Week Ending 10th April 1976
The Mighty World of Marvel #184
This Herb Trimpe's cover of the Hulk rescuing Betty Ross from the Cobalt Man was originally from the Incredible Hulk issue 174.
The Incredible Hulk “Doomsday--down under!”
Writer: Roy Thomas and Gerry Conway
Artist: Herb Trimpe
Inker: Jack Abel
Originally published in The Incredible Hulk #175
Cover date April 1974
(Published in December 1973)
Bruce Banner finds himself in a ship that begins to take in water after it sustained damage during a battle between the Hulk and the Cobalt Man. Banner begins to panic as the ship starts sinking. Suddenly the Cobalt Man smashes through the ship to rescue him because he considers Banner to be as much a victim of radiation as he himself is and pulls him to safety. Reaching the surface Cobalt Man allows his brother Ted Roberts take Banner on to a life boat. Ted tries to talk sense into Ralph, asking him to come with him so he can be treated, but he rejects him saying that There is no normality or sanity in a world that lives under the threat of atomic war. With that the Cobalt Man swims off to teach the world a personal lesson in the dangers of nuclear weapons.
A merry Marvel Maze page, in which the Human Torch needs the readers help to reach the Thing, while avoiding both Namor, the Sub-Mariner and Doctor Doom. One hint is he should take the route via the Baxter Building to get to him. This maze is an undated version of the Marvel Maze found in MWOM #10, with newer pictures of the Torch, the Thing, Namor and Doctor Doom added. The maze remains the same.
Daredevil “In the midst of life...!”
Writer: Roy Thomas
Artist: Gene Colan
Inker: Syd Shores
Originally published in Daredevil #57
Cover date October 1969
(Published in August 1969)
Daredevil has been rendered unconscious by the mysterious fiend known as Death's-Head, who dressed the man without fear in a copy of his costume and sinister skull mask and sent him racing on the villain's steed towards the police. The officers shot at him thinking that he's the real Death's Head. Daredevil manages to turn Death's-Head steed to veer out of the path of the oncoming bullets and make it throw him from its back. When they remove his mask they realise their mistake.
A Marvel Masterwork Pin-up featuring Tigra the Were-woman. It really is beautifully drawn, but the artist has failed to sign it and as I can't find out their identity on the internet I'll leave it open to you readers to come up with answers or suggestions.
The Mighty Marvel Mailbag
Neil Fisher from St Helens writes a massive letter in which he answers many of the most-asked questions which the readers have sent concerning the Fantastic Four. In the past readers have accused him of copying letters from the American Marvel comics and passing them off as his own. This time the British editors have caught him red handed. But since Neil has gone to all the trouble to copy it, then sending it in and since they thought the info would be of interest to most Marvelytes they printed it in full. I wonder if this was his last letter. Peter Ward from Kent thinks Marvel doesn't like Homo Sapiens that much. As the future that's predicted sounds so depressing. Here's his chronological list of disasters, 1982: All dogs and cats dead (POTA #63). 1991: Taking beings as slaves (POTA #64), 24th Century: Man under the domination of a machine (SMCW #146). 31st Century: Magic rules Man (Avengers #121). 39th Century: Man ruled by Apes. 40th Century: Man ruled by Kang the Conqueror.
Writer: Stan Lee
Once landing they make their way across the destroyed barrier that had surrounded the Refuge. All seems silent as they move through the streets, until a trapdoor opens causing the heroes to fall into a trap. the Torch burns a tunnel through the rock only to find it leads them to face a giant robot. The android's asbestos-metallic armour is impervious to the Torch's flame. The robot fires paralysing fluid at Mister Fantastic, pinning his legs to the floor, so it's now the Thing's turn to tackle the robot, who calls himself Zorr. Zorr was created by Maximus for the express purpose of defeating the Fantastic Four and in a few short minutes he does. In the Royal throne room Maximus brags to the captured Inhumans that their would-be rescuers were easily defeated by the invincible Zorr and the robot will vanquish any who dare oppose the majestic Maximus! Inside their impregnable prison cell Karnak tries to find a weak point, but to no result. Maximus reveals his plan to Crystal that he will use a giant "hypno-gun" to make the entire population of Earth his loyal slaves and under his leadership the Inhumans will realises their supreme destiny. "Shall man survive?" find out next week!
Dave Hunt (pencils,) and Frank Giacoia (inks,) completely re-drew John Romita Sr.'s cover from the Amazing Spider-man issue 116 to fit Super Spider-man with the Super-Heroes landscape format. The falling workers on the scaffold have also been included and so as the dialogue and thought balloons from the US version, although in the Smasher's case not in the same order. The British version has Spidey's eyes on his mask whitened, while the more correct version of the costume shop mask appears on the US version. The original artwork was sold at auction on the 23rd February 2018 by Heritage Auctions for on the $2,629 which is around £1,988. I have to say I really love the action and danger on this cover, so it's my Cover of the Week!
Heading to the Daily Bugle, Spider-man interrupts Jonah Jameson's meeting with Joe Robertson, who airs his suspicions of Raleigh. Despite the protests from Jameson Spidey retrieves his mask, returning later to the Bugle as Peter Parker to sell his photos of his battle against Dr. Octopus and Hammerhead. On his way he's stopped by Harry Osborn and Mary Jane, who offers Peter a support button for Raleigh. Later Peter tries to sell his pictures to Jameson, who is more interested in news of Spider-man's battle against the Smasher, not some "hasbeens" like Hammerhead. Raleigh holds a press conference where he pushes his "tough on crime" campaign. Later he is confronted by a crime boss, who warns that organised crime will be crushed by him. Even later Peter meets up with Gwen for a date. She still feels bad for Aunt May's decisions to stay and look after Doc Ock's house, because of her criticisms of Aunt May's mothering of Peter. She also reassures Peter that Flash is only a friend and nothing more. The couple then go to Raleigh's campaign fundraiser, where they meet Mary Jane. During the event, Peter's spider-sense goes off, sensing that the roof of the hall is about to collapse. Killing the lights, Peter with no time to change into costume, tries to stop it from collapsing with his webbing. Is that enough or wuill there be a "Catastrophe!" Find out next week.
Writer: Stan Lee
Later Thor meets with Sif for a brief romantic moment before Odin interrupts with important matters.The All-Father wishes the Thunder God to go search the Earth for Loki. Odin transports Thor to Earth. Meanwhile Loki and his aide, Igron, see SSMwtSH #161 to unwind or confuse Igron's identity, has taken up residence in a posh penthouse by means of magical trickery to make himself appear wealthy. Loki spies Thor's arrival and prepares a special trap for the Thunder God as he sees him change into the form of the lame doctor Don Blake. Loki drops his disguise and goes to Blake's office in full Asgardian attire. Inside Blakes office, Loki finds Thor waiting for him, but before the Thunder God can attack the God of Mischief throws his latest creation at his half brother. A living mask, which attaches itself to Thor's face. This page was expanded to cover three-quarters of a landscape page, leaving the last quarter for short adverts. You can see where different panels were expanded with added bits of art. The last added panel reads "Next the Mask!" find out what the sinister mask does in next week's issue. 
The blinding light from her spell stuns the Silver Dagger, before he can regain his senses she levitates up and out of her makeshift cell, through a pavement grill and flees towards the Sanctum Sanctorum. There she finds Wong who has been attending to his master's lifeless body. The Silver Dagger has been following but gets waylaid by a mugger. The skulker's skeleton hits the ground with a spell pulled from the Eye of Agamotto. Meanwhile Wong takes Clea to Strange's body where his spirit returns to his mortal body after it had laid in an inert state, neither alive nor dead, since his soul had been pulled into the Orb of Agamotto. Soon the Silver Dagger arrives, breaking down the Sanctum Sanctorum's magical barrier by using the power of the Eye of Agamotto.
When the Dagger tries to use the Eye's powers against Strange and Clea, the sorcerers conjure up the Shield of the Seraphim to block Agamotto's power, long enough for them to take control of the Eye and turn it against the eye's user. Forcing him to see the truth of his charlatan ways. With the light of truth the Silver Dagger confesses his error, finally understanding why his insane obsession was wrong. He allows himself to be sucked through the enlarged Eye's portal. Where he ends up in Agamottto's realm of unreality to spend a lifetime engaged in an endless dialogue with the caterpillar. This saga has been thoughtfully written and beautifully drawn, I can't wait for more like it. Doctor Strange will return with a new artist next week when he finds out "It's not nice to fool...Mother Earth!" Find out why next week.
There Tony is spooked by someone in the shadows. That someone turns out to be Janice Cord, whose father had owned the lab. She was taking one last look around before she sells it to Stark. Later on Stark returns as Iron Man to where he is supposed to meet Mei Ling. The armoured Avenger breaks into the Oriental shop. There he finds Mei Ling and also the Mandarin. The Mandarin animates two giant statues of sumo wrestlers to fight against Iron Man. Eventually Iron Man smashes them to smithereens, He then goes after the Mandarin however before he can confront him he is blinded by blasts from the villain's rings, who moves in to rip off Iron Man's helmet to reveal the heroes true identity. Will Iron Man be "unmasked"? Find out next week.
Just what every well dressed Marvelite is wearing this season, an Amazing Spider-man t'shirt that could be yours for just £1.50, which includes postage and packaging! FOOM members get a 10 % discount making it £1.35. There's a choice of three sizes, small, medium or large.
I like this John Buscema cover from The Avengers (US edition,) issue 85, even more so than the American version, there's a bit more colour to the setting and the wraith-like Avengers, which makes the cover more attractive to young readers. In the original's colouring defence the burning sun is more prominent and better looking. Bill Everett inked Buscema's pencils.
When Conan reaches down to pull the dagger from the fallen fiend a viper slides out from the bandit's body and bites the Cimmerian on the arm. Still with the dagger in hand he drives it into the serpent's heart. Cleaning the wound with the last of his wine, Conan makes an incision in his arm to draw the blood by sucking out the venom. After resting a short while before striding off, with uneasy determination. Through the endless to terrain there is always the merciless sun. Through dimmed eyes he thinks he sees a mirage as he collapses. When he comes too he finds that he's been rescued by a young woman and her uncle, who happens to be the lord of a small village called Keshaan on the coast of the Vilayet sea. They had been run out of the village by the Erlik priest Ghul-Azalel. The Village had been besieged by a number of deaths said to have been caused by a sea dragon over the past year. Ghul-Azalel had convinced Ben-Hussal to sacrificing virgins to a sea dragon to end the curse. When the sacrifices were unsuccessful, Ghul-Azalel demanded that Ben-Hussal's niece Rachalla be sacrificed. The Uncle and Niece flee, leaving Ghul-Azalel to take over the village. They have had word that the priest had died and so planned to return. Ben-Hussel asks Conan for his strong arm to assist in their return, Conan agrees.
Awe-inspiring announcements to yawn with.
Goliath, the Vision , Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch return to Earth, but as ghost-like wraiths. There they witness the infernal heat of an unbending sun setting ablaze New York signalling Earth's doom. Quicksilver finds a newspaper, with the date set a month into the future. The Scarlet Witch uses her mutant Hex powers and attempts to return them back to their own time. The group then finds themselves transported back to their proper time in history. Checking the date from a newspaper they set off back to the Avengers Mansion, not noticing the publics strange reaction to their presence, nor the strange headlines in the paper. Entering the mansion they are suddenly attacked by a security device that they hadn't fitted. To add to the shock they find that Nighthawk is inside. Thinking he is the Nighthawk of the Squadron Sinister, the Avengers attack him, but Nighthawk manages to slip away through a hidden passageway that closes behind him. Goliath is about to smash the hidden door way but the Vision stops him, phasing through the panel the android disarms the booby trap mechanism and opens the door for his teammates and leads them into a hidden tunnel. Find out what is "the light at the end of the tunnel" in next week's issue.
As Iron Fist battles Radion, the radioactive being starts reaching critical mass causing another explosion that sends shock waves through the tower. Watching the situation on television from a continent away in America are Joy and Ward Meachum with their newly hired man Steel Serpent. John Cheevers, the news reporter for the BBC announces that the situation at the Post office Tower has become explosive after the super-hero known as Iron Fist arrived at the tower and fought the Ravager on one of the upper level's, explosions where heard. Since then a fire broke out and a second explosion occurred making it near impossible that anyone could possibly survive that inferno. In New York Ward Meachum is in pretty high spirits, believing that Iron Fist is possibly dead, Joy is a little more humane, chastising her Uncle for his levity as there could be numbers of people dying out there. The Steel Serpent believes that Iron Fist had survived the explosion and hopes to kill him with his own hands.
The Steel Serpent's prediction rings true, Iron Fist does survive the explosion, but still trapped under the rubble, with still the risk of dying of radiation poisoning. In his delirium the spiritual form of Yu-Ti goads him into saving himself. Harnessing the power of his Chi he battles through the pain to heal his body and free himself. Yet the pain is too great but from within his psyche comes the voice of Heather Rand, his mother, who refuses to let him sink into oblivion. This makes Iron Fist dive harder into his mystical might granted to him by Shou-Lao to free and heal himself. Back on his feet he is startled by the activation of a video diary from Henri Sorel the scientist who became Radion. Henri explains how searching for a universal cure for radiation poisoning. Doctor Sorel was confronted by a trio of men who represent Ward Meachum who wanted the full rights to the potential cure, offing him a sum of money for it. If he didn't accept the offer they would use other means. A fight breaks out and Sorel falls violently into a batch of lethal radioactive isotopes.
Sorel should have died but by serendipity he had found his cure, but not without a dangerous side-effect. His body mutated into a radioactive monster. He sort help for his affliction from other scientists and criminals, like the Puppet Master, which lead into a confrontation with Ben Grimm and the Thunder God Thor. The encounter with the Thing and Thor will feature in Super Spider-man with the Super-Heroes issue 168, cover dated week ending 1st May 1976, in just three weeks time. Even though I wouldn't want to pause this brilliant Claremont/Byrne classic I wonders would it have been wise to rest it earlier and printed a Master of Kung Fu strip in its stead so that British readers could have read that Thing (Marvel Two in One,) strip before this tale was printed. Doctor Sorel became more determined to cure himself even as he realised that part of him that drove him along that path was becoming desperate and evil. He had created a device that would leach the radiation from his body but Iron Fist's intervention might just have destroyed all his hopes. This utterly brilliant tale continues next week.
American comics and orange Presidents would have it that America has always helped Britain and Europe out from the get-go of any conflict, however the US was directly involved for 19 months, from April 1917 to the armistice on 11th November 1918. Kaufman flatly refused Major Norris's proposal leading many to believe that he was a coward or a traitor, but in fact Kaufman's parents still lived in Germany and his participation in the war would bring reprisals against them. Returning to the Phantom Eagle's present, Kaufman telephones Major Jack Norris to tell him about the German dirigible aircraft carrier. The Major orders a squadron to take off and investigate the Eagle's claim. Rex Griffin, Kaufman's childhood friend had taken a a desk job at the US Army Air Corps, wanting to show up Kaufman takes command of a plane despite the fact that he'd been grounded through injury. As the squadron nears the German dirigible an enemy squadron is launched. Next week the dogfight begins. Or may be it doesn't as once again this strip is rested for another week!
The Fantastic Four “Maximus supreme!”
Artist: Jack Kirby
Inker: Joe Sinnott
Originally published in The Fantastic Four #82
Cover date January 1969
(Published in October 1968)
Page eleven of the original comic strip is perfectly placed to be this week's second part opening splash page, with a new catch-up text box added with a new story title and credits. Crystal has been taken prisoner by Maximus the mad, who has taken over the Great Refuge by imprisoning the Inhuman Royal Family. Reed, Johnny and Ben blast off in their rocket ship to rescue her. Soon they arrive in the Hidden Land, but not without being spotted by a flying Inhuman.
Is it a Marvel Masterwork Pin-up? Or is it a promotion for the X-Men joining the Mighty World of Marvel? Well it's both! This artwork by Jim Steranko was originally the cover of the X-Men issue 49, cover dated October 1968, published August 1968. That's twelve issues away from the current X-Men adventures that were printed in The Titans at the time. Spoilers: sadly when the strip moved from The Titans to the Mighty World of Marvel it doesn't reach that great landmark issue or the following issue in which the Steranko strip debuted.
Super Spider-man with the Super-Heroes #165
Spider-man “Suddenly...the Smasher!”
Writer: Stan Lee and Gerry Conway
Artist: John Romita Sr.
Inker: Jim Mooney and Tony Mortellaro
Originally published in the Amazing Spider-man #116
Cover date January 1973
(Published in October 1972)
This opening landscape splash page wasn't drawn by John Romita Sr. Another unnamed artist re-drew the entire page in a similar style to Romita's original version but to fit a landscape page. The original text was kept, as well as the text on the bill board, although the font was changed slightly. The artist also makes the mistake drawing Spider-man's mask with the usual full white eyes, when in this story it should have been the cheap costume shop mask with Peter's eyes showing.
This week's story adapts the adventure seen in the US comic Spectacular Spider-Man Magazine #1, which was cover dated July 1968, published April 1968. The story was heavily re-drawn and edited to fit the continuity of the Amazing Spider-man story-line at that time. The confusing continuity of Richard Raleigh leads back to MWOM #146, where Raleigh ends up dead after he had tried to hire the Jester to kill Foggy Nelson, his rival for the DA office. That American continuity that occurred in Daredevil issue 42, cover dated July 1968, published May 1968, just under four years and five months later. I'm guessing that the writer, artists and editor didn't read that story properly when it came out. Continuity becomes even more fractured in three week's time! Spider-man pauses to take a look at a political ad campaign poster being fitted up for mayoral candidate Richard Raleigh. Suddenly the sign is smashed by a gigantic man named Smasher, who has a vendetta against Raleigh. Spider-man battles the Smasher, but is forced to leave the fight when the two poster fitters fall from their swinging platform.
The Mighty Thor “No more the Thunder God!”
Artist: Jack Kirby
Inker: Vince Colletta
Originally published in The Mighty Thor #179
Cover date August 1970
(Published in June 1970)
Just when I thought that Jack Kirby had left and been replaced by John Buscema as the King moves over to DC, this adventure sees the return of the King. But for only one tale over two weeks. Lap it up while you can. Thor has returned to Asgard after the last two week's adventure when he had confronted both the Stranger and the Abomination. Surveying the Golden Realm he realises how much damage was done during the battle against Surtur. Thor and the Warriors Three encourage the warriors of Asgard to rebuild the city of the Gods.
I really love this incredible centre-spread by Herb Trimpe which he drew especially for British Marvel, as teased about in last week's Bullpen and in the Neil Tenant article on Trimpe also in last week's Super Spider-man with the Super-Heroes. He drew this during his time in Cornwall, its a wonderful and imaginative mix of historic cavalry men charging into battle while also showing futuristic jet fighters flying over an alien world in formation. I might give him a little stick over his art style in the current issues of MWOM, mainly for not sharpening his pencil enough. Here it is sharpened and every line is perfectly placed. It beautiful!
Doctor Strange “Every cloak has a Silver Dagger”
Writer: Steve Englehart
Artist: Frank Brunner
Inker: Tom Palmer
Originally published in Doctor Strange #5
Cover date December 1974
(Published in September 1974)
With what research I can find about this piece of art is that it may very well have been drawn by Marshall Rogers, although other than a Facebook post I can't confirm it. It's beautifully drawn and matches Brunner's fantastic style completely. Doctor Strange's astral form has returned from the Eye of Agamotto only to find a decapitated dummy of himself. He joins with it but the Silver Dagger dispatch it with ease. Clea touches the dummy, enabling Strange's spirit to enter into her body, restoring her strength with mystical energy. Their combined powers break Clea's bonds.
Iron Man “The quiet menace?!”
Writer: Archie Goodwin
Artist: George Tuska
Inker: Johnny Craig
Originally published in Iron Man #10
Cover date February 1969
(Published in November 1968)
This second part opening splash page looks really great, but doesn't match with the continuity of the story break, but never mind. Again like the Doctor Strange opening splash page there are references to this piece being drawn by Marshall Rogers. Again from a post on a Facebook Marshall Rogers fan page, you know they say never trust anything you read on Facebook, but you never know. Iron Man loses Nick Fury and Agent Sitwell, then has to evade capture by the SHIELD Helicarrier, by ducking into the shadows of an abandoned laboratory. There he changes into his civilian identity of Tony Stark.
There Tony is spooked by someone in the shadows. That someone turns out to be Janice Cord, whose father had owned the lab. She was taking one last look around before she sells it to Stark. Later on Stark returns as Iron Man to where he is supposed to meet Mei Ling. The armoured Avenger breaks into the Oriental shop. There he finds Mei Ling and also the Mandarin. The Mandarin animates two giant statues of sumo wrestlers to fight against Iron Man. Eventually Iron Man smashes them to smithereens, He then goes after the Mandarin however before he can confront him he is blinded by blasts from the villain's rings, who moves in to rip off Iron Man's helmet to reveal the heroes true identity. Will Iron Man be "unmasked"? Find out next week.
The Thing and Doctor Strange..together! “...The Spectral shower!”
Writer: Steve Gerber
Artist: George Tuska
Inker: Mike Esposito
Originally published in Marvel Two-in-One #6
Cover date November 1974
(Published in August 1974)
A new second part opening splash page was created with a catch-up text box, a new story title and credits. The initials on the bottom of this landscape splash page are HB and FG, which makes me think it was pencilled by Howard Bender and inked by Frank Giacoia.
Following last week's encounter with a girl on a subway platform who fell in front of a train while her harmonica was stolen, then as the train hit her she exploded into a shower of colour, Doctor Strange through mystical means discovers that the girl was really the mystical embodiment of the concept of Destiny. Everyone who was exposed to the sparks on that platform would be affected the by an action of inaction that would reshape the destiny force itself, creating results that would be sudden and quite drastic. Doctor Strange then rushes out to prevent the danger posed to all. The Doctor visits the home of Renee and Sheldon Goldenberg, where he saves Sheldon from becoming a faceless person when he manifests his own insecurities. Strange's next person he contacts is Duffy Coogan, where he meets the Thing outside. The energy from Destiny manifests in a sewer rat which grows into giant proportions, the personification of Duffy's fear of poverty. The Thing then teams up with Doctor Strange and they both defeat the rat, restoring it to normal. Telling the Thing of his mission, Ben agrees to help Doctor Strange, so they head back to Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum. There they are told by Clea that Valkyrie had come to take the harmonica. But we won't find out what happens next, that story won't be told in a British comic, possibly because it involves the Valkyrie who hasn't been introduced yet. The story after that, which is a Defenders tale, does appear in Rampage weekly issue 19, cover dated the week ending the 22rd February 1978. But even though it doesn't say it here, next week the Thing teams up with the Ghost Rider.
Avengers Weekly #134
Conan the Barbarian “The dragon from the inland sea!”
Writer: Roy Thomas
Artist: John Buscema
Inker: John Buscema
Originally published in Conan the Barbarian #39
Cover date June 1974
(Published in March 1974)
On a desolate landscape northwest of Aghrapur, the capital of Turan, Conan travels the Road of Kings, a major caravan route connecting Aghrapur with Zamora, He is on his way to the city of Shadizar in Zamora. Conan is waylaid by a group of bandits who agree to let pass, as long as he leaves them his horse and his sword. Conan unwilling to pay any price for safe passage he fights the brigands. He nearly kills them all, save one who steels his horse, has he flees the horse breaks its leg in a snake hole, sending the man falling. A well aimed dagger fatally stops him in his tracks. With the horse in pain Conan puts the animal out of its misery.
Bullpen Bulletin
The first Item promotes the Fantastic Four's adventure in this week's Mighty World of Marvel, telling readers that everything is topsy-turvey as Maximus the Mad rules the Great Refuge while Black Bolt, Triton, and Karnak as well as the magnificent Medusa and the FF's newest member, Crystal are his helpless prisoners. The next Item says that all the letters and cards are saying that Marvel should keep up the good work on the Planet of the Apes.
There are three more Items in this Bullpen Bulletin page and the page is also repeated in Dracula Lives and in landscape format in The Titans, with an added gorilla, so I'll feature the remaining three Items later on in the Titans' part of this blog. Keep reading!
The Avengers “The world is not for burning!”
Writer: Roy Thomas
Artist: John Buscema
Inker: Frank Giacoia
Originally published in The Avengers #85
Cover date February 1971
(Published in December 1970)
The third story from last winter's Avengers Annual starts this week. After last week's exploits on the Arkon's world, the Avengers with the Black Knight get ready to return to their own dimension, with the aid of Thor's enchanted hammer, Mjolnir. Through the gulf that yawns between the voids each Avenger returns to the same place they were unlikely torn from. Presumably the Black Knight is returned to Britain, while Thor and Black Panther appear in New York City. But that part of the tale isn't shown in this weekly, the fourth and fifth panels of page two, with all of page three and the first four panels of page four are removed. If British readers wanted to see them they would have to check out the 1976 dated annual.
Iron Fist “Holocaust!”
Writer: Chris Claremont
Artist: John Byrne
Inker: Frank Chiaramonte
Originally published in Iron Fist #4
Cover date April 1976
(Published in January 1976)
After following the trail left by the Ravager, Iron Fist confronts the villain at the Post Office Tower where the fiend reveals himself to be Radion the Atomic Man. This should have been a shock moment for reader, but I imagine that it fell a little flat for British readers as I'll discuss later. Iron Fist is a little nonplussed at the villain having another criminal identity, the danger is still there, maybe even more so as Radion reveals that having Iron Fist destroy his chest-plate control panel, he had inadvertently triggered an irreversible nuclear chain reaction which will result in the death of nine million Londoners.
Phantom Eagle “No chance to fight, ...no chance to win!”
Writer: Gary Friedrich
Artist: Herb Trimpe
Inker: Herb Trimpe
Originally published in Marvel Superheroes #16
Cover date September 1968
(Published in June 1968)
This second part opening splash page uses the artwork from the contents page of Marvel Superheroes issue 16 and also appears in the strip on page 17 of that comic and will appear in a few weeks. The story starts with a flashback, Karl Kaufman has become a successful flying circuit pilot before America entered the First World War, He was introduced to Major Jack Norris of the US army air corps who wanted to enlist Kaufman.
Dracula Lives #77
This week's Dracula Lives cover, remains the same as the original version from Tomb of Dracula issue 36. Drawn by Gil Kane (pencils,) with Tom Palmer (inks,). The top tag line promotes "Marvel's newest star" Moon Knight. I'm slightly disappointed that Moon Knight didn't feature on one of these weeklies that he appears in. I really like him, although slightly less so in this early appearance.
Dracula “Flight of 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)
Quincy Harker, Rachel van Helsing and Inspector Chelm have been gathered by Doctor Scott who sums up that Dracula has learned that Doctor Sun has been stealing his vampiric powers and the villains current location is in Boston Massachusetts in the United States. The Doctor presents them the recorded testimony from an eye witness of Dracula's most recent activities. The first testimony comes from William Perry, a safety worker at London airport. He explains how when he and his foreman grounded a flight to Boston when they discovered something wrong with its landing gear. When the announcement is made, a man following Dracula's description confronted the ticket office to get on another flight, which was booked solid, Dracula lashed out at the man, prompting security to intervene. In the struggle, Dracula would feed on one of the airport staff before fleeing in his mist form.
Letters to the House of Dracula
Werewolf by Night “Wolf-beast vs. Moon Knight”
Writer: Doug Moench
Artist: Don Perlin
Inker: Don Perlin
Originally published in Werewolf by Night #33
Cover date September 1975
(Published in June 1975)
After the defeat at the hands of the mysterious Moon Knight last week, the cowled stranger lifts the stunned werewolf and sling him across his shoulder to best ascend the rope ladder dropped down from his "Moon-Chopper". A few shots are fired by the police in the hopes of bringing them down, but the chopper flies up out of range.
I love this Marvel Masterwork Pin-up of the Werewolf by Night, it's a cracker by Mike Ploog, as identified by his signature under the beach camp fire. On a FaceBook post by Mike Ploog on the 22rd March 2024 the artist revealed that this was to be the cover artwork for Marvel Spotlight issue 2, cover dated February 1972, published September 1971. He wrote "I thought that this would be a good cover to set the scene for the story inside. Jack was at his own 18th birthday party, and when the moon came up, he had to leave the party quick!!" He goes on to say "When Stan saw this cover, he said that he loved it, but he also said that; “unfortunately, Neal Adams already did a cover.” And while he liked the WEREWOLF BY NIGHT logo I did, the comic was not going to be titled; “Werewolf By Night” but something like ‘Marvel Premiere” or “Marvel Spotlight.” Oh. Okay. No problem. I was quite disappointed, but Neal is one heck of a brilliant artist, so I was honoured to have him do a cover based on my story inside. But in the future, if the inside book is my work, I wanted to do as many of the covers as I could fit in my schedule." Ploog did a second version of this to replace the original as he had lost it for a time, which featured in Monsters Unleashed issue 6, cover dated June 1974, published April 1974, as part of a pose feature by Gerry Conway called "Panic by moonlight". Personally I prefer Mike's cover attempt over Neal Adams actual cover and I'm so glad that we got to see it in all its glory.
Man-Thing “A question of survival!”
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 week's tale is a fantastic look at the darker side of human nature, showing the best and worst of mankind. It's not surprising that the Man-Thing shows the best of us all. If you didn't want to get "bogged" down in the muck monster's mythology and just wanted an intelligent tale this is for you. Ralph Sodell zigs, zags and skids his car on the way home after having more than a few drinks too many. The macabre Man-Thing witnesses the speeding car and even inside the creature's cloudy mind a loathing wells up as he wonders why?
Crossing the bridge in the opposite direction is a coach filled with 50 innocent passengers as the reckless drunk driver crashes into the coach, sending them plummeting into the swamp below. The entire accident is viewed by the Man-Thing, who silently watches the events unfold. Most people on the bus die, while Ralph survives. Among the few survivors from the bus are a young girl called Mary Brown, a soldier Jim Arsdale, a student Holden Crane and a young boy named Kevin Kennerman. When Kevin is pinned in the wreckage of the bus, Holden refuses to help. Holden claims being "against life", causing friction among the survivors. The Man-Thing arrives, lifting the wreckage to free the boy to the shock and awe of the other survivors. Once the task is done the muck-monster returns to the swamp. Jim gets into an altercation with Holden over Holden's lack of regard for the injured boy. Mary notices that the driver of the car survived too. Jim refuses to help him as Ralph was responsible for the accident. Mary helps Ralph from the car but when they discover that he was drunk Jim picks a fight with him. Holden points out that the situation is unreal, the whole establishment is a microcosm, with one man drunk on power and the other drunk on alcohol. As Kevin needs medical attention, Jim takes charge, he was born not too far away and is familiar with the area, telling the others he thinks he can get them to safety but it won't be a panic. The five survivor set off and their stories continue next week.
Marvel Mastermind 1975 The Epilogue
The inside back page of Dracula Lives features a half page in-house advert for this week's Super Spider-man with the Super-Heroes. It teases the cover and has close up of the Smasher "smashing" Spider-man while telling him it's the pay-off. Also inside that issue is an exclusive centre-spread pin-up drawn specially by Herb Trimpe! The cover shown in the ad has a tagline that starts off with the words "Plus: Thor", but the actual cover, as you would have seen earlier reads "Great Centre-Spread Pin-up Inside!"
The lower half of the page has the final say on 1975's Marvel Mastermind, where we get to see the competition winner Peter Judge. Peter had been presented with his signed copies of Origins and Son of Origins, by Stan Lee. Each containing an original sketch by Herb Trimpe, the sketches were seen in last week's issues. Peter was thrilled with them, the article joked that realising how valuable they are, he instantly stored them away in his local bank vault! You can't be too careful these days! Marvel ended the piece by offering a big thanks to Dez Skinn, the mastermind who thought up the original competition and set the questions. At the time Dez was the editor and publisher of Britain's first-ever fanzine, Fantasy Advertiser International, which was published six times a year and contained lists of thousands of comics wanted and for sale, as well as reviews, articles, interviews, and terrific comic strips! I wonder what happened to him? Keep reading the blog we might eventually find out.
Planet of the Apes #77
Planet of the Apes “Planet Inheritors!”
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)
The Terror on the Planet of the Apes strip in the Marvel/Curtis Magazine in the US takes a break for an issue, jumping from issue six to issue eight, while the Beneath the Planet of the Apes adaptation parts one and two were printed. This gave Mike Ploog more time to finish the artwork for Terror and you can tell by the pencil work that the break really pays off, it's gorgeous! Brutus has found the gypsy camp that our ape and human heroes have found themselves at. The brutish gorilla ends the confrontation between Jason and a jealous gypsy ape by killing the ape.
A Marvel Masterwork Pin-up of a caged Man-Thing and Ka-Zar, with Zabu the saber-tooth tiger and Bobby Morse. It was drawn by Gary Brodsky as per his signature seen near the Man-Thing's knee. I have to say it's not that great of a pin-up,
Apes Forum
Ka-Zar “The fall of the Red Wizard!”
Writer: Mike Friedrich
Artist: Don Heck
Inker: Jack Abel
Originally published in Ka-Zar Vol 2 #2
Cover date March 1974
(Published in December 1974)
Don Heck with Jack Abel takes over the art chores with this story and I have to say I'm very disappointed, Don Heck's style just doesn't suit a jungle comic strip. What also doesn't suit is Shanna the She-Devil's costume. In the original strip she wore a bikini style outfit. On the cover of that US comic it was drawn as a two piece by cover artist Gil Kane, inside Heck drew a strap-less bikini, but in the British version an art bodger had to draw a more modesty covering one piece swimming costume over her on every panel.
The Strange thing is Khar-Tan the Beauteous and the super-villainess Nekra are left in their very revealing outfits that only just cover their "boobies" and "lady bits"in this British mag. I guess that the British editor must have not wanted to corrupt the young minds of British readers. But I'm stunned to see that in the panel with Nekra the art bodger covers up Sheena but not Nekra!
Zabu comes crashing through the door to rescue Ka-Zar and Shanna from the Red Wizard and Maa-Gor. Ka-Zar is freed first and has to fight Maa-Gor, which he does rendering the man-ape unconscious. Malgato tries to convince Ka-Zar that their willing sacrifice is required to maintain the Savage Land's warm climate. He tells them of ten centuries ago his ancestor had to sacrifice Razorak the bold and Khar-Tan the beauteous. The couple gladly agreed and leapt into the flames in the rite of death. Ka-Zar refuses to listen to his far-fetched story. The Red-Wizard ejects them from his castle through a trap chute that dumps them into the lake, calling after them with the threat that they will soon see the coming catastrophe firsthand. Returning to dry land, Shanna introduces herself to Ka-Zar, explaining how she had been abducted from Africa by Pterodactyls after defeating the mutant priestess called Nekra who was serving the evil Mandrill. Shanna refuses to believe in magic, theorising that Malgato may be a mutant. Ka-Zar takes Shanna to the village of the Fall People, where the villagers are disappointed with the couple as they did not accept the honour of being sacrifices. Just then a triceratops rampages through the village. Next week see "Ka-Zar vs the Triceratops!"
Black Panther “Crown of thorns!”
Inker: Dan Green
Like this week's Super Spider-man with the Super-Heroes cover this Titans cover is a re-drawn version of the original American comics cover from the X-Men issue 37 which was drawn by Don Heck (pencils,) with Frank Giacoia (inks,), but The Titans version was re-created by Steve Stiles (pencils,) with Mike Esposito (inks,) to make better use of the unusual landscape format. Plus there's a very good chance that Steve and Mike may also have drawn the vignettes of the Sub-Mariner and Captain Marvel on the right panel at the same time.
The X-Men are shown the Professor and the Banshee are prisoners of Factor Three. The young mutants are put on a mock trial. One by one, each foe "testify" against the X-Men, telling a story of each of them were defeated by the X-Men and finding them "guilty" of betraying Homo Superior. With their "verdicts" read, the Changeling sentences them to death. Before they are destroyed though, Mutant Master explains he intends to trigger World War III by setting off a bomb at a top level Russian meeting, while at the same time gassing US military officials with a paralytic gas triggering a nuclear war. While Factor Three would remain safe, they would wait until the world finished annihilating each other leaving Factor Three to take over the surviving world. The X-Men are hooked up to an oblivio-ray, which will leaving them mindless husks. The X-Men escape by having Marvel Girl levitate some of Iceman's icicles up to the hot lights and drip on to the machine, shorting it out. Now freed the X-Men head toward the control centre only to be stopped by a robot, which they easily defeat. Inside the control centre they find it empty save for a view screen. On which appears the Mutant Master, who reveals that they are too late to stop Factor Three's plan, with only "One minute to Doomsday!"
What you get next is some action packed classic Jack Kirby pages of the two men battling it out. A guilty pleasure that isn't bogged down with unnecessary convoluted plots. Cap battles Batroc because Hydra have kidnapped Agent 13, it might be cheesy, a damsel in distress might be too old fashioned and from a by-gone time, but its pure comic super-hero class. I'm not sure that I would want to read new stuff from a modern writer and artist's version of a current super-hero strip. But to be honest I rarely read modern "super-hero"comics these days and haven't for a while. But these "vintage" tales are acceptable for the pure nostalgic joy they bring. Batroc the leaper has been hired by Hydra to destroy the star spangled Avenger. However, when Hydra attempts to shoot Cap he's distracted, Batroc is offended that they would choose such a cowardly way to defeat an opponent, so Batroc helps Cap defeat the Hydra agents. Once they are defeated and Agent 13 freed, Batroc leaves promising Cap that they will have another fair rematch in the future. Next week "The secret!"
Simon Elliot from Edinburgh complains, in a nice way, about the amount of space SHIELD gets. Suggesting that a few pages could be taken from Captain Marvel. Simon ends his letter with a quick joke, "All Marvel writers, artists, etc., are physical wrecks, except the ones that work on the Sub-mariner. They're Imperius Rex!" F S Anwer from London offers congratulations on The Titans, with Neal Adams' superb artwork on The Inhumans. Captain Marvel is great with the advantage of a good plot, but it suffers from F. Springer's artwork. They are waiting for Gil Kane to take up the art chores with "And a Child Shall Lead You." They say that SHIELD suffers from having ten to five pages. They have also heard a rumour that a new "Sgt. Fury" comic is in the planning! The editor replies that at the time of writing they have no plans this side of the pond for a Sgt. Fury monthly. They go on to say "So 'twould seem those rumours you heard could be founded on wishful thinking." Was that Neil Tennant pushing the idea of a British Marvel war comic? Which has been said that Fury comic was his baby. Michael Appley from Coventry asks how do they get so much action in one space? He used to like MWOM and SMCW when they were only five pence, but when the price went up the stories went down in quality, so he stopped buying them. But then The Titans came it was great, more stories with longer lengths all for one pence more than the usual comic. When the X-Men took over from the Inhumans Michael wanted the X-Men replace the Sub-Mariner and keep the Inhumans.
Originally published in Jungle Action Vol 2 #15
Cover date May 1975
(Published in February 1975)
An unnamed artist drew this second part opening splash page, with catch-up boxes, a new story title and credits added. While tracking Erik Killmonger the Black Panther was ambushed by Salamander K'Ruel, an archer with explosive arrows, who also possessed the mutant ability to grew thorns out of giant blisters from all over his body due to the mutating effects of exposure to the Resurrection Altar. Salamander having defeated the Panther tied him to two trees to make him easy pickings for any hungry pterodactyls. One such dinosaur attacks as the Panther rips free from his bonds and takes an extreme ride.
Meanwhile two days journey away in the capital of Wakanda, Monica Lynne and Taku take a stroll through the twilight, both concerned about Kantu, a young Wakandan boy whose life became entangled in the events of the past days. Monica tries to talk to his mother Karota, but she isn't interested in anything the western woman has to say. Elsewhere in the royal palace W'Kabi, Wakanda's chief of security, has a discussion with his wife Chandra about their relationship. They fail to articulate their feelings and it quickly turns into anger. These things seem trivial when compared to the Black Panther's current problem as the pterodactyl plays with him like a child plays with its food before it eats it. But the air born battle ends up with the Panther piloting the flying dinosaur to attack Salamander K'Ruel. Meanwhile Eric Killmonger has returned to his village and found it devastated by a Wakandan force. Killmonger tells King Cadaver that he will have his revenge. After defeating Salamander K'Ruel T'Challa makes the long track back to his palace with the body of his enemy. The pair are found on the palace steps by Miss Lynne.
The Titans #25
Like this week's Super Spider-man with the Super-Heroes cover this Titans cover is a re-drawn version of the original American comics cover from the X-Men issue 37 which was drawn by Don Heck (pencils,) with Frank Giacoia (inks,), but The Titans version was re-created by Steve Stiles (pencils,) with Mike Esposito (inks,) to make better use of the unusual landscape format. Plus there's a very good chance that Steve and Mike may also have drawn the vignettes of the Sub-Mariner and Captain Marvel on the right panel at the same time.
The X-Men “We, the jury...”
Writer: Roy Thomas
Artist: Ross Andru
Inker: Don Heck
Originally published in The X-Men #37
Cover date October 1967
(Published in August 1967)
A member of the Factor Three reviews the X-Men's previous battle against the Juggernaut. After which he dispatches another one of his minions in a saucer to deal with the X-Men who are on board an airplane bound for Europe. On the plane the X-Men discuss how they are going to deal with Factor Three when suddenly they are attacked. Not wanting to endanger the passengers they jump out of an emergency exit. Cyclops blasts the saucer but without parachutes, they rapidly plummet to the ground. With fast thinking and team work they manage to land safely.
After changing into costume they are soon attacked by Factor Three's spider-robots and two of Factor Three's troops. As they try to escape they are knocked out by a gas attack. When they revive, they find themselves prisoners before the Changeling and Factor Three's leader, the Mutant Master. Viewing the spectacle from a remote location are four of the X-Men's greatest foes, the Vanisher, Unus the Untouchable, the Blob, and Mastermind.
Captain America “The blitzkrieg of Batroc!”
Writer: Stan Lee
Artist: Jack Kirby
Inker: Frank Giacoia
Originally published in Tales to Astonish #85
Cover date January 1967
(Published in October 1966)
We're back to the great Stan Lee/Jack Kirby Captain America classics. Cap has received a cryptic message that the mysterious SHIELD operative, Agent 13 telling him that she is in danger and a location to find her. Cap heads to a convalescent hospital, knowing full well that it could be a trap. Sure enough while walking down the corridor two Hydra operatives flick a switch that releases a hidden trap door in the floor sending the star spangled Avenger to face Batroc the leaper.
Titanic Transcripts
Iron Fist smashes the Monstroid in this week's Titan's centre-spread. It's not signed and I couldn't find any evidence of the artist's identity. Any ideas?
There's no space for any Nick Fury strip in this week's mag. Instead you get Nick Fury advertising these four American Marvel Classic Comics with Fury asking Dum-Dum what he means wanting him to slow down? He's got to get to the newsagents before they sell out! He couldn't bear to miss 'em! After all a man's gotta get educated!
Also as some small compensation for the missing SHIELD strip Nick Fury features in this Marvel Masterwork Pin-up with his agents of SHIELD! At the bottom of the page a text box reads Nick Fury will return with a new adventure in Titans #27! The identity of the artist who drew this Pin-up is a closely guarded secret that only the highest members of SHIELD have access to. I'm afraid its above my clearance level!
Bullpens Bulletin
In the third Item of this week's Bullpen Bulletin a reminder that in the Avengers weekly Conan fights one of the most difficult struggles of his barbarian life in a story called "The Dragon from the Inland Sea!" It's written by Roy Thomas and drawn by John Buscema. The fourth Item also relates to the Avengers weekly noting that the air-ace of World War Two, the Phantom Eagle is appearing in his second instalment this week, while in two short weeks Iron Fist will be eased out and replaced by the Master of Kung Fu strip. The final Item of this week says there's no time for any more more news so we'll never know about Jack Kirby's new haircut, or Archie Goodwin's extra toothbrush, or Mike Esposito's latest bets at the race track.
The Sub-Mariner “The power of the Plunderer!”
Writer: Roy Thomas and Raymond Marais
Artist: Bill Everett
Inker: Vince Colletta
Originally published in Tales to Astonish #95
Cover date September 1967
(Published in June 1967)
Returning to Atlantis the Sub-Mariner and Lady Dorma discover a domed city on the ocean's bed. Namor is furious that the surface dweller's city is so near to Atlantis. He demands to speak to the city's leader, but before he a pair of surface men in diving gear attack him, then he is confronted by the city's creator Dr. Walter Newell, who offers to talk with Namor peacefully. Boarding Newell's craft Namor is told that Newell has come up with a project to deal with the surface world's growing population, the solution domed cities on the sea bed. Despite Newell's offer of fair trade Namor refuses. The two Atlantean's are about to return to Atlantis when a giant submarine piloted by the Plunderer attacks the undersea city.
Captain Marvel “A taste of madness!”
Writer: Mike Friedrich
Artist: Jim Starlin
Inker: Chic Stone
Originally published in Captain Marvel #25
Cover date March 1973
(Published in December 1972)
Last week Jim Starlin pencilled the final page of the Captain Marvel adventure, but his involvement remained un-credited. This week's strip he pencils the whole lot and gets the just credit for it. Already the strip feels more worthy and a joy to read. There are some great stories ahead. Captain Marvel has just finished his battle with Doctor Mynde, as seen in last week's issue, but there hasn't been any time for relaxation as the Kree Captain has been attacked once more, but his assailants are of unknown origin. Quickly he dispatches them and while pondering that they appear to be of alien origin, one of the attackers, a robot calling itself X-7, reports to a mysterious Masterlord, stating that the exploratory exercise has been completed with satisfactory results, before it is teleported away with the other alien attacker.
Right it's time for me to eat more chocolate eggs and prepare next week's Power of the Beesting blog. These eggs won't eat themselves, nor will these blogs write themselves either.
See you in seven.
Make Mine Marvel.
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