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Post by chadwilliam on Sept 14, 2014 21:07:27 GMT -5
I have always thought that Mr Terrific was a character idea that had tremendous potential, but which was never realised. In particular, the origin story fascinates me. The character was planning to commit suicide because he had no more worlds to conquer. This is not idle speculation on the hero's part: he was standing on the bridge preparing to jump. That is some pretty dark stuff for a Golden Age hero, and lays the groundwork for some potentially intriguing characterisation. But, as far as I know no writer ever decided to do anything with this self=destructive personality, and instead we were left some of the blandest, most generic superhero stories ever. I agree with this 100%. A lot of superheroes were presented as the ultimate polymath - the guy who was able to recall everything he needed to precisely using the most innocuous of triggers, but only with Mr Terrific in his debut appearance was it acknowledged that a character without the need to ever better himself, learn anything further, lacking the ability to be surprised or impressed with anything the world had to offer, would be a pretty miserable individual indeed. Perhaps the purest case of a character's powers also being his curse. "Show me a hero and I'll write you a tragedy" - that sentiment runs through Terry Sloane's origin. I think I've only ever read one other Mr Terrific tale from the golden age so I'm disappointed to hear that things went downhill fast for this guy. Another element I really enjoyed in Mr Terrific's Sensation Comics 1 tale was his MO of challenging his enemies in whatever field he could think of. He manages to beat the bad guy senseless, but rather than impress the kids he's trying to lead away from a life of crime, only invites them to ask "so you've got muscles, so what? He's got brains". At that moment, Sloane whips out a chalk board and challenges his foe to doing long division. Whatever else one might think of Mr Terrific based on his later appearances, it's clear that he started off as someone unique even in the burgeoning field of superhero comics. |
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Post by chadwilliam on Sept 14, 2014 21:13:15 GMT -5
And let me add my voice to the chorus of voices praising your efforts Cei-U! While clearly a labour of love for you, it's obvious that you've worked hard on every detail you've committed to these pages. I'm thoroughly enjoying every word of a thread which has reignited my passion for so much of what I love about classic comics. Thank you!
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Post by Cei-U! on Sept 14, 2014 21:21:32 GMT -5
An excellent,informative thread. Count me in for reading all your updates. Kurt and I disagree as to when the transitions from Earths 2 to Earth 1 took place, or even the notion there was an in-between iteration of Superman and Batman. I particularly can't buy into the notion of a clean transition for Supes and Bats, that everything after a certain issue was the Earth 1 version. But getting past that I'm going to really enjoy these recaps. These are the stories I grew up on, at least just a few more months from where you are now. Its going to be a great ride You're absolutely right, Ish, that there is no obvious transition between the Earth-One and -Two versions of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and others. The transition points cited above were arrived at by working backwards from the Earth-Two canon but they are ultimately arbitrary and certainly up for debate. Cei-U! I summon the vagueries of continuity! |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 14, 2014 21:21:46 GMT -5
Awesome thread!
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Post by Cei-U! on Sept 15, 2014 7:38:03 GMT -5
The Flash #137
June 1963 (April 18, 1963) $.12
Cover Art: Carmine Infantino (Penciller), Murphy Anderson (Inker)
“Vengeance of the Immortal Villain!” 25 pages
Julius Schwartz (Editor), Gardner Fox (Writer), Carmine Infantino (Penciller), Joe Giella (Inker), no lettering or coloring credits
FC: The Flash [of Earth-One]
GS: The Atom, Dr. Mid-Nite, The Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkman, Wonder Woman, teamed with Johnny Thunder as the Justice Society of America
SC: Joan Garrick, Iris West
Reintro: Johnny Thunder
Reintro: Vandal Savage (Vandar Agd), also appears in flashback as Cheops/Khufu, Genghis Khan, Marshall Sauvage and Prince Von Savage
Cameos: Napoleon Bonaparte, Otto Von Bismarck, both in flashback
Synopsis
Strange lights appear over six cities on Earth-One, causing total blackouts. Noticing that the cities affected correspond to the hometowns of various Justice Society members on Earth-Two, Barry Allen investigates the lights' cause by traveling to that parallel world as The Flash. Conferring with the Earth-Two Flash, Barry learns that the same phenomenon has occurred there. Moreover, Jay Garrick's former teammates residing in those six cities have disappeared. When the lights appear over Keystone City, the Flash duo investigate. On the city's outskirts, Jay discovers a mechanical projector creating the lights. When he draws close to the device, he finds himself encased in a cube of solidified energy and drawn through the air to an unknown destination. Barry intercepts the cube and frees Jay. In his hidden lair beneath Kentucky's Mammoth Cave, Vandal Savage — the Cro-Magnon man made immortal in prehistory by the radiation of a meteor — is startled to learn Flash has somehow escaped his trap. Fearing Flash may free the other six JSA members Savage has imprisoned, the ageless villain decides to capture his foe personally. Momentarily taken aback by the presence of two Flashes, Savage nonetheless overpowers the heroes temporarily but is forced to flee when the speedsters escape. Trailing Savage back to Kentucky, the Flashes are compelled to fight each other by one of the villain's machines. Barry overcomes Jay and, after eluding yet another trap, defeats Savage. Freed, the Justice Society members decide to come out of retirement and reorganize.
Behind the Scenes
The terms “Earth-One” and “Earth-Two” are not used in this story. Use of these terms in the plot summary and continuity notes is for the convenience of the reader.
Cosmology
The cities out of which The Atom, Green Lantern, and Wonder Woman operate are established as Calvin City, Gotham City, and Washington D.C., respectively (thus also establishing that Gotham City exists on both Earth-One and Earth-Two). The three cities out of which Dr. Mid-Nite, Hawkman, and Johnny Thunder operate are not named.
The Flash of Earth-One again launches himself into the Earth-Two universe from the Central City Community Center, described in this story as “a focal point between these worlds.” His point of arrival is not depicted. He returns to Earth-One later from outside Vandal Savage's Kentucky hideaway but again his point of arrival is not depicted.
Meeting Minutes
The JSA roster seen here was responsible for Vandal Savage's defeat in All-Star Comics #37 (October-November 1947).
The Good Guys
The Atom, Dr. Mid-Nite, Green Lantern, and Hawkman were last seen in the “Justice Society of America” story in All-Star Comics #57 (February-March 1951).
Johnny Thunder was last seen in the JSA story in All-Star Comics #39 (February-March 1948). He should not be confused with the Western hero of the same name introduced in All-American Comics #100 (August 1948).
“Wonder Woman” stories were published continuously throughout the 1940s, '50s and '60s. Because there is little within the source material to demarcate the character's segue from her Golden Age incarnation to her Silver Age persona, it is impossible to pinpoint an exact title and issue number for the Earth-Two version's last appearance.
Barry Allen possesses a map of Earth-Two, presumably the only such document to be found on Earth-One. It is not clear how he acquired this map, but it is not difficult to assume he simply bought it during one of his brief trips there in The Flash #123 or #129.
The Bad Guys
The origin of Vandal Savage, first presented in Green Lantern Quarterly #10 (Winter 1943-44), is retold in this story.
Vandal Savage was last seen in the JSA story in All-Star #37. He notes that it has been sixteen years since the JSA sent him to prison following the events of that story, confirming that time passes at approximately the same rate on Earth-Two as in our own reality.
Although Vandal Savage claims to have been Earth-Two's Genghis Khan, appearances by the latter in Justice League of America #101 and All-Star Squadron #29 bring that claim into question, as Khan is both clearly Mongolian in those stories and clearly not Savage. It is possible, therefore, that his other claims may be equally baseless.
Vandal Savage notes that the technology he uses in this story was invented by three of his Injustice Society of the World teammates: The Brain Wave, Degaton, and The Thinker. This is the first mention of Brain Wave, Degaton, or the ISW in Earth-Two continuity.
The cubes of solidified energy Vandal Savage uses to capture the JSA are similar to those Brain Wave used in All-Star #37.
Injustice Society members The Gambler and The Wizard make a cameo appearance on the cover of Barry Allen's copy of All-Star #37 but are not mentioned in the story proper.
Fashion Watch
The Atom's costume is drawn with long sleeves.
The Atom’s boots are depicted as level at the top instead of coming to a point below the knee, as they did in his last appearance in the JSA story in All-Star #57.
The lightning bolt emblem on The Flash of Earth-Two's chest is depicted with five segments instead of the usual three on the cover of this issue.
Green Lantern's boots come to a point below the knee in this story instead of being level at the top, as seen in the flashback in The Flash #129. They are depicted with a single yellow stripe forming a chevron pattern in some panels of this story and with two horizontal stripes in others.
Green Lantern's cape is colored dark violet-blue in this issue, except for a single panel where it is colored light purple.
Hawkman wears a variant of his original hawks'-head helmet rather than the simple cloth cowl he adopted in Flash Comics #98 (August 1948) and wore through the remainder of the Golden Age.
Because Johnny Thunder wears street clothes rather than a costume, this guide will not track changes in his wardrobe.
Wonder Woman wears her original red-and-white boots last seen in Wonder Woman #39 (January-February 1950) rather than the Roman sandals she adopted in the following issue, possibly to differentiate her visually from her Earth-One counterpart.
This is the first appearance of Vandal Savage in this costume. Its special properties, which enable Savage to fly short distances, are never mentioned again.
Points to Ponder
Comic book collector Barry Allen is shown with a copy of All-Star Comics #37 which clearly depicts Wonder Woman on its cover. This creates an interesting paradox. According to the origin story published in Wonder Woman #105 (April 1959), the Earth-One Wonder Woman began her career after the end of World War II, long after her Earth-Two doppelgänger joined the Justice Society. Nonetheless, no one on Earth-One, not even Barry, seem surprised that a comic book character has come to life. Nor can the Golden Age stories printed on Earth-One be identical to those published in the real world. The Earth-One Wonder Woman's Diana Prince disguise would be useless if they were, since readers of her comic book adventures would know of her civilian identity as Barry knew of the Earth-Two Flash's.
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Post by Ish Kabbible on Sept 15, 2014 12:03:10 GMT -5
My first Flash issue that I ever read. I remember where I read this comic back in April of 1963. The concept of a parallel world fascinated me but this wasn't the first time I read about it. A Superman family comic used the parallel world concept a few months prior. Alas,I can't quite remember what issue but it was probably after Flash # 123.
Wiki gives Flash #123 credit for being the first comic to use the term "parallel universe". That term dates back to 1940s SF stories. But for some reason I think I encountered that term in an EC story in one of their SF titles. Maybe I'm mistaken
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Post by Cei-U! on Sept 16, 2014 7:27:55 GMT -5
Justice League of America #21
August 1963 (June 13, 1963) $.12
Cover Art: Mike Sekowsky (Penciller), Murphy Anderson (Inker)
“Crisis on Earth-One!” 25 pages
Julius Schwartz (Editor), Gardner Fox (Writer), Mike Sekowsky (Penciller), Bernard Sachs (Inker), no lettering or coloring credits
FC: Aquaman, The Atom, Batman, The Flash, Green Arrow, Green Lantern, The Martian Manhunter, Superman, Wonder Woman, teamed as the Justice League of America
GS: The Atom, Black Canary, The Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkman, teamed with Dr. Fate and Hourman as the Justice Society of America
Villains: Chronos, Doctor Alchemy, Felix Faust, The Fiddler, teamed with The Icicle and The Wizard as the Crime Champions
Reintro: Doctor Fate (Kent Nelson)
Reintro: Hourman (Rex Tyler)
Reintro: The Icicle (Dr. Joar Makent)
Reintro: The Wizard (Frederick P. Garth, true name revealed in Action Comics #484; also uses the alias William Azmodeus Zard)
Synopsis
The Justice League of America meets to discuss a challenge issued by a trio of old foes calling themselves The Crime Champions. At the same time, on Earth-Two, the newly-reorganized Justice Society of America is also discussing a Crime Champions challenge from three JSA adversaries: The Fiddler, The Icicle, and The Wizard. The JLA are astonished when their Crime Champions ― Felix Faust, Dr. Alchemy, and Chronos ― disappear at the instant of their impending captures. The Flash, too, vanishes. The villains rematerialize in their hideout, a “sphere of vibratory energy” poised between Earth-One and Earth-Two, with the Scarlet Speedster their captive. There they confer with their Earth-Two counterparts, who boast of eluding the JSA and capturing its Flash. Now, with the Flashes imprisoned in a specially designed energy cell, they plan to travel to each others' Earths where they can spend their stolen riches with impunity.
After a few days on Earth-One, the Earth-Two Crime Champions grow bored. They decide to pillage Casino Town and eliminate the Justice League in the process. Disguising themselves as their Earth-One teammates, the villains prepare a mystic trap for the heroes. The Justice Leaguers take the bait, and soon find themselves magically trapped in their own headquarters. In desperation, they attempt to contact The Flash using Merlin's crystal ball, given to them in Justice League of America #2 (December 1960-January 1961). The séance works. Flash explains his own predicament and suggests contacting the JSA. Merlin's magic transports the Justice Society to Earth-One. Dr. Fate suggests the JLA travel to Earth-Two to track down Faust and the others while the JSA, unaffected by The Wizard's spell, pursue their own enemies on Earth-One. Meanwhile, the two Green Lanterns attempt to locate and release the Flashes.
Cosmology
This is the first time the terms “Earth-One” and “Earth-Two” are used, either editorially or by the characters. Internal evidence suggests it is The Crime Champions who first coin the terms but this is not stated explicitly.
When The Fiddler, The Icicle, and The Wizard first escape to Earth-One from their Earth-Two prison courtesy of Fiddler's magic violin, they materialize in the Central City Community Center. All subsequent arrivals and departures, by both villains and heroes, do not seem to be location dependent.
Each of the six Crime Champions carries on his person a “molecular vibrator,” allowing him to travel freely between the Earths and access their interdimensional headquarters. It is not clear which villains are responsible for the device's design but, since it appears to be scientific rather than magical in nature, it is likely the work of Chronos, Dr. Alchemy, Icicle, or some combination of the three.
Meeting Minutes
Dr. Fate mentions receiving congratulatory telegrams from other JSA members, including Dr. Mid-Nite, The Sandman, Starman, and Wonder Woman. This is the first mention of Sandman and Starman in Earth-Two continuity.
Dr. Fate notes that the team's “revised bylaws” call for a rotating membership of seven to be “chosen by lot.”
The city in which the JSA makes its headquarters is not revealed.
The Good Guys
Black Canary was last seen in the “Justice Society of America” story in All-Star Comics #57 (February-March 1951).
Dr. Fate was last seen in his solo series in More Fun Comics #98 (July 1944).
Hourman was last seen in his solo series in Adventure Comics #83 (February 1942).
The Bad Guys
The Icicle was introduced in the “Green Lantern” story in All-American Comics #90 (October 1947), The Wizard in the JSA story in All-Star Comics #34 (April-May 1947). Both villains were last seen in the JSA story in All-Star #41 (June-July 1948).
The Wizard should not be confused with the costumed sorcerer, actually the good side of Robby Reed given corporeal form, first seen in the "Dial H for Hero" story in The New Adventures of Superboy #45 (September 1983), nor with either of the Earth-One villains of the same name: Alec Royer, the illusionist turned costumed crook introduced in Blackhawk #120 (January 1958), and Horace Kates, the criminal scientist introduced in the “Aquaman” story in Adventure Comics #267 (December 1959).
The Wizard's real name is frequently listed as either “William I. Zard” or “William A. Zard.” Though the character did use the Zard alias in his first appearance in All-Star #34 (February-March 1945), nowhere in that story is there any indication that it is his real name.
Fashion Watch
The Atom's tunic is depicted with both long and short sleeves throughout this issue and the next. When the sleeves are short, his bare arms are colored yellow. His boots are colored yellow in one panel of this story.
Black Canary's bodysuit, belt and boots are colored purple — as on the cover of Flash Comics #90 (December 1947) — instead of dark blue.
Dr. Fate wears his original costume, first seen in More Fun Comics #55 (May 1940), rather than any of the variations seen during his later appearances in that title.
The Flash's costume is depicted with both the small lightning bolt emblem and the ‘tucked in’ version throughout this issue and the next.
Green Lantern adopts a modified version of his chest emblem in this issue. Instead of the comparitively realistic rendering of his magic lantern seen throughout the Golden Age, he wears a highly stylized version similar to that worn by Earth-One's Green Lantern.
Green Lantern's cape and mask are colored light purple throughout this issue and the next.
Green Lantern wears boots with two yellow stripes forming a chevron pattern. The stripes are colored with the topmost stripe yellow instead of red in some panels. Because this was a common error seen throughout the character's Golden Age career, it will be treated as an honored tradition and further occurrences will not be noted.
Hawkman resumes wearing his cloth cowl in this issue. The yellow piping down his leggings — a costume element not used since the character's earliest Golden Age stories — appears sporadically throughout this issue and the next.
Hourman wears a version of his costume that combines elements of the original, first seen in Adventure Comics #48 (March 1940) — notably the full hood version of the cowl rather than the later, form-fitting version that left the hero's nose and ears exposed — with elements from variations seen during his later appearances in that title — the cavalry-style black boots with two horizontal red stripes rather than the original ankle boots with two horizontal ribs — as well as new variants: a cape that lacks the original's black-red-black-stripe trim along its outside, lower edge, and a narrow belt lacking the distinctive filigree of the original and with a simple circular buckle.
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Post by Cei-U! on Sept 16, 2014 7:38:32 GMT -5
Justice League of America #22
September 1963 (July 25, 1963) $.12
Cover Art: Mike Sekowsky (Penciller), Murphy Anderson (Inker)
“Crisis on Earth-Two!” 25 pages
Julius Schwartz (Editor), Gardner Fox (Writer), Mike Sekowsky (Penciller), Bernard Sachs (Inker), no lettering or coloring credits
FC: Aquaman, The Atom, Batman, The Flash, Green Arrow, Green Lantern, The Martian Manhunter, Superman, Wonder Woman, teamed as the Justice League of America
GS: The Atom, Black Canary, Dr. Fate, The Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkman, Hourman, teamed as the Justice Society of America
Villains: Chronos, Dr. Alchemy, Felix Faust, The Fiddler, The Icicle, The Wizard, teamed as the Crime Champions
Synopsis
Confident that they have disposed of the Justice League, the Crime Champions of Earth-Two run riot on Earth-One, no longer bothering to disguise themselves as their counterparts. Imagine their surprise and dismay when the Justice Society shows up and triumphs over the villains. On Earth-Two, the League likewise downs its Crime Champions. Meanwhile, in the Champions' interdimensional hideaway, the Green Lanterns try to free the Flashes from their vibratory prisons without success. Realizing they can see the Scarlet Speedsters, the Lanterns free them by temporarily converting their bodies to light. But the Crime Champions had planned for such a contingency. No sooner are the Flashes free then the rosters of both teams find themselves caged between the dimensions. The heroes escape and track the sextet of villains to Earth-Two. The Crime Champions are soundly beaten and the two super-teams vow to stay in touch.
Cosmology
The theoretical existence of an “Earth-Three” is first mentioned in this story.
The Good Guys
It is unclear if The Atom has the super-strength he exhibited late in his Golden Age career in this story, though it is reasonable to assume he does as he defeats a gorilla (albeit a stuffed one) in hand-to-hand combat.
Black Canary has a magnifying glass stored in the canary amulet of her choker.
Dr. Fate states that his powers do not allow him to undo “accomplished” magic.
Hawkman is unable to remain airborne without his wings in this story despite still wearing his belt. According to the character's Golden Age solo series, it is the belt, not the wings, that is made of the anti-gravity “ninth metal.”
Hourman mentions that he has improved Miraclo in the years since his retirement and is thus more powerful than he was in the 1940s.
Fashion Watch
The boots of The Atom, Green Lantern and Hawkman are level at the top instead of coming to a point below the knee in several panels of this story.
Black Canary's belt is missing in several panels.
Dr. Fate is colored on the cover as if he were the Atom.
Green Lantern's boots have horizontal stripes throughout this story, including the cover.
The buckle on Hourman's belt is colored white instead of red.
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Post by wildfire2099 on Sept 16, 2014 8:33:49 GMT -5
I don't have much to add, other than this thread is awesome!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 16, 2014 10:49:11 GMT -5
This two-parter was my introduction to Earth-Two. I loved that there was this bunch of established heroes, familiar yet new to me, and couldn't wait to read more about them.
And I am also loving this thread.
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fred2
Junior Member
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Post by fred2 on Sept 16, 2014 22:11:11 GMT -5
This perfect timing as lately I have taken an interest in the goldeb age. Kudos to Cei-u for the extensive research and well written documentation. Things I learned:
The second red tornado was from earth 2
The JSA had a rotating roster with wildcat, mr. terrific, red tornado, hourman hardly in the group
7 soldiers only lasted 14 issues
Batman and supermab were only in 2 jsa stories
A few other things, but each new detail is a rewarding surprise.
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Post by Ish Kabbible on Sept 17, 2014 0:39:30 GMT -5
I was 9 years old when these JLA issues came out and had been reading DC for just 1 year. Hadn't discovered Marvel yet. The JSA was of course completely unknown to me but had this air of authenticity. I was especially intrigued by Dr Fate. These were 2 of my favorite issues that summer and couldn't wait for their return
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Post by Cei-U! on Sept 17, 2014 7:56:36 GMT -5
Justice League of America #29
August 1964 (June 11, 1964) $.12
Cover Art: Mike Sekowsky (Penciller), Murphy Anderson (Inker)
“Crisis on Earth-Three!” 24 pages
Julius Schwartz (Editor), Gardner Fox (Writer), Mike Sekowsky (Penciller), Bernard Sachs (Inker), no lettering or coloring credits
FC: Batman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Superman, Wonder Woman, teamed as the Justice League of America
GS: Black Canary, Dr. Fate, Dr. Mid-Nite, Hawkman, teamed with Starman as the Justice Society of America
GS: The Flash
Reintro: Starman (Ted Knight)
Intro: The Crime Syndicate of America (true names unknown)
Intro: Johnny Quick [of Earth-Three]
Intro: Owlman
Intro: Power Ring
Intro: Superwoman [of Earth-Three]
Intro: Ultraman
Synopsis
On Earth-Three ― a parallel world much different from Earth-One and Earth-Two ― there are no super-heroes, only super-villains. Five of them calling themselves the Crime Syndicate of America have so dominated their world's law enforcement agencies that they fear they are growing soft. Ultraman, a Kryptonian who acquires new powers when exposed to kryptonite, discovers the existence of Earth-One and the Justice League. The Syndicate's leader, Owlman, proposes an invasion of Earth-One so the villains can hone their skills by dueling and destroying the JLA. The League, however, is far more powerful than the Syndicate expected. Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman and The Flash overcome their Earth-Three counterparts with little difficulty. But the CSA has a contingency plan. At the moment of their captures, each villain utters a single word, “Volthoom,” triggering a magic spell that hurls hero and villain alike back to Earth-Three. Caught off guard and dazed by the interdimensional shift, the JLA meet defeat at the Syndicate's hands.
Dissatisfied by their easy victory and suspecting some sort of “home field advantage,” the CSA propose to take the battle to neutral ground: Earth-Two. Magically compelling the League members to remain paralyzed in their own headquarters, the Syndicate plans to ambush and defeat the Justice Society to prevent its interference. Fortunately, Starman detects Ultraman's interdimensional eavesdropping. Thinking they are being spied on from Earth-One, the JSA contact the JLA. Dr. Fate suspends the spell of paralysis long enough for the Leaguers to warn them of the Syndicate's impending attack. The Earth-Two heroes pledge to defeat the CSA and free the Justice League.
Cosmology
This is the first appearance of Earth-Three, said to be a place where “history repeats itself - in reverse,” where Columbus discovered Europe, Lincoln shot Booth, and so on. However, what we see of present day Earth-Three is virtually indistinguishable from Earths-One and -Two, an unlikelihood given the historical and sociological ramifications of such a radical divergence.
Meeting Minutes
The JSA only fields five members in this issue and the next, despite the bylaw requiring a rotating membership of seven.
The Flash of Earth-Two appears only briefly in this story, in a scene unconnected to the main storyline.
The Good Guys
Dr. Fate is able to temporarily suspend Power Ring's paralysis spell despite his statement in Justice League of America #22 that he cannot undo accomplished magic. This may be due to inherent differences between the magic of Earths-Two and –Three but this cannot be confirmed.
Starman was last seen in his solo series in Adventure Comics #102 (March 1946). He should not be confused with either of the Earth-One heroes of the same name, introduced in 1st Issue Special #12 (March 1976) and Adventure Comics #467 (January 1980), nor with the identity briefly assumed by the Earth-One Batman in Detective Comics #247 (September 1957).
This is the first time Starman’s weapon is called the “cosmic rod,” instead of the gravity rod.
The Bad Guys
Johnny Quick of Earth-Three should not be confused with the Golden Age hero of the same name introduced in More Fun Comics #71 (September 1941).
Owlman should not be confused with the identity temporarily assumed by the Earth-One Robin in Batman #107 (April 1957).
Superwoman of Earth-Three should not be confused with the costumed identity briefly assumed by Lois Lane Kent in the “Mr. & Mrs. Superman” story in Superman Family #207. nor the Earth-One heroine of the same name introduced in DC Comics Presents Annual #2 (1983), nor the identity temporarily assumed by the Earth-One Lois Lane in Superman's Girl Friend, Lois Lane #8 (April 1959).
“Volthoom,” the word used to magically trigger the interdimension shift from Earth-One to Earth-Three, was the name of the Tibetan sorcerer who gave Power Ring his power ring.
Fashion Watch
Hawkman's costume is slightly modified in this issue. The leggings have no yellow piping and the boots are missing the yellow ‘talons’ on the toe.
The holster for Starman's cosmic rod — colored green here instead of its usual brown — is missing in several panels in this issue and the next. Because this was a common error seen throughout the character's Golden Age career, it will be treated as an honored tradition and further occurrences will not be noted.
Points to Ponder
Superman demonstrates knowledge of the Earth-Two Green Lantern's vulnerability to wood, despite not having seen GL deal with it in the previous JLA/JSA adventure. Since it has been established that Green Lantern is known as a comic book character on Earth-One, perhaps Superman read a GL comic as a boy.
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Post by Cei-U! on Sept 17, 2014 8:00:01 GMT -5
Justice League of America #30
September 1964 (July 23, 1964) $.12
Cover Art: Mike Sekowsky (Penciller), Murphy Anderson (Inker)
“The Most Dangerous Earth of All!” 24 pages
Julius Schwartz (Editor), Gardner Fox (Writer), Mike Sekowsky (Penciller), Bernard Sachs (Inker), no lettering or coloring credits.
FC: Batman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Superman, Wonder Woman, teamed as the Justice League of America
GS: Black Canary, Dr. Fate, Dr. Mid-Nite, Hawkman, Starman, teamed as the Justice Society of America
Villains: Johnny Quick, Owlman, Power Ring, Superwoman, Ultraman, teamed as the Crime Syndicate of America
Synopsis
Shortly after the Justice League warns the Justice Society of the Crime Syndicate's impending attack, the villains teleport themselves into JSA headquarters. The Society members are careful during the battle not to let their opponents say the magic word that will shift the fight back to Earth-Three. The super-heroes are victorious but the CSA has prepared another trick: when each JSAer says something aloud about his or her victory, the interdimensional transfer is triggered. Once again, the Syndicate uses its foes' disorientation to defeat them. With the JSA locked away on Earth-Three, the quintet of super-villains returns to Earth-Two and summons the Justice League from Earth-One. The Leaguers have worked out a strategy during their captivity. By actually increasing the villains' powers, the JLA easily defeat them. Puzzling over what to do with the criminal team, the JLA learns that bombs capable of destroying a planet have been left on both Earths-One and -Two in the event of the villains' defeat. The Crime Syndicate is imprisoned in the “dimensional barriers between Earth-Two and Earth-Three,” the bombs are defused and the Justice Society is freed. Earth-Three is now free to pursue its destiny without the threat of the Crime Syndicate of America.
The Good Guys
Black Canary uses a “cold pill” stored in her choker's amulet in this issue.
Dr. Mid-Nite uses a “distortion blackout bomb” that makes an opponent see everything in a different place from its actual location (though, since by definition no one except Mid-Nite can see through his blackout bombs, the value of such a variation is unclear). The weapon is never seen again after this issue.
Fashion Watch
The holster on Starman's belt is colored yellow throughout this issue.
Points to Ponder
The Crime Syndicate's defeat of the JSA depends on the heroes' saying aloud that they've won, yet Starman doesn't say anything!
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Post by wildfire2099 on Sept 17, 2014 9:37:23 GMT -5
I find the costume differences intriguing.. do you think they were intentional, or just simply the lack of consistency due to the way the medium was perceived in the Golden Age? It deifnitely seems more like just 'artistic license' to me so far, but I'd be interested to know if there are clear trends and changes, or if rather they meander back and forth depending on the artistic team.
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