The Yin and the Yang!

 Week Ending 30th March 1974

This week sees the introduction of a new star to British Marvel's line-up that really kicked up a storm back in 1974. Those feelings toward Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu are still felt by some readers of those mags today. I completely understand the negativity felt towards his inclusion. A new kid on the block who kicks the stars off the cover, chops their page count down by half, pushing them into second spot and at the same time squeezing his own logo onto the cover every week under the title header. Marvel had to do something other wise their weeklies would follow the same fate as Power Comics with their Marvel themed mags from the late 60's did when they caught up with their America suppliers. So halving the number of pages per story would slow down the main features from four to five UK stories a month to two or two and a half stories a month, while the US carried on with one story a month. It was a stop gap that the Mighty World of Marvel and Spider-man Comics Weekly took, now it was time for the Avengers to follow. It probably would have made more sense to have included Captain America or the X-Men, perfectly matching the super-hero theme of the comic and also matching what many letter writers wanted. The Avengers/X-Men combo would have been my choice. One of my favourite titles was Marvel Super-heroes from the 1979-1983, in which early and later issues featured both groups. How that was a fantastic magazine! But instead of starting with those 60's tales British Marvel took the giant step of introducing a very sophisticated 70's action adventure. Which had it own problems as the first strip had only just been published in September 1973, the fourth instalment was published at the end of March 1974, making it very fresh but only giving four months of story head start that would be printed in the UK in eight weeks. The fifth Master of Kung-Fu story, "Retreat!" gots printed in the same month in the UK as it was in the US! So may be this choice of strip wasn't thought through, but that's a problem for another blog.

I was always a Spider-man fan and had his comic delivered regularly from the Super Spider-man days, but when the Incredible Hulk Weekly merged with it in May 1980 I felt similar emotions to those Avengers fans. Even cancelling the comic in disgust as I felt the Hulk was taking over and bought Marvel Team-up instead. Week's later Marvel Team-up merged with Spider-man and Hulk Weekly making the gesture futile. I do look at this period of the Avengers weekly differently, my big brother wasn't a fan of the kung-fu master's take over so he never got the comic, which meant I never got the chance to "look over his shoulder" to read it. In the spring of 1983 I got the opportunity to pick up some classic weeklies through the "Dangerous Visions" mail order service seen in the Marvel UK Spider-man comic. I chose the earliest Avengers weeklies they had on offer to start with. So from issue 28 to I think 38 I got a pile of mags that matched the type of stories my thirteen year old self liked. With kung fu action, spy thrillers and super-hero adventure, with a little magic mayhem thrown in. I didn't feel the weekly grind of a character taking over my favourite comic, it was all there from the start and I could binge read the next issue right away. I loved it. It's a really classy strip, mature and sophisticated. I'll explain later why I like it so much and may be you'll give it a second chance. It's fine if you don't, Marvel is a broad church with different styles and genres allowing fans to have their difference of opinion. Wether you favour a web-slinger or a talking duck,  a living legend or a master of kung fu, a man without fear or a count from Transylvania, a raging green giant or a swamp monster, a noble God or a savage from a forgotten age it's all good. Feel free to disagree with me, or even if you are so inclined agree with my opinions, through the usual ways. I look forward to your fair and friendly opinions. But before we get to the fuss that Shang-Chi kicks up let's take a look at this week's fantastic feasts first.   

The Mighty World of Marvel #78

I really love this Ron Wilson cover, it's kind of got a classic Conan vibe to it, with the Hulk protecting an unconscious damsel in a bikini from a marauding monster. It's not accurate to the story which at no point features a blonde girl in a bikini or her underwear. Yeah it does feature an unconscious Betty Ross  but she has brown hair and is always completely fully dressed. The inker could have been Frank Giacoia or Mike Esposito, the Grand Comic Database isn't sure which. 

The Incredible Hulk "A tale of two monsters!"

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Herb Trimpe

Inker: Herb Trimpe

Originally published in The Incredible Hulk #121

Cover date November 1969

(Published in August 1969)

It's a nice re-purposing of a classic Dickens title and the reuse of panel from last week's strip also looks smart as a story re-cap. The US army surrounds a weakened Hulk who hasn't recovered from an injury to his legs, but he still sends them packing. Meanwhile the Glob kidnaps Betty Ross as its foggy mind assumes that she is a girl from its previous life. Elsewhere General Ross being an alert military mind decides to dump barrels of a new and untested "anti-radiation fluid" into the putrid waters of the Everglade swamp, with little care for the environment, hoping that it will have an effect on the radiation spawned Hulk. 

The Hulk hears the muffed whimpering voice of Betty as the other radiation created monster the Glob crosses his path. Once alerted to the Hulk shouts the muck monster gently lays down the now unconscious girl to battle, with some kind of primeval honour for the girl. This is what we want, a proper clash of monsters.

But what we want isn't always what's best, it's two pages of fighting in which the Blob bests the green beast as his injured leg gives way. The Glob leaves with the girl through the murky waters of the swamp that start to glow as the "anti-radiation fluid" mixes with the boggy waters and the Globs muddy form, causing its body to dissolve as if in acidic quicksand. Sensing the danger the swamp monster lifts the limp girl above its head preventing the girl from drowning. With some level of intelligence the Hulk helps his opponent by inching along an overhanging branch to reach the girl. 

The final page frames beautifully the incredible partnership of Roy Thomas and Herb Trimpe, ending with the Globs out reached hand dissolving into the toxic waters. Betty is returned to her distressed father and a sombre Hulk lamenting the lost possibility of finding a kindred soul only to lose the chance to call someone friend. The dawn breaks with departing tanks rumbling on like spectres in some already forgotten dream. Trimpe frames the moment perfectly as Thomas rounds off the tale of two monsters with some of the smartest dialogue and text that a super-hero comic had seen. With most of British Marvel's strips coming from the 60's Thomas was taking the Hulk into the 70's. What a journey it will be.

 

 

Daredevil "Against the Organzation!"

Writer: Wally Wood

Artist: Bob Powell and Wally Wood 

Inker: Wally Wood

Originally published in Daredevil #10

Cover date October 1965

(Published in August 1965)

Oops, even with the American spelling the bodger of this opening splash page has made a boob. The "i" is missing from "Organization" in the title. May be they couldn't fit that letter in but even I spotted that one. The Organizer hatch is a plan to incriminate Daredevil, which too easily succeeds. The next part of the plan is to kidnap Deborah Harris, the daughter of Bernard Harris a member of the "Reform Party" and also a potential real identity of the Organizer. The plan works but Cat-Man is captured by DD in the process. Ape-Man is sent to silence Cat-Man but Daredevil stops him first. Later following the fiend back to their headquarters he over hears Deborah tell the gang that "the fool Nelson will do anything for the Boss if he thinks my safety depends on it!" Revealing that she was the inside man on her own kidnapping and her relationship with Foggy was nothing but a ruse to make him a pawn in their game. The strip ends with Daredevil thinking it over as the Bird-Man sneaks up on the spying hero. The plot thickens next week. 

The Mighty Marvel Mailbag

D.R. Chew from Preston thinks that MWOM is fab, but is puzzled by the length of time that the Hulk can stay under water for. Well D. that's super-powerful lungs for you. Mrs E. Benson is a lady of a certain age who asks if she is too old for Marvel and too old to join FOOM. Well you're never too old to read Marvel comics but she was too late to join FOOM no matter how old she was. Siobhan Allman (Miss) from Flints complains about the person who complains about the people who complained about the comic, well I hope that makes sense. Her letter is directed at Brian Mathews whose letter was printed in MWOM #57 in which he writes that people who complain about Marvel are "stupid" and "how can anybody improve something that is completely perfect in every respect." Siobhan voices her opinion that the American spelling could ruin the results of children's spelling tests, she suggests that there is a "sameness" about some of the stories and adds that the complaints aren't about "little petty things" as Brian mentioned in his letter. Steven Jones from Essex makes an observation about the artist inconsistencies when it comes to the number of toes on the Hulk's feet!

The Fantastic Four "The war of the super-teams!"

Writer: Stan Lee 

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Chic Stone 

Originally published in The Fantastic Four #36

Cover date March 1965

(Published in December 1964)

First it was a play on a Dickens title and now the very literate editor uses a H.G. Wells title for this week's half of the Fantastic Four story. The cut and paste job features Reed, Sue and Ben taken from page one of the Fantastic Four #52, US edition cover dated July 1966, published April 1966, Johnny was taken from page 15 of the Fantastic Four #54 US edition cover dated September 1966, published June 1966 and the Frightful Four are cut from last week's strip. The Frightful Four plan to eliminate Ben, Reed, Sue and Alicia Masters by attaching the Wizards powerful anti-grav discs to them and have them float into the thin outer atmosphere. Luckily the Torch arrives just in time to mount a rescue. Once the FF are reunited things take a turn for the worse for the frightful fiends as they are left with no other option but to flee. 

Spider-man Comics Weekly #59

This week's cover for Spider-man Comics Weekly by Ron Wilson isn't that good. It tells the story well but there isn't much to thrill a young reader. The inker could be either Mike Esposito or John Tagtarlione, again the Grand Comic Database isn't sure. 

Spider-man "O'bitter victory!"

Writer: Stan Lee 

Artist: John Romita Sr and Don Heck

Inker: Mike Esposito

Originally published in the Amazing Spider-man #60

Cover date May 1968

(Published in February 1968)

The opening splash page uses the John Romita Sr.'s cover from the Amazing Spider-man #112 with the original story title used. "O'bitter victory!" should have been seen on last week's opening page instead of "Slaves of the Kingpin!" title. Peter confronts the brainwashed Captain Stacy but the confused gentleman hits out at the teenager creating a scene that leaves Gwen in a difficult position with a decision to make, but of course she sticks up for her elderly father and says she doesn't want to see Peter again. The Captain informs the Kingpin that the teenager is suspicious, so the crime overlord orders his men to lean on him. Changing into Spider-man Peter follows the elderly Captain to witness him leading the Kingpin's men into the Police headquarters records vault. Unwilling to stop another assault from Stacy, the brainwashed Captain throttles Spider-Man from behind. But at least Peter had got a photo of the ex-police official robbing the department files making the Daily Bugle headline. Next week the web tightens!

The Web and the Hammer

Philips Scott from Belfast points out some errors regarding Iron Man, he was supposed to have appeared in issue 48 of SMCW but only appeared in issue 50 and on that cover of that issue he appeared in his red and gold armour, but inside he would don his old armour. Yusuf Patel from Yorkshire wants to know why SMCW #48 came late, usually it arrives on a Saturday but it came on a Wednesday. Glyn Hayes from Newport wants a Spider-man costume to fit his 8 year old self. Mark Thornton from Essex gets a pretty good supply of US comics in his home town of Colchester, but thinks that Spider-man and Hulk US comics have been removed from sale so that they won't effect the sales of SMCW and MWOM. William Overton also from Essex wants to see a super-team built up from the strongest characters from Marvel. 

Brian Lynch from Glasgow gives his theory on how Spider-man's web-shooters works. His point is that the webbing is released as a liquid (possible a gas in my point of view,) that turns solid after it exits the nozzile. Brian doesn't want to see panels edited out of stories in the future. He also wants to see more US Marvel comics on the newsstands and his third request is to stop those ridiculous headlines on the top of the pages. B. Curzon thinks that Spider-man Comics Weekly is almost faultless, but is slightly disappointed with having the Web-slingers page count cut.  
  

Iron Man "For the life of Cleopatra!"

Writer: Stan Lee and Robert Bernstein

Artist: Don Heck

Inker: Don Heck

Originally published in Tales of Suspense #44

Cover date August 1963

(Published in May 1963)

Great use of Jack Kirby and Dick Ayer's cover from Tales of Suspense #44 as the opening splash page for this second half of Iron Man's time travel story. Tony Stark stuck in the past but luckily he's brought his suit of armour with him in his briefcase when Hatap, the Mad Pharaoh takes him to ancient times. The armour is put to good use as Iron Man defends an Egyptian palace from a Legion of Roman soldiers and later takes out a Roman Galley that was about to run down Queen Cleopatra's barge. Iron Man meets the Queen in an Anthony and Cleopatra tale that doesn't match up with written history. Hatap amasses his forces against the Queen but Iron Man charmed by her majesty and the desire to capture the Mad Pharaoh's magical charm that will return the Golden Avenger back to his time, leads her troops against their enemy. Extremely quickly Hatap is defeated but slips, dropping the Golden Charm and falls onto an upturned sword. The messy ending is conveniently not shown in panel. I guess that's the 60's Comics Code Authority for you. Iron Man is embraced by Cleopatra but our hero vanishes before her eyes thanks to the Golden Charm he holds in his hand. Strangely Hatap used the Charm to summon his "Chariot of Time" whereas the Chariot shaped Charm just teleports Iron Man back to 1974. The year was a UK edit as the original US version had his own time as 1963. So a weird point is the Charm was never used or mentioned again.

The Mighty Thor "If Asgard should fall!"

Writer: Stan Lee 

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Vince Colletta

Originally published in The Mighty Thor #127

Cover date April 1966

(Published in February 1966)

Again artwork from another cover is used to start the second half of this story, this time Vince Colletta inks Jack Kirby's cover from the Mighty Thor #127, but even though it's a great cover it doesn't match with the story direction as Odin only carries his son at the very end of the strip. On Earth an actress auditions for a roll in Pluto's master plan to trick Hercules into signing an Olympian pact to become the new ruler of Hades. There's more to that actress in later tales. 

On Asgard Thor wages battle against the power crazed Seidring the Merciless but to little effect as the Norse God has usurped the omnipotent power of Odin and the Thunder Gods still has half his godly powers after displeasing his father. Desperate Thor grabs the hilt of the Odin Sword, threatening to bring about Ragnarok if Seidring refuses to yield his stolen powers to Odin. The gamble pays off, once again the Odin force returns to the rightful God. Seidring is banished from Asgard. As Thor falls into unconscious Odin carries the his son who showed the bravest of actions when faced with over whelming odds.

Spider-man Comics Weekly has a reminder that starting in this week's Avengers is the Master of Kung Fu. The text that says "Iron-fisted first issue!" does sound like this in-house advert is for a brand new comic, which might infuriate regular Avengers fans. But we have one more strip to look at before we get to that Iron-fisted issue.
  

"Six strange words"

Writer: Unknown

Artist: Sid Shores

Originally published in Worlds of Suspense #6

Cover date February 1957

(Published in November 1956)

This three page tale of suspense was first printed in Marvel comics forerunner Atlas Comics, Worlds of Suspense issue 6. I guess the strip must have been hanging around the Marvel US offices as it would also see reprint in Frankenstein Monster issue 13, cover dated November 1974, published August 1974, as a back up strip. A driver, whose car has broken down, seeks refuge from the elements in a weird house, where inside he finds a strange little man. The driver falls asleep after drinking his coffee but wakes to find the little man possesses magical powers. So powerful that if he utters six little words that can send anyone into limbo. The driver threatens him to reveal those words. The thug uses them against the strange man, sending him into limbo. Then he breaks the fourth wall, addressing the reader directly telling them they "know too much". He speaks the incantation once again, but this time he is the one to disappear into limbo, where he finds the sorcerer laughing at him. It's a nice page filler the kind of tale British readers would appreciate in the future when they read similar stories in 2000AD.

Another in-house advert for Marvel's other weekly triumphs. Notice how the damsel in the Mighty World of Marvel cover seems to be wearing a dress and not a bikini like on the actual cover. Was this an other version where they felt they couldn't risk a semi-naked woman on the front cover of a "kids" comic? Who knows?

Any how now it's time to embrace the controversy and take a look at that Master of Kung Fu character that angered many, to see was it really that bad?

The Avengers #28

Of this week's three Ron Wilson covers this one is by far the best. It's dynamic, eye-catching and even though its design is purely symbolic it does capture the direction the mag was taking. Some may have thought that Shang-Chi was either attacking the Avengers or joining them as a new member, but when I first cast eyes on it I just thought "Wow! How cool is that!" There's plenty of text letting the reader know that this "Great new feature!" would make "Britain's greatest--better than ever!" And that this "Iron-fisted origin issue" would showcase "Martial arts action--in the magnificent Marvel manner!" But that text doesn't spoil the over-all look of the cover, it's design frames it by also informing readers that "the fury of Fu Manchu" was inside and Doctor Strange hadn't been left out. It is cool and it did make me want to take up karate, which I did for a short while, As for the Cover of the Week, "fists"-up this has got to be it!

Shang-Chi Master of Kung Fu "Shang-Chi Master of Kung Fu!"  

  

Writer: Steve Englehart 

Artist: Jim Starlin

Inker: Al Milgrom

Originally published in Special Marvel Edition #15

Cover date December 1973

(Published in September 1973)

This story is really, really good. No, it's better than that, it's really, really great. No, even better it's absolutely fantastic for so many reasons and if you don't believe me read it for yourself and I'm willing to bet you might just agree with me. First up is the writer, Steve Englehart who was creative and talented. Roy Thomas as editor took him on to fill a gap in the writing team when Gary Friedrich wanted a break. Englehart was given a handful of stories like Sgt. Fury, Monster on the Prowl, Two Gun-Kid, My Love and Our Love Story before Thomas as editor handed him Amazing Adventure volume 2 issue 12, cover dated May 1972, published February 1972, taking over from Gerry Conway as writer as a try out. Later Thomas said in an interview for Alter Ego #70 in July 2007, "that worked out pretty well." Englehart was one of a growing group of creators at Marvel in the 70's who lived a maverick lifestyle. In an interview for Dark Horse Comics "Between the panel" in 1998 Englehart said of his time "We'd rampage around New York City. There was one night when a bunch of us, including Jim Starlin, went out on the town. We partied all day, then did some more acid, then roamed around town until dawn and saw all sorts of amazing things (most of which ended up in Master of Kung Fu, which Jim and I were doing at that time)." OK don't do drugs kids, but believe me this run of stories are going to be quite a ride.

Next up is legendary artist Jim Starlin who had grown up loving the silver age of comics. Starlin had sold two stories to DC comics and then drew for some fanzines before being offered regular work at Marvel in 1972. DC's loss was Marvel's gain, he would produce some of the greatest and best loved comic book runs in the 70's. Warlock and Captain Marvel anyone? His friend and long time collaborator Al Milgrom finishes off his artwork with very workman like inks. I don't always mention the letterers but Tom Orzechowshi deserves a mention, his lettering is most definitely  without any doubt the best in all of "comicdom". Also Mike Esposito as tone artist for this UK version renders perfect tones. They enhance the artwork beautifully without the need for colour, giving shadow and lighting effects that are superior to any others. Just take a look at the tones used in the Avengers and Doctor Strange stories to see how too much shading can spoil good artwork. 

But what about the actual story, it starts at the end (like a Quentin Tarantino film,) as we find out that the main character of this strip, Shang-Chi is the son of the most infamous villain of all time, Fu Manchu, the antagonist of British novelist Sax Rohmer's series of novels about Doctor Fu Manchu. Shang-Chi fights his way through a group of deadly guards to reach his father to find out the truth behind the lies he told his son and the events that we'll soon see unfold. Starlin is the master at drawing panel layouts that look cinematic and really cool.  

The flashback shows Fu Manchu telling his son that he has been trained to become a living weapon to safeguard the fruits of his father's genius against those who would thwart him. Men like Doctor Petrie "the most evil man alive." Shang-Chi's first mission is to assassinate Petrie. That act goes against Shang-Chi's studies in philosophies that showed him that killing was an abhorrent act, but his father's indoctrinate has coloured is view of the world, painting himself as a honourable and truthful man. Even when faced with the old and feeble Petrie, Fu Manchu's training in obedience takes over and Shang-Chi delivers the fatal blow. 

Confronted by Sir Denis Nayland Smith, like Doctor Petrie another Sax Rohmer character from the Fu Manchu novels, Shang-Chi disarms him but is surprised at the tearful affection to the loss of his friend, even though Fu Manchu had told him that his friend had murdered his dreams of a better life, his act was sad but just, as he was told Petrie was a foe of world peace.

 Nayland Smith's reply makes Shang-chi question his father's truths. Telling the young China man that his father's goal was to dominate the world through sinister means. Leading a group of evil dacoits, phansigars, thugs and assassins known as the Si-Fan. Fu Manchu's methods were cruel and barbaric.

Shang-Chi flees in anger at the injustice he has delivered, seeking answers he visits his American mother. Who knew that the time would one day  come when her son would search for the truth. A truth that would hurt his very soul. 

The artwork and story telling mimic the Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang, a concept that describes the opposite but interconnected, self-perpetuating cycle. Yin and yang can be thought of as complementary (rather than opposing) forces that interact to form a dynamic system in which the whole is greater than the assembled parts. Both creators play with good versus evil, chaos and calm, light against darkness. Starlin would draw groups of panels that slowly went from Shang-Chi's angry face to Fu Manchu's calm features, or panels showing Nayland Smith's sadness then anger or the naivety of youth as Shang-Chi discovers the truth from his Mother who kept these secrets because of vanity's pride. There's more emotions here in such a short space than your usual comic strip. Marvel was growing up and facing the harsh truths of life. I always considered that the Avengers weekly, now and right through to its final issue, was a mature mag, read by readers whose age group would go right up into their late teens.

Sax Rohmer's novels may have come from a time when there was a form of careless and casual racism towards foreigners, creating a false image of China and London's Chinese immigrants as a crime-ridden community. Englehart and Starlin tried to redress that balance by having the hero of the strip as a Chinese /American. This strip may not be as politically correct as something that is created in 2024, but it's heart meant well and if you take a hard look at it today it's message, to be careful of those in powerful places, their truths may well be lies created to manipulate, is as relevant today as it was in 1974. This is only the start of Master of Kung Fu, there's more to come. 

The Avengers "Never Bug a giant!"

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Don Heck

Inker: Frank Giacoia

Originally published in The Avengers #31

Cover date August 1966

(Published in June 1966)

The Wasp having learned of the possible location of the missing Avenger Goliath, asks the sadden Hawkeye, who is still pining for the Black Widow, to join them in their search. He agrees to go with them as they set off to South America without Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch who are in Europe attempting to find a way to recover their weakening powers.  

Meanwhile in a vast cavern deep within the untamed mountainous region in South America, Goliath question Prince Rey, his rescuer, about the Keeper of the Flame and the great power source itself. The Flame is feed cobalt, that if use for insidious reasons can be capable of destroying the world. Goliath realises the Prince Rey is no better than the Keeper, as he too wants the flame for his own purposes. 

I know that some of this story takes place in dark caverns but some of the tones used on this strip obliterates the artwork. Which is a shame as I truly think that this story has some of Don Heck's best art. This homage to Sir Henry Rider Haggard's She novel is really hotting up as all the pieces are moved into place for next week's conclusion. 

It's mail opening time.

I really do wish they'd get a better mailbag title. Anyway first up is Alan Finchee from Surrey who doesn't understand why MWOM and SMCW have three stories in each mag but the Avengers have only two. His choice would be the X-Men. I wonder was he disappointed to see Shang-Chi join the weekly instead of the young mutants? Mark Wade RFO, KOF, points out in Avengers #14 that the action took place at the same time as the Hulk story in MWOM #22 but the Avengers only formed in MWOM #46 and he asks for a No-Prize. Well no-deal Mark, that's British Marvel continuity for you, as some stories race along others come from later times. Ian Ashworth from Greenwouth who agrees with A.J. Coleman's letter from MWOM #69, that the next comic brought out should be a monthly as he too buys all three weeklies and can't afford to buy another mag every week. G. Megson from Bradford missed Issue 18 of the Avengers because his newsagents had a power cut. Was this Electro's doing or the 70's energy crisis? Kevin Malsbury spotted a boob in the Doctor Strange story from Avengers #11 the page topper headline read "Enter the Gurgol" instead of "Gulgol", now that could have been messy. 
 

Paul Donnachie QNS, RFO, KOF, comments on the different artists for various strips and adds that the artist who draws the panels on the letter pages would be better on the Avengers than Don Heck. The majority of them would have been drawn by John Buscema, or his brother Sal or even Neal Adams. I agree they are better artists than Heck, the good news is if we wait Paul will get to see those strips in all their glory. Jed Barton from London has made his own super-hero kit for his Action Man to wear. Paul B. Caldwell also from London likes that Daredevil and Iron Man are really great but there is hardly any room left for the Hulk and Spider-man. I wonder what he thinks of Shang-Chi squeezing the Avengers page count in this mag? John McNulty from Foleshill complains that in the letter page in Avengers #19 his name was spelt "McNutty" and not "McNulty". He wants the Avengers letter page to have a title like "Avengers Assemble" or "Readers Assemble". Hear, hear! I say. Finally the last letter comes from Bradley Robertson from Glasgow who has noticed that most of the mail in the letter pages are about complaints, but Bradley just want's to compliment Marvel, because he thinks their comics are superb!

Doctor Strange "The pincers of power!"

Writer: Stan Lee 

Artist: Steve Ditko

Inker: Steve Ditko 

Originally published in Strange Tales #140

Cover date January 1966

(Published in October1965)

 

Only Stan Lee and Steve Ditko would title a story "The pincers of power!" It's a crazy title but I weirdly love it. What on Earth, or any other dimension are the pincers of power? You really want to read this story for the fun of finding out. Baron Mordo has battled Doctor Strange to a standstill over many weeks which has frustrated the Dread Dormammu (and possibly some readers as Mordo isn't the greatest of villains and his inept super-villainy does get tiresome if not for Ditko's compelling art,) so the dark lord takes steps to finish it with cataclysmic impact.  

Dormammu pulls Doctor Strange, the Ancient One and Baron Mordo into a distant neutral dimension to challenge Strange to a duel in front of various lords of other mystical realms invited by Dormammu himself. Ditko creates a legion of despots to witness the fight but like the Avengers story the toner is very heavy handed with his shading. In places tones obliterate Ditko's beautiful art. Less of it would definitely been more pleasing.

The duellers are armed with the bizarre "Pincers of Power", they are basically charms that fit to the back of the duellers hands that emit energy pincers that can lock around an opponents wrist or deflect an opponent's challenge. No magical spells or incantations can be used during the fight as it would be impossible to wield the pincers and form the hand gestures needed to cast a spell. Only the mind of Steve Ditko could think of them. It's brilliant!

Doctor Strange uses all his skill, strength and martial arts training to match his opponent. After a hard fight he does pin down Dormammu in what looks like victory. But the evil Baron Mordo who sees a chance to redeem his standing in the eyes of his master casts a spell that cowardly strikes down Strange from behind, leaving Dormammu to stand victorious! More magical action next week!

The heavy toner strikes again with this in-house advert. The Mighty World of Marvel cleverly gets cut in two to fit into the upper half of the page, while a simpler image of Spider-man promotes the Web-slingers mag. The "On sale now!" headline is nearly blanked out with unnecessary shading. It doesn't look good and it definitely isn't clever. It might have looked better on the colour back page but...

...that page was reserved for the Marvel's boat competition on this comic and the other two mags. A reminder of the question and also the second coupon needed to enter the contest. 

Well it's been a big one this week, with more stories than ever to reminisce over. Some I've only briefly covered and some I've taken a deeper dive. That's how it has to be if I want to get this blog done weekly. I hope I've covered the good and the bad. That I've been firm, but fair to all the strips. I get that many will disagree with some of my views and may well agree with other parts. That's fine, it makes for an interesting world. As always I enjoy hearing other people's opinions and memories about this period of British Marvel comics. 

So I'm off to study the Yin and Yang of life. The Chinese thought of them as the two great opposite but complementary forces at work in the cosmos. Apparently Yin is feminine, dark, negative, and passive power, Yang is masculine, bright, positive, and warmth. Earth, rain, soft, evil, black, small, even numbers, are seen as yin, while heaven, sunshine, hard, good, white, large, and odd numbers are yang. Their interaction is thought to maintain the harmony in the universe and to influence everything within it, as two forces interplay to make up chi, or the material principle governing the universe. Well you learn something new everyday. I can see where George Lucas got his ideas from. Think I might read a Star Wars comic too before I start next week's blog. 

 

See you in seven.

Make Mine Marvel.