in July, the Super Spider-man Roadshow gets underway in the Autumn of 1976. It might have been coming to your town. The Roadshow kicks off on Saturday, 18th September at the ABC Cinema 2 in Basildon and then goes on to visit another twelve towns at weekly intervals.

Altogether Spider-man would make appearances at thirteen ABC Minors' Matinees all over the country. At which there'll once again be competitions, prizes and for those present a chance to meet Spidey! Doors open at 9.30 am with the appearances starting at 10 am.  Did you go to any of them? The dates were; 18th September at the Basildon ABC 2; 25th September at the Nottingham Elite. 2rd October at the ABC in Doncaster; 9th October at the ABC Sheffield; 16th October at the ABC 1 in Leeds; 23rd October at the St Helens Capitol; 30th October at the ABC in Wigan; 6th November at the ABC in South Shields; 13th November at the ABC in Clydebank; 20th November at the ABC in Coventry; 27th November in the ABC Newport; 4th December at the Gosport Ritz and finally 11th December at the Turnpike Lane ABC in Harringey.

Daredevil “Terror at the Tar Pit!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Syd Shores

Originally published in Daredevil #66

Cover date July 1970

(Published in May 1970)

These three panels for this third part opening page shows Brother Brimstone striking Daredevil after he had found the blue prints for an exoskeleton. Moments later the man without fear recovers and realises the identity of the murder of the original Brother Brimstone. Meanwhile Karen Page goes to the La Brea Tar Pits to meet the special effects technician Lester Leroy who had left a note telling her that he has some clues to the identity of the killer. Finding Lester's note Daredevil fears that Karen could be walking into a trap and sets after her.

At the tar pits Karen enters the empty Museum, which I'm surprised at, because how could she manage to get in when she admits that it's after closing time. The lights suddenly without warning go out leaving her in the dark. She finds that the front entrance is locked closed so she has to leave by the back door of the Museum that leads through the tar pits display featuring two mammoth models. Suddenly Brother Brimstone steps out from behind a tree which causes her to faint. The fiend carries her towards the tar pit to finish his macabre melodrama by dropping her into the sticky mire to drown. Thankfully the timely arrival of Daredevil saves her from that fate. Hero and villain fight each other, taking them deeper into the tar pits. Daredevil pulls off Brimstone's mask while he attempts to pull him to safety. The culprit is revealed to be Vince Sterling. However, while struggling to pull himself out of the tar pit, Vince ends up sinking deeper due to the added weight of his own exoskeleton. Daredevil informs Karen that Vince had killed Archer then intended to murder her and frame Lance Leroy for it both deaths after they had stumbled across the blueprints to his exoskeleton. Daredevil suspected that Sterling was guilty because he had used the same paper to cast his vote on, as seen last week, as well as for "Lester's" note. Sterling had alway wanted to be a star, now he'll be the star of the museum exhibit. 

Super Spider-man with the Super-Heroes #188

The Grand Comic Database suggests that this landscape cover version, based on Gil Kane's original cover from the Amazing Spider-man issue 139, was drawn by Larry Lieber with Frank Giacoia. 

Spider-man “Day of the Grizzly!”

Writer: Gerry Conway

Artist: Ross Andru

Inker: Frank Giacoia and Dave Hunt

Originally published in the Amazing Spider-man #139

Cover date December 1974

(Published in September 1974)

It's the end of summer, the air is cooler, the sun doesn't shine quite as brightly and the evening arrives a little earlier than it did a month ago. Some people find August depressing, while others find it delightful, but those people are clearly winter people. Spider-man is so deep in thought mulling over the fact that he still hasn't found an apartment since he was evicted from the apartment he shared with Harry Osborn. Later Peter Parker meets up with Liz Allan to view an apartment in Chelsea. The landlords superintendent is Mamie Muggins, who at first seems a charismatic landlady. The apartment is less than desirable, but it suits his needs and the price is cheap so Peter takes it.

Needing money for a deposit Peter decides to see if  he can have his job back at the Daily Bugle after he ungracefully resigned in Super Spider-man with the Super-Heroes #185. He stops to talk to Robbie Robertson but before he can step into Jonah's office, a costumed giant of a man smashes his way out of the elevator door, declaring that New York should look out because the Grizzly is back in town! As the Grizzly smashes his way through to Jameson's office, Peter slips away to change into Spider-man and while he does the Grizzly tosses Jameson out a window. Spider-man is already on the outside of the building, with his intention of entering Jonah's office from outside, so with a quickly spun web net Jameson is saved but naturally he's less than impressed to be saved by Spider-man once again. Spidey has no time to listen to the irate publisher accuse him of being involved in a conspiracy with the Grizzly and leaves to battle the costumed giant inside Jameson's office.

Cryptically the Grizzly blames Jameson for destroying his reputation, but thanks to a friend of his he's now number one again. After a brief battle with Spider-man, the Grizzly gains the upper-hand, knocking out the web-slinger for just long enough to allow him to escape. Just before the costume villain does leave the web-slinger throws a spider tracer on to him so that he can catch up with him later. Spidey retrieves the less-than-thankful Jameson from the web net and returns him to his office, the publisher's mouth webbed up to silence the abuse he was giving him. Spider-man searched but found no trace of the spider-tracker. Figuring that from the way the Grizzly he sounded he could have been an old time boxer or wrestler, so he heads to Old Washington Square as Peter Parker to check the official records to see what he can learn. As he enters the building, Peter is taken by surprise and knocked out. When he comes to he finds out that his attacker was the Jackal, who gloats to his new partner, the Grizzly, that with Peter Parker as their prisoner Spider-man can't be far behind. This blockbuster continues next week when "The Jackel strikes back!

The Mighty Thor “If death should die!”

 Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Joe Sinnott

Originally published in The Mighty Thor #190

Cover date July 1971

(Published in May 1971)

This second part opening splash page was drawn by Dave Hunt. It was sold at auction on the 23rd February 2018 by Heritage Auctions for $1,673, which would be around £1,235 at today's conversion rate. 

In last week's issue Odin had stopped Hela from taking Thor's life when she had refused  by slaying her with his Power Sceptre. Thor shocked at the consequences of his father's actions pleaded with him. Hela's demise would lead to doom for everyone in the universe as to live without death would eventually lead to problems. Like insects no longer threatened by natural death would multiply in their trillions, vegetation would grow out of control, choking the entire planet and population explosions would cause the teeming masses to spread out of control as mankind would fight for every inch of living space. Chaos would spread everywhere. Realising the worst is happening, Odin restores Hela to life. Thor is left with no other choice but to accept his fate allowing Hela to touch him. As she does  he begins to wither and die. The emotional Odin transports Sif to Earth so that she might be with her lovers in his final moments. Heartbroken Sif tries to appeal to Hela's feminine spirit. The Goddess of Death is truly moved when Sif offers herself in sacrifice in exchange for Thor's life. With tears to Hela's eyes she changes her mind and restores Thor to life. Hela soon departs telling those gathered that someday they will eventually feel her embrace. Upon returning to Asgard, Odin, Sif and Thor are shocked to discover a giant in Heimdal's place guarding the Bifrost Bridge. Thor easily dispatches it but they soon find that the kingdom has been taken over by Loki, who has taken advantage of the fact that Odin left his Odinring behind while on Earth. As Loki now wears the ring he has become the rightful ruler of Asgard. The God of Mischief orders the people of Asgard to prepare for a war of conquest against the Earth in next week's "A time of Evil!"

A very "PC" centre spread of Red Sonja, drawn by an unnamed artist. Any ideas about who drew it please let me know through the usual channels.

All the excitement of the battlefield from Atlantic's big new range of scale models. There's a huge range of soldiers from World War Two and today's army, all in full lifelike detail. The prices of this collection starts from 20p, the featured model is a self propelled Howitzer, Pack no. 602, which would have been priced at 59p. Each model has lifelike realism and are easily snapped together and ready to be painted. No glue is needed. Other action-filled models available in the Series 600 range are shown on the right. They include; Pack No. 601 a Leopard Tanks; Pack No. 606 Missile launcher tank; Pack No. 602 self propelled Howitzers; Pack No. 605 Mine removal and recovery vehicle; Pack No. 607 Armoured Car; Pack No. 608 Laser Station Control Car; Pack No. 604 Bridging tank and Pack No. 609 Tracked Platoon and Car Transport. All HO scale and all priced at 59p. Apparently HO scale means Half-O scale, representing a model size ratio of 1:87, where one unit on the model equals 87 units in real life.

The Invaders “The Sub-Mariner strikes!”

Writer: Ray Thomas

Artist: Frank Robbins

Inker: Vince Colletta

Originally published in Giant-size Invaders #1

Cover date June 1976

(Published in March 1976)

The third part of this story uses the Part three of the original story. Only a new credit box was needed to be added. Toro, the Human Torch, Captain America and Bucky race towards Chesapeake Bay to prevent Colonel Krieghund and his nazi spy-cell take their newly created super-soldier, the Master Man from intercepting the British battleship, the HMS Duke of York, and attack it. In the waters near Naval Base at Hampton Roads a Nazi U-boat rises from the waves. The Commander of the U-Boat believes that Krieghund is a fool to allow the untrained Master Man to undertake the mission. Master Man strikes the Commander before leaping off and landing onto the deck of the Navy ship where he begins fighting with the deckhands.

One of the deckhands reveals himself to be none other than Namor, the Sub-Mariner in disguise. The Sub-Mariner was recruited by the British Secret Service to safeguard the ship's most important passenger, a British dignity who has journeyed to America for a very important meeting. As the Sub-Mariner and Master Man fight one another a fire is started under the deck, the heat from it starts to dehydrate the Atlantean Prince, giving Master Man an advantage as Namor's strength starts to wane. Master Man's newly gained strength swings the battle in his favour. That is until Captain America, Bucky, the Human Torch and Toro arrive to lend him a hand. Master Man's ruthless commanding officer orders over an loudhailer that he must quickly accomplish his mission and flee as time is running out. Master Man is furious that he has to follow such orders, as the Nazi Übermensch, superior to all, he states that he would never run from anyone or anything. However during the struggle, the process that granted the Master Man his extraordinary strength starts to fail. He feels himself growing weaker.

With his remaining strength he leaps back to the Nazi U-Boat. The two Torches and Namor head after him. With the flaming heroes attacking the sub, two torpedos are fired towards the British vessel. Namor redirects them towards the U-Boat, as it slowly sinks the HMS Duke of York completes its voyage safely arriving at the Hampton Road Naval base. Meanwhile on the shore, a panic stricken Master Man, no longer sure of his incredible strength, blunders throughout the afternoon traffic. He begins losing his vitality and muscle mass. Captain America and Bucky, riding on the outside of a car race to intercept him. Cap is reluctant to strike such an obviously weakened opponent. Bucky, who no reservations about knocking the Nazi out cold, finish off the fight. As the heroes all gather Namor explains that with his mission complete he can now return home. Cap asks what he was doing on that ship. The Atlantean Prince explains that he was asked to be there incognito by British Intelligence. The Torch and Namor start to bicker but Captain America acts as the peacemaker until a voice brings order. Prime Minister Winston Churchill emerges from his cabin thanking Namor and the American heroes for doing a splendid job. Very few officials knew in advance that he had come to America to confer with President Roosevelt on how best to deal with their common foe. Churchill implores to the heroes that they should shelve their own petty squabble until the two nations are ready to invade Hitler's "Fortress Europa." In the meantime they could act as the Allies own unofficial "Invaders!" With that he leaves inspiring the heroes to band together in order to fight the Axis powers under the name the Invaders! More War time adventures next week when we'll find out just "Who or what is Brain Drain?"

The Thing and the Scarecrow..together! “The final Battle”

Writer: Scott Edelman ans Bill Mantlo

Artist: Ron Wilson

Inker: Jim Mooney and Dan Adkins

Originally published in Marvel Two-in-One #18

Cover date August 1976

(Published in May 1976)

This page was part of the original story featured in the US edition, but here a small panel from the top left has been cut together with some of the dialogue. A new story title has been added with two catch-up text boxes and new credits placed at the top. Ben and Alicia had been invited to the opening of an occult-themed art exhibition where the main piece was Jess Duncan's Scarecrow painting that had featured in the Scarecrow series as printed in Super-Heroes issues 41 to 44.

One of the straggling party goers is transformed by Kalumai into a fire demon. Hearing the ruckus, the Thing bursts in to fight off the monster. The demon fires supernatural flames from his hands that burns away Ben's tuxedo, even though it's made from the same unstable molecules as the Human Torch wears. Suddenly a hollow laugh fills the room. All eyes are turned towards the window, framed in the light of the full moon stands the super-natural hero called the Scarecrow. Even though the Scarecrow stands with the Thing it seems that Ben does all the fighting, taking all the hits that  Kalumai can hand out, with the Scarecrow just idly standing by and laughing. One thing the Scarecrow does do is stand in front of the Scarecrow painting as if to guard it as Kalumai unleashes a powerful blast of hell-fire. The portrait-portal erupts in supernatural flames. The Thing knocks the monster out, causing it to change back to normal. The demon-flames burning the painting reveal the image of Kalumai beneath. The Scarecrow then jumps into the painting, seemingly destroying it and closing the portal. In the aftermath Jess and Harmony wonder what happened to Jess' brother Dave. They begun to suspect him of being the Scarecrow. This story means the end of the Scarecrow at least for British Marvel. He does reappear in 1991 in Doctor Strange and even later in 2012 in volume four Journey Into Mystery. Next issue a change to the team-up stars as Spider-man and the Human Torch face the Frightful Four. 

Bullpen Bulletin

Terrific titbits to tantalise and titilate you!

Titilate or titivate, you decide. Some words just slip pass the editors and become part of your vocabulary when you're a child. Anyway on with the Items. The first one promotes this week's Daredevil story in the Mighty World of Marvel. well the man without fear gets stuck in to a sticky jam with Brother Brimstone in the La Brea Tar Pits. Sticking with MWOM the next Item mentions the Conan story in that same epic issue is tantalisingly titled: "Dweller in the Pool." Proving that mighty World of Marvel heroes are not only face a terrible tar pit, but also a murky mire. The third Item focus's on super smash Planet of the Apes hundredth anniversary issue. Just for you agonising' ape fans, there's an amazing anthropoid glossary, plus loads more simian surprises than you can shake a ripe banana at. This Bullpen Bulletin is also featured in this week's The Titans, so more Items later in this blog.

Iron Man “To fight a golden gladiator!”

Writer: Archie Goodwin

Artist: George Tuska

Inker: Johnny Craig

Originally published in Iron Man #18

Cover date October 1969

(Published in July 1969)

This landscape second part opening splash page was drawn by an unnamed artist. The real Tony Stark, who everyone believes to be a look-a-like, has agreed to help Midas and Madame Masque, as an replacement for the Life Model Decoy who they believe to be the real Stark.

Midas tells Madame Masque that if the impostor Stark fails to infiltrate Stark Industries she has her orders to kill him. That night a magnetic powered aircraft soars silently from Midas' sanctuary and arrives over Stark Industries Land Island factory under the cover of darkness. The craft hoovers above a chimney Tony Stark and Madame Masque descend down the inside of it. Once inside they infiltrate Stark Industries but are quickly attacked by the waiting Life Model Decoy, wearing the Iron Man armour. The real Stark leaps onto Madame Masque to protect her from Iron Man's repulsor ray. Stark offers to create a distraction. Madame Masque feels the mission has failed as they have been discovered and so must carry out Midas's order and eliminate the "fake" Tony Stark. She raises her gun and aims it in an attempt to kill Stark as ordered, but seeing that he was genuinely concerned about her, she can't go through with it. The LMD Iron Man goes after Stark but is distracted by two security guards. This gives Stark time to don his original armour. Next week it's "the old against the new to the death!"

Planet of the Apes and Dracula Lives #100

Well known for his work on Red Sonja for Marvel, as well as soft and harder porn strips for various other publishers, Frank Thorne pencilled and inked this week's Planet of the Apes cover. The girl who accompanies Derek in this week's Planet of the Apes adventure certainly gets the Frank Thorne make over with a bigger bra size than Herb Trimpe drew her. Thorne also draws the apes more realistically than many of the other Planet of the Apes cover artists, save for Bob Larkin and Earl Norem. So because of that I'm going to award this week's Cover of the Week prize to this centennial cover and not because of the big boobies. Well may be a little because of them. 

Planet of the Apes “...Beware Dr. Cassius!”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: Herb Trimpe

Inker: Dan Adkins

Originally published in Planet of the Apes (US) #21

Cover date June 1976

(Published in April 1976)

A new second part opening splash page was created by an unnamed artist. I have to wonder why they went to all the expense of creating a new opening page, when they could use the one created for the second part that featured in Planet of the Apes #86, where this story was first printed in the UK. Following a trip from the Isle of Avedon and a joust between the chimpanzee known as Robin Hood and Derek Zane, a scientist from the past who created a time machine, which he hoped he could use to rescue the lost astronauts, including their captain, Taylor. Journeying to the mainland Robin and Derek take the identities of master and slave so as to pass through the domain of General Zaynor.

As the pair travel towards the Ape city Derek reflect upon how he came to be in this insane world ruled by apes. The pair meet General Zaynor who strikes Derek with the butt of his rifle, which causes the human to let slip some words. Hood made an excuse and the pair continued on their way. Later they visit Doctor Cassius, hoping that Derek can be left to search the lab where captive humans have been taken, they pretend that an ape from another village had sent them. Cassius' assistant told them about a talking female human in their captivity. Derek perked up, hoping he had found Lieutenant Stewart from Taylor's crew, but it wasn't her. Cassius prepares to remove the woman's larynx for study, but Zane begged him not to kill her. Distracted by another human speaking Cassius doesn't see the woman grab a scalpel. In panic she kills him and cuts Derek free. They escape across a stone causeway, where they run into General Zaynor. They push past them but not before the apes can sound the alarm. The story continues next week.

Glossary of the Planet of the Apes

This special feature originally appeared in the Marvel/Curtis Magazine Planet of the Apes issues 17, cover dated February 1976, published December 1975 and issue 18, cover dated March 1976, Published January 1976. This A to Z of all things Planet of the Apes was compiled by Jim Whitmore, who assembled a nearly complete glossary of characters, places, events and items related to the Planet of the Apes. Information was gathered from every available source, such as the movies, novelisations, book and comic adaptations, the TV series and even the original novel by Pierre Boulle, all which have been absorbed and studied. To make it really complete Jim incorporated Marvel's own Ape Masterpieces including Evolution's Nightmare and Terror on the Planet of the Apes. So at time of printing here is your A, (Abe: Treacher's real name from Battle for the Planet of the Apes) to Z, (Zoran: The Chief Medical Officer pf the Supreme Council of Apes in the TV series, who tried to use his ridiculous theories to cure the plague in "The Cure.") If you want to find out the others in-between them click and zoom in on the pages to read them. 

   

Ka-Zar “Terror in Tordo-Na!”

Writer: Gerry Conway

Artist: Don Heck

Inker: Frank Springer

Originally published in Ka-Zar Vol 2 #11

Cover date October 1975

(Published in July 1975)

This third part features a new opening splash page by an unnamed artist. Sanda, the High Priest of Ilak-Aron in the city of Tordon-Na must sacrifice his own son, who under their laws has allowed an outsider, Ka-Zar, to step forth into the Temple of Ilak-Aron. Just as he lowers the dagger a spear strike it stopping the sacrifice. The spare was thrown by Ka-Zar, who now races to his rescue, riding a mastodon that leads a stampeding wild herd. 

Pandemonium breaks out, Sylitha orders his followers to slay all who oppose him in the name of Ilak-Aron. Ka-Zar and Zabu charge in with such savage aggression that Sylitha's men who don't fall at the pairs attack, flee out of fear. Ka-Zar tells them that the sacrifice was an act of evil and not of worship. Sylitha had set out to undermine Sanda by manipulating the masses through the use of drugs and hypnosis to cast an illusion in their minds so that they believe they saw the idol of Ilak-Aron speak. The ceremonial incense they light for their god was really a drug of Sylitha's making. Sylitha flees to the temple, quickly followed by the others. He lights the ceremonial burner, where he calls for Ilak-Aron to grant him protection and slay all who oppose him. A madness claims him when the idol tells all that the outlander spoke the truth, that he had tried to use Ilak-Aron to further his own goals. Suddenly the idol tumbles and shatters on to the ground killing Sylitha. The natives believe it was their God's doing but Ka-Zar walks through the illusion and smothers the ceremonial brazier. Once the incense dissipates the idol is back in its proper place, intact. Sylitha remains dead, a death caused by fear. Ka-Zar bids them goodbye to face next week the "Wizard of forgotten flesh!"

This Airfix advert for the Eagle Transporter that would have been regularly seen in the Gerry Anderson classic TV series Space:1999, sells the model kit by showcasing a text adventure that features Professor Bergman and Commander Koenig landing the spacecraft on a new planet. The readers too could have their very own Eagle Transporter with the Airfix Construction kits which give them a chance to create their own hair raising adventures. The Airfix Eagle transporter kit captures all the details of the original from the exciting TV series Space:1999. Comprised of forty pieces the kit includes the complex control cabin, landing pads, laser armament, missile racks and Alpha Moonbase transfers. The advert states that the Moonbase Eagles has a skeletal framework with nuclear power units aft and in the four lateral lifting bodies. The control cabin at the front is known as 'the beak,' from where the craft is piloted and the systems housed. Hydraulic landing pads enable the Eagle to operate from rough terrain and sensing devices provide a fail-safe operational factor. The Eagle's central area is capable of taking a variety of module pods or units designed to carry stores, personnel, survey equipment etc. For combat use, Eagles can be fitted with formidable laser armament and missile racks. In the Eagles, Moonbase personnel can journey to other planets and endeavour to protect the colony from outside forces. Their versatility enables them to undertake hazardous missions in the colony's search for a planet on which to establish new life.

Planet of the Apes “Manhunt!”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: George Tuska

Inker: Mike Esposito 

Originally published in Planet of the Apes (US) #3

Cover date December 1974

(Published in October 1974)

Continuing the repeat printing of the original Planet of the Apes adaptation, that was last seen in the UK version of the apes comic, in POTA#4. After discovering that there's more to Taylor than he first seems, Zira takes him into her private office. She gives Taylor a pad and pencil and begins questioning him. Cornelius is still not convinced that Taylor's gifts are little more than clever mimicry. Taylor gives details of where he came from and how he arrived on this strange world.

Cornelius asks how could he arrive, adding that flight is impossible. As an example of how Taylor could have flown to the planet, the astronaut folds a piece of paper into the shape of a plane and flys it. Cornelius picks it up and reads the word "Here!" on it. Taylor asks for a map so he can point out where his ship landed. The interview is cut short by the abrupt arrival of Doctor Zaius, who isn't pleased that Taylor has been allowed out of his cage, even if it is for scientific study. He calls a guard to return the human back to his cage. Zaius picks up the discarded paper plane and asks what it is? Cornelius says it's a toy that floats on the air. "Nonsense." replies Zaius. This adaption continues next week with "the sweet breath of freedom!"

It's feels strange that as Planet of the Apes and Dracula Lives has reached it's one hundredth issue the Count Dracula is no where to be seen. Or any horror strip for that matter. It hasn't taken long for the Apes to take over. Thankfully the Man-Thing returns next issue.

The Titans #48

John Romita Sr.'s original cover artwork from the Fantastic Four issue 105 wouldn't fit on this landscape cover so Steven Stiles re-drew it brilliantly to do the job. Frank Giacoia inked Steven's pencils.

The Fantastic Four “The monster in the streets!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: John Romita Sr.

Inker: John Verpoorten

Originally published in The Fantastic Four #105

Cover date December 1970

(Published in September 1970)

Dave Hunt's landscape re-creation of John Romita Sr.'s open splash page started off this week's Fantastic Four adventure. Dave's original artwork was sold by Heritage Auctions on the 10th August 2020 for $720, which would be around £532.

While taking a break Ben, Johnny and Crystal nip out for a hotdog when the young Inhuman girl begins to feel dizzy and sick. Suddenly the ground begins to shake and the sound of an explosion is heard. As the Thing quickly supports the side of a building that crumbles with the earthquake, Crystal collapses into Johnny's arms. Leaving Ben to deal with the chaos Johnny flies off with Crystal to take her to see what Reed can do to help with Crystal's sudden illness, leaving Ben to deal with the earthquake and find the cause of it. Meanwhile Reed is in the Baxter Building working on a cure for Ben's appearance experimenting with new ways to change Ben back to normal. Johnny arrives with Crystal. Reed puts his work aside to carry out tests on Crystal. Elsewhere, Sue is shopping when another earthquake strikes. Investigating she discovers a strange glowing mass of energy. As she confronts it a car pulls up and out jumps Doctor Zolten Rambow who implores Sue to help him because there is a creature inside the strange energy sphere. It must not be destroyed  as it could be from another planet or dimension and that they must communicate with it.

Meanwhile back at the Baxter Building, Reed learns that the cause of Crystal's illness was due to the pollution in the city has affected her immune system. Having grown up in the isolated city of Attilan her body was not accustomed to the air born pollutants. To survive, Crystal must return to the Hidden Land. While testing her blood Reed also discovers that it may help perfect his latest method to change Ben. Ben returns and is overjoyed that Reed has found a cure for him, but also saddened with the news that Crystal must leave. Crystal bids farewell to Reed, Ben, and Johnny as Lockjaw transports her home. In anger Johnny flames on and flies away to clear his head, leaving Reed to finalise what is needed to complete Ben's cure. Soon Johnny finds his sister trying to keep the monster contained. The Torch fires flames at the creature but in doing so the creature absorbs the Torch's flames. Sue asks Johnny to go fetch Reed to help them. Returning back to the Baxter building, Johnny finds that Reed has already started the experiment to change Ben back to normal and requires Reed's constant attention at risk of Ben's death. With Sue's life also in the balance Reed now must choose between the life of his best friend or his wife. Find out "the startling solution in next week's issue.

The Sub-Mariner “...Blame it on the Barracuda!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Dan Adkins

Originally published in Sub-Mariner Vol 2 #10

Cover date February 1969

(Published in November 1968)

This second part landscape opening splash page was drawn by David Wenzel (pencils,) and Duffy Vohland (inks). It was sold by Heritage Auctions on the 8th December 2013 for $125.48, which is around £92.69.

Having recovered the all powerful Helmet of Power, which has transformed back into its original form, the Serpent Crown, Namor battles Karthon the Questor for it. Karthon defeats Namor and tells him of how their people are related. Karthon's ancestor Naga had been a worshipper of serpent god Set. Having discovered the Serpent Crown, Naga used its powers to control the masses. The Sub-Mariner turns the tables on Karthon and defeats him. Unfortunately Captain Barracuda has been watching them both from his submarine, he captures both of them in an electrified steel net. While he holds them captive he admires the Serpent Crown, not full realising its power. As Namor and Karthon recover Barracuda continues his mission to steal a new kind of atomic warhead by shooting down an American bomber carrying it. Namor tricks one of Captain Barracuda's men into throwing a bucket of water at him, which renews his incredible strength, allowing him to free himself, but also in the process freeing Karthon, who steals the Serpent Crown and flees. Namor must decide whether to pursue Karthon or stop Captain Barracuda's atomic torpedo! Find out which in next week's "The choice... and the challenge!"

This incredible Hulk centre spread was drawn by an unnamed artist. If you have any ideas who it was by let me know. 

Bullpen Bulletin

The fourth Item starts of with "In the selfsame issue of Spidey as that mystery master-piece," which to me sounds like there was another Item before it that dealt with a story form Super Spider-man with the Super-Heroes but it was removed to fit these five Items into this week's short Bullpen Bulletin. Anyway on with the Item, Spidey's latest adversary is simply an un-bear-able called...the Grizzly. He's a brand-new villain created by Gerry Conway, with art by Ross Andru and Frank Giacoia. If you think the Green Goblin is a bad dude, or if ol' Doc Octopus gives you the cold chills, then just wait'll you get a load of the gargantuan hi-jinks of the growlin' Grizzly! The final Item sticks with Super Spider-man, (notice that this link continues the "stickiness" that was started in the Daredevil Item at the start of the Bulletin,) you'll also find the long-awaited conclusion of the Invaders origin story begun several issues ago. Also in that same sensational issue of SSMwtSH #188, you'll see a strictly stun-boggling story by Scott Edelman, Bill Mantlo and Ron Wilson, in which the ever-lovin' blue-eyed Thing and the sinister Scarecrow team-up!

Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD “...The Satan Claw!”

Writer: Jim Steranko

Artist: Jim Steranko

Inker: Jim Steranko

Originally published in Strange Tales #157

Cover date June 1967

(Published in March 1967)

An unnamed artist created this second part opening splash page. After a narrow escape from Baron Strucker's deadly Alpha Ray machine Nick Fury must face incredible odds as he faces the hordes of Hydra on a mission to rescue Laura Brown. While the precious seconds tick away Hydra's super weapon, Death Spore Bomb, hidden inside SHIELD's Helicarrier nears the moment when it will detonate releasing a deadly disease that would wipe out the modern civilised world, while Strucker and the important members of Hydra remain safe within Hydra Island's protected bubble.

As individual Hydra agents face Fury he defeats them in hand-to-hand combat. But when the odds become to much for him Fury releases one of SHIELD's most potent weapons towards the onrushing antagonists, the fantastic "Hallucination Cube." It bursts on impact discharging an incredible potent mind-bending vapour, which is so powerful that any man within its proximity conjures from out of their subconscious ghastly apparitions of things they most fear. From the ebony blackness of a state of mindlessness spills forth unbelievable forms of striking sheer terror. The agents of Hydra fall victim to their own mad campaign of evil and hatred. The blood on their hands has returned to haunt them. Steranko's imagination is laid on the page in a visual nightmare, its incredible in its horror and beauty, but also incredible that it was allowed in 1967, when it was first published to print images that depicted scenes caused by mind altering drugs. With the agents defeated Strucker attacks Nick Fury. When Fury gets the upper hand the evil Baron uses the Satan Claw, an enhanced gauntlet that increases the wear's strength and pulsates with incredible energy that gives Strucker the advantage needed to defeat Fury. Strucker hovers the Satan Claw above Fury in readiness to deliver the killing blow which will make this their "Final encounter!" As you may find out next week.

Captain America “Slave of the Skull!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Dan Adkins

Originally published in Captain America #104

Cover date August 1968

(Published in May 1968)

Following his escape from Exile Island with Sharon Carter, as seen last week, Captain America is asked by SHIELD to test out their newest Life Model Decoys in combat. Despite the improvements, Cap manages to defeat them. After the workout Cap visits SHIELD's doctors. He's been plagued by headaches that have steadily been getting worse. As Cap strips to be examined he is suddenly struck by an unbearable migraine. At the same time on Exile Island the Red Skull activates the detonator device that causes Cap's pain. He makes direct contact with SHIELD, telling them that he has placed the nuclear tape on the back of Captain America's neck. The tape serves as a detonator for a miniaturised atomic bomb that he had hidden in Washington DC. If the tape is removed the Capital will be atomised. The Skull orders Captain America to return to Exile Island to face him in combat to the death.

Hearing the Skull's plan, Gruning fears that it is the sort of brash action what made the Nazi's lose World War Two. The Red Skull believes that it was because Adolf Hitler never listened to him that they lost. He is confident that he will be able to crush Captain America once and for all. He then meets with the other Exiles to explain his plan. Each of them are promised a chance to ending the life of Captain America. The Skull is happy that the Exiles' hatred for each other and their desire to replace him as leader of the group makes them a deadly team. Back at SHIELD headquarters, the doctor confirms Red Skull's findings. Cap tells Sharon Carter that he has no choice but to return to Exile Island. Taking a raft out into the ocean close to Exile Island Captain America is picked up by one of the Red Skull's submarines. Aboard the vessel, the captain of the ship mocks Captain America's plight. Once reaching the island Cap is brought before the Red Skull. As Cap makes a sudden attack the Skull activates the detonator causing Cap to reel back in pain. Next week Cap must face impossible odds as he must fight "Alone against the Exiles!"

Ghost Rider “...While Las Vegas burns!”

Writer: Gary Friedrich

Artist: Jim Mooney

Inker: Sal Trapani

Originally published in Ghost Rider #5

Cover date April 1974

(Published in January 1973)

This second part opening landscape page was created by an unnamed artist. Having narrowly saved Roxanne Simpson from a fiery death at the hands of the hell-spawned demon who calls himself Roulette, the grimly determined Ghost Rider races down the Las Vegas strip to face Satan himself.

Meanwhile, five crime bosses meet after receiving a note from Roulette naming the five of them who he will kill plus a sixth crime boss who has already died in a casino fire. One of them has heard from a source that some man-monster named Roulette started the fire and that there was a woman called Simpson who was held by a man called Jenson who changed into a demon. One of the crime bosses remembers Dude Jensen, who they had shot and left for dead some time ago when he couldn't repay his debts at their casino.  Meanwhile Ghost Rider chases Roulette to a giant castle, there Roulette reveals that he was revived by Satan who had promised him additional power if he killed the Ghost Rider. Roulette attacks the Ghost Rider and quickly defeats him. The demon calls on Satan to grant him the extra power needed to fully destroy him. Satan agrees but just as Roulette is given the extra power the Ghost Rider unleashed every last vestige of power he controls and the two streams of sizzling hell-fire converge on the demon Roulette, building to a critical intensity that cannot be contained in any vessel human or otherwise, Roulette implodes. As the smoke clears all that remains is the ashes that was once Dude Jenson. Next week "The Zodiac bandit strikes back!" and of course more of the usual stuff and nonsense from the Power of Beesting. So till then...

See you in seven.

Make Mine Marvel.