Eyes of the Tigers!

 Week Ending 8th November 1975

Halloween has just passed, Bonfire Night is days away. The nights are drawing in, as winter quickly approaches, with more time to read comics while warm inside. Well you would thinks so if not for the need to research seven British comics a week! I just wish that artists would sign their work in 1975 so that it would be easier to identify the posters, pin-ups and specially commissioned opening splash pages for multiple weekly stories. Oh well there is some joy in tracking the art down, but "unnamed artist" is becoming more common. Feel free to fill in any gaps. Any how onto more stuff and nonsense.

The Mighty World of Marvel #162

Herb Trimpe's cover from the Incredible Hulk issue 163 is reused for this week's cover. I have a soft spot for this piece of art, mainly because of the Gremlin. The way Trimpe draws him here reminds me of the "Top Trumps"-style card game that used that image of the Gremlin. I absolutely love that game. 

The Incredible Hulk “Trackdown”

Writer: Steve Englehart

Artist: Herb Trimpe

Inker: Sal Trapani

Originally published in The Incredible Hulk #163

Cover date May 1973

(Published in February 1973)

You know there have been some great writers of the Hulk strip, before this point in the strip's history and after this point too, but I think that Steve Englehart is very under rated, he should be considered one of best, if not the best. His run brings some of the most creative and fun stories in the strips history and for me some of the most enjoyable. He deals well with the supporting cast's emotions and how that drives these characters to do what they do, while creating interesting ideas and concepts to allow the story to entertain and inspire the readers. In the early seventies next to Roy Thomas and Doug Moench, Steve Englehart was what made Marvel comics the best comics to read. 

This week's story sees the Hulk somewhere near the North Pole as he continues his search for Betty as he's attacked by General Ross's Hulkbusters planes. During the attack, the icecap that the Hulk lands on starts to crack and give-way as he tumbles down into a giant icy cavern, landing before a hidden city-sized complex. His graceless entrance is observed by the city's creator and a Russian General. The General, Petrov, wouldn't be recognisable to British readers, but the grotesque base's commander, the Gremlin, may have brought a small amount of recognition as he bears a remarkable resemblance to the Russian (or was it Bodavian, as the early days of British Marvel comics would group together Russia and China under the "evil empire of Bodavia, so as to not offend any left leaning British readers. I'm not sure there was any, or if there was, I doubt they would take offence.) villain from the MWOM #2 known as the Gargoyle who had died. But more on that similarity next week. The Hulks arrival give's the Gremlin the perfect opportunity to test out his new Super-Trooper armour. His armoured operatives attack the Hulk, who holds his own against the Super-Troopers until they release a gas that renders him unconscious. With the Hulk his prisoner the Gremlin makes plans to deal with the Hulkbusters who are still patrolling the skies above. Find out what they are next week.

The Mighty Marvel Mailbag

Ian Clark from London pens a massive letter that recalls the glory days of Marvel's first foray in the the British Isle with home produced comics, beginning with the Hulk's appearance in Power comic's Smash, in a tale titled "Terror of the Toad Men." As an eight year old who thrilled at the new experience. Of course, he had no idea that those tales were not "home-produced."A month later he was introduced to the whole range of American Marvel comics. His first was Marvel Collectors' Item Classics No.

3. Which he purchased due to reading the blurb proclaiming the Hulk's appearance inside. Since then he was hooked. Another month later Smash was joined by a stable-mate when Wham proclaimed the introduction of the Fantastic Four. As a result of the popularity of the Marvel characters, a brand new comic soon hit the stand. Pow featuring Spider-man and Nick Fury. In issue 4 the centre spread announced the arrival of the aptly-named Fantastic to the ranks of Power. Unlike the others that featured American and British strips side by side, Fantastic was almost

entirely Marvel. Terrific followed featuring The Avengers, The Sub-Mariner and Doctor Strange. Sadly within two months those comics merged. Soon Fantastic felt the pinch and was placed within the pages of Smash and Pow, losing all its features bar Thor in the process. The new Smash managed to survive for a couple of months before finally surrendering its dying body to Fleetway Publications, the home of such British institutions as Tiger and Valiant. Smash sank without a trace into the pages of Valiant within a year. Ian's point in his letter, he was greeted by "Fantastic News" that Conan was now sharing the pages of The Avengers, due to overwhelming public demand. He hoped that was the only reason, the similarities are an area for concern as Ian asks Marvel to not abandon the discerning British Reader. If all else fails, leave at least one British publication, perhaps even a monthly,

This double letter page features on it's second page it's second letter, Steven Woodcock RFO, KOF from Huddersfield write this week's Marvel Mailbag's second massive letter. It deals with Conan and starts with the approach of Barry Windsor-Smith's final Conan Strip and his replacement by John Buscema. He points out that hundreds of letters will pour in requesting Barry's return, mainly from readers who still don't understand that all stories in all British mags are reprints of US mags. Well in US Conan issue 32 a letter appeared from a fan who was disgusted at the replacement of Barry by John. Roy Thomas wrote a personal reply, "As to Barry's reasons for leaving the Conan strip: I'm afraid that, while I've always been in favour of keeping comics fans informed of behind-the-scenes activity, I personally and unequivocally reject the contention that they have the right to know everything that passes between artist, writer and editor; I'll have no part in reducing comic-books to the sorry state of movie-magazines, running places like "Why Barry won't go to the same party as Roy and Stan and that ilk. Still, because I'm sure Barry himself won't mind, neither will Stan, I'll state events very briefly. Barry left Conan after issue 24 for several reasons, too complex to go into-not the least of which was the difficulty he had in producing twenty pages of Conan a month. The major reason, though, was that since he put more work into the strip than we could afford to pay him for, he wanted his original artwork back. Since Marvel, and all comics companies, buy the artwork and story outright. Stan felt he couldn't return Barry's work until and unless a general policy was worked out-something which is now in progress, even as these words are being typed. Meanwhile, he agreed that Barry-and other artists who did both pencilling and inking on their strips-could arrange to get that artwork back if so desired. But of course, Barry could never manage both to pencil and ink Conan on a regular monthly basis. Accordingly, Barry-though still on friendly terms with both Stan and Roy, who've been two of his biggest fans from the days when some now-overly-avid-supporters looked on his as a poor man's Jack Kirby-decided he would finish 'The Song of Red Sonja' and then leave the strip. As announced at that time, however, he and Roy planned to work on several special projects for Marvel, which Barry would both pencil and ink." 

Daredevil “Return!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: George Klein

Originally published in Daredevil #49

Cover date February 1969

(Published in December 1968)

Gene Colan's cover from Daredevil issue 49 is repurposed as this story's second part opening splash page. It does spoil the plot a little but still I've always had a soft spot for the cover artwork. Matt leaves Willie Lincoln's apartment after the army veteran had patched up the Matts wounds he had sustained fighting off the robot attacker's first assault. He heads home planning for the robots return. 

Daredevil is ready for Saxon's robot, deciding that his private gym would be the perfect place to face the robot to give him the room for manoeuvre. Even though last week Matt Murdock was seriously thinking of giving up the super-hero life, but it seems that he's not going to ditch the red long-johns yet. When Matt returns home dressed as Daredevil, he soon finds himself battling the robot once more. Once again the robot overpowers him and to contain him it wraps him up in a crash-mat. OK this second part might not have an earth shattering plot, but one of Gene Colan's greatest strengths is that he doesn't half know how to draw fantastic action packed fight scenes. This one is a ballet of gorgeous choreographed fighting that makes me want to not miss next week's issue.  

Bullpen Bulletins

Another assortment of amazing asides and awesome announcements! The Bullpen Bulletin seems to becoming a regular feature again. The first Item is about the Avengers and the Savage Sword of Conan, with news that Doctor Strange is returning and replacing Shang-Chi Master of Kung Fu, but what the Bullpen want to know which strip would they like to see more regularly out of them, or Iron Fist. The Second Item brings news that Dracula Lives is no more. Never fear horror fans, it doesn't signal the end of the comic, instead it's a sneaky way of bringing news of the title change to the mouthful Dracula Lives featuring the Legion of Monsters. With the new title comes the introduction of tales of the marvellous muck-monster, the macabre Man-Thing. The new look will also feature a whole of horde of horror pin-ups that have never been seen in America or Britain. In the next Item we are reminded it won't only be Dracula Lives featuring the Legion of Monsters, as The Titans each week will feature a never seen before centre spread. More Items from the Bullpen will appear in Avengers weekly, later in this blog.

The Fantastic Four “When calls Galactus”

 Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Joe Sinnott 

Originally published in The Fantastic Four #74

Cover date May 1968

(Published in February 1968)

Ben Grimm calls round to surprise his girlfriend, Alicia Masters, but gets a surprise himself when he's shocked to discover that the Silver Surfer has paid her a visit. After taking in the situation with self-pity he quickly learns that the Surfer is also depressed, but his reasons come with more traumatic implications for the world as Galactus will soon be returning to Earth to summon his rebellious herald. Growing tired of Ben's jealousy over the larger issue and his dismissiveness of the Surfer's problem causes the alien to lose his temper, striking out at the Thing. 

Commanding Ben to look in his eyes the Surfer shows him an image of the Punisher coming to Earth. Quickly the Surfer and Ben arrive at the Baxter Building where Johnny is helping a clean-up crew with repairs to their headquarters following last week's battle. Johnny isn't very sympathetic, thinking that the Surfer should go back to his master and so end his exile on Earth. The Silver Surfer states that he could never be a herald again, as he doesn't want to help Galactus destroy any more planets. The discussion ends as the Punisher arrives outside the building. The Surfer fires an atom-compacting thrust to try and stop the invader. Ben ventures out to the rubble to see if the Punisher was destroyed and is attacked. The two begin battling it out as Johnny enters the fray as well. Elsewhere Reed and Crystal try to convince Sue that she needs to get out of the city until the baby is born so that Mother and child can remain safe. Crystal alerts Reed to the battle raging outside with the Punisher. Keeps his reason for leaving a secret from his wife Reed rushes off to help. See "the exciting conclusion" to this story next week.

Here's a stunningly beautiful piece of art by Jim Steranko, that had first appeared on the back cover of Marvel's second club for Marvel Comics fans, the independently ran fan club magazine, Marvelmania International issue 3. Six issues of that magazine were produced between 1969 to 1971, with articles, features and artwork as well as offers for other merchandise. The history of that publication was quite a dark one, when Marvel's Marry Marching Society (M.M.M.S.) became too expensive, Marvel publisher Martin Goodman cancelled the fan club much to Stan Lee's dismay. Goodman was approached by an executive from California would pay $10,000 to license every Marvel character and produce related merchandise, although Marvelmania employee Steve Sherman recalled only $5,000 was ever paid. Articles by Marvel super fans like Mark Evanier, Tony Isabella, Bruce Schweiger and Ed Noonchester appeared with black-and-white art from Jack Kirby, Barry Windsor-Smith, Neal Adams, Dan Adkins and Jim Steranko, among others who also features through the various issue. The Denise of the fan club came quite quickly as the magazine editor Mark Evanier discovered Marvelmania "was taking orders for such items and cashing the checks, and once in a rare while, they'd actually produce an item and ship it out. But a lot of kids were shamelessly ripped-off." When that became apparent Evanier quit. A few months later, the owner and operator of the company vanished, avoiding a legion of creditors, and has not been seen since". In 1972 from the ashes of Marvelmania rose FOOM, an in-house fan club and many of the creators who worked on Marvelmania International, like Mark Evanier and Tony Isabella found work at Marvel comics. This Steranko art survived and I'm glad it did as it was truly a Marvel Masterwork. 

Spider-man Comics Weekly #142

The Grand Comics Database isn't sure who drew this cover, they offer Ron Wilson or Ed Hannigan as possible artists with Frank Esposito as possibly the inker. I'm not sure which, although I'm leaning towards Hannigan. I'm sure that I've seen the original pencil and ink artwork on some website, but I'm not sure where.

Spider-man “The curse and the cure!”

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)

During 1971 Marvel's Publisher Martin Goodman increased the price and size of Marvel's November 1971 cover-dated comics from 15 cents for 36 pages total, around 20 pages of comic strip, to 25 cents for 52 pages, with around 35 pages of strip. This allowed Marvel to get the jump on their rivals DC, who followed suit the next month. It is believed that Goodman had a handshake agreement with the late Carmine Infantino, who was the head of DC, to make their inevitable price changes in tandem, but Marvel the following month dropped its comics to 20 cents for 36 pages, offering a lower-priced product with a higher distributor discount. All that business shenanigans ment that Marvel came out on top, but the side effect was that in 1975 British Marvel Comics could split the stories into three and use the third part of any of the Marvel titles published as a third part opening splash page, like this week's opening page. All that was needed adding was a credit box.

Spider-man and the half transformed Lizard, who has just about maintained Kurt Conners' intellect, thanks to the enzyme he received from the living vampire's bite, search the city for Morbius. The Lizard's wild intellect starts to take control and the Lizard not wanting to be carried around the city breaks free of Spider-man many handed hold and falls. Spider-man catches his friend on a web-line and after Conners regains control of his scaly form the pair continue their search. On a side note, Gil Kane draws some beautiful art showing Peter Parker's cast of friends with Gwen Stacy, never looking as beautiful, worrying about her missing boyfriend, while Jonah Jameson and Joe Robertson discussing the troubles that the Daily Bugle are facing. Meanwhile Spidey and the Lizard find Morbius, leading to the web-slider and the vampire fighting. During the fight, Connors manages to extract some of Morbius' blood and injects himself with it, which causes him to change back to his human form. But before Spider-man can take the rest of the sample, Morbius grabs it and flies off. Firing a web-line at the vampire Spider-man hitches on for a ride, with Morbius carrying the pair all over the city until he eventually flies smack into an overpass causing him to fall into the river below. Spider-man recover the blood sample, but can't save Morbius before he sinks. Injecting himself with the cure, causing Spider-man's additional arms to disappear. Apart from not saving Micheal Morbius from his curse all ends well, with some possible repercussions that can be answered in future stories. Even with my reservations about a story with an eight limbed Spider-man the last five week's of this strip have been an absolute classic.

The Web and the Hammer

Mark Taylor from Sheffield entered a new fan into the ranks of Marvel and joined FOOM, so he asks what award does he qualify for? The editor gives him a refresher course in the rankings. Brian Goldstein RFO, QNS, KOF from London replies to Leslie Stannage's letter from SMCW #124, about Jack Kirby. He should be happy to know that Jack is now back at Marvel. Brian also learnt from a fanzine that Marvel will work with DC in a joint production to produce a  Spider-man and Superman team-up. They said it should be out at Christmas. Alan from London is a long time Marvelyte who used to pick up the odd Captain America and Spider-man comic, but it wasn't until he started buying Mighty World of Marvel and Spider-man that he began to remember all the great old stories. And then came Avengers, and the rest is history. Gary Bell from Belfast writes his first letter in three years to express his view on Iron Man. His personal life is, to say the least. strange. We know nothing of how he became rich. No relatives have been revealed, we are left to assume that Tony's parents are dead. Tony's love life is very unsettled. with no ideas for marriage. Iron Man as a superhero can be sometimes disappointing. There are two grades of superhero, one who battles menaces and gangsters and sometimes a world-power-mad villain while the other saves the world every other issue. Iron Man is a sort of Man-in-the-Middle, with some really great villains and some dismal ones too.

Rayon Duncan from London wants to know if British Marvel Comics will offer any Spider-man Medallions. The editor answers that the arrangement to import them has ended. Andrew Barber from Essex thinks that Spider-man Comics Weekly is well worth it, even his Grandad reads it, then his Mum and Dad read it too. Brian Goldstein from London writes about "And Now The Goblin" story in SMCW #96, it sent shivers up his spine. Eamonn Clark RFO, KOF, TTB, the host of the brilliant podcast The MegaCity Book Club, from the West Midlands had previously had a letter published in POTA #32, even though at the time he missed reading it. In his letter to SMCW he wondered if the Spider-man cartoon would be on TV soon and how many issues of FOOM would he get for his 75 pence? I contacted Eamonn and asked him about this letter, he didn’t remember writing it, but he must have been 14 years old. Steve Redman from North Humberside congratulates Marvel on the Goliath/ Yellow jacket, Hawkeye/Goliath switch. Yellowjacket has been his favourite character ever since his full action in your American issue Avengers #64, which appeared in the Avengers weekly #95, against Egghead's robots.

Iron Man “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)

This new opening splash page for this second part is without separate creator credits, so I have no idea who drew it. Whoever the page does have credits for the strip with a new title and catch up box. After straining his heart to an incredible extent that his armour is unable to maintain its rate. Happy Hogan being the only person to know about Stark's duel identity he goes to his boss to offer his help. Meanwhile Tony had drawn up blueprints for revised chest plate that can produce the power needed to keep his heart beeting. 

While visiting Stark Happy Hogan helps his bedridden friend construct the new armour. As the construction reaches the final stages Tony's chest plate started to give out due to overcharging. To speed up the process so that the new chest plate is ready Happy uses a Cobalt bombarder to finish of the process. The bombarder explodes, bathing Happy in its energies, causing him to slowly change into The Freak as he puts the new armour on an unconscious Tony. As the suits starts to revive Stark he wakes up to see Happy's transformation into the Freak. Hogan last become the Freak in SMCW #108. The brute crashes thru the wall into the path of Pepper. Even in the grotesque form the Freak shows some tenderness towards Pepper and with two powerful hands he picks her up. Find out what the gentle giant has planned for her next week.

The Mighty Thor “Galactus found!”

Writer: Stan Lee 

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: George Klein

Originally published in The Mighty Thor #168

Cover date September 1969

(Published in July 1969)

As punishment for giving into the "Warriors Madness" a remorseful Odin sends his son, Thor, on a journey into space to seek out Galactus so that he may learn of the world devourers origins for his father. Meanwhile on Earth having injuries sustained by Loki Balder is discharged from hospital. Donald Blake had left a note informing Balder that Thor has gone on a mission to find Galactus. Deciding to stay and protect Earth Balder is shocked to find that the Warriors Three have also traveled to Earth to help him with that task. 

The Asgardians read news of an Oriental country has been secretly detonating nuclear bombs which has caused much uneasiness around the world and in America in particular. So the quartet of Asgardians decide to learn more about the situation. In deep space Thor relaxes as his journey continues through space, however this relaxation is short lived when his ship is suddenly halted by some tremendous force. The Thunder God exits the ship, but before we can discover what has occurred the story returns to Earth and a far off Eastern country, where scientists have begun the final tests of their newest creation, the robot known as the Thermal Man. Who they let loose against their best men and weapons to test their creation. Much to their pleasure the robot performs excellently, proving itself to be neigh on indestructible. Only a Sconic blast halts the robot, but what have they got planned for the weapon of mass destruction? Find out next week.

Avengers Weekly #112

John Buscema's (pencils,) and Tom Palmer's (inks,) cover from the Avengers (US edition,) issue 74 is reused with an added image of Conan on the left-hand side. The top headline reveals that this issue has a "Bonus: The Master of the Mystic Arts Dr. Strange!" which is their way of saying Doctor Strange returns, 

Conan the Barbarian “Moon of Zimbabwe!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Ernie Chua

Originally published in Conan the Barbarian #28

Cover date July 1973

(Published in April 1973)

Robert E Howard wrote an untitled synopsis that served as the template for the published story “The Grisly Horror”. Which saw print in Weird Tales magazine, in February 1935. Later it was renamed “The Moon of Zambabwei” and formed the inspiration for the de Camp/Carter version. The story earned Howard $99. The early version revolves around Bristol McGrath, a wanderer and adventurer, showcased the raw elements of gothic horror, adventure, and voodoo-infused suspense that Howard was known for. Roy Thomas took all those elements and with John Buscema crafted this wonderful Conan adventure.

Conan had crossed the desert south of the Vilayet sea and enters the rain forest north of Zembabwei. Pausing to drink from a pond, when a giant reptile attacks him. Its snake-like body coils around him, in the struggle man and serpent entwined roll into a slimy half hidden bog. Death comes in a hideous fashion as Conan feels that his time draws nearer. Holding the reptile's neck to keep its poisonous fangs away a sharp dagger slices the serpents head clean off its body. Conan's saviour turns out to be a Stygian named Thutmekri. Thutmekri was a creation of Howards that first appeared in “Jewels of Gwahlur”, a Conan tale that was first published in the March 1935 issue of Weird Tales, here he makes his first Marvel appearance. Citing his disdain for barbarians, Thutmekri declines to help Conan and leaves him stuck in quicksand. Conan uses the body of the snake and the thrown dagger to snag a v-shaped tree and drag himself out of the bog. The code of a Cimmerian is a simple one. "Do unto others as they have done unto you...but don't give them a chance to do it again." With Thutmekr's dagger and venom from the severed serpents head the barbarian goes after the man who left him to die. Soon he encounters Thutmekri's bearers, but they have been slaughtered and the Stygian himself tied to a tree. Conan frees the man and in return, Thutmekri reveals he had stolen a religious idol from Zembabwei. Leaving the Stygian to die in peace Conan sets off through the rainforest to retrieve the golden statue. Finding another of Thutmekri's party, M'Gorah, who explains to Conan that the Witch-Dancers of Zembabwei have kidnapped Helgi, Thutmekri's slave girl, and plan to sacrifice her. Find the next part of this adventure next week.

Bullpen Bulletins

Another assortment of awesome announcements and amazing asides from the Bullpen. This slight headline change and its font  featured in the Avengers weekly, Dracula Lives, the Super-Heroes and in a landscape form in the pages of The Titans. Item number four asks the readers if they would like to see more of the dynamic Defenders after the line-up of the Hulk, the Sub-Mariner and Doctor Strange appeared in the Mighty World of Marvel. The next Item brings news that after the adaption of Escape from the Planet of the Apes they will drive straight on with the adaption of the next film, Conquest of the Planet of the Apes. The final Item offers a look at the future features to appear in the Super-Heroes. Taking their turn first up will be the Scintillating Scarecrow, by Scott Edelman and Rico Rival. Followed by Bloodstone, by John Warner and some of the finest talents in the Bullpen. Thirdly the Phantom Eagle, by Gary Friedrich and Herb Trimpe. Finally there will be many more to come too.

The Avengers “Pursue the Panther!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Tom Palmer

Originally published in The Avengers #74

Cover date March 1970

(Published in January 1970)

After an absence for twelve issues of the American edition of the Avengers, that's twenty issues of the British weekly John Buscema makes his much welcomed return to the pages of the Avengers. Don't get me wrong as much as I love his younger brother's artwork and both Gene Colan and Barry Windsor-Smith are also great artists, big John Buscema is the greatest artist to draw the Avengers, fact! Also joining the creative team for the first time as inker was Tom Palmer. Roy Thomas wrote in his essay "Heroism enough to go round", that was printed in Volume three of the Avengers Omnibus, that Tom Palmer had debuted in Doctor Strange issue 172, over Gene Colan's pencils, in the same years as this story was created. Both the combination of Colan with Palmer and Buscema with Palmer had made a stellar partnership. Even Buscema who had not liked most of the inking he received at Marvel was very pleased with this new combo. Roy Thomas, John Buscema and Tom Palmer are the Avengers creative dream team! Absolute fact! The city writhes in turmoil as the nation falters on the brink of a crisis as the somber figures of the Avengers are fixated on the unexpected news that after a string of crimes that are apparently being caused by their teammate, the Black Panther is a wanted criminal. 

As the Avengers watch on, the news report plays a video message from the Supreme Serpent in which he pours fuel on the racial tensions in the city by declaring the Panther a traitor to all that America holds dear. And that the Avengers are showing who they truly are friends with by protecting him from justice. He ends by promising that in a few short hours the Sons of theSerpent will unmask the Panther live on national television, and expose his criminal nature. To fan the flames the news reader reports that the Panther has only victimised the businesses owned by known supporters of the ultra-rightist Sons of the Serpent, which has lead to speculation that the Black Panther is not only Black, but a vanguard of a new type of "marauding militant!" This causes the city to become split over the issue of race. To end such tension the Avengers separate to cover more ground and find the Panther before the Serpents do. Meanwhile the captured Avenger is forced to watch how the racial tension is expanding with the broadcast of the Dan Dunn show, where the host Dunn squares up to his guest Montague Hale with black singer Monica Lynne stuck in the middle, as the views of both men are magnified to a fever pitch. The Avengers' search for their teammate hits a big break as the Wasp discovers the "Black Panther" robbing a jewellery salesman. Janet alerts the team, then tries to halt the robbery. Find out how it goes next week in "Serpent-kill!"

Avengers Unite!

Christopher Byrne from Essex tells a tale of how be became a Marvel fan, it started when his older brother sent him to the shops to pick up two Marvel comics. He couldn't find any so instead bought him DC's The Flash and the Green Lantern. A decision he'll never forget because when he presented those to his sibling he turned into a fiend beyond description. Feeling the onslaught of his rage he wondered why his brother's usually peaceful manner had changed. He decided to investigate, looking inside his brother's cupboard I discovered marvel after Marvel comic, a whole new world. In the late 60's Christopher became a Marvelite of the highest order only faltering in 1970. But after buying SMCW #100 the memories came fooding back and he soon placed regular orders for all the British weeklies. His letter goes on to detail why the current crop of stories as so good and gives a view into the future. Nicholas Ives from Essex writes in to complain about the way Conan has been merged with the Avengers weekly, but his complaint isn't what you think as he's angry that he won't be seeing King Kull anymore. He thinks that Doctor Strange should be taken out or at least alternated with the Kull. 

James Taylor from London writes with a few critical points on, what he believes to be Marvel's best weekly, Spider-man Comics Weekly. I'm not sure why his letter had gotten printed in the Avengers weekly then. James isn't pleased that Spider-man always has to be losing a battle before he eventually wins. Even on a bad day Spider-man is ten time stronger than his foes. The same thing with Iron Man, he's greatly under-estimated. He should be able to massacre his enemies with one arm behind his back, hopping on stilts and in a straight-jacket. I wonder if James is missing the whole point, you have to knock the hero down to build them up. Michael Davis's letter, from Cheshire, actually deals with the Avengers weekly. A few weeks ago he wrote in to criticise Marvel for bringing Conan into the Avengers weekly as he didn't like the barbarian, but now he has changed is mind on that subject, now he really likes him. His only criticism now is the artwork in the Master of Kung Fu from Avengers weekly #100 which made Shang Chi look a bit like Bruce Lee. I think Michael that was the general idea. It was great art!

Doctor Strange “The Doom that bloomed on Kathulos!”

Writer: Gardner F Fox

Artist: Jim Starlin

Inker: Frank Giacoia and David Hunt

Originally published in Marvel Premiere #8

Cover date May 1975

(Published in February 1975)

The Avengers weekly had some fantastic artists like John Buscema, Ernie Chua and Tom Palmer working on it and with the return of Doctor Strange another great artist gets to show off his wonderful work. Following events seen in Avengers weekly #106 Jim Starlin picks up the pencil to create this masterpiece, just as the story, by that I mean the plot, was starting to wonder down a pointless path. Inside Witch House, Doctor Strange uses his powers to defend his friends as the walls and furniture are magically animated to attack them. Eventually he gets them safely outside, where he calls upon the Vishanti to destroy the evil spirit that had taken possession of the house.

Once done, Henry announces that he and Blondine are going to stay and build a simple home for them both where no evil shall ever enter. There have been some great characters created over Gardner Fox's run and to many Fox is a legend, but to me he seems to forever creating characters that are thrown away and forgotten, instead of developed. Henry and Blondine are another couple wasted like Ethan Stoddard and Bethel Doan in the previous Doctor Strange tale. Doctor Strange then departs for Stonehenge on his next mission, leaving Clea and Wong alone in spite of Clea's misgivings. Upon arriving at Stonehenge, Strange faces a number of winged demons that he must use all his mystical might to defeat. The magic continues next week.  

Dracula Lives #55

When I first saw this cover I thought that it had been specially commissioned for the British weekly, however it was actually the cover from of the US colour comic, Tomb of Dracula issue 25, drawn by Gil Kane with inks by Tom Palmer. 

Dracula “Night of the Blood Stalker!”

Writer: Marv Wolfman

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Tom Palmer

Originally published in Tomb of Dracula #25

Cover date October 1974

(Published in July 1974)

Some British readers might have already read this story in the pages of the Dracula Lives Special Edition, published in May of 1975 by World Distributors. If they did they get another chance here six months later. I've been out of sorts with this current run of Dracula Lives, they have been getting better and better, but I can put my finger on this story and point to it as one that really made me sit up and pay attention again. So dear reader if you are reading the old issues along with me, or just my synopsis of them you better sit up and pay attention. In what feels like a black and white noir film a woman named Adrianne Brown Walters enters the London office of private investigator Hannibal King. 

She wants King to investigate the murder of her newlywed husband, Fred Walters, whom she believes was killed by an otherworldly beast. Describing the details of the case, she includes the fact that she witnessed a man bite her husband's throat before the perpetrator disappeared from sight. King takes the case telling Adrianne that she just described the actions of a vampire. He goes down to the "Lucky Inn" and begins asking questions. The bartender invites Hannibal into the back room where he subsequently attacks him. King easily beats the man down, and discovers two small bite marks on the man's neck. The bartender is obviously in service to a vampire. Fred Walters had been an accountant for Wyandanch Limited, a company who had international shipping interests. Sneaking into the dockside shipping office King encounters Dracula conspiring with one of his underlings. Dracula attacks King who in turn fires a gunshot into the vampire lord. However the bullet passes through the vampire's smokie form, instead striking the vampire's servant, O'Brien, in the shoulder. Dracula pushes Hannibal out of a two-story window and orders O'Brien to " deliver those coffins"as he has to leave before "that buffoon returns." The mystery continues next week.

Cryptic Correspondence

Martin Forrest RFO, KOF, QNS from the West Midlands has come to the conclusion that Marvel is the ultimate in comics, that has for years created the greatest heroes and villains. He also agrees with Gary Bowen's statement in Super-Heroes #26, by adding to it that some of the younger readers of Marvel will eventually, if they have any ability at all, learn much more from Marvel, both in writing and drawing. Dominic Hyde from Carlisle is a Dracula fan who thinks that Dracula Lives #16 was the best issue, especially when Dracula meets Frankenstein. Even though Dracula is the King of Evil, Dominic feels he is on his side. Kevin Dobinson from Luton gives his comments on Dracula Lives, the Dracula story is great, the art from Colan/Palmer really does the strip justice. In his opinion they are the best artists in the mag. He thinks the Werewolf should have been set in 19th or 18th century. Frankenstein was a really good story and the artwork was really good, but Kevin thought that Val Mayerik's art was pathetic.

Werewolf by Night “Face of the fiend!”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: Don Perlin

Inker: Vince Colletta

Originally published in Werewolf by Night #22

Cover date October 1974

(Published in July 1974)

The original story opening page depicts the Werewolf attacking a strange character who calls himself Atlas. And the text box probably tease far too much away as the mind of Jack Russell considered that he faced the most dangerous lunatic to stalk the streets of Los Angeles and Jack, even as a werewolf by the night of a full moon, might contest that he himself might be a close second, to what lurks behind the executioner's hood. 

Jack meets up with his friend, Buck Cowan, for an early morning coffee. The conversation turns to what Buck has been working on, which is a hot piece of journalism for the Sunday supplement magazines about a run of killings. Three murders in three nights, all the victims were involved in making movies. Jack is interested but the real reason why he came to see Buck was to ask him a big favour. He wants him to lock him up during the full moon, like he had in Dracula Lives #53, but this time he wants Buck to have extra insurance, a gun with a silver bullet. At first Buck refuses, but eventually gives in and takes the gun. That night Jack waits for the full moon with extra reenforced bars on the window of his room, that withstand even the Werewolf's attempt, however the beast senses that the door is a weaker barrier and slams his way out through it, busting the wooden bar. Standing outside of it is Buck with the loaded gun pointing at the beast. He can't pull the trigger and hesitates taking the shot. The Werewolf flees into the night.

Meanwhile at the mansion of movie producer Simon Kolb, the movie mogul is having an angry phone conversation with an actor who Kolb thinks is a prima donna. After the phone call ends Kolb is confronted with a tall figure in a gladiator outfit, who calls himself Atlas. Removing his mask he reveals his deformed face. Steve Rand was driven mad after an accident that severely scarred his face, that had happened on the set of one of Simon Kolb's films. Taking on the masked identity of Atlas, he takes his revenge by beating Kolb to death with a club. The horror continues next week.

This in-house advert for the Planet of the Apes shows the special feature of a Photo-folio that is a wash with stills from behind the scenes shots of the Planet of the Apes TV series stars. 

The cover used in this advert is the published cover of Planet of the Apes #43. It also appeared a week earlier as the opening splash page artwork from the Beneath the Planet of the Apes story that appeared in Planet of the Apes #42, drawn by Kieth Pollard and inked by Aubrey Bradford.

 

The Living Mummy “Chapter two”

Writer: Tony Isabella

Artist: Val Mayerik

Inker: Klaus Janson

Originally published in Supernatural Thrillers #12

Cover date April 1975

(Published in January 1975)

This second part uses the middle splash page of the original story as this week's opening splash page, but no new title was added and the very bland "Chapter two" was kept. At least a credit box was added. The Elementals have erected a giant dome over the city of Cairo, which causes the city to soon erupt into violence. Soon devisions are made with some of the Cairo citizens forming a force that is working for the Elementals. The Living Mummy with Ron McAllister arrive at the Cairo University to find it under attack by the Elemental named Hellfire, because a number of those resisting their rule were holed up there. 

Ron and N'Kantu watch in horror as all the dissenters are instantly killed. Finding a way to slip into the university, they find the library untouched by the violence around it. Using his knowledge of ancient hieroglyphics Ron finds the scrolls they need. Upon exiting they are spotted by a survivor of the earlier attack, who is armed with a flame thrower. Fearful of the Mummy the man attacks, setting on fire to N'Kantu. Ron has nothing to beat out the flames other than the scrolls and is forced to destroy them in order to put out the flames, while seriously burning his hands in the process. With tremendous pain Ron holds back a cry in anguish as Hellfire may still be near by. So plunging his hands into the soft mud for scant relief. Waves of despair sweep over Ron but he finds the hand of the Mummy on his shoulder and turns to see not a face of a monster but a man who led his people from slavery against an entire nation. Ron's despair fades allowing hope to prevail.

Planet of the Apes #55

It's not hard to see that this week's Planet of the Apes cover was drawn by Ron Wilson with inks from Mike Esposito and John Tartaglione. It's pretty bland and I have to wonder wouldn't it have been nice to have the Man-Gods from Beyond the Stars cover from Marvel Preview issue 1, but every cover of this comic always featured the Apes, until the mag merged with a certain blood sucker.

Planet of the Apes “Trouble in paradise lost”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: Rico Rival

Inker: Rico Rival

Originally published in Planet of the Apes (US) #14

Cover date November 1975

(Published in September 1975)

The World has many unanswered questions about Cornelius and Zira, but their friendship with  Doctor Lewis Dixon and Doctor Stephanie Branton grows, so much so that the two chimpanzees start to trust those humans, enough to reveal that in their time apes had hunted humans for sport and as a veterinarian psychologist Zira had experimented with anatomical dissection and scientific research on the bodies of humans, dead and alive. Although at first Dixon is shocked he sympathises as he too has done similar with animals.

Cornelius and Zira also reveal another secret, they had meet Colonel Taylor. When asked why they keep that knowledge secret they admit that if they did admit knowing him the next question would be if he was still alive. And the answer would have been he can't be, because through the window of their ship they saw the Earth destroyed. Meanwhile Doctor Otto Hasslein, the US president's science advisor is interviewed on television about his thoughts on the apes coming from the future. He believes that their story must be true enough to explain events and he ponders that in some dark and turbulent corner of outer space the impact of cosmic disaster jumped the apes from their present into our present day earth. The ape astronauts have become celebrities and soon they are removed from their zoo prison and shown the high life of a modern human world, with five star hotels and the finest of clothes. Cornelius gets a "monkey" suit and Zira is dressed to impress. The story continues next week.

“A Vision of Venus”

Writer: Tim Conrad

Artist: Tim Conrad

Inker: Tim Conrad

Originally published in Unknown Worlds of Science Fiction #4

Cover date July 1975

(Published in April 1975)

This strip is adapted from the short story "A Vision of Venus" by Otis Adelbert Kline that was first published in Amazing Stories, December 1933, an American science fiction magazine launched in April 1926 by Hugo Gernsback's Experimenter Publishing. Kline was an American songwriter, adventure novelist and literary agent during the pulp era. Much of his work first appeared in the magazine Weird Tales. 

Doctor Morgan, a scientist and psychologist stares fixedly into a crystal globe, for many years he has communicated with the people of Mars and Venus by means of mechanical telepathy, his thought recorder has established contacts with Lotan, a young plant hunter for the imperial government of alba on Venus. Morgan sees with Lotan's eyes and hears with his ears, every thought, every sensation of Lotan's belongs to Doctor Morgan. Lotan is tasked with recovering a rare fungus from an island. Landing on that island the plant hunter finds tracks made by a woman's feet in the wet sand. He follows them into a macabre Venusian forest and finds a woman in distress on top of a giant mushroom, surrounded by a pack of wolf-like creatures.  Lotan rushes them, shooting two dead, the rest flee in cowardly terror. Just then a flying man-eating "gnash" picks the woman up in its claws, carrying her into the sky. Lotan them in his ship, shooting the "gnash" before it can carry its dinner back to its eyrie. The girl falls into Lotan's arms. The girl, Mirim, is the daughter of the nobleman, Zand, Admiral of the fleet of Tyrnana. Her mother died when she was born, her father had died when their ship had crashed during the storm that had marooned her on the island. Lotan had missed his chance to find the rare Kadkor, which he realised that Mirim had climb on top of when she had tried to escape the wolf-like creatures. As he could never again find which island they had been on. But Mirim's shoes had deposits of the fungus, enough to make Lotan rich and gain nobility to marry her.

Apes on TV

This four page "photo-folio" features screen photographs from the Planet of the Apes TV series showing it's stars, Galen, Alan Virdon, Peter Burke, General Urko and Doctor Zaius as played by in order, Roddy McDowall, Ron Harper, James Naughton, and Mark Lenard and Booth Colman. The first page of this pull out acts as a promotion of the networks that were at the time currently showing the TV series. If you live in the Border, Tyne Tees, ATV, Grampian or London Weekend regions you probably saw the series.

Man-Gods Beyond the Stars “Day of the Man-Gods!”

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)

This second part opening splash page is by an unnamed artist and although it helps link last week's story with this week's it stands out like a sore thumb when compared to Alex Niño's wonderful original art. A new story title, catch up and credit boxes are added. Explorers and scientists from space, lead by Commander Raaman have landed on a primitive earth to research into it's diverse plant an animal lifeforms. The primitive humans worship them like gods, although one rebellious human is angered by that and calls them devils who have come to steal their food. 

The aliens observe the humans discourse in silence, as they have a prime directive of none interference. The tribes chief wins the argument that the strangers aren't evil and should be seen as gods. Commander Raaman orders the landing party to don their flight harnesses from their shuttle and the crew fly to a more fertile spot to examine the biology of that area. This decision gives even more credence to the theory that they are gods. 

In the modern day Peru two archaeologists study ancient cave paintings that seem to depict a group of stone-age men kneeling before their gods, whose leader has wings on his head. It connects with the stories told by the Indian Chief earlier that had been passed down through generations. 

In the past the Man-Gods collect samples from the savanna when the tribe find their way to the site. Chest lights illuminate the surrounding, which the primitive humans think are a magical power. Norg shines his light on one human to terrify him, Commander Raaman orders him to avert the beam. Norg questions the order but nether the less complies with it. Which the humans take as the Father of the Gods showing them mercy. In the undergrowth a sabertooth tiger watches. Picking the Commander as its next meal. Attacking with speed the beast is stunned as the Commander protects himself with a force-field that deters the giant cat, who switches target to the unprotected humans. The savages defend themselves with spears as the alien crew-members watch showing no emotion as they cannot interfere. As the sabertooth kills various men it rounds on a female primitive. Raaman's eye's narrow as his hand tightens around his gun as the beast closes in for the kill. Continued next week! 

Apes Mail

Miss Sheree Wicks from Essex writes this letter as she had just seen that a Galen fan wrote in and she wonders if Marvel could help her get in touch with her as she would like to write to her as a pen pal. She seems to like Roddy McDowell as much as Sheree does. Nicolas Conway KOF from London describes the Planet of the Apes comic as Beeeeeuuuteeeful! He's a Planet of the Apes nut, he has 66 cards, two posters, 4 jig-saws, 4 books, one annual and two masks, the comics make his collection even greater. Susan Everett from Yorkshire has been getting Planet of the Apes since issue 10 and she wonders what a "No-Prize" is. Well it's like a Power of the Beesting No-Prize, but better. Alyson Aquilina from Cardiff thinks that Planet of The Apes is a great comic. But she has missed the first 9 issues and asks if it is possible to obtain them? Well Alyson you might be able to pick them up from eBay fifty years later. G Saunders from Kent disagrees with Philip Presland who wrote in POTA #32 saying that "Mike Ploog is no good." G thinks that Mike Ploog is the greatest and his artwork is superb.

I don't know why only the Planet of the Apes was chosen for this advert as all the other weeklies featured the advert for the winters Marvel Annuals. But readers of the Planet of the Apes get a chance to enter a Disney Jungle Book competition and win a fabulous 14 day trip to Disneyland in California for a family of four, were they could see all the Jungle Book characters, with the stars and scenes from Walt Disney's film and the studios where it was made. Not only that but for 500 runner-ups there are prizes of The Walt Disney Record of the Story & Songs of The Jungle Book. All the reader had to do was identify the eight Jungle Book characters shown in the black and white artwork by matching the characters number to the name in the list. Once all eight names are completed, then the scene from The Jungle Book had to be coloured in. All entries had be accompanied by either the special Jungle Book label top from any large or small Camp Coffee. I have to say that I've never seen Camp Coffee and had to google it to find out that it was a brand of coffee and chicory syrup, which could be diluted to make coffee for drinking. The competition is open to any child between the ages of 5 and 14. Of course this was a promotion to promote Disney's Jungle Book movie in the cinemas at that time.

The Super-heroes #36

The Cat gets to star on this week's Super-Heroes for a change, although Professor X does feature in the bottom right corner, not that many fans would recognise the standing, gun wielding bald man. This cover was drawn by Don Vaughn with Keith Pollard adding the inks. 

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)

This second part opens with a splash page taken from the cover of Tales to Astonish issue 51, drawn by Jack Kirby and inked by George Roussos. Giant-Man and the Wasp's speech bubbles that featured on the original cover have been removed, but brief catch up boxes have been added with a credit box to the page. The story title remains the same as last week. Giant-man battles the Human Top on the streets of New York, but the super villain makes a fool of him, by causing the hero to step into a manhole and injure his leg. In spite of the Wasp's help, the Human Top makes his escape.

Returning home, the Top reveals that he had stolen civil defence plans with the intension of selling them to Communist agents. While at a meeting with top-level military officials, Giant-Man learns that the stolen plans are obsolete. He decides the sale of the plans will be ideal bait to catch both the Communist spies operating in the country and the Human Top. When the Human Top calls to make arrangements with the Communists, the heroes are listening via a wiretap and learn the meeting place where the exchange will take place. Giant-Man captures the Communist spies and takes their place in the planned meeting. When the Human Top tries to escape Giant-Man, he is shocked to find that the entire area has been fenced off by the military. With nowhere to go, the Human Top is knocked out by Giant-Man and taken into custody.

Super Mail........

For the first time the Super-Heroes letter page, this week called "Super Mail", has a double letter page, but to be honest there aren't many letters. The first one is from John Coot from Swansea who offers up an idea that the letter pages should be split into two halves with one half filled with letters about the British Marvel comics, which he ridicules by saying that are along the lines of "My cat eats Marvel" or "my mum fancies Daredevil". The other half filled with interesting comments on the American editions. Marc Dugmore from Worcestershire writes in to praise and contradict Marvel on the Doc Savage series. He has always been a great fan of Doc Savage, but he thinks Marvel version of Monk is wrong. In Kenneth Robeson's description, is "A short, anthropoid fellow, his chest is thicker than it is wide. His arms hang down below the knees of his bow legs." In the strip he is drawn as a short man, his chest wider than it is thick, his arms just about as long as any normal man. 

Stephen Jones RFO, KOF, QNS, TTB, PMM from Bristol has written his own X-Men story, its title "The return of Magneto". You can guess who the antagonist is. He writes a brief summary of the plot in four chapters. Graeme Bassett thinks it's plain to see who's going to be the star of the Super-Heroes when Norrin Radd folds, it's Doc Savage! He'll probably gain popularity through the film, which is just what you need. Graeme thinks that Doug Moench, John Buscema and Tony DeZuniga have produced another masterpiece under the SAVAGE masthead. Even Colan and Palmer don't use black and white as well. The fine work on the figurine and Doc's Roadster were remarkable, they almost looked like photos. He's sure it is the fine attention to detail which has successfully given Doc the thirties air. The only fault in the artwork was that "rotten splash page". Which he sees as an insult when put next to the story.

The Cat “Commander Kraken!”

Writer: Linda Fite 

Artist: Paty (Greer) Cockrum

Inker: Bill Everett

Originally published in The Cat #3

Cover date April 1973

(Published in January 1973)

An unnamed artist created this second part opening splash page that shows the Cat spying on her captors the "alien crew", the self-styled swashbuckler Commander Kraken, the rest of the artwork is by Paty Cockrum and Bill Everett. There isn't really a story title for this second part, so I've taken the liberty of using "Commander Kraken!" as one, simply because those words were written in bold in his speech bubble.  

Kraken and his pirate crew had boarded the undersea city that a strange group of individuals live in. Having been beaten by the Sub-Mariner, who had lured his ship into the deadly tentacles of the monster also named the Kraken. The pirate fiend had escaped in a one man sub-marine and after a number of months he had rebuilt his ship and crew. Then traveling via the inland waterways he had arrived at Lake Michigan to find refuge and plan his revenge. Finding the base to be ideal for his plans he offers to drown the original tenants. But the Cat has other ideas. Both she and her new allies fight off the pirates. After beating Kraken and his crew, the pirate captain escapes in his ship. The city's commander, Belag, ultimately decides to abandon earth and blasts his submerged craft back into outer space, leaving a shocked Greer to realise that Belag was an alien. Next week, "the Cat..spawn of the devil? So cries the witch!!"

The X-Men “Shadows of the past!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Werner Roth

Inker: Dick Ayers

Originally published in The X-Men #20

Cover date May 1966

(Published in March 1966)

Although the artist who pasted together this second part opening splash page is unknown you can make out the various images cut and pasted together from the strip. Lucifer's head appeared on page 33 of this comic in the third panel, the image of the world was taken from the first panel of the same page. I can't make out where the images of the X-Men came from, it is possible that they were drawn especially for the page. Lucifer's attack puts the Professor into a coma-like state. Although he's conscious, his body is rendered inert and weak. Contacting Marvel Girl telepathically the Professor orders her wear his mental-wave amplifier so she can hear his thoughts. In doing so, the Professor learns that Lucifer is the mastermind behind the attack. 

Professor X tells how many years ago he first encountered Lucifer while traveling through Tibet. He had investigated a walled-off city, but barred from entry, he used his mental powers to coaxes the guards into letting him in. This attracted the attention of its ruler Lucifer. The people of the town feared of its ruler. Using his mental powers he learns that Lucifer's castle contained a cache of weaponry and machines from another world. The Professor organised a group of villagers to revolt against Lucifer. The Professor with an army at his command stormed the castle, destroying the machinery inside. Lucifer's leader ordered him to abandon the base and continue their invasion plans for Earth elsewhere. Fleeing the scene, the alien crossed paths with Xavier, who attempted to stop him from escaping. Lucifer released a trap that dropped a stone block on Charles, crushing his legs and confining him to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Lucifer escaped, giving the Professor a reason for forming the X-Men, for the purposes of dealing with the threat of Lucifer, should he appear again.

In his secret hideout Lucifer muses on how his devices have been able to sway the behaviours of an entire town and that soon it will affect the entire world, enslaving the entire human race under his control. Lucifer calls his alien masters and request that they send Dominus, the final phase of their conquest of the Earth. The rest of the X-Men return to the X-Mansion where they learn from Marvel Girl of the Professor's situation and Lucifer's involvement in the day's events. The Beast creates a mental-distorter which protects the Professor from the effects of Lucifer's weapon and allows him to accompany them on the next part of their journey to stop Lucifer. With the Professor restored to normal, the team loads up supplies in their jet and fly off to the location of Lucifer's base to stop his planned conquest of the Earth. Next week discover "the startling sinister secret of...Dominus!"

The Titans #3

"Power vs power as the Inhumans must face the wrath of the Mandarin!" The final cover comes from the pencil of Keith Pollard and the embellishing ink pot of Frank Giacoia, who both have totally got to grips with the unusual landscape format. Pollard's original design has the Mandarin face-off against the King of the Inhumans, Black Bolt, both slightly crouching as they ready themselves to unleash powerful forces. Their image is so mesmerising that you can't help over look the fallen Inhumans on the floor. A brilliant cover and my Cover of the Week. The Captain America and Sub-Mariner vignettes have been taken from the July pin-up in The Mighty Marvel Bicentennial Calendar from 1976 and the cover of Sub-Mariner issue 63, cover dated July 1973, published by April 1973. Both drawn by John Romita Sr.

 

Stan (the Man) Lee makes an appearance on the inside front cover of this week's Titans. I kind of feel that it should have featured in the first issue, or at the very least the second issue of the new comic, even though he does mention that readers have had a couple of weeks to get used to the new landscape formate. The real reason for his appearance is to ask the readers what they think of the five fantastic strips that in the weekly and do they like the double sized centre-spread posters. He promises to fit the most sense-shattering surprises that they can find between the covers. He calls the mag the flagship of British Marvel and asks the readers to sail with him because they are the best crew they've ever had. "Excelsior" 

The Inhumans “Pawns of the Mandarin”

Writer: Jack Kirby

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Chick Stone

Originally published in Amazing Adventures Volume 2 #3

Cover date September 1970

(Published in June 1970)

The Mandarin monitors his digging party who have excavated an area of interest to him, in which the legendary Eye of Yin could well be buried near the humans Great Refuge. This archaeological dig has not gone unnoticed by the Inhuman Royal Family who investigate. The Inhumans scare the Mandarin's men away leading to the oriental villain taking matters into his own hands.

He battles the Inhumans, defeating most of them in different ways until he faces their leader Black Bolt, who uses his control of electrons to soften the ground beneath the Mandarin's feet. Sinking down into the Earth he vows that the victory isn't Black Bolts and he will have his revenge. Black Bolt's curiosity becomes aroused and the Inhumans end up unwittingly uncovering the Eye of Yin. This was all part of the Mandarin's plan, it had been a robot decoy of the Mandarin. The idol's eye begins to open, but what energy lies beneath it? Find out next week in "With these rings I thee kill!"

The Sub-Mariner “A Prince there was!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Vince Colletta

Originally published in Tales to Astonish #71

Cover date September 1965

(Published in June 1965)

The Sub-Mariner is searching for the second clue that will reveal the location of Neptune's Trident, when he is forced to fight the Seaweed Man of the Forbidden Sea. Breaking free of the Seaweed Man's grip, Namor manages to get away by causing a whirl pool to trap his foe. Following the clues he finds an iron door marked with the Trident of Neptune, Namor opens it up. Inside there is a fish who speaks in Neptune's voice, urging Prince Namor to go on. 

Just then Namor notices a diamond lodged in the creature's mouth. It is another clue that tells the Sub-Mariner to head to the Diamonds of Doom, where he'll find the location of the third and final clue. Meanwhile back in Atlantis Warlord Krang is furious that the Sub-Mariner continues to survive his trials. Krang decides that he must wed Lady Dorma as quickly as possible before Namor returns. Going to her room he demands that she marries him, but she refuses outright stating that she can love only Namor. Infuriated even more, Krang gasses her and places her in a glass prison, later she will be publicly exiled to the cavern of the Faceless Ones. Brought there she is lowered into the realm by the Faceless One's keeper Zantor. Namor meanwhile arrives at the Diamonds of Doom, however, due to the diamonds' properties their cascading kaleidoscope of radiance causes him to lose his strength and vitality, leaving Namor helpless. This fishy tale is continued next week. 

Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD “Find Fury or die!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Johnny Severin

Originally published in Strange Tales #136

Cover date September 1965

(Published in June 1965)

Newly named head of SHIELD, Nick Fury is on his way back to SHIELD headquarters, watched by various agents of Hydra who still plan his death. Fury quickly realises that Hydra has a tail on him and will assassinate him as soon as he reveals their headquarters. He calls base and orders them to prepare the barbershop as it's time to get a haircut. When he arrives he gives the barber his hat and he slips him a note that says that the next two patrons will be Hydra agents.

Back at Hydra base, a Hydra-Hunter sends the assassin squad, kitted out with jet pack and deadly weapons, into position. While two undercover Hydra agents are sent inside. Using mechanical manacles that slide out of the barbers chair, pining them down. Fury using a "hypo-beam" gun hypnotises the captured Hydra thugs, making them believe they had succeeded in shooting him and that the barbershop isn't actually the headquarters but an old warehouse. Fury then releases them so that they can tell their leaders what that lie. The trickery continues next week.

This week's centre-spread features Namor the Sub-Mariner battling Attuna, with Byrrah and the Tiger Shark watching on. I have no clue who the artist might be as my research has come up blank. However it I was to guess I might be tempted to say that Steve Stiles was the artist, judging by the look of his other British Marvel work. If any one has any more information on the artwork please let me know.

Captain America “The Red Skull strikes!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Frank Giacoia

Originally published in Tales to Astonish #65

Cover date May 1965

(Published in February 1965)

Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes are ordered to drop off Major Croy, an important officer in the US Army, at his home and not wait for him. That night, Croy is attacked by the Red Skull who uses a special gas on him that has the effect of long term memory loss. Investigating the scene of the crime, Rogers and Barnes change into Captain America and Bucky and begin tracking the Major's attacker. 

Bucky is captured and taken to the Red Skull, however Cap manages to fight the Skull's men until they retreat. Returning to his civilian guise the next morning, Steve witnesses the arrival of General Curtis with Mister Maxon of the Maxon airplane corporation to view the test flight of a new plane. When the plane suddenly crashes, Maxon only cares about the plane and not the pilots lives that were lost in the crash, which arouses Rogers suspicion of him. Figuring that General Curtis is next on the Red Skulls list, Captain America and Bucky go to Curtis' home where they find the Red Skull there trying to knock out the house keeper. A fight breaks out with the Skull, who is unmasked, revealing him to be Maxon. Maxon manages to escape, but he leaves his hit list behind, revealing that Captain America and Bucky were next on his list.

Captain Marvel “Die, town, die!”

Writer: Arnold Drake

Artist: Don Heck

Inker: John Tartaglione

Originally published in Captain Marvel #7

Cover date November 1968

(Published in August 1968)

Teleported to the Kree home world, Mar-Vell is placed in a truth chair and put on trial by Ronan the Accuser, over the Captain's recent mission to Earth wherein he destroyed the SOLAM weapon. Ronan accepts Mar-Vell's testimony that letting the Solam run rampant on Earth would have put his mission in jeopardy. The Kree Accuser allows him to return to Earth. However he is sent on a mission to unleash a deadly virus on a human town as a show of his loyalty.

On Earth Yon-Rogg attempts to kill Carol Danvers, however as the Colonel anticipated Mar-Vell comes to Carol's rescue. Yon-Rogg uses the moment to fuel the seeds of jealousy in Medic Una's mind. Mar-Vell agrees to help Carol investigate "Walter Lawson", however he uses the finger prints she gives him to make his match the ones Carol has on file, cementing his cover as Lawson. The Mad Thinker's sentient computer, Quasimodo attacks the Cape using his powers to bring machines to life in the hoping of collecting the computation power generated by the linked computer system Mar-Vell used last week to defeat Solam. Mar-Vell battles Quasimodo as Captain Marvel. The fight leads them to a theme park filled with animatronic machines modelled after humans from the 1890's. When Mar-Vell defeats Quasimodo, he unleashes the virus he was given on the town of animatronic robots, giving the illusion that Mar-Vell had completed his task. Yon-Rogg is furious that Mar-Vell "completed" his mission. Slowly Una grows jealous of the possible attraction between Mar-Vell and Carol Danvers. 

An so ends another week of stuff and nonsense, but never fear the fireworks return next week. Till then...

See you in seven.

Make Mine Marvel.