The Scarecrow and the Sorcerer Supreme!

 Week Ending 13th December 1975

Christmas is coming, the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting longer but there still is no time to get my Christmas shopping done and review seven weekly mags. So until the big fat man in the red suit comes these blogs are going to get a little fast and furious. Hopefully so I can manage to keep up with the weekly deadline and may be an extra Christmas blog. 

The Mighty World of Marvel #167

The Hulk battles three of the Fantastic Four on this week's MWOM cover, which has nothing to do with any story in the mag apart from they have individual strips. This cover choice must have been a spare that was use to fill in at short notice. Well at least the Fantastic Four got a cover for once, even if the Invisible Girl doesn't appear on it. Well she is invisible. Ron Wilson penciled it and Duffy Vohland inked it. 

The Incredible Hulk “The attack of Aquon!”

Writer: Steve Englehart

Artist: Herb Trimpe

Inker: Sal Trapani

Originally published in The Incredible Hulk #165

Cover date July 1973

(Published in April 1973)

I've no idea who drew this second part opening page, but the menacing image of Aquon from last week's ending doesn't look as menacing here as the Hulk knocks him about like a wet kipper. Another thing about Aquon is that thew artist must have been told to draw him with "webbed hands," instead of a membrane between the fingers he has what looks like spider webbing between his fat digits! After the quite poorly drawn splash page Trimpe takes over the art with the half-fish, half-man, all monster, Aquon battling the green goliath. As the two fight, the hull of the ship is ruptured, causing the room they are fighting in to fill up with water. 

Captain Omen orders his son to plug the hole, but he refuses, so Omen initiates the procedure himself. The high powered pumping of water also sucks out his own creation, apparently killing it. The Hulk manages to resist the suction until the chamber is cleared of sea water. Filius Omen declares that the resistance has won and his father should now take the Infra-World ship to the surface  With no other choice, Captain Omen agrees. For the first time in fifty years the mighty vessel flawlessly bobs on the surface in the gentle breeze under a bright sun. The joyous pilgrims, men and women, eagerly head towards the land. That joy is soon replaced with horror when suddenly, one by one the crew members begin exploding! Their bodies evolved to deal with life in the oceans pressures, find that their blood pressures are too high for life on the surface. A pressure so powerful that their blood literally is causing them to burst. Filius abandons his fellow mutineers and attempts to return to the ship before faces a similar fate. To his horror his father has re-pressurised the Infra-World to save his remaining crew and denies his son access to safety. Filius pleads with his father for his life. As the ship lowers into the ocean once more he too bursts. The Hulk cannot make sense of what has just transpired. Next week there's a triple treat with "the destroyer from the dynamo", Hawkeye the archer and the fate of General Ross. Don't miss it.

The Mighty Marvel Mailbag

John Porter from Surrey writes to try and get another free plug for his "Marvel Information Bureau" which he will answer any question about any Marvel characters. origns, 'who's the strongest,' what size mask etc. Danny Victor from Middlesex feels he needs to intervene between Malcolm and Jon Pottor had there been no Fantastic Four then inter-galactic Sentry 459 would presumably have simply imprisoned the two unfortunate outsiders in a shimmering mass of collided atoms, circa MWOM 139. Paul Day from Essex wants a No-Prize for spotting a mistake from way back in SSOC #4. Mark Howlet from Sussex has had enough of people writing in and saying that the standard of letter is poor. If the standard was to be too high, most young readers wouldn't get letters printed. David Haynes from London has taken the incredibly wrong choice that due to lack of space in his bedroom he has decided to part with the whole of his British Marvel collection to concentrate on collecting the American Marvels which are now being sent over regularly. He's offering the Brit mags for sale. I wonder does he regret it now? 

A Swan Liddell has been reading Marvel Mags for almost 12 years and because of that he feels that the ages of the Fantastic Four, even in Marvel time, are getting a bit past it for being superheroes. To back his accusations he points out that Reed Richards and Ben Grimm attended State University from about 1937 to 1942, then they both enlisted in the forces, Ben as a pilot and Reed with the OSS, working behind enemy lines. So they both were about 20-22 when the war started. Sue Storm must have been about 18 or 19 because even then Reed loved her.

Johnny Storm wasn't even born then. Now Reed and Ben would be about 56, Sue about 53 and Johnny 30. Paul Cooper RFO, KOF, QNS from Liverpool gives his feelings on British Marvel Comics in his letter. Steven Kelly from London also makes his opinions on the British weeklies known. Anthony Pinder from Cheshire has written many letters to British Marvel mags but none of them got printed. In this letter he wants to start a new trend for British comics and that is to review a few American comics, this week he includes Conan the Barbarian and Captain America.

Daredevil “Identity crisis!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Barry Windsor-Smith

Inker: George Klein

Originally published in Daredevil #51

Cover date April 1969

(Published in February 1969)

This week's second part opening splash page uses the Barry Windsor-Smith cover from Daredevil issue 51 as the page's art, which had been inked by George Klein and also modified by John Romita Sr. What the modifications are I can't say. Starr Saxon's Plastoid robot would have been the perfect murder weapon to gain it's controller power over the criminal underworld, but it's failure at the hands of Daredevil meant that like the late Biggie Benson, Saxon wanted to have his revenge against the Man without fear.

The enraged robot master recalls that his creation had a built in tracer. The signal had eariler come from the city. It had fallen off the robot the first time it had tackled Daredevil. If Saxon could find that tracer he could use it to activate the Plastoid's remote self-destruct. Meanwhile at the prison with the police and the inert robot Daredevil warns the police inspector that there is still possible danger that the robot is still rigged to blow. Using his radar sense Daredevil tries to locate the destruct mechanism before time runs out. At the same time Saxon finds the neighbourhood where the robot had attacked DD and following the trail of destruction he finds the tracer in an dishevelled apartment. While making some adjustments to the tracer Saxon activates the self destruct mechanism. Sensing the danger Daredevil uses his billy club cable to strike the robots chest plate and jar the mechanism, stopping the explosion. Angered even more Saxon searches the apartment and finds evidence that the occupier is Matt Murdock who is really Daredevil! Starr leaves planning new ways to get revenge on the Man Without Fear. Daredevil returns home weakened from the ordeal to find his apartment a shambles. Next week he'll will also find "his destiny with death!" 

Could you be Marvel Mastermind 1975

For connoisseurs of Marvel comics whose collection of useless facts can now be put to good use! Starting next week begins a competition to find the Marvel Mastermind of 1975! If you could answer questions like "What have Dr. Doom, Kang the Conqueror and Rama-Tut got in common?" Or "How many Avengers have there been?" Or "In which mag did Subby first appear?" you could win the accolade of being the Marvel Mastermind for 1975! The official Mastermind of 1975 winner will not only be presented with copies of both Origins of Marvel Comics' and 'Son of Origins', both personally inscribed by Stan Lee but will also receive a scroll certifying the magnitude of their triumph. Four runners-up will each receive special certificates and copies of the latest Marvel Treasury Edition. All the winner's and runners-up's will have their certificates personally signed by Stan Lee.

The Fantastic Four “Journey to a small universe!”

 Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Joe Sinnott 

Originally published in The Fantastic Four #76

Cover date July 1968

(Published in April 1968)

This opening second page is by an unnamed artist who has copied this design from one of the Surfer images by John Buscema. A new catch-up text box, credit box and story title are added. After easily defeating Been, Reed and Johnny the Surfer soars away into the space ways of the Microverse. Soon his journey is detected by a ship carrying the Psycho-Man. His equipment detects that the Silver creature had come from the Macro-World, where the Fantastic Four had come from.

Hoping to ensnare the alien, the Psycho-Man unleashes his Indestructible One to have the Surfer brought to him. Meanwhile the three weary and battered members of the FF have a breather, while they ponder their next move. With the fate of two billion living souls at risk the three heroes set off to find the Surfer once more. As they do they are attacked by the Indestructible One. Meanwhile above the Earth, the impatient Galactus begins his preparations to consume the Planet. While in the Microvese; Reed, Johnny and Ben continue to clash with the Psycho-Man's construct as they grow desperate as the longer the battle goes on the more time is wasted delaying their hunt for the Surfer. Mister Fantastic panics that they are wasting time and he will fight on alone while Johnny and Ben continue the search for the Surfer. Suddenly the Indestructible One disappears, having heard what Reed had said the Surfer returns and uses his Power Cosmic to destroy the construct. Realising the level of the threat to Earth, the Silver Surfer grimly tells them that he has a duty to protect it's people and agrees to return to face Galactus. As he heads to Earth alone, the Psycho-Man prepares to unleash an assault on the three remaining intruders in his domain. Next week find out "the power of the Psycho Man" as we wonder.."shall Earth endure?"

Spider-man Comics Weekly #148

A classic Gil Kane cover originally from the Amazing Spider-man issue 105. I like that between the Spider-Slayer's legs there are scenes from this week's story, but in a way that's a disadvantage, too much has been thrown in, instead of a concise idea. Good cover either way. Frank Giacoia was the inker.

Spider-man “The Spider Slayer!”

 Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Gil Kane

Inker: Frank Giacoia

Originally published in the Amazing Spider-man #105

Cover date February 1972

(Published in November 1971)

Having returned home from the unpolluted Savage Land, Peter decides to go web-slinging across his own concrete jungle, when he happens upon a protest outside of the Daily Bugle offices, organised by Randy Robertson against the paper's lack of fair reporting about minority issues. Randy's father appears and asks his son why as the City Editor he hadn't talked to him about the biased reporting. Joe Robertson doesn't stop his son, instead he tells him that he should do what he wants to do as long as he really believes in it.

Next J Jonah Jameson turns up angry at the protesters are blocking the front of the Bugle. Standing up to the protesters he tells them that his paper has always spoken out for civil rights. But his quick temper almost incites a riot. Spider-man pulls Jameson out of the to cool him down, but when the ungrateful publisher tries to take a swing at the wall-crawler, Spidey leaves him hanging from a post by his jacket. The web-slinger changes in to Peter Parker before going back to his apartment where he meets Aunt May who is preparing for a surprise party his roommate Harry Osborn, who has just been released from hospital following his drug overdose. Soon guests arrive, including Gwen, Mary Jane and Flash Thompson, who is back from is final tour of duty in 'Nam. Peter and Flash bury the hatchet again. While Gwen and Flash catch up, Mary Jane tries to flirt with Peter when Harry arrives with his father. Later Jameson visits Spencer Smythe, last seen in SMCW #55, who has created a brand new Spider-Slayer robot for Jameson. Quickly demonstrating robot Spider-Slayer's arachnid themed abilities, Jameson takes it out for a test run in the city when its path crosses Spider-man. Continued next week as "the Spider-Slayer strikes!"

Marvel's yuletide gift to you! The special Christmas issue of the Marvel Treasury Edition, Giant Superhero Holiday Grab-Bag. A mighty Marvel treat for all true fans, yet another super Treasury edition chock full of colourful action packed adventures of your favourite heroes! All for only 50 pence too! What a bargain!

The Web and the Hammer

Mike Griggs PMM from Kent points out that lately the letter pages of SMCW have been full of young fans ramblings about this or that, but no-one seems to be for or against the changes of artists or the story lines. Few people devote their letters to one story, which is a pity, as a letter devoted to a single subject usually proves more interesting than one which gives a few quick comments on a range of subjects. Derek Sharrock from Wigan asks for Thor to be given more room as he's the best Marvel Super-hero. Keith Clark from Sheffield thinks that most readers in the letter pages seem to be new to the Marvel Scene. Keith is now eighteen and has been a Marvelite since he was ten. He considers that he must have had one of the biggest collections of Marvel originals in the country. Including "Terrific" and "Fantastic" from the late 1960's. The trouble was they were British-censored, i.e. words like "thru" were changed into "through". But he bought every copy, anyway. The re-releasing of old sagas has helped him  complete his collection as financial problems forced him to part with his near-complete set of Captain America, DD and Spidey histories. 

Andrew Taylor RFO, KOF from Essex writes that Stan Lee and John Romita Sr. are great and the return of the Goblin was pure genius. Also the partnership of Roy Thomas and Ross Andru are a great pair and their work in issues 149-150 of MWOM was the best Hulk story for a long while. Andrew thinks that the Super-Heroes is British Marvel comics best mag especially with the Silver Surfer, who he asks the editor to not cut them into three parts even though the British stories are catching up with the American issues that would end with US issue 18. Russell Underwood KOF, QNS, congratulates Marvel again on the magnificent success of the return of the Goblin in Spider-man. His opinion of who is best at writing/drawing different stories are.

Spider-man. best writer is Stan Lee, best artist is Johnny Romita Sr. For Thor the best writer is Stan Lee with the best artist being John Buscema. And the Hulk's best writer is Gary Friedrich with the best artist being Herb Trimpe.

Iron Man “Frenzy in a far-flung future!”

Writer: Archie Goodwin

Artist: George Tuska

Inker: Johnny Craig

Originally published in Iron Man #5

Cover date September 1968

(Published in June 1968)

Johnny Craig releases his pencils for George Tuska to pick up and draw the Iron Man strip for this week's and for the considerable future. Johnny does stay on as inker though. In his lab an unarmored Tony Stark suddenly is caught in a shimmering whirlpool of light that incapacitates  him, then transports him to the future, where he is kidnapped by soldiers from the future to be taken before judges, to stand trial for a crime he has yet to commit.

The Judges tell him that he stands trial in the 24th Century for creating the super computer, named Cerberus, which now rules the world through an army of mindless humanoids and robot servitors. If found guilty he will be executed to stop him from committing the crime in the first place. With shades of the Terminator Stark would design in the past a computer of such large scale that only his inventive genius could conceive. With no limit to its potential it would function on an international level to control the world's crops, global arms control and humanity's housing problems. Gaining the need to expand itself  as necessary the world became totally dependent on Cerberus's monolithic might many give in to become zombie-like slaves, others decided to fight. With the verdict decided Stark was sentenced to death. He was only spared by the intervention of the Cerberus’s forces seeking to crush the rebels. While this happened Tony escaped, but was later found by a rebel named Krylla. The future tale continues next week.

The Mighty Thor “Trial by fire!”

Writer: Stan Lee 

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Bill Everett

Originally published in The Mighty Thor #170

Cover date November 1969

(Published in September 1969)

An un-named artist drew this second part opening splash page with all the usual bits and bobs added. A "Implosive bomb"  directly hits the Thermal Man seemingly deactivating the robot and ending its threat. With the battle over, Thor hears a cry for help, amongst the wreckage he finds an injured man and changes back into Donald Blake to administer medical attention and then carries him to the hospital.

As the Warriors Three and Balder recover from the fight the Thermal Man revives and it attacks them once more. Watching events from Asgard, Karnilla grows concerned over the fate of Balder, so she teleports the Warriors Three and Balder to her castle in Asgard. Loki furious with Karnilla for saving the life of his hated enemy for love, the God of Mischief departs, vowing that she will rue the day she had crossed him. Meanwhile back on Earth, Blake continues to treat the wounded when he learns that the Thermal Man is on the rampage again. Transforming back into Thor he heads off to battle the Thermal Man once more. Finding the robot indestructible he comes up with a means to defeat it. Thor lures the Thermal Man to the docks, where the Thunder God summons a powerful storm. The tidal waves created from such a deluge washes the Thermal Man away. The sea currents carry the robot far north where it becomes frozen in ice, there he shall lie immobile till the end of time.

Avengers Weekly #117

Another great cover from a great artist, John Buscema's artwork originally appeared on the front of the Avengers (US edition,) #76. Like the Spider-man cover earlier it has loads to catch the eye, which might over complicate the concept, I think that the large number of text boxes doesn't help, but I still like it. This and the Gil Kane cover could quite easily be my Cover of the Week, but I've picked a different one this week, for a particular reason. Tom Palmer inked Buscema's artwork.   

Conan the Barbarian “Khan's city!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Ernie Chan

Originally published in Conan the Barbarian #30

Cover date September 1973

(Published in June 1973)

Gil Kane (pencils,) and Ernie Chan's (inks,) cover artwork from Conan the Barbarian issue 30 is used here as this week's second part opening splash page with the credits and a new story title added to the top and a catch-up box at the bottom. Last week a Brythunian slave girl, Hildico, has brought Conan to see her master Atalis the Far Seeing on his orders. Atalis and Prince Thann reveal to the Cimmerian that Munthassem Khan, the ruler of the city of Yaralet, had all wizards in the city slain, but cursed the philosopher Atalis and Thann with bouts of pain and blindness. 

Khan had been a wise and gentle ruler until he was given the Hand of Nergal, an object of evil that brought darkness to the land. Only the bearer of the counter-talisman, the Heart of Tammuz, which Conan had found days before and had taken to wearing around his neck, could end the hand's curse. All this Atalis has seen in his crystal ball. Conan accompanied Atalis and Thann through the sewers and into the Khan's throne room, where the emaciated ruler would be asleep. Khan had sensed Atalis using his crystal ball to spy on him and sat in wait. Khan grasping the Hand of Negral sends waves of pain to the philosopher, the Prince and then at Conan himself, who is unable to fight through the pain. Suddenly, Hildico runs from behind a pillar, snaps the amulet from around Conan's neck, to hurl it, hitting the mad Khan in the face which causing him to drop the Hand. Conan, Atalis and Thann are immediately well again and witness the two artifacts release the essence of ancient colossal beings of light and darkness, who begin their eternal fight once more. The more monstrous of the two seems to be winning, but with an earth-shattering burst of thunder the dark one dissolves before the vengeful embrace of all-pervading light. Then too the towering figure of light disappears. Atalis is appointed the new satrap. Even though Conan is offered a position as Atalis' guard, as well has much gold the barbarian itches to travel back to Turan again to participate in the next campaign. Hildico is released from slavery and joins Conan on his journey, when next week he'll find "the thing in the tomb!"

Letters

The letter page title might not be up to much this week, but the readers letters have a lot to say, especially about the world of Conan. First up is Sean O'Regan from Jersey who lists the many Gods that preside over mortals in the Hyborian Age, including Crom, Elrik, Istaar, Mitre, Bel and Tarim, as well as all the Lizard-gods, devil-gods who roamed the depths of creepy catacombs. Sean then goes on to elaborate on life and death of Robert E Howard. In his short life, 1906 to 1936, he had 18 of his books published, and a further 12 were published from his old manuscripts, making about 30 publications in all. Sadly at the age of 30 he ending it in suicide. Stephen Morgan RFO from Gwent has nothing against Conan, but he didn't like him until he borrowed some American "Savage Swords" from a friend. Now he finds that Conan can't be ignored as he's slowly growing to like him. Mark Day RFO from Bath writes his first letter to Marvel which includes two complaints. The first is he agrees with many other Marvelites who do not like the combination of Conan in the Avengers weekly and the second is he also dislikes Doctor Strange and prefers to have Iron Fist replace him. Finally for the Avengers mailbag is a letter from Sam (the R E Howard man,) Porter from Country Antrim, who asks what is happening to British Marvel? First Marvel brings out Savage Sword of Conan (Praise be to Mitra), with the best fantasy characters, Conan and Kull. Everything was going well with issue 18, then it stopped and Conan was sandwiched in the Avengers weekly #96 while getting cut down to just ten pages.

The Avengers “Will a world die?”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Tom Palmer

Originally published in The Avengers #76

Cover date May 1970

(Published in March 1970)

An un-named artist created this second part opening splash page that sees the Scarlet Witch as she tries to convince Arkon the magnificent to save the Earth. A request that Arkon refuses to grant. to distract her he takes her to the palace walls where the fabled flower of life blooms. It is tradition that the betrothed of the Imperion should pick it and wear it on her wedding day. 

The flower reminds Wanda of an Earth poem, "Flower in the crannied wall, I pluck you out of the crannies, I hold you here, root and all, in my hand, Little flower—but if I could understand, What you are, root and all, and all in all, I should know what God and man is. This poem was written by the English poet Lord Alfred Tennyson, the 1st Baron Tennyson. Who was the United Kingdom's Poet Laureate during much of Queen Victoria's reign. The poem can be in a metaphorical sense be interpreted as Tennyson’s perspective on the connection between God and Nature. Roy Thomas graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a BS in education having majored in history and social science and before becoming a comic writer and editor he was a school teacher, you could say he was well read. Roy's flair with words is matched by John Buscema's elegance with a pencil, the bottom panel of the page to the left beautifully shows the Avengers rushing into action as they cry "Avengers Assemble!"

With the added power of Iron Man and Thor the Avengers arrive on Arkon's world to storm his palace to face a panorama of power unleashed by the armies of Arken erupting into a great battle. However, they are unable to prevent Arkon from transporting himself and the Scarlet Witch back to Earth with the Atom Sphere. Appearing on the Empire State Building, Arkon readies the sphere to destroy the Earth. However Goliath, Quicksilver, the Black Panther and the Vision arrive to stop him. Quicksilver attacks first, bouncing off Arkon's shield, Goliath catches the young mutant mid fall. The Panther and the Vision next attack but Arkon is stopped when he is contacted by his adviser, Greybeard, who explains to him that Iron Man and Thor had created a device that utilised Thor's thunder powers to restore the light to his world. With his world saved and no desire to destroy the Earth, Arkon stops his rampage and bids farewell to the Avengers. Before leaving, he tells the Scarlet Witch that he will not force her to marry him and that their travels between worlds have restored her mutant abilities. Thor takes the Atomic Sphere to dispose of it safely while Pietro asks his sister what she has concealed within her cloak. She tells him it is but nothing as he looks deeply into the flower of life. 

Doctor Strange “Death of the Ancient One!”

Writer: Steve Englehart

Artist: Frank Brunner

Inker: Ernie Chan and the Crusty Bunkers

Originally published in Marvel Premiere #10

Cover date September 1973

(Published in June 1973)

Frank Brunner's stunning cover artwork from Marvel Premiere issue 10 features as this week's second part opening splash page with a new story title added. The word balloons from the cover have been removed but in a genius move the catch-up text box and credits are printed with white text inside black boxes matching the negative side of the page. As the final part of this Shuna-Gorath saga reaches its climax some British readers may have read this story earlier in the summer of 1975 in the Marvel Treasury Edition issue 6 which featured Doctor Strange. 

The Living Buddha blasts one of his Shadowmen of Kaa-U who had suggested that the Ancient One should be put out of his misery. The Living Buddha admitted that the rise of Shuna-Gorath should have begun almost immediately, but somehow Strange had delayed his coming and it would be prudent to not to disturb anything that may hinder their master. Inside the mind of the Ancient One Doctor Strange battles illusions, but his previous encounters with Nightmare has helped the magician find a way past such an attack. Finding a solid mental footing Strange is then confronted, for the first time by the physical form of Shuna-Gorath,  a tentacled creature with a single giant eye. A physical battle begins, but the Doctor realises that the only way to stop Shuma-Gorath is to kill his own master. Under a spell of invisibility the sorcerer leaves a double of himself in the evil entity's tentacles to reach the Ancient One's ego! 

Inside he finds his mentor maintaining his inner peace, realising what must be done he slays the Ancient One with a mystic bolt, sealing the portal for Shuma-Gorath, and causing the city of Kaa-U to crumble. Having broken his hippocratic and mystical oaths Doctor Strange grieves over his master's death. Recalling that he had promised his mentor that he would never renounce his mystical powers he feels duty bound to never wield such knowledge as a common assassin and so swears to break that promise just like he had broken his oaths and turn away from the occult. Suddenly a visage of the Ancient One appears in the wood of a tree, then in the water of a pool, the surface of a rock, in the world around him, telling Strange that he is now one with the universe. With his death it is now time for Strange to fill his position as Sorcerer Supreme. With little time to tell Strange all he needs to know as his mentor leaves to pursue his new existance the Ancient One bequeaths his mystical powers to his pupil to use with his strength of will to defend the world from unknown threats. Then the sky breathes a soft farewell, leaving Stephen Strange standing alone.

Dracula Lives #60

The top banner reads "Enter freely and of your own will and meet..the Monsters!" hinting at a new title, No longer is it called Dracula Lives as it gets a new look with the addition of "featuring the Legion of Monsters." I'll still be call it Dracula Lives, as sometimes British Marvel Comics can bog themselves down in far too long titles. However this comic does feature some great "Macabre Marvel Masterpieces!" This Werewolf, Mummy and Dracula cover was drawn by Rich Buckler, with legendary horror artist, Bernie Wrightson, applying the inks.  

Dracula “Talisman of terror!”

Writer: Marv Wolfman

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Tom Palmer

Originally published in Tomb of Dracula #27

Cover date December 1974

(Published in September 1974)

The Gil Kane cover artwork from Tomb of Dracula issue 27 perfectly segues into the story, with only a new story title, recap text boxes and credits needed. Dracula demonstrate the power of the Chimera by grabbing its tail portion and summoning up a flaming image of the Chimera in the sky, causing fire to rain down on the world. In far away India, the unearthly display forces the jeep carrying Taj Nital off the side of a cliff. Thankfully Taj survives the crash. In England Dracula summons rain to extinguish the flames. 

The Lord of the Vampires commands the Chimera to raise a legion of vampires from Highgate Cemetery to search for the missing parts of the artefact, who break into a near by cottage of Horatio Toombs, the custodian of life and death. Toombs dies as the hordes of the undead claim his life. Horrified by the events he witnessed, but not entirely believing that Dracula is a vampire, David makes a break for his car in the hopes of finding the rest of the Chimera before Dracula can. Shiela desperately attempts to stop Dracula, but the vampire pounces on David. In a panic, David pulls out his Star of David, the religious symbol that David has the most belief in. The faith it stands for is strong enough to burn Dracula and drive him back. This respite is short lived, as Dracula taunts David's belief, causing the young Jew's belief in the Star of David to falter enough for Dracula to pounce once again. With a resurgence of faith David presses the Star of David into Dracula's eyes, blinding him with its burning touch, causing the vampire to drop the Chimera's tail. However, before David can pick it up, two armed men arrive on the scene ordering them to surrender. In the next soul-searing issue discover the "madness of the mind!"

Tomes of the Tomb!

The Dracula letter page is cut down to half a page and given a new name, Tomes of the Tomb!. Not as catchy as Cryptic Correspondence. The first of two letters this week comes from Martin Perkins from Derbyshire, who with his first letter to Marvel praises the brilliance of Planet of the Apes and Dracula Lives. He has read that other readers struggle to get hold of certain comics and is offering to give away some of his old mags because he has nowhere to store them and his mother moans when they are left around the house. A story I know too well, I bet Martin regretted that decision. The second letter comes from Angela Harding from Newton who is mad about vampires and would like to see more room for them and Count Dracula in the comic. She saw "The Legend of the Seven Golden Vampires" and "Vampire Circus" and thought acting in the film was great. Could some pictures of the Count and Amelia be printed in the mag? Under the letters is an in-house advert for Stan Lees's latest book, "Son of Origins", the long awaited sequel to his "Origins of Marvel Comics" book. Merry Marvel Maniacs could order a copy of it for just four pounds, a price that already includes postage and packaging.

The Living Mummy “Armageddon at the Aleph!”

Writer: John Warner

Artist: Tom Sutton

Inker: Tom Sutton

Originally published in Supernatural Thrillers #15

Cover date October 1975

(Published in July 1975)

Cairo has been enveloped by an impenetrable forcefield, created by the Elementals, who see this point as a moment in destiny that belongs to them. They have cornered and paused ready to eliminate the Living Mummy and his allies, Janice Carr, Zephyr, the Elemental who has turned against her god-like brothers and Professor Skarab who clutches the Scarlet Scarab, the only weapon that stands a chance to defeating the Elementals. 

Professor Skarab has learned how to utilise the power of the Scarab and fires a mystical blast which staggers the Elementals, knocking them out of the sky. However the Professor's urgency has over looked an important detail, with the Elementals falling in the momentary chaos the mass of flame that Hellfire created to hold them aloft falls onto the heroes below. N'Kantu valiantly pulls his friends from out of the flames. This respite gives the Elemental called Magnum a chance to create hands from out of the Earth to catch him and his colleagues. Not too far away allies Ron McAllister, Olddan and the Asp, fight for their lives against the Elemental sympathisers who have become possessed the the hell-spawned cancer that is violence, having been forced to serve the Elementals out of fear. Fear that has mutated into a fanatical joy. The Professor can't find the strength to use the Scarlet Scarab against the Elementals again, as his mind is blocked with the fear if he unleashes its power others might get hurt, like before. Magnum once again pulls from the ground an army of monsters to fight the Mummy. Hydron snatches the Scarab from Professor Skarab's hand and with it, the Elementals know that the entire world belongs to them. The Professor becomes angered screaming that they'll never take the Earth, then in a blinding moment Cairo disappears leaving the city's inhabitants awestruck in the midst of an arid desert. If you can bear the shock find out what happens next week.

Werewolf by Night “Battle between two battered psyches!”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: Don Perlin

Inker: Vince Colletta

Originally published in Werewolf by Night #24

Cover date December 1974

(Published in September 1974)

An un-named artist drew this symbolic recap splash page, that sees Doctor Winston Redditch after taking a chemical formula that could either suppress or enhance man's natural aggression, to become transformed into a manic alter-ego he calls DePrayve! In a fit of frenzy he strikes his wife away, then sets off to unleash mayhem and destruction on the city.

On the way he knocks out Jack Russell and Buck Cohen, who had travelled to Doctor Redditch's home, in the hope that his formula could have helped Jack reverse his Werewolf curse. As the new moon rises for its third night the unconscious Jack also transforms into a creature of supernatural menace as the Werewolf prowls the night again. DePrayve's path of destruction and chaos had not gone far meaning that the Werewolf's own path crosses with his, leading him to fight DePrayve. The disturbance is reported to the police, so Lieutenant Victor Northrup arrives on the scene and quickly takes control. Northrup fires his gun into the air which gives the Werewolf pause, allowing DePrayve to flee. As the Werewolf follows his prey a net is dropped onto him, leaving the beast trapped beneath as he snarls in rage the third night hits the witching hour, and dawn would be a long time coming. Next week "When murder is suicide: the moon shrieks!"

“The maggots”

Writer: Paul S Newman

Artist: Hy Rosen

Inker: Hy Rosen

Originally published in Adventures into Terror #19

Cover date May 1953

(Published in February 1953)

This horror tale comes from Marvel precursor Atlas Comics anthology comic Adventures into Terror. This three page short tale sees a scientist studying the effects of larvae on a dead animal. He observes as the ghost white maggot eggs hatch and start to feed on the dead flesh. His colleagues belittle his finding as common knowledge but the scientist seeks to prove that the maggots live on the living as larvae, while they wait for the host to die. An experiment proves his point when he pours them onto a a lab rat. It works. In a moment of clumsiness the scientist spills the same sample onto his own hands. To his horror under a microscope he sees the maggots starting to grow and feed on his own flesh!

Planet of the Apes #60

For the second week running Pat Gabriele drew the Planet of the Apes cover, with Cornelius and Zira watching Ka-Zar and the Black Panther fighting a T-Rex in the Savage Land. The text box boasts the this comic is "The most exciting adventure comic in Britain! Featuring Escape from the Planet of the Apes! Ka-Zar! and the Black Panther!" Which I think at the time it was the most exciting comic for "adventure" at least, other comics might boast "the most exciting super-hero comic" tag, but this one is a great contender for "The most exciting adventure comic in Britain!" tagline. Either Frank Giacoia and/or JohnTartaglione inked the cover.   

Planet of the Apes “Fugitives! On the Planet of the humans!”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: Rico Rival

Inker: Rico Rival

Originally published in Planet of the Apes (US) #16

Cover date January 1976

(Published in November 1975)

An un-named artist, not Rico Rival, draws this second part opening splash page sees the symbolic faces of Cornelius and Zira looking down on the President of the United States as he orders Doctor Otto Hasslein to recapture the missing apes alive. The two chimpanzees have fled to the countryside when Zira needs to take a rest. Her baby is hours away from being born. Cornelius leaves her temporarily to search the route ahead. The ape spying from the under growth sees a military search convoy stop Doctor Stephanie Branton's car, to inform her that the chimpanzees have escaped after murdering an orderly.

The search convoy moves on leaving the driver of the station wagon motionless deep in thought, too stunned to move. Cornelius breaks from his cover and approaches Doctor Branton, who asks him what has he done? The chimpanzee tells her he didn't mean to kill the man, who was teasing Zira, he had only meant to stun him with the tray. Stephanie believes him so she takes him, with Zira to a friend who owns a circus. Circus owner Armando, asks her is she seriously asking him to risk imprisonment for the sake of two fugitive apes? Armando's answer is a thousand times...yes! Stephanie calls Doctor Lewis Dixon to come to Armando's circus and the two veterinary doctors help deliver the birth of the baby chimpanzee, a boy that Zira names Milo, after their fellow ape astronaut Doctor Milo who had been killed by a gorilla earlier in the story, as seen in POTA #53. Armando offers Cornelius a cigar to celebrate the child's birth, but tobacco does not agree with the chimpanzee. Later Doctor Hasslein asks Dixon how long it will be to the baby's birth, he lies saying that it could be as much as a week to ten days. Hasslein orders an immediate systematic search of every zoo, menagerie and circus in the whole city. Find out "who shall inherit the meek?" next week!

Black Panther “Death regiment beneath Wakanda”

Writer: Don McGregor

Artist: Rich Buckler

Inker: Klaus Janson

Originally published in Jungle Action Vol 2 #7

Cover date November 1973

(Published in August 1973)

The Panther's Rage continues, T'Challa's return to Wakanda had not been a joyful one. After recovering the body of a Wakandian warrior from torture by mercenaries under the command of Erik Killmonger. The Jungle King had gone to inspect one of the many mountain settlements around Central Wakanda, when reports of attacks by insurgence in the area had lead him into a confrontation with Erik Killmonger at the top of Warrior Falls. After fighting Killmonger's pet white leopard the weakened hero is thrown from the Falls to his doom by Killmonger.

The fall would have killed any other man, but King T'Challa survives washed up on the shores of the river down stream as its currents calm down to an idyllic grace. His body is discovered by Monica Lynne, who had been taken to the water's edge to bathe. Elsewhere Killmonger's men question the sense of having Horatio Walters, the psychopath known as Venomm among their group. Meanwhile in the royal palace T'Challa has recovered from his fall. He recounts what he knows of Erik Killmonger. The Panther first knew him as N'Jadaka who had approached him in America. Originally from Wakanda, he had been beaten badly during Klaw's initial attack, as detailed in MWOM #115. During that raid his family was murdered and Klaw's co-conspirators had kidnapped him to use as a slave to mine the valuable Vibranium ore. T'Challa had stopped Klaw and his men, having witnessed his own father's death. N'Jadaka had escaped the clutches of his captures after reaching the American shores. Embittered and displaced, without any idea how to return home. Recognising the Black Panther as one of the Avengers, N'Jadaka contacting T'Challa who returned him to Wakanda, where he vanished into the wilderness, only to have him reappear  with the name Erik Killmonger. With a deadly legion reported near the Warrior Falls again the Black Panther goes to investigate, when next week "Venomm strikes!"

Ka-Zar “Man-Thing!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: John Buscema and Rick Buckler

Inker: Dan Adkins

Originally published in Astonishing Tales #13

Cover date August 1972

(Published in May 1972)

After being trapped in a pit with the Man-Thing by agents of AIM, Ka-Zar is forced to battle the creature. To his surprise he finds that the creature's touch does not burn him as it had an AIM soldier who had also fallen in to the pit. The battle with the swamp monster is quickly ended when AIM soldiers fire their energy rifles at the Man-Thing, knocking him out. 

Zabu having freed himself, charges at the AIM soldiers, sending one flying into the air while the rest flee. Soon Ka-Zar frees himself from the pit and stops his companion from chasing their defeated attackers, forcing them to retreat. Barbara Morse and Paul Allen arrive and with help from the research staff help Ka-Zar pull the Man-Thing out of the pit and transport the swamp creature back to their lab for examination. A makeshift yet sturdy cage is constructed around the motionless muck-monster. So that Barbra can study the creature while Ka-Zar continues his search for Doctor Ted Salis. Suddenly Doctor Wendell from the lab rushes to inform Barbara and Ka-Zar that he has been shot by AIM soldiers, while Paul and Doctor Calvin have been taken. Ka-Zar with Barbara Morse go to investigate in next week's issue.

For all the Roddy McDowell fans who write into the Apes Forum letter page demanding more pin-ups of the actor. What ever floats your boat. This back page poster is titled as "The man from behind the Mask" and is supposedly an exclusive pin-up of Rodd McDowell who plays Galen in the TV series Planet of the Apes. As well as Cornelius and Milo in the wide screen adventures from the Planet of the Apes. The photograph was taken by Roy Everson.

The Super-heroes #41

Keith Pollard pencilled and Aubrey Bradford inked this cover, which was possibly intended as the cover of the US comic that the Scarecrow made his debut in. That was in Dead of Night featuring the Scarecrow issue 11, as drawn by Gil Kane and inked by Bernie Wrightson. In truth if you look at the printed cover from that US mag, you might say that the Keith Pollard cover looked more dramatic and scarier than the US cover, that looks a bit tame by comparison. It's quite an adult themed image with semi-naked men dancing around in goat masks, while one hooded priest with a jagged knife, leans over a woman as if he was preparing to sacrifice her to an evil god, as part of some sort of cult ritual. Not the sort of stuff a young boys comic would have on the front cover. I think the risk was worth it. Self-appointed public guardian Mary Whitehouse and her National Viewers' and Listeners' Association cronies must have missed this one, as it would be the next year before they got their claws into British comics like Action and British Television like Doctor Who. Just because it looks great, looks scary and stretches the boundaries of what a "boys" comic should look like I'm going to award it my Cover of the Week.

Giant-Man and the Wasp “No place to hide!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Don Heck

Inker: Don Heck

Originally published in Tales to Astonish #54

Cover date April 1964

(Published in January 1964)

The artwork for the adventures of Giant Man and the Wasp have been taken over by Don Heck. Watching news reports, Giant-Man learns that El Toro has been elected as the new president of Santo Rico in a communist-backed landslide victory. The Wasp interrupts to demand a holiday, but Giant-Man declines as he's far too busy. Soon the two heroes receive a phone call from Washington DC asking for assistance in a delicate matter in Santo Rico. The Government  wants them to find proof that El Toro had rigged the election. 

Accepting the mission, the two heroes travel to Santo Rico in their civilian guises of Henry Pym and Janet Van Dyne. Henry gives Janet his growth pills for safe keeping. Once arriving there they notice that there are armed troops everywhere and the country has now become a police state. Arriving at their hotel, they are noticed by a member of the secret police spying on them. He reports his suspicions to El Toro. Deducing that they are American spies, he orders them to be seized. When the soldiers come to arrest the two heroes, they grab Janet first, but not before she can toss Henry a growth capsule. Catching the pill Henry Pym races around a nearby corner to become Giant-Man then tries to rescue Janet. However, his attempt is thwarted when he is rammed from behind by the oncoming charge of El Toro himself. The two fight but clumsily Giant-Man gets trapped in some telephone lines allowing the troops with the Wasp time to escape. Next week he'll have to "Find the Wasp!"

The X-Men “To save a city”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Werner Roth

Inker: Dick Ayers

Originally published in The X-Men #23

Cover date August 1966

(Published in June 1966)

The X-Men have been captured by Count Nefaria, who hoped that the young mutants would become his allies. When they refuse Nefaria tells them they have an hour to change their minds. Despite this setback, Nefaria launches his plan to steal the entire city of Washington DC using a special device that traps the city under an indestructible dome. Panic spreads over the city, the military try to pierce the dome but nothing works. Nefaria then sends out impersonators of the X-Men to the Capitol Building, to present his demands, one hundred million dollars, to be paid within three hours. The government refuses and the fake X-Men suddenly vanish.

Meanwhile the real X-Men break free from their shackles, as the Professor calls General Fredricks and agrees to travel to Washington. The Professor manages to contact the X-Men telepathically to give them instructions. Nefaria has been contacted by the government who agree to his terms, much to his delight. Impressing him further is the arrival of the X-Men who agree to join forces with him. Warning the group against a double-cross, he  tells them the device has a failsafe if anyone else were to attempt to deactivate the dome, it would cause the annihilation of Washington DC. The X-Men go to collect his ransom. Nefaria's minions, Porcupine, Plantman, Unicorn, Eel, and Scarecrow, all agree to turn against Nefaria to seize the money for themselves. The General Fredricks tells the Professor of the X-Men's "involvement" in the ransom. The Professor sends his astral form into the dome to spy on Nefaria and learn his secrets. The X-Men are provided with an opening into the dome. Collecting the ransom the young mutants flee with the money when a trigger happy soldier attempts to shoot at them and an angry mob start throwing bricks at them. Continued in "Dome over DC!"

The Scarecrow “Enter: the Scarecrow”

Writer: Scott Edelman

Artist: Rico Rival

Inker: Rico Rival

Originally published in Dead of Night #11

Cover date August 1975

(Published in May 1975)

In the dead of night members of the Cult of Kalumai break into a warehouse to steal a valued painting. A nightwatchman is alerted to the break in and draws his gun, but he is too slow and one of the masked intruders guns him down. His body falls dead before a painting of a macabre scarecrow, which comes to life. As if leaping from out of the canvas it attacks the cult members. As much as they try to stop him, their bullets are ineffective. The Scarecrow mercilessly kills the thieves. Echos of hollow laughter resonate throughout the room.

Cut to the next day somehow the Scarecrow had returned to the painting which was being displayed and up for sale at an auction. A collector named Jess Duncan is keen on owning the painting, but so is another collector named Gregor Rovik. The pair enter a bidding war. Due to the actions of Jess' brother Dave Duncan, Rovik fails to offer his next bid and Jess wins the auction. Rovik confronts Duncan demanding the painting and promising that they haven't heard the last of him. Later that night Duncan, Dave and their friend Harmony Maxwell admire the painting when a group of ram masked, cloak wearing weirdo's break in. They knock out Jess and take the painting and Harmony. Find out what they have planned for it and her next week.

Giant Man and the Wasp “Giant-Man Bonus Special Feature”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Dick Ayers

Inker: Paul Reinman

Originally published in Tales to Astonish #59

Cover date September 1964

(Published in June 1963)

This fun bonus feature originally appeared in Tales to Astonish #59, but British readers may recall seeing three of the five pages in the British Marvel Annual 1974, that was released from Fleetway in the Autumn of 1973, just in time for Christmas.   

The Titans #8

The savage Sub-Mariner shares the Titans logo this week with the "Avenging Son" swimming at high speed with the mortally injured Lady Dorma, away from the Warlord Krang and his men. This actual event featured in last week's issue, not this week, but I guess it was the Sub-Mariner's turn to feature on the cover. Drawn by Ron Wilson with inks applied by Frank Giacoia.

The Inhumans “An hour for thunder!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Neal Adams

Inker: John Verpoorten

Originally published in Amazing Adventures Volume 2 #8

Cover date September 1971

(Published in June 1971)

Neal Adams is one of my unsung favourite artists. His work on Batman and the joint Green Lantern/Green Arrow comic from DC is brilliant, as it matches realism with fantastic super-hero fantasy, I wish I had the chance to read more of those DC comics even though I would never call myself a DC fan. Of course his work for Marvel is great too, but it's all too short. His run on the X-Men, Thor, the Avengers and here with the Inhumans is truly beautiful, but there wasn't enough of it. Which is a crying shame, so enjoy these pages while you can. 

The Avengers make plans to travel to San Francisco after watching Mister Dibbs and Black Bolt threaten the tenements on a viewscreen. Thor insists on going to confront Mister Dibbs alone. Unbeknown to the other Avengers, Thor's alter-ego Don Blake, was the one who diagnosed Mister Dibbs with terminal cancer. The Avengers allow him to go alone. When Thor arrives he struggles briefly with the also newly arrived Inhuman Royal family who have made attempts to get Black Bolt to recognise them. Thor fails to talk Dibbs into accepting a peaceful resolution and reluctantly dispatches him with his hammer. When the royal family get a closer look at 'Black Bolt' they realise he is an imposter. Mister Dibbs' associate, Roscoe was forced to wear Black Bolt's costume. The costume was originally designed to contain Black Bolt's powers and thus it allowed Roscoe to produce some limited devastation, but Roscoe's unfamiliarity with it causes him to die then the feedback becomes too much. The real Black Bolt is being kept under guard along with the boy who befriended him. Find out where in next week's "Remembrance!"

The Sub-Mariner “To walk amongst men!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Vince Colletta

Originally published in Tales to Astonish #77

Cover date March 1966

(Published in December 1965)

After another undersea earthquake, Namor believes that the surface men have resumed their nuclear bomb testing. Following a debate with his Royal Council, Namor decides to go alone and investigate, as not to start a cataclysmic war between the two races. Before Namor can depart on his mission Atlantis is rocked by another earthquake.

Venturing out into the vast ocean, the Sub-Mariner comes across a gigantic drill that is boring into the ocean floor. This device is being controlled by a group of surface scientists who are attempting to learn the origins of life on Earth. The team is led by none other than Henry Pym and Janet van Dyne, formally Giant-Man and the Wasp. Namor uses his massive strength to stop the drill and soon finds himself attacked by military security frog-men. Out swimming them and rising to the surface, the Sub-Mariner warns them against further attack. The soldiers choose to ignore the warning and open fire. This prompts Namor to climb aboard the vessel, however none of the soldiers or least of all Henry Pym are willing to listen to the Atlantean prince's threats.  Pym warns Namor not to interfere with their project. This story takes place between Giant-Man and the Wasp leaving the Avengers in Avengers weekly issue 13 and their return in Avengers weekly issue 23. 

Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD “The Betatron gambit!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: John Severin

Originally published in Strange Tales #138

Cover date November 1965

(Published in August 1965)

Agents of HYDRA have infiltrate the Stark Industries building to kidnap Nick Fury in front of a helpless Stark, who had no access to his attache case that contains his Iron Man suit. Fury tries to fight off Hydra but ultimately he is captured. Stark remains safe inside a protective bullet proof cubicle. Meanwhile at the board room of the Imperial Industries International the chairman of the board, Leslie Farrington, angrily hosts a meeting of the board. Suddenly the lights go out, signalling that Fury has been captured. Farrington's assistant Arnold Brown asks to leave if the meeting is over, while Vincent Vandergill plots a take over of the company. Minutes later Fury is brought face-to-face with the Imperial Hydra. At the Nation's capital Hydra list their demands including a full surrender and the release of the Betatron bomb if those demands are not meet.

The Marvel Masterworks Centre-spread featuring the savage Sub-Mariner! Artwork by an un-named artist. I feel it could have been by Steve Stiles, but your guess is as good as mine.

Captain America “If this be treason!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby and George Tuska

Inker: George Tuska

Originally published in Tales to Astonish #70

Cover date October 1965

(Published in July 1965)

George Tuska pencils over Jack Kirby's layouts and also added the inks. In order to save Bucky from Doctor Rawlings' experimental shrink ray, Captain America was forced to steal a Nazi fighter plane, piloting it from France to Britain while avoiding being shot down by Allied forces. Cap safely lands and makes his way to Greymoore Castle. Breaking in he locates the room that Bucky is held in, the trap is spoiled by Rawlings' sister Celia, who warns Cap that Nazis are everywhere. The star spangled hero then battles an army of Nazis who have disguised themselves by wearing medieval armour. Although he gains the upper hand, both he, Bucky and Celia are knocked out by sleeping gas. All three are placed in a rocket much to the anger of Doctor Rawlings who pleads for his sister's life. Continued next week.

Captain Marvel “The moment of..the Man-slayer!”

Writer: Arnold Drake

Artist: Dick Ayers

Inker: Syd Shores

Originally published in Captain Marvel #12

Cover date April 1969

(Published in January 1969)

Endowed with new powers by the god known as Zo, Mar-Vell visits the planetoid where he laid the body of Una, before he returns to Earth space. He taunts Yon-Rogg with images of himself alive before returning to Earth to tie up any loose ends as "Walter Lawson", when he arrives in his office he finds that the Cape is about to launch a rocket. At the same time the Black Widow is on a covert mission for SHIELD at some top secret lab somewhere in the Caribbean. 

Mar-Vell arrives at the Cape as "Lawson"and is held at gun-point, under suspicion of spying due to his long absence. But before he can be taken into custody, the Man-Slayer, a robot created by Communists attacks the Cape. Mar-Vell distract the soldiers using his illusion casting powers, so that he can change into Captain Marvel. Meanwhile in the Caribbean the Black Widow breaks into the control room of the Communist leader who is controlling the Man-Slayer in an attempt to stop the attack from its source, but before she can stop it, she is knocked out. Mar-Vell battles the Man-Slayer, but its the Black Widow who manages to get free and destroy the Man-Slayer's controls making the robot inert, only she is taken captive by the Communists. Mar-Vell changes back into "Walter Lawson", however when the soldiers try to arrest him again, he uses his illusion casting powers to make himself appear invisible and makes his escape.

So with that below par episode its time for me to make my escape until next week, till then...

See you in seven.

Make Mine Marvel.