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Post by Cei-U! on May 7, 2015 7:34:41 GMT -5
The Flash #247March 1977 (November 29, 1976) $.30  Cover Art: Rich Buckler (Penciller), Frank McLaughlin (Inker) “The Mad, Mad Earth Of Abra Kadabra!” 17 pages Julius Schwartz (Editor), Cary Bates (Writer), Irv Novick (Penciller), Frank McLaughlin (Inker), no lettering or coloring credits. FC: The Flash [of Earth-One] GS: The Flash SC: Joan Garrick Villain: Abra Kadabra SynopsisIn the year 6376, a guided tour of a Central City prison ends at the door of an escape-proof cell holding “the most dangerous criminal of our time!” ― Barry Allen, The Flash. He is awaiting trial for the cold-blooded murder of Abra Kadabra, his foe of that era whose death was seen by television viewers around the world. Flash is certain the scheming magician has deceived them all and is alive and well but unless he can find a way to escape his specially constructed cell, he can’t hope to prove it. The Crimson Comet is right: Abra Kadabra is alive and well but deeply confused. His scheme to frame Flash for murder in the future, leaving him free to loot Central in the past, seems to have succeeded… except that everyone calls the metropolis Keystone City and its citizens are cheering a second, different Flash. Kadabra has of course been projected into Earth-Two but the super-villain knows nothing of that. Convinced it’s all a trick, Abra lures Jay Garrick ― who recognizes his foe thanks to a look through Barry’s files ― into battle. His “magic” powers prevail and the elder Flash is captured. Escaping from prison, Barry attempts to trail Abra Kadabra by recreating the super-speed stunt that led to the villain’s alleged death. Meanwhile, Jay pretends to be Barry in disguise to further confuse Kadabra while he figures out how to free himself from the paralysis ‘spell’ he is held by. When the elder Flash refuses to reveal how he escaped from 6376, Abra loses his temper and seems to disintegrate his enemy. It is Barry who is responsible for his JSA counterpart's disappearance, snatching Jay from harm’s way after following the vibratory trail to Earth-Two. The two Flashes gang up on the thoroughly befuddled prestidigitator and send him back to the future to face justice. ContinuityIt is not clear where this story fits into Earth-Two continuity. It probably occurs between the “Justice Society of America” stories in All-Star Comics #59 and 60 but this cannot be confirmed. The Good GuysThe Flash of Earth-Two claims to recognise Abra Kadabra from photographs in this story despite having encountered him in person in The Flash #170.
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Post by Reptisaurus! on May 7, 2015 11:45:32 GMT -5
This is the first and (mercifully) only appearance of the Fiddler's “Fiddlecopter,” an unmanned fiddle-shaped helicopter armed with machine guns that fire violin bows. And humanity has been immeasurably deprived thereafter, culture-wise. |
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Post by Phil Maurice on May 7, 2015 13:21:56 GMT -5
This is the first and (mercifully) only appearance of the Fiddler's “Fiddlecopter,” an unmanned fiddle-shaped helicopter armed with machine guns that fire violin bows. And humanity has been immeasurably deprived thereafter, culture-wise. It was my understanding that the "Fiddlecopter" is what brought the Devil down to Georgia.  |
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Post by Cei-U! on May 8, 2015 7:27:30 GMT -5
Secret Society of Super-Villains #6March-April 1977 (December 13, 1976) $.30  Cover Art: Rich Buckler (Penciller), Vince Colletta (Inker), signed “Captains Cataclysmic!” 17 pages Jack C. Harris (Editor), Bob Rozakis (Writer), Rich Buckler (Penciller), Bob Layton (Inker), Milt Snapinn (Letterer), Jerry Serpe (Colorist) FC: Copperhead, Funky Flashman, The Wizard, teamed as the Secret Society of Super-Villains GS: Black Canary, Green Arrow, Hawkman, teamed as the Justice League of America GS: Captain Comet Villain: Lex Luthor (identity not revealed) Villains and Team Intro: Captain Boomerang, Captain Cold, Captain Stingaree, teamed as the Captains Cataclysmic Intro: Debbie Darnell (see The Bad Guys note below) SynopsisWhile Captain Comet, aided by Black Canary, breaks up the new crime team of Captains Boomerang, Cold and Stingaree, the Wizard and Funky Flashman agree to work together to reorganize the Secret Society, with Wizard as leader. Their scheming is interrupted by the arrival of Copperhead and his mysterious ally, who announces that “your Secret Society isn't a secret anymore — and I'm taking over!” ContinuityIt is not clear how much time has elapsed since the conclusion of the previous issue. While the Wizard/Funky scenes seem to pick up right where they left off, there has to be time for Boomerang and Cold to recover from the battle with Darkseid, recruit Captain Stingaree, and plan the elaborate scheme they attempt to carry out in this issue. The Bad GuysAlthough SsoSV scripter Bob Rozakis intended to eventually reveal that Captain Comet's new girlfriend, Debbie Darnell, was actually Star Sapphire, the revelation never saw print in comics form. This guide will, therefore, treat Debbie as a separate character and track her appearances accordingly.
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Post by Hoosier X on May 8, 2015 11:09:17 GMT -5
The Bad GuysAlthough SsoSV scripter Bob Rozakis intended to eventually reveal that Captain Comet's new girlfriend, Debbie Darnell, was actually Star Sapphire, the revelation never saw print in comics form. This guide will, therefore, treat Debbie as a separate character and track her appearances accordingly. I read SSOSV from #2 on and I always knew Debbie Darnell was Star Sapphire. It surprises me to find out that it was never actually revealed in the comic book. I guess we just get used to some of these comic-book tropes. |
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Post by Cei-U! on May 9, 2015 7:08:25 GMT -5
Freedom Fighters #7March-April 1977 (December 20, 1976) $.30  Cover Art: Rich Buckler (Penciller), Jack Abel (Inker), signed “The Emperor of the North Pole!” 17 pages Tony Isabella (Editor), Bob Rozakis (Writer), Dick Ayers (Penciller), Jack Abel (Inker), no lettering or coloring credits FC: The Black Condor, Doll Man, The Human Bomb, Phantom Lady, The Ray, Uncle Sam, teamed as the Freedom Fighters SC: David Pearson, Martha Roberts Villain: Homilus (behind the scenes only; no appearance) Intro: The Crusaders Intro: The Americommando (Raphael Van Zandt, aka The Silver Ghost; not revealed until #8) Intro: Barracuda (Lennie; last name unknown; not revealed until #9) Intro: Fireball (Roy; last name unknown; not revealed until #9) Intro: Rusty (Marvin; last name unknown; not revealed until #9) Intro: Sparky (Arch; last name unknown; not revealed until #9) Intro: The Elf (true name unknown) Intro: The Imperial Force (all destroyed in this story) SynopsisIn their Vermont hideaway, the Freedom Fighters restrain a berserk Black Condor. Since being possessed by Homilus last issue, the Condor has developed telepathic powers which drive him temporarily insane. His rampage over, he tells the others he received a vision during the fit regarding the whereabouts of the Silver Ghost: “Santa Claus' workshop at the North Pole!” Uncle Sam suggests they investigate Santaland, a tourist attraction in upstate New York. At Santaland, the malevolent scientist called the Elf schemes to tilt the Earth's axis using a machine financed by the Ghost and make Santaland the true North Pole. Spying the FF approaching, the sinister dwarf dispatches an army of lethal toys to deal with them. Back in New York, Martha Roberts gets chewed out by her boss for her pro-Freedom Fighters bias. The Elf's toy super-heroes are trashed by the FF but Black Condor goes berserk in mid-battle. He flees the scene, with Uncle Sam as a reluctant passenger. The others capture the Elf just as the police arrive. Forced to leave their prisoner behind unquestioned, they set out in pursuit of their westbound teammates. Word of their escape reaches an apoplectic DA Pearson. The Crusaders, a team of 1940s comic book super-heroes come to life, volunteer to bring the fugitives from Earth-X to justice. Behind the ScenesThe Crusaders are parodies of the Invaders, a Marvel Comics super-hero team: Captain America (Americommando) and Bucky (Rusty), the Human Torch (Fireball) and Toro (Sparky), and the Sub-Mariner (Barracuda). Another team of Crusaders was simultaneously introduced in The Invaders #14 (March 1977) that parodied the Freedom Fighters: Cap'n Wings (Black Condor), Dyna-Mite (Doll Man), Ghost Girl (Phantom Lady), the Spirit of '76 (Uncle Sam), Thunderfist (Human Bomb) and Tommy Lightning (The Ray). The Invaders issues were written by future Earth-Two writer Roy Thomas, who is himself parodied as one of the comics fans transformed by the Silver Ghost into the Crusaders (see the Behind the Scenes section of the entry for Freedom Fighters # 9). ContinuityThe events of Freedom Fighters #7-9 occur “a few days before Christmas” of 1976. The Good GuysThough the Black Condor's psychic power is described as “telepathy,” it seems to function more like clairvoyance. The Bad GuysThe Americommando should not be confused with the Earth-Two hero Tex Thompson, first introduced in Action Comics #1 (June 1938), who used the Americommando name in his later adventures beginning with Action Comics #52 (September 1942).
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Post by Cei-U! on May 10, 2015 7:03:44 GMT -5
Wonder Woman #229March 1977 (December 20, 1976) $.30  Cover Art: Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (Penciller), Vince Colletta (Inker), signed “Tomorrow Belongs To Me!” 17 pages Denny O’Neil (Editor), Martin Pasko (Writer), Jose Delbo (Penciller), Vince Colletta (Inker), Liz Berube (Colorist), no lettering credit FC: Wonder Woman Villain: The Red Panzer Reintro: Hippolyte, Queen of the Amazons of Paradise Island Reintro: Major Steve Trevor Reintro: Private Etta Candy Intro: General Phil Blankenship SynopsisWonder Woman, “playing possum” after being struck by the Red Panzer's returning time-ship, catches her foe off-guard. The Panzer flees but the Amazon princess pursues him in his own rocket. Their battle ends unexpectedly when Diana's bracelets are fused together, stripping her of her super-powers. She hurtles to the streets of Washington below. The Panzer reclaims his ship and escapes. Steve Trevor, Wonder Woman's boyfriend, uses tools from his car to pry apart her bracelets and restore her powers. General Blankenship of Military Intelligence and his secretary, Etta Candy, discuss the negative effect knowing the Amazing Amazon has had on Major Trevor's ego. Hippolyte summons Wonder Woman to Paradise Island. Explaining that Diana lost to the Red Panzer because her foreknowledge of the Allies' eventual victory subconsciously dulled her usual fighting edge, the queen uses WW's magic lasso to erase her daughter’s memories of the future. Resuming her other identity as Trevor's secretary, Yeoman First Class Diana Prince, our heroine learns that Etta has accidentally passed top-secret information to Steve, information Blankenship did not want him to have. The general's lack of confidence in Trevor may be warranted: when Trevor impetuously bursts in on the Panzer and his men as they go over their plans, he is taken prisoner. Two hours later, Wonder Woman returns to the Panzer's lab only to find herself rendered powerless when her bracelets are once more bound together through trickery. Using a device called a “brainwave neutralizer” to take over Camp Halsey, the Panzer forces the Amazon to enter the base's guided missile testing range and face a barrage of weapons reconfigured to home in on her bracelets. After the explosion of the first missile frees her wrists, Wonder Woman takes a desperate chance by removing her bracelets, knowing full well that this will cause her to fly into a berserker rage as a result. Meanwhile, the Panzer places Trevor in his Panzer-Ship in order to hurl him into a future time where he will die. This will somehow change the destined outcome of the war. An out-of-control Wonder Woman bursts in, frees Steve and begins pummeling the Red Panzer and his men mercilessly. Her rage abates only after Trevor retrieves her discarded bracelets and slips them back onto her wrists, restoring her sanity before she can kill her foe. The Panzer and his men are taken into custody. Later, General Blankenship grudgingly forgives Etta for disobeying his orders. Behind the ScenesThe title of this issue is a reference to the song of the same name from the Broadway musical and motion picture Cabaret. Appropriately enough, the character who sings it in the show is a Nazi. The Good GuysBecause Hippolyte appeared in “Wonder Woman” stories throughout the 1940s, '50s and '60s, it is difficult to identify a point at which it can be authoritatively said that the character segues from her Golden Age incarnation to her Silver Age persona. Wonder Woman #56 (November-December 1952) is the last time her name is spelled Hippolyte instead of Hippolyta, while Wonder Woman #97 (April 1958) is the last time she is depicted as a brunette. However, because many of the “Wonder Woman” stories of the 1950s are clearly not compatible with the series' Golden Age continuity, this guide will regard the former as her last appearance. Because Steve Trevor appeared in “Wonder Woman” stories throughout the 1940s, '50s and '60s, there is no point at which it can be authoritatively said that the character segues from his Golden Age incarnation to his Silver Age persona. It is therefore impossible to pinpoint the exact title and issue number of the Earth-Two version's last appearance. Etta Candy was last seen in Wonder Woman #44 (November-December 1950). She should not be confused with her Earth-One counterpart, introduced first in Wonder Woman #117 (October 1960) and then again in Wonder Woman #272. The Earth-One Amazon's continuity is quite confused, with many of her appearances prior to Wonder Woman #178 (September-October 1968) later treated as apocryphal. Thus the existence of two Etta Candys on Earth-One. This is the first appearance of Paradise Island in Earth-Two continuity. This is the first appearance of Wonder Woman's original propeller-driven robot plane in Earth-Two continuity. This is the first appearance of the Amazons' magic sphere ― a television-like device that can be tuned to anywhere in space and time ― in Earth-Two continuity. Although Wonder Woman is said to lose all her super-powers when her bracelets are bound together, she must retain some degree of invulnerabilty since neither her fall from hundreds of feet in the air nor her proximity to an exploding missile while in that condition harm her. It is not clear if, in erasing Wonder Woman's foreknowledge of the future, Hippolyte also erases her memory of encountering her Earth-One doppelgänger in the previous issue. Steve Trevor was awarded the Medal of Honor sometime prior to this story. Although the precise circumstances surrounding his citation are unrevealed, mention is made of Trevor as “the guy who saved the Norden bomb sight from being sabotaged!,” a reference to the pilot episode of the Wonder Woman TV series. It may have been this feat that earned Trevor the medal. Etta Candy's rank is not revealed in this issue. Her uniform is drawn without any identifying insignia. General Blankenship's first name is never revealed in the comic books, save for a single panel depicting his office door with “Gen. J. Blankenship” written on it. The TV show, however, named him “Phil” and it is that name this guide will use. Points to PonderIt is strange that the Red Panzer continues to use his Arlington hideout after learning that both Wonder Woman and Army Intelligence know its location.
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Post by coke & comics on May 10, 2015 13:37:06 GMT -5
Points to PonderIt is strange that the Red Panzer continues to use his Arlington hideout after learning that both Wonder Woman and Army Intelligence know its location. Have you looked at the real estate market in the area at the time? Plus coming up with a down payment and all the taxes. And even if you find a new secret lair, you've gotta hire movers to move all your stuff. And you just know they're going to break something. |
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Post by Cei-U! on May 11, 2015 7:04:43 GMT -5
All-Star Comics #65March-April 1977 (December 27, 1976) $.30  Cover Art: Wally Wood, main image; Ric Estrada (Penciller), Wally Wood (Inker), Flash and Power Girl logo figures; Keith Giffen (Penciller), Wally Wood (Inker), Superman logo figure “The Master Plan of Vandal Savage” 17 pages Joe Orlando (Editor), Wally Wood (Plot/Art), Paul Levitz (Dialogue, pages 1-12, 17), Paul Kupperberg (Dialogue, pp. 13-16), Liz Berube (Colorist), no lettering credit FC: The Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkman, Hourman, Power Girl, The Star-Spanged Kid, Superman, Wildcat, teamed as the Justice Society of America SA: King Arthur Pendragon, Merlin the Magician Villains: The Psycho Pirate (identity unrevealed in this story), Vandal Savage Villains: The Icicle and other unseen members of the Injustice Society of the World SynopsisBreaking out of the energy prison in which they have been placed by Vandal Savage, Superman and Power Girl discover they are no longer in Sixth Century Britain but on an alien world. Meanwhile, back at Camelot the Flash frees King Arthur from the dungeon where he was imprisoned while Savage was impersonating him. The monarch tells Flash that he heard Savage boast of travelling 20,000 years to kill the JSA. Using his powers to breach the time barrier, Flash rockets into the future in search of his teammates. Savage uses his advanced technology to capture Power Girl even as Superman finds his power draining away under the influence of the alien world's twin green suns, artificial suns made of kryptonite. Having returned empty-handed from the future, Flash futilely searches the earth 20,000 years before the time of Camelot before realizing Savage may have been speaking of light years instead. Feeling his task hopeless, he returns to Camelot to await further developments. In Twentieth Century Gotham, Green Lantern looks on despairingly as Gotham Broadcasting is taken over by his creditors. A mysterious stranger pretends to comfort GL while feeding the hero's anguish and dis¬illusionment. The depowered Superman is dragged to an arena where Vandal Savage boasts of how he will restore his lost immortality by stealing the Kryptonian's superhuman life force… after he kills Superman with his bare hands. Elsewhere, a wingless Hawkman is freed from his cell by Merlin, no longer under Savage's sway. Though he is unable to prevent Merlin's forcible return to the past, Hawkman is able to elude Savage's robot guardsmen and free the Star-Spangled Kid, whose cosmic converter belt is helping power Savage's artificial planet. The Kid creates new wings for Hawkman, who then flies off to distract Savage while the Kid creates a suit for Superman to block the kryptonite-tinged solar rays. The Kid, realizing Savage's super strength is artificial, deduces he is transferring energy from the captive Power Girl. Once she is free, Superman makes short work of Savage and his planet. Before the JSA can capture Savage, he is unwillingy drawn into a time displacement vortex by a pair of shadowy figures. The weary heroes prepare to return to Camelot. At JSA headquarters, Wildcat arrives to relieve Hourman at guard duty only to be struck down by his teammate as a grinning Icicle looks on. Behind the ScenesAlthough not credited in this issue, Paul Kupperberg's contribution will be cited on the letters page of All-Star #68. The Good GuysThe Star-Spangled Kid uses his cosmic converter belt to create a fully-functional set of artificial wings for Hawkman in this story. To create such sophisticated mechanisms out of thin air implies that the Kid has either studied the schematics for the wings or his belt has a miniaturized computer within it where such schematics are stored. The Bad GuysThis is the last appearance of Vandal Savage as an Earth-Two-based villain. Although Vandal Savage is still mortal in this story, he no longer bears the signs of aging he showed in The Flash #235-36. Fashion WatchThis is the first appearance of Vandal Savage in this costume.
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Post by Action Ace on May 11, 2015 21:19:22 GMT -5
Points to PonderIt is strange that the Red Panzer continues to use his Arlington hideout after learning that both Wonder Woman and Army Intelligence know its location. Have you looked at the real estate market in the area at the time? Plus coming up with a down payment and all the taxes. And even if you find a new secret lair, you've gotta hire movers to move all your stuff. And you just know they're going to break something. It was the only building in the area with air conditioning at the time. |
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Post by Cei-U! on May 12, 2015 7:28:33 GMT -5
World’s Finest Comics #244April-May 1977 (January 10, 1977) $1.00  Cover Art: Neal Adams, signed “Jeopardy—Times Two!” 15 pages Denny O’Neil (Editor/Writer) Jose Delbo (Penciller), Vince Colletta (Inker), no lettering or coloring credits. FC: Wonder Woman SC: Gen. Phil Blankenship, Major Steve Trevor Intro: Ludwig Von Schmeer Intro: Suzy (last name unknown) SynopsisSomewhere in Washington, DC, a bomb is placed in an ordinary briefcase. Elsewhere, Yeoman Diana Prince tries to console Suzy, Steve Trevor’s secretary, whose boyfriend has traded her in for a new model. Trevor leaves on a secret mission and General Blankenship dismisses the girls for the day. As she is leaving, Diana notices the general ― on whose desk lie numerous secret documents ― has carelessly left his office door unlocked. She changes into Wonder Woman to investigate. Later at Blankenship’s home, we find the general held prisoner by “the great Ludwig Von Schmeer-- master of disguise.” It was Von Schmeer who, impersonating Blankenship, sent Steve off to a meeting with the Free French carrying a briefcase full of dynamite. The Nazi spy plans to execute the Army Intelligence chief to cover his trail but Wonder Woman intervenes. After the usual round of “bullets and bracelets,” the Amazon princess defeats and disarms both Von Schmeer and his men. Bound in Diana’s magic lasso, Von Schmeer confesses the entire plot but admits he does not know where Trevor's meeting was to be held. Blankenship knows but, unconscious after being struck by a stray bullet, the general isn’t talking. Dropping Blankenship off at the closest hospital, Wonder Woman searches for Suzy in hopes she will know Steve’s destination. While the Amazing Amazon rescues the heartbroken girl from a pair of muggers, Von Schmeer is freed by his valet, Emil. Emil tells his employer that the secret of Trevor’s meeting place has been wrenched from a captured member of the Free French. Grabbing a back-up bomb, the German duo race to that destination: the Lincoln Memorial. Wonder Woman, having learned the secret from Suzy, arrives in time to save Steve and the others from both bombs and recapture Von Schmeer. Behind the ScenesThis is the first episode of the Earth-Two “Wonder Woman” series in World's Finest Comics. Like its sister series running concurrently in Wonder Woman, the stories conform to a continuity that blends elements of the Golden Age and TV versions of the character. ContinuityBecause General Blankenship's unit is headquartered in the Pentagon in this issue, the story must occur after that building opened in January 1943. Because no reference is made to Blankenship's head injuries in any other Bronze Age “Wonder Woman” stories, it has to occur during a period when there is enough of a break in the action to accommodate his recuperation. The most likely spot to place it is between the events of Wonder Woman #232 (set sometime in 1943) and 242 (set in August 1945) but this cannot be confirmed. The Good GuysSuzy is not a Golden Age character. Lila Brown was Steve Trevor's personal secretary until she was murdered by Doctor Psycho in Wonder Woman #5 (June-July 1943). Suzy may be her replacement but this cannot be confirmed.
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Post by Cei-U! on May 13, 2015 7:27:57 GMT -5
Wonder Woman #230April 1977 (January 24, 1977) $.30  Cover Art: Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (Penciller), Vince Colletta (Inker) “The Claws of the Cheetah” 17 pagesDenny O’Neil (Editor), Martin Pasko (Writer), Jose Delbo (Penciller), Vince Colletta (Inker), Jerry Serpe (Colorist), no lettering credit FC: Wonder Woman SC: Steve Trevor SA: Eleanor Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt Reintro: The Cheetah (Priscilla Rich) SynopsisSteve Trevor and Diana Prince are among the guests at a White House dinner for the Junior League Committee for War Work. The gala is thrown into a panic when Maxwell Stanhope, a political columnist and notorious isolationist, makes an attempt on President Roosevelt's life, an attempt thwarted by Wonder Woman. The sight of the Amazing Amazon triggers the transformation of debutante Priscilla Rich into her other personality: the savage villainess known as the Cheetah. The next day, the Cheetah attacks a Georgetown tour boat to lure Wonder Woman into battle. The Amazon princess jumps at the bait. During their battle, the feline felon manages to scratch WW’s forehead with a “Cheetah Claw,” a dart fired from a wrist launcher, stunning the heroine long enough for Cheetah to make her escape. But the dart had another purpose: it left a mark on Wonder Woman’s skin that can be seen only through special lenses. The Cheetah, deducing that Wonder Woman must be a War Department employee, trails all those workers who match the Amazon’s height and build, eliminating them as suspects one by one until only Diana Prince remains. Armed with that knowledge, Cheetah plans a trap for her nemesis. She sends a letter over Priscilla’s signature asking Wonder Woman to make a public service announcement on behalf of the Committee for War Work, an announcement to be filmed with a booby-trapped movie camera. But the villainess doesn’t count on her Priscilla personality coming back to the surface, discovering the plot and attempting to thwart it by hypnotizing Diana Prince into forgetting her costumed alter-ego. Over the following week, the entire nation puzzles over the sudden disappearance of the Amazing Amazon. When she doesn’t show for the filming of her PSA, the script is hastily rewritten for Steve. Priscilla, who was expecting the spot to be canceled due to WW’s failure to appear, realizes Trevor will die if she doesn’t act quickly. Unable to recall how to defuse the camera bomb (her two personalities do not share each other's memories), she is forced to break the hypnotic spell Diana is under. The sight of Wonder Woman racing to Steve’s rescue causes the heiress to assume her Cheetah persona again. After a brief battle, Wonder Woman defeats her foe and sends her to “Transformation Island” to be rehabilitated. Behind the ScenesThe Cheetah’s list of Wonder Woman’s possible civilian identities includes “Charlene Moulton,” “Harriet Peter,” “Roberta Kanigher,” “Michele Sekowsky” and other feminized names of past “Wonder Woman” creative personnel. ContinuityThis story is said to take place in the winter of 1942 (though whether at the beginning or end of that year cannot be determined), which places it before the events of Wonder Woman #228-229. It also places it before the Cheetah’s first appearance in Wonder Woman #6 (Fall 1943). Because it is clear that Wonder Woman and the Cheetah have clashed prior to the events of this issue, it is impossible to reconcile her appearance here with Wonder Woman's Golden Age continuity. The Bad GuysThe Cheetah was last seen in Wonder Woman #28 (March-April 1948). She should not be confused with her Earth-One doppelganger, introduced in Wonder Woman #160 (February 1966), or that character's niece and successor, introduced in Wonder Woman #274. Fashion WatchThe Cheetah’s wrist weapon is colored white in the interior art and red on the cover.
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Post by Hoosier X on May 13, 2015 14:23:00 GMT -5
Wonder Woman #230April 1977 (January 24, 1977) $.30 This is the only issue of Wonder Woman that I bought prior to the Trina Robbins mini-series in the mid-1980s.
I had read a few reprints of Wonder Woman here and there, including the origin of the Cheetah in one of those over-sized treasury comics. It took me a while to learn to like Wonder Woman but I always loved the Cheetah.
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Post by Cei-U! on May 14, 2015 7:38:25 GMT -5
Secret Society of Super-Villains #7May-June 1977 (January 31, 1977) $.30  Cover Art: Rich Buckler (Penciller), Joe Rubinstein (Inker), signed “Luthor's League of Super-Villains” 17 pages Jack C. Harris (Editor), Bob Rozakis (Writer), Rich Buckler (Penciller), Bob Layton (Inker), no lettering or coloring credits FC: Copperhead, Felix Faust, Funky Flashman, Lex Luthor, The Matter Master, The Wizard, teamed as the Secret Society of Super-Villains GS: Batman, Hawkgirl, Hawkman, teamed as the Justice League of America GS: Captain Comet SC: Gregory Reed SynopsisLex Luthor, the mystery man who freed Copperhead from jail, announces his intention to take over the Secret Society. Funky Flashman gives in to Luthor on the spot, outraging the Wizard. He attacks the newcomer but is forced to back down on realizing his magical powers are inexplicably weakened. Luthor recruits two new members, Felix Faust and the Matter Master, sending them and the Wizard to Sapporo, Japan, where a new Superman movie is being filmed. Their assignment: kill the Man of Steel with their sorcery. The trio of magicians attack, unaware “Superman” is actually actor Gregory Reed. Captain Comet and Hawkgirl, with Reed's assistance, defeat the baddies. A disgusted Luthor walks out on the team… and right into the waiting arms of the San Francisco police, tipped to his presence in town by Funky. The Bad GuysThis is the first mention of the running sub-plot concerning the Wizard's diminishing powers. Although no reason is ever given for this power drain, it parallels events of Justice League of America #107-08 — in which Doctor Fate finds his magic does not work properly on Earth-X — enough to suggest that something similar is at work.
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Post by Cei-U! on May 15, 2015 7:43:10 GMT -5
Freedom Fighters #8May-June 1977 (February 14, 1977) $.30  Cover Art: Rich Buckler (Penciller), Jack Abel (Inker), signed “D-Day at Niagara!” 17 pages Jack C. Harris (Editor), Bob Rozakis (Writer), Dick Ayers (Penciller), Jack Abel (Inker), no lettering or coloring credits FC: The Black Condor, Doll Man, The Human Bomb, Phantom Lady, The Ray, Uncle Sam, teamed as the Freedom Fighters SC: David Pearson, Martha Roberts, Superman [of Earth-One] (as Clark Kent, on TV broadcast only) Villains: The Silver Ghost (as The Americommando), Barracuda, Fireball, Rusty, Sparky, teamed as the Crusaders Villain: Homilus (behind the scenes only) Intro: Assistant District Attorney Michael Tulane SynopsisHigh above Niagara Falls, Uncle Sam's efforts to calm the crazed Black Condor are rewarded with a plunge to certain death. The pursuing Ray evaporates the falls long enough for the super-strong Sam to land safely. Back in Manhattan, a disbelieving DA Pearson has trouble accepting the Crusaders at face value. Though the FF's disruption of Niagara is causing statewide blackouts, the DA remains reluctant to give the quintet of comic book heroes come to life the word… until his own office goes dark. Martha Roberts uses the blackout to her advantage, sneaking off to join the Freedom Fighters despite her editor's orders to the contrary. The fugitive FF — including a recovered Condor — try to make up for their error by having Ray light the city of Buffalo until power can be restored. Any goodwill this might have generated is lost when the Crusaders attack. Freedom Fighters and Crusaders alike fall in battle until only the Americommando remains standing. Laughing triumphantly, the star-spangled ratfink strips off his mask to stand revealed as “the ‘deceased’ Silver Ghost!” CosmologyBoth the Human Bomb and David Pearson recognize the Crusaders as characters from World War II-era comic books. The Crusaders comics, then, must have been published both on Earth-One and Earth-X (and possibly Earth-Two as well). Fashion WatchThe crown of Uncle Sam's top hat is sliced off by the Americommando's shield in this story.
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