Doomed from start to finish!

 Week Ending 14th December 1974

The Mighty World of Marvel #115

This slight colour variant cover from Herb Trimpe originally appeared on the US edition of the Incredible Hulk #144. I have to say I prefer the lighter, brighter American version. John Severin inked Herb's pencils. 

The Incredible Hulk “The monster and the Madman!”

Writer: Roy Thomas and Gary Friedrich

Artist: Dick Ayers

Inker: John Severin

Originally published in The Incredible Hulk #144

Cover date October 1971

(Published in July 1971)

Gary Friedrich joins Roy Thomas in writing this strip, a trend that will run for a while as Roy is assisted by a different co-writer before he leaves the strip for awhile as he concentrates on his writing, as seen in the Avengers, Conan and other new projects like the Defenders, as well as creating space for his duties as Marvel's Editor-in-Chief roll that he started in September 1972. General Ross, Major Talbot, Doc Samson and Betty Ross review an old film of the Hulk clashing with Iron Man, as they lament Bruce Banner's, and in turn the Hulk's passing. 

But the Hulk wasn't killed last issue, it was a clever trick by Doctor Doom to acquire Bruce Banner's intellect and the Hulk's raw power as part of his mad scheme to conquer Europe and possibly the world. Doom shows off his mad enterprise to his "dear" Valeria. A new character to many British Marvel readers, having not been introduced before in either the Hulk's adventures or the Fantastic Four tales. Coincidentally her origin and first chronological appearance is printed in this week's Planet of the Apes comic, making bookends to this week's blog. Although at the readers would be left slightly puzzled with two ongoing Doctor Doom tales running in the same week, which must have created continuity issues for those who eat and breathe continuity. If you want to have an easy life it might be best to read the Doctor Doom story from POTA first. Doom shows Valeria that he has complete control over Banner and his raging alter-ego. Valeria is less than impressed as Doom toys with other people's lives, much like he does with her, as she feels that she is much like Banner, another prisoner in Doom's castle. Next week "Doom for a Doctor!"

Daredevil “Stilt-Man strikes again!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Frank Giacoia

Originally published in Daredevil #26

Cover date March 1967

(Published in January 1967)

Sometimes when I think about Gene Colan's Daredevil I think of the fluid athletic choreography that he fills the panels with. And I'm satisfied with that, the story reads like mercury as Colan's storytelling mastery leads you from page to page with joyful ease, even if the plot is less than good, as in Matt Murdock's twin brother idea. No, I'm not letting that one slip by. It's solely because of Colan's efforts that makes this strip a delightful read. Next to Frank Miller's time on Daredevil there is no one better to draw the man without fear than Colan.

This week we find Mike Murdock observing Matt's partner, Foggy Nelson, in court defending the crazy criminal Leap-Frog against his charges. As much as I find Murdock's portrayal of his "super-hero" brother, Mike, to be stupid and irritating, it's nothing like the stupidity Foggy Nelson shows when he decides, decades before the Robert Kardashian defence attorney/O.J. Simpson/glove moment in court, as Foggy has Vincent Patilio trying on the Leap-Frog's spring boots to see if they fit. This isn't going to place doubt in the minds of the jury, if anything it proves that Patilio is the Leap-Frog as he escapes through the window. To be meet by another on of DD's foes, the Stilt-Man. Cue Daredevil, cue action, cue Colan doing what he does best. Here's a secret, I kind of like it. How did the Stilt-Man survive after he last fought Daredevil? Find out next week.

The Mighty Marvel Mailbag

Graham Parkinson from Sheffield asks what does TM stand for? It stands for Trade Mark. Andrew Caspostagno from Bath asks was a comic full of "Nobody's stronger than Hulk" slogans worth 7 pence? After looking at the current contents and feeling a wave of nostalgia he comes to the conclusion that it's worth more than that. Ian Thompson RFO from Newcastle asks why is the Hulk's skin green? The answer my friend is Gamma Rays. C. Fuller from London wants to get something off his chest, why does the Hulk always complain about having no friends when he could have made friends with the Avengers. Neil McIntyre RFO, KOF from Chester likes the Bullpen Bulletin pages and the Notice Board but not the new price of the mags. Count Dracula from St. Helens wants to have his namesake in one of the Marvel mags, at the age of 500 he's sick of super-heroes. Not sure that one's from the real Count. Andrew Lees RFO, from Manchester was a Marvel fan for years, before the days of Fantastic and Terrific. A couple of years ago he started collecting the US imports.

Bullpen Newspage

This "new look" style of Bullpen Bulletin page feels a little chaotic, with some Items not making much sense or without context. But let's look at the bullet points. Item! How do you pronounce John Buscema's name the answer is "byoo-sem-a", with the accent on the second of the three syllables. Item! Marie Severin, John Romita Sr. and Herb Trimpe entertained guests at a party to celebrate the publishing of "Origins of Marvel Comics", published by Simon and Shuster, by drawing their favourite characters. Item! Duffy Vohland has been assisting Mike Esposito on the covers of Planet of the Apes over the last few weeks. Item! The editors have decided to omit the Mighty Marvel Checklist over the last few weeks, did anyone miss it? Item! "Origin of Marvel Comics" as told by Stan Lee has been released. Item! Happy first birthday to Alexander Spurlock Trimpe, son of Herb and Linda Trimpe. (That Item was listed week's ago.) Item! There's a hint of the return of a character to the Mighty World of Marvel, just who that might be they aren't saying. Item! this final Item gives more background to America editors who work on the British weeklies, Jim Salicrup, Dave Cohen and Scott Edelman. I'll be honest all the facts listed have already been given in older Bulletins.

The Fantastic Four “The way it began..!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Joe Sinnott 

Originally published in The Fantastic Four #53

Cover date August 1966

(Published in May 1966)

Fantastic Four continuity returns to normal after our brief story jump over the last two weeks to return to where we left the Fantastic Four at the end of their adventure as seen in MWOM #112. The Fab Four and Wyatt Wingfoot are guests of honour at a royal banquet. No longer are they hunted by the Black Panther, but still loads of questions are left unanswered.

Those mysteries will have to wait for a while as a "territorial patrol" on the edge of the Wakandan boarder discovers an area of the jungle that has been ripped up by some gigantic creature or machine. At this point my aging-self notices that the patrol is made up of two men, one who may be best described as a native Wakandan tracker and his colleague who is best described as a "white game hunter". I only raise this point as it is mentioned that Wakanda has been isolated from the western world and the sight of a caucasian man does feel strange. My theory is that Jack Kirby intended them to be a white game hunter with his native guide, near to, but not in Wakanda, but Stan changed it in the added text, making them a Wakandan patrol. That's the "Marvel way" I guess.

A red giant, hairless gorilla attacks the pair, they flee only to encounter a red giant, un-earthly elephant monster. The men question are there any more of these crimson monsters? Suggesting that the answer might lie in Wakanda. Which of course put forward that the two men weren't a patrol from the neighbouring country. Back in the royal palace of Wakanda the Black Panther reveals how the small African country became so rich and technologically advanced. The discovery of a mound of Vibranium lead to his country's wealth, but also marked it out for those who wanted to steal its precious metal. One such plunderer was know as Klaw, the master of sound, who required Vibranium to power his "sound transformer." 

T'Chaka, Wakanda's chieftain and T'Challa's father opposed Klaw's mercenary army, but was killed as spears where no deterrent against machine guns. A young T'Challa took Klaw's "Sound Blaster" and drove the invaders back, injuring Klaw's hand in the process. T'Challa became Wakanda's new chieftain, selling a small portion of the Vibranium to various scientific foundations to amass a small fortune that helped develop his country. The young king then spent time in the finest universities around the world, developing his mind as well as his body to defend his kingdom from more outside threats. Much like Klaw, who returned to the scene of his defeat ten years later to have revenge on the young king and steal from Wakanda's scared mound. This story seems a very western version of an African tale, but as someone who grew up on a diet of Tarzan action adventure films I have to say I really get a kick out of it. Black Panther is one of my favourite Marvel characters. Next week, "Klaw!"

Just in time for Christmas, may be, may be not with the seventies postal service, the back page of the Mighty World of Marvel features an advert for all Marvel badge loving Marvelytes. Fourteen colourful Marvel characters for yours to own with pick and choose batches of two, four, six, eight ten or all fourteen. Spider-man Comics Weekly, the Avengers weekly and Dracula Lives also featured this advert. Planet of the Apes featured a festive advert for Marvel Treasury Super-hero Holiday Grab-bag on its full colour back page. 

Spider-man Comics Weekly #96

I love this John Romita Sr. cover. Originally appearing on the Amazing Spider-man #78, it's a perfect complement to a fantastic story. It pains me that I haven't awarded this cover as my Cover of the Week this week, but I'll explain why later. Any other week it would be the winner.  

Spider-man “The night of the Prowler”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Jim Mooney

Originally published in the Amazing Spider-man #78

Cover date November 1969

(Published in August 1969)

John Buscema remains the artist on Spider-man, while John Romita Sr. hung around and produced the great cover for this issue. Even with Jim Mooney handling the inks there was another well known artist who made a major impact in this story. It's a case of "keeping it in the family" as John Romita Jr. earns his first comic credit as the credit box adds a "Thanks to John Romita Jr. for suggesting the Prowler!" I think that Romita Jr. did an excellent job creating a new super-villain. At the time of the original US edition was published he would have been 13. The mask and cape came decades before Todd McFarlane put pencil to paper and created the similar looking Spawn! 

Spidey swings through town only stopping to call Gwen, but she seems distant when Peter asks her to meet with him, she tells him she's busy. Peter is unaware that she has Flash Thompson over for a visit to discuss Peter's constant disappearing whenever danger is present. Web-Slinging back to the apartment he shares with Harry Osborn, but he has to wait outside while Harry gets off the phone with Mary Jane before he can enter his apartment. He tries to study but can't settle as his mind drifts back to Gwen. His solution is to drop by her apartment using an excuse that he only came to talk to her Father, who had asked him to discuss what he knows about Spider-man. While walking past a cafe called the Coffee Pot Peter spies Gwen talking to Flash and jumps to the wrong conclusion. Feeling down on his luck after a quick fight with a bunch of thugs Peter sees a window cleaner and wonders if he has half the worries he has? That window cleaner is Hobie Brown, who by chance is looking down on Peter thinking much the same thing. He's a smart inventor, whose dead-end job as a window cleaner and girl-problems are weighing down on him. 

A argument with his boss in front of Jonah Jameson pushes him to his wits end. Hobie quits. His boss's use of the words "your type" towards the young black lad are a thinly disguised way of covering up his racist opinions, that even Jameson notices, so he tells him to "take off" as he doesn't like the smell of his attitude. Jameson may be many things but a racist he is not. Hobie disillusioned with life takes the inventions he created to help make window cleaning more efficient and fashions them into a costume, with steel tipped gloves designed to give better grip on the sides of sheer walls and bracelets that where designed to shoot cleaning fluid that now shoots gas or pellets blasted by compressed air, with the hope of becoming famous. But a super-hero doesn't pay, whereas a super-villain could make money instantly. The Prowler can commit the crime, then later Hobie Brown can find the loot and return it as a hero! His first target is the Bugle offices, now there's "No turning back!" as we'll see next week.

 

The Web and the Hammer

Bryan Morris from Wrexham has tried out John Knight's idea from SMCW #79 and made his own card mounted Spider-man. Philip Philippou from London thinks there should be a competition with a prize given for the most creative "Till....make mine Marvel" saying. Peter Davies from Reading has written twice but never got an answer, with this letter he suggests that Dracula should be in a Marvel mag. Peter also says that his Mum likes Marvel, his sister likes Thor, his Dad likes the Hulk and he likes Spider-man. Paul Kirkham from Manchester asks about a Stan Lee's Soapbox in which he teased "The origin of Marvel comics", which he thought was a great idea. Duncan Wilson from Stirlingshire got on his bike and went to every stationers in town looking for the Spectacular Spider-man Marvel Treasury Edition but couldn't find it. Apparently that Treasury was a little late getting out to the shops.

The Mighty Thor “Abandoned on Earth!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Vince Colletta

Originally published in The Mighty Thor #145

Cover date October 1967

(Published in August 1967)

The Enchanter, Magnir have been defeated by Thor and his friends are turned over into police custody. While Odin has emerged victor from his duel with Forsung. He is furious over this attack on him, and so he teleports Magnir and Brona away from Earth where he might punish all three of the Enchanters himself. Odin contacts Thor, Balder and Sif, who tells them of the Enchanters' defeat and orders them to return to Asgard, which Balder and Sif do, however Thor refuses as he feels that Earth is his destiny. Furiously Odin decides to punish his son once more, by stripping him of all his powers except for his strength. Thor leaves Blake's office, deciding to start a new life.

Elsewhere, the Circus of Crime is back in operation, however they have hit a snag, Bruto, their strong man, is laid out due to over-straining himself by trying to lift an elephant. Needing a strong man for their devious plans, the Ringmaster begins auditions for a temporary replacement while Bruto recovers from his injuries. Thor, dressed in civilian clothes heads to the circus with hope of getting a job as the advertised strong man. Princess Python's pet takes a shine to the Asgardian, wrapping itself around him. With all but his strength remaining of his godly powers can Thor the Python crushing embrace? Find out next week.

Avengers Weekly #65

This cover by John Buscema has been beautifully re-coloured from the original cover as seen in US Avengers #49. The Scarlet Witch's costume looks more "redder", the Avengers look brighter, much better than the US version where they just fade into the background and Magneto looks more menacing. It's amazing how brighter colours freshen up a cover. Sorry Romita fans, Spidey fans and Prowler fans this cover wins my Cover of the Week. 

The Avengers “At the mercy of Magneto!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: John Buscema

Originally published in The Avengers #49

Cover date February 1968

(Published in December 1967)

This opening splash page is the blown up fourth panel from page twelve of last week's issue with Magneto's dialogue balloons repositioned. The master of magnetism has brought his newly reformed Brotherhood of Mutants to the United Nations Security Council to demand that mutants be given their own land so that they may build a safe separate nation to live in peace. Of course this is heavily layered with lies made to antagonise humans so that it grows distrust in one another as well as attracting more mutants to his cause, such as Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch.

Magneto hurls a microphone towards one of the delegates, but it is shattered seconds before it can strike its target, by an arrow fired from the bow of Hawkeye. The Avengers have arrived and all hell breaks loose. Two security guards watch on with guns armed and ready. Both are shocked when they fire even though neither pulled the triggers. A stray bullet grazes the Scarlet Witch's head, Magneto uses this confusion to galvanise his hold over Quicksilver who goes wild with rage. The Avengers try to calm the quick to temper mutant but they aren't a match for his rage and neither do they want to seriously harming anyone. The Brotherhood flee with Magneto's manipulations working as he planned. The remaining Avengers are dejected as they failed to rescue their friends from Magneto's hold. Meanwhile in Olympus Hercules is fighting a losing battle against Typhon, who beats him and exiles the Prince of Power to another world, a land of wraithlike mists and sinister shadows. 

Bullpen Bulletin

"Candid comments calculated to amuse and confuse you!!!" The first Item brings artist news, John Severin has moved west of his Connecticut home and out towards Denver in Colorado. The next Items reminds us that Dan Adkins helped Paul Gulacy, Val Mayerik and Craig Russell get started in the comic business just like Wally Wood give Dan a start. Another Item about an inker, Frank Giacoia is so well known for his inking pen and brush that he doesn't get much chance to show off his pencil work. Wally Wood gets mentioned in the next Item as he as also moonlighted as a story board artist for television. Tom Palmer has also done illustrations for children's books. Writer Jim Lawrence who worked with Tom Palmer on Doctor Strange worked on two syndicated newspaper strips in the US. The second to last Item lets you know that Al Milgrom, who used to ink Jim Starlin's Master of Kung Fu, is pencilling the current MOKF story. The final Item notes that writer Gerry Conway has recently tied the knot with Carla Joseph, who was Roy Thomas's secretary.

Master of Kung Fu “In the jaws of death!”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: Al Milgrom

Inker: Klaus Janson

Originally published in Master of Kung Fu #23

Cover date December 1974

(Published in September 1974)

The thirteenth panel of the twenty-fourth page from last week's issue gets blown up as this week's opening teaser panel. Al Milgrom delivers a stunning under-water fight scene as Shang-Chi wrestles with an alligator.

Some times Milgrom is under appreciated as an artist. I might be guilty of that opinion. I've seen some of his work that looks pretty much bland, like some of his West Coast Avengers work in the 80's, but there are times when his stuff is outstanding, like this week's Master of Kung Fu strip. I'll admit once again, a great inker like Klaus Janson does help too. Shang-Chi save Sir Denis from being the alligator's next meal. Once back on board the river boat they find a host of dead Fu Manchu's assassins, slaughtered by Raymond Strawn. As their boat gains on Fu Manchu's boat. Strawn shoots at it, giving away any advantage they might have. Their boat is slow so Shang-Chi swims towards. Once aboard Shang-Chi fights the remaining Si-Fan assassins. With one assassin left Shang-Chi questions him about his master.

He was never going to the meeting by boat, he took an helicopter. Strawn blames Shang-Chi for letting his father escape. He removes an incredible face mask reveaing that he is in fact the ex-nazi Bucher. He shoots at Shang-Chi who dives, but takes a hit before he enters the water. From his helicopter Fu Manchu observes it all, knowing full well that Bucher had set a trap for him. Sir Denis also suspected that Strawn was Bucher all along. It's not over though, next week there'll be a "Massacre along the Amazon!"

Avengers Assemble!

Henryk Żeligowski from Poland writes in, but I haven't a clue what he has to say as his letter is in Polish, but with the help of Apple Translate I can tell you he's a fan of the Avengers. A. Black from Kent thinks the Shang-Chi is great but Doctor Strange is boring and old fashioned. Keven Pratt RFO, KOF, QNS, from Yorkshire points out that in Avengers weekly #52 it state that to obtain the title RFO you must buy three Marvel mags a week, but in the American mags it says

three Marvel mags a month. Well US rules and UK rules are different because in the US they only have monthlies while in the UK we have weeklies. David Evans RFO, KOF, from Swansea thinks that Shang-Chi has been occupying the front cover for far too long. Neville Gordon from Manchester writes in answer to Micheal Eastgate's letter from Avengers weekly #29, saying he's willing to loan him issues 1, 2 and 3 of the Avengers. That's very generous, did he take him up on the offer? Did he return the copies?

Jason Amber from Derby is fortunate to live in an area where American Marvel mags are easy to obtain. He has a collection of about 300 issues already. Anthony Watkins from Lincolnshire want's to know who exactly is the leader of the Avengers? The default answer from the editor is they don't have a boss-man. They're all equal. Stephen Fitzpatrick from Milton Keynes has been enjoying Marie Severin's art on Doctor Strange and can't wait for Gene Colan's artwork on the strip. He offers an idea that if Conan and the Silver Surfer were to star in a new comic, it would be a best-seller. Anthony Lacy from Oxford thinks that the best two things that have happened to Britain are The Avengers and himself. Well one of them is right. Michael Stannett from Buckinghamshire thinks that the Avengers weekly is the best, most original, most Marvellous mag of them all. See he agrees with Anthony Lacy and myself.

Doctor Strange “...While a world awaits!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Tom Palmer

Originally published in Doctor Strange #173

Cover date October 1968

(Published in July 1968)

Doctor Strange defends the Doorway of Dimensions from Dormammu and his demonic hordes, who are seeking access to Earth's dimension. Umar urges him to not let his grotesque legion battle Strange, as it would be more fitting for them to witness their master to vanquish the human sorcerer himself. Dormammu is aware of her real intent, but wishes not to lose face and so launches a mystical attack on Strange.

The Doctor faces Dormammu's "Maelstrom of madness" and is buffeted in the relentless force, saved only by his psychic shield. Before he is doomed Strange calls forth the "Flames of the Faltine" in the name of the "All-seeing" to counter Dormammmu's spell. It seems to work. 

Meanwhile Clea and Victoria Bentley arrive safely in Doctor Strange's Sanctum to Wong's surprise. Wong recognises Victoria and from his master description, Clea too. Another guest makes their presence known as Wong answers the banging on the door. A man introduces himself as an old colleague of Doctor Strange, Doctor Charles Benton, who has come to talk Strange out of a life of a "gaudily-dressed charlatan" that he has become and work for him as a medical consultant. While this is happening, at the Doorway of Dimensions, Dormammu casts mystical chains of living energy that bind Strange, while he seeks to break through the portal to Earth. More magic action next week.

Dracula Lives #8

I really like Neal Adams' artwork, this cover, originally from Tomb of Dracula #4, is a fine example of his work, but if I'm honest it's not the best this week, but another week it could be my Cover of the Week. 

Dracula “Dracula, through the looking glass!”

Writer: Archie Goodwin

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Tom Palmer

Originally published in Tomb of Dracula #4

Cover date September 1972

(Published in June 1972)

An image of Dracula taken from the third panel of the six page from last week's comic is used as the back ground, with the body of Ilsa Strangeway removed from it, while the fourth, fifth and sixth panels from page twelve are placed on top of it, creating a very smart opening page for this story's second half. Frank Drake knocks out Dracula's helper Clifford Graves as they lay a silver cross in empty coffins for any returning vampires.

Ilsa goes on a hunt in the village for human blood, believing that drinking it will restore her youth. It does not. As Dracula spots  and attacks Frank Drake as he makes his way back to the mansion. The Lord of the Vampires is forced away when Taj shines a cross shaped beam from a flashlight towards Dracula. the vampire flees inside the mansion. A second attempt to escape is foiled by Inspector Manfred who has crucifix shaped lights fitted to his car. With nowhere to flee, Dracula decides to make his retreat through the dark mirror. The vampiric Ilsa Strangeway returns to her coffin but Rachel Van Helsing is waiting for her. Before Van Helsing can shoot the vampire with her crossbow Isla warns her that the Dark Mirror can take the traveller to strange worlds where demons wait. The hunter kills the vampire. Rachel rushes to the mansion to find Frank who says that Taj went inside after Dracula. Rushing in they are horrified to witness a struggle between Taj and Dracula which leads the pair into the mirror. Next week "death to a vampire-slayer!"

Cryptic Correspondence

Here begins the first chapter of letters to be sent to the house of Dracula and what a perfect letter page title Cryptic Correspondence is. Take note Avengers weekly editors. A.E Wake from County Durham, thinks that the three new characters who feature in Dracula Lives are a bit too recent to deserve being reprinted and the artwork on Count Dracula loses something when its printed in black and white. Reprinting the black and white American Dracula Lives magazine strips would work better. Derek Ireland RFO, from Edinburgh praises Dracula Lives, calling it a "fantastic" comic, with Frankenstein's Monster and Werewolf by Night adding a great touch that makes a good comic great. Lawrence Mead RFO, KOF from Essex thinks the new mag is a smasher! Right from the first issue the creative teams are all magnificent. Were as in the Planet of the Apes the creative teams got better with the second issue. Terry Whittaker from Oldham calls Dracula Lives "fantastic" but asks why not call the mag Marvel Monsters with a roster that could change every two weeks starting with  Dracula, Werewolf and Frankenstein, then the next two weeks Ghost Rider, Man-Thing and the Zombie. Micheal Melsom KOF, RFO, QNS, from Wiltshire says that "Magnificent!" hardly does credit to the Dracula Lives and Planet of the Apes mags. 

Werewolf by Night “Island of the damned!”

Writer:Gerry Conway

Artist: Mike Ploog

Inker: Mike Ploog

Originally published in Marvel Spotlight #4

Cover date June 1972

(Published in March 1972)

Jack wakes from a nightmare and senses that there's an intruder on the patio, that person turns out to be Buck Cowan, a writer who's researching a piece on the occult. He hopes that Jack can give him some information on the Darkhold and Jack's father's castle. When his father dies the ownership of the castle passed to Jack's mother, and then following her deat,h his step-father, who sold it to a man named Miles Blackgar who shipped the castle from Europe to an island off Monterey coast. 

I've always found it a bit weird when in comics a European castle is moved brick by brick to America. Count Nefaria did it in Avengers weekly #10 and I'm sure Doctor Doom did a similar thing at one point. Wouldn't it be easier to just build a castle in America rather than strip down and rebuild it. But that wouldn't sit well with the Darkhold somewhere hidden within the walls, Also wouldn't the builders discover it sooner when they stripped down the castle. Mind the plot-holes everyone. Buck suspects they can find the Darkhold there, so he teams up with Jack with a plan to use his step-father's yacht to get to the island. The plan hits a snag which means that Jack goes alone. Jack's boat is boarded by Blackgar's thug, Garth, who takes Jack prisoner at gunpoint and scuppers the boat. Jack is brought to the island, Blackgar introduces himself and Marlene, his sunglasses wearing daughter. His offer of hospitality feels more like prison. Marlene wants to help, but her loyalty is to her father. While sneaking around the library Jack finds the Darkhold just as the full moon rises.

This Marvel Masterwork Pin-up uses Mike Ploog's artwork from the cover of The Monster of Frankenstein issue 2. On the back of that page a full page in-house advert for the current Planet of the Apes comic. Which is handy if you wanted to cut it out to stick it up on your wall. But why would you want to do that, you comic vandal?

Frankenstein’s Monster “The angel of death!”

Writer: Gary Friedrich

Artist: Mike Ploog

Inker: John Varpoorten

Originally published in The Monster of Frankenstein #4

Cover date July 1973

(Published in April 1973)

A Neanderthal tribe attack Frankenstein's Monster after they discover him stealing food from them. But none of them can overcome the Monster's strength and he batters them back. The tribe's chieftain orders his warriors to stand down when he recognises the creature's use. He is invited to stay becoming an honorary member of their tribe, where he is taught how to hunt. 

Days later, a rival tribe stumbles upon the community and raids the camp. The Monster joins forces with his Neanderthal friends and fights back. Most of them die in the battle. The barbarians try to destroy him, but the Monster defeats them. The chieftain is mortally injured during the raid. In a heart felt moment the Monster offers to take the dying man to his tribes burial grounds. To be continued next week.

In next week's Dracula Lives, will Dracula meet his doom in "Death to the vampire slayer!" And the Werewolf is trapped on the "Island of doom!" The two images from this teaser both come from next week's issue. Dracula from the first panel of the fifth page and the Werewolf from the third panel of the eighteenth page. 

Planet of the Apes #8

Ron Wilson creates this Planet of the Apes cover with Mike Esposito adding the inks. I feel I have to describe it as functional. 

Planet of the Apes “Chapter eight: Into the Forbidden Zone”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: George Tuska

Inker: Mike Esposito and Tony Mortellaro

Originally published in the US in Planet of the Apes #5

Cover date February 1975

(Published in December 1974)

Yet another chapter of the Planet of the Apes saga that gets published in the UK seventeen days before it gets released in America on Christmas Eve 1974. Taylor and Nova are broken out of prison by Lucas, Doctor Zira's young idealistic nephew, who takes the humans to Zira and Cornelius, who plan to sneak Taylor out of the Ape city.

They are nearly caught out by a gorilla hunting party, but they give them the slip when Cornelius tells them that the humans are infected with rabies. As the young apes are charged with heresy they plan to flee to some diggings two days ride in the eastern desert. Taylor will travel with them until they get there and then he'll head towards where he crash landed in the Forbidden Zone as he wants to find out if there's another jungle beyond it. They enter the Forbidden Zone which is ringed with animal skins on crosses like scarecrows. Next week "Confrontation!"

The Apes on TV

First of an occasional series that looks at the stars or behind the scenes of the Planet of the Apes TV series. This week looks at the profile of TV ape, Galen, real-life human alter-ego Roddy McDowell. Roddy also played a similar chimpanzee, Cornelius, in four of the five Planet of the Apes films. In fact it would have been five films if he had not been directing another film in London at the time of Beneath the Planet of the Apes' production. Roddy was born and educated in London and at the age of five he became a young fashion model. At the age of eight he made his film debut in the British thriller "Murder in the family." McDowell started his Hollywood career at the age of twelve  when Darryl F. Zanuck, who was so impressed with his acting, took him back to America to appear in a number of 20th Century Fox features films. This led to him playing the part of the crippled Welsh boy in the award winning film "How Green was my Valley". It was the acclaim received for this film that launched Roddy McDowall as a star.

As a child star he was often working on as many as three pictures at once. Those early films included "Son of Fury", "My Friend Flicka" and "Lassie Come Home". Since then he has appeared in 80 films! In 1953 McDowall embarked on a new career as a stage actor. He appeared in many classical productions. Later came an invitation from the American Shakespearean Festival in Stratford (Connetticut) to play Octavious in "Julius Caesar". A role he was to repeat in the film "Cleopatra" with Elizabeth Taylor. Since then McDowell has worked on films, theatre and TV. Roddy is a keen photographer whose models have included Hollywood stars, that have appeared in leading magazines throughout America and Europe. When asked how it feels to be type-cast as a chimp, Roddy replied "Lassie and Flicka were proud of me too!" This article features photographs taken on the set of the Planet of the Apes TV series by lan Vaughan.

Letters

Whereas "Cryptic Correspondence" is an excellent title for a letter page in Dracula Lives, Planet of the Apes choice for a letter page title is completely bland. Let's see  if the letters are better. Micheal Edmonstone RFO, KOF, from Essex thinks that Silver Surfer and the X-Men should have been given top priority for a new mag. James Rownes from Dumbartonshire bought the first issue of Planet of the Apes and he's very eager to read the next issue. Neil Marshall from Carlisle wants to congratulate Marvel on bringing out the two new mags. Neil thinks that Bob Larkin's cover and the free poster from Planet of the Apes issue one was just out of this world. Tim Etchells from Derby spotted a blank speech bubble in the third panel of page 33 from the first issue, but apart from this Bullpen-Blunder the weeklies are MARVEL-lous. Gordon Ian Robson from Glasgow thinks that Dracula Lives and Planet of the Apes are absolutely great. In one of the American horror comics there was an adaptation of Bram Stoker's original "Dracula" that he would like to see reprinted in the British mag.

Ka-Zar “Deluge!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Herb Trimpe

Inker: Herb Trimpe

Originally published in Astonishing Tales #7

Cover date August 1971

(Published in May 1971)

Roy Thomas and Herb Trimpe take over from Gerry Conway and Barry Windsor Smith. Roy's writing is on par with Gerry's work and as much as I've got a soft-spot for Herb Trimpe's artwork, I am missing Windsor Smith's beautiful artwork. Ka-Zar continues his futile struggle against the god, Damon, whose star-spawned powers are hurled against the Savage Land at his centuries old frustration at the death of his lover, Lelania. Meanwhile Tongah's younger sister Tatia and younger brother Emuel discover a space ship, and the body of Lelania in a cavern.

Above Lelania's body hangs a bauble that when Tatia touches it she experiences a vision of strange worlds with Lelania and Damon united. An eerie nimbus of light envelops Tongah's sister. In fear her little brother flees. Ka-Zar fights against Demon but his blows don't hurt him, so he sends Zabu to round up a stampede of dinosaurs. Meanwhile in England, the Mysterious Girl from last week discovers that Kevin Plunder is no longer a resident of Britain and is known as Ka-Zar. She decides she must travel to the Savage Land for his and the planet's sake. In the Savage Land, Lelania has taken over Tatia's body. She convinces Damon to cease his rampage. Reunited the two of them then leave for the stars. Emuel informs his older brother of Tatia's noble sacrifice and that she must have sensed that joining her life force with the inert Lelania was the only way to save the world. With their sister now gone, Tongah and Emuel return to their people, bidding farewell to Ka-Zar, who's left to wonder where his home is between civilisation and the savage jungle.

Doctor Doom “This man...this Demon!”

Writer: Larry Lieber and Roy Thomas

Artist: Larry Lieber and Frank Giacola

Inker: Vince Colletta

Originally published in Marvel Super-Heroes #20

Cover date  May 1969

(Published in February 1969)

This week's selection of British Marvel weeklies is topped and tailed with stories that feature the ruler of Latveria. This tale also has a link with the Incredible Hulk story, Valeria is seen in flashback in this tale, where she first meets a young Victor Von Doom. The story starts with Doctor Doom preparing for yet another confrontation with the Fantastic Four, when suddenly Diablo appears to offer him a form of alliance. Doom declines, but is forced to reconsider when Diablo reveals he has captured Doom's childhood friend Valeria. More is revealed next week.

This is a fine display of covers that all use artwork that was originally used on the front of the original US editions, by John Buscema, Herb Trimpe and John Romita Sr. This in-house advert for the three super-hero weeklies also appeared in this week's Dracula Lives mag, just before the Frankenstein Marvel Masterwork Pin-up.

No "Go badge mad!" advert on the back page of the Planet of the Apes this week, just a reminder that the Marvel Treasury Special, Giant Superhero Holiday Grab-Bag is still on sale.

Which is a reminder that Christmas is coming, there are presents to wrap, cards to write and annuals to read before Father Christmas calls on all the nice Marvelytes, so I better crack on...

See you in seven.

Make Mine Marvel.