Smash, crackle and pop!

 Week Ending 17th April 1976

From the Smash of titans clashing, to the Crackle of radiation blasts and the Pop of a disappearing villain British Marvel comics had it all and more. Fill your dish up and sit back with a cup of tea as the Beesting takes you back to April 1976 for your fill of nostalgia and all that other stuff and nonsense. 

The Mighty World of Marvel #185

This weeks Mighty World of Marvel cover featuring the Hulk against the Inhumans is a little bit premature, as they only make an appearance in next week's Hulk adventure. Quicksilver on the cover is also spoiling future Avengers and Fantastic Four tales. Still can't be helped. Ron Wilson pencilled this cover while Mike Esposito finished it off with his inks. The original art was sold by Heritage Auctions on the 23rd February 2019 for $2,880 it was previously sold at the same auction site on the 19th February 2016 for $1,434, it shows that comic artwork is an investment. 

The Incredible Hulk “The Power of the Cobalt man?!”

Writer: Roy Thomas and Gerry Conway

Artist: Herb Trimpe

Inker: Jack Abel

Originally published in The Incredible Hulk #174

Cover date April 1974

(Published in December 1973)

An unnamed artist created this second part opening splash page with credits and the Cobalt Man's dialogue briefly filling in the readers. The new story title sounds cool too, "The Power of the Cobalt man", I wonder where I've heard that before. The Cobalt Man rampages through Sydney with the insane intension that the destruction of a major city when his body reaches a critical mass would teach the world a lesson that nuclear power is too dangerous. Ross and Armbruster offer to take control over the Australia armed forces to deal with the Cobalt Man as per the terms of the Anzus treaty agreement between Australia and America.

Meanwhile, Ted Roberts visits Betty Talbot to ask for her to help get Bruce Banner, as the Hulk to stop his brother. Ted gives Betty an antidote to the tranquilliser that keeps Banner human. Basically Ted gave Betty some illegal uppers, while Ted keeps the guard outside Banner's room distracted. As she leads Bruce to the roof the Cobalt Man continues his rampage, destroying everything in his path. TV news crews announce to the world that he intends to show them the horrors and insanity of nuclear devastation. As the tranquillisers still keep Banner calm Betty decides that the only way to change Bruce into the Hulk would be to push him off the roof. Bruce is shocked at her actions, he grapples with her, confused at her reasonings, she struggles to break away and in the struggle Bruce falls. The fall causes panic which transforms him into the Hulk. The Hulk's last memory was of fighting the Cobalt Man. The Hulk soon tracks him down and restarts their fight, this time across the city. Cobalt Man attempts to suffocate the Hulk by carrying him into the upper atmosphere. The Cobalt Man reaches critical mass, exploding high in the atmosphere seemingly killing them both. Back in the United States, the President and the Secretary of State receive a report that Doctor Banner and Doctor Robert have been killed, but instead of ending the development of nuclear weapons the two consider developing a cobalt bomb before the communists do. In the British comic the President was re-drawn as the current President at the time, Gerald Ford, who took over when Richard Nixon resigned on the 9th August 1974. While high in the outer atmosphere the Hulk tumbles back into Earth. Next issue "the Inhumans get it on!"

Marvel Mailbag

Eddie Wright from London was struck dumb by the eruption of British Marvel weeklies. To finally know that Britain has been noticed by other types of comics then B**** and D**** (that's the Beano and the Dandy) was indeed a great boost. At the beginning, The Hulk, Fantastic Four, Spidey and Thor stories all looked extremely dated and out of fashion, obviously you have to start at the beginning as they needed to introduce the main characters to the uninitiated British comic readers. MWOM was not an essential buy for Eddie as he never liked The Hulk. Now SMCW is a completely different matter. Spider-man will forever be, the greatest creation in the history of comics. With the five new mags, three are Eddie's kind of things. The Avengers weekly is the brilliant best, the Super-Heroes is almost its equal. The Titans is a good mag for the old stories and the origins. Michael Lever RFO, QNS from Essex what's to defend Jack Kirby after reading the "Nameless One" letter in MWOM #172. Jack Kirby is a brilliant artist and after seeing his artwork on the return of Captain America he knew he was as good as ever. What a cheek "Nameless One" has got by saying all Kirby fans are nuts, no artist who works for Marvel can be called rubbish. Jack Kirby, John Buscema, Sal Buscema, Don Heck, Gene Colan, John Romita Sr. are all great. 

Rob Corrigan from Kirby has been a Marvelite for over 11 years, following Doctor Strange from his very first appearance, in Strange Tales. Over the years his character has evolved from a haughty magician into one of the finest examples to the human race that there is. A man unselfish in attitude, who travels the dimensions, facing unknown mystic menaces, risking his very life for the earth he loves so dearly. The recent Shuma Gorath series has spurred him to put pen to paper. Somehow Strange seems to get the cream of the artists; Barry Windsor-Smith, Sal Buscema, Craig Russell, Jim Starlin and Frank Brunner. Steve Englehart is fast shaping up to by Marvel's best writer. Interestingly  Shuma Gorath was originally intended to be a hidden city under Manhattan Island, unknown to Steve and Frank, who worked out their own ending. Right from the start, Steve and Frank captured the feel of the story and brought it to life. Frank's artwork is absolutely mind-blowing. Adan Lebor from London lists some comic marts around London where thousands of British and American Marvel comics as well as DC mags can be found.

Daredevil “A traitor's death”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Syd Shores

Originally published in Daredevil #57

Cover date October 1969

(Published in August 1969)

An unnamed artist uses the first panel of the following page as inspiration for this second part opening splash page. Karen Page follows the family's butler, Garth, down to the covered bridge where she first encountered the Death's Head, because of his suspicious behaviour. She follows him into an old mill, where in Karen discovers hidden equipment and apparatus. She notices that Garth has a gun, so thinking he is responsible for her father's disappearance she picks up a piece of rotting wood to knock him out. He turns and blows the club to pieces.

Daredevil swings in, smashing Garth to the ground before he can take another shot, knocking him out cold, which was careless as he wanted him to answer some questions. But he didn't need to ask him because the Death's Head enters and offers to answer his questions because they will be the last questions he gets to ask. Unfazed by his entrance Daredevil asks where is his horse. The villain, surprised at the question, tells him that it died after an unpleasant side effect of the serum that rendered its flesh transparent. Death's-Head creates a giant blazing fireball, Daredevil hooks his arm with his billy club'c cable, throwing off his aim. As the two fight Daredevil drops a big bomb shell, he's deduced that Death's-Head is really Karen's father, Doctor Paxton Page. Come back next week as "the truth" is fully revealed! 

The Fantastic Four “Shall man survive?”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Joe Sinnott 

Originally published in The Fantastic Four #83

Cover date February 1969

(Published in November 1968)

Reed, Ben and Johnny have been made prisoners of Maximus the mad, after a failed attempt to rescue their latest member, Crystal, the Inhuman who had taken the place of Sue Storm while she took maternity leave. Maximus has overthrown his brother Black Bolt as King of the Inhumans and imprisoned the other members of the Royal Family. The Human Torch is desperately trying to burn his way out of the prison cell to save his girlfriend. Reed is convinced that the secret of the prison cell lies in a hypnotic field that is psychologically countering Johnny and even the Thing's incredible efforts to break free. 

Meanwhile, Maximus watches the human's futile attempts, basking in his victory and his genius. He plans to keep them imprisoned for ever so that he can watch their anguish build every day.  After  bathing he prepares for his coronation he selects a loyal guard of Inhumans to serve him. A group that would in some stories be collectively known as the League of Evil Inhumans, first appeared in MWOM #58. a story created by Gary Friedrich and Marie Severin, for a Hulk story for the Hulk King Size Special issue 1, with a cover date of October 1968 and published in July 1968, that would be four months before the original Fantastic Four was released. Jack seems to have been very happy to use Marie's designs for the evil Inhumans and why not, they are brilliant designs and perfectly thought out characters. The evil Inhumans Aireo, Falcona, Leonus, Stallior and Timberius offer their blind obedience to Maximus. who plans that at the moment of his coronation he will blanket the whole of mankind with the power of his giant Hyno-gun. Meanwhile the Royal Family tries once more to break free. Black Bolt risks using his powerful voice to shatter the clear wall of their cell. His action also shatters the hypo-spell that holds Medusa and Crystal in Maximus's sway. Their break out alerts Maximus' loyal Alpha Primitives who battle the Royal Family. After quickly dispatching them the Inhumans rush off to end Maximus' plan to use the hydro-ray on the World. The story continues next week in "The mad man who would be king!" 

Super Spider-man with the Super-Heroes #166

To fit Super-Spider-man with the Super-Heroes landscape cover Dave Hunt pencilled this new version of John Romita Sr.'s artwork from the Amazing Spider-man issue 117. The speech balloon text is the same as the original, but this time it is split into two, with the spiky balloon increasing the volume and danger. I actually think Hunt's version is better than Romita's original. Frank Giacoia added the inks.

Spider-man “The deadly designs of the disruptor!”

Writer: Stan Lee and Gerry Conway

Artist: John Romita Sr.

Inker: Jim Mooney and Tony Mortellaro

Originally published in the Amazing Spider-man #117

Cover date February 1973

(Published in November 1972)

John Romita Sr's opening splash page has been re-drawn by Michael Nasser (sometimes called Mike Natzer,) and inked by Bob Layton to fit better into a landscape splash page format. Thankfully the artists signed their names on the steps on the bottom right of the piece so I can identify them. The story title remains the same although the text font is different and the text balloons are the same as the original page. I'm not a fan of the font used on the strip's name as seen on the left it's a bit ugly to my eyes.

With no time to change into his Spider-man costume, Peter Parker climbs up onto the ceiling, his identity hidden in the darkness and manages to stop the roof collapsing at Richard Raleigh's charity fundraiser by webbing the masonry together, giving the crowds time to escape. Then by using a giant web shield Peter manages to slip away before anyone can learn his true identity. Following the event, Raleigh plays up his tough stance on crime, vowing to catch whoever was responsible for the attack on his campaign. In no time Peter rejoins Gwen and Mary Jane, Jonah Jameson is there too and he's none too pleased that Peter hadn't taken any pictures. Sating that it's his night off Peter walks the two girls home. Gwen finds some webbing on Peter's arm. At first joking that Peter might be seen a dark silky haired rival only to admit it was only a spider's webbing. Was she suspicious of its origin?. This could have been a test for Mary Jane, but she's more interested in Richard Raleigh and if he digs redheads. 

The man responsible for the nights disaster appears to be a costumed criminal called the Disruptor who has hired a scientist named Dr. Thaxton to create the man-monster sized human cyborg called the Smasher. Who has been programmed to do the Disruptor's bidding. Meanwhile at the town house of J Jonah Jameson, Joe Robertson expresses his doubts about Raleigh, by telling Jameson that he intends to do a more intensive background search on the man even though Jameson finds this a needless concern. Also attending is Norman Osborn who isn't that sold on Jameson's backing of Raleigh either. Elsewhere in the city, crooks try to rob another Raleigh fundraiser, but Spider-man arrives to prevent them from stealing the money. After a quick phone call to see if Aunt May is still alright taking care of Doctor Octopus's residence, Peter  meets up with Gwen and Mary Jane at Raleigh's youth rally. There the Disruptor and his men attack directly, prompting Peter to change into Spider-man and battle the Disruptor, sending him packing. Later J. Jonah Jameson visits Raleigh to tell him that Joe Robertson is investigating into his background. Word gets back to the Disruptor, who has the newly enhanced Smasher revived and orders the creature to bring him Joe Robertson, dead or alive. The "Countdown to chaos" starts next week.

Spidey Mail

John Weir de-Vere from Rhyl has thought up a female super-hero who lives on the planet Mercury. Shonda Lan is the king's daughter, but after her world is destroyed by a meteorite she, as the soul survivor escapes in a spaceship that flies through a cosmic storm. She crash-lands on earth only to discovers she has super-powers. Haven't we heard of that one somewhere before? Johathan Barker RFO, KOF, from Cheshire collects five of the weeklies, which are The Titans, Avengers weekly, Super-Heroes, MWOM and SMCW, but to him The Titans and the Avengers are his favourites. Although his choices are packed with super-heroes is letter ends on a minor criticism, he thinks that Marvel has used too many super-heroes in their weeklies in such a short time. Alan Butcher from London enjoyed the Black Knight story in the Super-Heroes. Also, Daredevil is getting even greater than usual. Alan Would like to see the Defenders, Ghost Rider, King Kull or Guardians of the Galaxy in the British Marvels. Or even some Michael Moorcock adaptations.

Doctor Strange “Lift high the veil of fear!”

Writer: Steve Englehart

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Klaus Janson

Originally published in Doctor Strange #6

Cover date February 1975

(Published in November 1974)

Gene Colan is well known for his lengthy work on Daredevil and Dracula among many other strips including his work on Doctor Strange. His first run on Doctor Strange saw print in Avengers weekly #63 to #86, with the strip resting occasionally or a guest artist on a couple of issue. I loved that run, but when Frank Brunner took over his artwork he made me forget how great Colan was. Brunner's exquisite artwork takes him ages to complete and he would miss deadlines. So a change had to come. When I saw Colan had taken over this strip I was disappointed at first, but before I got to the end of the first splash page I was back in Marvel Mystic arts heaven with another master. Colan had come home!

It's a sweltering Indian Summer in the beginning of September and Doctor Strange with Clea are taking a walk through Central Park to pay a visit to the New York zoo. Their important mission is of a mystical nature. Not one to save the universe but one to reverse Clea's spell that she cast on a rabbit that made it grow in size only to escape when the Silver Dagger broke into the Sanctum Sanctorum, as seen in SSMwtSH #158. The over sized mammal had been captured and taken to the zoo. Clea cast the counter spell and the rabbit returns to a manageable size. On their walk, the two encounter a beggar, who the Doctor realises has a heroin addiction. After a brief discussion on his problems and the world's greater problems he leaves. Stephen and Clea's next encounter is an old woman whose aura Strange recognises. She transforms into Umar who is on Earth for some unknown reason. The two sorcerers briefly battle before Strange banishes her away from the earthly plain. Stephen with Clea return to his Sanctum to try and deduce what Umar is up too with the Orb of Agamotto.

An unnamed artist created this landscape format centre spread poster of the Man-Thing against the Werewolf by Night.

Bullpen Bulletin

Instant info insanely inspired by irrelevant Items of incredible inconsequence!

The first Item in this week's Bullpen Bulletin looks at this week's issue of Super Spider-man with the Super-heroes, which features a brain-blastin' baddie who's sure to take Marveldom by storm! His name's the Disruptor who's got a huge, hulking Frankensteinian monster called simply "the Smasher"! The next Item highlights this week's The Titans where as well as the X-Men story a new feature called The Origins of the X-Men will appear with the first story called "A man called X". The Bullpen Bulletin appears in the Avengers weekly and The Titans. So the other Items will be reviewed in the Avengers weekly.

Iron Man “Unmasked!”

Writer: Archie Goodwin

Artist: George Tuska

Inker: Johnny Craig

Originally published in Iron Man #11

Cover date March 1969

(Published in December 1968)

Attempting to learn who has seemingly discovered his duel identity, Iron Man has walked right into a trap, laid by his enemy the malevolent Mandarin. During last week's battle the armoured Avenger stumbles into a cross fire of neutralising rays that paralyse the circuitry in his armour. Bathing in his victorious glory, the Mandarin fires his power ring to strip away Iron Man's mask to bear witness to the cowering of his enemy and prove his deductions right before he deals with him forever with a deadly servo from his power ring. 

To his shock he doesn't find Tony Stark but a blonde stranger beneath the armour. The man in the armour asks the oriental fiend did he seriously believe a man with a weak heart like Tony Stark could really be Iron Man. He tells him to switch on his TV and witness the real Tony Stark giving the press a news conference denying any of the incriminating accusations that have accusing him of working with communist foreign powers. Angered the Mandarin leaves is underling Mei Ling with the task of killing Iron Man, while he heads off to Starks news conference. Iron Man gloats Mei Ling to leave him while the neutralising ray finishes him off. As Mei Ling slams the door a lamp falls on the ray cannon short circuiting the device and freeing Iron Man to rush out and save Stark. Next week, "Iron Man and the Iron Man!"

The Thing and the Ghost Rider..together “Silent night... ...deadly night!”

Writer: Steve Gerber

Artist: Sal Buscema

Inker: Mike Esposito

Originally published in Marvel Two-in-One #8

Cover date March 1975

(Published in December 1975)

The opening page of this tale has had the date of the Christmas Eve changed from 1974 to 1975. A little detail that didn't need to be changed but was. This Christmas tale starts with the Ghost Rider, biking across the Arizona Desert on the Eve of Christmas. This must have been the first British Marvel comics printed story to feature the supernatural hero, even though the letter pages have been demanding his appearance for years. All the horror cyclist has on his mind are the small matter of pot holes and the meaning to existence when he nearly collides with three men on camel back.

Skidding to a halt the Ghost Rider is shocked to find out that these "three wise men" are like the Biblical Three Wise Men following a star to a prohecy of a newborn child, taking with them gifts of myrrh and frankincense, in what is a near-perfect recreation of the first Christmas. They find no fear in is demonic look and invite him to join them. Politely he refuses their offer. Meanwhile in New York, the Thing is helping Mister Fantastic set up an advanced telescope to observe a strange new star. Ben is more concerned that they are missing their Christmas party that Sue has prepared for them. At this point in the history of the Fantastic Four the Invisible Girl has left the Fantastic Four and Medusa has taken her place, but here she has started to patch up her and Reed's relationship, especially for Franklin at Christmas. Ben leaves Reed to finish with the telescope while he heads to the party where Sue, Johnny, Alicia, Franklin, Medusa, the 22 year old space orphan called Wundarr, Namorita and Annie Christopher, Namorita's flatmate, have gathered. The party starts as the Torch lights Reed's special Christmas tree. This makes Ben go and get Reed. Meanwhile the Ghost Rider has found a middle-eastern city in middle of the American desert, in the city he encounters characters right out of the Christmas nativity and a mysterious stranger who appears in the shadows, who creates a whirl wind that sends the Rider flying. In New York Reed has determined the location to which the star is pointing to, the Konohoti Indian Reservation in Arizona. To prevent Reed from missing his family’s Christmas party, the Thing insists on being the one to investigate it. Next week "Christmas Eve panic!"

The Mighty Thor “Loki, God of Thunder!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Vince Colletta

Originally published in The Mighty Thor #179

Cover date August 1970

(Published in June 1970)

An unknown artist draws this second part landscape splash page showing the God of Mischief releasing an enchanted living mask that smothers the Thunder God's face.

To Thor's horror the living mask causes Loki and Thor to trade bodies. Now with Thor's matchless strength and appearance, Loki manages to knock Thor out and steal the Thunder God's clothing. Back on Asgard, Balder has fully recovered from his ordeal in Sea of Eternal Sleep, where he rescued Odin from Loki's banishment. He and Sif decide to go to Earth in order to help Thor. They appear in Donald Blake's office to find who they think is Loki, who tries in vein to convince them that he really is their friend trapped in Loki's body. Balder and Sif refuse to believe him. As they fight, the real Loki, in Thor's body, watches them with perverse enjoyment. Then he sets out to ruin Thor's reputation by rampaging through New York. Finally, as the battle between Balder and Thor in Loki's body rages on so Thor is forced to use Loki's magical powers against his friend. In his weakened state Balder is knocked out, leaving Thor mortified that he may have killed his best friend. When Sif arrives on the scene she sees "Loki's" grief, and when Balder revives, the two are convinced that he was telling the truth. The trio band together to find the real Loki and reverse the change that has been done to Thor.

It's been eight week's of the SEA MONKEY offer,  which would have given readers the chance to buy a Sea Monkey Kit for only 75p by saving-up six of the eight coupons we've been printing in New Super Spiderman. Readers only needed to stick any six different coupons, they would have collected from the past eight issues of the new Super Spiderman, onto the order form. Then with a cheque or postal order for 75p send it in to the address in the feature and allow 28 days for delivery. This week's bonus coupon was Doctor Strange as drawn by Barry Windsor-Smith. Did you send off for the Sea-Monkeys and did they live up to the hype?

The back pages of Super Spider-man with the Super-Heroes, the Avengers weekly and The Titans feature this advertisement for Rise Krispies T-shirts. To get one all you had to do was send one pound ten pence and two Kellogg's Rice Krispies packet tops to the address detailed on the cereal packet. The "Snap, Crackle and Popper" T-shirts were made from 100% cotton and came in five sizes.    

Avengers Weekly #135

This British commissioned cover was drawn by David Wenzel and inked possibly by Joe Sinnott if the Grand Comics Database is believed. It's a classic look, heroes head-to-head against heroes like the Avengers #53 which saw Avengers vs X-Men, the Avengers #70 which saw the Squadron Sinister against the Avengers, or the X-Men #100 that saw the original X-Men against the new X-Men. This British classic sees the Squadron Supreme on one side and the Avengers on the other, but Wenzel's movement lines increase the speed and the intensity. It's my Cover of the Week.

Conan the Barbarian “Terror cried the crocodile!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Ernie Chan

Originally published in Conan the Barbarian #39

Cover date June 1974

(Published in March 1974)

This title splash page was preceded by the original page 17 from the US edition which shows Conan leading Ben-Hussal's niece Rachalla back into the town that they had been exiled from by the priest Ghul-Azalel, who had wanted to end the curse of death that had infected the town over the past year by sacrificing Rachalla to a sea dragon. Ben-Hussal had been the town's leader and had learned that it was safe to return. It wasn't, it was a trap set to capture them. Conan and Ben-Hussal are tied to stakes while Rachalla is taken to a boulder in the shallow sea as Ghul-Azalel plays a lyre harp to attract the sea dragon.

Conan sees a shadow in the water heading towards Rachalla. With all his might Conan rips his stake from the ground, which allows him to slip his bonds and race towards Rachalla. He cuts her binding setting her free as a giant crocodile emerges from the ocean. Conan stabs it and lures it towards the shore. The townspeople take arms against the beast and try to capture it in a fishing net but the giant crocodile turns towards Conan trapping him in a dead end. Ghul-Azalel uses Rachella to lure the creature, still intent on sacrificing the girl.Conan breaks a fence post and drives it into the beast. The crocodile limps back to the sea. Ghul-Azalel tries to stab Conan in the back, but Rachalla warns him in time. The Cimmerian lifts his attacker and throws him at the crocodile, trapping him in the fishing net as the creature returns to the sea, drowning the priest below the waves. Conan asks why Ben-Hussal never stood up to Ghul-Azalel in the first place, Rachalla reveals that her Uncle was no coward, he fled because Ben-Hussal was mad, but he couldn't face slaying his own brother, Rachalla's own father.

Avengers Assemble

Mike Griggs from Kent is utterly shocked to see the sudden and uncalled-for resignation of the Vision. Not that he can blame him when the option is fighting groups of villains with names like the

"Lethal Legion". It's a corny name he says, Roy Thomas must try better. Despite the corny names, there's no denying that Roy's proved to be the best writer of the Avengers. Same goes for John Buscema as artist. He's certainly better than Barry Windsor-Smith. Gene Colan's stint was too short to form much of an opinion. Doctor Strange  presently being drawn by Frank Brunner who Mike once placed under Colan for a very short while, but now he's better, his 2nd top artist, bettered only by E.F. Cruz for his work on D.C.'s Shadow. A P Vincent from Norwich praises the Doctor Strange vs Sise-Neg storyline finding the plot’s logical idea the most plausible explanation for God he's encountered. The artwork is also commendable, particularly the drawing of ”You have Angered God” which captivated him for a minute. Roger Earlwood from Surrey wades in on the Conan pronunciation discussion, previously the editor committed themselves to the Arthur Conan Doyle pronunciation, "Co" as in "cone". Very commendable. However he prefers "Con" as in "contract". It seems Conan’s name has been distorted by the name of the great Sherlock Holmes creator and by the TV advertisement for the late lamented Savage Sword of Conan weekly. Alan Hughes from Liverpool says he has information on how to get the American mags and he'll tell you if you send him a stamped addressed envelope.

The Avengers “...The Squadron Supreme!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: John Buscema

Inker: Tom Palmer

Originally published in The Avengers #85

Cover date February 1971

(Published in December 1970)

A FaceBook fan page says that this week's second part opening splash page was drawn by Marshall Rogers. Goliath, the Vision, Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch have returned to an alternative reality after leaving Arkon's dimension to find NightHawk in their mansion. Thinking he is the Nighthawk of the Squadron Sinister, the Avengers attack him, but he manages to escape through a hidden passageway. After following him they enter the war room of the mansion and discover Lady Lark, Hawkeye, Tom Thumb, and American Eagle, all members of the Squadron Supreme.

After a brief battle, the Avengers soon realise they aren't on their own world when the Squadron gets a message from their other teammates Doctor Spectrum, Hyperion, and Whizzer. They are at Atomic City where they are preparing to launch "Brain-Child One" into space. The Avengers realise that the satellite could be responsible for the vision of a holocaust they experienced the beginning of last week's issue. The Avengers try to explain the situation to the Squadron but soon find themselves in yet another battle with the Squadron, a battle that the Avengers quickly win. They take one of the Squadron's ships with Nighthawk to explain to the other Squadron members of the danger that the satellite launch will cause. Nighthawk regains consciousness and starts to believe them. Roy Thomas is a great writer but it does feel like a jump for Nighthawk to suddenly believe the Avengers. Still that doesn't stop me loving this tale. The Avengers annual 1976 ended at this point, next week readers of that annual will get to read what happens next in "Enter death disguised as a child!"

Bullpen Bulletin

The third Item of this week's Bullpen Bulletin warns readers that just when the comic strips get the most cozy they're going to be playing musical chairs with our fearsome features again! Now don't get upset! Most of your favourites have survived the mild shake-up. They don't state which strips will move but they suggest that the readers buy all the mags next month. I wonder if they meant next week? The fourth Item notes that British Marvel have received an envelope without any letter in side, from Colchester, addressed to "FOOM room". The envelope seemed to have been opened by someone en-route from Colchester. They ask would the FOOMer who sent the letter, write to explain what should have been in the afore-mentioned envelope? A Mail Order Memo apologies to anyone who suffered a delay in receiving their annuals. The Marvel 1976 annuals seem to have been a success so much so that they actually sold out of all their copies and had to order more! They also received a sackful of orders for the Super Spidey T-Shirts and colouring Books and Comic Albums which they promise to ship as quickly as possible. Did you get yours on time?

Iron Fist “The rampage of Radion!”

Writer: Chris Claremont 

Artist: John Byrne

Inker: Frank Chiaramonte

Originally published in Iron Fist #4

Cover date April 1976

(Published in January 1976)

The Gil Kane cover from Iron Fist issue 4 was repurposed as this second part opening splash page with a catch-up text box, credits and a new title added. Frank Giacoia inked this opening page. Misty Knight has watched the news and even though she told Danny not to waste his time tracking down Radion and concentrate on looking for Colleen Wing, she pulls herself out of her hospital bed to go and help him. Her doctor isn't happy with her as she hasn't recovered from her injuries. Turns out he's right as she doubles up in pain.

Doctor Henri Sorel had gained radioactive powers when Ward Meachum's men had tried to force him into giving his research into a cure for radiation poisoning, then taking the identity of the Ravager he has searched for a cure to his condition. Now as his affection worsens he has taken another identity, that of Radion the Atomic Man. Although after the desolation he has metered out today they might as well have name him Holocaust! From the Post Office Tower he lets rip atomic bursts of radiative fire. Iron Fist having recovered from his earliest encounter battles Radion. The kung fu hero takes the fight to Radion, crashing through the General Post Office Tower, causing the floor beneath them to collapse making them both fall to Sorel's laboratory many floors below. 

There he tricks Radion into standing before the danti-radiation transformer that Sorel had build before the radiation had corrupted his mind. With a kung fu kick Iron Fist sends the unstable Radion into his own machine which he activates, with incredible results the machine absorbed all the radiation and turns him back into Sorel once more. The repentant Sorel feels terribly about the death and destruction he wrought as Radion and passes out from exhaustion. Dawn breaks over a safe London. Next week's third back up strip in the Avengers weekly will be Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu, so this issue marks the end of Iron Fist in British Marvel comics for a time. That's a shame because I absolutely love these Iron Fist adventures by Chris Claremont and John Byrne, they are 70's classics. Iron Fist's adventures continue in the Marvel UK Blockbuster Winter special in 1980 when his origin story is retold. Then from there it continues in the Blockbuster monthly issue 1, cover dated June 1981.

Dracula Lives #78

The Grand Comics Database lists either Dan Adkins or Gene Colan as the penciller of this British commissioned cover with the inker possibly being Dan Adkins as well. Were as the top banner on the Avengers weekly proclaimed that Iron Fist is in England, here the top banner proclaims that Dracula invades America. A transatlantic exchange. 

Dracula “To Boston with fear!”

Writer: Marv Wolfman

Artist: Gene Colan

Inker: Tom Palmer

Originally published in Tomb of Dracula #36

Cover date September 1975

(Published in June 1975)

This week's second part opening splash page was created by David Wenzel (pencils,) and John Tartaglione (inks,) as per their signatures on the original artwork art board for this British weekly. Having learned that the culprit of his loss of powers was in Boston Massachusetts Dracula hitched a ride aboard an American fighter jet. The vampire lord introduces himself to the pilot, demanding passage to Boston. Suddenly the jet spiralled out of control somehow, causing the jet to fire its own missiles. With some fancy flying the pilot managed to dodge them. 

The pilots testimony concludes, explaining that he detoured the plane from Washington to Boston as his mysterious passenger has ordered. When landing Dracula was met by soldiers who opened fire on the vampire lord. Before turning into a bat and flying away Dracula took a few bullets. With the testimony over, Doctor Scott explained that Dracula would in a weakened state encounter a taxi driver and later attempt to feed upon a young girl. Having heard enough Quincy stops Scott from playing anymore tapes, deciding he and Rachel van Helsing must travel to America. Meanwhile in Brazil, Frank Drake and Brother Voodoo enter a hut and find Chastity Jones. Frank demands she answers his questions about Danny Summer's attempt on his life with a horde of zombies. She tells him that Danny had fled when he heard them coming. Spotting Danny trying to steal their jeep, Frank and Brother Voodoo stop him and demand to know who hired Danny to kill him. Danny explains he could not resit Dracula's commands. Frank thanks Brother Voodoo for his help, Brother Voodoo tells Frank that he didn't help Frank just to let him up and leave. Meanwhile in London, as Quincy and Rachel board a plane to Boston Doctor Scott telephones his master, Doctor Sun, telling him that after planting the proper clues the two vampire hunters will be quite useful in his ultimate scheme. The story continues with "Dracula in Boston!"

Letters to the House of Dracula

Ann Marie Robinson from Norwich writes that if Dracula Lives receives far fewer letters than any other mag there is no need to be concerned as it can only mean one thing, that people find far less to criticise in Dracula Lives than in the other mags, as you must admit most letters are fault-finding. She asks Marvel to not considering putting that dubious-looking Morbius in the mag, keep the nice traditional 'monsters' in Dracula Lives. Andrew Taylor RFO, KOF, writes that the standard of the POTA covers are improving. Even though SMCW merging with the Super-Heroes created a good magazine, but he wonders why, was one or two of them selling poorly, was the Super-Heroes running out of material or was the merger for profit reasons? The editor lays the answer out, all companies are finding circulations tumbling and inevitably there are gonna be some casualties. But they are determined to survive the hard times and live through to the happier days which will come, maybe sooner than everyone thinks, but in order to survive there are gonna be adjustments, such as merging the Super-Heroes with the much stronger SMCW. Ivor Davies from Dumbartonshire is slightly enraged at Jim Charlton's letter in Dracula Lives #67, in which he referred to Man-Thing as a "super-hero type of strip". Ivor describes Steve Gerber's writing as giving us adventure, horror, wit and, above all, ferocious attacks on the "system" and political allegories galore. Another thing that disturbed Ivor was Jim's apparent enthusiasm for Morbius to appear, which will be unlikely to happen as the sight of blood 'n' guts may be too much for the under-10s readers of the weekly to bear.

Werewolf by Night “Children of the moon”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: Don Perlin

Inker: Don Perlin

Originally published in Werewolf by Night #33

Cover date September 1975

(Published in June 1975)

This second part splash page was drawn by an unnamed artist. Moon Knight has rendered Jack Russel unconscious and is picked up by Frenchie, who flys them with the also captured Lissa and Topaz to the Committee. Meanwhile at Westwood Hospital, Elaine Marston and her daughter Buttons visits Buck Cowan. His doctor explains that his severe injuries may cause paralysis even if he does awake from his coma.

At the headquarters of the Committee, the organisation's leader pays Moon Knight his ten-thousand dollar reward. Jack Russell is caged, while Lissa and Topaz are bound to a nearby wall. The Committee member reveals that he plans to use the Werewolf as a secret weapon against their rivals. Jack yells at Moon Knight and tells him that he hasn't just captured a monster, but an actual human being, adding is he not shocked to hear the truth. Something sparks in Moon Knight's conscience. As the moon rises for the third night, Jack transforms once again into the Werewolf. Moon Knight refuses to allow the Committee to use him as their personal secret weapon and frees the Werewolf. Together they attack the Committee members. Moon Knight also frees Lissa and Topaz with his crescent darts. Most of the Committee flee in terror, but the Werewolf manages to claw their leader across the face. With the villains defeated the Werewolf runs off into the night, while Moon As he counts his reward money the Knight thinks it's been a pleasure doing business with him even if he was a werewolf. Next week the "Mansion of the damned!" 

Man-Thing “The survivors!”

Writer: Steve Gerber

Artist: Val Mayerik

Inker: Sal Trapani 

Originally published in Adventure into Fear #18

Cover date November 1973

(Published in August 1973)

This second part splash page was drawn by an unnamed artist. The survivors of a car accident make their way out of the swamp, arguing over their different belief systems and values. Soldier Jim Arsdale takes charge offering to carry the injured boy Kevin Kennerman, much to the displeasure of the radical student Holden Crane who takes every opportunity he can to make digs at society. Even criticising nurse Mary Brown for her cold bedside manner. Ralph Sorrell tries to stick up for them but Jim accuses him as the drunk driver that caused the accident, being nothing more than a murderer. Holden cuts in saying that Jim who had fought in Viet Nam would also have been a murderer. The soldier and student fight as a snake slithers towards Mary and the injured boy. The Man-Thing saves them, bashing the snakes brains in.

Jim has had enough with Holden's constant tirades against the military and begins beating on the boy. The young man does not actually fight back. Mary pulls Jim off before he can kill him. Meanwhile, Jennifer Kale has finished another date with her boyfriend Jaxon. Suddenly she is struck with a horrible vision that causes her to scream and pass out. Back in the swamp, the crash survivors make it to F A Schist's construction site. Ralph suddenly pulls a gun out on the others. He does not want to go to jail for the accident he caused, so he decides to eliminate all the witnesses. He shoots and kills Holden and Jim, before the Man-Thing appears. The creature disarms the killer. Ralph flees, finding a flame thrower on the construction site, he tries to burn it. The monster endures the attack even as the flame takes his life-giving moisture, but it can't be sustained and the life juice's flow back. As the Man-Thing grabs Ralph's face his own fear causes him to burned at the Man-Thing's touch until he dies. The construction workers arrive to see the commotion. They find Mary, Kevin and the Man-Thing. Realising that the creature has yet again saved her life she thanks him. The muck-monster gives no response as it returns to the swamp. It's been another great horror/morality tale from Steve Gerber and Val Mayerik. Jennifer Kale's vision is reveal next week in "The Enchanter's apprentice!"

Planet of the Apes #78

It's not a Ron Wilson cover for Planet of the Apes this week, instead Ed Hannigan gives it a go with Jason and Malagueña fleeing from what looks like super-sized maggots, but what are really super-sized brains. Dan Adkins inked the cover.

Planet of the Apes “Dark waters and death caves”

Writer: Doug Moench

Artist: Mike Ploog

Inker: Mike Ploog

Originally published in Planet of the Apes (US) #8

Cover date May 1975

(Published in March 1975)

This week's second part opening splash page is by an unnamed artist who takes the fourth panel of last week's page eleven and the first panel of this week's page three as there inspiration for the page's design, Saraband and Trippo's stance's are flipped from last week's panel while the crew of the Riverboat named Simian are drawn in a similar style as the following panel. The new members get to know each other as they sail down river, when they notice smoke coming from the mountain range where the Inheritors are based. Deciding that it is from the pits where the mutants build their war machine the crew moor up and split into two parties. one to stay with the boat, the other to investigate.

  

Alex, Jason, Steely Dan, Gunpowder Julius and Saraband head off to investigate, taking Brutus as prisoner in case his knowledge comes in handy. Inside the caves they find the mutant drones working the shaggy human/ape hybrids in the construction of war machines. Also there are the slug shaped giant brains called the Inheritors in glass domes. They hear their plans to destroy all human and ape kind. Brutus is shocked as the Inheritors had sworn to him only the humans would die if he helped them. His outburst gives their hidden position away. Soon they are surrounded by mutant drones. A fight breaks out and Saraband gets shot in the shoulder with a laser gun. Knowing he has little time left to live he grabs two mutant drones and pulls them with him as he dives off the ledge to crashes into one of the Inheritor brain domes killing it. With that Inheritor's death a number of drones controlled by that brain fall. Alex and Jason pick up one such drone and throw it over the ledge into another Inheritor's brain dome, killing it and its controlled drones. In the confusion the humans and apes escape back to their boat, unfortunately Brutus also escapes. Later the Riverboat named Simian skims the placid waters towards the setting sun as the tiny ape named Trippo softly sobs over the death of his friend Saraband.

Apes Forum

Graham Tarver QNS from Warwickshire explains that the "Planet of The Apes" fan club receives a newsletter every two months plus a starter kit you get a membership card, a membership badge, a date-sheet, a pen, an astronaut badge and two large colour pictures. You also receive a special offer that is for club members only. Stephen Moore from Scarborough thinks the film adaptions have been fantastic, especially the "Escape" and "Conquest" strips. He thinks about 20 pages should be given to the ape saga per week. The back-up stories are good except Warlock and Captain Marvel. The best stories are "Day of Triffids" and "Machine Age". 2001 and Roller-Ball should be adapted into strips. P O'Brien from London writes that POTA is the best comic he's read but wants more than 9 or 10 pages of the Apes per issue. Jamie Reddie from Dundee marvelled at the section on the Roundhouse, but why not come to Scotland with the same live show. Jamie when to his local mag shop the other day and come across the great new American comic, Howard the Duck! Without hesitating he bought it. The little feathered nut was so great he hopes to get it every month.

Ka-Zar “A village in ruins!”

Writer: Mike Friedrich

Artist: Don Heck

Inker: Jack Abel

Originally published in Ka-Zar Vol 2 #3

Cover date March 1974

(Published in December 1973)

This second part opening splash page was drawn by an unnamed artist. Ka-Zar and Shanna have escaped from Malgato's castle after the wizard had proposed sacrificing them to stop the cataclysmic events that he had foretold. The two had entered the village of the Fall People, but were meet by the disappointed villagers who had wanted the heroes to accept the honour of being sacrifices. Then a triceratops rampages through the village, the Fall People are convinced that Ka-Zar's blasphemy has doomed them. Ka-Zar and Zabu stop the rampaging dinosaur only to be attacked by his friend Tongah and the villagers. Shanna strikes Ka-Zar knocking him out and takes him to Malgato much to the villager's delight. When he wakes she tells him she has concocted a plan.

The two return to the Red Wizard's castle, after knocking out Maa-Gor they confront Malgato who Shanna convinces that she and Ka-Zar will willingly jump into his pit of flames, but instead they leap at the fire bowl standing in the pit, knocking it over and ruining the sacrifice. Shanna finds wiring hidden behind drapes, quickly she tears them apart, confirming her suspicions that the pterodactyl that abducted her and the triceratops that attacked the village were in fact robots that start to break down. Malgato confesses that he could have destroyed Ka-Zar, but he desired power and exploited the fall people. He quickly escapes, leaving behind his robes and a rubber mask of his apparent face. Later Ka-Zar reconciles with Tongah and the villagers, who promise to only sacrifice animals in the future. Shanna patches up Zabu, Ka-Zar asks her to stay but she has sworn to find her missing father, even though the savage is her type, free and wild. Next week the "Curse of the Man-Ape!" What's strange about this week's second half is that all the way through it the artwork of Shanna was not altered like last week's, allowing the readers to see her in her leopard skin bikini costume. I guess the art bodger got board or the editor forgot to ask for the changes to be made.

Black Panther “And all our past decades have seen revolutions!”

Writer: Don McGregor

Artist: Billy Graham

Inker: Billy Graham

Originally published in Jungle Action Vol 2 #16

Cover date July 1975

(Published in April 1975)

The Panther's Rage continues in its eleven chapter, opening with an incredible scene of the Black Panther and Monica Lynne riding on the back of giant turtles beneath the cool waters. T'Challa having recovered from the events in the Serpent Valley seen over the last few weeks spends time with Monica. Not all is light and happy in Wakanda, a conversation of a different emotion takes place in a dark prison cell as Taku interrogates the prisoner known as Venomm. 

The caption states that it has only been a year since Venomm was incarcerated. The villain tells him how Eric Killmonger had visited T'Challa at the Avengers mansion, telling him how he had been kidnapped from Wakanda by the super-villain who was later known as Klaw and taken to America. T'Challa had offered to return him home. The Panther had helped Eric transport his possessions back to Africa, including Venomm, who unknown to the Wakandan King had been stowed away in secret. Killmonger's family had been killed by Klaw. As he ends his story he pulls a knife on Taku and uses him as hostage. W'Kabi pulls a gun on the prisoner but with his friend's life in danger he can do nothing. Venomm tricks him into dropping the gun than overpowers them both to makes his escape from prison. The story continues next week.

The Titans #26

Steve Stiles pencilled this cover with Mike Esposito applying the inks. The text box reads "The power of the Plunderer!" but were is the Plunderer on the cover? Still it's a great title for a story, or a blog. The tag line tells readers that beginning this issue..origins of the X-Men!

The X-Men “The sinister shadow of...doomsday!”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Don Heck

Inker: George Roussos

Originally published in The X-Men #38

Cover date November 1967

(Published in September 1967)

The X-Men have arrived too late to stop the Mutant Master and his Factor Three organisation from triggering events that  could start World War III. The Mutant Master only appears on a video screen mocking them with his impending victory. The X-Men flee inside one of Factor Three's flying saucers just before the base explodes. Meanwhile in another hidden base Changeling begins to question Mutant Master's authority, however the Mutant Master reasserts his authority by showing off his powerful weapons and reiterates his world domination plans as Blob and Vanisher preparing for the first phase.

The X-Men divide the team into two groups, Marvel Girl, Angel and Beast go to the USSR while Cyclops and Iceman head to stop the plot against the United States. The three X-Men arrive in Russia in order to prevent a bomb from killing high ranking Russian officials. Russian soldiers open fire upon the three mutants. Beast orders his teammates to go on while he handles the soldiers. However their path is blocked by the Vanisher and the Blob. Back at Factor Three's headquarters Professor X tries to rationalise with the already doubting Changeling that a nuclear war would be harmful to both humans and mutants. The Changeling strikes Xavier for daring to speak out and threatens to execute him. 

Elsewhere Cyclops and Iceman visit the military base that Factor Three plan to gas, explaining the situation to the commanding officer. The Colonel finds the story hard to believe. With no time to waste the X-Men decide to fight their way to the weapon and disarm it. Back in the USSR the Angel disarms the Blob, who also takes out the accompanying Factor Three minions. When the Vanisher attempts to use his gas gun on Angel, Marvel Girl uses her telekinetic powers to knock Vanisher out, redirect the gas in the Blob's direction, knocking him too. However, the Russian soldiers catch up to Marvel Girl and the Angel and hold them at gun point. The X-Men find themselves locked in a cell with the Beast and their foes. Monitoring the situation, the Mutant Master is happy to see that everything is going on schedule. Next issue promises "The fateful Finale!" But it won't be in the Titans as we'll soon discover.

This in-house advert promises that the further adventures of the Fantastic Four will appear in the pages of The Titans starting in next week's issue. It doesn't say who they will be replacing but if the readers read last week's Mighty World of Marvel they would have seen a promotion for the X-Men joining that mag. Still it might come as a shock to Titan's readers next week when they find the X-Men missing. The artwork used here is a great choice as the current Fantastic Four story in MWOM is an adventure with the Inhumans, but this image isn't from that saga. Instead it was drawn by Rich Buckler (pencils,) and Joe Sinnott (inks,) and taken from the front cover of the Fantastic Four (US edition,) issue 159, cover dated June 1975, published March 1975. At that period Sue had split from Reed and Medusa has taken her place in the team, hence why she has a "4" on her belt. Sue rejoins the team in that comic. 

The Sub-Mariner “Somewhere stands...Skull Island!”

Writer: Raymond Marais

Artist: Bill Everett

Inker: Vince Colletta

Originally published in Tales to Astonish #96

Cover date October 1967

(Published in July 1967)

Namor is furious that the Plunderer threatens Atlantis and so declares war on the surface world even as Dorma and Lord Vashti convince him to pursue the Plunderer is a threat to everyone. Still he points out that last week the surface men dared to build a city on the ocean floor not many leagues away from Atlantis. Namor thinks it would be safer for his people if they returned to the original site of Atlantis near Antarctica. He decides to see if it is still inhabitable and so he swims south. On the way he has to fights off polar serpents before entering the city’s ruins, where he finds the grave of his mother, Princess Fen. He recalls that surface dwellers destroyed the first Atlantis. But his amnesia prevents him from remembering who attacked.

Having seen enough, Namor goes on toward Skull Island to confront the Plunderer, who has built a giant vibra-cannon. The Sub-Mariner is attacked by a prehistoric creature, but he easily defeats it. Dorma had followed Namor to aid him, but as the Plunderer's vibra-cannon blasts Namor, it also strikes Lady Dorma although Namor doesn’t see her. After surviving the blast, Namor goes to the island and fights the Plunderer. When Namor gains the upper hand, the Plunderer reveals Dorma’s injury. Namor breaks off the fight and orders Dorma to return to Atlantis. When Namor resumes the battle, the Plunderer easily defeats him with his vibra-cannon. Dorma returns to Atlantis and sees Namor captured in strange energy rings on a view screen. With Namor as his prisoner, the Plunderer vows to conquer the world.

I have to add that last week I should have mentioned that the leader of the undersea city, the oceanographer Doctor Walter Newell, will one day become the super-hero called Stingray when he builds a special suit to swim under the extreme pressures of the ocean.

This Marvel Super-Villain centre spread was by Dave Hunt (pencils,) and Frank Giacoia (inks,). It was sold on Heritage Auctions for $1,680, which would be around £1,248, on the 8th March 2021. On the top of the art board "Super Spider-Man and the Super-Heroes #165" was written, so I wonder if it was originally intended for this week's Spider-man comic. 

Captain America “The secret!”

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Jack Kirby

Inker: Frank Giacoia

Originally published in Tales to Astonish #86

Cover date February 1967

(Published in November 1966)

Captain America has undertaken a secret mission to rendezvous with SHEILD informer, Agent-60, a double agent working in a secret lab of a Communist country, Captain America's primary orders are to search and destroy the plans for a deadly new weapon named the Z-Ray. Cap fights his way into the compound escaping the heavily armed guards while following the directions given to him in the secret base layout to find a shaft that leads to Agent-60's office.

There Cap meets his contact, Colonel Kuro Chin the inventor of the Z-Ray. Captain America replaced Agent 13, Chin's previous contact. She had been about to contact Chin when she had been captured by Batroc the Leaper last week. Chin gives Cap the secret papers and tells him to leave as soon they will send "Beeper Dogs" after him. Chin, who is afraid to get caught and wants to stop working for SHIELD, but he does cover for Cap allowing him to escape. During the combat, Agent-60 sacrifices his life trying defend Captain America, allowing the Avenger the time to destroy the Communists Z-Ray weapon before they can used against him. Next issue "To live again!"

The X-Men “A man called...X”

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Werner Roth

Inker: John Verpoorten

Originally published in The X-Men #38

Cover date November 1967

(Published in September 1967)

In a secret hidden room the reader focus in on a row of cold silent filing cabinets, one marked with a card, the subject titled "Mutants", the sub-topic "The X-Men". Not long before the formation of the X-Men two men watch a TV screen with a news bulletin reporting on the Anti-mutant hysteria that has spread across the nation. Charles Xavier reads the latest news and realises he must act to stop the possible danger of a "mutant menace on the world. So with that he travels to Washington DC.

Soon the wheelchair bound man arrives at the FBI headquarters were enters the building, getting past the guards with the use of his mental powers. Inside, agents Fred Duncan and Bill reviewed a film reel of a young mutant who accidentally fired an optic blast, breaking a crane, then uses it again to save lives. The mutant was chased off by an angry mob. Professor Charles Xavier enters the room and introduces himself explaining he has come to discuss the mutant issue. The two agents are astounded that he had managed to get past security, when they tried to remove him, he used his powers to stop them. Agent Fred Duncan draws his gun but the Professor controls his mind willing him to not pull the trigger. He convinces them that there are both good and evil mutants, the persecution of the mutant race would only lead to more evil and create the menace that baseline humanity fears. Xavier asked Agent Duncan to allow him to find and train the young mutant. Duncan agrees and they form an alliance. It ends with 'Next issue "the origin of...Cyclops!"' but like the X-Men strip that story won't be told in The Titans.

Titanic Transcripts

Victor Kay from Surrey describes the new comic The Titans as brilliant with Jack Kirby being one of his favourite artist on Captain America and the Inhumans. Captain Marvel has been given too many pages, which should have been given to Nick Fury as he is a fantastic all-rounder action hero beyond compare. Ian Davies RFO, QNS, FOOMer from Cornwall has just received the Commando bike, which he won in the clean-up comp. It's really great. He couldn't believe his eyes when he saw the results of the competition in MWOM, partly because it was the first Marvel competition he had ever entered! The newest comic, The Titans, is very good, especially the poster in the first issue. Andrew Wooding from Surrey says Marvel has done it again. The Titans is not just another Marvel Masterpiece, it's the best comic on sale in Britain. It's packed with a variety of action - the down-to-earth action type like Nick Fury, the superhero type such as Captain America and the outer space type in Captain Marvel.

Alan Wood from London writes that The Titans is the greatest comic yet, but he has confused the Warlord Krang with Kang the Conquerer. Derry O'Flynn from County Cork gives his views on The Titans, the X-Men are good, but their art isn’t up to their usual standard. Nick Fury is his favourite character as the Hydra story was action-packed, exciting and suspenseful. Namor’s feature is extraordinary, with a great story and art. Captain Marvel is the best action story, but he doesn't like his Kree costume. Steve Geburtig from Cambridge added the X-Men to the line-up the comic is even better. He's heard Marvel may be publishing some more British Marvels. He hopes they will be in the same Titans format. Michael Bowles from Lincolnshire refers to the latest Marvel brainwave, The Titans, as fabulous, terrific, astounding and brilliant. It is by far the greatest achievement since sliced bread. Alan Porter from Notts says that the jokers who play spot the mistake on some of the Marvel mags, infuriate him, he could wring their necks! Kev Conlan from Wallasey writes that the inclusion of the Man-Thing in Dracula Lives was brilliant. He has always considered it to be one of the most deeply-written and well-drawn characters around. Through his eyes everything is seen as purely black and white, good or bad. The Man-Thing doesn't bring out the hysteria, as do creatures like the Frankenstein Monster or The Hulk. Kev is not pleased with Son of Satan, as a replacement for the Werewolf. He would rather have had Simon Garth the Zombie.

Captain Marvel “Every hand against me!”

Writer: Mike Friedrich

Artist: Jim Starlin

Inker: Chic Stone

Originally published in Captain Marvel #25

Cover date March 1973

(Published in December 1972)

This landscape splash page was drawn by an unnamed artist. Is Captain Marvel going mad? Super-villains and adversaries keep appearing, then vanish before his very eyes in the heart of the battle. Is it a dream, an illusion or just insanity?

Following the Hulk Captain Marvel faces Zarek of the supreme Kree, then the Metazoid, followed by Aakon and finally Namor, the Sub-Mariner who too disappears with a pop! Mar-Vell is then confronted by Rick Jones, which makes the day too much to bear and the Captain collapses and changes to the real Rick Jones. The fake Rick places a pycho-probe helmet on the real Jones as a fake Captain Marvel brags that it was his warrior strength that defeated the Kree Captain. In truth it was an elaborate scheme of the Skrulls Super-Skrull and Kl'rt and their mysterious Masterlord. Rick Jones had been framed for the murder of Dr. Benjamin Savannah and brought to a run-down police precinct. Using Super-Skrulls invisibility as well as other Skrull technology, Mar-Vell and Rick are led to believe their adversaries had been attacking him. Rick removes the pycho-probe helmet, after earlier realising that the day's events had been a ruse and the helmet wouldn't work unless his mind was truly wiped out in the first place. Swapping places with Mar-Vell once more the Kree Captain attacks the Skrulls. The destruction of their battle causes the building to collapse, giving the Skrulls an opportunity to escape. Next week "there ain't nothin' dangerous like the real Thing baby!" Find out why next week, till then...

See you in seven.

Make Mine Marvel.