You've got the brawn, I've got the brains!

 Week Ending 20th December 1975

As updated in last week's Week Ending 13th December 1975, Neil Tennent's name was credited in the copyright text of the Mighty World of Marvel #167 and the Super-Heroes #41 as the editor, replacing Matt (Maureen,) Softley as editor. This week the Pet Shop Boys singer's name appears in both those titles and also in the Planet of the Apes comic copyright text. Spider-man Comics Weekly and Dracula Lives still bears Softley's name, the Titans doesn't name an editor in the copyright text and the Avengers weekly doesn't feature any copyright text at all. As I write in last week's update, I'll repeat here for those who missed that blog, Tennent had moved from Newcastle in 1972 to study history at North London Polytechnic, now part of London Metropolitan University. During 1975 he completed his exams, earning an honours degree. Straight from graduation he started working for British Marvel Comics, I still have yet to find the exact date, so there's a good chance his editorial duties might have started earlier.

Also this week future British Marvel Comics/Marvel UK editor Dez Skinn, features in six of the weeklies as the Marvel Mastermind 1975 question compiler. The only weekly that the Mastermind doesn't appear in is the Titans. More on that feature later.

The Mighty World of Marvel #168

This cover drawn by Herb Trimpe (pencils,) with Sal Trapani (inks,) originally appeared on the front of the Incredible Hulk #166. I wonder was the cover created before the dialogue was added to the strip and the choice was made to call the creature Zzzax, because the text box seemed to want to call the creature "It! The thing from the dynamo!" The top tagline in the finished cover reads a bit funny, the spacing between the words "Daredevil" and "Fear" doesn't make sense. Should it have read "Also inside Daredevil, the man without fear!"? Find out later on in this blog.

The Incredible Hulk “The destroyer from the dynamo!”

Writer: Steve Englehart

Artist: Herb Trimpe

Inker: Sal Trapani

Originally published in The Incredible Hulk #166

Cover date August 1973

(Published in May 1973)

The Hulk is drawn to New York by the magical energy from Doctor Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum. Confused by these feelings the Hulk decides to find his comrade in the Defenders, but as he rests he drops asleep, starting his change back into Bruce Banner. Elsewhere a group of terrorists attempt to disrupt the government by planting a bomb at the local nuclear power plant. Things start to go awry when their bomb causes the energy in the atomic pile to gain sentience and start consuming all the humans it encounters in its path. This sentient energy takes on a giant humanoid form. Naming itself Zzzax!

Meanwhile Hawkeye laments over the amount of inaction since he recently quit the Avengers. The weekly suggests that it was following events in Avengers #109, but that would be the US edition, cover dated May 1973, published February 1973. That story would appear for British readers in Super Spider-man and the Titans #217, from the week ending 6th April 1977. So British readers might not understand why he's left the Avengers. While watching "The Adventures of Don Juan" on TV a news report breaks in about Zzzax's rampage through the city. Getting a chance to go into action the archer sets off to prove that he is a capable solo adventurer. Elsewhere in the city, Bruce Banner awakes from a nightmare by a police officer who warns him to clear out of the area of Zzzax's rampage. Banner goes to investigate and is attacked by the creature. A world away, over Russian airspace, Glenn Talbot and Colonel Armbruster are gearing up for their covert operation to rescue General Ross from behind the Iron Curtain. After a clandestine airdrop the group trek to the location where Ross is being held captive and begin preparing their rescue attempt.

Marvel Mastermind 1975

Fancy yourself as a Marvel super-brain? Well in six of this week's Marvel weeklies, (only missing in The Titans,)  readers have a chance to win some unique prizes and test their Marvel knowledge. Long-time Marvel fan Dez Skinn, editor of Britain's first ever comics fanzine, Fantasy Advertiser International and future Marvel UK editor-in-chief, was asked to set the questions for the inaugural Marvel Mastermind. It is assured that Dez took questions from memory. The competition will appear over two weeks in this and next week's Marvel weeklies. Each week the questions are set in four groups, with introductory questions to each group, worth five points each and advanced questions, worth ten points each, that will give you a maximum of 100 points to score each week. The closing date for this competition was the 10th January 1976, when they will be checked. If there is a tie for first prize, then a set of elimination questions will be sent out to be answered and must be returned within a week. The Marvelite with the highest score will be awarded the illustrious and much-coveted title of MARVEL MASTERMIND 1975! Later on next year the answers to all the questions will be published once the winner and runners-up have been announced. The one catch is if you answer the introductory questions incorrectly then the answers to the advance questions in that section will not be counted! 

SECTION A

INTRODUCTORY QUESTION (for 5 points)

One of Spidey's friends has an infamous father. Name the friend and the father!

ADVANCED QUESTIONS (for 10 points each)

What was the title of the first Stan Lee superhero comic of the 1960s?

Our jolly green giant was not green in the first issue of his own American comic. What colour was he?

SECTION B

INTRODUCTORY QUESTION (for 5 points)

Who was the first foe to face the Avengers?

ADVANCED QUESTIONS (for 10 points each)

Who were the original 5 Avengers?

For ONE point each, name ten Avengers other than the above 5.

SECTION C

INTRODUCTORY QUESTION (for 5 points)

What was the title of the first ever British Marvel Comic?

ADVANCED QUESTIONS (for 10 points each)

What was the terrific free gift in the first issue of SPIDERMAN COMICS WEEKLY?

Which was the last issue of SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN WEEKLY before it merged into AVENGERS WEEKLY?

SECTION D

INTRODUCTORY QUESTION (for 5 points)

Which Marvel character can observe events taking place but, by law of his race, never interfere?

ADVANCED QUESTIONS (for 10 points each)

What have the following superheroes in common? THOR, CAPTAIN AMERICA, ANGEL and NAMOR

Which Marvel superhero first befriended Wyatt Wingfoot?

Daredevil “His destiny is death!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Barry Windsor-Smith

Inker: George Klein

Originally published in Daredevil #51

Cover date April 1969

(Published in February 1969)

An un-named artist drew this second part opening splash page, I haven't been able to discover who. After returning home, Matt gets a phone call from Karen Page. After a heart felt conversation the two set up a date. Matt then calls Foggy and the law partners make up their previous disagreement and agree to talk the next day over lunch. Things are looking up for Matt, but there's always a dark cloud with every super-hero's silver lining, while crossing the road on the way to his date with Karen a stranger offers to help him across the road. Matt says he can manage, but the stranger insists as it would be an honour to assist the great Daredevil.

The stranger slips away but not before telling Matt he is Starr Saxon. A combination of the medical treatment in reacting with radioactive particles in his blood and the constant harassment of Starr Saxon, causesMatt's senses to hallucinate. Eventually recovering Matt makes his way to the restaurant where he's greeted by Karen, the two start a romantic meal when Saxon interrupts again. The encounter pushes him too far causing the hallucinations once again, with his radar sense completely gone Matt stumbles in the street in terror. Upset at what has occurred Karen is calmed  by Saxon, who claims to be Matt's friend. The villain escorts Karen away, insisting that she bring Matt's Cane. In an alleyway Murdock's tortured and twisted mind plays tricks on our hero as visions of a leaping Daredevil play out before his inner eye. I always loved the way Barry Windsor-Smith uses blank space in his artwork, especially on this page shown to the left as it felt that Murdock's breakdown was like a painful vacuum without light or definition. However if you read the colour US edition you would have seen Matt's mental image of Daredevil leaping in full health. I guess the printers couldn't pick up the red ghostly image. Elsewhere the doctor who treated Daredevil at the prison finally gets the blood test results back. They warn him "death calls for DD" if the hero doesn't receive medical aid immediately, as we'll find out next week. 

The Mighty Marvel Mailbag

Roy Leyland from London writes it's true that "Mighty Marvel Marches On!" Lately Marvel has done nothing but march forward in leaps and bounds! Roy thinks that the introduction of Giant-Man and the Cat in the Super-heroes was a "masterstroke!" Characters like Blade, Lilith and Tigra keep Marvel's reputation as innovators. Roy also has a list of strips to keep, get rid of and give more pages to. Paul Levy from Prestwich thanks Marvel for printing his previous letter in the Super-Heroes. He now wants to make a film about one of Marvel's heroes and is asking if any readers want to take part. A O'Regan from Liverpool gives hints and tips on where to go to fill any gaps in their British, American and Treasury Editions collections. William Marten-Smith RFO, KOF from Plymouth was allowed to bring books in to school to read because he had a good result in one of his exams. So naturally he took a bunch of Marvels to read. He lent some boys some mags, but as they were swopping, the teacher told them they were making too much noise and that he might confiscate the Mags and read them himself. He was interested in Marvel Mags all along.

The Fantastic Four “Shall Earth endure?”

 Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Joe Sinnott 

Originally published in The Fantastic Four #77

Cover date August 1968

(Published in May 1968)

The Silver Surfer has return to Earth to join his former master Galactus, and stop him from destroying the Earth. In the Microverse the Fantastic Four have opted to remain there until the threat of the Psycho-Man can be resolved. As they discuss their next course of action a device flies towards them and teleports them aboard the Psycho-Man's ship. There the Psycho-Man reveals his intentions of destroying the Fantastic Four before making his next attempt to conquer Earth. The Torch "flames on" and lashes out at the villain with a thermal blast, which reveals that the Psycho-Man had used his powers to influence the heroes's minds with an "encepho-projector" that projected a hologram of their foe.

Now returned to Earth, the Silver Surfer's size has increased to normal, where he is greeted by Crystal, fills him in on the current events. She asks him about Johnny and the others, he tells her that they are alive, but in a place where they cannot be reached. Sue hears them talking and asks what news they have. The Surfer wonders why she is in bed, is she ill? Crystal explains that she's pregnant. As she's restless from the lack of news about her husband, the Surfer uses his Power Cosmic to sedate her so she can rest. The Surfer then speeds into space where he greets Galactus and agrees to find him a suitable world to end his hunger in order to spare the Earth. Meanwhile, in the Microverse, the Fantastic Four continue their search for Psycho-Man by smashing their way through his ship and its defences. When they find the Psycho-Man he proves to be stronger than they had anticipated as he bowls the Thing over. But as the Torch gives his teammate a breather, with his second wind Ben smashes the Psycho-Man, revealing that he is another construct. Reed schools Ben as he wanted to study the figure. Continued next week.

Well I know you've seen this in-house advert before in earlier blogs but Christmas is coming and it's worth seeing it again. It also features on the back of this week's the Avengers weekly, Dracula Lives, Planet of the Apes and the Super-Heroes.  

Spider-man Comics Weekly #149

The Grand Comics Database believes that Ed Hannigan drew this and I see no reason to disagree with that, it certainly looks the same style as his previous British Marvel art. Mike Esposito is definitely the inker. I like the mix of all three heroes on the cover as Thor faces the Wrecker and Iron Man clashes with Cerebrus while Spider-man swings into action against an unseen Spider-Slayer, making this issue a special bombastic battle issue!

Spider-man “The Spider Slayer strikes!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Gil Kane

Inker: Frank Giacoia

Originally published in the Amazing Spider-man #105

Cover date February 1972

(Published in November 1971)

Now this is a British commissioned second part opening splash page and I do know who drew it. It was auctioned on the 17th November 2018 on Heritage Auctions for $960, which is just over £842. On the back of the page in editorial blue pencil "Paty Espo" was written, which would have been shorthand for Paty Greer, latter known as Paty Cockrum and Mike Esposito, as penciller and inker. As Spider-man swings about town while being pursued by Spencer Smythe's Spider-Slayer, under the controls of J Jonah Jameson.

As the Slayer gets closer to Spidey the controls jam much to Jameson's frustration. Then later the control activate again until it gets too close to its target. As the web-slinger moves about the city he notices a growing number of mysterious gadgets perched on various rooftops. In a distant room a hand pushes a button why saying that "It was too soon! I have to wait till they reach the right place." With that the Spider-Slayer attacks Spider-man. While noticing that the robots eyes screens feature Jameson's face, reminding him of his previous encounter with the Spider-Slayer robot as seen in SMCW #55. Jameson and Spidey are unaware that Smythe also has control of the robot and is subtly piloting it to land its battle with Spider-man into an electronics laboratory. There, Smythe takes full control of the robot, unknown to Jameson, who believes his controls are broken and smashes them. Smythe has planned to use the Slayer to steal a special device which would render security cameras inoperable and also allows him to monitor the recordings of any camera in the city to further his own wealth through illegal means. Smythe had helped the city's police force develop the Video-scanners as the scientific advisor and had planned to steel the Master Unit as he couldn't afford to manufacture it himself. Recovering from the attack, Spider-man heads back to his apartment, unknown that Smythe is using the device to track Spider-man's movements. Inadvertently Spider-man reveals his secret identity as Peter Parker to Smythe. If you can bear the shock the story continues next week.

Iron Man “Sins of the father!”

Writer: Archie Goodwin

Artist: George Tuska

Inker: Johnny Craig

Originally published in Iron Man #5

Cover date September 1968

(Published in June 1968)

I've no information on who drew this second part opening splash page. Last week Tony Stark was kidnapped by soldiers from the future and brought forward in time to be executed for a crime of creating a super computer called Cerberus, that rules the world with a totalitarian grip. Stark is freed from execution when Cerberus’s forces break up the trial while seeking to crush the rebels, in the confusion Stark escaped and lead away by a rebel named Krylla. 

The rebel, Krylla turns out to have not wanted to kill Tony at all. As a historian herself she takes him to a museum where she learned about his role in creating Cerberus and how his action lead to this version of the future. There Tony discovers a replica Iron Man suit of armour on display. Stark smashes the display case and quickly dons the suit, just in time to face Cerberus's mind-enslaved human servants. The armoured Avenger dispatches them, then instead of fleeing away from Cerberus's Master-computer-complex he heads deeper into its labyrinth. Where he faces a giant robot amongst the many deadly traps. Other robots capture Krylla and Iron Man must face Cerberus himself in next week's instalment. 

The Web and the Hammer

Stephen Milford KOF from the Isle of White has never in his 13 years read anything that he liked half as much as Marvel comics. DC, is the nearest thing to them. If all you want to see undefinable, muscular, too-good, big-headed clowns, then read DC. But if you read Marvel he writes you get something quite different. But, you must appreciate the sensational, spectacular scripts, the incredible inking and of course, the awesome art. His letter also gives a run-down on the four weeklies he regularly buys, The Super-Heroes, Spider-man Comics Weekly, the Mighty World of Marvel and Dracula Lives. Russell Harris from Rugby says he gets "eight" of Marvel's great mags a week. Not sure how he manages that as he seems to write about a period in Marvel where there was only six weeklies as the Savage Sword of Conan had joined with the Avengers weekly and his letter makes no mention of the Titans. Russell does go into great detail about his favourite Marvel characters though.

 

The Mighty Thor “The wrath of the Wrecker!”

 Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Bill Everett

Originally published in The Mighty Thor #171

Cover date December 1969

(Published in October 1969)

The Thunder God looks out over the city when he over hears a radio news report about Pedro Luis Lopez, a prominent civil rights leader who had been shot. Knowing Lopez to be a dedicated crusader for justice and civil rights, Thor decides that he should once more become his mortal alter-ego Doctor Donald Blake and do all he can to save Lopez's life. 

Arriving at the hospital where Lopez is being treated, Thor transforms into Donald Blake and offers his assistance as a surgeon. The doctors on staff readily agree to accept Blakes' aid. The Doctors who were treating Lopez become increasingly worried over Lopez's survival as his death may lead to riots in the city. As the surgery begins elsewhere in the city, in another hospital, guards watch over a particularly dangerous patient who has been sedated ever since his admission. This patient turns out to be the super-villain known as the Wrecker, who has grown immune to the tranquillisers that have been used on him. Useing his superior strength he breaks out of his room, knocking aside the plain clothes police officers charged with watching him. The Wrecker then retrieves his Asgardian enchanted crow bar and heads for the streets to start a rampage. I first read this story in the Marvel UK comic The Mighty Thor issue 1 from the week ending the 20th April 1983.  In that comic the story was an awful mix of black and white, black, white and red and full colour, where the colours never lined up with the art. It was a pleasure to later read this tale in a second-hand copy of SMCW in pure black and white, even if it was Kirby's blockiest work inked by Everett.

Again I know that this advert has appeared in previous blogs, but like I said before it's nearly Christmas and an advert promoting a seasonal Marvel Annual is a heart warming thing to behold. It would have been too late to order any of these three annuals on offer, but parents who where stuck for what to get their children as an extra surprise in their Christmas stocking or sack, couldn't go wrong by picking up any one of these beauties, whether it be the Spider-man, the Avengers or the Marvel annual, or even all three, from their local newsagents. If all goes well and we've been added to the "Good" list who knows may be the Power of the Beesting will give a seasonal gift to all its readers too. 

Avengers Weekly #118

The Avengers battle a present day peril, while Conan faces death at the hands of a wizard in the barbaric past in this Pat Gabriele penciled cover. The wizard conjures up an image of the future to distract the Cimmerian, which seems to work as Conan, like the readers must have thought, "what the hell is that robot that's battling against the Earth's mightiest heroes?" Frank Giacoia finishes the cover with his inks. 

Conan the Barbarian “The Shadow in the tomb!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Ernie Chan

Originally published in Conan the Barbarian #31

Cover date October 1973

(Published in July 1973)

During high noon Conan as part of Yildiz's Turanian army faces  the rebellious Hill-men Tribe. A group of hill-men spring a surprise attack, whittling the army down to a handful of men. Due to the Turanian army being grossly out-numbered Captain Malthuz calls for a retreat and orders his troops to fall back to the slopes. Some of his men grumble at his decision, as the hill tribe men would be more at home in the hills than the Turanians. Conan still thinks that the rash young captain was a likeable soul, after all he stayed behind to make sure all his men and Conan got safely through the passage.

The group takes refuge in a cave as the hill-men trap them inside. Hobar, the leader of the Hill-men Tribe, offers the Turanians a bargain, if their chosen champion defeats the hill-men's champion, a giant called Toruk, in a fight to the death the Turanian will be allowed to go free. Captain Malthuz accepts the challenge and chooses himself as the champion, but states that only a magic sword could hope to beat the Hill-man champion. This causes Conan to reminisce finding a magic sword years ago in Vanaheim. He was fleeing the blood-thirsty clan of Vanr, after hiding in the icy undergrowth the savages miss the young Cimmerian. But the cold takes its toll on Conan as he had discarded his furry cloak to gain greater speed. Focused on survival he doesn't spot a giant polo bear until it's right upon him. The Bear crashes into the barbarian sending them both plummeting down the snowy slopes until the ground gives way sending the pair into a dark cave. Landing on Conan's broken sword the bear dies. In the caves Conan discovers a chamber with a stone slab on which a skeleton hand holds a sword. Symbols on the slab could possibly warn Conan of danger but has he has never seen that language what is he to do? Find out next week " someone has "to fight the Hill Tribe champion!"

Avengers Unite!

Ian Wilkinson from Surrey doesn't like the current line-up of Avengers and picks his own, which is Thor, Wasp, the Black Panther, Captain America and Quicksilver. Yellowjacket and the Vision should be rotated with each other, while Iron Man and the Black Knight could feature as guests occasionally. As for Goliath, Ian thinks he just hangs about, trying to help, while achieving no results. We never see his alter-ego, his powers are not original, he is in short, a DUD, and Ian cannot see any point in having him there. Scott Ferguson from Glasgow reviewed Avengers and the Savage Sword of Conan #101, starting with Barry Windsor-Smith's art which gets better and better. Roy Thomas is the only writer for Conan. With the Avengers, the story was good but this time he's not so sure about Barry Windsor-Smith's art on that strip. He didn't like Shang-Chi before but the story "Snowbuster", he describes as "Zowie!" Razor-Fist is fantastic, Doug Moench is a super writer and Paul Gulacy's new version of Shang-Chi is far better since he looks more like Bruce Lee now. An unsigned letter writer thinks that either Stan must be looking it up in books or he's got a genuine talent for biology, when Professor X says about Lucifers brain "His heartbeat seems regular, but I am no physician!" According to Adrian Anderson from Doncaster and a few of his sisters the Avengers weekly is one of the best comics out there. James MacTaggart RFO, KOF, FOOMer from Glasgow have always been an avid fan of The Avengers, but since the departure of John Buscema in Avengers weekly #92 it's never been the same. Gene Colan's art beautifully adorned the pages of issues 92-97, but his is not the style for the smooth, flowing story-line by Roy Thomas. Conan is a fantastic strip, but the comics title is too long and his name should be removed.

D Larkins from Sussex admits there are some comics he likes and some he doesn't and of course they are printed for a very wide and varied audience. His main interest was Conan when he discovered the books many years ago. The main reason he writes in this time is that often readers write in asking for back issues. Well he has purchased quite a few collections and now offers them for re-sale to Marvel fans. Keith Ansell from Birmingham has just read Steve Harris's question in Avengers #92, the answer is Captain America had his red. white and blue costume on under his outer clothing with his shield strapped on his chest. also under his outer garments. Alan Bailey RFO from Staffordshire felt compelled to write in after reading one of the best stories ever, it was Doctor Strange, "The Mark of Sligguth." from the Avengers and Savage Sword of Conan" 96. In his mind it was so realistic and packed with mystery and suspense, the best ever Doctor Strange story. Praise must go to Barry Windsor-Smith and Frank Brunner, who captured the characters so perfectly.

The Avengers “Heroes for hire!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Tom Palmer

Originally published in The Avengers #77

Cover date June 1970

(Published in April 1970)

On a murky Monday morning, pedestrians wake up to find the Avengers working as the most unusual construction workers the city has seen, demolishing a building. When the police question them, they inform them that they've been hired by millionaire Cornelius Van Lunt, who bought the property and required it demolishing. What they didn't know is that Van Lunt had bought it out from under the city, who had planned to use the land for a children's play ground.

In a flashback we find the reason why the Avengers needed to work for Van Lunt. The night before Tony Stark called round to the Avengers mansion to inform the team that he was in a financial power struggle with Van Lunt. Needing the extra cash to keep Stark Industries a float, Starks lawyers advise him that to get some of that money he needs he should call in the back rent owed on the lease on the Avengers mansion. The Black Panther admits that the money he has as King of Wakanda has been entrusted to the needs of his kingdom, but he has taken a job as a teacher under his civilian guise at a local school and will help out any way he can. Elsewhere, a criminal named Kronus has gathers his gang of thieves, previously their efforts had been stopped by the Avengers. Later, Pietro and Wanda appear on the Tonight Show to explain that they've rejoined the Avengers and that the team needs to raise $120,000. After receiving bags of mail with offers nothing can meet Tony Starks needs. With no other option they have to agree and work for Van Lunt. The story continues next week in "Just a job."

Doctor Strange “Portal to the past!”

Writer: Steve Englehart and Mike Friedrich

Artist: Frank Brunner

Inker: Crusty Bunkers

Originally published in Marvel Premiere #12

Cover date November 1973

(Published in August 1973)

This strip jumps from Marvel Premiere issue 10 to Marvel Premiere issue 12, missing out issue 11 which only contains four new pages from Steve Englehart and Frank Brunner which topped and tailed two repeat stories from Strange Tales issues 115 and 117. The new tale saw Doctor Strange return to the Ancient One's Sanctum wherein he informs Hamir, the Ancient One's servant, of the events that led to the death of his mentor. Strange also tells Hamir that he now bears the responsibility of being this realm's Sorcerer Supreme.

In the Mexican desert Doctor Strange has spent nine days without food or drink meditating in the position of Nirvana, contemplating the events of the last few weeks. Clea had used her limited mystical powers to learn his location. Then she and Wong have travelled through the desert find Strange and learn of the fate of the Ancient One, the defeat of Shuma-Gorath and Strange's ascension to the title of Sorcerer Supreme. Returning to Strange's Sanctum in New York, Strange decides to tell Clea that he has chosen her to be his disciple. After informing her of his decision he leaves to tell Baron Mordo the news of the Ancient One's death and make peace with him. Arriving in Transylvania, Strange begins to look for his old foe. When asking for direction to the Baron's estate one local attacks him. Thankfully another local, Stavros, offers to take the Doctor there. Find out next week what happens in "the evil in the man!"

Dracula Lives #61

The Grand Comics Database suggests that Ed Hannigan possibly penciled this cover, it is sure that Frank Giacoia definitely did ink it. The top tag line claims that inside this mag is the end of the Living Mummy. Read on to find out if it is. 

Dracula “Madness in the mind!”

Writer: Marv Wolfman

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Tom Palmer

Originally published in Tomb of Dracula #28

Cover date January 1975

(Published in October 1974)

Taj Nitall has returned to India, to the home of his crippled wife, finally willing to deal with his past. Jyota Nital takes her husband into an adjacent room to show him their son Adri, for the first time since he had been turned into a vampire and Taj had left to destroy Dracula. Jyota explains that she has kept their son alive with blood transfusions, however the people of the village have began demanding that they kill Adri to avoid the risk of the boy breaking free. However, Jyota cannot bring herself to kill her only son.

Meanwhile in England, Dracula, David Eshcol and Shiela Whittier find themselves captive of a mysterious criminal mastermind who has reassembled the final components of the Chimera and intends to use it's power to take over the universe. When Dracula attempts to break free of his bonds he is struck in the face with a cross by Mae Li. In a show of power Mae Li's evil master  then begins to use the power of the Chimera to torture his opponents. He first torments David by conjuring up a doppelgänger of David's father Jacob who mocks his son's devotion to Judaism, calling his beliefs foolish. The final insult, he pulls away his son's Star of David, telling him he will burn in Hell. Mentally devastated by the vision, David is off guard when Mae Li pushes David down an elevator shaft. David soon finds himself on a hilltop dressed as someone from Biblical times. He is confronted by a burning bush who tells him that there is no God, only Satan himself before consuming David in its flames. David awakes from the bad dream when Shiela attempts to snap him out of it. She too succumbs to another illusion in which she is finally given what she wants, her master's total love and devotion. Dracula denounces his evil ways promising to love her forever, but as they embrace with a kiss, she looks at him and sees a mocking skeleton mocking her.

The Living Mummy “Bonds of Glory”

Writer: John Warner

Artist: Tom Sutton 

Inker: Tom Sutton

Originally published in Supernatural Thrillers #15

Cover date October 1975

(Published in July 1975)

An un-named artist drew this second and final part opening splash page, with a new story title, credits box and catch-up box is added. The Elementals have sealed Cairo under an escapable dome, now the Earth's only hopes are a band of humans lead by N'Kantu the Living Mummy and the renegade Elemental Zephyr.

 

Suddenly Cairo disappears, that can be explained as a dimensional aleph. Where an aleph is a point in space that contains all other points, a cross-roads, the very nexus of all dimensions. At its centre, yet no longer belonging to any dimension is Cairo. Doctor Skarab tries to use the Scarlet Scarab to stop the Elementals, but his efforts come to nothing. Then the Living mummy realises that the power of the Scarab is in the very air and that anyone can use it. The group uses the magic around them to attack the Elementals. They have to channel the power all together as a group to succeed in forcing the Elementals out into the dimensional void outside the city. With the Elementals defeated, Cairo is returned to Earth. The dome over the city disappears, with the Elementals gone and the crisis over, Skarab locks away the Scarlet Scarab, believing it to have no power left. After bidding Asp, Olddan and Zephyr farewell, the Professor is stunned to discover that Asp has once again stolen the Scarab.

Tomes to the Tomb

Regular British Marvel letter writer Neil Fisher from St. Helens writes a few words in favour of the self-proclaimed "rich idiot" Frank Drake. Far less exciting than Blake, Drake has no personal anti-vampire gimmicks like wooden knives. wooden darts, a crossbow, great strength, etc. Through the past fifty issues or so, all he's added is a few empty threats against Dracula and the function of being Rachel's love-interest. But Neil really likes that Drake is the Colombo of the vampire-hunting society. plugging away with no brains but plenty of spirit. In short, he does what your normal, everyday person would do in the face of the ultimate evil, he blows it. Andrew Jones from Kidbrooke writes that Dracula Lives improves with every issue, as do the Dracula and Werewolf stories. The Living Mummy feature is quite a good replacement for the Frankenstein Monster. Andrew Weeks from Exeter has been buying Marvel Comics since they came out in Britain, with Dracula Lives being the best mag followed by Spider-man. His only complaint is the lack of colour in the British mags.

A Marvel Masterwork Pin-up featuring the Frankenstein Monster. The artist is unnamed. 

Werewolf by Night “An eclipse of evil!”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: Don Perlin

Inker: Don Perlin

Originally published in Werewolf by Night #25

Cover date January 1974

(Published in October 1974)

Lieutenant Victor Northrup, the head of Homicide at the Los Angeles Police Department has managed to capture the Werewolf, but his taunting the beast leads to the officer getting himself trapped in the netting. As his colleagues get him free the Werewolf see a chance to free himself and bolts for freedom. 

Meanwhile Jack Russell's best friend, Buck Cowan, recovers from being attacked by DePrayve at the home of Winston Redditch, the psycho's original ego. Mrs Redditch tends to his wounds. Buck is not only worried about Mrs Redditch's husband but also Jack who Buck realises would have transformed into the Werewolf. Meanwhile the cause of Buck's worries has tracked down DePrayve to resume their battle, which ends when the formula wears off and DePrayve returns to human form. Confused by his prey's transformation the Werewolf leaves the unconscious Redditch and flees into the shadows. The story continues next week. 

A Castlemaster advert from Sinclair Toys Limited shares the page with an in-house advert for this week's The Titans issue 9. While Spider-man Comics Weekly issue 149 shares a full page in-house advert with the Mighty World of Marvel issue 168. Notice if you recall earlier in the blog the cover from MWOM #168 had a top tag line that only read "Daredevil" and the word "Fear". In this promotion for the mag we can see that the tag line should have read "Also starring Daredevil, the man without Fear!"

The inside back page of this week's Dracula Lives features a late memorial on the late actor Lon Chaney, Jr. Who was one of the most versatile horror movie stars of the 1940's. He died at age 67 in San Clemente, California on 12th July 1973. Chaney was best known for his portrayal of some of the great Universal monsters, including The Mummy in three films, Frankenstein's Monster in The Ghost of Frankenstein in 1942, "Count Alueard," in "The Son of Dracula" from 1943 and of course, his most famous role, the Wolf Man. Born Creighton Hull Chaney in Oklahoma City on the 10th February 1906, he began his film career in 1932 in an RKO serial entitled "The Last Frontier." He came to the attention of Universal Pictures in 1939 after his memorable portrayal of the retarded brute Lennie in the classic film "Of Mice and Men." After a tryout in the title role of "Man-Made Monster" in 1941, Chaney created Larry Talbot, the Wolf Man that same year. Quickly he rose to prominence as a movie monster due to his versatility under character make-up and the opportunity he provided the studio to cash in on his late father's name. Lon Chaney Sr. who was known as "The Man of a Thousand Faces," after starring in such Universal silent classics as "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and "The Phantom of the Opera." This article, by Martin Pasko, goes on to detail Chaney junior's movie triumphs and details his surviving family at the time.

Planet of the Apes #61

I've said for a while that the British weekly Planet of the Apes covers have been pretty poor and that British Marvel Comics should have used the beautiful covers from the Marvel/Curtis Magazine. They did when it was appropriate and the cover matched the story. This week I get my wish with this wonderful painted cover from Scottish artist Ken Barr, that creates more heart stopping tension than any image taken from the original film as Zira shields her new born baby from an assassin's bullets, as she flees from a pursuing helicopter. The British cover's dirtier colours creates even more atmosphere. It's one of British Marvel Comics greatest covers. It deserves to be on the wall of an art gallery so that more people can admire it and it's certainly deserves to be my Cover of the Week.

Planet of the Apes “But who shall inherit the meek?”

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)

Like King Herod in his search for baby Jesus in the nativity story, Doctor Otto Hasslein franticly coordinates the police and military units to search every zoo, pet shop, and circus for the escaped talking apes from the future, Cornelius and Zira. Unknown to him Doctor Lewis Dixon and Doctor Stephanie Branton  have helped the pair find refuge as "Armando's Sensational Circus", where Doctor Dixon had helped deliver the baby chimpanzee.  

As the search tightens in Cornelius and Zira must take their newborn child and find a safer place to hide before the circus is searched. Armando wishes them well and gifts the child his medal of Saint Francis of Assisi, who he tells Cornelius was a holy man who cared for all animals. Saint Francis of Assisi was indeed a holy man, born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, who lived from around 1181 to the 3rd October 1226, was an Italian mystic, poet and Catholic friar who founded the religious order of the Franciscans. In the story Zira asks to see Heloise, a chimpanzee who had also given birth a few days earlier. The intelligent chimpanzee exchanges a moment with the primitive ape, as mothers understanding each other without saying any words. Lewis and Stephanie drive the fugitive apes to some remote oil well fields that would lead to an abandoned refinery and a harbour to the south east, where they could hide out till all the fuss had blown over. Cornelius asks Lewis if he could have a gun so that if things got dangerous and they were discovered and threatened with death they could have a chance to take their own lives if that moment came. With some hesitation Lewis gives him a gun. The four kiss in what must have been controversial as man kisses ape and ape kisses woman. The chimpanzees head off into their future. Meanwhile at Armando's circus the authorities search for the fugitive apes, while Armando bamboozles the police officer with his pride at having the first chimpanzee to give birth at a circus. Hasslein still plots for the fugitives that will continue next week.

Following the Planet of the Apes strip a full page features a photo taken from the film Escape from the Planet of the Apes, featuring Zira, as played by Kim Hunter, with a real live baby chimpanzee. 

Black Panther “The gentleman's name is..Venomm!”

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 cover art from Jungle Action volume 2 issue 7, by Rich Buckler and Klaus Janson is used as this week's second part opening splash page with a new story title, catch-up boxes and a credit box added. The Panther tracks a group of Erik Killmonger's  mercenaries, known as the death regiment into the caves beneath Warriors Falls. 

There the Panther finds that through the caverns a vast mining operation has been covertly taking place to extract ore from beneath the sacred mound of Vibranium. Suddenly the Black Panther is attacked by Venomm, a mercenary in the employ of Erik Killmonger. Venomm's violent attack of the intruder is with his whip and his pet snakes. With the story ending on a virtual cliff-hangers as Venomm's snakes strike out at T'Challa sending the Panther tumbling off the edge. With his quick reflexes he grabs the ledge, but Venomm stamps on the King's fingers. With his free hand the Panther pulls the villain over the edge. Then beating his foe the Panther proves that he is back, promising Venomm that he will not rest until Killmonger's reign of terror is ended and that he shall clash with the Death Regiment and any other hellish threats that Killmonger has. One such threat will appear next week as the Panther must face Malice by crimson moonlight!"  

While researching this story I discovered that Don McGregor had originally intended to have Taku, T'Challa's Chief Advisor and Venomm were to be gay. But McGregor decided against it. In an interview in Marvel. Com McGregor told Ben Morse that he had experienced complications of doing an interracial kiss in the Killraven series, as seen in Amazing Adventures issue 31, (cover dated July 1975, published April 1975.) and he knew that it would be his last book if I tried it. And it would never have seen print. I suspect that McGregor got the order of the two stories wrong as Killraven was printed after the Panther's Rage, but the outcome would have been the same. I have to say Venomm's sexuality would have been irrelevant to the plot.

Ka-Zar “Man-Thing no more!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: John Buscema and Rich Buckler

Inker: Dan Adkins

Originally published in Astonishing Tales #13

Cover date August 1972

(Published in May 1972)

The cover art by Rich Buckler from Astonishing Tales issue 13 is repurposed here as this week's second part opening splash page, with a very amateurish font on a new story title with catch-up text boxes and a credit box added. After discovering an AIM agent who had shot Doctor Calvin, Ka-Zar manages to get him to reveal the secret location of AIM's hideout by threatening to let Zabu have his sabre-toothed way with him. In some primeval way the Man-Thing hears the conversation and slips through the cage holding it prisoner to search for Calvin.

Ka-Zar, Zabu and Barbara track down the AIM underground base, the savage lord discovers a ventilation pipe, which he blocks. A secret hatch opens as three AIM agents investigate why their air flow has stopped. With ease Ka-Zar battles the AIM agents. Discovering a vast underground complex Ka-Zar and Zabu have to fight more AIM soldiers while Barbara looks for Doctor Calvin. She finds the unconscious doctor, but also learns that Paul Allen had been a double agent working for AIM. Paul holds Barbara at gun-point so that Ka-Zar will stop his attack, but just has he threatens to shoot Doctor Calvin the Man-Thing bursts through the wall and attacks Paul. In fear Paul releases Barbara when the Man-Thing menaces him. With the swamp creature's touch Paul is burned to death. In the confusion Ka-Zar manages to get himself, Zabu, Barbara and Doctor Calvin out of the base, just as the Man-Thing throws a switch causing the base to explode, seemingly destroying the Man-Thing. Ka-Zar's story continues in next week's "To stalk a city!"

Apes Forum

First letter in this week's Apes Forum is from a devoted (female) Urko fan, who has noticed everybody says how much they love Galen, yet no-one writes about Urko and Doctor Zaius. Liz Hart from Leicester has offered to run a Pen-pal club. She is pleased to say that she has managed to put many contacts together with a few odd people left over. Glenn Johnson from Bristol is daily becoming a super expert on all things Planet of the Apes, due to growing collection of merchandise related to the world of POTA. Graham Tarver from Warwickshire has always enjoying POTA mag, except the Apeslayer as the story and artwork was bad and it dragged on for far too long. He's also not keen on the Warlock and Captain Marvel stories. K Biddlecombe from Hampshire is a devoted follower of the apes on telly and in the sensational mag. The artwork at the moment is great, especially in the story "City of Nomads", with great shading from Tom Sutton. Am looking forward to seeing the picture sequel to 'Escape from the Planet of the Apes'. After watching those first three ape films is what made him a dedicated fan. His one complaint is there's too much of Warlock and Captain Marvel. He writes "Please put more short SF stories in the mag."

The Super-heroes #42

This was quite a team up cover for this team of mutants fighting a team of super-villains. Arvell Jones and Aubrey Bradford penciled it, while Frank Giacoia and Mike Esposito applied the inks. 

Giant-Man and the Wasp “Tyranny thy name is El Toro!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Don Heck

Inker: Don Heck

Originally published in Tales to Astonish #54

Cover date April 1964

(Published in January 1964)

An unnamed artist delivers this second part opening splash page, with all the usual bits and pieces added. Giant-Man struggles to his feet, vowing to rescue Janet. Escaping the guards he follows railroad tracks to open country where he can find a hiding place. Later Giant-Man uses his cybernetic communicators to contact a  network of ants to help the locate the Wasp. Finding her onboard a ship anchored off the coast. Giant-Man uses speed boats as water skis in order to reach the ship and rescue Janet. Regaining the size capsules and freeing the Wasp, the two heroes shrink to ant-size and hitch a ride on Janet's guards as they go to El Toro to report her escape.

Arriving in El Toro's office, the heroes make their presence be known by enraging El Toro who attacks them. Giant-Man side-steps the dictator who ends up crashing through a window and falls helplessly onto a flagpole above the city square. The Wasp locates the documents that prove that the election was rigged by El Toro's communist backers. Giant-Man tosses the papers down to the crowd of onlookers below, who are enraged to learn that El Toro cheated them denounces the tyrant as a traitor, deposing him and vowing to hold a new election. Two days later, after returning to America, Giant-Man and the Wasp are congratulated for freeing Santo Rico from communist tyranny. Giant-Man states that he's had enough traveling around to last him for years, but the Wasp is still trying to decide where they should go on holiday.

This Marvel Masterwork Pin-up of the Thing also doubles as a promotion for the rocky member of the Fantastic Four getting his own strip in future pages of the Super-Heroes comic. Issue 45 on the Week Ending the 10th of January 1976 in fact, although the page doesn't tell you that. The artwork of the Thing was lifted from the cover of the Fantastic Four issue 116, cover dated November 1971, published August 1971, as drawn by John Buscema with inks by Joe Sinnott. 

Super-Mail

John Flaxman from Great Yarmouth writes that Conan is his favourite character, followed by the Silver Surfer. Conan's three artists, Barry Smith, Gil Kane and John Buscema, draw Conan perfectly. On the subject of artists, Jack Kirby can draw the X-Men well, but only in certain stories. Mike Griggs from Kent writes controversially that the Super-Heroes #31 and #32 are, without a doubt, the best issues of the title so far, because of the long-overdue disappearance of that over-rated creep the Silver Surfer. Another opinion from Mike is that two bads make a good, in that by combining Marvel's worst, Jack Kirby and Don Heck, Marvel have produced some really good art, he gives some details on why. Ian Beattie from Glasgow thinks the Super-Heroes is a great mag. The X-Men are brilliant and should remain as the permanent back-up even when the Silver Surfer series ends. Mark Abbott from London has tried to get his previous letters printed and in this one he wants John Buscema to be awarded a FFF because he's the best artists at Marvel. D E Morris PMM and FOOMer from Kent comments that a woman super-heroine like the Cat, in her own strip is a welcomed change. Giant-Man and the Wasp is a super-team that no-one asked for. And the X-Men at only ten pages long are good, as longer stories tends to make the story a little boring.

The X-Men “Dome over DC”

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 Werner Roth and Dick Ayers artwork from the X-Men issue 23 is repurposed as this week second part opening splash page, with a new story title,  credit and catch-up boxes. The villains Porcupine, Plant-man, the Eel, the Unicorn and the Scarecrow scare off the crowd who had attacked the X-Men, then they demand that the mutants hand over the money, who refuse and a fight over the loot breaks out. The young heroes defeat all the criminals except for the Eel and Unicorn, who rush toward the case filled with money. The Unicorn then betrays his comrade by blasting him and running off with the case. He doesn't get far before he's surrounded by the X-Men and the military. 

After more back and forth with the case of money it eventually ends up in Marvel Girl's hands who returns to Nefaria's hideout, where she hands it over to Nefaria. However, they are interrupted when a strange masked man who enters the room and surprisingly operates the machine to deactivate the dome without setting off any traps. When the other X-Men arrive Nefaria sneaks away, seemingly with the money. The mystery man reveals himself to be the Professor, who explains that he read Nefaria's mind to learn how to operate the dome. His ability to walk was accomplished by a special lightweight, flexible metal brace device that allows him to walk small distances. He tells his X-Men that he tricked Nefaria into fleeing with a fake image of the briefcase full of money, created by Nefaria's own machine. At that moment aboard his ship, Nefaria thinks he's gotten away, but is then confronted by the Unicorn who wishes still to take the money. To both men's surprise, the briefcase suddenly disappears, just as the coast guard picks them both up, thanks to a summons by Professor X. As the X-Men celebrate their victory, a letter is given to Jean which leaves her in tears as she tells her team mates that she must leave.

Bullpen Bulletin

A sizzling set of self-indulgent yet senses-shattering soliloquies! This week's Bullpen only appears in the Super-Heroes, I guess that the Marvel Mastermind took up too much space in the other six mags. After the first Item that introduces the intentions of the page the next Item brings news of Marv Wolfman's ascension to the position of Marvel Editor-in-Chief. Meanwhile in the next Item Marv's predecessor, Len Wein tells all that he is still devoting himself to full-time writing some of Marvel's top strips. There's also a hint that Herb Trimpe, who has spent the past six months living in England will be teaming up with Len on a new project. There's an Item on John Warner Duff Vohland and another on the production of a new music album by Cashdan and West called "Spider...or man?" Future Items are promised on movie productions, TV pilots and other news will feature in the coming weeks.  

The Scarecrow “Vengeance of 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)

The artist who drew this second part opening splash page is unknown, even the original story writer and one time British Marvel (US based,) associate editor, Scott Edelman didn't know when he mentioned the UK version of the series in his blog. He thought it could have been Ron Wilson but I doubt it. I don't think it's Arvell Jones either. Last week Jess Duncan had won a painting at an auction of a Scarecrow. Later that evening, Gregor Rovik and his colleagues adorn strange robes and masks to break into Jess' studio apartment in Soho and attempt to steal it.

Their masks and outfits are the symbols of the Cult of Kalumai and what Jess doesn't realise is that beneath the picture of the Scarecrow is an image of the cult's sacred founder, Kalumai. Jess is knocked unconscious as the cult steals the painting as well as kidnapping Jess' friend Harmony Maxwell. Taking it and her to their secret lair where they plan on sacrificing to their cult god Kalumai. The Scarecrow image re-animates itself, leaping from the painting to attack Rovik who turnsand runs. Using his power over the elements, the Scarecrow animates a nearby tree, causing its branches to grab Rovik. The tree twists and bends the cult leader until every single bone in his body breaks causing a strange, grisly death. Jess and Dave arrive to free Harmony, who believes the painting of the Scarecrow was destroyed in the nights events, but when the there friends look at the painting they find that the Scarecrow has since returned to his place in the painting. But this time his face sports a wide smile.

Another Marvel Masterwork Pin-up, this time Giant-Man and the wonderful Wasp. The artist was Carl Burgos with Chic Stone applying the inks. It first appeared on page 16 of Tales to Astonish

issue 63, cover dated January 1965, published October 1964.

The Titans #9

Keith Pollard mixes a scene from a World War Two Captain America adventure, presumably when Cap and Bucky try to stop Baron Zemo's experimental drone from launching and the cover from Strange Tales issue 139 featuring Nick Fury who seems to be floating in outer space in front of a weird Hydra craft. That original cover used the Jack Kirby/Joe Sinnott art from the Nick Fury opening splash page with Doctor Strange looking at it, as drawn by Marie Severin. Frank Giacoia inked Pollard's British cover.  

The Inhumans “...And the Madness of Magneto!”

Writer: Gerry Conway

Artist: Mike Sekowsky

Inker: Bill Everett

Originally published in Amazing Adventures Volume 2 #9

Cover date November 1971

(Published in August 1971)

After two fabulous weeks of Neal Adams art this week feels a total let down, but let's be honest any artist following Adams would be a let down. Gorgon, Medusa and Karnak are still searching for Black Bolt in San Francisco. While planning how to continue their search the abandoned building they are hiding is entered by a group of Mutant Brothers who attack them.

Gorgon, Medusa and Karnak defeat that group of mutants and question them for answers. Elsewhere outside a cafe, Mutants from the same group find and attack Joey and Black Bolt, who still doesn't remember who he is. Joey is left unconscious on the streets while Black Bolt is taken to meet the mutants master, Magneto. The Mutants and Magneto mistakenly believe that Black Bolt and the Inhumans are fellow mutants and had intended to captured them in order to utilise their powers in his crusade against humanity. With only Black Bolt captured and held in Magneto's strange machine, only Gorgon, Medusa and Karnak are free and able to rescue their king before the evil mutant "Magneto strikes" next week!

In landscape form two in-house offers from Marvel The first is for the Mighty Marvel Bicentennial Calendar 1976 at the price of £2.10 including postage and packaging. With only 500 copies in the UK they could have run out fast. Or a chance to buy Son of Origins of Marvel Comics, the sequel to Stan Lee's Origins of Marvel Comics, for the price of £4 including postage and packaging. 

The Sub-Mariner “The Prince and the puppet!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Vince Colletta

Originally published in Tales to Astonish #78

Cover date April 1966

(Published in January 1966)

The Sub-Mariner has tried to stop a deep sea drilling operation led by Henry Pym that has been causing underwater earthquakes in Atlantis. But US military soldiers have been stationed on the platform now train their guns on the prince of Atlantis. As they shoot Namor, Pym spoils their aim causing the shots to hit a gas tank igniting a fire. While Pym, Janet van Dyne and the soldiers try desperately to put the fire out.

The Puppet Master monitors events from his secret base, taking an opportunity to create a doll that will allow him to take control of the Sub-Mariner again just as the Prince is about to fight with Pym, the Puppet Master forces him to stop and head toward New York. The Flames stop Henry from following after him. Pym then orders Janet to follow Namor as the Wasp. Her Story continues in the Avengers weekly issue 23. Meanwhile, Namor has arrived at the Puppet Master's lair, who then orders the Sub-Mariner to steal more money from a nearby bank before he plans to use Namor to exact revenge against his foes. After knocking out a bored security guard, Namor attempts to break open the bank vault, only to find himself weakened from being out of the water for too long. With water  from the fire sprinklers his strength returns, allowing him to rip the bank vault off its hinges and grabs money bonds, which the Puppet Master finds useless so he send him back to get the money. Upon his return to the bank the military have arrived. Surrounded by armed soldiers the Puppet Master orders him to battle them to the death.

Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD “The brave die hard!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: John Severin

Originally published in Strange Tales #139

Cover date December 1965

(Published in September 1965)

Imperial Hydra has captured Nick Fury and is forcing him through the psychedelic images produced by a imaging producer to make him reveal where Braino-saur is, the only machine capable of stopping the Betatron Bomb in orbit above the Earth. He doesn't break and is taken back to his cell. Fury manages to escape his cell with the help of Agent G, the Imperial Hydra's daughter. Next week the adventure takes them "under the Betron Bomb!"

An in-house advert for this week's Avengers and the Savage Sword of Conan weekly. The artwork featuring the Avengers in this advert last appeared as part of the cover of the Avengers weekly #95 and was drawn by Jack Abel with inks by Al Milgrom. The Conan image was last seen on the cover of the Avengers weekly #99, by John Buscema with Dan Adkins inks.

A closer look inside SHIELD headquarters in this Titans Centre-spread Marvel Masterwork. The Artist is unnamed, but a lot of the style leans towards Jim Steranko, but its definitely not him. 

Captain America “...When you lie down with dogs..!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby and George Tuska

Inker: Joe Sinnott

Originally published in Tales to Astonish #71

Cover date November 1965

(Published in August 1965)

Captain America, Bucky, Celia & Doctor Rawlings are prisoners of an army of Nazis that are planning to launch a V-2 rocket at London from Greymoore Castle on British soil, in hopes of destroying the Allies leader. While being taken to their cells, Captain America and Bucky break free and rescue Celia. The three go to rescue her brother, Doctor Rawlings, who had been helping the Nazis, but now has become their prisoner when he had served their purpose. However, in freeing Rawlings, his sister inhales a dose of gas. Rawlings then helps Cap and Bucky sabotage the launch, sacrificing himself to stop the Nazis. In the carnage Greymoore Castle is destroyed as well.

Captain Marvel “Traitors or heroes?”

Writer: Gary Friedrich 

Artist: Frank Springer

Inker: Vince Colletta

Originally published in Captain Marvel #13

Cover date May 1969

(Published in February 1969)

Mar-Vell has returned to his civilian guise, Walter Lawson's apartment, however when the Man-Slayer reactivates under its own power, Mar-Vell once again becomes Captain Marvel to fight off the confused android. The robot is too powerful for Mar-Vell so he decides to escape using his teleportation powers. Teleporting into space, Mar-Vell sees the Kree ship being restocked by a supply ship and uses the opportunity to board the ship. Inside he confronts Yon-Rogg, managing to injure the Kree Colonel before he is forced to return to Earth when he realises that the Man-Slayer is threatening Carol Danver's life. Using a Kree weapon that he had earlier taken from Yon-Rogg's ship, Mar-Vell is able to severely damage the Man-Slayer and save Carol. However after doing so he is surrounded by soldiers seeking to take him in on charges of treason! Next week he'll not only face treason but also "Iron Man!"

This version of the in-house advert for the Marvel Treasury Edition issue 8, sub titled Giant Superheroes Holiday Grab-Bag was released in November 1975 and of course appeared on many back pages since then, but this landscape version cover only appear on the back of the Titans. OK no doubt you saw it last week, but it is Christmas. Speaking of that seasonal time. I've got the usual seasonal slog to do as well as writing one more blog till Christmas! And may be a bonus blog if my Christmas wish comes true. So until the wrapping ends...  

See you in seven.

Make Mine Marvel.