Week Ending October 20, 1973
Mighty World of Marvel #55
A good looking cover by Marie Severin and Frank Giacoia, which has some claim on being more original than the US original. On its first outing, the Mandarin was redrawn in a more dramatic pose by John Romita, I think I prefer this more relaxed and imperious version.
The Incredible Hulk: Ten Rings Hath... The Mandarin! Reprinting The Incredible Hulk #107
After last week's bullpen free-for-all, we get a more streamline creative team in the form of Gary Friedrich writing with Herb Trimpe and Syd Shores taking care of pencils and inks. The previous plot by committee and Nikolai Furiski antagonist are quickly sidelined for the arrival of the Mandarin. What does the master of dated racist tropes want with our hero? It seems to use his gamma ray induced strength as a weapon, but first the Mandarin must test the Hulk's power, seemingly to prove that he probably doesn't need the green goliath's strength in the first place. It's an enjoyable middle section of story with some really nice art that I could easily get used to.
The Fantastic Four: The Search for The Sub-Mariner! Reprinting The Fantastic Four #27
Our story opens with Reed working on an overly complicated precursor to internet porn, but quickly devolves into the romantic(?) soap opera that Stan was so fond of. Namor is sulking in Atlantis when he decides that he requires Sue Storm as his queen in order to make his empire complete. Decision made, he travels to New York and kidnaps Sue, that's patriarchal imperialists for you. Reed is out shopping for an engagement ring as his erstwhile fiancé is abducted, and demonstrates the cool-headed leadership skills he is famous for by flying into a strop when he returns and refusing his teammate's help in his rescue plans. While Reed resorts to science to find the Sub-Mariner, the Thing and Torch go down the route of sorcery by enlisting the assistance of Dr Strange in their own efforts to save Sue. Mr Fantastic arrives in Atlantis first, but I suspect he will be glad that his friends are not far behind. George Roussos' inks continue to suck a lot of the joy out of Kirby's pencils, while oddly highlighting the strength of Jack's composition in some panels. Hopefully it won't be long until Joe Sinnott takes up the pens and brushes for his long stint on the FF.
Spider-Man Comics Weekly #36
John Romita's US cover gets re-coloured for the UK, which has the effect of making it look more modern by toning down John Jameson's gaudy clown suit. Another win for our favourite British reprints.
The Amazing Spider-Man: The Birth of A Super-Hero! Reprinting The Amazing Spider-Man #42
Not only has writing this blog completely changed my opinion of Steve Ditko's art, it has given me enormous respect for his ability to create great super-villains. During his relatively short run, he knocked-out what I would say is 80% of Spider-Man's classic foes on what seemed like a conveyor belt of genius (assuming you ignore the Looter) introducing one iconic bad guy after another. That has got to be a hard act to follow, but I'm not sure anyone is actually trying all that hard in this story, where J. Jonah Jameson's son gets superpowers from space-warts or something. The only thing of note that happens is that we finally get the long-promised first appearance of Mary Jane Watson. Even in washed out black and white, it is an impressive entrance.
The Mighty Thor: The Trial of The Gods! Reprinting Journey Into Mystery #116
After much fanfare, including a guy with a big gong, we see the trial of the gods. Which turns out to be an extreme version of one of those awful corporate team-building exercises. Thor and Loki are sent to face the perils of the forbidden realm of Skornheim. We don't have an episode of Tales of Asgard in this week's SMCW, but this story feels like one. Loki is up to his usual underhand tricks and Thor is on noble form. The absolute highlights though have to be our glimpses of Odin's hot-tub and fluffy slippers. There is a god who knows how to live.
The Avengers #5
One of the wonderful things about these Marvel UK reprints are the variety of covers we got. Even when there was an original to use, we might get a specially commissioned UK version or one taken from later reprint. In this case, Ron Wilson and Frank Giacoia supply a cover that itself would go on to be used for the 1974 Canadian edition of this story.
The Avengers: Kang, The Conqueror! Reprinting The Avengers #8
I don't know what everyone thinks of Kang The Conqueror, but I have always been a bit lukewarm towards him as an antagonist. Maybe it was the spherical helmet and thigh-high boots, but he just looked a bit daft to me. Looks like it is time for another one of my now famous u-turns, because he now looks kinda cool. Also very surprised that his history as Rama-Tut was introduced in this, his first appearance as Kang. I had always assumed that this was a much later ret-con. Stan turns out a fun story, which although still full of stilted dialogue, seems a little more carefully constructed than previous episodes. That said, I could definitely live with less reliance on Rick Jones and his Teen-Brigade. Jack Kirby and Dick Ayers provide enjoyable art, if a little sparse in black and white, with Kang himself looking interesting and a credible threat to a team of super-humans. I will actually be looking forward to his next appearance.
Doctor Strange: Return To The Nightmare World! Reprinting Strange Tales #116
These early Dr Strange stories are fascinating, watching as Stan and Steve work out how to handle the character. This tale sees Strange as almost a mystic consulting detective, helping the police with a spate of victims are unable to wake from an unnatural sleep. It is a promising concept that quickly goes nowhere, fizzling out after just a few pages. However, the spooky Ditko visuals are a treat and more than interesting enough on their own to keep your attention to the end.
I remember that my mother, brother and I went to the newsagent to pick up my comic order - which now included The Avengers - and cycled on to the local park. I wasn’t interested in playing - I wanted my Marvel fix and loved Kang. What a powerful mysterious guy.
ReplyDeleteDidn't really get the appeal of Kang when I was young, but now I can see he was a well designed character with an interesting backstory.
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