Sugar and Spike #81

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

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

Edited by Murray Boltinoff.

Star Spangled War Stories #143

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

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

Edited by Joe Kubert.

Metal Men #36

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

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

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

Edited by Jack Miller.

Falling In Love #105

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

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

Edited by Jack Miller.

Young Romance #158

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

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

Edited by Joe Orlando.

World's Finest Comics #182

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

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

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

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

Edited by Mort Weisinger.

Showcase #80

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

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

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

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

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

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

Edited by Joe Orlando.

Justice League of America #69

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

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

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

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

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

G.I. Combat #134

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

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

Edited by Joe Kubert.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Edited by Joe Kubert.

Leave It To Binky #65

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

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

Edited by Joe Orlando.

Unexpected #111

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

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

Edited by Murray Boltinoff

Flash #185

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

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

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

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

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Batman #209

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

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

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

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

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Secret Six #6

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

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

Edited by Dick Giordano.

Our Army at War #202

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

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

Edited by Joe Kubert.

Challengers of the Unknown #66

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

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

Edited by Murray Boltinoff.

Atom & Hawkman #41

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

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

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

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

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

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

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Holiday Shopping Ideas

This is a detour from our normal entries here.

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

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

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

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

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

Detective Comics #383

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

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

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

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

Edited by Julius Schwartz.