The CCF Guide to Earth-Two, Part Deux

Cei-U!
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The CCF Guide to Earth-Two, Part Deux Jun 21, 2015 7:15:13 GMT -5

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Post by Cei-U! on Jun 21, 2015 7:15:13 GMT -5

Wonder Woman #240
February 1978 (November 28, 1977) $.35

Cover Art: Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (Penciller), Dick Giordano (Inker), signed

“Wanted: One Amazon-- Dead or Alive!” 17 pages

Larry Hama (Editor), Gerry Conway (Writer), Jose Delbo (Penciller), Joe Giella (Inker), Ben Oda (Letterer), Jerry Serpe (Colorist)

FC: Wonder Woman
GS: The Flash (also appears as Seigfried the Speedster)
SC: Col. Hammond Belushi, Gen. J. Blankenship, Pvt. Etta Candy, Lt. Pierre Marchand, Maj. Steve Trevor
Villains: The Duke of Deception, Mars
Intro: Napoleon Jones

Synopsis

Still under the Duke of Deception's spell, Wonder Woman sees Colonel Belushi and his forces as German troops. The beleaguered soldiers seem outmatched but a lucky swing of a rifle butt takes the Amazon princess out of the fight. Watching from afar, Deception is pleased with his plan's progress.

The Flash, meanwhile, realizes that the sea monster he battles is an illusion. Using his super-speed, he causes it to dissolve. Deducing the trick must've been intended to keep him from helping Wonder Woman, the Crimson Comet races to the Jersey docks. He arrives too late: the unconscious super-heroine is in chains and under arrest.

It is a confused Wonder Woman who wakes up in General Blankenship's office. When Etta Candy explains why Diana has been arrested, the Amazing Amazon realizes she has been framed. She asks Etta to contact Steve Trevor and give him the details of her plan to prove her innocence.

In the Bowery, the Duke approaches a down-on-his-luck gangster named Napoleon Jones and offers to “give you the destiny you deserve” if Jones will serve him.

The crowds gathered outside the Federal Court Building heap abuse on Wonder Woman as she arrives for her arraignment. Only Etta and her escort, Pierre Marchand, express sympathy for the disgraced heroine ― though Marchand secretly gloats over WW's misfortune because “it will make my own mission so much easier… !”

An hour into the hearing, the proceedings are disrupted by a costumed Nazi with super-speed powers. Identifying himself as Seigfried the Speedster, the super-villain's ravings about executing Wonder Woman as “an enemy of the Reich”cast doubt among the onlookers in the courtroom about the Amazon's alleged treason, much to the Duke of Deception's displeasure. Steve Trevor removes Diana's chains, freeing her to meet Seigfried's attack.

Deception transports himself outside where he commands Napoleon Jones to use his new powers to insure that, win or lose, Wonder Woman does not survive her battle with Seigfried. When the fight spills over into the street, Jones transforms his mob into heavily armed Nazi troops. This time WW sees through the trick. Fighting defensively, she disarms the ‘soldiers’ without harming them. A desperate Jones turns the pavement into a giant and orders it to the attack. As Seigfried watches from the sidelines, Wonder Woman wills herself not to believe this latest illusion, robbing it of its power to harm her. Capturing Napoleon Jones in her magic lasso, she compels him before witnesses to confess his role in the Duke's plot.

Later, ‘Siegfried’ removes his mask. The Nazi villain was, of course, the Flash in disguise, as both Steve and Diana knew all along. Their scheme to expose the mastermind behind Wonder Woman's framing has been an unqualified success. The heroine is acquitted on all charges.

Back on Mt. Olympus, a wrathful Mars punishes Deception's failure by stripping the Duke of the illusion that made him appear strong and handsome, revealing the shriveled ugly little man beneath the façade.

Continuity

The setting for the current story arc is specified as late June, 1942, in this story.

Fashion Watch

Mars is drawn without his beard in this issue (though his face is colored as if the beard were there).

I read bad comics so you don't have to.

JKCarrier
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The CCF Guide to Earth-Two, Part Deux Jun 21, 2015 9:53:57 GMT -5

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Post by JKCarrier on Jun 21, 2015 9:53:57 GMT -5

Jun 21, 2015 7:15:13 GMT -5 Cei-U! said:

Later, ‘Siegfried’ removes his mask. The Nazi villain was, of course, the Flash in disguise, as both Steve and Diana knew all along.

In All-Star Squadron, Roy Thomas introduced a genuine Nazi speedster named Zyklon, who's costume was almost identical to Siegfried's. I assume he had a story in mind there, but I don't think he ever got around to it.

Cei-U! Grand Dictator for Life of the Classic Comics Christmas Frugal fanboy Posts: 5,801	The CCF Guide to Earth-Two, Part Deux Jun 21, 2015 10:12:28 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by Cei-U! on Jun 21, 2015 10:12:28 GMT -5 Pretty sure you're right about that, JK, though Roy and I have never discussed it. Cei-U! I summon the untold tale!
	I read bad comics so you don't have to.

Cei-U!
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The CCF Guide to Earth-Two, Part Deux Jun 22, 2015 7:37:14 GMT -5

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Post by Cei-U! on Jun 22, 2015 7:37:14 GMT -5

DC Special Series #9 (Wonder Woman Spectacular – 1978)
1978 (December 12, 1977) $1.00

Cover Art: Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (Penciller), Dick Giordano (Inker), signed

“The Cosmic Quest for the Disc of Mars” 64 pages

Larry Hama (Editor), Jack C. Harris (Writer), Steve Ditko (Art, pages 18-23, 33-34, 43-44, 47), Dick Ayers (Penciller, pages 24-27, 38, 42, 46, 53, 57-59), Jose Delbo (Penciller, pages 1-9, 15-17, 28-31, 35-37, 39-41, 48-52, 54-56, 61-62), Russ Heath (Penciller, pages 10-14, 32, 45, 60), Vince Colletta (Inker, pages 1-17, 24-32, 35-42, 45-46, 48-62), Ben Oda and Milt Snappin (Letterers), Jerry Serpe (Colorist)

FC: Wonder Woman of Earth-Two
SC: Aphrodite, Gen. J. Blankenship, Pvt. Etta Candy, Hippolyta, Maj. Steve Trevor
SC: Amazons of Paradise Island
Villains: The Duke of Deception, Hercules, Adolf Hitler, Mars, The Red Panzer
Villains: The Valkyrie
Reintro: Athena
Reintro: Odin
Reintro: Baroness Paula von Gunther
Reintro: The Earl of Greed
Reintro: Lord Conquest
Reintro: The Harpies
Intro: The Bombardier (U. S. Representative Thomas K. Cole)
Intro: Thor

Synopsis

A gunfight erupts on the streets of New York, where military policemen pursue a band of spies. Only the intervention of Wonder Woman prevents innocent people being hurt or killed. Though the Amazon's actions kept vitally important papers out of the hands of the Nazis, she is reproached by Congressman Thomas Cole for interfering in matters of national security.

Changing to her Diana Prince identity, our heroine joins Steve Trevor in the warehouse where the top-secret project they are assigned to is housed, the very project from which the spies stole the papers. That theft has compromised the project's security. Because of Trevor's friendship with Wonder Woman, Cole demands the officer's security clearance be suspended until the Amazon has accounted for herself before Cole's Congressional committee. En route to report to General Blankenship about this turn of events, Steve is nearly killed when his sabotaged jeep crashes. Rescued at the last second by Wonder Woman, Trevor decides to investigate why Cole is so anxious to have the two of them away from the project.

On Paradise Island, Queen Hippolyte decides to order Diana home to protect her from the dangers of Man's World… and to separate her from Steve Trevor. Before she can act on her decision, she is summoned to an audience with Aphrodite, divine patron of the Amazons. The Goddess of Love forbids Hippolyte to recall Wonder Woman because her mission of peace is not yet accomplished, warning that “the gods of evil plot with the fate of the Earth this very moment! Events involving you-- your daughter and the entire world are about to transpire,” events which will be Princess Diana's “trial by fire.”

Returning to the now-deserted warehouse, Wonder Woman is ambushed and taken prisoner by a shadowy figure in a crimson stormtrooper uniform. Boasting that his previous encounter with his captor taught him her weakness, he welds her bracelets together before disappearing into the night with her.

Steve and Etta Candy's concern for the missing Yeoman Prince is forgotten when they are ordered to close up their New York office and return to Washington.

The halls of the extradimensional “Home of the Gods” rings with the sound of combat as Mars, Greco-Roman God of War, and Thor, Norse God of Thunder, spar. Hercules and other onlookers cheer for one or the other. As Aphrodite and Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, worry that the worldwide war on Earth is increasing Mars' strength, he forces Thor to concede defeat. Later, he meets with his trio of advisors ― the Duke of Deception, the Earl of Greed and Lord Conquest ― and tells them that he will soon achieve total mastery of “the Earth and all the gods they worship,” thanks to his latest agent. As long as this agent possesses a certain talisman, the Disc of Mars, he will be invincible… and the war will continue. Overhearing the God of War's plans, Athena and Aphrodite contact Hippolyte once more in the hope that Wonder Woman can locate Mars' agent before it is too late, unaware their foe is already taking steps to destroy the Amazon.

Adolf Hitler, Mars' most enthusiastic pawn, is displeased with his operative's failure to carry out his mission despite his compensatory capture of Wonder Woman. He decides to try another approach and turns to Baroness Paula Von Gunther, “cruel and fully qualified Gestapo agent-- and slave queen of a thousand girls!” She tells Der Führer that the small box in her hand contains the key to making the two of them invincible.

In a derelict building not far from where Steve Trevor is testifying before Tom Cole's committee, an imprisoned Wonder Woman comes to. Cole declares the hearing recessed until the super-heroine can be subpoenad and places Steve on “extended leave.”

A few minutes later, a new super-hero clad in World War I aviation gear bursts onto the scene: the Bombardier, whose hands emit a strange explosive energy that gives him super-powers, including flight. The same ‘inner voice’ that grants him his powers tells the human rocket where the missing Amazon is being held. He bursts into the warehouse but Wonder Woman, mistakenly concluding he is the one who fused her bracelets, attacks the neophyte hero. As proof of his good intentions, he seperates her bracelets. Though declining to give his true name, the Bombardier tells of his experiences as a fighter pilot in the early days of the war and of being saved from certain death by a voice, which promised him “strength will be yours in time of need.” He had believed it a hallucination until the voice came to him again and bade him rescue Wonder Woman. She wonders if he has been sent by her mother before declaring it “unthinkable” that Hippolyta would choose a man as her agent.

The Amazon queen, meanwhile, is commanded by Aphrodite and Athena to send Princess Diana in search of the warrior bearing the Disc of Mars. Convinced by the goddesses' warnings that Paradise Island can no longer remain above the fray, she orders the Amazons to prepare for war. Her timing is faultless. Mars orders his Harpies and the Valkyries, under his control since his defeat of Thor, to attack the Amazon homeland.

No sooner have Wonder Woman and the Bombardier flown away in her invisible plane than her captor ― who stands revealed as Helmut Streicher a.k.a. the Red Panzer ― discovers her escape. Diana is concerned when she cannot reach Paradise Island by mental radio. Bombardier receives a psychic message from the voice to return to Washington and his civilian identity. His request reminds his companion of her duties as Diana Prince.

The Panzer is confronted by Paula Von Gunther, who offers him a chance to turn aside Hitler's displeasure with the Nazi super-villain's repeated failures by helping her complete her secret project.

Reporting to General Blankenship's office, Yeoman Prince explains that she was helping Wonder Woman track down the spy ring. Blankenship decides that “Project Judgement” can no longer be held up by a Congressional investigation and reaches for the phone to call the White House. Before he can dial, he and his staff are summoned to the War Room. General Katz and Congressman Cole tell them that the delays to “Project Judgement” may have decided the outcome of the war. Even now American forces are falling back before a German advance, news that secretly delights Cole, who muses that “now I can meet my destiny face to face!” Wonder Woman flies to the front and joins the desperate battle. The Bombardier arrives shortly after, his explosive powers devastating the German troops.

Von Gunther and Streicher inform Hitler by radio that the “ultimate weapon” is only hours away from completion. The baroness cold-bloodedly executes her slave girls before she and the Panzer board a submarine bound for the Fatherland.

The furor of the battlefield makes Mars so powerful that even the Goddess of Love is infected with war madness. Her rage and hatred mirrors that on Earth and on Paradise Island, where the Amazons are slowly retreating before their enemies. But Aphrodite is no warrior. Mars overpowers and humilates her before a jeering Hercules and the War God's other cronies.

Wonder Woman and the Bombardier fight valiantly against tremendous odds but despite their efforts, the Germans break through the American lines. The heroic duo step back from the fighting to assess their situation. The Bombardier removes his goggles to reveal the face of Thomas Cole. Racked with guilt over his bloodthirst during the battle and the role his committee's investigation of Project Judgement played in this defeat, he apologizes for questioning the Amazon's loyalty. They hurry back to Washington. The congressman orders Steve Trevor back to active duty and grants Wonder Woman “full status as an operative of the United States Government.” Their task: destroy Nazi Germany's version of Project Judgement before it can be activated.

A survivor of Baroness Von Gunther's slave massacre tells Steve and Diana all she knows of the Red Panzer and her mistress' plans, even as the villains report to Hitler. En route to Germany in Wonder Woman's plane, the Bombardier flying alongside, Trevor tells his Amazon companion about Project Judgement, a sonic cannon known as the “cyclosonitron” with destructive capabilities akin to those attributed to the archangel Gabriel's Horn of Judgement.

Reaching Berlin, the intrepid trio burst into the chamber where Hitler's cyclosonitron is about to be fired. They overcome the Panzer and Von Gunther. While Bombardier chases the fleeing Führer, the Amazing Amazon desperately searches her foes for the Disc of Mars. Realizing Hitler himself must bear the talisman, she joins the chase but the heroes are too late. The dictator fires the cyclosonitron.

The Harpies and Valkyries break off their attack despite their impending victory, leaving the battered Amazons wondering what Mars will do next.

Wonder Woman and the Bombardier combine their super-powers to destroy the sonic weapon before its devastating effects can spread far. It is only in the quiet aftermath of the cannon's explosion that Diana realizes that the human rocket's destructive super-powers and bloodlust in combat mark him as the wielder of the Disc of Mars. His secret exposed, Mars takes control of Bombardier and tries to kill the Amazing Amazon. Wonder Woman is able to get close enough to take the talisman from Cole's costume and destroy it. Freed of the War God's domination and stripped of his powers, Congressman Cole retains no memory of his brief career as a super-hero.

On Paradise Island, Hippolyte learns from Aphrodite that Diana's victory has weakened Mars enough that the Allies' chances of winning the war are greatly improved. The Amazon queen is proud of her daughter and approves her remaining in America for as long as it takes to achieve final victory over the Axis.

Behind the Scenes

The art chores in this issue are shared by Dick Ayers (Nazi scenes), Jose Delbo (Wonder Woman/Bombardier scenes), Steve Ditko (Home of the Gods scenes) and Russ Heath (Paradise Island scenes).

Cosmology

According to this story, all the mythic pantheons of Earth-Two live in the same interdimensional world. Olympus, Asgard and so on are just each pantheon's own name for the same place. This contradicts Wonder Woman's Golden Age continuity, in which the home of the Norse/Teutonic gods is placed on “a planetoid beyond the moon.” This is the only time in Earth-Two continuity that the concept of a shared Home of the Gods is advanced.

Continuity

Although no date is specified for this story, it must take place in or after 1943, as General Blankenship and his staff are in their Pentagon offices. If the German advance depicted in this issue is that which preceded the Battle of the Bulge, then the setting is late December 1944 but this cannot be confirmed. The Red Panzer's appearance places it after the events of Wonder Woman #228-229. Where it fits in continuity relative to the events of Wonder Woman #231-232 is unclear.

The story in this issue includes a retelling of the first appearance of Baroness Paula Von Gunther in the “Wonder Woman” story in Sensation Comics #4 (April 1942). This version, however, bears no resemblance to the original except in the basics of the baroness' characterization. It is therefore impossible to reconcile this story with Wonder Woman's Golden Age continuity.

The Good Guys

Aphrodite was last seen in Wonder Woman #23 (May-June 1947). She should not be confused with her Earth-One counterpart introduced in flashback in Wonder Woman #105 (April 1959).

Athena was last seen in the “Wonder Woman” story in Sensation Comics #24 (December 1943). She should not be confused with her Earth-One counterpart introduced in Wonder Woman #98 (May 1958).

The Bad Guys

The Earl of Greed was last seen in Wonder Woman #34 (March-April 1949). He should not be confused with his Earth-One counterpart introduced in Wonder Woman #254 (April 1979).

The Harpies of the Earth-Two universe were last seen in Green Lantern #19 (April-May 1946).

Hercules of the Earth-Two universe was last seen in the flashback to the origin of the Amazons in Wonder Woman #1 (Summer 1942). He should not be confused with his Earth-One counterpart introduced in flashback in Wonder Woman #105 (April 1959).

Lord Conquest was last seen in the “Wonder Woman” story in Sensation Comics #104 (July-August 1951). He should not be confused with his Earth-One counterpart introduced in Wonder Woman #254.

Odin of the Earth-Two universe last appeared in Wonder Woman #23 (May/June 1947). At the end of that story, he committed suicide. He got better, apparently.

Paula Von Gunther was last seen in the “Wonder Woman” story in Sensation Comics #101 (January-February 1951). The character reformed in Wonder Woman #3 (February-March 1943) and became one of the Amazon's closest friends. She should not be confused with her Earth-One counterpart, Paula Von Gunta, introduced in Wonder Woman #163 (July 1966).

Fashion Watch

This is the first appearance of Aphrodite in this costume designed by Steve Ditko.

Hercules is drawn throughout this issue to resemble the post-apocalyptic version introduced in Hercules Unbound #1 (October-November 1975) rather than the lionskin-clad version seen in Wonder Woman #1 (and #237).

I read bad comics so you don't have to.

Cei-U!
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The CCF Guide to Earth-Two, Part Deux Jun 23, 2015 7:23:19 GMT -5

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Post by Cei-U! on Jun 23, 2015 7:23:19 GMT -5

Freedom Fighters #13
March-April 1978 (December 12, 1977) $.35

Cover Art: Rich Buckler (Penciller) and Jack Abel (Inker), signed

“The Amazing Origin/The Deadly Return/The Startling Secret of the Black Condor” 17 pages

Jack C. Harris (Editor), Bob Rozakis (Writer), Dick Ayers (Penciller), Jack Abel (Inker), Milt Snappin (Letterer), Jerry Serpe (Colorist)

FC: The Black Condor, Doll Man, Firebrand, The Human Bomb, Phantom Lady, The Ray, Uncle Sam, teamed as the Freedom Fighters
SC: Martha Roberts
SA: Tom Fagan
Villain: The Silver Ghost (behind the scenes)
Reintro: Richard Grey and his wife, both in flashback to Crack Comics #1 (deaths depicted in this story)
Reintro: Father Pierre, in flashback to Crack #1 (death depicted in this story)

Synopsis

The crazed Black Condor, now endowed with superhuman strength, invulnerability and blue skin, clobbers the male Freedom Fighters and carries off Phantom Lady and Martha Roberts. The FF follow his trail back to Rutland, Vermont, site of their battle with the demonic Homilus. Lightning strikes from a clear night sky, transforming five of the heroes into berserkers like the Condor. Things look grim for Firebrand and Martha until they trick the Ray into absorbing the charge from the others, restoring them to normal. Overloaded, Ray discharges the energy into space. Black Condor explains that he has been possessed by Homilus all along but that the demon's essence is now “scattered across the cosmos forever.”

Elsewhere, someone watches news reports about Firebrand with interest. “Now that I know he's alive,” he says, “it's time to plan his death!”

Continuity

The story in this issue picks up immediately from the last scene of the previous issue.

The Good Guys

The origin of the Black Condor is retold in this issue.

Fashion Watch

The Ray is back in the costume last seen in #11.

I read bad comics so you don't have to.

sabongero
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The CCF Guide to Earth-Two, Part Deux Jun 23, 2015 8:21:17 GMT -5 Cei-U! likes this

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Post by sabongero on Jun 23, 2015 8:21:17 GMT -5

Jan 3, 2015 15:31:16 GMT -5 Cei-U! said:

Welcome back to my comprehensive history of DC's Earth-Two. For coverage of the years 1961-75, see my earlier thread. And away we go...!

Thanks for sharing that link on the previous thread Cei-U. Wow! I always loved reading back stories of characters and previous histories of comic books in terms of their older stories. I have always been a fan of the two mid 1980's comic book series: DC series Who's Who The Definitive Directory of the DC Universe and The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe.

I'm looking forward to some back reading on both of these threads of yours.

Web of Spider-Man reviews
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zaku
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The CCF Guide to Earth-Two, Part Deux Jun 23, 2015 17:02:50 GMT -5

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Post by zaku on Jun 23, 2015 17:02:50 GMT -5

Jun 14, 2015 14:48:09 GMT -5 Reptisaurus! said:

Cool. I love all those original material Superman team-ups.

If I remember right, there was nothing in this book at all that marked it as being set on Earth-Two.

Doesn't Superman mention the JSA in the story?

Edit: found!

Last Edit: Jun 23, 2015 17:15:17 GMT -5 by zaku

Reptisaurus!
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The CCF Guide to Earth-Two, Part Deux Jun 23, 2015 17:14:21 GMT -5

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Post by Reptisaurus! on Jun 23, 2015 17:14:21 GMT -5

Jun 23, 2015 17:02:50 GMT -5 zaku said:

Jun 14, 2015 14:48:09 GMT -5 Reptisaurus! said:

Cool. I love all those original material Superman team-ups.

If I remember right, there was nothing in this book at all that marked it as being set on Earth-Two.

Doesn't Superman mention the JSA in the story?

Yes, we have already established that I was wrong in my original post, and that their were multiple signifiers that the story was set in Earth Two. What I MEANT to say was that the words "Earth Two" were never used in the book - clearly, I completely failed to communicate what I actually meant.

I vote we let it drop now. Please?

Erica "Squirrel Girl" Henderson is a great artist.

zaku
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The CCF Guide to Earth-Two, Part Deux Jun 23, 2015 17:18:08 GMT -5

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Post by zaku on Jun 23, 2015 17:18:08 GMT -5

Jun 23, 2015 17:14:21 GMT -5 Reptisaurus! said:

Jun 23, 2015 17:02:50 GMT -5 zaku said:

Doesn't Superman mention the JSA in the story?

Yes, we have already established that I was wrong in my original post, and that their were multiple signifiers that the story was set in Earth Two. What I MEANT to say was that the words "Earth Two" were never used in the book - clearly, I completely failed to communicate what I actually meant.

I vote we let it drop now. Please?

Ops! Sorry...

Reptisaurus! Friendly Neighborhood Regular Posts: 3,310	The CCF Guide to Earth-Two, Part Deux Jun 23, 2015 17:28:45 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by Reptisaurus! on Jun 23, 2015 17:28:45 GMT -5 Sorry's not needed. What I originally typed was completely wrong, and I should get called on it for the sake of historical accuracy. (Especially in these more "scholarly" type threads.)
	Erica "Squirrel Girl" Henderson is a great artist.

Cei-U!
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The CCF Guide to Earth-Two, Part Deux Jun 24, 2015 7:01:57 GMT -5

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Post by Cei-U! on Jun 24, 2015 7:01:57 GMT -5

Showcase #98
March 1978 (December 12, 1977) $.35

Cover Art: Joe Staton (Penciller), Dick Giordano (Inker), signed

“When The Symbioship Strikes!” 17 pages

Joe Orlando (Editor), Paul Levitz (Writer); Joe Staton (Penciller), Dick Giordano (Inker); Ben Oda (Letterer), Adrienne Roy (Colorist)

FC: Power Girl
SC: The Flash (as Jay Garrick), Green Lantern (as Alan Scott), Andrew Vinson, Chief Wilson
Villains: Brain Wave and his gang, The Symbioship (destroyed in this story)

Synopsis

Power Girl is attacked by Daily Globe reporter Andrew Vinson, the unwilling prisoner of the armored suit he wears. Her blows hurt him, not the suit. The sentient armor, which calls itself the “Symbioship,” is determined to carry out its programming. The Maid of Might manages to pin the Symbioship long enough to free Vinson, causing it to revert to its true form of a small spaceship. When she attempts to leap off with the ship without answering Vinson's questions, the stubborn reporter impulsively hitches a ride by grabbing her cape.

As the Gotham police re-enter their headquarters, none are aware that one of their number is actually the villainous Brain Wave, still after the advanced circuitry his gang twice failed to obtain.

Realizing that comparing notes with Vinson would be to her advantage, Power Girl tells him that the Symbioship is the very rocket from which she fled the doomed planet Krypton as an infant. During her long years of interstellar journeying, spent in suspended animation, the ship fed Kara Zor-L false memories of her life on Krypton. The trauma of landing on Earth and finding that life a lie is still with her. Before she can explain further, the Symbioship ‘awakens’ and imprisons her within itself. Kara's father did his job too well. The Symbioship was programmed to care for the Kryptonian orphan and it intends to perform that task forever. It attempts to seduce her with illusions of marriage, career and motherhood.

Unable to locate Power Girl, Brain Wave opts to begin his revenge on the Justice Society with an assault on the Flash, “the one JSAer who has foolishly revealed his true identity to the world.” Viewing Jay from afar, Brain Wave recognizes the man with him as Green Lantern in civvies, giving him an opportunity to destroy two enemies at once.

Power Girl breaks free of the Symbioship through sheer force of will but the false memories continue to play out in the Girl of Steel's mind as she and Vinson flee back to Gotham. Driven subconsciously to the Superman Museum, where the Symbioship again overpowers her, she is saved when Vinson uses the museum's holographic projector to scramble the ship's programming with false images of a living Krypton. After smashing “the only relic … of my childhood to scrap metal,” Kara thanks Vinson and asks his help in learning “how to work with people.”

Continuity

The story in this issue occurs simultaneously with the “Justice Society of America” story in All-Star Comics #71.

The Good Guys

It is confirmed in this issue that the Flash has publicly revealed his true identity, as hinted in his solo story in The Flash #201 and the “Justice Society of America” story in All-Star Comics #61. Neither the circumstances surrounding his revelation nor the reasons for it are disclosed.

Fashion Watch

Brain Wave wears the chest insignia of his illusory alter ego on the smock he wears in his true form in this issue.

Points to Ponder

It is curious that the Superman Museum is in Gotham City on Earth-Two, instead of Metropolis.

Last Edit: Jun 24, 2015 7:02:51 GMT -5 by Cei-U!

I read bad comics so you don't have to.

Cei-U!
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The CCF Guide to Earth-Two, Part Deux Jun 25, 2015 6:57:38 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Cei-U! on Jun 25, 2015 6:57:38 GMT -5

Secret Society of Super-Villains #13
March 1978 (December 19, 1977) $.35

Cover Art: Rich Buckler (Penciller), Bob McLeod (Inker), signed

“One Earth Too Many” 17 pages

Jack C. Harris (Editor), Gerry Conway (Writer), Mike Vosburg (Penciller), Bob Smith (Inker), Adam Kubert (Letterer), Cornelia Adams (Colorist)

FC: Blockbuster, Plant Master, The Reverse-Flash, Star Sapphire, The Wizard; teamed as the Secret Society of Super-Villains
GS: Captain Comet
Villains: Johnny Quick, Power Ring, Superwoman, teamed as the Crime Syndicate of America
Cameos: Batman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Superman, Wonder Woman; teamed as the Justice League of America, in flashback to Justice League of America #29-30
Cameos: Black Canary, Doctor Fate, Doctor Mid-Nite, Hawkman, Starman; teamed as the Justice Society of America, in flashback to Justice League #29-30
Cameos: Owlman, Ultraman, in flashback to Justice League #29-30

Synopsis

Caught in an energy storm while crossing the barrier between realities, the Wizard uses his powers to open a rift to Earth-Two. He and the rest of his Secret Society slip through, unaware they have inadvertently freed three sinister figures from their prison. The villains have yet to realize they are on neither Earth-Two nor Earth-One when Power Ring, Superwoman and Johnny Quick of Earth-Three’s Crime Syndicate of America attack. After a brief and inconclusive scuffle, the newcomers get away.

Captain Comet, who secretly followed the Society through the trans-spatial transponder, recognizes Earth-Three from the Justice League files but it takes Wizard longer to figure it out. Wiz promises the team he can get them to Earth-Two if they can obtain three “tokens of power”: Quick's helmet, Power Ring's power ring and Superwoman's lasso. They lure the Syndicate into ambush and claim their prizes. Wizard casts his spell and they vanish. An infuriated CSA arrives moments later and demands that clueless latecomer Captain Comet return their artifacts

Cosmology

According to this story, Earth-Three has its own Metropolis and Gotham City.

Meeting Minutes

The Crime Syndicate's headquarters, last seen in Justice League of America #29, is called the Eyrie of Evil in this story. It sits atop “an isolated mountaintop not far from [Earth-Three's] Metropolis.”

It is not clear if Owlman and Ultraman remain trapped in the CSA's interdimensional prison, escape alongside their teammates or have already escaped under undisclosed circumstances.

Fashion Watch

Johnny Quick of Earth-Three wears a yellow cowl under his red helmet.

I read bad comics so you don't have to.

Who's Who Junior Member Posts: 27	The CCF Guide to Earth-Two, Part Deux Jun 26, 2015 14:43:47 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by Who's Who on Jun 26, 2015 14:43:47 GMT -5 May 19, 2015 7:14:14 GMT -5 Cei-U! said: *Wonder Woman* #232 June 1977 (March 28, 1977) $.35 Just noticed Atom boasts of his "comet-punch"!
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Cei-U!
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The CCF Guide to Earth-Two, Part Deux Jun 29, 2015 7:06:23 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Cei-U! on Jun 29, 2015 7:06:23 GMT -5

Sorry about the several day lag between posts, folks. It turned out that the stats and synopsis for today's entry somehow got erased and it took me a bit to rewrite, as the current heat wave makes my office uncomfortable to work in for more than a few hours in the early morning. Here tis:

Steel, The Indestructible Man #1
March 1978 (December 19, 1977) $.35

Cover Art: Don Heck (Penciller) and Al Milgrom (Inker

“From Hell is Forged … a Hero!” 18 pages

Al Milgrom (Editor), Gerry Conway (Writer), Don Heck (Penciller), Joe Giella (Inker), Ben Oda (Letterer), Anthony Tollin (Colorist)

FC and Intro: Steel the Indestructible Man (USMC Pvt. Henry “Hank” Heywood)
Intro: Prof. Gilbert Giles
Intro: Gloria Giles
Intro: Baron Death (true identity unrevealed) and his costumed henchmen
Intro: Baron Tödlich, a German diplomat
Intro: Bruno, his brutish bodyguard

Synopsis

It is “early August, 1939.” At a medical conference in Nazi-occupied Munich, renowned American surgeon Gilbert Giles and brilliant young graduate student Hank Haywood are jeered off the stage for claiming that Haywood's “biological retardant” formula will solve the problem of rejection with artificial organs, thereby revolutionizing medicine. The enigmatic Baron Tödlich, however, takes them quite seriously. After Haywood wades into a couple of stormtroopers he sees beating an elderly Jewish man, he finds himself and Giles persona non grata in the Third Reich. Weeks later, their ocean liner docks in New York. Gloria Giles, the professor’s daughter and Hank’s fiance, greets them with the news of Hitler’s invasion of Poland. Hank’s decision to enlist in the Marine Corps alienates him from Gloria and her isolationist father.

At an isolated beach on Long Island, three German saboteurs greet a fourth, the clorfully costumed Baron Death. Their mission is blow up the ammo dump on the base where Pvt. Haywood is going through basic and, if the opportunity arises, to field test a new machine gun model capanle of firing two hundred rounds a minute. Hank catches them in the act. During their fight, the Nazis’ dynamite is set off, killing two of the saboteurs and leaving Hank holding onto life by a thread.

The bioretardant formula is put to the ultimate test, as Prof. Giles uses it and his own advancements in prosthetics design to slowly, painfully transform Hank Haywood into history’s first cyborg. With a skeleton replaced or reinforced with stell alloy, joints powered by “micro-motors,” an artificial lung, a pacemaker keeping his damaged heart pumping and nearly impenetrable skin, Hank sees himself not as a medical miracle but as a superhuman weapon to be wielded in the approaching war, a stance that drives the wedge between himself and Gloria deeper. To keep his enhancements secret, Pvt. Haywood creates the colorful costumed identity of Steel.

Intent on helping himself to an experimental weapon or to from the Westchester Federal Armory, Steel interrupts a new plot by Baron Death’s flunkies to loot the armory. The hapless saboteurs are no match for the super-strong soldier, who leaves them stacked like firewood for the MPs. His first mission a success, Steel vows to “use [my] powers and abilities in my own private war, until America wakes up to the menace of Hitler and Stalin and Tojo and Mussolini!”

Behind the Scenes

Despite this story's late 1930s setting, Steel is not a Golden Age character. This is his first appearance.

Although at no time during the five issue run of Steel, The Indestructible Man is Earth-Two mentioned (save for the cameo of Baron Blitzkreig, a foe of that dimension's Wonder Woman, in the “Next Issue” blurb at the end of #5), Steel's subsequent appearances in All-Star Squadron, beginning with #8, establishes that reality as the strip's setting.

Gerry Conway and Don Heck are credited as “Creator” and “Designer,” respectively, in most subsequent issues of Steel, The Indestructible Man. For brevity's sake, their credits in later entries will reflect only their role in that specific issue.

The word “retardant” is consistently misspelled throughout this issue.

Cosmology

A movie theatre marquee in this issue advertises The Maltese Falcon, a film that was not released until 1941 in our reality.

Continuity

Although precise dates for this story are not provided, it spans a period of some two months, beginning shortly before the German invasion of Poland on September 8, 1939. Hank Heywood is injured six weeks later, sometime in mid-October. It is not clear when in the following month Hank Heywood first assumes his Steel identity or how long it took him to recuperate from his surgery.

The Bad Guys

It is never explicitly stated in this or subsequent issues that Baron Death and Baron Tödlich (called “Baron Töten” in subsequent appearances) are the same person. They will, therefore, be treated as distinct individuals.

Fashion Watch

Steel's costume on the cover of this issue does not match that worn on the interior pages. The white stripe down the front of his boots and the white wristbands worn over his gloves are missing in the cover image.

I read bad comics so you don't have to.

Deleted Posts: 0	The CCF Guide to Earth-Two, Part Deux Jun 29, 2015 9:21:50 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by Deleted on Jun 29, 2015 9:21:50 GMT -5 Cei-U ... Secret Society of Super-Villains #13, March 1978 (December 19, 1977) $.35. That's one of my favorite villains adventures.

The CCF Guide to Earth-Two, Part Deux

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The CCF Guide to Earth-Two, Part Deux