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Post by Myke Gee on Jun 19, 2022 17:29:31 GMT -5
Close to fantastic!!: AVENGERS #64. CAPTAIN AMERICA #114. CAPTAIN MARVEL #14. DAREDEVIL #52. SUB-MARINER #14.In the Avengers, Egghead and the Puppet Master are here, and I'm not annoyed. A sure sign of a pretty good issue. 😄
So, it would seem that the very brief Steranko era is over with as we have Stan back on the book along with Romita this issue. Stan had never left the book, having scripted the previous four issues, three of them over Steranko's plots. The portions of Avengers #106 & 107 pencilled by George Tuska are said to have been intended for this issue but rejected at the time. I was always under the impression that Lee was the editor and Steranko was the writer. It certainly feels like Steranko’s dry writing, lol!!! |
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Post by Myke Gee on Jun 22, 2022 19:15:16 GMT -5
*A slightly revised version of my review of the April 1969 comics from Marvel. Originally posted on Facebook on April 7, 2019*APRIL 1969
(Cover Date: June/July 1969)
Hey, everyone. My journey through the Marvel Universe has brought me to the April 1969 books (cover-dated July 1969). So, here's what I thought of the books:
What was Mightily Spectacular: AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #74. CAPTAIN AMERICA #115. IRON MAN #15. SUB-MARINER #15. THOR #165. X-MEN #57.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #74. Continuing the Tablet Saga, the potential threat of the Lizard has been added to the drama as it is, finally, revealed that the Tablet holds the secret of eternal(?) youth (which I suspected). Again, I anxiously await the next issue.
CAPTAIN AMERICA #115. Capt. America, once again, faces the Red Skull and he's found the Cosmic Cube again. In last month's FF story, Doom was shown in his most menacing light ever. One thing I'll say about the Skull is that he's ALWAYS a complete psycho! It, also, shows how completely stupid the villains can be as he has the ultimate weapon that grants his every wish and he spends time taunting Cap and body-swapping, LOL!!!! Gotta love comic book villains!!
IRON MAN #15. Okay, so now I'm about blow what credibility that I have left, lol!!! I've never been a big fan of the Red Ghost, Mole Man, Doc Ock or the Leader, but damn if I don't have a soft spot for the Unicorn, LOL!!! He and the Red Ghost team up to battle Iron Man and the result is a lot of fun. A powerless Ghost dupes the Unicorn into becoming his lackey and the end result is Iron Man and the Unicorn battling, then, teaming up to battle the Ghost as his powers have returned more powerful than ever. Of course, the Soviet with the Simian Fetish has some apes with him. *Sigh*
Honestly, I'm throwing SUB-MARINER #15 in the Spectacular section because of Dragon Man. Always love it when he shows up. As Namor goes on a search for the escaped Tiger Shark, he and Dragon Man end up in a battle that nearly destroys a college campus. Quite the slugfest and quite the surprise as Tiger Shark's sister, Diane Arliss, plays the heavy this issue. Also, Dr. Dorcas returns.
THOR #165. Maybe the cream of the crop this month, Thor vs Him had not one dull moment. Revelation: I never liked Thor solo stories until Simonson came along, but this has become a must-read weekly for me. As for the story, Him shows a power set that he never displayed as Adam Warlock. I'm, now, truly intrigued to see how his story shapes into the one I know from the Starlin days.
X-MEN #57. In the X-Men, Adams is here, the Sentinels are back and Havok is coming!!! Even though I've read these Thomas/Adams/Palmer issues before, they still are classic. I don't know if this makes sense but reading them alongside the other books that came out that month gives them a fresh "feel"; almost like I'm reading them for the first time.
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What was Mightily So-So: AVENGERS #65. DAREDEVIL #53. DOCTOR STRANGE #181. FANTASTIC FOUR #88. INCREDIBLE HULK #117. AVENGERS #65.
The swordsman returns in the Avengers, and we learn a bit more about Hawkeye (now Goliath) over these last couple of issues. Also, this story crosses over with the Sub-Mariner and Captain Marvel books. Never read a story with the Swordsman until I started this and, I must say, I just don't get the hype. Ah well, he doesn't kick off until 1974 or '75, so there's still time for him to win me over.
DAREDEVIL #53. Another "The Way It Was..." issue in DD #53 that reeks of a fill-in. I mean, honestly, did any of us need to revisit the yellow and red costume? 😏
DOCTOR STRANGE #181. Dr. Strange has been another pleasant surprise for me since his introduction in STRANGE TALES. However, its appeal is starting to wear a little thin, with me, and I can see why there are only two issues remaining of his original run. This Nightmare story is interesting enough, but that's about it.
FANTASTIC FOUR #88. The FF and Crystal go to visit the strange house that has been seen the last couple of issues. The team find themselves fighting for their lives as the house, itself, has some very dangerous defenses. Probably, because it was built by the Mole Man. (cue the zzzzzz) Mole Man stories never quite do it for me. I liked the story enough to keep it out of the crappy section, but revealing Moley at the end made my boredom sense tingle.
INCREDIBLE HULK #117. So, in the Hulk's book, we still have the Leader and his RBR (Really Big Robot). I may have thrown this in the crappy pile if not for some hilarious moments. Like when the Hulk throws the RBR into the mouth of a volcano from about a thousand feet away (nothing but net!!) and causes it to erupt by striking the ground! However, prior to the fight, the Leader teleports the Hulk and the RBR to that remote location to fight. Stupid Comic Book Villain moment #143: if he could teleport the Hulk far away, why didn't he just do that from the start?!! 😂 ********** What was Mightily Crappy: SHIELD #13.
What started out as an interesting story from the last issue quickly returned to the doldrums of the last few issues before issue #12. I must say that the SHIELD series has been a major disappointment since it left STRANGE TALES.
Well, again, that's my two cents. Hope ya likes! Take care everyone. Until next week... |
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Post by Ish Kabbible on Jun 22, 2022 21:49:17 GMT -5
Just going by my misty memories from 53 years ago. I know I quite liked from this month Captain America, Fantastic Four, X-Men and Thor
Spider-Man, Avengers and Daredevil are OK but seen better days. Again, never warmed up to that Spidey tablet story
Doctor Strange-Love the art, hate the new costume which ruined it for me
Iron man. Hulk and Subby-Fair to middlin'
Real disappointed that Marvel Super-heroes has turned into an all-reprint book
And again, by not reading Sgt Fury, I think you missed some of the best from Marvel that year
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Post by Myke Gee on Jun 23, 2022 18:34:36 GMT -5
Just going by my misty memories from 53 years ago. I know I quite liked from this month Captain America, Fantastic Four, X-Men and Thor Spider-Man, Avengers and Daredevil are OK but seen better days. Again, never warmed up to that Spidey tablet story Doctor Strange-Love the art, hate the new costume which ruined it for me Iron man. Hulk and Subby-Fair to middlin' Real disappointed that Marvel Super-heroes has turned into an all-reprint book And again, by not reading Sgt Fury, I think you missed some of the best from Marvel that year I tried with SGT. FURY. I think I got up to 10 issues, maybe. You'll hear me say this a few times in a few reviews, but I read comics for superheroes. I just couldn't get into war comics. |
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Post by kirby101 on Jun 23, 2022 18:41:04 GMT -5
15 year old me absolutely loved every one of those.
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Post by Ish Kabbible on Jun 23, 2022 19:32:06 GMT -5
Just going by my misty memories from 53 years ago. I know I quite liked from this month Captain America, Fantastic Four, X-Men and Thor Spider-Man, Avengers and Daredevil are OK but seen better days. Again, never warmed up to that Spidey tablet story Doctor Strange-Love the art, hate the new costume which ruined it for me Iron man. Hulk and Subby-Fair to middlin' Real disappointed that Marvel Super-heroes has turned into an all-reprint book And again, by not reading Sgt Fury, I think you missed some of the best from Marvel that year I tried with SGT. FURY. I think I got up to 10 issues, maybe. You'll hear me say this a few times in a few reviews, but I read comics for superheroes. I just couldn't get into war comics. Understandable. Sgt Fury's earliest issues with Lee and Kirby were fun. The long Roy Thomas run was rather routine. Gary Friedrich took over the writing with #42 in mid-67. After a while, he revamped it from a typical war book into a series that dealt more with characters and human emotions. Friedrich was obviously anti-war and against the Vietnam conflict of it's time and made the book quite interesting and different from things like Sgt Rock from DC |
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Post by Myke Gee on Jun 24, 2022 19:21:53 GMT -5
ANOTHER SLIGHTLY REVISED REVIEW. THIS ONE WAS ORIGINALLY POSTED ON FACEBOOK ON APRIL 12, 2019.MAY 1969
(Cover Date: July/August 1969)
Hey, everyone. At the behest of a few group members, I’ve decided to not just review each issue, but give them a grade. When I first started reviewing these books over a year ago, I would, occasionally, give each a grade, but for reasons that I cannot recall, I abandoned that format. Well, it’s back along with my Top 5 covers for that month. Also, in the beginning, I tried to avoid spoilers, but as I read the comments for these reviews, members would give away endings and I started to feel like I was one of the ten people in this group that haven’t read these books. So, I gave up on withholding spoilers. No more. I promise to keep these reviews SPOILER FREE! As always, I hope that you enjoy it. So, here are my thoughts on my first time ever reads for May 1969.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #75 brings us another chapter of the Tablet Saga. As the Silvermane portion ends, the Lizard’s begin. After delivering the secret of the Tablet, Curt Connors, once again, finds himself transformed into the Lizard. No disrespect to Steve Ditko, but Lee and Romita is the definitive Spider-Man team, for me. Grade; A very solid A for me.
AVENGERS #66. Two things that I found of note in the Avengers are the introduction of Adamantium and the gradual drift from a Kirby-esque style in Barry Smith's artwork. Of course, the Kirby influences are still there, but he looks like he's starting to find his own way in this issue. Still light years away from what he will become, though. Oh yeah, Ultron-6 is here!!! Grade: B-
CAPTAIN AMERICA #116 has Cap and the Red Skull in “Freaky Friday” mode courtesy of the Cosmic Cube. Mad Super-Villain Scheme #482 continues with the Skull toying with our hero instead of just ending it. Of course, this will, more than likely, lead to his downfall. Also, there’s a car chase scene that really isn’t clear as to what the Hell happened. Any light shone on that will be greatly appreciated, lol!!! Next week: the debut of the Falcon. Grade: B+ for this issue
CAPTAIN MARVEL #15. *Sigh* Where to begin? As I was thinking about ways to describe this series for the last 6 issues or so, the first phrase that popped into my mind was “rudderless ship”. Since the death of Una and the introduction of the Great and Powerful Oz....sorry, Zo (I keep doing that 😏😆), this book has been all over the place; defining and redefining Mar-Vell every other issue, it seems. In this issue, Zo reveals who or what he is. Inbox me if anyone understands what that is, lol! Zo has declared that Kree-Lar must be destroyed for reasons that are never made clear (much like everything in this series, lately) and Mar-Vell returns home to try to prevent this. *Sigh* Take my word, these stories are pedestrian, at best. Grade: C- because I’m generous. 🙂
DAREDEVIL #54. Mr. Fear returns in DD #54 and it's a tolerable affair. DD comes up with a hair-brained idea of how to "kill off" Matt Murdock and the gullible citizens of the MU buy it. Some fun moments, but not enough to make this a great issue. Grade: B-
SUB-MARINER #16. This month’s Sub-Mariner story is predictable but fun. For me, it’s always fun when Tiger Shark’s around. Namor meets a group of time-varied immortals in the Sargasso Sea. You’ll figure out their secret and what will happen to them once their story is told. Grade: B- for this one.
INCREDIBLE HULK #118. Hulk vs Namor: Round 2!!! As a sporadic, at best, buyer of INCREDIBLE HULK, I’ve found that my favorite stories feature him battling other heroes. His 2nd fight vs the Thing MAY be the greatest hero vs hero fight EVER! Later battles with the Silver Surfer (#250) and Sasquatch (Annual #8) rank high with me, as well. This one has been added to the list, big time! Really good one-and-done!!! Grade: This one gets an A.
SILVER SURFER #7. The Silver Surfer meets Frankenstein!! No, not the Monster, but a descendant of the first monster maker. The Surfer saves this Frankenstein from...you guessed it, a torch-wielding, pitchfork-carrying mob out to...wait for it.... burn down Castle Frankenstein. Of course, the Surfer intervenes without knowing the facts and gets duped into helping Frankenstein create a duplicate Surfer. The cosmic battle ensues and the angry mob returns to the castle. Fun issue, if not, somewhat, run-of-the-mill. Grade: I give this one a solid B.
THOR #166. Him continues to display power levels that are far beyond what he will show as Adam Warlock. So powerful is Him, Thor must succumb to the Warrior Madness to defeat Him! However, in Asgard, there is a penalty for succumbing to the Madness. Stay tuned. Grade: An A- for this one.
IRON MAN #16 gives us the conclusion to the Red Ghost/Unicorn story. As I said last week, I’m not really big on Red Ghost stories. I just don’t find him that interesting as a villain. Here, he’s out to increase his newly restored power, as well as an army of apes, and *sigh* rule the world. 🙄 It never ceases to amaze me how world conquest schemes are always foiled, yet, villains act as if the next outcome will be different. 😏😅 Anyway, circumstances find Iron Man and the Unicorn teaming up to battle the Ghost and they end up getting help from an unexpected ally. Grade: B- because it has the Red Ghost. Decent story, otherwise.
FANTASTIC FOUR #89. Speaking of villains that bore me to tears, FF #89 features the conclusion to their battle with the Mole Man. I, actually, kinda liked Moley in this one. He was kinda badass in this issue. I’ve never seen him as a physical fighter, but he was throwing down with the FF! A blind FF, but still. 😏 Why were they blind? Well, it was all a part of Mad Super-Villain Scheme #483. See, despite the fact that he, along with the Red Ghost, Red Skull, Doom, and Pinky and the Brain, ALWAYS fail in conquering the world, he figured (stop me if you’ve heard this before) it would work this time. 🙄 *Sigh* Next on deck, the Skrulls. Grade: B+ for showing another side of the Mole Man.
X-MEN #58. The Sentinels! Neal Adams! Alex Summers debuts as Havok!! Neal Adams!! That crazy revelation at the end!!! Neal Adams!!! A shame that the greatest era of the original X-Men run wasn't enough to save them! Grade: A+
Top 5 Covers of the Month: 1. X-MEN #58 2. IRON MAN #16 3. AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #75 4. SUB-MARINER #16 5. CAPTAIN AMERICA #116
So, that’s it for this week, everyone! Take care.
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Post by Myke Gee on Jun 26, 2022 7:22:56 GMT -5
Let me clarify the opening paragraph. When I started this project on Facebook, I would only post the covers of the books that I actually read. Since adding my Top 5 covers to the project, I started thinking, why can't one of the Top 5 covers be one of the books that I didn't read? So, I added all covers to the project. As always, I hope that you all enjoy it.
*Originally posted on Facebook on April 20, 2019)*
JUNE 1969
(Cover Date: August/September 1969)
It’s June 1969. Summer has begun, but I’m only four years old. Needless to say, I missed all of these as they were published. 😏😀 Skip ahead 50 years and I’ve, finally, gotten around to them. Ah well, better late than never. Last week, I changed my format by adding grades to each book reviewed. I also started giving my Top 5 covers. This week, I’m adding my Top 5 books as well as adding the covers of books that I didn’t review. Just because I had no interest in those books, that doesn’t mean that I can’t admire the covers. So, here’s what I thought about the June 1969 books.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #76. What struck me from page one was the artwork. Beautiful, but I knew that it wasn’t John Romita. A quick look at the credits and I see a John Buscema and Jim Mooney. An interesting combo, to say the least. Well, these two did one helluva job. I wonder if that was their only collaboration. A shame, if so. As for the story, Stan Lee keeps the pace high and the characters interesting. What more can you ask? Lee bashers...? Yeah, know what I’m going to say, lol!!! Grade: A solid A, this month.
A battle royal in AVENGERS #67 as Ultron returns sporting a new adamantium body and a 6 model number. Oddly, Barry Smith’s artwork seems more Kirby-esque this time whereas it looked like he was starting to break away from that style and begin to come into his own. I didn’t touch on this last week, but, inexplicably, Thor and Iron Man are at Avengers Mansion. Convenient with Ultron about to appear. Also, the Black Panther is, equally, inexplicably missing. The story concludes next month, but what a great penultimate issue. Heroes and villains slugging it out!! That’s why we love this stuff, lol!!! Grade: Giving this issue an A.
CAPTAIN AMERICA #117 will always be famous for the introduction of The Falcon. Like AVENGERS #57 and FF #52 which are famous for the introduction of the Vision and the Black Panther, respectively, I was eagerly waiting to get to this one, as well. The Falcon has never been a favorite of mine, but I do like the character. His debut was somewhat of a letdown, however. Yet, this is a good issue with a kooky premise which I explained last week. Unlike the other debuts that I mentioned, Sam Wilson doesn’t really do much in this issue as his Falcon identity hasn’t been established yet. Next issue, I’m sure he’ll kick some tail. Grade: B+ because the debut was a little bit...uneventful, for lack of a better word.
CAPTAIN MARVEL #16. So, I’ve read how he got the classic red and blue costume. Let me say this: I am so glad that the green and white one is gone. A superhero costume should be, in MY opinion, unique to the hero. Of course, there are plenty of heroes and villains out there with similar costumes. But Mar-Vell never, actually, wore a superhero costume. It was his military uniform equivalent to the rank of captain. That means that there are hundreds of Kree that have it. He’s just another captain while wearing it. Now, he wears something uniquely his own (dammit Carol Danvers, lol) and I’m elated. As for the story? Well, the new costume was the most exciting part of it. The secret of Zo is revealed and that’s really about it. Grade: C+ for the introduction of the iconic uniform.
DAREDEVIL #55 gives us the conclusion to the Mr. Fear story. A pretty standard story where nothing spectacular happens, but we do learn something new about Mr. Fear. Decent enough script and art. Grade: I give this one a C+.
DOCTOR STRANGE #182. Of the three books destined for cancellations or hiatus (DOCTOR STRANGE, CAPTAIN MARVEL, SHIELD), DOCTOR STRANGE is the one that I still find somewhat entertaining. It doesn’t rank up there with THOR, FF, or AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, but, it’s certainly not as bad as S.H.I.E.L.D. This month’s issue brings a close to the Nightmare story. It, also, brings in the Juggernaut. Ever since I was a kid, I wondered what kind of a connection there was between Doc and him, if any, because of the Crimson Bands of Cytorrak. Like the debuts that I mentioned, I was just as excited to read this to see if that question would be answered. Unfortunately, no, it wasn’t. Ah well, still a good story, and Gene Colan and Tom Palmer kill it, as usual. Grade: Giving this one a B- for not exploring the Cytorrak connection.
FANTASTIC FOUR #90. Just as the team is deciding what to do with the Mole Man, whom they captured in the last issue, Johnny and Ben decide to interrogate him. When Ben decides to do it by intimidating him, Reed intervenes. Ben, then, throws another one of his tantrums and walks out on his partners and Crystal the Inhuman to go see Alicia. Still inside the Mole Man’s deadly home, the remaining members find that Moley still has enough fight in him to escape. Meanwhile, a Skrull lands on Earth seeking to and succeeds in enslaving Ben. Grade: I’m giving this one a strong B+ because it’s kind of a transitional issue that sets up the action for the next issue.
INCREDIBLE HULK #119. Coming off his great one-issue battle with the Sub-Mariner, Bruce Banner awakens in a small South American country called Costa Salvador. In the heart of the country stands a giant statue that emits mind-controlling rays that has the locals in a trance-like, servile state. Banner decides to investigate things which leads him to Maximus the Mad and his evil Inhumans. At this point, he’s changed into the Hulk and the slugfest is on. Of course, the US Army becomes involved and now the Hulk has to decide whether he’s going to fight the Inhumans or the Army. Maximus and Co. aren’t exactly favorites of mine, but I enjoyed watching the Hulk smack them around this issue, lol!! Grade: I give this one a B+.
IRON MAN #17. This month, Iron Man finds himself the target of Midas. It’s the first appearance of a millionaire recluse who wants to, not only destroy Tony Stark but, replace him. Enter the reprogrammed LMD from IM #11. He successfully takes over the Iron Man armor and successfully convinces everyone that the real Tony Stark is an impostor. Also, it’s the debut of Whitney Frost as Madame Masque. Grade: B+
S.H.I.E.L.D. #14. 🙄 I’m hanging in there because I know that, THANKFULLY, the end is near. Issue #12 was a decent issue and I was, actually, eagerly awaiting the next issue. Last week, issue #13 was more of the same tedious stories that I’ve been torturing myself reading. #13 was, also, a little confusing because it didn’t seem to fit the ending of #12. That was explained in this issue which I found interesting for all of 4 or 5 pages. This issue starts with a Hugo Strange look-alike who clears up the confusion of the last issue, then, the rest of the book is filled with Hydra agent #72 (who is oddly 2nd in command) trying to kill Fury. 😒 One more issue to go. Grade: C- because Herb Trimpe and Sam Grainger turned in some decent artwork.
SUB-MARINER #17. When Namor the Sub-Mariner replaced Giant-Man & the Wasp in TALES TO ASTONISH, I was dreading reading stories featuring this pompous, arrogant, overbearing character. However, I was pleasantly surprised by what I read. Now, that he’s in his own series, I find the stories hit or miss and I took time to think about why. What I came up with is a bland Rogue’s Gallery. Occasionally, we get an Attuma or a Dr. Dorcas or a Tiger Shark (a favorite) or even a Dragon Man. Otherwise, we get weaker versions of him gunning for the throne. This week, we have yet another Atlantean playing the role of would-be usurper. This time with help from aliens. While I really liked this story, Kormok (the usurper) and the Stalker (the alien) are unimpressive names added to an unimpressive Rogue’s Gallery. Grade: I give it a B for a good story, but no more than that because of mediocre villains. Maybe they’ll impress me next month.
THOR #167. Very good set-up issues as Thor has been tasked by Odin to find Galactus as penance for succumbing to the Warrior Madness last issue. The seeds of future plots are sown in this issue as Balder heads to Earth, Karnilla continues to scheme, and Loki attempts to steal Don Blake’s walking stick. Not particularly action-packed, but still very good. Grade: B+.
TOWER OF SHADOWS #1. Not exactly my type of comic, but, since I’ve read very few horror comics, I’m gonna stick with this one for as long as I can. In the tradition of DC’s HOUSE OF MYSTERY/SECRETS, this horror anthology series comes with a host. He calls himself “Digger” and, for the life of me, I can’t stop hearing the voice of the late, great character actor, Jack Elam, as I read his narration. 😅 ToS #1, surely, starts off with all-star quality as none other than Jim Steranko writes and draws the first story about a couple that killed the husband’s uncle in order to search his home for a hidden treasure. A pretty good story with a Twilight Zone-type ending. Story #2 is written and drawn by Johnny Craig. It’s about a writer who writes a book about a man who lives to expose fake mediums. The reason why he exposes these charlatans, actually, caught me by surprise. The final story is written by Stan Lee with art by John Buscema and Don Heck. The story follows a crotchety old millionaire scientist and his mute assistant. The scientist berates the assistant nonstop as he is attempting to create an immortality serum. Needless to say, as the discovery is made, the story takes a bizarre turn. Grade: I’m, actually, giving this a solid A because I truly was expecting to be bored to tears, but instead, I got three very interesting stories.
X-MEN #59 may, very well, be my favorite Sentinel story, if not one of my favorite X-Men stories, ever. I’ve read this one several times and, of course, I know the outcome. However, I run through this like it’s my first time reading it. Each time, there’s a part of me that feels like “Man, how are they gonna get out of this mess?” Then, Cyclops solves the problem, not with force, but with his brain. Damn good stuff and reading them with the other books released that month still gives these X-Men stories a fresh feel. Grade: A+ for a classic tale!
Okay, so there you have it. Let me know what you liked or disliked, but I truly hoped that you enjoyed my musings. Until next week, everyone, take care.Top 5 Books of the Month:
1) X-MEN #59
2) AVENGERS #67
3) AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #76
4) TOWER OF SHADOWS #1
5) FANTASTIC FOUR #90
Top 5 Covers of the Month:
1) DOCTOR STRANGE #182
2) CAPTAIN AMERICA #117
3) IRON MAN #17
4) S.H.I.E.L.D. #14
5) INCREDIBLE HULK #119
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Post by kirby101 on Jun 26, 2022 8:41:38 GMT -5
The Stroke of Midnight in Tower of the Shadows was the beginning of the end for Steranko at Marvel He carefully constructed a story with an aesthetic that he felt fit the story, Stan Lee didn't think it fit the "Marvel look" and altered it. And it did not make the story better. You can read Steranko's recalling it here, about 3/4 the way down, look for the Sheild #1 cover. Stan also rejected Steranko's cover and replaced it with the more tame cover Romita did.   |
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Post by chaykinstevens on Jun 26, 2022 12:54:52 GMT -5
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #76. What struck me from page one was the artwork. Beautiful, but I knew that it wasn’t John Romita. A quick look at the credits and I see a John Buscema and Jim Mooney. An interesting combo, to say the least. Well, these two did one helluva job. I wonder if that was their only collaboration. A shame, if so. As for the story, Stan Lee keeps the pace high and the characters interesting. What more can you ask? Lee bashers...? Yeah, know what I’m going to say, lol!!!
Apart from this issue and their other Amazing Spider-Man collaborations, Buscema and Mooney worked together on Thor #188, 201, 204, 215, 216 & 218, Avengers #105 and (according to GCD) Pussycat in Cartoon Laughs v2 #5 (possibly reprinted from Male Annual #7, and credited to Mooney alone in other places). I think Buscema may have had more to do with the issue's pacing than Lee, but Stan chose to give Big John the deliberately vague role of "innovator" in the credits. X-MEN #59 may, very well, be my favorite Sentinel story, if not one of my favorite X-Men stories, ever. I’ve read this one several times and, of course, I know the outcome. However, I run through this like it’s my first time reading it. Each time, there’s a part of me that feels like “Man, how are they gonna get out of this mess?” Then, Cyclops solves the problem, not with force, but with his brain.
I think Chris Claremont, who was an intern at Marvel at the time, suggested the ending to Roy Thomas. |
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Post by Myke Gee on Jun 26, 2022 20:40:58 GMT -5
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #76. What struck me from page one was the artwork. Beautiful, but I knew that it wasn’t John Romita. A quick look at the credits and I see a John Buscema and Jim Mooney. An interesting combo, to say the least. Well, these two did one helluva job. I wonder if that was their only collaboration. A shame, if so. As for the story, Stan Lee keeps the pace high and the characters interesting. What more can you ask? Lee bashers...? Yeah, know what I’m going to say, lol!!!
Apart from this issue and their other Amazing Spider-Man collaborations, Buscema and Mooney worked together on Thor #188, 201, 204, 215, 216 & 218, Avengers #105 and (according to GCD) Pussycat in Cartoon Laughs v2 #5 (possibly reprinted from Male Annual #7, and credited to Mooney alone in other places). I think Buscema may have had more to do with the issue's pacing than Lee, but Stan chose to give Big John the deliberately vague role of "innovator" in the credits. X-MEN #59 may, very well, be my favorite Sentinel story, if not one of my favorite X-Men stories, ever. I’ve read this one several times and, of course, I know the outcome. However, I run through this like it’s my first time reading it. Each time, there’s a part of me that feels like “Man, how are they gonna get out of this mess?” Then, Cyclops solves the problem, not with force, but with his brain.
I think Chris Claremont, who was an intern at Marvel at the time, suggested the ending to Roy Thomas. Thanks for the info on the Buscema/Mooney collabos. All of those came after this review which I have since read. Remember, this was originally written and posted in 3 years ago. Nonetheless, thanks anyway. I really thank you for that nugget about Claremont suggesting the ending. I love behind-the-scenes- stuff like that! |
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Post by Myke Gee on Jul 2, 2022 22:21:25 GMT -5
*ORIGINALLY POSTED ON FACEBOOK ON APRIL 29, 2019*
JULY 1969
(Cover Date: September/October 1969)
Continuing my first time ever reads from Marvel history. This week is the first-ever ranking of this month’s issues. Here’s what I thought of these gems....
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #77. With the conclusion of this issue, the Tablet Saga is officially over. The last two issues felt like the epilogue to that multi-part tale as the Lizard is only around because Silvermane got Curt Connors involved. Great moments in this story such as the Human Torch being suckered by a “hidden Spidey power”, lol!!! Hilarious when you read it. Grade: Excellent pacing and beautiful art make this another solid A. The only reason it doesn’t get my rarely given A+ is that it always bugs me when they get a character’s name wrong. It’s “Billy Connors”, not “Bobby”.
AVENGERS #68. This one is pretty simple: The showdown with Ultron-6! The story picks up where the last issue left off. Ultron is threatening to destroy the Avengers and everyone in New York with a nuclear explosion. This is quickly thwarted by the Vision whose behavior has been controlled by Ultron over the last couple of issues. A brief battle ensues and Ultron escapes. After treating the Vision, the team lays a trap for Ultron. Roy Thomas wraps the story up this issue with a little bit of deception that leads the reader to believe that they’ve seen the last of Ultron. Yeah.....right! A really good battle issue with a, somewhat, hokey ending. Grade: So, I’m giving this one a B+ because of (you guessed it) the hokey ending. 😅
CAPTAIN AMERICA #118. Another really good issue which features Cap (still in the Red Skull’s body) training the Falcon and taking on the Exiles. Lots of action and the traditional Stan Lee fast pace. Grade: No more to say other than an A for delivering another great story. Oh yeah, Rick Jones has all but given up on being Cap’s partner. That takes us to....
CAPTAIN MARVEL #17. Okay, so, Mar-Vell is, finally, in his iconic red and blue and the corny green and white costume is gone. Now, we’re at the phase where Rick Jones becomes Mar-Vell’s, Billy Batson. After being snubbed, yet, again by Capt. America (who is really the Red Skull), Jones has had enough. However, after leaving Avengers Mansion and all hopes of being Captain America’s partner behind, Jones hitchhikes to the middle of nowhere where a glowing “Captain America” figure leads him to a cave which is, actually, a Kree outpost. There he finds the Nega Bands and says “SHAZ....” ummm... wait. Wrong story. 😏😅 So, he and Captain Marvel, who is trapped in the Negative Zone, now, share atoms. After Jones’ first transformation, Yon-Rogg appears. 🙄😴😴😴 *Sigh* Anyway, the stage is set for the new Captain Marvel series. I’m really curious as to where this goes before it goes on hiatus. Grade: Annnnddd after all of that, I still only rate this a C+. Decent is about the best that I can describe it.
CHAMBER OF DARKNESS #1. This anthology book starts off with a tale told by the book’s host, Headstone P. Gravely. Once again, in true House of Mystery/Secrets fashion, this book is sister to TOWER OF SHADOWS. Stan Lee and John Buscema give us our first story about a teenager who is obsessed with the occult. He steals a book from an occult bookstore to summon a djinn. When that doesn’t turn out the way he wanted, he outthinks the djinn, and the story is done. The next story by Denny O’Neal and Tom Sutton, as well as the final one by Gary Friedrich and Don Heck, is a generic Outer Limits-like tale that is neither scary nor interesting. ToS surprised me by being far more interesting than I thought it would be, but I’m not getting the same feeling from this book. The horror comic really isn’t my cup of tea and I realized why as I was reading this: no ties to the Marvel Universe. I’ll try to read a couple more of both titles, but I doubt that I will stick with them. Grade: Giving this issue a C for a, somewhat, interesting first story.
DAREDEVIL #56. DD was pretty good this month. Seems like we’ve got a good “whodunnit” going on. DD decides to tell Karen Page about his dual life and why he faked his death, however, Karen went home to visit her parents and DD follows. This brings them both face-to-face with the flaming horse riding Death’s Head, whom DD could tell had a skull face. Who knew that his senses were THAT good?!! 😏😅 Still, a pretty good story. Grade: I give this one a B+.
FANTASTIC FOUR #91. Speaking of the Outer Limits or Twilight Zone, I remember reading a story that referenced this one, and I’ve always been curious about it. So, once again, for the 10 people that haven’t read the story, last issue The Thing was kidnapped by a Skrull slaver. This issue, he’s taken to the planet Kral. Kral is a planet that fell out of a James Cagney movie but has Buck Rogers tech. Ben has been captured to fight in their slave arenas and the alien gangsters used their advanced tech to keep him in line. Also, in the training facility, Ben meets his future opponent, Torgo. Another issue that doesn’t have a lot of action, but damn if I didn’t love it. Grade: Yet another strong A for the FF.
INCREDIBLE HULK #120. When we last saw the Hulk, he had to decide which side he would fight on: Maximus and his evil Inhumans or the U.S. Army. Any novice reader of the Hulk knows he’s not siding with the military. So now, Maximus and crew just sit back and let the Hulk do all the heavy lifting while they work on a strategy to betray him. As the Hulk is making quick work of our fighting forces, Maximus summons RBR (Really Big Robot) #652 while supplies last. 😴😴😴 Of course, it fairs, pretty much, the same as all of the other RBRs. This one is defeated in a way that has to be seen to be believed! 😅 A lot of hokiness in this one, but a lot of fun, as well. Grade: Enough fun to give this an A-.
IRON MAN #18. Tony Stark’s life continues to be usurped by a renegade LMD under the direction of Midas. Stark, now captured by Madame Masque and a prisoner of Midas, (upon threat of his life) agrees to help Midas to further help the LMD to replace himself. As he and Masque break into Stark Industries, Stark dons the Mark 2 Iron Man armor and battles the LMD, who is wearing the current armor. The outcome of this leads to Avengers being summoned to help Stark. How? You’ll have to read that for yourself. 😏 Fast-paced story, but it was wearing kinda thin for me as it went along. Continued in AVENGERS #69. Grade: Still, I give this a B.
SILVER SURFER #8. The first thing of note for this issue is the switch to 20-page stories from 40 and a 15 cents price drop from 25. The story: the book opens with Mephisto in the middle of a soliloquy about how the Surfer was the only mortal to ever defeat and defy him. He, then, travels to Earth and enlists the aid of a low-level mystic to conjure up the ghost of the Flying Dutchman to help in his quest for the Surfer’s soul. Part of that soliloquy was Mephy boasting about how he could end the Surfer with but a thought, yet uses a low-level mystic? *Sigh* Anyway, this issue is mostly a setup for the next as it was, originally, meant to be a 40-page story, but since the book went monthly, it was split in half. Grade: B+ because of a good story. Nothing higher because, basically, nothing much happened.
SUB-MARINER #18. Last week, I talked about how mediocre villains play a huge role in the hit-or-miss stories of this book. Last week, we were introduced to a renegade Atlantean priest, Kormok, and the Stalker; a water-breathing alien seeking to capture Namor. While Kormok is barely heard from this issue, the Stalker has kidnapped Namor and is taking him to his home world. En route, Namor learns that the aliens want to study his hybrid anatomy and become amphibious because their own aquatic world is dying. Also, Namor learns that aboard the ship is Triton the Inhuman. The two eventually break free and the battle begins. In the end, the Stalker turns out to be just another bad guy for the hero to fight. A pretty good story, however, keeps this issue away from the “mediocrity bin”. Grade: B-
THOR #168. This month, the Mighty Thor finds Galactus and the.....conversation (not battle) ensues. Galactus has chosen to reveal his origin to the thunder god, while back on Midga.....umm... Earth, Balder, and the Warriors Three prepare to face nearly indestructible Thermal Man. Grade: B+ because it feels like Thor is barely in the book, at times. Still, a very good story, so far.
X-MEN #60. Once again, the only book that I’m not reading for the first time. Yet, it feels that way as I read it alongside the other books of the month. This issue mops up the fabulous Sentinels story from the previous two issues. This month, Roy Thomas, Neal Adams, and Tom Palmer introduce us to the human pterodactyl, Sauron. After learning of Dr. Karl Lykos from notes in a journal by Charles Xavier, Cyclops decides to have him treat his injured brother, Havok, because, at the moment, the X-Men are still considered outlaws. Little could he know that delivering a mutant to Dr. Lykos would cause him to transform into Sauron. It’s a shame that the best X-Men stories to date weren’t enough to save this series from becoming a reprint book. Grade: Another solid A for this book.
So, another month read and another review. As always, I hope that you enjoyed it. See ya next week, gang!!!
Top 5 Books of the Month:
1) AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #77
2) CAPTAIN AMERICA #118
3) FANTASTIC FOUR #91
4) X-MEN #60
5) INCREDIBLE HULK #120
Top 5 Covers of the Month:
1) DAREDEVIL #56
2) SILVER SURFER #8
3) CAPTAIN MARVEL #17
4) CAPTAIN AMERICA #118
5) INCREDIBLE HULK ANNUAL #2
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Post by chaykinstevens on Jul 3, 2022 10:57:31 GMT -5
CAPTAIN AMERICA #118. Another really good issue which features Cap (still in the Red Skull’s body) training the Falcon and taking on the Exiles. Lots of action and the traditional Stan Lee fast pace. Grade: No more to say other than an A for delivering another great story. Oh yeah, Rick Jones has all but given up on being Cap’s partner. That takes us to.... CAPTAIN MARVEL #17. Okay, so, Mar-Vell is, finally, in his iconic red and blue and the corny green and white costume is gone. Now, we’re at the phase where Rick Jones becomes Mar-Vell’s, Billy Batson. After being snubbed, yet, again by Capt. America (who is really the Red Skull), Jones has had enough. However, after leaving Avengers Mansion and all hopes of being Captain America’s partner behind, Jones hitchhikes to the middle of nowhere where a glowing “Captain America” figure leads him to a cave which is, actually, a Kree outpost. There he finds the Nega Bands and says “SHAZ....” ummm... wait. Wrong story. 😏😅 So, he and Captain Marvel, who is trapped in the Negative Zone, now, share atoms. After Jones’ first transformation, Yon-Rogg appears. 🙄😴😴😴 *Sigh* Anyway, the stage is set for the new Captain Marvel series. I’m really curious as to where this goes before it goes on hiatus. Grade: Annnnddd after all of that, I still only rate this a C+. Decent is about the best that I can describe it. I think I read somehere that Rick Jones was phased out quickly as Bucky after someone, perhaps Don McGregor, wrote a letter pointing out that it was slightly creepy. Roy Thomas and Barry Smith had intended to do a team book (possibly called the Invaders) in 1968, featuring Bucky, Quicksilver and Red Raven against the Grim Reaper. linkCHAMBER OF DARKNESS #1. This anthology book starts off with a tale told by the book’s host, Headley P. Gravestone. Wasn't his name Headstone P. Gravely? FANTASTIC FOUR #91. Speaking of the Outer Limits or Twilight Zone, I remember reading a story that referenced this one, and I’ve always been curious about it. So, once again, for the 10 people that haven’t read the story, last issue The Thing was kidnapped by a Skrull slaver. This issue, he’s taken to the planet Kral. Kral is a planet that fell out of a James Cagney movie but has Buck Rogers tech. Ben has been captured to fight in their slave arenas and the alien gangsters used their advanced tech to keep him in line. Also, in the training facility, Ben meets his future opponent, Torgo. Another issue that doesn’t have a lot of action, but damn if I didn’t love it. Grade: Yet another strong A for the FF. Kirby's plot may have been derived from two Star Trek episodes from January 1968: A Piece of the Action featured a planet of gangsters, and Gamesters of Triskelion featured gladiatorial combat. I think Bill Mantlo and Butch Guice recycled the gangster riff in Micronauts #53. |
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Post by Farrar on Jul 3, 2022 11:14:58 GMT -5
^^^
Yep, and they aired in consecutive weeks. These would have been rerun at least once after Jan. 1968, and presumably they would air consecutively when rerun as well.
Anyway, here's something I've posted on other sites in the past, the IMDb blurbs for the episodes chaykin just mentioned:
Aired on Jan 5 1968 (US): Gamesters of Triskelion "Kirk, Uhura and Chekov are trapped on a planet where abducted aliens are enslaved and trained to perform as gladiators for the amusement of bored, faceless aliens."
Aired on Jan 12 1968 (US): A Piece of the Action: "The crew of Enterprise struggles to cope with a planet of imitative people who have modeled their society on 1920's gangsters."
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Post by Myke Gee on Jul 3, 2022 12:19:17 GMT -5
Wasn't his name Headstone P. Gravely? Hmmm...So, it was. I'll make the correction. Thanks. 
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