Adios 1968

And so we leave 1968 behind. It was a great year at DC Comics. Neal Adams sort of took over the look of DC, revamping more than one book with just covers alone. Nick Cardy began to blossom as a cover artist and Dick Giordano arrived with Steve Skeates, Denny O'Neil, Jim Aparo, Steve Ditko, Joe Gil and Pat Boyette in tow. Under the guidance of Carmine Infantino, the artists took over as editors/creators. Wonder Woman got a reboot as did the Phantom Stranger as the mystery/horror books began to multiply, many under the editorship of EC's Joe Orlando. Bat Lash, Captain Action, The Secret Six, Anthro, Brother Power, The Geek, The Hawk and the Dove and The Creeper all debuted while Blackhawks, Metamorpho, The Inferior Five, Plastic Man and the Doom Patrol all left us. It was a great year!

But wait till you see 1969!

Detective Comics #384

Detective Comics #384 (On Sale: December 31, 1968) has a cover by Irv Novick. The logo is slightly altered this month as Batgirl takes over the back-up slot.

We begin with "Whatever Will Happen to Heiress Heloise?" by Gardner Fox, Bob Brown and Joe Giella. This is the last Batman story Gardner Fox will ever write; he wrote his first Batman story, "The Batman Meets Doctor Death," for Detective #29, July 1939. Batman rescues heiress Heloise Madigan from thugs trying to kill her. When he takes her back home, the family lawyer explains that she is not the real Heloise. Her real identity is Colleen Kiernan, the former secretary for John Madigan.

Batman then prevents the murder of the real Heloise before realizing that Colleen is the actual target. He follows Colleen to the office of Kenneth Rogers and stops the real estate tycoon from killing her. Colleen had been blackmailing Rogers with information she learned as Madigan's secretary. Batman then delivers Rogers and Kiernan to the police.

Batgirl begins her run as the Detective Comics back-up feature this issue with "Tall, Dark, Handsome -- and Missing" by Mike Friedrich, Gil Kane and Murphy Anderson. After jumping around and doing fill-in scripts in Spectre, Batman, Green Lantern, Teen Titans and Challengers of the Unknown, Friedrich is given his first series. This is a generational shift at DC, axing the older Gardner Fox and amping up the work for the young Mike Friedrich. DC was definitely going after a different audience, Marvel's audience. When Barbara Gordon notices that library regular Mark Hanner is missing, she goes to his apartment to find him. Mark is not there, but she sees a woman leaving his building. Batgirl follows the woman and is attacked by crooks. after fighting off her attackers, Batgirl finds Mark unconscious in the next room. Reprinted in Showcase Presents: Batgirl Vol. 1 TPB.

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Captain Action #3

Captain Action #3 (On Sale: December 31, 1968) has a very nice cover penciled by Gil Kane and inked by Dick Giordano.

"...and Evil This Way Comes" was written and penciled by Gil Kane and inked by Wally Wood. This issue introduced Dr. Evil. This was Gil Kane's first writing credit at DC; over the years he would write a dozen or so stories at DC, half of them within this next six months.

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Adventure Comics #377

Adventure Comics #377 (On Sale: December 31, 1968) has a cover by Curt Swan and Neal Adams.

The Legion of Super-Heroes star in "Heroes for Hire" is by Jim Shooter, Winslow Mortimer and Jack Abel. The Legion and Science Police are unable to stop the latest crime wave across the galaxy because criminals have been using the planet Modo as a base. Modo's overlord Modulus controls the very planet itself and defeats any law officers from apprehending criminals on that world.

The Legionnaires seem to give up crime fighting for the public good and begin hiring out their services as mercenaries. Their actions cause them to lose the public trust. The Legionnaires collect money in many forms from various worlds around the galaxy.

When the Legion has collected enough money, a few members begin a large spending spree. Crooks decide to hijack the Legion's spaceship where the currency is stored and bring it to Modo. As they are leaving with the ship, Brainiac 5 orders Chemical King to speed up a reaction which releases some crystal creatures that start a chain reaction with the various alien currencies. When the ship lands on Modo, a paralyzing gas is released across the entire planet. The Science Police then moves in to capture every crook on the planet. The Legion then uses the recovered loot to pay back the people they charged for service. Reprinted in Legion of Super-Heroes Archives Vol. 9 HC.

Edited by Mort Weisinger.

Action Comics #372

Action Comics #372 (On Sale: December 31, 1968) has a cover by Neal Adams.

We begin with "The Grappler of Steel" by Otto Binder, Curt Swan and Jack Abel. Continuing from last issue, Superman resumes his quest to find out his own secret identity. When he learns that a wrestler known as the Masked Superman is missing he thinks that he is the wrestler. Superman takes up a wrestling career and stops a group of racketeers in the process. Eventually he finds the real Masked Superman on a desert island. Superman brings the wrestler back to civilization then resumes his quest.

The back-up Supergirl story, "Linda Danvers -- Movie Star" is by Leo Dorfman and Kurt Schaffenberger. Linda Danvers appears on a game show and wins a date with director Brand Burton. The director takes Linda to Hawaii and gives her a role in his latest movie. The lead actress Zita Monroe becomes jealous and attempts to sabotage Linda. When Linda avoids trouble, Zita begins to suspect that she is Supergirl. Linda throws off suspicion by faking a poison ivy rash. Zita apologizes and renews her romance with Burton. This story was reprinted in Superman Family #176.

Edited by Mort Weisinger.

Hawk & the Dove #4

Hawk & the Dove #4 (On Sale: December 26, 1968) has a nice cover by Gil Kane.

"The Sell-Out" is by Steve Skeates, Gil Kane and Sal Trapani. Don Hall is questioned by police when an artist friend is murdered. Hawk foils a museum robbery only to find that apparently nothing has been taken; and a new mayoral candidate takes an even stronger stand against costumed crime-fighters than Judge Hall. Hawk and Dove put the clues together to discover that candidate Heinsite is secretly behind the substitution of valuable artworks with forgeries painted by Don's friend, who was killed when he threatened to talk to the police.

Edited by Dick Giordano.

Bat Lash #3

Bat Lash #3 (On Sale: December 26, 1968) has a cover by Nick Cardy.

"(Judge Nero)" is plotted and drawn by Nick Cardy and scripted by Denny O'Neil. This is the only issue of Bat Lash not plotted by Sergio Aragones. In Comic Book Artist #1, of this issue and Cardy's scripting Sergio said, "I was surprised, because he made Bat look like a clown. He drew all the characters so cartoony, falling in bathtubs, and hanging from roofs... It really hurt me a lot, because I didn't want anything like that. The humor should be the result of Bat Lash's action. I think that's the only issue that he's out of character."

Bat Lash is taken into a new town by a sheriff's wife. The sheriff tries to kill him, then makes him the new deputy after Bat Lash meets the pretty deputy Samantha Eggbert. When the sheriff is killed by crooked Judge Nero, Bat Lash is framed for the crime. He is convicted and sentenced to hang, but Samantha helps him escape. Bat Lash then leaves town, leaving Samantha behind to face the townspeople.

Edited by Joe Orlando.

Superman's Girl Friend Lois Lane #90

Superman's Girl Friend Lois Lane #90 (On Sale: December 24, 1968) has a cover by Carmine Infantino and Neal Adams.

"Lois Lane's Future Husband" is drawn by Irv Novick and Mike Esposito. When Lois Lane begins having blackouts, she takes a vacation and visits her parents. Near their home, she meet Dr. Rick Darnell a genius inventor who begins courting her. She soon learns that Darnell is actually Dahr-Nel, a Kryptonian time traveler who has escaped Krypton's destruction.

Lois develops feelings for Dahr-Nel and realizes that Superman will never marry her. She agrees to marry her new man. The couple plans to go into suspended animation and awaken in the future. However, Dahr-Nel's powers make him immune to the dormigen gas. He exposes himself to Kryptonite, so that he can sleep. Superman awakens Lois when he learns about her plans. They both discover that the Kryptonite has killed Dahr-Nel when it reacted with the dormigen.
Edited by Mort Weisinger.

Heart Throbs #118

Heart Throbs #118 (On Sale: December 24, 1968) has a cover by Jay Scott Pike and Dick Giordano.

We begin with "Stand-In for Love" penciled by Tony Abruzzo. Next is "Two Hearts Lost" a reprint from Falling In Love #31 penciled by John Romita. Lastly is this month's "3 Girls -- Their Lives...Their Loves Episode 17" penciled by Jay Scott Pike.

Edited by Jack Miller. This is Miller's last romance book for DC.

Girls' Love Stories #141

Girls' Love Stories #141 (On Sale: December 24, 1968) has a cover penciled by Ric Estrada.

We begin with "I Confess" penciled by Tony Abruzzo. This is followed by "Melody of Spring" drawn by Mike Sekowsky and Bernard Sachs. Lastly is our cover story, "Who Will Want Me?" penciled by Ric Estrada.

Edited by Jack Miller.

Brave and the Bold #82

Brave and the Bold #82 (On Sale: December 24, 1968) has a beautiful Batman and Aquaman cover by Neal Adams and Dick Giordano.

"The Sleepwalker from the Sea" is by Bob Haney, Neal Adams and Dick Giordano. Batman witnesses the murder of Otto Chernak and is prevented from pursuing the killer by someone resembling Aquaman. As Bruce Wayne, he follows a lead on the case to Orm Marius, the man behind a new marine city project. Marius is actually Aquaman's half-brother Ocean Master.

Aquaman is under Ocean Master's hypnotic control and is ordered to kill Bruce. Batman brings him to police headquarters where Aquaman explains that he feels responsible for the death of a marine biologist. Batman helps to convince Aquaman that he was set up by his brother. Together the two heroes then shut down Orm's operations. The Ocean Master escapes because Aquaman did not want to see his brother harmed. This story has been reprinted in Best of the Brave and the Bold #3, Batman Illustrated by Neal Adams Vol. 1 HC and Showcase Presents the Brave and the Bold Batman Team-Ups Vol. 1 TPB.

Edited by Murray Boltinoff

Witching Hour #1

Witching Hour #1 (On Sale: December 19, 1968) has a very moody cover by Nick Cardy.

This was DC's second foray into horror/mystery titles giving the House of Mystery some competition. Editor Dick Giordano went with a trio of "hosts" for this book, two older witches (Mildred and Mordred) and a young, hip witch (Cynthia). I liked this book and Giordano got the most amazing artists for his horror stories. He also made the stories of the old vs. young witches and the bumbling Igor a lot of fun.

Like House of Mystery, the Witching Hour's hosts appeared in framing sequences around the actual stories, but in the Witching Hour they tended to be more of another story in themselves involving the interactions between the three witches. This first issue begins by introducing the hosts in "Let the Judge Be...You!!!" written and drawn by Alex Toth.

Next is "Save the Last Dance for Me" by Denny O'Neil and Pat Boyette. Trapley is rich and selfish and has a machine that has locked onto earth 100 years into the future. He wants all the benefits of traveling there for himself, and what he finds...well, you'll have to read the story. Reprinted in Witching Hour #38.

That is followed by "Eternal Hour" another tale with Alex Toth story and art. Terwit is dwarfish and is teased and ridiculed by the town's boys. Most adults do nothing to stop it. Terwit recluses himself in a clock tower and the clock from then on is stopped at midnight. Years later, many of those boys, now men, go to the tower to drive Terwit out and their screams cry out...Why? Reprinted in Witching Hour #38.

Next is "The Perfect Surf" drawn by Jack Sparling. Stanley is totally nuts about surfing. He really never even notices the total babe at his side. He is obsessed with finding the "perfect wave". He is afforded an opportunity to find that wave in the dead of night. Reprinted in Witching Hour #38.

The book ends with the Epilogue to "Let the Judge Be...You!!!" written by Alex Toth and drawn by Neal Adams.

Edited by Dick Giordano.

Swing With Scooter #17

Swing With Scooter #17 (On Sale: December 19, 1968) has a cover by Henry Scarpelli.

We begin with Scooter in "TV is Not TV" by Henry Boltinoff, Doug Crane and Henry Scarpelli. This is followed by an untitled Penny and Cookie story and an untitled Sylvester story both by persons unknown. Next is Scooter in "Smarty Party" by Henry Boltinoff, Doug Crane and Henry Scarpelli. That is followed by another untitled Penny and Cookie story, a story called "Date Bait" and a final Penny and Cookie story all by persons unknown.

Edited by Joe Orlando.

Superman #214

Superman #214 (On Sale: December 12, 1968) has a cover by Neal Adams.

We begin with "The Ghosts That Haunted Superman" by Cary Bates, Curt Swan and Jack Abel. Superman begins seeing ghosts of his former foes, Metallo, the Composite Superman, and Zha-Vam. Each time Superman sees one of the ghosts he is put in a life or death situation. He presses on despite the fact that he is losing the fight. Eventually, Superman concludes that the ghosts are phonies.

An alien named Nador is responsible for the ghosts. The ugly alien wanted to join an interplanetary club and was given the task of making Superman beg for his life. Superman returns with Nador to the club's planet. The members are happy to meet the Man of Steel and induct Nador as a reward, despite his failing the initiation test.

The back-up is "How Perry White Hired Clark Kent" reprinted from Superman #133 and produced by Jerry Siegel and Al Plastino. Clark Kent has moved to Metropolis. As a way to investigate criminal activities, Clark tries to get a job as a reporter for the Daily Planet. The editor, Perry White, is not impressed with Kent initially, but he is convinced by another reporter Lois Lane to give Clark a chance.

Perry sends Clark on a series of pedestrian assignments hoping that Clark will return without much of a story, but with the help of his powers Clark is able to deliver a scoop each time. For his final trial, Clark must get a picture of Superman with some Kryptonite. Clark, as Superman himself, does so using imitation Kryptonite. Perry is suitably impressed and hires Clark permanently.

Edited by Mort Weisinger.

Sugar and Spike #81

Sugar and Spike #81 (On Sale: December 17, 1968) has a cover by Sheldon Moldoff.

We begin with Sugar and Spike in "Trouble in Tortilla" written and drawn by Sheldon Moldoff and guest starring Bernie the Brain. We end with "The House-Hold Helper" also by Sheldon Moldoff.

Edited by Murray Boltinoff.

Star Spangled War Stories #143

Star Spangled War Stories #143 (On Sale: December 17, 1968) has an Enemy Ace cover by Joe Kubert.

"The Devil's General" is by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert and was reprinted in DC Special #26, Sgt. Rock #15, Enemy Ace Archives Vol. 2 HC and Showcase Presents: Enemy Ace Vol. 1 TPB.

Edited by Joe Kubert.

Metal Men #36

Metal Men #36 (On Sale: December 17, 1968) has a strikingly creepy cover Mike Sekowsky and George Roussos. That clown is just amazing.

"The Cruel Clowns" is by Robert Kanigher, Mike Sekowsky and George Roussos. Seeking to earn the public trust, the Metal Men try to help people. When their efforts go horribly wrong, they decide to stage a circus. The circus crowd is not impressed with the show until a group of clowns show up and bring laughter.

After the show, the Metal Men thank the clowns. They discover that the clowns are really aliens who take them prisoner. The Metal Men are reduced to miniature size and taken offworld to perform for the alien clowns. After a struggle, the Metal Men escape and return to Earth where they will try again to make people like them.

Edited by Jack Miller.

Falling In Love #105

Falling In Love #105 (On Sale: December 17, 1968) has a cover penciled by Ric Estrada. This is the last issue for this logo and editor Jack Miller.

We begin with "Will I Ever Get Married?" penciled by John Rosenberger. Next is "Why Did You Come Back?" inked by Vinny Colletta and "In the Name of Love," a reprint from Falling In Love #30 drawn by Bernard Sachs. The issue rounds out with "Loved -- But Not Wanted" penciled by Ric Estrada.

Edited by Jack Miller.

Young Romance #158

Young Romance #158 (On Sale: December 12, 1968) has a cover inked by Dick Giordano, but I'm not sure of the pencils. I am sure that this is not the work of Nick Cardy as credited in the Grand Comics Database Project.

We begin with "Driftwood" penciled by John Rosenberger. Next is "The Girl from Yesterday" a reprint from Falling In Love #49 drawn by Arthur Peddy and Bernard Sachs. The issue rounds out with "One Heart Must Break" by persons unknown.

Edited by Joe Orlando.

World's Finest Comics #182

World's Finest Comics #182 (On Sale: December 12, 1968) has a cover by Curt Swan and Neal Adams.

We begin with Superman and Batman in "The Mad Manhunter" by Cary Bates, Ross Andru and Mike Esposito.

That is followed by The Silent Knight in "The Hooded Terror" a reprint from Brave and the Bold #6 by Robert Kanigher and Irv Novick. A knight calling himself the Hooded Terror issues a threat to Greystone Castle. The Silent Knight meets the challenge and enters Forest Perilous in search of the Hooded Terror. His foot is snared in a trap while crossing a bridge making him an easy target. The Hooded Terror appears along with another knight dressed in identical garb. The two Hooded Terrors then attack. The Silent Knight defeats them both and returns with them to the castle.

Sir Oswald then issues a challenge to the Silent Knight to participate in the Tournament of Roses. Failure to appear would cause him to perceived of as a coward, so the Silent Knight meets the challenge. Once entered in the tournament, he is able to unhorse his opponent and win the victory rose from Lady Celia.

Edited by Mort Weisinger.

Showcase #80

Showcase #80 (On Sale: December 12, 1968) has a Phantom Stranger cover by Neal Adams.

We begin with the Phantom Stranger in "Men Call Me the Phantom Stranger" by Mike Friedrich, Jerry Grandenetti and Bill Draut. This was the first new Phantom Stranger story since The Phantom Stranger #6 in 1953. DC was looking for more mystery comics and found a winner in this long-forgotten character, revamped for the 1960s. This story was a framing sequence around the rest of the book which was reprints and was itself reprinted in Showcase Presents Phantom Stranger Vol. 1 TPB.

Next we have "The Three Signs of Evil" by John Broome, Carmine Infantino and Joe Giella and reprinted from Phantom Stranger #2. Artist Mark Davis strolls through Columbus Circle and happens upon a gathering. As he watches, he begins sketching a picture of some symbols the people are using. When the group notices him, they demand that he turn over the sketches. Davis refuses and leaves the scene.

The cult members follow Davis and attack him near Times Square. Mark is rescued by the Phantom Stranger who examines Mark's sketch. The Stranger deduces where the cult will be from the sketch. Mark offers his assistance in stopping the cult.

Following the third sign in his sketch, Mark is captured by the Moon Cult. They intend to sacrifice him to gain mystical power. The Phantom Stranger comes to the rescue again and knocks out the cult. Mark summons the police, while the Stranger disappears.

Lastly we have a reprint of the first Doctor 13 story, "I Talked with the Dead" from Star Spangled Comics #122 and drawn by the great Leonard Starr. DC took the mystical Stranger and added the supernatural hoax-breaker Terrance Thirteen as a foil for the Stranger's mystic adventures.

Edited by Joe Orlando.

Justice League of America #69

Justice League of America #69 (On Sale: December 12, 1968) has a cover by Dick Dillin and Murphy Anderson.

"A Matter of Menace" is by Denny O'Neil, Dick Dillin and Sid Greene. Having lost her Amazon powers, Wonder Woman resigns as a Justice League member, after reporting to the others that Green Arrow is wanted on suspicion of murder.

While Green Arrow attempts to go undercover and runs foul of a gang of thugs, Batman and Flash investigate the case, only to be overcome by the same gang. Meanwhile, Superman is served with a court order instructing him to leave Earth until the Green Arrow case is solved, and Atom is left alone to save his captive fellow members, whose captor is revealed to be Headmaster Mind.

Once freed, they defeat Headmaster's henchmen, who have taken over their identities, and capture the mastermind himself. Superman returns in time to apprehend Mind's ally, the Tattooed Man, who was responsible for the faked murder. This story was reprinted in Justice League of America Archives Vol. 8 HC.

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

G.I. Combat #134

G.I. Combat #134 (On Sale: December 12, 1968) has a Haunted tank cover by Joe Kubert.

We begin with The Haunted Tank in "Desert Holocaust" by Robert Kanigher, Ross Andru and Mike Esposito. This story was reprinted in Showcase Presents: Haunted Tank Vol. 2 TPB. Back-up stories are "The Iron Horse" by Robert Kanigher and Russ Heath from Our Army At War #51 and "The Second Champ" from G.I. Combat #76 by Bob Haney and Mort Drucker.

Edited by Joe Kubert.

Our Army at War #203 (On Sale: December 10, 1968) is an 80 Page giant issue and sports a nice Sgt. Rock cover by Joe Kubert.

We begin with Sgt. Rock in "Easy's Had It" by the standard team of Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert. This very early Easy Co. story is from Our Army At War #103. Easy Company believes that Sgt. Rock is the core of the unit. If he dies, they don’t think Easy can go on. Rock tries to convince them that no soldier including him is irreplaceable. Rock's theory comes true when he is seriously wounded. Easy believes him dead. They fight on to avenge their leader's death. After the battle, Easy realizes Rock is still alive.

Next is the Haunted Tank in "Trap of the Dragon's Teeth" by Robert Kanigher and Russ Heath. This story is from G.I. Combat #98. Jeb and his team act as a scout for the larger Pershing tanks. Jeb finds anti-tank mines in a river and enemy tanks on the other side, but he can't warn the other tanks without alerting the enemy. When the other Allied tanks start across the river, Jeb is forced to open fire on the enemy tanks and shout a warning about the mines. The larger tanks are saved, but the Haunted Tank is heavily damaged by the battle.

While being towed, Jeb wishes that tanks had an early warning system. The ghost of General Stuart tells Jeb about Sam Simmons, a civil war soldier who sneezed whenever the enemy was near. Jeb suddenly develops physical ailments that act as an early warning system. A headache warns of an attack from above, while his foot pain indicates one from below. When Jeb's teeth begin to hurt, he is warned of Dragon's Teeth anti-tank traps. The warnings help the Haunted Tank survive several battles.

Mademoiselle Marie stars in "T.N.T. Spotlight" from Star Spangled War Stories #87 and is by Robert Kanigher and Mort Drucker. Mademoiselle Marie is contacted by the Allies to create a diversion, so that soldiers can get behind enemy lines on a recon mission. Marie's actions bring her to the attention of German Commandant Von Ekt. Von Ekt targets French citizens to lead Marie into a trap. Though she is momentarily captured, Marie successfully escapes and destroys her target, creating the diversion the Allied troops need.

Johnny Cloud is in "Battle Eagle" from All-American Men of War #85 and is by Robert Kanigher and Irv Novick. After returning from a mission, Johnny meets the family of one of his squadron, Sandy. Sandy's son Billy was expecting Johnny to be wearing traditional Indian garb and is disappointed by Johnny's normal appearance. When Billy is injured in a bombing raid, Johnny tries to please the boy by dressing up, but he can't find suitable apparel. Later, Johnny crashes his damaged fighter near the manor house of Lord Leslie. Leslie loans Johnny some traditional Indian battle gear. Johnny wears the outfit to the hospital to cheer the spirits of the injured boy.

Lastly Gunner and Sarge star in "Col. Hakawa's Birthday Party" from Our Fighting Forces #68 and is also by Robert Kanigher and Irv Novick. Gunner, Sarge, and a unit of marines defend an island position against repeated Japanese attacks. The Japanese commander Col. Hakawa is a practical joker and constantly plays booby-trap jokes on the marines. He sends an invitation to the marines for his birthday party hoping to lead them into a trap. Gunner and Sarge play their own joke by dropping dummy paratroopers on the enemy. Then they overrun the enemy position. Col. Hakawa escapes, but leaves another booby trap that the marines are barely able to avoid.

Edited by Joe Kubert.

Leave It To Binky #65

Leave It To Binky #65 (On Sale: December 10, 1968) has a cover by Bob Oksner.

We begin with Binky in "A Present for Peggy." That is followed by Little Allergy in (Quiet, Dopey! Mom just made some cookies...) and Binky in (Now what'll I do.. ?) and (Shall I pick you up...). I have no information on inside credits.

Edited by Joe Orlando.

Unexpected #111

Unexpected #111 (On Sale: December 5, 1968) has a cover by Nick Cardy.

We begin with Johnny Peril in "Mission into Eternity" by George Kashdan and Jack Sparling. Next is the cover story, "The Wheel of Misfortune" by Dave Wood, Jerry Grandenetti and Bill Draut. Lastly is "The Baby Who Had... But One Year to Die" by Dave Wood and Angel B. Luna. This story was reprinted in Secrets of Sinister House #18 and is the only artwork by Angel B. Luna I have ever heard of, though I have seen the name listed on a site of Filipino comic artists.

Edited by Murray Boltinoff

Flash #185

Flash #185 (On Sale: December 5, 1968) has another in a soon to be long line of DC hippie covers, not all of them drawn by Ross Andru and Mike Esposito.

"Threat of the High-Rise Buildings" is by Frank Robbins, Ross Andru and Mike Esposito. Barry Allen and Iris are vacationing in France when they witness the Eiffel Tower being lifted into space. Reports indicate that other large buildings from around the world have also been stolen. Barry joins Inspector Martell of Interpol to investigate.

The buildings were stolen by aliens from Titan. The aliens have been bombarded with radio signals from Earth that are causing destruction. Believing that they are under attack, the aliens have struck back by targeting the buildings.

Two aliens come to Earth to negotiate a truce. However, they have learned Earth speech by monitoring radio signals in many languages. Therefore, their speech is garbled. Flash is able to stop an attack on the aliens, then program their speech computer to allow for proper communication. A peace is made, and the buildings are returned to Earth.

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Batman #209

Batman #209 (On Sale: December 5, 1968) has a cool cover by Irv Novick.

"Jungle Jeopardy" is by Frank Robbins, Irv Novick and Joe Giella. Several members of the underworld plot to eliminate Batman and Robin. A crime boss known as Brainwash suggests a plan in which he places a hypnotic device in Commissioner Gordon's office. The device makes Gordon call Batman to alert him to a bank robbery. When Batman arrives the crooks plant a similar device on the Batmobile. Batman and Robin are then subliminally commanded to return to the Bat-Cave.

When the Caped Crusaders return home, they imagine Alfred as a tiger and the Bat-Cave as an African jungle. However, Batman realizes that they are under some kind of hypnosis when Indian tigers and African elephants appear together. He finds and deactivates the hypnotic device, restoring their sanity.

Batman deduces that their old foe Mr. Esper created the device. They return to the bank where the robbery is still in progress. Wearing special earplugs, they are immune to the hypnotic suggestions and are able to capture Brainwash, aka Mr. Esper.

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Secret Six #6

Secret Six #6 (On Sale: December 3, 1968) has a cover by Jack Sparling.

"The Victim is a Killer" is the only story in this, the last issue of the magazine. It is plotted by E. Nelson Bridwell, scripted by Joe Gill and drawn by Jack Sparling.

Edited by Dick Giordano.

Our Army at War #202

Our Army at War #202 (On Sale: December 3, 1968) has a Sgt. Rock over by Joe Kubert.

We begin with Sgt. Rock in "The Sarge is Dead" by the standard team of Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert. The back-up is a report from Our Army At War #59, "Trench Trap," by Robert Kanigher and Russ Heath.

Edited by Joe Kubert.

Challengers of the Unknown #66

Challengers of the Unknown #66 (On Sale: December 3, 1968) has a cover by Joe Kubert.

"Rendezvous with Revenge" is by Mike Friedrich and Jack Sparling. This is Mike Friedrich's first and last Challengers of the Unknown script.

Edited by Murray Boltinoff.

Atom & Hawkman #41

Atom & Hawkman #41 (On Sale: December 3, 1968) has another great cover by Joe Kubert. The book also has a new tweaked logo that will last till the book ends.

We begin with the Atom in "Return of the Seven-Year Dead Man" by Gardner Fox, Dick Dillin and Sid Greene. This book is Gardner Fox's last work on Atom and Hawkman as DC is about to squeeze him out of the business. Fox's career at DC began in 1937 with "The Mystery of San Jose Island," a Speed Saunders story in Detective #3.

Jason Madden, a former crook that has had amnesia, has been officially declared dead after being missing for seven years. When Madden sees the story in a newspaper, he recovers his memory. He expects his former partners to be attending his funeral, but neither man shows up. Madden learns that the Atom arrested Grabs Gannon, but Chuck Wheeler did not show up either.

Madden tracks down Wheeler, who has gone straight and is now a successful businessman. Madden tries to kill Wheeler, but the Atom intervenes. Atom then stops Madden from pulling the same robbery that Grabs Gannon had attempted. Wheeler turns himself over to the police for his old crimes. He is given a suspended sentence because of his charitable work and honest life.

We round out the book with Hawkman in "Yo-Yo Hangup in the Sky" by Gardner Fox, Joe Kubert and Murphy Anderson. Continuing from last issue, taking Harris back to his spaceship, Hawkman and his passenger encounter a gravity-defying car, which he rescues, despite being similarly affected. The car's passengers turn out to be bank robbers trying to make a getaway, and they try to shoot him, unsuccessfully.

Hawkman finally questions Harris, determining that his moonstone ring, bought that morning, is the teleportation device, and that the anti-gravity effect came from his own spaceship's grappler and repelling beams, accidentally activated by Harris when he was aboard. Reprinted in Showcase Presents: Hawkman Vol. 2 TPB.

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Holiday Shopping Ideas

This is a detour from our normal entries here.

The holidays are quickly approaching and I, for one, am always on the look-out for gift ideas for my friends and family. Here are a couple of ideas from Asgard Press of Wilmington Delaware. Asgard's main line of business seems to be posters, calendars and notecards for university alumni, but they also make a couple of products that are dead on for the pop culture enthusiast on our shopping list.

The first is the Vintage DC Comics Super Heroes 2009 Wall Calendar. Starting with September 2008 and going through December 2009 you get monthly calendars featuring sixteen classic covers from the Golden and Silver Ages of DC Comics. These are archival-quality reproductions printed using eco-friendly soy-based inks on 100% recycled heavy stock. The calendar opens out to 11"x30" and each page has a perforated 11"x14" cover, removable and suitable for framing, so unlike many calendars that are next to useless once the month has past, this one affords other opportunities to enjoy the artwork. I can't say enough about the quality of this calendar; it's really beautifully done.

The calendar also has two introductions to these classic DC covers, The Golden Age and Silver Ages of Comic Books, By Bill Jourdain and Shoulder to Shoulder: Comic Book Heroes in the Golden and Silver Ages, By Dr. Arnold T. Blumberg. Covers included are Superman #9, Showcase #4 (the first Silver Age Flash), The Brave and the Bold #28 (the first Justice League of America), Batman #27, World's Finest #4, Showcase #60 (the return of The Spectre). Wonder Woman #1, Action #252 (the first Supergirl), Detective #359 (the first Batgirl), Green Lantern #1, Justice League of American #21 (the return of the Justice Society of America), Captain Marvel #6, Flash Comics #37, Superman's Girlfriend, Lois Lane #1, Batman #44 and Comic Cavalcade #13.

Also from Asgard and in the same format is the Vintage MAD Magazine 2009 Calendar with an introduction by Maria Reidelbach, author of Completely MAD: A History of the Comic Book and Magazine entitled "Alfred for President!" Each page also contains six small reproductions of inside pages from each magazine. Covers include #105 (Batman and Alfred E. Robin by Norman Mingo), #52 featuring a beautiful carolers cover by Kelly Freas, #137 which has a nice Jack Davis cover, #5 (a comic book cover by Bill Elder), #186 (Jack Rickard's "The Mad Start Trek Musical" cover) and Don Martin's brilliant dueling corner Santa's cover from issue #68 among others. Another wonderful product from Asgard.

Both calendars sell for $18.95 and can be purchased on the Asgard on-line website. Shipping is $3.99 a calendar or free if you buy more than $50.00 worth (that's two for gifts and one for yourself, or vice versa!). Check them out and support a small press guy putting out a wonderful, quality product.

Detective Comics #383

Detective Comics #383 (On Sale: November 28, 1968) has a cover by Irv Novick.

We begin with "The Fortune-Cookie Caper" by Frank Robbins, Bob Brown and Joe Giella. While dining in a Chinese restaurant, Robin accidentally intercepts a coded message inside a fortune cookie. Crooks attack and steal the message, but not before Robin reads it. The message is an old Chinese joke about a prisoner in a bakery. Robin suspects the joke is literal and searches a nearby bakery, while Batman follows another theory.

Batman finds the men who stole the message. They are hijacking a shipment of fortune cookies being used to smuggle pearls into the country. Robin finds the leaders of the pearl smugglers at the bakery, but is captured. Batman rescues him and apprehends the rest of the smugglers.

The back-up Elongated Man story, "Pursuit of the Bugged Bandits," is by Gardner Fox and Sid Greene. Continuing from last issue, the Elongated Man is knocked out while trying to apprehend a gang of jewel thieves. Fortunately young Billy Warner has placed a coin with a transmitter inside the crooks' car. Ralph uses the transmitter to find the getaway car which was stolen by a street gang. He questions the gang members to learn where they got the car. The Elongated Man then finds and apprehends the thieves.

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Adventure Comics #376

Adventure Comics #376 (On Sale: November 28, 1968) has a cover by Curt Swan and Neal Adams.

"The Execution of Chameleon Boy" is by Jim Shooter and Winslow Mortimer. Continuing from last issues, Bouncing Boy finds himself in an extra-dimensional world not unlike that of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, whose people use modern technological implements which nonetheless resemble ancient devices. He learns that Kodar the Black Vassal, a powerful baron, seeks the hand of the kingdom's Princess Elwinda, daughter of King Artros, and then the kingdom itself. Since none of Artros's men dare to face him, a challenge was issued to the Legion of Super-Heroes' mightiest member. If the Legionnaire defeats Kodar, he will win the princess's hand.

When instruments indicate that Bouncing Boy is not what he seems, he is revealed as Chameleon Boy, who had disguised himself as Bouncing Boy, while his pet, Proty II, became a duplicate of his master. Since the real Bouncing Boy had been knocked unconscious during the battle, Chameleon Boy had decided to borrow Bouncing Boy's identity, hoping it would help him win the contest.

Touring the kingdom in the form of a bird, Chameleon Boy sees Princess Elwinda in a walled garden and flies to her. Although initially afraid of his powers and alien appearance, she soon accepts him for what he is, and the two grow close. When the Legionnaire is summoned before Artros and his council, however, he is informed that he will not be allowed to fight Kodar because he might win, and an alien cannot be permitted to claim Elwinda. When he rebels, they imprison him, and Elwinda fruitlessly pleads his case.

Some days later, Kodar and his forces attack. Artros and his men fall before him, but Chameleon Boy's cell is blasted open during the course of the battle. Chameleon Boy then defeats Kodar and is honored by a grateful Artros. He asks to marry Elwinda, and a ceremony is performed on the battlefield in which the couple takes vows under raised axes.

Meanwhile, the Legionnaires have realized that Chameleon Boy is missing, and are using the seven stones of Alactos to search the dimensions for him. When they suddenly find him, they suppose that he is about to be executed, and so use a teleport ray to bring him back to Earth, permanently sealing the dimensional passage between the two worlds in the process. Reprinted in Legion of Super-Heroes Archives Vol. 8 HC.

Edited by Mort Weisinger.

Action Comics #371

Action Comics #371 (On Sale: November 28, 1968) has a fairly nice cover by Curt Swan and Neal Adams.

We begin with "The President of Steel" by Otto Binder, Curt Swan and Jack Abel. Continuing from last issues, while using an alien super-computer Clark Kent is attacked by a spy named Agent Zero-Zero. Clark must pretend to be unconscious to protect his secret identity, but a invisible ray from the computer wipes out his memory. The spy then places Clark in a helicopter which crashes. Upon impact Clark revives, but with no memory of either identity. His powers and super-costume soon convince him that he is Superman, but he does not remember that he is Clark Kent.

Superman tries to solve the puzzle of his other identity. When he tries to ask the President for help, he learns that he is missing. Superman assumes that he might be the President and soon takes his place. Superman then acts as leader of the country and as a super-hero.

Meanwhile, the spy Agent Zero-Zero has assumed Clark's identity. He meets the President at a press function and acts to protect the President to further his cover. Superman, as the President, awards Clark a medal. Soon thereafter Superman learns that the real President was at sea on a secret mission. He explains his mistake to the real President, then resumes his search for his own secret identity.

The back-up Supergirl story, "The Supergirl Best-Seller," is by Leo Dorfman and Kurt Schaffenberger. Librarian Hilda Powell publishes a book about Supergirl. The book contains many secrets that Hilda should not know about. Supergirl questions Hilda and tries to have the book recalled, but her efforts fail.

Supergirl tries to discover how Hilda possesses knowledge of her adventures. When Hilda claims that she plans to publish another book about Supergirl's future life, the Girl of Steel realizes where Hilda got her information. Supergirl briefly moved the library into the future to protect it from an alien attack. She hypothesizes that a person from the future left a biography of Supergirl's life in the library before she returned it to the present.

When Supergirl finds the book, she reads a small section detailing how she prevented a disaster from occurring. Supergirl then acts differently to prevent the disaster. As a result the book from the future ceases to exist, and the knowledge disappears from the memories of all involved.

Edited by Mort Weisinger.

Teen Titans #19

Teen Titans #19 (On Sale: November 26, 1968) has a nice cover by Nick Cardy.

"Stepping Stones for a Giant Killer" is by Mike Friedrich, Gil Kane and Wally Wood. This is Mike Friedrich's only Teen Titans story. His plans to defeat the Justice League mocked by Headmaster Mind, an old JLA foe, Punch, a teenage would-be-super-villain, vows to prove himself by destroying the Teen Titans first. Speedy rejoins the Titans, and he and Wonder Girl are captured by Punch when they investigate racial riots at a New England high school. At the same time, Robin, Kid Flash, and Aqualad are defeated by high-frequency sound and light devices while on a mission to a midwestern community.

Reunited as Punch's prisoners, the Titans use teamwork to escape his traps and overcome the youthful villain and his followers. Afterward, Aqualad returns to Atlantis for an extended leave, ostensibly in order to look after the infant Aquababy while Aquaman is involved in a quest for his missing wife, Mera. this kind of cross referencing of plots was unusual for DC at the time but something editor Dick Giordano would do often. Speedy becomes Aqualad's replacement among the Titans. Reprinted in Super-Team Family #1 and Showcase Presents: Teen Titans Vol. 2 TPB.

Edited by Dick Giordano.

Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #117

Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #117 (On Sale: November 26, 1968) has a cover by Curt Swan and Neal Adams.

We begin with the punly-titled "The Planet of the Capes" by Otto Binder and Pete Costanza. Jimmy and Professor Lang find an alien device in the desert that was left on Earth millions of years ago. The device transports Jimmy to a parallel universe where the rich wear capes and slaves do not. Since Jimmy is not wearing a cape he is arrested as a slave.

Jimmy is taken to an auction where he is purchased by a duplicate of Clark Kent who wears a Superman cape. Jimmy learns that cloth is rare on this world which makes the capes prized possessions. When Jimmy finds stolen money in Clark's office, he reports him to the police, only to discover that Clark is actually a hero on this world.

Jimmy is sold again at auction to Perry White. Jimmy helps him track down a missing Batman cape, before being sold to his own double, the Jimmy Olsen of this world. After helping his double perform a circus act for a movie, Jimmy makes his own cape out of the clothing he was wearing when he came to this world. Now that he owns a cape, he gains his freedom.

Jimmy's new cape causes him to be noticed by Mr. X, the designer of the capes. Jimmy meets Mr. X and learns that he is Jor-El who escaped Krypton's destruction in this universe. The capes Jor-El created wer duplicated from ones he saw when a group of heroes from Jimmy's universe visited this world. Jimmy is then sent back to his own universe when Jor-El uses a Dimension Zone ray on him.

The back-up story is "The Son of Jimmy Olsen," from Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #56 and created by Jerry Siegel and Kurt Schaffenberger. Jimmy Olsen and Lucy Lane have married and had a son, Jimmy Olsen Jr. Jimmy Jr. falls in love with the daughter of Lois Lane and Clark Kent, Lola Kent. Lola however, cannot marry Jimmy because she is secretly Supermaid. When Jimmy learns this, he finds a plant which gives him super powers, enabling them to get married. Lois Lane is also given powers by the plant serum. Luthor, however, exposes the family to a gas which removes their powers, and since both Superman and Supermaid revealed their secret identities to the world, the underworld can now strike at their families.

Edited by Mort Weisinger.

Green Lantern #66

Green Lantern #66 (On Sale: November 26, 1968) has a cover by Mike Sekowsky and Murphy Anderson.

"5708 A.D.... a Nice Year to Visit -- But I Wouldn’t Want to Live Then" is by John Broome, Mike Sekowsky and Joe Giella. Green Lantern returns to the future era which he has often visited and is reunited with Dasor and Iona Vane. They explain that machines are now performing all the work on the planet, and humans are allowed to relax. GL discovers that the people including Dasor and Vane are under the control of an alien named Gudron. When defeated Gudron disintegrates, and the people are free from his control.

Green Lantern attempts to return to his own time period, but an unseen force stops him. When he consults Iona and Dasor, he discovers them hypnotized again. This time the culprit is Gudron's boss, Vortan. GL defeats him too, then realizes that both aliens were created by a computer than has achieved independent intelligence. Green Lantern destroys the computer, permanently ending the threat, before returning to his own time period.

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Girls' Romances #138

Girls' Romances #138 (On Sale: November 26, 1968) has a cover penciled by Vince Colletta.

We begin with "Love from a Stranger" penciled by Tony Abruzzo and later reprinted in Love Stories #152. That is followed by "Romance Without Love" inked by Bernard Sachs, which must be a reprint from somewhere and "Bring Me Your Heart" which is reprinted from Falling In Love #28 and penciled by John Forte. The book ends with "Letters of Heartbreak" penciled by Vince Colletta and repornted in Young Love #112.

Edited by Jack Miller.

Date With Debbi #1

Date With Debbi #1 (On Sale: November 26, 1968) has a cover by Samm Schwartz. This may be the only Dick Giordano edited book I not only did not buy but I don't think I ever saw on the stands.

We begin with Debbi in "Detention's the Thing," in which Debbi bumps into the new boy in school, Todd and gets detention

That is followed by Binky in "Training Blacks and Blues". Binky gets on the football team

We end with Debbi in "Eeeek -- It's a Heap."  Buddy picks up the girls in a Jeep to go to the Country Club. All of these are by persons unknown.

Edited by Dick Giordano.

Superboy #153

Superboy #153 (On Sale: November 21, 1968) has a cover by Neal Adams. I remember buying this book, being hooked by this cover.

"Challenge of the Cosmic Invaders" is by Frank Robbins, Bob Brown and Wally Wood. This was the beginning of Wally Wood's run as inker of Superboy, a run which would last almost a year. Superboy discovers that everyone in Smallville has suddenly vanished. A race of invisible aliens takes credit. They demand that Superboy bring them all the world's leaders or they will not restore the residents of Smallville to existence. Superboy constructs robot duplicates of the world leaders which the aliens take over. Superboy then hypnotizes them into surrender.

One alien escapes from Superboy and renews his demands. The Boy of Steel then creates a special liquid compound which he sprays over the town square which makes the alien visible. The creature changes into a gaseous form to escape. Superboy inhales the creature into his indestructible body then blows the creature into an indestructible glass prison. After the alien threat is neutralized, Superboy returns to the town square to clean up his mess.

Edited by Murray Boltinoff.

Strange Adventures #216

Strange Adventures #216 (On Sale: November 14, 1968) ends Deadman's run with a wonderful cover by Neal Adams.

"But I Still Exist" is written and drawn by Neal Adams and it is a visual tour de force. Continuing from last issue, Deadman leaves the lair of the League of Assassins after he is unable to prevent Hook's death. He is surprised to find Vashnu waiting outside with a scroll that mentions the hidden land of Nanda Parbat. Deadman also watches the Sensei order Willie Smith to destroy it. Deadman decides to tag along with Willie to thwart his mission.

When over the appropriate airspace Deadman fights Willie using the body of a pilot. Willie falls from the plane, but uses a parachute to survive. Deadman floats down to the Earth, but becomes solid when he enters Nanda Parbat. No longer a ghost, Deadman meets Taj Ze and Lotus, residents of this strange land of peace.

Deadman learns that if he leaves the city he will become a ghost again. He confronts Rama Kushna who can be reached via a temple guarded by Taj Ze. Rama agrees to allow Deadman to remain on Earth as a force for good to achieve balance. Deadman then leaves Nanda Parbat and becomes a ghost once again. He is followed by Lotus, who is dragged outside by Willie Smith where she becomes evil again. Reprinted in Deadman #7 and continued in the Brave and the Bold #86.

This book is known though for Neal Adams' amazing pop art effects. My favorite was the page where if you look at the panels as a whole it is a giant face of Deadman.

Thanks to Robbie Reed over at Dial B for Blog for these crisp and clear shots of Neal's' Deadman work.

This book was meant to be the start of a new Deadman. With his killer found Rama Kushna gives Deadman a new mission, to ""balance the forces of good and evil" in the world. We only get a peek at this in the Brave and the Bold follow-up and that's too bad. I would have loved to see where Adams would have taken this character for which he obviously had so much affection.

The back-up story was "I Lost My Past," a reprint from Tales of the Unexpected #3 drawn by Mad Magazine's own Mort Drucker.

Edited by Dick Giordano.

Secret Hearts #133 (On Sale: November 21, 1968) has a cover that looks like pure Dick Giordano to me.

We begin with "Love, Love, Go Away" penciled by Tony Abruzzo. That is followed by "Long After Heartbreak" inked by Bernard Sachs, which must be a reprint from somewhere. Next we have an untitled Cindy the Salesgirl story drawn by Winslow Mortimer. The book ends with "Reach for Happiness, Episode 24" by persons unknown.

Edited by Jack Miller.

Beware the Creeper #5

Beware the Creeper #5 (On Sale: November 21, 1968) has a cover by Steve Ditko.

"The Color of Rain is Death" is by Denny O'Neil, Steve Ditko and Mike Peppe. Peppe last worked for DC on Mr. District Attorney #27 in 1952 and world ink only a hand-full of DC books in the next few years before disappearing completely. Continuing from last issue, after the Creeper's battle with Sumo, he tracks down Bulldog Bird. When he confronts Bird about being an agent of Proteus, he is struck from behind. When he recovers he discovers that Proteus has framed Jack Ryder. Using a clue he got from Sumo, the Creeper tracks down Proteus. However, police interrupt the battle and arrest him in his Jack Ryder identity.

Jack is able to convince his boss Bill Brane that he is not Proteus. After being released from jail, Creeper tracks down Proteus again. Their battle leads to the sewers where Creeper is momentarily blinded. Proteus gains the upper hand. Before leaving the Creeper to drown, Proteus shows his foe his true identity.

Edited by Dick Giordano.

Anthro #4

Anthro #4 (On Sale: November 21, 1968) has a cover by Howie Post.

"The Prophecy" continues the story of Anthro and is written and drawn by Howie Post. Anthro and his family are welcomed into a tropical city heated by hot springs. The people of the city believe Lart is a child of prophecy and make him their king. Queen Flamma, the former leader of the matriarchy prior to Lart's arrival, tries to seduce Anthro as a means of controlling the boy king. When Anthro resists her, Flamma's minister Omal tricks Lart into signing his brother's death warrant. When quakes strike the city, Flamma tries to sacrifice Lart to her goddess. Anthro rescues his brother, and the family escapes the city using a raft.

Edited by Joe Orlando.

Spectre #8

Spectre #8 (On Sale: November 19, 1968) has a really cool cover by Nick Cardy.

"The Parchment of Power Perilous" is by Steve Skeates, Jerry Grandenetti and Murphy Anderson. This is Skeates' first work ad DC for someone other than Dick Giordano. An 18th century sorcerer attempts to open a doorway to unlimited power. He records the secret on parchment, then realizes that such power is evil. When he attempts to destroy the parchment, his apprentice Narkran kills him. Narkran then uses the parchment to gain limitless power and leaves the Earthly plane. Eventually he realizes that his body cannot contain such power. He must return to Earth and find the parchment which he believes contains additional secrets vital to his survival.

Meanwhile, the Spectre helps Jim Corrigan battle the Carstagg Mob. The Spectre acts recklessly and nearly kills an innocent bystander. The Spectre is punished for his actions and will be given a weakness when presented with stressful situations in the future.

Narkran returns to the Earthly plane after 200 years seeking the parchment. The Spectre goes to battle the supernatural foe. As the battle ensues, the Spectre's new weakness presents itself in the form of blindness. The Spectre then must overcome Narkran without his vision. He does so, then he also destroys the parchment. Narkran is destroyed, and the Spectre's eyesight returns. Reprinted in Adventure Comics #502.

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Superman's Girl Friend Lois Lane #89

Superman's Girl Friend Lois Lane #89 (On Sale: November 14, 1968) has a cover by Carmine Infantino and Neal Adams.

"The Bride of Batman" is an imaginary tale by Leo Dorfman, Curt Swan and Mike Esposito. When Superman is away on a mission with Wonder Woman, the lonely Lois Lane begins dating Bruce Wayne. They eventually fall in love and decide to marry. Superman regrets his own missed opportunity with Lois, but he serves as best man at their wedding. After the marriage ceremony, Bruce reveals his secret identity to Lois.

The couple is happy and soon they have a son, Bruce Junior. As the boy grows older, Batman and Robin begin training him. Meanwhile Lois is captured by an underworld gang who want to learn Batman's secret identity. When threatened Lois tells the gang that Clark Kent is Batman.

Lois is released and tells Bruce about what she did. Lois and Batman then act to protect Clark, though he is really invulnerable. When the gang tries to kill him, Batman foils their plot. The crooks are apprehended and convinced that Clark is not the Caped Crusader. Later Superman explains to Batman that his fear of crooks making a connection between he and Lois was the reason he never married her.

Edited by Mort Weisinger