Dreadnoughts and crosses!

 Week Ending 4th July 1976

Last week a Power of the Beesting reader named Stephen noted in the comments that I used the term Curtis, or more often Marvel/Curtis Magazines, when talking about certain comics. He stated that Curtis wasn't a publisher as such and that the Curtis Circulation Company was Marvel's US distributor. On the colour comics and later on the magazines there was a logo CCC to show this. You know he's right but that's only half the story. Originally Marvel was just part of a parent company called Magazine Management. Then in late 1968, Martin Goodman, the publisher of Marvel Comics, sold all his publishing businesses to the Perfect Film and Chemical Corporation, which made the subsidiary Magazine Management Company. Perfect Film purchased Curtis Circulation Company that same year from Curtis Publishing. So in a way the distributor company owned Marvel. Goodman remained as publisher until 1972. Perfect Film and Chemical renamed itself Cadence Industries and renamed Magazine Management as Marvel Comics Group in 1973, The "Curtis" imprint logo can be seen on many of the early US black and white Marvel magazines, with the word "Curtis" inside a large "C". Just take a close look at the top left corner of the Savage Tales #4, cover dated May 1974, published March 1974, shown on the left. Curtis Magazines imprint used by Marvel Comics to publish black and white magazines that where not covered by the rules set by the Comics Code Authority, which Marvel used as a means to publish more adult-themed titles that depicted profanity, violence, and nudity that would have otherwise been barred. It ran from 1971 to 1975, when some titles continued publication under the name Magazine Management Co. label.

The thing is some titles names like Dracula Lives, Planet of the Apes and the Savage Sword of Conan are used for both American magazines and British comics. So to help and give a point of reference I tend to use the Marvel/Curtis Magazine tag to mean the black and white American magazine published by Marvel and not the British ones. Loads of the strips from those US mags appear in the British comics because they are absolutely great. look no further than the British Marvel Comics/Marvel UK issues of POTA, Dracula Lives, Star Wars Weekly, the Savage Sword of Conan monthly, Rampage Monthly/Magazine, Spider-man and Hulk weekly and Savage Action monthly. I'd like to thank Stephen for his point and encourage him and other Friends of the Beesting to ask about, question or comment on anything I get right or wrong in the blog. They are always welcome. Just like Colin Jones who points out that The Trades Descriptions Act 1968 made it illegal to tell lies about a product but Planet Of The Apes & Dracula Lives was telling a lie by suggesting that Dracula was in the comic, when he actually wasn't. And Dangermash who discusses Moon Knight replacing the Thing "Two-in-One" tales and the difference between the Steve Ditko version and the current version of the Molten Man. With that here's this week's blog with loads more stuff and nonsense to remember or discover.

The Mighty World of Marvel #201

Jeff Aclin created this terrific cover with the Hulk struggling to free himself from Hammer and Anvil's chain. This cover is so much better than the original US cover which was very generic, but here Aclin really pushes the boundaries by showing the Hulk being strangled, but doing it in such a way that the censors might not notice. Frank Giacoia inked Jeff's pencils.  

The Incredible Hulk “...Chaos in Canada!”

Writer: Len Wein

Artist: Herb Trimpe

Inker: Jack Abel

Originally published in The Incredible Hulk #182

Cover date December 1974

(Published in September 1974)

This second part opening splash page was created by an unnamed artist and does jump the gun on a scene that appears shortly after the seventh panel of the next page. The Hulk while wondering the forests of Quebec had befriended a travelling hobo named "Crackajack" Jackson. Jackson had been stopped by the Canadian police from passing a road block due to the escape of two prisoners from an unidentified State Prison. Meanwhile at Hulkbuster Base, preparations are being made for a presidential visit, however, Colonel Armbruster has a feeling that something is wrong with Major Gwen Talbot since his escape from Russia and so tasks on of his men to make a severe security check on Talbot.

Back on the Canadian road Crackerjack tells the police that he needs to get through to see his son in the prison as he has walked twelve hundred miles to see him. The officers still bar him from passing which angers the Hulk who intervenes by smashing the police car. The officers flee and Jackson and the Hulk carry on their way. Crackerjack embarrassingly explains that his son has been serving time for over five years. Passing no judgment the Hulk picks up the old man and leaps over the prison wall. They land in the middle of battles between the prison guards and the escaped convicts Hammer and Anvil, who have returned to the prison to get revenge on their former wardens. You find out quickly that Hammer is Crackerjack's son who is not very pleased to see his father, whom he accuses of abandoning him as a child. Why reaching out for his son, Crackerjack touches the coil that attaches Hammer and Anvil together, with a sudden jolt of power the old man dies. Furious at seeing his only friend die the Hulk savagely attacks Hammer and Anvil. The jolts from the coil stuns him but his strength grows with each jolt of pain as he gets angrier. Ultimately he rips the coil in two which causes a painful backlash that causes both Hammer and Anvil to pass out. As prison security surrounds the Hulk, the gentle giant picks up Crackerjack's body and bounds away. Deep in the wilderness, instinctively the Hulk buries his dead friend. He engraves a crude tombstone to mark the final resting place of someone who once called the Hulk a friend. Next week the Hulk faces "Fury at 50,000 Volts!"

Bullpen Bulletin

Indispensable Items assured to inspire, awe and amaze!

The first Item has news about staff members from the British Bullpen office. Graphics artist extraordinaire Tony Essam and Gillian Holmes, Marvel's mail order staffer have departed for supposed greener pastures. Which leaves only two, faithful Bullpenners Neil Tennant, and the veteran, Alan Murray, to meet those dreaded deadlines. Next Item promotes Super-Spider-man with the Super-Heroes issue 182, in which the Prince of Darkness, Dracula, battles the Master of the Mystic, Doctor Strange in a spine-chilling thriller entitled "His Name Is Dr. Strange!" In another Item the editor asks what readers reckon to the new MWOM line-up of the Hulk, Conan, Daredevil, and the Avengers all in one mighty mag? In the fourth Item the Bullpen reports that according to the Daily Mail Bedford City Library has acquired a stock of 2,500 assorted comics in an effort to encourage children to read. Children take in their old comics and swop them for fresh ones, resulting in a weekly turnover of about 600 comics! David Taylor, the Children's Librarian, reckons that many children who normally don't read at all have been sitting down and reading for the first time. The fifth Item asks what Marvel's Super-types were doing during World War Two? The answer can be found out very some in SSMwtSH #186 when the mind blowing exploits of the Invaders and the Liberty Legion will be seen. If you ask who they are, the names Captain America, the Human Torch, and the Sub-Mariner are mentioned for starters! In the final news Item of this week's Bullpen Bulletin, it tells readers about the success of the super Quad poster in the "landscape" mags. Well coming up very soon will be a Howard the Duck centre-spread. This complete Bullpen Bulletin page also appears in this week's Planet of the Apes and Dracula Lives. 

The Avengers “War of the weirds!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Neal Adams

Inker: Tom Palmer

Originally published in The Avengers #93

Cover date November 1971

(Published in August 1971)

This third part opening splash page uses the 21st page of the original US comic as its splash page. It was originally "Part three" but with the "Part One" and "Part Two" appearing in the Avengers weekly #148, pages 1 to 10 of the original comic and pages 11 to 20 appearing in last week's MWOM, so incorrectly they renumbered it "Part Five" when they could have just left it as "Part Three" as last week's instalment didn't feature any numbering. This story came from a time when American Marvel comics had around 34 pages of strip for 25 cents. This week's instalment only features four pages of the Avengers which is a crime!

At the farm where Carol Danvers took Captain Marvel to hide we discover that he and Carol are being held prisoner by three Skrulls. The Captain says he should have known from the start that the Skull once more walk the Earth. In a cryptic reply the Skull leader says "Not 'once more' man of Kree, but still!" Carol warns Mar-Vell not to anger them. The leader tells her to remain silent while they witness on the monitor an Avenger known as the Goliath approaching. Outside a small stone hits the giant Avenger's head, thrown by Rick Jones, who was last seen in Avengers weekly #147 leaving the court room after seeing a vision of Mar-Vell and Coral arriving at the farm and being captured by alien monsters. Before that can swap stories the Thing and the Human Torch attack them. Their tone of phrase doesn't match with the New York street banter that they are normally known for.  The Thing knocks out Goliath and the Torch captures Rick with the help of Mister Fantastic. As Rick realises that they are imposters "Richards" reveals that he and his two teammates are really Skull spies left on Earth after a battle with the Fantastic Four way back in MWOM #4. Then Reed had hypnotised them into thinking they were just cows, until a Skull Hyper-beam from space revived them. Just then an intruder alarm goes off. Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, and the Vision arrive at the farm to rescue their friends. With the Skulls gone Captain Marvel works out how to escape by firing a beam from his wrist bands to deflect off a mirrored surface and damage his shackles. Find out if he escapes fully next week.

The Mighty Marvel Mailbag

Igor the Historiographer, who I suspect is Igor Davis, but I could be wrong, takes an issue with something that Mike Mittelstadt wrote when he said over the years, Marvel's style of presentation has changed, Igor thinks the assessment that the "fun" has been lost is wrong. One of the distinct points about Marvel is that all Marvelites are like leopards, once a Marvelite always a Marvelite. Once someone is hooked on Marvel they very seldom let go. He adds that the early "enthusiasm" for Marvel comics in the 60's when comics were strictly assumed to be for the "bubblegum brigade". However they become mature following with the late sixties and early seventies strips. Igor goes on with examples in his letter, one that you should read in full. Reg Evens from Berkshire replies to Eddie Wrights letter from MWOM#185 and the editor's answer to it. The details are vast it starts with a Hulk story, he thinks was called "The Monster and the Matador" which was printed in Smash comic from 1966, as published by Power Comics/Odhams Press in which Marvel's green hero also appeared along side Batman, Rubberman, a British superhero and Johnny Future. The story was set after the early Avengers tales which ended with the Hulk and Namor vs. Avengers at Gibraltar, In the special Hulk tale he turns up in Spain, eventually getting drugged and up against a matador in a bull-ring. This story was specially written to plug a gap was. Apparently it was printed in Smash issue 66.

Keith Riglin from Middlesex replies to Mike Gibas's letter from Avengers weekly #133, particularly about his opinions on Marvel and religion. He writes that before Marvel there was the real world, with traditions, nations. politics and religions. The came Marvel comics with it's brand of fantasy. These tales were not true, everyone knew they weren't. Aliens don't invade the world every day, men and women do not possess super powers. What Stan Lee did was place the superhero from the comics world into the real world. Men don't have super powers in the real world. but what if they did? How would they react to that world with its traditions, nations, politics and religions? Steve Englehart doesn't believe there is a Doctor Strange, or, for that matter, a man from the future called Sise-Neg. What Steve did was to say that if there were those characters in our real world what would happen? Keith adds that he is a Christian. He worships the Lord God and believes in the power of Jesus Christ. But that doesn't stop him appreciating Steve Englehart's attempt to explain creation in the Marvel Universe. On another note the High Evolutionary never claimed to be God. He used part of Earth to make his own Counter-Earth. he never claimed to be more than man at the top of evolutionary scale. Also Adam Warlock didn't claim to be Jesus Christ. He was also just a highly evolved man. Mark Anstead from Essex Was looking for a pen pal in his letter. Peter Durant asks if Marvel has any Origins or Son of Origins books left? Graham Johnson from Liverpool complaints that the X-Men and the Origins of the X-Men had been removed from The Titans as he thought they were both superb. Christopher Rankin from Ayrshire only recently been introduced to Marvel comics and is surprised at the astounding brilliance with which they are put together.

This Marvel Masterwork Pin-up of the Thing is brilliant. It's not signed and after a long internet search I can't come up with a possible artist. I wonder could it have been George Pérez. It looks a little like his work. The background characters are the Man-Thing, the Hulk, Captain America and Iron Man, who have all appeared in the early Marvel Two-in-One tales published in British Marvel weeklies at that time. 

Conan the Barbarian “Goblins in the moonlight!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Dan Adkins

Originally published in Conan the Barbarian #47

Cover date February 1975

(Published in November 1974)

This Conan tale is an adaptation of the original material by Gardner F Fox from his novel "Kothar and the Conjurer's Curse!" that started off in the final issue of the Avengers weekly. On the way to deliver the Amulet of Blue Fire to the Regent of Phalkar, at the request of the mage known as Merdoramon, Conan has stopped to rescue the fetching Stefanya from a superstitious blood craved mob, who had labelled her a witch because of her connection with her master, the sorcerer known as Zoqquanor. The angry villagers had burned down Zoqquanor's house near the village of Sfanol. When Conan had agreed to go with Stefanya to find her master they discovered a stone creature guarding his resting place. Once the monster was defeated they find her master in a death-like state. 

Stefanya is determined to find a way to rouse her master Zoqquanor from his state of death, because of a spell he had cast on her neither him of her would remain alive if the other died. Yet Conan is more convinced that Zoqquanor is a corpse, but the girl convinces Conan with her charm to leave with the body that very night rather than risk the protection spells of the sorcerer's keep. Conan makes a travois to fit to his horse so that they can transport the body, while Stefanya changes her clothes. As she does Conan notices an odd star-shaped birthmark on her hip. Soon the two are ready to begin their journey westwards. After traveling most of the night, they stop at some ancient ruins to rest and sleep for a while. Conan is awakened by Stefanya when she awakens to a sight of a band of Hobgobs making their way towards the inert form of Zoqquanor. The little demon-like creatures have sensed the sorcerers state and seeing his current condition they take the advantage to gain revenge on him. Conan draws his sword and smites at them. His blow cut deep, but the demons do not bleed!  When the last of them fall Stefanya thanks Conan, as if those goblin creatures had managed to slay Zoqquanor she too would have died. The two continue their journey and will next issue face "The Blood-Baron of Ravengard!"

This In-house advert focuses on The Titans from this week as "The Torch goes wild!" And also if you read it you'll find Captain America in the clutches of the Red Skull!

Under that advertisement in a notice from the Editor, given to the readers by the Hulk. From next week the price of the Mighty World of Marvel will increase by one pence to nine pence. The reason they give is that unfortunately the rising costs of printing paper, among other things and the steady march of inflation has forced them to raise the cover price. To be fair to them it would have been the first one since February 1975.

Daredevil “The Stunt-Master stalks the city!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Syd Shores

Originally published in Daredevil #64

Cover date May 1970

(Published in March 1970)

The artist who drew this third part opening splash page is unnamed. High above the skyscrapers of downtown Los Angeles the Man Without Fear swings through the midnight air in search for Karen Page, the girl he loves. Below him three gangsters round on George Smith the man better known to Daredevil as the Stunt-Master. They force him to carry out a crime for them. He admits it has happened before to him when the criminal known as Crime-Wave found him starving in the Bowery in New York. He had forced him to carry out his plans, again here he was forced to steal a briefcase from a man on Sunset and Vine.

The Stunt-Master suspects that the man must be some studio executive transporting an old film that must be worth a mint. As the biker races down on his target he sees the name on the briefcase being from Bronson Motion Picture Distributing Co. When the Stunt-Master steels the case Daredevil swings down and the duo clashes. The duo race out of sight from the onlookers. Later having beaten Daredevil the Stunt-Master returns, with the stolen can of film to give to the gangsters who made him carry out the crime, only to find that mastermind behind the job was the executive who was carrying the film before it was stolen. The job was a set up so that the studio would pay him dearly to get the film back and all the blame would fall on the Stunt Master. Suddenly he comes to life with an athletic bound and as Daredevil smashes his way in through a glass skylight. The two had swapped costumes to fool the criminals. They end up taking down the crooks and the subsequent publicity gets Stunt-Master a job for a television series.

Super Spider-man with the Super-Heroes #182

This cover takes John Romita Sr. and Gil Kane's original cover from the Amazing Spider-man issue 133 and expands it to fill the landscape cover. The artist who drew those parts was never named. 

Spider-man “The Molten Man breaks out!”

Writer: Gerry Conway

Artist: Ross Andru

Inker: Frank Giacoia and Dave Hunt

Originally published in the Amazing Spider-man #133

Cover date June 1974

(Published in  1974)

On the back of the original artwork for this landscape splash page a credit box, which they used to make the payment to the correct artists lists the penciller as SS and the inker as ME. Steve Stiles has been known to create new splash pages for British Marvels so it's more than likely his work. ME most likely means Mike Esposito.

Spider-man had taken Ned Leeds to the hospital after his encounter with the Molten Man last week. When Peter Parker leaves he collapses suffering from radiation poisoning. The Molten Man arrives searching for Leeds. In spite of Peter feeling the effects from his exposure to the irradiated Molten Man he changes into Spider-man to battle his foe, holding him at bay with a fire-hose. This prompts him to escape, when the police arrive Spider-man is forced to flee also. He swings over to Mary Jane's apartment and eavesdrops on MJ's conversation with Liz Allan. Liz explains that after graduation from high school, as seen in SMCW #22, she took a job as a nurse to look after her stepbrother Mark Raxton, the Molten Man. However, Mark finally got fed up and escaped from medical care. In doing so he lost access to the medication that was keeping his molten skin from melting away. Changing back into civvies Peter sneaks through MJ's neighbour's apartment, he gets his pant leg ripped by the neighbour's dog. Peter checks in on the women but then the women leave for dinner, so Peter heads out to the Bugle. 

When he arrives at the Bugle Jameson tells him about another break in that bares all the trademarks of a Molten Man robbery. Peter heads there to get information from one of the workers cleaning up the site, but that leads him nowhere. So he calls Ned in the hospital and learns that the Molten Man had stolen a chunk of a radioactive meteor. Checking out the robbed warehouse he also learns that it had recently taken in a shipment of radioactive materials for medical treatments, he realises that the Molten Man has been stealing these items to prevent himself from melting away. Just then the police arrive and chase Spider-man off. Deducing that the Molten Man will need more radioactive material Spidey guesses his next target will be to rob another museum that has on display a similar meteor fragment as the one that turned him into the Molten Man, as seen in SMCW #22. Spider-man catches the Molten Man in the act. The Molten Man makes a run for it by knocking the wind out of Spider-man while he takes a subway train, mingling with the commuters by using a melt-proof disguises. However his powers grow control and they burn away his disguise. Giving himself away the two clash again. The fight taking them onto the roof of the train and then onto a bridge as it crosses it. Molten Man's deterioration gets even worse as the Spider-man knocks the Molten Man's bag full of stolen isotopes and meteor fragments off the bridge and into the water below. In desperation Raxton dives down into the river in spite of the web-slinger's warning that exposure to the cold water would destroy him. As he hits the water a sudden burst of steam covers an almost mild explosion. Next week an old friend and a new foe as Spider-man meets the Tarantula! 

The Mighty Thor “...And the World be lost!”

Writer: Stan Lee 

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Joe Sinnott

Originally published in The Mighty Thor #187

Cover date April 1971

(Published in February 1971)

This double panel recap page was drawn by an unnamed artist. Odin himself has become a hypnotised pawn of the all powerful Infinity, who is now sweeping across the universe raining devastation down on planets. Even the planet Earth faces imminent destruction. While Thor searches for the secret of Infinity in Asgard his comrades-in-arms Lady Sif, Balder and the Grand Vizier make a futile attempt to sheath the Odinsword which during times of cosmic disaster would be drawn marking the end of the Universe. What is strange about this page is that the bottom panel seems to show Thor on Earth helping its people as chaos rain's down around him. That didn't happen in the original story, it seems that the artist behind this page used too much artistic license.

While the Grand Vizier applies all methods available to keep the Odinsword from exiting its scabbard, Balder and Sif seek the aid of Karnilla, Queen of the Norns to see if her mystical might can help their cause. The two Asgardians are ambushed by a horde of Trolls, until a winged dragon drives them away. Balder prepares to fight the monster when it transforms into Karnilla, who had used the illusion to rescue them. After hearing their request for help she agrees to help knowing it would put Balder in her debt. Returning to Asgard, Karnilla attempt to break Infinity's spell on the Warriors Three, but she fails. Sif spots Loki and appeals to his sense of self preservation to help. The combined magical powers of the two mystics frees the Warriors. Thor arrives having managed to escape death at the hands of Hela, Needing to know the secret of Infinity, Thor with Vizier locks themselves in Odin's chamber to unravel the mystery. To approach the problem from another angle Thor transforms into the mortal Donald Blake. Vizier shows Blake via the Odin-screen all the information about the time that Odin was in the Odinsleep at in the Sea of Eternal Sleep. Blake's calm, analytical brain of a surgeon  takes it all in. Outside, Loki is furious that Thor and Vizier are in the imperial chamber, maybe plotting against him and so tries forcing his way inside. Fandral and Hogan hold him back as suddenly Thor exits the room, explaining to everyone he has to his horror, learned the secret of Infinity and solved the secret of the World Beyond. Grimly  he declares that he knows the reason why they must let Infinity triumph! "Prepare thyself for the answer and the end!" in next week's issue.

Monsters...Apes...and demons aplenty with fear and fury spreading throughout the pages of the Planet of the Apes! this In-house advertisement reads. It adds "With the Prince of Darkness..." and shows Dracula plus hints at the "Night Stalker", spelt without the "l" but that tale finished two weeks ago and the Lord of the Undead doesn't feature in the newly merged mag since then. It goes on to say "In the Planet of the Apes tale see the "Wings of the Death Demons" plus more thrills and action from Ka-Zar and the Man-Thing!All that and more as an extra the comic now features a re-run of the original Planet of the Apes movie adaption!"

This superb centre spread pin-up features Kull the Destroyer and Brule, the Spear-slayer fighting goblin-like enemies. You might at first think that it has the look of a John Byrne's style, but the artists signed it on the bottom right, showing that it was pencilled by David Wenzel and inked by Duffy Vohland. 

The Web and the Hammer

Mark Brassington from Stoke-on-Trent thinks the new format in The Titans and Super Spider-man is fantastic. He particularly liked the Guardian of the Galaxy fighting the Brotherhood of Badoon centre spread as seen in the second issue of Super Spider-man. They are his favourite characters and he gives a full run down on them. James Reddie from Dundee disagrees with Barry Millard's letter in SSMwtSH #168 in which he says that most of the letters aren't worth reading. This description fits perfectly when reading his putdown of Marvel comics. In one word, he is a hypocrite. Peter (Parker) Richard Desmond Bullen from Lancashire questions whether Frank Hampson is the world's greatest comic artist. He criticises him for not knowing that superheroes just happen to wear skin-tight costumes. Take Spidey, he looks more like Flash Thompson in a Spidey costume than Spidey in a Spidey costume. M Brown from London replies to Neil McIntyre's letter from #156, as a student who begs him not to take the words of your "long-haired student" as being representative. Many colleges have Sci-Fi clubs of which many realise the effectiveness of Marvel Comics, not only as a social voice, but also as a form of entertainment.

John Porter RFO, KOF, QNS, FOOMer from Surrey writes that the new line-up in Super Spider-man makes it the greatest comic since MWOM, just look at the line-up in the first new look issue, Spider-man, X-Men, Thor, Iron-Man, Doctor Strange, Human Torch, and the Hulk. John also reminds readers about his Info Bureau free service. Micheal Bolster from Derry describes The Battle of the Century, Superman vs Spider-man as an epic masterpiece. The layouts are fantastic, starting with Superman then switching to Spiderman, with each hero battling and defeating his own foe. Showing, then, the enemies meeting, then the heroes meeting, battling and finally joining forces with each other. He then breaks down his views on the good parts and bad parts of the treasury.

Moon Knight “...Should the Conquer-Lord prevail!”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: Don Perlin

Inker: Don Perlin

Originally published in Marvel Spotlight #29

Cover date April 1976

(Published in May 1976)

 

An unnamed artist created this page of artwork to link last week's first half to this week's second part. In a quick re-cap the Conquer-Lord has had the Mayor shot as part of a mad scheme to take over New York's organised crime. The police suspect that the crime fighter known as Moon Knight is responsible and are hot on his trail. To make matters worse Marlene Fontaine has been captured by the Conquer-Lord and faces death over a pool of alligators.

The Moon Knight has tracked the criminal mastermind to a warehouse by following crime-lord's man Merkins, who was working as Steven Grant's valet, so that he could spy on Moon Knight's secret identity. The masked vigilante breaks in to the warehouse, but this alerts the Conquer-Lord's men who informs their boss. The Conquer-Lord orders his right-hand man to kill Merkins for having failed in his duty and allowed the Moon Knight to follow him. Hearing the gun shot the masked hero rushes into the room to face the gun man, as he throws his truncheon to knock the villain out a trap door opens and the Moon Knight falls, landing on a preordained square of a chess board themed battle arena. There he is forced to fight the Conquer-Lord and his gigantic trick chess pieces. As he moves across the board the black statue like pieces fire bullets and missiles at him. The Moon Knight advances his way towards the Conquer-Lord, until the two battle in hand-to-hand combat. As the hero gains an advantage the villain tries to escape. Eventually Moon Knight beats him and saves Marlene, leaving the unmasked Conquer-Lord for the authorities, with his calling card left identifying Moon Knights involvement. That looks like it will be the last British readers will see the Moon Knight for a while, but expect his return when you least expect it.

Titanic tales featuring a fistful of fiery foes! All the action you'd ever want crammed into this week's Titans. The text in this in-house advertisement tells you to buy it! And you would be a fool not to do so! As you'll find out later in this blog.

Iron Man “Team-up of titans!”

Writer: Archie Goodwin

Artist: George Tuska

Inker: Johnny Craig

Originally published in Iron Man #16

Cover date August 1969

(Published in May 1969)

This second part opening splash page was drawn by an unnamed artist showing Iron Man hanging onto the Unicorn as the pair smash through the Red Ghost's secret hideout after the villain had set off a hidden bomb to destroy them both. The page takes its inspiration from the fifth panel of last week's page 23, but who ever wrote the dialogue, I imagine it wasn't Archie Goodwin, really did a cheesy job as Iron Man says "Nice work horn-head! Who'd ever have figured you'd save my hide..or should I say armour?!" Still it highlights the point that these two have formed a temporary alliance.

The scene turns to the jungles of Africa where we find the Red Ghost and his two enhanced Super Apes as they make their way to a secret science installation. Using his newly acquired abilities the communist scientist dissolves into a swirl of bright crimson that drifts like a spectral fog towards the fantastic structure, floating past electro-charged barriers and above the heads of astonished guards. The "detecto-sensors" don't detect any harmful toxins but the guards alerts atmosphere control. We learn from him that this is a SHIELD facility which is integral to the organisations environmental research, as well as a centre for satellite tracking. The gas makes its way to the generator chamber where it partially solidifies to fight the security guard. This was part of a decoy that allows the Ghosts Apes, Alpha who possesses cosmic-ray enhanced strength and Beta, who has mental control abilities, make a frontal attack. Soon the humans in the facility are  subdued. The Ghost completes his work boosting the effects of  the Ultra Cosmic Ray Intensifier. Using the Unicorn's magnetic wave from his power horn he and Iron Man track down the Ghost to Africa. Making their way inside the SHEILD facility the pair are attack by Alpha and Beta. Next week it's "Power vs. Power!" so make sure you're here to watch the conclusion.

Doctor Strange “His name is Doctor Strange”

Writer: Marv Wolfman

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Tom Palmer 

Originally published in Tomb of Dracula #44

Cover date May 1976

(Published in February 1976)

Dracula Lord of the Vampires may be missing from the Planet of the Apes and Dracula Lives weekly, as noted in last week's blog, but British Marvel comics haven't forgotten him as the Tomb of Dracula issue that should have been printed in Planet of the Apes and Dracula Lives issue 93 is printed here, with the title text box and title logo changed for the "Dr. Strange Master of the Mystic Arts!" logo. I think that the editors missed a trick here, what they should have done is printed the first half of Tomb of Dracula #44 in last week's POTA, then this week's issue print the second half, with a note at the end that the story continued in the Doctor Strange strip in this week's Super Spider-man with the Super-Heroes, to get readers to buy both. Or at the very least tell readers of POTA that the Dracula story would appear here.

Doctor Strange stares intently at the glowing orb, studying the grey mist shapes that swirl vaguely before him. Aware at what he sees he is not pleased, his future is told that he must battle this intangible shape within the orb and those events could lead to his death. His man-servant Wong has gone missing, so the Doctor, using the Orb of Agamotto has located him. With a magic spell the Sorcerer Supreme transports Wong back to his Sanctum. Strange finds that his unconscious man-servant has been bitten by a vampire. To save him the sorcerer uses another spell to freeze Wong in time so that he does not succumb to the vampire curse. Entering Wong's mind in his astral form, Strange relives his servant's moments before he was attacked. Wong was walking the streets when he heard the screams of a woman. Going to investigate, Wong ran into Dracula who was feeding on a fresh victim. Realising he'd been spotted, the Vampire Lord turns and attacks Wong to feed on him. With the whole story, Strange vows to avenge Wong and destroy his attacker. At this point in the British comic the scene jumps to Aurora Rabinowitz, who finishes talking Harold H Harold to answer her phone. Aurora and Harold would be known to Dracula Lives readers but this brief cameo is strange. The reason for the awkwardness is because the sixth page of the original strip was removed, possibly due to it containing background characters from the Tomb of Dracula trip that were considered unnecessary to this newly titled Doctor Strange strip. Meanwhile Dracula is being stalked by Deacon Frost, who follows him to the former headquarters of his foe Doctor Sun. Dracula takes out his fury on Sun's machines before returning to his coffin. Elsewhere Blade is still on the trail of the man who killed his mother, leading him to a nearby apartment, where he waits for its occupant to return. Back in New York, Doctor Strange returns to the spot where Wong was attacked. Using the Eye of Agamotto he tracks Dracula's movements leading him to Boston. The blood sucking action continues next week.

Planet of the Apes and Dracula Lives #94

The first thing you should notice about this cover is Bob Larkin's stunning artwork that shows Brutus standing in front of a mound of human skulls, while winged demonic apes fly around him. A nightmare created by the Psychedrome. The second thing  is that it promotes on the cover that the Planet of the Apes origin appears inside this mag. Thirdly the usual top banner, that usually reads "Where man once stood supreme..now rule the apes!" is no longer present, which looks strange as in it's place is just black darkness. That in its own way adds to the eeriness of Bob Larkin's art. The fourth thing is that the cover price has gone up by a penny to nine pence, matching the two landscape weeklies. It does have five strips like them , but not the number of strip pages. That leaves only the Mighty World of Marvel at the price of eight pence, at least for the time being. The thing is Larkin's artwork makes the penny increase easier to take, a deserved Cover of the Week!

Planet of the Apes “...The way to the Psychedrome”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: Mike Ploog

Inker: Tom Sutton

Originally published in Planet of the Apes (US) #19

Cover date April 1976

(Published in February 1976)

This opening page uses a collage of scenes to re-cap event. The artist for this page is unknown. The savage Assisimians lead by their leader the malevolent Chieftan Maguanus have joined Brutus and his army of gorillas and mutant Drones in pursuit of Jason, Alex, Malagueña and their new friends Lightsmith and Gilbert. The friends had ridden in the Wonder Wagon to the hidden city of Adobe within a ring of mountains, totally unaware that they may well be riding into a death trap in their quest to find the Psychedrome. The inhabitants of Adobe welcome them, offering them the sacred cactus plant to nibble on. Lightsmith abstains from the offer while he goes with the city's leader, a Shaman, to find out more about the Psychedrome. He warns Jason that the effects of the cactus are better experienced if you just lay back and rest.

As Jason does while he looks up at the many stars in the clear night sky. They start to move and form shapes in a trippy dream. That dream image transforms into the nightmarish image of Brutus! Jason's sub-consciousness takes a bad trip into his own worst nightmares. Lightsmith follows the Shaman into the cave system that lays behind the city. Jason's dreams are filled with Brutus chasing the lad through a pile of human remains as he is persuaded by a monstrous gorilla. In the conscious world the Shaman shows Lightsmith an unearthly dome deep in the cave labyrinth, inside of it comes a dull humming. Jason's nightmare grows worse as he heads towards a forest of bones. Against it he sees the image of Malagueña with her back to him. She is reaching into the forest of bones, but he can't make out what she is reaching for until he gets close to her. She is holding Alex in her arms. They are kissing each other. Jason tells himself it is only a dream, a nightmare, none of it is real, none of it is happening. Malagueña isn't kissing Alex... until Jason's consciousness returns and he thinks he sees his friends kissing. Jason strikes Alex, but the chimpanzee protests his innocence. Jason rounds on Alex until Lightsmith, who has returned from his exploration who holds Jason Back. The argument continues next week. 

Son of Satan “...A demon stands at Satan's side!”

Writer: Gary Friedrich

Artist: Herb Trimpe

Inker: Frank Chiaramonte

Originally published in Marvel Spotlight #13

Cover date January 1974

(Published in September 1973)

The splash page from last week's Son of Satan ending is reused here as this third part opening page with a new story title, a catch up text box and credits added. Having accepted the fact that he is the son of Satan, Daimon Hellstrom has determined to return to his father's domain for a cataclysmic confrontation with the Lord of the Netherworld! But upon his arrival the tormented youth is stunned to find a monstrous demon barring his way. 

The demon dragon breathes fire forcing Daimon into a cave where inside he takes refuse behind a giant boulder which shields him from the beasts destructive breath. At the time he did not realise it but the boulder contained a large amount of "Netheranium" which directed the flame back towards its ghastly source, destroying the horrid apparition with its own deadly flame. As the demon burned the slaves of hades began to leave their hiding places and stare at Hellstom in awe. He raised his arms and foolishly tried to gather them to his cause. But the little demons were loyal to their master and on mass attack the young man, until Satan himself speaks demanding that the fighting cease. Satan tells his son that he had offered him everything only to have him spurn it and for that reason he has no choice but to kill his offspring. With his trident he fires hell-bolts at him, which sends Daimon running for cover. Thinking that surely as the son of Satan he must possess power Hellstrom directs his hands towards his father, with that action bolts of demonic energy shoot from them, powered by his will. Tactically Daimon distracts his father allowing him the opportunity to seize Satan's own Netheranium trident. Using it he summons a hellish chariot from a pool of lava and makes his escape from Hell. Later returning to his mansion he seals the entrance to Hell with melted "Netheranium" and makes preparations for his next death-duel with is father. That's the end for the Son of Satan strip, find out next week what takes its place.

It's Apes Fang-Mail time!

Gregory Dunne from County Derry is critical about POTA #80, when he writes it is without doubt the worst issue as it had no pics, no Marvel ads, no Apes Forum, nothing. He did enjoy Mike Ploog's artwork. But that wasn't enough. He's also very critical about Black Panther and Ka-Zar. He asks when are we going to have "Starlord" and "The Sword in the star". Steve Martin from Chester writes that before Dracula Lives came out he never liked Marvel comics. He thinks that Gene Colan and Tom Palmer are brilliant at drawing Dracula After seeing Blade in the Marvel/Curtis Magazine "Vampire Tales" he was glad when appeared in issue 20. He hopes he gets the "stinking white-haired vampire" who killed his mother. "Your friendly neighbourhood letter-writer," who ever that is thinks that Terror on the Planet of the Apes is a good story and the Apeslayer saga was the worst story yet. He critics all the other apes sagas and marks them out of ten. His ratings are; "Planet..." Nine; "Terror..." Eight;  "Evolution's Nightmare" Five; "Apeslayer" Two; "Kingdom..." Seven; "Beneath.." Eight; "Escape..." Eight; "City of Nomads" Seven “Conquest..." Nine; "Malaguena..." Nine. Simon Taylor from Essex thinks that Marvel has made a grave (no pun) mistake replacing Ol' Doggy chops (Werewolf by Night) with the "two-bit-cheapskate with a sob story" called Ghost Rider. He's a massive fan of Werewolf by Night.

Graham Day from Essex writes that The Black Panther had received a lot of coverage. Which was not a bad thing on the surface, if you consider the beautiful scripting by Don McGregor on his own strip in the back of Planet of the Apes. Then the Panther has also taken a few choice roles of late in The Avengers, but last week was his last appearance in The Avengers for some time to come, as he does not participate in the Skrull-Kree war. Graham considers that his departure from the Avengers would have been a good time to start Panthers Rage, not end it. He also protests over Captain Marvel in the same way. Over these next few weeks in The Avengers both he and The Avengers will be caught up in the Skrull-Kree war, meanwhile in his own strip, transferred from Titans to POTA, The Avengers are wrapped up in Mar-Vell's efforts in the Thanos war. He asks is there no communication between you? Mar-Vell's strip should have taken a breather a while back, he was 'rested' in the American version, until after the Skrull-Kree war. He does have a valid point. The bottom of the letter page has a large notice from the editors apologising for a cover price rise of one penny. It actual took effect with this week's issue. They explain that unfortunately due to the rising costs of printing paper and other things including the steady march of inflation has forced Marvel to raise the price of the mag for the first time since October 1974.

Man-Thing “When the final curtain falls!”

Writer: Steve Gerber

Artist: Mike Ploog

Inker: Frank Chiaramonte

Originally published in Man-Thing #6

Cover date June 1974

(Published in March 1974)

This second part opening splash page was pencilled by Marshall Rogers and inked by Mike Esposito. The original art board was sold on the 24th July 2016 for the sum of $866.38, by Heritage Auctions, which is £642.62. It had paper and glue staining, scattered soiling, edge and handling wear on it but still a fine piece of British Marvel Comics history. Later on the same auction site the price was sold again, on the 4th May 2022. This time the page seems to have been cleaned up and the stat paste-up of the header banner, story title, catch up text box and credits have been added with hand-lettered paste-ups. This time it went for $1,200, which would be around £890. You can see that version here.

Following the death of a sad circus clown and the resurrection of his tortured soul five innocent people and the mass of matter known as Man-Thing have unwillingly taken roles as actors in the ghost's pathetic past. After the first act presented how his parents ruled over his life, his story of his childhood continues as the spineless Darrel was unable to defend himself against the local bully. With the act over the hooded Critics applaud. The ghostly form of Darrel asks the Critics if they have seen enough, but they wish to see more. Act Two starts with "The passing!" Events of Darrel's sixteenth year, when the teenager attended his father's funeral, The piece is played for laughs, but as these events may well have happened the teenage Darrel is taken to a psychiatrist, who diagnosed him by pulling a scroll from the lad's head, unrolling it to reveal a picture of a demonic creature that symbolise his tortured soul which he says is obviously in turmoil over a multiplicity of moral and emotional crisis. Darrel asks is he insane. The psychiatrist tells him insanity is defined by its Cultural Milieu, adding "This is America, 1951! That makes you normal!" The ghostly spectre asks the Critics if they want to watch the final act? They do and it opens with Garvey's Carnival in 1968. Garvey is watching Ayla practice her high wire act when Darrel approaches and asks if he can join them as a clown. Garvey tells him to get lost but Ayla takes pity on him and offers to teach him how to become a clown like her father was. Find out mine and the Critics "Judgement!" next week.

Ka-Zar “Blood of the dinosaurs!”

Writer: Gerry Conway

Artist: John Buscema and Sonny Trinidad

Inker: Sonny Trinidad

Originally published in Ka-Zar Vol 2 #9

Cover date June 1975

(Published in February 1975)

This second part opening splash page was created by an unnamed artist, After discovering the carcass of a spiked-tailed Ankylosaur, Ka-Zar and Zabu where attacked by another Ankylosaur who mistook them for the murderers of its mate. After defending themselves from it Ka-Zar and Zabu follow a trail of dead creature to find the real culprit. In time that trail would lead them to the hunter called Tomas.

Meanwhile ten miles east, dawn rises over a tiny village and the hunter named Gregor awakes to find his ill father, the Chieftain of the tribe call the people to his tent. There he announces that he is too old to continue and a replacement will be named. After a period of considering he would have named his son Tomas as his successor, for his hunting skills, however after events he feels the tribe need a different type of leadership and so he names his other son Gregor as the next Chief. Angry Tomas leave heading into the jungle. Gregor sees him and follows placing a hand on his shoulder Tomas's anger boils over and with fury he drives a blade through his brother's heart. Realising what he has done Tomas flees. Later Ka-Zar reaches the village to find the Chieftain mourning over a funeral pyre. He explains that his younger son has killed his brother. He has no wish to burden the stranger with his problems until Ka-Zar tells him about the murders of creatures whose path lead Ka-Zar to the village. Later we find Tomas wondering aimlessly in the jungle where he finds another dead Ankylosaur, suddenly its mate attacks Tomar and with no weapon the hunter cannot defend himself. The beast malls him down just as Ka-Zar arrives after running for hours through the jungle. He kills the rampaging beast but he's too late to save Tomas. Ka-Zar wonders did Tomas feel remorse for what he had done, it had looked like the hunter didn't resist the Ankylosaur's attack, so perhaps underneath the hunter was a man. Next week "Death stalks the Savage Land!" 

Planet of the Apes “Strange new world”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: Mike Ploog

Inker: Tom Sutton

Originally published in Planet of the Apes (US) #1

Cover date August 1974

(Published in June 1974)

A new opening splash page was created for this second part, as it was not needed when the strip was originally printed in Planet of the Apes #1. It was based on the third and the seventh panels from the eighth page of the original strip and the ninth page of the UK presentation. The artist for this piece of art is unknown. A NASA space ship has crash landed in a lake on an unknown world. The crew discover that their crew mate Stewart has died when her suspended animation had failed. As the craft starts to sink Taylor, Landon and Dodge evacuate in a dinghy to the shore. Collecting what information they can they come to the conclusion that they have been away from Earth for over two-thousand and thirty-one years. Next week discover more about this planet with "the men of twenty centuries!"

The Titans #42

Larry Lieber closely copies every detail of Jack Kirby's original cover from the Fantastic Four issue 99 but rejigs them to fit the landscape cover. You could quite easily be forgiven for thinking it was Kirby's art. Frank Giacoia inks. Lieber's artwork. 

This Marvel Masterwork Pin-up uses the Keith Pollard artwork that originally appeared on the front cover of the Super-Heroes #7. That in itself was based on John Buscema's artwork that came from the first panel of the 17th page of the Silver Surfer strip from the US Silver Surfer issue 4, Cover dated February 1969, published November 1968.

The Fantastic Four “The Torch goes wild!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Joe Sinnott

Originally published in The Fantastic Four #99

Cover date June 1970

(Published in March 1970)

The artist who created this landscape splash page uses Jack Kirby's original opening splash page to create this British version, that artist is unknown. Reed and Sue enter Ben's room ask him to postpone his ski trip, because Johnny has headed to the Great Refuge to bring Crystal back. Crystal was kidnapped four stories ago in by her sister, as seen in The Titans #38. I'm surprised that Lee and Kirby didn't tie up that loose end sooner.

As Johnny flies to the Himalayas under his own power he is forced to land and find shelter in a cave. Reed, Sue, and Ben set off to the hidden land in their Skull confiscated flying saucer, but are delayed when they encounter a sudden meteor shower which forces them to land and make emergency repairs. As Johnny rests he is disturbed by what he believes to be a Yeti. However, when Johnny uses his flame powers, the Yeti assumes that he is not an outsider but a fellow Inhuman and asks why he attacked him. The Torch realises he has reached his goal even as the Yeti flees through a hidden door in the cave wall to warn the others. Johnny follows through a tunnel that leads to the heart of the city where he battles several Inhumans before landing and demanding an audience in the palace of the Royal Family. Soon the request is granted under Inhuman law. Facing the Inhuman Royal Family and Crystal, Johnny is shocked to find out that she refuses leave with him. He wonders if she has been brainwashed by her family and starts to try and free her by battling the Inhumans. When she cuts in to stop him Johnny assumes that she was making a fool out of him the whole time. He loses his temper and attempts to throw a large fireball at the Inhuman city. However a Heat-Absorption Rod flies past him and extinguishes the flame. It was fired by Reed who had just arrived with Sue and Ben. With the battle stopped, Crystal reveals that she was called back to the Hidden City in order to keep Black Bolt alive while he waited for a cure to be developed. Johnny apologises and makes up with Crystal, who will still have to remain in the Hidden City until Black Bolt is fully healed.

Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD “Beware...the deadly Dreadnought!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Jim Steranko

Inker: Jim Steranko

Originally published in Strange Tales #154

Cover date March 1967

(Published in December 1966)

Unknown to Nick Fury and SHIELD the Supreme Hydra has assumed the identity of a captured SHIELD agent named Bronson. But Fury's thoughts are directed to the leader of Hydra's real identity. So in the SHIELD Helicarrier Fury, DumDum, Jasper Sitwell and Laura Brown the daughter of the original Supreme Hydra feed information into the AUTOFAC computer to work out the villains true identity. AUTOFAC stands for Analytical Unit for Tabulation of Origin Factors And Computation, as is one of SHIELD's greatest weapon in fighting the hordes of Hydra.

Fury plans to have Bronson transport Laura to SHIELD.'s West Coast Headquarters to keep her safe as she is a potential target for Hydra. Meanwhile Fury visits the Personal Effects Department to pick up the latest SHIELD field equipment. Fury is given a new weapons-laden outfit. His new suit is made out of bullet and flame proof material. The buttons of the suit are made from a new synthetic compound that when swallows will give him five minutes of oxygen. He also gets a pen that can magnify sound waves making it ideal to eavesdrop on a conversation. His cufflinks can absorb high voltages. His cigars have various uses. While his watch can produce negative energy to deflect bullets. Finally he is given a ring that can work as a auto-destruct mechanism, just in case. Boothroyd hands him a belt, he asks what that does, but is told it just holds his pants up. Boothroyd is a nod by Thomas and Steranko to the character of Major Boothroyd who had originally appeared in Ian Fleming's sixth James Bond novel (printed in 1958), Dr. No and the 1962 James Bond film Dr. No. Fleming named the armourer after Geoffrey Boothroyd, a firearms expert who lived in Glasgow, who had written to the novelist suggesting that Bond was not using the best firearms available. Moments later the SHIELD Helicarrier is struck by something that smashes its way through the fuselage. It turns out to be a Dreadnought, a deadly 8-foot-tall Hydra killer robot. Fury battles for his life against the robotic killer. 

The Sub-Mariner “This is man's Destiny!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: John Buscema 

Inker: Dan Adkins

Originally published in Sub-Mariner Vol 2 #7

Cover date November 1968

(Published in August 1968)

This second part landscape page by an unnamed artist is used to fill in the readers about the events of last week's episode. The man called Destiny has come to the United States and more specially New York to campaign to become the next US President. With the aid of his Helmet of Power which he discovered in the Antarctic, he has brainwashed the general public into winning followers. He vows that when he becomes the President his first military target will be Atlantis and it's King, Namor the Sub-Mariner. 

Namor and Lady Dorma have travelled to New York to bring news to Diane Arliss. At first she is overjoyed to see Namor, hugging him tightly, much to the displeasure of Lady Dorma. Namor tells her that her brother Todd, who had been turned into a mutated super-human villain called the Tiger Shark by the evil Doctor Dorcas, is still alive. And since his defeat at Namor's hands he has been held captive in Atlantis for the safety of the world. Diane is sad but thankful that at least he's alive. She asks what she can do in return. Namor asks her about a man called Paul Destine. She instantly tells him about Destine's plans to make America great again and save them from those who would betray America. Namor notices that Diane's eyes glaze over when she talks about Destine. He asks her where he is next to address the public and sets out to stop him. The Sub-Mariner confronts the villain and the two face each other in combat with Destine employing the power from his helmet. With the fierce battle ending on the top of a skyscraper, Destiny beats Namor and throws him to his death. The thrill of power goes to his head and he believes that he no longer needs the Helmet of Power to levitate to the street below he discards it and steps off, falling to his own doom. Namor survived as what the public saw is what the Destiny wished them to see. He could not accept the Prince's survival in the face of his onslaught and his own twisted mind gave way to madness. Those who seek power for powers sake ultimately will face their own downfall.    

This Marvel Masterwork Centre Spread comes in the middle of the Sub-Mariner tale. This pin-up of Thor and Odin the All-Father was pencilled by John M Fuller and inked by Michael Nasser. Fuller would work for DC comics later in the 70's, as an artist on a handful of comics which include one issue of Green Lantern, one issue of Black Lightning, an issue of House of Mystery, one issue of Mister Miracle and one issue of Secrets of Haunted House. 

Titanic Mail

Howard Karp from Middlesex asks what would Jack Kirby say if he saw his perfect illustrations of Captain America etc. squashed into the pages of The Titans? Howard agrees it does create value for money, but in squeezing two pages of the American edition into one page of the British one the panels are very small and all details become lost. Jonathan Kessler from London has been interested in Marvel for over one and a half years so with his first letter he has chosen The Titans and its stars as its topic. On the whole it is absolutely terrific, brilliant and astounding! With Captain America and Captain Marvel being his favourite characters and strips. Nick Fury is fantastic, the Fantastic Four are great, but he calls the Sub-Mariner strip only "fair" as the art could be improved. James McGowan from Glasgow has become a Marvel fan after his mother bought him The Titans #16 by mistake, but after reading the five stories he thought it was great, with the X-Men being the best strip. So he ordered it from then on. Now he gets regular orders for three Marvel weeklies, The Titans, Spider-man and The Avengers weekly.

Brian Fail from Oxfordshire suggests that each Marvel comic should feature the same sort of characters in each of them. His example for this idea is in SMCW, Spidey, Daredevil, the Hulk and the Silver Surfer should star in it as they're all loners, heroes who fight on their own. In the Avengers weekly the Avengers, Fantastic Four, X-Men, Guardians of the Galaxy and Defenders, should feature because these are all fighting groups, appealing to readers who believe in united crime-fighting. There should be a Masters of the Martial Arts comic which would star Shang-Chi, Iron-Fist and any other Kung-Fu character, which would be bought by lovers of Kung-Fu. Finally another new magazine called Savage Sword starring Conan and Kull for the sword and sorcery enthusiasts. Brian thinks it's time Marvel expanded from the ordinary super-heroes and try produce comic stories of the ancient Greeks, Romans, Goths, Viking. Surely an adaptation of the Arthurian legends must be possible, the war of the roses, the War of Independence, the world of the Red Indian. Mark Daves from Nottinghamshire loves the centre spread posters in The Titans, but was disappointed with the swapping of the X-Men with the FF. He wants them back as they were. Garry Selemba from Bedfordshire can't wait for the Captain America stories from Captain America issue 100 onwards to be printed. He also likes the centre spread posters but suggests that original art like the covers from the early American mags could also be reprinted. David Green from London rates the new Titans comic to be the best comic British Marvel have brought out yet. The new shape with five stories for one pence more than a normal weekly is T-E-R-R-I-F-I-C!

Ghost Rider “Birth of a Witch-Woman!”

Writer: Gary Friedrich

Artist: Tom Sutton

Inker: Jim Mooney

Originally published in Marvel Spotlight #11

Cover date August 1973

(Published in May 1973)

Last week's end panel is re purposed as this week's second part opening splash page with credits, a new story title and catch-up text boxes added. Linda Littletrees recalls how she met Jennifer Glatzer at College when she was her roommate. Jennifer befriended her encouraged her to join in with her witchcraft games. One night Linda went along with Jennifer to her Witch's Coven for a laugh. Only the humour of the situation quickly dried up when she meets the other witches, all with glazed eyes. She wondered what she had gotten herself in to.

She learned her the answer to her question far too soon! They were Satan worshippers and that night they were going to sacrifice someone to Satan himself. That someone was her! The girls in the cavern captured her and tied her down to the alter. They painted a pentacle on her chest. Jennifer raised a dagger above her heart while the coven chanted. The blade swept down towards her as Linda's lungs exploded in a scream of horror. She felt nothing as the blade plunged into her body. Within an instant she was whole again. Alive and with him, with Satan! As the Ghost Rider listens to her origins, he manages to break free from his bonds and make an escape. The Witch-Woman fires demonic blasts after him, telling him that he can't escape from Satan's executioner. Suddenly Satan himself appears and tells her that she had failed him, he cannot tolerate failure and there can be no second chances. The Ghost Rider uses that distraction to escape out of the Indian reservation and back to the city just as the morning sun rises. The Witch-Woman is forced by Satan to turn her own Satanic power on herself in front of Blaze as both punishment and a warning. The Ghost Rider believes she has committed suicide. As the day light bathes the Ghost Rider he transforms back into Johnny Blaze. He blamed himself for her dead because he dared to bargain with the Devil. As he wonders how many more must suffer before it all ends he races off to check on Roxanne's condition. More demonic motorcycle action next week.

Captain America “When wakes the Sleeper!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Syd Shores

Originally published in Captain America #101

Cover date May 1968

(Published in February 1968)

Captain America recognises a jeweller as the Nazi war criminal Werner Von Krimm, also known as the Butcher of Lichtengarten. Von Krimm's men attack Cap in force. However Nick Fury arrives with the police and holds Von Krimm at gun point while ordering the Nazis men to stop. After the fight Von Krimm explains that he is just a Jewellery merchant and his guards were there just to safeguard the valuables he was carrying. As his story checks out Fury lets Von Krimm go, much to the dismay of Captain America.

When the Captain reacts in outrage, Fury explains that he planted a homing device on Von Krimm's ID card because SHIELD has hopes that Von Krimm will lead them to a bigger catch. Elsewhere, we find that the Red Skull is alive and well inside a heavily-guarded sanctuary in a hidden base upon a small isle just off the Florida Keys. He is disturbed that Von Krimm is late for their meeting. An assistant tells the Skull that he is needed in the chamber of the Sleeper. In the chamber a bunch of henchmen are cutting through a crypt  to reach the fourth Sleeper robot for which Von Krimm has the key to activate it. Red Skull explains to his minions how he survived his last brush with death when Captain America had tricked him into staying on board a nuclear submarine set to self destruct, as seen in The Titans #31. He realised the danger and made his escape in a miniature sub that was built into the experimental submarine. Nick Fury's plan has worked as Captain America follows the unaware Von Krimm's plane in a SHIELD craft to the secret island base. However security on the island detects Cap and shoots him down. Using a Tony Stark designed "Inflato-suit" Cap survives the crash, but once on the ground he has to face the armed security guards. Find out how he gets on in next week's blog, were I can promise more action, more drama and more stuff and nonsense in the mighty Marvel and Power of the Beesting manner. So until then...

See you in seven.

Make Mine Marvel.