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August 31, 2012

Guide to Marvel Comics Presents #77

Filed under: Guide to Marvel Comics Presents — Doorman @ 6:00 am

Marvel Comics Presents launched in 1988 as an ad-free anthology showcasing four eight-page features, stuffed inside a wrap-around cover. This guide will tell you everything you wanted to know about the series – and more!


Marvel Comics Presents #77
Cover Date: 1991 | Cover Price: $1.25 | Cover Artist: Barry Windsor-Smith (front); Larry Alexander (back)


Wolverine in “Weapon X” part 5
written by Barry Windsor-Smith
art by Barry Windsor-Smith

Testing their new creation, the Professor has Logan sent out into the snow-covered, Canadian woods with a pack of hungry wolves on his trail. Weapon X displays to his onlookers that he’s the ultimate killing machine, as he massacres the entire pack of animals. When the damage has been done, the hits a trigger that shuts Logan down. An important part of any weapon, naturally, is having the ability to deactivate it.

Shanna in “The Bush of Ghosts” conclusion
written by Gerard Jones
art by Paul Gulacy

As Shanna enters Sir Guy Cross-Wallace’s complex, it has become apparent that his followers have lost faith in him. The final battle is left between the two of them – and Shanna comes up the victor. Now, even though Cross-Wallace is no longer alive – there are still many problems facing Africa. Unfortunately, Shanna just doesn’t have all the solutions … but she’s willing to work for them.

Sgt. Fury/Dracula in “Rumanian Rumble” part 1
written by Doug Murray
art by Tom Lyle

Dracula awakens from his coffin in Late July 1942 to discover his servants have been killed by invading Nazis. From his castle, he sees the newly constructed Nazi camp that has captured his people – the gypsies. But, he cannot penetrate their walled-in camp – he must be invited in. And, their Swastika is a holy symbol … a dangerous weapon against a vampire. He’ll need help if he’s to defeat these invaders.

Meanwhile, Nick Fury is sent on a mission to blow up the Nazis’ largest oil supply in the town of Ploesti, Romania. He and his Howling Commandos parachute down into the Nazi-occupied town – the very same village that Dracula has been watching.


Sub-Mariner in “the Tides That Bind
written by Robert Campanella
art by Grant Miehm

Dr. Barnabus Lucian Cross believes that sharks contain the cure for cancer – and what better specimen to study than the shark/humanoid, Tiger Shark? He hires Mr. Dice and his men to capture the super-villain. In a curious move, Namor the Sub-Mariner comes to the aid of his long-standing enemy.

This issue we get a taste of Wolverine’s bestial nature and Shanna’s story draws to a rather anti-climatic end. Although, Nick Fury and Dracula have yet to meet – the set up is rather well done. And, finally, Namor’s story raises some interesting questions about his relationship with Tiger Shark.

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Sub-Mariner | Shanna | Nick Fury | Dracula
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Shanna | Nick Fury | Dracula | Sub-Mariner

August 30, 2012

Famous Fanmail #126 Don DeBrandt

Filed under: Famous Fanmail — Doorman @ 6:43 am

You may not be surprised to learn that most people in the comic business grew up reading comic books. However, you might be interested in knowing what they were reading. Here’s a look at “Famous Fanmail”!

Don DeBrandt is an author who has done some work in comics, including an independent anthology called Freeflight. He got a letter printed in Doom 2099 #5 (cover date – May 1993), promoting his first novel, the Quicksilver Screen.

Doom 2099 letters page with Don H. DeBrandt

On Ebay: Doom 2099 | Don Debrandt
On AtomicAvenue: Doom 2099

August 29, 2012

Connecting Covers #34 Transformers

Filed under: Connecting Covers — Doorman @ 9:06 am

A fun aspect of comic books is that sometimes their covers combine to make an even larger image. Here’s a look at some connecting covers.

In 1984, Marvel Comics debuted a Transformers mini-series that proved so popular, they extended it into an ongoing series. One that lasted for 80 issues! Twenty years after it first hit stands, Titan Books (a UK publisher), reprinted this series in fourteen individual collections. Every two collections can be combined to make one image.

Transformers TPB 11 & 12

On Ebay: Transformers
On AtomicAvenue: Transformers

August 28, 2012

Comic Book Cover Swipes Exposed #126 Infinity Gauntlet

Filed under: Swiped: Comic Book Cover Swipes Exposed! — Doorman @ 8:45 am

After looking at hundreds of comic book covers, it becomes quickly apparent that not every cover is 100% original. Whether done intentionally or even underhandedly, there’s something about uncovering these “swipes” that adds a new element of fun to reading and collecting comics.

After Thanos collected the six Infinity Gems in Thanos Quest, he wreaked havoc by killing nearly half of the universe in the Infinity Gauntlet.

the Infinity Gauntlet #1
the Infinity Gauntlet #1
July 1991
George Perez
New Avengers: Illuminati vol. II #2
New Avengers: Illuminati vol. II #2
March 2007
Jimmy Cheung

On Ebay: Infinity Gauntlet | Avengers
On AtomicAvenue: Infinity Gauntlet | Avengers

August 27, 2012

Guide to Marvel Two-In-One #21 the Thing & Doc Savage

Filed under: Guide to Marvel Two-In-One — Doorman @ 6:00 am

Marvel Two-In-One launched in 1974, teaming the Thing with a different hero each month. This guide will tell you everything you wanted to know about the series – and more!

Marvel Two-In-One #21Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Date: November 1976
Cover Price: 30¢
Writer: Bill Mantlo
Artist: Ron Wilson

WHO stars in this issue?

the Thing – Benjamin J. Grimm was bombarded by cosmic rays in a space exploration flight, alongside three friends. The cosmic rays gave each of them different powers, and they formed the Fantastic Four. Ben underwent the most physical change of the foursome: his skin mutated into orange rock and, as a result, he gained super-strength.

Doc Savage – Clark Savage, Jr. is a pulp hero from the 1930s. He possesses many skills and abilities including: great strength, endurance, photographic memory, mastery of the martial arts, and vast knowledge of the sciences. His nickname, “the Man of Bronze”, is attributed to the color of his hair and skin.

WHAT happens?

In the present (1976), Janice Lightner (the daughter of Raymond Lightner) seeks the assistance of the Thing – for her maniacal brother seeks to continue the work of her mad-scientist father. Her brother, Tom, has recreated the Sky Cannon based on his father’s notes, and he intends on using it to drain the stars of the light and imbue him with their energy.

Back in 1936, Lucinda Lightner (the wife of Raymond Lightner) recruits the aid of Doc Savage to stop her mad-scientist husband from using the Sky Cannon. In both times, the heroes arrive at the scene just as the Sky Cannon has been activated and they are struck by its Star-Beam. The energy breaches time itself and brings Doc Savage to the present (1976). The Star-Beam also merged Tom Lightner with his father, Raymond Lightner, into the villainous Blacksun, who launches an attack on the Thing, Doc Savage and their friends (the Human Torch, Monk, Renny and Janice Lightner).



However, the excitation of battle is no replacement for the call of space on this maddened being. Blacksun feels the call of the stars, themselves, and begins his journey towards them. But, in the end, he’s only a human – and his mortal form could not contain all the energy his body tried to contain. As his body gives way to the massive energies stored within, the temporal field retracts and Doc Savage (and friends) return to their home time period.

WHERE does the story take place?

Manhattan – specifically the Baxter Building (in the present) and the 86th Floor of the Empire State Building (in 1936).



WHEN does the villain next appear?

As hinted in the last panel of this issue, Blacksun will be seen in the very next issue.

WHY is Doc Savage the guest-lead?

Marvel does not own the rights to Doc Savage – he’s a pulp hero that’s been around since before Marvel Comics even existed. But, in the 1970s, Marvel purchased the rights to produce a comic series based on the Man of Bronze. His comic series was published from 1972 to 1974. Marvel changed the format to magazine-size and launched a new Doc Savage series in 1975. Sales must not have been doing well, so it appears that he showed up here to give the character some more exposure. Unfortunately, it didn’t work – his magazine was cancelled four months later (the last issue had a cover date of March 1977). Since then, other comic publishers have acquired the license, including Millennium, Dark Horse Comics and DC Comics.



HOW was it?

You’ll need a lot of suspension of disbelief with this issue but, it’s a neat treat to see Doc Savage teamed with the Thing – especially since it appears that the Thing is starstruck by the Man of Bronze. Also, since Doc Savage is a licensed character, this issue cannot be reprinted by Marvel unless they acquire the rights again. So, this story will be missing from those Essential collections of Marvel Two-In-One. There’s a lot of setup to get this story going but the climax only lasts five pages. Lots of setup and lots of action but little in the way of characterization – especially for Doc Savage (who seems incredibly aloof and uninteresting).

Note: no letters page this issue.

On Ebay: Marvel Two-In-One | the Thing | Doc Savage
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Two-In-One | Doc Savage

August 24, 2012

Guide to Marvel Comics Presents #76

Filed under: Guide to Marvel Comics Presents — Doorman @ 7:04 am

Marvel Comics Presents launched in 1988 as an ad-free anthology showcasing four eight-page features, stuffed inside a wrap-around cover. This guide will tell you everything you wanted to know about the series – and more!


Marvel Comics Presents #76
Cover Date: 1991 | Cover Price: $1.25 | Cover Artist: Barry Windsor-Smith (front); Bryan Hitch (back)


Wolverine in “Weapon X” part 4
written by Barry Windsor-Smith
art by Barry Windsor-Smith

Dr. Abraham Cornelius gives the Professor a headset that gives him a direct link to Logan. To say that it allows him control over Mr. Logan would be a stretch – but it certainly allows for … suggestions. Logan regains consciousness and begins thrashing about the lab. The Professor is unable to control the raging beast so a squad comes in armed with tranquilizers. As the sedated Wolverine sleeps, the lab is able to see what is in his head through a complex hookup that projects images on to a screen. And, what does this man-beast dream of? The bloody death of the Professor.

Shanna in “The Bush of Ghosts” part 9
written by Gerard Jones
art by Paul Gulacy

In a tribute to the fallen jaguar that came to her aid, Shanna adorns her face with its blood. Back inside the complex, the captive Dubose Wilson attempts to persuade the tribe to unleash themselves from Sir Guy Cross-Wallace‘s control. Meanwhile, Shanna fights her way back to the complex to face Guy.

Death’s Head in “the Deadliest Game
written by Simon Furman
art by Bryan Hitch

The bounty-hunter, Death’s Head, has traveled to the planet Yel-Jek to find his target: Thaddeus Soul. But, to defeat this big-game hunter, he’ll need to enlist the aid of someone seeking revenge against Soul. Fighting for revenge? This is a strange concept to our “hero” – who’s only motivated by financial gain.

Woodgood in “Lonely At The Top
written by Robert Campanella
art by Dave Cockrum

Woodgod‘s genetically-engineered kingdom of the Changelings is endangered! The jealous Leoninus has captured all of the females and brought them to Roxxon’s Dr. Malachi Oz. Oz intends to cross-breed the Changeling females with common animals and Leoninus has happily handed them over because they’ve all spurned his advances. Soon after, the Changelings alert their leader, Woodgod, of the missing females. Using their radioactive aura-trails, Woodgod tracks them to the Roxxon lab and frees them all – Leoninus realizes that he will no longer be welcome amongst his people and runs away. After these events, Woodgod asserts that he must remain aloof from his people because of what Leoninus’ jealousy has wrought.

The Professor’s character continues to develop as we see more and more how much of a compassion-less, control-freak he is. Shanna’s feature leads up to the final stretch with a possible setup of a rebellion of Cross-Wallace’s troops. Death’s Head’s story is quick but the character is just plain fun, engaging and likeable – despite being a bounty-hunter. Woodgod’s self-imposed distance from the rest of his people seems like a forced plot point – in order to make him a “tortured soul”.

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Death’s Head | Shanna | Woodgod
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Shanna | Death’s Head

August 23, 2012

Famous Fanmail #125 Paul Fricke

Filed under: Famous Fanmail — Doorman @ 10:49 am

You may not be surprised to learn that most people in the comic business grew up reading comic books. However, you might be interested in knowing what they were reading. Here’s a look at “Famous Fanmail”!

Paul Fricke is a comics writer and artist who’s been creating since the 1980s. He’s best known for his co-creation, the Trollords. These days, you can follow him at Blue Moon Toons. He got a letter printed in Devil Dinosaur #6 (cover date – September 1978), gushing over Jack Kirby’s creations.

Devil Dinosaur letters page with Paul Fricke

On Ebay: Devil Dinosaur | Paul Fricke
On AtomicAvenue: Paul Fricke

August 22, 2012

Connecting Covers #33 Justice League

Filed under: Connecting Covers — Doorman @ 7:31 am

A fun aspect of comic books is that sometimes their covers combine to make an even larger image. Here’s a look at some connecting covers.

Justice League: A Midsummer’s Nightmare was a mini-series written by Mark Waid & Fabian Nicieza with art by Jeff Johnson and Darick Robertson. It set the stage for Grant Morrison’s JLA.

Justice League: A Midsummer's Nightmare #1 2 3

On Ebay: Justice League
On AtomicAvenue: Justice League

August 21, 2012

Comic Book Cover Swipes Exposed #125 Nick Fury

Filed under: Swiped: Comic Book Cover Swipes Exposed! — Doorman @ 12:16 pm

After looking at hundreds of comic book covers, it becomes quickly apparent that not every cover is 100% original. Whether done intentionally or even underhandedly, there’s something about uncovering these “swipes” that adds a new element of fun to reading and collecting comics.

Keith Pollard pays homage to a classic Astonishing Tales cover by Rich Buckler.

Astonishing Tales #36
Astonishing Tales #36
July 1976
Rich Buckler
Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. vol. III #6
Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. vol. III #6
December 1989
Keith Pollard

On Ebay: Astonishing Tales | Nick Fury
On AtomicAvenue: Astonishing Tales | Nick Fury

August 20, 2012

Guide to Marvel Two-In-One #20 the Thing and the Liberty Legion

Filed under: Guide to Marvel Two-In-One — Doorman @ 9:10 am

Marvel Two-In-One launched in 1974, teaming the Thing with a different hero each month. This guide will tell you everything you wanted to know about the series – and more!

Marvel Two-In-One #20Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Date: October 1976
Cover Price: 30¢
Writer: Roy Thomas
Artist: Sal Buscema

WHO stars in this issue?

the Thing – Benjamin J. Grimm was bombarded by cosmic rays in a space exploration flight, alongside three friends. The cosmic rays gave each of them different powers, and they formed the Fantastic Four. Ben underwent the most physical change of the foursome: his skin mutated into orange rock and, as a result, he gained super-strength. At this point in Marvel Continuity, Ben Grimm was reverted back to human form but he operated an exo-skeleton armor created by Reed Richards that was made to look exactly like the Thing.

Liberty Legion– a super-team that fought the Axis influence in the United States during World War II. The team consists of the Whizzer, Miss America, Red Raven, Jack Fost, Blue Diamond, Thin Man and the Patriot.

WHAT happens?

The Thing has traveled back in time to the year 1942 to retrieve a piece of vibranium metal before it can alter the course of history – for the worse (see Marvel Two-In-One Annual #1).

Currently, he has propelled himself towards a gigantic, Flying Swastika that is destroying Manhattan’s skyscrapers. When he reaches the deadly aircraft, he discovers it’s piloted by Brain Drain – the free-floating brain of Nazi supreme intellect, Werner Schmidt. The Thing manages to inflict some damage to the Flying Swastika but, Brain Drain safely lands it upon his floating, secret base.



It’s on that secret base that the Thing is attacked by SkyShark, Meranno the U-Man and Master Man. But, before he can be overwhelmed by the Nazi super-villains, he’s joined by the Liberty Legion. With eight heroes facing three villains, the Nazis are quickly beaten. The Thing retrieves the cannister of vibranium from SkyShark and returns to the present knowing that the time-stream has been returned to normal.

WHERE does the story take place?

New York City in the year, 1942. Specifically, Manhattan.



WHEN does the villain next appear?

While SkyShark and Slicer have not been seen since, Meranno the U-Man returned in the Invaders #38 (cover date: March 1979). Brain Drain got himself a new, robotic body in Alpha Flight #108-110 (1992) and Master Man returned in the Invaders #16 (cover date: May 1977).



WHY are the Liberty Legion the guest-leads?

After the early success of the Invaders, Roy Thomas expanded Marvel’s “golden-age” super-hero line-up by introducing the Lethal Legion – the homefront version of the Invaders. They took over the lead of Marvel Premiere for two issues in 1976 but didn’t prove popular enough to maintain an ongoing. It would appear that their inclusion here was Roy Thomas’ way of getting them some more audience exposure.

HOW was it?

This issue served to wrap up the storyline that originally started in Fantastic Four Annual #11 and continued into Marvel Two-In-One Annual #1. While the second chapter of this storyline strongly featured the Liberty Legion, this issue leaned hard the other way and gave the spotlight to the Thing. Lots of action to be had here but little in the way of characterization. With eight heroes and five villains (including Brain Drain and Slicer), there’s just not enough limelight to adequately go around.

On Ebay: Marvel Two-In-One | the Thing | Liberty Legion
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Two-In-One

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