The Iron and the Cobalt!

 Week Ending 28th February 1976

It's been a busy week so I'll waste no time, let's get on with the nostalgia and all the usual stuff and nonsense. 

The Mighty World of Marvel #178

The cover for this "Big Brain-Blasting Battle Issue" of the Mighty World of Marvel was drawn by Herb Trimpe and was originally used for the front of the Incredible Hulk issue 171.

The Incredible Hulk “Revenge!”

Writer: Gerry Conway and Steve Englehart (plot)

Artist: Herb Trimpe

Inker: Jack Abel

Originally published in The Incredible Hulk #171

Cover date January 1974

(Published in September 1973)

It's musical chairs with the writers again on the Hulk strip. No sooner did Chris Claremont write the previous adventure from Steve Englehart's plot than Gerry Conway takes over the writing chores again using Steve's plot. One thing that doesn't sit well and I won't point my finger at the either writers for this little mistake, is that the Hulk is hiding in a crate on board a military plane heading towards the HulkBuster's Base, when at the end of last week story he had snuck on to the undercarriage of a military transport helicopter, shouldn't the artist have spotted the continuity error? May be the helicopter had stopped on the way as Betty was transferred, so the Hulk sneaked into the crate to carry on his journey. 

Although the Hulk begins to grow impatient Betty's voice talking to one of the soldiers convinces the Hulk to remain calm, so much so that the emerald brute falls asleep before they land. Once it does land Betty is reunited with her father General Ross, who transport has also just landed at the Gamma Base with Colonel Armbruster. One soldier reports that the entire base is deserted which leaves Armbruster to believe that there is trouble on the base. Bruce Banner wakes up to find himself on the mostly deserted Hulkbuster base, so he steals a uniform and tries to find a place to hide. While Armbruster's men unload their plane of its weapons they are suddenly caught by a surprise attack from both the Abomination and the Rhino who have taken over the base. The soldiers are overpowered and taken prisoner with Armbruster, Ross, and Betty 

By this time, Jim Wilson and his girlfriend Talia are on their way to the base, but a military blockade surrounding the base makes them turn round. Bruce Banner searches around the facility to discover one of the containment rooms holding Armbuster, Betty, her father and the others locked up inside. While he's trying to keep himself under control, Banner is grabbed from behind by the Abomination the sudden excitement triggers Banner's transformation into the Hulk and the titans clash! More hostilities next week.

Daredevil “Cry coward!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: George Klein

Originally published in Daredevil #55

Cover date August 1969

(Published in June 1969)

After his public defeat by Mister Fear in last issue Daredevil is in semi-hiding, with no explanation as to why he "chickened" out of the battle. Going over the events of the last couple of days, from faking the death of his alter-ego Matt Murdock so that he could track down Starr Saxon, who has discovered Murdock's secret identity. Then he visited Karen Page and later stole Murdock's cane which doubled as Daredevil's billy club. Before he could continue tracking down Saxon Mister Fear had challenged him to a duel which he had broken off and lost face. While he muses over his problems he is alerted to an attempted mugging. During the fight he has another sudden bout of debilitating fear. The muggers press their advantage and star beating the hero until the police break things up. Daredevil is balked by all the spectators who label him a coward. To be continued next week.

The Mighty Marvel Mailbag

Neil Jackson RFO, KOF from London has been compiling a ‘Contents of the British Weeklies’ that includes about 1500 stories as a valuable reference for Marvelites. He wants to start selling the issues soon, but lacks the resources to produce copies. He needs suggestions on how to produce economical copies. Neil is also organising a British IRVING AWARDS for 1975. Entries have to be in for the end of March, for your nominations in the categories of Favourite Star, Favourite Supporting Character, Favourite British Weekly, Favourite American Comic Distributed in the UK, Best British Cover, Best American Cover, Best British Story, Best American Story, Best writer, Best Penciller, Best inker, Best Letterer, and Best Treasury Edition. Billy Watson and Martin Woodall from County Durham offers a service to answer Marvelite's questions, just send them a letter with this questions and they write back to you. Anthony Rothwell RFO, QNS from Morecambe has been reading Marvel for over a year starting off with Dracula Lives, days later bought a Spider-Man Comics Weekly. Two days later a MWOM, then the Avengers weekly, then POTA, until the Titans came along, so being already in debt, he gave up Dracula Lives and started reading Titans.

Richard Colbeck RFO from Surrey believes that most Marvelites write in to say how good Spider-man Comics Weekly is, or how great the Super-Heroes are. But everyone seems to forget about the Mighty World of Marvel. All the mags are terrific, but Richard's favourite is Mighty World of Marvel. The Hulk is perfect, Daredevil isn't bad, but the Fantastic Four are terrific. Bob Spreadborough from London writes that at breakfast one morning his mum was moaning at him because he didn't know who the Prime Minister was , or which political party is in power. "A boy your age (18) should read the papers." she said, "not those silly comics!" But because he's crazy over Marvel, he doesn't get time to read the papers. Besides he would rather know that Namor is truly Prince of Atlantis than the latest odds at the opinion polls.

He loves all those far-fetched adjectives used in the strips and the spacey artwork. He's slowly getting the Titans habit as well, in fact he can't wait to find out if Black Bolt is going to speak. He also loves the mystic Doctor Strange and the Silver Surfer. More power to your Bullpen.

The Fantastic Four “Escape from the Negative Zone!”

Writer: Stan Lee 

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Joe Sinnott 

Originally published in The Fantastic Four Annual #6

Cover date November 1968

(Published in August 1968)

I've no information about who drew this fourth part opening splash page, as you can see with the level of quality it definitely was not drawn by Jack Kirby or Joe Sinnott. Reed , Johnny and Ben have traveled into the Negative Zone to search for Element X, in the hope that it can save Sue Storm and her unborn child from the cosmic radiation that could end both their lifes. The three Fantastic Four members are captured by Annihilus, whose Cosmic Control Rod has the element that Reed needs. 

Annihilus refuses to part with it and forces the heroes to fight numerous deadly devices. All of which they over come. They manage to defeat Annihilus with Reed stealing the rod. Then it's a mad dash to return to their positive world, starting by stealing the Negative Zone tyrant's automated "rail-plane," which Reed works out that it can be piloted by who ever holds the control rod. Once Annihilus recovers he is angered enough to unleash the Borers on the three heroes. Last week's title, "The threat of the Borers!" makes more sense. I'll admit that I should have questioned that. choice of story title last week. Anyway the Borers destroy the "rail-plane" but Reed, Johnny and Ben manage to fight them off, with Mister Fantastic using the Control Rod to levitate to freedom within a shield of cosmic force. Angered even more Annihilus boards his gun-ship to exterminate the escaping heroes. As they come into range Annihilus fires and the deed is done. Continued next week, I hope!

Spider-man Comics Weekly #159

This landscape cover looks great. It uses the space brilliantly by having the Gibbon leaning forward to attack Spider-man and the web-slinger being forced backwards. The danger comes from the height of the battle with tiny bystanders watching the clash from the street below. The Grand Comics Database suggests that Ron Wilson penciled this cover with Mike Esposito the inker. If it was one of Ron's covers I actually think it's one of his best. What it is though is my choice of Cover of the Week. One error with this cover though is the use of the Thing on the top right and the text "co-starring the ever-loving' Thing!"as Old blue eyes doesn't appear in this week's issue.

Spider-man “The birth of... the Gibbon!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: John Romita Sr.

Inker: John Romita Sr.

Originally published in the Amazing Spider-man #110

Cover date July 1972

(Published in April 1972)

Even when things go right Peter Parker has problems, after rescuing Flash Thompson from some revengeful monks Peter facing the prospects of Flash rivalling him for Gwen's affections. To make matters worse, he forgot to set his camera to take pictures of Doctor Strange and the monks. In a fit of rage, he throws the camera, realising what he's done he tries to grab it, but it is saved by an acrobatic man named Martin Blank. Blank calls himself a freak, but Spider-man tells him that he's not a freak and he should embrace his abilities and not be a harsh judge of his physical appearance.

Returning to his boarding house, Martin reflects on his past, his love of gibbons, the taunts from classmates and his eventual  joining of the circus as the human Gibbon. He couldn't take the ridicule and ran away from the circus. After meeting Spider-man he is inspired to become a costumed crime fighter. Meanwhile, Peter returns home to find Gwen and Aunt May waiting for him. May starts fussing over him, Gwen tells Peter how she and his Aunt had argued about how she treats him like a child. Exhausted Peter passes out in Gwen's arms. Flash arrives to tell everyone he's okay, Briefly Peter wakes to see Gwen and Flash leaving the apartment and assumes the worst before falling back asleep. After a nightmare, Peter is woken up by Harry, remembering his worried Aunt he instantly calls her. When there is no answer, he decides to rush out to see if she's all right. Along the way, he's stopped by Martin Blank, now wearing an ape-inspired costume and calling himself the Gibbon, he hopes that he can become the wall-crawler's partner. Spidey's laughter at the thought of having a partner proves to be a mistake because the laughter causes Gibbon to lash out. The attack is short lived, when Spider-man decides it's not worth fighting and so leaves a dejected Gibbon behind, both unaware that a pair of eyes have seen events fold out and have formed a plan to have revenge on Spider-man in next week's "The ape and the arachnid!"

The Mighty Thor “Inferno!”

 Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Vince Colletta

Originally published in The Mighty Thor #176

Cover date May 1970

(Published in March 1970)

The God of Evil, Loki has seized the throne of Asgard from the sleeping All Father Odin, by simply stealing the Odinring. Who ever wears the Odinring makes them ruler of all of Asgard. Thor is forced into loyalty to his half-brother to insure that Sif remains unharmed. In spite of that, Thor argues that he will someday soon stop his mad brother. Under Loki's orders Thor is taken to the palace dungeons by the guards. 

The Warriors Three spy their friend's arrest and come out of hiding to battle Loki's loyal guards only to be overpowered and imprisoned themselves. Meanwhile in the outskirts of Asgard, two riding soldiers come across a flaming symbol in the shape of Odin's mark. Suddenly the symbol erupts in a giant explosion. While back in Asgard the Warriors Three are locked up in the same cell as the Thunder God, although the guards have significant trouble having to get the rotund Volstagg through the prison door. The portly warrior questions why Thor doesn't raise his hammer against his brother? But he cannot do so while he has pledged loyalty to the realm, under law Loki and the realm are one.

The pet in a packet, Sea Monkeys, the hobby that's sweeping America. The next eight issues of Super Spider-man (with the Super-Heroes) brings readers a special money saving offer on a kit of Sea Monkeys that could be yours for 75 pence, plus six coupons from the comic. That's half the usual price, yes you would have to spend at least 54 pence on the weekly, but at least you also had six weeks of amazing Marvel comic strips to read. If you wanted a pristine comic then you would have to double up on the issues, one to cut up and one to save in mint condition. This page was on the reverse of the centre-spread pin-up so you would have to make a choice. Then again six coupons from eight issues you could pick and choose where to cut out the coupon and leave a hole.  

A little bit of a strange choice for the Marvel Masterwork Centre-spread for this issue of Super Spider-man with the Super-Heroes. The Guardians of the Galaxy might have fitted in later issues when (Spoilers) the Thing teams-up with them but wouldn't one of the current line up be better suited this week. As to the artist, I've no clue. 

Doctor Strange “The death-threat of Silver Dagger!”

Writer: Steve Englehart

Artist: Frank Brunner

Inker: Tom Palmer

Originally published in Doctor Strange Vol 2 #1

Cover date June 1974

(Published in March 1974)

Wong finds Doctor Strange barely alive after the wound from Silver Dagger's enchanted knife left him mortally wounded. The sorcerer calls for Clea and the Eye of Agamotto, but he discovering she has been abducted and the Eye taken by the Silver Dagger, so he instructs Wong to bring him his Cloak of Levitation Orb of Agamotto instead. After casting a spell of stasis that prevents him from getting worse, Strange uses the Orb to seek Clea. He observes her being tortured by Silver Dagger in his effort to save her soul. 

Last week I sung the praises for Steve Englehart's under appreciated writing and how he was born to write Doctor Strange as it deserves to be written. Well any really great strip needs a really great artist, The second part opening splash page, by an unnamed artist really spoils this week's half episode as it can't compete with Frank Brummer's gorgeous pencils. Brunner is never content to draw six boxes per page when he can mix it up with four vertical panels and two horizontal panels, or four page length vertical or a full splash page. Basically whatever page layout will do as long as it tells the story in the most dramatic way possible. His imagination is beyond any limits. His characters look incredibly realistic in a reality that is incredible. Englehart and Brummer were made for the Master of the Mystic Arts. Some of the credit for the magic has to go to Tom Palmer's perfect inks. Palmer is Marvel's best inker in the seventies.    

Silver Dagger detects Strange watching him, the image of his face transforms into that of a skull and then tentacles reach out of the Orb, grabbing Strange, pull him into the Orb. Strange realizes that, since the Orb's power stems from necromancy, it was Death that has seized him. Landing with a thump in a bizarre world Strange realises that he has been changed, his injuries gone. In this weird reality he meets a giant talking caterpillar smoking a hookah while seated on giant mushroom. The caterpillar claims to be real within a world where nothing is real. He tells Strange that he won't be able to get out, but the sorcerer rejects that idea. The caterpillar transforms into a monstrous version of itself and attacks him. After a brief battle during which the creature reveals that Strange's use of the Orb to stave off his fast-approaching real death had opened himself too completely to unreality, allowing it to capture him. He goes on to tell Strange that he should head for the centre of the Orb. This comes with a warning that, even if he does get out, he will find himself back where he started, minutes away from death from the stabbing. Strange flies off, stating that he would rather die than become something that he is not. The caterpillar laughs as he watches him go, with the laughing creatures face slowly fading to a smile that disappears in smoke.

Iron Man “And one will escape!”

Writer: Archie Goodwin

Artist: George Tuska

Inker: Johnny Craig

Originally published in Iron Man #8

Cover date December 1968

(Published in September 1968)

This second part opening splash page uses the cover artwork from Iron Man issue 8 by George Tuska (pencils,) and Frank Giacoia (inks). Only a new story title and credits are added. The iconic cover image of Iron Man has been used many times for marketing materials. Iron Man manages to fight off Gladiator and quickly take Janice Cord and her lawyer Vincent Sandhurst to safety. Jancice questions why the armoured Avenger is not looking for Tony Stark? He answers that his boss is already safe.

Failing to hold his prisoners and keep Iron Man at bay the Gladiator heads for Stark Industries in the Maggia helicraft. Iron Man follows as quickly as he can, although like his repulser rays his boot jets fail to produce top speed as the beating his armour took from the Gladiator's buzz blades had weakened the power circuitry that feeds the boots micro turbines meaning that the villain and his men get to the factory ahead of Iron Man. Inside the factory Whitney Frost and her Maggia goons have broken into Stark's vault only to find it full of SHIELD agents and security guards lead by Jasper Sitwell who had set up the trap, laying false information as to the security of the factory. Just then the Gladiator arrives with reinforcements, a shoot-out breaks out. As the Gladiator is about to slash Jasper from behind. Whitney shoots off the villains disc blade as she couldn't face seeing him killed. But still under the confusion of the battle the Gladiator presses on his attack of the SHIELD agent, this time only halted by the timely arrival of Iron Man. When the super villain tries to hurl a piece of machinery at his foe Iron Man switches on the machine full power causing it to explode, blowing apart the villains power gauntlets. With the villain defeated most of the Maggia agents are captured, all save Whitney Frost who flees to the Maggia helicraft. However Jasper, who has a clear shot of her cannot bring himself to shoot and she escapes. Sitwell walks away dejected as duty and emotions conflict. Iron Man understands for he has his own personal problems as now Janice Cord thinks that Tony Stark is a coward, but he won't have much time to dwell on that as next week "Now comes the green goliath!"

The Web and the Hammer

Ketan Tailor from Middlesex has come up with a plan for an offer that if you send him 50p readers could get any three from these magazines, Thor, Fantastic Four, Daredevil, Defenders, Captain America, or Marvel Team-up. Robert Hassall RFO, KOF from Cheshire writes that the Marvel Comic Convention held in London was a complete success. Marvelites entering the Roundhouse Theatre could pick up loads of Marvel goodies. Russell Hayes from Middlesex asks to give Iron Man more room in the comic as he's fantastic, the artwork from George Tuska is terrific and the inking is very well done. In Jeff Lambert's, RFO, QNS from Milton Keynes, humble opinion SMCW #150 was great, because John Romita Sr. was pencilling Spidey again. John has always been the perfect artist for Spider-man. and was undoubtedly one of the most important artists to contribute to the present popularity of the wall-crawler.

The Human Torch and the Hulk..together! "To battle Blastaar!"

Writer: Len Wein

Artist: Gil Kane

Inker: Frank Giacoia and Mike Esposito

Originally published in Marvel Team-Up #18

Cover date February 1974

(Published in November 1973)

This second part opening splash page uses the cover artwork from Marvel Team-Up issue 18 by Gil Kane (pencils,) with Frank Giacoia. It doesn't match with the action as last week's episode ended with the Human Torch engulfing Blastaar within a flame blast, which results with the monster from the Negative Zone shrugging it off, then blasting the Torch sending him flying. At no point does the Torch fight with the Hulk, but the Hulk does catch Johnny in mid fall after Blastaar's  attack. 

Johnny tries to convince the gamma-spawned brute to help, but he is uninterested until the painful buzzing in his head begins again. Johnny uses that distraction and convinces him that the cause of the buzzing is Blastaar. Meanwhile, Ferguson Blaine arrives at the  FAUST factory with a group of police officers to try to talk sense into Paxton, but that falls on deaf ears as Pentecost has the Blastaar attack the officers. However, before he can cause any serious harm, the Hulk and the Human Torch arrive. While the Hulk battles Blastaar, Paxton is prevented from shooting his former colleague as the Human Torch melts his gun, Paxton realises that he would never be able to kill a man anyway, no matter how much he hated him. The watching crowd stand in awe as the Hulk crumples the Adamantium walls of FAUST around Blastaar, encasing him in a shell of the nearly indestructible metal and then tosses him out to sea. With the battle over, the Hulk finds the ringing pain in his head has gone. When Blaine thanks the Human Torch for his help, the Torch points out that his greed cost a good scientist his sanity. The Torch flys away, leaving Blaine suffering with remorse.

This week's Super Spider-man with the Super-Heroes offers readers the chance to buy their own amazing Spider-man t-shirt for just £1.50 or £1.35 if you had FOOM membership. It's a bargain price even if you weren't a FOOMer as the cost includes postage and packaging, 

 

Avengers Weekly #128

Originally from the Avengers (US edition,) issue 82, this artwork was drawn by John Buscema (pencils,) with Tom Palmer (inks,). I do have to say that it does look a little like it was a cut and paste job with the heroes stuck on a cityscape background. 

Conan the Barbarian “Beware the Hyrkanians bearing gifts...!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Ernie Chan

Originally published in Conan the Barbarian #36

Cover date March 1974

(Published in December 1973)

Conan rides hard into Aghrapur, driving his horse to death, in order to bring the report of the Wan Tengri mission to his commander Narim-Bey. Meanwhile King Yildiz, the King of Turan is hand picking replacements for his elite Palace guard from a handful of the dregs that the garrison commander, Narim-Bey, could drag up from the Turan's army as the King's son, Prince Yezdigerd, had hauled the cream of the crop to fight in the eastern wars of conquest. Conan arrives at speed and his steed collapses out of exhaustion. The barbarian messenger also succumbs to his own fatigue and also collapses. 

So impressed with the Cimmerian's dedication to duty King Yildiz makes Conan part of his personal guard. Narim-Bey takes leave from the court as he sets off for a tour of the troops at Arkif. Lady Amytis, Narim-Bey's hot-blooded paramour, uses her lovers absence to tend to Conans wounds in the luxury of her palace quarters. Conan awakes from his exhaustion to find himself attended to by three female servants. Lady Yildiz sends them away while she takes personal care of the Cimmerian. In a dizzy state Conan wants to report to Narim-Bey, but Amities tells him that his commander has gone for a fortnight. With Narim-Bey gone his mistress seduces the Cimmerian. The next day Conan practices archery under the sarcastic eyes of a pair of soldiers, he soon sets them straight. Meanwhile, the King's son Yezdigerd, still ravaging the hyrkanian cities east of the Vilayet sea, has sent his father a huge, headless stone statue as tribute from one of the cities he has conquered . Yildiz is appreciative of the gift, though Conan is suspicious of how the supposedly sacred statue was conveniently found.

Avengers Assemble

Micheal Evengelista RFO, QNS, KOF, TTB, PMM from Manchester considers the Doc Strange/Shang-Chi/Iron-Fist problem, he has been a Doctor Strange fan for many years, and have preference for him over the two Kung-Fu heroes any day. Duncan Light from Ayrshire writes about Marvel's best comic, the Avengers weekly, as it is both factual and exciting. Conan often has very good stories, with Roy and John doing a great job. The Avengers tales are great from the Squadron Sinister to the Sons of Serpents. Again thanks to Roy, John or Sal Buscema. The art and stories are good in Doctor Strange, Iron Fist's art is good, but the stories are OK, while for Duncan Shang-Chi is rubbish. David Probert from Gwent put pen to paper to tell Marvel what a fantastic job they're doing. Especially in the recent issues of Spider-man which dealt with drugs. But the most potent drug of all is Marvel Comics. They can cause people to spend all their pocket money and scour the countryside looking for them. Alister Davies KOF, RFO from Glamorgan read his friend Alan Bowens's letter in the Avengers weekly #116, but questions how a person with enough taste to buy your mags fails to recognise good art when he sees it. Barry Windsor-Smith is his second favourite artist, only on Conan though. His work on the Barbarian is immaculate and he must take weeks to finish one page, judging by the detail he puts in. But, alas, on Daredevil or the Avengers he seems to have drawn them in a few minutes. His artwork is scrappy and careless. Paul Gulacy is his favourite artist, managed to create a master piece in "Snowbuster." It was a masterpiece, better than Barry's work on Conan. The letter from Charlies Barrie from Glasgow goes into great detail about history of the martial arts and the meaning of some Japanese words that are related to martial arts. George George, so good they named him twice, sorry couldn't resist, couldn't remain silent over the complaints from Marvelites who are never satisfied. If it's not Shang-Chi, it's Doctor Strange. Don't drop them, as some suggest. Doctor Strange's adventure with Shuma-Gorath was great. It was a sheer brain-wave to include several adventures within one. George hopes that Conan is kept in the weekly as he's improving with each issue.

It's a season of surprises. This wordy full page promotion proclaims some of the surprises Marvelites came find in the new look Super Spider-man comic. Notice that the full title, "Super Spider-man with the Super-Heroes" is never mentioned, may be this particular in house advert was crafted before the final design was settled upon. Only the star of the comic, Spider-man and his longest co-star, Thor are shown on this piece. It asks if readers were surprised to see the new bold Super Spider-man comic last week? Well probably not as they couldn't miss the relentless promotion in all the weeklies. Again the Thing is listed among Spidey, Thor, Doctor Strange and Iron Man, although it was ol' blue eyes' partner the Human Torch with the Hulk, who took the fifth story slot. But the main part of the promotion was to remind readers that the Sea Monkey offer starts this week and if they wanted to get the kit at half price they should start collecting the coupons inside the comic right away. This page also appeared in this week's MWOM, Dracula Lives and planet of the Apes. 

The Avengers “Hostage!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Tom Palmer

Originally published in The Avengers #82

Cover date November 1970

(Published in September 1970)

As New York sleeps the entire city is captured by an invasion of a private army lead by the Zodiac member named Aries. In a television message he reveals his demands for one billion dollars. The bridges and tunnels that link Manhattan to the mainland are destroyed or sealed. The skies surrounding Manhattan are encased in a nerve-paralysing force-field that renders the crack paratroops who are sent in to liberate the island unconscious. Their numbers added to the lists of hostages already captured. 

No help comes from the heroes inside as Aries has successfully captured the Avengers Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, and Quicksilver. Most of New York's other heroes are unable to get into action to fight off Aries' army. With Vision, Goliath, and Scarlet Witch stuck in New Jersey, the Fantastic Four are upstate on a mission while Peter Parker is visiting his Aunt in Queens. The only remaining Avenger free and still in Manhattan is the Black Panther. The Panther seeks out the only ally he has, Matt Murdock, whom he knows is really the costumed crime-fighter known as Daredevil, as seen in events from MWOM #171. Murdock is being held captive at the District attorneys office by two of Aries' private militants. The Panther switches the lights off to give the advantage to the blind lawyer who over powers his guards. T'Challa and Daredevil team up to free the captive Avengers, but that leads to a trap by Aries as the Avengers have been moved to another part of there city. The two heroes are unable to match the power unleashed by the Zodiac Key which Aries is harnessing as a weapon and the two heroes are forced to retreat in the hope that in next week's issue they can "Strike back!"

Bullpen Bulletins

Controversial cuts created to cater to your comic cravings!

The Bullpen Bulletin page this week only features in the Avengers weekly and Dracula Lives, with both pages featuring Spidey reading his own comic, ol' Blue eyes reading a pamphlet, while the Hulk looks too angry to read anything. The first Item mentions that everyone's talking about the latest and greatest hit from the British Marvel House of ideas. The new Super Spider-man with the Super-Heroes which, incidentally, is a whole two issues old this week. Not wanting to repeat themselves, but the book features besides ol' web-slinger himself, the stories of Doctor Strange, the ever-lovin' Thing,  the Invincible Iron Man and the God of Thunder, who this week faces an Asgard ruled by none other than the Evil Loki! The second Item looks at this week's Mighty World of Marvel features a Fantastic Four story where the quarrelsome quartet faces the menace of Annihilus. He's out to get the Cosmic Control Rod even if it means the destruction of half a world! The third Item in this week's Bulletin is a plea for Marvelite's latest suggestions for the latest efforts on the weekly mags. The final Item is just a little note to simultaneously thank and inform the readers that the Titans continues to be the biggest hit they've ever had on their hands, thanks to the fans who went out and bought it.

Iron Fist “A duel of iron!”

Writer: Chris Claremont 

Artist: John Byrne

Inker: Al McWilliams

Originally published in Iron Fist #1

Cover date November 1975

(Published in August 1975)

Iron Fist would class himself as a super-hero, but tonight he starts this strip breaking the law, breaking and entering and trespassing. Not horrendous crimes by any stretch and his reason for breaking the law are noble. Following information he acquired from Angar the Screamer, after forcefully interrogating his prisoner with questionable and maybe breaking his civil right laws. But the reason why those desperate measures were used, was to find out where the kidnapped Colleen Wing has been taken to.

It's worth noting that this story was printed in Iron Fist new comic with a new editor Marv Wolfman, The editor of Marvel Premiere was Len Wein. Anger claims that Tony Stark wants to acquire the mineralogical treasure trove from the state of Halwan including oil, gold, iron, uranium and heavy metals. He goes on that the old King of Halwan wasn't interested in any deal, So Stark has planned a coup d'état, the evidence for this can be found in Stark's New York complex's Delphi Computer. Stark had apparently, wanted Iron Fist's involvement with the Princess Azir and the country of Halwan to be terminated fast, hence the kidnapping of Colleen Wing. While Scarfe and Danny consider what is the truth Anger  escapes using his hypnotic screams.

Iron Fist infiltrates Stark international to look for the captured Colleen Wing. Sneaking past the guards and security systems Danny seems to be getting the run of the place until a karate kick from an unseen opponent sends him backwards. Recovering his fall with grace he finds the boot belonged to Misty Knight. She too is investigating the disappearance of Colleen Wing, who is her partner in their detective agency Nightwing Restorations. Misty is following a lead from an old acquaintance of hers, Donald Cauley, Stark's chief of security.  Danny and Misty hear a gun shot and find Cauley dead. Elsewhere, Tony Stark is awoken when the intruder alarm goes off. Seeing Misty and Iron Fist on CCTV he decides to investigate as Iron Man. Meanwhile Colleen Wing has been taken to the airport by her kidnappers with a mysterious "Slavemaster". Cooleen makes a run for it, but will she escape? Find out next week.

The creative team and quality of story behind the current Iron Fist is so great that it deserved a full page promotion for next week's second part. A clash of iron! ...as Iron Fist meets the invincible Iron Man! Be here to see it happen. 

Dracula Lives #71

This Gil Kane cover was originally from Tomb of Dracula issue 33, The inker was of course Tom Palmer.

Dracula “Blood on my hands!”

Writer: Marv Wolfman

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Tom Palmer

Originally published in Tomb of Dracula #33

Cover date June 1975

(Published in March 1975)

Just when Quincy Harker believes that he finally has Dracula dying at his feet, a phone call from two of Dracula's vampires reveal that they have Rachel van Helsing as their hostage and unless Quincy releases Dracula, Rachel will die. Quincy ponders the situation, his thoughts go back to a day in 1955 at his wife's grave, when his young daughter Edith tearfully asks her father to make sure she never becomes a vampire, something that Quincy had promised. 

He tells Dracula about a time when the vampire lord attacked him and his wife Elizabeth at a theatre in 1945. That night Dracula crippled Quincy when he threw him off a the balcony and made off with his wife. Two days later her body was found, half drained of blood. She never fully recovered, one night four years after their daughter was born, she would take her own life. In the present Quincy tells Dracula he vowed on that day to kill Dracula once and for all. But today he cannot carry out that promise at the cost of Rachel's life, and pulls the killing arrow from Dracula's heart allowing the vampire lord to be restored to his full vitality. As agreed the two female vampires release Rachel. She is more than upset that Quincy wasn't willing to sacrifice her to kill Dracula. Dracula then demands that Harker reveal the knowledge of how he is going to be destroyed. The old man reveals he knows that someone is stealing the vampire's powers and he has only two weeks to live. Even though he senses it's true, Dracula refuses to believe it and warns the old vampire hunter that he will return in three weeks to kill him. Dracula would then boast about all those who attempted to kill him throughout his 500 years of unlife, they have all met their deaths. When Quincy demands he not touch the urn holding his daughter's ashes, Dracula in a cruel final act throws it at Quincy, scattering ash every where, before leaving.

Werewolf by Night “Red slash across midnight”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: Don Perlin

Inker: Don Perlin

Originally published in Werewolf by Night #30

Cover date June 1975

(Published in March 1975)

After the previous night's nightmarish events Topaz suggests that because Glitternight must be responsible for Lissa's demonic version of a werewolf and he may be able to reverse the process. Jack thinks it's worth a try and will do anything to save his sister from the torment she will face in her demonic werewolf form. As Glitternight is their prisoner they try and force him to help but he refuses to co-operate. When they leave him alone, he uses his magic to escape his bounds, leaving an illusory double in his place. By the time they find out, it's already the next moon and Glitternight is transforming Lissa again into a demonic werewolf by stealing her soul.

Cryptic Correspondence

Don Scully from London considers the value of any strip by its literary standard in the styles and qualities of the prominent Marvel writers, Stan Lee's philosophical epistle with the Silver Surfer, Marv Wolfman's atmospheric Dracula, the ethical Conan pride of Roy Thomas, Steve Englharts opaquely allegorical Dr. Strange and Steve Gerber's reflective Man-Thing. All venture into realms beyond the simple narrative and inspire the best from the artists. Adam Cainer from Leeds is angry because he read Neil Fisher's letter in Dracula Lives #61, and was struck by a sense of Deja Vu, so searching through his collection of American mags and sure enough in Tomb of Dracula #27 there was a letter from a certain Bryan D. Leys of New York. Neil's letter in the British comic was an Anglicised word for word copy of Bryan Leys. Adam doesn't blame the editors for printing the letter, as they can't be expected to memorise every letter printed, but he does blame Neil Fisher for having the cheek to fraudulently try and get letters printed. Adam suggests that the editor formally exposes this and publicly retracts Neil Fisher's unjustly-earned ONS, as a lesson for all would be forgers.

Man-Thing “From here to infinity!”

Writer: Steve Gerber

Artist: Val Mayerik

Inker: Frank McLaughlin

Originally published in Adventure into Fear #15

Cover date August 1973

(Published in May 1973)

The world is still mad, with US air Force jets defending democracy by unleashing their version of defence on New York as the streets below spill over with chaos and mindless violence. In Washington the White House lawn becomes a battlefield with fearful troops blindly firing at the scattering crowd of protesters. The madness isn't confined to one country, in Moscow, Berlin, Peking, Paris and all over the globe all fall victims to the plague of mass insanity.

Meanwhile in a small Florida town Joshua Kale and his grandchildren Jennifer and Andy ponder how they can end the invasion of demons that have taken over the minds and souls of people all over the world. They have no defence against it without the Tome of Zhered-Na. Suddenly the phone rings, the call is from a member of Joshua's cult with news that the Man-Thing is running amok in the city. The human's possessed by demons are trying to kill the swamp creature. The Kales race there, but arrive too late as they witness the Man-Thing seemingly drop dead under a barrage of gunfire. Jennifer pleads with her Grandfather to do something. Joshua allows his granddaughter to go, while he and his cult search for the Tome of Zhered-Na by searching for it in the book's own history. Through mystical means Joshua Kale reveals the origins of the Tome of Zhered-Na, which stems from Ancient Atlantis.

A sorceress named Zhered-Na faced trial before the Emperor Kamuu for the crime of blasphemy. She had dared to prophesies the destruction of Atlantis as it would sink beneath the sea. The Emperor was furious as twice before he had ordered Zhered-Na to cease her "mad" preachings or face exile. She had refused and so was sentenced to banishment. Zhered-Na was set adrift at the mercy of the tides and winds on a sail boat across the hostile seas. For weeks the flimsy craft drifted aimlessly, giving Zhered-Na time for deep meditation, where she saw visions of the future paraded before her. Wars, horrors, wonders and heroes from the eons to come, the very secrets of the universe. The small craft  made land, first finding shelter she slept under the stars. Then days uncounted she wondered the wilderness, seeking shelter and sanctuary. Until one day she came upon a colony of Atlanteans established years ago. The seer proclaimed that she would make it her home and in a cavern near by she would gather disciples and teach the word of her god, Valka. Men shall learn of Therea and Sominus and of the demon plague to come. Years passed and she kept her vow. As we'll see next week.

Planet of the Apes #71

This is an unusual cover for Planet of the Apes, you don't see many "multi-starring" covers, it must be the first time Ka-Zar and the Black Panther have featured on the front of Planet of the Apes. It's another Ron Wilson drawn cover with Mike Esposito applying the inks.

This photo is taken from the 20th Century Fox film Conquest of the Planet of the Apes that was released in 1972. Its inclusion is another example of the editor choosing to feature screen photos from the films that match up with events in the comic strip adaption.  

Planet of the Apes “Army of slaves!”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: Alfredo Alcala

Inker: Alfredo Alcala

Originally published in Planet of the Apes (US) #20

Cover date May 1976

(Published in March 1976)

Chief Inspector Kolp and  Inspector Hoskyns  of the "State Security" secret police have uncovered that Caesar, Governor Beck's latest slave apes, could well be the fugitive chimpanzee once owned by Armando and also the child of Zira and  Cornelius, two intelligent apes from the future. Beck orders Caesar's detainment and if it is proved that like his parents he is intelligent and could possibly lead a rebellion of the servant apes that throws over the power of mankind. If he is found to be as the Inspectors suggest then he is to be executed. 

Knowing that he will soon be captured Caesar reveals to Beck's assistant, MacDonald, that he is indeed the ape they are looking for. MacDonald thought him no more than a myth, Caesar replies that he is no myth, but something that is a myth is the belief that humans are kind. MacDonald says that there are some humans who are kind, to which the ape answers a handful perhaps and they won't be kind until they are forced to when the apes are free and freedom can only be gained by rebellion. MacDonald's sympathy perhaps comes from him being a descendent of slaves. Even though he feels a rebellion is only doomed to fail, yet he allows the chimpanzee escape. When Kolp finds MacDonald he lies saying that he has been looking for Caesar. Quickly the ape is captured and taken to a torture room nicknamed "No" Cage. Electroshock treatment is applied to force him to talk. Again and again he is shocked, at inhuman levels. Still Caesar remains quiet. Even when he starts convulsions the torture is continued, until his body spasms with a near-fatal voltage does Caesar turn to face the men behind the glass and with eyes full of suffocation he speaks the quiet words "Have pity..". Beck describes the proof of an intelligent ape incredible, MacDonald calls it repugnant, disgusting, brutal and inhuman. With that he leaves. With this part of the adaption Doug Moench and Alfredo Alcala show just how much a savage man can be.

Apes Mail

I think David Fielder from Hertfordshire really likes "Man-Gods from Beyond the Stars," by Roy Thomas, Doug Moench and Alex Nino as he describes the production of the strip as exceptionally good. In FOOM magazine #6 Roy Thomas details that he plotted "Man-Gods" very thoroughly while Doug Moench provided a superb script. Alex Nino's art was truly outstanding and beautifully-illustrated throughout as it contained immense detail with an almost surreal quality. P Galbraith KOF, QNS from Bristol thinks that POTA is so great he struggles to describe the comic other than WOW! Keith Dwyer from Northumberland writes that he's seen in the shops models of Cornelius,

Doctor Zaius, Zira, Caesar, Aldo, Ursus and moveable action figures of Cornelius, Doctor Zaius, Zira, Galen, Urko, a gorilla soldier and astronauts Virdon and Burke in their normal human attire. Glen Thomas RFO, KOF from Hull thinks that in the Avengers weekly the back-up features should last for ten to fifteen issues, before they rotate. The Titans is great stuff, he's been waiting to see Captain America for some time. The value is fantastic, with the only disappointment being the centre-spreads. POTA is very good, but the sci-fi stories are really great. It's a pity Unknown World of Sci-Fi got cancelled after issue 6.

Ka-Zar “...And men shall name him..Victorius!”

Writer: Mike Friedrich

Artist: Dan Adkins

Inker: Frank Chiaramonte

Originally published in Astonishing Tales #19

Cover date August 1973

(Published in May 1973)

Ka-Zar and Zabu are eager to return to the jungle after the threat to the Super-Soldier Serum is over, but an early morning phone call from Bobbi Morse alerts Ka-Zar to the danger she is under when the line is cut off just as she is about to tell him a secret. Racing to her apartment the savage lord sees a strangely clad man and Gemini kidnapping the unconscious SHIELD scientist and agent.

The strangely costumed figure, although not known to Ka-Zar, is Professor Victor Conrad, a scientist who worked for the evil organisation known as AIM. Last week as SHIELD had attacked and destroyed a secret AIM base in the southwest of England the Professor took the newly rediscovered Super-soldier Serum to survive. Now wanting to fill the vacuum in leadership at the top of AIM he has taken a new identity as Victorious. He plans to find out if SHIELD's version of the serum is as potent as his by kidnapping the agent closest to its development. Victorious escapes with Bobbi in an AIM helicopter, aided by the villain Gemini. With Nick Fury's help, Ka-Zar is able to follow Bobbi's SHIELD tracking device to AIM's upstate fortress where he plans to infiltrate it alone. Fury has given Ka-Zar the SHIELD version of the Super-serum in his pack just in case he needs it. Soon the savage lord parachutes down to the AIM fortress to rescue his friend as we'll see in next week's "Castle panic!"

Black Panther “The wolves of night!”

Writer: Don McGregor

Artist: Billy Graham

Inker: Klaus Janson

Originally published in Jungle Action Vol 2 #12

Cover date November 1974

(Published in August 1974)

This week's second part opening splash page uses the cover artwork from Jungle Action issue 12, by Rick Buckler (pencils,) and Klaus Janson (inks). The image of Killmonger on this page is different than the version seen on the US cover. The original artwork, held by Don D, doesn't feature Killmonger on it at all. This page spoils the wolf attacking the Panther scene that will appear later in this week's strip. But still its a great page and definitely should be seen.

The Panther interrupts the ceremony that will increase the powers the Resurrection Altar had already given King Cadaver. Killmonger confronts the Panther, throwing the King of Wakanda into the Alter's pit. With incredible athleticism the Panther saves himself, only to fall victim to the acid touch of Sombre. Killmonger decides to not kill him but leave him for dead in the Land of the Chilling Mist. T'Challa regains consciousness in the cold wastelands surrounded by a pack of hungry wolves. As they attack he dispatches them by killing a few of their number, which causes the rest to flee in terror. After the fight he takes shelter in a cave and waits for dawn.

Pages thirty-four and thirty-five offer up a special retrospective detailing where in Wakanda events from Panther's Rage took place, by using a map of the hidden land of Wakanda as reference. with images taken from the series and text telling the details of the Panther's troubles, with the issues of Planet of the Apes also noted. The text was written by Don McGregor with the art by Rich Buckler, Gil Kane and Billy Graham from various issues of the series. The two pages originally appeared as a whole in Jungle Action issue 12.

The Titans #19

The sensational Sub-Mariner shares the logo and stars on the cover of this week's The Titans. He was drawn by Steven Stiles and inked by Dan Adkins. Can't be sure of who drew the heads on the right, they look as if Stiles might have drawn them too. 

The X-Men “We must destroy...the Cobalt Man!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Werner Roth

Inker: John Tartaglione

Originally published in The X-Men #31

Cover date April 1967

(Published in February 1967)

This story starts with the X-Men training in the Danger Room and the Professor commending them for being at peak fighting capacity after their recent victories against Banshee, the Ogre, Super-Adaptoid, and Warlock. Their reward is time off, much to the delight of the group. The Professor notices that Cyclops is brooding over Jean and so he gives him some books to return to her at Metro College. Warren offers him a lift to go visit Jean while Bobby and Hank get ready for another date with Vera and Zelda. In the city, Jean is hanging out with Ted Roberts, when they are both greeted by his brother, inventor Ralph Roberts. Ralph shows off his pole vaulting skills until the pole snaps and he strikes his head. Ralph shrugs the injury off. Later, Scott and Warren meet up with Jean, Ralph, and Ted. Ralph extends his invitation to see his lab, Warren politely declines the offer and later runs into Candy Southern, an old friend.

At the lab, Ralph shows off the various inventions he has created that operate off Cobalt power including a suit of Cobalt Powered armour to rival that of Iron Man. Ralph puts the suit on at Ted's insistence to show off its powers. In a fit of jealousy at the mention of Iron Man, Ralph snaps with the combination of his head injury and the Cobalt power and recklessly strikes Ted down before destroying the lab. Alarmed by the noise, Scott and Jean investigate as Cyclops and Marvel Girl. Despite their valiant efforts to halt Cobalt Man’s rampage they are buried under rubble when Ralph collapses the roof on them. Thanks to Jean’s telekinetic powers the mutants are saved. Cyclops calls for assistance from the rest of the X-Men. Angel, Iceman, and Beast arrive at Starks factory to stop the Cobalt Man. Soon Ted, Cyclops, and Marvel Girl arrive on the scene. Realising their foes chest plate must be the source of his power, Cyclops has Iceman trap Cobalt Man in a chunk of ice long enough for Cyclops to blast the chest plate. With his powers disabled, the Cobalt Man falls into a nearby lake as he attempts to fly away. The cold ducking has returned Ralph's sanity. Ralph realises that some sources are too powerful for man to handle. Ted thanks the X-Men, but hints that he's figured out Marvel Girl is really Jean Grey.

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

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Bill Everett

Inker: Bill Everett

Originally published in Tales to Astonish #89

Cover date March 1967

(Published in December 1967)

With complete command over the alien Servo-Robot, Attuma instructs it to attack Atlantis and eliminate the Sub-Mariner. The robot successfully breaches the underwater city’s gates and effortlessly defeats the Atlantean army, which prompts the Sub-Mariner to dive into action. Despite his best efforts, Namor cannot seem to harm the enormous robot. A frontal assault proves unsuccessful, so Namor calls upon the sea creatures to assist him. First a pod of sharks, then a giant whale that attempts to swallow it, but even an army of octopi cannot stop the massive robot.

Namor then faces the giant Servo-Robot himself in hand-to hand combat. Still his hybrid mutant/Atlantean might can't defeat the robot as he is pinned down by the machine's pincer like claws.  When all hope seems lost, the robot is suddenly captured in a transparent dome that pulls the Servo-Robot to the surface. Namor and Dorma swim up to investigate what has captured the robot and discover that its alien masters, having finally noticed its absence from their ship, have returned to the planet to retrieve it and leave Earth without further incident. Namor explains to Lady Dorma that he had suspected that the robot could not be of Earthly design even though Attuma had managed to gain control of it. The pair then returns to Atlantis, where they witnesses Attuma fleeing after his defeat. Next week "Byrrah!

This centre-spread is by an unnamed artist. Any clues let me know.

Titanic Transcripts

Warren Parker RFO, QNS from West Midlands writes that the five stories in the Titans are fantastic.  Jack Kirby's artwork was fair on the Inhumans strip, but Neal Adams' work on the strip was "WOW!" Paul Crowe from London went and bought the new Titans mag straight after seeing the advert for it on TV. At first he thought it would be just another Super Hero comic, but when he read it he got a big surprise as it was completely different from any mag he had ever seen before. Five big stories condensed into 36 pages. Martin Forrest RFO, KOF, QNS from West Midlands wirites that the story choices are excellent, his personal favourite is Captain Marvel. However when he picked up The Titans #7 he got quite a shock. It was just a mess. There was one and a half 'Inhuman' stories, with the first half repeated twice, then came half a Sub-Mariner followed by about ten pages of mixed-up Mar-Vell. Luckily he was able to get a copy which contained both Cap and Fury together, with a complete Sub-Mariner epic. Martin must have picked up a rarity. I have never heard of problems with that issue, but the editor admits that unfortunately Martin must have picked up one of a batch that was incorrectly bound by the printers. Paul Kirton from Yorkshire writes to congratulate Marvel on the new magazine The Titans. He is a little pleased with himself, because he had wrote in a couple of years ago, when Marvel was just getting established in Britain, to suggest "two-up" paging in your magazines, just as like The Titans. The truth is though is that Paul wasn't the genius behind the birth of The Titans. The new-style format was the result of several UK/USA a deep discussions, would you believe that Marvel has a Transatlantic conference line!

Captain Marvel “To live again!”

Writer: Gerry Conway

Artist: Wayne Boring

Inker: Frank Giacoia

Originally published in Captain Marvel #22

Cover date September 1972

(Published in June 1972)

This week's episode should have been the story from Captain Marvel issue 21, titled "Here comes the Hulk!" But that story is brushed over to the disappointment of many readers who wanted to see Captain Marvel fight the Hulk. That story had, (sort of,) been printed in MWOM #44, with some new artwork, some new dialogue and the presence of Captain Marvel removed. Eventually the full story was reprinted in the Panini UK comic the Mighty World of Marvel Volume 3 issue 20, cover dated the 8th September 2004. This first part splash page has been widen slightly on the right hand side of the first panel has the building behind Rick Jones widened and I must say they have done nearly a perfect job, The removal of the original copyright text on the American comic also helps.

After leaving the Avengers Mansion, Captain Marvel appears in Rick Jones's mind, who thought he was dead. Remembering their last adventures and the Kree-Skrull War. These event have yet to be told in British Marvel comics, but will be told within the coming year of Avengers stories. The American Captain Marvel comic had been put on hiatus for two years between issue 21 and 22. So there's a lot of back story to fill in, continuity wise Rick Jones would have been last seen in the Avengers story "The Sentinels are alive and well!" that will appear in Super Spider-man and the Titans issue 199, from the week ending the 1st December 1976. Mar-Vell tells Rick that the Supreme Intelligence had saved him and put him back inside Rick's body. This must have confused many readers at the time. Rick and Mar-Vell have a disagreement over it. Later Rick runs into Mordecai Boggs and his new singer, Lou-Ann Savannah. Rick leaves with Lou-Ann, but they are soon attacked by some muggers. however both Rick and Lou-Ann manage to fight them off. Meanwhile, Raymond Osworth goes to see his brother-in-law, Jules Carter, who is keeping himself hidden from the world. When Raymond pulls back the curtains he find Carter's skin colour has changed and he has become bigger. He forces his brother-in-law away violently. Next week "the menace of the Nuclear Man!"

Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD “The day of the Druid!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby and Howard Purcell

Inker: Mike Esposito

Originally published in Strange Tales #144

Cover date May 1966

(Published in February 1966)

A mysterious villain known as the Druid, who uses ‘mystic rites’ to hide ‘modern, sinister science’, sends another deadly flying egg to kill Nick Fury! The first had attacked and downed an experimental jet plane. At the crash site Fury rushes through the blazing fire to reach the plane’s nuclear reactor to shut it down before it explodes and wipes out half the countryside. Dum Dum Dugan asks the fire crew where Nick has gone. They tell him that he has taken the only protective suit to shut down the reactor. Dum Dum refuses to enter the "Mobile Fallout Shelter" and waits for Fury even though the reactor is reaching critical mass. With two seconds to go the old war veteran winces ready for the explosion only to have Fury chastise him for looking like he's asleep on the job. He hugs his old sergeant for being alive and saving the day. With the danger over the two agents hit the road in Fury's Porsche 904, when they notice a strange egg-shaped flying object following them.  

Captain America “The Red Skull Lives!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Frank Giacoia

Originally published in Tales to Astonish #79

Cover date July 1966

(Published in April 1966)

I'm really starting to enjoy these Captain America stories now that Jack Kirby has returned as the artist. They have become a weekly treat. Captain America is battling a group of costumed soldiers on the streets of New York, incredibly nobody sees them, leaving the crowd thinking that Cap has gone crazy. It turns out that the soldiers are operatives of Cap's old World War Two nemesis, the Red Skull. The soldiers were using Hypno-Helmets to make them appear invisible to everyone  save for Captain America in an attempt to turn the public against Cap. The operatives radio in that the mission was a success. 

At a secret base the Red Skull recount how he had survived his last encounter with Captain America during the dying days of World War Two in Berlin. He faced the Captain in mortal combat in a cold silent bunker. Fate had ended their battle trapping the Skull and his two loyal aides Wolfgang Brenner and Horst Lederer, as a bomb collapsed the building down upon the bunker. Captain America pulls himself free, but the three Nazis were kept alive when support beams prevented them from being crushed and an experimental gas was released, holding them in suspended animation. Later they were recovered and revived by the mysterious group known only as "THEM". Who would later be identified as the scientists of AIM. Once revived the Skull in appreciation for his rescue agreed to cooperate in the destruction of Captain America.

The three nazis review their plan to continue causing the public to distrust Cap and make him doubt his own sanity. Meanwhile, Captain America visits a psychiatrist to look for answers, when the Skull's men, whom the doctor cannot see, attack again. The doctor blames Cap for going berserk and wrecking his office, Convinced that he is not hallucinating Cap seeks help elsewhere. The Skull prepares for the third phase of his plan as the scientists of AIM brief Count Royale on his mission to kill Nick Fury when he notices they have just finished constructing a mysterious device called the Cosmic Cube. Count Royale's next appearance when he faces Nick Fury will be in The Titans issue 23, on the week ending the 27th March 1976. The Skull's men hypnotise everyone including Cap this time, so that Horst can frame him for murder. Just as he tries to kill an innocent man the Captain is talking to, the star spangled Avenger overpowers the assassin. Cap was prepared for hypnosis by jamming the hypnotic wave with the use of a hidden circuit beneath the A of his head-mask by the scientists at SHIELD who were trained by Tony Stark. Horst reveals that Cap's arch-nemesis has returned. Next week we'll learn all about "The secret of the Cosmic Cube!"

More secrets of British Marvel comics (and not so secret secrets) next time in the Power of the Beesting "Week Ending..." blog, so...

See you in seven.

Make Mine Marvel.