Detective Comics #414

Detective Comics #414 (On Sale: June 29, 1971), has a stunning Batman cover by Neal Adams.

We begin this issue with Batman in "Legend of the Key Hook Lighthouse" by Denny O'Neil, Irv Novick, and Dick Giordano. Batman has followed a mob of gun-runners, who are providing weapons for a dictator, but one of the members of the gang decides to help Batman capture the war criminal in exchange for protection. Batman agrees and he is taken to a nearby lighthouse, where the exchange is supposed to take place. 

When General Ruizo and his men arrive, Batman takes them by surprise and finds a way to round up Ruizo's henchmen, but the General manages to escape. Batman is able to follow the General on his boat and witnesses how the army man is struck by the light coming from the lighthouse and driven mad by a supernatural presence. 

When Batman investigates the lighthouse, he is unable to find any evidence of anybody activating the light and he suspects that he has been helped by a powerful entity. Reprinted in Showcase Presents: Batman Vol. 6 TPB (2016).

The backup is Batgirl in "Invitation to Murder" by Frank Robbins and Don Heck. On the night of the anniversary of their first meeting, Jason Bard takes Barbara Gordon to go see the play "Invitation to Murder." The two are shocked to find that they are the only two people in the audience. When spotting a rifle set to shoot one of the actors, Jason stops the gunman but is knocked out. Changing into Batgirl in the darkness, Barbara tries to stop the shooter but the gunman still manages to get away. Changing back into her civilian guise, Babs checks on Jason and finds that he is all right.

Realizing that the wild shot must have hit somebody, they find that it winged Robbie Marlow who was viewing the play with his wife Tiz (both are referred to as the "Royal Couple" of Hollywood.) After questioning the couple they find out that they were given the tickets to a sold-out showing of the play by an anonymous admirer, and the only reason why Jason and Barbara happened to be there is because of a mix-up with the date they were going to see the show. Finding it all suspicious, Babs tells Jason to keep an eye on the couple while she goes to "call the police". This story continues next issue and was reprinted in Showcase Presents: Batgirl Vol. 1 TPB (2007) and Batgirl: The Bronze Age Omnibus Vol. 1 HC (2018).

The reprints begin with  "The Australian Code Mystery" by David V. Reed, Alex Toth, and Sy Barry and reprinted from World's Finest Comics #66 (1953).

We end with "Private Eye of Venus" by Gardner Fox and Carmine Infantino and reprinted from Strange Adventures #83 (1957).

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Adventure Comics #409

Adventure Comics #409 (On Sale: June 29, 1971), has a Supergirl cover by Dick Giordano. This is the only cover of Mike Sekowsky's editorial reign that was not penciled by him. As we will see, he really did not edit this issue despite what the indicia says.

We begin with Supergirl in "Invasion of the Mer-Men Part II" written and penciled by Mike Sekowsky and inked by Dick Giordano. Continuing from the last issue, Supergirl looks underwater for her co-worker Johnny and her captors, the whole time blaming herself for her co-worker's demise. Finally, she finds the secret base of the Mer-Men and discovers they are loading giant "tanker" space-globes with water to be shipped to their home planet.

In the meantime, a coalition of Earth armies launches attack after attack to destroy the globes, but they have force-fields that resist any attempt Earth makes to destroy them. Supergirl locates Johnny as a patrol of Mer-Men attacks her and she lets herself be captured. Once inside the base, she rescues Johnny, gets him out of the water, and then comes back to smash the globes herself, letting them rain their waters back on Earth.

The Mer-Men leader gives up, telling Supergirl that they couldn't load enough water up in time to save his world, anyway. He and the other Mer-Men depart resigned to their eventual extinction. Realizing this, Supergirl cries.

Next is a story already showing the new direction for Supergirl. "Fight with Fire Drake" is by E. Nelson Bridwell, Artie Saaf, and Dick Giordano. Mr. Stanton, the owner of KSF-TV, is throwing a party on his yacht. Freddy Nero, a party-crasher, tries romancing Linda Danvers, much to Geoff's disgust and jealousy. Minutes later, a scuba-costumed, masked villain called Fire Drake, who "breathes fire" with an acetylene torch nosepiece, loots the yacht and its passengers with his gang. Linda changes clothes and attacks the thieves. Supergirl tries to follow them when they run away, but her powers fail and she is repelled by Fire Drake's flame. 

That night Supergirl's mother, Allura, pays her daughter a visit and both women head to Kandor, where Linda's father Zor-El has some new power-substitution gimmicks for her: a bracelet which can enhance her normal strength when she is depowered, replacing the exo-skeleta cyborg, and her Legion of Super-Heroes flight-ring, to replace her jet-boots.

With her new mechanical powers, Supergirl encounters Fire Drake a second time, captures him, and unmasks him as Freddy Nero.

Our reprint is the Legion of Super-Heroes in  "The Condemned Legionnaires" by Edmond Hamilton, Curt Swan, George Klein, and Sheldon Moldoff and reprinted from Adventure Comics #313 (1963). When most of the female members of the Legion of Super-Heroes (and Night Girl of the Legion of Substitute Heroes) come down with the Crimson Virus, they have to be sent to a quarantine planet. The rest of the female members are hunted down by a mysterious masked villain named Satan Girl, who seems to be infecting the female Legionnaires with the virus.

With the arrival of Supergirl, who is immune to the virus, the male Legion members try to learn the origins of Satan Girl. When she proves immune to Kryptonite, Lead, and an anti-android weapon, the heroes are puzzled to figure out her true identity. Unable to defeat her due to her superior powers, Supergirl has the Legion go and collect the Legion of Super-Pets, as Satan Girl's powers would not affect them. The Super-Pets manage to easily defeat Satan Girl, who is unmasked, revealing that she is really -- Supergirl!? The weakened Satan Girl explains that she is the product of Red Kryptonite, which Supergirl was exposed to upon entering the 30th Century. Knowing that she had only 48 hours of life, she adopted the guise of Satan Girl and created a device that would siphon the Red Kryptonite radiation and infect females with it, in hopes that once she had rid herself of the Red Kryptonite energies she could live past the 48 hour period which Red Kryptonite effects.

With her plan a failure, and the 48 hours running their course, Satan Girl merges with Supergirl. Afterward, the Legion learns that Satan Girl managed to handle Green Kryptonite because she wore a lead suit. After this revelation, although they are victorious and their female members restored to normal, the Legion takes a moment to feel pity for Satan Girl, for all she wanted to do was live.  

Though this book says it is edited by Mike Sekowsky, the internal DC Job Numbers show that only the first story has the  "M-" prefix that designated Mike Sekowsky. The rest of the book, including the cover has a "J-" signifying Joe Orlando who supposedly takes over next issue.

Action Comics #403

Action Comics #403 (On Sale: June 29, 1971), has a Superman cover by Carmine Infantino and Murphy Anderson.

We begin this issue with Superman in our cover story, "Attack of the Micro-Murderer" by Cary Bates, Curt Swan, and Murphy Anderson. Superman's body is invaded by a Zohtt, a magical wraith-being that attempts to destroy him, and not even a blood transfusion from most of Metropolis' citizens can save him.

Our backup Superman story is "The Man with the X-Ray Mind" by Leo Dorfman, Curt Swan, and Murphy Anderson. Superman learns that a Metropolis University janitor has psychic powers, including precognition, the ability to predict the future -- and that the janitor knows that he is Clark Kent.

Our first reprint is the Vigilante in "The Impossible Legend" by Dick Wood and Bob Brown and is reprinted from Action Comics #176 (1953). Vigilante proves an old legend by capturing criminals, two while deaf, two while he could not speak, and the final two when he could not see.

We end with a Superboy reprint, "When Krypto Was Superboy's Master" drawn by George Papp and reprinted from Adventure Comics #310 (1963). Professor Lang discovers several artifacts within a lost city. When he returns to Smallville his translations of the ancient inscriptions are questioned by the faculty of his school, and they force him to prove their validity in order to get a promotion.

Lang has not had enough time to translate everything, so Superboy pretends that one of the artifacts that the professor has translated switches his mind with Krypto’s. Superboy acts like a dog for a few days in order to convince the members of Lang’s school board. When the professor has completed his work, Superboy drops the act and claims the effect has worn off.

Edited by Murray Boltinoff.

Unexpected #126

Unexpected #126 (On Sale: June 24, 1971), has a cover by Nick Cardy.

We begin this issue with our cover story, "You Are Cordially Invited... to Die" by George Kashdan, Dick Dillin, and Vince Colletta. While on his deathbed, Hiram makes a deal with a mysterious figure for one more hour of life. He ends up having to become the Devil's go-between for others wishing to make the same bargain.

Next up is "Cat Tale" by Murray Boltinoff and Rich Buckler. Mrs. McDougal, an old cat lady, has a disagreement with your landlord.

Next, we have "The Doomsday Drum" by Dave Wood, Joe Maneely, and Joe Sinnott and reprinted from House of Secrets #9 (1958). 

Joe Maneely was mainly thought of as an Atlas (Marvel) artist, but the year before his death in 1958, he started working for DC as well, where he penciled 10 stories in all, half for the House of Mystery. Modern comic fans know little to nothing regarding Joe, who was a master of all genres of comic art and best known as the co-creator of the Black Knight, the Ringo Kid, the Yellow Claw, and Jimmy Woo. Had he not died in a commuter-train accident at 32, Maneely would have been one of the greats at Marvel. Stan Lee said, "Joe Maneely to me would have been the next Jack Kirby. He also could draw anything, make anything look exciting, and I actually think he was even faster than Jack."

Our next story is "Please Let Me Die" by Dave Wood and Bruno Premiani. Charlie Kimble hears the voices of his dead cellmates.

Bruno Premiani started his career at Prize Comics with Young Love #4 in 1949 and his first work for DC was that same year in World Finest Comics #42. By 1950, Bruno was working almost exclusively for DC, starting out as a western artist with Tomahawk #1. He stayed with that book for 36 issues. Bruno's real claim to fame came along in 1963 in My Greatest Adventure #80 where he and Arnold Drake created the Doom Patrol. He would stay with the Doom Patrol till the original series ended in 1968. After that series ended Bruno would only draw two more stories, this being his final comic work. All told, Bruno Premiani drew 175 stories for DC.

This story is followed by "The Town That Buried Me Alive" drawn by Alex Toth and reprinted from House of Mystery #149 (1965). A twin is having memory problems, uncertain which one he is.

We end this issue with "Seek Your Own Grave" by George Kashdan and Jerry Grandenetti. Three criminals kill an old prospector hoping to find his cache of gold.

Edited by Murray Boltinoff.

Superman's Girl Friend Lois Lane #112

Superman's Girl Friend Lois Lane #112 (On Sale: June 24, 1971), has a cover by Dick Giordano.

This issue begins with Lois Lane in "A Tree Grows in Metropolis" by Cary Bates, Werner Roth, and Vince Colletta. Superman saves an alien tree, the last remaining life-form on its planet, by bringing it to Earth and planting it in Metropolis Park. However, the "tree" is really a female alien who wants Superman for herself and tries to kill Lois.

Our reprint is "Superman's Secret Family" drawn by Kurt Schaffenberger and reprinted from Superman's Girl Friend, Lois Lane #30 (1962). Lois Lane visits the lab of Professor Burke, an astronomer who has invented a powerful telescope. Viewing distant worlds, Lois sees Superman with a mermaid wife and son. When he returns to Earth, Lois is upset that he did not tell her about his secret family.

Superman investigates and brings Lois to the small planet. They soon meet the mermaids and another Superman who turns out to be a robot. The robot explains that he is a damaged Superman robot X-3 that crashed on this world. A dying mermaid woman, Mooki, repaired him partially, but he was stranded on the planet. When Mooki died, X-3 built a robot Mooki and a son Nipper and lived as a family. Superman and Lois wish them well and return to Earth.

Our backup story is The Rose and the Thorn in "Rock and Rose" by Robert Kanigher and Dick Giordano. The Thorn saves her would-be assassin, Leo Lester, Jr., when the 100 turns on him, then she helps him start on the right path.  

Edited by E. Nelson Bridwell.

Green Lantern #85

Green Lantern #85 (On Sale: June 24, 1971), has a classic Green Lantern/Green Arrow cover by Neal Adams. If you saw this on the stands and did not buy multiple copies, you needed to check your pulse as you may have been dead.

We begin this issue with the classic Green Lantern/Green Arrow tale "Snowbirds Don't Fly" by Denny O'Neil and Neal Adams. Oliver Queen is attacked by thugs on the street, and despite beating them soundly, he is surprised when he is shot in the shoulder with one of his own arrows. Finding no help from strangers, he crawls to a hospital and collapses before anyone offers him help.

After being treated, Ollie calls up his friend Hal Jordan to discuss the significance of the arrow. Ollie suggests that he had been neglecting his ward Speedy, and worries that he may have been captured. They follow Ollie's lead to a basement, where they find a withdrawing junkie begging for a fix from a Mr. Browden. Green Arrow and Green Lantern force their way into Browden's apartment, capturing him and the junkie.

Elsewhere, the same thugs who attacked Oliver earlier are waiting for their friend, the same junkie that was caught by the heroes, to return with their fix. Roy Harper (Speedy) appears to be with them. Suddenly, Green Lantern and Green Arrow burst through the ceiling and subdue the junkies. Oliver assumes that Roy is undercover, and tells him to sit the remainder of the mission out, while he takes out the dealers.

The junkies lead Green Lantern and Green Arrow to the dealers' hideout, but they turn on the duo in order to get their fixes as a reward. With the heroes subdued, the dealers forcibly intoxicate them with their drugs and plan to discredit them by calling the police. Fortunately, before the police can arrive, Roy shows up gets them to safety, with some effort.

Back at Arrow's tenement, Roy explains that without a father figure, someone might look for comfort in drugs. Despite this, Oliver is horrified to discover that Roy has become a junkie himself, while he and Green Lantern were traveling cross-country. This classic tale has been reprinted in Green Lantern/Green Arrow #5 (1984), Green Lantern/Green Arrow Collection Vol. 2 TPB (1993), 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), Absolute Green Lantern/Green Arrow HC (2016), Green Arrow: A Celebration of 75 Years HC (2016), Green Lantern (Facsimile Edition) #85 (2020), and Green Lantern:80 Years of the Emerald Knight the Deluxe Edition HC (2020).

The backup is "The Strange Trial of Green Lantern" by John Broome, Gil Kane, and Joe Giella and reprinted from Green Lantern #11 (1962). After a series of uncharacteristic episodes in which Green Lantern had almost committed various crimes, he is brought before his fellow Green Lanterns for sentencing. The court of his peers is told of each incident: How Hal entered a bank, used his power ring to stun the tellers but left without taking any money; Hal almost bullied himself into not paying a $100 entry fee for a gallery; and finally how he procrastinated in saving a young man who had fallen out of a window. Deciding not to punish Hal because he had not actually done anything illegal, Hal demands that the other Green Lanterns punish him because he feels he has lost control. Putting it to a vote, they agree to do so, devest Hal of his Green Lantern emblem and power ring, seal him in a capsule, and launch it into space.

While traveling through the void, the capsule is suddenly transported to the Antimatter Universe and to the planet Qward, where Hal is brought before Sinestro. Sinestro explains that he escaped his imprisonment in his last encounter because he had a spare power ring hidden in the heel of his boot and manage to escape to Qward to plan an act of new revenge against the Green Lantern. He then explains he used a device to alter Green Lantern's personality so that he became selfish but couldn't push him into doing anything illegal.

Suddenly the other Green Lanterns arrive to save Hal, having suspected Sinestro's involvement they played into his hands. However, Sinestro traps them all in a room made of yellow material. Giving Hal back his power ring, he comes up with the idea of using it to pull chemicals out of the air and make an acid strong enough to melt through the walls. Freeing themselves, they easily capture Sinestro and subject him to his own machine. Imprisoning him with the device which would tell him over and over that he cannot escape.

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Girls' Love Stories #161

Girls' Love Stories #161 (On Sale: June 24, 1971), has a cover by Bob Oksner.

We begin this issue with "Take Me As I Am" drawn by John Rosenberger. Kathy wants to change her boyfriend Wayne after her friend Sharon points out some of his flaws, and she nearly loses him for good.

Next up is "The Magic of Love" drawn by Werner Roth and reprinted from Secret Hearts #58 (1959). Hank just happened to be the first guy Cathy met in her new town. Nothing special, but they found the most interesting places...romantic places. If only she were with the right guy. It's when she meets the "right guy" that she finds the "magic" wasn't in the places, but with the "right guy."

That is followed by "Port of Hope" drawn by Frank Bolle and reprinted from Girls' Romances #103 (1964). On a Mexican vacation, Donna falls for Dirk, an artist, but she wonders whether it's just a summer romance or something more.

Next, we have "Kissing Cousins" drawn by Jay Scott Pike and reprinted from Young Romance #130 (1964). Louise invites her cousin Trudy to stay with her while Trudy looks for an apartment, but Trudy immediately sets out to steal Louise's fiance.

We end the issue with "Summer Sweetheart" by creators unknown. Ginny is determined to attract the attention of rich Hal Gorham and thinks she's succeeded when they start to date. Meanwhile, Tom, the local guy who really loves her, waits patiently for the chance to prove he's the better man.

Edited by Dorothy Woolfolk.

Sugar & Spike #97

Sugar & Spike #97  (On Sale: June 22, 1971), has a cover by Sheldon Mayer. 

We begin with "Who's Sorry Now?" written and drawn by Sheldon Mayer and reprinted from Sugar and Spike #4 (1956).

Next, we have "Raymond and the Angel" written and drawn by Sheldon Mayer 

That is followed by "The Mystery of the Bouncing Stick"  written and drawn by Sheldon Mayer and reprinted in Best of DC #29 (1982).

Sugar and Spike: "The Flash-Light" written and drawn by Sheldon Mayer and reprinted in Best of DC #29 (1982).

We end with "Spike Discovers the Ocean" written and drawn by Sheldon Mayer and reprinted from Sugar and Spike #3 (1956).

Edited by E.Nelson Bridwell.

Heart Throbs #133

Heart Throbs #133 (On Sale: June 22, 1971), has a cover by Don Heck and Vince Colletta.

We began with our cover story "A Girl's First Love" drawn by Lee Elias. Bill is jealous of the other guys his fiancee Gale has dated in the past, which nearly breaks them up until Gale finds a way to turn the tables on him.

Next is "Kid Sister" drawn by Artie Saaf and Vince Colletta. Mindy gets a makeover from her older sister Doris when she's taken on a double date, which makes her friend Chuck see her in a different light.

Next up is "The Perfect Couple" drawn by Bill Draut and Tony DeZuniga. Jori lives in a commune but falls in love with the son of the real estate developer who is trying to drive the group off their farm.

Following that, we have "Ashamed of My Love" drawn by John Rosenberger and reprinted from Young Romance #152 (1968). Lita likes Tony but since he isn't particularly handsome or fun-loving she tries to deny her feelings for him

We end with "I'll Never Go Home" drawn by Irv Novick and Bernard Sachs and reprinted from Falling in Love #8 (1956). Jane is determined to leave small-town life behind until a snowstorm strands her on her way to the big city and a new man makes her see what's really important.

Edited by Dorothy Woolfolk.

From Beyond the Unknown #12

From Beyond the Unknown #12 (On Sale: June 22, 1971), has a cover by Joe Kubert. This is another book that actually got smaller with the page expansion.

We begin with our cover story, "The Dawn-World Menace" by Gardner Fox, Carmine Infantino, and Joe Giella and reprinted from Strange Adventures #147 (1962). A time-space warp brings two savage cavemen riding pterodactyls into the present day.

Next up is "Mystery of the Runaway Meteor" by John Broome and Sy Barry and reprinted from Mystery in Space #27 (1955).

That is followed by "Earth for Sale" by France Herron, Carmine Infantino, and Bernard Sachs and reprinted from Strange Adventures #89 (1958).

Next, we have "The Sign Language of Space" by Otto Binder, Sid Greene, and Joe Giella and reprinted from Strange Adventures #63 (1955).

We end with  "Gateways to the Stars" by Gardner Fox and Sid Greene and reprinted from Mystery in Space #78 (1962).

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Young Romance #173

Young Romance #173 (On Sale: June 17, 1971), has a cover by Jay Scott Pike.

We being with "Cage of Love" by Len Wein and John Rosenberger.

That is followed by "Please Don't Steal My Man" drawn by John Rosenberger, which may or may not be a reprint from 1965.

Next up is "What Love Is All About!" drawn by Jack Sparling and Vince Colletta.

We next come to  "Unhappy Birthday" drawn by Arthur Peddy and Bernard Sachs and reprinted from Falling in Love #1 (1955).

We end with "Love Is Standing on a Corner" inked by Bob Oksner.

Edited by Dorothy Woolfolk.

Star Spangled War Stories #158

Star Spangled War Stories #158 (On Sale: June 17, 1971), has an Unknown Soldier cover by Joe Kubert.

We begin with the Unknown Soldier in "Totentanz" by Bob Haney and Joe Kubert. The Unknown Soldier is sent to the Totentanz concentration camp to rescue Erika Hauser, code name "Berengaria," who helped hundreds of important people and children escape from the Nazis. Furthermore, she is deeply tied to the entire network of underground fighters in Germany. Berengaria was captured by the Gestapo, but they do not yet know of her identity.

The Soldier allows himself to be capture and taken to Totentanz. After smuggling a packet containing his disguise to the camp, he then disguises himself as Obersturmführer Adolf Eichmann and tricking the camp commandant Colonel Schneider into releasing Berengaria to his custody. The ruse is eventually discovered when the real Eichmann was on his way to the camp. Fortunately, the Soldier and Berengaria successfully escape to Switzerland. Reprinted in Showcase Presents the Unknown Soldier Vol. 1 TPB (2007). 

This is the kind of book that made the "25 cents bigger and better" slogan hard to swallow. The 11-page Unknown Soldier story is the only new content in this issue.

Our first reprint is "The Flattened Point" by Robert Kanigher and Irv Novick and reprinted from Our Fighting Forces #74 (1963).

This is followed by Enemy Ace in "Enemy Ace" by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert and reprinted from Our Army at War #151 (1965). Hans von Hammer celebrates his 50th kill when he is grazed by the wildly fired bullet of his 51st victim. He hovers in and out of consciousness but still manages to land his plane. He broods on the fact that even in the arms of a beautiful nurse and among his fellow pilots, he still feels lonely as if they stand apart from the "killing machine". 

He finds some solace in taking a rifle into the forest and hunting for a while with another predator, a wolf, who recognizes a kindred spirit. Then, Hans takes to the skies once more to defend a zeppelin on a bombing run from three enemy fighters. He manages to shoot two down, but the third deliberately rams his damaged plane into the zeppelin.

We end this issue with "Lame Duck Glider" by France Herron and Russ Heath and reprinted from All American Men of War #57 (1958).

Edited by Joe Kubert.

DC 100-Page Super Spectacular #4

DC 100-Page Super Spectacular #4 (On Sale: June 17, 1971), has a nice cover by Berni Wrightson. There were no issues 1-3 and the first three published issues (4-6) had subtitles - the first two of which were later used for ongoing comics series and the third became the title of a series of Mego figures based on comics super-heroes: #4 "Weird Mystery", #5 "Love Stories", and #6 "World's Greatest Super-Heroes".

The title then became the replacement for the "Giant" comics series (previously "80 Pg Giant") which ran as part of regular, ongoing series titles (i.e., #7 also known as Superman #245, #8 aka Batman #238, #9 aka Our Army at War #242, #10 aka Adventure Comics #416, #11 aka The Flash #214, #12 aka Superboy #185 and #13 aka Superman #252) for six issues.

Then, even later on, it reverted back to its own title again (#14 through #22, utilizing as cover titles the existing titles of regular, ongoing series, but not being part of those regular series' numbering - in other words, no corresponding issue numbers for those issues.

The planned issue #23 became Shazam! #8 and the Super Spectacular's own numbering disappeared and advertisements were added. The DC 100 Page Super Spectacular title itself was used on another 96 issues of varying regular, ongoing titles through 1975.

We begin this issue with a one-page Table of Contents by Sergio Aragones and that is followed by a one-page introduction drawn by Berni Wrightson. 

Next up is "I Was the Last Man on Earth" drawn by Mort Drucker and reprinted from My Greatest Adventure #8 (1956).

That is followed by "The Phantom Enemy" drawn by Carmine Infantino and Sy Barry and reprinted from Sensation Mystery #116 (1953).

Next, we have "I Fought the Clocks of Doom" drawn by Mort Meskin and reprinted from My Greatest Adventure #14 (1957).

That brings us to  "The Witch's Candles" drawn by John Prentice and reprinted from House of Secrets #2 (1957).

We have another Sergio Aragones humor page next, followed by a one-page Eerie Tales introduction page by Berni Wrightson.

Next is "I Was Lost in a Mirage" drawn by Mort Meskin and reprinted from My Greatest Adventure #12 (1956).

That is followed by Johnny Peril in "Horror in the Lake" by Robert Kanigher, Frank Giacoia, and Sy Barry and reprinted from Sensation Mystery #110 (1952).

Next up is The Phantom Stranger in "The Haunters from Beyond" by John Broome, Carmine Infantino, and Sy Barry and reprinted from Phantom Stranger #1 (1952). Anne Parris is haunted by two ghosts from the Salem witch trials. The ghosts blame Anne's ancestors for their deaths and curse her in revenge. Anne becomes distraught and nearly kills herself, but the Phantom Stranger stops her. He takes her home, where the ghosts show up again.

The Stranger is suspicious, so after the ghosts leave he asks Anne to stage her own death. Within minutes Anne's cousin Bryce and his fiancee arrive on the scene. The Phantom Stranger proves that they were the ones disguised as ghosts and forces Bryce to confess he set Anne up in order to steal her inheritance. After the pair are arrested, the Phantom Stranger disappears.

We have yet another Berni Wrightson introduction page, this one on Monsters.

That is followed by "I Was the Last Martian" drawn by Jim Mooney and reprinted from My Greatest Adventure #20 (1958).

Next, we have  "I Hunted the World's Wildest Animals" drawn by Nick Cardy and reprinted from My Greatest Adventure #15 (1957).

Another Berni Wrightson introduction, this on Science Fiction is followed by "The City of Three Dooms" drawn by Mort Meskin and reprinted from Tales of the Unexpected #15 (1957).

Next, is  "Jungle Boy of Jupiter" drawn by Lou Cameron and reprinted from Tales of the Unexpected #24 (1958).

Next up is "Childhood Haunt" a one-page text story illustrated by Berni Wrightson.

Our last reprint is "The Mysterious Mr. Omen" drawn by Leonard Starr and reprinted from House of Mystery #49 (1956).

We end with a one-page humor story Weird Tales by Lore Shoberg.

Edited by Joe Orlando.

Superman #241

Superman #241 (On Sale: June 15, 1971), has a cover by Neal Adams and Dick Giordano.

We begin with Superman in "The Shape of Fear" by Denny O'Neil, Curt Swan, and Murphy Anderson. The sand creature saga continues as I-Ching helps Superman supernaturally regain his full powers from the sand-created duplicate, causing him to weaken and to open a portal into another dimension. The now-reinvigorated Superman goes back into action once more but becomes more of a nuisance than a help when he builds a prison at super-speed in the middle of rush hour traffic to stop a fleeing burglar, among other things.

 I-Ching tells Superman that the head injury he sustained when he was without his full powers is now made permanent with his powers restored, but Superman doesn't believe him. I-Ching and Diana Prince now go off to find the sand-created duplicate and they discover that he came from the spirit dimension of Quarrm and that he opened a portal to return to that dimension when he let loose another spirit from that realm. That spirit ends up inhabiting a paper-created monster creature from a Chinese parade, and Superman comes to the rescue of a boy being attacked by the monster when he ends up losing his full powers all over again. Reprinted in Superman: Kryptonite Nevermore HC (2009).

Our first backup is "Superman's Neighbors" by Bill Finger, Wayne Boring, and Stan Kaye and reprinted from Superman #112 (1957). Superman secretly (and sometimes overtly) takes care of his neighbors' pressing problems at Clark Kent's apartment building but learns that one neighbor, Alexander Ross, is convinced that Kent is a crook posing as a reporter.

Our last backup is "Superman's Day of Truth" by Leo Dorfman, Curt Swan, and George Klein and reprinted from Superman #176 (1965). Superman and Supergirl astound their friends by speaking only the blunt truth for a day. Superman appears in court and a shady lawyer tries to force the Man of Steel to reveal secret information. Using tricks, Superman answers each question honestly, but without revealing anything critical. Lois and Lana try to get him to reveal which one of them he really loves, but he tricks them as well.

Later, Superman and Supergirl visit Kandor where a ceremony is being held. Their "Day of Truth" was in honor of a Kryptonian hero Val-Lor who inspired his people to overthrow invaders called the Vrangs. His willingness to tell the truth, despite the fact that he was killed for it, is honored by Kryptonians. When the ceremony is over, Superman and Supergirl return home to explain their behavior to their friends.

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

New Gods #4

New Gods #4 (On Sale: June 15, 1971), has a cover by Jack Kirby and Vince Colletta.

We begin this issue with The New Gods in  "O'Ryan Gang and the Deep Six" written and penciled by Jack Kirby and inked by Vince Colletta. Seagrin, an oceanic New God, is found murdered by the police and Orion. He deduces that forces from Apokolips have found a way of screening their operations from a Mother Box. To find the "jammer", he enlists the help of his four new friends from Earth, calls himself "O'Ryan", and sends them to infiltrate Inter-Gang. They do so and trick the Inter-Gangsters into exposing the jammer device. Orion destroys it, then seeks out the Deep Six, the murderers of Seagrin, and is caught by Slig, one of the Deep Six members. This has been reprinted in New Gods #2 (1984), Jack Kirby's New Gods TPB (1998), Jack Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus Vol. 2 HC (2007), Jack Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus Vol. 2 TPB (2012), and New Gods by Jack Kirby TPB (2018).

Our first backup story is the Manhunter in "The Secret of the Buzzard's Revenge" written and penciled by Jack Kirby and inked by Joe Simon and reprinted from Adventure Comics #73 (1942). Empire City is plagued by a costumed crook called the Buzzard. Police Inspector Donovan and his men are killed by the crook. Inspired by Donovan’s death, big-game hunter Paul Kirk (sometimes called Rick Nelson) dons a costume of his own and pursues the Buzzard, deciding that hunting a human game will be more challenging. He captures the Buzzard and his men and begins his career as Manhunter. This was the first Simon/Kirby Manhunter and was a different character than the Manhunter, also named Paul Kirk, which appeared in Adventure Comics #58-72.

The final backup is "Coast Guard Reconnaissance" written and drawn by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby and reprinted from Boy Commandos #12 (1945).

Edited by Jack Kirby.

In the Days of the Mob #1

In the Days of the Mob #1 (On Sale: June 15, 1971), has a strange cover by Jack Kirby and Frank Giacoia on this, DC's first black and white magazine (if we don't count MAD, and really, why would we?).

We begin with "Welcome to Hell" written and penciled by Jack Kirby and inked by Vince Colletta. Introduction to the stories ahead by Warden Fry, the warden of hell in charge of the section patterned after a maximum-security prison. The artwork throughout is black and white with wash tones.

Next up is "Ma's Boys" written and penciled by Jack Kirby and inked by Vince Colletta. This is the tale of Kate Clark Barker, Ma Barker, and her savage children. She taught them to be like her and it was the end of them. The first to go was Herman, who killed a police officer in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, and paid the ultimate price when the police caught up with him in 1927, and rather than be caught, he shot himself. Freddy and Ma herself were killed in a shootout in Florida in 1935. In 1939 Doc Barker was killed trying to escape from Alcatraz. The last of the Barker boys, Lloyd was captured and became a model prisoner who eventually was released from Atlanta Federal Prison, He went straight and moved to Colorado, but violence, in the form of his girlfriend, followed and he was gunned down by her during an argument in 1947.

The book is structured like one long story, with the Warden moving between them. Next is "Bullets for Big Al" written and penciled by Jack Kirby and inked by Vince Colletta. The story follows New Your mob bosses Guiseppi Aiello and Guinta's attempt to move in on Al Capone's turf. When given the news that he is out, Capone throws a huge party for the new boss. Guiseppi has hired two of Capone's own men to do him in at the party, but as they head off to it, their car explodes, killing them both. The two Guiseppi's are unaware that their hired guns are dead as Capone appears at the party. Once there, big Al takes care of his rivals. Capone remained the boss of Chicago till the feds finally caught up with him.

That is followed by a text and photo feature "The Breeding Ground" with photographs about life in the 1930s and "Funeral for a Florist!" a text story by Mark Evanier and Steve Sherman with an illustration by Jack Kirby and Vince Colletta.

Our next story is "The Kansas City Massacre" written and penciled by Jack Kirby and inked by Vince Colletta. Warden Fry shows up at a train station in Kansas City in 1933. A train arrives and federal officers escort Frank "Jelly" Nash off the train. As they are putting him into a car, Pretty Boy Floyd and his gang arrive to free Nash, only in the resulting gunfight Nash and all the feds are killed. As reinforcement arrive, Floyd and his gang escape and the rest is history.

Next is "Method of Operation" also written and penciled by Jack Kirby and inked by Vince Colletta. This final story is regarding Country Boy and his love of fishing and women and how those loves proved to be his downfall. But in the end, the Warden lets Country Boy out of hell. 

Next are two pages of "Kill Joy Was Here" cartoons by Sergio Aragones and a Wanted Poster for John Dillinger to round out the one and only issue of In the Days of the Mob.

Most everything was reprinted in In the Days of the Mob HC (2013) and DC Universe: The Bronze Age Omnibus by Jack Kirby HC (2019).

Edited by Jack Kirby.

Brave & the Bold #97

Brave & the Bold #97 (On Sale: June 15, 1971), has a Batman/Wildcat cover by Nick Cardy.

We begin with Batman and Wildcat in "The Smile of Choclotan" by Bob Haney, Bob Brown, and Nick Cardy. While Bruce Wayne is vacationing in South America, as Batman, he saves a young boy named Luis Mercado from a sniper's bullet. Following the boy into town, he learns that his old friend Wildcat is also in the area, resuming his career as a boxer. Observing Wildcat's match and spotting somebody putting a chemical in his drinking water, Batman strikes and helps Wildcat and Luis escape.

He learns that Wildcat has amnesia and that Luis is being targeted by a crime boss named El Grande. He explains that Ted was friends with his father, and both were looking for the Choclotan, a priceless archeological find if it exists. Ted had learned its location and since an attack left him amnesiac, he and Luis have been a target ever since.

Working with Batman, Wildcat's memory is restored, they defeat El Grande and his men, and find the Choclotan idol for Luis, which they agree to turn over to a Mexican museum. 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), Batman/Wildcat TPB (2017), and Batman in the Brave and the Bold: The Bronze Age Vol. 2 TPB (2019).

The backup is a classic, "Who Has Been Lying in My Grave?" by Arnold Drake, Carmine Infantino, and George Roussos, reprinted from Strange Adventures #205 (1967) and featuring the origin of Deadman. Boston Brand, a trapeze artist and minority owner of a circus, walks the circus grounds before his nightly performance as the aerialist Deadman. He discovers a local constable poking around the grounds and chases him away. He then discovers that Leary the barker is stealing from the box office. He also catches Heldrich the animal trainer getting drunk. He fires Heldrich, then heads to the big top.

After reaching the top of the trapeze, Boston is shot by a sniper with a hook for a right hand. He falls to his death. Then his astral form is met by Rama Kushna, a Hindu spirit goddess. Rama allows Boston to walk the Earth as a spirit until his killer is caught.

Boston, now truly a Deadman, begins the search for his killer by checking up on the circus performers. He discovers that he is invisible, but can temporarily take control of human bodies. While inhabiting the body of Tiny the strongman, Deadman discovers Heldrich and Ramsey, the constable, making a drug deal. Deadman stops the crooks, then resumes the search for the killer, Hook. This story was also reprinted in DC Special Blue Ribbon Digest #5 (1980), Deadman #1 (1985), Deadman Collection HC (2002), DC Comics Presents: Brightest Day #1 (2010), and Deadman Vol. 1 TPB (2011).

Edited by Murray Boltinoff.

Witching Hour #16

Witching Hour #16 (On Sale: June 10, 1971), has a cover by Nick Cardy.

We begin with a framing sequence drawn by George Tuska, and that leads us to "Never Kill a Witch" by Carl Wessler, John Calnan, and Bernie Case. Harry and Stella approach an old house that Harry believes has money hidden away inside but Stella is frightened as she has heard a witch lived there. Harry tries to reassure the frightened Stella that they can make money for their wedding by robbing the old woman who lives in the house, but Stella is still frightened. 

Harry and Stella are confronted by the old woman who lives in the house, accusing them of being thieves. Harry attacks the old woman and Stella thinks that he has killed her, but she appears again and warns them to leave her house. Harry makes sure the old woman is dead this time. Stella wants to leave, but Harry refuses to leave without the money and finds its hiding place. The witch refuses to stay dead and when Harry confronts her, a fire breaks out. Harry gets the burned Stella out of the house and asks a passerby to call an ambulance. 

The old woman burns up in the house and Harry and Stella are brought to the hospital where they have an extended stay. When the bandages from their faces are removed, Stella screams when she sees that Harry's face now resembles that of the old witch. This is the only credit for Bernie Case at DC, though there are three issues of Black Diamond Western by Lev Gleason from 1949 that has Case listed as a penciler and inker.

Next up is "The Spell of Sinner Ella" by Murray Boltinoff and Gray Morrow. The Cinderella story retold where Cinderella pushes one of the stepsisters off a cliff for attempting to rival the prince's affection and the prince tracks her down with the glass slipper and has her hung. A stupid story with great artwork.

That is followed by "You Can't Hide from Death" by Murray Boltinoff and Tony DeZuniga. One man fires a shot in a duel and misses and the other refuses to fire saying that he will pick the time and place. The story leads the reader to believe that the first man in the duel spends years fleeing the pursuit of the other, but the end of the story reveals that the pursued man is the one who refused to take the shot. At the end of the story, the pursuer catches up with the pursued and hands over his gun, demanding that he take the shot. The man fires into the ground.

Next up is "The Wondrous Witch's Cauldron" drawn by Lee Elias and reprinted from House of Secrets #58 (1963). A witch's cauldron that brings its owner fame, fortune, and long life passes from owner to owner.

We end with  "The Curse of the Cat" by Howie Post and Bill Draut and reprinted from House of Mystery #177 (1968). A beggar tells Mr. Fleming of a fortune buried in a cat's grave.

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

Edited by Murray Boltinoff.

G.I. Combat #149

G.I. Combat #149 (On Sale: June 10, 1971), has a Haunted Tank cover by Joe Kubert. They kept the "Bigger and Better" slug off this cover since the last few issues have been 64 pages for 25 cents.

We begin with the Haunted Tank in "Leave the Fighting to Us" by Robert Kanigher and Russ Heath. Some of the soldiers despise the new replacement, an observant Jewish sergeant. When he shows great valor and accomplishes the mission at the cost of his life, they're forced to reconsider. Reprinted in Showcase Presents: Haunted Tank Vol. 2 TPB (2008).

The backup is Sgt. Rock in "Last Man -- Last Shot" by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert and reprinted from Our Army at War #152 (1965). Sgt. Rock picks up a new group of recruits as replacements for Easy Company. As he returns with them to the front, they meet several attacks by enemy forces. The new recruits all freeze under fire and do not get off a shot. Rock is forced to stop the enemy attacks himself.

Between attacks, Rock tells them stories of other soldiers who were scared under pressure. He explains that they froze too. However, each one of them eventually overcame the fear and heroically died in combat.

Rock’s jeep is hit by another attack. He is forced to crawl toward the enemy forces, expecting his men to follow. They have frozen again. Rock is hit by enemy fire and goes down. Seeing their leader is human, the recruits finally return fire and fight off the enemy attack. Rock, who is wounded, then brings the troops to Easy Company.

Edited by Joe Kubert.

Falling in Love #125

Falling in Love #125 (On Sale: June 10, 1971), has a cover by Artie Saaf and Vince Colletta.

We begin with our cover story, "Clinging Vine!" drawn by Artie Saaf and Vince Colletta. Sue promises not to go after Dinah's boyfriend Bill but she doesn't keep her word.

Next, we have "I Hate Your Kisses" drawn by Tony Abruzzo and reprinted from Young Romance #144 (1966), Things always go well for Carla on dates, until the boy tries to kiss her and her feelings immediately change. Eventually, she meets the right boy, whose kisses don't turn her off.

We follow that with another reprint, "Magic Moment" drawn by Mike Sekowsky and John Romita and reprinted from Girls' Love Stories #65 (1959). Hanny's daydreams about becoming a movie star get in the way of her relationship with Tommy.

Next, we have an untitled one-pager on "Do's and Dont's of Dating" drawn by Steve Englehart and Vince Colletta. Englehart is best known as a writer, but this is one of the few art pieces he did before devoting himself to writing. This looks much different than the story he did wor Warren with Neal Adams and appears to be his first (only) pencils for DC. Reprinted in Heart Throbs: The Best of DC Romance Comics (1979).

That is followed by "His Kind of Girl" penciled by Tony Abruzzo and reprinted from Girls' Romances #100 (1964). Katy always feels inferior to her best friend Lori, especially when they are competing for the same man.

We end with "Once Upon a Time" inked by Vince Colletta. Peggy borrows a dress from the store where she works to go to a fancy party where she calls herself Cindy and meets Lee, but she has to run off at midnight to return the dress and doesn't think she will ever see Lee again.

Edited by Dorothy Woolfolk.

Batman #234

Batman #234 (On Sale: June 10, 1971), has a wonderful cover by Neal Adams proclaiming the return of Two-Face after a 17-year hiatus.

We begin with "Half an Evil" by Denny O'Neil, Neal Adams, and Dick Giordano. When a parade balloon is stolen in broad daylight, Commissioner Gordon lights up the Bat-Signal at night to contact Batman, despite the disapproval of Arthur Reeves. When Batman arrives at the GCPD Headquarters, they start investigating the mysterious robbery, but they are suddenly interrupted by an officer informing them about a crime at the Nautical Museum. Gordon and his men get going, but Batman arrives first by his own means. Once inside, he confronts a couple of masked thugs, the same that stole the parade balloon. After taking one of them down, Batman interrogates the second thug and learns that he doesn't know who is the man he is working for, but that he always keeps his face concealed while tossing a coin.

After leaving the criminals for the police, Bruce Wayne returns to his penthouse at the Wayne Foundation building and he informs Alfred that his long-time enemy, Two-Face is back on crime. After remembering how the former District Attorney, Harvey Dent became Two-Face and turned to crime, Bruce investigates some of the clues provided by the thugs he captured. Searching a book about ocean and ships, Bruce learns that Two-Face is looking to strike on a boat docked at the Marina across Gotham River and he goes to stop the master criminal.

When Batman arrives at the scene, he takes down a couple more of Two-Face henchmen and he discovers that Two-Face's plan is to steal, sink, and raise an old two-masted ship belonging to Captain Bye, seeking a cache of gold doubloons Bye had hidden in the vessel. Following the ship to a dark swamp, where Two-Face has planned that it would emerge, Batman finally confronts the criminal, unaware that while on the rising, the ship has carried a homeless man to the top of the mast. Batman is distracted trying to save the man and Two-Face takes the opportunity to attack Batman and tie him to the ship's mast. After stealing the historic doubloons, Two-Face gets ready to leave, but Batman tricks him into using his coin in order to decide to save the homeless man or not. When the good side of the coin shows up, Two-Face is compelled to save the man and Batman takes the chance to free himself and capture Two-Face while also saving the homeless man. Reprinted in Best of DC #14 (1981), Greatest Batman Stories Ever Told HC (1988), Greatest Batman Stories Ever Told TPB (1989), Batman Illustrated by Neal Adams Vol. 3 HC (2006), Batman Vs. Two-Face TPB (2008), Batman Illustrated by Neal Adams Vol. 3 TPB (2013), Batman Arkham:Two-Face TPB (2016), Showcase Presents: Batman Vol. 6 TPB (2016), Batman by Neal Adams Omnibus HC (2016), Two-Face: A Celebration of 75 Years HC (2018), and Batman by Neal Adams Vol. 3 TPB (2020).

Our fist backup is Robin in "Vegeance for a Cop" by Mike Friedrich, Irv Novick, and Dick Giordano. A police officer is brutally attacked outside of the Hudson University and Robin starts investigating the crime in order to bring the attacker to justice.

In search of the assailant, Robin joins a commune and finds the shooter among a group of hippies, but he is not allowed to leave with him as they all get ready to confront the Teen Wonder. Reprinted in Showcase Presents: Robin the Boy Wonder Vol. 1 TPB (2008).

Our bigger and better reprint is Batman in "Trail of the Talking Mask" by Gardner Fox, Carmine Infantino, and Joe Giella and reprinted from Detective Comics #335 (1965). Batman and Robin attempt to stop a jewel robbery, but the three perpetrators escape without noticing the Dynamic Duo. Batman suspects the crooks were automatons controlled via remote. He was tipped off to the robbery by private investigator Hugh Rankin. Rankin has followed the crooks himself, and in so doing, leaves a trail for Batman to follow.

Ranking arrives at the crooks' hide-out first. He is quickly apprehended by the gang's boss the Make-Up Man. When Batman arrives, a trap has been prepared to kill them. Batman escapes the trap and defeats the gang. Rankin is released, but Batman then realizes he is an imposter. The Make-Up Man is captured, and the real Rankin is found.

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Justice League of America #91

Justice League of America #91 (On Sale: June 8, 1971), has a cover by Neal Adams.

We begin with the Justice Leage of America in "Earth -- The Monster-Maker" by Mike Friedrich, Dick Dillin, and Joe Giella. On a joy-ride between dimensions, an alien boy called A-Rym and his symbiotic pet, Teppy, are flung into the separate worlds of Earth-One and Earth-Two. They must be re-united, or both will die, but the environment of Earth changes both into rampaging, monstrous menaces. 

Flash has already been injured in an encounter with Teppy, while the Earth-Two Green Lantern falls prey to A-Rym, who takes his power ring, sensing that it can reunite him with his pet. Joined in the battle by the Robins of both Earths, the Justice League and Justice Society form two new teams to deal with the threats. Green Lantern joins the two Hawk-men and the two Robins against A-Rym, while Flash of Earth-Two teams with the two Supermen and the two Atoms against Teppy. 

While this second group successfully captures Teppy, on Earth-Two, Robin of Earth-One is injured in the struggle, and A-Rym finds an ally in the macabre Solomon Grundy. Concluded next issue. This has been reprinted in Crisis on Multiple Earths Vol. 3 TPB (2004), Showcase Presents: Robin the Boy Wonder Vol. 1 TPB (2008), Showcase Presents: Justice League of America Vol. 5 TPB (2011), Justice League of America Archives Vol. 10 HC (2012), Justice League of America:The Bronze Age Omnibus Vol. 1 HC (2017), and Justice League of America:The Last Survivors of Earth TPB (2019).

The first backup is Knights of the Galaxy in "The Day the World Melted" by Robert Kanigher, Carmine Infantino, and Joe Giella and reprinted from Mystery in Space #6 (1952). The Master of Doom transports the Galaxy Knights back in time to the 20th Century while he attempts to conquer their own time, and Lyle and his men find themselves fighting to save Earth from nuclear devastation. Ultimately, the power of the H-Bomb they manage to detonate harmlessly in space gives them the energy needed to return home and defeat their nemesis.

Our final backup is Hourman in "The Hour Hourman Died" by Gardner Fox, Dick Dillin, and Sid Greene and reprinted from Spectre #7 (1968). Hourman fights Tricky Dick Arnold to recover stolen Tyler Chemical Company blueprints. However, a shot from the Metalizer Gun that Tricky Dick used to get into Tyler's vault seems to have killed Hourman. 

Dick disposes of the Metalizer Gun, but Hourman isn't dead yet-- it would seem the radiation won't kill him until the Miraclo wears off! He pursues Arnold, captures him, and retrieves the gun, allowing him to find the antidote to reverse the effects of the Metalizer gun - just in time!

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Binky #80

Binky #80 (On Sale: June 8, 1971), has a cover by, well, your guess is as good as mine.

We begin with Binky in "Oh, What a Pal" by creators unknown. Buzzy talks too much, so Binky gets whacked on the head a lot.

Next up is Li'l Leroy in "Sleep Tight!" by John Albano and Henry Boltinoff. Leroy sleeps in the dog house. Reprinted in The Best of DC #53 (1984).

Next is Binky in "The Teen-Tour... Play as You Go" drawn by Henry Scarpelli and reprinted from Leave It to Binky #70 (1969). Binky goes on a school trip with a cranky bus driver.

The next story is Li'l Leroy in "Now You See It-- Now You Don't!" drawn by Henry Boltinoff. Leroy teaches Muffins to carry things in his mouth.

That is followed by Binky in "Heap Big End of Trip" and reprinted from Leave It to Binky #70 (1969). The teen tour meets some Native Americans.

Next is Binky in "The Golden Guitar" by creators unknown. Binky makes some money with his guitar.

We end with Binky in "Chivalry Anyone?" by John Albano, Stan Goldberg, and Henry Scarpelli. Binky and Buzzy think a little girl has fallen into a pond and they come to the rescue. Reprinted in Best of DC #53 (1984).

Edited by Joe Orlando.

All-Star Western #7

All-Star Western #7 (On Sale: June 8, 1971), has a beautiful Outlaw, Billy the Kid, cover by Tony DeZuniga.

We begin with Outlaw, Billy the Kid, in "Bullet for a Gambler" by John Albano and Tony DeZuniga. After being saved twice by a man named Ace, from attacking Indians, Billy the Kid agrees to go with Ace to be safe from further attacks. Ace has a case of tuberculosis and is dead set on killing any Indian that happens on his path. However, the two are surrounded soon after Ace indiscriminately kills a hunting party.

However, the Indians let Billy go, as Billy tried to stop Ace from killing the Indian chief's son. Not wishing to be burned alive, Ace demands that Billy pay his debt, and reveals that he was the killer of Billy's father and that he knows that Billy is really a girl. Billy agrees to kill Ace in a draw only, and Ace tricks Billy into shooting him by not drawing when it's time to shoot. Reprinted in Jonah Hex and Other Western Tales #1 (1979) and Showcase Presents Jonah Hex Vol. 1 TPB (2006).

Next up is Davy Crockett in "The Challenge of Black Warrior" drawn by John Prentice and reprinted from Frontier Fighters #1 (1955).

That is followed by Buffalo Bill in "The Tenderfoot Caravan" by Dave Wood and Joe Kubert and reprinted from Frontier Fighters #1 (1955).

We end with El Diablo in "The Gypsy Curse" by Robert Kanigher, Alan Weiss, and Dick Giordano. Santano, a gypsy king, is convicted of crimes and sentenced to death by hanging. He issues a curse on those who persecuted him. 

Princess Nurka, Santano's daughter mourns the loss of her father and El Diablo tries to comfort her, but the other gypsies chase him away. Later Santano's curse unfolds, as the judge and sheriff are murdered. El Diablo is accused of the crime and thrown in jail. Nurka rescues him. That night Hutton, the man who hung Santano is killed. El Diablo catches the killer only to discover it is Nurka. She is arrested. As El Diablo rides out of town Nurka lays a curse on him, but El Diablo knows that he is already cursed.

Edited by Joe Orlando.

World's Finest Comics #204

World's Finest Comics #204 (On Sale: June 3, 1971), has a stunning Superman/Wonder Woman cover by Neal Adams. Diana Prince never looked so sexy.

We begin with Superman and Wonder Woman in "Journey to the End of Hope" by Denny O'Neil, Dick Dillin, and Joe Giella. When Clark and Diana get matched by a computer dating service, their date takes an unexpected turn when they suddenly find themselves transported to the year 2171 by another computer, in hopes of averting Earth's future fate where Earth has become a desolate wasteland.

Our first backup tale is Captain Comet in "The Guardians of the Clockwork Universe" by John Broome, Murphy Anderson, and Sy Barry and reprinted from Strange Adventures #22 (1952). Captain Comet is enlisted by a race known as the Guardians of the Universe (not the same does that would appear later in Green Lantern, but where Broome may have gotten the idea for them). The Guardians are responsible for monitoring the planets and other celestial bodies to ensure they are kept in proper motion lest the entire universe stop. The rulers of the planet Lukan are seeking to move their planet closer to their sun which would throw off the cosmic balance.

Captain Comet is dispatched to Lukan to stop the evil rulers. Once on the planet, he discovers his old friend Radea was also sent by the Guardians and is now a captive. He rescues the girl and defeats the crystal beings of Lukan. Comet then drops Radea off on her own world before returning to Earth.

We end with Green Arrow in "The Rogue of 1,000 Ropes" drawn by George Papp and reprinted from Adventure Comics #176 (1952).

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Swing With Scooter #35

Swing With Scooter #35 (On Sale: June 3, 1971), has a cover by Stan Goldberg and Henry Scarpelli. This is the last regularly scheduled issue of Swing With Scooter. There will be an issue #36, but by the time we see it, DC books will be 32 pages again and cost 20 cents.

We begin with Scooter and Sylvester in "The Supernut" by John Albano, Stan Goldberg, and Henry Scarpelli. After a clothes-changing accident in a phone booth, Sylvester ends up in Superman's costume, while the real Superman fights a monster.

Next up is Scooter in "Sylvester... Son of Ahbu" drawn by Henry Scarpelli and reprinted from Swing With Scooter #14 (1968). Sylvester is mistaken for the son of a pasha and kidnapped.

We follow that with Scooter in "Sink or Swim" drawn by Henry Scarpelli and reprinted from Swing With Scooter #15 (1968). Scooter needs to raise some cash when he breaks a statue at his aunt's house, so he gets a lifeguard job from Penny's dad, even though he can't swim.

Next we have an untitled Penny and Cookie one-pager drawn by Henry Scarpelli and reprinted from Swing With Scooter #18 (1969). Penny takes drastic steps to meet a lifeguard.

We end this last regularly scheduled issue of Swing with Scooter with a Scooter and Sylvester tale: "The Cross-Eyed Pussycat" by John Albano, Stan Goldberg, and Henry Scarpelli. Sylvester thinks he has magical powers (thanks to Pussycat). This tale was reprinted in Best of DC #53 (1984).

Edited by Joe Orlando.

Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #140

Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #140 (On Sale: June 3, 1971), has a cover by Curt Swan and Murphy Anderson.

We begin the reprintfest with "Invasion of the Mystery Super-Men" by Edmond Hamilton, Curt Swan, and George Klein and reprinted from Superman #158 (1963). Several Kandorian’s have found a way to enlarge themselves to normal size and begin conducting raids on Earth. Superman follows them back to the bottle city of Kandor along with Jimmy Olsen to learn the reason for their attacks. When they arrive in Kandor, Superman finds that he is hated by the Kandorians. They now believe that Superman has been against restoring the city to normal size. To hide from the people, Superman and Jimmy assume the alternate identities of Nightwing and Flamebird, costumed after Batman and Robin.

Superman learns that the leader of the raiders and inventor of the new enlargement ray is Than Ol. The Man of Steel realized that the ray is flawed and will destroy Kandor, but Than Ol will not listen. Superman and Jimmy are able to escape Kandor with the help of Van Zee, but are unable to prevent Than Ol from enlarging Kandor in a remote location on Earth. As predicted by Superman, the city soon begins to disintegrate. Superman returns them to tiny size with Brainiac’s shrinking ray. The Kandorians are grateful that Superman has saved them and realize that he is indeed working in their best interests.

Next up is "The Caped Crimefighters of Kandor" by Edmond Hamilton, Curt Swan, and George Klein and reprinted from Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #69 (1963). Superman and Jimmy visit Kandor and return to their crimefighting identities of Nightwing and Flamebird. They attempt to track down a super-criminal responsible for the theft of rare relics. Superman becomes ill with Scarlet Jungle Fever, so Jimmy is forced to act alone.

Jimmy befriends a telepathic hound whom he names Nighthound, but together they are unable to stop the super-criminal. When Superman recovers, he helps Jimmy capture the criminal, who is revealed to be Nor Kann, a friend of theirs. Nor Kann was hypnotized by the Superman Revenge Squad in their attempt to kill Superman. Once Nor Kann’s mind is restored, Superman and Jimmy return to Earth.

We end with "The World of Doomed Olsens" by Jerry Siegel, Curt Swan, and George Klein and reprinted from Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #72 (1963). Jimmy is abducted by a being calling himself the Collector and taken to an alien world. The Collector claims vibrations from Jimmy’s signal watch have penetrated his dimension and wrecked his cities. In an act of revenge, he creates and unleashes five Olsen duplicates resembling Jimmy’s prior transformations: Turtle Boy, Porcupine Olsen, Fat Olsen, Wolf Boy, and Elastic Lad. The duplicate Olsen’s threaten Jimmy, but he convinces them to rebel against the Collector. The Collector defends himself against the attack and even scares off Superman.

Jimmy soon realizes that he is being hoaxed. The Olsen duplicates and the Collector are all disguised members of the Legion of Super-Heroes. He confronts them with his discovery, and they reveal themselves. The hoax was part of an initiation test designed for Jimmy. Having seen through the hoax, Jimmy is taken to the Legion’s time period and inducted as an honorary member.

Edited by E. Nelson Bridwell.

Flash #208

Flash #208 (On Sale: June 3, 1971), has a beautiful cover by Neal Adams.

We begin with the Flash in "A Kind of Miracle in Central City" by Robert Kanigher, Irv Novick, and Murphy Anderson. The Flash rescues a teenage boy from a fall off a rooftop. Vic, the boy, claims it was an accident, but the Flash suspects otherwise. Vic was thrown off the roof by a gang leader known as the Chief. Vic had been working for the gang, but he was made expendable when his sister Anne alerted her fellow nuns to the presence of the crooks in the church.

Since Vic won't accept outside help, the Flash uses his super speed to remain invisible. He then helps Vic and protects him from the gang. Vic makes things right, and the Chief and his partners are apprehended without anyone knowing that the Flash is involved.

The new backup is the Elongated Man in "Malice in Wonderland" by Len Wein and Dick Giordano. As Ralph Dibny is passing through the town of Dodgson it is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary. When he enters town Ralph is given a copy of Alice in Wonderland. While pausing to read the book, he sees a white rabbit. His curiosity is aroused and he follows, only to lose the rabbit in traffic.

The Elongated Man then meets a man dressed as the Mad Hatter. The man explains that his uncle who founded the town was a relative of Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice in Wonderland. The town is celebrating by dressing as characters from the book. Ralph still wants to catch up to the rabbit, who steals a rare first edition of the book on display at the town civic center. The Elongated Man tracks down the rabbit and his partners and retrieves the stolen book. He was tipped off by the fact that the criminal dressed like the movie version of the rabbit, instead of the original book version.

The reprint backup is the Kid Flash in "The Flash's Sensational Risk" by John Broome, Carmine Infantino, and Joe Giella and reprinted from Flash #149 (1964). A large explosion near Blue Valley draws the attention of Wally West aka Kid Flash. Kid Flash examines a crater created by the explosion and is transported to the other-dimensional world of Ikora. Kid Flash then discovers explosives used by Ikoran criminals are responsible for the damage on Earth. Kid Flash attempts to apprehend the criminals, but he is struck by one of their weapons.

Kid Flash returns to Earth to gain the aid of the Flash. After relating his story, Kid Flash loses his memory as a delayed side-effect of the ray weapon. Flash fails to restore Wally's memory until he devises a way to unmask on TV at super-speed. Wally's memory is shocked back to normal by the surprise.

Flash and his protégé return to Ikora and defeat the K-10 Gang. After turning them into Ikoran authorities, the speedsters return to Earth. Flash explains that because he unmasked at super-speed, only Wally's super-speed vision could identify his real face.

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Our Army at War #235

Our Army at War #235 (On Sale: June 1, 1971), has a so-so Sgt. Rock cover by Joe Kubert.

We begin with Sgt Rock in  "Pressure Point" by Robert Kanigher and Russ Heath. I do not have much on this one, though I have it in a box somewhere.

Next up is the U.S.S. Stevens in "Kamikaze" by Sam Glanzman. Tatsuno Sakigawa flies his plane on a Kamikaze attack against US forces at Okinawa. Reprinted in America at War: The Best of DC War Comics HC (1979), America at War: The Best of DC War Comics SC (1979), and Sgt. Rock #20 (1992).

That is followed by "The Glory Boys" by Robert Kanigher and Alex Toth. Reprinted in America at War: The Best of DC War Comics HC (1979), America at War: The Best of DC War Comics SC (1979), and DC Goes to War HC (2020).

The reprints start with "Wall for a Fighting Man" by Bob Haney and Russ Heath and reprinted from Our Army at War #52 (1956).

We end with "Instant Hero" by Hank Chapman and Joe Kubert and reprinted from Capt. Storm #6 (1965).

Edited by Joe Kubert.

House of Secrets #93

House of Secrets #93 (On Sale: June 1, 1971), has a nice cover by Bernie Wrightson.

We begin this issue with "Lonely in Death" by Steve Skeates and Jim Aparo. At first circumstances in an old house lead a young woman to believe her recently deceased mother is attempting to kill her in order to have company in the afterlife, but then the resentful brother is revealed as the cause of the near-fatal mishaps. He attempts to stab his sister with a spear but falls out a window to his death when startled by something the woman takes to be her mother's ghost protecting her, not attempting to kill her as she mistakenly previously believed.

Next up is our first reprint, "The Curse of the Cat's Cradle" drawn by Alex Toth and reprinted from My Greatest Adventure #85 (1964).

That is followed by "Nightmare" by Gerry Conway and Jack Abel. A man being paid to sabotage a construction project has a nightmare about falling into a dark area and then being seized by a giant hand. After he wakes up and heads to the construction site he finds that his nightmare was a premonition.

Next, we have our second reprint, "The Beast from the Box" drawn by Nick Cardy and reprinted from House of Secrets #24 (1959). Charles Sanders releases and eventually kills a thing from a box.

We end this issue with "Never Kill a Witch's Son" by John Albano and Tony DeZuniga. A niece and her husband plot to kill her uncle for insurance money, but since the uncle's mother fancies herself a witch, the husband hatches a scheme to drive his wife to suicide so that he can get all the money. He fakes the uncle's appearances after they push him to his death off the balcony claiming that he had a fainting spell, but does too good a job and while his wife has been sedated, she sees her husband at the balcony and mistakes him for her uncle and shoves him to his death. All this time, the uncle's mother has been tending her son's grave, believing herself to be responsible through black magic for what happens to the niece and her husband.

Edited by Joe Orlando.

Forever People #4

Forever People #4 (On Sale: June 1, 1971), has an odd cover by Jack Kirby and Vince Colletta. The real news with this cover is the revamping of the entire DC line increasing in price from 15 to 25 cents and in size from 32 to 48 pages. This might be seen as an OK deal if the additional 16 pages were new, but they were not.

We begin this first expanded issue with the Forever People in "The Kingdom of the Damned" written and penciled by Jack Kirby and inked by Vince Colletta. The Forever People are taken to Happyland, an amusement park run by DeSaad, who tortures them in various inventive ways there. Darkseid searches for a mind which can comprehend the Anti-Life Equation. And the Forever People's Mother Box, about to be executed by Desaad, phases out and winds up in the hands of martial artist Sonny Sumo. This tale has been reprinted in Jack Kirby's Forever People TPB (1999). Jack Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus Vol. 2 HC (2007), Jack Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus Vol. 2 TPB (2012), and Forever People by Jack Kirby TPB (2021).

Our backup reprint is the Sandman in "The Unholy Dreams of Gentleman Jack" written and penciled by Jack Kirby and inked by Joe Simon and reprinted from Adventure Comics #85 (1943). Prisoner Jack Jarvis dreams of a life of luxury in jail. He also wants Sandman imprisoned in solitary confinement. When Jarvis is released, he creates a jail for himself to make his dream come true. Then he summons Sandman, locking him in an airtight room. Sandy rescues his friend and together, they end Jarvis’ dream.

Edited by Jack Kirby.