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Post by Myke Gee on Jul 4, 2022 12:59:06 GMT -5
*ORIGINALLY POSTED ON FACEBOOK ON MAY 5, 2019* AUGUST 1969
(Cover Date: October/November 1969) Next up are first-time reads for August 1969. AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #78. The debut of the Prowler wasn’t as impactful to me as I thought it would be, but it was still a very good story. An interesting scene for me was when JJJ stood up to Hobie Brown’s bigoted boss. These are the touches that I like. JJJ is usually shown as a grouchy old skinflint, but I guess that this was Stan’s way of showing that Jonah’s not all bad. Grade: B+AVENGERS #69. Continued from IRON MAN #18, our story takes us to a hospital to treat an injured Tony Stark. As they were waiting for Thor to arrive with a specialist to treat Stark, the Wasp finds what she believes is a doll. It turns out to be the Growing Man from THOR #140 in miniature form. As it activates, everyone attacks it which causes it to grow. Its placement there is part of an elaborate plot by Kang the Conqueror in an attempt to garner the Avengers’ aid in his battle against the Grandmaster, who makes his first appearance. A lot of stuff going on in this issue as events from IRON MAN and the new crisis make for a highly anticipated battle. Bring on the Squadron Sinister!!! Grade: ACAPTAIN AMERICA #119. “I’m not a Republic serial villain. Do you seriously think that I would explain my master-stroke if there remained the slightest chance of you affecting its outcome?” - Ozymandias, WATCHMEN, 1987. Since reading that back in ‘87, it often pops into my mind when I read a story where the villain achieves ultimate power but refuses utterly obliterate the person(s) capable of stopping them. Needless to say, it popped into my mind again while reading this story. The Red Skull has had the Cosmic Cube for 3 or 4 issues now and Cap still lives and now he has help from the Falcon. JUST! KILL!! THEM!!! 😅 Anyway, despite the fact that it seems like the Skull is executing Mad Super-Villain Scheme #484, this should be more than satisfying. Good story and great art. Grade: B+CAPTAIN MARVEL #18. A surprisingly good issue as I find anything with Yon-Rogg to be the cure for insomnia. Some long-time elements are established in this issue such as the introduction of Mordecai P. Boggs and Rick’s music career. The effect of switching atoms is also established here, as well. As a person who read Jim Starlin’s run and on, I see where many recurring elements of the book started. As for the story, Mar-Vell has a showdown with Yon-Rogg and, finally, rescues Carol Danvers. Interesting, to me, that he battles a Psyche-Magnatron-created creature called a “Mandroid” which Yon-Rogg describes as “...that murderous MAN-THING...” Two names that will go on to mean much more later. Unexpectedly, it turns out to be a great battle; something I haven’t said about this book in a while. A shame that the next issue will be the last one for a while. Grade: B+DAREDEVIL #57. I was about to give this issue an average rating until the very last page. It really has me wondering how this is going to play out. As for the previous 19 pages, we get the rest of what I thought would be a pretty good whodunnit. The only problem is that it was pretty obvious who Death’s Head is. Of course, the story throws in a red herring and, I admit, I almost fell for it, lol!!! However, the answer is, fairly, obvious. Grade: B+, overall, because I liked the ending. DOCTOR STRANGE #183. “Next: The Searchers!” That’s how Volume One of DOCTOR STRANGE ended; as if there would be another issue in 60 days. Someone, during the interim, decided to pull the plug on this series for whatever reason. I imagine low sales as that’s usually the reason. That’s unfortunate because unlike the S.H.I.E.L.D. series, I was still enjoying this series. This issue dealt with the repercussions of revealing his true name in the last issue. The result was a “reset” of reality by Eternity, himself. Dr. Stephen Strange was now Dr. Stephen Sanders. Strange answers a telegram from an old colleague and finds himself face to face with emissaries of the Undying Ones. The conflict is resolved this issue and the title of the next story is revealed. A shame that we never got it. Hopefully, when Doc resurfaces again in MARVEL PREMIERE, it will pick up where this series left off because Roy Thomas and Gene Colan were producing good stuff here. Grade: BFANTASTIC FOUR #92. Part 2 of the Thing’s Adventures in Gangsterland aka the Skrull planet called Kral. The title of this story is “Ben Grimm: Killer!”, yet nothing like that remotely happens. Instead, we get more of Ben thinking of and attempting ways to escape. Meanwhile, the rest of the FF are gearing up for a rescue. Solid story with just enough action and just enough build-up to make you eager for the next issue. Grade: AINCREDIBLE HULK #121. I remember reading issues of the Hulk that led up to #200 when I kid. Those issues featured the Man-Thing, and some creature called the Glob. That monstrous trio found themselves up against the Collector and, as a 10-year-old (probably), I thought that all involved were the coolest characters. Yet, I never saw the Glob again. Well, now I’ve read his first appearance and I can’t help but wonder if this was the inspiration for the Man-Thing. The story: the Hulk, fresh from kicking Inhuman and military tail, alike, finds himself in the Florida Everglades where he sees an old shack. Inside, he finds a bunch of radioactive canisters which he scatters about during a tantrum. One of them lands in the swamp and, through the “miracle of science”, the chemicals, somehow, create the Glob. There’s something of an explanation/origin given, but, like most things in a Hulk issue, it’s kinda hokey but fun. Overall, this one-n-done story is good, but nothing beyond that. Grade: B-
IRON MAN #19. Continued from IRON MAN #18 and AVENGERS #69. Tony Stark is out of surgery for his weak heart, and it was a success! No longer will this be an issue for our hero. However, the same cannot be said for Midas. No sooner than he’s home from the hospital, Stark is, once again, kidnapped by Midas. This time, Stark has his briefcase containing the Iron Man armor. After being betrayed by Madame Masque, Midas threatens Stark and Masque with lasers. Stark dons the Iron Man on the correct gamble that neither Masque nor Midas would believe that a man with such a weak heart has been Iron Man all along. The big battle ensues, our hero is victorious aaaaanndd that’s it!! Pretty good storyline despite the fact that I found Midas to be something of a bore. Grade: BS.H.I.E.L.D. #15. And so, it ends. Well, the end of any original material from volume 1, that is. When Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. replaced The Human Torch in STRANGE TALES, I was dreading it. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The stories were action-packed. The characters were far more than just likable. Great artists like Jack Kirby and John Severin were handling the art. The book was great! Now, here comes the legendary Jim Steranko, whose art I’ve seen, but I’ve never read any of his writing. The last days of S.H.I.E.L.D. in ST were a treat. Then, came the solo series. While Steranko’s art was a treasure, his writing wasn’t really grabbing me. Next thing you know, he was, suddenly, gone. The book nosedived quickly with an occasional decent-at-best story. Now, it’s over and it ended as it began: unspectacularly. This issue gives us a villain called Bulls-Eye and not the one we all know and love; although, there are some similarities. He’s contracted by Hydra to kill Fury, however, the way the story ends will have you scratching your head, pretty much, as the entire series did. Grade: D+
SILVER SURFER #9. The Surfer and the Dutchman are engaged in a no holds barred battle. One so fierce, it’s a miracle that the city wasn’t destroyed. The Dutchman is a pretty good villain. I’m curious about whether this was his only appearance. Anyway, another high-energy story from Stan Lee. Big John Buscema delivers his usual feast for the eyes; this time accompanied by the always underrated Dan Adkins. My only nitpick with this story is, if Mephisto is so all-powerful, why is he using an underling? Grade: A- because, as good as the story was, the ending was kind of sappy, lol!!! SUB-MARINER #19. Now, here’s the debut that I’ve REALLY been waiting for. While this isn’t the debut of Walter Newell, it is for his Stingray identity. The only costume design that I LOVE more than Mar-Vell’s iconic red and blue!!! However, in this issue, it’s colored red and yellow inside, despite the red and white on the cover. At any rate, after the results of the last issue, Namor finds himself without the ability to breathe underwater and without the ability to fly. As he is thinking of ways to regain his powers, he, suddenly, finds himself in conflict with Stingray. He is captured and turned over to the government, but, later, he escapes and finds himself, once again, in battle with Stingray. However, during the battle he and Stingray find themselves fighting for a common cause; reaffirming to the new costumed adventurer that he’s not what the government makes him out to be. I really enjoyed this story and I know that I don’t say it enough, but Marie Severin kills it in every issue. Grade: A-
THOR #169. This is the final chapter of Thor’s quest for Galactus, which began a couple of issues ago. Galactus continues his origin and a more captivating story you couldn’t have asked for. However, without giving away spoilers, the conclusion isn’t quite what one would expect. Some may even be disappointed. Honestly, I was until I thought about what I read, which was a damn good story. Grade: While it didn’t have the ending that I expected, I still give it an A-
TOWER OF SHADOWS #2. Okay, so I found ToS #1 to be a pleasant surprise. Not so much with CHAMBER OF DARKNESS #1. Issue #2 starts off with an interesting enough story about a TV producer of a show with falling ratings. After making one of the writers the scapegoat by firing him, he decides to use one of the writer’s ideas to boost the ratings. He travels to a European town where he interrupts an attack of a woman believed to be a witch. He soon discovers the secret of the town she’s from and finds himself in a deadly situation. Story #2 deals with some miners whose cruel and abusive boss learns the hard way the very definition of the word irony. Honestly, I couldn’t even finish the story. I never even bothered with the third story. Again, this just isn’t my cup of tea. I’ll try to get through CoD #2 next week but don’t expect reviews for issue #3 of either book. The next review for ToS will be when it becomes CREATURES ON THE LOOSE. Grade: C-X-MEN #61. The X-Men have their first battle with Sauron. I’ve always liked him as a villain. Love his look and his hypnotic powers. However, for whatever reason, I didn’t find this X-Men story as fresh as the others that were reread along with the books of the month. Maybe it’s because of the number of times that I’ve reread it. Grade: Still, it is one of the all-time great X-Men tales and I’m still giving it an A. Top Books of the Month:
1. AVENGERS #69
2. X-MEN #61
3. FANTASTIC FOUR #92
4. THOR #169
5. SILVER SURFER #9Top Covers of the Month:
1. SUB-MARINER #19
2. THOR #169
3. AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #78
4. DOCTOR STRANGE #183
5. IRON MAN #19
Another week is done, everyone! Let me know what you think. Until next week, take care. |
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Post by Myke Gee on Jul 6, 2022 19:12:36 GMT -5
*ORIGINALLY POSTED ON FACEBOOK ON MAY 10, 2019*
SEPTEMBER 1969
(Cover Date: November/December 1969)
Coming into the home stretch for the 1969 books. Here’s what I thought of the September 1969 (Cover Dated: December 1969) books. AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #79. Again, I can’t help but feel a bit underwhelmed by the Prowler story. A shame, too, because I wanted so much to love it; to place it alongside the Tablet Saga and all the other great Spider-Man stories that I’ve read since I started this journey. Unfortunately, I can’t. Now, PLEASE don’t take this as an “I hated it!!” Far from it. I use this word a lot, but decent is really the best description of it, in my opinion. Grade: B-AVENGERS #70. Wow!!! The Avengers vs the Squadron, Sinister or Supreme, never seems to disappoint. As a huge fan of team vs team battles, this one truly lived up to my expectations. Honestly, I’ve not read much with the Sinisters, but they are as formidable a foe as the Supremes (no Diana Ross jokes, please 😅). I couldn’t help but think about the Avengers/Squadron Supreme battles of the ’70s as well as the CONTEST OF CHAMPIONS. This story also confirms what I always believed: The Avengers work best when Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor are members. While I’ve really enjoyed the issues without them, this, suddenly, “felt” like an Avengers issue. Loved every page of it!!! Grade: my very rare A+!!!
CAPTAIN AMERICA #120. Our story starts with Captain America and the fledgling hero, the Falcon, parting ways after their first adventure together. From there, Cap decides to try to restore some form of order in his life by first checking on Sharon Carter. He goes to S.H.I.E.L.D. where Nick Fury uses a “sleep chair” that allows subconscious suggestions. Under the influence of the chair, Cap applies for a job on a college campus as a gym teacher. On this campus, there’s a student protest going on. It is soon revealed that the protest is a ruse by A.I.M. Their real goal is to kidnap an advanced mathematics professor. Another story that feels like an epilogue to the previous multi-part storyline, but only a mildly interesting one. Grade: C+CAPTAIN MARVEL #19. After this issue, Captain Marvel won’t be seen again for another six months. This issue signifies why the book goes on a brief hiatus. So much potential with this character, but something just isn’t clicking yet, which is why the book is so uneven; even after the new costume and direction (if you can call it that). This issue has Rick Jones and Mar-Vell trapped inside what could be described as a less-than-lethal precursor to Arcade’s Murderworld. It’s all, supposedly, some psychological experiment to study the human condition. Trust me, it’s about exciting as it sounds. 🙄😏 Anyway, we’ll rejoin this book when it returns. It still won’t be Starlin and, if I’m not mistaken, there will only be two issues before it goes on hiatus again. Grade: CCHAMBER OF DARKNESS #2. With a big sigh, I went on to CoD #2. What made me not just say “F it! I’m not reading this!” was the creators. Neal Adams and Roy Thomas co-wrote the first story and Marie Severin illustrated it. A decent enough story about a prisoner who encounters an alien as he was attempting to escape prison. As he tried to tell what he saw, little did he realize that the alien made relating his story impossible. Unlike TOWER OF SHADOWS #2, I, actually, finished the 2nd story. Written by Archie Goodwin and beautifully illustrated by Syd Shores, this is a story about a young man who learns about judging a book by its cover. Doesn’t sound like a horror story, right? Trust me, the way he learns the lesson is a tad bit creepy. Also, of note, this story is hosted by Digger of ToS fame and not Headstone P. Gravely. Again, a third story that I couldn’t finish. This one’s hosted by “Smilin’ Stan”, yet Don Heck drew a guy that couldn’t have been Mr. Lee. Anyway, this story was supposed to be something of an update to Poe’s “Masque of the Red Death”. Having never read that, I wasn’t sure about the references or if they were even referencing anything. All I know was that it just wasn’t for me. So, as interesting as the first two stories were, I’m probably checked out of the anthology horror books. Grade: C+DAREDEVIL #58. When I first saw the Stunt-Master years later, he was in an issue of GHOST RIDER, I believe. Always found him, somewhat, interesting. Seeing his debut wasn’t a must for me, but I was kind of intrigued when I saw that it was one that’s on the list for this month. However, I walked away from this with a severe case of “meh”. So, he was something of a villain at first, huh? Okay, I’ll buy it, I guess. What I did learn from reading this is that, hero or villain, he’s such a mediocre character. Even so, Roy Thomas delivers a decent enough story with the romance of DD and Karen Page being as unresolved as ever. Still, there’s a new villain on the horizon called Crime Wave. So, I guess I’ll stick around to see where this goes. Very good artwork by Gene Colan inked by Syd Shores this time. I'm not a big Colan fan, but I dug his effort this month. Grade: B-FANTASTIC FOUR #93. Okay, guys and dames!!! It’s da end of da Thing in Gangsterland, see!!! Um...sorry. The last couple of issues have had an... effect, lol!!! So, Ben and the honorable Torgo, finally, enter the arena and fight. Both are reluctant to truly harm each other, but they must or their home worlds will be destroyed by the Skrull weapon called the Sonic Disrupter (wasn’t that a series or cartoon?). As the battle rages on, the rest of the FF arrive just in time to turn the tide. Oh yeah, the Torch flies and talks while in outer space. Just thought that I should share that. 🙄😏😅😂 Excellent conclusion to a great story. Grade: A
INCREDIBLE HULK #122. There’s nothing like a good ol’ Hulk vs Thing battle. The Fantastic Four guest star in this “Let’s try to cure the Hulk” story. While aimlessly wandering in the South, the Hulk throws yet another tantrum and destroys a railroad and the freight train on it. After that’s done, he calms down and reverts to Banner. Banner sees a newspaper with the headline “Formula to Cure Hulk Found”. This headline was placed by Reed Richards in hopes that Banner will see it and come to New York. After Banner arrives, an overzealous security guard gets into a tussle with Banner. Do I have to spell out what happens next? First up to bat is Ben who, if memory serves me correctly, is 0 for a lifetime against ol’ Greenskin up to this point. Not much changes, initially, but with the rest of the team’s help, the Hulk is subdued. Definitely not the end. One of the better Hulk stories I’ve read, so far, and the others weren’t bad. Grade: AIRON MAN #20. Another one-n-done. This one wasn’t quite as good as the Thor story, but it was still pretty good. This time, it’s the X-Men villain, Lucifer’s, turn to make a comeback. Only, this time, he does it by, somewhat, occupying the body of Charlie Gray, a security officer at Stark Industries who has inferiority issues. Lucifer instructs Charlie to kidnap Tony Stark (which seems to be all the rage lately) because he believes that Stark can help him escape his interdimensional prison. Charlie does as ordered, displaying powers that, honestly, I don’t remember Lucifer having. Needless to say, Iron Man intervenes, but he has a little help saving the day from an unexpected source. Grade: B+.SILVER SURFER #10. In all the time that I’ve been reading this book, it never occurred to me to wonder why a Zenn-Lavian, in this case, Shalla-Bal, couldn’t travel to Earth to be with the Surfer. However, I keep forgetting that they aren’t a star-fairing race; that they’ve lost their desire to explore. Well, apparently, one hasn’t, as he is on his way to Earth with Shalla-Bal to prove that the Surfer is either dead or has forsaken her. More on that next week. In the meantime, the Surfer is on another quest to understand those f’d up human beings. Now, he’s “undercover” in South America in a war-torn and oppressed land. Seeing the Surfer vs conventional Earth weaponry can be a tad bit boring, at times, but, fortunately, Stan Lee and John Buscema won’t allow us to be bored. Great story. Grade: A- because of the ending. Again, more on that next week. SUB-MARINER #20. There are some villains that are “can’t miss”. Dr. Doom is one such bad guy. Very rarely does he not make a story better. I’m gonna go out on a limb a say the Doom is one of the greatest villains created regardless of medium or genre. Still without his full aquatic powers or gift of flight, Namor is on the run in New York City with the authorities dead set on capturing him. Weakened and aimlessly running from the police, he runs into a building that offers him shelter. Unknowingly, that building is the Latverian Embassy. Enter Doom in his full egotistical glory. Recollection of their past alliance ( FF #6) keeps Namor on guard. Meanwhile, Doom cuts off all water in the Embassy and demands that Namor turn over the Atlantean army to him. When Namor refuses, true to form, Doom’s true nature comes through and he attacks. Another great story and artwork; this time provided by John Buscema. Grade: ATHOR #170. So, now that the Thunder God is done with his epic... conversation (!!!) with Galactus, he returns to Earth just in time to confront the Thermal Man; an RBR (Really Big Robot) sent to destroy America by Communist China. While I’ve grown, somewhat, tired of our heroes battling RBRs, this time, I kinda dug it. It showed up last issue while Thor was with Galactus, and Balder and the Warriors Three did what they could to stop it. Needless to say, they just weren’t powerful enough. Thor’s first round with the RBR gave us the impression that neither was he. However, round two played out differently and makes me wonder why Thor didn’t just lead off with the attack that defeated the robot? 😁 Still, I thoroughly enjoyed this wrap-up to the Galactus storyline. Grade: A-X-MEN #62. First read. Second read. 30th read. The Roy Thomas/Neal Adams/Tom Palmer X-Men never get old. In fresh pursuit of Karl Lykos, aka Sauron, the X-Men find themselves, once again, in the Savage Land. Therefore, can Ka-Zar and Zabu be far behind? Nope! The team has their first meetings with a member of the Savage Land Mutates, Equilibrius. The X-Men, Ka-Zar and defeat him and, soon afterward, Piper. Meanwhile, the Angel, who was not with the team, followed them and was attacked by Pteranodons. As he fell through the opening to the Savage Land, he was discovered by the other Mutates and their creator known only as...um...the Creator. Don’t worry. For the 10 other people who haven’t read this story, who he is revealed in the very last panel. Grade: A.Top Books of the Month:1. AVENGERS #702. X-MEN #623. SUB-MARINER #20 4. INCREDIBLE HULK #1225. FANTASTIC FOUR #93Top Covers of the Month:1. IRON MAN #20 2. X-MEN #623. INCREDIBLE HULK #1224. DAREDEVIL #58 5. SGT. FURY #72Much better this month!!! The entire Top 5 all earned an A this month, with AVENGERS earning a very rare A+. Even THOR and SILVER SURFER earned an A- each. That’s just over half the books read and reviewed receiving high marks. I’m looking forward to next month to see if this continues. Thanks for the support, everyone. Until next week, take care. |
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Post by badwolf on Jul 6, 2022 22:06:34 GMT -5
Stan also rejected Steranko's cover and replaced it with the more tame cover Romita did.  Awwww, that's a great cover! Reminds me of what Frank Miller would do later on. |
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Post by kirby101 on Jul 7, 2022 8:06:43 GMT -5
Stan also rejected Steranko's cover and replaced it with the more tame cover Romita did. Awwww, that's a great cover! Reminds me of what Frank Miller would do later on. An influence on Mr. Miller, no doubt. |
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Post by chaykinstevens on Jul 8, 2022 15:00:54 GMT -5
TOWER OF SHADOWS #2. Okay, so I found ToS #1 to be a pleasant surprise. Not so much with CHAMBER OF DARKNESS #1. Issue #2 starts off with an interesting enough story about a TV producer of a show with falling ratings. After making one of the writers the scapegoat by firing him, he decides to use one of the writer’s ideas to boost the ratings. He travels to a European town where he interrupts an attack of a woman believed to be a witch. He soon discovers the secret of the town she’s from and finds himself in a deadly situation. Story #2 deals with some miners whose cruel and abusive boss learns the hard way the very definition of the word irony. Honestly, I couldn’t even finish the story. I never even bothered with the third story. Again, this just isn’t my cup of tea. I’ll try to get through CoD #2 next week but don’t expect reviews for issue #3 of either book. The next review for ToS will be when it becomes CREATURES ON THE LOOSE. Grade: C- Strange that they hid the Neal Adams story, which you chose not to read, in the back of the comic, despite it being featured on the cover. |
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Post by Myke Gee on Jul 8, 2022 18:01:54 GMT -5
TOWER OF SHADOWS #2. Okay, so I found ToS #1 to be a pleasant surprise. Not so much with CHAMBER OF DARKNESS #1. Issue #2 starts off with an interesting enough story about a TV producer of a show with falling ratings. After making one of the writers the scapegoat by firing him, he decides to use one of the writer’s ideas to boost the ratings. He travels to a European town where he interrupts an attack of a woman believed to be a witch. He soon discovers the secret of the town she’s from and finds himself in a deadly situation. Story #2 deals with some miners whose cruel and abusive boss learns the hard way the very definition of the word irony. Honestly, I couldn’t even finish the story. I never even bothered with the third story. Again, this just isn’t my cup of tea. I’ll try to get through CoD #2 next week but don’t expect reviews for issue #3 of either book. The next review for ToS will be when it becomes CREATURES ON THE LOOSE. Grade: C- Strange that they hid the Neal Adams story, which you chose not to read, in the back of the comic, despite it being featured on the cover. I never even noticed Neal's name in the credits. I doubt that I even bothered to look. However, since you told me that he was the artist, I just read it. It reminded me of the old horror film, The Tingler except that this creature fed off sound instead of being repulsed by it. It was an interesting enough story, but not enough to raise the grade to more than a C. |
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Post by Myke Gee on Jul 8, 2022 18:52:15 GMT -5
*ORIGINALLY POSTED ON FACEBOOK ON MAY 16, 2019*
OCTOBER 1969
(Cover Date: December 1969/January 1970)
Another month/week. Another set of reviews. This week, I give you my thoughts on the October 1969 books.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #80. This month, Spidey gives us a good ol’ one-n-done, and honestly, does the Chameleon rate anything more than that? The Chameleon is one of those Spidey villains that just makes my eyes roll and....well.... you get the picture. Thankfully, Stan gives yet another fabulous story. I love how he continues to develop the supporting cast. Spidey’s one-on-one with Joe Robertson was a really nice touch. Stan bashers, I’m past telling you to take a seat. I’m, now, looking at an open window for you clowns. Nice comeback from a, slightly, subpar Prowler two-parter. Grade: A-AVENGERS #71. The conclusion of the Kang/Grandmaster game ends with the remaining Avengers (Yellow Jacket, Black Panther, and the Vision) vs the trio that will, one day, be known as the Invaders (Captain America, Sub-Mariner, and the original Human Torch). The matchups should be, fairly, obvious and, as usual, the thought of the Vision fighting the Torch is always intriguing. I don’t remember if it was mentioned that they are one and the same at this point, but it still intrigued me. Now, these battles weren’t as riveting as the big guns vs the Squadron, but they were still fun to watch. All of this comes to a close as Kang is true to form. His plans for treachery run into an unexpected fly in the ointment: The Black Knight, who, after a few adventures with the team, officially becomes a member. Grade: ADAREDEVIL #59. Such an inconsistent book. When CAPTAIN MARVEL goes on hiatus after this month, DAREDEVIL will, probably, be the only book that I struggle to read every month. It’s not as bad as NICK FURY, AGENT OF S.H.I.E.L.D. by any means, but it’s no AMAZING SPIDER-MAN either. Fresh off of three pretty good months, we now get into the Crime Wave story. (He’s the new Big Bad of the book, now). Last week in S.H.I.EL.D. and CAPTAIN MARVEL, we met Bulls-Eye and Mandroid, respectively. Neither were the versions that most are familiar with. This week, Crime Wave sends the Torpedo to kill a witness. Again, not the Torp we all know. Anyway, the House of Recycled Ideas has churned out a tale that’s supposed to be the next big storyline. However, it’s off to a mediocre start, at best. Grade: C.INCREDIBLE HULK #123. At the end of the last issue, the Fantastic Four captured the Hulk. Now, Reed Richards successfully cures Bruce Banner from becoming the Hulk. Well, he’s cured of becoming a mindless Hulk, anyway. Banner can, now, control his transformations and retain his intelligence when he does, and he vows never to change again. Gen. Ross, however, needs the Hulk for a mission as the Leader is about to strike. It feels like this book is hitting its stride as some real gems are being published, lately. Grade: A- (it has the Leader. 😴 💤 villain. Otherwise…) CAPTAIN AMERICA #121. Marvel’s on a roll with the one-n-done books, lately. This time, it’s Captain America taking on a powerhouse called the Man-Brute. Prof. Silas X. Cragg creates him after discovering his own version of the Super Soldier Serum. The two put on quite a show and the battle takes an unexpected turn in the end. A good story, but no more than “good”. Grade: B-SILVER SURFER #11. Part two of the Surfer’s battle against South American despots. Last issue, Shalla-Bal and an evil Zenn-Lavian named Yarro Gort traveled to Earth. Gort, who has a thing for Shalla-Bal, intends to prove that the Surfer is either dead or has moved on from her. So, of course, the Surfer hooks up with the resistance and fights for them. This issue, Gort and Shalla are shot down by the dictator’s army and Gort offers them advanced weapons to deal with the Surfer. Meanwhile, the Surfer finds the Zen-Lavian ship and realizes that it’s from his home planet. The Surfer, eventually, confronts Gort and Shalla-Bal. However, it’s a bittersweet reunion. Decent enough issue, but I was expecting a bit more. Gort wasn’t nearly as formidable as he thought he was and, as I stated last week, the Surfer vs conventional Earth weapons is a bit boring. A, somewhat, disappointing ending to a VERY good beginning. Grade: C+SUB-MARINER #21. Namor still walks the streets of New York without his amphibious powers and his gift of flight. Still wrongfully believed to be in league with the ocean stealing aliens from issue #18, he is still hunted by the authorities and military alike. The Lady Dorma sees this via CCTV, which must be dirt cheap and capable of being posted anywhere in the Marvel Universe. Dorma brings the Atlantean fleet to a New York port and issues an ultimatum. However, Lord Seth uses the Horn of Proteus to summon giant sea creatures to attack. A lot goes on this issue, but a Namor at half strength isn’t holding my attention that much. As much as his arrogance annoys me, I kinda miss it, lol!! Also, his power of flight seems to come and go a couple of times in the story. As I’m known for saying, I liked this issue, but I didn’t love it. Somewhat disappointing after the spectacular Doom issue. Grade: C+THOR #171. You gotta love a good one-n-done. The Wrecker returns and he’s on his “I’m the most powerful.... I can never be defeated.... your power pales in comparison to mine!!!” tip. But, sometimes, that can be a lot of fun, which it was here. The two go at it hard, tear up a ton of real estate, and don’t stop until one is out cold. Good, old-fashioned super-heroics delivered in typical Lee/Kirby fashion. Grade: A
IRON MAN #21. Here’s another debut that I’ve been eagerly anticipating. The brief Eddie March era of Iron Man. I first discovered this character while working on my Obscure Characters list. So, a couple of issues ago, Tony Stark had surgery on his badly damaged heart. He received an experimental tissue that ended the danger of heart failure.... sort of. Turns out that if he gets too stressed, his body could reject the tissue and that would be fatal. Yet, amazingly enough, Stark continues to be Iron Man. However, his actions are hesitant and he’s constantly worried about the rejection. Enter March. A now-retired boxer who, unknown to Stark, has his own health problems but idolizes Iron Man. When Stark decides to quit being Iron Man, March becomes his replacement. So, the question is, what will kill March first: his illness or the new Crimson Dynamo? This one did not disappoint. Great story. Grade: AFANTASTIC FOUR #94. “The Return of the Frightful Four!” The Wizard, the Sandman, the Trapster, and Medusa (?!!) return to menace our heroes as they meet the new nanny of the newly-born, newly-named Franklin Richards. A pleasurable read as you meet for the first time Agatha Harkness. I’ve always found her to be a rather fun character and, as the evil FF discovered, a rather formidable one, as well. As for Medusa’s role, well, things aren’t always what they seem. I really enjoyed this one-parter. Great story with a touch of tongue-in-cheek humor. Grade: AX-MEN #63. So ends Neal Adams’ legendary run on this book. Again, it’s truly a shame that the greatest period of the series, to date, wasn’t enough to save it from becoming a bi-monthly reprint book. The Ka-Zar/Savage Land Mutates story ends as the Creator was revealed to be Magneto. What I found most interesting about him is that this time, he wasn’t presented as all-powerful. In need of a jet pack to fly and using guns isn’t the Magneto that I was used to. As many times as I have read this story, that realization never clicked until now. Still, it was a wonderful story to end a wonderful run. Grade: AAs always, I appreciate the support, and let me know what you think. What do you like and, definitely, what do you dislike about this project of mine? Also, as always, until next week, take care. Top Books of the Month:1. X-MEN #632. AVENGERS #713. IRON MAN #214. THOR #1715. FANTASTIC FOUR #94Top Covers of the Month:1. THOR #1712. IRON MAN #213. AVENGERS #714. AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #805. X-MEN #63
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Post by EdoBosnar on Jul 9, 2022 3:21:07 GMT -5
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #78. The debut of the Prowler wasn’t as impactful to me as I thought it would be, but it was still a very good story. An interesting scene for me was when JJJ stood up to Hobie Brown’s bigoted boss. These are the touches that I like. JJJ is usually shown as a grouchy old skinflint, but I guess that this was Stan’s way of showing that Jonah’s not all bad. Grade: B+(...)
Dang, I realized that I'd fallen a bit behind in reading these. Anyway, on this issue, I have to say that the story here was quite impactful for me: it was the very first Spidey story I'd ever read (of course, as a reprint in Marvel Tales in the mid-'70s.
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Post by EdoBosnar on Jul 9, 2022 3:28:23 GMT -5
(...) AVENGERS #71. The conclusion of the Kang/Grandmaster game ends with the remaining Avengers (Yellow Jacket, Black Panther, and the Vision) vs the trio that will, one day, be known as the Invaders (Captain America, Sub-Mariner, and the original Human Torch). The matchups should be, fairly, obvious and, as usual, the thought of the Vision fighting the Torch is always intriguing. I don’t remember if it was mentioned that they are one and the same at this point, but it still intrigued me. Now, these battles weren’t as riveting as the big guns vs the Squadron, but they were still fun to watch. All of this comes to a close as Kang is true to form. His plans for treachery run into an unexpected fly in the ointment: The Black Knight, who, after a few adventures with the team, officially becomes a member. Grade: A(...) X-MEN #63. So ends Neal Adams’ legendary run on this book. Again, it’s truly a shame that the greatest period of the series, to date, wasn’t enough to save it from becoming a bi-monthly reprint book. The Ka-Zar/Savage Land Mutates story ends as the Creator was revealed to be Magneto. What I found most interesting about him is that this time, he wasn’t presented as all-powerful. In need of a jet pack to fly and using guns isn’t the Magneto that I was used to. As many times as I have read this story, that realization never clicked until now. Still, it was a wonderful story to end a wonderful run. Grade: A(...) I remember how much I just loved the Kang/Grandmaster arc and, really, this entire period in the Avengers (again, when reading them in reprints in the late 1970s). To me, they also had this very - for lack of a better term - 'fresh' quality. It's kind of why I think of them as already being Bronze Age stories, together with another series being scripted by Roy Thomas at the time starring a bunch of mutants... |
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Post by Myke Gee on Jul 10, 2022 14:31:21 GMT -5
*ORIGINALLY POSTED ON FACEBOOK ON MAY 19, 2019* NOVEMBER 1969
(Cover Date: January/February 1970)
The penultimate month before I’m done with the 1969 books. I can scarcely believe, myself, that I’ve completed nine years of comics since the fall of 2017. Anyway, here are my thoughts on the November 1969 books (Cover date: February 1970). AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #81. The Kangaroo. 🙄 The Kanga- freakin-roo!!! 🙄🤮 I’d heard that he was pretty lame, but, man!!! What’s worse is that he has the dumbest origin this side of Turner D. Century. “I ran with the ‘roos, lived with the ‘roos, ATE with the ‘roos...!!!” (um....ew) *Sigh* Plus, on top of that, Aunt May is back from her trip to Florida which started at the beginning of the Tablet Saga. Two panels in and she’s into her doting, “You’re such a frail boy” routine. 🤢🤮🥴 Ah well, Stan, even a legend can have an off day/month. Grade: Todd Taylor, here’s that F that you were asking about. 😂 AVENGERS #72. Another good debut this month as the Nick Fury adversary called Scorpio returns and, this time, he brings the rest of the Zodiac with him. I’ve always been a fan of this team even if they have the ugliest, corniest-looking costumes ever. So, when the S.H.I.E.L.D. series ended, it appears that Fury is gunned down on the last page and the book just ends. This story serves as a follow-up to that ending as well as the introduction of the crime cartel. Also appearing while their book is on hiatus are Rick Jones and Captain Marvel. A good, fast-paced read. Grade: ACAPTAIN AMERICA #122. Sometimes, I just don’t know what to think about the Captain America series. Since he started appearing in TALES OF SUSPENSE, his stories have never really blown me away, but they were decent enough to keep reading. Then, he got his own book and it seemed like in every issue, he was fighting the Red Skull. Next, it’s the short-lived and highly confusing Steranko era. Thank goodness that’s over. I’m starting to see why the Falcon was added. Alone, Cap’s kinda whiny. Always crying about having no life and being a man out of time. We get more of that this issue. So much so that I almost skipped ahead just to see if the Scorpion would just belt him one. Still, it’s a (yep, you guessed it) decent story. Grade: C+DAREDEVIL #60. Crime-Wave. Since his name was first mentioned in DD #57, there’s been this gradual buildup to a new big bad that’s going to make life miserable for our hero for a long time. At least, that’s how I saw it. At any rate, the “Crime-Wave” has ended and not with a bang either. The big reveal was, on a scale from one to DAAAMMMNNN, it was a yawn. Grade: DFANTASTIC FOUR #95. This one-n-done thing is starting to wear a little thin for me, now. Either the hero is fighting someone well beneath their power level (Thor/Circus of Crime) or the story feels rushed. In this case, we get a little bit of both. Enter, the Monocle........🙄😏😒😐🙂😄😅😂🤣🤣 I’m sorry. I tried to keep a straight face when I “said” that. Man, the Kangaroo 🙄 is starting to look like Dr. Doom compared to this guy. What next? He takes on the Silver Surfer? Seriously, I’m all for single-part stories, but not if it means that we have to be subjected to the FF taking on the likes of the Monocle. Grade: C.INCREDIBLE HULK #124. The conclusion of the storyline that started with the Fantastic Four capturing the Hulk. Reed Richards, with help of a formula created by Bruce Banner, cures Banner from becoming a savage Hulk. This issue, with Banner, now, in control of his transformations while retaining his intelligence, he and Betty Ross enjoy life as a couple and even manage to make it to the wedding altar. Unfortunately, no one invited the Leader and the Rhino. A strong conclusion to a strong story. Grade: AIRON MAN #22. What a crazy fight this was! Iron Man (Tony Stark) arrives in time to save Iron Man (Eddie March). Already living with a brain tumor as a result of his boxing career, March exacerbated his injury by taking too many blows to the head from the new Crimson Dynamo. No sooner than March is taken to a hospital, the Titanium Man shows up. Meanwhile, CD reveals why he wants revenge on Stark and “Iron Man”. While he’s telling his story, the Titanium Man attacks. Eventually, it turns into TM vs CD vs IM. Everyone is fighting everyone else. Like I said, crazy! In the end, though, it was just an okay story. Somewhat disappointed considering how it started. Grade: B-SILVER SURFER #12. The one-n-done stories seem to be the rage, here lately, with Marvel. This month’s Silver Surfer story is a rather odd one. It starts with a group of people who deal in the occult. During one of their ceremonies, they conjure up the Abomination; last seen being taken by the Stranger to his home world. After it becomes obvious that they couldn’t control him, the cult’s leader stumbles across an unconscious Surfer who was rendered so from trying to break through Galactus’ barrier. Despite his growing disdain for mankind, the Surfer intervenes and battles the Abomination to stop his rampage. A much better villain for the Surfer this month. This one is fun because we get to see the Surfer, actually, fight whereas he’s mostly seen hurling cosmic energy from his hands. Grade: BSUB-MARINER #22. Namor returns to Atlantis where his scientists restore his amphibious abilities. While anesthetized, he is contacted by Dr. Strange and given a history lesson on the Undying Ones; the same group of demons that menaced Strange in the last issue of his series. Once he recovers from his surgery, he immediately heads to Boston where he and, eventually, Dr. Strange face the Undying Ones. I was excited when I saw the cover. The first meeting (that I can recall) between the Sub-Mariner and Dr. Strange! Can the Defenders be far behind? Well, this story wasn’t a precursor to that much-beloved super-team, but it did serve as closure to Strange’s series. I wish it was just a little more exciting, though. Grade: C+THOR #172. Kronin Krask! Where does Stan get these names? 😆 Krask is the villain of the month and he’s a very wealthy man who cannot accept his own mortality. This leads him to enlist the “aid” of Dr. Jim North; the man who is now dating Jane Foster. North turns to Don Blake knowing that Blake “knows how to ‘reach’ Thor”. See, Krask is holding Jane hostage to make Dr. North perform a mind transfer to an immortal body. Care to guess whose? Well written, fast-paced, and enough action to make this a pretty good one-n-done. Grade: B+ X-MEN #64. Debuts and one-n-dones. A good month for both. Fresh off the classic run, the X-Men continue with Don Heck replacing Neal Adams. Looking ahead, I never knew that Adams drew anything past issue #63, but he’ll be back next month. We still have Tom Palmer. So, the quality remains high. As for this issue, it marks the debut of Shiro Yoshida; the atomic mutant known as Sunfire. Sunfire is a character that I’ve always wanted to flat out love, but his surly, petulant attitude diminished his appeal to me. Still, it’s a solid debut and it explores how the reason for his attitude is solely his rationale for being the person that he is. His uncle Tomo doesn’t help. A really good issue that, honestly, feels like a Sunfire one-shot, guest-starring the X-Men. Grade: A-Not a lot of high marks this month. I blame the single-issue format for this. Some decent enough stories, but I, suddenly, felt like I was reading DC comics Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but Marvel was building a new standard with their tight storytelling and fantastic artwork. The art is still here, but, the one-n-dones feel like a step backward, a little. Anyway, as always, thank you for the support. Let me know what you think about this month’s opinions and/or grades. Also, as always, until next week, take care. Top Books of the Month:1. AVENGERS #722. INCREDIBLE HULK #1243. X-MEN #644. THOR #1725. SILVER SURFER #12 Top Covers of the Month:1. SUB-MARINER #222. SGT. FURY #74
3. AVENGERS #72
4. CAPTAIN SAVAGE #18
5. SILVER SURFER #12
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Post by Ish Kabbible on Jul 10, 2022 19:54:10 GMT -5
Jeez, I blocked from my mind how lame i thought Spider-Man was at this point. That Tablet saga just went on for too long, The Prowler was a bit boring and now.. The Kangeroo. No wonder Harry Osbourne would soon be taking drugs to lift this series from it's mediocrity.
Jack Kirby also seems to have one foot out the door fro Marvel by this time. Seems he's saving his best for someplace else
The Avengers and X-Men were the high points for Marvel in late 1969
No wonder I ranked Sgt Fury so high compared to most of Marvel's fare
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Confessor
CCF Mod Squad
Not Bucky O'Hare!
Posts: 10,199 
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Post by Confessor on Jul 11, 2022 6:23:42 GMT -5
Jeez, I blocked from my mind how lame i thought Spider-Man was at this point. That Tablet saga just went on for too long, The Prowler was a bit boring and now.. The Kangeroo. No wonder Harry Osbourne would soon be taking drugs to lift this series from it's mediocrity. Ha ha...that's funny, but come on now, the Stone Tablet storyline is fantastic! That's some prime Stan Lee and John Romita right there! I mean, you got the Kingpin and his thugs fighting Silvermane and The Maggia to gain control of the petrified tablet, which holds the secret to eternal life; you got the likes of the Shocker and "Man Mountain" Marko joining in the squabble; then of course Spidey is caught in the middle, along with Kurt Conners (aka The Lizard) and his family; you got social commentary with the protests at Empire State University sub-plot; and you've got the usual Gwen Stacy/Peter Parker soap opera. In addition, you have the whole "be careful what you wish for" moral that the Stone tablet has to teach, as well as all that fantastic John Romita artwork. Yep, these are definitely some superior Silver Age comics. As for the Prowler, I agree he's a rather minor antagonist, but I don't mind him too much. The original Prowler story is actually a rather nice morality play, with Spidey helping a gifted African-American to redeem himself. The Kangaroo? Yeah, I got nothin'. |
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Post by chaykinstevens on Jul 11, 2022 15:31:05 GMT -5
TOWER OF SHADOWS #2. Again, this just isn’t my cup of tea. I’ll try to get through CoD #2 next week but don’t expect reviews for issue #3 of either book. The next review for ToS will be when it becomes CREATURES ON THE LOOSE. Grade: C- You probably didn't miss too much, if it's not your bag. Wally Wood wrote and drew a few decent sword and sorcery stories. #7 included a story pencilled by Barry Smith and inked by Vinnie Colletta, with one panel where Smith had drawn trees with faces and Vince the Prince had substituted generic trees to save time, leading to Herb Trimpe being brought in to redraw the panel. |
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Post by chaykinstevens on Jul 11, 2022 16:15:07 GMT -5
CHAMBER OF DARKNESS #2. Again, a third story that I couldn’t finish. This one’s hosted by “Smilin’ Stan”, yet Don Heck drew a guy that couldn’t have been Mr. Lee. Heck probably wasn't the best at drawing likenesses at that point, but his Stan didn't look too dissimilar to some photos I've seen.   It was definitely supposed to be Stan, as they were experimenting with distancing themselves from DC's mystery comics by having the creatirs host their own stories. They had ones introduced by the likes of Waly Wood, Barry Smith, Syd Shores, Gene Colan, Tom Sutton, Berni Wrightson, Roy Thomas and Tom Palmer. Tom Brevoort's blog has some interesting information about how a story Jack Kirby plotted and pencilled (and also ended up scripting) for COD #4 was butchered. linkCOD #7 included yet another Man-Thing / Swamp Thing precursor, the Beast from the Bog by Denny O'Neil and Paul Reinman, with a splash page redrawn by Glob artist Herb Trimpe. |
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Post by chaykinstevens on Jul 11, 2022 16:39:47 GMT -5
AVENGERS #71. The matchups should be, fairly, obvious and, as usual, the thought of the Vision fighting the Torch is always intriguing. I don’t remember if it was mentioned that they are one and the same at this point, but it still intrigued me. The Vision's origin wasn't established until Steve Englehart wrote Avengers #133-135, later retconned by John Byrne in Avengers West Coast #50 and again by Kurt Busiek in Avengers Forever. |
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