The edge of heaven!

 Week Ending 4th August 1973

Tales of confusion, tales of Gods, stories of adventure, stories of real life. Myth, legends and romance. How much can two comics hold? Lets find out.

The Mighty World of Marvel #44

"The Hulk goes berserk! And only Rick Jones can stop him!" It's an intriguing tag line, but it won't grab a kids attention as well as the image of a rampaging Hulk smashing through a wall to be confronted by a worried Rick Jones. This appears to be created specially for the UK by Jim Starlin and Mike Esposito!

The Incredible Hulk "Rick Jones Vs. the Hulk!"

Writer: Roy Thomas, Tony Isabella

Artist: Gil Kane, Al Milgrom

Inker: Dan Adkins

Originally published in Captain Marvel #21

Cover date August 1970

(Published in April 1970)

One of the problems that has regularly been levelled at Marvel UK and it's weekly publishing schedule is that it eats up the American material at a very fast rate, approximately two US monthly stories every month, in early 1973 it was eight US Hulk stories every month in the pages of MWOM, due to Tales to Astonish having the Hulk and the Sub-Mariner sharing the title at 11 pages per story. Soon MWOM would start printing Hulk stories from his solo comic, but still Marvel UK was five years behind the US so at the current rate of reproduction it would approximately take one year and eight months to catch up! Thank goodness that DareDevil would return to MWOM in January 1974 to slow the Hulk down to two US stories every month. Yeah I understand that some months have five weeks worth of Hulk stories so the maths isn't right but it's easier to see the point I and many other readers have made. Marvel knew about this problem and tried many ways of suppressing it, like making new stories by UK creators, pausing the strip for a while, reprinting the strip for a second time, printing a story from another US title that guest starred the hero or taking another story from another title and changing the artwork to create another fresh story. Apeslayer anyone? Marvel UK in a couple of weeks pause the Hulk story and print five stories that guest-starred the Hulk, we'll get to those real soon.

Those stories were important as they introduce new characters to Marvel UK that the readers were crying out for. To get to that point the last Tales to Astonish 11 page Hulk story and a 20 page Incredible Hulk  story needed to be finished off, leaving 12 pages to fill in the mean time. In all honesty if they hadn't printed "Heaven is a very small place!" in MWOM #42 there wouldn't be a problem, but I love that story so I can't complain about that. The gap was filled with a re-working of "Here comes the Hulk!" from Captain Marvel #21, originally written by Roy Thomas and drawn by Gil Kane. The page count was cut down from 20 pages to 12. This was masterminded by US based Marvel UK editor Tony Isabella who made changes to Thomas's script and plot, removing Captain Marvel completely including the Mar-Vell/Rick Jones shared identity concept and some impressive Hulk/Captain Marvel fight scenes. Al Milgrom was the art bodger for this story, replacing Captain Marvel's face on the opening splash page with Rick Jones' face instead. On the last page the Captain was replaced by Doctor Weller.  

As well as some small panels that had to be removed or adapted Milgrom had to draw a complete page featuring the Hulk running amok. Some might say that Captain Britain number one featured the first Marvel story made especially for the UK, others would name the Apeslayer saga from the Planet of the Apes UK comic (#23-#30) that used War of the Worlds strips with apes drawn over the antagonists as the first. But they would all be wrong, "Rick Jones Vs. the Hulk!" was the first. In all honesty Tony and Al did a pretty good job. Tony kept a lot of Roy's plot including the student protests against Doctor Weller's government funded atomic experiments, the Hulk's anger at the protesters and Rick standing up to an angry Hulk at the end of the story. Al's artwork didn't quite match up with Kane's which did jar the story slightly. To the right you can see Milgrom's full page, while below a recognisable Gil Kane panel.

Unlike the afore mentioned Hulk story "Heaven is a very small place!"which saw a full reprint in chronological order in MWOM, the Captain Marvel story "Here comes the Hulk!" was strangely omitted from the Captain Marvel run in The Titans when it came to its turn. In fact Marvel UK readers had to wait until September 2004 for the complete unedited story to see print in the pages of The Mighty World of Marvel volume 3 issue 20, which was great because you got to see the full Gil Kane art. Doctor Weller would return in "Big monster on campus!" printed in MWOM #312-#313 (20th September 1978 and 27th September 1987,) and also re-printed in Spider-man #585-#586 (23rd May 1984 and 30th May 1984,) although the references to this story and Captain Marvel did feel strange. 

I think it's safe to say, if you haven't already guessed that one of the stories that will be printed instead of a Hulk story will be The Avengers. You really can't help but be aware of it with all the teasers they keep dropping. Here's another one in this week's MWOM proclaiming "coming your way in The Mighty World of Marvel #46: the wonderful Wasp and the astonishing Ant-man!" We've meet Ant-man in the Fantastic Four strip starting in MWOM #32 soon we'll meet his beautiful partner Janet Van Dyne also known as the Wasp, together in the super group sensation, The Avengers! 

Appearing in MWOM and SMCW this week the answers and winners of the second Marvel Football competition from MWOM #38 and SMCW #19 some six weeks ago. There's far too many prizes and winners to list so you'll have to zoom in on the image to see if you can spot yourself. But I can give you the answers. 1) Spider-man's webbing melts into nothing after a few hours. 2) Thor's profession as Don Blake is a Doctor. 3) Bobby Charlton had 106 England caps before he retired. 4) Celtic were the first British team to win the European cup and lastly 5) The Hammers is the nickname for West Ham! Give yourself a Power of the Beesting No-Prize if you got all those right. If you thought that Manchester United was the first British football team to win the European Cup you definitely aren't a football fan, but you most probably are a Man U fan and should spend less time watching them and more time reading comics for the sake of your mental health.

The Mighty Marvel Mailbag

A message from the Bullpen starts off the letter page with a run down of this weeks contents, followed by a teaser for the Avengers, who if you haven't yet guessed "are coming!" The rest of the page and this weeks mailbag is taken up with a single letter from P. Buczko from Saltburn-by-sea in Yorkshire who explains that even though he reads some DC comics Marvel is the best. His reasoning for this is that Marvel heroes in general aren't as powerful as DC heroes, so Marvel villains don't need to be all-powerful, just cleverer. He then goes on to give a potted history of Marvel UK creation, as well finding a reason for Bruce Banners trousers staying mostly intact when he changes into the Hulk, who'd have thought it's not just for common decency. Then towards the end he ponders why the Thing and the Hulk don't have beards? It's quite an entertaining letter, better than some tiny letters that have been published. More letters in The Web and the Hammer in Spider-man Comics Weekly soon.

The Incredible Hulk "Where walk the Immortals!"

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Marie Severin

Inker: Frank Giacoia

Originally published in Tales to Astonish #101

Cover date March 1968

(Published in December1967)

This would be the last Hulk story in Tales to Astonish as both the Hulk and Sub-Mariner would get their own titles, like many characters who shared titles at that time due to Marvel Comics no longer being under a contracted publishing deal with DC Comics Marvel was able to publish more titles thus creating a massive growth at the company. Although Marie Severin was well known for many styles of comics, including comedy strips, I always think of her as a great sword and sorcery artist, especially her work on Kull the Conqueror, so she suits this Hulk/Asguardain tale really well.

The original opening page from "Where walk. the Immortals!" was removed from the British edition as it found Bruce Banner washed up on the shore where the Sub-Mariner had left him, as seen last issue because it would have made no sense continuing from the previous story "Rick Jones Vs. the Hulk!" In all honesty that stories opening page makes no sense following on from last weeks "Let there be battle!" but I imagine that the editors would think that readers would have forgotten about that continuity jump after a week, but less so in the same comic. I'm willing to bet future letter pages say different. Loki the God of Mischief transports the Hulk to Asgard for reasons, at least to Marvel UK continuity, that Thor is battling the Grey Gargoyle on Earth (see this weeks Thor strip in SMCW #25,) so Loki hopes the distraction of a rampaging green monster on Asgard would give the All Father something else to think about rather than his son's plight. The Hulk first comes across Heimdall only to easily over come the guardian of the Rainbow Bridge. 

Next the Hulk is confronted by Hogan the grim, the voluminous Volstagg and the dashing Fandral, collectively known as the Warriors Three, this is their first appearance in Marvel UK continuity as there original US first appearances have yet to be printed in UK Thor stories. After a brief skirmish they aid the green beast, as they believe he has been bewitched by some evil, against the oncoming charge of Asgardian soldiers. 

As the battle fizzles out Loki tries to goading them into returning to violence but suspecting that the God of Mischief maybe behind the Hulk's appearance they set off on a quest to find Oldar, the Oracle. Much to Loki's displeasure, so as the Hulk follows the Warriors Three as they leap over a bottomless chasm Loki casts an incantation that transforms the powerful Hulk into his weak alter-ego Bruce Banner, leaving the confused scientist plunging to his doom in a real cliff hanger! Will he survive? Find out next issue where it will be Hulk-inued!

The Fantastic Four "The outcasts of New York!"

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Dick Ayers

Originally published in The Fantastic Four #20

Cover date November 1963

(Published in August 1963)

This opening splash page is taken from the cover of the Fantastic Four #20 by Jack Kirby but with inks by George Roussos, but it does fit into continuity from the end of last weeks cliff hanger really well. The Molecule Man is seemingly unstoppable, leaving the Fantastic Four to retreat making them look like cowards. Holding New York as hostage under a glass cage formed from the very air he demands that the FF are brought to him as his prisoners. Aided by the most unusual of allies, a member of the Yancy Street gang, they are taken to Alicia Masters to hide and plan.

Alicia summons the Molecule Man to her studio with a Four-Flare, to present him with a tribute in the shape of a life-size statue of the Fantastic Four. He tries to rearrange the molecules of the statue to his liking but the feed back over powers him due to the fact that it wasn't a solid clay statue but the disguised FF and he couldn't manipulate organic matter. The Watcher returns to detain the Molecule Man for save keeping, announcing that he could not interfere in the battle with the Molecule man but can take the menace away. The Watcher has a lot of loop-holes in his oath of non-interference!

 The inside back page runs its usual in house advert for this weeks Spider-man Comics Weekly informing us that Spidey swings into action against the legions of the Master Planner, Thor must battle the Grey Gargoyle and there's a bonus strip, Tales of Asgard! Stories of ancient myth and legend from the home of the Norse Gods. 

The Thing also asks the question "Do you sincerely want to be rich?" as a teaser to the upcoming pocket money competition in next week MWOM and SMCW comics.

You've probably noticed that this weeks inside back page features a green wash colour on the black and white print. I believe it's a one off. This weeks Spider-man Comics Weekly doesn't feature a red version on its inside back page. 

 Finally in this weeks Mighty World of Marvel the back page features a "Maze Page" for readers to help out the Fantastic Four who have been trapped in a sinister space warp by the despicable Doctor Doom. I think the space warp has effected some FF members more than others, it seems to have changed Johnny's hair from blonde to brown.

  

Spider-man Comics Weekly #25

This weeks cover uses the cover from Marvel Tales volume 2 #24 cover dated January 1970 by Steve Ditko. Marvel Tales volume two would reprint stories and featured heavily Spider-man stories. Later issues would reuse old covers but earlier issues had artists reimagining covers. What I believed happened with Marvel Tales #24 was the opening splash page of the original comic, Amazing Spider-man #31 was used as the cover and the original cover of ASM #31 was used a the opening splash page, just like it appears in the Marvel UK comic. The UK version re-colours the Master Planner's gang uniforms from dark and light purple to orange and yellow. The insert panel by Jack Kirby with inks by Chic Stone, of Thor confronting the Grey Gargoyle is taken from this weeks opening splash page.

Spider-man "If this be my destiny...!"

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Steve Ditko

Inker: Steve Ditko

Originally published in the Amazing Spider-man #31

Cover date December 1965

(Published in September 1965)

As you can see this splash opening page features the artwork for the original cover with the eight legged Spider image possibly foreshadowing another character known for their eight limbs. This story may not at first seem like a classic but it does have a healthy amount of Spidey action and Peter Parker's daily life, most noticeable is Aunt May's poor health and Peter's first days in college. 

This story marks the first appearances of Harry Osborn, who during this story becomes friends with Flash Thompson and seems to have a dislike for Peter, even though Flash seems to want to be more friendly with Peter. With Liz Allen seemly leaving the cast of Spider-man for a time and Betty Brant becoming more romantically involved with Ned Leeds, room for a new love interest was required. Ditko and Lee must have forgotten about MaryJane Watson, so new girl Gwen Stacy is brought in to fulfil that role. Gwen had come from Standard High school where she was friends with Harry. During this story Peter is very distracted by Aunt May's health, needing money to pay for her medical bill, he gives the impression to his new classmates of being a snob even when the very beautiful Gwen tries to get very friendly with him. Peter you are a fool, but I understand his reasons. 

The last page leaves plenty to look forward to next week with the identity of the Master Planner teased and Aunt May's doctors worried about her medical results. This story arc is building and worth sticking with.

The Web and the Hammer

A message from the Bullpen talks about this weeks SMCW contents and also teases us about next week too. It ends with mention of the Avengers coming soon to the Mighty World of Marvel and suggests that the readers reserve a copy of MWOM issue 46. 

This weeks readers letters starts with one from James Donnelly from Forest Hill, who has read every single one of SMCW but would like to see the Hulk battle Thor. That will happen sooner than later, see the above teaser. Eric McNaughton from County Durham wonders why DareDevil has one D on his costume but in MWOM has been seen with two. He remembers the old POW and Fantastic annuals for years ago with fondness. Gary Price from Tottenham can't wait till Spider-man gets to grips with the Kingpin, again like Eric before, he won't have to wait long to find out. Rober Dixon (could that be a miss-print and it should be Robert?) from Bramley thinks that the opening splash page in SMCW #12 of J. Jonah Jameson smiling looked like the Hulk with a crew cut! I'm not completely sure I agree but I get his point.

Andrew Bridgeton from London wonders what would happen if Spidey's webbing was to snap while he is suspended from it. I imagine gravity would take over. William Kingsley from Tunbridge Wells asks what's Spider-man's costume made of, what would happen to the Sandman if is sand particles were scattered and who made Thor's hammer? Strong elasticated material, he can slowly re-assemble himself and Thor hammer is a tale for another day. Steven Hayes from Manchester wants DareDevil to have a dog! I see why but I, like the editor think it's a silly idea. Brett Fallis from Essex says even though Spider-man stories sometimes have sad endings for Spider-man he thinks they're great especially the Sinister Six story. I totally agree with you there Brett. Finally from Kevin Easterly from Gloucester asks why not have one complete Spider-man tale every week. Isn't that what they already have? I would miss Thor if he was removed. 

The Mighty Thor "When the Grey Gargoyle strikes!" 

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Chic Stone

Originally published in Journey into Mystery #107

Cover date August 1964

(Published in June 1964)

Thor's adventures are really taking off with Jack Kirby in the pencil seat and Chic Stone adding the inks. there's lots to like and Jack's creativity is crusing with new characters and concepts, of which the Grey Gargoyle is one of the best. More on him later. this weeks story starts with Jane Foster nearly catching Don Blake changing into Thor in his office. Quick thinking Thor tells the young nurse that he seeks Blake after hearing that he betrayed him to Mister Hyde and Cobra last week. Jane defends the Doctor even though last week she wasn't as supportive, finishing with she loves Blake. This news sends the Thunder God into high flying ecstasy.

The Grey Gargoyle leaves an airplane with all the passengers turned to stone, in a scene that would find itself at home on Fringe the TV series. Young French chemist Paul Duval had created a formula that could turn organic matter to solid stone but its effect on him is he turns to stone but with full movement. His own touch can turn any matter into stone. Setting off in a career as a super criminal he intends to steal Thor's power of immortality, by laying clues of petrified stone victims. To be continued next week as another story takes up the pages that Thor would have had this week.

Tales of Asgard "Home of the mighty Norse Gods!"

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: George Roussos

Originally published in Journey into Mystery #97

Cover date October 1963

(Published in August 1963)

Tales of Asgard was a series that run alongside the Thor in Journey into Mystery, retelling the history of Asgard and Norse legend. Made up of short tales starting with the creation of Nordic legends. Viking Norsemen whose Gods that represented good were called Aesir, who fought the totally evil frost giants in a place that was surrounded by fire to the south and mist to the north. Their story begins with Surtur the Demon of fire who waited for the end of their world. After countless centuries strange forms of life magically appeared above the Well of Life, changing their shape into the Frost Giants, with Ymir the strongest of them all. 

 Another form of life that appeared, a gigantic magic cow! The Magic cow roamed the frozen wastes until one day it found a being who rose out off the frozen ice. His name was Buri the first God of the Aesir. Buri took a wife and they had a son named Borr. Borr would also wed and have three sons, the oldest Odin would slay the last of the ice giants and bring about the first triumph of good over evil. Strangely enough in Marvel comics the Frost Giants would return, proving that you can't keep a good baddie down.

Odin and his two brothers would turn their attention to Earth, they set up a magic ring around the planet and a magic tree Yggdrasill grew and spread it's branches over the Earth to protect it while waiting for the coming of man! Funny how Jack drew the trees roots in the shape of Northern America, I know it's symbolic but that's how most readers would see the Earth, granted maybe without the giant tree. I love these tales, maybe more than the Thor stories that had been running so far in SMCW. They short and sweet, they look really great and cleverly mix legend with Marvel adventures. Blooming lovely.

Finally for this weeks blog the inside back page of SMCW that advertises this weeks Mighty World of Marvel with the Hulk on the rampage again and the Fantastic Four facing their final battle with the Molecule Man. All-action, all-adventure and all-excitement in issue 44.

Plus your chance to once again join Marvel's ultimate fan club, FOOM!

This weeks comics seem to pack more than their fair share of action, adventure and excitement than two comics can contain for one week. Time for a rest, but I won't, 'cause it's time to read more comics. Back next week...

See you in seven.

Make Mine Marvel.