|
|
Post by Cei-U! on May 16, 2015 7:16:58 GMT -5
Wonder Woman #231May 1977 (February 14, 1977) $.30  Cover Art: Mike Nasser (Penciller), Vince Colletta (Inker), signed “The War Has Been Cancelled!” 17 pages Dennis O’Neil (Editor), Martin Pasko (Writer), Bob Brown (Penciller), Vince Colletta (Inker), Jerry Serpe (Colorist), no lettering credit. Based on a story by Alan Brennert. FC: Wonder Woman GS: The Atom, Mister Terrific, The Sandman, Starman, Johnny Thunder, teamed with Wonder Woman as the Justice Society of America SC: Steve Trevor Intro: Osira Intro: Hefnakhti (in flashback only) Intro: Anankh (in flashback only) SynopsisIn a remote corner of Egypt in early 1942, a battle between British and German tanks ends abruptly when a poorly aimed shell rips through the wall of a nearby pyramid, releasing a strange form of energy that reduces the armored behemoths and their crews to ashes. Several months later, fresh air finally penetrates the innermost chamber of the pyramid, within which lies the mummified body of an Egyptian queen. Bursting free of her bindings, the ‘mummy’ stands revealed as a woman named Osira whose beauty is undiminished despite three thousand years of captivity. Displaying uncanny energy powers, she destroys the pyramid in a fit of pique. As the dust settles, a great stone head can be seen in the rubble, its features bearing an uncanny resemblance to… Steve Trevor! Some time later, Trevor and Diana Prince hear a great commotion outside their office. Steve runs out to investigate. Diana follows close behind after first changing into her Wonder Woman identity. The Amazon is astounded to see the Capitol dome replaced by a gigantic, glowing crystal pyramid. Under its influence, the Senate begins to talk of making peace with the Axis Nations. WW rips away the pyramid, freeing the senators from its spell. Comparing notes with Trevor, she learns that peace is breaking out all over the world: not only has Hitler ordered his forces to stand down but planes, ships, tanks and other instruments of war belonging to all sides are inexplicably disintegrating. Wonder Woman and Steve fly to Egypt searching for an answer to these mysterious events. The Amazing Amazon begins to explain that peace can’t be forced upon mankind but before she can elaborate, her invisible plane is attacked by both British and German fighters. While Steve mans the plane’s controls, Diana uses her powers to fend off the attack. Placing a captive pilot ― who claims to be the servant of Osira ― in her enchanted lariat, she forces him to lead the intrepid duo to Osira’s headquarters, a previously unknown pyramid many miles from the Great Pyramids at Giza. Attacked by Osira’s brainwashed flunkies, Steve battles valiantly, freeing Wonder Woman to confront Osira herself. Osira appears encased in a pyramidal force field impervious to the Amazon princess' hardest blows. The imperious Egyptian demands that Diana bow at her feet and worship her. Instead, WW tries everything in her power to penetrate the field. Tiring of the game, Osira imprisons Diana within another energy pyramid. With her foe a captive audience, Osira speaks of her origins. She and her mate, Hefnakhti, were space travelers from another dimension stranded on Earth-Two in prehistoric times. It was they who were responsible for the remarkable achievements of the ancient Egyptians over whom they benevolently reigned for thousands of years until a priest named Anankh fomented rebellion against their suffocatingly paternalistic rule. Despite their great energy powers, Osira and Hefnakhti were captured and mummified alive. Osira’s tale is interrupted by her servants delivering a furiously struggling Steve Trevor. Wonder Woman tells the alien that she must be mad if she thinks she can rule mankind without contending with the Justice Society. Drawing back a curtain, Osira reveals five JSAers held immobile in her energy pyramids and claims that the remainder of the team is being held in similar fashion on the moon. As Diana watches helplessly, Osira announces her intention to take Steve as her mate, to rule the planet at her side forevermore. CosmologyAccording to her account, Osira and Hefnakhti are originally from the Earth-S universe and belong to the same alien race as the villain Aten introduced in Isis #5 (June-July 1977). ContinuityThe story in this issue and the next is said to take place sometime during 1943. Where it fits in continuity relative to the events of Wonder Woman #228-29 is unclear. It is impossible to say where in the JSA's Golden Age continuity this story falls. The Sandman is wearing his original costume which places it before All-Star Comics #10 (April-May 1942) yet Mister Terrific, who was not associated with the team until #24 (Spring 1945), is shown as a member. Since the circumstances leading to Mr. T's membership were not revealed during the Golden Age, it is possible that he could have joined in or before 1943. It is also possible that Sandman may have donned his old costume for an unspecified reason for this one case. Osira’s story as related in this issue and the next clearly violates what is known of Earth-Two Egyptian history. For example, she claims that she and Hefnakhti built the Great Pyramids yet when Batman of Earth-One, Hourman and Starman travel through time to that era in Justice League of America #101, the monuments are being erected precisely as the history books describe with no evidence of alien technology. Moreover, Vandal Savage is known to have sat on the Egyptian throne (as Khufu/Cheops) during the same period. Osira also claims that she and her mate founded the Egyptian religion yet the deities Anubis and Amon-Ra are real, as seen in the Pasko-scripted “Doctor Fate” story in 1st Issue Special #9. Since Osira’s pyramids are located well away from the main centers of Egyptian civilization, it is possible that she ruled a single city rather than the entire nation and is exaggerating her influence on Egyptian affairs to impress Wonder Woman. Or maybe, as Diana says, she’s simply crazy. The Good GuysSteve Trevor is said to be flying Wonder Woman’s invisible robot plane for the first time in this story. According to Golden Age continuity, he had done so many times by 1943. Fashion WatchThis is the first appearance of the Atom wearing his original costume in Earth-Two continuity. This was the outfit the character was wearing in 1943. The lapels of his tunic are miscolored yellow instead of red in one panel. Mister Terrific wears a wider belt, one with a yellow instead of white buckle, than he customarily wore with his Golden Age outfit in this issue. Also, the red border surrounding the yellow field on which the hero's slogan, “Fair Play,” is written is omitted. The entire belt is colored yellow and the slogan is missing from his tunic on the cover. Starman's costume is miscolored in this issue, including the cover. His trunks are colored red and his boots yellow. Both should be green. Wonder Woman is depicted with curly hair in this issue, the only time during the Earth-Two version's series that she is given her Golden Age hairstyle. Points to PonderOsira’s claim to have captured the rest of the Justice Society is somewhat specious, since the active membership in 1943 included Doctor Fate and the Spectre. That she could defeat them so easily (not to mention honorary members Superman, Green Lantern and the Flash) in so short a span of time and without the use of magic is hard to believe.[/b]
|
|
|
|
Post by JKCarrier on May 16, 2015 12:23:26 GMT -5
Wonder Woman #231May 1977 (February 14, 1977) $.30 It is impossible to say where in the JSA's Golden Age continuity this story falls. The Sandman is wearing his original costume which places it before All-Star Comics #10 (April-May 1942) yet Mister Terrific, who was not associated with the team until #24 (Spring 1945), is shown as a member. Since the circumstances leading to Mr. T's membership were not revealed during the Golden Age, it is possible that he could have joined in or before 1943. It is also possible that Sandman may have donned his old costume for an unspecified reason for this one case. Points to PonderOsira’s claim to have captured the rest of the Justice Society is somewhat specious, since the active membership in 1943 included Doctor Fate and the Spectre. That she could defeat them so easily (not to mention honorary members Superman, Green Lantern and the Flash) in so short a span of time and without the use of magic is hard to believe. I suppose if All-Star Squadron had lasted long enough, Roy would have eventually done a story reconciling all these points (much like that Invaders Annual that filled in the gaps of Avengers #71). That would've been fun. Even at the time, I realized Sandman was wearing the "wrong" costume, but I didn't care, because the gasmask outfit is so much cooler. I suspect the writer and editor felt the same. |
|
zilch
Full Member
Posts: 244 
|
Post by zilch on May 16, 2015 22:43:32 GMT -5
Wonder Woman #231It is impossible to say where in the JSA's Golden Age continuity this story falls. The Sandman is wearing his original costume which places it before All-Star Comics #10 (April-May 1942) yet Mister Terrific, who was not associated with the team until #24 (Spring 1945), is shown as a member. Since the circumstances leading to Mr. T's membership were not revealed during the Golden Age, it is possible that he could have joined in or before 1943. It is also possible that Sandman may have donned his old costume for an unspecified reason for this one case. [/b][/quote] My best guess on where this falls in JSA chronology is between All-Star Comics #16 and #17. Sandman's schizophrenic costuming, mostly the fault of artistic error, can be chalked up to this bit of twisted internal logic... Wes was very uncomfortable in fighting crime with all the gaudy dressed heroes, and only used the purple and gold outfit when teaming with Sandy or with the JSA. When he was by himself, he dressed as shown in Sandman Mystery Theatre. The times when he was shown in the business suit with the JSA after late '41 either he had no chance to change into the other costume or was called away/summoned (possibly mystically) before he could make the change. And i, for one, would love to see the story where Mr. T and Wildcat joined the JSA proper. I have a fan fiction story in the back of my head about that. Keep up the good work, my lighting bolt butted friend! |
|
|
|
Post by Cei-U! on May 17, 2015 8:00:58 GMT -5
All-Star Comics #66May-June 1977 (February 21, 1977) $.30  Cover Art: Rich Buckler (Peciller), Jack Abel (Inker), signed “Injustice Strikes Twice!” 17 pages Joe Orlando (Editor), Paul Levitz (Writer), Joe Staton (Penciller), Bob Layton (Inker), Liz Berube (Colorist), no lettering credits FC: Doctor Fate, The Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkman, Hourman, Power Girl, Robin, The Star-Spangled Kid, Superman, Wildcat, teamed as the Justice Society of America SC: Batman (as Commissioner Bruce Wayne), Inza Nelson Villains: Brainwave (called Brain Wave again as of this story), The Icicle, The Thinker, The Wizard, teamed as the Injustice Society of the World Villain: The Psycho Pirate SynopsisReturning from their mission to the Sixth Century, the Justice Society bid farewell to the departing Superman before entering their headquarters. Inside, they discover Wildcat and Hourman missing and four members of the Injustice Society in possession of the building. A brief skirmish ensues before the villains escape, first taunting the JSA that their captured teammates can be found at “the land of frozen gold and the isle of the ever-burning flame.” Using their computer, the heroes decipher the clues as referring to Prudhoe Bay in Alaska and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. The team splits up and heads to the rescue. Meanwhile in Salem, Kent and Inza Nelson quarrel over his decision to return to action as Doctor Fate. “Portents of great evil” lead Fate to join Hawkman and Flash on their mission to the Arabian Peninsula. They quickly defeat the Icicle and the Thinker then rush the injured Hourman to Capetown, South Africa, where they hope U.S. Ambassador Richard Grayson (a.k.a. Robin) can arrange medical treatment for the super-hero while protecting his secret identity. When Fate sug¬gests the team requires some “clear thinking,” Robin cryptically answers that he knows where to find it. At the same time in America, a distraught and bankrupt Green Lantern destroys the empty Gotham Broadcasting studios under the influence of The Psycho Pirate. On the other side of town, Police Commissioner Bruce Wayne — brooding over reports of the Emerald Crusader's rampage — receives a telegram from Dick Grayson. In Alaska, Power Girl and the Star-Spangled Kid make short work of Brain Wave and the Wizard. After freeing Wildcat, the young heroes notice that the oil running through the Transalaskan pipeline is being diverted down a seemingly bottomless pit. Noting that both battles took place at oil-related locales, Power Girl suggests that revenge on the JSA may not have been the Injustice Society's primary goal and vows to solve the mystery “even if it takes us to the center of the earth.” Behind the ScenesBeginning with this issue, the “All-Star Super Squad” title is dropped from both covers and title pages, replaced by a “Justice Society of America” logo. CosmologyThe South Africa of Earth-Two is ruled by its black population nearly twenty years before apartheid ended in its real world counterpart. Meeting MinutesAlthough Superman claims to resign his JSA membership in this issue, his appearance in later issues of All-Star Comics suggests he simply removed himself from the active duty roster. The JSA brownstone shows no sign of the damage caused by Vulcan in All-Star Comics #60. Assuming the members have been too busy to do the repairs themselves, the team must've paid serious money to have all that repair work done in a matter of a couple of days. The entrances to JSA headquarters are said to be “self-sealing” in this issue. Exactly how this process works is not clear and it is never mentioned again in Earth-Two continuity. The Good GuysBatman (as Bruce Wayne) has become Police Commissioner of Gotham City since his last Golden Age appearance with the JSA, though it is not clear how long he has held the office. Robin (as Dick Grayson) has been appointed American Ambassador to South Africa since the events of All-Star Comics #59, probably after his appearance in Justice League of America #135-37 though this cannot be confirmed. Wildcat begins slurring his speech (using “dis” for “this,” and so on) in this story. Superman mentions that the Shining Knight chose to remain in the Sixth Century rather than return to our time in between this issue and the last. The Bad GuysAccording to a footnote in this issue, the Wizard appears here before his involvement with the Earth-One based Secret Society of Super-Villains beginning in Secret Society of Super-Villains #1. Fashion WatchBruce Wayne of Earth-Two has gone gray at the temples since his last appearance out of costume in the “Batman and Sgt. Rock” story in The Brave and the Bold #84. Doctor Fate's costume is missing its epaulets in a number of panels in this story. The Flash begins wearing buccaneer-style winged boots in this issue. The trim on Hourman's boots is colored yellow instead of red throughout this issue.
|
|
|
|
Post by JKCarrier on May 17, 2015 11:20:03 GMT -5
Sandman's schizophrenic costuming, mostly the fault of artistic error, can be chalked up to this bit of twisted internal logic... Wes was very uncomfortable in fighting crime with all the gaudy dressed heroes, and only used the purple and gold outfit when teaming with Sandy or with the JSA. When he was by himself, he dressed as shown in Sandman Mystery Theatre. "Uncomfortable" in more ways than one -- if we go by how he looks in Sandman Mystery Theater, poor Wes probably had to wear a girdle to achieve those Simon & Kirby proportions!  |
|
|
|
Post by Cei-U! on May 17, 2015 11:30:31 GMT -5
Much as I like SMT (I have the whole run), I don't think of its Wes Dodds as the "real" Sandman.
Cei-U!
I summon the post-Crisis revisionism!
|
|
|
|
Post by Cei-U! on May 18, 2015 7:32:04 GMT -5
World’s Finest Comics #245June-July 1977 (March 14, 1977) $1.00  Cover Art: Neal Adams, signed “Hell On Skis” 15 pages Denny O’Neil (Editor), Gerry Conway (Writer), James Sherman (Penciller), Bob Wiacek (Inker), Liz Berube (Colorist), no lettering credit FC: Wonder Woman SC: General J. Blankenship, Major Steve Trevor Intro: The Iron Claw (true name unknown; dies in this story) SynopsisLost somewhere over the German Alps, a lone Luftwaffe pilot comes under attack from Wonder Woman, who is searching for Steve Trevor. The intelligence officer was shot down in the vicinity two days before and the raging Amazon is determined to rescue the man she loves. She frightens the airman into revealing that Trevor is being held in Schloss Falke, “the castle of the falcon.” Earlier in the day, General Blankenship informed Yeoman Diana Prince of Trevor's loss. The well-intentioned officer assigned one Yeoman Smith to comfort the (presumably) distraught Diana Prince. She promptly ensnared Smith in her lasso and commanded her to cover for her while she slipped away as Wonder Woman. Allowing herself to be taken prisoner in order to infiltrate the castle, WW learns the schloss is actually the “headquarters of the high command of Hitler's SS.” It’s commandant, a costumed Nazi calling himself the Iron Claw ― the name derived from the sophisticated metallic prosthetic he wears in place of his right hand ― orders the Amazing Amazon slain. As if! Wonder Woman makes hash out of the Claw's troops until the villain snags her magic lasso and captures her. Iron Claw orders Diana and Steve stood before a firing squad. In his overconfidence, he loosens his grip on the lasso. Free once more, Wonder Woman clobbers the Nazi soldiers then turns her attention to the Claw. During their struggle, Iron Claw is thrown against a generator. Contact between the generator and his metal hand electrocutes the Claw and triggers a series of explosions that destroys Schloss Falke. ContinuityThis story is said to take place in the spring of 1942, which places it either just after or nine months before the events related in Wonder Woman #230 (see the first Continuity note for that issue for more details). This is confirmed by the fact that Blankenship's unit has not yet moved into the Pentagon, construction of which would not be completed until the next year. The Bad GuysThe Iron Claw claims to be Heinrich Himmler's personal bodyguard.
|
|
|
|
Post by Cei-U! on May 19, 2015 7:14:14 GMT -5
Wonder Woman #232 June 1977 (March 28, 1977) $.35  Cover Art: Mike Nasser (Penciller), Vince Colletta (Inker), signed “A Duel of Gods” 17 pages Dennis O’Neil (Editor), Martin Pasko (Writer), Mike Nasser (Penciller), Vince Colletta (Inker), Liz Berube (Colorist), no lettering credit. Based on a story by Alan Brennert. FC: Wonder Woman GS: The Atom, Mister Terrific, The Sandman, Starman, Johnny Thunder and The Thunderbolt, teamed with Wonder Woman as the Justice Society of America SC: Hefnakhti, Major Steve Trevor Villain: Osira SynopsisThough imprisoned in Osira's energy pyramid and tossed into a cell, Wonder Woman is not as helpless as her captor would believe. She escapes both pyramid and cell in a matter of minutes. Meanwhile in the throne room, the beautiful alien queen elaborates on her origin for a mesmerized Steve Trevor. As Diana listens from the shadows, Osira reveals that Steve ― a dead ringer for her deceased mate Hefnakhti ― is to be her consort, his body possessed by the long-dead king’s spirit. Wonder Woman springs into action. So furious is her assault that she begins to break through Osira's force field. In response, Osira frees the captured Justice Society, now in thrall to the ancient tyrant. In desperation, Wonder Woman collapses the pyramid on top of her teammates and escapes with Steve. Unable to summon her robot plane, she tosses her “infinitely elastic” lasso around the neck of the Sphinx many miles away. She orders the magic rope to contract. WW and Trevor, drawn through the air, span the distance in seconds. But she has only delayed the inevitable: a moment later, the JSAers attack. Wonder Woman struggles to defeat her hypnotized friends without hurting them. Mr. Terrific, the Atom and the Sandman fall in quick succession but Starman proves more problematic. So intense is their battle that it results in the destruction of the Sphinx. The Thunderbolt, unaffected by Osira's spell, deliberately misinterprets Johnny Thunder’s commands and knocks Starman out of the fight. Once JT is immobilized by the Amazing Amazon's lariat, there is no one left to distract her from stopping Osira. WW tries to reason with her foe, arguing that “you've achieved ‘peace’ through universal brainwashing… …and that's a worse kind of tyranny than Hitler's!,” all while stealthily using Starman's gravity rod to drain Osira's cosmic energy. It is then that Hefnakhti, still possessing Steve Trevor, steps forward. He bids Osira give up her mad plan for peace and join him in the spiritual realm. A moment later, her body disintegrates in a burst of light, freeing her soul to find at last the peace she could not achieve in life. As the JSA, their minds free once more, depart to “see if our colleagues escaped their moon-trap” (and Starman to rebuild the Sphinx), Wonder Woman and Steve fly back to the States. The Bad GuysOsira reveals that she came to Earth-Two in approximately 7000 BC. Fashion WatchThe Atom's costume is drawn without its lapels in one panel of this issue. Mister Terrific wears a costume that combines the cowl, tunic and leggings of his Golden Age outfit with the boots he wore in Justice League of America #101-102 and the wide belt and emblem first seen in the previous issue. His leggings and boots are miscolored yellow in several panels, though not always at the same time. The “Fair Play” slogan is again omitted in several panels. Starman's cowl is miscolored yellow in several panels of this issue. Mister Terrific leaps at Wonder Woman and is hurled aside in one two-panel sequence of this story but though the dialogue makes it clear it is Terrific speaking in both panels, the art depicts Starman in the second. Points to PonderIn making her case against Osira's machinations, Wonder Woman invokes an image of nuclear holocaust almost two years before the detonation of the first atomic bomb. The five JSAers held in Osira's pyramids have switched positions since the previous issue: where the Sandman was on the far left, he is now on the far right and so on down the line.
|
|
|
|
Post by foxley on May 19, 2015 16:28:30 GMT -5
Obviously written before Roy Thomas established that the Spear of Destiny would place any superpowered individual who entered Axis-held territory would come under Hitler's control.
I always liked that plot device as it explained why Superman had not ended the war in 30 seconds flat.
|
|
|
|
Post by Cei-U! on May 20, 2015 7:59:21 GMT -5
Secret Society of Super-Villains #8July-August 1977 (April 4, 1977) $.35  Cover Art: Rich Buckler (Penciller), Jack Abel (Inker), signed “Let the Villain Fit the Crime” 17 pages Jack C. Harris (Editor), Gerry Conway (Writer), Rich Buckler (Penciller), Bob Layton (Inker), no lettering credit, Jerry Serpe (Colorist) FC: Copperhead, Funky Flashman, Grodd, Star Sapphire, The Trickster, The Wizard, teamed as the Secret Society of Super-Villains GS: Captain Comet, Kid Flash Intro: Andrew Mell Cameos: Batman, Robin, Superman [all of Earth-One], all in flashback to World's Finest Comics #103 (August 1959) Cameos: Atkins and Bork, in flashback to World's Finest #103 only SynopsisCaptain Comet, acting on a tip from Lex Luthor, angrily invades the Loman Building, only to find the place deserted. Funky Flashman has relocated the Sinister Citadel. The villains — including the Trickster, their new recruit — watch from afar courtesy of hidden cameras. Clashing with Copperhead over Flashman's assumption of leadership, a disgusted Wizard storms out. In Blue Valley, Wally (Kid Flash) West learns of the fall to Earth of the “Sorcererr's Treasures,” a quartet of mystic artifacts. One of the objects, a crystal prism, is rumored to be in the hands of shady local businessman Andrew Mell. Investigating, Kid Flash is felled by the prism's power. Mell's victory is fleeting: the Secret Society confiscates the crystal. Back at headquarters, Flashman confesses he doesn't know who hired them, only that his money is good. Trickster tries to steal the prism and is sent packing. Next morning, the Society goes after a second treasure, a “power glove.” Captain Comet and Kid Flash oppose them. The heroes defeat Grodd and Copperhead but Star Sapphire escapes with the glove. ContinuityCaptain Comet mentions that he has been hunting the Secret Society membership for “weeks.” Since this issue's story clearly continues events begun in #6, this supports the speculation offered in that issue's Continuity note that a break exists in the series' chronology between #5 and 6. Meeting MinutesFunky Flashman announces that the Secret Society is now in the villain-for-hire business, going so far as to print up business cards bearing the slogan “Let the villain fit the crime!” This is the first appearance of the new Sinister Citadel, located in the top five floors of the 25-story Cortney Building. The set-up is similar to their Loman Building headquarters but less spread-out and more secure. 
|
|
|
|
Post by paulie on May 20, 2015 10:50:15 GMT -5
World’s Finest Comics #245June-July 1977 (March 14, 1977) $1.00 Cover Art: Neal Adams, signed “Hell On Skis” 15 pages Denny O’Neil (Editor), Gerry Conway (Writer), James Sherman (Penciller), Bob Wiacek (Inker), Liz Berube (Colorist), no lettering credit FC: Wonder Woman SC: General J. Blankenship, Major Steve Trevor Intro: The Iron Claw (true name unknown; dies in this story) SynopsisLost somewhere over the German Alps, a lone Luftwaffe pilot comes under attack from Wonder Woman, who is searching for Steve Trevor. The intelligence officer was shot down in the vicinity two days before and the raging Amazon is determined to rescue the man she loves. She frightens the airman into revealing that Trevor is being held in Schloss Falke, “the castle of the falcon.” Earlier in the day, General Blankenship informed Yeoman Diana Prince of Trevor's loss. The well-intentioned officer assigned one Yeoman Smith to comfort the (presumably) distraught Diana Prince. She promptly ensnared Smith in her lasso and commanded her to cover for her while she slipped away as Wonder Woman. Allowing herself to be taken prisoner in order to infiltrate the castle, WW learns the schloss is actually the “headquarters of the high command of Hitler's SS.” It’s commandant, a costumed Nazi calling himself the Iron Claw ― the name derived from the sophisticated metallic prosthetic he wears in place of his right hand ― orders the Amazing Amazon slain. As if! Wonder Woman makes hash out of the Claw's troops until the villain snags her magic lasso and captures her. Iron Claw orders Diana and Steve stood before a firing squad. In his overconfidence, he loosens his grip on the lasso. Free once more, Wonder Woman clobbers the Nazi soldiers then turns her attention to the Claw. During their struggle, Iron Claw is thrown against a generator. Contact between the generator and his metal hand electrocutes the Claw and triggers a series of explosions that destroys Schloss Falke. ContinuityThis story is said to take place in the spring of 1942, which places it either just after or nine months before the events related in Wonder Woman #230 (see the first Continuity note for that issue for more details). This is confirmed by the fact that Blankenship's unit has not yet moved into the Pentagon, construction of which would not be completed until the next year. The Bad GuysThe Iron Claw claims to be Heinrich Himmler's personal bodyguard. I thought the Golden Age Wonder Woman stories were the best part about the reboot of World's Finest as a Dollar Comic. Too bad it didn't last... |
|
|
|
Post by Cei-U! on May 21, 2015 9:07:49 GMT -5
Freedom Fighters #9July-August 1977 (April 11, 1977) $.35  Cover Art: Rich Buckler (Penciller) and Jack Abel (Inker), signed “Blitzkreig at Buffalo!” 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 (dies in this story), Martha Roberts, Michael Tulane Villains: The Silver Ghost (as The Americommando), The Barracuda, Fireball, Rusty, Sparky, teamed as the Crusaders SynopsisLeaving the unconscious Freedom Fighters tied up in the Niagara power station — where they will be electrocuted when the power comes back on — the Silver Ghost resumes his Americommando pose. He sends the other Crusaders on a wild goose chase, leaving him free to deal with Martha Roberts, who knows his true identity. The FF escape, catch up to the Crusaders (who turn out to be comic book fans transformed by “Americommando” into their four-color idols), rescue Martha and learn the Ghost's secret. While Ray pursues the fleeing villain, Doll Man returns to Manhattan to confront David Pearson. The district attorney is shot to death before the hero's eyes. Caught with the still-smoking automatic in his hand, Doll Man stands accused of the murder. Behind the ScenesRoy, Lennie, Marvin and Arch, the four fans transformed by the Silver Ghost into the Crusaders, are charicatures of former Marvel Comics editor-in-chiefs Roy Thomas, Len Wein and Marv Wolfman and then-EIC Archie Goodwin. The Good GuysDoll Man notes in this issue that he “lost a Martha Roberts once because fighting was more important,” the first indication that he blames himself for the Earth-X Martha's death. Points to PonderThe Doll Man murder trial story arc running through Freedom Fighters #9-12 contains a staggering amount of errors regarding the American legal system, so many that the events lack all sense of verisimilitude. This guide will examine them as they occur within the individual issues. Why is Doll Man, a wanted fugitive, allowed to walk into City Hall (in full costume, no less) to confront the district attorney? And how is he supposed to have carried in the murder weapon? He could not have brought it with him if he entered at his 6” size because his power only allows him to shrink himself. His costume has no holster or pockets it could have been concealed in so he would have had to carry it in his hand if he entered at full size.
|
|
|
|
Post by Cei-U! on May 22, 2015 7:12:29 GMT -5
All-Star Comics #67July-August 1977 (April 25, 1977) $.35  Cover Art: Al Milgrom (Penciller) and Jack Abel (Inker), signed “The Attack of the Underlord!” 17 pages Joe Orlando (Editor), Paul Levitz (Writer), Joe Staton (Penciller), Bob Layton (Inker), Liz Berube (Colorist), no lettering credits. FC: Doctor Fate, The Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkman, Hourman, Power Girl, Robin, The Star-Spangled Kid, Wildcat, teamed as the Justice Society of America SC: Batman (as Commissioner Bruce Wayne) Intro: Ayrn the Underlord Intro: Middle Earthers SynopsisAt Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, three JSA members — Power Girl, Wildcat and the Star-Spangled Kid — are attacked by inhuman warriors. Determined to find out the connection between these creatures and the Injustice Society, Power Girl allows herself and the others to be captured but not before activating her emergency signal device. Meanwhile, Gotham City Police Commissioner Bruce Wayne inspects the damage done to the Gotham Broadcasting studios by the rampaging Green Lantern. Power Girl's signal reaches her teammates in South Africa. Robin, already suspicious of the others, grows more so when Hawkman, the Flash and Doctor Fate race off in answer to the alert without answering the former Boy Wonder's questions. The captured JSAers break free easily and confront Ayrn the Underlord, ruler of the subterranean king¬dom of “Middle Earth.” Subduing the escaped trio, Ayrn boasts of his alliance with the Injustice Society, an alliance in which the villains promise to “end the surface dwellers' rape” of Middle Earth in exchange for the deaths of their super-heroic enemies. Aboveground, Fate senses a “greater danger” than that of the subterraneans and leaves Flash and Hawkman to soldier on alone. Flying to Gotham, Fate confronts Commissioner Wayne, the source of the danger he sensed. Unmoved by the Mystic Mage's cryptic reassurances, Wayne orders the arrest of all Justice Society members. Flash and Hawkman, now prisoners themselves of Ayrn's forces, are furious when they learn Power Girl deliber-ately got herself and the others captured. Stung by their criticism, the young Kryptonian smashes free of their cell and defeats the Underlord in hand to hand combat while her teammates deal with his army. Afterward, Power Girl concedes that the others might know more than she credits them with and Hawkman vows that “nothing will ever pull the Justice Society apart again.” ContinuityRobin notes that the JSA have not been heard from “for weeks” prior to the beginning of the current story arc. Given the timing of events as depicted in All-Star Comics #60 through this issue (and beyond) — the battles with Vulcan, Zanadu, Vandal Savage and the Injustice Society, all of which happen in the space of no more than a few days — the only possible such break in continuity falls between All-Star Comics #59 and 60, during which the events of Justice League of America #135-137 (in which both Batman and Robin par¬ticipate) and DC Super-Stars #17 (in which Batman plays an active role) also take place. Since in all likelihood the JSA has experienced many such spells of downtime since reorganizing in 1963, it is not clear exactly why Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson should find this particular period of inactivity so suspicious (aside from the obvious dilemma of Green Lantern's destructive behavior). The Good GuysHourman makes only a cameo appearance in this story, as he undergoes emergency surgery in a Capetown hos¬pital. Fashion WatchDoctor Fate's costume is again missing its epaulets in a number of panels in this story. Power Girl is depicted wearing her costume's belt again although she was not wearing it at the conclusion of the previous issue. The belt is colored blue instead of red.
|
|
|
|
Post by Cei-U! on May 23, 2015 7:25:33 GMT -5
Wonder Woman #233July 1977 (April 25, 1977) $.35  Cover Art: Gray Morrow, signed “Seadeath!” 17 pages Denny O’Neil (Editor), Gerry Conway (Writer), Don Heck (Penciller), Vince Colletta (Inker), Jerry Serpe (Colorist), no lettering credit. FC: Wonder Woman SC: General J. Blankenship, Major Steve Trevor Intro: Colonel Hammond Balushi (first name revealed in Wonder Woman #240) Intro: Lieutenant Ackroyd (first name unrevealed) Intro: Captain Wilhelm Strung and the crew (all unnamed) of U-Boat 211 Intro: The Leviathan, a sea monster Intro: Hyman Freidrich Intro: Armageddon (true name unknown; mention only) SynopsisCapturing a band of saboteurs late one night in an Arlington munitions factory, Wonder Woman learns that their American contact is a man known only as Armageddon, his true identity a secret even from the Nazi high command. She turns the spies over to Col. Balushi and Lt. Ackroyd, the officers in charge of a newly created intelligence unit assigned to break up Armageddon’s operations. They ask for her help, which she gladly agrees to give. Meanwhile in the mid-Atlantic, a trio of berserk whales attacks the merchant ship Newport. The gargantuan beasts crush the vessel beneath their bulk. The few survivors are machine-gunned on the orders of Captain Strung, commander of the German submarine U-211. One sailor survives and gets word of the atrocity back to America. The next day, Wonder Woman is investigating the sailor’s story when her invisible plane is knocked from the sky by a school of flying fish. Knocked unconscious in the crash, the Amazon beauty awakes to find herself bound in her magic lasso, a prisoner of Captain Strung. He orders her fired out a torpedo tube, not realizing she will both survive and break free. Forced to surface when WW tears off the U-211's periscope, Strang and his men teeter on the brink of defeat until the Leviathan, a monstrous sea creature more than three times the sub's size, surfaces and snatches Wonder Woman up in its jaws. Elsewhere at that moment, Steve Trevor allows himself to be captured by another spy band working for Armageddon. As Captain Strang taunts and torments a Jewish civilian named Freidrich who is somehow responsible for the strange behavior of the sea creatures, Wonder Woman struggles for her very life in the ocean’s depths. Behind the ScenesColonel Balushi and Lieutenant Ackroyd are named for comedians John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, stars of the Saturday Night Live television series at the time this issue was published. ContinuityNo information is provided in this story to place its events in continuity. It is not until Wonder Woman #239, the seventh episode of the story arc that begins in this issue, that the setting is identified as June 1942. The Good GuysAlthough Lt. Ackroyd may appear in later Bronze Age “Wonder Woman” stories, this is the only time the character is referred to by name.
|
|
|
|
Post by JKCarrier on May 23, 2015 10:37:17 GMT -5
Wonder Woman #233July 1977 (April 25, 1977) $.35 Cover Art: Gray Morrow, signed This era of Wonder Woman had some terrific covers...which made it all the more disappointing that the interior art was usually so bland. |
|
