Voyages and quests Beneath the pages!

 Week Ending 21st June 1975

Correction time again. Last week I discussed the Beneath the Planet of the Apes teaser that featured on the back of a number of the weeklies, I suggested that Zaius might have featured twice in the photo montage, but only one was actually Zaius as played by Maurice Evans as seem in Beneath the Planet of the Apes. Mark Rice, Friend of the Beesting and Power of the Beesting Apes expert, pointed out that the group photo at the bottom is a still from the 1973 fifth film, Battle for the Planet of the Apes, which could definitely not be Zaius in that group of apes as he never appeared in that film. Mark has identified who the second chimp from the left behind the Orangutang is, it was Caesar as played by Roddy McDowell, who incidentally wasn't in Beneath as the physical role of Cornelius was played by David Watson, a British-American actor who stood in for McDowell while he was unavailable to reprise the role as he was directing the film the Ballard of Tam Lin. Big thanks and a Power of the Beesting No-Prize to Mark for his help.

The Mighty World of Marvel #142

This week's cover artwork, penciled by Herb Trimpe and inked by John Severin was originally from the cover of the Incredible Hulk #154. The Ant-man's speech balloons where the same as those used in the American issue, however I imagine so that the comic's title wouldn't be obscured they where moved from the area above the rat's head and placed to the left of Ant-man. Also the font colour for the words "Run Hulk", "life", Ant-man" and "plague-rats" in the original had been red, now they become a more uniformed black. It's a good cover, although I could complain about the size perception, it might not be spot on, but the effect it creates is the stuff of nightmares.

The Incredible Hulk “Two against the hordes of Hydra! ”

Writer: Archie Goodwin

Artist: Herb Trimpe

Inker: John Severin

Originally published in The Incredible Hulk #154

Cover date August 1972

(Published in May 1972)

Ron Wilson's cover from last week's issue is used again with a new title, credit and catch-up box added. It's a money saving technique and as a re-cap it works fine but without the catch-up box its flow into the next page wouldn't have been seamless. The miniature Hulk is chased by a plague of rabid rats down the air vents inside of a secret Hydra Base, after the Hulk had taken Henry Pym's shrinking serum, in the hope that it would help him find Jarella's Micro-world, but instead he had been captured by the Chameleon and sold to Hydra.

The Hulk defeats the rats, in the process destroying the Hydra weapon factory, angering the Hydra agents who try to kill him themselves, however the Hulk avoids their blasts. While tracking his stolen notes, via a microscopic homing device, the Ant-Man arrives. The two then work together to fight off the terrorists. Ant-Man takes a match to some spilt flammable cleaning solution, setting it alight. The fumes from the fire knock the Hydra agents out. Ant-Man douses the flames with the sprinkler system. The Hulk convulses in pain as the instability of Pym's serum takes a deadly turn. The miniature monster reverts back to Bruce Banner, who begins to shrink smaller and smaller. The Chameleon survived the flames and smoke and tries to squash the two heroes under his shoe, Before the fiend can crush them Ant-Man's flying ant, Spa-Fon, pushes it's master out of the way. Ant-Man then quickly trips up the Chameleon with an electrical chord, knocking him out. In the aftermath of the battle the miniature hero wonders did Banner's tortured soul deserve a better end than being wiped away without a trace. Did Banner somehow survive? Find out next week in "Mayhem in a Microcosm!"

The Mighty Marvel Mailbag

Martin Clarke RFO, QNS from West Midlands gives a quick review of all the weeklies and the 100 page specials. Martin thinks MWOM is a great mag but "starring the Hulk should be taken off the cover and the cover stars should be alternated. He adds since the Ape craze is over, POTA's title should change to "Science Fiction Tales". Martin Gillard from Pontypridd wants to know if you can add rankings to your own name? Both yes and no is the answer, with RFO and KOF you can, simple because only you would know if you earned them, but QNS, FFF, TTB earned in accordance with the qualifications set down every so often in the pages of Marvel. Robert Hudson from Ilkley was struck by the great artwork and the marvellous story-lines from MWOM #125, as per usual, however the front cover was rather poor, mainly because the Hulk always looks like "an overgrown green gollywog". Definitely language from another time. Robert considers the Hulk adventure to be far better than usual because of Harlan Ellison's unusual and interesting story. Shaun Longden from South Wales Is sick of people complaining, are all those complaining Marvelites spies for other mags, he asks?

Daredevil “The fallen hero! Part 2”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: John Tartaglione 

Originally published in Daredevil #40

Cover date May 1968

(Published in March 1968)

The fourth panel from page twenty-three of last week's issue is enlarged and reused as this week's second part opening splash page. The title, the same as last week's, but with a handy "Part 2" added, with an also handy catch-up text box and a credit circle. Daredevil has taken the fight to the Unholy Three, but his surprise attack only worked so far as the Ape-Man's strength is more than a match for him.

To finish him off the fiends blast him with a T-Ray blast that sends him vanishing into a world of limbo. In that realm Daredevil discovers Debbie Harris and the Unholy Three's other T-Ray victims. Meanwhile, an angry Foggy decides he has to take matters into his own hands and do what any lawyer does best, by researching the Unholy Three in hope of finding some bit of information to help Debbie. He learns that their previous boss, the Organiser, had once employed a scientist who disappeared shortly after his arrest. Foggy makes a media appearances to bid for the District Attorney position. While in Limbo, Daredevil consoles Debbie when suddenly she is returned back to Earth with the other victims, leaving Daredevil stranded alone in limbo. Had Daredevil been hit by a larger dose of the T-Ray than the others? Could he be "Trapped in Time" forever? Find out next week.

The Fantastic Four “From the deadly lips of..Ronan: I accuse!”

 

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Joe Sinnott 

Originally published in The Fantastic Four #65

Cover date August 1967

(Published in May 1967)

Jack Kirby and Joe Sinnott's cover from the Fantastic Four (US edition,) issue 65 is used as the second part opening splash page, with the cover text moved up from the bottom of the original cover to the top to form this week's title. A credit box and catch-up box are added. Although the scene is from the streets of New York, the Fantastic Four are actually held within the "Cone of Invulnerability" after being kidnapped by Ronan the Kree Accuser.  

The Thing attacks Ronan but he's instantly felled by a blast from Ronan's Universal Weapon. Johnny and Reed rush to their friend's aid but another stun blast drops them too. While using his Universal Weapon to change Reed, Sue and Johnny's street clothes into their Fantastic Four uniforms, he informs them of their prepare  sentencing as he finds them guilty of crimes against the Kree Empire. Elsewhere Alicia waits worriedly for Ben who's late, as she does, suddenly she is greeted by a stranger who convinces her to trust him as she is needed. This stranger then leads Alicia somehow managing to pass through the wall of her apartment. Meanwhile the authorities have gathered around the mysterious "Aura of Negativity", making attempts to breach the barrier using high tech weapons. The weapons are of no use against it. Inside the cone, the Fantastic Four rush at Ronan, ready to fight for their lives. Both Johnny and Reed are knocked out, but Ben manages to pin Ronan down just as Ronan's Universal Weapon is fired. The resulting blast causes Ronan and the Aura to disappear. Reed suspects that the Kree will be returning to their world very soon, at the same time Ronan's Kree ship returns to its home galaxy. "The mystery deepens!" next week. Goodness me I just love these classic Lee/Kirby Fantastic Four strips. 

Spoilers! The cover from this week's Planet of the Apes is adapted to make this back page in-house advert for the new Beneath the Planet of the Apes comic strip adaption that starts this week. It's a great piece of art that's worth getting as much out of it as you can. This teaser also features on the back page of this week's Spider-man Comics Weekly. 

Spider-man Comics Weekly #123

This Spider-man vs the Prowler cover was possibly drawn by Keith Pollard, or so the Grand Comics Database suggests. Mike Esposito definitely inked it. The Prowler shoots lasers or electricity from his gauntlets at Spider-man in this cover, however he never possessed a weapon that could do that during that period. 

Spider-man “The lady and.. the Prowler!”

Writer: Stan Lee 

Artist: John Romita Sr.

Inker: John Romita Sr.

Originally published in the Amazing Spider-man #93

Cover date February 1971

(Published in November 1970)

John Romita Sr. returns as penciler and inker on this week's Spider-man adventure, although Gil Kane is a splendid artist in his own right I am very pleased to see Romita's Spider-man return. Romita is great at young romance which Spider-man action fans wouldn't be excited about most Peter Parker fans would enjoy. Gwen is dealing with the grief of her father's death, while Peter's strange avoidance of her has left her confused just when she needs him the most. The phone rings with a call from her father's brother, Uncle Arthur, offering her the chance to live with him in England. It's a decision she needs to think about. 

While she's thinking about the offer Peter arrives, she mentions her Uncles offer. Peter asks does she want to go? Her answer is quite a shock for the young lad as she tells him there is nothing to keep her in New York. The couple embrace with a loving kiss as Peter tells her he wants her to stay. Her love for him is stronger than her hatred of Spider-man. Hearing her feeling towards Spider-man causes him to say that he has no right to let her stay. Hurt Gwen asks Peter to find his own way out. Peter storms off, losing his temper at how his alter ego constantly ruins his life. I must be getting old as I really love these true romance moments.

Elsewhere Hobie Brown reflects on the Daily Bugle headline that reads "Spider-man still sought in Death of Capt. Stacy!" He thinks back on how he recently impersonated Spider-Man as a favour to the web-slinger as seen in SMCW #112. Captain Stacy was there when he did. Could his involvement that day have made him an accomplice in the death of the Captain? He decides to bring Spider-Man to justice to clear his own conscious. Spider-man meanwhile is blowing off steam. Could revealing his secret identity and the truth about Captain Stacy ease Gwen's problem with Spider-man? He's determined to tell the truth. Arriving at Gwen's apartment he peers through the window, seeing her still upset, just a the Prowler spots him. He fire from his gauntlet's gas canisters a blast pellet, setting up next week's "Attack of the Prowler!"

The Web and the Hammer

The first letter to this week's the Web and the Hammer is from Tony Stark himself, who writes telling the readers how his armour flexes. Iron in its "tightly-packed" state, could not flex at all, so, using a modified Molecular-Scrambler (as Titanium Man used) different proportions of molecules can be shifted, not removed as this would take away all the Iron's strength to make the area from where the molecules were shifted more flexible, and the area to where they where shifted, more insulated. Well that's clear. Dan Godwin from London believes Marvel makes up some of the letters that are printed. Not all of them, just a couple in each letters' page, to stress a points other readers can write in and take up the points made. Niall O'Flynn from Dublin thinks that Stan Lee must have super-powers himself to "run these mags". Niall thinks that the only thing wrong with Marvel mags is Doctor Strange, as "that hocus-pocus stuff is a bit out of date now." Marek Matraszek RFO and FOOMer from Surrey Thinks that time has flown since MWOM was released, to be followed by SMCW, the Avengers and more recently Planet of the Apes and Dracula Lives. As he pens his letter news of "Super-Heroes" and "Savage Sword of Conan" breaks. Marek missed out on issues 80 of SMCW and issue 48 of the Avengers weekly and he's willing to pay £1 for those masterpieces.

Iron Man “The monstrous menace of the mysterious Melter!”

Writer: Stan Lee 

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Frank Giacoia

Originally published in Tales of Suspense #89

Cover date May 1967

(Published in February 1967)

After last week's skirmish with the Mole Man Tony Stark sets about rebuilding the Stark Industries building. Pepper and Happy arrive arm in arm to see how the work is going on, when an accident with a crane drops rubble on them. Stark leaps to save them but both him and Happy, who had pushed Pepper out of the way, get partially buried. Pepper seeks comfort from Happy after he is dug out, convincing Stark that she has finally chosen who she cares for more. On an emotional rebound Tony resumes his  millionaire playboy lifestyle in order to put her out of his mind.

Meanwhile in prison, the criminal known as the Melter builds a new melting gun with the aid of a fellow inmate in order to escape. Melting the bars of his cell with ease the Melter turns on his companion, escaping by himself. A new costume is fashioned and the Melter goes to Stark Industries, where he forces Tony Stark to build a new more powerful melting gun that operates on Starks miniaturised transistors. The Melter arrives while Iron Man tests his suits new weapons. The pair fight, with Iron Man looking a sure winner until the Melter puts a number of Stark employees in danger, forcing Iron Man to save them. With the Iron Man armour vulnerable to the Melter's ray, Stark changes into  his civilian guise. The Melter finds him and forces him to begin building a melting gun. Playing for time Stark agrees. This story continues in next week's confusingly titled "A golden ghost?" Find out what that means next week.

A spine-chilling in-house advert for Dracula Lives comic with its pages packed with tales of Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster and the Werewolf. While under that ad the latest dynamic issue of the Mighty World of Marvel. Which wouldn't be much to write about, however take a closer look at the cover used to promote this week's issue. Two things stand out, proving that this cover was a mock-up for the weekly, firstly Ant-Man's speech balloons are in the same place as the original American cover artwork from the Incredible Hulk (US,) issue 154, while the British cover has them on the left. Secondly this cover has "38 Great Pages" under the comic's price of 8p, while the actual comic has a star with text that reads "36 Peerless Pages".  

The Mighty Thor “The way it was!”

Writer: Stan Lee 

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Vince Colletta

Originally published in The Mighty Thor #158

Cover date November 1968

(Published in September 1968)

Following the victory against Mangog, Thor returns to Earth where he resumes his Earth identity of Doctor Donald Blake and ponders his life, as both a mortal and a God. Recalling how many years ago he first discovered his cane in a hidden cavern.

What follows is the retelling of his origin, reprinting the first chapter of it from Spider-man Comics Weekly #1. Why the origin was reprinted would be anyone's guess. Maybe the script or artwork was late, maybe Jack of Vince needed a rest, maybe Stan just wanted an excuse to reprint Thor's origin after so many readers had wrote in asking for it. Who knows? Much of it remains the same apart from small adjustments like the opening page of the origin story that has the panels, originally seen stacked on the bottom left moved to the bottom right and laid out flat, with a modern Don Blake introducing the origin story. While on holiday in Norway Don Blake misses the arrival of Stone Men from Saturn's space ship. A fisher does witness them and Blake once hearing his tale investigates. Fleeing from the Aliens Blakes finds himself trapped in a cave only to discover a cane that once struck against the floor transforms him into the legendary Thor, God of Thunder. Next week "The Power of Thor!"

Avengers Weekly #92

It's a colossal cover from Gene Colan for this week's Avengers weekly cover. Originally featured on the front of the Avengers (US,) issue 63. Readers of these British weeklies officially get to "meet the newest Avenger:" That text box was added just to the UK mag. 

Master of Kung Fu “Confrontation”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Frank Springer

Originally published in Master of Kung Fu #27

Cover date April 1975

(Published in January 1975)

Now John Buscema is one of my favourite artists, just take a look at his current work on the Avengers that has featured in this very weekly over the last couple of weeks and his future Conan classics, Fantastic Four adventures and his Thor tales for evidence of his talent. And even though he does a seriously good job with this week's Master of Kung Fu, I do think that some characters work well with some artists. Although it could just be the inker that makes me, not hate, but not attracted to this strip as much as I would normally be. Saying all that it's still a cool story which starts with Shang-Chi knocking over a television antenna to reach the roof of Fu Manchu's headquarters. 

Attaching a rope to the antenna he climbs down it to reach the  building. He had tried walking through Times Square to get to his destination when a man in a robe stopped him, preaching a religious sermon. A dagger flew out of an alley striking the robed man in the back, instantly killing him. Shang-Chi recognised the dragon dagger as a Si-Fan weapon that was meant for him. Returning his mind to the task in hand, he smashes through a window and makes his way down through the building to an elevator that will lead down to his father. In a chamber deep within the buildings foundations, Fu Manchu tells his Council of Seven that his daughter Fah Lo Suee has found the ruby eyes of Seth-Amon and she intends to use them with her hypnotic powers to recruits members of his Council to her own service. But he adds a warning that they must keep one thing in mind, the power of Fu Manchu's own eyes! Next week "Trapped in the lair of Fu Manchu!!"

Behold...next week news to frighten you out of your life! But what that is will have to remain a mystery, although I feel that the hype won't match the news. Find out what it is next week.

Avengers Mailbag

Martin Almond from Lincolnshire thinks that the Avengers story from Avengers weekly #68 was a masterpiece, as was the Doctor Strange battle against Nekron. Martin also complains that in the letter page from Avengers weekly #63 Boby Nandan talks about "Manis" while in issue 68 Guy Bowles talks about "Manits" does he get a No-Price for spotting it. Well I don't know if spelling Mantis wrong twice wins you anything, or if the grammar gremlins are at it again, but Marvel's editors find the perfect way to answer it by saying nothing. Steven Harris from Oxon wants to thank Marvel for all the years of enjoyable reading the mags have given him. If not for comics he would probably be illiterate. Marvel comics gave him the inspiration to start reading. He is now studying for O' levels, so Marvel must be doing something right! James Wallace QNS, RFO, KOF from the Isle of Lewis with his twin brother have started a "poster club". Anyone can join for free if they send him a stamped addressed envelope for details, they get a club news sheet and membership card free! Colin Mullins from Berwick-on-Tweed asks are the POW and FANTASTIC annuals from 1970 from Marvel? An answer is probably overdue, POW, Smash, Wham, Fantastic and Terrific were a group of comics, published in the mid-sixties and they featured many Marvel characters, the fore-runners of the British Marvels. The Avengers mailbag also heard from Steven Grantley from Middlesex, Alex Moroney from London, Fraser Jones from Hertfordshire, Grant Collings from Yorkshire, Timothy Neave from Grimsby, Guy Bowles from London,  Tim Newton from Poulton-le-Fylde, Mike Griggs from Kent, Anthony Bartley from Belfast, Tim Bartlett from Essex. Andrew Scott from Birmingham, Darren Carter from Middlesex, A Price from Luton, Chris Dodds from Surrey, Dan Goodwin from London, A Crowther from Manchester, Richard Clegg from Newcastle, Peter Adair from Ulster, Andrew Summer (could it be the Andrew Sumner of Forbidden Planet, Titan Comics and Forbidden Planet TV fame?)  from Liverpool, Jonathan Redfern from Derby, Micheal Jones from Exeter and Philip Carroll from Halifax.

The Avengers “And in this corner...Goliath!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: George Klein

Originally published in The Avengers #63

Cover date April 1969

(Published in February 1969)

I'm slightly disappointed that John Buscema wasn't the artist for this week's Avengers strip, although his guest spot in Master of Kung Fu does soften the blow a little. As does Gene Colan's turn as the Avengers guest artist. This story is important as the introduction of a new member, or is that an old Avenger with a new look. Keep reading and find out. The Avengers have returned home from Wakanda after last week's encounter with M'Baku the Man-Ape. But the aircraft careers out of control causing the Avengers to make an emergency landing. During the scramble to prevent the ship from crashing, Hawkeye's bow breaks. However the intervention of the Vision helps the craft land reasonably safely.

Inside the mansion, they find Yellowjacket and the Wasp, who have returned from their honeymoon. Henry Pym explains that he's abandoning the Goliath identity because he has determined that his constant growing beyond his normal height contributed to his bout of schizophrenia. Their honeymoon wasn't all spent participating in with romantic pursuits as Henry had the time to modify his stinger to make them more powerful, adjusting his mask and costume to enable him to fly at insect size. The Wasp had already spent her time creating a new Goliath costume which has to be mothballed with the newly developed new growth serum. But before Yellowjacket can destroy it to save if from falling into the wrong hands, the Avengers are contacted by Nick Fury who informs them that during her most recent mission for SHIELD, the Black Widow has disappeared. Being too emotionally connected to the Widow, Hawkeye is ordered to remain behind as the Avengers go to the Caribbean to investigate her disappearance. Later in secret the Black Widow contacts him saying that she's being held captive somewhere. Judging from the noise, Hawkeye deduces that she's being held on Coney Island. Without a bow, Hawkeye decides to take Pym's abandoned growth serum and Goliath costume to take on the identity of the new Goliath. Next week "Battle of the behemoths!" 

Doctor Strange “While the world spins mad!”

Writer: Stan Lee and Barry Windsor-Smith (plot)

Artist: Barry Windsor-Smith

Inker: Dan Adkins

Originally published in Marvel Premiere #3

Cover date July 1972

(Published in April 1972)

Doctor Strange was without a regular comic after his own mag was cancelled and he made a series of guest appearances in other Marvel characters comics, the sorcerer supreme returned to a regular title, "Marvel Premiere", after Adam Warlock left that title. To start that run off with a bang, Barry Windsor-Smith not only drew this week's strip but also plots it. And his work here is stunning. After the opening splash page Strange is pictured walking the rain drenched streets lost in thought, when he is almost struck by a truck while crossing the road. A quick spell saves him at the last moment. 

Strange returns to his Sanctum while pondering further over a sense of dread. He seeks advice from the Ancient One, but soon becomes aware of a presence in his Sanctum. Reverting to his astral form he chases the presence, but he is too late to stop it from taking possession of his physical body. It attacks Strange, and after a fierce battle, Strange realises his astral form could touch his foe, when his opponent tries to leap out of the Sanctum's window, Strange prevents it from falling. Shockingly the Sanctum has been transported to another realm. I really love Barry Windsor-Smith's style on this strip, it's beautiful. Making the changes to the other strips more aesthetically pleasing when the comic ends on such a high. More please next week. 

This back page in-house advert appeared in a number of the weeklies last week, all be it without the "Starting this week" headline and the expanded lower text line a "the second great apes thriller adapted from the film start reading it this week." See earlier in this blog where Mark Rice can be credited for revealing more about the images used in this promotion/teaser/pin-up page. I hope you haven't skipped the intro piece of these blogs, I sometimes start with important bits of stuff and nonsense as well as crediting others for pointing out my mistakes, so it's not all me just waffling. 

Dracula Lives #35

According to the Grand Comics Database this commissioned British cover that sees Dracula drowning in a river of blood was pencilled by Ed Hannigan and inked by Dan Adkins.  What a way for a vampire to go!

Dracula “The diary of death!”

Writer: Marv Wolfman

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Tom Palmer

Originally published in Tomb of Dracula #15

Cover date December 1973

(Published in September 1973)

The third panel from page four of last week's issue is enlarged and repurposed as this second part opening page, with a new title, credit box and a pair of re-cap boxes. Dracula continues to write his diary while recalling events from his past. One such event was when he was deceived by an old man named Orphelus, who called Dracula to his home telling the vampire lord that centuries ago he had found an ancient pool of blood that would restore one to their youth. Now a withered old man Orphelus asks Dracula to take him back to that pool to restore his youth in exchange for allowing him to feed out of the pool, making it so that Dracula would not have to feast upon humans again.

Intrigued Dracula takes Orphelus to the pool, however Orpheus reveals his deception, the pool in reality only granted immortality, so after 17 centuries of life he wished to end his. Using a medallion of mystical properties, Orphelus kills himself in destroying the pool, leaving Dracula with nothing for his troubles. Dracula finishes writing and leaves to take in the night, reflecting back on the events that led to the  discovery of his skeletal remains Clifton Graves as seen in Dracula Lives #1. During the evening when man first landed on the Moon, Dracula was preparing a number of coffins to be shipped from Transylvania to London, as he intended to move back there for some time. Returning to his castle for some last minute provisions however, Dracula came upon a Scotsman, whose son Dracula had murdered months ago. The two fight and during the struggle, the Scotsman impaled Dracula through the heart, however before Dracula could crumble into mere bones, he succeeded in tossing the Scotsman down into a pit, to which the fall kills him. Dracula then stumbles into his coffin where his flesh would dissolved from his bones. Dracula muses that no matter who attempts to kill him he always returns.

Cryptic Correspondence

Paul Green from York thinks the Dracula and Werewolf by Night artwork from Dracula Lives #1 could have been better but the Frankenstein Monster artwork was brilliant, ten out of ten for effort. Aston Kaye from Buckinghamshire totally disagrees with B Fox in Dracula Lives #23 for saying that Dracula Lives is childish. As an older fan he finds Dracula Lives to be completely the opposite. The stories and the approach are far above a childish level. Writing these stories in text would not make them better. To prove you have mature tastes doesn't mean you have to downgrade a great magazine.Paul Smith from Yorkshire thinks the artwork on Frankenstein is excellent, while the artwork in Werewolf is also very good. Paul is really glad to see that you have brought out Blade as Dracula' real arch-enemy. Peter Bromley from Kent had to write and say how much he enjoy Dracula Lives. His whole family reads his Marvel comics, except for his mother. Well Peter she doesn't know what she's missing out on. 

Werewolf by Night “The terrifying man-monster called..Taboo!”

Writer: Marv Wolfman

Artist: Mike Ploog

Inker: Frank Chiaramonte

Originally published in Werewolf by Night #13

Cover date January 1974

(Published in October 1973)

The cover from Werewolf by Night issue 13 gets a second outing as the opening splash page of this second part, with a title, made from the text that originally appeared on the cover, a new credit box and a catch up text box. Taboo has learned that Russell's copy of the Darkhold was destroyed, Taboo had ordered Topaz to kill the Werewolf, but she had refused. He instead the Werewolf was thrown into his step-father's holding cell. Taboo is angry with his familiar, recalling how he first meet her.

Taboo had been arrested by Soldiers who came to his home and took him await become a prisoner to their stockades in Punjab during conflict between India and Pakistan ever since the partition of British India in 1947. His fame as a sorcerer was common knowledge. The soldiers believed that they could harness his powers to aid them in their battling. When he refused, he was taken to a prison camp where he found Topaz, a small child with mystic powers, who was labeled a witch by the other prisoners. Taboo made the little girl his familiar and began to train her how to use her powers. They escaped from the prison camp when she destroyed a guard tower, taking the guards weapons. Taboo also recalls how he had tried to turn his son, Algon, into an instrument of power through a spell from the Darkhold. However the spell was interrupted halfway by a mob from a Transylvanian village led by Jack Russell's father, Gregory Russoff. Back in the present the Werewolf and Philip free themselves and confront Taboo, Topaz tries to drive the violence from the mind of the Werewolf but accidentally transfers Philip's mind into Algon's dormant body, causing the monstrous mummy to rise under Taboo's command, with one order, to slay the Werewolf. Next week "Father vs son!"

"Hold it fellas!" the Hulk has got some news for the readers, he's bustin' in on Spidey's scene. He's got to beat ol' web-head at his own game and it's a "Smasherooney!" I've never heard the Hulk speak so plainly and yet still not make any sense, at least until next week's reveal. This teaser also appears in the Planet of the Apes, the Super-Heroes and the Savage Sword of Conan weeklies. 

 

Frankenstein’s Monster “The Frankenstein Monster at bay!”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: Val Mayerik

Inker: Dan Green

Originally published in The Frankenstein Monster #14

Cover date January 1975

(Published in October 1974)

Again the cover from the original US comic is reused as the second part opening splash page, with the comic title logo forming part of the story title with "At bay" directly taken from the original cover. Ron Wilson (pencils,) and Klaus Janson (inks,) created the artwork for the cover and so this splash page. A credit box and catch-up tex boxes added. Having seem the Jigsaw Creature kill Ralph's parents and fight against Frankenstein's Monster the likely partner flee the scene to followed by an unnamed driver.

The pursuing car had been stopped by another vehicle whose three passengers had jumped out and attacked the driver, a man called Prawn. Ralph Caccone and the Monster come to Prawn's aid, when the thugs start to beat him up for information. With mainly the Monster's efforts scaring the thugs away the man introduces himself, Eric Prawn, a private investigator  who's been tracking down the Monster for his client. Prawn takes Ralph and the Monster to his flat. But already broken in to his flat is Cardinal who explains that Prawn's client is the last descendant of Frankenstein, who want's the monster dead. While he represents an organisation who has other plans for Frankenstein's creation. But first Cardinal orders his henchman Zandor to dispose of Prawn immediately. Once again the Monster comes to Eric Prawn's rescue, giving him time to escape. With Ralph as a hostage Cardinal orders the Monster to stop as they are escorted to an awaiting van. The Jigsaw Creature is watching them so you can bet that things are going to hot up next week. 

The Avengers weekly gets a full page in-house advert on the inside back page of this week's Dracula Lives. Telling readers to see fist of kung fu fury with Shang-Chi, see Doctor Strange, the Master of the Mystic Arts and most of all meet the newest Avenger, Goliath. On sale now! 

Planet of the Apes #35

The hype over that last couple of weeks has been getting bigger and bigger for Marvel's stunning adaption of Beneath the Planet of the Apes and this cover alone is enough to justify all that hype. Beautifully painted by Bob Larkin this breath taking cover was originally used as the cover of the Marvel/Curtis Magazine Planet of the Apes (US,) issue 7. More symbolic than factually correct in a continuity manner, as Taylor and Nova were never chased and shot at while in front of the Statue of Liberty, but I don't care its just a stunning visual that grabs fans and passing readers alike. Hands down this week's best cover and my Cover of the Week.

Planet of the Apes “Beneath the Planet of the Apes”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: Alfredo Alcala

Inker: Alfredo Alcala

Originally published in Planet of the Apes (US) #7

Cover date April 1975

(Published in February 1975)

The original film version of "Beneath" started with a re-cap of the ending of the Planet of the Apes as Taylor and Nova leave Cornelius, Zira, Lucius and Doctor Zaius, while the Marvel adaption focuses on the landscape in the Forbidden Zone leading the reader to Taylor and Nova who have journeyed along the shore to discover the fallen Statue of Liberty, while text from the young Lucius sets up events. "Noooooo!!! Blast you..Blast you all to HELL!" 

Doug Moench is a brilliant writer, the most perfect choice to adapt the ape films into a readable comic, here is a perfect example of pacing a script for a really good artist to follow. Moench has admitted he wasn't a big fan of the original film series and didn’t even bother seeing any of them beyond Beneath. Generally he wrote the strips based on the screenplays. The strips still had to be sent to the film’s producer, Arthur P Jacobs, for his approval, mainly to insure the characters didn’t resemble the actor too closely for image rights reasons, but there were never any problems. Alfredo Alcala is breathtakingly wonderful at making something so similar yet fresh in its own right, another perfect choice for this strip. 

The couple travel on past the fallen icon towards the Forbidden Zone, where New York once stood. As they take a small rest Taylor gives Nova a language lesson that ends with a kiss as the only result. Travelling further on a wall of fire, a freak thunder storm, a deep fissure and a wall of ice block their path. Taylor takes his rifle butt and lashes out at the wall, only to fall through it leaving Nova alone. Elsewhere Brent, another lost astronaut cares for his dying Captain, unnamed in the comic strip. The Astronaut's mission was to find astronauts Taylor, Dodge, Landon and Stewart from an earlier mission and rescue them. This first part ends with Nova on horse back riding towards a "Fateful Encounter!" in next week's mag. An example of how the comic strip differs from the film is that Taylor and Nova's encounters with imaginary barriers is told in flashback after she has meet with Brent, although the mute girl can't communicate what has happen to Taylor. Moench's choice to feature those events before we are introduced to Brent. Was that a writers choice or did the original film script follow that chain of events? 

By the way even though I have seen the film many times before and own the Planet of the Apes box set, I had to check out opening sequence as part of my research for this week's blog and the quickest way was to watch it on Disney+, were all the films can be found. If you've never seen them before have a little movie night treat and watch the lot. For some bizarre reason as much as I love the first film, I do really like the second one, maybe a little bit more than the first. It must be the "second film" scenario.

Apes Forum

John Lane from Shropshire went to the cinema last Friday to watch "Planet of The Apes" and "Escape from the Planet of The Apes", both of which were very good. He noticed how similar the first Apes film was to Marvel's first story in the new magazine POTA comic. Carol Smith from Essex thinks that Planet of the Apes comic is one of the best comics going but would like to see some stories about Pete, Alan and Galen from the TV series and not just stories about the films. Ken Harrison from Lancashire purchased POTA #23 and noticed that the gentleman on the cover looked remarkably like his old friend Killraven. On turning to the first page Ken was excited to see Neal Adams credited as the artist. The challenge of drawing the apes must have been too much to resist. However ken was disappointing to discover that the whole thing was a panel by panel copy of the first issue of the American mag "War of the Worlds", with a few ape heads added here and there, plus the substitute of the word "ape" for "martian" and that's the Apeslayer story. As it is obvious that the aforementioned situation will continue to arise in POTA, he suggests (much like Martin Clarke's "Science Fiction Tales" suggestion seen in the MWOM mailbag,) that the title of the mag should be changed to "Science Fiction Weekly", in keeping with the general line that the mag is taking, with the Sci-Fi adaptations and the Gullivar Jones series.

The Power of Warlock “Count-down for Counter-Earth!”

Writer: Mike Friedrich and Roy Thomas (plot)

Artist: John Buscema, Tom Sutton and Gil Kane

Inker: Tom Sutton

Originally published in The power of Warlock #2

Cover date October 1972

(Published in July 1972)

The artwork is a little strange, it doesn't look much like John Buscema, who may have just laid out the panels, it does look like something Tom Sutton would have drawn. Gil Kane is credited as "spiritual advisor"! Adam Warlock has walked into a trap set by Man-Beast who had passed as the mysterious Prophet. Warlock tries to fight off the evil New Men. Their leader calls for peace between Warlock and his force, knowing that if a war was to break out it could well be a war that he could lose. Man-Beast uses his cape to teleport Warlock and himself to the surface to show his how the High Evolutionary idea of paradise was destined to fail.

Man-Beast tries to make Warlock his ally. Asking the golden human to gaze into his eyes so that he can pull him under his power. The brilliance of the Soul-Jewel stabs outwards against the onslaught, so the evil Man-Beast tries another tack, by showing him, that even his friends will deny knowing him, to save their own hides when a group of thugs after the young girl Astrella, had lead them down an alley. This breaks his Soul, as all of his friends deny knowing him, thus betraying Warlock, he decides, that Counter-Earth must be purged of evil by force. Warlock lashes out, blasting the Man-Beast with his Soul-Jewel eliminating him out of existence. Then the angry man-angel sets about saving the world by destroying it, staring ironically, with the glass pillar skyscraper of hope raised by the "Nations United" to stave off the scourge of war in a mad child-like tantrum. To be continued next week.

The Golden Voyage of Sinbad! “The Golden Voyage of Sinbad!”

Writer: Lein Wein

Artist: George Tuska

Inker: Vince Coretta

Originally published in Worlds Unknown #7

Cover date June 1974

(Published in March 1974)

The second movie adaptation from Marvel this week comes with their version of the Golden Voyage of Sinbad! Made in 1973 and released in January 1974, this movie would star John Phillip Law as the titles hero, the beautiful Caroline Munro, from Hammer Horror fame and as a super bad Bond girl in "The spy who loved me" and the future Doctor Who legend, Tom Baker. It was one of those films that I spent many a wet bank holiday weekend watching. The story was freely adapted from Brian Clemens' original screen play that had come from Ray Harryhausen and Clemens' story. Harryhausen was the producer of the film, he is well known as the brilliant motion picture special effects supremo, whose work filled many child's imagination. Clemens wrote classic TV, like the Avengers, the New Avengers, The Professionals and many more, plus films like "Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde, Captain Kronos:Vampire hunter, (which also starred Caroline Munro,) and Highlander II: The Quickening.

A mysterious flying creature soars over Captain Sinbad's ship, clutching a shiny object. A bolt from a crossbow shot at the creature causes it to drop the golden amulet. The crew fear the object could be evil and advice Sinbad to throw is over board, but as Sinbad examines it he sees a vision of a mysterious woman with an eye tattooed on the palm of her hand. Later that night he dreams of a man dressed in black, repeatedly calling his name, along with the woman. A sudden storm drives Sinbad's ship near a coastal town in the country of Marabia. Sinbad swims ashore. The man named Koura, demands the amulet. After fighting off Koura's men Sinbad narrowly escapes into the city, where he meets the Grand Vizier of Marabia. The Vizier, who wears a golden mask to hide his disfigured face, explains that Sinbad's amulet and his own piece are parts of a larger puzzle. The three pieces are the key to finding the fabled Fountain of Destiny on the lost continent of Lemuria. Sinbad realises that the two pieces fit together to form a nautical chart, just as a demon spy sent by Koura is discovered listening in to their conversation. Capturing the creature it dissolves into ashes in Sinbad's hands. Elsewhere Koura orders his right hand man to find a ship that will sail at the next tide. The adventure continues next week.

The back page of this week's Planet of the Apes features a large image that the text implies is taken from Beneath the Planet of the Apes showing "a human astronaut at the mercy of APE doctors!" I can confirm that it does appear in the film, thanks to a confirmation from Power of the Beesting resident Ape expert Mark Rice. The bottom right insert is of Astronaut John Brent who was part of the crew sent to rescue  George Taylor, John Landon, Maryann Stewart and Thomas Dodge, the crew from a previously lost mission.

The Super-heroes #16

Jack Kirby is the guest artist on this week's Silver Surfer strip and you would have thought that Jack would have drawn the cover for the original US comic. But instead Herb Trimpe does his best Jack Kirby impression on this Silver Surfer "alone against the unbeatable Inhumans" cover. It might be a little too chunky for many, but for me it has a certain charm. 

Silver Surfer “To smash the Inhumans!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Herb Trimpe

Originally published in Silver Surfer #18

Cover date September 1970

(Published in June 1970)

Jack Kirby fills in for John Buscema this week, as the Silver Surfer strip not only features one of his greatest creations, but also one of Kirby's greatest civilisations, the Inhumans. The Evil Inhumans attack the fallen Surfer, who would have last been seen in MWOM #75, at least in Marvel continuity. Herb Trimpe had drawn that story and here he inks Kirby's version of the Evil Inhumans. 

Following last week's battle with SHIELD, the Silver Surfer plunges the ground landing in the Great Refuge of the Inhumans. Where he finds himself quickly attacked by a group of evil Inhumans led by Maximus, whose minions are no match for the Surfer's cosmic powers. What they do succeed in doing is make him believe that all the Inhumans are responsible for the attack, much to Maximus' pleasure, the confrontation offends the Surfer who decides to seek out the leader of the Inhumans. Traveling to the centre of the Great Refuge, the Surfer is first met by Black Bolt, who hopes to greet him as an honoured guest. Confusion rains when some of the Inhuman royal family considers the Surfer a threat, interrupt the meeting with a violent attack that knocks the visitor out. As they argue with each other, Maximus attacks the Inhuman city. The Surfer awakens confused and lashes out at the Inhumans around him. 

Overwhelmed by the savagery of the evil Inhumans towards the other Inhumans who supported the royal family as well as himself, he flees the Great Refuge. The Silver Surfer is finally fed up with being constantly harassed by humanity and vows from that day forward to become an enemy of humanity, as represented with this wonderful Jack Kirby splash page. The original US Silver Surfer comic ended with this story. The next issue of that mag would feature a new "savage" Silver Surfer, with Herb Trimpe, who allegedly was supposed to have taken over penciling duties starting with the following issue. However, the series was canceled and subsequent issues were never published. British Marvel readers wouldn't feel any loss, at least not just yet as the American issues, 5, 6, 10 to 13 and 15 hadn't yet been printed in the UK, so British Marvel mags still had more Surfer stories to go, starting with next week's "...Comes a Stranger!"

Cosmic Communications

Lawrence Mead RFO, KOF, QNS, TTB and FOOMer from Essex got what he wanted! But hopes Marvel doesn't give the mag to the Silver Surfer and the X-Men all the time, as it is called The Super-Heroes. By issue six he reckon the Silver Surfer's pages will be cut down to 10 pages anyway, because of the lack of material, then stories like Ghost-Rider, Man-Thing or any other hero could also feature. Russell Underwood from Bristol gives his opinion on the artwork and the story of the Super-Heroes, the Silver Surfer is very good, but Jack Kirby's artwork for the X-Men could be better. But of all magazines from Marvel, to him none is better than Spiderman Comics Weekly. Ian Doavra from Surrey has about 700 American Marvels and nearly every British edition. His collection includes the Fantastic Four special, which he thought was great. The Super-Heroes and Savage Sword of Conan weeklies, which he got both from No. 1 is just what he's been waiting for. What a combo-the shining one and the X-Men!

This "Super-Heroes action gallery" features the Surfer rescuing a young woman from the Badoon. The artwork is by John Buscema with Joe Simmott's inks. It was originally the second part of the Silver Surfer story "When lands the Saucer!" subtitled "Let Earth be the prize!" originally from the Silver Surfer (US,) issue 2, cover dated October 1968, published July 1968. Which saw print in the UK in the Super-Heroes #4. 

The X-Men “The triumph of Magneto! Part two”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Chic Stone

Originally published in The X-Men #11

Cover date May 1965

(Published in March 1965)

The main panel of this second part looks like a new piece of art, I've no idea who drew it or where it may have first appeared. The second and third panels are what was saved from last week's first part final page. The title just gets a "Part Two" added line with a credit box and a re-cap box added too. The Angel investigates and finds the Stranger with Magneto and his Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. Soon followed by the rest of the X-Men. A fight breaks out, watched by the Stranger. Growing tired, the Stranger decides to leave, escaping in a vortex with Magneto and the Toad who enters the vortex just as it phases through the wall.

Quicksilver and his sister the Scarlet Witch realise that they have been abandoned by Magneto. Cyclops offers them a chance to join the X-Men, however the two Mutant siblings decline, having had enough of the constant conflict and leave. Meanwhile at a secluded spot where the Stranger has taken Magneto and Toad too, the  impressed Master of Magnetism is shocked when the Stranger reveals that he is not a mutant. Suddenly, the Stranger grows in size and envelops both Magneto and Toad in an anti-magnetic membrane. Meanwhile at the X-Mansion, Professor X examines the transformed body of Mastermind and is shocked to find that he is alive but his molecules have been transformed into dense matter. Deciding that this Stranger is a potentially bigger menace than Magneto, the Professor gathers the X-Men for their next encounter. The Stranger reveals his true form, telling them that he is a stranger from beyond the stars. Telling the X-Men that he has developed an interest in human mutation, he teleports away with Magneto and Toad so that he might examine this phenomenon on his own world. The evil duo will be next seen, at least Marvel continuity wise, in Avengers weekly #60. Later that day Professor X removes the place cards of Magneto, Toad and Mastermind from the list of mutants on Cerebro. Suddenly, an alarm goes off signalling a new threat heading right toward them. More mutant mayhem next week.

Savage Sword of Conan #16

Originally from the cover of Conan the Barbarian (US,) issue15 this was created by Barry Windsor-Smith as it proudly features his then commonly used name "Barry Smith" in a sizeable text box.

Conan the Barbarian “The Green Empress of Melniboné”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Barry Windsor-Smith

Inker: Sal Buscema

Originally published in Conan the Barbarian #15

Cover date May 1972

(Published in February 1972)

Continuing from last week's Conan adventure, co-plotted by Micheal Moorcock and James Cawthorn, Conan and his companions Zephra and Elric are attacked by a group of "ghouls, wolf-things and howling demons" as they make their way towards the city of Yagala. Even out-numbered the trio easily defeat the creeps and continue on their way watched by Xiombarg, Queen of the Chaos Swords. Reaching Sighing Lake they are forced pilot a boat made from the ribcage of a giant skeletal creature to the shore of Kulan-Gath, while Zephra's father, Zukala, watches their journey through a magical portal. 

The three reach Yagala, and find Kulan-Goth who is attempting to summon the dread Terhali of Melnibone in order to gain supreme power. Xiombarg has sent Prince Gaynor the Damned with his army to applause Conan and Elric of Melniboné in combat stopping them from halting Kulan Gath's evil spell. Prince Gaynor believes the others were sent by Thoth-Amon, but before anything can be done,  Kulan-Gath manages to complete his spell and Terhali rises from the dead. Elric defeats, but is unable to kill, Gaynor, and Kulan-Goth annoys Terhali to the point where she kills him. 

Elric and Conan attack the witch-queen but she knocks them both unconscious. Zephra becomes possessed by Arkyn, a Lord of Law and enemy of Terhali. The now powerful Zephra destroys Terhali, but in the process dies.

 Elric returns to his dimension as the city of Yagala crumbles, swallowed by the Sighing Lake. While Conan rides on with the dead body of Zephra  to her father Zukala. The old wizard talks of friendship but Conan has no time for the sorcerer's world of magic and rides away. It's a wonderful tale that is easier read than described. Barry Windsor-Smith's artwork is a joy and if you can make your way through the hard plot it's a cool adventure to be seen. 

The Hyborian Page

Apparently Brule the Spear-slayer lives in Leeds and writes that Savage Sword of Conan will quickly become the best of Marvel's British mags, as long as it has the skills of Roy Thomas, Barry Smith and maybe an occasional contribution later by John Buscema, the most talented of Marvel's artists (along with our own Barry Smith, of course!) As a sword-and-sorcery fan, Brule was delighted when he saw the first issue of SSOC on the newsstand. But he's worried about two things. Firstly that the format of the mag might change, giving the Conan strip only about 10 pages and secondly that the over-shading will ruin the artwork, as British Marvel has done in some of your other British black-and-white mags. Al Todd from Hampshire has never seen anything like it, the two new weeklies are fantastic. Out of the two he prefers Savage Sword of Conan, but the Super-Heroes is still brilliant. While on holiday a few years back he bought an American mag called "Devil Wings over Shadizar". Now he's so glad Conan's got his own British mag. Nigel Pidgeon RFO from Nottingham life's ambition is to get every British number 1 mag there is and will be. So far he has Super-Heroes, Conan, Avengers and Planet of the Apes, but still needs Mighty World of Marvel, Spider-man Comics Weekly and Dracula Lives issues one.

Solomon Kane “Skulls in the stars”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Ralph Reese

Inker: Ralph Reese

Originally published in Monsters Unleashed #1

Cover date August 1973

(Published in March 1973)

Out of the vast number of heroes and villains from Robert E Howard's back catalogue Solomon Kane isn't one that I gravitate to. But I was very pleasantly surprised to find this story really enjoyable. Solomon Kane listens to tales about a swamp near a village where Old Ezra has lived since his cousin, Gideon, had been driven mad and wondered off to died in the Swamp. Kane follows a path through the swamp and stumbles across a demon  ghost on the moors. Kane has to fight the ghost but is able to beat it away with his bare hands. 

The ghost whispers to Kane that he is Gideon, cousin of Ezra and that it was Ezra who killed him. Given that Gideon was crazy in life he is also crazy in death and so to not risk letting his killer free Gideon would attack any and all that crossed his path. Gideon vanished back into the moors. Solomon returns to the village to form a posse and rounded up Ezra to end the curse once and for all. Taking Erza outside the posse tight him up so that  Gideon's ghost can final fulfil its revenge. Once Erza was dead the moors went quiet once again.

A ghastly end to this week's blog, but every story doesn't have to have a happy ending. Time for a rest before another batch of weeklies need reading for next week's blog. Till then...

See you in seven.

Make Mine Marvel.