Beesting's Rage!

 Week Ending 29th November 1975

I said last week that this period saw some of the best Marvel comic strips featured in these seven weeklies. In Planet of the Apes I sometimes thought the current Escape from the Planet of the Apes adaptation was a little pedestrian at times and with my favourite strip from that mag, "Man-Gods from beyond the stars" finishing, would that dint my enjoyment of it? Well the answer is "No!" Replacing it is not one but two incredible strips, Ka-Zar and the Black Panther with the "Panther's Rage" storyline. Plus with "Escape|" nearing its conclusion that strip has stopped walking and is picking up its pace, making the mag one of my must reads with the Avengers weekly and Spider-man Comics Weekly out of these super seven. So read dear friends and find out what all the fuss is about.

The Mighty World of Marvel #165

Originally from the Incredible Hulk (US edition,) #164, this Herb Trimpe cover feels very macabre as Captain Omen orders his "unhuman hordes" to eject the Hulk into the murky depths at 5000 fathoms below the waves. 

The Incredible Hulk

Writer: Steve Englehart

Artist: Herb Trimpe

Inker: Sal Trapani

Originally published in The Incredible Hulk #164

Cover date June 1973

(Published in March 1973)

Page twelve of the original American comic strip was a bold splash page, which was perfect as the second part opening page for this week's instalment. All that was needed was a credit box and a second part story title. Well the credits come in the third text box with a font that looks the same as the other text. But no story title is added for some reason. Captain Omen has sent out his crew, riding on biologically engineered "toad-whales" to recover the Hulk from the ocean's depths after he had smashed through the hull of the Infra-World. Once the unconscious brute is back aboard the ship, he is quickly taken to a decompression chamber where he transforms back into Bruce Banner.

Back at Project: Greenskin, Glenn Talbot and his wife Betty are questioning what is being done to free General Ross from Russian captivity. Nick Fury is called in and the US military have brought in Colonel John D Armbruster to take over command of a covert mission to free General Ross. Talbot demands to be part of the rescue mission much to Betty's grave concern. While back aboard the Infra-World, Banner is shown around the ship, viewing its mechanical gardens and holographic learning system. Captain Omen lashes out when the crew starts asking Banner questions while Filius touches the human. Omen is concerned about the possibility of his crew catching a disease from Bruce. Losing his temper he transforms into the Hulk once again. Captain Omen orders his crew to attack as the green goliath goes on a rampage. With the fight raging, Omen erects a dome over them and lowers them out to the ocean floor. When the Hulk attempts to break free again he begins to feel the pressure of the ocean floor and succumbs to the lack of oxygen. The Captain then manipulates the Hulk into a position of servitude by forcing him to wear a helmet that provides him with oxygen, or a lethal burst of poison should he disobey. Then he is ordered to follow the ship along the ocean floor. Continued next week.

Ninety more lucky runners-up winners of the Marvel Clean Up Competition are listed this week in the weeklies. These names all received a special prize but it doesn't say what that would be. The competition that featured in the British Marvel weeklies from the week ending the 30th August 1975 suggested that the first ten runners-up would win one of ten mystery prizes and the following ninety would win one of ninety special souvenir consolation prizes. Last week saw the ten runners-up win a copy of the best-selling album by Paul McCartney and Wings, "Venus and Mars". I would love to hear what the other ninety won. I'll not waste your or mine time listing the ninety names, you can click on the image and find out. If you were a winner let me know in the comments.

The Mighty Marvel Mailbag

Raymond Milverton from Devon has an ambition in life to get a PMM or a FFF. His first step is to get a KOF for converting a friend to Marvel and a RFO for the number of mags he buys every week. Jack Steinmann is an American on holiday in England. After reading the British weeklies he thinks the covers are not as good in content inside. He finds the distribution in the UK is lousy and he's not pleased with the combination of the Avengers with Conan. He also has a big plan for which strips should be in which weeklies. Alan Butcher from London is a twenty-two year old who was brought up reading Marvel comics, he remembers buying the first issue of Daredevil. He has tried to convince the women where he works that Marvel comics can be educational and are read by people of his age all over America. It's such a pity that people in Britain consider comics childish and are too embarrassed to pick up Marvel comics in case someone laughs at them. When Alan lived in Canada he went to several bookshops where the salesmen and women read comics themselves and were very willing to help him find what he wanted.

L K Bailey from Buckinghamshire considers the best thing about Marvel mags is the fab art. They have never seen better artists in their life, with their top picks Jack Kirby, John Buscema, John Romita Sr., Gene Colan and Pablo Marcos. L writes that they have always been copying drawings from the wonderful mags, so much so they have always had a pipe-dream about being an artist (or an inker, anyway). It was the art work on one of the covers on the American mags a few years back that started him on the road of Marvel life. Simon P Rogers from Kent raises some points on the matter of shading in the mags. it depends on the type of artwork given to the story. If the Hulk was on TV on a black and white set he would be grey, just as Spidey's uniform comes out as two shades of grey. Another point that Simon discusses is Marvelites asked for Conan. But when they got him they couldn't be bothered to buy Savage Sword of Conan. But to him Conan does not belong in The Avengers. His final point is cost. American Marvels use glossy covers with 36 colour costing 9p. British Marvels use glossy covers with 36 black and white pages and costs 8p. The answer to the rising price of British Marvels is go back to old-style covers, make them smaller in size and use a lower quality paper inside.

Daredevil “Starry, starry night!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Barry Windsor-Smith

Inker: Johnny Craig

Originally published in Daredevil #50

Cover date March 1969

(Published in January 1969)

This story was split into three parts, with this third part using the cover from Daredevil issue 50 as this week's opening splash page. The artist was Barry Windsor-Smith but Gene Colan drew the Daredevil figure. John Romita Sr. inked the artwork. Continuing from last week Daredevil manages to knock the robot hard enough to disable its programming. Needing new orders it returns to Starr Saxon for more instructions. Daredevil follows it to its master's lair. 

Saxon is already preparing new targets for his robot, in the false belief that it would have completed its mission to destroy the man without fear. His objective after proving his robot was successful would be to take on the underworld, by assassinating the criminal leaders one by one and place himself as the mobs new leader. The  robot reports to Saxon for new orders, without any recall of its first mission to assassinate Daredevil. Just then Daredevil arrives, in panic Saxon throws a flask full of liquid phosphorus at him. Starr's lab bursts into flame, the villain tries to reprogram the robot with fresh orders to kill Daredevil, however the robot is accidentally programmed to kill Biggie Benson. Daredevil tries to stop the robot, but is overpowered as the robot sets off towards the state prison where Benson is being held prisoner. The robot breaks into the prison with Daredevil hot on his tail. The prison guards open fire on the robot slowing him down, giving him time to get to Benson's cell. Exhausted Daredevil tries to convince Benson that his life is in danger, but Biggie clubs him over the head just as he starts to pass out the robot busts through the wall having reached his objective.

The Fantastic Four “At the mercy of Galactus!”

 Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Joe Sinnott 

Originally published in The Fantastic Four #75

Cover date June 1968

(Published in March 1968)

A credit box with two catch-up boxes and a new story title was added to this second part opening splash page which used the cover artwork by Jack Kirby (pencils,) and Joe Sinnott (inks,) from the Fantastic Four issue 75. If you look up the original cover you'll notice that Crystal's "floating" face has been removed to fit the second text box. They could have kept her in and rearranged the text box, but never mind. 

Galactus has returned to Earth looking to re-enlist the Silver Surfer as his herald, but with the cosmic hero taking refuge in another universe all that stand in the space gods way is the Fantastic Four. The Torch, the Thing and Mister Fantastic have to fight off doppelgängers of themselves created by Galactus, which they only defeat when the swap opponents. Then Galactus sends a mental "astro-image" to command the Fantastic Four to bring the Surfer to him or suffer the consequences. To show that he's not bluffing, he commands a massive meteor to appear over New York City, causing panic in the streets below. Crystal sees it but decides to keep this from Sue who is resting in a hotel room, fearing that such news might strain her already complicated pregnancy. With the meteor heading straight for Manhattan, Reed summons a mental thought that is strong enough to reach out to Galactus. Mister Fantastic agrees that they will help him find the Silver Surfer but they will need time. Galactus agrees, teleporting them to Reed's lab as requested. Reed having deduced that the Surfer has escaped into the Microverse, reveals a vehicle he has constructed to explore "the world within!"

The inside back page features a full page in-house advert for British Marvel Comics' latest weekly, the Titans, with twice the amount of action and adventure for your money! Five big features each week. The cover image shown is this week's edition, but you'll notice the top headline from the cover reads "Bombastic pin-up of the Fantastic Four!" well as we'll discover later in this blog it doesn't appear. 

Spider-man Comics Weekly #146

Another cover originally from an American comic, this one from the Amazing Spider-man #104 was drawn by one of the best cover artist and the current artist on the strip, Gil Kane, helped by Frank Giacoia's reliable inks.

Spider-man “The beauty and the brute”

Writer: Roy Thomas 

Artist: Gil Kane

Inker: Frank Giacoia

Originally published in the Amazing Spider-man #104

Cover date January 1972

(Published in October 1971)

Last week the giant reptilian creature called Gog has kidnapped Gwen Stacy, so Spider-man chases after them but after leaping across a stream ends up landing in quicksand. In spite of his efforts to free himself he sinks lower into the mire. At the last minute Ka-Zar swinging from a vine pulls Spidey from the quagmire. Ka-Zar asks why Spider-man is in the Savage Land after last meeting him in SMCW #55, but even though the Jungle Lord says there are dangers that lay ahead and he should handle it himself, Spider-man demands that he needs to help Gwen, so the two agree to work together to free Gwen from the clutches of the creature known as Gog.

Elsewhere in the Savage Land, Gog has brought Gwen to Kraven the Hunter, who has decided to take Gwen as his mate. He explains that idleness lead to boredom as he has defeated every animal on earth, he believes that he is mightier than Ka-Zar, who he last fought in POTA #3. He had journeyed to the Savage Land to test himself once again against the Jungle Lord. His journey through the Savage Land takes him through a steamy swamp where he discovers a crashed alien ship. Inside it he finds a large chamber, inside that a transparent cage which contained a young Gog, next to some sort of egg. In a second egg another specimen of a half ape, half reptile, but this time a female creature who had died. Kraven had "adopted" the tiny Gog and helped it grow, earning the creature's loyalty. He finishes his exposition by explaining that he intends to use Gog for his own personal gain. Spider-man and Ka-Zar arrived in time to listen to his story. As per their plan Spider-man distracts Gog, leading the monster away in such a way that Gwen fails to see him. While distracted with Gog's sudden departure Ka-Zar attacks Kraven. 

The Web and the Hammer

Steve Shooter from Nottingham disagrees with Derek Mellor's letter in SMCW #133, he thinks the Hulk stories have been tremendous lately, especially The Defenders. He would also like to see more team-ups in the mags. I really enjoyed Spidey and Iceman, Spidey and Iron-Fist team-ups. Martin Black from Middlesex would get SMCW, MWOM and POTA each week. He asks some unusual questions like "How did Peter Parker learn to aim his web so well?" "How did Stretcho's clothes stretch?" But the most important question is "What will happen when the English Marvels finally catch up with the American ones?" I think its one of the first time that the editor has not soapsudded the answer and gone with "we can always start doing new British material and reprint them in America!" Was Dez Skinn reading this letter page. M Bahra's question, from Leytonstone, is why doesn't Spidey's web stick to his glove when he holds the webbing to swing? An other question involving webbing is Spidey's webbing sticks to skin as Peter Parker had made a ball with his webbing in his hands. The get-out-of-jail answer is his hands have a special property that allows him to cling to walls but also act as a repellent to the chemical make-up of the webbing, therefore it doesn't cling to Spidey's skin. His gloves are made of a special porous material that is so thin it is almost as if he wears no gloves at all.

Stephen Betram from Tyne and Wear thinks that Spider-man Comics Weekly is the best Marvel weekly out there, while he thinks that Planet of the Apes is the worst. Jeffrey Lambert from Milton Keynes has just finished SMCW #131 to #132, which in America involved a lot of controversy with the Comics Code Authority because of the involvement with drugs in the story. Jeffrey felt how upright and brave the decision was to defy the C.C.A. when it would have been easy to look the other way and pretended that the situation does not exist. Bringing home the dangers of drugs to people while still presenting it in a form of entertainment is a very effective way of getting the message through. James O'Shea RFO, KOF from London has loads of questions about the Spider-man cartoon in his letter. Colin Anderson from Berkshire questions how Iron Man gets all his complex gadgetry fitted into his relatively thin armour?

Iron Man “Unconquered is the Unicorn! Part two”

Writer: Archie Goodwin

Artist: Johnny Craig

Inker: Johnny Craig

Originally published in Iron Man #4

Cover date August 1968

(Published in May 1968)

 

There's no information on who drew this second part opening splash page. Little effort was made to make a new story title for this instalment other than a "Part two" was added to last week's story title. The Unicorn has sets his sights on a scientific congress to get his hands on a cure for the negative side effects of the Hyper-Activator's treatment, that have improved his strength. 

Tony Stark is also attending the scientific congress. while the camera crew are filming the panel of scientific leaders a magnetic force pulls their cameras upwards to get a view of the Unicorn crashing through the ceiling. The villain terrorises the attendants with his new powers, while making demands in front of the television cameras present. Stark manages to hide away long enough to locate his briefcase that has fallen just behind the villain. The Unicorn see Stark reaching for it and blasts him. With all the attention elsewhere and his chest plate protecting him from the Unicorn's blast he changes into his Iron Man armour. As the smoke clears Iron Man faces the villain. Continued next week.

The Mighty Thor “At long last...the origin of Galactus!”

 Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: George Klein

Originally published in The Mighty Thor #168

Cover date September 1969

(Published in July 1969)

The cover from the Mighty Thor issue 168 is used as this week's second part. It was created by Jack Kirby (pencils,) with George Klein (inks,) the image of Thor was drawn by John Romita. A new story title and credit box have been added. Galactus continues explaining to Thor that the advanced civilisation of Taa has succumbed to the Creeping Plague, a sickness that was killing countless alien worlds. A group of lone survivors decided to leave their world and fly their ship into the heart of a star to die in a blaze of glory.

Things would not go as planned, as the ship was bombarded with radiation. All the crew died save for the being who would one day become Galactus who absorbed all their energies. It was this being which the Watcher would find when the ship would finally crash land on some distant world. The Watcher would analyse him, learning that he would soon need to consume worlds to survive, however as part of the Watchers code, all he could do is bear witness as the survivor would reshape this space ship into the incubation device we see today and create the uniform that he would wear before flying off into space. With the story done, Thor decides that Galactus is too much of a menace and prepares to attack him. Galactus has no desire to fight back, but before a single blow can be struck, Odin arrives, informing Thor that his penance is done. Odin has learned all he needed to and Galactus' time is not yet come! As Earth has need of Thor he teleports him there. On Earth, Balder and the Warriors Three confront the Thermal Man who is raging across New York City unchallenged, only to find themselves easily defeated by the robots limitless strength. All seems bleak, just as the Thunder God arrives. Next week witness "Thunder over New York!"

The inside back page features a full page Dracula Lives in-house advert, with more sinister super-stars from macabre Marvel. Including Count Dracula, the Werewolf by Night and the Living Mummy! The cover of the issue shown is of Dracula Lives issue 34. However the image of the Werewolf attacking the Mummy was taken from the cover artwork from Dracula Lives issue 56, with the image of Dracula appearing from behind the comic cover also from that same issue. The three horror stars were drawn by Ron Wilson and inked by Mike Esposito. Although you couldn't make out much of issue 34 cover it was drawn by Gil Kane (pencils,) and Dan Adkins (inks,) with alterations by John Romita Sr., which I doubt you could see at all.

Just in time for the seasonal push to Christmas this back page advert offer young readers a number of ideas to place on their Christmas list before sending off to Father Christmas. I had two of them but I can't recall if they were Christmas presents or not. The first is under the title of "Dinky firepower at sea..." and is the MK1 Corvette ship, Model No.671, at a length of 260 mm. It was based on the Vosper Thorncroft MK1 Corvette. It could fire three mortar depth charges in sequence. It also had two rotating deck guns, a mounted lifeboat and run on concealed wheels. The second items were from the Gerry Anderson TV series, Space:1999, the Eagle Freighter, Model No.360 and the Eagle Transporter Model No.359. I spent hours playing with the Transporter version. The final toy in this Dinky Toy advert was for firepower on land, a 6 Pounder Anti-Tank gun. Model No.625, which measured up to 159mm in length. Which was a "big" 1/32nd scale of the original weapon. It featured towing loops, a gun barrel that could elevate and the capacity to breach load "shells".

Avengers Weekly #115

This cover was specially commissioned for this British weekly as the original US cover had been used last week. The was of course covers from the Conan and Doctor Strange but this Keith Pollard cover was just as good as those. Inks again by Frank Giacoia. 

Conan the Barbarian “Death-jewel of Erik!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Ernie Chan

Originally published in Conan the Barbarian #29

Cover date August 1973

(Published in May 1973)

I've no evidence of who drew this second part opening splash page, other than it does, in my eyes at least, bear artistic similarities to the Conan splash page from the Avengers weekly #102, that was drawn by Carl Potts. For another example of Potts British commissioned work take a look at this week's Avengers splash page later on in this blog. With this page catch-up text boxes, a credit box and a new story title was added. After last week's episode Conan is asked to rescue Ormraxes, a man he had only just meet, but who had also saved his life. 

Conan was determined to repay his debt agrees to help. Sneaking into the dungeon they find an unguarded door, barred by a rusty lock. Taking his sword and using it as leverage the powerful barbarian breaks it in two. Deep in the labyrinth four jailers squabble over a game of dices. The head jailer makes his rounds giving Conan the opportunity to shorten the odds. Conan plows his way through the rest of the guards and rescues the weak Ormraxe. Upon his return, Conan discovers the masked man is, in fact, Eithriall. Ormraxes, an archaic Turanian term for "ghost," was just a spiritual projection of Eithriall he used to spy on his enemies. The man and spirit use an occult crystal to reunite themselves. Conan learns from Eithrialls followers that he will recover great magic might and use it to devastate Turan. Conan attacks Eithriall's men then interrupts the ceremony by throwing his sword between Eithriall and Ormraxes sending the gem crashing to the ground. With the spell not complete before sun rise both man and living mirage perishes in a blinding burst of flame. Just then Turanian guards appear at that point, revealing they know what was happening. Conan prepares for a fight but instead they offer him a choice, enlistment in the Turanian army, or imprisonment. Conan opts for enlistment as even barbarians are known to get hungry from time to time. Next week "When strikes the Hand of Nergal!"

Assemble!

Sharon Free from Essex Just wants to say how much she likes Conan. She disagrees with Garry Houghton's point made in his letter from Avengers weekly #106, when he said Conan should marry Red Sonja, Sharon prefers to see him marry to Zephia or Valeria of the Red Brotherhood, who appreared in Conan's Marvel Treasury Edition, "Conan the Barbarian." Gary Donnelly from Essex picks the Avengers weekly as the top of his Marvel weekly list. Thomas Mitchell from Liverpool writes that it would take pages and pages to do a rundown on British Marvel mags, so instead he just wants to say "Thank you for three great years." Evan Astro-Morris RFO from London has been a Marvelyte for nearly three years and nearly 500 British comics. To Evan the Avengers weekly is the best mag, closely followed by the Super-Heroes. His demands are that Herb Trimpe is brought back to drawing the  Hulk, that Conan is taken off the cover of Avengers, although he is alright inside, but messes up the cover and finally keep the Silver Surfer going. David Gallagher RFO, KOF from Glasgow gets five weekly mags and is happy with them all.

The Avengers “Cry of the warrior”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Tom Palmer

Originally published in The Avengers #75

Cover date April 1970

(Published in February 1970)

As mentioned earlier this British commissioned artwork was drawn by Carl Potts. It doesn't match well with John Buscema's beautiful art from this week's story at all, but what does? The usual credits box, catch-up text box and new story title are added. Arkon easily defeats Quicksilver and Toad, who are defending the Scarlet Witch who has summoned the barbarian from a parallel universe.  A thunderbolt thrown by Arkon strikes the Toad, sending him to points unknown.

After their battle, Arkon explains to the Scarlet Witch that he is the ruler of another world which is governed by the glory of combat. Due to an energy ring that exists around the planet his world is gifted with eternal daylight. However one the discovery that the Energy Ring is disintegrating. After a time his globe grew dimmer and dimmer until for the first time, Arkon's world experienced darkness. After a while the light briefly returned. Seeking the advisement of his chief scientist, Arkon learned that it was Earth's use of the atom bomb that has brought the new light source. The Grand Vizier Greybeard calculated that the continuation of life on his planet depended on either yearly nuclear explosions on Earth or an explosion so big that it would destroy the Earth. Finishing his story Arkon vows to destroy the Earth, but not before he returns to his own world with the Scarlet Witch as his bride with him. Just as Quicksilver recounts those events the Avengers turn their attention to a TV shop where the news reports that a strange man armed with lightning bolts has just invaded a meeting of the world's foremost scientists. In footage Arkon the Magnificent abducts a selection of nuclear scientists. "Men whose combined knowledge could be used... to Destroy the Very Earth Itself!!" The dangers starts next week as the "Zero Hour!" approaches.

Doctor Strange “Attack of the Shadowmen!”

Writer: Steve Englehart

Artist: Frank Brunner

Inker: Ernie Chan

Originally published in Marvel Premiere #9

Cover date July 1973

(Published in April 1973)

Another second part opening splash page that I'm unable to trace the artist for. Doctor Strange's face profile does look very similar to a piece of black and white art by Carl Potts, but could this British commission be another of his? Honestly I have no idea. But I have to say it's the best of this week's Avengers weekly opening splash pages. Doctor Strange has journeyed to the Crypts of Kaa-U, where his mentor, the Ancient One is being held prisoner.

Entering the tomb Strange faces two guards blocking his way, but his magic has no effect on them whatsoever. Their blank minds draws the conclusion that someone else is controlling them. The only way to defeat them is to take up physical combat against them. First a punch to the ribs fells one than twin feet dropping from the sky above, thanks to his cloak of levitation knocks out the other. Going deeper into the crypt Strange confronts the leader of Kaa-U, the Living Buddha. But the Living Buddha offers no resistance to Strange's quest as he knows why the sorcerer had come to Kaa-U and admired his devotion to his tutor. So much so he points the way to the Ancient One. Behind a grand door the Doctor finds his mentor who in a weakened state tells him he shouldn't have come and he must leave. Kaa-U is not what Stephen believed, when an Ancient One of his master's order reaches the end of their life, they journey to the tombs. The Ancient One starved himself and willed his body to cease. Strange doesn't understand why, but the matter is between Shuma-Gorath and himself. The Living Buddha sends a horde of Shadowmen to attack Strange. As they swarm over him the Ancient One feels duty bound to help his pupil, but this weakens him tremendously. After the battle, Strange is horrified to learn that Shuma-Gorath intends to return to Earth through the Ancient One's mind! This brain-blasting blockbuster continues next week "in the mind of the master!"

Another sign that Christmas is on its way is this back page in-house advert for the 1975 Giant Superhero Holiday Grab-Bag. A 50 pence Marvel Treasury Edition, a special Christmas issue. This 8th issue of Marvel Treasury Edition was released on the 25th November 1975 and followed the previous edition that was not numbered as a Marvel Treasury Edition, instead it was listed as Marvel Treasury Special, Giant Superhero Holiday Grab-Bag issue 1 and was released on the 26th November 1974. John Romita Sr. draw this specials cover. The edition contents included (slightly) Christmas themed stories like "Twas the Night Before Christmas" from Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #10, cover dated March 1969, published December 1968. "Spider-man goes mad!" from the Amazing Spider-man #24, cover dated May 1965, published February 1965. "Jingle Bombs!" from Hero for Hire #7, cover dated March 1973, published December 1972. "Heaven is a very small place!" from the Incredible Hulk #147, cover dated January 1972, published October 1971, (that story has appeared in MWOM #42). "Eternity, Eternity!" from Doctor Strange #180, cover dated May 1969, published February1969, (which also appeared in Avengers weekly #79). The perfect Christmas gift for 50 pence.   

Dracula Lives #58

This British commissioned cover was drawn by Dave Hunt (pencils,) and Mike Esposito (inks,). It isn't that interesting, in fact the Lord of the Vampires looks more like he's afraid to shower.  

Dracula “The origin of the Chimera”

Writer: Marv Wolfman

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Tom Palmer

Originally published in Tomb of Dracula #26

Cover date November 1974

(Published in July 1974)

The second part opening splash page is by an unnamed artist but it hints at people and events that follow in this story. David Eschol and Shiela Whittier travel to the home of Lydia, an old woman who was the midwife to David's mother to learn what they can about the origins of the Chimera Statue. Lydia explains that the statue was made centuries ago in ancient Atlantis. The Chimera was a creature of myth with the head of a lion, the body of a goat and the tail of a serpent. 

The Chimera could give those the power of the Cosmic Eternal. Since its creation, thirty thousand years ago, from metals no longer known to man on an island called Atlantis, it had been exchanged between different owners, often through violent means. Twenty thousand years ago an enemy of King Kull of Valusia, fought him with it. Kull survived his assailer did not. The Chimera disappeared until during plagues of the Medieval period it reappeared once more. Over the years until it was destroyed and its parts scattered. Recently it had been reassembled. As Lydia finishes her story, elsewhere in London, Dracula manages to track down the headquarters of the mastermind behind the theft of the Chimera statue. However, that master planner had foreseen Dracula's involvement and prepared a trap for the Lord of the Vampires, trapping him in the office with metal shutters over the windows, the mystery mastermind taunts Dracula before he can try and escape, a panel in the roof slides open a pure holy water begins to fill the room, threatening to destroy Dracula on contact. Next week "death dwells in the shadows!"

Cryptic Correspondence

Only two letters in this week's Cryptic Correspondence after its double letter page last week. The first one is from Paul Vizard from Nottingham. He's been a Marvel collector since 1968 when he picked up Captain America #111, he enjoyed the late 60's Power Comics, but in 1970 to 72 his interest died. Then came Mighty World of Marvel in October 1972 something stirred in the back of his mind. His letter gives a brief history of British Marvel comics as well as the Marvel Treasury Editions and the UK annuals. Timothy Walker from Dorset asks do the Marvel writers make their stories up as you go along? He has read 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker and knows that it is completely different from that book, as he's sure Werewolf and Frankenstein tales do not go like the stories in the comic. Timothy is willing to buy issues one or three for 50 pence each, which by 1975 standard that's a good price. 

A Marvel Masterwork pin-up of Manphibian. The character first appeared in the Marvel universe in the Marvel/Curtis magazine The Legend of Monster issue 1, cover dated September 1975, published August 1975, in a story called "Manphibian: Vengeance Crude". This pin-up was drawn by Gary Brodsky and inked by Mike Esposito. 

 

Werewolf by Night “Bullet for a Werewolf”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: Don Perlin

Inker: Vince Colletta

Originally published in Werewolf by Night #23

Cover date November 1974

(Published in August 1974)

Ron Wilson's cover art from Werewolf by Night issue 23 is used as this week's second part opening splash page with the creatures credits listed, a new story title and three catch-up boxes. Atlas had broken into Buck Cowan's apartment to murder Buck as a sick form of revenge. Actor Steve Rand had been horribly disfigured during the making of a film that Buck had written the screen play for. Later Rand would become a psychopath, taking the name Atlas. Buck's friend Jack had also visited him and as the full moon rose he had become the Werewolf once again.

Pages 14 and 15 of this issue where printed incorrectly, they need to be read page 15 first then page 14 to make sense. The Werewolf attack Atlas with the psychopath throwing the beast out off the window. The Werewolf runs off and Atlas gives chase. Buck follows taking the gun that Jack had given him, loaded with a silver bullet incase he needed to kill Jack's werewolf alter-ego. The Werewolf and Atlas's fight takes them through the streets of Los Angeles towards Grauman's Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. Actors names appearing in the legendary pavement seen in this strip include Lon Chaney Jr. who played  Larry Talbot in the film The Wolf Man, Count Alucard in Son of Dracula, Frankenstein's monster in The Ghost of Frankenstein and the Mummy in three classic films, comic actors Harpo Marx and Stan Laurel, Henry Hull, who play Doctor Glendon/werewolf in Werewolf in London, Bela Lugosi famous for playing Count Dracula and other Horror characters. Charlie Chaplin, Ray Burr, the actor who was famous for Perry Mason and Ironside, Shirley Temple, and comedy actor Red Skelton. Atlas gets the better of the Werewolf and is about to deliver the killing blow when Buck shoots Atlas in the back with the silver bullet from his gun. The psycho actor falls face first into the wet cement leaving the impression of his face next to all the other Hollywood legends. The Werewolf runs off into the night, but will return next week to face "the dark side of evil!"

Another monster Marvel Masterworks Pin-up, this time of the Frankenstein Monster. Artist unknown.

The Living Mummy “All these great pawns”

Writer: John Warner

Artist: Val Mayerik

Inker: Al McWilliams

Originally published in Supernatural Thrillers #14

Cover date August 1975

(Published in May 1975)

The Living Mummy, Zephyr and the Asp arrive back at their hideout to find it abandoned by Professor Skarab and Janice. Their departure leads the Living Mummy to recollect back to when he returned to his tribe, many hundreds of years ago, only to find that they were being herded on board an Egyptian slave ship. In his anger he had mounted an attack on the ship singlehandedly, but the overwhelming numbers of the Egyptians were too much for him and he himself was also captured and taken into slavery.

Upon closer inspection of their hideout the Asp finds a note from Skarab telling the others that they had gone to the local hospital to see if the radiology department would have a device which could activate the power of the Scarlet Scarab. Zephyr and the Living Mummy decide to go and track down Skarab and Janice Carr, while the others stay behind. While at the hospital, Skarab fails at trying to activate the Scarlet Scarab's power with radiation. But as he touches the gem something very strange happens, fire consumes the Professor, that pulsates out of the scarab-gem, coursing up his nervous system into his head, like something trapped within him that's trying to smash its way out. Almost as if he were a being possessed. Find out what happens in the next issue of Dracula Lives.

This full page teaser is for Marvel's latest horror monster, stalking its way to British Marvel mags from the House of Ideas, the Man-Thing! "Like nothing you've ever witnessed before, strange places, people and bizarre menaces against a backdrop of lurking horror calculated to shock and thrill you!" A major milestone in nineteen-seventies Marvel comics, coming soon to Dracula Lives. Although if you really wanted to see it sooner you could always catch it guest starring in the Ka-Zar strip in this week's Planet of the Apes comic. That's coming up next, but before I move on I'll quickly mention that the stunning artwork used in this promotion was the cover art taken from Adventures into Fear issue 10, cover dated October 1972, published July 1972, was drawn by Gray Morrow. Now onto Planet of the Apes.

Planet of the Apes #58

Another cover that's a little bland, the only thing of interest is the news that there'll be more jungle action from Ka-Zar and the Black Panther inside. I wish they would use some more of the painted covers from the Marvel/Curtis Magazine's Planet of the Apes, but four to five covers per month soon take up that one cover per month. Ron Wilson (pencils,) and John Tartaglione (inks,) created this cover. 

The interrogation continues... A photo taken from the film Escape from the Planet of the Apes appears on the inside front cover. The Ape actors are Roddy McDowall as Cornelius and Kim Hunter as Zira. The human actor could well be Jason Evers, who played the nasty CIA interrogator named E-2 in the credits, who assisted in helping Doctor Hasslein interrogate the two chimpanzees. 

Planet of the Apes “Conspiracy!”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: Rico Rival

Inker: Rico Rival

Originally published in Planet of the Apes (US) #15

Cover date December 1975

(Published in October 1975)

I've no idea who drew this ninth part opening splash page, it's certainly not Rico Rival, the artist does try to copy the clothing but doesn't quite capture the characters likenesses quite like Rival does. As you'll expect a new story title, credit box and recap text box is added. Doctor Hasslein has ordered Doctor Lewis Dixon to administer a truth serum to Zira while Cornelius is removed from the interrogation room. Dixon reassures Zira that the baby will be fine. Hasslein tells the Doctor he can leave, but Dixon reminds him that it is customary for the Doctor who administers the serum to stay and as a member of the commission he has every right to observe. 

As a result of the serum, Hasslein learns details about Zira's experimentation on humans. The humans were made "available" by the gorillas who would hunt them for sport with nets and guns. The survivors were caged, some humans were used as target practice while the rest were available for scientific research. In the interest of science Zira herself would remove organs from the humans to be statistically compared and examined on the dead and the living bodies. As effectiveness of the truth serum's time ran out Zira was asked about her knowledge of Colonel Taylor and his colleagues. One of them was killed before it was found out that he could speak. He had a "unique" skin colour and was stuffed and placed in a museum. Hasslein realises that it could only be the missing astronaut Lieutenant Dodge. When asked about Taylor again she tells them that Cornelius and herself did all they could to help him as they loved him. After the interrogation is completed the Commission make their finding, Cornelius had been an academic who had studied the alleged downfall of the human race with the true objectivity of a responsible historian. Zira had undoubtedly committed actions against the human race which would constitute atrocities if committed today. In conclusion the birth of her unborn child should be prevented and after its prenatal removal both parents should be humanly rendered incapable of begetting or bearing more children so that both can still be employed to serve the community in a manner fitting with their talents.  Some of the concepts touched on in this strip are very mature, which I imagine many young readers wouldn't fully understand. It might have lead to some awkward questions asked of parents. But that in itself wouldn't be a bad thing. Planet of the Apes weekly was always a comic for those who questioned and wanted to learn more about the world they lived in and what better way to do that than through the window of science fiction literature and comics. Next week "When the calliope cries death!"

Apes Forum

N V French from Lincolnshire wants more pictures from the Planet of the Apes movie to be printed in the mag, since the decline of the television series there hasn't been any more information or pictures in the newspaper. In 1975 he started a scrapbook filled with pictures from the movie and TV series. The next letter is from Jack, who with his brother has made a list of the best British Marvel covers. They are at 10. Shang-Chi from Avengers #61. 9, Iron Fist from Avengers #76. 8. Superheroes, #13. 7. Conan from SSOC #2. 6. Planet of The Apes, #29. 5. Dracula Lives, #15. 4. Hulk from MWOM #77. 3. Avengers #2. Dr. Strange from Avengers #87 and at 1.Spider-man from SMCW #91. Tim Gorman from Kent didn't know about POTA until he saw issue 25 and is trying to find the first twenty-five issues. Andrew Aldridge RFO, KFO, TTB and FOOMer from Essex when he was five he used to read DC comics, but since his Mum bought him Ka-Zar issue 1, he thought it was good, but it wasn't till October 1972 and British Marvel came he became a true Marvelite, collecting the weeklies and even sold some of his DC collection so he could pick up more American Marvel mags.

Jason Davies from Gwent has been a Marvelite for two years with an opinion that the Planet of The Apes has great artwork except for the film adaptation of Beneath the Planet of the Apes. City of Nomads is great and the back-up features are ideal. Karl Collins from the Isle of Man wants to congratulate Doug Moench for the story and plot and also Mike Ploog and Frank Chiaramonte for the art from the Terror on the Planet of the Apes. Janet Shann from Cheshire started collecting Bubble gum cards of the Planet of the Apes, there are 66 cards in the set and she has 64 of them. Mark Wiggins from Liverpool who thinks that the Planet of the Apes stories have been fab, however Apeslayer was not up to the usual high standard, but the great artwork made up for that. "Beneath the Planet of The Apes" was brilliant. Kevin Markwick from Sussex is another fan who says that "sometimes" he really enjoys Planet of the Apes, the film stories are great. But Apeslayer is "yuck." "A Kingdom on the Island of the Apes" Cheers! "Evolutions Nightmare" Ugh! He liked "Terror on the Planet of the Apes", "Planet of the Apes" and the "Beneath the Planet of the Apes" stories.

Ka-Zar “Terror stalks the Everglades!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Dan Adkins

Originally published in Astonishing Tales #12

Cover date June 1972

(Published in March 1972)

Ka-Zar and Zabu have journeyed to Miami, Florida to help Barbara Morse and Paul Allen. Upon landing Zabu gets loose from his cage and tries to attack people unloading the plane. Ka-Zar calms the sabre-tooth tiger but still the authorities aren't happy with a wild animal being let loose in the country. Barbara and Paul whisk Ka-Zar and Zabu to safety before the secrecy of their mission is blown by Ka-Zar being arrested. Ka-Zar is debriefed on the details of their mission as they make their way into the Everglades. 

Ka-Zar is told that Barbara Morse and her fiancé Paul Allen are actually doctors working on a US scientific project based in a secret lab in the Everglades. Its purpose is to achieve a certain bio-chemical breakthrough. One of the team's key members, Professor Ted Sallis, has vanished some weeks ago. Ka-Zar has been brought up from the Savage Land in order to help them find their colleague. A girl called Ellen, whom they suspect is a spy working in league with AIM might be responsible for his abduction. She had been found wandering through the 'glades, her mind gone and her face horribly scarred by something. Just as they continue their briefing their helicopter is attacked by AIM soldiers. The helicopter is forced to crash into the nearby swamp, where Ka-Zar and Zabu save the two scientists. If things couldn't get any worse alligators from the swamp swarm to attack. Once again Ka-Zar and Zabu rescue their friends.

After getting to dry land Barbara and Paul take Ka-Zar to a complex that is the home of the secret project, where they meet their colleague Doctor Wendell. They ask about their other colleague, Wilma Calvin, who is in a coma. During her coma she has had periods when she regains consciousness briefly enough to murmur Ted Sallis' name or the word "Man-Thing!" Ka-Zar questions them about the name, to which Barbara explains that the reason that they had not been able to conduct a more thorough search for doctor Sallis was that the locals are afraid of something that lives in the swamp, reports of a monster lurking the swamps spread across the area. It was said to have burnt the girl, Ellen's face. Just outside the window a monster stares dumbly, forlornly at the comatose woman who lies upon the bed within. Once though the man who became this creature could have done more, now the ultimate irony is he now has become a shambling, unspeakable monstrosity named "Man-Thing!" 

A full page in-house advert for The Titans weekly, which show that it's lead hero is the savage Sub-Mariner. The main artwork and the proof comic cover show is from cover of The Titans issue 8, from the week ending the 13th December 1975. the Sub-Mariner artwork was by Ron Wilson (pencils,) with Frank Giacoia (inks,). The vignettes of Medusa and Captain America also have been taken from that cover's right side panel. It's ironic that the bottom line reads "Now on sale!" as this issue won't be for two weeks.

This paid for advert is like one of those you would regularly see in the American comics. But this is most definitely for British readers. It offered a 30% discount on Super8 films of all five Planet of the Apes films, from the original blockbuster, to Beneath the Planet of the Apes, Escape from the Planet of the Apes, Conquest of the Planet of the Apes and finally Battle for the Planet of the Apes. Each colour film cost £10.95 per reel. A automatic projector was also on offer at the incredible bargain price of £13.95 plus postage and packing costs of 75 pence. I've no clue how they managed to do it that cheaply. Other films on offer for the discount price of £4.25 each were "Frankenstein must be Destroyed","The Black Widow","Taste the Blood of Dracula", "Radar Men from the Moon","When Dinosaurs rule the Earth","Dinosaurus","The Blob","Sharad of Atlantis","Mysterious Dr. Satan","Captain Mephisto","Bat Men of Africa","My Son the Vampire","D-Day on Mars","The Undead","Master of Terror" and "I was a Teenage Frankenstein" 

A bonus Black Panther feature page includes a "Map of the land of the Wakanda" and "Central Wakanda". It originally appeared in Jungle Action volume 2, issue 6, cover dated September 1973, published June 1973. The script for this page, if you could call it that, was by Don McGregor. I suppose it was his general concept for Wakanda's geography. The artwork for map and diagram was by Rich Buckler with Klaus Janson adding the inks. I really like this sort of thing, it helps make sense of where things happened and the distances between scenes. 

 

Black Panther “Panther's Rage”

Writer: Don McGregor

Artist: Rich Buckler

Inker: Klaus Janson

Originally published in Jungle Action Vol 2 #6

Cover date September 1973

(Published in June 1973)

This story starts with one of the best super-hero epics of the 1970's. What is nowadays called the Panther's Rage saga, it has left a massive mark on the Marvel universe with characters and ideas that were used in the MCU's Black Panther film. Produced in 1973, by 1975 people began to appreciate just how great it was, so much so British Marvel Comics added the word "Beginning" to the front of the story title to let British readers known that this was only the beginning and that they would be in for a treat. 

T'Challa returns to Wakanda to find his homeland threatened by a new menace. He discovers that one of his loyal subjects has been captured and tortured by two men, Kazibe and Tayete, who are under the employment of a mysterious man called Killmonger. The Panther fights and defeats the two mercenaries, then sets about freeing the Wakandian loyalist from the cage. T'Challa asks the man why they had done this to him, he tells his king that they sought to learn of the Royal orders given from the throne in the Panther's absence. Many people said their king would never return and that he had deserted them, but he never lost faith in him. Silently the man dies, T'Challa carries his body through the streets of the Wakanda village to the royal palace, with all who see watching with sombre eyes and mute emotions. At the palace he is greeted by W'Kabi, the Wakandan chief of security, who T'Challa asks about what tears Wakanda apart. He answers what the whispered threat that leaves terror in its wake, a man's name, Erik Killmonger. W'Kabi adds that if T'Challa had spent more time in his kingdom he would not have to ask. The King orders W'Kabi to send warriors to the Northern Hills to find out how the mountain dwellers got their hands on a mechanical weapon. Monica Lynne, last seen in the Avengers weekly #113, has accompanied T'Challa to his kingdom and as it seems has become romantically closer to him. This story actually takes place after the stories "Lo! The Lethal Legion!" and "The battle at last!" from Avengers weekly #122 to #123 from the week ending 17th and 24th January 1976. Next week "Retribution!"

The Super-heroes #39

I really like this Super-Heroes cover, it's better than the X-Men cover that the story was taken from. It was made by a team of artists but you wouldn't know it as the style is pretty constant. Arvell Jones draws the layouts, with Aubrey Bradford adding the finishing art. Don Vaughn penciled the image of Professor X. Frank Giacoia and Mike Esposito applied the inks. It was so good that Marvel UK used it again as the cover of The Mighty Thor and the X-Men issue 22, cover dated 14th September 1983, with slight changes to the colours as you can see here. I like the covers from both British weeklies so much I'm going to award it my Cover of the Week.   

Giant Man and the Wasp “Trapped by the Porcupine!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Dick Ayers

Inker: Dick Ayers

Originally published in Tales to Astonish #53

Cover date March 1964

(Published in December 1963)

Giant-Man and the Wasp put on a show outside a local orphanage are unaware that they are being secretly watched by the Porcupine, who uses his armour to cause the stunt to fail. The two heroes recover from falling to their deaths, with only Giant-Man hurting his ankle. Porcupine leaves unnoticed and recounts his first encounter with the heroes, in Tales to Astonish Vol 1 #48, when Giant-Man was known as Ant-Man. Back in his lab he develops a powerful sleeping gas that would even affect Giant-Man's over-sized lungs.

The Porcupine then decides to use the Giant-Man and Wasp fan club as a method to get revenge on the two heroes. Showing up at a local chapter's club meeting, he convinces the members to dress up as Giant-Man villains and visit the injured hero to cheer him up. The duped fans agree and help organise the event. It's strange that Stan Lee thought it would be a good idea for the Fan Club members to dress up already as Giant-Man foes. May be Stan was a head of his time, nowadays cosplay is at every convention. Upon arriving at Giant-Man's headquarters to visit the injured hero, Porcupine asks the Wasp, who thinks his costume is really convincing, to retrieve a "present" that he had purchased for Giant-Man but forgot in his car. The Wasp agrees to do so and once she is out of the room, the Porcupine unleashes his gas. Giant-Man quickly thinking grows up to full size and uses one of his gym rings to spin really fast and disperse the gas. Giant-Man battles the Porcupine until the villain gets loose and informs the hero that he has captured the Wasp and escapes. Next week Giant-Man must face "the peril of the Porcupine!"

Super-Mail

Stephen Warral from the West Midlands liked the Avengers appearing in the X-Men as he says it was good to see the old team again. In preparation for the Silver Surfer series ending he suggests that the Defenders or Captain America would make a good replacement. Asif Sardar from Birmingham wonders what happened to FOOM issue 8? He includes in his letter a point that was made originally in the Silver Surfer's American letter page, "there is much argument as to what religion the white-headed Kojak belongs. Some people say he is a Christian, but I say he has no religion. But this does not make him a Communist. He takes the good parts of every religion." Gary Price KOF, RFO from Manchester considers that reading Marvel comics for over six years has been a privilege, as out of it as he's learned that the true meaning of life. By reading these mags he has learned what it is like to be unwanted, depressed, feared, hated, having no-one to turn to, thinking why the heck they think you are so different from them when all you want to do is join society and live like any normal human being, but just because you look different or seem strange or they see the wrong side of an incident they abolish you from society and wonder if you're safe on the streets. One example is Spiderman. Another is the Silver Surfer.

Spidey and the Cat..together “The Man-Killer moves at midnight!”

 Writer: Gerry Conway

Artist: Jim Mooney

Inker: Jim Mooney

Originally published in Marvel Team-Up #8

Cover date April 1973

(Published in January 1973)

With the Cat series ended British Marvel took the smart idea to replace it with a Marvel Team-Up tale featuring the Cat and of course Spider-man. Which was a great idea in that it would have boosted the comic that was failing a bit. Spider-man was patrolling the streets of New York, when his spider-sense warns him that someone is nearby. Suddenly, a woman in a yellow cat costume attacks him, but he manages to evade her, even though his guard was dropped by the fact his attacker was a woman. Avoiding a near-fatal fall, the woman asks the wall-crawler if she had proved herself and if they can talk. 

The Cat explains to Spider-man that she needs his help in solving the murder of a Chicago politician. The killer is a woman named Katrina Luisa van Horn, aka the Man-Killer, who has fled to New York City. Recounting how she had witnessed the mayor of Chicago murdered from afar, the killer had thrown a sharp projectile at him. Later she had tracked down the killer, but was overpowered by the Man-Killer, due to her enhanced strength. Spider-man agrees to help. Meanwhile, elsewhere in the city, the Man-Killer crashes in on a meeting of an all-female militia who had paid for her training. She was furious that they had hired a man as a bodyguard, so she beats the male bodyguard to a pulp. Reflecting back to events that led her to become the woman she became. During the Winter Olympics, she accepted a challenge from fellow skier Karl Lubbing to prove that women could compete with men. Lubbing and van Horn hit the slopes. Lubbing immediately tried to cut Katrina off causing them both to ski off a cliff. Lubbing died, and although van Horn survived she was horribly scarred and crippled, ending her career. Finishing her recollection, Man-Killer tells her minions that they are going to strike at men by attacking the Manhattan-Harlem Power Plant. I'm sure that Gerry Conway has used this plot idea before with other super-villains, but any way next week "the Man-Killer strikes!"

The X-Men “Divided..we fall!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Werner Roth

Inker: Dick Ayers

Originally published in The X-Men #22

Cover date July 1966

(Published in May1966)

In the Danger Room the X-Men face a gigantic robot named Colosso. They attack one-by-one with little effect, until they attack it as a team learning that its weakness is its sensory eye. With the help of Jean's telekinetic powers and Iceman's freezing abilities, they defeat the robot. With the test completed the Professor allows his students to take another break since their last one was interrupted when they dealt with Mimic, in the Super-Heroes #33. Warren asks Jean out to dinner, Jean then invites Scott to tag along. He accepts much to Warren's displeasure.

With his students gone, the Professor laments over the loss of mobility in his legs. Meanwhile Count Nefaria has returned to the United States. Using the remnants of his Maggia connections the Count plans to organise a group of five super-powered villains as lieutenants to rebuild his crime empire. Reading a newspaper article about the X-Men Nefaria draws the conclusion that the mutants are outcasts who would make ideal recruits as his allies. Bobby and Hank meet up with Vera and Zelda for a movie date, while Jean, Warren, and Scott enjoy dinner together. The dinner ends and Scott leaves by himself, while Warren drives Jean to Grand Central Station. In the car ride, Jean worries that Scott will never express any feelings toward her. Scott is brooding on the same subject, when suddenly he sees Marvel Girl levitating into Central Park. He goes to investigate. Jean, now dropped off by Warren, hears a radio report about the same thing and also investigates. Changing into her Marvel Girl costume Jean is attacked in the Park by Plantman, who is now an agent of Count Nefaria, who binds her with vines and with chloroform gas knocks her out. Find the X-Men "at the mercy of Count Nefaria!" next week.

The Titans #6

Captain America and Bucky take this week's cover and the comic's logo. I imagine that many British comic fans would have liked this cover, especially if they are fans of "War" comics. The artwork was penciled by Keith Pollard with inks by Frank Giacoia. The Black Bolt vignette was taken from the covers of Fantastic Four issue 46, cover dated January 1966, published October 1965, drawn by Jack Kirby with inks by Joe Sinnott, while the Captain Marvel vignette is taken from Captain Marvel #7, cover dated November 1968, published August 1968, penciled and inked by John Romita Sr.

The Inhumans “Hell on Earth!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Neal Adams

Inker: Tom Palmer

Originally published in Amazing Adventures Volume 2 #6

Cover date March 1971

(Published in December 1970)

Feeling that Black Bolt's ruling that his brother Maximus, should be incarcerated for the good of the Great Refuge was unjust, Gorgon and Karnak have disobeyed their King's orders and released him from his confinement cylinder. Their actions have unleashed the mad Inhuman's power onto the world. His first act was to use his new found brain-wave powers to give Black Bolt amnesia, so that he no longer remembers that his voice can shatter mountains. 

Realising the error of the decision Gorgon and Karnak try to stop Maximus, but their actions are stopped by the evil Inhuman's mind powers that even set Inhuman against Inhuman. In San Francisco a young boy tries to help the strangers who was Black Bolt. But Black Bolt wonders off away from the boy. Facing out to sea Black Bolt answers the boys questions with a whisper, "I" that obliterate a  tanker that was moored at the end of the dock. The resulting shock not only completely destroys the tanker and creates a small tidal wave, so the boy leads Black Bolt away. Meanwhile in the Great Refuge Maximus has completely enslaved the Inhumans with his mental powers, turning citizens into mindless slaves who he orders to attack the Royal family. Back from delivering a peace message to Prince Namor, Triton has returned in time to witness events. Riding a Sky-Sled he rescues Karnak, Medusa and Gorgon, then quickly they fleeing the scene. In San Francisco the police arrive investigating the tankers destruction. The boy and Black Bolt hide from the police, but someone else has discovered them. Find out who in next week's "The killer wears my name!"

The Sub-Mariner “The end of the quest!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Vince Colletta

Originally published in Tales to Astonish #75

Cover date January 1966

(Published in October 1965)

The Sub-Mariner holds the nearly lifeless form of Lady Dorma in his hands ready to defend her from the army of Faceless Ones. Suddenly they stop and Namor is visited by the spirit of Neptune, who tells Namor that he has forsaken his task of claiming Neptune's Trident, the key to reclaiming Atlantis from Warlord Krang. Namor explains that he did it to rescue Lady Dorma, which leaves Neptune touched that the Sub-Mariner gave up the quest for the love and so he is worthy of the Trident. Vashti the elder watches as the Faceless Ones suddenly disappear and Namor is bequeathed the Trident of Neptune.

Vashti praises the Sub-Mariner on his success and tells Prince Namor of  what is transpiring in the oppressed nation of Atlantis. No moment to lose, Namor swims off toward home in hope of reviving Lady Dorma to health with a Revitaliser Ray, with Vashti following behind carrying the trident. Arriving outside Atlantis quickly, Namor's superior swimming skills allow him to dodge the guards' ray blasts and smash through the main gates. Within the kingdom's walls, Namor is attacked by Krang's robot-tank. The Avenging Son makes short work of it. Taking Dorma's unconscious body to the medical facilities he preps he from the Revitaliser Ray. Krang in an attempt to stop Namor from saving Lady Dorma's life by short circuiting the device. Vashti spots him, then calling out to his Prince he toss namor the trident, which he uses to pin down Krang's hand with it. Finally face to face with his foe, Namor prepares for the final battle.

Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD “The battle lost!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: John Severin

Originally published in Strange Tales #137

Cover date October 1965

(Published in July 1965)

An unnamed artist created this second part opening splash page, with a new story title, credit box and catch-up text box, which sees two SHIELD agents crash through a wall to escape a group ofHydra agents, who want the secrets they are carrying. The agent's car drives into the sea but they are then attacked by Hydra frogmen. With no other option left they press the self destruct button, killing themselves and the Hydra goons. 

With the death of the agents monitored by DumDum Dugan and Nick Fury, who quickly make fresh plans as the microfilm that the agents had been carrying contained plans for Hydra's giant Betatron bomb and the location of its launch site. With only a clue that the site could be somewhere in the Balkans Fury, Jones and Dugan travel there, where the trail first started. Meanwhile a meeting at Imperial Industries International reveals that the company is a front for HYDRA. Agent G, who is Imperial Hydra's daughter, tries to reason with her father that the Betatron bomb is too powerful to unleash on the world. But she is unable to stop him from launching it into Earth's atmosphere. The story continues next week with a priority A-1 warning not to miss it.

This week's Marvel Masterwork Centre-spread number 6 isn't the "Bombastic pin-up poster of the Fantastic Four!" as this week's front cover's top headline reported. Instead it features Captain Marvel battling against an array of cosmic villains, including the Super-Skrull, the Sentry #459, Ronan the Accuser and Colonel Yon-Rogg. It does promise that next week's centre-spread will feature the Inhumans and the Fantastic Four. The artist of this week's pin-up is unnamed.

Captain America “The sentinel and the spy!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Frank Giacoia

Originally published in Tales to Astonish #68

Cover date August 1965

(Published in May 1965)

As readers would have seen last week the brainwashed Captain America had entered the office of one of the Allied forces top leaders to shoot him under the orders of the Red Skull. However, Cap manages to snap out of his brainwashing before firing the fatal shot, saving the commanders life. Now Cap has to battle the commando group of Nazi soldiers with the help of Bucky who had followed them in disguise.

Word gets back to the Red Skull that his plan has failed. Angered but undeterred the Red Skull implements a new plan. One of his operatives that is in a POW camp will initiate the new plan, dubbed "Project Vanish," against the Allies. At this camp, the nazi soldier orchestrates events so that he is a lone prisoner taken under the care of an army troop for relocation. By coincidence the same army platoon also includes Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes. Using hidden gas canisters to escape, the Nazi flees into the woods, where he finds the cabin which contains the secret weapon that is part of "Project Vanish", a disintegration ray. Using it he attacks an army patrol, Steve Rogers is forced to change into Captain America and battle the foe. However, during the battle the Nazi turns the weapon to full power, causing it to overload and explode injuring both of them. Bucky arrives on the scene and changes Cap back into his army uniform before Sergeant Duffy can arrive on the scene to have them taken away by medics.

Captain Marvel “Die, traitor!”

Writer: Arnold Drake

Artist: Don Heck

Inker: Vince Colletta

Originally published in Captain Marvel #10

Cover date February 1969

(Published in November 1968)

Although the opening splash page shows Captain Mar-Vell facing a firing squad in the Florida Everglades, the story actually begins with Carol Danvers thanking the Captain for saving her life from Cyberex and the Aakon with another kiss, as observed by Medic Una and Colonel Yon-Rogg. When Mar-Vell returns to his ship he gets the cold shoulder from Una. Ronan the Accuser orders Mar-Vell to forge an alliance with the Organisation, as the Kree empire sees them as potential allies in a future conquest of Earth.

Returning to Earth and adopting his guise of "Lawson", Mar-Vell is driving with Carol when they are attacked by the Organisation. Carol is knocked out, which allows Mar-Vell to change into Captain Marvel so that he can search for the Organisation, unaware that they have captured Carol. Mar-Vell approaches the Organisation's leader, named Number-One, with the idea of a truce. Finding Carol their prisoner. Mar-Vell decides to free her first. However, the Organisation uses an aging ray on Mar-Vell. Even as an elderly man Mar-Vell gets a hold of the weapon so that he can use it on himself to reverses his aging. Then he turns it on the Organisation. With their base is destroyed the Captain flees with Carol. When Mar-Vell returns to the Kree ship, Ronan is so enraged by Mar-Vell's betrayal he orders Yon-Rogg to have the Captain face a firing squad. When Una travels to Earth to prevent the assassination from being carried out. She is stunned, but briefly revives, managing to make her way to Mar-Vell just before the Kree soldiers fire!

That's all for now, but more stuff and nonsense next week, so till then...

See you in seven.

Make Mine Marvel.