Comics...Till death do us part!

 Week Ending 24th May 1975

Another week's worth of eclectic comics fill this week's Power of the Beesting blog, the best way to fill your spare time in this spring heat is to fill your live with the nostalgic goodness from these seven British Marvel mags. But if you haven't got access to them, or even if you have, the "Week Ending..." blog is a great companion to them, even if I do say so myself. So keep cool in the cooling nostalgia that awaits. Read on MacDuff. 

The Mighty World of Marvel #138

This cover was possibly drawn by Ed Hannigan (pencils,) and Al Milgrom (inks,) or at least that's what the Grand Comics Database believes and I can't see any reason to disagree with that. The cover is sub-titled "Welcome to the Battle of the Century!" But this isn't in anyway the cover of the century! It's pretty bland.

The Incredible Hulk “The Incredible Hulk vs. everybody!”

 

Writer: Gery Friedrich and Roy Thomas

Artist: Dick Ayers and Herb Trimpe

Inker: John Severin

Originally published in The Incredible Hulk #153

Cover date July 1972

(Published in April 1972)

The saving grace from the original US comic was the cover artwork by Herb Trimpe and John Severin, artist and inker respectively. So it's great that that piece of artwork was re-used here as the opening symbolic splash page for this week's second part. The new title smartly uses the original cover logo and the "Vs Everybody!" tag-on line as it appeared on the Incredible Hulk issue153. A new credit box and a catch-up text box was all that needed to be added.

Matt Murdock prepares his defense for the Hulk's trial while the new District Attorney, Foggy Nelson confers with Reed Richards who tells him that he had hoped his Nega-Gamma gun might hold the key to curing the Hulk. In the Daredevil strip Foggy hasn't become the DA but he will be when it catches up with continuity. Murdock argues with the Judge that it is impossible for the Hulk to receive a fair trial, this and other illegal plot-holes are washed over when the judge rejects Murdock's motion and proceeds with jury trial. Later Murdock calls the Avengers in to testify as character witnesses. The judge dismisses the relevance of their testimony, citing that Murdock is using their reputation and showy display of powers to prejudice the jury. Mister Fantastic arrives at the court to gain permission from the Judge to try his improved Nega-Gamma gun on the Hulk once more so that he can prompt the transformation back into Bruce Banner. The Judge agrees and Richards activates the device. But instead of changing the Hulk into Banner it only succeeds in making the Hulk stronger. The Hulk's anger intensifies until he is strong enough to break free of his bonds and leap away. Murdock suspects that Richards might have rigged his device to increase the Hulk's power so that he might free himself, Reed says nothing. Which is probably for that best cause there's very little about this tale, that's been running for the last four weeks, to praise. Improvement lay ahead next week with the full return of Trimpe.

The Mighty Marvel Mailbag

Colin Charles from London has only been collecting British Marvel comics since September 1974, but has amassed 120 issues. He's also doing a project at school on comics and how they are drawn. Andrew Lawson from Tyne-and-Wear put forward his reasons for earning a RFO, KOF, PMM and a FFF he gets five British mags a week, has introduced six people to Marvel and gets two/four American Marvels monthly. For a FFF he did 26 miles around Newcastle looking for more mags. We well he gets a RFO and a KOF, but the other two don't earn him anything, apart from maybe sore legs. He does get a QNS for his published letter. M T from Melbourne in Australia thinks he might live near or heard of two Australian letter writers, Richard Ayres and Russel Edwards. He also thinks that they might get more regular US comics than the Brits do. Pat Cooney from County Louth critiques the letter writers from previous Marvel letter pages. Alan Harwell's letter was one of the best he's read, although he didn't enjoy Bredon Murphy's letter as it was one of those "I think the Thing can beat the Hulk" letters. T W Groves' (is that John Wagner and Alan Grant? Only joking that's T B Grover.) letter was okay, but the editors reply was too long. Alan Harwell should also get a longer reply. As for lan Williamson's letter, it  was short and to the point.

The Fantastic Four “The flames of battle..”

 

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Joe Sinnott 

Originally published in The Fantastic Four #73

Cover date April 1968

(Published in January 1968)

I've praised this period of the Mighty World of Marvel over the past three of four months has being at it's best and most of that is true. Those dizzy levels go on for a number of months, but the last four weeks have seen the quality in the Hulk and Daredevil strips drops slightly, but as ever things get better. This Fantastic Four strip is a follow on from the Daredevil strip which has for the last two week's centred around a lame "body swap" plot line involving Daredevil and Doctor Doom from Stan Lee. This week Jack Kirby is given the task of making decent story out of it. And that's exactly what he does. MWOM's continuity jumps ten American issues to fit in with last week's Daredevil story, but that's fine because there's very little clues to notice. I'm not saying that this shows that Stan Lee wasn't all history tells us he was, just that some characters and some artists allow Lee to shine more than others. Oh and like last week's Daredevil strip in which the Fantastic Four had a "Guest starring.." credit at the bottom, the man without fear now has the gift reciprocated.

Doctor Doom has tricked the Fantastic Four into believing that he's Daredevil in disguise and is planning a sneak attack on them. Reed has sent Sue out of town because of the threat of Doom's attack, which all sounds a little too 60's chauvinistic, but it does help the plot by slimming the time down to matching numbers and later allow Sue to sort out the boy's mess at the end. The real logistical reason for Sue's absence is since Sue is not currently an active member of the Fantastic Four here, due to her discovering she was pregnant, which will only be revealed in MWOM #147, the Week Ending 16th July 1975, she would then take a leave of absence in the story starting in MWOM #156 from the Week Ending 27th September 1975. In truth the original US version has no mention of Sue's pregnancy. Reed, Johnny and Ben prepare for Doom's arrival, in reality the real Daredevil, with warnings of Doctor Doom's latest scheme. The Human Torch attacks Daredevil first, but the blind hero tricks the Torch into crashing into a water tower, dousing his flame.

 As Daredevil recovers Johnny from the water Spider-man approaches, who believes Daredevils explanation. Spider-man decides that they'll need more help and goes looking for someone who fits that bill. Stumbling across Thor's path Spidey tries to convince him to help. Initially he denies the request, as this story takes place somewhere around events that took place in SMCW #105, (the UK editor's say it's events in SMCW #100, but that is incorrect as no Thor strip appeared in that issue.) Thor's attention is more likely be towards battling the Wrecker, but when Spider-man questions his bravery he changes his mind. It's worth noting that Thor's powers are weaker and his hammer has lost the power of flight due to Odin removing them in SMCW #96, which explains why the web-slinger has to help the Thunder God get to the Baxter Building.

Meanwhile, Daredevil having reached the Baxter Building, is attacked by the Thing and Mister Fantastic. In the struggle Daredevil activates the "Demolo-gun" that Reed had set up on the roof, which weakens the Thing. Seeing the devastation below, Spider-man and Thor rush to the scene, arriving just as the Torch revives to rejoin his teammates. As Daredevil battles Mister Fantastic, Spider-man clashes with the Torch while Thor struggles with the Thing. As his strength isn't enough to over come the Thing Thor calls to his father to briefly restore his full strength. I have to ask why he didn't try to convince Odin to do this while he was fighting the Wrecker I don't know. Anyway it makes a farce out of that plot from SMCW #96 till SMCW #110. At full strength Thor holds his own against the Thing, until their battle is halted by an unseen force.

Just as Reed manages to subdue Daredevil his finishing blow fails to land, prevented by an invisible force field from the Invisible Girl, who interrupts the raging battle. Even though she was out of town, television news relayed that Doctor Doom was in Latveria, addressing a conference of ministers. So to her logic Daredevil cannot be Doctor Doom. Presumably that conference was held to end the hostility between the kingdom of Latveria and its neighbouring countries, that had been set in motion by Daredevil who while having had his body swapped with Doom, had placed the invasion order, causing the evil Monarch to abandon his original plan as seen last week. With the battle over and the truth revealed Thor leaves to continue his battle with the Wrecker.

There's just enough space for a Marvel joke when Reed says "I guess that clears things up, DD!" to which the Torch and Spidey add, "And this time he means Daredevil!" "Not Doc Doom!" Look let's be honest the whole plot was a silly idea just to have the three male Fantastic Four members fight three popular super-heroes. Do I have a problem with that? Hell no! I loved every page and every panel of it. In the early 90's I bought the original American mag for a big price at that time and loved it completely. I sold that issue with a Fantastic Four shaped chunk of my collection to my brother. I hope he treasures it and enjoys it as much as I did. This full length version, even in black and white, makes this issue of the Mighty World of Marvel a classic mag. Next week MWOM returns with its classic three strip look. Daredevil battles the Unholy Three and the Fantastic Four face the sinister Sentry!

Spider-man Comics Weekly #119

Alan Kupperberg's effort on this week's cover is pretty cool. It's well set and functions perfectly in every way. Again the Grand Comics Database isn't completely sure that Kupperberg penciled this, again I've no reason to disagree with that choice of artist. One thing that is certain is Mike Esposito inked this cover.

Spider-man “To smash a spider!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Gil Kane

Inker: John Romita Sr.

Originally published in the Amazing Spider-man #91

Cover date December 1970

(Published in September 1970)

John Byrne is well known for an artistic style that mimics the great Jack Kirby's. But when I see this opening splash page it reminds me so much of Byrne's Marvel Team-Up, Spider-man and X-Men work. I guess that Gil Kane and John Romita Sr's art also left an impression on Byrne, I've seen him draw characters in scenes like this before and even the soil falling off a spade just like this page in a style like Kane with Romita Sr. Peter comforts Gwen at her father's funeral, with the strips cast members in attendance. 

Sam Bullit appears at the funeral to also pay his respects, although Bullit couldn't be considered as a friend of Captain Stacy. Stacy was a liberal thinker and clashed with Bullet many times in their, unseen past, with Bullet's hard right policies that border on fascist dogma. Bullit is running for the office of New York's District Attorney, which George had been competing with him for the job and sees the funeral as a publicity opportunity. Peter's comforting of Gwen is blotted when his thoughts begin to drift with Gwen's opinion that her father would not have died if not for Spider-man. What would happen if she ever found out that Peter is Spider-man.  Gwen feels that she needs to bring Spider-man to justice so she offers herself as a volunteer in Bullit's campaign. Like a snake Bullit sweet talks her into supporting his campaign with its Law and Order ticket behind the "Spider-man must be crushed" tag line.   Bullit also seeks support from Jonah Jameson and the Daily Bugle. In exchange for their promotion, he promises to bring Spider-man to justice. Instantly Jameson signs up for even with Joe Robertson voicing his reservations about Bullit.

The Web and the Hammer

Marcus Siemasyko from Cheshire replies to readers a letter in MWOM #124 that suggested that he wouldn't know about "Brand Ecch", well he's been reading Marvel mags since 1969 and so he does. The other weekend Marcus went to a comic mart in London and bought "Not Brand Ecch" #1 for one pound. Crystal Joy Preston from Scunthorpe has been ill of over three years and used to read the American mags but her friend told her about the British ones and regularly brings her MWOM, SMCW and the Avengers weekly. Ever since her health has increased. Marvel comics the best medicine. Jim Shaw from Glasgow gives his thoughts on SMCW #103, in Spider-man John Romita Sr. makes a fantastic comeback. Iron Man's strip has a good story with good art and lettering. But how on earth has Happy been able to turn from a heavy, ugly-looking person to a pretty

handsome-looking guy? Thor is excellent as you would expect from Jack Kirby. Anthony McCarrigle from County Tyrone writes after reading the letter page from SMCW #102 were Simon Bastiman listed the French names for Marvel super-heroes, well Anthony lists a few Spanish Marvel names like the Fantastic Four are Los 4 Fantasticos, the Hulk is La Masa, Captain America is Capitan America, Iron Man is El Hombre Hierro, the Avengers are Los Vengadores and Spider-man is L'hombre Arana.

John Harrison RFO, KOF from Southport wants to say thanks to Marvel for giving him hours of enjoyment. He's interested in the writing in the mags and would like to know how the writing process works, is it like any story, or is it like a play with each character's speech being written down separately? The editor answers "Traditionally, a picture-strip script is written picture by picture, with the continuity panel (or box) being written, then a description of the scene for the guidance of the artist, and finally the dialogue for the benefit of the letterer. But we at Marvel, take a short-cut, in this way. Writer and artist get together and the writer will explain the plot of the story. Away goes our talented artman and he draws the story, planning his pictures to fill the required number of pages. Back he comes with his pencilled drawings and our writer sits down and writes the dialogue and the continuity panels on the pencilled pages. Off to the letterer who, if he can manage to decipher the writer's pencilled scrawl, letters in the boxes and balloons, and then, finally, to the inker, who finishes off the entire job." Stephen Sontigate from Middlesex didn't agree with Glenn Dakin who didn't like Iron Man's artwork. Stephen thinks Iron Man has every right to occupy the middle pages of SMCW. Colin Rogers from County Durham became hooked on British Marvel mags after his mother bought him SMCW and MWOM.

Iron Man “Death duel for the life of Happy Hogan!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Frank Giacoia

Originally published in Tales of Suspense #86

Cover date February 1967

(Published in November 1966)

Iron Man has journeyed to the east to rescue Happy Hogan who the Mandarin had kidnapped, thinking that he was really Iron Man, The arch villain is about to execute him when the real armoured Avenger smashes his way into the fiends castle.

A pitched battle between the Mandarin and Iron Man erupts. However Iron Man manages to defeat his foe and search the castle for Happy Hogan, who has been taken away by the Mandarin's soldiers. Iron Man learns that they have altered the course of a test missile being launched in Peking to target the United States. Iron Man frees Happy and sets his armour to fly him back to the US on autopilot. Then he redirects the missile to strike the Mandarin's castle. Leaving the Mandarin is seemingly killed in the explosion. Yeah like that's going to happen. These Iron Man tale maybe short but they've very readable and Gene Colan's art is quietly very cool. 

The Mighty Thor “The hammer and the holocaust!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Vince Colletta

Originally published in The Mighty Thor #156

Cover date September 1968

(Published in July 1968)

Thor has gone in search for Mangog and boy has he found him, or rather the monster with the strength of an entire alien race has found him and is crushing the life out off him. Grasping for his hammer Thor delivers a powerful blow against the creature, giving him a chance to break free from the monster's grasp. But the creature remains unharmed and hurls the Thunder God away like a leaf in a storm.

Mangog boasts that he is victorious over Thor and nothing that lives of breathes can stay the Mangog's wrath. The jeers from the Warriors Three, call the demon a coward for imprisoning them instead of meeting them in battle. Answering to the warriors' taunts, Mangog frees them so that he might give them a taste of his power. Bravely the Warriors Three face Mangog, but their combined might is easily outmatched by the unstoppable creature. Meanwhile on the glittering throne of Asgard sits Loki, his elder councillor Toag of reports on the carnage and death that the Mangog has dealt. Loki tells his advisor that he only intends to keep Mangog alive long enough to see Thor destroyed so that he can insure that Odin remains in his Odinsleep forever. The God of Mischief is confident that the combined magic of both he and Karnilla the Norn Queen would be sufficient enough to deal with Mangog. And until then his Elite Guard will protect them should them from Mangog. However Loki's confidence wavers when a number his Elite Guardsmen return to the palace injured, with reports of their failure and Mangog's continued approach.

Avengers Weekly #88

This cover was originally from the Avengers (US edition,) issue 60, drawn by John Buscema with George Klein inking the artwork. This British version was taken from an unaltered stat, as the US version has the Ringmaster's face and arm altered by John Romita Sr. on Buscema's artwork for some reason. I much prefer Buscema's manic laughing Ringmaster than Romita's sneering villain. This original stat was also used for the cover of Marvel Super Action Volume 2 issue 21, cover dated July 1980, published April 1980. The text box above the title line "Til death do us part!", "The Wasp marries the man called Yellowjacket!" was only added to the UK version, maybe the editor thought that the, relatively speaking, younger readership wouldn't have got the title's connection with marriage vows.   

Master of Kung Fu “Chapter IV: Test of loyalty”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: Paul Gulacy

Inker: Vince Colletta

Originally published in Giant-size Master of Kung Fu #3

Cover date March 1975

(Published in December 1974)

This week's four part opens with the fourth chapter break from the original strip, with only a new credit box added. At Scotland Yard, the captured Phansigar is given truth serum so that Nayland Smith can interrogate him for answers. The first question is what Fu Manchu is after? "Vengeance.." is the answer. Vengeance for what? "For the theft of life.." When Nayland Smith asks about Doctor Petrie the cold answer is only "Death.." To the question of where will Fu Manchu be next? "Buckingham.. Palace.."

Fu Manchu meets with his most trusted assassin, Shadow Stalker, to send him on an unspecified mission. Shang-Chi, Smith, Tarr, and Reston race toward the palace. A dart from a Phansigar's blowpipe punctures one of their tires. Shang-Chi gives chase, but while he is gone, the Shadow Stalker knocks out Tarr and Reston and kidnaps Smith. Shang-Chi returns without the fleeing assassin, to find Tarr being loaded into an ambulance. Shang-Chi and Reston continue on to the palace, where they stand guard over the Queen's collection of oriental antiquities. Two Phansigars burst in. Reston shoots one killing him while wounding the other who turns and runs. Shang-Chi gives chase through the halls to the Queen's throne room. The Phansigar goes through a secret door behind the throne. Shang-Chi realises that stealth is paramount. Reston's rash style would be a disadvantage so a nerve pinch to his neck knocks him out. The China man enters the secret passageway. The mystery thickens, but answers will be revealed next week.

Avengers Unite!

The original "Boris", hopefully not the BoJo who was a PM, has been reading marvel comics for nine years and very rarely does British Marvel print a story that he hasn't read, so the weeklies don't satisfy "Boris". He really likes Marvel's American monthlies though. However, he feels that the Marvel era of greatness began in 1968 and finished in 1972. He thinks the only things worth reading in the British weeklies are the letter-pages, so he suggests that the column could also feature letters about Marvel's American mags. Julian Podesta from Oxon writes that Mike Ploog can sure draw those apes, adding that he's one of the best talents bar Gene Colan and Rick Buckler in comics today. Julian sees that original covers are being used on the Avengers, which he thinks is a good idea as some of those old Gene Colan illustrated covers from Doctor Strange are worth the price of the mag on their own. R Leyland from London noticed on the 1975 calendar it said "Happy Birthday Steve Ditko, wherever you are!" Well R tells us that he's been working for Seaboard peroidicals Inc. who go under the trade name of Atlas Comics, were he's pencils the comic strip called the Destructor.

The Avengers “...Till death do us part!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Mike Esposito

Originally published in The Avengers #60

Cover date January 1969

(Published in November 1968)

Captain America receives an invitation to the wedding of the Wasp and Yellowjacket. When he arrives at the Avengers Mansion the other Avengers tell him all about their encounter with Yellowjacket and how he claims to have supposedly killed Goliath. Just then Jan and Yellowjacket arrive. Hawkeye almost starts a fight with the groom  but is stopped by Captain America.

Meanwhile, Jarvis admits the priest for the ceremony and later the caterers for the wedding reception who turn out to be the Ringmaster and his Circus of Crime, who plan to crash the wedding as revenge on Thor for defeating them during their last caper. The bride is being pampered by the brides maids the Invisible Girl and Crystal as they dress the Wasp in her wedding gown. Downstairs the guests arrive, a collection of super-heroes who haven't been seen since, well not since Sue Storm and Reed Richards wedding. The reception has guests including the Black Knight, Daredevil, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, Doctor Strange, Iron Man, Nick Fury and Spider-man. 

The ceremony starts and soon Yellowjacket and Wasp are married. Hawkeye is appalled that the Wasp would marry the killer of her long time lover. Storming into the kitchen he stumbles upon the Circus of Crime who over power him down and tie him up with Jarvis. Meanwhile it's time to cut the cake at the party. The Wasp borrows a replica of the Black Knight's sword to cut the wedding cake, as it is sliced open Princess Python's snake leaps out and attacks her. The story continues next weekend like every good wedding, I'll bet there'll be a punch up.

What makes the martial arts work?

Frank McLaughlin's article on the basics of Martial arts originally appeared in the Marvel/Curtis Magazine Deadly Hands of Kung Fu issue 2, cover dated June 1974, published April 1974. Frank McLaughlin was an inker at Marvel comics, but he also worked for DC and Charlton comics too as a penciler.     

Frank was at the time a martial arts instructor at the Westport YMCA in Connecticut. McLaughlin drew the images for this feature too. I for one liked this piece and would regularly study it. Well I would need to enhance my alter-ego's fighting skills whenever the need arises so Frank's insight saved the Beesting from not becoming another Kick-Ass wannabe. 

Doctor Strange “Two against the Undying Ones!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Marie Severin

Inker: Johnny Craig

Originally published in Namor the Sub-Mariner Vol 2  #22

Cover date February 1970

(Published in November 1969)

The cover from Namor, the Sub-Mariner volume 2 issue 22, by Marie Severin and inked by Frank Giacoia is repurposed as the symbolic splash page for the second part of this story, with a new title, credit box and catch up boxes added. Doctor Strange explains to Namor that Kenneth Ward had stole the Undying Ones' idol from its resting place in the Himalayas and brought it back to Boston. Strange combed the corridors of countless dimensions in search of the idol's location. Once he found it he knew that evil agents of the Undying Ones would be watching the house, so he contacted Namor through his dreams to help him. 

The heroes thought the danger had ended with the dispatching of the "Joella Ward" demon, but her pet cat was also a demon which uses the idol to open a portal to unleash the Undying Ones on Earth. Battling the Undying One's leader as he passes through the portal, Namor begins to weaken, until Strange conjures up a water spell to revitalise the undersea monarch's strength. The two manage to fight the Undying One's back into its own realm. Doctor Strange sends Namor back to the Earth-dimension, sacrificing himself by sealing the portal with his own body. Namor reaches Earth safely and vows he will owe a debt of gratitude to the sorcerer as he returns to his kingdom in the sea. With hindsight this tale was an early try-out for a Defenders team-up. And judging by this tale that would be a good thing as there was loads to enjoy with this story. All that would be needed to complete the line-up would be the Hulk. Anyway next week "The man they call...Hulk" Oh, who'd have thought?

Dracula Lives #31

Now here's one of those covers where different sources state difference cover artists. The Grand Comics Database suggests that it was possibly Ron Wilson with John Romita Sr. making alterations. However Marvel.Fandom.Com suggests that Gil Kane drew this cover. So is it Wilson, Romita Jr. or Kane? Well I personally think that Gil Kane did draw this cover. One thing that is for certain, as everyone agrees, is that Tom Palmer inked the finished artwork. I love the classic vampire tomb crypt scene, where the heroes prepare to stake the Lord of the Undead. It's a great cover and has got to be my Cover of the Week.

Dracula “Death of a Vampire!”

Writer: Marv Wolfman

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Tom Palmer

Originally published in Tomb of Dracula #13

Cover date October 1973

(Published in July 1973)

Time for honesty, I have no clue where this second half opening splash page has come from. It looks like Gene Colan drew it, but it's not an enlarged panel or artwork from a cover. Maybe it was commissioned especially for this British weekly. The artist does a really great job of copying Colan, or it might actually be Colan. But either way it doesn't slip in well with the story's continuity as the next page sees Dracula returning to his mortuary hide out. He is unaware that Scotland Yard has been tracking his movements and have contacted Quincy Harker with the information.

The group of vampire slayers travel to the location near where Dracula in bat form was last sited. They ask the post master if he has seen someone matching Dracula's description. The post master goes into a hypnotic gaze when he is shown a drawing of the Count. Realising that Dracula is in the area the group track him to the nearby mortuary as night begins to fall. As he awakens his telepathic link with the townspeople warns Dracula that Harker and his friends are coming for him. The vampire hunters break into Dracula's hideout, as the vampire lord summons all those in his power to come to his aid. However, before these mindless minions can reach the mortuary, Dracula's foes manage to overpower him. Eventually Blade gets close enough to the vampire lord to steak him through the heart, effectively killing Dracula.

 

This Marvel Masterwork Pin-up of the Werewolf by Night uses the opening splash page from the Werewolf by Night story "The hunter..and the hunted!" as seen in Dracula Lives #12. Mike Ploog drew it for that story and Frank Chiaramonte inked it. A man has been removed from the right of the picture.  

Cryptic Correspondance

Graeme Bassett doesn't mind catching up with reprints of Tomb of Dracula, Werewolf by Night and Frankenstein's Monster. And Colan/Palmer artwork at least is worth a black and white viewing, while the other art is aided by loss of colour. Dennis Gifford articles are helping his appreciation of the mag and he thinks that adding film articles by Tony Isabella and Thompson O'Rourke and Gerry Conway text tales would also work. Keith Hussey from Hertfordshire thinks that "Planet of The Apes" and "Dracula Lives" are the best comics British Marvel produces. With "Dracula" mags, you certainly get the finest artists. Their drawings are absolutely great. Michael Gilbert from Stoke-on-Trent used to buy the American mags a few years ago, but stopped until quite recently when he started to buy the British versions. Of which he would like to congratulate Marvel on the new mags, POTA and Dracula Lives. Cryptic Correspondence also heard from Mick McKenzie from Stockport, Paul Lambert from Argyll, Michael Horst, Lazo Predovic Yorkshire, John Lycett from Sussex, Laurence Burnett from Surrey, Adam Byng from West Midlands, Axel Heintzmann from Surrey, Deborah Scattergood from Yorkshire, Niels Coley from Stratford-on-Avon, Wyn Davies from South Wales, Andrew Sewell from London, Joseph Urso from London. Paul Shennon from Carlisle, Duncan Ferguson from London, Peter Davies from Reading, Lee Watts from Peterborough, Kevin Pink, Ivan Forsythe from Lisburn, Karen McCraig from Ross-Shire and Valerie Joice from Hartlepool.

Werewolf by Night “Attack of the Hangman!”

Writer: Marv Wolfman

Artist: Gil Kane

Inker: Tom Sutton

Originally published in Werewolf by Night #11

Cover date November 1973

(Published in August 1973)

This opening splash page for the second part of this strip is the enlarged fourth panel from page twenty of last week's issue. The Hangman's dialogue is the same but fresh re-cap text boxes have been added with a new title and a credit box across the top. It's the night of the full moon and Jack Russell's curse has transformed him into the Werewolf, which on this night has lead him  into a scuffle with youths holding a beach party. Their bravado leads them into a fight that could cost them their lives but miraculously the police arrive and their gun fire scares the Werewolf away.

With animal instincts the Werewolf lumbers back towards the city, possibly in search for his friend Buck and his sister Lissa. The Hangman is also prowling the city and by chance high up from the roof tops he spies Buck chasing Lissa. The young girl is distressed after not hearing from Jack and her step father's disappearance. The Hangman considers the older man's intension to be a protector of the girl, which he describes as good. He considers that "women must be protected as they are too weak to fend for themselves" The Werewolf arrives but even in his condition he recognises Lissa as someone important and makes no sudden moves against her. Unfortunately, the Hangman watching the spectacle from high above views his arrival dangerous and leaps down to the street below, landing between Lissa and the Werewolf with the intent of saving her from the beast. Lissa calls Jack's name and defends the Werewolf, the Hangman sweeps her away, pushing her violently towards Buck, the pair collapse into the side of a car. The Werewolf attacks the Hangman, they exchange blows with one another, but ultimately, the villain manages to ensnare Jack with his noose, pulling the beast upwards via a lamppost. Next week "Cry Werewolf!"

Brother Voodoo “Baptism of fire...and blood!”

 Writer: Len Wein

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Dan Adkins

Originally published in Strange Tales #170

Cover date October 1973

(Published in July 1973)

The cover artwork from Strange Tales issue 170 is repurposed as a symbolic splash page for this second part, with Gil Kane the artist and Dick Giordano the inker of that cover. The strip creators are listed in a new credit box, with Damballah's speech balloon and the story's title carried over from the cover. A new re-cap text box is added at the bottom of the page. Damballah is attending a gathering the Council of the Vadaou, a group of international Voodoo practitioners, to take control of the organisation, when Brother Voodoo arrives to challenge Damballah to a rematch.

Damballah taunts Brother Voodoo saying that it will take more than his brother's clothing to make him a man and orders the members of the Vadaou to kill him. At first they hesitate, but seeing what Damballah did to one of their number they surround Brother Voodoo and attack. Even with overwhelming odds he overcomes them and faces the evil witch doctor. During their fight, Brother Voodoo realises that Damballah has control over snakes due to a mystical amulet that he has around his neck. With the soul of his brother Daniel he possesses one of the Council members who manages to remove the amulet from Damballah's grasp. With his control over the snakes gone, they turn on him, killing him. With the amulet in Brother Voodoo's possession, a man named Bambu confronts him informing him is the faithful servant of whoever owns the amulet. Accepting the offer Brother Voodoo departs with Bambu, telling him  that they have much work to do. Next week "the march of the dead!"

The "Checklist" makes a return, however it's a repeat of last week's page featuring last week's weeklies. As well as appearing in the inside back page of Dracula Lives this incorrect list also appears on the inside back pages of this week's Planet of the Apes, the Super-Heroes and the Savage Sword of Conan.

Planet of the Apes #31

This is a really good cover made especially for the British Planet of the Apes weekly, by Ron Wilson (pencils,) with Frank Giacoia (inks,). It's one of Ron Wilson's best, in fact I very nearly made it my Cover of the Week, but the Dracula Lives cover is artistically better drawn. 

Planet of the Apes “Kingdom on an Island the Apes”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: Rico Rival

Inker: Rico Rival

Originally published in Planet of the Apes #9

Cover date June 1975

(Published in April 1975)

After the heavy number of weeks with the nonsense that was Apeslayer most readers will be relieved to find that "Kingdom on an Island the Apes" starts this week with a clever play on the concepts found in the 20th Century Fox film and the Pierre Boulle novel, mixed with a healthy dose of H G Wells the Time Machine. Although Apeslayer revolved around a butchered version of H G Wells War of the Worlds, Doug Moench's handling of this Wells classic is far more palatable, especially with Rico Rival's easier on the eye artwork being a thing of beauty. 

Planet of the Apes “Chapter 1: The Trip”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: Rico Rival

Inker: Rico Rival

Originally published in Planet of the Apes #9

Cover date June 1975

(Published in April 1975)

Derek Zane is a dreamer who focuses his attention more on his latest project, a Time Machine, than his girl friend, who he agrees to meet up with in a cafe, he's more excited with the completion of his machine than he is seeing her. The dining arrangement isn't to celebrate his accomplishment, but to tell him that their relationship is over as they live in different circles. He can't hold down a job and lives in a disordered mess, while she is neat, tidy and upwardly mobile. Derek had set his hopes that NASA would take up his design but he hits the bottle heavily, drowning his sorrows in alcohol. His meeting with a director at NASA gets off on the wrong foot as he's late, but he had hoped that his devise would help in the search of NASA's missing astronauts, Taylor, Dodge, Landon and Stewart, connecting nicely with the missing astronauts seen in POTA #1. The idea of a Time Machine doesn't rest well with the sceptical Mister Krigstein and Derek is forced to leave without gaining a job. He decides to prove everyone wrong and that his Time Machine works!

Planet of the Apes “Chapter 2: Arrival”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: Rico Rival

Inker: Rico Rival

Originally published in Planet of the Apes #9

Cover date June 1975

(Published in April 1975)

Derek sets the Time Machine for the period he believes the missing Astronauts will be found in. Rico Rival's fantastic artwork beautiful portrays the machine journey forward in time with breath taking results. The world of the future appears as a barren landscape. He is observed by a clothed chimpanzee who watches him secretly from a distance. Heading towards greener lands Derek encounters mute humans savages, but the peaceful meeting is interrupted by armed gorillas on horseback who shoot at him. Fleeing from them the confused time traveller stumbles on a city of apes. The story continues next week.

Apes Forum

Chris Randell from Cheshire admits that he's a newcomer to Marvel comics, but he says that his first mag, POTA #8, was a "knockout!" Rik Lyon from St. Helens described POTA #17 as the best mag ever published in Britain, the only disappointment is having missed the very first two issues of that mag. Roger Yorke asks if any readers are fans of Roddy McDowall, well they might want to contact Margie, she's been a follower of the McDowall's acting career for so long there's hardly a thing she doesn't know about him. He gives them her address. Wendy Fawcett from London enjoys reading the articles about the Planet of the Apes cast, especially the one from POTA #15. Helen Zabra from London also thinks the articles about 'Planet of The Apes' on TV are superb, especially about James Naughton. Kathleen Cole from Birmingham is a mad Planet of the Apes fans and wants the addresses of Roddy McDowell, Ron Burke and James Naughton so he can write to them. The editor suggests that he writes to their fan clubs who can pass on any correspondence.

The Power of Warlock “Stranger in a strange land!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Gil Kane

Inker: Dan Adkins

Originally published in Marvel Premiere #2

Cover date May 1972

(Published in February 1972)

Four young teenagers, David Carter, Jason Grey, Eddie and Ellie Roberts rush over to the fallen form of the man who would become Adam Warlock. His gold skin body had landed on the ground, unconscious, sent on a mission of planet saviour by the High Evolutionary. The four teenagers take his body to a nearby farm where he awakes, between Him and the teenagers they name him Adam Warlock, who has forgotten who he was. Meanwhile the High Evolutionary recalls the events that lead him to send Adam Warlock to Counter Earth. While the scientist slept the Man-Beast had imbued mankind, the inhabitants of his latest creation with the basic instinct of aggression. The world evolved much like our very own. Now the Man-Beast's intervention had made killers from man and hell out of heaven. He had also devoid the world of any so-called super-heroes or supervillains, showing Reed Richards working with Victor Von Doom. The story continues next week.

The Super-heroes #12

John Buscema produces another fine cover, originally from the American Silver Surfer comic, issue 9, with Dan Adkins adding the inks. I do think that the Silver Surfer portrayed on this cover could look more dynamic in his attack of the Ghost, he looks far too static. 

Silver Surfer “..To steal the Surfer's soul!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Dan Adkins

Originally published in Silver Surfer #9

Cover date October 1969

(Published in July 1969)

I suspect that last week's Silver Surfer strip, originally from Silver Surfer (US edition,) issue 8 was written and drawn together with this week's strip originally from Silver Surfer (US edition,) issue 9 and was meant to be published in one super-sized volume, but later editorial decisions ment that smaller sized comic books might have sold better and an ending panel was added to the eighth issue and a new opening splash page was also added to the ninth issue. I wonder if that was the case or not. Silver Surfer aficionados, let me know.

Mephisto lures the Surfer back to Earth when the Lord of Evil instructs his pawn, the Ghost to terrorise the people of New York City. The two battle, both appear to be equally matched against one another, with the Surfer refusing to give up his soul. Mephisto decides to swing the balance and secretly join the battle on Earth, helping the Ghost. The Ghost grabs a human hostage and threatens to kill her if the Surfer doesn't give up his soul. His hesitation, not wanting to lose his soul nor wanting to see an innocent to suffer, makes the Surfer open to the Ghost's laser attack. Unable to strike back for fear of hurting the human, he has to use the Power Cosmic like never before. He gathers power from the infinite reaches of space and harnessing it to launch a pinpoint strike at the Ghost, disabling him and freeing the hostage. The Ghost wrought with guilt realises that even he is beyond redemption and renounces his pledge to Mephisto. The Ghost begins to fade back to limbo. The Surfer sees that the Ghost had lead the most wretched of lives but has sacrificed any chance of redemption. A tear rolls from the Surfer's eye over the torment of the Ghost's soul, thus breaking the curse and freeing him from the bondage of limbo. Finally giving him eternal rest. Mephisto vows he will never accept defeat and departs. Next week the promise of "the amazing Spider-man!"

Cosmic Communication

Richard Starkings (on good authority from the man himself the editors misspelt his surname wrong in the original letter page as Storking,) from Leeds refers to Marvel's two new British weeklies as "Fantastic, Superb, Immaculate, Stunning.

Amazing, Grrrreat, Perfect, Astounding!!" Rod Suttle was luckily to see the advertisements on TV for the new mags the Super-Heroes and the Savage Sword of Conan, as the comics suddenly came from out of nowhere with  no warning. Anthony Burke RFO from Middlesex thinks the Super-Heroes is fantastic, but SSOC is not nearly as good as the "Super Heroes". The posters were exceptionally good. John Buscema's art on the Silver Surfer was also too good for words. Kevin Dicks from Taunton has been waiting a long time to see the X-Men in British comics and was relieved to know they were teaming up with the Silver Surfer in a brand new mag. Susan Norman writes some poetry about how good the new mag is.I'll let you read it for yourself and decide. Trevor Gilber from London thinks that the Super-Heroes are fantastic and SSOC is brilliant. He has an idea that a colouring page is a good idea. I don't get yourself a colouring book.

The X-Men “Sub-Mariner joins the Evil Mutants! Part two”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Chic Stone

Originally published in The X-Men #6

Cover date July 1964

(Published in May 1964)

Jack Kirby (pencils,) and Chic Stone's (inks,) cover from the X-Men issue 6 make this second part opening splash page with the sixth panel from last week's page thirty-four added to the bottom right corner and a credit box with a re-cap text box it added to the left hand side. The scouting Angel has been discovered and sent hurtling back out to see by Namor after he had located the Sub-Mariner with the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants on a remote island. Using teamwork the Beast and the Ice Man rescue the Angel. Magneto destroys the X-Men's ship, but Ice Man creates an ice-platform and the team make their way towards the shore. 

Mastermind casts an illusion to stop the X-Men, but Professor X instructs the X-Men to walk through it. On the island Cyclops realises that a machine with a giant magnet powers everything, so he sets about destroying it, but Quicksilver attacks before he can. The X-Men subdue Quicksilver, which causes the Scarlet Witch to fear for her brother's safety. Magneto yells at her angrily. Namor realises that Magneto isn't the type of man he would want to ally himself with and turns against the Brotherhood's leader, destroying the giant magnet's control panel. The X-Men break into the lab, causing Magneto, Toad and Mastermind to flee. The Scarlet Witch demands that Quicksilver be returned to her. A short battle starts between the X-Men and the Sub-Mariner, but it is stopped when Professor Xavier arrives with Quicksilver, under his mental control. Namor decides that he has had enough of fighting and heads back to his kingdom when he is attacked by Magneto and his giant magnet. The Sub-Mariner overcomes the machine and destroys it. The X-Men watch as the Sub-Mariner returns to the sea, then later they observe Magneto with his Brotherhood retreat in their own aircraft. I might have said last week that Sub-Mariner cross-over's with various Marvel heroes were repetitively common in the early 60's, but after re-reading this one again a enjoyed the nostalgic charm it has. More of the same next week? OK I'm up for it.

Savage Sword of Conan #12

This cover was used first on the front of Conan the Barbarian issue eleven, drawn by Barry Windsor-Smith. It's fine but other than showing the readers that Conan and a giant gorilla is in this comic, it does little else. Sorry, but I have seen loads of his covers drawn so much better.

Conan the Barbarian “The Talons of Thak Part two: Rogues in the house”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Barry Windsor-Smith

Inker: Sal Buscema

Originally published in Conan the Barbarian #11

Cover date November 1971

(Published in August 1971)

The second part of the "Rogues in the house" opens with this beautifully drawn splash page that heralded "The Talons of Thak" chapter of the story. Conan arrives at the House of the Red Priest's walled dwelling. Noting that the walls are low, so much so that even a city dweller could scale it never mind a Cimmerian, makes him think of the walls around the Elephant Tower, as seen in SSOC #4, had also not needed to be high, as the dangers that lurk within them had been more than enough to deter any intruders. 

Either way he had made a promise to Murilo to kill the Red Priest, so he sneaks over it and enters the grounds, narrowly avoiding trapped set in the sewer tunnels. He encounters Murilo, who came to kill the Priest after a messenger had told him that the bribed jailer had been removed from his post, meaning that Conan wouldn't be set free to kill Nabonidus. He had found the Red Priest's manservant dead, his neck broken. On hearing the breathing of the murder in another room Murilo picks up his sword and quietly enters the Priest's inner chamber. Nabonidus sits on a throne with his back towards the interloper. Suddenly with a savage snarl he turns to face Murilo. I love that Roy Thomas allows Barry Windsor-Smith to draw this beautiful page without much dialogue or text, allowing a greater enhancement of menace and tension. 

The reveal is wonderful, a brutish ape-monster stands above the cowering Murilo, dressed in the robes of the Red Priest. Murilo flees believing that the Priest had used magic to transform himself into the beast. Since then he had been sneaking through the sewer tunnels himself. Further investigation in the tunnels by Conan and Murilo leads them to find the unconscious body of Nabonidus himself. The priest comes to and explains that the creature Murilo encountered was Thak, an ape-man captured as a cub by Nabonidus to be his servant. Thak began to get ambitions of grandeur. It had dispatched its master, taking his place on the throne. 

Conan also discovers that Murilo's noble intentions to murder the evil Priest were not what they first seem. He had been selling state secrets and the Priest had found out. Nabonidus has also been plundering the whole kingdom for his own personal greed. As much as Conan had agreed to become an assassin for his own freedom the barbarian might have been the most noble of these three rogues. Murilo and Nabonidus swear to keep each other secrets if they all help each other escape this night. To escape they have to confront Thak, but before they can do that they observe him through two-way mirrors rampaging through the house. They watch it slay Nabonidus's black leopard savagely. The men are trapped in a locked room as Thak storms at them. Conan and Murilo manage to slay the giant beast. Nabonidus takes the opportunity to try to kill them both with a deadly fire trap. The Red Priest's treachery is revealed, he has vowed to keep Murilo secret but said nothing about disposing of the nobleman. Conan throws dagger slaying the Priest. Conan decides to leave Corinthia entirely and travel to Argos. These Conan tales are a highlight of my weekly read through these seven British Marvel mags. 

The Hyborian Page

Mark White RFO, KOF, QNS from Stoke-on-Trent thinks that the new magazine "Savage Sword of Conan" is excellent, but how can Marvel possibly justify giving us a story, the X-Men, that first appeared in 1963? The Silver Surfer is great and well worth waiting for, but he thinks a more recent story should have  used instead. The next letter is anonymous who thinks that after POTA and Dracula Lives, Marvel has done it again with the  two new weeklies, "Savage Sword of Conan" and the Super-Heroes". His letter ends with "Nice one, Stan." David Own from Staffordshire writes his first letter in nine years with praise for Britain's sword and sorcery mag, "The Savage Sword of Conan." After reading the first two issues, saying he was well-pleased would be a gross understatement, as he has a large gap in his collection of American comics and these reprints will help fill. Dave Wheeler from Preston is Glad to see the Savage Sword of Conan was brought out in Britain. The inclusion of Kull as back-up feature is excellent. At 8p it's truly great value for money. He adds the 2-feature format works best in the weeklies, as this enables a complete 19 or 20 page Conan story to be printed in each issue, plus a Kull tale spread over two issues. 

Kull the Conqueror “The cataclysmic conclusion of: Night of the Red Slayers!”

Writer: Gerry Conway and John Jakes (plot)

Artist: Marie Severin

Inker: John Severin

Originally published in Kull the Conqueror #4

Cover date September 1972

(Published in June 1972)

John Severin's cover artwork from the US edition of Kull the Conquerer issue four is repurposed as this week second part opening splash page, with a credit texts, re-cap texts and the pre-title line "The cataclysmic conclusion of:" added. Kull has taken a cruise while mysteriously members of his guard, the Red Slayers have killed random citizens. On the deck Jirane dances but slips on some wax. All the men in attendance thought she was an exquisite and lithe dancer. By evening, Jirane offers the King some wine which made Kull’s head heavy. 

Silent Red Slayers arrive at the home of Jaryl, a member of the Council. They slay him, his wife and all his servants. The Rebel Four have employed Melkori to cause chaos in Kull's royal court, to do that he has animated wax figures to carry out the deadly plot.  The Brule makes his way to the ship to warn Kull of the treachery. Kull binds Jirane to the mast after she tries to kill him with a knife. Eventually, she begins to melt like a wax figurine. Soon Kull returns soon enough to confront some of the wax figures that were made to look like the Red Slayers. Alecto, swears his allegiance,  recognising that the other slayers had no voices, Kull is satisfied with his loyalty. Kull and his men with Brule demonstrate to his people, that the voiceless Red Slayers heve no blood and are just wax figurines, that melt with intense heat. Melkori is handed over to the people, who take their vengeance on the wizard. The story ends with rain cooling the land and bringing a smile to King Kull’s face. 

With Britain experiencing a heatwave we could all do with a cooling shower right now. But instead a batch of cool British Marvel mags will have to do as I prepare next week's blog. So till then...

See you in seven.

Make Mine Marvel.