Thursday, December 31, 2015

Detective Comics #408

Detective Comics #408 (On Sale: December 31, 1970), has a classic Batman cover by Neal Adams.

We begin with the classic tale, "The House That Haunted Batman" written by Len Wein and Marv Wolfman and drawn by Neal Adams and Dick Giordano. Robin has gone missing and Batman sets out to find him in a decrepit old house; a place which appeared on the outskirts of Gotham City as sudden as Robin's disappearance.

As Batman enters deeper into the place, he shouts Robin's name, hoping that his young sidekick would answer his call. A few moments later, Batman is startled by the standing figure of Robin at the end of a long hallway. Batman runs to his young partner and once he is within reach, Robin collapses, forcing Batman to stop his fall with his arms. Batman takes a closer look at his partner and he is extremely shocked to see Robin aging at an inhuman speed until he becomes ashes in Batman's hands.

Suddenly, a raging scream breaks the silence of the abandoned house and Batman follows the source of the appalling sound, spawned from the darkest confines of the mansion. Opening a door on the upper floor, Batman is swarmed by a cloud of bats, but he continues his search despite the harrowing scenario until he finds the room from which the shrieks are coming. Once inside, Batman finds that it is all coming from a gramophone and just as he stops the record, he is attacked by an unknown assailant, who instantly runs away. Batman gives chase to the attacker, who is armed with a gun and is shooting backward as he escapes, aiming at Batman. Dodging the bullets, Batman finally manages to corner the attacker in one of the mansion's hallways, but he is paralyzed when he realizes that the attacker is none other than Robin.

As Batman is being attacked by his partner, he is forced to step back until he falls into a dark room and a door is closed in front of him. Surrounded by absolute darkness, Batman lights a match and is able to see members of the Justice League and Batman's personal friends, gathered together around a macabre open coffin. When Batman gets closer, he realizes that the body inside the casket is his own. Soon, the members attending Batman's funeral start giving their own eulogies about the Dark Knight. Unfortunately, they all speak dreadful thins, as Commissioner Gordon calls him a hypocrite and Superman resents him for stealing the glory on their past missions together. Finally, Batman realizes that everything is just a strange illusion, almost at the same time as Robin steps up and expresses his contempt for his late mentor and plans to reveal his secret identity to the world. At that moment, the light from the match fades out and the darkness returns. Lighting a second match, Batman realizes that everyone is gone and that it was in fact, all part of an illusion. However, he soon notices that the dark walls start closing in until they leave a very narrow space for Batman to move.

It is then that Batman's mind returns to reality and he realizes that he is locked in a special tube that makes him bounce up and down, with a monitor counting the number of times Batman has repeated the cycle. Besides Batman is an unconscious Robin, who is also locked in a similar tube, with the counter higher than Batman's. Finally, the mastermind behind it all reveals himself to the hero, and Batman is shocked to see Dr. Tzin-Tzin on a large monitor, controlling every movement.

Wanting to know how Tzin managed to escape prison, Tzin explains that it was easy for him to breach out and after he escaped, he tried to rejoin his old gang, but they scorned him after his defeat at the hands of Batman. Wanting revenge against the Dark Knight, Tzin was promptly contacted by the League of Assassins, whose plans had been thwarted twice by Batman and they provided the money and equipment to create this elaborate death trap. Tzin then proceeds to explain that the monitor counting Batman and Robin's movements on the tubes are actually triggers that would set explosions once the number reaches 100. Knowing that Robin's counter is far ahead of his own, Batman starts moving inside the tube in order to accelerate the counter so his tube would explode first. Tzin tries to get Batman to plead for Robin's life, but Batman manages to get the counter to 100 before Robin is killed.

Tzin believes that he has succeeded, but Batman appears again and breaks Robin out of the deadly tube. Batman explains that he used his Utility Belt to trigger the bomb and avoided being hurt by the explosion. Frustrated, but prepared for such eventuality, Tzin releases a dozen of highly trained killers to attack Batman. The Dark Knight uses his honed fighting skills to take down ten of his attackers, but the last couple of them manage to hold him, long enough for Tzin to reach him and end his vendetta. Batman is unable to break free and his hour of doom seems to finally have arrived when Robin appears out of nowhere and tackles Tzin-Tzin, giving Batman the chance to defeat the last two killers.

Finally, Batman and Robin take Tzin-Tzin out of the abandoned mansion and they take him towards the Batmobile waiting outside. However, as they reach their vehicle, the duo hear laughter coming from the house and when they turn around, they see Tzin-Tzin mocking them from one of the upper windows. Turning their attention back to the car, they realize that Tzin is not their prisoner any longer and seconds after this realization, the abandoned house explodes and the whole place comes crumbling down in ashes and fire.

As dawn breaks, the Batmobile silently retires from the ghastly scenario and disappears in the first mists of dawn that cover Gotham City. This classic tale has been reprinted in Detective Comics #477 (1978), Batman Illustrated by Neal Adams Vol. 2 HC (2004), Batman Illustrated by Neal Adams Vol. 2 TPB (2013), Tales of the Batman: Len Wein HC (2015), Showcase Presents: Batman Vol. 6 TPB (2016), Batman by Neal Adams Vol. 2 TPB (2019), and Tales of the Batman: Marv Wolfman Vol. 1 HC (2020).

Our backup Batgirl story is  "The Phantom Bullfighter" by Frank Robbins, Don Heck, and Dick Giordano. Barbara Gordon visits Spain to meet Don Alvarado who is donating an original manuscript by a prize-winning novelist to the library. During her stay, Babs attends a bullfight with Alvarado. The champion bullfighter El Granados is nearly killed, but a young fighter named Paco intervenes. Both the bullfighter and his mentor Manolo El Viejo are displeased that the boy has stolen their honor.

Later Babs visits Alvarado's ranch. During the night a cloaked man steals El Granados's sword and uses it to kill a prize bull. Batgirl tried to stop him, but she failed. The next day another sword is stolen, leading Babs to conclude that the man will strike again. This story continues next issue. This was Don Heck's first shot and Batgirl and he would draw her off and on for the next ten years. Reprinted in Showcase Presents: Batgirl Vol. 1 TPB (2007) and Batgirl: The Bronze Age Omnibus Vol. 1 HC (2018).

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Action Comics #397

Action Comics #397 (On Sale: December 31, 1970), has a great Superman cover by Carmine Infantino and Murphy Anderson.

Our imaginary story continues from the last issue, "Secret of the Wheel-Chair Superman" is by Leo Dorfman, Curt Swan, and Murphy Anderson. Jimmy Olsen finds Superman panhandling on the street in front of the Daily Planet. Jimmy follows Superman back to an abandoned tenement where he now lives. Superman explains how he lost his powers. He also introduces Jimmy to two scientists who are dying from the plague.

Jimmy takes Superman to a neurologist who believes Superman's loss of power is due to a mental block. The condition originated when Superman began to feel unneeded due to advances in modern technology. Later, when his tenement catches fire, Superman is able to overcome his disability to save the two scientists.

With his powers restored, Superman plans a return. However, modern advances are still able to perform his mission better than he can. Superman sets off into space to begin a new mission on another world.

Our backup Superman story is an Untold Tale of the Fortress"The Super Captive of the Sea" also produced by Leo Dorfman, Curt Swan, and Murphy Anderson. A pollution cloud from space enters Earth's atmosphere and causes Superman's powers to malfunction. He takes refuge underwater and uses his old undersea Fortress as a base. While remaining underwater, Superman uses his powers and ingenuity to solve several emergency situations. Eventually, two aliens reveal themselves and their plans to take Superman back to their aquatic world. The pollution cloud and emergencies were all designed to test Superman's ability to operate while submerged. Superman tricks the aliens into releasing him. He then sends them home before ridding the Earth of the pollution cloud.

Edited by Murray Boltinoff.

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Superman's Girl Friend Lois Lane #108

Superman's Girl Friend Lois Lane #108 (On Sale: December 29, 1970), has a cover by Dick Giordano.

We begin with Lois Lane in "The Spectre Suitor" by Cary Bates, Werner Roth, and Vince Colletta. While Lois conducts an interview with Noel Tate, thieves break into his house. Noel and Lois interrupt the thieves and are nearly killed. They are saved by a ghost who takes a fascination with Lois. The ghost begins stalking her and causing odd behavior in her and her friends.

The phantom then causes Lois to break into Tate's home to steal a dirk which transports her back in time to the 19th century. There she realizes that the ghost is that of Jack the Ripper. Superman travels back in time to save Lois. The Ripper was Tate's relative who had fallen in love with Lois. Once back in their own time, Superman finds the dirk which allowed the ghost to manifest. It has been destroyed. This story was reprinted in Best of DC #38 (1983).

We end with The Rose and the Thorn in  "Mourn for the Thorn" by Robert Kanigher, Ross Andru, and Mike Esposito. While the Thorn wages her personal war against the 100, the syndicate sends more killers to eliminate her. The gang succeeds by poisoning her with carbon monoxide. The Thorn's body is then put on display in a gold coffin. After the public, including Superman and Lois Lane, learn of the Thorn's death, her body is taken away for burial. When her coffin is accidentally dropped, she revives. The Thorn was only in suspended animation, a state which she entered intentionally to find additional members of the 100. She then marks five more names off her list.

Edited by E. Nelson Bridwell.

Girls' Love Stories #157

Girls' Love Stories #157 (On Sale: December 29, 1970), has a cover at least inked by Tony DeZuniga. The pencils might by Artie Saaf, Werner Roth, or Bill Draut, or who knows.

We begin with the cover story, "One Husband, Two Loves" by George Kashdan, Werner Roth, and Murphy Anderson. Felice marries Amos, her much-older boss, but when she meets her handsome stepson Jeremy she finds herself attracted to him.

Next is "Love Thy Neighbor" by Jack Oleck and Artie Saaf. Millie finds her new neighbor Ben to be extremely annoying, but of course they fall in love before long.

That is followed by an untitled one-pager by Henry Boltinoff and Lee Elias. A girl realizes that she copied her test answers from the wrong person when he fails the test.

Next, we have "Your Dreams Are Mine" drawn by Mike Sekowsky and Bernard Sachs and reprinted from Heart Throbs #64 (1960). Meg's boyfriend Adam encourages her to pursue a singing career away from their small town, and he wants to go along as her manager. She becomes very successful in Los Angeles, but the big city lifestyle starts to change Adam.

We next have a half-page untitled story by Henry Boltinoff, Winslow Mortimer, and Jack Abel. Unwilling to accept her date's amorous advances, a girl tricks him into getting out of the car so that she can drive off and leave him stranded. 

We end with "Anatomy of a Romance" by Barbara Friedlander, Bill Draut, and Tony DeZuñiga. When Jean sees her boyfriend Gary with another woman she wants to break up with him, but her married sister helps her to see her mistake.

Edited by Joe Orlando.

Adventure Comics #402

Adventure Comics #402 (On Sale: December 29, 1970), has a Supergirl cover by Mike Sekowsky and Dick Giordano

We begin with Supergirl in "Love Conquers All -- Even Supergirl" written and penciled by Mike Sekowsky and inked by Jack Abel. Starfire, a crimelord, has successfully amassed a fortune with the help of her con man, Derek Ames, who romanced rich women and fleeced them of their money and jewels. Starfire is now ready to launch a world-conquering scheme, but she needs to destroy all superheroes first. Another of her subordinates, Dr. Kangle, has concocted a power-nullifier pill, and Starfire wants to test it on Supergirl.

Derek meets Supergirl on the Stanhope campus. He romances her but Supergirl feels she can not get romantically involved with him. During a last date though, Derek covertly feeds her the power-negating capsule.

When Starfire's gang attacks with machine guns, Supergirl feels her powers ebbing, and is knocked unconscious by a fall. Derek and the thugs leave her for dead. To be continued. There was speculation at the time that since Superman's powers were being siphoned off by the sand creature in Superman, that DC decided to cripple Supergirl's powers so that she would not be stronger than their main man in blue.

The back-up is Tracey Thompson in "Rat-Race" written and penciled by Mike Sekowsky and inked by Tony DeZuniga. Tracey Thompson and her friend Betsy are harassed by a group of bikers. An ex-marine called Bob Judd turns up and helps them out. In gratitude, Tracey decides to drive him back home. The biker gang chase after them, but the trio successfully escapes from them. This is the last Tracey Thompson story.

Edited by Mike Sekowsky.

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Star Spangled War Stories #155

Star Spangled War Stories #155 (On Sale: December 24, 1970), has a cover by Joe Kubert featuring the Unknown Soldier. 

We begin with the Unknown Soldier in "Invasion Game" by Bob Haney and Joe Kubert. The Unknown Soldier assumes the guise of a salesmen and is dropped into occupied France between June 2nd and June 5th, 1944. He meets up with a French resistance leader named Chat Noir. The leader was a former U.S. Army sergeant who was railroaded because he is black. Chat Noir and his group, the Nightingales, then help the Unknown Soldier in an attack of Fleur-Le-Duc. The attack is successful, but the Nazis regroup to take back their position.

Chat Noir gets the Unknown Soldier to safety after the latter is injured. He is upset that so many of his men have been killed. The Unknown Soldier then reveals that the attack was a feint to draw the German military away from Normandy so that the D-Day Invasion could commence the following day.

The Unknown Soldier and Chat Noir then return to America where they become friends and confidants. This was reprinted in Showcase Presents The Unknown Soldier Vol. 1 TPB (2007).

We end with Enemy Ace in "Killer of the Skies" by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert and reprinted from Showcase #57 (1965). Continuing from the last issue, while returning from a mission low on fuel, Enemy Ace is attacked by a French plane. He manages to escape the enemy's sights, then returns fire. He downs the French fighter and a bomber, but he is wounded in the encounter.

After returning to base, Von Hammer witnesses two German pilots fleeing from a Canadian ace called the Hunter. Enemy Ace forces the pilots to meet Hunter's challenge. They are both shot down by the Canadian's superior flying skills. Enemy Ace vows to meet the Hunter in the skies at a later time.

Von Hammer recovers from his wounds and takes to the air to meet the Hunter. Both pilots are skilled and manage to damage their opponent's plane. Both pilots bring their planes in for crash landings. Von Hammer is uninjured, but the Hunter soon dies from the injuries sustained in the crash.

Edited by Joe Kubert.

Green Lantern #82

Green Lantern #82 (On Sale: December 24, 1970), has a nice cover by Neal Adams. Julius Schwartz had been unable to work out the cover copy for this issue. Dick Giordano mentions in his introduction for the graphic novel Green Lantern/Green Arrow Volume Two that having seen the cover, he turned and started to walk away, chanting "The harpies are coming, the harpies are coming" (paraphrasing a popular movie of the time, The Russians are Coming! The Russians are Coming!). Schwartz liked this, and so THE HARPIES ARE COMING! became the cover copy – which really pleased Giordano.

We have Green Lantern, Green Arrow, and Black Canary in "How Do You Fight a Nightmare?" by Denny O'Neil,  Neal Adams, and Dick Giordano, with an assist by Berni Wrightson. Green Arrow visits Black Canary, offering her a box of roses, but when the box is opened, two harpies fly out and attack. The harpies soon fly away, and Oliver sends a message to Green Lantern in hopes that his experience with the supernatural would be of use. Green Arrow and Black Canary go to the flower shop from whence the roses came, while Green Lantern follows the harpies' trail. Green Lantern is led by the Harpies to their leader, the Witch Queen, who entraps him in another reality at the behest of her unseen brother.

Green Arrow and Black Canary investigate the flower shop, but they are soon attacked by three Amazons who seem intent on killing only men. Black Canary defeats them, and they explain that a male wizard had betrayed and banished the Witch Queen and themselves to the same reality that Green Lantern has been trapped in, sparking their mission to kill all men. They promise to guide an unhurt Green Arrow and Black Canary to their leader.

The Witch Queen's ally is revealed to be Sinestro, whose Yellow Power Ring was embedded within the Witch Queen's scepter, allowing her to trap Green Lantern. Suddenly, Green Arrow bursts through the window, instantly firing an arrow and knocking the ring from Sinestro's hand. Together, he and Black Canary defeat the Witch Queen and Sinestro. Unfortunately, Green Arrow is unable to rescue the Lantern from the "Dimension of Furies", because he is a man; only one male may inhabit it at any one time. Black Canary volunteers to go in his stead.

Meanwhile, in the other dimension, Green Lantern is attacked by Medusa for being a man. Fortunately, Black Canary arrives with the Amazons and explains that Medusa is being used by Sinestro as a pawn to kill his enemy. Medusa releases him, and Black Canary and Green Lantern return to their own reality to tell Green Arrow their story. This story has been reprinted in DC Special Blue Ribbon Digest #16 (1981), Green Lantern/Green Arrow #4 (1984), Green Lantern/Green Arrow Collection HC (2001), Green Lantern/Green Arrow Vol. 1 TPB (2004), Showcase Presents: Green Lantern Vol. 5 TPB (2011), Green Lantern/Green Arrow TPB (2012), and Absolute Green Lantern/Green Arrow HC (2016).

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Brave & the Bold #94

Brave & the Bold #94 (On Sale: December 24, 1970), has a fine cover by Nick Cardy featuring Batman and the Teen Titans.

Batman and the Teen Titans star in "Rebels in the Streets" by Bob Haney and Nick Cardy. The ghettos of Gotham City have been barricaded off by a group called Stopp (The Society to Outlaw Parent Power), a group of disenfranchised teenagers who want parents to bow to their demands and fix up the ghettos. Using Batman as their mouthpiece, the Caped Crusader does everything in his power to try and maintain peace between Stopp and the Gotham police. However, things escalate when Stopp informs Batman that they have a bomb which they plan to use to blow up part of the city.

Batman enlists the aid of the Teen Titans to infiltrate the ghetto in order to find the location of that bomb either in their civilian guises or their costumed identities, while Batman and the rest of the city try to keep Stopp from detonating the bombs by allowing themselves to be locked up in the Gotham jail.

However, the situation gets defused when Batman locates Stopp leader Linda's mother and reunites the two. Having forgiven her mother for giving her up for adoption as a child, she informs Batman where the bomb is located, and Commissioner Gordon has it disarmed and flown away. Afterward, Gordon realizes that he should never lose faith in the youth. Reprinted in The Best of the Brave and the Bold #6 (1988), Showcase Presents: Teen Titans Vol. 2 TPB (2007), Showcase Presents: The Brave and the Bold Batman Team-Ups Vol. 2 TPB (2008), Batman in the Brave and the Bold: The Bronze Age Omnibus Vol. 1 HC (2017), Teen Titans: The Bronze Age Omnibus (2017), and Batman in the Brave and the Bold: The Bronze Age Vol. 2 TPB (2019).

Edited by Murray Boltinoff.

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

New Gods #1

New Gods #1 (On Sale: December 22, 1970), has an unusual cover by Jack Kirby. Some say this is inked by Frank Giacoia and some say it is inked by Don Heck. What we know for sure is that the Orion figure was taken from a presentation piece, as seen at Kirby Museum. 

This issue features "Orion Fights for Earth" or "More new ideas, characters, and concepts than you can shake a stick at" written and drawn by Jack Kirby and inked by Vince Colletta.

Ages ago good and evil gods alike perish in the destruction of the home of the old gods. This destruction resulted in the creation of two new planets: New Genesis, a place of light and good, and Apokolips, a place of darkness and evil. Now Orion, wielder of the Astro Force, is summoned to New Genesis, where he is greeted by Lightray then joins Highfather. Metron also arrives and together they learn the task set for Orion by the Source. The Source leaves a message in fire on Highfather's wall: "Orion to Apokolips -- Then to Earth -- Then to WAR."

Orion is sent to Apokolips, New Genesis' opposite. He does battle with Para-Demons and other soldiers, but he discovers that its ruler, Darkseid, is absent. Kalibak remains in his master's stead. As Orion prepares to engage Kalibak in battle, Metron arrives. Metron halts the battle and leads Orion to four humans which Darkseid has brought to Apokolips from Earth. Orion opens a Boom Tube and brings them back to Earth. He learns that Darkseid has already been active on Earth for some time in his attempts to find the Anti-Life Equation that will allow him to control the minds of all inhabitants of the universe.

Let's see, in this issue, we are introduced to Highfather, Lightray, Metron, Orion, Kalibak, Parademons, Dog Cavalry, Hunger Dogs, The Source, Apokolips, and New Genesis. This was reprinted in New Gods #1 (1984), Jack Kirby's New Gods TPB (1998), Millennium Edition: New Gods 1 (#24) (2000), Jack Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus Vol. 1 HC (2007), Jack Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus Vol. 1 TPB (2012), DC Comics Presents: Darkseid War 100-Page Super Spectacular #1 (2016), The Fourth World Omnibus by Jack Kirby (2017), and New Gods by Jack Kirby (2018).

Edited by Jack Kirby.

Falling in Love #121

Falling in Love #121 (On Sale: December 22, 1970), has a wonderful cover by Tony DeZuniga.

We begin with "Love Me Tonight, Forget Me Tomorrow" drawn by Ric Estrada and Tony DeZuniga. Alice gives up a promotion and her feminist beliefs to ensure that her boyfriend advances in her place.

Next, we have "Not for These Arms" drawn by Mike Sekowsky or John Romita and Bill Draut and reprinted from Girls' Romances #85 (1962). Paul meets a despondent Elaine and tries to cheer her up, falling in love with her in the process. He later learns that she recently broke her engagement and realizes that she is only on the rebound and doesn't love him in return.

That is followed by a two-page text story "How to Be Happy -- and Single" with illustrations by John Rosenberger.

Our next story is "The Secret in My Past" with inks by the ever horrible Vince Colletta. Amy is afraid to tell her boyfriend Jimmy that she was engaged once before - until she learns that he was also once engaged.

We end with "I Gave My Love Away" drawn by Artie Saaf and Vince Colletta. Mary helps Tommy, a boxer, learn how to act in polite society but then her rich friend Iris sets her sights on him. 

Edited by Murray Boltinoff.

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Witching Hour #13

Witching Hour #13 (On Sale: December 17, 1970), has an amazing cover by Neal Adams. This is right up there as one of my favorite covers of all time. Love it, love it, love it!

In a delightful framing sequence drawn by Neal Adams, Cain and Abel from the House of Mystery and House of Secrets visit the three witches, for this is "New Year's Eve" at The Witching Hour.  

The first story is "The Maze" written by Marv Wolfman and Alan Gold and magnificently illustrated by Gray Morrow. Harold Beedle wakes up in a metal room, without memory or hope. A voice tells him his name and his goal: he is in a labyrinth with one million possible combinations and only one that leads to his reward. He wanders from room to room, hallway to hallway. Sometimes he sleeps, sometimes music and sound are blasted at him at painful volume. 

He cracks up, begs to die then begs to be kept alive then begs to die again. He wonders if he is already dead, but the voice tells him it is not so, he is alive and finally, he reaches the end of the maze, the maze that has been his home for one week, six days, and thirty-nine minutes. He exits the maze and finds a huge block of cheese waiting for him and two gigantic aliens, Spafon and Squatront, watching him as he lays down and dies. The aliens find this odd and decide that they need to find another specimen to test. This story was reprinted in Omega Men #24 (1985). In the letter column in Omega Men #24, it is revealed that these aliens were a prototype version of the Psions, created by Marv Wolfman, which were an integral part of the Omega Men series. The names of the two aliens, Spafon and Squatront, are also the names of two famous EC fanzines.

Cain mocks Abel for being frightened by the story in the continuing Neal Adams-drawn framing sequence. Mildred thinks she has a much better story to tell,

That leads us to "The Accursed Clay!" by Jack Miller, Jack Sparling, and Frank Giacoia. Arthur Delano was a sculpture of unfortunately minor talent. Good enough to sculpt, but lacking the greatness the museums required. One day a man arrives at his studio and offers him some ancient clay, enough for four statues. He tells him that the first statue will be great, the second greater still, the third almost a masterpiece, and the fourth will rival Rodin, Michelangelo, and Da Vinci. When Delano asks what he must pay, the man says he has asked for nothing in return, 

Delano starts on his first statue and it is the best thing he has ever done. A face appears in his mind and he is compelled to place it on the statue. The next morning he sees the same face on the front page of the paper, a man who died in a freak storm at sea. Deeming it a coincidence, Delano makes another statue and once again is compelled to put a specific face on it. As before the next day, the papers show the same man died by freak electrocution. Still going for a coincidence, Delano sculpts the third statue and when a face comes to him he tries to put a different one on the statue, but he is compelled to put the one he sees in his head. That man is also found dead, hit by a meteorite. Delano realizes he is killing these people by creating his artwork, so he deems to create no more. 

But the man who gave him the clay arrives and tells him he cannot stop, that he agreed to make four statues, and Delano once again finds himself compelled to create. This time, however, he adds the face of the man who sold him the clay, who falls to the floor. As he dies he whispers, "Not such a bad bargain. You have your masterpiece and I finally have my peace." What Delano never learns is that the man was an evil sorcerer named Rokk and that he was cursed, doomed to wander the earth until his image was duplicated exactly, as a place to hold his soul during death.

"The Accursed Clay!" was the last story written by Jack Miller, who passed away in 1969. Jacob Edward Miller (1908-1969), wrote under the name Jack E. Miller. Principally known as a creator of stories and editor for DC Comics. Miller created and wrote Sgt. Rock, as well as contributed to "Batman," "Superman," "Wonder Woman, "Showcase," Deadman, "Tarzan," "Action Comics," "Detective Comics," "Adventure Comics," "Aquaman," and "Phantom Stranger" comics. On TV he helped to create and wrote 25 episodes of "The Mighty Hercules" cartoon show from 1963-1966.

Continuing the Neal Adams framing sequence, Cain doubles over in laughter at this story and Mildred is none too happy about it. Just then, the Mad, Mod Witch from the Unexpected shows up. Cynthia has a tale of her own to tell.

"The Rush-Hour Ride of Abner Pringle!" is by Len Wein and Jose Delbo. On the night of April 18, 1775, there is a fourth man who rides to warn the people when the signal is given in the Old North Church. We never read of this man, Abner Pringle, because he has not finished his ride yet. That fateful night his horse stumbled in a hidden chuck-hole and Abner was thrown off, landing near a tree, where he slept till 1970. When he awakens he gets back on his horse and rids into Concord, causing traffic jams and almost getting arrested. When no one will take him seriously, he rides out of town, and once again his horse trips on the same chuck-hole. As he sleeps as the entire British Army marches by on their way to modern-day Concord and beyond.

Back at the Neal Adams' framing sequence, Cain rather liked this tale. The gathering is interrupted when Igor appears, a manuscript in his hands. 

We end with a one-page text story illustrated by Sal Amendola entitled "The Witching Hour Mistree." The entire book was reprinted in Showcase Presents: The Witching Hour Vol. 1 TPB (2011).

Edited by Dick Giordano.

Our Army at War #229

Our Army at War #229 (On Sale: December 17, 1970), has a Sgt. Rock's Prize Battle Tales cover by Joe Kubert.

We begin with Sgt. Rock in "The Battle of the Sergeants" by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert and reprinted from Our Army at War #128 (1963). Sgt. Rock joined the U.S. Army on the same day as his German counterpart Sgt. Krupp. Both men were trained by their respective militaries, then sent to North Africa.

The two Sergeants face off in the desert. Rock and Easy Company learn the location of a hidden German base. Krupp tries to destroy Rock before he can return to base and report the location. Rock and Ice Cream Soldier are the only survivors from Easy. Krupp chases Rock across the desert, leading to a struggle for Krupp's pistol. Krupp is shot and killed. Rock then carries the wounded Ice Cream Soldier out of the desert.

Next, we have "The Mouse and the Tiger" by Robert Kanigher, Ross Andru, and Mike Esposito and reprinted from Star Spangled War Stories #73 (1958).

That is followed by "The Fighting Blip" by Bob Haney and Jack Abel and reprinted from Our Army at War #112 (1961).

Next is "Two Men -- One Hill" by Bob Haney and Mort Drucker and reprinted from Our Army at War #96 (1960).

We end with Sgt. Rock in "Surrender Ticket" by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert and reprinted from Our Army at War #149 (1964). As Sgt. Rock leads Easy Company to the front in North Africa, Nazi leader Colonel Von Krizt seeks to demoralize his opponents. He sends several waves of attackers against Easy Company, then drops surrender tickets, hoping that the Americans will give up the fight.

Despite their fear and great thirst, Easy Company makes it across the desert and confronts Von Krizt's forces. Instead of surrendering, Easy Company wins the fight and proves themselves in battle.

Edited by Joe Kubert.

Heart Throbs #130

Heart Throbs #130 (On Sale: December 17, 1970), has a cover by Tony DeZuniga.

We begin this issue with "Like Father, Like Daughter!" drawn by John Rosenberger. Cindy's mother is constantly worried that people will learn that her father is in a mental institution. Cindy's secretiveness makes her unpopular at school, but she eventually meets Ted and confides in him. He assures her that his parents will not care, but they are secretly plotting to break up the young romance. Reprinted in Heart Throbs: The Best of DC Romance Comics HC (1979) and Heart Throbs: The Best of DC Romance Comics SC (1979).

Next, we have "Guilty Heart" drawn by John Forte and Bernard Sachs. When Pam's cousin Roy dies in a diving accident she blames herself. She meets Charles and falls in love with him, but steps aside when Roy's girlfriend Enid says she's interested in Charles. Reprinted from Heart Throbs #60 (1957 series).

That is followed by "My Heart -- My Enemy!" drawn by Nick Cardy. Nina's bad experiences with boys cause her to give bad advice to her younger sister Phyllis.

Next is a Beauty on a Budget text page by Liz Berube.

A half-page story, "Uptight" drawn by Winslow Mortimer is next. A lesson in being nice.

We end with "Made for Each Other!" drawn by Don Heck. Jean works for a computer dating service, and when a new client, Paul, comes in, she contrives to be matched up with him.

Edited by Joe Orlando.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Superman #234

Superman #234 (On Sale: December 15, 1970), has a cool cover by Neal Adams.

We begin this issue with Superman in "How to Tame a Wild Volcano" by Denny O'Neil, Curt Swan, and Murphy Anderson. Clark Kent is sent to an island in the Pacific where a volcano named Boki has begun to erupt. Superman wants to evacuate the island, but the island's owner Boysie Harker will not permit it. Harker forbids Superman from trespassing on his property.

Unable to intercede directly, Superman tries to stop the volcano from underground. Unbeknownst to him, a duplicate of himself made of sand and possessing his powers enters the area. The arrival of the sand creature weakens Superman preventing him from stopping the eruption. He is able to delay it instead by diverting a nearby storm.

Superman is then weakened again and falls from the sky. He lands on Harker's ship just as the businessman was preparing to fire on United Nations rescue ships. Superman finishes helping with the evacuation. Harker is arrested. The mysterious sand-created Superman figure rests within the heart of the volcano, molding himself further into the likeness of the Man of Steel. This story was reprinted in Superman: Kryptonite Nevermore HC (2009).

The back-up World of Krypton story is "Prison in the Sky" by E. Nelson Bridwell and Curt Swan. Tron-Et wins the election to the Kryptonian Science Council and proposes that overcrowding in prisons be alleviated by using his dissolver-ray to execute condemned criminals. Jor-El and others oppose the death penalty, and Jor counter-proposes using a suspended animation gas of his own discovery on such prisoners and shooting them into space in capsules, to be brought back to Krypton when their sentences are over.

In reality, Tron-Et is secretly the boss of a criminal organization and wants to silence crooks who know his secret by executing them before they can betray him. He stages an "accident" which makes it seem as though Jor-El's first experimental subject, Nali-Ilv, has gained super-powers after his capsule crashes.

But Jor-El deduces that the prisoner's twin brother Ed-Ilv has hoaxed "powers", using a concealed anti-gravity belt and captures him. The prisoner exposes Tron-Et as his boss, and, after confessing, Tron-Et is sentenced to suspended animation in another capsule as Jor-El's proposal for punishment is accepted. This story was retold in World of Krypton #1 (1979).

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Sugar & Spike #94

Sugar & Spike #94 (On Sale: December 15, 1970), has a cover by Sheldon Mayer.

We begin with Sugar and Spike in "Who Saw What?" Like all storied here it is written and drawn by Sheldon Mayer.

It is followed by "The Mixed-Up Mix-Up,"  "My, How Time Flies" which was reprinted in Best of DC #47 (1984), and  "How High Is Up?" reprinted from Sugar & Spike #45 (1963).

Edited by Dick Giordano.

From Beyond the Unknown #9

From Beyond the Unknown #9 (On Sale: December 15, 1970), has a cover by Gil Kane. Some say this is by Neal Adams, but some people will say anything.

We begin this issue with our cover story, "The Man Who Moved the World" by John Broome, Sid Greene, and Joe Giella and reprinted from Mystery in Space #34 (1956).

Next is "Riddle of Asteroid 8794" by Otto Binder and Frank Giacoia and reprinted from Mystery in Space #50 (1959).

That is followed by "The Two-Way Time-Traveler" by Gardner Fox, Carmine Infantino, and Joe Giella and reprinted from Strange Adventures #143 (1962).

Next, we have "The Man Who Aged Backwards" by Otto Binder, Manny Stallman, and Bernard Sachs and reprinted from Strange Adventures #96 (1958). A space traveler finds himself aging backward.

We next have "The Last Horse on Earth" by John Broome, Gil Kane, and Bernard Sachs and reprinted from Strange Adventures #108 (1959).

The next story is "The Sky-High Man" by Otto Binder, Mike Sekowsky, and Joe Giella and reprinted from Mystery in Space #49 (1959). 

We end this reprintalosa with "Doom-Trap for Earth" by Gardner Fox and Sid Greene and reprinted from Mystery in Space #72 (1961).

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

All-Star Western #4

All-Star Western #4 (On Sale: December 15, 1970), has a nice Outlaw cover by Neal Adams

We begin with Outlaw in "No Coffin for a Killer" by Robert Kanigher and Gil Kane. When the Coffin King and his Coffin Gang capture Paolma, the Coffin King is captured. Set to hang, the Coffin King tells Samuel Wilson that if he hangs, so will Paloma, however Samuel will not shirk his duty as a lawman.

However, Rick has other ideas and rides in and rescues the Coffin King under the pretense that he wishes to join up with the Coffin Gang as they have the best hide out in the area and that he needs a place to lay low. However, when Rick is taken to their hide out, he soon drops his cover as a careless criminal when night falls and with the help of his hawk, Rick manages to rescue Paloma, and kills King Coffin in a one-on-one duel. Rick returns Paloma home, however when his father exits the house with a shotgun, Rick, still the Outlaw, leaves. Reprinted in Showcase Presents Jonah Hex Vol. 1 TPB (2006).

Next is "Jumpity!|" a one-page text story with an illustration by Sal Amendola.

We end with El Diablo in "Satan with Spurs" by Robert Kanigher and Gray Morrow. El Diablo stops a group of masked men who are harassing rancher Noah Johnson and his family. However, when El Diablo is distracted, the men abduct Noah's wife. Noah himself is too cowardly to fight despite El Diablo's encouragement. 

He rides to the ranch of Duke Dorrance, the man behind the attacks to plead for his wife. Dorrance laughs at him. Spurred on by El Diablo, Noah finally stands up for himself and fights back. El Diablo handles the gang while Noah and Duke fight with fists. In the end, Noah's wife is rescued, and Dorrance will no longer threaten Noah or his neighbors.

Edited by Dick Giordano.

Thursday, December 10, 2015

World's Finest Comics #200

World's Finest Comics #200 (On Sale: December 10, 1970), has a nice Superman/Robin cover by Neal Adams

For the first time Superman and Robin team up in "Prisoners of the Immortal World" by Mike Friedrich, Dick Dillin, and Joe Giella. Clark Kent reports from the campus of Hudson University where Robin is a student. During his broadcast, the ROTC building is bombed. Superman and Robin help to keep the peace, but two brothers begin a volatile argument. When the heroes try to break them up, all four are transported to an alien world.

The aliens have kidnapped Superman in order to use him as a human battery for a machine designed to make the aliens immortal. Robin and the brothers are discarded in the alien jungle. Robin and the boys work together to escape from a group of hunters. They then rescue Superman who helps them all get back to Earth. Reprinted in Showcase Presents: Robin the Boy Wonder Vol. 1 TPB (2008) and Showcase Presents: World's Finest Vol. 4 TPB (2013).

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Justice League #87

Justice League #87 (On Sale: December 10, 1970), has a cover by Neal Adams. I know, you're thinking, "Gee, Keller sure fucked up this time. The name of the book is Justice League of America, not the Justice League." Not so fast, my judgemental friend. A quick look at the indicia of this issue reveals it to be an issue of a magazine entitled Justice League, and only Justice League.

I guess mistakes happen all the time, right? I'm just not sure how this one did.

This issue features "Batman -- King of the World" by Mike Friedrich, Dick Dillin, and Joe Giella. Two super-corporations of an alien planet, which have long since destroyed each other in an atomic war, were responsible for sending deadly robots to Earth and to the planet Angor. Able to control emotions, the robot sent to Earth inflicts Batman with power-madness and paranoia, and Hawkman with numbing fear as part of a scheme to eliminate the Justice League and rob Earth's natural resources. The JLA members fake their own defeat at the robot's hands, while Green Lantern sends the Atom to the automaton's power source on its home planet.

After Atom deactivates the robot, he is joined by Green Lantern, Flash, and Zatanna (who had aided the heroes in their earlier battle). Mistaken for the robot's creators, they are attacked by the champions of Angor: Wandjina, Jack B. Quick, Silver Sorceress, and Blue Jay. The needless fight continues until Zatanna stops to help the injured Blue Jay, after which explanations are made and peace is restored. Speaking of things that are needless, the alien heroes encountered in this story are meant to resemble Marvel's Avengers: Yellowjacket, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, and Thor. Why this was done, is never made clear. Reprinted in Showcase Presents: Justice League of America Vol. 5 TPB (2011), Justice League of America Archives Vol. 10 HC (2012), and Justice League of America: The Bronze Age Omnibus Vol. 1 HC (2017).

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Binky #77

Binky #77 (On Sale: December 10, 1970), has a cover by Henry Scarpelli.

The issue begins with Binky in "Predictions, Anyone?" by John Albano, Stan Goldberg, and  Henry Scarpelli. Binky comes into possession of a box that predicts the future. Reprinted in Best of DC #39 (1983).

Next is Binky in "The Earth People" by John Albano, Stan Goldberg, and Henry Scarpelli. Binky and the gang clean the forest and put all the garbage outside the police station. Reprinted in Best of DC #70 (1986).

That is followed by Benny in "Hey, Manikin Man." Benny is to deliver a manikin, but loses it and has to pose as one himself

Next, we have Binky in "Nobody's Fool." Binky is fooled over and over again.

Next up is Binky in "The Useless Bunch." Binky and the gang help a man with a chicken bone in his throat and catch a couple of crooks.

The next story features Peggy in "Binky's Good Deed."

That is followed by Binky in "Sets a New Record." Binky makes a record as a birthday gift for Peggy.

We end with Binky in "A Natural Born Foul-Up." Binky tries to fix Mr. Baxter's car and then happens to destroy a sofa. Reprinted in Best of DC #28 (1982).

Edited by Joe Orlando.


Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Young Romance #170

Young Romance #170 (On Sale: December 8, 1970), has a cover by Dick Giordano.

We begin with our cover story, "Love Is a Swinger" by Robert Kanigher, Werner Roth, and Vince Colletta. Michelle is engaged to a wonderful guy but feels his ring is an anchor dragging her down as she envisions their future. She takes off his ring and plans to give it back to him when he takes her to a discotheque one evening. Before she can tell him how she feels, she is stunned to see him get up and dance with the attractive singer playing there. She later catches him kissing Lily Martin and realizes that she does love him, now that she has lost him. But Dick had just been using Lily to try to forget Michelle when he had noticed she had taken his ring off. Apparently, Lily is to be a reoccurring character, known as The Swinger.

Next is "The Test of Time" drawn by Tony Abruzzo and Bill Draut and reprinted from Falling in Love #67 (1964). Sue gets engaged and invites her brother to come for the weekend to reveal her big surprise. When Jim arrives, he has his own surprise as he is also engaged and arrives with his fiancee. They plan to have a two-week celebration before their wedding, but before the two weeks are up Sue and Jim catch their partners kissing each other.

Next is a Beauty on a Budget one-pager by Liz Berube.

That is followed by "Will I See Him?" by Joe Gill, John Celardo, and Vince Colletta. After breaking up with Lew, Anne goes to Joan's party wondering if she will see him there.

Next, we have "Appointment with Heartbreak" drawn by Arthur Peddy and Bernard Sachs and reprinted from Secret Hearts #39 (1957). Clay has asked Anne to meet him in the park. She assumes he is going to tell her he doesn't love her anymore because she has learned that he has been seeing another girl almost every evening while she has been out of town on an extended business trip. As she approaches Clay's bench, she decides she is not ready to face him. She finds an outdoor restaurant where she tells her story to a sympathetic stranger.

Next is another one-pager, "If You're Capricorn" by Raymond Marais and Liz Berube.

This is followed by "My Life for Yours" drawn by Gene Colan and reprinted from Falling in Love #68 (1964). Tad meets Ellen in her greenhouse after being in South America for two years. They had been in love once, but his jealousy had driven them apart and ultimately resulted in her being seriously injured when she ran away from him one evening and into an approaching car. Now she walks with a slight limp and the scar on her face is practically invisible. Tad learns that she is happy with her plant business and, most of all, loves her little girl and husband.

Next is "Love Me a Little –" drawn by Mike Sekowsky and Bernard Sachs and reprinted from Falling in Love #64 (1964). Marge easily makes conquests of men, but then loses interest in them. Instead of going to Miami again on vacation, she thinks about staying home this year but her friend convinces her to go, thinking that one of the men who swarm Marge will settle for her instead. At the Beachcomber Hotel, Marge is attracted to a man who seems impervious to her charms.

We end with The Swinger in her second story, "Rise, Love, Rise" by Robert Kanigher, Werner Roth, and Vince Colletta. Hitchhiking after the events in "Love Is a Swinger!", Lily panics when she sees a broken bridge and forces the driver to stop. The bridge brings back memories of how Tommy died. They had dated for a long time, but Lily had changed while Tommy had not. After telling Tommy her feelings, he had raced off in his car and smashed through a detour barrier where was drowned in the river. Feeling guilty for Tommy's death, Lily had set off to find herself. She helps a singer overcome his fears to perform at a rock festival, then moves on.

Edited by Dick Giordano.

Unexpected #123

Unexpected #123 (On Sale: December 8, 1970), has a cover by Nick Cardy.

We begin with "Death Watch" by Carl Wessler and George Tuska. A man tries to get a wealthy businessman with a weak heart to give up the ghost and die so that he can move in on the widow and her wealth. However, as the ailing man's spirit moves closer to the realm of the dead, it is the greedy man's thoughts that give him the resolve to fight to remain in the land of the living.

Next is "Man in the Attic" by Carl Wessler, Dick Dillin, and Frank Giacoia. A strangler is loose in the city and the residents of a boarding house are quick to believe it is somebody living there.

Our next story is "Curse of the Sea Hag" also written by Carl Wessler, and this time, drawn by Jerry Grandenetti. Jerry sneaks aboard a cursed boat.

Carroll O. Wessler, better known as Carl Wessler, was born on May 25, 1913, and began as an animator in the 1930s, working on Musical Memories and other cartoon shorts for the Fleischer Studios in New York City. The studio fired him on March 30, 1937, for labor union organizing; after a subsequent strike by studio staff, lasting from May 7 to October 13 of that year, the studio settled, and Wessler and others were rehired. Wessler followed Fleischer when it relocated to Florida the following year. 

While continuing to work as an animator, Wessler began doing freelance art for comic books in 1943, through the studio Sangor-Hughes, a packager that produced outsourced comics for publishers entering the then-new medium. Wessler returned to New York when Fleischer relocated but began to move to comics full-time.  Wessler's earliest confirmed credits are as a cartoonist writing and drawing such funny animal features as "Snazzy Rabbit" and "Senorita Juanita McMouse" in Laffy-Daffy Comics #1 (Feb. 1945). He also wrote and drew the humorous feature "Happy Daze" in at least two issues of Lev Gleason Publications' Daredevil in 1951.

Wessler began writing for Atlas Comics in November 1950 with "The Mad Monk" about the historical figure Grigori Rasputin, published in Amazing Detective Cases #6 (May 1951). He soon became Atlas' primary crime fiction writer, often scripting entire issues of All-True Crime, Amazing Detective Cases, Crime Can't Win, Crime Exposed, Crime Must Lose, Justice, and Kent Blake of the Secret Service. In 1952 he became a member of the Atlas bullpen, where he wrote horror/fantasy stories for such titles as Adventures into Terror, Adventures into Weird Worlds, Astonishing, Mystic, and Suspense, later adding such war comics as Battle, Battle Action, Battlefield, Combat, and Men's Adventures.

Starting in 1953, Wessler contributed a large number of stories to EC's famed horror titles Tales from the Crypt, and The Vault of Horror—writing the entirety of Tales from the Crypt #45 (Jan. 1955), for instance, with the artists including such luminaries as Graham Ingels, Jack Davis, Jack Kamen, and Bernard Krigstein. He wrote as well for EC's Aces High, Crime SuspenStories, Impact, Piracy, Shock SuspenStories, and Weird Science-Fantasy.

Following the demise of EC, Wessler returned to Atlas in late 1955 as a freelance writer. There he scripted science fiction/fantasy stories for Mystic and, prolifically, World of Fantasy. Wessler next wrote for Harvey Comics, home of Casper the Friendly Ghost and other children's characters, remaining there through the early 1970s. As well, in the 1960s, his work appears in a range of titles including Charlton Comics' Billy the Kid, DC Comics' Tomahawk, and Warren Publishing's black-and-white horror-comics magazines Creepy, Eerie, and Vampirella.

At DC Comics, Wessler wrote numerous stories for the horror anthologies Ghosts, House of Mystery, The Unexpected, and The Witching Hour from 1967 to 1985. He also contributed additional stories to Eerie and returned to his old home at the former Atlas, now Marvel Comics, with work appearing in Giant-Size Chillers vol. 2, #1 (Feb. 1975), and in the black-and-white horror-comics magazine Tales of the Zombie #7 and 10 (Sept. 1974 and March 1975). His last recorded credit is the story "Hellfire by Night" in G.I. Combat #278 (July 1985). Wessler was living in Miami, Florida, at the time of his death in 1989.

This issue ends with  "Voice in the Night" by Murray Boltinoff and Rich Buckler. After a horrible car accident, a man is haunted by the voice of his wife.

Edited by Murray Boltioff.

G.I. Combat #146

G.I. Combat #146 (On Sale: December 8, 1970), has a cover by Joe Kubert

We start with the Haunted Tank in "Move the World" by Robert Kanigher and Russ Heath. Jeb Stuart and the crew of the Haunted Tank are stuck in a ravine in the North African desert while two other tanks are destroyed by Nazis. When Jeb gets the tank out, they are badly outnumbered. Jeb outraces the Nazi troop carriers following him, then stops to pick up Ulysses, an infantryman. The tank then heads to Fort Solitary.

When the Haunted Tank arrives, the fort has already been destroyed. The Nazis pursuing them are close, so Jeb has his men detach the tank's turret to use as a decoy. When the Nazis arrive, they are taken by surprise from multiple directions. Jeb and his men win the battle, then reassemble the tank. This story was reprinted in Showcase Presents: Haunted Tank Vol. 2 TPB (2008).

Our first reprint is "Hickory-Foot Soldier" by Bob Haney and Joe Kubert and reprinted from Our Fighting Forces #13 (1956).

Next, we have "A Flower for the Front" by France Herron, Ross Andru, and Mike Esposito and reprinted from Our Fighting Forces #5 (1955). 

That is followed by "The Secret Battle Eye" by Hank Chapman and Joe Kubert and reprinted from Our Fighting Forces #66 (1962).

Next is "The Bug That Won an Island" by Bob Haney, Ross Andru, and Mike Esposito and reprinted from Our Army at War #125 (1962),

We end this issue with Sgt. Rock in "Battle Tags for Easy Co." by  Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert and reprinted from Our Army at War #120 (1962). Sgt. Rock calms a new recruit while under fire by telling him stories of Easy Company's past missions. He tells the soldier how Ice Cream Soldier, Bulldozer, and Wild Man each earned their nicknames. When it comes time to fight, Sgt. Rock also shows why he is called "the Rock" by standing in the face of enemy fire. The new recruit proves himself in battle, earning his own nickname, Green Apple.

Edited by Joe Kubert.

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Swing With Scooter #32

Swing With Scooter #32 (On Sale: December 3, 1970), has a cover by Henry Scarpelli and Stan Goldberg

We begin with Scooter in  "Hex the Falling Star"  inked by Henry Scarpelli. Scooter and Sylvester help Elvis West, a singing star who was hexed by a jealous competitor.

Next are Penny and Cookie in "The Cat That Stole" by John Albano,  Stan Goldberg, and Henry Scarpelli. Pussycat is stealing things, but all is forgiven when his kleptomaniac ways foil a robbery. This story was reprinted in Best of DC #45 (1984).

Next, we have Scooter in "Vote for Miss Noble" by John Albano, Stan Goldberg, and Henry Scarpelli. Scooter and Sylvester campaign for pretty Nancy Noble but their help becomes a liability in the election. This story was reprinted in Best of DC #70 (1986).

That is followed by Sylvester in "Too Much Is Too Much" drawn by Stan Goldberg, and Henry Scarpelli. Sylvester is helpful to a crabby old woman in hopes of an inheritance someday.

Next Scooter and Penny star in "The Date" drawn by Stan Goldberg, and Henry Scarpelli. Penny thinks Scooter is faking illness to get out of their date.

That leads us to Sylvester in "The Voice That Failed" drawn by Winslow Mortimer and Henry Scarpelli. When Malibu plays a trick on Sylvester with ventriloquism, Sylvester tries to learn how to throw his voice as well.

Next, we have Scooter in "Caught in the Act" inked by Henry Scarpelli. Mr. Otis tries to catch the boys doing something wrong.

We end with Scooter in "Present for a Sassy Kid"  by Barbara Friedlander, Stan Goldberg, and Henry Scarpelli. Scooter and Sylvester try to provide a nice Christmas for a young boy. This story was reprinted in Best of DC #70 (1986).

Edited by Joe Orlando.

Flash #203

Flash #203 (On Sale: December 3, 1970), has a wonderful cover by Neal Adams and Jack Adler. Jack provided the photograph and the colors, Neal did the rest.

"The Flash's Wife Is a Two-Timer" is by Robert Kanigher, Irv Novick, and Murphy Anderson.  While rummaging in her father's basement, Iris West discovers a locket with the engraved name Iris Russell. Her touch triggers an audio message which reveals that Iris came from the 30th Century. Her parents, Eric and Fran Russell, feared for the safety of their newborn daughter Iris due to an impending nuclear holocaust. To save their child, they sent her back in time to the 20th Century. Iris was taken in by Ira West and his wife who had recently lost their own infant during childbirth. When confronted by Iris, Professor West confirms the story.

Before telling her husband the story, Iris is drawn forward in time. She is able to leave a short note behind to give Barry a clue to her whereabouts. In the 30th Century, Iris is reunited with her lost parents. However, she comes to the attention of Sirik, the supreme leader of Earth-East. Sirik demands that Iris become his mate, or he will destroy everyone.

Meanwhile, in the 20th Century, Barry Allen finds his wife's note. He uses the cosmic treadmill to travel into the future. He finds his wife and is brought up to speed on her predicament. The Flash then challenges and defeats Sirik. Iris bids farewell to her newfound birth parents and returns home with her husband.

The Flash later shares this story with Superman who has a similar origin to Iris. Hard to believe this story has not been reprinted.

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Batman #229

Batman #229 (On Sale: December 3, 1970), has a cover by Neal Adams and Dick Giordano. Not one of my favorites covers. It might be the inks or it might be the colors or it might be both.

We begin with Batman in "Asylum of the Futurians" by Robert Kanigher, Irv Novick, and Frank Giacoia. At night, on a dark road on the outskirts of Gotham City, Batman finds a young woman, who is desperately looking for help. She has been trying to find someone to save her husband, who has been abducted by a group of strange people. Batman agrees to help her and she takes him to an ancient house where he witnesses the strange behavior of the group of people holding the man hostage. Batman assumes that they are all mentally unstable, but when he breaks into the place to save the man, he learns that the gathering of people calls themselves "Futurians". They claim to be a cabal of ESPers who intend to rule the Earth and who believe that Batman may be a potential leader according to some prophecy.

Batman decides to play along and he is crowned as the new ruler of the Futurians, but the crown makes Batman lose his consciousness and when he recovers, he realizes that he has been locked inside a coffin and dumped into a lake, as part of the final test for the Futurians' leadership. As the Futurians have removed his Utility Belt, Batman uses the crown to open the coffin and escape. The Futurians are glad that Batman survived the test, proving his worthiness for the leadership, but Batman takes advantage of the situation and captures the entire gang including their leader, a young woman called Michelle, and debunks their society as phonies and megalomaniacs, who seek power through deception.

Finally, Batman returns to the couple he rescued and the man tells him that he had been mentally calling for Batman's help and the Dark Knight realizes that maybe that's the reason why he changed his nightly patrol routine, but he is not certain of that, nor of the truth behind the Futurians' claims. This story was reprinted in Showcase Presents: Batman Vol. 6 TPB (2016).

Our back-up story features Robin in "Temperature Boiling... and Rising" by Mike Friedrich, Irv Novick, and Frank Giacoia. Continuing from Batman #227, when a photograph surfaces showing congressional candidate Professor Stuart taking a payoff, his campaign is derailed. Dick Grayson realizes that the photo is fake. As Robin, he checks out the newspaper which published the photo to locate the source. It leads to Dick's friend Phil Real. 

When Robin checks on Phil, Bill Perkins, Phil's roommate attacks him. Perkins and another boy were the arsonists that burned Stuart's campaign office. They doctored Phil's photos to frame the professor. Robin exposes the fake, clearing Stuart just before the election. This story was reprinted in Showcase Presents: Robin the Boy Wonder Vol. 1 TPB (2008).

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Super DC Giant S-22

Super DC Giant S-22 (On Sale: December 1, 1970), has a "Top Guns of the West" cover by Joe Kubert

The reprints begin with Johnny Thunder in "The Betrayal of Johnny Thunder" by Robert Kanigher and Gil Kane and reprinted from All-Star Western #97 (1957).

That is followed by Nighthawk in "The Man Without a Mask" by France Herron, Gil Kane, and Joe Giella and reprinted from Western Comics #59 (1956).

Next is Matt Savage Trail Boss in "The Dance Hall Queen and the Desperadoes" by Gardner Fox, Gil Kane, and Joe Giella and reprinted from Western Comics #85 (1961). Matt and Lute help an injured man, Dave Hardin, on the prairie. He was robbed by two bandits who stole the money he intended to use to buy a ranch. His girlfriend Abby Simms has the rest of the money, and he suspects the thieves will go after it. Matt offers to help, but the thieves get their first. They use Abby as a hostage then escape with the stolen money.

Matt pursues them alone since Hardin was injured during the confrontation with the bandits. The outlaws split up. Matt catches the first one, but he doesn't have the stolen money. When Matt catches the second thief, the bandit throws the money into a quicksand bog. Matt returns to town with two prisoners, but without the money.

After dropping off the outlaws, Matt believes he was tricked. He returns to the prairie and finds the stolen money under a rock. The outlaw dropped it and threw a money bag filled with rocks into the quicksand. Matt was tipped off because the money bag sank too quickly. Matt then returns the money to Dave and Abby who use it to buy a ranch. 

That is followed by Bat Lash in "Melinda's Doll" by Denny O'Neil and Nick Cardy and reprinted from Bat Lash #2 (1968). Bat Lash is about to be married to the youngest of the Gilkin daughters at gunpoint when youngsters he hired earlier release bags of mice into the church and cause a ruckus allowing Bat to escape though he loses his coat and right boot in the process. He rides off on Daisy into a snowy blind canyon.

Further in the canyon, a Marshal and his daughter, Melinda, are trying to escape two gunmen when their covered wagon hits a rock. The Marshal hides a metal cigar case inside Melinda's doll, Suzy, and hides Melinda in a hollowed tree stump. The Marshal is shot and killed. Bat arrives later and takes the Marshal's coat and boots when Melinda appears believing Bat to be her father (likely due to fear/denial). Bat takes her to the nearest city, Serenity, where he unsuccessfully tries to pass Melinda onto other people earning the ire of the townsfolks. This is observed by Samuel E. Styff, undertaker, who mistakes Bat for the Marshal whom he had ordered killed.

Bat goes into Polly's Inn to get some dinner and discovers Polly takes in children who have lost their parents. Two of Styff's henchmen enter but Bat chases them off causing Polly to take Bat's guns/belt until he's ready to leave. However, Styff promises a free funeral to whoever kills the Marshal, and Bat is forced to flee without his weapons. Bat and Melinda enter the cellar of the funeral parlor and hide in coffins and are unwittingly transported to the cemetery. There they discover that Styff has been selling guns to Native Americans by hiding/transporting the guns in coffins. 

Bat witnesses this and pockets the Native Americans' payment when they are ambushed by Styff and his men. One of them shoots Melinda and a tearful Bat takes them all down. Bat discovers Melinda is alive, the doll having stopped the bullet and Bat discovers the metal cigar case inside of which is a receipt proving Styff's actions. Bat takes the captured criminals back to town and reveals what's been happening to the townsfolk who are angry as the Native Americans have been using their guns against the townsfolk. They cart the criminals off to jail and Polly takes custody of Melinda; Bat gives Polly a bag of gold to pay for her care. Bat then enters a restaurant and begins wooing the beautiful Patty Lou Smithers when Melinda enters unwittingly driving off Patty and angering Bat. She only wanted to say goodbye and give Bat a flower she picked for him. Bat hugs her and takes her back home.

We end with Johnny Thunder in "The Gauntlet of Thunder" by Robert Kanigher and Gil Kane and reprinted from All-Star Western #104 (1958).

Edited by Dick Giordano.

Our Army at War #228

Our Army at War #228 (On Sale: December 1, 1970), has a beautiful cover by Joe Kubert

We begin with Sgt. Rock in "It's a Dirty War" by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert. Sgt. Rock orders Easy Company to dig into their position while he goes out on patrol alone. In the surrounding woods, Rock is ambushed by a German soldier. A struggle ensues. It ends with Rock shooting the soldier, who he then discovers is only a young boy. Rock finds an unmailed letter and a picture in the boy's wallet.

When the commander orders Rock and his men out of the area, Rock makes a detour. He dodges Nazi patrols to reach the town of Dorf. The sergeant finds the boy's father and kid brother and delivers the letter. The father understands the nature of war and is not angry, but Willy, the kid brother, is upset.

After Rock departs, a Nazi patrol comes looking for him. He is surprised when the young boy sends the patrol in the other direction. Rock returns to ask what happened. Apparently, the letter he delivered contained a message that Hitler was a liar and a criminal. Rock leaves again. He then kills the Nazi patrol to prevent them from seeking retribution against the boy and his father. Reprinted in Sgt. Rock #21 (1992).

Next is a two-page Battle Album on "Bombers of the...Past--Present--and Future!" by Sam Glanzman.

We end with "The Brave Soldiers" by Robert Kanigher and Ric Estrada. When a Rebel scout discovers Union soldiers on the move to destroy a supply depot, he heads to a nearby military academy for troops, only to discover that only 33 cadets remain. The scout tells the colonel in charge that he must hold the Union forces for three hours while he goes to warn the depot. Though the cadets hold the Union forces at bay for a while, eventually they are overrun. When the Union men see that their enemy were children, they give them a military funeral.

Edited by Joe Kubert.

House of Secrets #90

House of Secrets #90 (On Sale: December 1, 1970), has a beautiful cover by Neal Adams. I absolutely loved this cover.

This is one of my favorite issues of House of Secrets that I treasure to this day. It begins with a framing sequence by Gerry Conway and Bill Draut. Abel receives a large package on his doorstep. The package contains a computer which talks. Abel and the computer exchange stories. After the stories are told, Abel shuts down the computer.

In "The Distant Dome" by Steve Skeates and George Tuska, young Thomm tells his girlfriend Kathhy that they must leave their domed city to find food in the distant dome they see. Kathhy reminds Thomm that they cannot go outside the dome, for the monster lives out there. Thomm says he does not believe in the monster, but Kathhy takes him to her grandma, the eldest in the city, and she says that although she has never seen the monster, her parents did. She explains how the world was once a beautiful place and the people did many great things like flying to the moon and visiting nearby stars, but that once the monster came, the people had to protect themselves with domes. Over time, the communications between domes failed, but no one would go out to try and fix the problem, their fear of the monster being too great.

After the visit with grandmother, Thomm still thinks the only way to keep everyone alive is to brave the red sands between the domes and find help. That night they sneak out of the domed city. Thomm brings a sword just in case, but they find no monster and they make it to the next dome only to find it filled with red sand and void of people. Kathhy wants to go back home, but Thomm says they must push on to the next dome he can see in the distance. On their way they pass a sign, "Danger: High Pollution Area" and Thomm remarks that Pollution was the name of the monster. As they reach the next dome Kathhy wonders what they will do if it too is empty, and Thomm replies that they will continue on to the next dome and the next and the next. We are left to wonder if there is anyone else left alive on the polluted Earth.

Next is "The Symbionts" by Marv Wolfman, Rich Buckler, and Neal Adams. Lawrence Herndon has spent the past ten years alone on a prison planet, looked after by his computer, Laura. When his sentence is up the computer tells him it loves him and doesn't want to let him go. Lawrence says she is just a machine and he is leaving. When the men arrive to bring him home, Laura shoots at them and tells Lawrence she will never let him leave her. Lawrence says that he will never stay and will kill himself if she does not let him go. Laura says she realizes what she must do. When the shooting abruptly stops, the two men enter the compound in search of Lawrence, but he is nowhere to be found.  The men who have come to pick him up have brought a female prisoner to leave behind. After they do so, the computer welcomes her to her home for the next ten years, saying, "You may call me Larry." This story was reprinted in DC Special Blue Ribbon Digest #17 (1982).

This is Rich Buckler's first pencils for DC, his only previous professional work having been for Warren. Rich was one of the first young artists that Neal Adams helped in their first DC story. During his career, Rich worked for 24 different publishers, usually as a penciler, but sometimes as also a writer. At DC he started on the horror books but soon gravitated to the back-up strips: Robin, World of Krypton, and The Rose and the Thorn. By 1972 he had moved on to Marvel where he drew the Avengers, Man-Thing, and Ka-Zar. In 1973 he drew the first three issues of The Black Panther story, "The Panther's Rage," which became the backbone of the Black Panther movie, and in 1974 he took over the artistic reins of The Fantastic Four and Morbius, the Living Vampire. Also in 1974 he took over the pencils of Thor and in Astonishing Tales #25 debuted his creation, Deathlok, the Demolisher. He would occasionally sneak in a back-up story for DC and also worked for Atlas, where he created the Demon-Hunter.

In 1976 he moved back to DC where he drew Jonah Hex, Captain Comet, Green Lantern, Justice League of America, Batman, Star Hunters, The Flash, and many others. Buckler collaborated with Gerry Conway on a "Superman vs. Shazam!" story published in All-New Collectors' Edition #C-58 (April 1978). He drew the newspaper comic strip The Incredible Hulk for approximately six months in 1979. Buckler and Roy Thomas created the World War II superhero team the All-Star Squadron in a special insert in Justice League of America #193 (Aug. 1981) which led to the team's own title the following month.

Buckler worked for Archie Comics in 1983 and 1984, when that publisher briefly revived its Red Circle Comics superhero line, and he recruited Cary Burkett to write the Mighty Crusaders title. In 1985, Buckler returned to Marvel and briefly drew The Spectacular Spider-Man with writer Peter David

He was the author of three books on comic book artistry: How to Become a Comic Book Artist and How to Draw Superheroes (Solson Publications) in 1986, and How to Draw Dynamic Comic Books (Vanguard Publications) in 2007. Buckler died May 19, 2017, after a long battle with cancer.

We end with "Jedediah" by Mike Friedrich and Gray Morrow. A prophet of God feels the call to preach on a planet that has no fear of death, but when he arrives he is told no one will listen to him since they discovered a substance they call Char-ite which they mine. The prophet wishes to see the mines and is warned they are dangerous, but he disregards the warning. When he enters the mine, a blast is set off and he is killed but finds himself conversing with one of the locals. The local tells him that he breathed in some of the dust which made him like they are, all dead. The prophet realizes that he is on a planet of ghosts.

The entire issue was reprinted in Showcase Presents: The House of Secrets Vol. 1 TPB (2008).

Edited by Dick Giordano.