Girls' Romances #156

Girls' Romances #156 (On Sale: February 25, 1971), has a cover by Don Heck and Dick Giordano.

We begin with "Forsake My Love" drawn by Ric Estrada and Dick Giordano. Sue breaks up with Tom, her true love, when she learns that she is going blind.

Next, we have "The Game of Love" drawn by Lee Elias. Anne loves Jim, but she is tempted by Mitch, a new man in town.

We end with "Battle of the Sexes" drawn by Mike Sekowsky and Bernard Sachs and reprinted from Secret Hearts #60 (1960). Jinny tries to use Tom to make Bart jealous, but her plotting has a surprising result.

Edited for the first time by Dorothy Woolfolk.

Detective Comics #410

Detective Comics #410 (On Sale: February 25, 1971), has a Batman cover by Neal Adams and Dick Giordano.

We begin this issue with Batman in  "A Vow from the Grave" by Denny O'Neil, Neal Adams, and Dick Giordano. Batman is on the trail of an escaped killer on the outskirts of Gotham when he manages to corner the criminal in a rocky area, but he is attacked by a big man, who allows the killer to escape. Forced to confront the big man, Batman manages to knock him unconscious. Batman meets three more people, all of whom are physically different. Their leader explains that they used to be circus freaks and that they retired to live in seclusion. They also inform Batman that the big man, whose name is Goliath, didn't intend to attack him.  

The killer still on the loose, Batman continues his search and stumbles upon an abandoned town hall, which is being used as the freaks' home. When he hears the fat lady scream, Batman investigates and learns that the thin man had been hanged a few moments prior. Batman notices that the escaped killer is just outside the building and he captures the criminal, taking him inside. Batman has deduced that the killer did not murder the thin man, but rather, that the crime was committed by Goliath, seeking to eliminate his competitor for the fat lady's affections.

Batman follows Goliath to the bell tower, where he threatens to drop the seal-boy unless Batman jumps down first. Batman complies, but Goliath tosses "Flippy" anyway. However, he is rescued by Batman, who was still hanging from the tower with help from his Batrope. Afterward, Batman confronts Goliath and the killer, both of whom started to work together against a common enemy, and Batman gets help from the fat lady and Flippy. With their help, Batman manages to capture two killers and as dawn breaks, he takes them back to meet their justice. This story has been reprinted in Limited Collectors' Edition C-59 (1978), Saga of Ra's Al Ghul #4 (1988), Batman in the Seventies TPB (2000), Batman Illustrated by Neal Adams Vol. 2 HC (2004), Batman Illustrated by Neal Adams Vol. 2 TPB (2013), Showcase Presents: Batman Vol. 6 TPB (2016), and Batman by Neal Adams Vol. 2 TPB (2019).

This issue's backup story is Batgirl in  "Battle of the Three M's" by Frank Robbins, Don Heck, and Dick Giordano. When a popular fashion model, Mamie Acheson, is injured and has to select one of three models (Maxi, Midi, or Midi) to act as her replacement while her leg heals, it causes quite a stir in the fashion world. Batgirl soon finds herself involved after a suspicious visit from a member of a fashion company to her library seeking to get certain books.

Learning that they were last taken out by J. Thayer, Mamie Acheson's fashion designer, a curious Barbara decides to check things out as Batgirl. Arriving at the fashion studio, Batgirl finds a man there attempting to take pictures of the fashion from a skylight. Batgirl fights him off and follows him back to another garment manufacturer, where it turns out that they are indebted to a crook named Serpy who threatens to kill them if they don't square up an I.O.U.

Batgirl tries to intervene, however, is easily knocked out and soon finds herself strapped into a fabric cutter, with Serpy getting ready to slice her in two. This story is continued next issue and has been reprinted in Showcase Presents: Batgirl Vol. 1 TPB (2007) and Batgirl: The Bronze Age Omnibus Vol. 1 HC (2018).

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Adventure Comics #405

Adventure Comics #405 (On Sale: February 25, 1971), has a Supergirl cover by Mike Sekowsky and Dick Giordano.

This issue features Supergirl in "Starfire's Revenge" written and drawn by Mike Sekowsky and inked by Dick Giordano. Supergirl is questioning her own self-worth now her powers are coming and going and she has failed to capture the crimelord known as Starfire. Forcing herself to stop her inner brooding, Kara Zor-El uses her super-senses to scan the city and find Starfire. Sadly, her powers vanish right when she has spotted her enemy.

Starfire and Dr. Kangle take a flight to Paris where Starfire plans to pull off her next heist. Starfire also plots to eliminate Supergirl's powers forever with a stronger dose of Kangle's formula. To get someone to administer it to her, Starfire contacts Derek Ames's brother Rodney. She tells him that Supergirl murdered his brother while maddened by Kangle's serum. Rodney desires vengeance for his brother, and Starfire hands him a gun loaded with capsules of the formula and tells him she will lure Supergirl to Paris. Once de-powered, Supergirl can be killed in any way Rodney chooses.

The next days Starfire makes herself visible in Parisian high society. Kara, seeing photos of her foe and a story detailing Derek's death, reasons that she had Derek murdered. Despite his actions, she can not help but feel sorry for his horrible death. She also thinks if she can prove Starfire murdered him, she can end her criminal career.

Supergirl flies to Paris to capture Starfire, who is executing the theft of the entire fall fashion line of Paul De Paris, a designer. Supergirl fails to capture Starfire, and Rodney fails to de-power or kill Supergirl. But she convinces Rodney to listen to her side of the story, and that he may be in danger for having failed Starfire like his brother did.

When Rodney brings Starfire an apparently unconscious and depowered Supergirl, she has them both thrown in a barred pit and lets in a gorilla to kill them. Supergirl renders the ape unconscious, frees them both, and battles Starfire and her gang. Starfire leaps to freedom from a high window in her castle hideout, landing in the moat. She emerges onshore after Supergirl and Rodney lead Kangle and her gang away.

Edited by Mike Sekowsky.

Action Comics #399

Action Comics #399 (On Sale: February 25, 1971), has a Superman cover by Neal Adams and Dick Giordano.

We begin with "Superman, You're Dead... Dead... Dead" by Leo Dorfman, Curt Swan, and Murphy Anderson. While attempting to stop an out-of-control solar furnace, Superman is transported through time, landing in a crystalline dome with George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and George Custer. Superman escapes the dome and finds himself in a 24th Century museum. The researchers at the museum brought the historical figures into their time moments before their own deaths. Superman is told that he is actually the third Superman. Two others had died previously. He sees their bodies (Once again, the outrageous DC cover is actually a real scene from the story).

Superman is convinced by the researchers who then send Superman back to his own time. He believes he will die stopping the solar furnace, but he doesn't. Superman then realizes that the research lab must have existed on a parallel Earth. Some of their facts such as Washington freeing the slaves were clearly wrong indicating that their history was different. On his Earth, Superman is the only Superman, and he is still alive. Reprinted in Superman from the Thirties to the Seventies HC (1971), Best of DC #12 (1981), and Superman from the 30s to the 80s HC (1983).

Our backup is "Superbaby's Lost World" by Leo Dorfman, Curt Swan, and Murphy Anderson. When Clark is a toddler, the Kents visit an amusement park where Clark gets separated from his foster parents. Two jewel thieves, Connie and Hyde, offer to help Clark, but they are really using him as a cover to hide from the police. When Clark begins using his powers, the thieves nearly drown. Clark then takes them to a fake volcano, where the smoke nearly kills them. Clark uses his super-breath to cause the crooks to fall from the top of the volcano into the waiting hands of the police. No one believes their story about there being a super-child. The Kents are able to find Clark and take him home.

Edited by Murray Boltinoff.

Sugar & Spike #95

Sugar & Spike #95 (On Sale: February 23, 1971), has a cover by Sheldon Mayer.

As normal, all Sugar and Spike stories are written and drawn by Sheldon Mayer. This issue, they include: "Cock-Eyed Crockery", "Spike's Big Problem", "Sugar, the Sweet Little Mommie" and "Where Did the Window Went?".

Edited by E. Nelson Bridwell.

Star Spangled War Stories #156

Star Spangled War Stories #156 (On Sale: February 23, 1971), has a terrific Unknown Soldier cover by Joe Kubert

We begin this issue with the Unknown Soldier in "Assassination" by Bob Haney and Joe Kubert. The Unknown Soldier meets a British agent who tells him of a meeting on July 20th which Adolf Hitler will attend. Disguised as a German lieutenant, the Unknown Soldier infiltrates the Wolf's Lair and plants a bomb intending to kill Hitler. 

One of Hitler's own advisers, Colonel Von Stauffenberg also carries a bomb to the meeting. He leaves it in the meeting room concealed in a briefcase. However, a soldier returns the briefcase to the colonel outside the room just as it is about to go off. The explosion does not succeed in killing Hitler. The bunker is sealed and the Unknown Soldier's bomb is uncovered. Fortunately, he was able to get outside before the doors were shut. The Soldier, disguised as an old woman, escapes to Switzerland. This story was reprinted in Showcase Presents the Unknown Soldier Vol. 1 TPB (2007).

The backup is "A Dream Came True" by Hank Chapman and Irv Novick and is reprinted from Our Army at War #154 (1965). A one-panel cameo of Enemy Ace has been added to introduce this story, with art by Joe Kubert. During World War I, an American pilot named Mike Mason is humiliated because he never shoots down any enemy planes. One day, he lies to his commanding officer and says he shot down five Germans. However, he knows his lie will be exposed when the intelligence officers are unable to confirm the kills. The next day, Mason is sent on a solo mission, and he manages to shoot down two zeppelins and three planes. His dreamed-up tale has become a reality.

Edited by Joe Kubert.

Green Lantern #83

Green Lantern #83 (On Sale: February 23, 1971), has a Green Lantern/Green Arrow cover by Neal Adams.

This issue features Green Lantern, Green Arrow, and Black Canary in "...and a Child Shall Destroy Them" by Denny O'Neil, Neal Adams, and Dick Giordano. While walking down the street, Carol Ferris bumps into a stranger and is subsequently cursed by a young girl named Sybil, and she falls in a seizure.

A month later, Dinah Lance decides to take a job as a teacher at Meadowhill School, accompanied by her friends Oliver Queen and Hal Jordan. They are suddenly attacked by a flock of birds, requiring the men to put on their costumes to protect Dinah. When the birds are dealt with, they decide to see if her new boss knows anything about the occurrence.

They are greeted at the door by the man who Carol had bumped into earlier, who introduces himself as Grandy, the cook. He is accompanied by Sybil. The owner of the school, Jason Belmore, introduces himself, but expresses disapproval of the costumed heroes, prompting Green Arrow and Green Lantern to leave. Strangely, Mr. Belmore seems to have made them leave at Grandy's behest. Grandy directs Sybil to make the heroes sorry. 

We should probably mention that Grady bears more than a passing resemblance to disgraced Vice President Spiro Agnew.

Outside, Green Arrow and Green Lantern notice Carol hanging around their car in a wheelchair. Carol has them drive her away and explains her case. She reveals that Belmore is her fiancé, but that he seems changed. Suddenly, Green Arrow loses control of the vehicle, which crashes. If not for Green Lantern's ring they might all have died. They soon realize that they have left Dinah in danger.

After dismissing her final class early, Dinah realizes that the children are oddly quiet and inanimate. Grandy appears and chastises her, ominously promising punishment for the early dismissal. Dinah returns to her room and dons her costume as Black Canary. She easily defeats a reluctant Mr. Belmore and Grandy, but Sybil's powers cause her to collapse on the floor. She is dragged to the cellar by the children, where Grandy releases angry wasps to attack her.

Green Arrow and Green Lantern arrive to save her, but they are soon incapacitated by Sybil's powers. Green Arrow uses a trick arrow to distract her, allowing them to escape and find Dinah. Green Lantern deals with the wasps, and Dinah is alive, fortunately. Green Lantern angrily confronts Grandy, who once again calls upon Sybil to punish him. This time, though, Sybil refuses, saying she wants to be like a normal child. When Grandy angrily slaps Sybil across the face, she uses her powers again – not to punish Green Lantern, but instead to bring the wing of the building down around them. Green Lantern and Green Arrow manage to escape with Mr. Belmore, Dinah, and the children, but Grandy and Sybil are trapped inside and are presumed to have perished when the wing collapses.

Before leaving, Green Lantern reveals his identity to Carol and confesses his love for her. She is unsurprised and accepts his feelings, finally. As they walk away, Sybil appears to be seen standing over Hal's discarded domino mask. Has she somehow survived? This story has been reprinted in Green Lantern/Green Arrow #4 (1984), Green Lantern/Green Arrow Collection Vol. 1 TPB (1992), Green Lantern/Green Arrow Collection HC (2001), Green Lantern/Green Arrow Vol. 2 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.

From Beyond the Unknown #10

From Beyond the Unknown #10 (On Sale: February 23, 1971), has a cover by Murphy Anderson.

We begin the repeats with our cover story, "The Fish-Men of Earth" by John Broome, Carmine Infantino, and Bernard Sachs which comes to us from Strange Adventures #56 (1955). Aliens use a weapon that causes the atmosphere of Earth to become super-dense, like their homeworld. Dr. Walker and his assistant Jim find a way to counter the effect.

Next up is "The Devil's Island of Space" by Joe Millard and Murphy Anderson and reprinted from Mystery in Space #46 (1958). Willy Elkins promises to escape from a prison planetoid in 30 days.

That is followed by "The Most Dangerous Man on Earth" by Gardner Fox, Mike Sekowsky, and Bernard Sachs and which is reprinted from Strange Adventures #129 (1961). While experimenting on a ray to prevent the common cold, Jeff Carter accidentally causes himself to emit radiation that causes all vegetation to grow wildly out of control.

The next story is "Destination – Star" by Gardner Fox and Carmine Infantino and is reprinted from Mystery in Space #14 (1953). Ralfe Gordon warns other space travelers that going faster than the speed of light is dangerous.

Our next story is "Tomorrow's Hero" by John Broome and Sid Greene and reprinted from Strange Adventures #112 (1960). Ral Grayson is a mutant with the ability to understand things quickly by just seeing a portion of the process. He uses his ability to figure out the one weakness of the Borg who have taken over Earth.

That is followed by "The 24,000-Hour Day" by Otto Binder, Manny Stallman, and John Giunta and is reprinted from Mystery in Space #49 (1959). Brad Stanton and Jim Kirby answer an ad for space-miners promising to pay them $1000 a day. When they sign on they learn that one day on this asteroid is 24,000 hours long.

Our last story is "The Answer Man of Space" by Gardner Fox and Sid Greene and reprinted from Mystery in Space #73 (1962). Evan Wright can answer any question whose answer is in a book he has read, but can he answer a question about something he has never read before?

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Young Romance #171

Young Romance #171 (On Sale: February 18, 1971), has a cover by Don Heck and Dick Giordano.

We begin with "Let Me Share My Heart with You" by Robert Kanigher, Artie Saaf, and Tony DeZuñiga.

Next is the reprint "Strangers in Love" penciled by John Romita and originally published in Heart Throbs #93 (1965) where it was entitled "A Date with Heartbreak!".

Next is a one-page "Do's and Dont's of Dating" drawn by Tony DeZuñiga.

That is followed by "How Much Can My Love Buy?" by George Kashdan, Artie Saaf, Vince Colletta, and Tony DeZuñiga.

Next, we have "Which Man Is Mine" with pencils by John Romita and which is reprinted from Secret Hearts #68 (1961).

Following that is a one-page "How to Lose 5 lbs. in 5 Days!" by Liz Berube.

Our next reprint is "Afraid to Love" also with pencils by John Romita and which is reprinted from Falling in Love #36 (1960).

We end with "Nice Girls Are Out of Style" by Barbara Friedlander, Kurt Schaffenberger, and Vince Colletta.

Edited for the first time by Dorothy Woolfolk.

Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #137

Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #137 (On Sale: February 18, 1971), has a cover by Jack Kirby and Neal Adams.

This issue features "The Four-Armed Terror" written and penciled by  Jack Kirby and inked by Vince Colletta. While Superman and Jimmy Olsen join the Newsboy Legion and the Hairies to test a new solar-phone, the Project is attacked by a four-armed creature that feeds on nuclear energy. Superman tells the others to stay behind while he goes to fight the four-armed terror. 

The Newsboys and Jimmy follow anyway. The creature traps them all in a cocoon of energy, then prepares to cause an atomic explosion beneath the city of Metropolis. Simyan and Mokkari celebrate while they hatch another batch of the creatures in the Evil Factory. This continues next issue. Reprinted in Jimmy Olsen: Adventures by Jack Kirby Vol. 1 TPB (2003), Jack Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus Vol. 1 HC (2007), Jack Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus Vol. 1 TPB (2012), The Fourth World Omnibus by Jack Kirby (2018), and Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen by Jack Kirby (2019).

Edited by Jack Kirby.

New Gods #2

New Gods #2 (On Sale: February 18, 1971), has a cover by Jack Kirby.

This issue features "O' Deadly Darkseid" written and drawn by Jack Kirby and inked by Vince Colletta. Orion is met and confronted by Darkseid and Brola, an Apokolips warrior, in an apartment in Metropolis to which he takes the four Earth abductees. He battles and defeats Brola, who phases out along with Darkseid. 

On Apokolips, Darkseid confers with another lieutenant, Desaad, about discovering Earth people who can comprehend the Anti-Life Equation, which Darkseid says will allow him "to control all free will". He allows Desaad to use a "fear machine" that strikes panic into the inhabitants of Metropolis, in hopes of smoking out a mind with the Anti-Life properties they seek. 

Orion is briefing his four newfound allies about Apokolips and Darkseid's agents when the fear machine is unleashed. He finds it and destroys it. Darkseid tells DeSaad that no suitable minds have been found among those victimized. The four abductees agree to work with Orion. Reprinted in New Gods #1 (1984), Jack Kirby's New Gods TPB (1998), Jack Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus Vol. 1 HC (2007), Jack Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus Vol. 1 TPB (2012), The Fourth World Omnibus by Jack Kirby (2018), and New Gods by Jack Kirby TPB (2018).

Edited by Jack Kirby.

Unexpected #124

Unexpected #124 (On Sale: February 16, 1971), has a cover by Neal Adams.

We begin this issue with "These Walls Shall Be Your Grave" by George Kashdan and Jerry Grandenetti. A mad psychologist is humored by the personnel of the asylum into believing that he is the director of the institution.

Next up is our cover story, "Gift of the Ghouls" by George Kashdan and George Tuska. A boy and his family move into a new neighborhood wherein resides a coven fearful of the boy as he possesses the power to destroy them when he comes of age. They attempt to kill him while making it seem like an accident,  but the boy calls them out on their intentions much to his parent's chagrin. The mother begins to suspect their neighbor's odd behavior, but the father is convinced they are decent folk when they offer their son a cake for his upcoming birthday. They hope the poisoned cake will save them, but when the boy has an intuition to blow out the candles, the snuffed flames destroy the evil witches.

We end this issue with "The Incredible Rebirth of Martin Phipps" by Carl Wessler and Jack Sparling.

Edited by Murray Boltioff.

Superboy #173

Superboy #173 (On Sale: February 16, 1971), has a cover by Neal Adams and Dick Giordano.

We begin with Superboy in "The Super-Clark of Smallville" by Leo Dorfman, Bob Brown, and Dick Giordano. Clark Kent pretends that he has gained powers from ambrosia dust, the "food of the gods", which Professor Lang has discovered when Lana catches him lifting a heavy bookcase off her father with one hand. At first, Clark finds it amusing to use his powers openly as Clark Kent, but the novelty soon wears off. Lex Luthor comes to Smallville and saps Superboy's powers with a device. Superboy concocts some real ambrosia, eats it, and gains the powers of the gods, enabling him to defeat Luthor. When the ambrosia wears off, Superboy's normal powers return.

The back-up Legion of Super-Heroes story is  "Trust Me or Kill Me" by Cary Bates and George Tuska. Mordru makes a duplicate of Cosmic Boy and Superboy must determine which of the two is the real Cosmic Boy. This story was reprinted in Legion of Super-Heroes Archives Vol. 10 HC (2000) and Showcase Presents: Legion of Super-Heroes Vol. 4 TPB (2010).

Edited by Murray Boltinoff.

Heart Throbs #131 (On Sale: February 16, 1971), has a cover by Werner Roth and Vince Colletta.

We begin this issue with "Kisses Without Love" drawn by George Tuska and Vince Colletta. When Fran's boyfriend elopes with another woman she doesn't believe she can love again but before long she finds herself torn between two more men.

Next, we have "His Other Love" drawn by Gil Kane and Joe Giella reprinted from Secret Hearts #22 (1954). Lizabeth accepts Vernon's sudden marriage proposal, but when they visit his home town she finds out about his former relationship with Vera, whom everyone expected him to marry.

This issue ends with  "My First Romance" drawn by Win Mortimer and Vince Colletta. Susan is reluctant to marry David, especially when her first boyfriend Allan shows up unexpectedly.

Edited for the first time by Dorothy Woolfolk.

Brave & the Bold #95

Brave & the Bold #95 (On Sale: February 16, 1971), has a cover by Neal Adams and Dick Giordano.

This issue features "C.O.D. Corpse on Delivery" by Bob Haney and Nick Cardy. The team-up, only hinted at on the cover, is Batman and Plastic Man of Earth-1, someone who did not really exist up till now. Batman is hired by Ruby Ryder Inc. owner, Ruby Ryder to find her fiance Kyle Morgan, whom she claims went missing in South America. However, when Batman finds Morgan and brings him back to Ryder, she shoots him dead. Batman then goes on the trail to find Ryder when she escapes. Aided by a mysterious benefactor, Batman finds her in Morocco and takes her back to the States, where she is sentenced to death for the murder of Morgan.

However, Batman stops the execution when he reveals that Kyle Morgan isn't dead, but in the room and Morgan then reveals himself to be alive. He explains that he was once the hero known as Plastic Man, but he took on the guise of Kyle Morgan to try and live a normal life and had a relationship with Ruby Ryder. After learning that she was a power-seeking person, he left her and faked his death, which only fueled her revenge. With the mystery sorted out, Ruby's charges were lessened to attempted murder, however, she leaves the room scoffing at the concept of marrying a freak and tells the authorities to get in touch with her lawyers, while Plastic Man considers his future. Reprinted in 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), and Batman in the Brave and the Bold:The Bronze Age Vol. 2 TPB (2019).

Edited by Murray Boltinoff. I complain a lot about Boltioff as an editor, but B&B was one book I always loved and looked forward to, and he was the guy who let Neal Adams run wild with Batman, turning him from camp TV guy to the Dark Knight.

Witching Hour #14

Witching Hour #14 (On Sale: February 11, 1971), has a cover by Neal Adams, Al Williamson, and Carlos Garzon. 

This beauty is one of the great comics of 1971 and a final treat to us all from departed editor Dick Giordano. Murray Boltinoff never put out a book this good in his life. The framing sequence throughout the book is drawn by George Tuska and is notably shortened this issue, after the initial first page being delegated to 1/2 to 1/3 pages. But hey, it is not the reason this book is so grand. Really, check this out...

We begin with "Fourteen Months" by Gerry Conway and Jeffrey Catherine Jones. It will be 27 years before Jones will draw another story for DC and that one will be her last. If you don't count the uncredited work Jeff did on Nightmaster in Showcase, this is her first work for DC. It has been fourteen months since the starship Klondike has been attacked and began limping home. Captain Scott is manning the bridge when a Krill warship appears. He screams at the unresponsive engine room but still manages to blast the Krill ship as we see that Scott has been living for fourteen months as the only survivor aboard the Klondike. Three and a half pages of Jones' magic.

Jeffrey Catherine Jones is best known for the over 150 book covers she painted from the mid-1960s through 1976, as well as the fine art produced after that time. Frank Frazetta called Jones "the greatest living painter." Although Jones first achieved fame as simply Jeff Jones and lived for a time as a male, she later changed her name and transitioned to female. Jone's first comic book work appeared in Warren magazines, starting with Creepy #16 in 1967. Starting in 1972, Jones would produce a monthly strip, Idyl, for National Lampoon. By the early 1980s, she had a recurring strip in Heavy Metal titled I'm Age.

In 1964 while attending Georgia State College, Jones met fellow student Mary Louise Alexander (later notable as writer Louise Simonson). The two began dating and were married in 1966. Their daughter Julianna was born the following year. After graduation, the couple moved to New York City but divorced in the early 1970s.

From 1975 to 1979 Jones shared a workspace in Manhattan's Chelsea district with Bernie Wrightson, Barry Windsor-Smith, and Michael Kaluta, collectively named The Studio. Dragon's Dream produced a volume of their work in 1979.

Jeffrey Catherine Jones passed away on May 19, 2011, from severe emphysema and bronchitis as well as hardening of the arteries around the heart.

Next, we have  "Which Witch Is Which?" by David Kaler and Stanley Pitt, the second of only three stories Pitt would draw for DC. In 2370 a space captain is bewitched by a woman who seeks revenge on behalf of another the space captain seduced and dumped. His partner thinks he is acting crazy so he slugs him, and when the captain wakes, finds himself with his partner in deep space. He gets into a physical confrontation with his partner in an effort to turn the rocket around and go back to his love when the eject button is hit and they are both sent to their death.

Stanley John Joseph Pitt was an Australian cartoonist and commercial artist. Pitt was heavily influenced by the classic style of Alex Raymond's artwork, particularly his method of switching from a pen to a brush. His comics career began in 1943 when he began illustrating comics for Frank Johnson Publications. These included Larry Flynn, Detective. 

In 1945 he produced comic strip advertisements for Colgate Palmolive, which led to Associated Newspapers placing him under contract to develop a new science fiction strip, Silver Starr (or Silver Starr in the Flameworld). Silver Starr debuted in the Sydney newspapers The Guardian and Sunday Sun in November 1946. The strips ran until November 1948. Silver Starr was a Flash Gordon-style comic strip. 

From 1948 on, Pitt produced a number of comic book series and newspaper strips, mostly limited in distribution to Australia. He did strips such as  Jim Atlas and Dr Peril of Igogo as well as the comics Captain Power and Yarmak-Jungle King, a Tarzan knockoff.

The work of Pitt's life though seemed to be Gully Foyle. Based on Alfred Bester's novel The Stars My Destination, the strip was a copyright nightmare that seemed like it would never be completed. In 2001 a limited edition of Gully Foyle was finally published and released. Pitt died the next year, at the age of 77.

The last story of the issue is "The Haunted House in Space" drawn by Al Williamson and Carlos Garzon. This is the second of only three stories Al Williamson will draw for DC, and Carlos Garzon's first work with the company. Space pirates come across a haunted house placed on an asteroid in space. As they argue and turn against one another, the killing begins. But after the first pirate dies he is reformed as the attic of the house. A witch appears and tells them that they will each be turned into the room they most fear. The last pirate ends up in the torture chamber.

The entire issue was reprinted in Showcase Presents: The Witching Hour Vol. 1 TPB (2011).

This artistic extravaganza (Adams, Garzon, Jones, Pitt, Williamson) is credited to the editorship of Murray Boltioff, but this is Dick Giordano's baby from front to back.

Secret Hearts #151

Secret Hearts #151 (On Sale: February 11, 1971), has a cover by Werner Roth and Vince Colletta. 

We begin with "Mother, Let Me Go" by Jack Miller and Lee Elias. Elaine avoids serious relationships because her mother constantly pressures her to get married.

Next, we have "The Loser" drawn by Ric Estrada and Vince Colletta. Rosalie reviews her failed relationship with Kent and realizes that she's better off without him.

We end with "Follow My Heart" drawn by Mike Sekowsky and Mike Peppe and reprinted from Secret Hearts #59 (1959). Tobey is torn between two men: one who's romantic and one who's responsible.

Edited by Dorothy Woolfolk.

G.I. Combat #147

G.I. Combat #147 (On Sale: February 11, 1971), has a cover by Joe Kubert.

we begin with the Haunted Tank in "Rebel Tank" by Robert Kanigher and Russ Heath. After his old commanding officer dies in combat, Jeb Stuart is reassigned to the command of Major Bragg. The major is offended that a Yankee has been given the name of a confederate general, so he orders Jeb to sit out of combat and make supply runs instead. The crew of the Haunted Tank complies, but after a while, they want to get back in the fight.

Eventually, Jeb disobeys orders and sends the Haunted Tank to Mount Abruzzi, where Major Bragg has launched an offensive. Jeb finds Bragg's tank and the others destroyed, Bragg orders Jeb to retreat, but once again he disobeys orders and attacks the Nazi position. By guiding the small tank along a mountain goat trail, the Haunted Tank is able to surprise the Nazis from behind and deliver the knock-out blow to their installation. Reprinted in Showcase Presents: Haunted Tank Vol. 2 TPB (2008).

Next, we have "Sniper's Roost" by Bob Haney and Mort Drucker and reprinted from All American Men of War #71 (1959). The story of a Nazi sniper, called "The Hawk" and how he looks at his targets as toys or insects until one gets far too close. Really wonderful artwork by MAD's Mort Drucker.

That is followed by "Tin Pot Listening Post" by Bob Haney and Jerry Grandenetti and reprinted from All American Men of War #70 (1959). A young recruit is sent into the jungle to be the forward listening post for his outfit. He is so jumpy he mistakes insects, monkeys, and birds for the enemy but each such mistake brings out a real enemy that the young recruit takes care of himself.

Next up is "Broomstick Pilot" by France Herron and John Severin and reprinted from Our Army at War #69 (1958). A young co-pilot on his way to bomb a Nazi submarine pen is startled when the pilot leaves formation and drops low to the ground to avoid enemy aircraft. The pilot says they are now "broomstick pilots" as they fly on at 100 feet, running enemy planes into tension wires and poles, dodging the fire of tanks and ground artillery. They take out the submarine pen then head back home hugging the ground all the way. 

Our next tale is "Battle Window" by Robert Kanigher, Ross Andru, and MikeEsposito and reprinted from All-American Men of War #36 (1956). New recruit Terry was a window washer before the war and everything in the war reminds him of the windows he hates.

This issue ends with "Target for an Ammo Boy" by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert and reprinted from All American Men of War #71 (1959). On a Pacific island, a recruit tags along with T.K., known by the men as Tank Killer. Everywhere they look, they find hidden tanks.

Edited by Joe Kubert.

Binky #78

Binky #78 (On Sale: February 11, 1971), has a cover by Stan Goldberg and Henry Scarpelli.

We begin with Binky in "All in a Day's Work" by John Albano, Stan Goldberg, and Henry Scarpelli. Binky accidentally runs Prof. Dripp over with his bike, hits him in the head with a piece of lumber, and blows him up with some highly explosive chemicals. Reprinted in Best of DC #39 (1983).

Next is Binky in "Real Swinging Advice" by John Albano, Stan Goldberg, and Henry Scarpelli. Binky gives out advice that doesn't work for anybody. Reprinted in Best of DC #53 (1984).

We have another Binky story, "The Hobo" by John Albano, Stan Goldberg, and Henry Scarpelli. Binky hires a hobo magician to entertain at a child's birthday party. Reprinted in Best of DC #53 (1984).

Continuing our Binky extravaganza we have "Nobody Nose" by  John Albano, Stan Goldberg, and Henry Scarpelli. Binky finds Buzzy a date. Reprinted in Best of DC #53 (1984)

Yep, it is Binky again in "The Exterminator" by John Albano, Stan Goldberg, and Henry Scarpelli. Binky works in pest control. Reprinted in Best of DC #53 (1984).

Binky (duh) is next in "The Forty Dollars That Grew" drawn by Stan Goldberg and Henry Scarpelli.  Binky and Buzzy build a coffin.

As a change of pace, we have Buzzy in "All the Help I Can Get"  drawn by Stan Goldberg and Henry Scarpelli. Buzzy has to hide from Big Stanley.

Edited by Joe Orlando.

Superman #236

Superman #236 (On Sale: February 9, 1971), has a cover by Neal Adams and Dick Giordano.

We begin with Superman in "Planet of the Angels" by Denny O'Neil, Curt Swan, and Murphy Anderson. After teaming up with Batman to catch a gang of criminals, Superman returns to his Fortress where he begins work on a brain-wave scanner. During a test of the device, Superman suddenly finds himself surrounded by flames and attacked by devils. He easily beats them. He then meets three angels, Gabriel, Raphael, and Michael. They inform him that he has crossed into the afterlife.

The angels enlist Superman to kill the devils. However, Superman suspects something is fishy. When he meets the devils again, he snaps a hypnotic suggestion and sees them as they really are, law officers from an alien world. The angels are criminals. Superman then turns on the angels. One of them tries to attack Earth, but Superman stops him too. Reprinted in Best of DC #12 (1981) and Superman: Kryptonite Nevermore HC (2009).

The back-up is a World of Krypton story, "The Doomsayer" by Denny O'Neil and Dick Giordano. Superman joins Green Arrow and Black Canary for a picnic. When Green Arrow sees a factory dumping waste into the nearby river he begins preaching about saving the environment. Black Canary is skeptical regarding Ollie's view that the planet is in danger. Superman then tells them a story about Krypton.

Twenty years before the destruction of the planet in the city of Surrus, Dr. Mo-De discovered that Krypton's core was unstable. He developed a plan to save the planet. However, the Surrusans were reluctant to listen to his warnings for they were enchanted with beautiful flowers that produced music.

Determined to get his point across to the people Mo-De began destroying a field of flowers. When faced with the possible loss of their music, the townspeople beat Mo-De. When he asks why they won't listen, they tell him they only want to hear beautiful things. To punish Mo-De they lock him in a room surrounded by the flowers. Eventually, Mo-De becomes enchanted with them too. The Surrusans return to their happy ways until their planet explodes twenty years later.

Inspired by the story, Black Canary leaves the picnic to talk with the factory owner about handling the waste more responsibly. Reprinted in Best of DC #40 (1983) and Superman: The World of Krypton TPB (2008).

Edited by Julius Schwartz,

Flash #205

Flash #205 (On Sale: February 9, 1971), has a cover by Dick Giordano.

We begin with the Flash in "Menace of the Reverse-Flash" by John Broome, Carmine Infantino, and Joe Giella and reprinted from Flash #139 (1963). This is the first appearance of Professor Zoom. A time capsule is sent into the future by Dr. Walter Drake, which contains an atomic clock, a spare Flash uniform, and some other items. Dr. Drake realizes that the method with which he propelled the capsule through time changed the atomic clock into a bomb. He enlists the Flash to help him prevent a disaster.

In the year 2463, a criminal known as the Professor finds the capsule and takes the Flash uniform. Using future science, he is able to enable the costume to give him super-speed. He begins a crime wave as Professor Zoom.

Flash arrives in the future and begins his search for the atomic clock. He learns about Zoom and confronts him. The two speedsters are evenly matched and battle to a stalemate. Flash learns that the aura protecting him from friction was duplicated by Zoom using chemicals. He manages to force a break down of the chemicals which eliminates Zoom’s aura. Without this protection, Zoom is defeated and turned over to the authorities.

Flash locates the atomic clock and safely disposes of it. He then returns to the present and informs Dr. Drake that the bomb was destroyed. He also destroys the costume of Professor Zoom.

 

Our next reprint is a little different, as it has never been printed before. This tale of the Golden-Age Flash was written and drawn in the 1940s but never published, "Journey into Danger" is by Robert Kanigher, Carmine Infantino, and Bernard Sachs. Jay Garrick and Joan Williams are taking the train back to Keystone after Jay has presented a paper at a Chemist's convention on decelerating energy to conserve fuel. As they get close to the city Jay notices that a plane that should land at the airport flies right by and when the train reaches the station it continues on as well, not stopping. Switching to the Flash, the engineer informs Jay that the train will not stop and is heading for another train on the same track. Jay stops the collision of the two trains by vibrating between them, creating an air pressure brake.

A farmer rushes up to see the commotion and spills some seed, which immediately grows full-grown stalks of corn that raise the train into the air. Flash once again saves the day and the train resumes. As the Flash Jay sees that gunmen are holding up Joan demanding to be shown Jay. Jay arrives and knocks the guys out and takes them to the police, Arriving back at his lab he finds it a shambles and a note saying that he needs to come to a specified location that night or Joan is a goner. 

Arriving, the Flash is caught by a trap door and placed into a cage by the farmer who spilled the seeds. He says they will wait for Jay to show up and the farmer admits that he has invented a speed-up chemical but cannot control it and needs Jay's research on decelerating energy. When Jay attempts to vibrate out of the cage he is electrocuted by it. The farmer and his gang take Joan and leave the Flash to die in the house set to explode in five minutes. After they leave, Jay vibrates through the floor and out of the house. Outside he finds everyone running around at uncontrollable speed and a helicopter spraying the people with a chemical. 

Jay heads to his lab and uses his formula to offset the speed chemical, curing the crowd. He then brings down the copter and takes out the farmer and his men.

Next up is Kid Flash in "The Race to Thunder Hill" by John Broome, Carmine Infantino, and Joe Giella and reprinted from Flash #116 (1960). While returning home from fishing with his friend Jimmy, Wally West switches to Kid Flash to rescue Kitty Clark from falling off a runaway horse. Wally returns home so he can serve as his father’s navigator in a car rally. Once the rally is underway, Wally and his father are stopped on the road by a pair of thieves who hi-jack Mr. West’s roadster. Mr. West is knocked out, and both he and Wally are locked in an empty house.

Wally escapes, and, as Kid Flash catches the thieves. Then Wally tows the car back to the house where his father was left. A doctor arrives to treat his father. The next day Wally and his dad continue in the rally. The team performs perfectly, and they are awarded the victory.

We end with our fourth speedster, Johnny Quick in "Too Many Speed Kings" drawn by Ralph Mayo and Sy Barry and reprinted from Adventure Comics #189 (1953). Johnny Chambers visits the lab of Professor Rollins, a chemist. Rollins has created a speed formula that he secretly gives to Johnny. Johnny is forced to use his speed and give away his secret identity, but the professor believes the formula works.

To protect his identity, Johnny must convince the professor that the formula works and also that it should not be used. Rollins distributes the chemical to a boxer and waiter. Johnny uses his own speed to fake theirs and convinces them to stop using the formula. Then he also convinces the professor.

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

All-Star Western #5

All-Star Western #5 (On Sale: February 9, 1971), has a classic Outlaw cover by Neal Adams.

We begin with the final tale of Outlaw, "Hangman Never Loses" by Robert Kanigher and Jim Aparo. When Rick Wilson's father Samuel gets the drop on him and arrests him, Rick tries to get away when Samuel's deputy arrives with Stammerin' Sam, one of the Gunpowder Gang. However, the attempt does not work and the two are locked up in the same jail. This is during Founding Day celebrations, where a golden horseshoe is a prize for a shooting contest.

However, they are freed by Gunpowder and his minion Peg-Leg, escaping the law they hide out at Gunpowders hideout, an abandoned train station. When Gunpowder believes that Rick is going to try and take control of the gang, they have him tied up in a train with a bunch of TNT in hopes of using it as a diversion to steal the horseshoe.

Rick frees himself, thanks to his hawk, and stamps out the TNT when the train crashes, Rick and his father team up to stop the gang and kill them all. Samuel reveals Rick to be a Texas Ranger and that the two made up a story that Rick had gone outlaw so that he could infiltrate the gang. Afterward, Rick wins the shooting contest. Reprinted in Showcase Presents Jonah Hex Vol. 1 TPB (2006).

In "The Devil Rides for Vengeance" by Robert Kanigher, Alan Weiss, and Dick Giordano, El Diablo comes into a town where a massacre has happened. One man, Arnie Olsen, clings to life. Before dying, Arnie tells El Diablo that the Carpetbagger was responsible. The man was trying to force ranchers off their land. When they refused, he got impatient and killed them.

After Arnie dies El Diablo tracks down the killers. He kills the Carpetbagger's three henchmen, but he is wounded then by the boss. When El Diablo then attempts to help Olsen's family, the Carpetbagger returns with more hired killers. El Diablo beats them all before killing the Carpetbagger which ends the threat to the ranchers. 

Alan Weiss began his professional comics career at Warren Publishing by writing and drawing the story "Gunsmoke Charly!" in Creepy #35 (1970). The western artwork caught the eye of editor Dick Giordano and resulted in this, Alan's first work for the color comics. Alan would do one more El Diablo story, a few horror tales and some Marvel romance work and an inking assist on Neal Adams' pencils for the classic Avengers #96, before becoming the penciler for the Pellucidar strip in DC's Korak, Son of Tarzan and Weird Worlds.

For Marvel Alan would draw issues here and there of the Avengers, Captain America, Cat, Daredevil, Doctor Strange, Dracula, Inhumans, Iron Man, John Carter, King Kull, Sub-Mariner, Spider-Man, and X-Men, but he would only have one Marvel series: Steelgrip Starkey, of which he drew and/or wrote the first six issues. 

For Atlas, he did an issue of the Brute and for Archie, he did an issue of The Shield.  In the 1990s, for Defiant, he drew and or wrote the first six issues of War Dancer. I also recall seeing some sexual comics by Alan signed as "Vice" instead of Weiss.

At DC he did not only El Diablo and Pellucidar, but also issues of Super-Team Family (Supergirl and The Flash), Richard Dragon, Superman Family (Supergirl), Shazam!, Secret Origins, Captain Atom, and Batman. His most enduring DC title was Tom Strong, for which he did 13 issues.

Edited by Joe Orlando, taking over for the departing Dick Giordano.

Swing With Scooter #33

Swing With Scooter #33 (On Sale: February 4, 1971), has a cover by Stan Goldberg and Henry Scarpelli.

We begin with Scooter in "Temporary Manners" drawn by Artie Saaf and Henry Scarpelli. The boys try to brush up on their manners to impress their pretty new teacher.

Next, we have Scooter in "Trips Can Be Too Cool" inked by Henry Scarpelli. Scooter and Sylvester are sent back to the time of King Arthur, where they help the early development of steam power, baseball, and miniskirts.

We have yet another Scooter tale,  "All for the Love of Miss Throbb" inked by Henry Scarpelli. The boys stage a publicity stunt to sell tickets to the school play.

Next is "David Cassidy and the Girls He Loves!" written by Barbara Friedlander. This text feature is on the Partridge Family singer, but due to a production mishap, the article is accompanied by a photo of Barry Williams from the Brady Bunch.

That is followed by Malibu in "Midnight Snack" drawn by Henri Scarpelli. Malibu feeds bats in the park instead of birds.

Next, it is back to Scooter in "Not a Very Safe Place to Be" by John Albano, Stan Goldberg, and Henry Scarpelli. Accidents are constantly happening to Mr. Otis when Scooter is around. Reprinted in Best of DC #70 (1986).

Next, we have Penny and Cookie in "Tale of a Pussycat" drawn by Stan Goldberg and Henry Scarpelli. Apparently, Penny's cat has magical powers, as a witch is trying to get it back.

That is followed by Sylvester in "The Plenty Potent Potion" by John Albano, Stan Goldberg, and Henry Scarpelli. Malibu gives Sylvester a magic potion to make him irresistible to girls. Reprinted in Best of DC #70 (1986). 

We end with Penny and Cookie in "True Love" inked by Henry Scarpelli. Why did that boy steal Penny's hat?

Edited by Joe Orlando.

Superman's Girl Friend Lois Lane #109

Superman's Girl Friend Lois Lane #109 (On Sale: February 4, 1971), has a nice cover by Dick Giordano.

This issue begins with Lois Lane in  "I'll Never Fall in Love Again" by Cary Bates, Werner Roth, and Vince Colletta. Lois Lane is lured into a trap by Lorraine Denison, an ex-college professor. Lana Lang was Denison's student in college. Denison blames Lois for coming between Lana and Superman, so she uses a laser to destroy the part of the brain which allows Lois to experience love. Though Denison is captured by police moments after using the device, she had enough time to complete her goal.

Lois returns to work, but she finds that she has become apathetic towards Superman, and callous in her work. But Lana Lang and Superman convince Prof. Denison to tell them how her machine functions, that it only blocks the emotions, but does not alter the brain. With the help of an actor with whom Denison was once in love, they are able to revive Lois's love-capacity. 

Meanwhile, Lana Lang states that she has given up on her love for Superman, and takes a job overseas as a European correspondent for the Galaxy Broadcasting System.

Our backup story, featuring the Rose and the Thorn,  "The Mask of Death" is by Robert Kanigher, Ross Andru, and Mike Esposito. A group of men, working for the 100, hijacks a truckload of medical supplies. The Thorn stops them, then returns home through a secret entrance concealed in an abandoned costume shop. Inside the shop, she encounters the ghost of Selena Mason, a former actress. 

Selena was involved with the former owner of the shop Albert Talbot, a man involved with gangsters. When she broke off their relationship, Albert threw acid in her face and left her to die. After hearing the tale, the Thorn returns to sleep as Rose Forrest but is bound to track down Talbot, even though it is 30 years since his crime was committed. This story is continued next issue.

Edited by E. Nelson Bridwell.

House of Secrets #91

House of Secrets #91 (On Sale: February 4, 1971), has a nice cover by Neal Adams.

This issue begins with our cover story, "The Eagle's Talon!" by Gerry Conway, Jerry Grandenetti, and Wally Wood. A dictator cuts off the claw-like hand of a revolutionary who lays a curse on him that he will die in a cage. The dictator orders his guards to kill all the eagles in the land but dies anyway when he becomes trapped in his villa's elevator.

Next is a one-pager Realm of the Mystics featuring Ziito the Magician by Gerry Conway and Jack Sparling.

This is immediately followed by another Realm of the Mystics, this one featuring The Ifrits! and also produced by Gerry Conway and Jack Sparling and serves as a warning about visiting the forgotten ruins of the Ifrits.

Next, we have "Please, Don't Cry, Johnny" written and drawn by Sam Glanzman. A child born bald acts out in school so his teacher takes him home one day in order to speak with his father who appears to be Humpty Dumpty.

We end with "There Are Two of Me... and One Must Die" by Gerry Conway and Murphy Anderson. A man who wishes to control his anger buys a Chinese lamp which promises that it will separate out madness when lit. It works and produces an evil doppelganger that threatens to destroy the good version. The evil one raids the man's bank account and hires a couple of diggers to dig a grave and coat it with lime so it will destroy every shred of existence and the evil version can take the place of the good. 

The man's son sees the two of them so he believes his father's story about the evil version trying to destroy him and decides to leave his father by himself in order to smoke the evil version out of hiding. The son pulls a gun on the two of them as the evil one attempts to throw the good one into the lime pit, but they both say that they are the good one. The son thinks he can tell which one is lying because one is sweating and the other is not. When he brandishes the gun, one of the men falls into the lime pit and is killed. The story's ending is ambiguous as to whether it was the good or evil version that fell into the pit.

The entire issue was reprinted in Showcase Presents: The House of Secrets #1 (2008) and House of Secrets: The Bronze Age Omnibus #1 (2018).

Joe Orlando takes over as editor from the departing Dick Giordano.

Falling in Love #122

Falling in Love #122 (On Sale: February 4, 1971), has a nice cover by Tony DeZuniga.

Thinking of an old Monkees' song we begin this issue with "I Want to Be Free -- to Live, to Love" drawn by Tony DeZuniga. Diana's parents don't trust her since she returned home after a rebellious phase in college, so they forbid her to see her new boyfriend Dirk, who wants to marry her. Diana leaves home without Dirk but her parents assume they have eloped, only seeing their error when Dirk finds her and brings her back. 

Longer stories this issue mean fewer stories, so we next come to our last story, "Too Old for Love" drawn by Artie Saaf and Vince Colletta. Ellen starts dating Bob but is shocked to learn he is four years younger than she and doesn't think they can continue to see each other.

Edited by Dorothy Woolfolk.

Our Army at War #231

Our Army at War #231 (On Sale: February 2, 1971), has a Sgt. Rock cover by Joe Kubert.

We begin this issue with Sgt. Rock in "My Brother's Keeper" by Robert Kanigher and Russ Heath. Easy Company is joined by five new recruits. Rock assigns four of them to be watched over by the veterans. The fifth, Danny Anderson, keeps tabs on himself because Danny reminds Rock of his kid brother Eddie, who died in a motorcycle accident as a kid. Rock protects Danny during a mortar attack, but Danny is anxious to prove himself.

Later Rock leads a small group to secure and hold a position. Danny is left behind. When Rock and his team are pinned down, Danny disobeys orders and follows them. Danny helps to defeat the attacking Nazis, but he is killed in so doing.

Next is a one-page Warrior featuring "Ch'in-Shih-Huang-Ti" by Sam Glanzman. Information is given on Shih-Huang-Ti who conquered most of ancient China.

This is followed by a two-page Battle Album, "Suicide Weapons" by Sam Glanzman. Information is given about various Japanese Suicide Weapons during WWII.

We end with the U.S.S. Stevens in "In the Frying Pan" also written and drawn by Sam Glanzman. The U.S.S. Stevens abruptly loses power at an inopportune time.

Edited by Joe Kubert.

Girls' Love Stories #158

Girls' Love Stories #158 (On Sale: February 2, 1971), has a cover by Don Heck and Dick Giordano.

We begin with "Perfect Match: Philip, Louise & Kirk" drawn by Tony DeZuniga. Louise doesn't understand the passionate feelings she has about Kirk, especially when she's already engaged to Philip.

Next, we have  "Just Friends" penciled by John Rosenberger. Marni denies her feelings for Tommy because her mother believes that a rich boy could never truly be interested in a poor girl.

The next item is a quiz, "What's Your Dating I.Q.?" drawn by Liz Berube.

That is followed by "Gruesome Twosome" by Jack Oleck, George Tuska, and Vince Colletta. Nancy is a plain girl who agrees to go out with Harold, who's too short, because no one else will date either of them. She's quickly bored by his constant talk about his hobbies, but eventually, he changes her mind when he fights one of the bullies that's been harassing them (one of Harold's hobbies is martial arts).

We end with an untitled one=pager drawn by Lee Elias. Laura invites a persistent suitor to come to her house, but it's only so he can babysit her brother while she goes on a date with her boyfriend.

Edited by Dorothy Woolfolk. Born in 1913, Dorothy takes over the editorship of all seven DC romance books starting this month. Dorothy Woolfolk was one of the first women in the American comic book industry. She served from 1942 to 1944 as an editor at All-American Publications, one of the three companies that would merge to form the present-day DC, then spent the next two years at Timely Comics, the 1940s predecessor to Marvel Comics, and in 1948 was an editor at EC Comics.

Woolfolk said she had found Superman's invulnerability dull and that DC's flagship hero might be more interesting with an Achilles' heel such as adverse reactions to a fragment of his home planet. This gave rise to the famous fictional metal kryptonite, which made its first appearance in the comics in the story "Superman Returns To Krypton!", credited to writer Bill Finger, in Superman #61 (1949).

She wrote an unknown number of Wonder Woman stories in the 1940s, making her the first woman to write the character. She also wrote for the science fiction magazine Orbit during the 1950s, and in the 1970s and early 1980s was the author of the 10-book Scholastic Press young-adult novel series about teen detective Donna Rockford.

Her second husband was 1930s comic-strip cartoonist and 1940s comic-book writer Walter Galli. She met her third husband, novelist William Woolfolk, during her stint at DC when she rejected a script he had submitted for a Superman comic book. Woolfolk was nominated every year from 2001 to 2004 for induction into the Women Cartoonists Hall of Fame and in 2018 Woolfolk won the Bill Finger Award. Dorothy Woolfolk died in November 2000.

Forever People #2

Forever People #2 (On Sale: February 2, 1971), has a cover by Jack Kirby and Mike Royer.

This issue features "Super War" written and drawn by Jack Kirby and inked by Vince Colletta. The Forever People find a place to live in a slum area with Willie and his lamed nephew Donnie. But Darkseid sets Mantis, a power parasite, against the people of Metropolis, and the young Supertowners must summon Infinity Man to battle him. This story has been reprinted in Jack Kirby's Forever People TPB (1999), Jack Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus Vol. 1 HC (2007), and Jack Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus Vol. 1 TPB (2012).

This is Mike Royer's first work with DC, having previously worked for Gold Key as Russ Manning's assistant on Magnus, Robot Fighter and Tarzan. Royer also had done a number of stories for Warren in Eerie, Creepy, and Vampirella. Mike would spend the next five and half years at DC inking and lettering Jack Kirby's books before moving on to Marvel when Kirby moved back there. He continued working for Marvel off and on through 2003.

Edited by Jack Kirby.