Marvel Mags From Beyond the Stars!

 Week Ending 1st November 1975

Before we start I need to mention something I missed from last week's blog, as spotted by Friend of the Beesting Colin Jones. He spotted that the corner box on last week's issue of the Avengers and the Savage Sword of Conan had lost three of the heads from the previous week's corner-box, leaving only Conan and The Vision. It may seen like a minor detail to many but that's the sort of thing I like. I'll send Colin a PotBNoP when I've finished writing this week's blog. Speaking of which I'll start with....

The Mighty World of Marvel #161

I like this week's Mighty World of Marvel cover, it's nice to see a monster getting one over the Hulk for a change. It was specially commissioned for the British weekly, with Arvell Jones on the pencils and Frank Giacoia on the ink, what a combo. 

The Incredible Hulk “Rampage!”

Writer: Steve Englehart

Artist: Herb Trimpe

Inker: Sal Trapani

Originally published in The Incredible Hulk #162

Cover date April 1973

(Published in January 1973)

Herb Trimpe's cover from the Incredible Hulk issue 162, inked by Sal Trapani, is used as this week's second part opening splash page, with a new story title, credit strip and a catch up box with a bit of self hype from the Hulk. Who had been searching for the Wendigo and the missing hunter, Paul Cartier after a plea from his sister, Marie. Once the Hulk stumbled across the legendary beast inevitably the two titans clash in an evenly matched battle of strength until the Hulk is knocked off a cliff. 

The Wendigo tosses his captive prisoner off the cliff after the green goliath, who safely catches the young man. The Hulk takes the injured man back to the logging camp where Marie Cartier and the others recognise him as her brother's friend, Georges Baptiste. There George explains that he and Paul were out hunting with their friend Henri Cluzot, when they were attacked by a pack of wild wolves. The three hunters were forced to hide in a cave, eventually the food began to run out and the mortally wounded Henri soon died. The wolves kept them trapped, slow Paul and Georges began to starve and go insane. Georges awoke on day to find Paul committing an act of cannibalism on Henri's dead body. Legend has it that any one who commits such an act would fall victim of the curse of the Wendigo and become the Wendigo himself. Understanding all of that the Hulk goes back out into the wilderness to find the Wendigo and help Paul break the curse. The Hulk finds the creature at a logging camp and their fight resumes. Paul's spirit calls out to the Hulk telling him that his mind is dissolving and that the Wendigo is taking full control. But try as he might, the Hulk is unable to stop the Wendigo who appears to be an even match for the green goliath. Eventually Paul's mind completely dissolves as the Wendigo flees into the wilderness. The Hulk remarks that no matter how strong he was, there was nothing he could do to save Paul. Isolated from the rest of the Hulk's current adventures this tale is very adult, although there is a monster for the Hulk to fight, but Banner's part in this story is none existent, this story deals with the horror of Paul Cartier in a sophisticated way, that may have gone over many young reader's heads. It snuck up on me to be a really enjoyable tale, especially the conclusion of Paul Cartier's loss of humanity, all thanks to the talents of Steve Englehart and Herb Trimpe. Next week "Beyond the Iron Curtain!" 

This in-house advert for issue two of The Titans uses the cover artwork from that issue with the title banners. The righthand figures are allowed to over lap the cover and the issue/date box is left blank. The artwork looks so much better in black and white than the colour affair of the actual cover does. The top headline reads "Bonus: The Inhumans battle the Fantastic Four!" but on the cover of the actual mag it would read "Bonus: You draw cartoons..£150 prizes!" The four panels under the cover all come from the Captain America strip that was printed inside. "Twice the amount of action and adventure: now at your newsagent."

 

The Mighty Marvel Mailbag

John Simpson from Doncaster gives us a Marvel quiz. His questions are, 1) Who shares an apartment with Peter Parker? 2) Name the Sinister Six. 3) What is the Silver Surfer's real name 4) From which planet does the Silver Surfer come? 5) What is the name of the girl in the Emerald Atom? 6) Who is the Wasp in love with? 7) What colour is Doc Samson's hair? 8) What is the Kingpin's wife called? 9) Who is the Golden Avenger? 10) Who is STAN LEE? The answers are, 1) Harry Osborn. 2) Vulture, Green Goblin, Dr. Octopus, Electro, Mysterio. 3) Norrin Radd. 4) Zenn-La. 5) Jarella. 6) Yellowjacket. 7) Green. 8) Vanessa. 9) Iron Man. 10) The GREATEST. John also grades your scores, 10 right—MMG 1 (Magnificent Marvelite grade 1), 8 right—MMG 2, 6 right—MMG 3, 4 right—MMG 4, 2 right—NG (Not Graded. Not very good. You have probably only just joined us.) 0 right-You are NOT a MARVELITE. Simon Abraham from Cheshire Picked up a Marvel comic Album which featured Thor, Iron Man and the Hulk, plus a Fantastic Four comic Album, for 15p each. They could be used as colouring books. Anthony Wiffen RFO, KOF from Kent writes that London is great place to get American comics. Stephen Hardisty from Leeds started getting MWOM at issue 20, then stopped at issue 80 when he thought they were in decline, only to start again at issue 144. Tony Simpson from Middlesex thinks he's stopped being a Marvel fan and has become a Marvel addict. Christopher Keegan from London wants to exchange views with readers, like a pen pal on the relevancy of the Super-hero to society of today, 

Daredevil “Where stalks the robot!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: George Klein

Originally published in Daredevil #49

Cover date February 1969

(Published in December 1968)

An unnamed artist created this second part opening splash page, a new story title, credit box and a brief catch up box that reveals to the readers that Matt Murdock had been over powered and kidnapped by a robot. We discover on the next page that it hears the tapping of a cane, with its first function to protect itself in a pre-programmed self preservation move it leaves Murdock to be discovered by Willie Lincoln and his guide dog.

 

Willie takes Matt back to his home and administers first aid. In a flashback we find out who was responsible for sending a robot to attack Daredevil. Biggie Benson is now serving time for attempting to frame ex-police officer Willie Lincoln, as seen in Mighty World of Marvel #156. Benson wanted to get revenge on Daredevil for his involvement in stopping Benson's men from killing Lincoln, so he employed Starr Saxon, an inventor and machine-smith, who sends his robot after Daredevil once more after making some more adjustments. Back in the present Willie finishes patching up Matt Murdock and we'll have to wait till next week to find out what happens next.

Bullpen Bulletins

"Nifty news, incredible information and mighty Marvel madness!"  Or: who said this isn't the Marvel Age of a-lot-of alliteration?!  The bombastic Bullpen Bulletins are back! Returning to the weeklies after a long absence, (kind of, as it did return to last week's The Titans, but not the other six weeklies.). It had briefly appeared in the pages of the Avengers weekly #95, but before that it was in the weeklies of the Week Ending 1st February 1975. Of course with the introduction of the Titans there's a bit more to talk about. The first Item deals with the slight change in the line-up of Planet of the Apes, now that Captain Marvel has moved to his new home in The Titans. Replacing that missing story is Man-Gods from Beyond the Stars! There's a hint of strips to come as stories like John Wyndham's sensational "Day of the Triffids", which will be adapted from the works of the most sensational SF writers of all time. The other Bulletins will feature later in this blog. This version features a unique font and as well as a gorilla on a horse, but also the first couple of the Marvel universe. 

The Fantastic Four “Battle cry!”

 Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Joe Sinnott 

Originally published in The Fantastic Four #73

Cover date April 1968

(Published in January 1968)

The splash page from the eleventh page of the original US edition of the Fantastic Four issue 73 makes an ideal second part opening page, with a new story title and credit box added. No need for catch-up let's get into the action, which readers of MWOM #138 would have already read some twenty-four week's ago. Thor and the Thing slug it out as Spidey tackles the Torch as last week's game of mistaken identity continues. 

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, having returned from out of town to relay the news that Doctor Doom was in Latveria, addressing a conference of ministers so Daredevil couldn't have been Doctor Doom. The report leads with a conflict between the kingdom of Latveria and one of its neighbours, a subplot that had been set in motion by Daredevil during his body swapped with Doom, as seen in MWOM #137. With everyone now friends again Thor leaves to continue his battle with the Wrecker, which takes place some time between the panels of four and five on page thirty-three in the Thor story from SMCW #108. 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. But there's nothing wrong with that. Now that normal continuity has been reset next issue see the return of "the Silver Surfer and Galactus!"

Spider-man Comics Weekly #142

I have to say that this cover looks like it has been designed for an infant comic, for four to seven year olds, which some may say that age group is what the comic was aimed at. I disagree as there are themes in the weekly that are well above that age group, like social and personal/emotional issues. The depicting of the heroes looks very cartoon-like, it was drawn by Gary Brodsky as his signature shows. Inks were probably by Mike Esposito, so the Grand Comics Database suggests.

Spider-man “..The way it began”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Gil Kane

Inker: Frank Giacoia

Originally published in the Amazing Spider-man #102

Cover date November 1971

(Published in August 1971)

The splash page on page 13 of the original Amazing Spider-man issue 102 comes at an ideal point to open part two of the British weekly version with the story title already included. All that needs to be added is a credit box. Gil Kane's initials can be seen at the bottom of the page, although slightly cut off in the British version. As Morbius sleeps his dreams reflects on the events that caused this transformation. 

How he, his lover Martine Bancroft and his assistant, Emil Nikos, sail on a yacht what seems like a pleasure cruise to Martine, but to Morbius and Nikos it gives them the isolation to conduct an experiment to cure Morbius of a degenerative blood disease. The experiment backfired, turning Morbius into a living vampire. After killing Nikos, Morbius dives into the water not wishing to hurt Martine and considering that it would be better to end his mockery of a life than live the life of the damned. But those human instincts that had birthed the selfless act become submerged when the beastly side of his ego remains as he kicks and claws his way to the surface. A ship spies him like flotsam amongst the waves and rescues him, cementing their own doom as seen in SMCW #139. Awakening once again, Morbius goes on the prowl seeking out fresh blood to feed on. As Spider-man and the mid-changed Doctor Curt Connors/Lizard search the city for Morbius.

The Web and the Hammer

Stephen Billing from Essex pens a large letter about how he, an A-level student into reading mainly Sci-fi and philosophy, fell in love with Marvel comics so much that he was distraught to have missed issues. Stuart Pow from Kent writes that Spider-man was on ITV Mondays and Thursdays, 11.20 to 11.40 and it was Great!  Neil McNab RFO, KOF, QNS from Hertfordshire has a heart-rending tale in which some black-hearted Marvelite has stolen his pre-ordered copy of "Origins of Marvel Comics." Simon Hannaby RFO, KOF from Stafford completely disagrees with those who say that the Silver Surfer is better than Spidey. To him the Silver Surfer rids himself of his enemies too fast. But poor old Spidey, uses all of his energy to defeat them. The web-slinger also faces a lot more danger for someone as tricky as the Green Goblin could easily reveal his secret identity by snatching away his mask. Whereas look at the Silver Surfer. It's next to impossible to get anywhere near him!

Chris Walker and Colin Sturgeon from Sheffield Have started a "Mighty Marvel Corresponding Society" after collecting Marvel comics for over ten years. Centred around the Sheffield area the Society is for fans to further their collections. It will operate by use of a series of files, which any person wishing to join the club in order to buy/sell/swop Marvel comics will fill in. This will tell Chris and Colin which comics they wish to purchase or swop and to what extent they are prepared to go to get them. The persons who wishes to join will also send them a list of his entire collection. Using these lists sent in by all the fans it will then be possible for us to see where a deal is possible between two fans, Rod Summers RFO, KOF, QNS, TTB, PMM, FFF from Bristol wants to point out how useful second-hand bookshops are for completing collections, after picking up twenty-four comics for just under £2 for the lot. A checklist of letter writers includes Anthony Byrne from Essex, Raymond Duffy from Dublin, Richard West from London. John Keatings from Belfast, David Bull from Reading, David Glossop from Derbyshire and Michael Morgan from Panarth Wales. 

Iron Man “My friend, my foe...the Freak!”

Writer: Archie Goodwin

Artist: Johnny Craig

Inker: Johnny Craig

Originally published in Iron Man #3

Cover date July 1968

(Published in April 1968)

 

After battling the Demolisher last week Iron Man returns to Stark Industries massive Long Island complex and discovers that the Uranus-12 Rocket project has hit a snag when sparks from a welding torch ignites some rocket causing an accident on the construction site. When the rocket starts falling towards the  construction workers. He manages to delay the rockets fall and is seen as a hero, but unfortunately, he overstrains his armour, as his power levels were already low from fighting the Demolisher. His heart starts to pound with the strain. Heading to Stark's office Iron Man has to pass Jasper Sitwell and Whitney Frost who are waiting in the hall, but he has to ignore them much to Whitney's delight has she gets to weave her deceit into making the naive SHEILD agent trust her. Iron Man discovers he cannot disconnect the recharge cable as without it his heart becomes weaker then ever. Continued next week.

It's dynamite...in this week's Mighty Marvel!, "Is it the end of the Hulk?" Find out in this week's story "The wail of the Wendigo!" that title wasn't used, instead a simple "Rampage!" appeared as the story title, which is a pity because "The wail of the Wendigo!" sounds like a great story title and any way "Rampage" would become a great weekly and an even better monthly in years to come.  

The Mighty Thor “My Brother betrayed!”

 Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Vince Colletta

Originally published in The Mighty Thor #167

Cover date August 1969

(Published in June 1969)

John Romita Sr.'s cover from the Mighty Thor issue 167 is used as this week's second part opening splash page. It does reveal a good bit of the plot, but what the hell, it's a great cover and should be seen by a British readership. Odin had allowed Thor to return to Earth to tie up matters before he departs on his mission to find Galactus. He arrives at the hospital where he works as Blake, to learn of Balder's condition, he decides that only Donald Blake can save his friend's life, completely unaware that he is being watched by Loki.

When Thor changes back into the mortal surgeon, he is attacked by Loki, the god of mischief over-powers the lame physician and wrests Blake's walking stick from his grip, then easily he knocks him out. With the battle ended Odin intervenes, banishing Loki back to Asgard and leaving Blake to recover his walking stick, unaware of his father's intervention. In deep space Galactus consumes another world, which sets off alarms in the hallowed halls of Asgard prompting those watching to report Galactus' sighting to Odin. Back on Earth Donald performs the surgery on Balder, who is expected to make a full recovery. With his job done, Blake resumes his immortal identity and flies off to start his appointed journey to the end of space, wondering how long it will be before he sees the Earth again. Next week Thor and the readers will "Behold Galactus!"

This Marvel Masterwork pin-up of Thor goes under the heading of "The Mighty World of Marvel Pin-up page", I wonder if it had been intended for the Mighty World of Marvel comic and not Spider-man Comics Weekly? This week's quiz of the week, can you name the artist and where the artwork was originally published in.

Avengers Weekly #111

This cover is a re-coloured version of Marie Severin's cover from the Avengers (US edition,) #73. Joe Sinnott inked Marie's artwork for it. I had a good long look at the Conan insert to try and identify the artist and where it originally appeared, my conclusion is that John Buscema drew it but I can't find where it was from. I could be wrong about the artist so if you've got any idea let me know. 

Conan the Barbarian “The blood-jewel and the barbarian!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Ernie Chua

Originally published in Conan the Barbarian #27

Cover date June 1973

(Published in March 1973)

Gil Kane's cover artwork from Conan the Barbarian issue 27, inks by Ernie Chua, is used as this week's second part opening splash page. New catch up and credit boxes added, the story title is lifted from the original cover and placed above Skol Abdhur's head. Just incase I wasn't clear enough last week, Robert E Howard's original story, "The blood of Belshazzar", which this story is based on, didn't star Conan at all. The hero of that piece was Cormac Fitzgeoffrey, a knight fighting at the time of the Crusades. 

Skol Abdhur explains to Conan that he keeps the men in check with the Blood of Bel-Hissar ruby. Its history tells of how it had lead the previous owners to die by horrible deaths. Should another man slay him for it, that man would become a target, so the outlaws are content to let Abdhur play Hyrkanian brigands against the none-Hyrkanian brigands. Conan hopes to spend the evening with Suwaan, but that night of passion is quickly ended when he falls into an unwanted dead sleep. When he does awaken, he finds Abdhur and his men dead and the ruby missing. Conan leads a group of outlaws who at first accuse him of treachery, deep into the fortress, where they find the girl, much to Conan's surprise she points the finger of theft at him. Conan fights his way through the crowd, and is pulled through a secret passage by Turgohl. The mute leads Conan outside the fortress and they make their escape. Conan is confused until Turghol pulls the Blood of Bel-Hissar from his pocket. Conan realises that Suwaan, who turns out to be Turghols wife, had intended to betray them both, but Turghol had managed to snatch the ruby for himself. An image from inside the gem shows Suwaan being rounded on by the outlaws. Conan contemplates fighting Turghol for the ruby, but decides the trouble isn't worth it and takes his leave to once again head west to reach the coastal nation of Argos and the "Moon of Zembabei!".

The Avengers “The day of the Serpents!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Frank Giacoia

Inker: Sam Grainger

Originally published in The Avengers #73

Cover date February 1970

(Published in December 1969)

The original Marie Severin and Sam Grainger artwork from the cove of the Avengers (US edition,) #73 and part of this week's cover is repurposed as this week's second part opening splash page. Monica Lynne is attacked by the Sons of the Serpents when like a leopard the Black Panther leaps in to save her. The defeated Serpents cannot be questioned as their leader, the Supreme Serpent remotely electrocutes them to make sure his plans don't fall into the wrong hands and jeopardise everything. 

The police arrive and Ms Lynne, shocked by her experience, berates them for only turning up after the danger is over, asking if they didn't want to dirty their hands by rescuing a black girl? She later appears on the Dan Dunn show once more to continue voicing her opinion about the Serpents, which makes her more of a target. The Panther later fills in the Avengers on the nights events. When the Avengers plan to protect her the Panther asks that he might finish off the Serpents by himself as he feels it's his duty. They agree to give him 24 hours to do so before they join the investigation. The Black Panther meets up with Monica Lynne to asks her not to appear on television again the following night, a request she refuses. The Panther spends the rest of the night stalking the city, searching for members of the Sons of the Serpent. When he finds one member, he knocks him out, steals his uniform and sneaks aboard their shuttle craft. He is soon taken to their base, a giant-sized mechanical serpent, hidden beneath the sea. However as a group of three Serpents the Black Panther's cover is blown when he fails to recite the third part of the Serpent's oath. Unmasked and held at gunpoint  the Black Panther becomes a pawn in a deadly "Power play!" as we'll see next week!

Avengers Mailbag

N W Ashcroft, J E Carlisle and CJ Basted from London have constructed a theory why they joined the Avengers weekly and Savage Sword of Conan into one weekly. They thought that it was a ridiculous idea of cutting the Conan strip down 24 pages to 8 pages, so the only rational explanation they can find is that the black and white comics are rapidly reaching chronological level with the coloured American Conans and you want to stretch it out as long as you can. They know you'll make a lot more money that way, Money is surely not as important as 'serving the people'. By scrapping The Savage Sword of Conan proper Marvel has removed a very good medium for introducing people to other Sword and Sorcery figures and information on Sword and Sorcery in general. V McKernan from Liverpool thinks the opposite calling the merging of Conan with the Avengers a "good one." He had given up buying the mag before the merger, he didn't like the back-up strips, All that's now changed.

Master of Kung Fu “The Si-Fan strikes!”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: Keith Pollard

Inker: Sal Trapani

Originally published in Giant-size Master of Kung Fu #4

Cover date June 1975

(Published in March 1975)

For the fifth part to this epic Master of Kung Fu adventure Gil Kane's cover artwork from Giant-size Master of Kung Fu issue 4, with inks by Dan Adkins, becomes the opening splash page with a new story title, credit box and catch up boxes added. Last week Shang-Chi had foiled Tiger-Claw from picking up his loot that he hoped would finance his attempt to come out on top in the war between Fu Manchu and Fah Lo Suee. Just  then a group of Si-Fan assassins arrives. Shang-Chi is forced to unite with Tiger-Claw against the Si-Fan.

The two make short work of the assassins. When Tiger-Claw is about to kill the Si-Fan's leader Shang-Chi has to intervene. Tiger-Claw turns his fighting prowess towards the kung fu master. Hackstabber tries to get his $7.80 from the thief's briefcase, but Sir Denis Nayland Smith and Black Jack Tarr arrive. Tarr kicks it shut as all three watch Shang-Chi battle Tiger-Claw. It looks bad for Shang-Chi, his opponent gets closer and closer with his poison tipped claws. Shang-Chi is forced to grab a weapon to even the odds. Useing a broken umbrella pole the young China man snags Tiger-Claw's poisoned-taloned gloves, pulling them off from his hands one by one. Shang-Chi throws away the pole to make it a fair fight, in which Shang-Chi beats his enemy. Hackstabber asks Smith for his $7.80. Smith tells him to "file a proper claim with the authorities." Hackstabber replies: "Well that's a fine how do you! And it's also a criminal outrage! Why I never heard of such a thing! Harumph, sir - harumph, I say! And furthermore, you'll hear from my lawyers in the morning. ... oh, and by the way, is that your final offer?" Taking Smith to one side Shang-Chi whispers to his friend, while Tarr snaps Hackstabber's cigar in two. Hackstabber offers to take Shang-Chi home to Smith's townhouse. When they arrive, he gives Hackstabber his "fare",  seven dollars and eighty cents.

A half page in-house advert for the Spider-Man Comics Weekly which features every week three big heroes, Spider-man, Iron Man  and the mighty Thor. The cover shown is of SMCW #134 and the panel with Peter Parker tied up is from SMCW#129, page six, panel one. Artwork by Gil Kane (pencils,) and John Romita Sr. (inks). The other two? Well I'll leave them for you to find out "who by and where from?" 

The lower half of the page is a payed for advert for Pocket Meccano. This mini kit can be used to build a three-wheeled helicopter with rotating blades or hundreds of other things. There are plans for twenty-five models in every kit. All for eighty pence. Great value for hours of fun.

Dracula Lives #54

I love this cover, it's got great colours, especially the background that really enhances the two characters in a very clean and clear way. Blade is super cool and it's great to see Dracula as a giant vampire bat on the cover. The artist, Pablo Marcos is a fantastic cover artist, especially with his British covers. I'm giving this cover my Cover of the Week award, not because it's Halloween week, even though it is, but because it's a terrifyingly great cover.

The inside front cover features a reprint of the Marvel/Curtis Magazine edition of Dracula Lives volume 2 issue 1, or issue five if you like. Cover dated March 1974, published December 1973. The beautiful painted artwork is by Luis Dominguez. He wasn't a prolific Marvel cover artist, only painting the covers of Vampire Tales #3, Dracula Lives (Marvel/Curtis Magazine editions,) #6 to 10 and the Deadly Hands of Kung Fu issues 13 and 16. All Iconic covers and I'm glad to get the chance to look at this one again.

Dracula “Encounter in blood”

Writer: Marv Wolfman

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Tom Palmer

Originally published in Tomb of Dracula #24

Cover date September 1974

(Published in June 1974)

This splash page was commissioned as the second part opening page for this story. The art was by Steven Stiles (pencils,) with John Tartaglione (inks,) and is currently owned by David IMFan and you can see it on Comic Art Fans. After listening to Trudy Taylor's story last week, Blade agrees to help and go out hunting for Dracula. Putting on his vampire hunting gear. Some of that story featured on the eleventh page of the original Tomb of Dracula comic that had, for some reason been left out of this British version. 

Blade goes out into the night streets and is soon attacked by Dracula in his bat form, who knocks him down in front of a double decker bus. Meanwhile in India, Taj Nitall visits his wheelchair bound wife, who is pleased that he has come. The silent vampire hunter strikes his wife across the face and walks out on her. This was quite a shocking sight that I had to read twice to make sure that I hadn't miss interpreted it. I hope his reason for doing so is explained soon. Back in London, Blade battles Dracula across the city, their fight takes them to a sports shop. Dracula is forced to retreat when Blade manages to partially impale the vampire lord in the chest with a broken ski pole and then later with one of his wooden daggers. The police investigate but release Blade. Exhausted he returns home to Saffron and Trudy, When they ask did he find Dracula? Blades tells them he did but he beat the hell out of him and he'll explain more tomorrow. At Castle Dunwick, Dracula returns home to wish Shiela Whittier a good night before going to his coffin, outside of the Harker estate, Frank Drake decides that he has to leave to figure out who he is and departs but not before giving Rachel van Helsing a farewell kiss. Next week a "manhunt in London" with a "shocking new star." Find out in seven.

Cryptic Correspondence

Julian Lewis RFO, QNS from Essex thinks that a page of drawings of famous monsters drawn by readers for may be some sort of prize, would be a good idea. Julian likes the plot twist of Clifton Graves comeback because it was so unexpected. M Simpson QNS, RFO London has already had a letter printed in both the Avengers weekly and the Mighty World of Marvel and he's been trying to get one published in Dracula Lives. M considers that it is one of the "best run weeklies" started brilliantly with the three most well-known creations in the monster world Dracula, a Werewolf and Frankenstein's monster. He says it is the most well-run because the mag started out with three features and has kept the same format for almost every single week of its existence. Nigel Whipps from Northumberland is a real horror-fan who has watched every horror film possible since he was allowed to watch them. Christopher Lee is his favourite actor to play the Count. He keeps all his copies of Dracula Lives in a big binder.  

Another in-house advert, this time for the Avengers weekly, which uses the cover of issue 96 with art from Keith Pollard (pencils,) and Dan Adkins (inks,). The original artwork was sold on the 3rd April 2021 by Heritage Auctions for $7,500, which is more of less £5,635. The characters that are superimposed over it are from the Avengers weekly issue 97, drawn by Arvell Jones (pencils,) with once again Dan Adkins (inks,). More action and adventure than ever before! 

Werewolf by Night “Werewolf times three!”

Writer: Mike Friedrich

Artist: Don Perlin

Inker: Vince Colletta

Originally published in Werewolf by Night #21

Cover date September 1974

(Published in June 1974)

Here is another splash page from David IMFan's collection that had been specially commissioned for the opening splash page of this week's strip's second part, like Count Dracula's before it. Again the art was by Steven Stiles (pencils,) with John Tartaglione (inks,) and you can see it on Comic Art Fans. It's the night of the full moon and both Jack Russell and Ray Coker have become werewolves and run wild in the streets of Los Angeles. They have been cornered by police officer Lieutenant Lou Hackett, who with the use of a magic ring also becomes a werewolf.

Hackett then attacks them both. Two werewolves makes this story hard to follow, three makes it damn impossible, especially in a black and white strip, unless you stick to the only "tells" in their appearance. Jack is bear chested, Coker has a ripped shirt and Hackett has two weird eyes on his belt. The fight leads into a smelting plant, where Hackett is about to kill the Jack Werewolf until Coker knocks Hackett into a vat of molten steel. Having killed another werewolf, Ray transforms back into a human, freed from his curse. Even in his wolf form, Jack empathises with Ray and leaves .The twist in the tale is that Coker wishes he had been killed rather than to live with a murder on his conscience. Well at least he wouldn't have to face another "Fury of the full moon!" which appears here next week.

The Living Mummy “The war that shock the world!”

Writer: Tony Isabella

Artist: Val Mayerik

Inker: Klaus Janson

Originally published in Supernatural Thrillers #12

Cover date April 1975

(Published in January 1975)

Chaos is about to come to Cairo as the Elementals have come for the Scarlet Scarab which is currently in the possession of Doctor Alexi Skarab, who is a professor of Egyptology and a direct descendent of Nephrus, a priest of Pharaoh Aram-Sean. His companions are  N'Kantu, who Nephrus two millennium ago have mummified. The Scarlet Scarab had been stolen by a thief known as the Asp and sold to Skarab, but had later planned to steel it  back.  The Elemental known as Zephyr had planned to double cross her fellow Elementals, but they found out. With Zephyr and Olddan as their hostage they plan to force Skarab into handing over the Scarab.

Asp and the Living Mummy unsuccessfully try to free their two friends, while Alexi Skarab tries to unleash the power of the Scarlet Scarab on the Elementals, but to no effect. The Doctor's students, Ron McAllister and Janice Carr help create a distraction that allows them all to escape, except for Asp who is left behind to also become a prisoner. The Elementals then erect a giant dome over the city of Cairo, which causes the city to soon erupt into violence as people choose sides. The Elementals plan to conquer the world while the Human's plan to harness the power of the Scarab and stop them. Find out more in the next chapter. 

Bullpen Bulletins

Dracula Lives and the Super-Heroes use this version of the Bullpen Bulletins page, which features a new font on the main headline and two new panels, one of the Silver Surfer and the other the Hulk. The second Item remind you about the Marvel fan club FOOM (Friends of Ol' Marvel). The sheer status of being a genuine member means you received a gorgeous golden membership card proclaiming you to be FOOMers in good standing! They also receive a super-size poster of the Mighty Marvel Super-Heroes, as well as more stickers of Marvel's cast of characters. Don't forget that members also receive FOOM's mighty mag, with recent issues that featured the Mighty Avengers, Captain America and the X-Men. The current issue, still wet from the presses when this was published, is a tribute to Jack (King) Kirby. It features an interview with the King himself. This Item kind of makes you think that you can still become a FOOM member, but as seen in the answer to Tony Cunliffe's letter at the start of the Apes Mail in this week's Planet of the Apes says you definitely can't become a new one. More on the Bulletins later. 

Planet of the Apes #54

The Grand Comics Database isn't completely sure if the penciller of this cover was Ron Wilson or Ed Hannigan. I can see their reasoning for both, but I would swing towards it being Ron Wilson as the penciller. They suggest that Mike Esposito and John Tartaglione worked on the inks. I have to say I find the result to be very bland.

Planet of the Apes “Shadow of Evil!”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: Rico Rival

Inker: Rico Rival

Originally published in Planet of the Apes (US) #13

Cover date October 1975

(Published in August 1975)

The Grand Comics Database lists Brian Moore as the artist on this second part opening splash page. The nature of the story makes this strip very slow and to young Ape fans very boring, but it was a very important part of the Planet of the Apes series. As an old, some might say ancient reader, I loved it for the intellectual way it dealt with humanities perception of other races and its inherent fear of the unknown. Doug Moench's writing was crisp. Yeah you could say that he was just following the movie but he resisted the temptation of "spicing" it up with any nonsense. Both he and the artist allowed the story to be unfold while hinting at a secret that would shake mankind to the core.

Doctor Lewis Dixon introduces the two chimpanzees, Zira and Cornelius to a congressional meeting. His bold suggestion that these two apes have acquired the power of speech brings rapturous, uncontrolled bouts of laughter, that is only silenced by his anger. The chair of the meeting asks for proof, can the female ape say her own name? When she says "Zi-ra!" the chairman contests that she can articulate a word, but is it her name or a phrase. When asked again she repeats it, but the chairman wonders is she replying like a parrot would, only they would say "Polly". He then asks if the male ape talks, to which Cornelius answers, "Only when Zira lets me!" This silences the crowd. A Doctor Hasslein stands in a sinisterly stunned manner. At this point questions are asked in rapid succession. Which lead to answers such as, they are married, their ancestors have used their language for over two thousand years, their community believed that God created ape in his own image and of the other species of apes like the gorillas that where the "militaristic nincompoops" and the orangutans who where a "bunch of blinkered pseudo-scientific geese." Questions on the humans from their world lead to answers that they were dumb mutes, who Zira lets slip that she "disec... ...examined" for study. With Doctor Milo's help and scientific knowledge they had recovered the space ship and travelled from the future. There was a brief mention of a war between the apes and "whoever lived in the territory next to their's". The apes remained silent about their knowledge of Colonel Taylor, but on the whole it was a success. The mysterious Doctor Hasslein leaves with no comment, but a very grim persona. Doctor Dixon was pleased with how things went, but also noted a moment of tension. Find out if that will bring "Trouble in paradise!" next week.

Apes Mail

Tony Cunliffe from Liverpool congratulates Marvel on Planet of the Apes. He also wants to know how to become a member of FOOM. The editor replies that sadly there was no way to become a FOOM member anymore. Christopher Vipers from Middlesex has been a great Apes fan since the TV programme has been on the screens. When he saw the Planet of The Apes mag one Saturday he bought it. To his disappointment, it was issue No. 10. He wonders if anyone has any spare issues from 1-9, and also 11. T Muston Essex has been following the story "The Day of the Triffids" and has enjoyed it very much and they feel that the adaption has improved on the film. Although they feel like they have to complain about the representation of London. Although the well-known monuments are drawn well, the houses in the streets bear a strong resemblance to early Colonial houses in America. Also the artist drew American style fire hydrants. whereas in England they are flush to the ground. Herne Hill from London wants to thank Marvel for printing that "Journey to The Planet of The Apes" featured issue 15. She enjoyed it tremendously, especially those lovely pix of gorgeous James Naughton. R Snelgrove from Wiltshire has been an apes fan for three years after seeing all five Planet of the Apes films. When the mags came out they thought it was revolutionary.

The People who are the Planet of the Apes Part 2

Part two of Jim Whitmore's interview with, and photos of actors Paula Crist and William Blake who played Doctor Zira and Doctor Cornelius in their production of a promotion tour of the movie and TV series in 1975, as well as their other appearances at conventions, talk shows and other publicity related functions. This article was originally published in the Marvel/Curtis Magazine version of Planet of the Apes, issue 13, cover dated October 1975, published on the 5th August 1975.   

An in-house advert for the newly released landscape weekly comic The Titans, which the headline reads "On sale this very minute!" Well the comics was, but the issue shown, issue 3 wasn't yet, it would be next week, sporting the clash between the Mandarin and the Inhuman's King, Black Bolt, as drawn by Keith Pollard (pencils,) with Frank Giacoia (inks,). 

Man-Gods from beyond the stars “Man-Gods from beyond the stars”

Writer: Doug Moench and Roy Thomas (plot)

Artist: Alex Niño

Inker: Alex Niño

Originally published in Marvel Preview #1

Cover date February 1975

(Published in July 1975)

The way that Planet of the Apes is going could well have isolated younger readers, the slow apes story that lacked action and the heavy going articles might well have put them off. But the comic was carving itself out a future with an intellectual readership, who would enjoy high level sci-fi concepts. In 1968 Erich Von Däniken’s book "Chariot of The Gods?" had popularised the theory that sometime in the distant past aliens had visited Earth. Their appearance could have been misinterpreted as the visitations of Gods by early Man and had a profound impact on mankind's development. With that idea two of Marvel's greatest writers Roy Thomas and Doug Moench collaborated to create, with the beautiful art from Alex Niño, this stunner of a strip. Another intellectual Sci-Fi classic to be.

The beautifully written opening monologue reads.

"In the past few years, much evidence has been unearthed which suggests that our planet was visited, in eons past, by aliens from outer space-men or near-men who were looked upon as gods by earth's primitive inhabitants."

"No man yet knows the truth or falseness of this theory. But who among us can say, with absolute certainty, that it did not happen?"

"The precise scenario of these visitations is lost in time and space, and will doubtless never be fully known"

"Still, this is one way it might have happened...."

Doug Moench's possibly "over-wordy" text tells the tale of a race of intellectual aliens, lead by Commander Raaman, who explore the primitive Earth. The guide and neutral observer, Recorder Heralx logs the rationale and irrational thought behind their survey. The Commander order his second in command, Norg to instruct the landing contingent to board the auxiliary shuttlecraft after their seventh orbit studying the planet and ready it for landing. Landing on the surface they observe primitive humans. 

In an interlude, to Cusco, Peru on the 25th January 1975, Chambers and Charles, a pair of archaeologists, historians and explorers discuss their newly discovered finds, ancient cave painting.

In the past Raaman orders Norg to equip the landing party with "cybernetic converters" that will translate the savage's primitive language. Norg points out that to do so and interact with the indigenous life-forms is counter to the prime directive of the mission that is of non-interference observation. The Commander over rules his aide. Begrudgingly Norg carries out his orders. The story continues next week.

The Super-heroes #35

Don Vaugh penciled most of the top panel with assists from Keith Pollard, Arvell Jones and Aubrey Bradford with Frank Giacoia and Mike Esposito applying the inks. I'm not sure who drew the lower panel, but I think it would be fair to say that any of the listed artist might have "knocked up" the Cat Kraven face-off. Giant-Man misses out on the cover but gets a top headline when he "faces his deadliest threat..the Human Top!" 

Giant Man and the Wasp “Showdown with the Human Top”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Dick Ayers

Originally published in Tales to Astonish #51

Cover date January 1964

(Published in October 1963)

Giant-Man continues his training in order to be fast enough to catch the Human Top. Rather than training with a giant-sized top this time he uses a Human Top shaped manikin. Meanwhile arriving at the pier the Human Top throws a bundle of dynamite sticks onto an abandoned tug boat, blowing it up. While the police are busy investigating the explosion, the Top initiates the next phase of his plan in the west end of the city.

Meanwhile in Giant-Man's "gym-lab" the Wasp is alerted to the explosion via a monitor. It isn't explained whether it was a TV bulletin or if in a pseudoscientific way Henry Pym's ants had relayed the images, which would be silly but at the same time perfect for this piece of sixties super-hero comic fun.  Giant-Man devises that it is probably a diversion so he heads to the west of the city to search for the Human Top instead. Before they can leave the two heroes are interrupted by the untimely arrival of the Giant-Man and Wasp fan club. Giant-Man bombards the crowd with a giant shout so that he and the Wasp can leave to tackle the Human Top. A typical bit of Lee and Kirby nonsense that adds humour, but to me it feels unnecessary and slows down the plot. Quickly reaching the west side of the city Giant-Man spots the Human Top leaving the Federal Building. Dashing into the action Giant-Man attempts to hold on to his foe. But for how long? Find out next week. 

Super-Mail

Steve Noble RFO, KOF, from Leicestershire is a true blue, dyed-in-the-wood comics fan who gets Planet of the Apes, Super-Heroes and the Avengers weekly every week, yet he gives an opinion on all six weeklies. Although he does admit that he can't say much about Spider-man Comics Weekly as he hasn't bought it for nearly a year. Power Man from Power Mansion in Glasgow, I've got a feeling that's not a real name, writes in to thank Marvel for bringing out the Silver Surfer and the X-Men. He thinks they are great. Power Man gives some details about himself. He's 13 years old and 5'7" tall and has the power of all of the Marvel super heroes. David Roberts KOF, ROF from Nottingham saw "Captain Scarlet" was broadcast at 12 noon on "TISWAS". David recognised this as a take-off of SHIELD, SHIELD headquarters being "Spectrum" and Colonel Nick Fury being "Colonel White". David also played "Spin-a-disc" on Radio Nottingham's "The Saturday Show" in which the BBC record library has 60 seconds to find a record of your choice. They found him the Amazing Spider-man "Beyond the Grave" LP.

The Cat “From far beneath the mirror of the moon!”

 Writer: Linda Fite 

Artist: Paty (Greer) Cockrum

Inker: Bill Everett

Originally published in The Cat #3

Cover date April 1973

(Published in January 1973)

Although the layouts were credited to "Paty" at that time the artist went by the name of Paty Greer, 'Greer' being her first husband's surname. In 1978 she would marry Marvel artist Dave Cockrum. Paty was possibly better known as a colourist, working as a colourist on the early 1990's classic comic "Elfquest". The original opening splash page had a text bubble that read "We asked Paty Greer to help ease the seams on wild Bill Everett's splitting schedule." In that text and the credit box her name was written as "Paty Greer" but in the British version it was changed to just "Paty". Had something happen in the two years from the original US printing and this version to make her want to drop her married name? 

This story starts with the Cat on a speed boat being pursued by the coast guard. She crashes the boat into an unseen out crop of rocks. The coast guard fish her out of the sea in a giant net. In a flashback Greer recalls the events at the ending of last week's adventure and how she had taken her friend Doctor Joanne Tumolo to her remote holiday home near Lake Michigan. Tumolo's lawyer, Ben Richards, had visited and he with Greer had gone scuba-diving in the lake. While under the water Greer's super senses had detected a mysterious sonar type signal. So that night the Cat decided to investigate. The coast guard that had chased her at the beginning were in fact a mysterious group whose base was hidden beneath the waves. The Cat escapes and while searching the base discovers a room filled with United States Navy uniforms. The mystery continues next week.

On a side note while researching this story I discovered that Frank Miller had a letter printed in the letter page of The Cat issue 3. In which he wrote "Wonderfull At last, a woman character with character. I, for one, am sick of the helpless-female types which have cluttered up comics for so long. While I do think they are necessary and nice to look at, they don't have to be the only kind. The writing is good; the art, excellent. Keep it up!!" It has since been verified as the artist. Sorry I wondered away from this blogs remit, but I thought it was interesting when you think about the iconic character of Electra.

A Marvel Pin-up of the X-Men, taken as a close-up of the Angel, the Beast and Cyclops from the cover of The X-Men issue 50, cover dated November 1968, published September 1968, by the amazing artist Jim Steranko. Some really great stories around that period, but till then we have to stick with the Lee and Roth poor efforts. Speaking of which.

The X-Men “I, Lucifer...”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Werner Roth

Inker: Dick Ayers

Originally published in The X-Men #20

Cover date May 1966

(Published in March 1966)

Posing as the X-Men, Blob and Unus the Untouchable rob a bank. Neither the bank security guard or the police are a match for the untouchable and unmovable duo. While at the X-Men's mansion, Scott decides to leave the X-Men, afraid of his inability to control his optic blast and admit his love for Jean. The rest of the X-Men hear a news report about the bank robbery. The Professor senses a third adversary involved in this crime and attempts to use his mental powers to find just who that is, but some force prevents him. Bobby hands over a note written by Scott explaining that he's left the team. 

The evil Lucifer had set in motion the manipulation Blob and Unus, teaming them up. Scott crosses path with the Blob and Unus as they are rob an armoured car. Changing into costume he confronts the pair. Instead of stopping them he is framed as an accomplice. In a fit of anti-mutant hysteria, the crowd chases Cyclops away. Lucifer watches events, angered that his plan had only revealed one X-Man. Soon though he spots the others arriving on the scene. Arriving first the Beast uses the device he previously used to increase Unus' powers, as seen in the Super-Heroes #21. However the evil mutant  has since become immune to its effects, secretly thanks to Lucifer. Trying their best to fight off the two evil mutants the X-Men are impeded by the crowd and police who think that they are all in league together. The battle swings when Cyclops returns to the scene and knocks the two foes off their feet when he blasts the ground out from under them. Unfortunately, this causes the two to fall down into the subway tunnel below and onto a subway train. Back at Lucifer's base, the alien mastermind is alerted that Professor Xavier is attempting to break through his mental screens. Ready for such contingency, Lucifer had prepared a gigantic weapon that fires a powerful disruption beam towards the location of the Professor. To be continued next week.

This week Butlin's Super Jokers are, from the Ayr holiday centre Andrew Dagg, aged 11, from Northumberland. The Barry holiday centre winner is Jamie Abethall, aged 10 from Hantfordshire. The Bognor holiday centre winner is Stephen Davies, aged 5 from Newcastle. The two winners from the Clacton holiday centre are Mark and Steven aged 9 and 7 from Cheltenham. At the Filey holiday centre John Phillips, aged 5 from Hartlepool, won. At Minehead Peter Webb, aged 10 from London, won and at the Pwllheli holiday centre Linda McAvoy, aged 12 from Liverpool won. This week's Super Joker of the week is Dawn Marie Norcross, aged 7 from Preston, who won with this joke Limerick, "There is an Avenger called Thor, Who takes a big hammer to war. With one mighty zing ...The hammer does swing And his foe is left flat on the floor." 

Also on this page is the Coupon to but this years three Marvel annuals directly from Marvel by post. Your choice of the Avengers Annual, The Marvel Annual or Spider-man Annual at the price of one for £1.20, two for £2.20 or all three for £3.20. What a bargain, but readers shouldn't delay as it would take 28 days for delivery. Not like these days when parcels can be delivered next day! 

The Titans #2

I don't like this "split cover", it seems a bit lazy and isn't one thing or the other. May be the artist have quite got their heads around a landscape cover. The artwork is by Keith Pollard (pencils,) and Mike Esposito (inks,). The insert on the right of Black Bolt is taken from the cover of Fantastic Four #46, cover dated January 1966, published October1965, pencils by Jack Kirby with inks by Joe Sinnott. The Captain America insert was drawn by John Romita Sr. and was taken from the Mighty Marvel Bicentennial Calendar 1976, July entry. 

You can't really see it from my copy's cover image, but the top of this week's cover matches the bottom of the first issue's cover. Could the two issues have been printed together and guillotine apart? Possibly as the back covers also match.  

The Inhumans “Friends against friends!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Chick Stone

Originally published in Amazing Adventures Volume 2 #2

Cover date September 1970

(Published in June 1970)

This week's tale offers Jack Kirby a chance to write and draw the Fantastic Four like he always wanted too. After last week's adventure the Inhumans had discovered that the missiles that had been fired at their hidden Great Refuge had the marking of the Fantastic Four. However this had been all part of Black Bolt's brother the evil Maximus. Using Lockjaw to teleport them to the Baxter Building Black Bolt leads the Inhumans into battle against their supposed enemy. 

The Inhumans tackle Ben and Johnny at the Baxter Building. However also suspecting that Maximus may well be behind the missile attack, Black Bolt dispatches Triton to check up on him. Triton discovers the missile silo and abducts Maximus to return him to the Great Refuge for judgment. Once there he informs Black Bolt of Maximus's treachery. The Inhuman's leader ceases hostilities just as Reed Richards arrives. After a brief explanation the Inhumans depart the Baxter Building the way they came via Lockjaw, leaving as friends with Medusa leaving a moral question, what would the humans do as the world grows it's stock pile of atomic weapons and a sneak attack came? Would they like Black Bolt pause to find the true aggressor? Or set loose the final holocaust? The aggressor next week will be "the Mandarin!"

Captain America “Among us, wrecker's dwell!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Frank Giacoia

Originally published in Tales to Astonish #64

Cover date April 1965

(Published in January 1965)

Readers of the 1975 Avengers Annual would have already read this ten page strip in full colour. With the story firmly set during World War Two, With Captain America his sidekick Bucky. The duo become aware of two stage performers, Omar and Sando, who possess the ability to predict the future. One prediction is that an envoy of US tanks be destroyed, a prediction that apparently comes true. The heroes snoop further to find out that the show is a hoax.  

Captain America and Bucky attack Sando and Omar but soon find themselves fighting Nazi spies as well having to protect a female reporter. After defeating the Nazis we learn that Omar was a helpless victim, used by the Nazi spy-ring leader, Sando. We also discover that the female reporter was in fact a government agent known only as Agent 13, named Betsy Ross in the original telling of this story "Case No.2" from Captain America Comics #1, cover dated March 1941, published December 1940. But this retelling of that classic tale would soon be followed by stories that reveal that Agent Thirteen is Peggy Carter!

The Sub-Mariner “Escape...to nowhere!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Vince Colletta

Originally published in Tales to Astonish #71

Cover date September 1965

(Published in June 1965)

Namor is attacked by a giant squid that protects the cave where the first clue to the location of Neptune's Trident is hidden. Using the clue, a shell with Neptune's mark, he slays the creature. Neptune's spirit appears before the Sub-Mariner and congratulates him for passing the first test. He goes on to tell Namor that he must travel to the Forbidden Depths to find the next clue to the Trident's location. Boring his way out of the cavern through the cave walls, Namor is attacked by the Warlord Krang's minions, but the Sub-Mariner easily defeats them and swims off to his next location. 

From afar Krang monitors events while Lady Dorma, his helpless prisoner vows that if Namor dies her heart will die with him. The Sub-Mariner approaches the Forbidden Sea when he senses that he has be followed. Turning, he finds an elderly Atlantean who pledges allegiance to Namor despite the fact that Krang has usurped the throne. Touched by the devotion he thanks the ancient one for his faith and resumes his quest. Back in Atlantis, Lady Dorma is consumed with guilt at agreeing to marry Krang so that she could be queen, even though Namor had refused her advances she still loved him. Krang begins to rule Atlantis like a dictator, demanding high taxes and killing all who oppose him. Namor meanwhile must face his next challenge, the Seaweed Man, a creature made entirely out of seaweed. Namor's initial attack appears to have no effect on the creature who then begins to impose its strength on him. The underwater menace continues next week.

The landscape centre spread is a strange thing, on one hand it's a unique designed poster that you could either colour or just place on your wall. On the other it was overly big, a single page would have done, leaving more pages for stories. But I suppose that this format left two pages that had to be filled and what better way than fit it with original art. This week's original artwork was of Captain Marvel battling the Super-Skrull against a star-scape as the (not yet introduced in the British comics at least,) Supreme Intelligence watches on. I've been melting my brain to find out who the artist was, but still no luck.

Bullpen Bulletins

The Titans version of this week's Bullpen Bulletins has one new Item that doesn't appear in the other weeklies, recalling that last issue when it introduced readers to some of the Bullpenners responsible for producing the comics every week. This time there's some inside info about the line-ups of the mags themselves, The final Item looks at the new Super-Heroes and asks readers what they feel about the current stories of the Cat, Giant-Man and the X-Men, or would they prefer to see tales more like the recent Doc Savage epic. This landscape version features different panel from the rest with Cornelius, Namor and Captain America.

Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD “Dwell!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Dick Ayers

Originally published in Strange Tales #135

Cover date August 1965

(Published in May 1965)

This specially commissioned splash page, drawn by an unknown artist, opens this Nick Fury second part. Nick Fury had been targeted by evil agents of Hydra, but each attack had failed. The agent responsible payed for his failure by facing his replacement in combat, Agent H. The loser of that battle themselves would face death. Agent H is revealed to be a woman.

Meanwhile at SHIELD's flying headquarters, Fury is greeted by Tony Stark, who is in charge of the agency's Special Weaponry Section. Presented before SHIELD's council of high-ranking officials, Nick Fury is told by Stark that he has been chosen to take up the roll as director of SHIELD. An organisation that has been set up to oppose and destroy HYDRA. At first, Fury is reluctant, but he notices wires from under a table, instinct kick in and he rips the table from it's footing and hurls it out of one of the Heilicarrier windows to explore safely in mid air. The bomb had been rigged to blow up both him and the high-ranking officials. He quickly takes control of the situation and agrees to lead SHIELD. 

The artist behind this mini pin-up remains a mystery. During my research the names that people have come up with have been Jim Starlin, Dan Adkins and Steve Ditko. I'm not even close to believing any of those. What is interesting with this piece of art is the mysterious figure above Captain Marvel. Most fans already know, but in 1975 the British editor teased that the answer would be revealed in future issues of The Titans.

Captain Marvel “In the path of Solam!”

Writer: Arnold Drake

Artist: Don Heck

Inker: John Tartaglione

Originally published in Captain Marvel #6

Cover date October 1968

(Published in July 1968)

While aboard the Kree ship, Mar-Vell fights a strange looking creature in a holographic training session which has been cranked up to the highest level by Yon-Rogg, who hoped that it will kill his rival. However, Mar-Vell succeeds in beating the computer and is ordered back to Earth. Carol Danvers spots the Kree ship returning to Earth's orbit and nearly hits "Walter Lawson" who makes a sudden appearance in the middle of the road. Later Lawson meets with Doctor Norman Lundquist who is displaying his Solar Amplification Light-Cannon. Examining the device, Mar-Vell realizes that the device has the potential of creating a solar energy creature, dubbed "Solam".

Mar-Vell decides to try and destroy the device, but Yon-Rogg uses Marvell's wrist communicator to strike pain in his body, stopping him from completing the task. When the device is operated it creates a Solam creature, that goes on a rampage, becoming stronger and stronger as it absorbs more solar energy. Changing into Captain Marvel, the Kree warrior pools the resources of the world's most powerful computers together to come up with a solution as to how to destroy Solam. Its conclusion is that "over-feeding" Solam with solar energy will cause the creature to explode. Mar-Vell returns to the Kree ship, unaware that Yon-Rogg plans on putting Mar-Vell on trial before Ronan the Accuser once more. While back on Earth, the combined computation power has alerted the attention of Quasimodo who hopes to take control of the super-computer that he's detected, so that he can have "the revenge of Quasimodo!" next week.

Using Jack Kirby's art from the tenth panel on page ten of this week's Captain America, budding artist get a chance to win one of two top prizes of one pound pocket money for an entire year. The two age groups are, up to tens and ten and overs. Or one of one hundred consolation prizes, that are full colour Marvel Treasury Editions, before they go on sale in the UK. All the budding artists have to do is finish the comic strip in whatever way they want. The closing date was the 10th of November 1975, so you've all missed it and the best entries will be printed later in 1975. Well I'm off to sharpen up my pencils and fire up my Time Machine. Oh wait I've got next week's blog to write first! Oh hell, better start now. Happy Halloween and... 

See you in seven.

Make Mine Marvel.