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| Guy Ricketts |
 Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2009 1:11 am |
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Beginning here, Comic Book Utopia will present the amazing and entertaining reviews of classic comic book adventures by the astoundingly incredible Steve Chung. The man has created an amazing series of reviews covering a wide range of titles from the classic Silver Age of comic books.
We are grateful to be able to present his hard work here, so without further ado...enjoy! |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2009 1:12 am |
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Joined: 27 Dec 2006
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Marvel Super-Heroes #13
"Where Stalks The Sentry!"
March, 1968
STAN (The Man) LEE
Lovingly Lords It Over A
ROY (The Boy) THOMAS
and
GENE (The Dean) COLAN
Culmination Of Co-Creation!
Embellished By: Lettered By:
PAUL REINMAN SAM ROSEN
Reviewed By:
STEVE CHUNG
Within the confines of a dingy hotel room... not far away from one of
America's missile-testing bases... a being from the Kree galaxy is
constructing a device which will prolong his survival on Earth... The
uni-beam wrist-blaster is almost finished. If he is to battle against
more of the planet's forces... Captain Mar-Vell will be in possession of
a far mightier weapon than ever before.
A conflict is inevitable, for he is of the Kree... an alien race which
contains thousands upon thousands of solar systems under its control...
and as a soldier of the Kree, he is honor bound to dispatch any threat.
If this is not his world, then why should he care what will happen to it?
It had been the Earth men who have caused the destruction of the Sentry.
The uni-beam has now been converted from handgun to wrist-blaster. He
will continue to carry the pistol frame in the cylinder... in case it is
needed again. His right wrist now carries the perfect, all-purpose
weapon... On his left wrist is the monitor band... which enables Yon-
Rogg to communicate with him at any time. Such is the colonel's hatred
of Mar-Vell, that he has sent him on a solo mission... in hopes that the
captain would meet his death. With only one capsule of breathing potion
left, he must drink it... and return to the starship for more.
The hotel clerk watches as the guest heads off in the middle of the
night. He eyes the strange suitcase, and wonders if the silver-haired
man works at the cape. After perusing the register, he sees the name of
"C. Marvel" and wonders what type of name is that for a common man. The
inquisitive clerk then remembers that the guest left without paying his
bill. The man from another planet continues on his way for the ship...
where Medic Una will be giving him more of the breathing potion. She is
the one he loves, the one from which Yon-Rogg has sent him away from.
Mar-Vell can only wonder when the mission will end, so that they may be
together once more. Outside of the small town, the starship has been
contacted, and is about to leave orbit. At its current speed, it should
arrive in moments. The captain decides to put the time to good use by
checking out his new wrist lens.
RRRRAKK!! The regular blaster is too bulky a weapon, especially if he is
traveling in disguise as an Earthling. With modifications, the
wrist-lens is readied for testing. BTAP! A tree which has stood in the
same spot for years... now stands no longer. SPTAK! A large boulder
shatters into a thousand pieces. Mar-Vell is certain that none on the
planet has ever felt the feeling of wielding such power. The time has
come for a test of a different kind. As the pieces continue their
outward motion, the lens is adjusted for the opposite effect...
In that moment, an artificial magnetic core is created at the point which
the uni-beam strikes. The core pulls with such strength that the
metallic contents of the pieces are halted... then pulled together
towards the center... and are reformed... into the shape of the former
boulder. The lens has passed the test and Kree science is shown to be
second to none. Surely no other star-spawned race has ever come up with
such a device. When used in a certain manner, the damage done can be
undone -- and be put right. The monitor on his wrist senses the approach
of the starship. The captain dons helmet and battle suit... so that he
may meet the spacecraft in person.
The cylinder is buried within the soil. It will not be found by the
Earthlings. The jet-belt has also been modified, and should operated as
well as the blaster. VROOOOOOOMM The Kree ship has leveled off and is
now hovering. No Earthman may see it through its aura of negatism, save
for those with the eyes of... a Kree. Mar-Vell is anxious to have his
reunion with Medic Una... and to hold her in his arms once more. Even as
the captain speeds on his way... the cold eyes of Yon-Rogg follow his
every move... The colonel plans to lean on the laser-beam activator...
so that the death of Captain Mar-Vell may be deemed an accident. Una
sees what Yon-Rogg is up to... and screams for him to stop.
Unfortunately for her, the other crew members have been told by the
colonel that she is suffering from the strain.
Yon-Rogg orders the poor girl to be locked in her room... and while she
insists in him being a murderer, she is dragged away by the crewmen. Now
alone in the forward cabin, the colonel watches as Mar-Vell's position is
at three deutrons distance... slightly less than an Earth mile. In a few
more seconds the captain will be in the proper range. At that exact
moment... a private plane comes swooping out of the clouds... With the
Kree starship invisible to it... the pilot has enough time to stare at
the flying figure heading towards him...
BUH-ROOOOM! The destruct-laser.... has been beamed from the starship...
just as the small plane has flown between them. The plane is torn apart
and the concussion sends the captain hurtling downwards.
Yon-Rogg sees that Mar-Vell was only stunned, while the private plane
took the brunt of the destruct-laser. A second strike is unlikely...
since the colonel wants the incident to appear to be an accident. He can
only do one thing... and he will. Seconds have past, with the Kree
soldier once again on solid ground... The starship has gone... back in
orbit above the Earth. Yon-Rogg will no doubt claim that the mission had
been compromised... and will not be blamed for abandoning Mar-Vell on
Earth. SWOOOSH! The captain goes to see if the pilot of the small plane
is still alive. Although he was the intended victim... it was the pilot
who paid the price. After sifting through the wreckage, the captain
finds the body, and some identification. The man's name was Walter
Lawson... a missile guidance systems expert... who was on his way to the
base on reassignment. If the papers were to be subtly changed, his
mission could continue... and he would be able to enter the cape itself.
With his breathing potion gone, the Kree soldier can only survive less
than an hour without the aid of his helmet.
Within the Kree starship... Medic Una has created more of the breathing
potion, knowing that Mar-Vell had been on his way for more of it. After
administering some morpheo-gas through a ventilator shaft, the gas takes
effect within a minute. SSSSSSSS The colonel and his crew are unable to
stay awake. The girl uses the transferral machine to beam the breathing
potion to Mar-Vell, wherever he may be. The captain has removed his
uniform in order to return to his hotel room... and don his helmet once
more. He sees the glowing circle appear... and with it, a capsule of the
breathing potion sent by Medic Una. With this in his possession, the
next part of his mission on Earth may begin.
The following morning finds a sergeant inspecting the altered papers of
Walter Lawson. As the officer pores over the papers, he comments on the
strange happenings which occurred on the previous evening. Doctor Lawson
is allowed entry, and when asked if he needs help with his heavy bag, he
declines the kind offer. The following days find Captain Mar-Vell
adjusting to life at the cape... He sees that the Earthlings are behind
the Kree... in nearly all aspects of missile research. Although they are
as infants when it comes to space travel... their rate of progress in
technology may prove to be a challenge to the Kree... if they are not
prevented in time. Thanks to the coffee break, "Walter Lawson" is able
to take his "medicine" once every hour. A week after his masquerade has
begun... General Bridges, the commander of the cape wants Doctor Lawson
to accompany him.
They head for a reinforced hangar... which is under constant heavy guard.
He had been trying to come up with a way to enter, and now, Mar-Vell has
been granted entry by the base commander himself. Once inside, the
general shows Doctor Lawson the reason for the heavy security. A
thirty-foot robot from another world, to be exact. "Lawson" recognizes
it as Intergalactic Sentry #459... whose subsequent disappearance was the
reason for his solo mission on Earth. General Bridges and Doctor Lawson
are greeted by the head of security. The general regards Miss Danvers as
among the finest when it comes to matters of security. She is pleased to
meet the doctor... but would rather speak with him face-to-face.
"Lawson" admits that he has a hard time taking his eyes off the robot.
He learns that it was found by pearl divers near an island in the South
Pacific. Mar-Vell realizes that General Bridges wanted him for "Walter
Lawson's" skills in robotics. The experts are unable to determine what
metal the robot is composed of. After finishing his work on improving a
space-gyroscope, he would like a closer look at the inert automaton, and
learn why Miss Danvers didn't want him to see the robot. Her security
division are still inspecting his dossier, and have heard of his
reputation as an eccentric recluse. After seeing his briefcase, the
rumors have been clinched, too. As both men leave, Carol Danvers wonder
what Walter Lawson could be hiding. If he is up to something, she'll
know the reasons why. Those aboard the Kree starship now know that the
Sentry is still intact... and is seemingly undamaged. Yon-Rogg's
constant monitoring of Mar-Vell have yielded much in so short a time.
Sentry #459 has grown in size, no doubt due to its exposure to Earth's
atmosphere.
The Kree are now aware that the Sentry has been repairing itself. Now
grown larger than before... the repairs are almost complete. KLIK A dial
is twisted and the colonel sends constant streams of ionized electrons to
the prone figure... replenishing its artificial life force. With the
Sentry reactivated, it will be a small matter for it to confront Captain
Mar-Vell... and to destroy him. The next second finds a sleeping giant
coming once more to life. It is no longer some motionless automaton...
It is... a Sentry. SSSSHOOOM! It was created and trained for
destruction... to rend any who would dare to oppose the Kree... or those
who coveted their interstellar empire. Its fist strikes down on the
steel floor with such force, that it knocks out the startled guard.
BRAKKA! Soldiers perched on a catwalk begin to open fire... RRAAKK!
The bullets do no good, and the catwalk is torn apart. RRIIPP! The
Sentry lays waste to the metal structure. Neither weaponry... nor mere
flames will be enough to contain its approach. It is... a Sentry!!
PTAK! General Bridges is on the phone with the field gate, and asks if
they are having an earthquake... After learning that the robot has come
to life, he orders his men to stop it at once. He then calls the base
air patrol for some jets, and when asked what this is about, the general
insists that they'll know what it is when they see it. Bridges next call
is to Doctor Walter Lawson, in hopes that he'll know how to stop the
robot. KWAM! The Sentry's fist smashes through a hangar, as if it were
made of butter. The hotel clerk has received the call... He hasn't
heard of Walter Lawson, but as the only hotel in town, he realizes that
they must mean the silver-haired guest.
RRINNG Mar-Vell can only wonder who could be calling him, especially
since he's not registered as Walter Lawson. After hearing the tone of
General Bridge's voice, he learns about the robot running loose. After
changing into his battlesuit and helmet, the captain pauses only to
realize the strange coincidence he now finds himself in. Mar-Vell is
about to head for the very base which is part of his mission, and where
Yon-Rogg undoubtedly hopes that he'll meet his end at the hands of the
Sentry. The Kree captain must perform his duty... the Sentry must be
stopped. His orders to study the inhabitants of the planet in order to
determine its fate must be followed. PUH-WING! Sentry #459 continues to
defend itself and as part of this imperative, the base must be destroyed.
The soldiers continue to fire their rifles, and watch as it heads for
the nuclear warhead testing center.
Traveling through the air on a modified jump-belt... Mar-Vell wonders
what he can possibly do against the nigh-indestructible Sentry. Those
onboard the starship listen as Yon-Rogg speaks of Captain Mar-Vell's
bravery in representing the Kree, and fighting the deadly Sentry. The
colonel continues his display of concern... unless the crew suspect his
true motives. Soon, the captain will be gone... and Medic Una will be
his alone. The girl weeps... having been freed from her confinement...
and now forced to witness the death of her beloved. Back at the hotel,
the night clerk heads up the stairs for the guest's room. Figuring that
this Lawson used the name of "Marvel" in order to spy at the cape, the
elderly man uses his pass key to enter the room. Not having heard any
sound from the room, he finds it empty, and figures that the strange man
must have sneaked out. The inquisitive clerk decides to search the room
for clues...
SWOOSH! At that very moment... the Kree Captain confronts the main
threat... as a menace standing at about thirty feet turns towards his
direction. Sentry #459 senses the approach of a human, then perceives
that it is one of the Kree themselves. It asks the newcomer if he has
arrived to aid in its programmed attack? If not, then those who oppose
it... will be destroyed! Mar-Vell's fears are fully realized! The
Sentry is following its original orders... orders which command it to
destroy all potential foes. When it comes to the conclusion that he has
arrived to stop it, will they meet as allies... or as the deadliest of
enemies?
With all the discussion and renewed interest in Captain Mar-Vell in both
of his incarnations, I figured that the time was right for this
particular review.
I first read an alternate version of this story in What If #17: "What If
Ghost Rider, Spider-Woman, and Captain Marvel Had Remained Villains?"
(October, 1979), by Steven Grant (Script), Carmine Infantino (Pencils),
Pablo Marcos (Inks), Bob Sharen (Colors), and Tom Orzechowski (Letters).
The Kree soldier costume is quite striking and resplendent in color and
imagery.
In this, the second story of Captain Mar-Vell, the character is already
receiving a weapons upgrade.
Mar-Vell bears some resemblance in appearance and function to Michael
Rennie's character of Klatuu from "The Day The Earth Stood Still."
Roy "The Boy" Thomas does a good job of tying in events from Fantastic
Four #64.
The night clerk at the hotel resembles Doctor Sivana with his own
bespectacled appearance.
When the uni-beam BTAPs the tree, the rays emitted from the weapon
resemble bolts of lightning.
Like the Black Condor, Mar-Vell comes across a character whose
identification papers furnish him with a new life, and a identity.
In the case of Wonder Woman and Diana Prince, the two came to an
agreement which was not posthumous in nature.
Carol Danvers would know the life of a super-heroine, in her identities
of Ms. Marvel, Binary, and Warbird.
Sentry #459 suffers through some growing pains and self-repairs, before
lashing out at an unsuspecting world.
General Bridges bears a strong resemblance in appearance to Walt Disney.
Steve Chung
"Where Stalks The Review!" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2009 11:53 pm |
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Location: Detroit, Michigan
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Tales Of Suspense #9
"I Saw Diablo! The Demon From The Fifth Dimension!"
May, 1960
Story: Larry Lieber
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Reviewed by: Steve Chung
The legend had come to life. The legend of a monstrous creature who
dwelled within the mountains. Now, it was no longer a legend, but real.
Now upon its arrival, it was Doomsday! The natives would flee from the
demonic monster who had come to destroy them. They knew that nothing
could stop Diablo, and for one man, he knew that the legends were true.
Diablo lives.
One year ago, in a Trinidad cafe, two men are arguing about a village
where the natives claim that a demon dwells high up in the mountains. A
guide and adventurer, the third man asks them about the mountain-dwelling
demon. The Aztecs claim that a giant demon made of smoke makes his home
in the Sierra Madre Mountains. The guide has been from Singapore to
Siam, and has never heard of such a thing. Since he's interested, the
guide is given a map, and is shown the location. The guide is next seen
hopping a freighter from Trinidad. Assuming it isn't some sort of
wild-goose chase, and if there is such a creature in the mountains, he
will make a million dollar discovery. Docking at Veracruz, the guide
travels northeast, and reaches the Aztec village. The natives are fleeing
for their lives, and tell the newcomer that Diablo is coming down from
the mountain.
Alone in the Aztec village, the guide wonders what manner of beast Diablo
could possibly be. Sensing something behind him, he turns and looks upon
a living nightmare swirling before him. He does not move as the giant
figure draws closer to the deserted village. What he does hear is in his
mind, not his ears. His mind is being probed and he can't keep the smoke
giant's thoughts out. Diablo will empty his mind of irrelevant thought,
and reveal his secret.
Age ago, the alien participated in the great experiment. With his world
overcrowded, Diablo traveled through other dimensions in search of a new
home for his race. Time and space were his to control. Centuries later,
planets were created and worlds died, but still the alien continued on
his journey. Stumbling across the puny, three-dimensional world of
Earth, he had found what he had sought. Diablo remained silent for ages.
Gathering strength and harnessing the energy of the elements, Diablo
would once again be the master of time and space. Now, he was ready to
strike, and destroy all of mankind.
The guide is convinced that he is having a hallucination, but the alien
offers a small demonstration of his power. The hapless human finds
himself caught in the smoky mass which comprised Diablo's hand. He is
unable to breathe, and is made aware of the alien's might. Diablo does
have power, but so do those who dwell on Earth. They are not all as
helpless as the hapless natives. The alien does not regard the clumsy
weapons of Earth as a true threat. His very name has sent terror
throughout the galaxies themselves. The hand weapons of terran soldiers
would be as threatening as gnats to an elephant.
The weaponry of the three-dimensional world would not harm the alien.
They who are from the Fifth Dimension are as so much smoke. He could not
be destroyed by bullets and bombs. Even atomic weaponry would fail, for
he could drift from city to city, and millions would be destroyed in a
nuclear attack. Planes would be unable to drop their bombs without
harming those who dwell below. Once his mission was completed, Diablo
would summon the others from the Fifth Dimension, and Earth would be
theirs. The green hills of the planet would tremble at the coming of his
brothers on their new home.
The guide trembled at the mental images he had been receiving, but while
the alien had been painting it, he had gotten an idea. There was only a
slim chance for survival and it had to be taken now. The fate of the
world was depending on his next move. Pointing a finger at the smoky
giant, he informs the alien that there is a weapon that he is not aware
of. Intrigued, Diablo would see it before he crushes the human. The
guide will show him the power he has. A power which all on Earth possess
and one which could destroy Diablo at will. The alien witnesses the
human creating a creature of smoke, and then trembles at what he
witnesses next. Now it is the alien who turns and flees back to his own
world. The planet Earth will never be invaded, for how could they have
known. The guide's gamble has succeeded. Diablo fled for the mountains,
and by the time the natives returned to the village, the alien had faded
from sight. It was a lit cigarette lighter that did it. When Diablo saw
the smoke coming from the flame, he thought it was another alien like
himself. As he watched, the guide blew out the flame, and the smoke
vanished. Figuring that the human could do the same to him, Diablo fled
in fright, and plans for a fifth-dimensional invasion of Earth went up in
smoke.
This story was reprinted in Monsters On The Prowl #30 (October, 1974).
The legend of Diablo describes a monstrous, hulking thing.
In the Silver Age of Marvel, the legends of the Hulk and the Thing came
to pass.
The aliens from the Fifth Dimension must be extremely long-lived.
If the gambit had failed, the people of Earth would be reeling from the
Platters's tune, "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes".
On the mighty world of the Fifth Dimension, the aliens wear headsets, and
their receivers have the necessary accessories in Kirby brand equipment.
On the fifth page and the seventh page of the story, readers are treated
to the sight of the planet Earth, as terran and alien continue their
verbal duel for the fate of a world.
Steve Chung
"I Reviewed Diablo! The Demon From The Fifth Dimension!" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Sun Sep 06, 2009 12:07 am |
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Location: Detroit, Michigan
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The Adventures of Bob Hope #82
August-September, 1963
Writer: Unknown
Artist: Unknown
On the cover, Leonardo Da Vinci is less than pleased at the court
jester's, who asks permission to get the tough subject for the painting
to smile. Mona Lisa, too, is less than pleased at Bob Hope's suggestion.
On the splash page, a beautiful red-head congratulates Bob on
finding the buried treasure chest, but a pair of powerful white hands
emerge from the ground to keep its grip, as the comedian struggles to
pull it out!
Passing by a TV studio, Bob sees a sign advertising the new
"Treasure Hunt Key" program, where the winner's first prize is a new
house! He is asked to sign a release absolving the studio of
responsibility should something happen to him during the treasure hunt.
Bob tells the studio page that he hopes he meets a nice nurse. Bob Hope
is the next contestant on the program...
He is given a key and is told to go to Mystery House at 36 Valley
Lane, and bring back the mystery package. He has half an hour to beat
the clock! Outside, he hails a taxi, and tells the driver to step on
it... if he wins, he'll get a house! If the driver steps on it, he'll
get a ticket! At Valley Lane, Bob pays the fare, and steps out. If ever
he saw a mystery house, this is it!
Bob thinks it's clever how the number is blurred to fool
contestants. The key fits and the door crreeaaks! Intending to find the
mystery package fast, Bob sees it laying on a table! SCREEECH! He hears
another car stop - and figures that it must be another contestant!
Bob heads for the back way with the mystery package, but before he
gets far, he falls through a trapdoor... YIIIIIIII! Dazed, he
compliments the producers on how they make sure the contestants don't
leave so quickly.
He wonders what they're gonna try to delay him with next.
Complimenting the producers on their imagination, as he introduces
himself to the lovely red-haired lady before him. Bob tells her that
it's important to find out when they're gonna go out to dinner and
dancing, and after that, when are they going to go steady? To her, he
doesn't seem the steady type, and he proves her wrong by holding on to
his mystery package! Seeing the package, she asks Bob where he got it.
He tells her that the mystery package will enable him to become a
homeowner. She tells him that the only mystery about the contest is how
they let him into the house, and that the package is for her. Bob begins
to frown at his fellow contestant.
As she insists on having the package, he introduces himself as Bob
"House Beautiful" Hope, and she can hang the curtains after they decide
to get married. She tells him that this is a serious matter, and that
the package is hers. Bob suggests that she go on another show - where
they give away furniture -- then they'll have it made. If she doesn't
get the package, her employer will get upset! If he doesn't get out of
the house soon, he'll never beat the clock and win the house! Maybe she
can win a contest where the prizes are dishes or silverware, that way
they'll save money if they eat at home. Meanwhile, she's trying to pry
his hands from the mystery package.
Soon, both of them are tugging at the mystery package... the
wrapping is torn, and Bob sees that face -- that smile -- it's not his
landlady -- it's the Mona Lisa! She wonders if he understands that he
has the wrong package?
Holding it in his hands, Bob can't believe that the Mona Lisa
masterpiece is real, but she assures him that if it's not real - then
it's an almost perfect imitation. Two dark-suited men with French
accents appear and ask Bob to hand the Mona Lisa over. When he asks
where they came from, Alphonse and Gaston reply, "From Paris, France!
Naturalment!" (Holy Devin Grayson, Batman!)
Alphonse sneers, while Gaston gapes, and Bob still refuses to hand
over the painting... then tells them to find their own mystery program.
The two are in the business of collecting stolen art, and the girl asks
if they are detectives. Bob whispers in her ear that detectives aren't
known for wearing pointy shoes. Alphonse assures him that it is the
style to wear them this way, and Bob demands to see more proof! Gaston
tells his partner to show him...
Bob and the girl see Alphonse's gun, and he tells her that his goose
pimples saw it first! When Alphonse demands that he hand over the
painting, Bob wonders why since they are both detectives, and detectives
are supposed to ask questions first. Gaston prods his friend, and
Alphonse confesses that they are not detectives... more like -- "Like
hijackers?" Gaston wonders why Bob called them a jackass, and Alphonse
assures his friend that this is not so.
They will take the picture and hold it for someone else. Bob thinks
that it's someone who'll pay a lot of money for it. Alphonse wants the
painting now, and the girl reminds Bob that he's got a gun! He tells the
duo to come and get it. Gaston points at Bob and both he and Alphonse
begin to walk towards him... Too late do they notice the hole in the
floor... AHHH! Amazingly, Alphonse has enough time to describe their
predicament before they fall far!
Bob places his arm on the girl's shoulder and they leave the house.
When she asks where they're going, he tells her that first, they'll get
out of sight of the two nuts, then they'll see! In her car, Bob suggests
that they head for the F.B.I., the police, the immigration authorities...
but she sees an address pasted on the painting! She suggests that they
deliver it to H. Ball Pointe, Chissby Hall... and he agrees! At
Birchwood Park Drive, Bob gets a load of the split level, while the girl
tells him that it's either a castle or a fortress!
When they wonder how they'll get in, a drawbridge is lowered!
CLUMP! CLUMP! CLUMP! A disembodied voice bids them welcome, and Bob is
grateful that they don't see anyone since it might have been a dragon!
In Chissby Hall, the two don't notice the artist's sight gag of a
small mouse behind a pillar calling his shadow a dirty rat and to drop
the cheese! H. Ball Pointe is a pale-faced man, reminiscent of Charles
Addams' Gomez Addams. The small man is sorry to hear that the Mona Lisa
is a copy since he only collects the originals!
A hidden door in a wall opens, catching Bob and the girl
off-balance. Inside, they see artists at work on their easels. H. Ball
Pointe asks his artists how their Venus and Blue Boy are coming... The
artists can duplicate any masterpiece in the world, and when Bob comments
that this seems to be an expensive hobby, the small man assures him that
the masterpieces are cheaper because he steals them!
The copies are then returned to the museums... after all, H. Ball
Pointe reasons, he wouldn't want them to be without. Bob believes that
the Mona Lisa must be worth millions, and H. Ball Pointe wants it all to
himself, without any crowds around! He can't stand crowds! He hates
crowds! (Holy Comic-Con, Batman!) Bob assures him that if he gets
caught, he'll soon be with a lot of people! When he mentions the two
French detectives, H. Ball Pointe knows about Alphonse and Gaston, who
work for him! They stole it for him, and then they stole it from him!
Their deed done, Bob and the girl turn to leave, and H. Ball Pointe
assures them that they don't want to leave now -- but Bob thinks it's a
good idea since he has to turn in his old library card before they close
-- The pale-faced man's hand tugs on a pull-cord, and iron bars prevent
Bob and the girl's departure!
Bob has gotten the gate before, but this is the biggest one yet!
When the girl asks what they can do, he suggests that if they aren't fed,
in a few days, they'll be able to fit between the bars! PSST! Bob
wonders if someone here has gotten a puncture!
Their visitor introduces himself as Secret Operator 42G, and the
red-haired girl introduces herself as Secret Operator 90. Bob had
thought that she was a perfect 36, and wonders what's up with the secret
operator bit. The two agents were working on the same case to find the
stolen paintings, and find the ringleader. He finds this to be good news
-- especially since they'll need a cheerleader and a good team! She
tells him that they know how it works and who Mr. Big is. Bob smiles and
asks who Mr. Big is. H. Ball Pointe and a Mme. Fifi are the ringleaders,
and this somehow makes sense to Bob. He has an idea of how the two big
operators can get them out of here!
Since art goes over big over here, they have to look like a statue
or painting - then be moved elsewhere. Since he and a girl are in a
clinch, he is willing to hold the pose, but the girl thinks they need
something better than that to fool the ringleader! Secret Operator 42G
has some plaster of paris, and Bob assures the diminutive agent that it
doesn't have to be the best imported stuff -- anything would work!
SPLASH! The plaster of paris is applied to Bob and the red-haired girl!
Bob is pleased with his new position -- and with such a great
future, who needs coffee breaks! Secret Agent 42G presses the wall
button to open the gate! Bob is unable to move and the girl reminds him
that the stuff settles fast! The undercover agent has a friend get the
statues out for shipment! Bob hopes that they don't hit any bumps - and
doesn't want to be around when the statue breaks!
42G leaves them at the front door and promises to find a truck as
soon as possible. The girl tells him to keep an eye out for the Mona -
and Bob wishes he were a painting instead - since his suit's getting
awful tight! He can't see it, but he hears a truck! Alphonse and Gaston
drive up and grab the statues for their truck!
As the truck makes its way, one of the tires hits a bump, and both
Bob and 90 are free! Hearing the movement in the rear, Alphonse stops
the truck, and heads for a look!
He sees that the statue is broken, and Bob has him covered, assuring
him that where he's going, he'll have plenty of time to make another one!
Alphonse and Gaston are rounded up, along with H. Balle Pointe and Mme.
Fifi at the police station. Secret Operator 90 wonders why Bob is
leaving, and he tells her that he has to get back to the TV show, and see
if he's won anything!
At the TV studio, the announcer is amazed to see Bob Hope's return,
and although he didn't win first prize, he did win something for being a
good sport -- a fine reproduction of -- The Mona Lisa, which is winking
at him!
A humorous little adventure for Bob Hope, whose character is
good-natured, and can see the absurdity of the situation as the pages go
by.
After entertaining folks in Vaudeville, on radio, in movies, on
Television, and in person, Mr. Hope is now on the road which awaits all
of us one day.
Thanks for the memories.
Steve Chung
"The Review of Bob Hope" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Sun Sep 06, 2009 10:26 pm |
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Superman #112
"Superman's Fatal Costume"
March, 1957
Story: Jerry Coleman
Art: Al Plastino
Review: Steve Chung
In his hideout, criminal scientist Lex Luthor is viewing pictures of
Superman's costume. He is seeking a method to change it into the Man of
Steel's weakness. Unable to learn much from copies and photographs,
Luthor knows that a spectroscopic analysis of the costume will be
necessary.
Weeks pass... and construction of a giant spectroscope is
completed... Luthor soon has Superman in his sights. Although the
costume cannot be duplicated, the criminal scientist plans to toy with
its atomic structure. With the help of a spectroscopic picture, Luthor
learns enough, and calls for a criminal meeting... By using radioactive
beams of light on the Man of Steel's costume, he can use it as an
advantage -- and Superman's weakness. The following morning... Luthor
and his men are inside a lead-lined truck, and are waiting for an armored
truck carrying a million dollars. The criminal scientist trains the rays
at Superman, then closes the slot. At noon, the Man of Steel begins his
super-show for charity... He creates a statue of Peter Puppet from
stone.
Superman turns and sees that a lamppost has begun to melt. He
realizes that the heat is coming from him. The Man of Steel must fly
away before he causes more damage. As he flies away, the guards inside
the armored car exit from the heat inside, and Luthor's men gather the
loot. At his hideout... the criminal scientist gloats and tells his men
that he is just warming up. At the North Pole, Superman has cooled off,
and wonders how he became too hot to handle. In Metropolis... one of
Luthor's henchmen pours acid to weaken the main bridge support...
Two days pass... Superman hears about the emergency at Holland
Bridge. He arrives in time, but can't remain indefinitely... The Man of
Steel ties the girder to the base of a statue, as a temporary support,
until the traffic clears from the bridge. Unbeknownst to Superman...
Luthor shines a different beam of light. As the invisible rays strike
his costume, the Man of Steel sees the steel girder begin to crumble as
if it were made of wood. His x-ray vision sees that the girder has
become soft and pulpy like wood.
SCREECH RRRIP The same thing has happened to some trolley
tracks... and Superman must fly to a place where there's no metal at all.
As he flies past Metropolis Jail... KRAKK a large group of prisoners
make their escape through the now pulpy bars. On the outside, Luthor
peers and admires his handiwork. The next exposure to Superman's costume
will enable him to loot Metropolis. The Man of Steel is deep within the
earth, standing in a lode of iron ore... He sees that the
metal-conversion has ended. He has to return and discover what is the cause
of this calamity. The next day... Luthor and his men are inside the armored
car, parked outside of the Daily Planet. When the next beam of light strikes
the costume, a huge explosion will occur. Knowing that the Man of Steel is
expected at the office, the criminal scientist expects him to be so filled
with grief, that he won't be able to stop Luthor and his henchmen.
They watch as Superman enters the building... WHOOM! Hearing the
explosion, they know that the Man of Steel's crime-fighting career is
over. Luthor orders his men to head to Devin Meadows, where he is hiding
the escaped prisoners. KRASHH Superman has heard enough -- He now knows
where the criminal scientist has hidden the fugitives. Luthor wonders
how his arch-foe learned about his plans. The criminal scientist had
forgotten that his metal-conversion ray would also affect the lead-lining
of his truck. The Man of Steel used his super-hearing and
telescopic-vision to follow Luthor's every move. It was a fake explosion
that Luthor heard, and now Superman has a surprise for the criminal
scientist and his men. He has built a brand-new jail, and has also taken
steps so that his costume can't be tampered with again.
Al Plastino's Lex Luthor wears a brown suit and could certainly
stand to lose some weight.
As a criminal scientist, Luthor doesn't seem to be concerned about
the perils of second-hand smoke from his henchmen.
Peter Puppet resembles Howdy Doody.
Al Plastino's Man of Steel spents a lot of time squinting his eyes
and keeping his mouth open.
Give this Superman a white hat and a yellow jacket, and he could
impersonate Dick Tracy.
Is the two-way wrist radio a precursor of the Superman
Signal-Watch?
Steve Chung
"Superman's Fatal Review"
Footnote: This story was reprinted in Superman #231 (November, 1970.)
Spectrography of a different sort plays an important role in
Smallville: City (2004) by Devin Grayson.
Indeed, it was while re-reading this reprint (back in 2004) and seeing
Luthor ordering his gang to head to DEVIN Meadows, that made me
decide to check out this particular Smallville novel.
Whether it was serendipity or synchronicity, I was soon glad that I
heeded this particular sign.
In this story by Devin Grayson, Clark Kent is a big fish in the small
pond of Smallville, but in Metropolis, the big fish must learn to use
his powers to change the course of a mighty river.
For fans of the TV series and of the Superman legend, this novel
is well worth your time and reading investment. |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Sun Sep 06, 2009 10:46 pm |
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Strange Tales #157
"Crisis!"
June, 1967
Edited By
STAN LEE...
The Overlord!
Written and
Illustrated By
JIM STERANKO...
The Overseer
Lettered By
SAM ROSEN...
The Overworked
Reviewed By
STEVE CHUNG...
The Over-Reviewer
Baron Strucker looms over Laura Brown and Nick Fury, Agent of
SHIELD, with Satan Claw in hand, while Hydra is spreading its lethal
embrace throughout the world in this crisis of a cover by Steranko!
In meeting The Supreme Hydra, Nick Fury discovers that he is in
reality, Baron Strucker, his nemesis from World War II, and after being
captured, plus being placed on trial by the court of Hydra, The SHIELD
director finds himself strapped within a Killer Machine, while The Baron
is releasing deadly alpha waves!
Strucker addresses the hordes of Hydra, promising that their day has
come, while SHIELD's is at an end, and with Nick Fury at his feet, his
wartime foe will serve as the template for an army of Hydra androids!
The Baron has secreted a Death-Spore bomb aboard the Heli-Carrier, so
that in minutes, SHIELD will be destroyed, and there is no way for the
Death-Spores to be averted, and as the alpha-wave bombardment ends,
Strucker sees that Nick Fury is gone!
Aboard the Heli-Carrier, the atomic generator is less than at full
power, while repairs will take many days to complete, and with the ship
in the lower stratosphere, SHIELD must rely on the vortex beam to remain
aloft. Jasper Sitwell is seeking out the bomb and decides to contact the
ESP division, hoping to be worthy of Fury's trust in him! Even those
peerless minds are unable to locate the Death Spore bomb, and Jasper
calls for Gabe Jones and Dum Dum Dugan that the Heli-Carrier is on the
way to Antarctica, where the bacteria's damage will be confined to the
ship and not to the population below! With a moment, Jasper pauses for
prayer...
On Hydra Island, a different type of countdown is taking place, as
Hydra agents are being kayoed by an unseen force, who after a minute
comes into view as Nick Fury, who had taken the temporary invisibility
pill so that Strucker missed it by that much! (Holy Wouldja Believe,
Batman!) The capsule was in his mouth when the alpha waves were
activated, and Strucker is chewing on his monocle in search for him!
Nick prepares his Fireball-Shooter, as things begin to get hotter...
FTOOM! FTOOM! FTOOM! Fury turns and uses the weapon on a trio of
Hydra Agents on the Sterankoic Stairs on Hydra Island, while more agents
are tumbling in Nick's assault!
FTOOM! FTOOM! Since the hordes of Hydra are so obliging to linger
all together in one spot, Nick divests an agent of his weapon and fires
it at them! Hydra Island is complete with places to hide, and after
disembarking from the shuttlecar, Nick uses a bunch of incendiary discs
on the Transpor-Tunnel... SHA-KOOM! Another bunch of Hydra agents have
found Fury again, and have decided to enact plan K-11! With little
artillery to spare, Nick must rely on his hand-to-hand combat skills!
He uses a judo flip on the first agent, kicks the second agent in
the chest, shoves the third agent in the face, uses a sweeping leg kick
on the fourth agent, the fifth agent gets a judo toss, the sixth agent
uses of a flame thrower fails miserably, the seventh agent is thrown for
a loss, the eighth agent hears that Nick isn't so much tired from
fighting, but bored before his head is slammed against a wall, and the
ninth agent has his skills likened to a girl scout! (Holy Giffen,
Batman! Steranko used a nine-panel page on this one.
The next moment, Nick hurls a SHIELD hallucination cube at the
hordes of Hydra, which has them experiencing their worst fears as the
lives ruined by Hydra are now seeking vengeance on their tormentors.
From the shadows approaches Baron Strucker, who views this as a
privilege, and Nick sheds a tear at the thought of this reunion. As
Strucker leaps, he is dealt a haymaker from Nick, while the SHIELD agent
wonders what would happen to Hydra if it lost its "head." Strucker fires
his blaster, while Fury knocks him on the jaw, and the next moment finds
The Baron strapping on... KKKKRRACKLE! The SATAN CLAW!!
TZAP! Although he could end this in a moment, Baron Strucker
contents himself with buffeting Nick around with the energy field from
The Satan Claw, with Fury rising slowly to his feet and knowing that the
glove must be electronically powered like Shell-Head's! Nick leaps at
Strucker, desperate to disarm him,but the energies crackle, until The
Baron's hand has become an iron fist, and crackling doom becomes a
shimmering one! Nick is knocked off his feet by the electrical arc,
while Strucker is determined to illustrate how he, the aristocrat is
above the common herd!
SSSWISSSH! As he rises again, Nick sees The Baron preparing to
deliver a lethal chop, and distracts him with memories from the war,
where Strucker met defeat, but now Nick may fall! He knows that if
Strucker lands a solid blow, it will be the last thing that he'll ever
see...
Nick falls to the ground, while Strucker strides forward in an air
of confidence, and no shortage of long-windedness. Fury struggles to
rise, pointing out that he came to Hydra Island on his own, not as a
captive, and he made his way through The Baron's forces and defenses,
even when Strucker strapped on the glove, and even if Strucker kills him,
Nick Fury knows that he's won since that's the only way he'll ever be
stopped. THAKOOM! The Baron lands another punch with The Satan Claw,
and Nick falls, with the Death Spore explosion mere moments away! The
Satan Claw is charging electrical pulses to end Nick's life, while the
SHIELD director sees that this may very well be the end...!
Steranko! Strucker! Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD! All the more
reason to read Strange Tales!
The Hydra machines, as rendered by Jim Steranko have to be seen to
be believed, as well as the perspective of each panel in the story.
While Nick has his showdown with an old foe, Jasper and The
Heli-Carrier may be on their last legs, as well.
Nick's arsenal is truly impressive with his Fireball-Shooter, and
the nifty FTOOM! sound effect provided by Sam Rosen! From
Fireball-Shooting sound effects to Satan Claw cracklings, Sam Rosen is
the man!
The Hallucination Cube is on par with The Cosmic Cube, with Jim
Steranko presenting what lurks in the hearts of the hordes of Hydra!
Steve Chung
"Review!"
__________________________________
Strange Tales #157
"The End of The Ancient One!"
June, 1967
Produced By The Masters of
Mythopeia:
Spellbinding Magical
STAN and MARIE
LEE SEVERIN
Inking: Lettering:
HERB TRIMPE ARTIE SIMEK
By their amulets ye shall know
them!
The creature known as Zom has been freed to deal with the menace of
The Unspeakable Umar, but with her gone, Zom is now the greatest threat
of all, as The Ancient One and his pupil, Dr. Strange learn to their
regret!
Dr. Strange senses that Zom seeks to snare them in the Seven Bands
of Cyttorak, and his mentor knows that if the strands meet, they will be
doomed! Zom is determined to destroy all mankind, but first he must slay
them, and he begins to tighten the strands, but Dr. Strange manages to
sever them... A momentary respite, for Zom seeks to attack again, as he
is mystic power incarnate, and The Ancient One warns his student that it
is time for his final rest, and that Zom must slay the aged teacher, for
only in his defeat can he pass his powers onto Dr. Strange! He will have
none of it, as he races for his teacher, but The Ancient One knows that
only Dr. Strange can save the world from Zom! The large creature
gestures and sends The Ancient One into the heart of a stone pillar,
where his essence is to be fused forever, even as the elderly mage seeks
to warn his pupil about the coming of...
Seeing his mentor fall, Stephen Strange cries that in the name of
the all-seeing, on the site of Stonehenge, in the name of the
all-freeing, he will be avenged, but as he asks what The Ancient One
meant by the coming, Zom seeks to destroy him, just as the final words of
The Ancient One refer to the forelock, and he is gone. With no time for
grief, Dr. Strange seeks to fathom the mystery of the forelock, and Zom
casts a spell of distortion, and The Master of The Mystic Arts finds
himself within a mystic maze of madness, which he must escape before he
becomes a nameless, shapeless nihility! In the name of the vishanti and
his deceased teacher, he ends the distortion!
Dr. Strange feels a new surge of power coursing through him, for The
Ancient One in his sacrifice has bequeathed his power to his student, and
Stephen Strange seeks to be worthy, as he invokes the Hoary Hosts of
Hoggoth and crush Zom! As he soars towards the giant, Zom casts one
sweep and shatters a pillar, and at that moment, Dr. Strange senses that
the forelock must be referring to Zom's hair! (Holy Homer, Batman!)
Another sweep and Zom shatters another pillar, as he sees Dr. Strange
drift closer on his cloak of levitation, and not so much as making a
gesture to stop The Master of The Mystic Arts. Dr. Strange studies the
forelock, and realizes that some weakness must be there. Even closer
does he drift, as Zom speaks of mankind's destruction, and other
conquests, as well...
Now! Dr. Strange seizes the forelock, as Zom gloats as how Dormammu
and Eternity couldn't stop him, but he senses his forelock, and trembles!
Merciless fiend whose mane I entwine, do what you will, these strands
must be mine! (By the all-powerful Stan, it sure beats a pair of
scissors, doesn't it?) Zom seeks to reclaim his forelock, but the amulet
frees it, and Dr. Strange falls back, only to have his cloak snared by a
last desperate lunge from Zom!
Casting a spell with the Vapors of Valtorr, Dr. Strange lands on the
ground, while Zom begins to burn, and Stephen Strange sees his foe cry in
agony, as he senses an aura of menace in the air! Zom is gripped with
fear without his forelock, as The Master of The Mystic Arts ponders the
words of The Ancient One about the coming... and using the all-seeing Eye
of Agamotto, he sees the faces of people from all over the world, who are
all awakening, for they too are practitioners of the mystic arts, and
sense the aura of evil! Zom has regained his senses and resumes the
attack!
Zom tells Dr. Strange that because of his rash act, all is lost, and
as The Master of The Mystic Arts seeks to learn what happened to his
mentor, Zom speaks of the coming of... The Living Tribunal! Holding the
forelock before him, Dr. Strange asks about The Living Tribunal, who and
what its powers may be, but... THOOM! By The Lettering of Simek, Dr.
Strange is driven back by the force of Zom's mystic thunderclap, losing
the forelock in the bargain! With the approach of The Tribunal, Dr.
Strange must be destroyed so that Zom may face it on his own!
With the reverberation subsiding, Zom does not continue the attack,
and the next instant, a mystic light is seen coming over the horizon, and
a booming voice commands that the hour of judgement has come! Zom knows
that The Tribunal is almost upon them, and if such as he may be rendered
impotent, then this must be some incomprehensible force, indeed! Dr.
Strange uses a spell of revival on the pillar where The Ancient One was
snared, but some unknown force has shattered the incantation before it
could take form... The Power of The Living Tribunal! In despair, Stephen
Strange's hands cradle the pillar as his friend... his teacher... and
brother has been taken from him, his life for the life of his student,
but the final challenge awaits,and he must prove worthy of that trust!
Sensing the presence of another, Stephen Strange is about to turn, as The
Living Tribunal has arrived...
Zom's growling voice freezes him in his tracks, as he seeks to use
the Demons of Denak to seal Dr. Strange's life in the ultimate doom! (By
The Book of Bendis, this must not be!) With the power of The Ancient
One, Dr. Strange is able to burst free of the spell, while the Mystic
Moons of Munnopor shatters it completely... with the soundless sound fast
approaching, and a fury with which the heavens turn ashen... Before his
eyes, the burning figure of Zom begins to be engulfed in flame, once more
to be imprisoned, as he was before, but with the severing of the
forelock, a sense of evil has risen in the minds of the mystics of
mankind, and because of the actions of one man, a grave threat now exists
which now threatens the worlds beyond worlds...
For this action, Dr. Strange and the planet Earth must be totally
destroyed, as is the judgement of The LIVING TRIBUNAL! And the man known
as Stephen Strange can only stare in shock, as he sees the towering
golden figure, whose features are partially concealed within a white
hood, its glowing eyes staring blankly outward, its chest emitting a
bright beam of light, and its disembodied head cast in an aura of
seraphim! This is the sight that Dr. Strange must ward off with his
arms.... until next month!
I first came across this story in the Dr. Strange Marvel Treasury
Edition back in 1975, with stories by O'Neil, Thomas, Ditko, Brunner,
Colan, and Severin. Very memorable read, indeed.
Zom wouldn't look out of place in the W.W.F. alongside The
Undertaker and Kane, with his hairy countenance, and torso, looking like
a cross between Sasquatch and an Elvis impersonator.
The incantations by Stan Lee are way out and quite as formidable as
a punch and quip from Spidey would be.
At San Diego, I was fortunate enough to meet Marie Severin, who was
pleased to see that someone remembers and enjoys her work. She was happy
to see Herb Trimpe's name on the inks, as they did compliment each other
on the art, and I did mention that I did meet Mr. Trimpe at Wondercon
this past April, so in that respect, it was a very good year.
Unique are the challenges that The Master of The Mystic Arts must
face, and the introduction of The Living Tribunal is no exception,
rivaling Galactus in his other-worldliness, it makes me wonder how such
would-be Wapners as Ronan The Accuser and The Guardians of The Universe
would fare against him.
It's funny, as a seven-year old in 1975, I wasn't scared by the
appearance of Zom or The Living Tribunal (pronouncing the latter's name
as Try-Bun-all), but as an adult, I would lose a brick if I caught sight
of either one of them. It would make jury duty all the more interesting,
though.
Steve Chung
"The End of The Review!" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Sun Sep 06, 2009 11:04 pm |
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Joined: 27 Dec 2006
Posts: 4672
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| At this point, I just wish to thank Steve Chung again for allowing his work to be represented here. Plenty more to come, so check back often! |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 1:14 am |
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Joined: 27 Dec 2006
Posts: 4672
Location: Detroit, Michigan
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Action Comics #197
"The Stolen "S" Shirts"
October, 1954
Story: Bill Finger
Art: Al Plastino
"S" is for Superman -- but it also stands for strange! Strange
indeed are the seemingly senseless crimes which hit Metropolis! Just as
athletes win their letters, so do the letter-men of lawlessness steal
their letters! The Man of Steel must find out the sinister secret behind...
"The Stolen 'S' Shirts!" On the splash page, a thug shows his criminal crony
the shirt he has stolen from Superman himself!
It's morning as the ferryboat Susquehanna docks in Metropolis
Harbor... and a ferry fireman sees a man overboard! He dives to to the
rescue, but the "victim" and his partner have tricked him, and steal his
jacket! The next day, a Speedy Delivery Service employee is running an
errand... he removes his jacket, not knowing that the heat is due to the
concentrated sunlight from a mirror! The next moment finds two thieves
stealing the employee's jacket, and leaving the satchel filled with cash
behind! News of this second crime reaches the staff at the Daily
Planet... Clark Kent asks the editor if he can follow up on the story of
crooks stealing cheap coats and shirts, but Perry figures that readers
wouldn't be interested in the small-time hoods. The mild-mannered
reporter is sent to cover the polo game between the Skylarks and the
Rovers! At the game, Clark wonders about the reason for crooks stealing
cheap clothing, and Lois sees a Skylark player falling from his horse!
It looks to the girl reporter that someone has sabotaged the
saddle-girths!
Lois heads for the player and the story, while Clark pretends to be
afraid of the panicking horse. Beneath the grandstand, the mild-mannered
reporter has changed to the man of steel, and as he corrals the runaway
horse with sections of fence, two thugs steal the polo player's shirt!
The horse is corraled and Superman's x-ray and telescopic-vision sees
that one of the crook's has a list of S-Garments to be stolen: Smith's
Shirt, Sultan's Robe, and Superman's Shirt! He knows that they can't
steal his shirt -- but he wonders why they would want to steal the other
S-garments...
Oddly enough, even the crooks don't know why... as they knock on the
door of Stanley Stark, who is paying them five thousand dollars for the
S-shirts. In the living room, Stark gives them the money and promises
them ten times that amount for Superman's shirt. In the loft upstairs...
Stark places the S-shirts on mannequins, and the two hoods wonder why the
man would want such things at all. In the end, all that matters to them
is the money, and as they leave, Stanley Stark smiles. They think he is
an eccentric collector... but they and the rest of the world will soon
learn why he is collecting S's. In Metropolis, the Man of Steel has
figured out the Smith who would wear an S on his clothing... "Swifty"
Smith, the star shortstop of the Southville Sentinels Baseball Team, who
are playing a game in Metropolis today!
Superman meets with Smith in the players' locker room at Metropolis
Stadium... He wants to take Smith's place and wear the player's uniform
to catch the crooks who'll try to steal it! With a baseball cap pulled
down, the baseball fans are unaware of the special player in their midst.
The two thugs are in the stands with a camera, and are discussing the
five grand they'll get from Stark for the shirt. So intent is the Man of
Steel on capturing the thieves, he forgets his own strength and hits the
ball out of the stadium! He must retrieve the ball before it lands hard
somewhere, but first, Superman runs the bases! The two crooks know that
only the Man of Steel could have hit the ball so far! The inning will have
to be replayed in fairness to the two teams, and Superman will give the
explanation after he brings back the ball! After the home run, the Man of
Steel heads for the locker room, where he changes to his uniform, and gives
Smith his baseball uniform back. Hundreds of miles away... Superman catches
the ball before it can strike a village with the force of a bullet!
At the stadium, the crooks photograph Smith, who is blinded by the
flash! When the Man of Steel returns, Smith tells him how the hoods
grabbed his shirt, which is now on display in Stanley Stark's loft. At
Metropolis Arena, the announcer introduces the Sultan -- who will wrestle
the Masked Marvel! Unbeknownst to the wrestler and the audience, the
Masked Marvel has agreed that Superman take his place, so that he can
protect the Sultan from the crooks! In the ring, the two adversaries
face one another... The Sultan is determined to tear the mask off of his
opponent... and his head with it! The "Masked Marvel" has to watch his
strength, as well as the Sultan's S-Robe!
The Sultan hurls the Masked Marvel into the ring-post, and the impact
has bent the steel post! The Masked Marvel is again thrown by the
Sultan, and the Marvel's arm has gone right through the floor! As the
Sultan lands on top of him, the disguised Man of Steel sees the crooks
stealing the wrestler's robe! Carefully freeing himself from the
Sultan's wrestling hold, the Masked Marvel unmasks... and knows that
since he had to be careful not to injure the wrestler, the hoods were
able to get away! Outside, the Man of Steel sees the two crooks entering
a truck! The vehicle knocks out a girder of the elevated track... and a
train is coming! Superman must fix it before he can grab the hoods! Two
other criminals appear and use a water pistol to stop the Man of Steel.
The water-pistol sprays a Kryptonite solution, weakening Superman,
who will need all his strength to save the train! He removes his shirt
and heads for the train, while the hoods head off with the discarded
shirt! The Man of Steel replaces the rail with his own body... and uses
his telescopic-vision to follow the crooks. His theory about the
S-Thefts is confirmed. When the train has passed safely, Superman
repairs the track and girder... while a couple of citizens don't know
what to make of the bare-chested Man of Steel! The car has headed along
the North Road, but he can't grab them since he'll become weak in the
proximity of the Kryptonite-splashed shirt! His telescopic-vision
confirms that the man of the house is Stanley Stark, a scientist with a
criminal record! Inside, Stark sees that the S-shirt is the real thing,
while the crooks laugh about taking the shirt off of Superman's back!
They ask for the $50,000 for the S-Shirt and Stark heads for the
safe, his collection is now complete! Above the house, Superman uses his
heat-vision on the lock of the safe, making it jam! Stark is unable to
open his safe, but the two thugs see that the scientist has a cutting
torch in his lab, and will use that. While they are distracted, the Man
of Steel uses a long wooden pole and a line to snag his shirt. He heads
for the nearest thunderstorm... where the lightning burns out the
Kryptonite, and Superman knows that this is doing laundry the hard way.
Moments later... the Man of Steel is again wearing his shirt, and heads
for Stark's.
In the house, the crooks see that Superman has his shirt back, and
Stark is confident that he won't be implicated in the thefts since the
two won't testify against him! Having been paid well, the two hoods agree
with Stark about not testifying, but the Man of Steel reveals why the
criminal scientist wanted his S-shirt. The crooks think that Stark wanted
Superman's shirt because he's an eccentric collector, but that's just what
Stark wanted them to believe. The Man of Steel tells them that his costume
is made of fabric from Krypton. It is an indestructible super-fabric and
Stark wanted the shirt for analysis and reproduce it! They see that the
cutting torch doesn't even mark the "S" shirt. Stark would have made a
fortune by selling clothing made from the fabric to the underworld! The
scientist had them steal other S-garments so that they wouldn't suspect
why he wanted Superman's! The two hoods are now upset with the zany collector
who has been revealed as a dirty crook! They agree to testify against Stark
and give him an "S" he didn't plan on... a Squeal! All of them will be
receiving an "S" they didn't expect -- a nice, long sentence!
"Letterman" was a feature on the Electric Company, a children's
public television show in the '70s. The character would remove a letter
from his shirt and insert it into a word to save the day.
Jim Croce wrote a song about "You Don't Tug On Superman's Cape," but
these crooks have stolen the shirt off of the Man of Steel's back!
The Susquehanna Hat Company figured into a comedy routine of Abbott
and Costello.
In the Golden Age, Rod Gaynor was a polo player, as well as the
mysterious hero known as The Whip!
In the Silver Age, Stan Lee co-created Tony Stark with artist Don
Heck, as well as many other Masked Marvels at the other company across
from the Distinguished Competition.
After being exposed to Red Kryptonite, the Man of Steel lost his
memory, and became a baseball player named Bud Mack.
El Santo was a real-life masked wrestler who appeared in comic-books
published in Mexico.
J.M. DeMatteis and Mike Zeck did a homage to "Thunderball" when they
created a villain called the Sultan for Captain America. The villain
operated from Thunderhead Island, and it took the combined team of Cap,
Spider-Man, and Nick Fury to thwart the villain's plans in 1982.
Superman's uniform was made from the blankets placed in the rocket by
his parents. Under Earth's yellow sun and lighter gravity, they have
become as invulnerable as the man of steel, himself.
Steve Chung
"The Reviewed 'S' Shirts!" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 1:20 am |
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Action Comics #247
"Clark Kent's Lost Parents!"
December, 1958
Story: Otto Binder
Art: Al Plastino
Who is it that the mild-mannered reporter finds outside of his
apartment one evening? Are they his Kryptonian parents, Jor-El and Lara?
Or his foster parents from Smallville, Jonathan and Martha Kent? Both
sets of parents are long-gone, but what can be the cause of an incredible
family reunion between Clark Kent and... "Superman's Lost Parents!" On
the splash page, Pa Kent asks his adopted son if he's happy that it's
them who have travelled across the time barrier from Smallville and have
come with him to see the Fortress of Solitude.... or would he rather have
had his Kryptonian parents be the ones to reunite with him? The man of
steel hesitates, then explains to his adopted parents that he's equally
fond of them as his natural parents.
It's evening as Clark Kent prepares to relax at his apartment after
a day of work... As he prepares to read the paper, he hears a noise from
outside... ZZZZZZZ! When he goes outside to see... a plastic bubble
appears from out of nowhere with an elderly couple inside! As the smoke
clears, Clark sees that it's Ma and Pa Kent from Smallville! Pa explains
that they've come from the past to visit their son in the future! Years
ago in Smallville, Ma and Pa Kent took a short trip, while their son
stayed behind since school hadn't let out yet. The youngster tells his
parents that he'll have friends over for dinner. The Kents visited some
out-of-town friends, including Professor Clyde, who had just completed an
incredible invention! It is a time machine which will be sent via a
powerful Z-Ray through the time barrier into the future! The professor
wishes he had someone to try it out, and Pa Kent speaks with his wife in
private. Knowing that they could visit their son in the future and see the
Teen of Steel become a man, the Kents agree to the trip.
They tells the professor that they wish to see their son in the
Metropolis of the future and see what sort of job he takes as an adult.
The Z-Ray is activated and the time machine has arrived in Clark's
present! Pa tells Clark that they will lose all memory of the journey,
and the mild-mannered reporter knows that this explains why his adopted
parents never told him about this when they came back! The professor has
also told them that the time machine will return them to the past at
midnight! It's a short visit but Clark is very happy... "choke" to see
them again! Recalling that it's his parents' wedding anniversary, the
mild-mannered reporter changes to the man of steel, and plans a
super-celebration! Wrapping his parents in blankets, he takes them to
the Fortress of Solitude, a place which Ma Kent knows the boy of steel
never had. Setting hsi parents on the ground, he unlocks the
super-strong door... with the giant key which is disguised as an airplane
marker on a mountain peak!
Inside the Fortress, the Kents watch as their foster-son takes a dip
in a pool of molten lava, which burns off any stains and cleans his
uniform! Next, the Man of Steel rides a dinosaur which he brought back from
a pre-historic world in space! Ma and Pa Kent watch as Superman has a tug-of
-war with twelve atomic-powered robots, while the man of steel knows that he
can outpull them easily, and has to add a dozen more next time. While their
foster-son puts the robots away, the Kents enter a room with the plaque,
"In Memory of The Parents of Superman..." Inside, they see wax figures of
Jor-El and Lara cradling baby Kal-El. Pa tells Ma that they should leave
since their son has chosen to honor THEM!
Superman tells them not to feel jealous since they entered the wrong
door... and shows them to one with the plaque, "In Memory of The Earth
Parents Of Superman!" Since he has two sets of parents, the Man of Steel
loves them both very deeply. He had a happy home as Superboy, and the
man of steel can never thank them enough for having adopted him! After
they have seen all the wonders of the Fortress... Superman flies them
back to Clark's apartment for the rest of the time before midnight. Now,
it is mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent who is enjoying his mother's
cooking, and asks if they like the anniversary gift he has wrapped for
them. It is a gold cup -- a trophy given to Superman from the city of
Metropolis, and Ma wishes that they could bring it back with them. Pa
Kent hands back the trophy... and tells Clark that the professor has told
them that they can't bring anything from the future through the
time-barrier, only themselves! The doorbell rings... and Clark's x-ray
vision sees Lois Lane! He'd like his parents to meet her since she's the
girl he might marry one day! He prepares to introduce his parents as
relatives from Smallville.
The girl reporter offers Clark's "aunt" and "uncle" the fresh pie
she has baked. Clark knows that his parents can judge if Lois is a good
cook, and Pa winks his approval of his son's choice. When Pa suggests
that Clark propose, Lois tells them that he's too timid to propose, and
she's in love with Superman! The mild-mannered reporter smiles and hopes
that his parents can keep their amusement a secret. Clark's
super-hearing and telescopic-vision pick up a circus train in danger!
The end car containing an elephant and its trainers are heading downhill,
and Clark whispers to his father to cover for him! Pa pretends to be
clumsy and spills coffee over Lois' dress!
After the girl reporter has gone home to change, the mild-mannered
reporter changes to the Man of Steel, who remembers how his parents also
kept Lana Lang from learning Superboy's secret identity in Smallville.
But after Superman has left, "Pa" tells "Ma" that they've kept his secret
from Lois... but the Man of Steel has revealed his true identity to them!
He never suspected that their "time machine" was a prop from a
science-fiction movie and that it was Mr. and Mrs. Carson of Metropolis
who were impersonating Mr. and Mrs. Kent of Smallville! Cedric Carson
adjusts his false nose, grateful that the Man of Steel hadn't though to
use his x-ray vision to see through their disguises, while Millicent recalls
how they checked out old records of Smallville families who were likely to
have been Superboy's foster parents! With Superman gone, they take the
opportunity to review the facts they have on the Kent family so that they
don't make a mistake before they leave at midnight! A false fountain pen is
really a disguised microfilm projector, and "Pa" shines a picture of Superboy
with Professor Lang and his daughter, Lana! Now that they have tricked Clark
Kent into revealing he's Superman, they can sell the secret to the
underworld, but they require one more thing from their "son"...
Kryptonite! Millicent wonders why they can't take the gold cup along,
and Cedric reminds her that Superboy won't have seen it in Smallville!
Meanwhile, Superman has saved the runaway circus coach by using his
hands on one wheel like a super-brake! When he returns to his "parents,"
they hear of his super-feat, then ask if he still uses robots for
emergencies as he did in Smallville. He shows them the secret closet
with the super-robots, each equipped with a single super-power, such as
super-strength, x-ray vision, flying,and super-breath whenever he suspected
criminals laying in wait to use Kryptonite on him! "Pa" tells his foster-son
that Professor Clyde has a theory about how to make a Kryptonite antidote and
asks his "son" to find some for an experiment, which will have the antidote
sent to him through the time-barrier. Knowing that the experiment may not
succeed, but knowing it's worth a try, Superman goes to find some Kryptonite!
He finds a Kryptonite meteor which has fallen to the bottom of the
sea, but in order to pick it up, the Man of Steel needs some lead as
protection. Supeman dives down to a sunken wreck... and sees that the
ship's cargo was sheet lead! He uses his super-strength and super-speed
to make a one-man sub from it! He is able to see through a periscope and
a levered claw enables him to pick up the Kryptonite, then place it in a
leaden box! Clark gives the box to "Pa" and as it's almost midnight they
head for the time machine! Cedric Carson activates a secret device inside
the plastic bubble, which spreads steam across it, as if the bubble were
vanishing into the mists of time! Clark bids his parents goodbye and knows
that he won't forget their visit... "Choke" Unbeknownst to Clark, the
Carsons are rolling the bubble into the bushes and out of sight, then
they'll slip away when their "son" leaves!
The following morning finds Clark having had pleasant dreams about
his foster-parents... as he prepares to put away the gold cup that they
couldn't take along, he realizes that if they couldn't bring anything
with them across the time-barrier, how could they bring the sample of
Kryptonite along? Checking outside, he sees the "time machine" in the
bushes, and Clark knows that he has just given away the secret of his
dual identity to two actors posing as Ma and Pa Kent. The phone rings
and Clark is greeted by the voice of "Pa." Cedric and Millicent Carson
give Clark their names, tell him that they'll keep their disguises on so
that no one spies on them. They could easily sell his secret to the
underworld for a million dollars, but... they'll keep his secret if he
gives them five million in gold, jewels, platinum... "Pa" tells Clark
that he'll phone later with instructions on where to drop off the
valuables, and the mild-mannered reporter doesn't know where their
hideout is! Unable to nab them, he'll have to pay their blackmail!
The Man of Steel comes across a hidden pyramid buried in loose sand,
where there are some golden statuettes worth a million!
Under the sea, his super-breath clears the mud and ooze from an
ancient sunken city, where the stone idols have rare jewels for their
eyes! With another million dollars left... Superman flies through an
underground pool of molten silver, and lets it harden around him! He
then bursts free of his silver "suit" and repeats the process until he
has enough! Once he has received the second phone call... the Man of
Steel wraps up the items like a giant super-present in order to prevent
the police from suspecting it's a blackmail pay-off. He is to deliver
the package to their hideout... a deserted farm north of Metropolis. The
Man of Steel sees "Pa" open the lead box containing Kryptonite, and all
he can do is to drop the gift-box via parachute! Cedric Carson tells the
Man of Steel that if the cops arrest them, they will tell everyone in
prison that he is Clark Kent! Inspecting their ill-gotten goods, Cedric
Carson plans to squeeze their "son" for more treasures when this has been
spent!
Millicent decides to go shopping for a mink coat, and Cedric tells
her to take half of the Kryptonite so that the Man of Steel can't capture
either of them. Unbeknownst to the Carsons, Superman has been using his
telescopic-vision to watch them, and enact his plan to save his secret
identity! He has built robots who are exact doubles of Ma and Pa Kent,
and they will save him from the phoney Kents! The robot Ma Kent
confronts Cedric Carson, telling him to stare-straight-into-her-eyes!
The Man of Steel is operating the robot's remote controls... and uses
super-hypnotism from his eyes, which are transmitted to the robot's eyes!
Super-ventriloquism is next to be used... Inside the farmhouse... Cedric
Carson-will-forget-all-about-having-visited-Clark-Kent-and-learning-his
-secret! He-will-forget-forget-forget-forget!
In town, Superman sends the robot Pa Kent to meet up with the false
Ma Kent... Millicent-will-forget-the-Man-of-Steel's-secret-identity!
Forget-forget-forget!... At the farmhouse, the robots return the lead
boxes containing Kryptonite to Superman. He goes to recover the
blackmail money and donate them to charity! Before he leaves, the Man of
Steel sees the Carsons remove the disguises... their memories are blank!
Thanks to his super-hypnosis, they will never remember having visited the
mild-mannered reporter as Ma and Pa Kent! His secret identity is safe!
At his apartment, Clark's hand touches a picture of his foster-parents
and he decides to pretend that Ma and Pa Kent did visit him from the
past!
Actors have played Superman's parents in the past. Marlon Brando
played Jor-El and Glenn Ford played Pa Kent, while Phyllis Thaxter played
Ma Kent in Superman The Movie.
In "Lois and Clark", K. Callan played Ma Kent and Eddie Jones played
Pa Kent.
On "Smallville," John Schneider plays Jonathan Kent and Annette
O'Toole plays Martha Kent.
John Travolta was "The Boy In The Plastic Bubble" in 1976. Robert
Reed played his father in the TV-movie.
In Action Comics #507, "The Miraculous Return of Jonathan Kent" had
Clark visited by his foster father in a two-part story by Cary Bates,
Curt Swan, Frank Chiramonte, Milt Snappin, Gene D'Angelo, and Julius
Schwartz.
In Action Comics #508, "The Secret World of Jonathan Kent!": Pa meets
Lois Lane, who is nursing an injured man of steel, and reveals his
foster-son's secret identity to her. We learn how it was possible for
Jonathan Kent to visit Superman in the Metropolis of the future. This
was revealed in Superboy #5 -- May, 1980. Ben Oda is the letterer of
#508 and I think Bob Rozakis and Kurt Schaffenberger were the creative
team on the boy of steel's book at the time.
Both of the above Action Comics stories were reprinted in "Superman:
From The Thirties To The Eighties."
In the 1950's, Batman and Robin traveled through time, thanks to the
hypnotism done by Professor Nichols.
The Legion of Super-Heroes travel via time-bubble to visit Superboy in
the past.
Superman has his Fortress of Solitude, while Superboy had his Cave of
Silence.
Thanks to time-travel, the man of steel was able to visit his parents
on Krypton before the planet's destruction.
Actress Kristin Kreuk plays Lana Lang on "Smallville."
"The Time Machine" was written by H.G. Wells. It was also a science
fiction motion picture which starred Rod Taylor, Yvette Mimeux, Sebastian
Cabot, and Alan Young. A couple of years ago, Guy Pierce was the
time-traveler in the updated version of the film.
Interesting that Clark can't find the Carsons, even though they've
given their real names, and are talking to him on the phone. With his
super-hearing, wouldn't he be able to find their hideout in this tale
from the Silver Age?
Super-hypnosis enables the man of steel to keep his identity a secret
from the Carsons, and at the end of the second Superman movie, it is a
kiss which robs Margot Kidder of the knowledge that Christopher Reeve is
more than just a mild-mannered reporter.
Like The Shadow, Superman is able to cloud the minds of criminals when
he has to.
In "The Super-Hypnotist of Metropolis," it is not the villainous
Spellbinder, but Clark Kent who manages to maintain the secret that Clark
Kent and Superman are two different people in a Superman story from the
late '70s.
Steve Chung
"Clark Kent's Lost Review!" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 1:41 am |
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Tales To Astonish #32
"The Girl In The Black Hood!"
June, 1962
Script: Larry Lieber
Art: Don Heck
The photographer was famous and wealthy. She also kept a secret and was
known as "The Girl In The Black Hood!"
The time is the Roaring Twenties, with the photographs all that remain of
the girl named May Dusa. Her photos were in display in a museum, with
one particular shot winning her first prize. Those who have come to see
the exhibit can sense the fine, sensitive nature of her work. The male
visitors wonder why the photographer never lets her face be seen, and
they also wonder if the eccentric's face matches her flawless figure.
Among those at the gathering is one with robbery on his mind, and he can
see that the photographer must be rich. A caper with no risk is the type
he prefers. The criminal makes an appointment to have his picture taken,
and the sitting is set for 3 P.M next Tuesday.
"Mr. Jones" is eager to grab the money and see what her face looks like.
The door is open, the room is empty, and he is able to search for a
hidden safe. "Jones" finds it behind a picture frame, eyes the safe, and
knows that he could unlock it with his eyes shut. The photographer's
voice calls out to him, and "Mr. Jones" is ready to for his appointment.
She is ready to take his portrait, but the client is not ready to have
his picture taken. He has come to rob her, and leave no witnesses.
"Jones" orders her to come out from behind the camera, but the girl
photographer refuses. He can take the money, she won't call the police,
but she won't remove the black hood. Now he is really curious to see
what she looks like, and by the count of three, his gun will go off.
One...Two... Three... "Mr. Jones" is about to get his wish.
If he has come to see her face, then he shall. "Jones" gasps only once,
after taking a good long look at her. All is now silent in the studio
belonging to May Dusa. If his lips were still able to move, "Mr. Jones"
might be able to say her name a bit faster... Medusa!
This story was reprinted in Giant-Size Dracula #2 (September, 1974).
I do enjoy the splash pages for these short stories, with the girl about
to remove the black hood, and the gun pointed at her.
One of the visitors at the exhibition resembles the late Joseph Stalin.
If this story had been a live-action episode, I would have cast J.D.
Cannon ("McCloud") as "Mr. Jones."
For the part of May Dusa, I would have picked Leslie Parrish ("The
Manchurian Candidate") to play her.
The would-be robber should have resisted the temptation to watch this
particular birdie.
Even with the nest of snakes on her head, May Dusa is as pretty as a
picture.
Steve Chung
"The Review In The Black Hood!" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2009 1:11 am |
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Superman #231
"The Wheel Of Super-Fortune!"
November, 1970
Story: Cary Bates
Art: Curt Swan
Inks: Dan Adkins
Superman is bringing Lois Lane to his Fortress of Solitude at super-speed. Within the remarkable citadel, they view a temporal prism from the planet Ulra. Intense laser light strike the crystal at the proper angle, and the past of Clark Lang is revealed. A 1930's automobile driven by the notorious Jonathan and Martha Kent comes into view. The parents of Clark Kent are making their getaway from the final bank robbery they've just pulled.
The crime couple of the century are caught in a car crash. The infant Clark is being cared for at a laboratory, with a tiny chromo-stimulant being surgically inserted into his brain. The stimulant is patterned after the evil chromosomes found in the Kents, and Clark Kent will be twice the criminal his parents were. The delayed effect occurs during his teenage years. After he robs a gas station, young Clark is chased by a policeman, and twists his ankle. His head slams against the curb, placing the teenager into a deep coma for ten years.
Despite being shown his secret, the girl reporter is still in love with the criminal, and demands to be taken back to Metropolis. The Man of Steel orders one of his robots to return Lois back to the city. Lex Luthor has been in love with her since he has been working as a reporter for the Daily Planet. After readjusting the projector, he views Kent's escape from the hospital.
An old man brought in a strange device to teleport the patient away from the hospital. The man who teleported Clark was the same man who created the chromo-stimulant. If he has succeeded in reviving the patient from his coma, then Clark Kent is ready for his return. Elderly Dr. Markham died minutes after reviving Clark, but his hideout, and criminal equipment are his for the keeping. An underworld teletype mentions a certain item that Clark is interested in. The Mysterious Grandovic makes amazingly accurate prediction for the local Mafia for a price.
The Tibetan mystic's fees are no doubt high and demand a fortune. Clark Kent knows how to raise the money and heads for the turbine power matter digestor room. The following day finds Lois Lane complimenting Lex Luthor on his skills as a reporter. At the back wall of the National Bank Building, Lex's x-ray vision reveals Kent at the controls of a matter digestor machine. With this bizarre device, the criminal is able to eat its way through steel vaults.
Lex heads for a nearby phone booth, but not to phone in a story. The girl reporter is compelled to make her way towards Clark, regardless of the danger from the matter digestor. The Man of Steel arrives to deflect the deadly emanations of the crime machine.
A hysterical Lois demands to reach Clark Kent, but a super-love-tap puts her to sleep, and out of danger. A jet-controlled scoop-craft takes Kent and his loot out of Metropolis. Superman's super-hearing picks up a strange ticking sound. A cobalt bomb is inside the crime machine, with the Man of Steel flying it so high that it will not contaminate the atmosphere.
Clark Kent has won the first round against Superman, and Grandovic will enable him to win the battles ahead. Days later in Tibet, Clark Kent wends his way through a cavern, and presents his host with the stolen Warsaw Diamond. His operating expenses covered, the power of Grandovic reveals the secret origin of Superman.
The planet Krypton was destroyed by a gigantic geyser, and was created by Jor-El. The scientist held his home world responsible for the death of his wife, and he has avenged her. Despite his genius, Lara's death had driven Jor-El insane. Both he and Lex-El entered Earth's atmosphere, but their ship's steering mechanism was jammed. Unbeknownst to Jor-El and his son, two lives were lost during his fateful flight.
The victims were Jonathan and Martha Kent. Their son now knows that it was Superman's father who killed them. For some unknown reason, Jor-El never gained super-powers, but Lex-El became a Superboy. The town of Smallville became their new home. Jor-El became Dr. Jordan Luthor and the boy became Lex Luthor. A wig was used to conceal his baldness and serve as an alter-ego when not Superboy. Despite being best friends in school, Clark Kent never suspected that Lex was Superboy. After the death of his father, Lex majored in journalism at college, and became a reporter for the Daily Planet in Metropolis. Now knowing his origin, Kent demands to see his foe's weakness.
Lois Lane is the woman who is secretly loved by Superman, and the one who has her will have the Man of Steel at his mercy. The request fulfilled, Grandovic demands to be left alone, but Kent has another thing to tell him about the Warsaw Diamond. A poison gas cartridge goes off, with Clark wearing a gas mask, and the Tibetan mystic pointing towards his mystic wall for what will serve as the criminal's demise. Seeing the image of a broken steering wheel, Kent resolves not to drive a car, much less touch a wheel.
In downtown Metropolis, Lex Luthor is using his telescopic-vision to see if Lois will meet him for their lunch date. Seeing a building cornice about to fall on her, the reporter enters an alley, and hurls a discarded frying pan at the deadly threat. When he asks his fellow reporter what happened, she notices that the Man of Steel left his super-grip on the handle. Lex smiles and thinks that maybe he wanted her to know who it was who saved her.
By staying out of sight, Superman has proven himself not to be an egotistical showoff Lois thought he was. Back at his apartment, Lex is relieved that his fellow reporter has stopped resenting his alter-ego. He is caught off-guard by the killer-robot's stealthy attack. Its arms are equipped with thermal units which turn the reporter's clothes to ashes.
His electronic foe has made one fatal error. It made Lex lose his temper and the robot is no match against an angry Man of Steel. A tape recorder within the robot delivers a message to Lex Luthor from Clark Kent. They are to meet on Mammoth Mountain at 7:00 and talk things over.
In another part of town, Lois Lane receives a new Glido-Brush from the Fulton Brush salesman. As she admires the feel of the brush, she wonders why she couldn't resist its vendor. Two hours later, Clark Kent sees Superman landing before him, and about to take him into custody. Regardless of his secret identity, Kent has taken out some special insurance. If the Man of Steel should interfere with any of his crimes, Lois Lane will die. Just then, another Superman appears, and informs the criminal that he's been talking to a Superman robot.
It turns out that the robot has been talking to a 3-D projected hologram. The real Clark Kent is in his secret hideout, watching how he's made a fool out of Superman. He has given a lethal brush to Lois Lane, and by now, the girl reporter has coated her scalp with a deadly chemical. A subtronic signal can activate the chemical to any potency he wishes. The following days find Clark Kent hard at work, with the Man of Steel forced to look the other way.
The following day at the Fortress of Solitude, the Man of Steel discovers that one of his robots is missing. He hopes that the malfunctioning robot hasn't reached Metropolis, and caused any damage. He finds the robot has rendered a crime machine inoperative, and the driver has escaped in a miniature jet-craft minutes ago. At the apartment of Lois Lane, the girl reporter is gone, and a note from Clark Kent is left behind. If Lois is dead, then Kent will be caught when he pulls off his next crime.
The stun setting was used, and as Clark watches her revive, he is startled to find Lois happy to be in his arms at last. Superman is atop the highest skyscraper in Metropolis, waiting for Kent to pull another robbery. As the girl reporter begs for him to reconsider his actions, Kent is ready to ride in his sonic tractor. Now, the citizens of Metropolis watch as the latest and greatest in crime machines makes its fateful appearance.
As his foe soars down towards him, Kent warns him that the device can transmit several sonic-bombs in all directions. Superman does not slow in the slightest. The sonic-tractor is activated, with buildings, and peoples destroyed in the diabolical display.
The Man of Steel shakes the crime machine apart with super-strength and super-speed. Although his criminal career is at an end, it took the deaths of all the people in Metropolis to do it. It turns out that Superman replaced the citizens of Metropolis with lifelike androids, and transferred them to Gotham City. He knew that Kent would be suspicious of a deserted city. It would appear that Clark Kent is a prisoner.
He has in his possession, an emergency weapon designed by Professor Markhem for his foe. The Man of Steel suddenly finds himself drained of his super-strength. The equalizer device has sent the super-powers into another object, a glowing steering wheel. The first of them to touch it will receive the powers permanently. Kicking his foe aside, Clark Kent runs towards the wheel. By using his wits, the Man of Steel uses a long pole to snag it first.
As Superman feels his powers returning, Clark Kent feels the chromo-stimulant short-circuiting from the mental strain of defeat. Although he avoided touching steering wheels because of Grandovic's final prophecy, he dies because he didn't touch one. With his death, Lois Lane discovers that she no longer has any feelings for Clark. It turns out that her brain waves were in tune with Kent's altered criminal brain, and he had a hypnotic influence over the girl reporter. In death, Clark Kent is free from the chromo-stimulant, and free from the evil which twisted his soul into a face of hate.
Steve Chung
"The Review of Super-Fortune!" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
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Action Comics #223
"The First Superman of Krypton!"
December, 1956
Story: Edmond Hamilton
Art: Wayne Boring
Inks: Stan Kaye
The birthplace of the Man of Steel is known to the populace of
Earth! But no one, not even Superman has known the story of Krypton!
Now, he learns about the exploits of... "The First Superman of Krypton!"
On the splash page, the Man of Steel looks at a projection of his native
world, and wonders who was the Superman of Krypton?
In space, a mass of wreckage passes through the void -- heading for
a date with destiny... on Earth, Superman's telescopic-vision has spotted
the alien debris, and soars to investigate... He sees that the mass is
made up of fragments of the planet Krypton, which has become Kryptonite
when his native world exploded! The Man of Steel must keep his distance
or else the Green K will kill him! Among the debris, Superman spots a
desk with his father's name on it, and he knows that the wreckage carries
part of Jor-El's laboratory on it! Inside a lead box, which had drifted
away from the Kryptonite, he finds Jor-El's journal -- and some films the
scientist made! In Clark Kent's apartment, the man of steel has changed
a regular movie-projector to show the Kryptonian films made by Jor-El.
He is in for a shock when he sees a picture of what appears to be himself
lifting a building on Earth!
Superman opens his father's journal... and written on the yellowed
pages are words from years ago... Jor-El has begun this journal to tell
of his greatest struggle... Theirs is the world of Krypton... a
super-scientific civilization which will soon reach its tenth millenium,
and the mechancal building machines are busy constructing the structures
for the celebration.
Jor-El is one of Krypton's leading scientists... and his
seismosgraph has detected strange forces at work deep inside the planet!
With their scientific knowledge, it is no problem to build a mechanical
mole, and the young scientist reassures his wife that he is only going
down a few thousand miles to gather data! The atomic-powered mole bore
quickly into the depths! It is deep inside Krypton where Jor-El makes
his tests... Radioactive emanations show that a great reaction may be
beginning at the planet's core! He can't be sure, but if this is so, the
planet is doomed! The Council of Science dismiss Jor-El's findings as
the result of deeply-buried Radium ores... and are far more interested in
showing the young scientist the scientific exhibits for the upcoming
celebration! He brings his data to the highest authorities, but they are
too distracted by the 10,000 Year Pageant to pay heed! Jor-El also lacks
the necessary proof of danger to Krypton, as well!
As he heads for home, Jor-El knows that they will need to find
another world if Krypton is doomed! Before he can study the universe for
a likely place, he has a joyous surprise at home... Lara has given birth
to a son, and as he holds the infant, Jor-El knows that this infant born
in the 10,000th year of Krypton will have a grand destiny! With the
lives of his newborn son, as well as his wife and people in danger, the
young scientist's resolve is strengthened at finding a solution to avert
disaster... Through a powerful telescope, Jor-El sees the planet Earth
... a beautiful world which may serve as a new home. The young scientist
is so engrossed in his work, that he doesn't notice that the anniversary
celebration has begun, with a great atomic skywriting display...
Using his tele-screen projection, Jor-El studied the Earth and
wondered how the atomsphere affect Kryptonians. By using
gravity-distorting machines in an isolated valley, Earth's natural
conditions can be duplicated! Mighty building-machines are used to build
a sample Earth city... and automatic cameras are set to record Jor-El's
reactions to the lighter gravity and yellow sun, which are also simulated
by the machines. In the valley, Jor-El discovers that he has
super-strength and his muscles enable him to run at super-speed, while
the yellow sun rays have made him invulnerable! The young scientist
gathers the films from the automatic cameras and prepares to tell the
council that on Earth, Kryptonians would be Super-Men!
The council refuses to take Jor-El and his films seriously! Their
home has been Krypton for 10,000 years and so it shall remain! Of all
the scientists, only Val-Arn and Khai-Zor are impressed by his
findings... They ask Jor-El to be shown his Earth experiments... In the
valley, the two scientists discover the super-abilities their race would
gain on Earth and know that the inhabitants would be weaklings compared
to them! In his laboratory, Jor-El shows them the model rocket he has
built with small building machines, but they are more interested in sees
how the metal-bending machine works! The young scientist soon finds
himself handcuffed and their prisoner! They return to Jor-El's home and
tell Lara that the family won't be harmed unless her husband is freed or
tries to warn someone. They intend to use his plans to build a rocket
which will take them to Earth! As Super-Men, they will become masters of
that world!
As they look over the plans, the two gloat that the young scientist
thought they believed his warnings about Krypton! The building-machines
begin construction of the rocket, just as Jor-El has an idea... He tells
them that they can build the rocket and head for Earth... but they'll
find that one Earth condition will defeat their goal of becoming
Super-Tyrants! When they ask him what that would be, the young scientist
tells them that it should be obvious if they are as smart as they believe
themselves to be. Val-Arn and Khai-Zor take Jor-El back to the valley --
so that Lara won't report them! As they fly over the city, the
anniversary celebration is reaching its climax! With the Cavalcade of
10,000 years, both are certain that Jor-El won't be there to celebrate!
Landing in the Earth-valley, the two ask the young scientist what Earth
condition they have overlooked!
In this valley of Earth-like gravity, Jor-El has super-strength to
break off the handcuffs! Both Khai-Zor and Val-Arn has super-strength,
but they have forgotten about the young scientist's super-speed and
invulnerability! Unharmed by the building thrown at him, Jor-El hurls
another to distract them while he tries out a maneuver! They see him fly
away, and in this valley, they can fly too!
As they pursue him, Jor-El reaches for the switch which will turn
off the Earth-gravity and solar-ray machines... He makes it and both
Khai-Zor and Val-Arn find that they can no longer can fly! Before the
two can recover from their haze, the young scientist binds them, then
heads to turn them over to the authorities! It is nighttime-- one of
destiny for Krypton... Khai-Zor and Val-Arn are confined for trial... and
Jor-El has something he must do! As he flies his vehicle to the
laboratory, he sees the beginning of the Cavalcade which speaks of its
100 centuries of greatness..
At home, Lara is relieved to see him, but Jor-El has much to do
if what he fears has come to pass! The mechanical mole dives downward
once more... he is dangerously deep -- and the heat and radioactivity are
much stronger... He dares to hope... Near to the core of Krypton... the
atomic chain-reaction has started and is increasing with each hour!
Jor-El knows of only one way to warn the people now... All of them were
watching the Cavalcade via Direct Vision or Television, and the narrator
prepares to show Krypton's wonderful future... But in the next moment...
he shows them what will be Krypton's tomorrow! The chain-reaction has
started, and their planet is doomed! The viewers see the young scientist
as an alarmist and believe that he has substituted a phony picture to
spoil their celebration!
Back in his laboratory... Jor-El tells his wife how the people
wouldn't listen, no matter how much he pleaded with them to build rockets
like the model! They both hear the rumble... the final reaction has
begun! Jor-El and Lara know that they are doomed... but their son must
survive! He can head for Earth in the rocket model! Lara stays by her
husband's side, while their son heads towards a new chance at life!
Jor-El knows that it will be towards a new super-life! In the final
minutes, while the planet shakes towards its doom, he writes down these
final words... Lara grips her husband, and he knows that if what he has
written survives somehow, his words may one day reach their son! "..If
they do, remember my son, you are the last of great Krypton's 10,000
glorious years! Use your powers for good! Goodbye -- forever!" His
words have finally reached his son... and now he knows that it was his
father who was the first Superman of Krypton! On a lonely hilltop, he
knows that one world is gone forever from the night sky... but he will
never forget! Superman will use his super-powers for good -- just as his
father used his long ago!
The World of Krypton by Paul Kupperberg, Howard Chaykin, Murphy Anderson,
Adrienne Roy, Ben Oda, Ross Andru, Dick Giordano, and E. Nelson Bridwell
was the very first D.C. miniseries.
Post-Crisis, there was a World of Krypton miniseries by John Byrne, Mike
Mignola, Rick Bryant, Petra Scotese, John Workman, Walt Simonson, and Mike
Carlin.
As Superboy, the Boy of steel found some floating wreckage in
space which carried statues of his ancestors, who played an important
part in Krypton's history, as well.
Krypton is a world where seven-year old children can solve
atomic equations. I seem to recall that in the first World of Krypton
miniseries, they would learn their lessons while they slept with the aid
of sleep-teaching pillows.
The world of Krypton is something else because when Jor-El goes
off in the mechanical mole, Lara doesn't appear to be expecting, and when
he returns, she has just given birth to a boy!
The Mechanical Mole is a vehicle used by Cave Carson to get
"Inside Earth!"
George Reeves first played the Man of Steel in "Superman Meets
The Molemen!"
In this story, Lara is left holding the bag... errr... the
baby, but in the first World of Krypton miniseries, she is an astronaut
in Krypton's space program!
Val-Arn and Khai-Zor are real Stin-Kers!
Before the discovery of the Phantom Zone, criminals were
placed in suspended animation, then shot into orbit, where they would be
rehabilitated via hypnosis, then return when their sentence was up.
One wonders why Jor-El didn't have the building-machines
finish the rocket which was begun by Val-Arn and Khai-Zor! Maybe there
wasn't enough time left after Jor-El confirmed his findings, and he chose
to try to save the people of Krypton over saving himself and his family,
instead!
The rocket model is red and blue and reflects the color
scheme of the uniform worn by Superman.
The use of Jor-El's journal was a clever way to re-tell the
young scientist's greatest struggle, as well as giving the Man of Steel a
more emotional bond with his parents and his native world.
Steve Chung
"The First Superman of Review!" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
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Strange Adventures #54
"The World's Mightiest Weakling!"
March, 1955
Story: Otto Binder
Art: Carmine Infantino and Bernard Sachs
This is the story of Rodney Drake, a lightweight who managed to
amaze the world as... The World's Mightiest Weakling. On the beach,
Wilma watches as Brad Anderson holds skinny Rodney by the ankle, and
suggests that he join the circus sideshow as the Human Feather.
Dropped on the sand, Rodney asks his girlfriend if she's ashamed to
be seen with him, but Wilma likes him for himself. She recommends that
he should gain some weight so that Anderson and the others won't pick on
him. The following days find Rodney eating food five times a day, but
not gaining any weight. At a department store, Professor Milton
overhears Drake's dilemma, and offers to help him gain weight with the
help of science. At the laboratory... Rodney receives electrical charges
from a battery, and is told to get on a scale. He now weighs 250 lbs,
and his weight will increase as the charge passes through his body. The
professor tells him that he'll need a new charge every day. Unbeknownst
to Rodney, his weight has increased, while his body structure hasn't.
When he bumps into a fellow pedestrian on the street, the man is sent
backwards by the slight impact.
At his apartment, Rodney finds that he now weighs 300 lbs, but is
still as thin as ever. When he sits on a chair, it collapses beneath
him. In bed, Rodney is unable to sleep, as it, too, crumbles from the
great weight. The following day, Professor Milton refuses to reveal his
secret -- until the experiment has run its course. Rodney agrees -- and
decides to put his newfound weight to some good use. Now weighing at a
thousand pounds, the thin man heads for the beach... and challenges Brad
Anderson to a wrestling match. The bully is unable to lift the
beanpole...
The beanpole is now able to hurl the bully into the air. Wilma sees
the change that's gone over Rodney, and he tells her that it's not
strength, but extreme weight which enables him to do such feats.
Crushing a trashcan when he places his hand on it, Rodney vows to make
her proud of him. Each day finds the thin man receiving a battery charge
from Milton, and Rodney Drake enters the world of wrestling. His
opponents are unable to move the beanpole, and find themselves up a brick
wall when trying to knock down the newcomer. For Rodney, it's just a
matter of placing one foot on his opponent's chest to end the match. His
fame in the world of sports begins to grow... and at a county fair...
Rodney pulls on a scale, with a ten-ton elephant being raised at the
other end. The crowd are unaware that the thin man outweighs the animal.
At a tug-of-war match... Rodney Drake is the anchor against a
hundred men... who pull on the rope to no avail. Placing a finger on the
disk of the test-your-strength machine, the bell sounds... and flies off
the top of the device. Although he has impressed others with his
feats... Wilma sees that Rodney has been using his scientific trick to
become a gloryhound, and refuses to see him anymore. He now has fame,
but he has lost something more important... her love. In the dressing
room, Professor Milton is grateful that the exhibition boxing match
doesn't require a weigh-in, but Rodney's thoughts aren't on the charity
boxing match. He agrees with what Wilma told him about him having an
unfair advantage. As the fight begins... Rodney Drake swings his arms
and deliberately misses his opponent --
He is also dodging his opponents punches since the man's arms would
be injured if he connected against Rodney's greater weight. The thin man
resorts to his college boxing skills, instead. Several rounds later,
Rodney delivers a light tap to knock the boxer down for the count. After
the match... he tells Milton that he will never take another
charge...since it gives him an unfair edge against others. The professor
tells him that the battery was dead... and Rodney went into the match
without any added weight. His courage and boxing skills alone were
enough for him to win. At Milton's laboratory, Rodney learns that the
professor's invention was a "gravity battery." It was increased gravity
which added to Drake's weight without altering his body structure. The
news does little to cheer him up... without Wilma. He turns to see the
girl rushing towards him... She has heard about what happened, and how he
won the boxing match without scientific gimmickry. Rod is now her real
hero. The scientist smiles and sees that his device was a true success.
This story was reprinted in Superman #242 (September, 1971).
In reading the story, one must admire the layouts rendered by
Carmine Infantino... particularly the angles where the eye heads for the
center of the action in each panel.
Like a certain World's Mightiest Mortal, Rodney Drake finds himself
transformed by some electricity.
Professor Milton resembles Doctor Stephen Strange in appearance.
Rodney Drake is similar in appearance to Ralph Dibny, The Elongated
Man.
Red-haired Wilma is a lookalike for Iris West than Wilma Flintstone.
Milton's "gravity battery" got to the heart of the matter in
bringing Rod and Wilma closer together.
The thin man learned that he already possessed the qualities
necessary to win the match, and in so doing, win the heart of the girl he
loved.
Steve Chung
"The World's Mightiest Review!" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
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The Atom And Hawkman #43
"Come To My Hanging!"
June - July, 1969
Script: Gardner Fox
Art: Murphy Anderson
Letterer: Ben Oda
Hawkman is chasing a raven through the thick fog over London -- where the
bird begins to laugh at him near Big Ben. Upon closer inspection, it
turns out that the bird is -- stuffed, but the laughter continues
unabated. Perched on the little hand of Big Ben, the Gentleman Ghost is
amused by his own jest, and Hawkman is determined to prove that his foe
is far from being supernatural --
BAM BLAM The Gentleman Ghost's highwayman-pistols are used to make
certain that the Thanagarian policeman no longer has a ghost of a chance.
If there is no such thing as a ghost, then why is Hawkman resting so
still as if in death? Do ghosts exist? In this day and age, can such a
strange being appear, where others are governed by natural laws? The
ghostly secrets seen therein will not be proved or disapproved. Listen
-- as the Gentleman Ghost will cry out -- "Come To My Hanging!"
As the ghost without a face continues to mock his fallen foe -- the scene
shifts to the England of one hundred and fifty years ago -- when
Gentleman Jim Craddock terrorized the back roads... BLAM BLAM Once he
has completed a robbery, the gentleman always tipped his hat at his
victims. The seemingly invincible highwayman has but one weakness...
After finishing a meal, Gentleman Jim sought to partake of the maid's
sweet lips for dessert, but Kate had betrayed him to the law.
The highwayman was to be executed at Margate Square... where he vowed to
those watching that he would return, and steal their valuables.
Gentleman Jim Craddock felt the trap door release beneath his feet -- the
noose around his neck tightened -- and the highwayman was hurled down
towards a blinding burst of light. After emerging through the rift, he
finds himself as a faceless spirit in the present-day. The Gentleman
Ghost soon fades into the fog... biding his time before resuming his
highwayman career.
The authorities of Paris, Rome, and Madrid are perplexed by this
mysterious thief, who announces his intended targets, and who manages to
elude them each time. In the museum of Midway City, Curator Carter Hall
listens as his wife, Shiera reminds him that they have come from Thanagar
to learn about the Earth police methods of operation. With such a
strange criminal confounding law-enforcement -- Hawkman is determined to
prove that the Gentleman Ghost is neither ghost nor a gentleman. As the
duo take to the sky, Hawkman is confident that there must be an
explanation for the seeming supernatural, and Hawkgirl believes that the
supernatural may be the explanation. Since the Gentleman Ghost enjoys in
perplexing the authorities, they are aware that his next target will be
the Bristol Bank at Trafalgar Square. When Hawkgirl suggests that this
may be a ruse, Hawkman is confident that the Ghost will be there, and so
will they.
The Gentleman Ghost and his hired hoods are keeping the Bobbies at bay --
beneath the monument of Nelson. Two figures detach themselves from the
monument, and hurl themselves at the criminals. The crooks open fire,
but are unable to wing them.
The Thanagarian policeman delivers punch after punch with tornado-like
precision... and finds that the hoods are solid enough to fall beneath
his fists.
HA HA HA HA When he turns, Hawkman sees that Hawkgirl has been taken
prisoner by the Gentleman Ghost. She wants him to stop the Ghost, but is
covered by a spectral pistol. Not willing to take the chance of her
being harmed, he can only watch as the hoods take Hawkgirl away.
Although they have gone, their leader has chosen to remain behind.
Hawkman clenches his fist and prepares to deliver a punch to the Ghost's
unseen face. HA HA HA HA HA The Gentleman Ghost has once again
disappeared into thin air, but he has left a tape record inside of his
cane. His seeming trickery has been uncovered by the
scientifically-minded lawman.
Hawkman removes the lustrometer from his belt, and uses the Thanagarian
device to find the tire marks left by their getaway car -- which soon
glow beneath the instrument's emanations. The trail leads the
Thanagarian policeman to the Gentleman Ghost -- and Hawkgirl. Within the
Tower of London, the ghostly highwayman proves to be no gentleman, as he
tries to steal a kiss from the struggling heroine. A window opens... and
Hawkman has caught up with the gang.
He thinks that the Tower of London would be a fitting place for the gang
to be imprisoned. The Gentleman Ghost has fled through the window,
leaving Hawkgirl without her wings -- and Hawkman anxious to prove that
he is far from being a ghost. Outside, the only thing in view is a black
raven. CROAAAAK... CROAAAAK... Believing it to be a challenge from the
Ghost, Hawkman follows it -- and at 4:10 AM... the trail ends at Big Ben.
HA HA HA HA HA! Hawkman is resting atop the big hand, while the
Gentleman Ghost stands on the little hand.
Even a ghost can be amazed when the Thanagarian policeman shifts his
weight and causes the minute hand to fall towards him. He has ducked
before the shot was fired. Hawkman has proven to be a worthy adversary
for the Gentleman Ghost. HA HA HA The laughter continues as the ghost
of Gentleman Jim Craddock falls from the clock. Before Hawkman can catch
up to the falling figure, he learns from Hawkgirl that it was only a
projected image, and the real Ghost has already made his escape.
Hawkgirl demands to know why her husband and partner would leave her in
danger. The Thanagarian lawman knew that he could have saved her at any
time, but he had wanted to find where the Ghost had stashed his loot.
After finding the tape recorder and movie projector, he is convinced that
Gentleman Jim is flesh and blood as they are. All Katar Hol wants now is
a kiss from his wife, but we know that the secrets of the Gentleman Ghost
are far from being over.
On the cover of The Atom And Hawkman #43 by Joe Kubert, the Gentleman
Ghost has gotten a horse, and has hoofed it over Hawkman.
Edgar Allan Poe had written that "Quoth The Raven: Nevermore," but this
particular bird continued to croak.
Both Hawkman and the Gentleman Ghost found themselves on the clock when
it came to this particular meeting in the Silver Age.
The Thangarian policeman gets to rest for a minute, while Gentleman Jim
Craddock gets to relive his origin, and Katar soon uses his weight later
in the story.
Even after a hearty meal, the highwayman wanted to check out the dish for
dessert.
Not one to leave them hanging, the Gentleman Ghost soon found himself in
a different place and time.
Katar Hol and Shayera Thal were the Mulder and Scully of the Silver Age.
The Ghost was sharp with his pistols when he and his gang did the Bristol
Stomp.
Even armed hoods would have difficulty in winging the Hawks.
On page 7, Hawkman uses his fist, his feet, and his mace to test the
gang's solidarity.
Hawkgirl is taken prisoner rather easily by the Gentleman Ghost.
Hopefully she would fare as well as Barmaid Kate had.
The lustrometer enables Hawkman to find the getaway car's trail, but by
the way that the Gentleman Ghost was acting with Hawkgirl, Katar should
have used the "lustometer" instead.
Gentleman Jim Craddock has got a weakness for redheads, but he has no
fear of losing face.
Although he failed to kiss her, the Ghost succeeded in "winging" her.
As with Adam Strange and Alanna, Gardner Fox and Murphy Anderson made
certain that their characters would be able to share an off-panel kiss.
Steve Chung
"Come To My Reviewing!" |
Last edited by Guy Ricketts on Tue Sep 15, 2009 11:03 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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| Guy Ricketts |
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The Atom #36
"Duel Between The Dual Atoms!"
April - May, 1968
Story By: Gardner Fox
Art By: Gil Kane And Sid Greene
The Atoms of two worlds are engaged in battle. Two awesome allies --
have become two furious fighters! The ensuing fallout threatens both
Earth-One and Earth-Two. Now that you know the conditions for -- "Duel
Between The Dual Atoms"
Betty Roberts is a matchmaker who sees Professor Al Pratt of Calvin
College as someone who could use some companionship. Her friend Marion
Thayer is a real looker, as well as loaded, too. The Roberts are eager
to have Al come with them on a double date. The professor finds this
almost too good to be true, brains, beauty, and money. Mr. Roberts
assures his friend that Marion is a winner, while Betty wonders why Al is
being so coy. Like Al Pratt, Marion Thayer is very particular, and the
Roberts take the professor to the Thayer Mansion located in the Klaxon
Woods area of Calvin City. Being the Atom, Al hasn't been able to let
romance come his way. If Marion Thayer is half as lovely as the Roberts
said -- The door opens, and the professor sees a much older woman
standing in the doorway.
When she asks if there's anything wrong with her make-up, Al wonders why
Betty and Jim have tried to set him up with a fifty year old? When
Marion sees her reflection in the hall mirror, she lets out a scream, and
faints. Betty Roberts has also been affected, and the professor realizes
that something must be causing the women to age prematurely. ZZZT The
sound of an electrical device in the back room is heard, and Al decides
to investigate as the Atom. With Marion now on a couch, the JSAer sees a
group of men using ray-guns to blast a wall safe.
The five feet two inch tall hero does a forward flip, kicking down two
hoods, then launching himself forward to clobber a third.
The armed crook strikes him with his thermo-blaster, twice, and prepares
to fry the Atom. The Mighty Mite grabs ahold of the table edges, and
delivers a double-kick to the safecracker's jaw.
The hapless hood is punched into a book shelf and unconsciousness. The
Atom plans to conceal the device -- to take it to his Calvin College lab
for an examination. The police are called to come pick up the mess. The
absence of Al Pratt has gone unnoticed, and the professor tells his
friend to take them to the Roberts home, while he looks into the possible
cause. Hours pass, with the nuclear physics professor studying the
thermo-blaster in his laboratory. He knows that the device has nothing
to do with the sudden aging of the girls. Al decides to turn in the
thermo-blaster to the police department as evidence. When he arrives at
the police station, the desk sergeant is on the phone about another woman
from Klaxon Woods who has suddenly become old.
The college professor suggests that they send the scientific bureau to
Klaxon Woods -- to search for a device emitting a special type of
radiation. The Atom will head to Earth-One -- where things tend to
parallel events on Earth-Two. It could be that the aging process hasn't
happened yet -- and if so, he can learn what was responsible. If it has
already occurred, perhaps the heroes of Earth-One have already dealt with
it. At the Ivy Town Museum on Earth-One, a quartet of hoods are
wondering how much a jeweled pistol will get them from Freddy The Fence.
The Atom leaps over a pistol, having heard a tip about someone looking to
steal the gun collection. As two of the crooks swing their pistols
towards him, the Mighty Mite clicks on his size-controls, and disappears
from sight.
Grabbing onto the arm of one of the hoods, the JLAer returns to his
six-inch height, and tugs hard. This causes one crook to strike his
crooked crony with the pistol. An atomic punch takes care of the other
hood, but there are two more to go. The Atom kicks one crook, then grabs
onto the other's middle finger, and increases his weight to one hundred
and eighty pounds.
The bald bandit is thrown for a loss. The next moment finds the Mighty
Mite wondering why he's fighting these men whom he has never seen before.
The crooks wonder among themselves... how did they get out of prison,
why isn't one of them playing poker with the gang, and why isn't the
other watching Maverick on TV this evening. The Atom recalls that he's
Ray Palmer -- an Ivy University student -- who has a date with the new
girl on campus -- Jean Loring.
After heading for his rooming house, the Mighty Mite wonders how he's
going to be able to reach the door knob, when the door opens. The masked
character refers to him as the Atom... and tells him how he's vibrated to
his Earth for some aid. Even at his six inch height, Ray Palmer has
never heard of the Atom. Although the Atom from Earth-Two knows that Ray
Palmer is the Atom of Earth-One, the Mighty Mite claims never to have
seen him before. After finding himself at a small size in costume, and
fighting some guys he didn't know, the sophomore college student is ready
for his date with Jean Loring. Al Pratt realizes that the Atom has lost
ten years of his memory, then explains to Ray about the nature of his
dwarf-star matter costume... It becomes invisible and intangible after
expanding... the size-controls are within the palms of his gloves, and
are activated when pressed a certain way.
Ray Palmer is now his normal self, and doesn't want to miss his date with
Jean Loring. He doesn't remember where he got such a fancy suit, but
it'll do for the night. Al Pratt thought he had problems back on
Earth-Two, and wonders how Ray becoming younger could be connected with
the aging women on his own Earth. After buying a box of chocolates and a
bouquet for his date, Ray rings the doorbell. When he sees Jean in
curlers, he figures that he's come early for their date. She smiles at
the candy and flowers, calls him darling, and kisses him. Needless to
say, Ray is surprised at how this particular date has progressed. After
the clinch, she notices that her fiancee looks younger, and he is
surprised to hear that they're engaged to be married. Jean reminds Ray
that he was the one who had been proposing to her throughout the years,
and he better not be trying to break their engagement. The Atom from
Earth-Two steps from the shadows and tells her what's happened.
Things start making sense for Jean Loring, but Ray doesn't welcome the
arrival of the JSAer. In his mind, he hasn't even had his first date
with Miss Loring -- and now she wants to marry him. The next moment
finds both her fiancee and the costumed hero vanishing from sight.
The Atom has activated his atomic vibrator to return them to Earth-Two.
He realized that whatever was causing the women to age here -- would
return Ray to his rightful age. He is now twenty-eight years old, is
the Atom of Earth-One, just as Al Pratt is the Atom of Earth-Two. After
demonstrating how his size and weight controls work, Ray is asked why Al
didn't become younger on Earth-One when he did? ZOK! The Earth-One Atom
is in no mood for answering questions, and punches his counterpart on the
ankle.
The stress of aging forward once more has caused mental stress in Ray
Palmer, with the Earth-Two Atom taking it on the chin from the Mighty
Mite. CLICK! With no other choice, the JSAer swings at his smaller foe,
who disappears from sight. He reappears and knocks the Earth-Two Atom
back into a birdbath.
The Mighty Mite offers the JSAer a free try, but when the Earth-Two Atom
swings, the JLAer dodges the blow with ease. The Atom hurls a bird-house
at his larger foe, but it is thrown back at him. KRASH! Grabbing ahold
of his Earth-One counterpart, the JSAer prepares to vibrate them back to
Earth-One.
Pinning his smaller opponent against a tree, the Earth-Two Atom punches
at him, but the JLAer manages to activate his size-controls once more.
After shrinking between the JSAer's fingers, the Atom tries to keep his
counterpart from activating his atomic vibrator controls. The larger
Atom hurls himself towards the garden flagstones, in hopes of triggering
the vibrator.
Both Atoms fall onto the garden walk... with the two heroes traveling for
Earth-One, but the Atomic Vibrator suffers from a faulty filament --
leaving them on yet another world. The JLAer leaps for his larger
opponent, who responds in kind with a mighty punch. VAAM!
The Mighty Mite is soon caught in the tendrils of an alien plant. The
Earth-Two Atom activates his counterpart's size-controls, freeing him
from the deadly plant. Ray Palmer is back at six feet once more, but
he's ready to keep fighting. He is unable to defend himself against the
older hero, who delivers an awesome onslaught from which there's no
defense.
KA-WAAAK! The Earth-2 Atom manages to break through Ray Palmer's
defenses with one final blow. He is now able to repair his atomic
vibrator -- and continue on their way to Earth-One.
Now on Earth-One, the JSAer sees that Ray Palmer has been de-aged a few
more years. The lad wants to head for Mount Ivy, where the Scienceers
Club is about to have their meeting. They are to fire off a test rocket,
and he's the one responsible. The Atom chases after the fourteen year
old, in hopes of making him understand what has happened. Young Ray
Palmer heads up to Mount Ivy, where he finds a radio-telescope, and no
sign of the Scienceers. Figuring that someone must have chased them off,
the teen begins to beat at the radio-telescope with a rock. As the
radio-telescope falls to the ground... Ray Palmer regains his rightful
age and his memory once more. They learn that the radio-telescope had
been picking up some stellar radiation from outer space, and broadcasted
it in the surrounding area.
Ray doesn't remember their fight, but apologizes for it nonetheless. The
owner of the radio-telescope turns up, and tells them about the radiation
from a distant star which was captured as it was being formed. On
Earth-One, it had a "youth" frequency -- but on Earth-Two, it was the
reverse. Only the Pembrooke area of Ivy Town were affected, the
radiation coming from the Van Allen Belt. The radiation Al Pratt
absorbed on his own Earth protected him on Earth-One. The two agree to
head back for Earth-Two. On Mount Calvin, they find the radio-telescope,
with the radiation being bounced from the Moresby Radiation Belt -- and
deflected to Klaxon Woods. Instead of picking up the radiation from a
new star -- this telescope has gathered the radiations from a dying one
-- affecting the aging process of females. The two Atoms find that the
radiation has formed a force-field around the radio-telescope. Although
the JSAer cannot reach it, the JLAer can by shrinking to the size of an
atomic bullet.
The elder Atom hurls his counterpart towards the force-field... with the
Mighty Mite caught in the energy storm... He realizes that Professor
Hyatt's Time Pool promises a smoother ride, but the time has come to
increase his size... Now on his knees, the Atom crawls for the controls,
and turns the telescope off. The Earth-Two Atom topples the
radio-telescope, just as the Earth-One Atom collapses from exertion.
Back on Earth-Two, the women have regained their rightful ages, with Al
and Marion all smiles on their date. On Earth-One, Jean Loring smiles at
the thought that Ray Palmer was engaged to a girl who he hadn't dated
yet.
On the cover of The Atom #36 by Gil Kane, the Mighty Mite delivers an
atomic punch to his Earth-Two counterpart. The title isn't big enough
for two small super-heroes.
If Al Pratt was in his teens during the 1940's, he'd be in his thirties
in 1968.
Al dated and married a girl named Mary. Whatever happened to her?
In current continuity, Al Pratt is the father of Damage.
Safecrackers in Calvin City make certain to wear business suits whenever
committing a caper.
At the beginning of the story, Betty Roberts' husband is named Jim on
page 3.
By page 6, the name of Betty Roberts' husband is now Bill.
Did the matchmaking wife get a divorce and get remarried in the space of
three pages?
I guess that Gardner Fox was a fan of Maverick.
As a sophomore, Ray Palmer was surprised at how well his first date with
Miss Loring went.
As a super-hero, Ray Palmer was surprised at how things with his ex-wife
went.
In the "Inside Atom" letters page, Jeff Pierce of Stanford, Cal. writes:
"Dear Editor:
To be honest about it, I fully expected Atom #34 to be a complete
failure, a "bomb" as they say in the vernacular of the times. It pleases
me to state that I was totally and irrevocably wrong. The 34th venture
of The Atom in his own mag was one of the finest such stories to date.
My main criticism was the cover, the worst ever to have appeared in The
Atom. Nothing seemed to fit in and the hero of the moment seemed (perish
the thought) uncoordinated. Gil Kane has always been noted for his
graceful, streamlined poses, so the last thing I expect to see in a
Kane-pencilled mag is an awkward hero. Another thing: it appears that
Atom had better seen an orthopedist, because he seems to be getting
pigeon-toed in his old age.
In sharp contrast to the cover was the interior art work. Up until this
issue, I had planned to write you an angry letter of protest about the
artwork decay of the Gil Kane-Sid Greene team. I now find this to be far
from necessary. I have no idea how it was done, but Atom 34 erased all
the previous high-water marks for the team and stands as the best
Kane-Greene yarn printed to date.
The story itself was quite enjoyable. I'm glad that you're giving Atom a
more steady diet of super-villains, rather than all those gangsters. Now
don't get me wrong - I enjoy a good detective story as much as the next
fellow, but which is the better story: "Case of the Hooded Hijackers" or
"The Thinker's Earth-Shaking Robberies"?
Although there have been literally hundreds of groups consisting of
criminals with different talents and/or abilities, the Big Gang was as
well-handled as any of them. Their reason for stealing, their modus
operandi, their various powers, their costumes and characterizations, all
were portrayed well. Except one: Big Bertha. Now I won't question the
fact that a playing card can open a safe or the fact that a gun can shoot
a propeller. However, not even by stretching the bounds of reality to
the fullest can I believe that a female midget, no matter how skilled she
might be or how many gold medals she might have won, can throw a shot 80
feet!"
The editor replies:
"Another beef about beefy Bertha's shotputting ability! It didn't bother
the next critic in his member-by-member analysis of the Big Gang."
Tom Peyer of Syracuse, N.Y. writes:
"Dear Editor:
Though I find it pretty hard to believe that a gang of criminals would be
more concerned with the size of its loot than its value, I enjoyed
"Little Man, etc." and would like to see more of the Big Gang.
No group can be judged collectively yet fairly, and the Big Gang is no
exception - so I'll try to tell you what I think of them one by one.
Big Head: Now come on! We, the readers, are asked to believe that one
man could have the brains of an entire college faculty?
Big Ben: Okay, but it gets kind of annoying seeing him always hurrying
the gang up, and remarking that the first robin of spring appeared 0.32
seconds early... ease up on him, give him some Chronos-like gimmicks. He
has great potential.
Big Wig: He's okay, but how many different gimmicks can be incorporated
into wigs?
Big Bertha: She's very good, but could be improved if you can give her
extraordinary strength in addition to her cannon-like aim.
Big Shot: Very good. The only member of the group who would be
entertaining on his own. Give him some "solo" adventures against the
Tiny Titan.
Big Cheese: His concept is a little absurd, but I like the way his
cheeses come through in a pinch.
Big Deal: I like him - I really can't explain why.
Though some of them are individual flops, they're great together!"
How did the creative team sneak the "atomic vibrator" past the Comics
Code Authority?
Ray Palmer was de-aged and joined the Teen Titans after events seen in
Zero Hour.
The Scienceers were a club, which had Editor Julius Schwartz as one of
its members.
The owner of the radio-telescope on Earth-One resembles Julie Schwartz.
The Super Skrull once found himself trapped in the Van Allen Radiation
Belt in a Marvel Team-Up story by Chris Claremont.
The shape-shifting villain was later freed in an early Alpha Flight story
written and drawn by John Byrne.
Steve Chung
"Review Between The Reviewed Atoms!" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2009 11:07 pm |
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Location: Detroit, Michigan
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The Brave And The Bold #108
"The Night Batman Sold His Soul!"
August - September, 1973
Story: Bob Haney
Art: Jim Aparo
The Masked Manhunter has found his man hiding at an abandoned
farmhouse. Dorn wants a quarter million dollars ransom for the boy he
kidnapped. Batman knows that the thug took the wrong child, whose family
live on more modest means. When the armed criminal's voice is heard
through the wooden door that he's been tricked, the darknight detective
tells him to look at the monogram t-shirt the unconscious boy is wearing.
The L.K. on the boy's shirt do not match the initials of Brian
Westfield, the son of a wealthy family. Mad Dog Dorn cares only for the
money and wants the Batman to get it for him. The masked manhunter knows
with a rare blood disease, the child needs his medication, and if he
dies, Dorn will become a murderer. Mad Dog is unconvinced, and with no
time to go for help, the Dark Knight Detective makes a desperate entrance
through a window. KARAASSH Unfortunately for Batman, Dorn was ready for
such a tactic. BLAMM AGGGGGGG
Mad Dog drags the body outside and throws it into a well. Now in
the water, Batman knows that he is suffering from blood loss and is
unable to get out of the well. He and the boy will both die. With his
last bit of strength, the Masked Manhunter raises his fist and shouts
that he would give his very soul to be free. KREEK As his breathing
starts to slow, he hears the creaking sound from above, and touches the
well bucket being reeled back up.
KREE KREEK Batman sees the starry night's sky above him and a
shadowy figure continues to turn the handle. Lifting the darknight
detective from the well, the visitor sees that the wounds can be taken
care of. He tells the Masked Manhunter that he was getting water for his
car, when he heard Batman's cry for help. Still dizzy from his wounds,
the darknight detective hears his benefactor's accent, but can't place
it. The man says that he was glad to help and returns to his waiting
vehicle. The antique car is soon on its way, while Batman heads towards
the farmhouse. He sees that Mad Dog is deep in slumber.
After a quick and quiet entrance, the Masked Manhunter delivers a
left-handed chop to the back of Dorn's head. CHUK UUNGG The boy wakes
up at Batman's touch and is given his medicine. Mad Dog Dorn is returned
to Gotham City, where Commissioner Gordon tells members of the press
about his capture. Millionaire philanthropist Bruce Wayne asks the
commissioner if he is claiming the credit for Dorn's capture, but the
lawman assures him that Batman was responsible for the young boy's safe
return. He and his officers watch as the playboy swaggers away, but
around the corner, Bruce's chest is still suffering from the shotgun
blast. He had intended only to cover his dual identity and explain his
absence from Gotham.
As Bruce pulls himself to his feet, he hears a familiar voice in the
shadows. Batman's benefactor has returned and has seen through his
secret identity. The shadowy figure is an expert on the art of assuming
other identities, and the millionaire philanthropist can't see his face.
He has come to remind Bruce of the bargain which was made by Batman.
Since the Masked Manhunter has offered his soul, it is now the stranger's
property. Bruce is grateful for the aid he has received, but his soul is
his own. As he reaches towards the stranger, the old man begins to
shuffle away. SHUF SHUF The playboy rises to his feet and chases after
him.
SHUF SHUF Bruce grabs onto a rock-hard arm, but is knocked aside
as the man opens fire. POW POW The roar of an engine and a car speeds
away from the scene. The millionaire philanthropist sees that the arm he
grabbed onto belongs to an angry Sergeant Rock, who had been pursuing the
mysterious figure. He and Bruce renew their acquaintances over the
self-professed dealer in souls. The playboy is helped along by the old
soldier, who tells him that the old man is none other than Adolf Hitler.
In the penthouse apartment of Bruce Wayne, the veteran of many wars
is ready to tell his story. When the millionaire philanthropist reminds
Rock that Hitler was found dead in a Berlin bunker, the Sergeant tells
him about the last days of the war. Easy Company was making their way
through the Bavarian Alps when a German .88 hit him. Rock woke up to
find himself prisoner in an enemy camp. He sees the Fuhrer leaving a
tent, and listens as Hitler tells the Major to shoot him.
Rock begins to sweat as the plane takes off and the Nazi Major aims
his luger towards the back of his head. BRRRMMMMM Both he and the Nazi
are caught in the impact of American shells, which sends the Sergeant
over the snowy boulders. This occurred two days after Hitler's death in
the Berlin bunker. Bruce Wayne knows that Der Fuhrer had many doubles,
while the one who died in the bunker matched the description of the real
dictator. Rock believes that the details were faked and wonders why the
double would have him ordered shot if he wasn't Hitler. The millionaire
playboy still believes that it's a double, but Rock wonders who was the
man he's been chasing around the world for almost thirty years? In 1948,
the Sergeant is wetting his whistle in a Greek tavern when he hears the
voice with the distinctive accent.
The limping man made his way to the pier, while several crewmen kept
Rock from following him. The Greek authorities did not believe his
story, but two years later in South America, POW POW Rock fires his gun
at a fleeing car. He receives a court-martial for the shooting, but
years later in Paris, Rock pays his respect to the Unknown Sojer of
France... and sees a familiar limping figure in the shadows. WOK WOK
He gets his hands onto the side of the moving car, but loses his grip,
and falls to the concrete street. If the man he's been chasing isn't
Hitler, then why is this double being guarded wherever he goes? Bruce is
almost persuaded by Rock's story, but believes that Hitler is dead.
Since Batman had met him at the farmhouse, Rock asks if he'd be up
for a rematch. Inside the farmhouse, they find one of Hitler's lairs,
but Bruce thinks that they are Nazi sympathizers, and the place looks
like it hasn't been used in years. At Gotham Airport, Rock boards his
plane, and as Bruce enters a cab, he is greeted by his benefactor. The
old man wants him as one of his soldiers.
He admits that he owes the old man his life, but doubts that he
would be capable of doing evil work. Bruce is dropped off by the armed
taxi driver, and the next day finds the Darknight Detective eyeing a
small-timer named Willie Gans. The running sneak-thief's escape is cut
short by a oncoming truck. SKEEEEEE The Commissioner tells him that
Gans had gone straight since his release from prison and Batman wonders
why the innocent man would have run.
Mrs. Gans asks why the Masked Manhunter would have chased her
husband. He had wanted to check up on Gans, but the frightened man was
caught in the path of a truck, instead. At the penthouse, Batman
receives a call of congratulations from the old man. He tells the
darknight detective that the next act will be no accident, and will occur
on the last day of the month. After a shaky hand slams the phone, Batman
thinks about what he knows about his benefactor. He has many identities
and is apparently able to be at many places at once. He is interested in
spreading evil, but the Masked Manhunter isn't ready to believe in the
Devil.
The next phone call is from Gordon, who tells Batman about a riot at
Gotham Airport. Minutes later, he sees Rock being held by security, and
the Commissioner telling him how an old man was threatened on a plane.
The Darknight Detective tells the lawman that Rock is suffering from
shell shock and asks to release him to his custody. When the old soldier
asks if he believes his story, Batman agrees that whoever his benefactor
is, he must be stopped. The next day finds the Masked Manhunter and Rock
getting ready for a trip to Germany, where the old man has been sighted
by one of the Sargeant's contacts. Forty-eight hours later, Batman and
Rock are in Bavaria, where they meet up with Bulldozer from Easy Company.
Bulldozer introduces them to the new Easy Company, who are impressed
at the sight of the two living legends. Rock is ready for the final
showdown, while Batman is beginning to worry about the old man's real
identity. Easy Company make their way towards an alpine hunting lodge,
but are spotted. BUDDA BUDDA KPOW KPOW Rock and Bulldozer experience
deja vu, while Batman disappears during the action.
After the shooting stops, the soldiers find the Masked Manhunter
inspecting the worn carpet inside the lodge. He sees the impressions
left by a limping man, but with the dead followers, Rock believes that
they've lost the trail. Batman has found an underlined train schedule
and tells them they have to catch a train. One of two jeeps pulls up
alongside the express, with the Darknight Detective telling Rock to stop
the train if they don't hear from him by midnight. As he makes his way
down a corridor, he is caught by members of the Federal German Police.
They are familiar with the duly-deputized lawman known as the
Batman, and introduce him to Herr Dokter Ritter. The masked manhunter
recognizes Ritter's voice, but the man's face is completely different
from that of Hitler's. The Darknight Detective realizes that he and Rock
have made a mistake. Due to his wounds and the old soldier's state of
mind, he tells the German police about Rock's plan to stop the train.
The "officers" open fire, just as Batman discovers that he's been
tricked. WHOK He is knocked unconscious by a blow to the head.
SSKREEEEE One of the jeeps falls end over end. Minutes later,
Batman recovers, and knows that he has gotten Rock killed. "Ritter" is
reading a newspaper and reminds him that he would complete the act of
evil at midnight. He has betrayed the American Sergeant and the Masked
Manhunter sees that the "doktor" has changed his face once again. The
shadowy figure is convinced that the hero is completely in his power,
while Batman fights to free himself from his fear and guilt. The two
jeeps race for a nearby bridge, with the younger members of Easy amazed
that Rock and Bulldozer are still alive. Once on the bridge, they leap
onto the speeding train.
The shadowy stranger is confident that Batman will soon serve his
evil purposes, but the Caped Crusader sees that Rock and Bulldozer are
now atop their car. As he lunges at "Ritter," the lights go out. The
next moment finds him alone in the car, with Rock needing help. YIIEEEE
"Ritter" now has one less follower, as the Masked Manhunter makes his way
to the others. WOK He backhands another off the train car, while Rock
and Bulldozer make certain that the others get their tickets punched.
With the fight over, they find that the express train is being led
onto a spur track. Having fought in the area during the war, Rock is
unfamiliar with this part of the track. Bulldozer sees a strange doorway
parting before them. Inside the tunnel, Batman and Easy Company find a
couple of Nazi tanks and arms being kept inside. The old man is perched
atop one of the turrets, and Rock tells his men to rush him.
Hidden machine guns appear from the walls, stopping Easy in their
tracks. The mystery man wants Batman's soul, but the masked manhunter
won't fall for any of the old man's tricks now. BAMM WHRAANNG One of
the tanks opens fire, with Easy Company fighting the war all over again.
As the tunnel erupts with the sounds of battle, Batman races for the
limping man, and an unmasking.
One of the followers has thrown a hot potato masher. WHROOOOOOMM
Batman narrowly avoids the blast and sees that the tunnel entrance is
consumed with flames. KLANK KLANK Rock and Easy Company used a tank
from a nearby army depot as protection from the explosion, and for a
quick exit. The old soldier is convinced that the New Easy is just as
good as its predecessor, but Rock is looking for Hitler. The old man has
made his escape, and both men know that they've failed to capture the
infamous dictator.
Batman knows that whether the Fuhrer is dead or alive, the evil he
has caused will always be among them. No one, not even the world's
greatest detective can know where or when it will appear again. On a
distant and deserted road, a elderly man limps along, as the moon shines
behind him, and casts a dark shadow on the path ahead.
On the cover of The Brave And The Bold #108, Sgt Rock opens fire on
the mysterious figure perched atop a tank turret, while Batman runs up
with a crucifix, the only thing that will stop this evil being.
The story by Bob Haney has the Darknight Detective and the reader
wondering about the true identity of the old man. Is he the infamous
Adolf Hitler or an even more familiar symbol of evil?
The art by Jim Aparo presents the classic Batman of the 1970's, with
the lettering keeping pace with the action.
I wonder if Brian Westfield was interested in the world of comic
books?
The Masked Manhunter could be considered a "well-wisher," but he
should really choose his words carefully.
Commissioner Gordon sees Bruce Wayne as an example of that vain,
shallow swinger of the 1970's.
The millionaire philanthropist has a shotgun blast he needs to get
off his chest.
The old man shuffles off, but not to Buffalo. His antics do serve
to "buffalo" Batman for a time.
Sergeant Rock is alive and well on Earth-B. On Earth-1, Robert
Kanigher maintained that Frank Rock was killed by the last shot fired in
the final moments of World War II.
An oncoming truck also meant the end of Lew Moxon, who had run from
the sight of the first Bat-Man costume worn by Doctor Thomas Wayne.
After being shot at and falling from an overturned jeep, the vets of
Easy Company lead charmed lives.
I'm reminded of an episode from the original Twilight Zone, where
the image of Hitler caused a character played by Dennis Hopper to believe
himself to be a "Man of Steel."
In The Brave And The Bold Mailbag, Bob Rozakis of Elmont, N.Y. asks
what's to happen to his favorite archer in the pages of other D.C. mags,
especially since at the end of an B&B issue, Oliver Queen is a
millionaire again, but lost his fortune in Justice League of America #75.
Steve Chung
"The Night Batman Sold His Review!" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 11:23 pm |
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Posts: 4672
Location: Detroit, Michigan
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The Brave and the Bold #93
"Red Water, Crimson Death"
December - January, 1970-71
Creators: Writer: Denny O'Neil. Artist: Neal Adams. Editor: Murray
Boltinoff.
A running figure peers anxiously over his shoulder to see if he's still
being pursued, then continues on his way towards a nearby house. He
tries the doorknob and find that it's locked. Seeing someone standing
inside the house, he demands entry, and is refused by the owner. Before
the gunman can bring his weapon into play, he hears the approach of the
Batman.
Beefy isn't going back to prison as long as he has a gun in his hand, and
as the Masked Manhunter runs up the wooden stairs, he trips on a loose
board. KLIK There's been a misfire and Beefy's one chance for freedom
is gone. Commissioner Gordon and the police arrive to take the criminal
into custody, while the darknight detective knows how close he came to
being killed.
In his profession, a single mistake may prove costly, indeed. The
Commissioner knows how his friend has been busy uncovering a
counterfeiting ring and stopping a prison break. Even a man as driven as
the Batman can't function if he doesn't have a rest. The lawman offers
the Masked Manhunter a steamship ticket to Ireland. His nerves would no
doubt benefit from a change of scenery. Even so, the Darknight Detective
is reluctant to leave Gotham City. The Commissioner assures him that
they'll be able to handle things while he's away for a month. The Batman
is on his way to a locale which will cheer him and chill him to the
marrow... "Red Water, Crimson Death."
The steamship is making its way across the Atlantic, and the man standing
at the rail is millionaire philanthropist Bruce Wayne. The Arin Isles
off the north coast of Ireland are in view and it provides a setting
where the vacationer from Gotham City can clear his head. A child's ball
bounces by him, and as he hands the boy his toy back, the steamship
enters a storm area.
Bruce watches the storm from the safety of his cabin, with the ship being
bounced around on the waves. He sees the boy he met earlier in danger of
being swept over. With waves about thirty feet high, the boy's chances
are grim, but the millionaire philanthropist must try to reach him.
Bruce reaches the boy, then wonders how long he can support their weight
in the choppy waters. Sean calls out for his grandfather, and both see a
man's face take shape in the oncoming wave. The cold waters start to get
to them, but before they can succumb, the ship's crew hurl a life
preserver their way. Bruce and Sean are taken aboard and are treated for
hypothermia. The vacationer from Gotham is praised by the ship's doctor
for his swift action.
The millionaire playboy is weary from his heroic actions and he wonders
if he'll ever recover. When he opens up his suitcase for some pajamas,
Bruce sees that Alfred took the liberty of packing his Batman uniform.
With his health at stake, Bruce Wayne is on vacation, and the Batman's
costume is giving a burial at sea. The steamer stops to drop off Sean,
whose family lives on one of the Arin Islands. Bruce decides to join the
boy in the launch and spent some time on the quiet, isolated island.
The launch docks at Kennamora and Sean is greeted by his Uncle Derry.
When they learn how Bruce saved the boy's life, the stranger is given a
warm welcome to stay with them. That night, the millionaire playboy
enjoys his plate of Mulligan Stew.
It's soon Sean's bedtime, but the boy doesn't want to stop his reading.
The lad's uncle tells Bruce that since his parents were killed, Sean has
been reading up on the stories of King Hugh, the former ruler of the
island. When he asks how the parents died, Derry tells his nephew's
rescuer that many have died from the red sea. The island's waters had
begun to change color about a year ago, a curse that's killed both fish
and man. He had hoped a visit to America would have cheered up the boy,
but it hasn't. After saying goodnight to Derry, Bruce remembers that red
water could be a result of dinoflagellate poisoning, which usually clears
up in a matter of days, but according to Sean's uncle, it's been a year.
Realizing that he's supposed to be on vacation, Bruce turns in for the
night. His sleep is disturbed when he feels a hand rousing him to
wakefulness. The ghostly image of a warrior strides past his bed, and
the only thing that's more startling is the fact that he's in costume
once again. As Bruce dons his cowl, Sean has gone off to find King Hugh,
and ask for his aid in finding his parents.
The Masked Manhunter leaps out into the night, pursued by a group of
villagers who have been startled by his sudden appearance. The Darknight
Detective is careful in defending himself and disabling their makeshift
weapons. They see the Bat-Man in their midst and he must convince them
that he's a friend.
He explains to them that his mode of dress is due to his profession. The
villagers reluctantly lower their arms and ask if he has anything to do
with what's been happening at the castle. The home of King Hugh, dead
for three hundred years, has become occupied once more. The villagers
wonder if their former ruler has come back to haunt them. They have seen
ghosts and heard the cries of the banshees, as the red tide began
appearing around the island.
OWWOOOOOOOO They hear the banshee's howl and the masked manhunter looks
towards the castle, where a young boy is racing for a meeting with King
Hugh.
He could let the villagers handle it, but the Batman wouldn't let an
innocent boy be hurt. A storm has begun, preventing him from seeing the
boy, and keeping Sean from hearing his cries. A ghost appears on the
horizon, but the Masked Manhunter decides to test its reality with a
rock. The screen which projected the three-dimensional hologram from the
castle. It hasn't been the supernatural which has been haunting the
island's inhabitants. Sean has made his way across the bridge.
Not knowing what to expect inside the castle, the Darknight Detective
must decide what to do before the gate closes. CHUNGGG The decision is
made and the gate spikes close behind him. The Batman is now inside the
castle, which is a house, and with no idea of what to expect, he is now
in the House of Mystery. There are 50 yards of open area between him and
the main building, but a sudden lightning flash would give his presence
away. Feeling a tap on his shoulder, the Masked Manhunter turns to see
no one behind him. The entrance to a secret passage is now at his feet.
After walking down the underground passage, he hears voices ahead of him.
The voices belong to the owners of the hologram equipment, now broken,
and whose boss is eagerly awaiting the departure of the villagers so that
he can corner the fishing rights on the island. The two men are to
poison the boy and have his body be found in the morning. The Batman has
heard enough...
A left to the jaw and a backhand sends one thug to the ground, while the
other races for a weapon on the wall. WH-IIISSSHHH THWACK He is able
to deflect the deadly blade, then uses a wooden chair to disarm the
would-be swordsman. The boy and their boss are located down the
corridor.
PUNT The Batman has suffered a deep cut from the blade, but there's no
time to treat the wound. When he comes to two possible corridors, an
unseen force pulls at the darknight detective. Whether it's a dream or a
nightmare, the masked manhunter will see it through to the end. Instead
of suffering from exhaustion, Batman finds that his sense of fatigue is
gone. At the end of the corridor, he hears sounds of a struggle.
Sean struggles against the two men who want him to take a drink of water.
WHOMPP For the Batman, anyone who would threaten a small child is
beneath contempt, and he regrets that it takes only one punch to take
down the poisoner. The boss is Aloysius Cabot, the owner of a fishery.
It was he who stirred up the talk of ghosts so he could make his deadly
chemicals in private, and dump them into the sea.
The Darknight Detective finds that he is now barely able to stand and
Cabot points to the cut on his arm where some of the poison has been
splashed into. He has now less than a minute to live. The owner of the
fishery offers a fighting chance for the masked manhunter. There are two
beakers on the table, one which contains water, and the other which
contains an antidote. He has only time to choose one. His vision
blurred by the poison, the Batman looks towards the portrait of King
Hugh.
He sees a finger pointing towards the test tube at the rear of the table.
It is now Cabot's turn to become surprised, as Batman drinks down the
antidote, and ignores the two beakers containing death. It will take him
a minute to recover, and in that time, Cabot plans to shoot him down.
AGGH! The heavy picture frame falls onto the head of Aloysius Cabot, who
has received a massive concussion, and sudden death. In all the
excitement, the boy had fainted, and the murder of his parents has been
avenged. Even so, the Darknight Detective can't understand the run of
coincidences on his vacation. His costume's return from a watery grave,
finding the entrance to the secret passage, and picking the right
corridor to save a life.
The portrait of King Hugh helped him to choose the right antidote and
fell at just the right time to stop Cabot from shooting. He doesn't know
why the boy went to the castle, anymore than he knows why Sean came on
deck during a storm. The boy wakes up from his sleep, then asks what's
been happening. Even for a darknight detective, there will be some
mysteries which will remain unanswered. The owner of the House of
Mystery knows and tells the reader that King Hugh may have left the world
of men, but he cannot abide anyone disturbing his rightful slumber.
The House of Mystery is the epitome of "It's a nice place to visit, but I
wouldn't want to live there."
Cain tends to be selective when it comes to the quality of his tenants.
I wonder if Commissioner Gordon would have checked the passenger list of
the steamship to see if millionaire philanthropist Bruce Wayne went on
the same trip as Batman?
Bruce gets to see plenty of action, especially in saving the life of a
small boy from drowning at sea.
Do the clothes make the man or is it something more? Whether in costume
or not, Bruce Wayne is the Batman, and he will always do his best to help
those in need.
When I was about Sean's age, I'd spend my time reading the back issues of
Batman.
Leave it to the Masked Manhunter to part the red water surrounding the
island.
Criminals are a superstitious, cowardly lot, but the ones under the
employ of Aloysius Cabot sought to prey on the villagers with their own
superstitions.
In reading this story, I was delighted to see my surname used as a sound
effect, and it's probably the closest I'll ever come to having my name in
a story by Denny O'Neil and Neal Adams.
If Aloysius Cabot had lived to stand trial, he could have said that he
was "framed."
Steve Chung
"Red Water, Crimson Review" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Tue Sep 22, 2009 1:17 am |
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Posts: 4672
Location: Detroit, Michigan
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Blackhawk #147
"The Future Blackhawks!"
April, 1960
Story: Unknown
Art: Dick Dillin
Inks: Sheldon Moldoff
Blackhawk finds himself in the future, fighting crime alongside the
Blackhawks of the 21st Century. When the group are held captive, it's up
to him to use his 20th Century resources to save "The Future Blackhawks!"
On the splash page, Blackhawk watches as the Blackhawks of 2060 are
traveling by light beams through the sky.
Beneath the watchful eye of the moon, the Black Knights are standing in
front of a skylight. They have found the underworld scientist and his
henchmen. Andre asks for his leader's orders. Blackhawk will spearhead
the attack, with the men following him down. CRAAASH HAWK-AAA The
Blackhawks have arrived! KA-FLOOSH The criminal scientist hurls a test
tube, with Blackhawk caught in the midst of a chemical explosion, and the
fumes dulling his senses. When he regains his senses, Blackhawk sees
three men standing before him. They recognize the Blackhawk from the
20th Century from photographs in a time capsule they found. Surely no
one would wear such clothing in the 21st Century. Somehow, the chemical
explosion has brought Blackhawk to the future world of 2060.
He is delighted to know that the Blackhawk tradition will continue on.
The leader is Ra'Gan, with Tor, and Xeo comprising the rest of the group.
In this modern age, three Blackhawks are all that are needed. BZZZT
Tor tunes in on the belt TV alarm, and watches as a costumed criminal
uses a disintegrator gun to break into an atomic warehouse. Tor
activates a device, from which comes a shaft of light, and each of the
Blackhawks use the light beams to transport themselves over long
distances. The next second finds them at the scene of the crime, with
Blackhawk being told by Ra'Gan to stay back, and avoid tangling with the
burglar's D-Gun.
Once the futuristic Blackhawks have entered the warehouse, the burglar
appears, and tries to make a break for it. ZAAP He almost succeeds in
disintegrating the 20th Century Blackhawk, who manages to disarm him with
a thrown piece of wreckage. Without his weapon, the futuristic criminal
is just another thug, and should be no problem to apprehend. When the
Black Knight lunges towards his foe, he suddenly finds himself floating
in the air. The burglar is caught in the path of a freeze gun from the
arriving Blackhawks. Blackhawk is lowered from the zero gravity cloud,
and is told that the criminal will be thawed out at police headquarters.
Back at headquarters the Blackhawks of 2060 laugh at the old-fashioned
crime-fighting methods of their guest from the 20th Century. They offer
to show him their secret island, and try to find a way to get him back to
his own time period. Xeo and Tor vanish into thin air, thanks to their
special teleportation belt mechanisms. These are used so that no one
will be able to track them to their island. Blackhawk is given a spare
to use, and one minute later, he presses the button. Sixty seconds
later, the Black Knight finds himself on Blackhawk Island, and heads for
the headquarters building. As he gets closer, he sees that crooks have
captured the Blackhawks at gunpoint. It's taken Trigg ten years to find
the island, but now it's his, and their new home will be in a ray cell.
He'll keep them alive as hostages. Blackhawk must come up with a way to
save them, but what can he do against 21st Century weaponry? The
Blackhawk Museum should contain what he needs to deal with the criminal
gang.
After slipping past a guard, the Black Knight sees that the Blackhawk
Sub, the Blackhawk Jet, and the Safari Mobile Tank are still on display.
One of Trigg's men spots him, and calls out for the others. Since these
weapons from the 20th Century will be no good against 21st Century ones,
Blackhawk will have to use some trickery. BLAM BLAM RATA-RATA Trigg
and his hoods enter the museum, where the Blackhawk Jet fires its machine
guns and cannon at them. Hurling several capsules on the ground, a wall
of heat melts the bullets, and the gangsters prepare to open fire. ZAAP
ZAAP CRAAASH All three fire at their target, and the 1960 Blackhawk Jet
is blown completely asunder.
They find a robot in the cockpit and figure that the Blackhawks must have
activated it from the ray cell. Once Trigg and his gang have left,
Blackhawk heads for the Hawk-Sub. The craft is rolled out of the museum,
then launched. Thankfully, time has not destroyed the underseas cavern
beneath Blackhawk Island. The 21st Century Blackhawks are surprised to
find Blackhawk hacking his way through the floor of the ray cell. Ra'Gan
is impressed by Blackhawk's rescue plan, and knows that they must arm
themselves in order to regain control of the island. Blackhawk is
convinced that the arsenal they need is within the museum. The machinery
from an early time can't possibly hope to compete with the super-weaponry
of 2060, but the Black Knight from the 20th Century is determined to
prove Ra'Gan wrong.
CLAK CLAK WHRRRRRR As Trigg and his gang make their plans in the map
room, they hear the sound of ancient machinery coming from the Blackhawk
Museum. With their D-Guns, the Blackhawks don't have much of a chance.
ZAP ZAP The disintegrator guns make short work of the 20th Century
machines, but when the crooks come out to check out the wreckage, they
find more than they bargained for. HAWK-AAAA Trigg and his gang have
fallen for an old 20th Century trick. The "machines" were nothing but
old Blackhawk training films -- projected from behind a screen. As they
leap from the balloon, a D-Gun blast disintegrates one of Blackhawk's
boot heels.
With Trigg and his gang in custody, Ra'Gan admits that there's still a
place for 20th Century crime-fighting methods, and watches as Blackhawk
begins to fade away from view. As he returns to his own time, the Black
Knight wishes Ra'Gan and his men the best of luck. The next moment finds
Blackhawk being greeted by his fellow Blackhawks. They figure that he
must have wandered out of the laboratory while they were capturing the
scientist and his gang. Andre tells him how he was in a chemical
explosion, and how he walked out in a daze. Seeing that the heel of his
boot is missing, Andre figures that a strong chemical must have splashed
upon it, and Blackhawk chooses to keep his own explanation to himself.
On the cover of Blackhawk #147 by Dick Dillin and Charles Cuidera, "The
Future Blackhawks" find the 20th Century Blackhawk has been caught in a
zero-gravity gas cloud.
In 2060, criminals prefer to use capsules and D-Guns as their weapons of
choice.
In 1960, criminal scientists prefer to use test tubes and handguns as
their weapons of choice.
The 21st Century Blackhawks wear blue headbands, blue bodysuits, gold
gloves, gold boots, and have holsters on their belts.
Somewhere over the rainbow skies of 2060, the Blackhawks of the 21st
Century fly overhead.
Xeo resembles Hendrickson and may be a descendant.
Belts are good to tune into, as well as holding up your pants in the 21st
Century.
In 2060, common burglars wear red and orange outfits modeled after Mr.
Mxyzptlk.
A ray cell uses lasers instead of iron bars to keep its prisoners in.
I guess that projection television has come a long way in one hundred
years.
Chemical explosions have played a part in many a comic book character's
origin.
Steve Chung
"The Future Reviews!"
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Blackhawk #147
"The Fantastic Shrink Ray"
April, 1960
Story: Unknown
Art: Dick Dillin
Inks: Sheldon Moldoff
It was a weapon created to commit crimes, but the Black Knights are up to
their necks in trouble when they try to defeat "The Fantastic Shrink
Ray!" The Baron's launch is coming into range of the cargo ship, and the
beam is turned on.
The shrink ray successfully shrinks down the cargo ship, with the safe
being opened by a jackknife, and a package of rare gems taken with a pair
of tweezers. The radio system is punctured so it can't send out an
S.O.S.. The ship is set afloat and restored to full size by reversing
the switch on the shrink ray machine. The Blackhawks are in the area,
with Andre wondering what happened to the cargo ship, and Blackhawk
curious about its disappearance. Hendrickson watches as it regains its
normal size, and the others figure that it must be coming from someone in
the launch. The Blackhawk Jets are now in a dive, while aboard the
launch, a box containing reduced mines is handed over to the Baron.
The tiny mines are soon enlarged, with the lives of those aboard the
cargo ship in danger. RAT-A-TAT-TAT-TAT RAT-A-TAT-TAT BOOM BOOM One
mine has gotten too close to the ship, and will destroy her if it blows.
Blackhawk maneuvers his jet so that the afterburner carries the mine away
from the ship. Once the mines have been dealt with, the Blackhawks head
for shore. After hitting the ground near the coastline, they question a
fisherman, but he claims to have seen nothing.
As the team heads back to their barracks, the Baron and his miniaturized
men peer from out of the fisherman's shirt pocket, and are restored to
normal size. Back at Blackhawk Island, an aerial shipment of rare gems
will be watched over by the Black Knights. Days later, the air transport
soars eastward... right into the Baron's sights. The beam is turned on
and the plane is caught in a butterfly net. Once again, the tweezers are
put to use, and the valise containing the gems is soon restored to normal
size.
The tiny plane is thrown out, then restored to normal size. Two
Blackhawk Jets come into view, with the Baron threatening to use the
shrink ray on them. Chuck warns Blackhawk that the airliner is in
danger. Realizing that the pilot must have been injured, he orders
Chop-Chop to take over. Blackhawk parachutes down towards the airliner,
and snarls his chute on the wing. He is able to make his way along the
wing to the open door. While the Black Knight saves the airliner, the
Baron and his men return to their island hideout. Unbeknownst to the
Baron, four of the Blackhawks have hidden aboard the plane, and make
their way into the valise. An amplified radio signal will enable
Blackhawk, Chuck, and Chop-Chop to follow them to the Baron's hideout.
The valise is dropped onto a table at the island hideout, with a huge
hand reaching into it for the gems. As the crooks concentrate on
counting their loot, the four Blackhawks have sent out their signal, and
search for a much better hiding place. They are seen by the Baron, and
barely avoid being grabbed as they climb down the table cloth. MMMM One
of the hoods comes after them with a vacuum cleaner.
Things look bad for the tiny Blackhawks, but the other Blackhawks come
bursting through the door. Before the shrink ray can be brought into
play, He is tackled by one of the Black Knights. The Baron and his men
get in front of the beam, figuring that they'll be able to escape through
a mouse hole, and reach their emergency headquarters with a reserve ray
device. Andre and Hendy see the armed men, then eye the rubber band and
fountain pen which have fallen off the table. The rubber band is
stretched.
TWANNG Two of the crooks are taken down. All four of the Blackhawks use
their strength to lift up the lever of the fountain pen. BANG BANG
SQUISH The two other armed men are swallowed in a sea of ink, while up
topside, the remaining two hoods surrender. The ray machine is brought
over and is put to some good use for a change. Once the reverse switch
on the shrink ray has been activated, the Baron and his gang are to be
turned in to the authorities, and Olaf finds himself not yet used to
being so high up from the floor.
Brainiac used his own shrink ray to reduce the Kryptonian city of Kandor.
One of Aquaman's strangest enemies ever is the Fisherman.
It can be said that the Blackhawks had been caught up in a tight case and
were operating out of a vacuum.
Stretching like a rubber band is the trademark of Plastic Man, Mr.
Fantastic, Elastic Lad, and the Elongated Man.
Shrinking in size is the trademark of Doll Man, The Atom, and Ant-Man.
The fountain pen is mightier than the sword, or firearm in this case.
Chop-Chop must have been happy about not being the shortest guy in the
Blackhawks during this particular adventure.
Steve Chung
"The Fantastic Shrink Review" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Tue Sep 22, 2009 11:06 am |
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Joined: 27 Dec 2006
Posts: 4672
Location: Detroit, Michigan
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Batman #186
"Commissioner Gordon's Death-Threat!"
November, 1966
Story: Gardner Fox
Art: Sheldon Moldoff
Inks: Joe Giella
Lettering: Gaspar Saladino
The Caped Crusader-- caught in a hotel room explosion at Resort
City!... The Boy Wonder -- hit from behind!... These two events are
connected to the disappearance of Commissioner Gordon! Injured and
lacking clues -- the Dynamic Duo must beat the clock and prevent --
"Commissioner Gordon's Death-Threat!"
It is nighttime at the Gotham City police headquarters. Batman
makes his way down the hall -- and hears a voice calling to him... The
switchboard operator tells the Caped Crusader that the Commissioner has
called from Resort City, and wants to speak to him urgently! After
entering the Commissioner's private office, Batman is connected by the
operator. The voice on the phone tells the Masked Manhunter that he's
hiding in room 721 -- because of a jewel thief he arrested forty years
ago. Fred Purley was a four-time loser... and Judge Parker sentenced him
to life imprisonment. Purley vowed revenge on the rookie... Two weeks
ago, Purley was paroled for good behavior. It was then that Commissioner
Gordon remembered the old threat. The Masked Manhunter tells his friend
to remain where he is. He will come to Resort City.
The calls ends... and Fred Purley puts the receiver down. He smiles
and tells the Commissioner that Batman has fallen for his imitation of
the lawman's voice. Gordon knows that his friend is walking into a trap.
The Batcopter leaves Gotham City and heads south... Thirty minutes
later... the Caped Crusader is knocking on the door of room 721. When
there's no answer at the door, the Masked Manhunter uses his electronic
skeleton key... Seeing that the room is dark, Batman reaches in to turn
on the light-switch... KAA-BAAAM!
Back in Gotham City... Robin has read his mentor's note concerning
Resort City. As he drives the Batmobile, the Boy Wonder sees three hoods
emerging from the Foxcroft Jewel Salon -- heading for their getaway car!
ZOOOM! The crooks have gotten rid of the Caped Crusader -- but hadn't
reckoned on Robin. SKREECH! SKREEEEE The getaway car is cut off by the
Batmobile... As the Boy Wonder leaps onto the Batmobile's hood, the
crooks come out of their car... and prepare to shoot...
Robin leaps feet first... WHAMMO! Two of the hoods take it on their
chins. PIINGG The third gunman's shot strikes a fire hydrant. WHOOSHH!
The Boy Wonder uses a tool from his utility belt and soon, the third
crook is knocked off balance from the sudden soaking. Wrenching the
hydrant shut, Robin charges the fallen thug...
KRUNNK! As the Boy Wonder's fist collides with the crook's chin...
he hears the voice of Commissioner Gordon telling him to stop! Turning,
Robin sees that it wasn't the lawman who called out to him -- WHAPPP!
Purley's trick has worked, and the three hoods drive off -- intending on
dealing with Commissioner Gordon. Forty-five minutes later, at the
Gotham City police station... Batman is asking to see some forty-year
old files on jewel thefts -- when he sees the Boy Wonder entering. Robin
was going to report the Foxcroft Jewel Salon robbery, and wants to know
about Commissioner Gordon. As the Dynamic Duo compare notes... the Boy
Wonder talks about the hood who imitated Gordon's voice. The Caped
Crusader's left hand had been injured in the explosion, but he sees how
the Foxcroft Jewelry Salon robbery and the Commissioner's disappearance
add up!
It was Fred Purley who was on the phone with Batman -- just as he
used the voice to fool Robin. The Masked Manhunter was sent to Resort
City where a bomb was waiting for him, if he hadn't been protected by the
front door... Purley now has both the loot and Gordon. The Caped
Crusader knows that the criminal will want to boast of his successful
robbery of Foxcroft which was the salon that the rookie stopped him four
decades ago. The two crime-fighters must think of a way to find Purley.
The getaway car was no doubt stolen, but Robin remembers that he saw a
Flame Island commuter pass in one of the thug's pockets, as he punched
him. Purley and his gang must be on Flame Island -- and drove on the
bridge -- to rob the Foxcroft Jewelry Salon. Even though there are many
homes on Flame Island, it is an important clue. As they board the
Batcopter, Batman uses the short-wave radio to have the police perform a
house-to-house search.
The Boy Wonder hopes that Commissioner Gordon would be able to
provide a clue to his whereabouts, but the Caped Crusader knows that they
have to deal with what they have to go on. It is a dark night when the
Batcopter flies over Flame Island... As they observe the gleaming
lights... they see a Bat-Signal shining against a tree-bole... The Masked
Manhunter is surprised to see the Commissioner's signal, and asks Robin to
see where it is coming from. Using binoculars, the Boy Wonder sees the
tower room window has been painted black -- and a Bat-Signal outline
scratched on the paint. After landing the Batcopter on the lawn... the
Dynamic Duo head for the tower, knowing that the tower windows must be
shatter-proofed, or else Gordon would have broken them and summoned help.
Inside the tower, Fred Purley is holding a pearl necklace in front
of the seated Commissioner. He had gotten a list of Gordon's
appearances, so he could pick up on the lawman's voice. Having done so
-- the Caped Crusader is dead and the Boy Wonder is out of action. As
Purley points his gun at Commissioner Gordon... CRASH! Batman tells the
crook to drop his gun, while Robin delivers a left-fisted greeting to a
startled thug... ZOKK! WHUMMPP! The two thugs are sent backwards by the
Masked Manhunter's right cross. Commissioner Gordon can only gape in
amazement, then ask his friend how they found him...
WHAK Another right cross from Batman sends Purley against a
table... as the Caped Crusader tells his fellow lawman how they got his
Bat-Signal on the tower window. The Commissioner admits that wasn't why
he made it --! While he was kept in the tower room, Gordon drew the
symbol with his tie-clasp -- in remembrance of the times that the Dynamic
Duo came in answer to his summons. When Fred Purley came in and put down
the kerosene lamp -- he must have placed it behind the window and made
the beam appear outside. The Boy Wonder deftly catches the falling
kerosene lamp before it hits the floor. Now free, Commissioner Gordon
asks Purley why did he get the Masked Manhunter involved by making the
phone call. Four decades ago, there was no such thing as the Batman.
Purley had thought to get him out of the way -- to ensure the success of
his plan. Robin smiles -- and knows that crooks like Purley never learn
their lesson.
The Dynamic Duo are divided in this adventure, but manage to team up
in the end.
In this story, Batman's cape is much shorter than it would be in
later stories.
We learn in this story that Commissioner Gordon was a rookie cop
some forty years ago.
The Caped Crusader finds a left-handed clue at the hotel room.
Fred Purley is wearing a yellow business suit, while one of his
hoods is wearing a purple suit, and another is wearing a green suit. The
two thugs are also wearing hats that match their respective color
schemes.
A punch from Batman leaves Fred with less than a complete set of
"purley" whites.
Cap's Hobby Hints deals with the use of tinfoil on some model cars.
Strips of foil are cut into any shape desired, and are then cemented to
the model cars. The tinfoil is pliable enough to have designed inked on
it with a ball point pen.
On the back cover, an Aurora hobby kits ad includes: Kit No. 464
Captain Kidd (also available, Kit No. 463 Blackbeard), Kit No. 451 The
Frog (also available, Kit No. 452 The Vampire), Kit No. 422 Forgotten
Prisoner of Castelmare, Kit No. 413 The Green Beret (Holy John Wayne,
Batman!). Each Aurora hobby kit is only 98 cents wherever toys and hobby
products are sold.
Steve Chung
"Commissioner Gordon's Death-Review!"
_______________________________________________________
Batman #186
"The Joker's Original Robberies!"
November, 1966
Story: John Broome
Art: Sheldon Moldoff
Inks: Joe Giella
Lettering: Gaspar Saladino
The Joker is back in Gotham City -- with some more amusing crime
capers! On this occasion, with Gagsworth A. Gagsworthy the Dwarf! You
and the Dynamic Duo will meet this new henchman, in --- "The Joker's
Original Robberies!" On the splash page, Batman has Gaggy on his back
and his eyes covered by the comical dwarf, while the Clown Prince of
Crime prepares to deliver a two-fisted punch line!
At the Gotham City hideout of the Joker, safecrackers practice their
craft without dynamite, a friendly card game is dealt from the top of the
deck, and pickpockets practice on a dummy. The Clown Prince of Crime is
laughing at the weightlifting antics of Gagsworth A. Gagsworthy, his
personal court jester. The dwarf is able to emit a glass-shattering scream
which cracks the glass of one of the card players. His dancing antics keeps
the Joker amused, and Gaggy is regarded as the Harlequin of Hate's protege.
Gaggy shows the Joker a disguise he'll use when they commit a
crime... a false nose. With the false nose on, the dwarf is sure that no
one will recognize him. The Clown Prince of Crime is inspired by his
court jester, and gathers his gang together for the plan. Two henchmen
are amazed that Gaggy is able to make the boss laugh... and when he does,
the gang gets ready to commit a spectacular crime. As one of the hood's
admits that the dwarf is worth his weight in gold, another eyes him and
regrets that he doesn't weight more. The Joker is sure that this new
crime plan will stymie the Dynamic Duo --as well as the citizens of Gotham
City!
At the midtown Salon of Spectacles, original models of famous
inventions are being exhibited... Many of the model inventions are on loan
from the national archives, and are priceless. Even with the security guards
in place, the Clown Prince of Crime and his gang are able to make a dramatic
entrance... As the Joker's Caper Car brakes to a halt, Gaggy uses his
special scream to shatter the chandelier above the assembled security
guards.
Bruce Wayne and his youthful ward, Dick Grayson, head for a safety
exit, where they change into the crime-fighting regalia of Batman and
Robin. The Caped Crusader knows that only the Harlequin of Hate would
pull such a brazen crime in broad daylight. As the Dynamic Duo make
their charge, the Joker pulls a lever in the Caper Car and... an
additional set of tires are ejected from the vehicle -- heading towards
them --! The Caped Crusader and the Boy Wonder are able to avoid the
threat without breaking their step... The Clown Prince of Crime laughs,
as he pulls another lever.
The Caper Car's ejector seat sends the Joker into the air -- where
he lands feet first on Batman. As Robin heads towards them... Gaggy
charges the Boy Wonder, and uses his head to ram the teen hero's stomach.
WHUMP! Robin falls backwards and hits his head against a display case.
Seeing the Boy Wonder stunned -- the dwarf sees his chance to unmask him!
The mask proves to be tight -- that Gaggy has to wriggle his fingers
beneath it --
THWACK! The Caped Crusader lands a left cross to the Joker's jaw...
sending him into his court jester. Robin revives and prepares to deal
with Gaggy, but he and the Clown Prince of Crime board the Caper Car...
where smoke clouds from the exhaust keep the Dynamic Duo in a fog. When
the smoke clears, the Boy Wonder sees that the model inventions are gone
-- along with the Harlequin of Hate and his gang. Outside... Batman and
Robin head for the Batmobile.
After a search of Gotham City... the Boy Wonder admits that the
Joker has left them in the cold. The Caped Crusader has an idea. When
the Clown Prince of Crime begins one of his comedic crimes, he carries it
out to the letter. All of the model inventions were stolen from the
exhibit. Batman knows that there was a model that wasn't at the exhibit
-- a model of the first electric typewriter. Its inventor still resides
in Gotham City... Phillip Perry is the inventor, and the Masked
Manhunter is willing to bet that his arch-foe will strike there next.
The Batmobile begins to move at roaring speeds -- and both crime-fighters
hope that they beat the Joker to Perry's home.
At Phillip Perry's residence, the Dynamic Duo learn from the
inventor that his was not the first electric typewriter made. Hamilton
Tyne made one about six months before Perry, and he is a resident of
Gotham City. After obtaining the address from Perry, the Batmobile
speeds through the streets of Gotham, with youngsters cheering their
hometown heroes on. At the home of Hamilton Tyne, the two crime-fighters
find a note from the Joker. "Dear Batman and Robin, Don't bother looking
for the original model typewriter -- or for me! Laughingly yours, The
Joker"
At the hideout of the Clown Prince of Crime... the hoods laugh as
they watch Gaggy boxing with a life-size inflatable dummy of the Boy
Wonder -- KWOMP! unfortunately for the court jester, the dummy gets the
upper hand. BOP! Gaggy retaliates by kicking the dummy stand... and
sprains his foot. Seeing this, the Harlequin of Hate becomes inspired to
plan another comedy crime caper.
He shows Gaggy the clue that will be sent to the newspaper for the
Dynamic Duo. The following day finds Batman reading from the Gotham
Times... "Dear Batman and Robin -- Are your wits as slow as your fists?
My next original caper will be the greatest steal in history! Get the
point? (Ha Ha!) The Joker" The Caped Crusader contemplates the clue's
meaning. The greatest steal in history is a reference to the original
City Hall of Gotham City -- which is to be declared an official monument
in a ceremony today. Robin figures that the "point" must be referring to
the city hall's steeple. The Gotham Historical Society has begun with the
dedication ceremony of the old city hall.
The ceremony is cut short when the precious relic of Gotham's past
begins to rise up into the air. HAHAHHAHA Hearing laughter from the
Clown Prince of Crime, the Dynamic Duo hitch a ride on the lower portion
of the city hall... The Joker sees the theft of the first city hall --
right under hizzoner's nose to be quite a coup. At a specially-prepared
site to conceal the stolen building... the Harlequin of Hate and his
court jester begin to crow in triumph.
The laughter dies when Batman and Robin burst through the doors of
the city hall. The Joker smiles, pretending to have been prepared for
their appearance -- but giving a knowing wink to the reader that he
wasn't. THUD! SOK! The Dynamic Duo makes short work of two thugs,
while the Clown Prince of Crime hides behind a tree. Gaggy drops from an
overhanging tree branch... covering the Caped Crusader's eyes. The
Harlequin of Hate laughs, and prepares to deliver a two-fisted
punch-line. WUMP! At the last moment, the Masked Manhunter manages to
duck the assault... leaving the court jester to get it face-first. OOFF!
POW!! POW! SOCK! Batman and Robin uses their crime-fighting fists on
the remaining thugs... and this time, the Joker is at a loss for laughs
in this final round.
Robin grabs the unconscious dwarf, and Batman knows that by the time
Gaggy revives... the dwarf will be in a well-guarded place. With the
stolen model inventions recovered... the Clown Prince of Crime wants
some laugh -- now that he's in jail. Gaggy tells him to take a look at
him. The Joker sees the black eye that his punch left on his poor pal,
and the court jester takes it in stride, as Gaggy the Soldier.
On the cover of Batman #186, Gaggy the hilarious henchman catches
Batman with his eyes closed, while the Joker prepares for his arch-foe to
take it on the chin! The art looks to be by Gil Kane and Sid Greene.
On Batman: The Animated Series, The Joker's assistant is Harley
Quinn.
In the "Letters To The Batcave" page, Mike Friedrich of Castro
Valley, California writes:
"Dear Editor:
For the second issue in a row of Batman, Robert Kanigher has scored
with a great story. "Beware of -- Poison Ivy" is fabulous. Poison Ivy
herself is fabulous, the script - plot, dialogue, characterization, and
most of all, the untied strings -- is fabulous. Bob Kane's work is
fabulous and the inking is pretty good, too.
A while ago, I asked if you were ever going to bring back the
Cat-Woman (along with a bunch of old Batman foes) and you replied that
instead of relying only on old villains, you were introducing some new
ones, including Poison Ivy. Well, now as far as I'm concerned, Cat-Woman
can stick to the 80-Page Batman Giants forever. Ivy is everything C-W
was, plus more. She steals not so much for the money as for the fame,
she was a crush on Batman, and she is a pretty slick operator, but she
also goes for Bruce Wayne, which the Cat-Woman never did, and she has a
lot better costume than C-W (man, does she have a better outfit!!).
Here's one reader who hopes that Poison Ivy breaks out many times in the
future.
The Mystery Analysts story, "Perfect Crime - Slightly Imperfect," is
a perfect compliment to the first. You have finally reached the
potential greatness the series has promised, but never fulfilled. The
script was great (whodunit? I can't recognize the style. My stab in the
dark is for Bill Finger) and it gave us a real mystery and some great
detection on the part of the Dynamic Detective. Fine action scenes, too.
Of course, Sid Greene's inking can't be beat and editorial problems or
not, I want him doing it ALL! (Ah how good it feels to sit here 3000
miles away and tell you what to do.)"
The Editor replies: "You put the wrong (Bill) Finger on the writer
of the Mystery Analysts story. You out-Foxed yourself, in a Gardner sort
of way!"
Steve Chung
"The Joker's Original Reviews!" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
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The Flash #114
"King of The Beatniks!"
August, 1960
Story: John Broome
Art: Carmine Infantino and Joe Giella
As Kid Flash, Wally West had a reason for heading to the "pad" of
the crooked Beatnik Gang! He had to help a friend of his trapped there
-- and put a stop to the robberies being pulled off by the leader
otherwise known as the... "King of the Beatniks!" On the splash page,
Kid Flash pulls a super-speed reconoitor of the gang of Beatniks, who are
so cool, they are relaxing by listening to music before going out on
their next job!
At a school in Blue Valley, a teacher speaks with the principal...
with Linda Grant telling Mr. Mason about James King, a student accused of
cheating! The answer sheet for the State Math Exam was not in her desk
drawer -- where she had placed it only minutes ago... She made all the
students open up their schoolbags and Miss Grant went around the room!
She found the answer sheet in James' possession! The principal
congratulates Miss Grant on her swift action, but she has more to say...
It seemed strange to her that an honor student like James King would do
such a deed! He had denied the act, but the evidence was against him...
She then realized what must have happened! Miss Grant had placed her
answer sheet in her desk...
When she returned to her desk, she took out Jimmy's book report
from the desk-drawer, and she believes that when she gave him the report,
the answer sheet must have been included, too! Miss Grant was going to
explain this to the student today -- but he didn't come to school today
-- Both Mr. Mason and Miss Grant figure that James must have run away
after being publicly accused of cheating! She had called his home...
James' father is a sea captain who is away for many months of the year,
and his mother died when he was very young... James hasn't been home
since yesterday! At the home of Wally West... Mr. Mason and Miss Grant
pay a call on the young lad. Even though he is a friend of James King,
Wally has no idea where he is.
He wasn't aware that James was missing until the adults told him.
Once the teacher and principal have left... Wally knows that his friend
has left home -- and with the school track meet coming up! Without him,
their school doesn't have a chance to win tomorrow's meet. If he could
find James before tomorrow, he has to do it as Kid Flash! Wally gained
his power of super-speed when the Flash showed him how the accident which
gave him his powers occurred, with the same events causing him to become
Kid Flash! In his room, a familiar scarlet costume emerges from a secret
compartment of Wally's ring... Half a second passes, and the Scarlet
Speedster heads out of his home... He knows about James' cousin, Paul
King, who lives in York City... he may have gone there!
In a phone booth, Kid Flash sees that there are 24 Paul Kings
listed in the directory! He could call each one and ask for Jimmy, but
he has a better idea... He visits each one at super-speed! During his
search, he sees a window-washer falling from a high window! If he tries
to catch him, both may be crushed! Inspired, Kid Flash heads for a
moving van, and retrieves several heavy blankets used to wrap furniture!
He places many of them on the sidewalk beneath the window-washer at
super-speed!
The falling window-washer is saved when the blankets take the shock
of the fall! As the dazed workman rises to his feet... Kid Flash resumes
his search for James King! After visits to twenty of the addresses, he
sees Jimmy at a window! In his eagerness, the Scarlet Speedster enters
through a wall at super-speed... and an editor's note reminds us that
Wally can vibrate his body at a fantastic rate, passing through solid
objects because at his great speed, the molecules of his body can filter
through the molecules of the wall! He tells Jimmy that Wally West told
him where to find him. When Kid Flash tells him that he's to do the big
track meet tomorrow, Jimmy tells him that it's too late --
As Kid Flash notices the iron grating on the window, Jimmy tells
him that he should run away! He and whoever he's with is in danger! The
boy tells him about the "Beatnik" Gang, and even the Scarlet Speedster
has heard about the criminals who have been robbing York City! When
Jimmy decided to leave Blue Valley, he decided to look up his cousin,
Paul, but when he arrived... He was surprised to see the gang dressed up
like Beats... and Paul King greets his country cousin...
When asked if he can help find a job, Jimmy is startled when his
cousin tells him that there's a place for him in the "Beatnik" Gang!
Paul King is the leader of the gang -- "King" of the Beatniks -- who have
the cops confused. The gang pretend to be Beatniks -- and they work at
night! The police pay no heed to the Beats, but now they're getting
wise, but the gang still manages to keep them guessing. Jimmy can't
believe that his cousin is a crook, and Paul can't believe that his
cousin is such a straight arrow. When he tried to leave, Paul tells him
that he's seen too much to be able to go... He's been locked up in the
room ever since. Jimmy watches as Kid Flash vibrates through the door at
super-speed...
He listens as Paul King tells the gang members about how Jimmy
thinks he's too good to be one of them. They figure that a couple of
weeks in the room will make him wake up. Kid Flash knows that this is
just part of the gang, and that they're going to pull a big job! The
best way to help Jimmy and make certain that the "Beats" don't bother
them is by capturing the whole gang! The "Beatnik" Gang drive off in a
car, with the Scarlet Speedster following at 50 miles an hour, and
staying invisible by vibrating at super-speed!
They drive to the suburbs where a truck is waiting for them. Kid
Flash sees that the "Beatnik" Gang intends to rob the fur warehouse! In
order to figure out how to round them up, he must delay them -- or get
the authorities! As the Beats carry out the furs, an invisible Kid Flash
returns them to the warehouse! The King is beat, while one of his
subjects wonders how the truck can stay empty. Unfortunately for the
Scarlet Speedster, he doesn't see the warehouse door being swung open by
a gang member in time to vibrate through it...
He is stunned and the gang see Kid Flash on the warehouse floor.
When a gang member suggests that the Speedster is a friend of Jimmy, the
King of the Beats decides to shoot! As the gun goes off, Kid Flash
recovers... his reflexes so swift, that he can see the bullet coming for
him! There's plenty of time for him to pass it by! In reaction to the
attack, the Scarlet Speedster whirls around the Beats with a tremendous
blast of velocity... He remembers hearing about a man who played the
fiddle -- and how he made the people dance! The wind he's set up around
them will have them dancing... all the way to jail!
Once the Beatnik Gang have been dropped off at the police station,
Kid Flash takes Jimmy back to Blue Valley, and both are relieved when
Miss Grant tells them that the accusation was due to an error. As Jimmy
prepares to run in the school track meet, an editor's note tells us that
Wally West would never participate in a track meet for fear of revealing
his identity as Kid Flash! The afternoon finds Jimmy King winning the
meet for Blue Valley! Wally watches from the stands... glad to be able
to aid in this school victory -- even if no one knows that he had
anything to do with it! A final editor's note tells us that the Kid
Flash uniform worn in the story is his first one ... and his current one
first appeared in the March, 1963 issue of the Flash.
Some criminals wear business suits and animal masks, while others
dress up and pretend to be Beatniks. This shows that while crooks are a
superstitious, cowardly lot... they also aren't exactly Mr. Blackwell
when it comes to their choice of attire.
From the story, we see that Beatniks: recite poetry, paint
pictures, and listen to music while playing on their bongos. They wear
casual clothes consisting of shades, berets, scarves, sandals, turtleneck
sweaters and torn pants. They also smoke cigarettes and consume lots
and lots of java, too.
A falling window-washer also played a part in the origin story of
Johnny Thunder in Flash Comics #1.
Like the Fiddler, Kid Flash soon has the Beatnik Gang dancing to
his tune.
I like to think that Wally West doesn't take part in any track
meets because it would give him an unfair advantage over his fellow
classmates with his super-speed.
Nice to see that after accusing James King of cheating, the school
teacher and the principal cared enough to search for the student on their
own time.
We see that even a "Straight A" student can feel the pressure of his
peers, and go seeking easy answers in the wrong places with Cousin Paul.
Steve Chung
"King of the Reviews!" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 12:27 am |
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Adventure Comics #123
"Adventure of The Antelope Boy!"
December, 1947
Story: Don Cameron
Art: Mort Meskin
The antelope's incredible speed is legendary in the African veldt.
When a human can run as fast - and even faster - it is a foregone
conclusion that he will meet the King of Speed - Johnny Quick. It is
then that the most amazing chase of all time will begin in - "Adventure
of the Antelope Boy!" On the splash page, the Antelope Boy races by his
namesake, just as Johnny Quick begins to leap at him in the jungles of
Africa...
African tribesmen are startled to see the strange boy who runs
alongside the antelopes, with his two legs as fast as their four... even
the crafty hare is no match for the lad. A thousand miles away, Tubby
Watts is in a race of his own to catch a plane! Johnny Chambers, the ace
cameraman of "Sees All - Tells - All News" waits for his assistant, and
tells him that they have to be faster than that to take pictures of the
African Antelope Boy! As they walk to their seats, Tubby is knocked
aside by a fellow passenger, and Johnny recognizes him as Mobs Bracket,
the Racket King!
The transport plane crosses the Atlantic, then heads for the
interior of Africa... with Johnny wondering what Mobs is up to... The
pilot makes an emergency announcement that the plane is out of gas... and
that they'll have to crash-land - which Mobs Bracket smiles, for it was
he who punctured the fuel tank, and he straps on a parachute to flee the
flying coffin! He is determined to catch the Antelope Boy before the two
newsreel cameramen! Tubby sees that Bracket planned his escape well,
while the passengers begin to panic! Johnny Chambers whispers the
super-speed formula and Johnny Quick leaps outside, in time to see the
plane heading for the trees! Mob Bracket's gang have been waiting for
him on the tall grasses of the Veldt...
Mob Bracket changes into safari gear and his gang prepare to set up
the trap - ! On the outside of the falling plane, Johnny Quick spins the
propellers with blinding speed! With all four props working, the plane
makes a safe landing on open ground, and the King of Speed changes back
to Johnny Chambers! In the afternoon, jungle porters follow Bracket's
orders in spreading the traps, and prepare to scatter the rabbits! Hours
pass, and their quarry falls into a pit while chasing a fleeing rabbit!
The jungle porters carry the bound Antelope Boy, and Mob Bracket plans to
train him, as well as teach the boy their language for their purposes.
Days later, Johnny and Tubby learn from the krall that furnished
the jungle porters that the Antelope Boy has been taken! Weeks later,
the chief of Sees-All-Tells-All News complains to his two cameramen that
they should be like Johnny Quick, who would surely be swift enough to
catch the story! Johnny and Tubby are determined to redeem themselves,
and the assistant cameraman feels so bad that he isn't hungry! In
another part of Gotham City, Mob Bracket's gang commits a robbery at a
jewelry store... Hearing the sirens approaching, Mob gives the loot to
"Feets," who is to meet them at the hide-out.
The police car chases after the swift Antelope Boy, who loses them
when he runs through an alley where they can't drive! In the following
days, the fleet form of "Feets" is seen carrying the loot for Mob
Bracket, and in his apartment, he asks his gang if they now see why it
was worth catching the Antelope Boy. The tracks of the Antelope Boy and
the king of speed are fated to meet... and one evening... Johnny and
Tubby are dining outdoors when the sounds of a passing police car gets
their attention! "3X2(9YZ)4A!" It is now Johnny Quick who follows the
speeding police car...
Three blocks later, Johnny sees the speeding Antelope Boy traveling
faster than 60 miles an hour! "Feets" head for a place where his pursuer
can't catch him - the city arena, where the bored crowd watch listlessly
as several figures continue racing around the track... Suddenly, the
people in the crowd become interested as the fleet form of the Antelope
Boy dashes past the track runners, with Johnny Quick close behind him!
Even though he could have overtaken the lad - the King of Speed hopes
that "Feets" would lead him to Bracket's hideout!
One judge is in disbelief that anyone could run that fast and
another judge wonders if he means the boy in the leopard skin or Johnny
Quick? The King of Speed brings "Feets" to a halt and sees that his
quarry is the Antelope Boy! He tells Johnny that he was trapped by Mobs,
brought here, told to run fast with the bag, and not to get caught. He
is fed and taken care of. Since the boy is not aware of the law, Johnny
is certain that the police won't hold him, and he prepares to make them a
proposition. At the police station, Johnny Quick is told that the D.A.
agrees to grant the boy immunity - if he can bring in Mobs and the whole
gang! At his apartment hideout, Mobs nervously paces the floor, and
wonders if the cops have caught "Feets"?
Mobs Bracket is relieved when he hears the knock at the door, but
that swiftly fades when he sees Johnny Quick instead of "Feets!" Bracket
takes it on the chin from the King of Speed's swift left hook, and the
gang scatter, believing that some of them will get away! Since the
police sergeant told him to bring them all in - Johnny Quick delivers
knock-out punches to all of them in no time flat! Later... Johnny and
Tubby learn that the Antelope Boy is going to college. When Tubby asks
how this can be when the lad has no money, "Feets" tells them that
fifty-seven college men saw him run at the arena, and he got fifty-seven
offers to be on their college track teams!
Don Cameron has also written stories for Batman.
Mort Meskin was also the artist on Sheena and Vigilante.
The Antelope Boy is a lad in a leopard skin.
Tubby Watts is sidekick and comedy relief for Johnny Quick, as
Woozy Winks was for Plastic Man, and Fat Man was for Mister America.
Tubby is always seen eating in every other panel, even when the
transport plane is about to crash, and the passengers begin to panic,
this fails to intrude on his repast.
Gotham City was also the base of operations for Batman & Robin,
as well as the Golden Age Green Lantern.
The Antelope Boy can run faster than 60 miles an hour, but Johnny
Quick can run rings around him.
This story was reprinted in Flash #160 (80 Page Giant #21).
Steve Chung
"Review of The Antelope Boy!" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 12:38 am |
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Detective Comics #469
"... By Death's Eerie Light!"
May, 1977
Presenting The Batman You've Been Waiting For By:
Steve Englehart: Author
Walt Simonson: Artist
Al Milgrom: Inker
Jerry Serpe: Colorist
The Masked Manhunter's nightly patrol had ended. Gotham City would soon
see another dawn because of his actions. This is what the Batman
believed until he returned to the Wayne Foundation Building.
He is tired -- looking forward for some sleep before resuming the day as
a millionaire philanthropist. The underworld knows of him as a
mysterious vigilante -- while in his own home, he cradles the comatose
body of Alfred Pennyworth. As the Darknight Detective makes a lifesaving
phone call, he remembers hearing sirens outside... and the gentleman's
gentleman preparation of a late snack. Both butler and food tray fell to
the ground at the same moment. Learning that all available ambulances
are busy handling a new epidemic, it's up to Batman to take care of his
friend. Together, they ride the secret elevator to the garage --
The Batmobile soon roars out from its concealed exit, and the driver has
time to think about the ambulance sirens he's been hearing all night.
Alfred is carried to the Gotham General Hospital by Bruce Wayne himself.
Three minutes pass -- the Masked Manhunter is greeted by members of the
hospital staff. He soon learns that fifty people have been affected by
the same malady. There haven't been any deaths, but the doctors need to
know what they're dealing with. Commissioner Gordon arrives, with
Councilman Bell at his heels.
Bell is also the hospital's chief of staff, and continues to demand the
Commissioner's complete attention. Gordon meets with his friend, and
tells him how lately city hall wants him to run his police officers their
way. The Darknight Detective wonders why Bell would be complaining, and
the Commissioner shows him the note they've transcribed from the one
responsible for the epidemic. "Phosphorus Burns When Exposed To The Air!
The Good Citizens Of Gotham City Have Earned My Righteous Wrath, And
They Will Burn For It -- For I Am-- Dr. Phosphorus" There are no further
need for further replies.
The Detective has begun his work. He returns to the Wayne Foundation
Building, and begins his hunt. Alfred's dry raincoat tells him that the
faithful butler did not go outside in the rain. Since the mysterious
malady struck immediately, it must have occurred last night in the
apartment. It wasn't the Gotham Gazette, because they both had handled
it. The Masked Manhunter continues his way through the various rooms --
in search of something out of place -- He frowns as he steps towards the
fireplace -- opens it -- and enters the hidden elevator. Now within the
subbasement, he steps into other rooms -- ones which reflect their
owner's mood. Alfred Pennyworth has not been back to Wayne Manor, but
Bruce Wayne loves the place, and knows that its location is far from the
city.
Having lived a private life, he decides to have a drink -- but since he
is on the Batman's time -- it will have to be a drink of water. He knows
that the disease was not carried on a foreign object -- nor was it on the
air, or more people would have succumbed to it -- It is then that Bruce
realizes he is holding a glass full of death. Those citizens who work at
night must have drunk the water, but seven million more people will soon
be waking up in a couple of hours. RRRINNGG The hot-line, with
Commissioner Gordon at the other end. As he tells Gordon about his
discovery, his friend now knows why he's been feeling so ill...
The following half hour finds the Masked Manhunter at the Gotham City
Reservoir. The assistant commissioner has been contacted -- the city's
water supply has been shut down -- and the doctors are working swiftly in
search of the cure. The Batman has managed to outrace the sun -- to seek
out the cause at the source. Things seem quiet at first, but a light
flashing between the trees catches his eyes. The glowing figure before
him introduces himself as Dr. Phosphorus.
It was inevitable that they should meet -- the Caped Crusader of Gotham
City -- and he, its destroyer. He has vowed to destroy Gotham as it has
destroyed him. This is the latest menace to claim to be his destroyer,
but there have been others in the past. The doctor possesses a body of
living Phosphorus, which burns upon exposure to the air. The Masked
Manhunter cannot even touch his adversary, who has managed to poison many
citizens by soaking his own body in their water.
Unfortunately for Phosphorus, his foe need not touch him to hit him.
Mere hits mean nothing to one who possesses a body not of mere flesh and
blood. The Batman now feels the burn, and lacks the time to come up with
a solution for his current situation. As the Doctor gets closer, the
Darknight Detective wraps his fists in the pieces of his cape --
KA-LAM! The impromptu boxing gloves have the desired effect. The
glowing ghoul falls backwards, then realizes for the first time how much
his triumph will cost him. Knowing that he is facing a truly worthy
opponent, Doctor Phosphorus leaps at the Batman, his fearsome fingers
digging for the Caped Crusader's own throat. The fierce lunge sends them
both into the cool waters below.
The doctor's body has ceased to burn underwater, and has only his grip to
rely on. SPLOK! It is one which the Masked Manhunter can break. Back
on dry land, Phosphorus strikes him down, and chooses not to kill him on
their first meeting. The thrill and Doctor Phosphorus are soon gone,
leaving the Batman to slowly rise to his feet, and be ready for their
next meeting.
On the cover of Detective Comics #469 by Jim Aparo, it looks like they'll
be changing the title to Dr. Phosphorus' Detective Comics if the
Darknight Detective doesn't get him to go up the river.
A mysterious villain with glowing see-through skin certainly catches the
reader's attention.
Steve Englehart refers to Batman as the Caped Crusader on page 2, a term
of endearment for many readers who have grown up with the character's
adventures.
Councilman Bell looks like he went to the same barbershop as Norman
Osborn and Flint Marko.
The Dark Knight is good, but the Darknight Detective is better when it
comes to solving mysteries.
One might ask how come Dr. Phosphorus' pants haven't burnt off, but I
wouldn't want to be the one to ask him.
The sound effects were a bit unusual during the fight scenes, with
"TUNK", "SLAM!", "POM!", "KA-LAM!", "SPLOK!", and "BLAM!"
This was the first round between Batman and Dr. Phosphorus, as well as
the first issue of Steve Englehart's run on Detective Comics.
Steve Chung
"...By Death's Eerie Review!" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 12:50 am |
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Location: Detroit, Michigan
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Detective Comics #470
"The Master Plan of Doctor Phosphorus!"
June, 1977
Steve Englehart: Writer
Walt Simonson: Artist
Al Milgrom: Inker
Jerry Serpe: Colorist
Being a safecracker is a solitary occupation, one which never pays to be
practiced in Gotham City. Many such crooks have felt the fear when the
Darknight Detective makes his presence known to them. As the light
shines on the face of the Batman, that of the criminal begins to grow
pale by comparison.
A desperate leap through a window, then a quick run through the concrete
maze of alleyways on this night. Could even such a creature as the
Masked Manhunter possibly find his prey? The frantic hood soon has his
answer, as the footsteps begin closing in on his hiding place.
Smiley Royal flinches from the shadow of the Batman. In Gotham, the Dark
Detective has vowed to keep the city safe. As he grabs onto the
frightened safecracker, the Cowled Crusader turns, and sees someone
entering the alley. The bespectacled man is only doing his duty when he
presents the Batman with a subpoena. He is to appear before the Gotham
grand jury next week. The messenger has left the alley, with the
Darknight Detective keeping vigil on Royal until the police arrive.
A bedridden Commissioner Gordon is being tended to by fellow patient,
Alfred Pennyworth. Both men have been affected by the mysterious plague,
and now they are visited by the Batman. The faithful butler of Bruce
Wayne has recovered from his ordeal, and is now watching over James
Gordon. The Masked Manhunter smiles, and wonders when the Commissioner
may deduce his true identity. He asks Gordon about the subpoena, and
learns from the lawman that it could only have come from Boss Thorne.
The city councilmen and his crooked cronies have always left the
Darknight Detective alone, but the Commissioner knows that this was only
because they were afraid of him. Many were the times that Thorne asked
Gordon to come down on the Batman.
Alfred sees that there are bulges beneath the cowl, and the Masked
Manhunter tells them that he has bandaged the burns received from his
battle with Doctor Phosphorus. Doctor Bell enters the room, aware that
the burning horror has escaped, and eager to attend to the wounds. The
Caped Crusader is confident in his skills, then recalls that Bell is also
on the city council. As the doctor begins to deny any wrongdoing, the
faithful butler reproaches Bell for eavesdropping on a private
conversation. The Batman is interested in the doctor and his involvement
with the council's subpoena. It was Bell who requested it, and the
council was all too eager to agree. In their eyes, there's no room for
vigilantes in Gotham City. Having learned what he wanted to know, the
Masked Manhunter leaves through the open window, leaving Bell's threats
hanging in the air.
At the Sprang Memorial Arena, there are screams to be heard, as the band
concludes their concert for a faithful audience. The boys rilly had a
gas this evening, but as the lead singer begins coughing into the
microphone, tonight's main entertainment is about to begin. The voice
coming from the loudspeakers tell the concertgoers about the poisonous
effects of phosphorus. After putting two and two together, the audience
rilly begin to lose their collective cool.
Dr. Phosphorus has used the arena's laser technology to project his
burning visage above them, and his poison has begun to spread throughout
the air-conditioning system. With the arena sealed off, they only have
about three minutes left to live. At the Wayne Foundation, the Dark
Detective has made his way through the outer office, and onto the hidden
elevator. The elevator car heads for its chosen destination: the
Batcave.
In order to be more accessible, he had moved his headquarters to the
Wayne Foundation Building, with Alfred and the Teen Wonder aiding in the
moving of various trophies during Dick Grayson's school vacation. A
subway was started in 1938, but was only partially completed when World
War II broke out. After 1945, the tunnel waited until the day that Bruce
Wayne discovered a use for it. Now that he's established himself in
Gotham, the city council wants him out. A blinking Geiger counter
registers radioactivity coming from his burns.
He had thought Phosphorus to be a flaming threat, but had not known of
his true nature. The hot-line rings, with Chief O'Hara whispering into
the receiver. With Commissioner Gordon out of action, the city council
has ordered the police department to keep away from Batman. After
telling the Caped Crusader about the attack at Sprang Arena, O'Hara
reluctantly answers his friend's questions about possible sources of
radioactivity in Gotham City. Now armed with some vital information, the
Darknight Detective goes off on his Bat-Boat in search of Dr. Phosphorus.
He is aware that Boss Thorne had played a part in the building of the new
nuclear power plant. As he seeks to tie off the Bat-Boat, Batman
discovers that the facility is under heavy guard. The city council has
ordered them to keep him away, and after saying goodbye to the armed men,
he vows to return again later.
Millionaire Bruce Wayne is holding a party on his ship, with Rupert
Thorne and Doctor Bell in attendance. The millionaire philanthropist is
confident that this will be a Saturday night they won't forget. The host
eyes one particular guest, who introduces herself as Silver St. Cloud.
Her date is down below, playing some pool with the mayor's speech-writer.
With most of Gotham's elite on board, she hopes that the mysterious Mr.
Wayne is not up to any mischief. Bruce is a hometown boy, and for the
first time this evening, he seems to be relaxing with some pleasant
company for a change.
Silver sees that he is not at all how she had pictured him to be, with
the host regretting that they must part for now, and he must continue to
make the rounds. After passing through the crowd of guests, Bruce Wayne
disappears from sight. Within the stateroom, the millionaire
philanthropist disappears, and the Batman is now on the clock. With an
hour until dinnertime, he dons his scuba gear, and swims two miles for
the power plant.
As he makes his way past the guards, they can sense the presence of
another, but attribute this to nerves. Now within the reactor room, the
Darknight Detective calls out to his prey, with his challenge echoing
throughout the chamber. A bright glow from above catches his attention,
as Dr. Phosphorus swings down from above, and knocks him off his perch.
Regaining his balance, the Batman promises that things will be settled
between them. With the radioactivity emanating from the bizarre villain,
this was the logical place to find him. Now it is the Masked Manhunter
who leaps from the girders, and delivers his kick to Phosphorus. The
Doctor is eager to get his hands on the costumed fool, but the Darknight
Detective is no fool, and is thankful for the special radioactive
resistant costume he's wearing this evening.
It is no longer a one-sided affair, but man-to-man, and it's been a week
worth waiting for. Dr. Phosphorus regrets not killing his foe the first
time they met, and leaps for the reactor in hopes of acquiring more
power. The Batman leaps after him, but his bizarre opponent's move was
only a sham, and now he kicks him in the jaw. Now it is Phosphorus who
is in for a shock, when his own grip melts the beam he's holding onto.
A perfectly-pitched Batarang-line grabs hold, and pulls its owner to
safety, with a harsh halt in midair. When his vision clears, the sight
of Dr. Phosphorus falling into the reactor greets him, and he judges this
as a most fitting end. The citizens of Gotham will be breathing easier
tomorrow morning, but will it continue to turn against him?
After swimming back to the boat, Bruce Wayne is ready for the buffet, and
hears the siren coming from passing police boats. They are heading for
the power plant, just as Silver St. Cloud finds the host once more, and
runs her fingers through his hair. She believes them to be just two
ships that pass in the night, but Bruce would be happy to pass her way
anytime. As he heads off for some food, Silver notices that his hair is
wet, but why?
On the cover of Detective Comics #470 by Jim Aparo, the Batman swings
down to punch Dr. Phosphorus, but learns that his eerie enemy is
radioactive.
The art team of Walt Simonson and Al Milgrom continues to mesh so much
that the artwork is unrecognizable as the work of either artist.
If Smiley Royal had kept his mouth shut and kept running, maybe he might
have gotten away from the Batman.
If the Dark Detective receives a subpoena, would he have to show up in
court?
How would they know it was him, and not a robot, Alfred, or even
Superman? (Holy Bob Ingersoll, Batman!)
Doctor Bell has shaved off his mustache since last issue, but he still
has the same haircut as the Osborns and Flint Marko.
The band's lyrics at Sprang Arena are "WOP BOP A LU BOP A LOP BAM BOOM!"
Unfortunately for them, Dr. Phosphorus chooses this moment to light up
their lives with his own laser light show.
Thanks to a moving van and the combined efforts of Bruce, Dick, and
Alfred, various trophies were moved to the new Bat-Cave beneath the Wayne
Foundation Building.
Did Chief O'Hara first appear in the comic books or on the 1960s TV
series?
Bruce Wayne finds the silver lining within Ms. St. Cloud.
It's nice to see that the Masked Manhunter still has various different
costumes for special occasions.
In the Batman's Hot Line letters page, Bob Rodi of Dayton,.Ohio writes:
"Dear Bob,
What an enviable position you are in, Mr. Rozakis, as the sole scripter
of Detective #467 and also keeper of the magazine's letter col. Does
this mean that only rave reviews of your stories will get into the column
in 'Tec #471?
At any rate, this isn't a rave review, but it is a good one. Detective
#467 was very enjoyable, especially in view of the fact that it was an
all-Rozakis issue. (I haven't quite formed an opinion on your writing
yet.)
"Pick-Up On Gotham 2-4-6" was nicely plotted and well-paced and I enjoyed
it tremendously. It reminded me of those short stories you always find
in detective anthologies... you know, the kind you read in a huge
upholstered chair on a rainy day. Of course, the real beauty of it was
that I didn't read it in a huge, upholstered chair and, as a matter of
fact, it was quite a nice day... but the story gave me that
arm-chair/stormy weather feeling. Which means it passed the test in my
book.
Tying the two stories in the issue together was an nice gimmick that
makes me lean in your favor, Mr. Rozakis. I know if I suddenly had a
whole book to do, I'd certainly not let the opportunity go by without
showing it off, just as you did, and I congratulate you on pulling it
off. I do, however, think it was totally unnecessary to spell out the
clues to Hawkman's identity in the letter column. Most of the clues
could have been found out easily by re-reading the tale.
I didn't really enjoy "The Man Who Skyjacked Hawkman", mainly because the
story wrote itself. It was basically a reworked version of the Atom,
Black Canary, Elongated Man, and Green Arrow stories. Still, all five
Calculator tales do have their own good points... this one had the
Marshall Rogers/Terry Austin art, which was sensational.
I thought I had the Calculator's pattern figured out. It seems that he
was pitting himself against only those JLAers who joined after the
group's inception, and that he was taking them on in alphabetical order.
See, it fits. but now, Hawkman tells Batman that he's "calculated" that
the Calculator's next victim will be the Caped Crusader! It doesn't fit.
Batman was an original JLA member and he's out of alphabetical order.
The Phantom Stranger v. Calc should be next! Obviously, Hawkman knows
something I don't!
Oh, I also loved Rich Buckler's cover. The only thing about it I didn't
like was the little box around "Feb." Which means that Detective is back
to bimonthly again... (sigh)..."
Bob Rozakis replies:
"You'll note that the box is gone again and that we're back up to
8-times-a-year status! Not monthly, but a step in the right direction!
As for Calc's motive, peruse the pronouncements below. - BR)"
Steve Chung
"The Master Review Of Doctor Phosphorus!" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 12:59 am |
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Joined: 27 Dec 2006
Posts: 4672
Location: Detroit, Michigan
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Detective Comics #471
"The Dead Yet Live"
August, 1977
Steve Englehart: Author
Marshall Rogers and Terry Austin: Artists
Jerry Serpe: Colorist
John Workman: Letterer
The members of the council have reached an agreement. With the
disappearance of Dr. Phosphorus, they have decided that the Masked
Manhunter must leave Gotham, as well. As the members continue their
smoke-filled meeting, little do they suspect that the Darknight Detective
will soon realize that... "The Dead Yet Live"
Boss Rupert Thorne fills in the council members on the current
situation... Alex Sartorius, one of their fellow members, was involved
in an accident at the offshore nuclear plant. As Dr. Phosphorus, he
planned his revenge on Gotham City, and convinced the council to take out
the Batman. If they hadn't aided Phosphorus, it would have meant their
lives. With Sartorius gone, and times less than prosperous for city
government, Thorne plans to make things difficult for the Commissioner --
and get rid of the costumed vigilante.
One member sees the Batman as a tourist attraction who brings money to
the city, while another points out that the Caped Crusader has never
managed to gather evidence on them, and a third recalls how the
Demon's-Head failed in his attempt to frame the Darknight Detective for
murder. Boss Thorne slams his fist upon the table, and watches as the
other members shift uncomfortably in their seats. He is convinced that
with such a plan, the Batman can be beaten -- CHAKA CHIK. All eyes shift
towards the direction of the fireplace.
Caught in such cramped quarters, the Dark Detective curses himself for
having his hand slip. Boss Thorne tells Bruno to check out the chimney,
and after a quick inspection, he yells out the all-clear. On the
rooftop, the Batman knows that he is functioning at less than his full
strength. His wounds from the battle with Dr. Phosphorus have not
healed, and are still radioactive.
He can either stay like this -- or get back in fighting shape. Soon, the
Batmobile makes its way through the deserted streets of Gotham -- for the
Wayne Foundation Building, and enters through the Finger Alley
cul-de-sac. In the Bat-Cave, Alfred is made aware of the council's
plans, and is feeling better from his recent illness. Since his own
doctoring has done no good, Bruce Wayne will have to seek out a new
doctor.
The faithful butler knows that Master Bruce has had little luck with Drs.
Phosphorus and Bell, but the millionaire philanthropist already has
someone in mind. A friend of his had spent some time at the Graytowers
Clinic near Gotham Canal, and described it as being discreet. With Bruce
Wayne as a patient, there shouldn't be any questions about his wounds.
He places a call to Silver St. Cloud and cancels their dinner date, and
tells her about his going to Graytowers for some tests. As he listens to
his master's voice on the phone, Alfred Pennyworth notices something
different in his tone, and wonders if Ms. St. Cloud will be the one...
Noon finds Bruce Wayne being greeted at Graytowers by Dr. Todhunter, the
Chief of Staff. Mr. Wayne is grateful to be accepted on such short
notice, and even more grateful when it is Magda who leads him to his
room. As they walk through the hallway, Bruce tells her about how his
friend, Jerry Robinson was impressed by his stay. As he enters his room,
the nurse tells him to go to sleep, but Bruce isn't feeling tired at all.
The door closes, and darkness falls upon the new patient.
The nightmare consists of the Darknight Detective struggling from keeping
a giant snake's fangs from closing upon him, the concerned faces of Dr.
Todhunter and Magda, the death of his parents at the hands of a grotesque
Joe Chill, skeletal fingers reaching out towards a cowled throat, and a
giant bat flapping its wings towards the Batman.
Not one to suffer nightmares, but to give them, instead... Bruce now
knows that Magda's perfume was drugged, and the attractive nurse must
have been wearing nose-filters. A locked door prevents him from leaving
his room, and the face of a burly guard is soon seen in the open
partition. He learns from the guard that Graytowers is an asylum -- and
he'd better keep himself under control. In the confines of the room,
Bruce Wayne clenches his fists, and makes some plans.
Silver St. Cloud walks along the Canal Zone, and feasts her eyes upon the
building known as Graytowers. At the door, a nurse looks at her
strangely when she mentions Bruce's name, and the doctor tells her that
his patient is suffering from radiation poisoning. He takes the gift
from her hands and promises to give it to the patient when he's out of
intensive care.
BAM BAM BAM BAM Two hours later, it is now nighttime, and Bruce Wayne is
ready. He spills the drugged soup onto the guard's shirt through the
partition, then opens a secret panel within his suitcase. Not having
seen any cameras, and unable to wear the costume during an examination,
it is always with him nonetheless. He is the Darknight Detective -- The
Batman.
SSSSSSSSSS The cell bars begin to sizzle from the acid poured from two
vials... CHUNK He notices the outer wall surrounding Graytowers, which
allows the air in, but keeps the patients hidden from view. After an
easy climb, the Batman is after Todhunter, the one behind all of this.
Things are too elaborate for this to be a simple case of ransom, and he
wonders what could cause Jerry Robinson to recommend a stay for him here.
GGGRRRRR From behind two twin spires come two misshapen giants from out
of a nightmare.
As they draw closer to him, the Batman leaps for one of them, and
delivers a right hook. Although he is grabbed by the neck, it is only
for a moment, and a fierce kick to the giant's face ensures his release.
Now clutching both of their heads in each of his hands, he slams them
together, and wishes them unpleasant dreams.
Magda has heard something on the roof, but Todhunter believes it to be a
prowler -- one who has just met his security system. The nurse sees
what's coming. KRASH The Masked Manhunter swings down and crashes
through the window. When he hears the Batman claim that he's been on his
trail, "Todhunter" knows that this cannot be, and dons his glasses --
those worn by the true author of this particular plot --
Professor Hugo Strange stands revealed, and the Darknight Detective had
thought him dead. Only Strange has returned from the dead -- as well as
turned mortal men into mindless monsters. The doctor is impressed by
Batman's ability to remain calm in his presence, but Magda is the
uncomfortable party in this trio. After spending years in Europe, Hugo
Strange returned to Gotham City, for only the Dark Detective could offer
him a worthy opponent. Thanks to his genius, each of Doctor Todhunter's
patients have been turned into monstrous slaves. Dependent upon his
temporary antidote for their affliction, the rich and the powerful have
no choice, but to each induct one of their friends to the process.
There is one who would stand in the way of power, and one need not be a
genius to figure who that would be. The plans of Hugo Strange and a
throw food cart both appear to come crashing down at once, but even after
a left cross from Batman... looks can be deceiving. There are no signs
of surrender in the eyes of the doctor, and the Darknight Detective's
eyes fail to warn him from the danger which is slithering down behind
him.
AARGGGHHH A bite from the green mamba brings a coma to its victims in
seconds, but fortunately for Batman, there is some anti-venom available.
After some time in darkness, the Masked Manhunter regains his senses...
and with it, some pain as well. He sees both the doctor and Magda
staring down at him, but what he sees is not what one would see through a
cowl's slits. Bruce Wayne has been unmasked, with his secrets no longer
his own -- but now shared by Hugo Strange.
On the cover of Detective Comics #471, Batman sees -- "The Dead Yet
Live!" as the face of Hugo Strange has much appeal.
In August, 1977, Boss Thorne and his cronies could enjoy their smokes
without fear of the Comics Code Authority.
Rupert Thorne refers to Dr. Phosphorus as "Alex Sartorius" and not "Anton
Sartorius" as disclosed by the character in his origin from Tec #469.
Only in Gotham City could one expect to see Batman, and not Santa Claus
climbing down the chimney on any other day, but Christmas.
Bill Finger is given his own alley, while Jerry Robinson is the name of
one of Bruce's friends.
Dr. Todhunter resembles another character written by Steve Englehart and
drawn by Marshall Rogers & Terry Austin... Doctor Stephen Strange.
In this decade, Charlie was a popular perfume, but its effects were as
subtle as Hi-Karate on the millionaire playboy.
Another millionaire who carries his uniform in his briefcase is Tony
Stark, the Invincible Iron Man.
At the time of this story, I wonder how many readers recognized Hugo
Strange from Detective #46 and Batman #1?
Thanks to the Famous First Edition, the beginning reader could refresh
their memory about the character's origin.
In the case of this particular villain, the Dark Detective doesn't seem
to have a problem in hitting a man with glasses on.
Finally, a case where the villain seizes the chance to unmask his foe's
secret identity.
Unfortunately for Hugo Strange, the knowledge is power, and there are
those who would covet such information.
In the "Batman's Hot-Line" letters page, Kevin J. Dooley of Glendale, CA
writes:
"Dear Bat-People,
I don't think I've ever read or seen a better Batman story in Detective
since the Goodwin/Simonson team-up back in #443! I've refrained from
making any comments on your Calculator back-ups before this because I was
waiting for the clincher... and it was a beaut!
The team of Rogers/Austin is a winner! The movement. The angles. The
shadows. Everything poetry in panels. You seem to mix detail and
simplicity in the backgrounds utilizing just enough to make it look real
but not too much to make it look crowded. Your perspective is fantastic.
Double kudos.
As for Bob Rozakis, all I have to say is... all right! You've got the
character of the Caped Crusader down pat - the way the fans like to see
him: constantly thinking, confident, brave. The Calculator punned his
way into my heart, but didn't lay it on too heavy. Way to go. I also
liked the way you wove Morgan Edge into the subplot. It was done with
real style. One criticism, though - I don't think you had enough
cage-linked phrases to really make an impression on the Calculator's
twisted criminal mind, but that is just my opinion. The using of Calc's
own weapon against him, while a theme used quite often, was well done.
Everyone keep up the good work!"
Steve Chung
"The Dead Yet Review!" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 1:07 am |
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Joined: 27 Dec 2006
Posts: 4672
Location: Detroit, Michigan
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All-Flash #32
"Duet of Danger"
December - January, 1948
Writer: Robert Kanigher
Artist: Lee Elias
Music has power! It can aid the sick, ease the grief, call to arms,
and helps to promote dancing. Music is a gift... or it was until a new
figure used music to stun its listeners! The Flash, the fastest man on
Earth, meets an enemy who can stop him cold! Get out the sheet music
when the Flash and the Fiddler play a "Duet of Danger!" On the splash
page, the sounds of the Fiddler's musical instrument causes stone pillars
to crumble, and the Flash must save the bound figure of Joan Garrick
before the stone curtain falls!
A police car is in pursuit of a getaway car, with the police gaining
on the crooks, that is until an odd-looking vehicle cuts in front of the
police car, causing it to stop! A policeman heads for the Stradivarian
automobile, as the driver pulls the bow on his fiddle's strings, and the
officer is struck on the chest by the projectile. Jay and Joan Garrick
are among those who witness the bizarre weapon! The next second finds
Jay changing into costume in a vestibule of a nearby home and --- the
Flash is once again on the scene!
The Scarlet Speedster makes his way towards the Fiddler, while the
crowd cheers! He is keeping an eye for any more stunts from the trick
fiddle, while the stunned officer recovers from the attack. The Fiddler
arms his fiddle once more, and fires... completely missing the Flash! He
watches as the Fiddler begins to play a strange tune on his instrument.
A wall of sound engulfs the Flash, rendering him immobile for a
moment, then the crowd watches as he flees from the villain. In a sudden
reversal of direction, the Scarlet Speedster heads towards his foe at
eye-blurring speed! It's no good for the Flash, who feels like he just
ran into a stone wall! Joan rushes to help him get away from the Fiddler
before he starts to play once more.
The Fiddler starts to drive away, aiming his fiddle like a camera,
and taking a picture of the dazed speedster in the girl's arms. The
Flash wants to pursue him, but Joan knows that he's not in any condition
to do so, then sees the criminal drop a card. "When I Play, You And The
World Will Dance To My Tune! This Is Only The Overture To My Symphony Of
Crime!" Three bystanders express their pity for the poor speedster who
didn't stand a chance. Later in the day, leaflets fall from the sky...
and many stop to laugh at the photograph...
They see the Fiddler's portrait of the dazed hero in the girl's
arms. The underworld know that this new criminal has the Flash dancing
to his tune. At a meeting, the Fiddler is voted in as the new boss. He
thanks them for their confidence, and listen as he announces his
intention of becoming the Maestro Master of Keystone City! At the
Garrick Research Lab, Jay has recovered and intends on finding a way to
combat the Fiddler's use of vibrations as a weapon. Both Joan and Jay
watch as the Fiddler enters the lab, and wonder if the criminal knows the
secret of Flash's dual identity? Joan distracts the visitor, while Jay
ducks out of sight, and changes into the Flash!
The startled visitor is grabbed by the speedster, while Joan grabs
onto his fiddle! The next moment finds the Flash carrying both Joan and
the visitor to the police. At the station, the Scarlet Speedster
presents the Fiddler and fiddle to the police, while the musician
strongly objects to his Stradivarius being referred to as a "fiddle!"
The Inspector asks if the Flash has taken leave of his senses, for this
is the famous European violinist -- Maestro Bowin! The Maestro tells the
Inspector that he was heading to the lab to ask about protecting his
Strad from weather changes... When asked if he wishes to press charges,
the Maestro decides to give the Scarlet Speedster two tickets for his
concert tonight. Once he has left, the Flash tells the Inspector that
the man looked like the Fiddler to be his twin -- and unfortunately for
him, the Inspector has already seen the pictures of his first bout with
the Fiddler. A dejected Speedster leaves the Inspector's office soon
after.
That night, both Joan and the Flash head for the concert, with him
promising not to do anything rash! They listen as Maestro Bowin plays
his divine music, with the audience so silent you could hear a pin drop!
The Scarlet Speedster thinks that they are too quiet... and decides to
play it safe by vibrating his body... just in case! Even with his own
vibrations, the music is giving him a strange sensation -- while Joan has
been hypnotized! The Fiddler has just hypnotized the entire audience,
while the gang goes through the audience and steals their valuables! The
Flash leaps into action, and kicks two hoods in the jaw!
He is grabbed from behind by two more crooks, but they are punched
in the face by two swift fists. The Flash tells the Fiddler that the
music is having no effect on him, but then the musical notes head for the
hanging chandelier... which comes crashing down on the unsuspecting
speedster! The criminal sees the irony in the Flash being stopped by the
very object which started him on his villainous career!
As he looks at the chandelier, the Fiddler sees not the hero, but
himself many years ago --- He was a thief was stopped when the person
cleaning the chandelier dropped it on him! The waterfront rat soon finds
himself in prison, and watches as an Indian Fakir plays his flute to make
the cobra dance. He offers to show the newcomer the lore of the East --
if he would be patient. Five years pass - and the two men escape into
the night, with the Fakir declaring his pupil to be far greater than he!
With his fiddle, none can stand in their way, but in the jungle, the
teacher is betrayed by his student, who causes him to dance into the jaws
of the nearby crocodiles. He pays a visit to the man who started him on
his new path, and the vibrations enabled the chandelier to crash down
onto his "benefactor." Now, he heads for America -- and his greatest
surprise!
Back in the present -- the crooks remove their ear plugs, and the
Flash is taken to their hideout for the grand finale. When he revives,
the Scarlet Speedster is startled to find himself bound next to Maestro
Bowin, who learns that the Fiddler is his twin, separated as infants --
and their existence has been kept secret from one another. Shortly,
there will be only one left! The Fiddler vows to play such music as the
Maestro could never have dreamed of, and which will conquer the world!
Maestro Bowin turns to Flash and pleads with him to save his life, but
the Speedster tells him not to move! The slightest tug on their bonds
will cause the machine gun to fire at the giant accordion, whose
vibrations causes a musical instrument to be torn asunder! The departing
villain tells them that one of the keys -- when hit will cause the very
building they are in to blow up! He leaves them to the solo of
destruction.
Maestro Bowin grows nervous and begs Flash to do something before
they are killed! He tells the Maestro to relax and not pull on the
ropes! Outside... The Fiddler tells his gang that only one bullet is
needed to hit the key that will set off the explosion -- WHH-RR-OOMMM!
They see the remains of their hideout, and joke if anyone has seen the
Flash lately. One person has -- the Scarlet Speedster, himself! His
speed vibrations causes their getaway car to be overturned!
The Fiddler can't understand how the Flash was able to escape the
ropes -- and the explosion! He tells the villain that he was able to
burn through the ropes with vibrating friction -- then sped out of the
building with Maestro Bowin before the explosion could harm them! Two
crooks tackle the Speedster's legs, but they are send flying, instead!
The Fiddler plays his instrument, but a string breaks -- and the
vibrations meant for the Fastest Man Alive crash downward on the dock,
causing it to collapse! All that remains to be seen in the water is a
floating fiddle. Joan tells Jay that they all woke up once the Fiddler
left, and he tells her that the criminal won't be coming back. It was
his very music which caused his destruction, and the swan-song meant for
the Flash -- was really for him!
The introduction of a Golden Age villain, who best represents the
saying, "If Music Be The Food of Death..."
Robert Kanigher would write the introduction of the Barry Allen
Flash in Showcase #4.
A two-part episode of the Justice League cartoon featured a villain
who was based on the Fiddler.
Lee Elias' art is superb in this story. We see the sinister visage
of the Fiddler, the look of surprise on Joan, as she must save the Flash,
and the bewildered Speedster, himself, when he is photographed by the
villain, forced to endure a most humiliating defeat.
The chandelier is a clever transition from the present-day adventure
to the origin of the Fiddler. It is a moment of defeat for the one-time
waterfront rat and also for the Scarlet Speedster.
A Hawkworld Annual by John Ostrander and Tim Truman had a re-telling
of the Fiddler's origin, when the villain sought to return to the '40s,
and have his revenge on the Jay Garrick Flash.
As in many Batman stories, there are giant props in the villain's
lair.
Jay Garrick is the Golden Age Flash of Earth-Two, while Barry Allen
is the Silver Age Flash of Earth-One.
This story was reprinted in Flash #160 (80 Page Giant #21).
Steve Chung
"Duet of Review!" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 1:21 am |
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Detective Comics #320
"Batman and Robin -- The Mummy Crime-Fighters"
October, 1963
Story: Dave Wood
Art: Sheldon Moldoff
Inks: Charles Paris
The Dynamic Duo -- wrapped up in bandages! The guardians of Gotham
City have told the public what had happened, but even they weren't aware
of the remarkable change of millionaire Bruce Wayne and his youthful
ward, Dick Grayson, which would introduce the strange sight of... "Batman
and Robin -- The Mummy Crime-Fighters"
Bruce and Dick are returning from vacation, and their car is passing
along the country on the way to Gotham City... They both see a space
capsule falling towards a nearby ravine. After parking the sports car,
the two head for the now-open hatch entrance. Inside, Bruce sees that
the space capsule was manned by a robot pilot, while Dick finds that the
instruments are alien in origin. CLICK CLICK CLICK KA-ZAAP A brief
noise and a sudden blinding flash... envelops them both.
Outside the capsule, the two recover from the green disc's effects.
As the sports car reaches the city limits... the passengers on a bus
begin to stare at them. Turning to one another, Bruce and Dick discover
that their faces... their hair have turned entirely green. It was a
green ray that struck them in the space capsule, and only now has its
effects manifested themselves. At the city hospital... the doctor
confesses that he's never seen anything like it. They are in no danger
from this transformation -- and will have to wait for more tests. The
millionaire playboy knows that this accident will impact severely on
their lives.
At stately Wayne Manor... Dick realizes that if the Dynamic Duo are
seen with green skin, the underworld will be able to figure out their
secret identities. Changing to their costumes, Bruce and Dick begin to
apply flesh-colored make-up to conceal their complexions... The make-up
begins to run and both realize that this must be another effect from the
green ray. Bruce considers using flesh masks... but Dick knows that he
can't cover up his arms and legs. If he covers them up as Robin, the
citizens of Gotham will know that something is up. The boy figures that
their crime-fighting career has been put on hold, but Bruce has come up
with a plan to explain their new appearances. Commissioner Gordon
receives a phone call from the millionaire playboy, and agrees that the
Dynamic Duo should check out the alien space capsule immediately.
The lawman is sure that an antidote for their green complexions will
be found. While the Bat-Signal shines in the sky, the Batmobile heads
down the back roads -- to avoid being seen. It is dusk when the police
cars arrive near the ravine... with the Commissioner and his men seeing
the Batmobile parked by the space capsule. The Dynamic Duo emerge from
the capsule, and the lawman sees that their bodies are now emitting a
brilliant yellow glow. The Caped Crusader tells the Commissioner and his
men to stay back -- they've become contaminated while investigating the
alien capsule.
When asked what effect the yellow glow has on them, Batman tells
Gordon that they should learn more at the Bat-Cave. The results will be
phoned in... and the Batmobile drives off. Commissioner Gordon notes how
Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson have been turned green -- and now the
Dynamic Duo have begun to glow like a pair of human torches. He orders a
round-the-clock guard around the alien capsule. At police headquarters,
the lawman receives a phone call from Batman, who tells him and the
gathered reporters that the radiation they have contracted may be harmful
to human life. Setting down the receiver, the Commissioner tries to come
to the realization that Batman and Robin are now out of action.
The morning newspapers carry the story of the Dynamic Duo's
transformation -- but members of the underworld who have planned a job
for the day rejoice. Crow and his gang exit the Gotham Light Company
with their stolen loot, when one of his henchmen sees an incredible
sight. Batman and Robin, swathed completely in bandages... and looking
like mummies, swing down towards them. With the getaway car speeding
away, the Dynamic Duo are forced to commandeer a utility truck. (Holy
PG&E, Batman!) The truck is unable to overtake the getaway car... but
the Caped Crusader has an idea --
Batman throws a large glass globe in front of the getaway car...
CRASH BANG BLAM The front tires are now out of commission, just as
Commissioner Gordon and an officer arrive in a police car. He realizes
that the bandages must be chemically treated to protect citizens from the
radioactive glow. Vicki Vale is next to arrive on the scene... Seeing
the Dynamic Duo in mummy costumes, she wonders if they've been in some
sort of accident.
As Batman and Robin run off... the Boy Wonder compliments his mentor
on the use of the bandages to conceal their green complexions. Having
been out of town on assignment, the photographer decides to pay a visit
on Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson. She is greeted by Alfred, who wonders
if Vicki should see them in their condition. She sees that both
millionaire playboy and youthful ward have been turned entirely green,
and figures this is why the Dynamic Duo have gone the mummy route. Bruce
shows her the newspaper story about Batman and Robin's accident at the
capsule, then apologizes for suspecting them. As she leaves the
mansion... the photographer still has some lingering doubts... and Bruce
knows that Vicki Vale will be hard to convince.
In the evening, an alarm is tripped at an steel foundry... (Holy
Selegue, Batman!) As the two crooks head for the roof, they see
something falling from the skylight... the Mummy Batman. With the Boy
Wonder behind them on the catwalk, the hoods are trapped. When the
Bandaged Crusader rushes toward them, his foot catches on something, and
he begins to lose his balance... Batman is able to cling onto the wooden
plank... but he is now at the criminals' mercy. Seeing his mentor in
danger, Robin begins to unwrap his bandages...
The Boy Wonder warns the two hoods that if he gets any closer,
they'll be doomed. The scared crooks run for safety... while Robin pulls
Batman to safety, and recovers the loot. They see the authorities and
Vicki Vale arrive... The photographer sees the blinding yellow glow...
and realizes that this must be the radiation mentioned in the papers...
As she strains to see Robin's face, Vicki wonders if she's letting her
suspicions getting the better of her? The following day finds Vicki
heading to the scene of a five-alarm fire...
She sees the Dynamic Duo... no longer wrapped in bandages -- and
aiding in the rescue of residents. After the fire is brought under
control, Vicki listens to the press conference... The Caped Crusader
tells the crowd how the radioactive glow disappeared in the morning, and
how there was no longer any danger of contamination. As the flashbulb
catches Batman and Robin back to normal, Vicki wonders if Bruce and Dick
were as fortunate. As the Batmobile pulls away, the girl photographer
knows that it would be quite a coincidence. At stately Wayne Manor,
Vicki demands to see the millionaire playboy and his youthful ward.
In the living room, she is surprised to see that Bruce and Dick
are... still green. Vicki listens and learns that their doctor believes
that the effects will wear off soon. Now feeling like a fool, the girl
reporter leaves... and in the Bat-Cave, the boy is glad that they were in
time from the fire to apply the green make-up. Bruce is relieved that
the color is gone, but in order to avoid suspicion, they'll wait a few
days before returning to "normal."
In the Silver Age, radiation was deadly in the D.C. Universe.
Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson found that it wasn't easy being
green... especially if you were the Dynamic Duo.
The Incredible Hulk found it easier being a green goliath than a
grey one.
Jim Hammond and Toro were the pair of Human Torches from the Golden
Age.
Batman and Robin have wrapped up many a case, but not in this
fashion.
Alfred appears in two panels... never leaving his post, and opening
the door for the visiting Vicki Vale.
Steve Chung
"Batman and Robin -- The Mummy Crime-Reviewers!"
_________________________________________________________
Detective Comics #320
"The Case of The Golden Eagle"
October, 1963
Story: Bob Haney
Art: Joe Certa
A special duty assignment has Detective John Jones working with a
French inspector, and unable to assume his Martian Manhunter identity.
In addition to this, Zook has become happy seeing his name in the
newspapers. J'onn J'onzz has quite a time with... "The Case of the
Golden Eagle." On the splash page, the Martian Manhunter sees that
Inspector Dulac is about to be crushed by a press, and must let the hoods
escape... in order to save him.
Captain Harding introduces John Jones to Inspector Rene Dulac from
the Paris Police. He's come to find the Orleans Eagle, and has been
paired with the detective on this case. The only clue that Dulac has to
the stolen golden statuette is a photograph from a nightclub. The man in
the picture is Lucky Bronson, a character that John is familiar with.
Bronson hadn't been seen in town, and could have gone to France for such
a caper. Before they begin on the case, John has a few things he has to
take care of. Once out of the police station, the detective assumes his
true identity... J'onn J'onzz, the Manhunter from Mars. The otherworldly
officer heads for his sealed mountain cave, which he shares with Zook...
Passing through a rock wall... he sees that Zook has been reading the fan
mail from police headquarters. The dimensional pet listens as J'onn
tells him about the Golden Eagle of Orleans.
Since he won't be able to change to the Manhunter From Mars, J'onn
wants Zook close by. Later, the police detective and the French
inspector are seated in a downtown cafe... which is a known hideout for
Bronson and his gang. They see a man entering... and John knows him as
Red Higgins, one of Bronson's men. Seeing the detective... and Dulac,
Higgins runs for his car... As the car begins to pull out --- Zook rides
the fender and begins to heat up... VROOSSSH The radiator has boiled
over and Higgins can't see a thing.
SCREEECH Detective Jones congratulates Zook on a job well done. At
police headquarters, the dimensional pet gives an account of what
happened, and Captain Harding asks John about any leads on the Orleans
Eagle. Higgins was carrying a cablegram with the address to the Zenith
Art Gallery. Figuring that Bronson is waiting for a shipment from
overseas, the Golden Eagle may be it. Both he and Inspector Dulac will
stake out the gallery. During the stakeout, Dulac asks if Bronson will
show up, and the detective has a feeling that the statuette will be
smuggled in somehow.
As he looks down the street, John sees an out of control wrecking
ball at a demolition site. He tells Dulac to keep watching the front of
the gallery, while he checks out the back. Changing to the Martian
Manhunter, he runs from behind the gallery, and sees the steel wrecking
ball about to collide with a department store. Tearing the scoop from a
steam shovel, the Manhunter uses it to catch the ball... WHAAARANNG
With the emergency over, J'onn resumes his police detective
identity, and rejoins Dulac. Zook is at the scene of a bank robbery...
and joins the police in chasing the robbers. The crooks have thrown away
their masks and have joined the crowd at a stadium. The dimensional pet
is sure that he can find them -- with his antenna "ears". Inside the
stadium, they head for the bleachers, where Zook fingers the bank robbers.
As the crooks run for the exit, the police are unable to fire their
guns without endangering the crowd. The dimensional pet begins to glow
and grabs onto the catwalk... The steel path becomes too hot for the
hoods' feet to handle... and they fall into the bullpen. Zook's capture
of the bank robbers was caught on the stadium's TV camera, and his heroic
feat has been seen by millions of viewers. At the art gallery, Bronson
hasn't show up and John tells Inspector Dulac that they'll return in the
morning. After he's left Dulac, the police detective becomes the Manhunter
From Mars...
At the cave, Zook tells him about his televised capture of the bank
robbers, and J'onn asks why he left his side at the gallery. The
dimensional pet thought it best to patrol the city, instead. Zook is
told to stay in the cave and read his fan mail, while J'onn handles the
Golden Eagle case. Flying back to the gallery... the Manhunter From Mars
overhears Bronson's plan to pick up the shipment at another location. As
he soars after them, J'onn sees Inspector Dulac riding atop the van. As
the van slows down near an abandoned toy factory, the French inspector
jumps off... then throws an ashcan on the dock. Bronson tells his men to
check out the noise.
The distraction works and Dulac enters the factory. Inside, Bronson
and his gang find the inspector looking for the Orleans Eagle -- in a
packing case. As Dulac is punched by Bronson and his hoods, the
Manhunter makes his entrance. As he wades into the hapless hoods, J'onn
sees that the inspector has tripped and fallen against a stamping press.
WHRRRRR GNRRRKK The Martian Manhunter leaps and uses his strength to
stop it.
Dulac recovers and tells the Manhunter that the criminals have the
Orleans Eagle. Outside, J'onn sees the van heading on the river road --
straight for the uptown bridge. Flying through the air, he sees that a
tugboat has just gone by, and the bridge is still open. The van is going
too fast for the gang to see that the bridge is open. CLANNNG The
Manhunter From Mars uses his muscle to put the bridge back in position --
then bring the van to a complete stop... SKRERUNCH
Opening the rear doors of the van... J'onn sees Bronson searching in
vain for the specially marked panda toy he used to hide the Orleans
Eagle, but it's not there. Hearing this, the Martian Manhunter realizes the
mistake he has just made, and leaves Bronson's gang for the police. At the
factory, Zook has been following J'onn's whereabouts with his antenna... and
the trail leads to the entrance. Inside, he sees Inspector Dulac holding the
Orleans Eagle -- and gloating about how he fooled both the Manhunter and
Detective Jones. The dimensional pet confronts the French crook, who is about
to flee, but Zook begins to glow red-hot... Dulac holds the Golden Eagle over
his head... but it is taken from his grasp by an arriving Manhunter.
J'onn realized that Dulac had taken the Eagle when he first entered
the toy factory. The false inspector had the Manhunter From Mars go
after Bronson, so that he could get away with the Orleans Eagle. Zook
had come to apologize for not helping out earlier, but he showed up in
time to catch the real crook. At Chief Harding's office, they learn that
Dulac was a crook who sought to steal the Orleans Eagle in Paris. John
tells explains that Bronson got his hands on the gold statuette first.
The Frenchman then impersonated a lawman and planned to find the Orleans
Eagle with help from the police. It was help from the underworld and not
a photograph which led Dulac to Bronson... Thanks to the Manhunter and
Zook, the Orleans Eagle will be heading back to France. At the mountain
cave... J'onn sees that his pet's head is back to normal, and encourages
him to read all of his fan mail.
The Golden Eagle was the alter-ego of Charley Parker, who joined
Titans West.
Peter Sellers played Inspector Clousteau, the famous French
inspector from the "Pink Panther" movies.
Andre is the French member of the Blackhawks.
"Frenchie" is the pilot sidekick to the Moon Knight.
Batroc The Leaper is the French villain skilled at the Savate style
of fighting.
As drawn by Joe Certa, Detective John Jones bears a striking
resemblance to Gary Cooper.
Zook has orange skin, twin antennae, and a "Beatles" hairstyle.
The dimensional pet's irradiated heat proves too much for Red
Higgins' radiator.
Zook turns on his antenna, tunes in to the bank robbers' location,
and causes the hoods to drop out of the ball game.
Dulac is the name of the kingdom seen in the movie, "Shrek."
Inspector Dulac bears a striking resemblance to Walt Disney.
The false inspector almost had a "pressing" engagement at the toy
factory.
With Dulac's beret, mustache, and manner of speech, you'd figure he
was a false Frenchman, too.
Steve Chung
"The Review of the Golden Eagle" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 1:31 am |
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Joined: 27 Dec 2006
Posts: 4672
Location: Detroit, Michigan
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Detective Comics #338
"Batman's Power-Packed Punch!"
April, 1965
Story: Gardner Fox
Art: Sheldon Moldoff
Inks: Joe Giella
On the Carmine Infantino-drawn cover, the Caped Crusader uses his
super-powered punch to shatter a stone wall, where one crook is stealing
money from a safe, while the other uses his gun to shield himself from
the flying debris!
As the reader of the story, you are involved in it! For you are
responsible for the actions which give Batman super-powered fists instead
of normal crime-fighting hands! Now, the Caped Crusader has more
resources to draw upon and what might have been detrimental to his peers
is now an added plus when the Masked Manhunter uses "Batman's
Power-Packed Punch!" On the splash page, Batman knows that his
super-fists are lethal weapons -- he can't use them directly on
criminals! Robin sees that the crooks will be lamenting cement when the
bits of sidewalk which the power-punch has unearthed lands on them!
Night in Gotham City finds the Caped Crusader in pursuit of two
fleeing crooks who are confident that the hero can't reach them, but
Batman leaps onto a mailbox... his legs use it as a launching pad... and
hurls himself at the criminals! He crashes into them, then a left hook
finds its target... As the Masked Manhunter grabs onto the second
crook... two other members of the gang turn on a fire hydrant and aim a
hose at the battling Batman!
SWOOSH The water strikes the Caped Crusader, who is off-balance for
a moment, but Batman charges through the deluge, while Robin rushes
towards the scene... and the two crooks see that the masked manhunter had
his own lookout, too! The hose is dropped and begins to twist in the
air... and the watery blast knocks down the Boy Wonder, who stumbles
right into the path of the Caped Crusader!
The Dynamic Duo recover -- and continue the chase.... which ends at
a construction site, where both heroes use their fists to wade into the
crooks... As they turn to face the others... Robin warns Batman that
something is swinging at them from above --! Reacting instinctively,
Batman swings a right at the one-ton wrecking ball coming at him! The
headache ball sends the two heroes backwards, and the criminals are
confident that the one-ton solid iron ball have finished them off!
Minutes pass... Then both Batman and Robin revive, bruised but
alive! Robin sees a crater which shows where the Caped Crusader used his
fist to hit the wrecking ball -- slowed it down enough so that they could
survive the impact. The Masked Manhunter is in no mood for jokes and is
eager to track down the crooks! The Boy Wonder insists that he saw
Batman's fist sink into the metal when he hit it -- but passed it off as
imagination! But now -- the Caped Crusader sees the indentation, but
doubts that his fist could have done it... Robin tells him to hit the
wrecking ball once more, and Batman agrees reluctantly! He gets ready
for an aching fist, but it is the solid-iron headache ball which is
damaged, instead! When the Boy Wonder asks how this can be possible, the
Masked Manhunter suddenly realizes how his fists have become
super-powered! The previous day found Bruce Wayne visiting the Alfred
Foundation Laboratories where scientists were at work on research to help
mankind... The millionaire playboy shows the contributors of the
foundation how their money is being spent!
At the lab counter, you have some of your recent experiments placed
in glass beakers... Bruce Wayne refers to you as one of their most
promising scientists, and Manning, who is a dealer in lumber is
introduced to you... You show him your chemical which will
"weather-proof" wood against the harsh elements. One particular element
is missing from it, and an x-factor... but in his excitement, Orval
Manning swings an arm, which tips the beaker containing the X-23
solution, but Bruce Wayne has it, and some of the solution has spilled
onto his hands... You assure him that it's harmless... then return with
a lab towel so that the millionaire philanthropist can dry his hands...
Manning apologizes for his carelessness, and Bruce tells the
vice-president of the Gotham City Bank an encephitector -- a burglar
alarm system that alerts when a crime is about to be committed!
The encephitector can pick out and filter alpha waves which a human
brain gives out! It is designed to react whenever a person is thinking
about committing a crime! With one of these placed in the doorway of the
bank, a guard or teller would know whenever a crook intended to rob it,
and he could be arrested the moment he attempted the crime! In the Bat-
Cave, Robin sees Batman holding an improved version of the encephitector
-- with more power to increase its range! He's placed it in the Batmobile
for an evening test-run! If the device can detect would-be crooks -- it
should be able to find any criminal who has robbery on his mind! The Boy
Wonder marvels at this new "crook-catcher!" He knows that on their patrol,
they miss some crimes which take place, and the device will help them to
be more effective! The Batmobile is soon patrolling the Gotham City streets,
when the device begins to beep...
This is how the Dynamic Duo came across the crooks they were chasing
at the beginning of this story... In the present, Batman and Robin
continue the pursuit with the encephitector... The Boy Wonder knows that
by the sounds of the beep, it's not the crooks who got away. Knowing
that some crooks are committing a crime behind a stone wall, Robin begins
to look for a door -- but the Caped Crusader tells him that there's no
need to waste time for a search! He intends to blast an entrance in that
stone wall -- with a power-packed punch! Apparently, the water from the
hose was the catalyst necessary for the X-23 to work!
The Masked Manhunter's right arm flails against the stone and
mortar... The crooks are surprised to see Batman coming through stone
walls to get at them! The Caped Crusader leaps through the opening...
while Robin goes after the others, and Batman tells him that he'll catch
up after he's mopped things up! The Boy Wonder calls the police on the
Hot-Line to tell them where to pick up the prisoners! Charging at the
mobsters, Batman realizes that his fists have become lethal weapons, and
he can't hit anyone with them! His knuckles send a power-punch, which sends
the safe at the crooks... and he is pleased by his indirect use of them.
The Caped Crusader somersaults over the safe... then uses his knees
to bring down his prey! Robin drives the Batmobile through the streets,
with the encephitector, while the right rear tire has an special
invisible solution which will enable Batman to pick up the trail. He
informs Commissioner Gordon about the crook's location, then locates the
thieves he's looking for, as the radar points towards a house on the
corner.
Using his bat-rope, the Boy Wonder begins to climb up the side of
the wall, while inside, Gang Boss "Bull" Fleming doubts his men's tale
about the Dynamic Duo being killed by the wrecking ball. One of the gang
used to be a crane operator, and he assures Fleming that not even Batman
and Robin could withstand it! He wagers his share of the loot that
they'll never hear from them again! Boss "Bull" Fleming tells the gang
to get the loot over to Freddy The Fence and turn it into cash! As the
two hoods leave the building, Robin swings from the bat-rope, wishing that
his partner had joined him...
The Boy Wonder drops in on the crooks from above, and Boss Fleming
thinks that Robin's the healthiest looking ghost he's ever seen! Both
hoods are sent sprawling -- with Chuck being told that his share of the
loot is gone! He does earn a punch on the jaw from Robin, though! From
the doorway, three more members of the "Bull" Fleming Gang emerge... The
odds are now five to one -- against Robin!
Down the street, the Caped Crusader has been following the trail by
using contact lenses... As the gang sees his approach, Batman sends a
power-packed punch into a shop sign... He sends the "Tony's Flower
Shoppe" sign flying through the air, and into their midst! A punch to
the sidewalk sends a "divot" towards the hapless hood! As he nears the
end of the case, Batman vows to make compensation for the damage he's
caused!
The flower pot debris drives the two mobsters into the path of
Robin's flashing fists... The Fleming Gang are taken to police
headquarters and the stolen loot is returned... The Caped Crusader wonders
if his fists will remain super-powered or fade away, and the Boy Wonder
suggests that Bruce Wayne set up a meeting for him and the scientist at
the Alfred Foundation! The following day, you buy a newspaper and read
about Batman's Super-Powered Fists... and how the Masked Manhunter states
that their power is slowly fading.
You wonder if the X-23 solution might have had anything to do with
Batman's powerful fists, and wonder how he could have come into contact
with it... You know that some of it spilled on Bruce Wayne's hands on
the previous day... you wonder if Bruce Wayne is Batman and are intrigued
by the thought! As you reach for the doorknob to the lab, you know that
even if you were clever enough to unmask Batman's secret identity -- you
know that the Caped Crusader is even more clever! You light up your pipe
before getting ready for work... An investigation would prove your
theory, but Batman would find a way to prove it 100% wrong. If the Caped
Crime-fighter is determined to keep his identity a secret, you'll abide
by his decision!
Interesting that Batman is unfazed by what damage would be done to
the crooks when the sidewalk debris strikes them.
Others who have super-powered fists include: Iron Fist, The Mighty
Annihilator from Action Comics #355, and the Human Bomb from the Freedom
Fighters.
In this story, the reader is hinted as being a pipe-smoking male
scientist.
The encephitector is similar to Cerebro, which detects mutants.
A device which reacts to alpha waves from the human brain, and
detects when a person is thinking about committing a crime. I wonder if
use of such a device would be considered constitutional?
Hopefully, the owner of Tony's Flower Shoppe, as well as Gotham City
got compensation from Batman for the stone wall, the store sign, the
flower pot, the sidewalk, etc...
Batman's Hot Line has a letter from Mike Friedrich of Castro Valley,
CA.
"Dear Editor:
In the December Detective, a new outlook on Batman was introduced.
From now on the Masked Manhunter will be hounded by the Outsider. (Is it
possible that he is the American Hydra-Head, as per Batman number 167,
out for revenge...?) While this theme has been used before in books and
to a lesser degree in TV, it is rare in comic books. I can't say I
heartily approve, but the idea has possibilities and I'm confident you
will develop it. Even without The Outsider, "The Man Who Stole From
Batman" was very good. The Grasshopper(s) is due for a reappearance. I
hope. Even if I guessed that there were two of them, it didn't spoil my
enjoyment of the story. Bob Kane's artwork was excellent, as always.
The Elongated Man wasn't very good this time. I didn't care for the
story and the art was off. I can't explain the latter exactly, but the
inking seemed bad. It doesn't look like Sid Greene's work and yet it
doesn't seem like Carmine Infantino is back inking his own stuff again.
Whodunit?"
(The Elongated Man was "dun" by Infantino-Greene, the very same
pencil-ink team that you so highly lauded for the previous issue's EM!
How do you account for your switcheroo, when the two correspondents ahead
of you found it so praiseworthy?
- Editor)
Steve Chung
"Batman Power-Packed Review!"
__________________________________________________
Detective Comics #338
"Case of The Curious Compass!"
April, 1965
Story: Gardner Fox
Art: Carmine Infantino
When a compass' needle begins to point in every direction but north,
it also leads the Elongated Man in search of a gang of thieves aboard an
ocean liner, and turn their smuggling plans into a foolish one! On the
splash page, Ralph Dibny shows off his patented three-in-one punch on the
trio of smugglers, who are each struck by the Elongated Man's right
elbow, and knuckles...
Ralph and Sue Dibny are boarding the ocean liner Poseidon, docked
at Amsterdam... Sue wonders why they aren't flying back, and Ralph gives
her just one guess... She knows that there's some sort of strange mystery
onboard -- and he wants to solve it! Having met the ship's captain on
the night before, Ralph learned about a curious compass on a ship model
in the lounge which went crazy the second day out at sea! Instead of
pointing north -- the needle pointed to another direction! On the third
day, it went back to normal! Sue watches her husband's nose twitch and
knows that Ralph won't rest until he solves the mystery! She wonders
what she'll be doing while he's working on the mystery, and he introduces
her to Big "Bob" Wilkes, the activities director. Seeing the handsome
crewman, Sue knows that the cruise won't be as boring as she had thought.
While his wife is on deck, Ralph meets with Captain Emerson on the
lounge... They look at a model of one of the earliest steamships, exact
in every detail -- including a working compass! The captain first
noticed the unusual compass two crossings ago...
He was showing the model to some passengers when the captain saw
the compass pointing south by southeast... and wonders if this is due to
some defect... The next day found the compass back to normal -- and the
captain thought no more about it until the return trip from Amsterdam to
the United States... the compass was again askew on the second day out of
port... The night finds Ralph changing to his Elongated Man costume...
and he is determined to find who is responsible for tampering with the
compass. Sue tells him that Big Bob has arranged a masquerade ball for
the following evening, and she hopes that Ralph solves the case by then
-- so they can both have a ball! Having hidden himself in the lounge,
the stretchable sleuth watches... the crooks make their move with the
compass... they carry off the model ship, with the Elongated Man on their
trail... towards Cabin 23A!
Ralph stretches a leg around a ship's rail and lets himself down the
side of the ocean liner... he had studied the ship's plans and knows what
porthole belongs to that cabin. Hanging upside-down, he looks through to
Cabin 23A... he watches as one of the men produces an axe! Within the
cabin... the axe-wielder asks his two cronies why they should waste time
when they could find the diamonds by smashing the ship! The red-haired
man tells him that they heard from their contact in Amsterdam that the
ship's model is being used somehow by diamond smugglers, and this doesn't
necessarily mean that the jewels are concealed within the ship! They
must return the ship undamaged or risk an investigation! Ralph has
learned what he needed to know by lip-reading! A super-thin finger slips
through the porthole vent... and next, the porthole swings open...
Seeing the Elongated Man, one crook refers to him as a human snake... and
Ralph isn't about to put up with such petty name-calling!
Three guns come into view as the Ductile Detective's right arm
reaches out towards them... The silenced guns and the hands which hold
them are caught in the grip of three elongated fingers... and Ralph's
left hand encircles their ankles... Not even half in the room -- and his
left hand yanks their feet from under them, and his right hand shakes
their guns loose... He smiles and tells them to remember how they were
caught!
The three crooks hit the cabin floor, and the Elongated Man enters
the room... using his special three-in-one punch, which consists of two
knuckles and an elbow striking them on their jaws! With the robbers
placed in the brig, the Ductile Detective returns the ship model to its
rightful place in the lounge... He tells the captain that there were no
diamonds inside the model! He had elongated his eyes to peer inside it!
With the compass pointing north, the captain figures that the night's
adventure was a false alarm! The second day finds Sue insisting that
Ralph play in a shuffleboard contest... He stretches an arm to push the
marker, and when she chides him for it, Ralph claims that there's nothing
in the rules about it! Passing through the lounge to their cabin... Sue
is proud that her husband disqualified himself from the shuffleboard
contest, and that she won first prize! He sees that the compass needle
is again off-course!
Thirty minutes later, another man enters the empty lounge and stares
at the erratic compass... He sees that the needle is pointing to the
hidden diamonds -- inside an urn! No one has seen them placed there, no
one will see him take them! It is a foolproof scheme! Two years ago in
Amsterdam, he had organized a gang -- to steal three sets of rare and
expensive diamonds! A year has passed since the theft, but now the heat
is off... To enact his smuggling scheme, he got a job as activities
director and earned a good reputation... On the past two crossings, his
contacts brought the diamonds onboard and hid them secretly in the
lounge. On the second day, they tinkered with the ship model's compass
-- to have it point at the hiding place! He then recovered the diamonds,
fixed the compass -- then smuggled the jewels into the United States
because customs never searched his baggage! As he retrieves the green
sack, the activities director sees a hand -- coming out of the urn!
Big Bob Wilkes shakes hands with the Elongated Man, who suddenly
yanks him forward... CLUNK! Big Bob has taken a urn for the worse!
Having learned about the diamond smuggling and the connection with the
ship model, Ralph was able to figure out why the compass needle was
pointing to the hidden diamonds! Seeing the compass point to the urn,
the Stretchable Sleuth curled his body up inside of it! When Wilkes
reached for the diamonds, he let him be caught red-handed with them! As
he begins to make a "citizen's arrest"... two men rush into the room and
towards the Elongated Man!
A thrown flowerpot drops Ralph... and the three crooks begin to
run, with the boss being assured that he'll have an alibi in case he's
grabbed again! Big Bob has to ditch the diamonds over the side -- so
that there will be no evidence against them! Even though he is groggy,
the Elongated Man manages to stretch his legs and a foot -- which sends
the urn rolling towards the doorway... and the next second finds the
three diamond smugglers stumbling into the massive urn! Ralph uses the
urn to iron out his differences with the now-unconscious crooks.
In the captain's cabin, Ralph tells the captain and Sue how the
smugglers used a small magnetic device hidden in the ship model to move
the compass needle! Big Bob removed it as soon as he found where the
diamonds were hidden. It will be the authorities who will recover the
diamonds smuggled on the two previous crossings. The captain presents
him with the ship's model -- as a reward for a job well done! The case
is now wrapped up and he figures that he and Sue can have fun! She
doesn't see how they can have fun with the activities director in the
ship's brig! Ralph volunteers to become activities director! Having
been in show biz, he reminds her that this was how he earned the fortune
they have to be able to travel around the world! On the deck, Sue Dibny
thinks to herself that Ralph is too good of an activities director! With
many female passengers hooked on his every word, she wishes that he were out solving a mystery!
If the Elongated Man were a '60s program, I'd like to have seen Dick
Van Dyke as Ralph and Barbara Feldon as Sue.
I wonder if the creators were influenced by the Thin Man movies when
coming up with the character of the Elongated Man, who would travel to
many places with his wife, and solve mysteries.
Ralph certainly "urned" his keep on this case, and everything is now
ship-shape aboard the ocean liner.
Steve Chung
"Review of The Curious Compass!" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 1:42 am |
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The Flash #107
"The Amazing Race Against Time!"
June - July, 1959
Story: John Broome
Art: Carmine Infantino and Joe Giella
Who could possibly outrun the Fastest Man Alive? Pass him as if he
were standing still? For the secret solution behind this amazing event
-- read... "The Amazing Race Against Time!" On the splash page, the
Scarlet Speedster is traveling at super-speed, but a man dressed in a
green and yellow costume has just raced by him! He - he'll reach the
runaway truck before the Flash will!
Having finished a case and heading for home, the Flash sees a parked
truck which begins to roll down hill! The truck will crash into a store
-- hurt many people unless it is stopped! As the Scarlet Speedster puts
on an extra burst of speed, he is passed by another fleet figure... In
less than a wink of an eye, the green and yellow clad speedster puts the
truck to a screeching halt! When asked by the Flash who he is, the new
speedster claims to have amnesia!
At an apartment which the Fastest Man on Earth keeps in order to
preserve his dual identity of Police Scientist Barry Allen... he seeks to
learn more about this man who is faster than him! All he can recall is
finding himself this afternoon on the outskirts of Central City. He
didn't even know the Flash's name until he was told it a few minutes ago.
The Flash vows to give him the best medical attention possible to
restore his memory. At Picture News, Iris West learns that eyewitnesses
saw the mysterious man outrun the Flash, and tells her chief that since
everyone believes that the Scarlet Speedster is the fastest man in the
world...
She proposes that they arrange a race for charity -- sponsored by
Picture News. More than a million copies of Picture News will be sold --
and the question of who is the fastest man -- the Flash or the stranger
-- will be answered! Reading the headline, the Scarlet Speedster knows
that this is the handiwork of his girlfriend. He can't ignore it, for if
he does, his reputation as the Flash would suffer, as would his crusade
against crime! The doctor sees the mystery man, but doesn't know what's
wrong with him. Flash proposes that they postpone the treatments...
until after they race... if he agrees... which the mystery man does!
On the day of the great event... the editor asks Iris why the
stranger is beginning the race by facing the other direction? She
explains that it was her idea since seeing the stranger practice, and she
is sure that he can beat the Flash, even by running backwards -- so she
asked him to -- and he agreed. Iris thinks that this will be a much
better story -- if Flash gets beaten! The starting gun is fired... In
the span of two breaths, the two men have completed 999 laps in the 1,000
lap race... a split-second for the Flash to build up speed -- but the
mystery man began at super-speed all at once, and maintains his lead! To
the spectators, it is all a blur!
A high-speed camera records the finish... with the stranger winning,
and Flash knowing that the mystery man is not faster than he, but just
takes off faster! After the race, the stranger is congratulated -- and
Flash takes him to the doctor... Electric treatments are used to jog the
man's memory. The wires are in place... and once the current is switched
off... what the mystery man has to say can only be said to the Flash ---
alone!
Out of the doctor's office, the stranger knows who he is, and that
something's happened to him! The electricity surged through him,
bringing back his memory, but removing his speed! They are running at
normal speed, but the stranger cannot pass the Scarlet Speedster! He is
a visitor from another world who came by spaceship -- but it crashed, and
robbed him of his memory... but now that he's regained it, he seeks the
Flash's help... by assisting him in an urgent matter!
The crashed ship must be repaired... and under the stranger's
instructions, the Flash is able to complete repairs in a minute! They
are soon underway, with the spaceship entering into outer space... and
the Scarlet Speedster learns that the alien is not human... He is an
automaton... a hominoid (human-looking robot) so cleverly designed that
even the doctors wouldn't be able to detect the difference. A few days
ago, he stood before his masters, they who rule the galaxy. Kyri was to
perform the task he was created to do --
On the planetoid F203, near to the center of the galaxy, there is a
weak point... where terrible forces from another dimension have
threatened to break through! Every few years the barrier has been able
to hold back those forces... but it must be repaired or the galaxy will
meet its destruction! Without his speed, Kyri can do nothing, and the
Flash must take his place -- repair the barrier in a race against time!
At the weak point shown to him by Kyri, the Scarlet Speedster sees
lightning in a chaos of many different colors, which explode in all
directions! The hole begins to widen... and it must be sealed at once!
By whirling at super-speed by the weak point, the Flash's incredible
velocity melts the rocks and minerals around it in the precise order...
so that they can be fused together into a super-cosmic glue! Kyri smiles
and tells Flash that he's sealed off the danger for more years to come!
It is time for Kyri to bring Flash home -- and then for him to
return to his masters! Back on Earth, they bid goodbye, and the Scarlet
Speedster is amazed that Kyri wasn't human, but an artificial being.
This means that he is still the Fastest Man Alive -- at least the fastest
to be found in nature! Visiting Picture News, he tells Iris that he is
still the fastest human on Earth.
A fun story by Broome, Infantino, and Giella. Sleek, clean
linework, and the importance to the Flash to maintain his reputation as
the fastest man alive.
Kyri's costume is similar to that of Sprite, the Eternal from Jack
Kirby's '70s mag.
In a story by Mark Gruenwald, Quasar meets an amnesiac speedster who
remembers his name to be something like "Buried Alien," and that the
title of being the "Fastest Man Alive" meant much to him.
I like the character of Iris West, who knows a story when she sees
one, and is clever enough to find a way to help charity and her paper's
circulation in the bargain.
A race for charity has been a tradition for Flash, especially when he
raced against the Man of Steel, which was also shown on an episode of the
Superman Animated Series.
Kyri reminds me of the character, R. Daneel, who was created by
writer Issac Asimov, and who proved to be more human than would appear at first glance.
The Rulers of the Galaxy are bald with orange skin, and wear brown
tunics. They are his masters.
It is unknown if they have any relation to the Guardians of the
Universe, who had created the Manhunters, before the formation of the
Green Lantern Corps. It is possible they are an off-shoot, just as the
Controllers and the Zamorans are.
The dimension is depicted by many exploding colors, and may lead to
Qward, the Negative Zone, or even the Marvel Universe.
This story was reprinted in The Flash 80 Page Giant (21) #160.
Steve Chung
"The Amazing Review Against Time!" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 1:48 am |
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The Flash #113
"Danger In The Air!"
June - July, 1960
Story: John Broome
Art: Carmine Infantino and Joe Giella
Never has the Scarlet Speedster come across a villain as clever as
the Trickster! Clad in a harlequin costume -- teasing the world -- the
cunning Trickster has shown the Flash a clean getaway each time -- until
the showdown at the circus when the Fastest Man Alive demonstrated a new
trick of his own! On the splash page, the Flash has run onto a highwire
tightrope to corner the Trickster, but the Rogue has run away from him...
on thin air!
The pilot of an overseas jetliner heading for Central City sees a
startling sight... a hold-up in the sky! He listens on his earphones as
the pilot of the other plane orders him to place his speed at 300 miles
an hour -- and have the door of the cabin open immediately! Otherwise --
he'll shoot... The colorfully-clad figure emerges from his plane, and to
the passengers aboard the overseas jetliner, it seems that he is running
on air! They are about to be robbed by the Trickster!
He tells them that it's quite a trick to pull a robbery in mid-air,
and that they have to pay for it! Once he has collected all their money
and valuables... the Trickster heads back for his plane, and tells them
not to follow him. As his plane disappears in the clouds, the pilot
notifies the police! In a restaurant, Iris West is waiting for Barry to
show up for their date... and he's late again! She doesn't know why she
puts up with the slow and lazy police scientist, then wonders why he
can't be more like the Flash! Iris reads the Scarlet Speedster's
challenge to the Trickster in the newspaper, where the fastest man alive
wants to see which of the two can out-trick the other!
She knows that even if the Trickster doesn't accept the challenge --
the point is the Flash is always doing something... unlike -- Iris sees
"Swifty" Allen coming towards her at a snail's pace! He overhears the
radio report about the mid-air robbery, and Iris wonders what happened to
Barry! She could swear that she saw him coming, but there's no sign of
him! Outside... in a dark doorway, Barry activates the secret spring on
his ring, causing his uniform to expand with the air, and soon... the
Flash heads off in search of the Trickster!
In the middle of town, he hasn't seen any sign of the Trickster, and
figures that the criminal doesn't want to meet... Several feet above the
Scarlet Speedster... the Trickster has been following the Flash on his
search for him! Now, he descends... and accepts the challenge! The
Fastest Man on Earth's first move is to go fast at super-speed... so that
he won't be able to tell which of the images he sees is the real Flash!
If the criminal tries to flee, he won't know which way to go! Knowing
that the Flash would try a trick like this, the Trickster uses a manuever
of his own -- Sneezing powder causes the real Flash to sneeze, and the
Rogue is able to tell which is the real one, and which is an optical
illusion.
The Trickster runs away, and Flash pursues him towards a cliff!
Figuring that he has him boxed in, the Scarlet Speedster moves in, but
then the Trickster gets away... by running on thin air! This is one feat
that even the Fastest Man Alive can't match. The criminal bids the Flash
farewell, while the scarlet speedster wonders how he came up with that
trick!
Years ago, the Flying Jesses -- a family of high-wire walkers were
at the circus, and the father is disturbed that his son, James, doesn't
want to practice --! James Jesse spends his time reading about the
desperado Jesse James, and he wonders if somehow he's related to him?
His father tells him not to read the book again, or anything to do with
criminals and guns! He is to practice harder -- now! The boy obeys his
father... wanting to become a famous aerialist, but being afraid of the
high wire.
Time passes, and James Jesse has perfected a special pair of shoes
-- so that he won't be afraid on the high wire! It has taken him years
to devise the pair with openings in the soles where compressed air shoots
out unseen -- but can keep him in the air by jet propulsion! It has
taken him as long to be able to keep his balance on them -- and not fall!
He has learned the trick, and uses them in the act! The spotlights are
on the Flying Jesses... and Papa Jesse watches as his son performs a
daring leap which isn't in the act!
His father is proud of him, and James is grateful for his secret
shoes! Now a renowned aerialist, James finds that this is not enough!
He must find new ways to use his jet-shoes invention -- more exciting
ways! Taking a cue from his namesake -- Jesse James, he decides to
become a criminal, and find his true destiny and fame! Instead of
robbing railroad trains -- he'll be a modern desperado who holds up
airplanes! With his jet-shoes, it is a trick he can pull off -- and this
gives him his name -- The Trickster! Meanwhile, the Flash realizes that
his only clue is the costume of the Trickster -- which resembles a
harlequin! He remembers that a harlequin was a comedian or clown... and
suddenly, the Scarlet Speedster recalls that the big circus has been in
town -- ever since the Trickster's first airplane holdup two weeks ago!
This is the lead he's been seeking -- and it was right in front of him
all the time!
He heads for the nearest big top... thinking that there was much of
the grandstanding showman in the Trickster's "performance." It would be
appropriate to find him there... There are several performers in the
show, and he's never seen the Trickster unmasked! Above him, the Flash
sees the high-wire walker catching sight of him, and beginning to
stumble... The aerialist regains his balance easily enough -- just as
the Trickster would -- with the ability to walk on air! The Scarlet
Speedster wants a close look -- and sees a clown bouncing on a pogo
stick! He has an idea! The Flash borrows the pogo stick from the circus
clown --
Using the vibrations of his super-speed, the Fastest Man Alive hops
on the pogo stick, and directs it towards his foe... The crowd watches as
the Scarlet Speedster zooms upwards... and the Flash vibrates faster --
faster... He launches himself upwards on the now-soaring pogo stick!
The aerialist begins to flee, and Flash realizes that it must be the
Trickster! With each bounce, the Scarlet Speedster's trajectory enables
him to go up... up... up... until he catches up with James Jesse.
On the ground, the Flash keeps the aerialist helpless by vibrating
his grip... He is unable to try any further tricks... and the Scarlet
Speedster makes certain that James Jesse is the Trickster by finding
evidence in his dressing room. The Trickster's costume is found in its
hiding place -- and the case is wrapped up. In his prison cell, James
Jesse is determined to come up with a new trick to get out of prison
sooner or later. The following day at Picture News, Iris receives a call
from Barry, who tells her that he left suddenly to help the Flash catch
the Trickster! She tells him to come by in the evening... and the police
scientist smiles as he hangs up the phone -- he must think up a good
story to tell Iris! She has no suspicion that her idol Flash is also
Barry Allen!
The Trickster was one of the foes featured on the Flash TV series on
CBS. He was played by Mark Hamill.
The Scarlet Speedster was superbly brought to life by John Wesley
Shipp.
The Flash TV Series was produced by Danny Bilson and Paul DeMeo.
In Aquaman: Time and Tide by Peter David, the Trickster makes an
appearance, and makes a getaway from both Aquaman and the Flash with his
"Luke Skywalker" shoes.
An interesting contrast between a D.C. hero and a Marvel hero: The
Flash is able to have all the newspapers in Central City feature his
challenge to the Trickster, while Spider-Man would be declared a "Threat
or Menace" on the front page of the Daily Bugle.
The Herald of Galactus known as Gabriel the Air-Walker is another
character who is able to walk on air.
James Jesse's father resembles Alfred Pennyworth.
Imagine what would have happened if aerialist James Jesse had lost
his parents instead of Dick Grayson! Thing would be different, indeed.
Duela Dent, aka The Harlequin was created by Bob Rozakis.
Harley Quinn was created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm.
The Golden Age Harlequin was Molly Mayne, a foe of Green Lantern,
who later became an agent of the F.B.I.
The daughter of Dan Hunter, aka Manhunter, stole Molly's trick
eye-glasses, and became the new Harlequin.
The Flash goes "Pogo" to get his man. He has met the enemy and he
is James Jesse.
Other aerialists in the D.C Universe include Dick Grayson, Jason
Todd (Pre-Crisis), and Boston Brand.
Steve Chung
"Review In The Air!" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 2:04 am |
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The Flash #124
"Space-Boomerang Trap"
November, 1961
Story: John Broome
Art: Carmine Infantino and Joe Giella
The Fastest Man on Earth and the Elongated Man have joined forces
with the Rogue known as Captain Boomerang to fend off an alien invasion
of Earth... The heroes are aware that their truce is a temporary one,
and that they would soon have to deal with Captain Boomerang and his
sinister... "Space-Boomerang Trap!" On the splash page, the two heroes
and the Rogue come face-to-face with five orange hairy aliens wearing
green shorts and boots, as well as wielding unusual ray-guns!
Relaxing at a seaside resort, Ralph Dibny is reading a letter from
the Flash about Captain Boomerang being released on parole! Now that the
Rogue is free, the Scarlet Speedster is sure that he will soon see
another unusual boomerang-type crime, and he checks the paper to see if
anything will appeal to the Captain. The fabulous crown jewels of
Hormark is a likely attraction for Captain Boomerang, and the Flash heads
for the exhibition hall... He may have been a model prisoner, but the
Rogue had been an impressive criminal prior to that! A sensational crime
during the first week of his release would be Boomerang's style. In the
hall, the Flash sees Captain Boomerang -- in uniform! The Rogue tells
him that as a member of the general public, he is allowed to attend the
exhibition, and there is no law against wearing his uniform. The Scarlet
Speedster is unnerved by the Captain's wry smile.
The Captain invites Flash to check out the crown jewels together,
while the Scarlet Speedster awaits his foe's first move... From the
doorway, a -- boomerang flies through the hall, snatching the Hormark
Jewels before even the Fastest Man Alive can recover -- and heads for the
open window! Outside, the Flash follows at super-speed, but the
boomerang is now in the air -- and gaining altitude, while an editor's
note informs us that the Scarlet Speedster is fast, he cannot fly! The
boomerang disappears from sight, and Flash returns to the hall... where
Captain Boomerang claims to be innocent of the crime.
He points out to the Scarlet Speedster that even though he's adept
with a boomerang, Flash was with him all the time when the crime took
place. Even though it may seem impossible for the rogue to have thrown
the boomerang, in some strange manner, he did! Ralph continues to read
Flash's letter and learns about two more gem robberies, where Captain
Boomerang had an air-tight alibi... Since the Scarlet Speedster is unable
to solve the mystery, the Elongated Man decides to take a trip to Central
City. With Sue Dibny waving goodbye to her husband, Ralph promises to be
back before she knows it.
At his hide-out in Central City, Digger Harkness smiles as he
recalls how he spent his prison time coming up with a way to outwit the
Flash with his latest stunt! In his cell, Harkness came up with a
time-traveling boomerang!! When he throws it in a certan manner, the
vibrations carry the boomerang into the future! By giving it just the
right twist, Harkness can make it do whatever he wants it to do -- even
return to him after twenty-four hours -- a day later!! He vows to use
this strange device when he gets out of prison. Yesterday, he threw one
of his time-traveling boomerangs into the future, and it is due to
re-materialize in thirty minutes... He must be in the area when the plan
takes place! Since everyone will see him, no one can accuse him of being
responsible for the crime! In another dimension, a scientific society
has studied the strange foreign object which has been seen passing
through their space! Their dimensional astronomers are aware that the
object has been following a time-warp...
The object's course has carried it through their world, and the
alien scientists see its sudden reappearance... as well as its
disappearance before they can examine it! The other-dimensional
scientists come to the conclusion that the unidentified flying object is
designed to spy on them! Figuring that the world from where the object
comes from must be getting ready to attack them, the aliens intend to
attack first! The Elongated Man has arrived in Central City... and
receives a message from Flash at police headquarters -- then heads for
the city museum... A new wing is being opened for some precious Chinese
Jade, and as he drives off, Ralph Dibny enjoys the attention he receives
from a befuddled police officer. The two heroes soon meet at the
museum...
The Scarlet Speedster tells the Elongated Man that the Chinese Jade
is an irresistable target for the mysterious boomerang -- just as Captain
Boomerang arrives on the scene once again. He tells the duo that he is
establishing an alibi in case anything happens -- or else he'd be the
prime suspect! Flash figures that the Rogue is challenging them -- mocking
them, but Ralph figures that between the two of them, they'll be able to
solve the puzzle! The Fastest Man Alive watches the jade, while the Ductile
Detective watches Captain Boomerang. CRASH! The mystery boomerang
suddenly re-appears behind Flash -- and hooks the necklace! It heads
through the open window, with the Scarlet Speedster and the Elongated Man
in pursuit!
As the boomerang heads skyward, the Flash chases after it, with
Ralph Dibny perched on his shoulders. The long arms of the Ductile
Detective manage to reach the fleeing object, and after the necklace has
been returned to the museum wing, the Scarlet Speedster tells his friend
that they may finally have a way of trapping Captain Boomerang. If the
crafty rogue is indeed behind this clever stunt, his fingerprints will be
on the boomerang, and if they are, they've got him! Digger Harkness has
handled the time-traveling boomerang without kid gloves, and attempts to
flee, but is caught by the Fastest Man Alive... Just as the
crimson-gloved hands begin to grasp onto the fleeing felon's shoulders,
both men see...
Citizens on the ground -- crawling on their hands and knees as if
they can barely move --! The three listen as the dazed citizen tells
them about the strange alien beings from another world... and the odd
weapons they use... Ralph tells Flash and Boomerang to check out the
television news bulletin about the mysterious radiation which has
neutralized all of Earth's weapons! The military is helpless and the
government is being forced to surrender! The other-dimensional beings
are using fatigue guns, weapons which shoot out rays which cause
paralyzing weariness in its victims!
Flash suggests that he and Ralph combine their abilities to fight
the invaders, and the Elongated Man readily agrees -- while Captain
Boomerang insists that they make it a trio! The Scarlet Speedster can
hardly believe what he's listening, but Digger Harkness is sincere in his
desire to protect their world from the alien beings. It is agreed and a
truce is declared between them... but as soon as the invasion is over,
the Fastest Man Alive will chase down the rogue, and this too, is
understood!
At Flash's suggestion, Ralph stretches upwards to do some scouting
in his own unique manner, and soon spots the aliens taking over city hall
and the surrounding area with armed guards. Once the Elongated Man
descends... the three split up and plan to send the aliens back from
whence they came!! Captain Boomerang heads for the boulders near city
hall which he can use as cover, while the Scarlet Speedster takes the
direct approach since the aliens won't be able to see him... and Ralph
peers at the alien guard across the lake before he can go further!
Stretching his way underwater, the Elongated Man re-surfaces and
delivers a surprise punch to the alien's jaw! At the same time, Captain
Boomerang is taking are of another guard... by fixing the creature's
exact location in his mind's eye ... then throwing one of his boomerangs
... and from the sound of the groan ... URLGGG! he got him! In front of
city hall, the Fastest Man Alive whirls around the alien sentry at
super-speed, causing the confused creature to try and see him from
several angles... finally causing him to drop!
The trio subject the aliens to a three-pronged attack with their
own fatigue guns! Inside the captive city hall, the alien leader learns
that half their force has already fallen to the surprise attack! They
retreat before they are completely wiped out! The signal is given to
return to their own dimension! The Flash watches as the fleeing aliens
pass into their own dimension through a slit in space -- then vibrates at
super-speed to bring the sub-atomic particles in the aperture together --
sealing it forever from another invasion of Earth!
Returning to Central City, the Scarlet Speedster sees that Ralph
Dibny has been hit by a fatigue gun, but before he can get him to a
hospital, he is shot from behind by Captain Boomerang! When he revives,
Flash finds himself tied to a giant boomerang, and Captain Boomerang
regrets that he must do this to a former ally... but not too sorry! The
Fastest Man Alive tells the rogue that he's not beaten yet, and Captain
Boomerang is confident that his space-boomerang will succeed in carrying
the hero into a perpetual orbit around the moon!
At that moment, the Elongated Man recovers in time to see the bound
figure of Flash being shot into the air -- on the giant boomerang! As it
heads upwards, Ralph again stretches after it, with his friend's life at
stake! He succeeds in tearing the ropes holding Flash, while the
boomerang continues on its lunar course!
Ralph sets the Scarlet Speedster on the rooftop... and naturally,
he is able to catch up with the fleeing felon -- the hurricane winds
caused by his approach send Captain Boomerang's legs from under him! The
citizens of Central City recover from the effects of the fatigue guns - -
and Flash notes that the only one who'll end up a loser on this day will
be -- Captain Boomerang! Later, the public cheer the heroics of the
Fastest Man Alive and the Ductile Detective... who learns that the police
found the fingerprints on the mystery boomerang! It is still unknown how
Digger Harkness was able to control such a device, but he won't be able
to leave prison for many, many years! Ralph figures that society is
better off with the rogue behind bars -- even if he helped them against
the aliens!
Captain Boomerang is one of my favorite characters, especially when
he was in the Suicide Squad, and written by John Ostrander. I regret
that Digger Harkness didn't get to appear alongside Gorilla Grodd and
Captain Cold in "Challenge of the Super Friends" or have Tristan Rogers
play him on the CBS Flash TV series. It would have been great to see the
Sultan of Speed up against the Baron of Boomerangs in live-action.
We learn in this story that the Flash can run but he can't fly
after a fleeing boomerang.
Interesting that Digger Harkness came up with a time-traveling
boomerang, and with the other dimensional attention the object attracted,
it makes sense that he never used it again.
In the Marvel Universe, there is the bombastic villain called
Boomerang, who was an operative of the Secret Empire.
In addition to their unique appearance, the aliens have three long
fingers on their hands, as well as a yellow mark on their leader's
forehead.
It's touching that Captain Boomerang volunteers his aid to protect
his world, and that the heroes take him up on the offer.
He does betray Flash and Ralph, but only after the emergency and
the truce is over.
I first saw the Space-Boomerang Trap when it appeared in Captain
Boomerang's 1985 Who's Who Entry, by Carmine Infantino and Dennis Jensen,
I believe.
It's one small stretch for Ralph, and one giant leap for the
Elongated Man, as he saves his friend from a fiendish trap. Interesting
that no one in Central City paid heed to the giant boomerang on the roof,
or asked to see a permit for such a thing.
Among my favorite Elongated Man stories is the two-part Detective
Comics story by Bob Rozakis and Kurt Schaffenberger from the '70s where Ralph Dibny loses his stretch, and he must make way for Sue Dibny, the
Elongated Woman!
Too bad Digger Harkness didn't get to share in the public ovation
by the citizens of Central City, but perhaps he got some time knocked off
of his sentence for his heroism against the aliens.
Steve Chung
"Space-Boomerang Review" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
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Detective Comics #426
"Killer's Roulette!"
August, 1972
Story and Art by Frank Robbins
The Masked Manhunter has written his last will and testament. Is this
how the Batman's career ends, when he is caught in the "Killer's
Roulette!"
When night falls upon Gotham City, the moonlighters... those who would
prowl the buildings where live the rich and the famous... have begun
their work. On this particular occasion, the burglar is surprised when
his flashlight shines upon a gun aimed at him. After overcoming the
initial shock, he finds that the owner of the gun will not be able to
fire his weapon ever again.
Why a wealthy man would resort to suicide is a question which gets the
wary attention of this moonlighter. He reads the dead man's note of how
massive gambling debts have caused Arnheim to such a drastic, final
action. Unfortunately for the burglar, his nocturnal activities have
attracted the attention of the Batman. In his panic, the unarmed thief
grabs for the gun, and aims it towards the Masked Manhunter.
As he closes in on the burglar, the Darknight Detective sees him pull the
trigger... KLIK! This game of Russian Roulette ends with a left cross to
the crook's chin. There had been only one shell inside the cylinder, and
it had already been fired. The Batman sees the five missing bullets next
to Arnheim's body.
A strange end for one of Gotham City's most upstanding citizens. One who
had no further need for money is gone, while another who sought to steal
all he could lies unconscious at the crimefighter's feet. At the
precinct, the Masked Manhunter learns about two earlier suicides -- all
dead by gun -- and all left their own handwritten notes. In the file
room, the Batman is shown the reports on Osborn and Merle. There is one
detail which continues to bother him.
All three photographs show the same grisly scene. A suicidal individual
would have used a fully-loaded gun, but in this case, there was only one
bullet in the chamber, and three to five bullets left by their side.
There is one common link between the three "suicides"... "The Source" is
where Gotham's cafe-society celebrities spread their own gossip, and
where Gingie knows about the ones not seen in print.
When it comes to Allen Osborn and Malcolm Merle, nary a word would appear
in her column. Both men had their own strengths and weaknesses...
particularly when it came to gambling. After thanking Gingie for her
time, the Darknight Detective heads for the floating casino for the
gambling elite -- "Fortune Wheel".
After a quick change of clothes, the disguised Batman figures that this
is where he will find the answer to the macabre mystery. Now within the
lavish setting, the visiting "gambler" manages to outwit the roulette
wheel time and time again. Soon, he has reached the house-limit for
winnings... one hundred thousand dollars.
The "player" slams down his fist upon the table, angered by having his
winnings subject to such a ridiculous edict. As he leaves the casino,
the "gambler" is greeted by a fellow player. After introducing himself,
Conway Treach makes the acquaintance of "John T. Hazard", and describes a
most private, challenging game. They are to take the ultimate risk for
the greatest of rewards... their own lives... in a game of Russian
Roulette. The game of death would explain why each of the three dead men
were found with differing numbers of bullets in their own guns. The
mystery player has been found, but how has he managed to come out on top?
Treach invites "Hazard" to his place for the game. Soon, a car makes its
way to an isolated cabin on the outskirts of Gotham. Once inside, both
men are to write their own suicide note, and the winner is the one to
leave with his own confession intact. Since he doesn't carry a gun,
"Hazard" offered the use of one. Treach demonstrates the weapon by
firing off at a water pitcher.
It would appear that both men stand an equal chance of winning or losing.
There are six live rounds -- but only one in the cylinder at the
beginning. After a spin, it is then shut, and five empty chambers to one
that is loaded. "Hazard" then asks what happens if they both happen to
luck out, and learns that another bullet is to be added -- with the
winnings increased. It all falls into place. Each of the three
"suicides" were tricked into a rigged game... with Arnheim proving to be
the unluckiest of all. When Treach reaches for some paper to write out
the "suicide" notes, he finds himself about to document his own
"confession", instead.
The Masked Manhunter is now seated at the table. He wants a signed
confession from Conway Treach -- concerning the rigged "suicides" of
Osborn -- Merle -- and Arnheim. When the gun is pointed at him, the
gambler reluctantly agrees to write, and mentions that the forced
confession won't hold up in a court of law. The Batman has written his
own "suicide" note and is ready for the game to begin. In order to keep
things honest, Treach is to go first.
If he wins, the player will walk away with both the "confession" and his
opponent's "suicide" note. KLIK! Treach smiles as he hands the gun over
to the Darknight Detective. WHIRR The odds remain at five-to-one.
KLIK! The Batman then suggests that they try for two.
Now with two bullets, it's Treach's turn again. WHIRR! RR KLIK! WHIRR
KLIK! KLIK! KLIK! WHIRR KLIK! Between the seconds, the destiny of
two men continues to spin through the remaining cartridges on the table.
With the odds now exactly even -- for death, it is Conway Treach's turn
once again.
The gambler is not about to wager his life with a fully-loaded gun, but
the Darknight Detective has already deduced how his opponent has managed
to defy the odds. The mirror behind him showed how Treach pressed in on
the trick cylinder-latch -- blocking off the firing pin. Knowing this,
neither man could lose. The game is over... but now Conway Treach aims
his gun at the Batman. KLIK! A left cross strikes the player's chin.
The written "confession" would have been worthless in court, but a wad
torn from it was used to block off the final bullet -- keeping the
gambler from winning the game. What was needed to convict him -- was the
secret of the gimmicked gun.
On the cover of Detective Comics #426, the Batman has written a note to
his friends... and is about to trigger the gun aimed directly against his
own head.
The art of Frank Robbins reminds me of the works of Milton Caniff and
Johnny Craig.
His drawn figures are wiry and threaten to drive themselves right out of
the panels.
The Masked Manhunter's disguise consists of Bruce Wayne wearing green
shades and a white tuxedo done in the classic style of Brett Maverick.
Johnny Hazard was the name of the character in the strip of the same name
by Frank Robbins.
The Batman has got his own system to get the attention of the house.
It must have been the same system I used to figure out the one issue of
Detective by Frank Robbins it was that Jim Smith had enjoyed.
Conway Treach looks like a cross between William Conrad and Roger C.
Carmel. He is a stout man with a walrus mustache and wears a purple
suit.
The uncovering of the trick-concealed mechanism was done with a mirror.
In the "Batman's Hot Line" letters page, Chris Juricich of Burlingame,
Ca. writes:
"Dear Editor:
Denny O'Neil has scored again with a fun little tale. Unfortunately,
that was in the May issue of Batman and not in the issue I'm about to
extrapolate upon. 'Tec #442.
Mr. O'Neil's "Highway to Nowhere" was exactly that. Nowhere. After
having sampled the terrific stories revolving around Ra's Al Ghul and
company and a few other choice tales, I suppose I had to expect a bomb
sooner or later. (After all, in a fan interview, Mr. O'Neil pointed out
that, to the best of my memory, of any four stories he writes, one may
prove to be exceptional, two of average qualities, and one floperoo.) My
main criticism is that the story was all too tame in its nature and not
enough intricacies in plot to satisfy me. The only redeeming factors
about the story were the Batman's detective abilities displayed and the
change of scenery."
Julie Schwartz replies:
"We deliberately snipped out comments on the Batgirl story in #422 from
the above LOCs in order to give the next correspondent all the space she
deservedly needs. - JS)"
In reading Chris' missive, I'm reminded of that famous line from the 1966
Batman movie: "Sometimes you just can't get rid of a bomb!"
Steve Chung
"Review's Roulette!"
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Detective Comics #426
"Trail Of The Fadeaway Footprints!"
August, 1972
Len Wein: Writer
Dick Giordano: Artist
Sue Dibny, wife of the famous Elongated Man, appears to be floating above
the Mojave Desert... or is she? To her eyes, there is nothing to see but
the gophers and the tumbleweed. It turns out that the lady's support is
coming from her stretchable spouse. When Sue does spot something in the
distance, Ralph figures it to be a mirage. How else could he possibly
explain the presence of a dripping-wet frogman in the middle of the
desert? The Elongated Man has devoted his time to solving the strangest
of mysteries. This time, the Ductile Detective must follow his nose as
he tracks a... "Trail Of The Fadeaway Footprints!"
The diver has been hurt bad, and after a careful examination, they see
that he's been shot. As Sue wonders how the man could still be wet, his
last word before expiring is "Betsy". The corpse is buried, and as they
make their way to the authorities, Mrs. Dibny wonders what the word could
have meant. Ralph figures that it must be the name of the dead man's
wife or girlfriend.
If the Dibny's car hadn't run out of gas in the middle of nowhere -- the
aquanaut might not have been found. When he tries to follow the
frogman's trail to their beginning... the Stretchable Sleuth sees that
the shifting sands have already covered them. After making their
elongated way through the desert... Sue sees another unbelievable sight.
They have come upon a ghost town, one which looks like it belongs in a
John Ford movie.
With a working water pump, the Elongated Man wonders why the townsfolk
would have left their town -- and soon finds a fish in the drinking
water. An elderly prospector by the name of Amos Fitch demands to know
what the two claim-jumpers are doing in his town. Ralph Dibny introduces
himself and his wife to the armed man, and tells him about the murdered
diver they have come across. They learn from Fitch that the closest
telephone is in Yucca Falls... some twenty miles south of their present
location.
As the Ductile Detective asks the puzzled prospector if he's seen any
frogmen in the area, Sue spots the name "Betsy" on his parked jeep. Amos
Fitch loses the accent and raises his rifle in the Dibny's direction. He
doesn't see the arm elongating its way around the jeep until it seizes
his rifle, and punches him out. They will not learn anything from their
attacker for a while.
Something about the little fish they found in the water-trough has caused
Ralph's nose to begin to twitch. This particular fish has no eyes, and
is of the cave-dwelling variety accustomed to living in eternal darkness.
Before making his way into the water pump, Ralph gives his wife a
goodbye kiss, and heads for where the frogman had come from. Roscoe and
the gang are waiting for Amos to return from his errand. They wonder how
long it took him to kill the aquanaut, and continue to pull on the line
connected to a fortune in stolen radium.
Peter the Diver had somehow managed to bring the load here,
double-crossing his partners, and taking it for himself. They had caught
up to him -- learned that he had dumped the radium in the underground
lake beneath his hometown. They have succeeded in hauling up the stolen
radium, but their success has not gone unnoticed. At first glance, it
appears to be a talking sea serpent, but one of the gang manages to
recognize the Elongated Man.
The three thugs open fire on their surprise intruder. With his wife
holding onto his ankles -- Ralph can't pull loose, and is left with half
his stretching power. The next moment finds the Stretchable Sleuth
apparently stealing the stolen loot, but by pulling on the line with all
of his might, the rebounding container collides with the three armed
thieves.
After finding his way from the underground cavern... the Elongated Man
has wrapped up the three hoods and the case with one arm. He sees Sue
holding onto his boots, eager to learn what had happened. When she
learns the whole story, the wife can't understand why her husband didn't
stretch his way out of the boots when he fought. Since they were in a
western ghost town, and if anything had gone wrong in the cavern, the
Ductile Detective wanted to die with his boots on.
In reading this story and seeing a living, breathing Sue Dibny again, the
reader might wonder if they were seeing things.
Can we agree that her treatment and death in Identity Crisis was a mirage
-- an illusion?
There's nothing really there. It'd be like finding a damp frogman in the
middle of the Mojave Desert.
In this western ghost town, the fish have no eyes, and the prospector has
got a rifle.
Ralph Dibny has the disarming manner of a detective, and a good right arm
to take down any unsuspecting armed attacker.
An example of a talking sea serpent was Cecil C. Serpent.
Being married to the Elongated Man, Sue Dibny knew that her man could
walk for many miles in his boots.
Steve Chung
"Review Of The Fadeaway Footprints!" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2009 11:07 pm |
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Location: Detroit, Michigan
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Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #66
"The Cabinet From Krypton!"
January, 1963
Story: Leo Dorfman
Art: Kurt Schaffenberger
As a cub reporter, Jimmy Olsen often finds curiousity to be a good
quality, but in some cases, he can carry it too far! On this occasion,
he, Perry White, and Lois Lane are changed in a situation which even the
Man of Steel may not be able to save them from! This is a review of the
strange threat which came out of... "The Cabinet From Krypton!" On the
splash page, a now elderly cub reporter strives to hurry as fast as he
can walk for a scoop, while his pal sees that Jimmy is having trouble
holding his job! One day, the cub reporter finds that the Man of Steel
hasn't answered his signal-watch for help with a deep-sea dredging he's
about to cover! Superman can't help because he has his hands full trying
to undo the pesky tricks of Mr. Mxyzptlk! The cub reporter turns and
sees that the imp has reversed every sign on the street, while the Man of
Steel must change back before there's a traffic accident!
After landing the Daily Planet helicopter aboard the dredge-ship, he
and a scientist see a hundred-year old object being pulled to the
surface. The scientist sees that it is some sort of scientific
equipment, but it is of an unearthly nature. It is the cub reporter who
sees the inscription written in Kryptonese. "This is the evolution
cabinet of Zan Zoll, scientist of Krypton..." Jimmy is unable to read
the rest of the corroded text. The cub reporter finds it strange that it
wasn't changed to Kryptonite, so his pal can examine it at his leisure.
Both men load the cabinet aboard the helicopter, and at the Daily Planet
offices... Jimmy tells his editor that when Superman is done with Mr.
Mxyzptlk, he'll be able to examine it and the cub reporter will have a
real scoop! Perry advises him not to touch the cabinet and to work on a
racket story, but when the others have left him alone, the cub reporter
plans to look the machine over... and hopefully impress Lucy Lane
tonight!
Entering the cabinet, Jimmy begins feeling strange and when he
emerges from it, it is as an elderly man! The cub reporter looks into a
mirror and sees the long white beard... regretting that he didn't heed
Perry's advice. Knowing that the man of steel and the Daily Planet
editor will be upset with him, Jimmy sees a Christmas wreath, which gives
him an idea... After making a quick trip to a costume shop, the cub
reporter returns... dressed as Santa Claus, and explains to the editor
that this old man disguise will keep the fur racketeers from suspecting a
thing! Jimmy leaves, while Perry sees that the cub reporter has left the
notes in the cabinet...
The gruff Daily Planet reporter enters the cabinet... and when Jimmy
returns, he finds that the evolution cabinet has turned Perry White into
a baby! The baby begins to bawl and the cub reporter tries to quiet him
down by offering him a cigar! When the baby spits out the cigar, Jimmy
realizes that Perry has become a baby mentally as well as physically!
Lois Lane enters the office and when she asks the cub reporter what's
happened, he explains that he's wearing the disguise for a story... and
the baby is one of Perry's relatives! He is wearing the suit as
a...er... joke! Jimmy asks if Lois will help him babysit, but she is off
to see the editor about a feature!
As Jimmy wonders how to get himself and Perry back to normal, he
sees that the baby has spilled ink all over! For once, it is the cub
reporter who is giving the gruff editor the orders, as he must take the
baby along on the assignment. After purchasing a baby carriage and some
infant clothing for Perry, Jimmy heads off on his assignment! As a woman
pauses to admire the baby being pushed by his grandfather, the cub
reporter knows that he'll be a dead duck if Perry remembers this ever
happened! At Peerless Furs Inc., Jimmy uses his midget camera to take
pictures of the ex-convicts using the store to sell off stolen furs! He
sees a clock and knows that it's time for his date with Lucy Lane... and
if he stands her up, he'll be an old man before he gets another date...
then realizes that he is already old! At a downtown night club... the
stewardess sees that her date has aged some since she last saw him!
He orders a steak for Lucy, while he has a soft-boiled egg and
crackers... his editor... his baby will have a bottle! Seeing that
everyone is staring at them, Lucy tries to pull off the silly beard, but
realizes that it's as real as the pain Jimmy's having from it being
tugged! He prepares to tell her the story, and she nonchalantly warns
him that it had better be good! The cub reporter is really an old man...
a Kryptonian cabinet has changed him and made Perry White into a baby!
They leave the night club and head for the Daily Planet, where he shows
her the cabinet! Lucy remains skeptcial about Jimmy's story...
Baby Perry is about to crawl out a window, but while Jimmy catches
him before he does, Lucy heads for the cabinet... determined to expose
his story! Just then, Lois returns from not finding Perry, and sees her
sister about to enter the cabinet! Rushing to protect Lucy, the girl
reporter falls into the cabinet! The force of the evolution cabinet
flashes on... and Jimmy uses his signal-watch repeatedly to contact
Superman! The Man of Steel answers the call... with the cub reporter
telling him what's happened to himself and Perry, while wondering what
will happen to Lois. Superman's x-ray vision has shown him what she has
become, and when the cabinet door opens, they see that Lois Lane has
become a cat! Jimmy is grateful that Lana Lang isn't here... because she
has always claimed that her rival for Superman's affections was always
catty.
Using his microscopic-vision, the Man of Steel knows that the
cabinet can't return them to normal, and reads the rest of the corroded
inscription: "This is the evolution cabinet of Zan Zoll, scientist of
Krypton.." "Which changed his victims in strange ways but could not
change them back! Therefore we sentenced him..." For his experiments,
the scientist was placed for 20 decatrons into the Phantom Zone! The
cabinet was fired off into space so that it could no longer change other
Kryptonians. This occured before Krypton's destruction, and is why it
was not turned into Kryptonite! Lucy asks if there's any way to reverse
the effects, but Superman knows of no other way to... but is interrupted
by the reappearance of Mr. Mxyzptlk! Seeing the imp gives the cub
reporter an idea... When Mxyzptlk asks if the Man of Steel is tired of
his latest mischief, Jimmy tells the zany imp to stop bothering them
because an greater magician than him has made trouble for them... the
great magician of Krypton whose magical cabinet has changed them in ways
which no one can reverse... not even him! Mr. Mxyzptlk is confident that
his fifth-dimensional magic is far greater than the Kryptonian ham's and
tells him to watch as he changes them back to normal! The next moment
finds Perry, Lois, and Jimmy restored to normal!
The Man of Steel compliments the imp on his display of magic and
tells him that he can rightfully boast that he is a greater magician than
the one whose name is on the cabinet! Mr. Mxyzptlk knows that this is so
and reads the name... Kltpzyxm... and having said his name backwards, he
fades away into the fifth dimension! The cub reporter compliments his
pal on using his heat-vision to inscribe his name backwards, and getting
rid of the imp! The Daily Planet editor wonders why he's wearing baby
clothes, while Superman points out that the effects of Mxyzptlk's magic
disappear when he does... but since he made them normal, they will remain
that way! After learning the truth, Perry tells them what he thinks...
they're fired! Everbody is fired!... Everybody!
I used to have a Mego action figure of Mr. Mxyzptlk in the '70s. I
couldn't say his name at that early age, so I compromised with "Mr. Mix."
Artist Kurt Schaffenberger drew himself into the story, as the
scientist who dredged up the cabinet from Krypton.
The cub reporter is wearing a red jacket instead of his customary
green one, while Perry White favors a yellow jacket and trousers.
Many regard Kurt Schaffenberger as the definitive Lois Lane
artist. His work on the other characters ain't too shabby, either.
In the Marvel Universe, the High Evolutionary is a scientist
whose experiments include the New-Men of Wundagore and Counter-Earth.
Greer Grant Nelson was once the heroine known as the Cat. Her
life was saved by the mysterious Cat-People and she became the were-woman
known as Tigra
A Weisinger-edited story doesn't have to worry about being
logical and proceeds from any point in an imaginary or non-imaginary
story. A Kurt Schaffenberger-drawn story doesn't fail to bring a smile
to this reader, as well as others. Such is the charm of many a Silver
Age D.C. story.
Steve Chung
"The Cabinet From Review!"
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Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #66
"The Burglar Kit From The Future!"
January, 1963
Story: Edmond Hamilton
Art: Curt Swan
In his friendship with the Man of Steel, the cub reporter has come
into contact with some incredible devices... including his signal watch,
a Red Kryptonite Ray-Gun, and the Sunevian Wonder Belt! In this story,
Jimmy comes across a set of super-tools which eclipses even these items!
Fast and furious are the thrills when the cub reporter uses... "The
Burglar Kit From The Future!" On the splash page, Jimmy uses a pair of
x-ray glasses and fourth dimensional tongs to retrieve some photographs
for Perry White to use in the next edition of the Daily Planet! The
gruff editor realizes that not even Lex Luthor has such inventions from
that futuristic kit, and it's a lucky thing that the cub reporter is not
a crook! It's evening at the apartment of a certain cub reporter, who is
entertaining Clark Kent and Lucy Lane... The stewardess is holding a
singing meteor from the sonar galaxy and a firebird feather from the
planet Neptune! Jimmy has opened the safe which the man of steel had
given him to keep the souvenirs in! Closing the safe, he tells the
mild-mannered reporter that he probably wishes that he was Superman's pal
instead of him! Clark agrees that a lot of people would envy him, but he
knows that Jimmy would flip if he knew that his fellow reporter was
Superman!
At suppertime, Clark overhears a noise coming from the trophy room,
and Jimmy thinks that it might be a burglar after his souvenirs! He uses
a secret two-way mirror on the wall to see into the other room. As they
watch through the mirror, they see a strange character appearing from out
of thin air! The mild-mannered reporter silently recognizes the mask and
costume as being that of a burglar who Superman met in the 31st Century!
Lucy sees the burglar use a strange device on the safe, and the vibrating
ray shakes the safe to bits! They enter to confront the burglar, who is
told by the cub reporter to drop the weapon or else he'll use his signal-
watch! The burglar complies, then uses a black-out gun to stun the trio
into unconsciousness! Clark pretends to be affected by the ray, and while
the burglar steals the cub reporter's signal-watch, the mild-mannered
reporter changes to the Man of Steel at super-speed, and prepares to
transport him back to his own century in the time-machine which is parked
on the roof!
Graxton 4-K is surprised to find himself back in the time machine,
alongside Superman, who steers the craft for the 31st Century... Lucy
recovers and figures that Clark must have run away before he could be hit
by the black-out gun! The cub reporter sees that the burglar has left
his kit behind and is already poring over the instructions. He uses the
x-ray glasses to see through the safe as if it were glass, while Lucy
prepares to leave. When they arrive at her parked car, she sees that the
keys are inside, and she's locked out! Jimmy returns with a spiral
magnetic beam to open the lock like a master key! Once she's driven off,
the cub reporter decides to write about the futuristic burglar kit for
the Daily Planet.
The following day, Perry shows the cub reporter the wanted poster of
"Alibi Al," who has robbed a bank, but has a perfect alibi. Jimmy is
determined to find the evidence to prove the criminal's guilt, and
remembers something from the burglar kit which can help him. He visits
"Alibi Al" at the boardinghouse and pretends to interview him... He tells
the cub reporter how the police searched his safe, but they didn't find
so much as a single dime! Jimmy wonders why a poor guy like "Alibi Al"
would need a thick-walled safe and decides to check it out while the
suspect is away! Sure enough, after using the spiral magnetic beam to
open the safe, the cub reporter uses the fourth dimensional tongs to pass
through the safe's thick walls... where he finds the stolen money! He
takes some of the money to show the F.B.I. and leaves the rest intact so
that they can arrest "Alibi Al!" Once he has been arrested, the agents
congratulate Jimmy and ask how he did it, but the cub reporter declines
in revealing the secret! As he and the director leave the office, they
see a slick looking character walking by. The agent tells him that it's
Count Slade, an international criminal who is believed to have stolen a
capsule of a new radioactive fuel for a powerful warhead! He has not
been arrested since the only evidence they have are the radioactive burns
on the Count's hands!
The Count has been released and is sure to sell the capsule to a
foreign power, and the cub reporter promises to help the inspector by
trailing Slade! At the hotel... the Count tells the operator that the La
Paree company will be sending an interior decorator to give him some
ideas for remodelling the living room of his penthouse, which Jimmy just
happens to overhear! Now disguised as a decorator, the cub reporter visits
the Count at his penthouse... As Slade leaves to change clothes, Jimmy uses
his x-ray glasses and sees that the stolen capsule is hidden in a lead box
inside a TV set! With the glasses, the cub reporter is able to see through
lead, which even the Man of Steel can't do! He pulls out an anti-gravity belt
from his burglar kit, and ties it around the TV set, intending to float
it to the ground floor, but Slade returns with a gun, and tells him to
drop the set or else! He had known that Jimmy was a phoney since the La
Paree company only uses lady decorators!
The cub reporter's red hair was another giveaway, as the Count
brushes the wig from Jimmy's head! Slade sees the burglar kit and begins
to read the instructions... orders the cub reporter to the balcony! At
the rail, Jimmy points out that the Count will need him to help him with
the complicated tools since his hands are burned! He demonstrates a
teleporting machine, but as Jimmy prepares to focus it on some F.B.I
agents to bring them to the penthouse, the Count has a great idea! His
pal, Mitch Barton, is about to be electrocuted for murder in Metropolis
Prison, and the cub reporter is ordered to bring him to the penthouse!
In "Death Row" at the prison... Barton has very little appetite for
caviar, tenderloin steak, french fried potatoes, and four flavors of ice
cream with the hot seat waiting for him!
A transparent cocoon suddenly surrounds Barton, and as the guards
fire, they see the convict vanish before their very eyes! The next second
finds Mitch Barton appearing in the Count's penthouse... Slade tells his
pal that with the aid of this device, they will become the richest crooks
in the world! Barton knows that with the teleporter, all the valuables
stored within vaults and safes will be theirs for the taking! The Count
removes the lead box from the TV set, while Jimmy wonders what happened
to his signal-watch, not realizing that it had been stolen by Graxton
4-K! The afternoon finds them on a private yacht heading out to sea...
The Count knows that the Metropolis Federal Bank has just received a
shipment of 50 gold bars! He orders the cub reporter to focus the
teleporter on the bank vault and bring the bars to the yacht!
The teleporter is set and begins to transport the gold bars! Barton
suggests that they drop Jimmy into the water, but Count Slade has a much
better idea! After bringing the cub reporter along to keep him from
warning the authorities, they are now beyond the seven-mile limit, where
Jimmy is set adrift in a row-boat! As he watches from a distance... the
gold bars continue to pile up, and as Barton stacks them higher, he
suggests to Slade that he'd better turn the teleporter off! By now,
neither man is able to reach the teleporter, as hundreds of bricks have
come through instead of fifty! The yacht begins to sink under the
tremendous weight...
At that very moment, Superman returns from the 30th Century... with
Jimmy's signal-watch! The cub reporter fills in his pal about the
situation, and after turning over the crooks to the police , he explains
how he focused the teleporter on the main vault at Fort Knox rather than
the Metropolis Bank! The Man of Steel heads off to recover the gold bars,
and once they have been returned to Fort Knox, and the radioactive capsule
has been dropped off at the Pentagon... Superman takes the burglar kit for
his Fortress of Solitude! He invites his pal to come along, but the cub
reporter has a date with Lucy! At the end of the night... Lucy is impressed
by the rascally Olsen who kissed her by surprise, and as he straightens his
bowtie, he points out that as the world's most modern burglar, he is
entitled to steal a kiss!
X-ray specs are among novelty items which were advertised in comic
books.
The Legion of Super-Heroes inhabit the 30th Century, just as Graxton
4-K inhabits the 31st Century.
I believe that Flash-foe, Abra-Kadabra is from the 64th Century.
Kang The Conqueror resides in the 40th Century.
Adamantium is the hardest metal in the Marvel Universe, while
Vibranium is capable of absorbing sound, as well as dissolving other
metals!
Graxton 4-K operates a time-bubble built for two, while the Legion
uses a time-bubble whenever travelling through time.
Rip Hunter uses a Time-Sphere, while The Atom uses Professor
Hyatt's Time-Pool in his many adventures.
The Cosmic Treadmill is the mode of time-travel for The Flash.
An excellent example of an extraordinary safe is Uncle Scrooge's
money-bin.
Slade Wilson is the real name of Deathstroke The Terminator. The
man who gunned down "Battlin" Jack Murdock was named Slade, too.
Count Vertigo is another villain who uses that title, but who's
counting?
Jimmy Olsen has been known to dress in drag to solve a case or
two.
The X-Man known as Nightcrawler's mutant power is teleportation.
Barney Barton was a small-time hood, who was also the brother of
Clint Barton, the Avenger known as Hawkeye. He was killed by Egghead in
an issue of the Avengers during the Silver Age.
"Goldfinger" was the James Bond film which had the title
character plotting to steal the gold bullion from Fort Knox.
Last Kiss is a feature in CBG and a comic book by John Lustig.
Steve Chung
"The Burglar Kit From the Review!" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Wed Sep 30, 2009 1:41 am |
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Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #22
"The Super-Brain of Jimmy Olsen"
August, 1957
Story: Otto Binder
Art: Curt Swan
Inks: Ray Burnley
What will people be like in a million years? Will they be heroes or
villains? Will their minds be so evolved that not even the Man of Steel,
with all his super-powers would be able to face them? The questions are
answered by... "The Super-Brain of Jimmy Olsen" On the splash page,
Superman is lugging a giant sack filled with desert sand to the south
pole, due to the irresistable order of Jimmy Olsen! At the Daily Planet,
cub reporter Jimmy Olsen greets his co-workers warmly, offers to hang up
Lois Lane's coat, and assist Clark Kent with a re-write! Naturally, he
also greets editor Perry White as "The Chief," which has the gruff
newspaperman less than pleased.
Even though his boss bawls him out for the nickname, Jimmy figures
that Mr. White is the still the best boss he ever had, and Clark sees
that the cub reporter has a kind word for everyone, as well as a heart of
gold! Later in the day, the mild-mannered reporter changes to the Man of
Steel -- and begins his patrol of Metropolis... Superman knows that not
only is Jimmy HIS pal... but everyone's pal! The cub reporter would
never deliberately make anyone unhappy! Events are taking place which
may change that opinion -- for Professor Potter is giving a demonstration
of his latest invention... the evolution accelerator! The device emits
special Z-Rays, which will speed up the evolutionary changes, making a
twentieth century man into a being of the future! According to the
professor's sketch, the future man will have a bigger brain, a bald head,
no teeth, a super-intelligent mind, weak muscles, and tentacled fingers!
Jimmy sits down for the demonstration, as Professor Potter draws the
curtains, the cub reporter figures that he'll write it up for the "Crackpot
Corner" feature in the Daily Planet. With the curtains now concealing Jimmy,
Professor Potter tells Lois and Perry that in moments, the cub reporter will
soon emerge as a youth from the year 1,000,000 A.D. The editor chews on his
cigar and assures the girl reporter that the scientist is no doubt a candidate
for the funny farm.
When the curtain parts, Lois and Perry see that the professor's
invention has worked! Greeting his fellow co-workers, the former cub
reporter wishes to be addressed as the Cosmic Brain of the future! Lois
sees that Jimmy seems so strange and yet so wise, while Professor Potter
assures her that the effects will wear off in the evening, and he'll be
the Cosmic Brain for twelve hours. The Cosmic Brain stares at Lois'
typewriter, unimpressed by the primitive instrument, and the girl
reporter sees that Jimmy's personality has changed. His eyes are
colder... almost sinister! The Cosmic Brain sees his duty to aid the
primitive people, and reads about a geologic mystery concerning Earth's
main land masses clustered in the northern hemisphere, and circling the
North Pole. The Cosmic Brain tells Perry that he will stop working for
the newspaper while he works on the project, and the newspaperman doesn't
like it!
Using his cosmic brain, Jimmy gestures and radiates anti-gravity
rays, causing Perry to float in the air! When the editor wishes that
Superman were present to stop him, the Cosmic Brain sends a telepathic
summons for the Man of Steel! When he arrives, Superman strikes an
invisible barrier created by the Cosmic Brain! Learning more about his
pal's transformation, the Man of Steel learns that the Cosmic Brain has
super-hearing and telescopic-vision! He tells Superman to check with him
as they focus on a jewelry shop across town... The Cosmic Brain describes
an apprentice diamond cutter who is fearful of splitting his first real
gem! Requesting that the jeweler give him an artificial stone to
practice on, the apprentice splits it perfectly! He is then surprised
that the jeweler gave him another real diamond in order to keep him from
getting the jitters!
Having demonstrated his powers, the Cosmic Brain cannot explain his
mystery purpose, but commands the Man of Steel to do certain jobs for
him! When Superman asks what will happen if he refuses, the Cosmic Brain
gives his reply via a secret telepathic message... since he, too has
x-ray vision -- the Cosmic Brain has spotted the secret pocket of the Man
of Steel's cape... which contains Clark Kent's clothes! If he doesn't
obey the Cosmic Brain... his secret identity will be revealed! With his
first task written down, the Man of Steel flies out the window, with the
Cosmic Brain assuring him that there's nothing criminal about the job.
Superman is to dig a crater 100 miles wide in the Antarctic ice cap!
This makes no sense to the man of steel, who dives down at the ice cap,
and shatters it! Superman then hurls the ice blocks away in all
directions, using super-force equal to 1,000 hydrogen bombs!
Returning to the Daily Planet for his next deed, the Man of Steel is
told by the Cosmic Brain to rip loose the heaviest mountain on Earth from
the Himalayas, and dump it in the crater! After flying the mountain to
the pole... Superman wonders if his futuristic pal is trying to make a
fool of him! His next errand is to tow an uninhabited island to the
crater! Next, at the underground depth of 100 miles, the Man of Steel
carries stones, which were formed under tremendous pressure, and weighing
thousands of tons! Superman then carries 100 carloads of desert sand to
the crater! The man of steel fills the crater with heavy metal junk,
brining the weight to billions of tons! He can only wonder why the
Cosmic Brain made him re-arrange things on Earth in this way! At the
Daily Planet, Superman asks the Cosmic Brain if he's remodelling the
world to the way it will be shaped in a million years, and if so, he
refuses to continue -- even if it means the loss of his secret identity!
The Cosmic Brain still has one more power over the Man of Steel...
His eyes can bring forth any radiation he wishes! In addition to
x-ray vision, the Cosmic Brain can emit kryptonite-vision! Superman has
enough time to mention that it is the substance from his native world --
which is harmless to Earthmen... but is able to weaken him... before he
begins to keel over! With the Cosmic Brain returning to his figures, the
Man of Steel is to complete the final task! By the time he returns, the
evolutionary force will have worn off, and Jimmy Olsen will be himself
again... with these mysterious orders being good deeds being performed by
Superman! In space, the Man of Steel hurls meteors to fill up the crater
to the very top, and Superman wonders if this could be some sort of
practical joke! Returning to Metropolis, the Man of Steel sees that the
Cosmic Brain is gone, but he left a note on Jimmy's desk! It reads that
the newspaper article had a clue about the Earth being out of balance,
with one half heavier than the other. The Cosmic Brain used his mental
powers to unravel the mystery...
In 1,000 years, the increasing stresses would have caused the world
to blow apart! Superman sees by shifting weight from the heavy to the
light half of Earth, the Cosmic Brain erradicated the danger forever!
When he wonders why the future being didn't tell him about the danger,
the Man of Steel recalls the nervous apprentice diamond cutter... The
Cosmic Brain deliberately kept him in the dark because if Superman
realized what he was doing, he might have become nervous and jittery, and
made an error... blowing up the world! Jimmy has saved the world - and
he's back to normal now! The Man of Steel wonders if his pal recalls his
secret identity of Clark Kent! When he thanks Jimmy for the note from
the Cosmic Brain, the cub reporter doesn't remember being evolved by
Professor Potter's invention, and Superman's secret identity is safe! In
his identity as Clark Kent, the mild-mannered reporter reads about
Professor Potter junking his evolution accelerator, which was powered by
a rare meteoric metal, which is no longer available on Earth! For the Man
of Steel, one Cosmic Brain was more than enough!
In this story, Jimmy is seen as a good neighbor, friend, and
co-worker, and in his evolved state, he remains true to his character.
Among those who have recieved super-brains in the Silver Age:
Superman, Batman, and Adam Strange.
Professor Potter's evolutionary accelerator resembles nothing more
than a shower curtain!
The task which the Cosmic Brain has the man of steel perform
intially makes as much sense as when Paul Newman was told to dig a hole, then fill it with dirt in the movie, "Cool-Hand Luke."
Another foe who can radiate kryptonite rays from his eyes is Titano,
The Super-Ape! John Corben, aka Metallo, as well as The Kryptonite Kid
were among the Man of Steel's rogues gallery who are adept at bedeviling
Superman with the deadly substance from his homeworld!
Like the professor played by Sterling Holloway in the "Adventures of
Superman" episode, "Through The Time Barrier," the invention was powered
by a rare meteoric metal.
Steve Chung
"The Super-Review of Jimmy Olsen" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2009 12:08 am |
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Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #68
"The Helmet of Hate!"
April, 1963
Story: Jerry Siegel
Art: Curt Swan
Inks: George Klein
It's no secret that Jimmy Olsen's idol is the Man of Steel! The two
pals have participated in many adventures, from space, to time, and even
to other dimensions! In many instances, Superman saved the life of the
cub reporter! But now, Jimmy has become the Man of Steel's worst foe and
places his former friend under a hideous spell! Read on to see the
deviltry which overcomes Superman when Jimmy wears... "The Helmet of
Hate!" On the splash page, Now wearing the helmet of hate, Jimmy's Red
Kryptonite ray has changed the Man of Steel into a devil, who is cutting
deals with the criminals of the underworld! At Superman's Arctic
Fortress of Solitude, the Man of Steel is placing a wax figure of flight
attendant Lucy Lane in the "Jimmy Olsen Room" alongside the wax figures
of Porcupine Boy Jimmy, Elastic Lad, Future Boy Jimmy, and Wolf-Boy
Jimmy. A bell-signal sounds, and Superman knows that it means the people
of Kandor wish to speak with him!
The minature Kryptonian city which was shrunk by Brainiac into a
bottle is on display in the Fortress of Solitude, and the city's
scientists alert the Man of Steel that their space monitors have sighted
a flying saucer crewed by Brainiac's gang heading for Earth! Twelve of
the Kandorian scientists wish to leave the bottle city and battle the
criminals to avenge what happened to their city... even though they'll be
tiny! Superman declines their offer of aid. If the raiders have a new
weapon which can kill a super-powered being, then it will be the Man of
Steel who'll die! The Kandorians wish him well. As Superman heads into
space to confront the alien invaders, he uses his x-ray vision and sees
that they have no weapons that can harm him. Still, he bounces off the
ship's force-shield, one which even he can't penetrate! Within the ship,
Boz and Grumm watch Superman return to Earth, knowing that their
force-shield will protect them, and their super-telescope will follow his
progress while the Man of Steel is outdoors.
As he returns to Earth, Superman answers the signal watch summons
from Jimmy Olsen, who reminds him that he had promised to perform a feat
for the members of the Jimmy Olsen Fan Club. Even though the Man of
Steel is very busy, he keeps his promise. Seizing an anchor, he tells
Jimmy and his fan club to watch as he snaps the thick iron as easily as
if it were a piece of candy! Later, the cub reporter takes his fans on a
tour of the Superman Museum... and asks the curator if he can borrow the
imitation Hate-Helmet and Red K Ray Gun for an article about the
trophies! With the curator's permission, Jimmy arrives at the Daily
Planet, where he asks Perry to take a picture of him with the imitation
trophies on the roof for the feature. The editor agrees and asks Lois to
come along, especially since it always helps to have a pretty girl in the
picture! On the roof, Jimmy has donned the Hate-Helmet, and now armed
with the Red K Ray Gun, he hates Superman! He hates Superman! The girl
reporter wonders if this is a prank, while Perry realizes that in some
way, the imitation trophies must have gotten mixed up with the real ones!
The cub reporter is no longer Superman's pal!
Jimmy intends to deal with the object of his hatred by using his
signal-watch to summon him... Lois cries out to Perry to stop him, but
before the editor can remove the Hate-Helmet from Jimmy, he is shoved
backwards by the cub reporter! Aboard the saucer-ship, the two aliens
watch in fascination as Jimmy uses his signal watch to call Superman! A
moment later, the Man of Steel arrives on the roof, and is fired upon by
the Red Kryptonite Ray-Gun! The substance from his home planet always
has an unpredictable effect on him! Aboard the saucer-ship, a drifting
cloud blocks the view of the super-telescope, and both aliens wonder what
will happen to Superman this time! The cloud has passed, and both aliens
laugh at the sight of the Man of Steel, and the wicked fate which has
befallen him!
On the roof, the Red Kryptonite Ray has weakened the Man of Steel,
causing him to grow horns, like a devil! The ray has caused a reverse
reaction! Instead of being a strong hero, he has become an evil villain!
Perry and Lois stare in disbelief at the transformed hero, who may have
just lost his super-powers, but he can still do much super-evil! He makes
the editor an proposition for him to endorse Tom Remson, the racketeer,
for Mayor, and he'll make him rich beyond his wildest dreams! Perry is
unable to resist the temptation, and agrees to the deal! Jimmy laughs at
what will happen when the public learns of how the Man of Steel has
corrupted the editor of the Daily Planet! He will be hated as much as the
cub reporter does! An extra heads off to the presses, and the readers can't
believe that Perry White would endorse such a crook! One comments it's as
if he were in cahoots with the devil, himself! Remson and his thugs meet
Superman in an alley behind the Daily Planet... The mayoral candidate wishes
to thank the Man of Steel for the endorsement...then sees what's happened to
the former hero. Superman has donned a devil's attire, then has Remson and
his men sign a contract which will make them kingpins of crime! Lois sees that
the crooks are signing the contract, just as the devil's victims would. The cub
reporter laughs, for he knows that the evil which his ex-pal is doing
today will haunt him forever!
Time passes, and Superman has regained his super-powers, but
maintains his devilish personality. He is able to crush a rock into
dust. A flying saucer appears in the sky, and the Man of Steel takes
Jimmy to see how he'll help Brainiac's gang make the world suffer!
Superman suggests a bargain with the crew of the saucer-ship! In
exchange of boarding the ship, and permission to press the button which
will shrink Metropolis, the Man of Steel promises not to battle them!
Aboard the ship, one alien suspects a trick, while the other is sure that
evil or good, Superman is a man of his word. When he recovers from the
Red K, the hero will be devasted by the fact that it was he who shrank
Metropolis! The force-shield is turned off, with the man of steel and
his ex-pal allowed entry. The two aliens laugh as they point to the
button which operates the shrink ray, and the irony of Superman dooming
the city he's always protected is not lost on them!
The Man of Steel smiles, and Jimmy begins to goad him into pressing
the button, for he can't wait to see Superman's face when the Red K's
devil effect wears off, and he'll regret this for the rest of his days!
Suddenly, the devil horn's on the Man of Steel's head burst apart! Tiny
Supermen fly out from them! The tiny figures destroy the shrinking ray
and the force-shield equipment! The two aliens can't believe that the
man of steel broke his word about not battling them once he was aboard!
Superman has kept his promise, for it is the Kandorians who are doing the
destroying... and now, the man of steel begins to wipe the red dye from
his skin with the super-friction of his hands! Jimmy smiles at the trick
they pulled on the two aliens! Upon learning that the duo weren't armed
with a new super-weapon, Superman signaled his pal to execute Plan "J"
for Jimmy! The cub reporter figured it out when he snapped a piece off
of the anchor, forming the letter "J." (Lois used Plan "L" in Lois Lane
#29 and Perry used Plan "P" in Action Comics #295.) The Man of Steel
then tunneled underground to his Fortress of Solitude, so the telescope
wouldn't detect him! Once there, he freed some of Kandor's inhabitants
from the bottle, and hid them within a pair of hollow horns! He had hid
the horns and a bottle of red dye in his cape's pouch! Jimmy had slipped
Perry a note, instructing him to make a fake "contract" with the "Devil!"
When the aliens ask about the Hate-Helmet and The Red Kryptonite
Gun, Jimmy tells them that they were fake props kept in the Superman
Museum until the time he would use them in the first step of putting Plan
"J" into effect. He had pretended that the helmet had affected him, just
as Superman had pretended to have been affected by the Red K. The man of
steel had puffed a cloud between them and the space-ship with his
super-breath, which obscured their view, while he attached the horns to
his head, and applied the red stain! The "racketeer," Tom Remson, was an
undercover agent. He pretends to be a racketeer in order to spy on the
underworld! Superman staged the hoax so that the aliens would believe he
had become an evil devil, and they woud let him through the force-shield
after promising not to fight them! He didn't, but he had succeeded in
smuggling in the Kandorians who did! At the Fortress of Solitude, the
Man of Steel thanks the Kandorians for their aid. They promise Superman
that they'll transfer Brainiac's men to Kandor with the Exchange Ray and
jail them! Shortly, the Kandorians exchange the crooks for statues of
them! The Man of Steel knows just the place to put the new statues! In
the Fortress' Hall of Villains, the two statues are placed next to their
leader, Brainiac! Jimmy laughs at the thought that the aliens would
believe he would hate his best pal!
Superman had masqueraded as a devil to fool a pair of underworld
thugs in Superman #138.
In Action Comics #324, "Supergirl's Black Magic" had the Maid of
Steel sprouting horns of her own.
I could never be sure if Brainiac was a android or an alien. In his
first appearance, he was an alien, but in later appearances, he was an
android from the planet Colu.
Red Kryptonite would have unpredictable effects on the Man of Steel.
Comic Shop News has their annual Red K Awards in recognition of the
year in comics from the good, the bad, and the dubious achievements for
the past 365 days.
The two members of Brainiac's gang share their leader's dress sense,
just as the members of Jimmy's Fan Club emulate their hero's attire.
Interesting that Superman and the Kandorians weren't able to find an
enlarging ray to restore Kandor.
Steve Chung
"The Helmet of Review!" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
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Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #8
"The Betrayal of Superman"
October, 1955
Story: Otto Binder
Art: Curt Swan
Inks: Ray Burnley
Just imagine Jimmy Olsen being less than a pal to the Man of Steel.
Unlikely as this may be, it is what happens when the Daily Planet cub
reporter assumes the role of a private investigator, hired by his client
to learn Superman's secret identity! You'll be amazed to see the reasons
behind... "The Betrayal of Superman" On the splash page, the cub
reporter-turned private eye has collected all the data necessary to write
in the name of the Man of Steel's other identity. While Jimmy's client
prepares to hand over the money, the Man of Steel is unable to stop his
friend from revealing his secret, because it isn't against the law!
On a slow news day, Jimmy stops by the office of Dick Crane, private
detective, and hears moaning coming from the other side of the door. At
his desk, Crane tells the cub reporter that he had been warned by doctors
about needing an operation-- he kept putting it off! Jimmy makes a quick
call for an ambulance.
Once the call has been made... Jimmy learns that Crane postponed the
operation because it was expensive... and needed money -- he took the
case! The client paid him a $100 retainer fee... and promised $1,000
more when the job was completed! The detective was unwilling to break
his record... he'd always finish a case! He doesn't know what this one
is, but it should be an easy and safe one... Crane asks the cub reporter
to do it for him! Jimmy knows that he's no private detective, but since
he's Superman's pal... the Man of Steel can help him find the missing
person! Aside from the money, Dick Crane would be devastated at missing
out on a case! The cub reporter promises the detective that he'll take
care of the case, just as Dick Crane is carried by ambulance attendents
on a stretcher. After opening the sealed instructions, Jimmy sees that
the assignment is to track down Mr. X -- the missing person who is the
Man of Steel's secret identity! It is signed by Bart Gordon, 18 Oak St.
In his apartment, Jimmy wonders if he should take the case, he'll
double-cross his pal, but if he drops the case, Dick will be
disappointed!
The cub reporter decides to start the case, and track down the man
of steel's identity... after he's made certain arrangements. The next
morning finds Jimmy donning the disguise of a trained Scotland Yard
sleuth, complete with bowler hat, monocle, and coat. Knowing that
English police authorities frequently ride bicycles, so shall Sir James
Cedric! When the disguised cub reporter meets with Gordon, he tells the
client that Dick Crane has been hospitalized -- but as his assistant,
Junior Inspector Cedric of Scotland Yard will be at his service! The
young inspector is determined to uncover the other identity of Super-
Chap, while the client corrects him about the name, and studies the
young, oddly-dressed boy in sleuth's clothing. When Sir James Cedric
asks him about why he wishes to know about Supergent's secret identity,
Gordon assures him that there's nothing criminal about revealing
Superman's other self! Of course, the client wishes to learn the secret
so that he may threaten the Man of Steel into making him a millionaire!
To cover himself from any mishaps, Gordon wants Sir Cedric to sign the
terms of which he promises to show him the real deal -- or not receive
the thousand dollar payment!
Sir James signs the agreement that he'll bring the Man of Steel's
identity in person! When he points him out to Gordon, Superman will not
be wearing any mask or disguise of any kind! He will not be a mannequin
or in a shadowy room! He will be stuck without escape -- except by
revealing his super-powers! Sir James promises to provide a photo of
Superman switching identities! The inspector is to present his findings
to his client each day, and if he doesn't succeed in a week, the deal's
off! Jimmy plans to use his spare time to tail the Man of Steel, and
wonders who his pal really is! Unbeknowst to the cub reporter,
mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent is really Superman, and meets Jimmy at
the Daily Planet offices! Having made his weekly schedule for public
appearances as the Man of Steel, Clark gives it to Jimmy to write up.
Using the list, Jimmy hopes to gather clues about who "Mr. X" is! At the
first clue, "Sir James Cedric" dusts for prints on a cornerstone, after a
dedication ceremony at Metropolis Orphanage! To entertain children, the
Man of Steel stood on a scale to show that he weighed 4226 lbs, and by
subtracting each rock held aloft by his pal, Jimmy will know the exact
weight! After launching a river boat, the Man of Steel has left his
footprints in the muddy ground! A plaster cast will be made by "Sir
Cedric!" After Superman finished wrecking an old building, Jimmy
measures the "cut-out" which his pal made when he crashed through the
brick wall!
Superman doesn't seem to be aware that he is being shadowed by his
pal, who takes the opportunity to snap a detailed picture of his face!
Near the end of the week, Bart Gordon is unimpressed by the collection of
clues which "Sir Cedric" has turned up! The client wants to know the
secret identity of Super-Chap! The inspector corrects his client about
the name, and presents Gordon with samples of touch-ups of the face
enlargements! Peering at the pictures, "Sir Cedric" sees the Man of
Steel wearing a mustache, a beard, different styled hair, and...
eye-glasses! The inspector appears to have recognized one of the
pictures, and intends to follow him to make sure he's "Supersir!" Gordon
tells him to phone in when he's made contact! Later in the day, Daily
Planet reporter Clark Kent is heading for the model of The Glass House
Exhibit! "Sir Cedric" shadows "Mr. X" and knows that there's no windows
for him to leave through, as he goes to alert his client!
The inspector phones Gordon, and tells him that "Mr. X" is in the
model glass house at the square -- trapped within! The client soon
arrives, and declines to give "Sir Cedric" the money until he has seen
him -- in the event that "Mr. X" escapes through trickery! The client is
assured by the inspector that the terms have been adhered to! Inside,
Gordon enters, with Clark checking out the furniture, with his back to
the client! Gordon draws a gun and fires! Seeing that the bullet has
bounced off "Mr. X," he has all the proof he needs! Gordon is now taking
aim with a camera, announcing his intention to snap Superman's face when
he turns around! "Mr. X" admits it...
Instead of turning around, "Mr. X" smashes through the wall, and
Gordon failed to anticipate this super-feat, not to mention failing to
see the Man of Steel's face! In an alley, "Mr. X" changes to Superman,
knowing that he'll repair the wall later, and that Gordon only saw his
back! His secret is safe, and Dick Crane's "assistant" can collect his
fee! As he changes clothes, the Man of Steel's picture is taken by "Sir
Cedric!" Minutes later... Gordon still knows nothing about Superman's
identity, but soon receives his promised picture! The client sees in the
picture that the Man of Steel isn't wearing a disguise on his face, just
that he's wearing a regular orange business suit... and Gordon already
knew that! The now-disgruntled client tears up the picture, while "Sir
Cedric" insists that he's lived up to his part of the bargain of
presenting a picture where the Man of Steel is changing identities!
Observing from a distance with his telescopic-vision, Superman knows
how close Jimmy came to actually revealing his secret identity! If he
hadn't removed his glasses at super-speed when the cub reporter snapped
the picture, he could only hope that Jimmy hadn't noticed them! As Bart
Gordon refuses to pay, the Man of Steel arrives, and points out that his
pal did identify "Mr. X" without any tricks! Hiding his face with his
back turned wasn't covered in the terms. The client is amazed that the
Man of Steel was there all the time! To give Gordon something for his
money, Superman reveals that "Sir Cedric" is really Jimmy Olsen! The Man
of Steel knew that the cub reporter would never reveal his identity, and
since trying to find out who he really is wasn't a crime, Gordon is free
to go! Jimmy bids his former client a "Pip-Pip, Super-Chump!" Both are
pleased that their scheme has worked, especially since it was the only
way to help Dick Crane without betraying one another! The disguise was
to keep Bart Gordon from learning that it was Superman's Pal he was
dealing with.
Jimmy had only pretended to shadow Superman so that it wouldn't
arouse Gordon's suspicions. The cub reporter only saw "Mr. X's" back --
not his face! The glass house was the perfect place to set up the stunt.
At the hospital, Dick Crane is recovering from his operation. He
receives his operation fee and is happy that his perfect record is still
intact! The detective regrets putting both Jimmy and Superman in such a
spot. It just so happened that the Man of Steel was more than willing to
help out his pal! The following day at The Daily Planet, Jimmy tells
Clark how he destroyed the "clues" he used to compile on Superman.
Looking at a picture of Superman with glasses on his face, the cub
reporter is sure about one thing! The mild-mannered reporter wonders if
Jimmy has learned his identity before answering... Jimmy laughs and
tears up the photo... telling Clark that he's a poor artist when he drew
the crooked glasses on the picture! Clark is grateful that he has nerves
of steel, too! With the Man of Steel's secret identity safe once again,
Jimmy begins to wonder who his pal really is, while Clark gives a knowing
wink to the reader, and admits that he, too, wonders about that, as well!
It's interesting that it's legal for a client to hire a detective to
shadow someone and find out what they're up to. Do the people who are
being watched have any rights to privacy, and are those rights being
violated? Is that criminal in itself? Inquiring minds wanna know!
It's not revealed what kind of operation Dick Crane had, but I
suspect it was something he ate, by the looks of it. Either that or he
didn't want to appear in the story at all!
Odd that Bart Gordon didn't recognize the red-haired cub reporter,
who was wearing a bowler hat, a monocle, a deerstalker coat, and no doubt
sporting the most improbable English accent ever!
Bart Gordon resembles Robert Shayne, who played Inspector Henderson
on "The Adventures of Superman."
Clark abandons his normal blue suit for an orange one, but still
retains his white hat! Even if Gordon hadn't seen his face, he'd just
have to look for a man with a white hat and orange coat!
People in glass houses shouldn't shoot bullets.
Steve Chung
"The Review of Superman" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 10:16 pm |
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Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #28
"The Boy Who Killed Superman"
April, 1958
Story: Otto Binder
Art: Curt Swan
Inks: Jack Burnley
In the far future of the 60th Century, the listing of the most
infamous rogues of crime would include Blackbeard, Jesse James, John
Dillinger, Jimmy Olsen... Jimmy Olsen??? Yes, incredible as it may seem,
the police have marked the cub reporter as the most evil villain of all
time, as he is guilty of being "The Boy Who Killed Superman!" On the
splash page, the captive cub reporter is shown a display which reenacts
the murder of the Man of Steel by Kryptonite! Jimmy is aboard the flying
newsroom and overhears an emergency weather broadcast... Hurricane Ethel
has changed course and is on a direct course with Metropolis! He hopes
that his pal will be able to stop the hurricane, and steers the newsroom
for the hurricane. He arrives to see Superman begin to stop the disaster
... with his super-speed, the Man of Steel is flying around the hurricane
in the opposite direction! The hurricane will die out and the cub reporter
will have quite the scoop!
But in his impetuousness, he flies too closely, and is caught in the
backwash of Superman's feat! The flying newsroom spins at
super-speed...! Aboard, Jimmy begins to black out! When the odd
sensation subsides... he sees that all is normal once more, and flies
back for the Daily Planet. The cub reporter believes that he's still
reeling from the spin... Metropolis looks different! After landing in a
parking lot, Jimmy is in for a real shock! A citizen asks him what he
thinks of his new rocketmobile of 5921. The cub reporter realizes that
the super-speed spin has sent him through the time-barrier and into the
future! He wonders how he'll be able to return to 1958, and is lonely
since the people of the 60th century haven't heard of him! Two citizens
see that he is wearing 20th century clothing, as they just saw in the wax
museum. The red hair identifies him as Jimmy Olsen, who resembles the
wax dummy in the museum!
He is happy to be recognized, but not for long, as the two boys run
to call the police, and refer to him as the worst criminal of the 20th
century! The cub reporter figures that they got their facts wrong, and
mixed up his wax dummy with another. Entering the museum, he expects to
find himself in a place of honor as Superman's pal. He finds his
likeness in the hall of infamy, alongside Blackbeard, Jesse James, and
John Dillinger, as the killer of the Man of Steel! Jimmy reads the
ancient newspaper clipping which tells of his deadly deed as "Weasel
James," who joined the Gunner Gang and set a trap which killed Superman!
The cub reporter knows that he never joined the gang, but then realizes
that it might have happened later in 1959 or 1960. Perhaps he became a
criminal and it is his destiny to kill his pal once he returns to 1958.
If the story is true, it's no wonder that they regard him as the
worst criminal who ever lived! He sees a guard approaching, then finds a
way to hide in plain sight! Shoving the dummy aside, he takes its place,
but as the guard passes, he sees that the Kryptonite is in the wrong
hand! The guard figures that Jimmy has made a break for it, and
travelled to the future! Intent on capturing him, he draws his gun, only
to have it knocked aside by the thrown piece of Kryptonite! The cub
reporter escapes, but the general alarm is sounded, with a
super-scientific dragnet of the future being drawn, and his likeness is
seen in the clouds above the city! In an alley, Jimmy has found some
future clothing there, and has darkened his hair with dirt for a
disguise!
Unfortunately for him, the human magnet device has pinpointed his
own wave-length, and reels him in! An aerial cab is flying past, and
Jimmy grabs hold to escape the magnet! He drops off elsewhere to hide
from the police. At police headquarters, his every move is being
watched, and they see him drop through a skylight! In his hiding place,
he sees a room filled with future weapons, and uses what he takes to be a
guided missile to blow up the robot cops outside! The device returns to
him, and squirts him with water!
Activating what he thinks is a heat-ray to melt the robots... the
device only shines out colors like a fireworks display! When he tries
what appears to be a flying gun, he soars around the room, and the device
is making a noise without firing anything! The weeping boy and his
mother enter the bedroom, and watch as Jimmy soars away with his flying
kiddie car! His next hideout is a museum which has suits of armor on
display. Figuring that no one will find him if he hides in the knight's
hollow suit! It isn't long before the tin suit begins to move its legs,
and Jimmy learns that this is an atomic-powered robot from a factory
which sends them to the police!
The armor is removed by the police, and they set to positively prove
he was the Man of Steel's killer before sentencing him! Superman's cape
still exists in the future, and glows from the Kryptonite contamination!
The cub reporter figures that he's safe since there are no witnesses to
the crime after 5,000 years to identify him! The electronic brainiac
matches his fingerprints... his magnified red hairs... and positively
identifies him from a line-up as the killer of Superman! The future police
are pleased to get rid of the murderer of the Man of Steel forever! He
wonders if it will be gas...electrocution... disintegration...? Jimmy has
been given his clothing once more and is being sent back to the 20th
century, via a time-ray! There, the authorities of his own time will dispense
justice to him!
After a dizzying trip through the time-barrier, Jimmy finds himself
back aboard the flying newsroom, and back in Metropolis in 1958! Landing
on the roof of the Daily Planet, Superman greets him, and Jimmy wonders
how he'll be able to tell him about what he learned in the future... that
someday, he'll be his killer? The Man of Steel tells him that he needs
his help on a case! He is to pretend to join the Gunner Gang under the
alias of "Weasel" James, then use fake Kryptonite to trap him and kill
him! It will just be a hoax to fool the Gunner Gang into making them
reveal their loot! The cub reporter sees that the future people only saw
the first part of the story... not the following day's revelation which
showed it to be a false death! Once he tells his pal about what happened
in the future, Jimmy watches as Superman hurls a metal container which
has a written explanation into the time-barrier to the 60th century so
that history will exonerate him! When asked if he writes up the future
scoop, the cub reporter only wants to forget that he was ever known as...
Superman's killer! He wants to be Superman's pal, just like before!
In the Superman movie serial, Jimmy Olsen was played by Tommy Bond,
who was "Butch" on the Our Gang comedies.
In the 1950's Adventures of Superman TV series, Jimmy Olsen was
played by Jack Larsen.
On radio and in the Filmation cartoon, Jimmy was played by Jack
Grimes, who also did the voice of "Sparky" on Speed Racer.
In the Christopher Reeve Superman movies of the '70s and '80s,
Jimmy was played by Marc McClure, who played the brother of a
time-travelling Michael J. Fox in "Back To The Future."
In the TV series, "Lois and Clark," Jimmy was played by two
different actors during the course of the series.
In the WB animated Superman cartoon, Jimmy is voiced by David
Kaufman.
Steve Chung
"The Boy Who Reviewed Superman!" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 10:24 pm |
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Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #55
"Jimmy Olsen's Secret Power!"
September, 1961
Story: Robert Bernstein
Art: Curt Swan
Inks: Stan Kaye
The world is amazed when Jimmy Olsen gains a secret power which is a
mystery to Superman! What will the cub reporter do with this new-found
ability? Find out the source of Jimmy's new invulnerability, in the tale
of "Jimmy Olsen's Secret Power!" On the splash page, the cub reporter
tells his pal not to worry about rescuing him and Lucy from a falling
statue, while the Man of Steel wonders about this new power which enables
Jimmy to repel the falling gargoyle! In the office of Editor Perry
White, Jimmy is asked to come up with a scoop, and the cub reporter
mentions a call from Professor Potter about a new invention... Perry is
sick of Potter's crazy devices and wants a story which will boost
circulation! Jimmy agrees, then uses his signal watch to call Superman for
help.
At his desk, mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent sees that the cub
reporter can use some help, so he heads for the stock room, to change to
the Man of Steel, and learn what's on his mind! When asked by his pal
for a scoop, Superman obliges by giving him four scoops! The first one is
to take place today at a warehouse... the second, tomorrow at the airport...
the third, at Metropolis Park... and the fourth scoop at the city jail, the
day after! He gives Jimmy the details... At twelve o'clock, the two pals are
at the warehouse, where Jimmy is admiring the life-like figures of famous
historical characters, but the Man of Steel knows that the crooks who
have imported the dummies were not interested in their educational
value... more likely in the priceless treasures being smuggled in, made
to resemble worthless props! Colombus' map is a rare historical document
King Arthur's sword is made of solid gold --not brass, and Queen Elizabeth's
crown has real gems, not fake ones. When the crooks arrive to pick up their
goods, they are startled to find Superman and Jimmy on the scene. As the cub
reporter snaps the picture, the Man of Steel uses a highly-polished
shield to mass-hypnotize them! Later, Jimmy makes his way to Professor
Potter's lab, glad to have filed the scoop which Perry liked, and eager
to learn what the eccentric scientist wanted. A hood peers from the
window and sees him coming, then tells his boss to put on his Professor
Potter rubber mask!
Since the scientist is out of town, the two crooks have broken into
his lab to fake his appearance. The hood watching the approaching cub
reporter tells him that everything is on schedule, with the gang down the
street ready to drop a stone gargoyle on Jimmy! When the cub reporter
arrives, he asks "Potter" what the horseshoe he invented is supposed to
do. "Potter" tells him that the horseshoe can absorb energy from an
object coming at it with any force... using the same energy to repel it.
He hands Jimmy a sledgehammer and tells him to try to hit the horseshoe.
Only the fake "Potter" knows what's inside of the horseshoe. The cub
reporter is unable to strike the horseshoe, as some force has prevented
him from doing so, and is knocking him backwards! "Potter" calls this
"Boomerang Power!" Removing the horseshoe from the vise, "Potter" tells
him to take it and have fun, while he works on some other things to do.
Outside, Jimmy has placed the horseshoe in his pocket, and will tell
anyone who's curious that it's a good luck charm. As he reaches the
corner, two crooks prepare to drop the stone gargoyle on him! CRRACKKKK!
Jimmy looks up and see the gargoyle coming at him, with no time to call
Superman (but enough time to size up the situation for readers) he
figures that he's a goner!
The next moment finds the stone gargoyle reversing direction... and
the cub reporter knows that the "Boomerang Power" of the horseshoe has
saved his life! The following day finds Jimmy covering a demonstration
of U.S. artillery... but the accelerator pedal on his car is stuck, and
he's speeding onto the firing range! The soldiers see his predicament,
but there's nothing they can do to hold their fire! The shrapnel from the
exploding shells are sent away from him, and smash into the mountainside.
After freeing the gas pedal, the cub reporter tells the soldiers that he
possesses a secret power, which he'll soon be writing about in The Daily
Planet. At 2pm, Superman and Jimmy are at the Metropolis Airport, where
the Man of Steel is to give his pal the second scoop. He has learned that
gangland's biggest members will be aboard a plane, and he intends to trap
them! As the passengers come off the plane, Jimmy sees that the "rats"
being unloaded are real ones used in scientific experiments! Superman
knows that the gangsters must have been tipped off somehow.
As the Man of Steel checks on incoming flights, he sees Jimmy
chatting with Big Nick Kaye, a gangster crony of the crooks he was
expecting on the plane. He wonders if the cub reporter has become pals
with crime. Jimmy bids his pal goodbye, then heads for the circus to
cover an afternoon story, but not before promising to meet the man of
steel tomorrow morning by the big oak tree in Metropolis Park for the
third scoop. Superman knows that his pal was the only one to know that
someone has promised to leave a clue there on the whereabouts of the East
Side Gang! At the circus, a trapeze breaks and the girl begins to fall!
With no time to call the Man of Steel, Jimmy stands beneath her, and uses
his horseshoe! The next moment finds the girl being repelled upwards to
the waiting arms of her partner. As the crowd surrounds him, they ask
about his secret power, and he promises them that he'll be explaining it
in the pages of the Planet! The following morning at Metropolis Park,
Superman and Jimmy see that the clue a crook was supposed to leave was
taken by the gang! He wonders who could have tipped them off, and the
cub reporter tells him not to worry. He's sure that they'll have better
luck with the next scoop.
Later, the Man of Steel is flying over a midtown sports arena... and
sees Jimmy taking a picture of Big Nick Kaye, the racketeer! Superman
wonders if his pal has been tipping Big Nick about his every move. At
night, the cub reporter is on a date with Lucy Lane at a carnival... The
fall guy is being beaned on the head by throwers who must be regular
baseball pitchers! Interested in the display, Jimmy volunteers to take
the "fall guy's" place and teach the ball players a lesson. The manager
agrees, and the cub reporter sticks his head out of the target, as the
two baseballs are coming his way... The pitches bounce back at the
pitchers, while Jimmy laughs at the sight of the ball players being
beaned! When Jimmy collects his ten dollars from the manager, he gives
the money to the "fall guy" for some steak for his black eyes. Struck by
the cub reporter's generosity, Lucy intends to give him a big kiss!
As she moves towards Jimmy, Lucy is repelled by the horseshoe, and
the cub reporter sees that the "Boomerang Power" can work against him,
too! The next morning at the Daily Planet, Jimmy knows that he can't
keep the appointment with Superman because of the carnival deal. So that
Perry doesn't yell at him for a scoop, the cub reporter plans to write
about his "Boomerang Power" and Potter's horseshoe. At six o'clock at
Metropolis Jail, Lois Lane tells the Man of Steel that Jimmy wasn't able
to make it, due to a performance he's giving at a carnival. He told her
that she could have the scoop, instead. Superman is upset because he
believes that his pal told the crooks that he intended to stop their
scheduled jail break at six! He believes that Jimmy is working in league
with the gang, pretending to need scoops in order to learn what traps he
plans to spring on them, and sell the information! Lois figures that
Jimmy isn't up to such a thing and hands the Man of Steel a copy of
Jimmy's article on his "Boomerang Power." Lois figures that Jimmy's mind
might have been affected by the power of Professor Potter's horseshoe,
and this is why he's betraying his pal! Aware the professor is out of
town, Superman knows that this must be the work of an imposter who gave
the cub reporter the horseshoe. Using his x-ray vision on the far away
horseshoe, as Jimmy prepares for his appearance, the Man of Steel sees
its secret!
Having sewn the horseshoe onto his boxing trunks, Jimmy is ready
that night at the carnival, where an offer of $1,000 for anyone who can
touch the cub reporter is being offered. The fifth contestant is sent
flying from the ring! Superman arrives, with Jimmy not wanting to fight
his pal, but the Man of Steel challenges him to use his "Boomerang Power"
on him! As Superman swings, his own fist strikes him on the jaw, and
knocks him out for a count of ten! When he revives, the Man of Steel
intends to come at Jimmy with super-speed, and heaven help the cub
reporter if he strikes him! Quick as he is, Superman races forward, only
to be repelled, and sent backwards at super-speed into the
time-barrier... into the past! With the Man of Steel's disappearance,
the gang has listened via the tiny radio concealed in the horseshoe,
which overhears everything near Jimmy. Seeing their chance, and with the
Man of Steel gone, they intend to fly their loot out o the country!
As the crooks' plane leaves Metropolis.. they intend to fly to San
Maldo, where they can't be extradited to the U.S. A good plan, but
Superman crashes through the wall of their plane, and brings them back to
Metropolis! At police headquarters, the Man of Steel knows now that
Jimmy wasn't betraying him, having read the article and using his x-ray
vision to find the electronic radio which overheard their conversations
about the scoops. The horseshoe was given to Jimmy in hopes that
Superman would reveal his secrets. He pretended to go back into the
past, but didn't tell the cub reporter since the crooks were listening in
on their conversations. He wonders why Jimmy was palling around with Big
Nick Kaye? At the city room of the Daily Planet, they meet Roger Mason,
an actor friend of Jimmy's, who was pretending to be Big Nick Kaye to
show that he could play gangster roles. The cub reporter took pictures
of him as Big Nick in hopes of him landing a part on The Untouchables TV
Show. Superman apologizes for his error, a super-error.
It looks like although "Professor Potter" was a phony, the
horseshoe's power was real, and that we learn that Jimmy's secret power
is to repel beautiful women!
It's unknown if the gang gimmicked up Jimmy's car so that it would
drive onto the artillery firing range or if it's just his luck when in
search of a story.
Some people use a battery to charge their power ring, while others
sew a horseshoe to their boxing trunks. It's a living.
The leader of the gang resembles Edward G. Robinson.
In the Silver Age story, "Superman Meets Al Capone," it's revealed
that a time-travelling Man of Steel was the first "Untouchable," and that
it would lead to young Perry White's first scoop, which was regarded as
an unsolved mystery.
Steve Chung
"Jimmy Olsen's Secret Review!" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2009 7:47 pm |
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Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #40
"Jimmy Olsen, Juvenile Delinquent!"
November, 1959
Story: Robert Bernstein
Art: Curt Swan
Inks: John Forte
Juvenile delinquency is a menace to our way of life, and Jimmy Olsen
is ready to deal with the teen-age gangs who are disrupting the
community! In order to fight the young hoods on their own turf, he must
join the gang and become -- "Jimmy Olsen, Juvenile Delinquent!" On the
splash page, as the the teen-age gang known as the Kings begin to chip
away at the Superman statue in the park, among the members doing a
hatchet job is Jimmy Olsen, who must convince them that he's one of them!
One night at the home of Perry White, the editor and his son are playing
chess, when a rock comes crashing through a window! Peering out of the
window, they see the Kings walking away from their handiwork. The Daily
Planet editor had been discussing the matter of juvenile delinquency in
the pages of the paper, and the fear that if they aren't reformed, they
will grow up to become criminals!
The note attached to the rock from the Kings reads that if Perry
doesn't stop writing editorials against juvenile gangs, he'll be sorry!
This only serves to make the editor determined to break up the gangs,
starting with the Kings! The following morning, Perry tells Jimmy his
plan to have the cub reporter enter Metropolis High School, and pose as a
teen-age student! His objective will be to join the "Kings" and to
gather evidence, names, addresses for an expose which will be run in the
Planet! The cub reporter is looking forward to this particular
assignment, and at his apartment, he dyes his hair black, then dons a
leather jacket to become "Joe Morley." "Joe" attends his first day of
class at Metropolis High, and the study hall teacher is prepared to act
out a scene to impress the bad boys! When told to put his cards away,
"Joe" stands up to the study hall teacher, then is sent to the principal's
office.
After school, he meets with the other boys, who ask him what
happened with the principal, and tells them that he's been suspended from
class! With help from the school, Jimmy has succeeded in convincing them
that he's a wise guy, and hopes that he'll be able to join the Kings!
They are impressed when "Joe" uses a magnet on the pinball machine to win
prizes! The store owner is also in on the scheme, and winks at "Joe," who
collects his prizes. "Joe" is offered a meeting at the secret headquarters
of the "Kings!" Larry the practical joker is squirting a member with a
bottle of soda water! Looking around, Jimmy sees that one of the boys is
none other than Perry White's son -- Hank! He doesn't want "Joe" to join
up with the gang!
"Joe" knows that if he exposes the gang, Perry will learn that his
own son is no good! With half the gang for "Joe" and the others against,
they set up an initiation for him. At the Daily Planet, Superman has
arrived from mapping in outer-space, and is looking for his pal! Perry
fills him in on Jimmy's special assignment. The Kings take "Joe" to an
amusement park,where a condemned roller coaster is where he is to be
taken for a ride! As the roller coast goes along the teetering structure,
Jimmy begins to regret his decision to join the gang! The Man of Steel has
used his telescopic-vision to find the cub reporter, who sees that a
section of track is missing from the highest point!
The next moment finds Superman using his own body to close the gap,
and the roller-coaster continues down, to "Truck's" amazement! The man
of steel plans to keep an eye on Jimmy, who is at home typing up the
story at midnight! The next day, after school, Larry is still squirting
members with his soda-water, and the members plan to head for Metropolis
Park for a little head-hunting! At the Statue Pavillion, they plan to
use their axes to chop the heads off of the statues, beginning with the
Superman one!
The real Man of Steel is taking a cement bath, and workers wonder
why Superman would want to turn to stone! Having overheard the Kings'
plan, he removes his statue at super-speed, and takes its place on the
pedestal! When the Kings begin to use their axes, they are unaware that
they are ruining their axes on the invulnerable form of Superman! With
the sounds of police whistles in the air, the Kings run away!
As "Joe" turns to run, the statue winks at him, and after he leaves,
the real statue is back in place once more! At Jimmy's home, the cub
reporter has almost finished gathering evidence against the gang! He
still has regrets about Perry's son, though. Nevertheless, the following
day at Perry's office, he lets the editor know what he's learned.
Reading the story, Perry wonders where he went wrong as a parent! When
Jimmy offers to destroy the notes, Perry advises him that the story will
be printed, regardless of who gets hurt, including him! The expose will
be announced in the evening edition. When "Joe" arrives at the
clubhouse, Larry douses him with the soda water, and "Truck" and the
others see his hair change color!
Seeing the red hair, they know him as Superman's Pal, whose picture
is in the paper, in a story where he is busy investigating a teen-age
gang! "Truck" brags that he knew that "Joe" was a phoney from the start!
Hank removes his signal-watch so that he can't call Superman! "Truck"
plans for the gang to head for his apartment and destroy all of his
notes, as well as his Superman trophies! The notes could be re-typed,
but he could never replace his priceless trophies! He's upset at Hank
White for taking his watch, or else he could have called Superman!
Then.. the man of steel does some "underground" work of his own, by
burrowing up through the floor of the clubhouse! Superman takes a couple
of the gang members for a "spin" by turning them around by their
shoulders!
At super-speed, the Man of Steel squirts the gang members with
Larry's soda water, effectively proving that the gang are all washed up!
When Superman compliments Jimmy on calling him in time, they learn that
it was Hank White who used the signal-watch to call on him! Wishing to
prove to his father that he had the makings of a good reporter, Hank
joined the gang weeks ago to expose them from within. When he learned
who Jimmy was, he used the watch so that Superman could save him! The
cub reporter radically alters his opinion of Hank. The next day at the
Daily Planet, both reporters are given credit for their undercover work,
but both agree that a third name has been omitted... Superman's!
It's interesting to see how dated this story reads, in terms of
fashion and the times.
The Kings all wear leather jackets with red badges which feature a
king's crown.
One of the members resembles Gilligan and is wearing his trademark
hat.
Perry White's trademark purple suit is still in fashion, however.
One of the gang members resembles a young Nick Adams.
In the Silver Age, Superman was turned into a living statue by
Zha-Vam.
The Rainbow Doom caused the Man of Steel to accidentally turn Lois
Lane into a glass statue on a memorable cover.
The Son of The Annihilator was a juvenile delinquent who wore a
leather jacket and who sported a duck's tail hairstyle. Unfortunately,
the look was a bit dated by the time of the late '60s Action Comics
story, which was drawn by Wayne Boring.
On the Simpsons, Bart Simpson succeeds in chopping off the head of
Jebidiah Springfield in order to prove himself cool to a bunch of older
kids.
Steve Chung
"Jimmy Olsen, Juvenile Delinquent!" |
Last edited by Guy Ricketts on Tue Oct 06, 2009 7:58 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #54
"King of The Giant Ants!"
July, 1961
Story: Robert Bernstein
Art: Curt Swan
Inks: Stan Kaye
This is a story of how a young cub reporter betrays the human race
and joins forces with those who seek to esnslave the very planet!
Amazing as it may be, Jimmy has become a villain, as evil as any
historical one when he abandons his fellow man and becomes... "King of
The Giant Ants!" On the splash page, his royal highness urges a giant
ant to topple an army tank, while his army of ants is also toppling the
U.S. army! At Jimmy's apartment, the cub reporter is taking inventory of
the costumes in his disguise trunk, and sees that he could use some new
hats for future assignments. He makes a list and goes shopping at a
masquerade costume shop... Jimmy tells the proprietor to add any type of
hat he overlooked to the list.
Once the order has been filled, Jimmy has the proprietor place the
box of hats in the back seat of his jalopy, but just then, Mr. Mxyzptlk
has arrived from the 5th Dimension, and has returned to Metropolis in
search of its hero... Superman! With his mind on plans to bedevil the
Man of Steel, the imp fails to notice when a gust of wind blows his derby
away, and it begins floating... floating... floating... down towards
Metropolis' streets. It lands on the box of hats in the back seat of
Jimmy's car! At his apartment, the cub reporter tries on a gaucho
sombrero, which makes him feel like dancing a tango!
When he turns on a radio, the cub reporter has a musical background
for his hat parade... the large hat is just the thing for doing a fast
Russian cossack dance! The next hat to be tried on is a small derby,
which Jimmy doesn't know belongs to Mr. Mxyxptlk... and thinks is just
a party hat, which he could wear to Lucy Lane's birthday party! When he
wishes that he had enough money to buy her a present, thousands of
dollar bills begin to fall from out of thin air! His wish granted, Jimmy
then wishes to know what made his wish come true! The tiny hat falls from
his head and into his hand, where he reads the name on the hat-band...
Mxyzptlk! The derby has the same magical powers as its owner!
Not knowing how the hat came to his possession, the cub reporter
wishes for having super-powers like Superman's for a while so that he can
surprise the folks at Lucy's party! The next moment finds Jimmy flying,
and his next wish is for immunity from Green Kryptonite, which is deadly
to his pal! When his wish is made, he overhears a radio report about
Professor Lang's disappearance while on an expedition in the Brazilian
jungle! The radio broadcast ends with a worried plea that the man of
steel is listening and for him to investigate, but it is Jimmy Olsen who
answers the call! Wishing that his clothes were immune to
speed-friction, he neglects to wish for the tiny hat to be immune as
well, and it burns up from the friction! With no wishes to come true, he
soars through the Brazillian jungle, and comes upon Professor Lang's
camp! Jimmy doesn't need his super-vision to see the giant ants who are
surrounding the professor's shack! Bursting into the shack, the cub
reporter ask Lang about the giants ants...
The professor had discovered them a week ago, and his last radio
message alerted the Man of Steel, but he never arrived! The radio had
broken down in that time, and he's been unsuccessful in repairing it. He
had come to learn about a race of giants who had lived in the valley, and
was investigating the ruins! Inspecting the footprints, the professor
theorized that the monster-sized men must have eaten something which
stimulated their pituitary glands! It was last week when he learned that
the giant men were gone, but not the giant ants! It was then that Professor
Lang contacted Superman, for if the ants continued to multiply, they would
conquer the planet! In the present, he shows Jimmy an glass ant farm he made,
where the tiny ant can move a match-stick, which is the equivalent of a human
being pushing a ton! Ants are the strongest creatures on Earth for their
size! Lang describes normal ants as killers who use their instincts to
colonize and communicate with one another via telepathy! If their minds
were enlarged to match their frame, they would be evil despots who'd
threaten the world! Just then, the head ant instructs his army to
destroy the shack! CRRASHHH! Professor Lang stares in shock as the
giant ants make their way through the wooden shack, but the cub reporter
is confident that his super-powers will make a difference!
He is able to scatter the ants with his super-breath, but the main
ant instructs the others to burrow under ground for some Kryptonite
meteors which had fallen in the area in years past! Mgoro, the leader
ant, orders Jimmy to surrender or else he'll command his men to attack
him with the Kryptonite! The cub reporter is immune to the deadly
substance, and wonders how Mgoro knows about the deadly effects of
Kryptonite! He tells Jimmy that he learned about Kryptonite from
Superman, and instructs him to use his x-ray vision on the mountainside!
Jimmy sees his pal in a cave, and held prisoner by a giant ant holding a
Kryptonite meteor on him! The Man of Steel flew in answer to Professor
Lang's radio message, only to get caught in a death trap! Mgoro refuses
to tell how he knew that the Kryptonite would weaken Superman, and tells
Jimmy to surrender or else he'll telepathically order the ant to finish
off his pal! The cub reporter does so, and Mgoro asks him to lead them,
for they have incredible intelligence, and by using their instinct, they
learned to speak English! Even so, they are unfamiliar with the outside
world!
With his super-powers and super-knowledge at their disposal, the
giant ants could easily rule the Earth! Llanix would be his personal
steed! Professor Lang begs for Jimmy not to obey, but with Superman as
their prisoner, he has no choice! Mgoro has Jimmy lead them to a nearby
military outpost, where they will receive valuable training for the
battles to come! At the U.N. outpost, soldiers watch as the giant ants
begin to attack their base, and destroying their communications
transmitter! Jimmy orders them to wreck the helicopter and all vehicles
so that the soldiers can't escape! The giant ants then destroy the
bridge, which links the base to outside aid. As the soldiers fight back
in vain, Jimmy has the giant ants knock over a tank, while one of the
soldiers, who is from Metropolis, recognizes the cub reporter for the
traitor he now is!
The next moment finds Jimmy leaping from his "steed" and into a
chasm, where he digs a chasm to isolate them from the jungle, and heads
to free Superman! He knocks the insect aside, and intends to take his
pal and Professor Lang to safety, then return to save the U.N. soldiers
from the ants! In the air, a weakened Man of Steel sees that the ants
have formed a bridge to reach the other side, and even worse, Jimmy's
super-powers are wearing off! Once they land, they are surrounded by the
giant ants, and Mgoro reveals to Jimmy that they used their fantastic
power of hypnotism to have Superman reveal his weakness! The ant leader
intends to hypnotize Jimmy into killing his pal! Now under the ant's
control, the cub reporter commands Llanix to get closer to the Man of
Steel with the Kryptonite, and the "steed" eagerly obeys! With
Superman's doom at hand, the next sounds which Jimmy hears is a distant
voice which orders him to wake up! It is a Superman robot sent by the
real Man of Steel, who has awoken him from his nightmare! Still wearing
the imp's derby, the cub reporter can only stammer in disbelief at the
robot about being king of the giant ants!
While on his patrol, Superman had spotted the fifth dimension imp
flying over Metropolis, and saw that when the magical hat was blown off
by a breeze, Mr. Mxyzptlk had placed Red Lryptonite powder under the
hat-band! It was the imp's intent that he expose the Man of Steel to the
Red K, but instead it was Jimmy who was exposed to it when he wished for
super-powers... by giving him hallucinations -- and removing his
super-abilities -- even though the cub reporter didnt' realize that he
lost it in his dream! Superman saw Jimmy getting the hat, but couldn't
warn him about it since he had to deal with other emergencies, so he sent
the robot to destroy the hat because the Red Kryptonite doesn't affect
him! Seeing the Red K dust in his hair, Jimmy decides to shave his hair!
Once the robot barber has finished his work, he uses his heat-vision to
burn the heat, while the cub reporter fully realizes that after receiving
his super-powers, he was affected by the Red K, and then went into a
trance! The radio report... the giants ants... were just hallucinations
of his imagination. The robot tells him that he may look funny after the
haircut, but think of how funny Mxyzptlk looks without his hat!
Red Kryptonite played a part in giving Superman an ant's-head and
making him King of The Super-Ants!
The ants were the allies of the Silver Age hero... Hank Pym, aka
Ant-Man, Giant Man, Goliath, Yellowjacket, etc.
Interesting that the ants are able to speak with each other
telepathically, but speak English aloud to Jimmy!
Giant ants have appeared in the movies, "Them!" and "Empire of The
Ants!"
As far as Silver Age stories go, this one was a hoax, a dream, and
an imaginary tale.
Steve Chung
"King of The Giant Reviews!" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2009 10:23 pm |
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Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #24
"The Gorilla Reporter!"
October-November, 1957
Story: Otto Binder
Art: Curt Swan
Inks: Ray Burnley
The average gorilla weighs 500 pounds... What the average 500 lb
gorilla doesn't do is talk. When cub reporter Jimmy Olsen is thrown into
the equation, you begin to have some idea of what happens when Superman's
pal becomes... "The Gorilla Reporter!" Looking for his next scoop, Jimmy
assists Professor Thorne with his experiment at the local zoo... The
scientist's telepathy helmet should make it possible for the wearer to
pick up the thoughts of animals. Donning the crimson helmet, the cub
reporter is unable to hear what the caged lion is thinking. Other zoo
animals are tried, but Professor Thorne's invention fails with them, as
well... As they head for the gorilla cage, Jimmy suggests that they
contact Superman, and have him look over the telepathy helmet.
Jimmy activates his ultrasonic signal watch, just as the gorilla
presses some buttons on the control panel. A sudden surge of energy
passes from the ape to the telepathy helmet... GRRRR The cub reporter
begins to growl... The next instant find Jimmy Olsen swinging on the
branch of a nearby tree. The caged gorilla asks the startled scientist
to be freed. Jimmy realizes that he is now in the body of the ape.
Professor Thorne's device has exchanged the cub reporter's mind into the
gorilla's body... and vice-versa. Seeing that his human body is in
danger of falling, Jimmy moves quickly...
The gorilla in the cub reporter's body is caught before he hits the
ground. When the Man of Steel arrives at the zoo... he sees what he
believes to be a runaway ape holding onto his pal... and delivers a right
hook to his startled pal. Jimmy explains that he is now in the gorilla's
body. After hearing what's happened, Superman asks Professor Thorne to
change them back. The scientist points out that the ape pressed some
buttons, but since there's 56,786,934 possible combinations, it would
take him a lifetime to figure out the right on. It only takes a moment
for the Man of Tomorrow to press all the combinations. Even so, his pal
is still trapped in the body of a gorilla.
Professor Thorne takes the telepathy helmet away for some further
tests, while Superman takes Jimmy's body to a safe place, and the gorilla
reporter heads for home. Jimmy swings for home, enjoying what his
newfound ape muscles can do. At his apartment, the gorilla reporter dons
some clothes, and heads for the office. At the Daily Planet, the other
reporters are at lunch, and Jimmy has the office to himself. As he
begins to type up his story, Perry White and Lois Lane return from their
lunch hour. After fending off a broom-wielding girl reporter and frantic
editor, Gorilla-Jimmy tells them to get used to this latest change of
his. Perry places a sign on the gorilla reporter..."Bonzo... Intelligent
Gorilla! Tame! No Danger!"
Elsewhere, Superman has found a safe haven for the gorilla in
Jimmy's body. He is placed in a fenced-in area, complete with berry
trees, and after a quick trip from the tropics by the Man of Steel...
some coconut trees, as well. Perry White's backyard has become a natural
habitat for the jungle animal... Since the transformed ape no longer has
the powerful muscles of a gorilla, Superman places piles of leaves below
to cushion his fall. "Bonzo" Olsen is at the local restaurant, where he
dines on some bananas, and reads about the upcoming wrestling match
between "Golden" George and The Gorilla. The gorilla reporter is at
ringside... cheering for "The Gorilla," who is being thrown out by
"Golden" George.
"Bonzo" throws the wrestler back into the ring, and writes up the
story as a stunt for the Daily Planet. The following night finds the
gorilla reporter covering a new science-fiction film... The audience
stare in amazement as "Bonzo" Olsen cheers for the Patrolman Gorilla who
is catching crooks. After the show, the "star" of the movie is having
difficulty placing his footprint in the wet cement. The gorilla reporter
stamps his foot into the fresh cement... inspiring Zimba the trained
gorilla to imitate him. Another story for the Daily Planet as gorilla
reporter helps gorilla star. Even with his new scoops, Jimmy learns from
his pal that the scientist hasn't been able to reverse the experiment
that made a monkey out of the cub reporter.
"Bonzo" Olsen supports a heavy girder with his feet so that Superman
can weld the broken area with his heat-vision. At the Central Bank of
Metropolis, the Man of Steel tells his pal to watch out for the
bullets... but the gorilla reporter has some other ideas. As the crooks
hurl some bombs to delay Superman from catching them in their police car,
Jimmy leaps onto an awning... Using some gorilla tactics, he swings on a
rope... and lands on the top of the getaway car. The impact from the
five hundred pound ape's landing causes the car's tires to go out. The
stunned criminals are carried to a nearby policeman.
At the scene of a fire... "Bonzo" Jimmy carries some children to
safety, while Superman uses his super-breath to put out the flames. At a
benefit for charity... the Man of Steel and his gorilla pal perform a
trapeze act. At the private estate of Perry White, the gorilla in Jimmy
Olsen's body has just swung out of the fenced-in area. In an alleyway,
Superman changes back to mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent, and heads for
the bank. In the vault, Clark is checking the money for the Daily Planet
payroll... when the vault door closes... CLANG! Although his own life is
in no danger, the Man of Steel's secret identity is. The bank employees
know that the time-lock won't open again until the following morning...
and they believe that the reporter will have suffocated by then. If he
emerges from the vault alive in the morning... or escapes from the vault
now... they will learn that he's Superman. Clark begins to open the
door...
As he begins to shove the door... the mild-mannered reporter sees
Bonzo on the other side. As the gorilla reporter pats his co-worker on
the shoulder, Clark is grateful that his pal saved his secret identity by
making it look like "Bonzo" opened the vault door. As the two reporters
head back to the Daily Planet... they see Jimmy's body leaping over
traffic. The gorilla reporter climbs a trees, causing it to bend beneath
his weight... and catches his body in time... At Professor Thorne's
laboratory... the Man of Steel suggests that the inquisitive gorilla in
the cub reporter's body press the buttons once more. The scientist is
skeptical that the ape will strike the right combination again.
As the buttons are pressed, Superman activates Jimmy's ultrasonic
signal watch... The cub reporter's mind returns to his body... just as
it had left when he used the watch, as the gorilla had pressed the
combination of buttons before. The ultrasonic signal caused the
telepathy-helmet to exchange Jimmy's mind with the gorilla's. The man of
steel carries his pal to the office of the Daily Planet... where Perry
White is congratulating "Bonzo" on his latest gorilla story. A slap on
the back from the gruff editor soon has the ape enraged... GRRRRR!
Perry White is now the one swinging from an overhanging office lamp, as
the gorilla begins to reach for him. The ape is back at the zoo... while
the cub reporter feels the sore muscles left from the gorilla's
exertions.
When in search of his latest scoop, no experiment is too strange for
Superman's pal.
Even becoming a purple gorilla doesn't keep Jimmy from exercising
his fashion sense.
Thanks to the Man of Steel, the gorilla in the cub reporter's body
has got a lovely bunch of coconuts.
The 500 lb ape makes a monkey out of some would-be bank robbers.
You can put a tiger in your tank, but don't put a gorilla on your hood,
you hood!
Hmm... I wonder why Clark couldn't have opened the vault door at
super-speed... then show up as Superman, and explain to the bank
employees that he had to rush the mild-mannered reporter to the
hospital... or something...
Give Perry White a cigar when he can tell the difference between a
cub reporter and a gorilla reporter.
My one regret about the story is that we didn't see a date between
"Bonzo" Olsen and Lucy Lane. Their relationship gives a new meaning to
the term, "flight" attendant.
Steve Chung
"The Gorilla Review!" |
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Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #26
"The Birdboy of Metropolis!"
February, 1958
Story: Otto Binder
Art: Curt Swan
Inks: Ray Burnley
How many people have been able to fly in the air like a bird?
Superman is one, as well as such fabled characters as Mercury and Peter
Pan! But now, a certain cub reporter is added to the list, as he is now
able to fly through the air like his super-pal! Lots of aerial
photography awaits Jimmy Olsen when he becomes... "The Birdboy of
Metropolis" On the splash page, the cub reporter now knows what it's
like to fly like the Man of Steel, as well as take pictures which no
other reporter can! The look of worry on Superman's face is worth a
thousand words! One day, as the cub reporter is piloting the Flying
Newsroom helicopter to the offices of the Daily Planet... he sees a
figure zooming up from the city of Metropolis. At first glance, it looks
like a bird? A plane?.. Superman? A closer look shocks Jimmy, who sees
mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent among the clouds and wonders if he's
the Man of Steel??? From the clouds, Clark sees the flying newsroom and
Jimmy at the controls...
With no time to change into his Superman uniform, the mild-mannered
reporter saw a meteor heading down at high speed, and he had hoped that
the clouds would hide him, but Jimmy has spotted him! The clouds do keep
the cub reporter from seeing Clark pulverizing the meteor with his
head-on collision, and the mild-mannered reporter decides to cover up his
secret with help from a box which has just arrived at the office. After
landing on the roof, the cub reporter heads into the office... and asks
how Clark could have been flying... then stops as he sees the
mild-mannered reporter holding a giant pair of wings. He listens as
Clark tells him how an archeologist found them among ancient Indian
relics and shipped them to the Daily Planet to be held until his return.
Jimmy reads the legend, "He Who Wears The Thunderbird Wings Can Soar With
The Eagles!" The cub reporter realizes that Clark must have been trying
out the wings and he couldn't see them since his fellow reporter was
flying through the clouds! Clark is relieved that Jimmy believes the
story and that his worries are over! Later, the cub reporter recieves an
important phone call from the zoo... a rare flamingo has escaped and is
the only one in captivity. When asked to call Superman, Jimmy decides to
handle this himself!
He plans to chase the bird himself and has Clark help him put on the
Thunderbird wings! The mild-mannered reporter wonders how Jimmy can be
sure that the wings will work, but the cub reporter is confident that
they will! Knowing that he must make the wings work for his pal, the
Man of steel must prevent him from suspecting that Clark Kent is
Superman! On the roof, Jimmy is unaware that a gust of super-breath from
the man of Steel is keeping him in the air! The cub reporter catches up
with the pink flamingo, thanks in large part to Superman, who followed
him along the city skyscrapers!
At the office... "Eagle" Olsen prepares to write up his scoop, while
the Man of Steel flies off to keep his promise to give the Metropolis
college football team some pointers in punting! On the football field...
Superman forgets his strength and kicks a football into orbit, as well as
breaking a field goal while demonstrating a field goal... At the Daily
Planet, Perry White sees that the paper's circulation has gone down! They
need advertising and the editor plans to order a sky-writing plane... but
Jimmy offers to do the job at half-price since he can use the money! As
the cub reporter begins to explain how the Thunderbird wings work, the
gruff editor tells Jimmy that nothing he does can surprise him any more,
and wishes him luck! Luckily for "Eagle Olsen," his pal had heard the
conversation with his super-hearing and maintains the illusion that the
wings work...
The Man of Steel must somehow discourage Jimmy from using the
Thunderbird wings... When the cub reporter attempts to fly back, he is
surprised when a strong crosswind sends him towards the mountains... but
he'd be even more surprised if he knew that it was super-breath! Eagles
protecting their nest begin to attack the cub reporter, who is pecked on
the leg, but the unseen Man of Steel uses his super-breath to blow the
birds away before they can really hurt him! At the office, Jimmy is
staring at his injury, while Superman is confident that he can go about
his business since the cub reporter will think twice before using the
Thunderbird wings. One of the Man of Steel's duties includes using a
giant brush to clean the streets since there's a shortage of
street-cleaners.
When the Man of Steel checks in on his pal... the man who plays
Santa Claus has a broken arm and asks the cub reporter if he could
deliver the gifts in the Flying Newsroom, and Superman knows what Jimmy's
answer will be! The cub reporter plans to use the Thunderbird wings to
become a real "Flying Santa!" As the "Flying Santa" has fun delivering
gifts, the Man of Steel knows that his pal could have used the Flying
Newsroom, but the wings are a big thrill for the cub reporter! As a light
snowfall begins... the "Flying Santa" has inadvertantly flown over a test
rocket range and into the path of an oncoming guided missile! Super-breath
blows Jimmy aside and the missile misses him by inches!
At the Daily Planet, the Man of Steel figures that his pal will
avoid danger... but a little danger is nothing for Jimmy if he get a
scoop by meeting the plane which is carrying a king visiting America!
Out at sea, the cub reporter prepares to interview the ruler before the
plane can even land, while Superman prepares for his pal's return trip!
Using some scrap materials, the Man of Steel constructs a giant battery
at super-speed! In the clouds, a giant kite is suspending the battery in
mid-air near the cub reporter's return route to Metropolis! When Jimmy
returns from the plane... he is flying under the battery and the Man of
Steel's heat-vision on the circuits cause sparks which will look like
lightning to the cub reporter!
Seeing the sparks, Jimmy believes that a bolt from the lightning
storms will strike him unless he flies down to the ground for safety!
His pal knows that the sparks can't harm him since they can't reach him!
The cub reporter discovers that there's something wrong with the wings...
he can't fly down... especially since super-breath is keeping him
aloft... and makes Jimmy think his wings are now out of control! The cub
reporter sheds his wings and begins to fall, but his signal-watch will
bring his super-pal to him! The Man of Steel pretends to have come from
a great distance... and asks if Jimmy has fallen out of an airplane. He
listens as his pal tells him about the Thunderbird wings, and on the
ground, Superman uses his super-breath to make them disappear forever!
Jimmy sees the wings flying away by themselves, and asks his pal not to
chase after them since he's... er... had enough of flying! At the Daily
Planet, the cub reporter now knows that the Thunderbird wings have caused
him nothing but trouble, and mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent winks at
the readers... his secret identity was saved... but the hard way!
In this story, Clark Kent really takes Jimmy Olsen under his "wing"
in order to maintain his secret identity.
Hawkman, Hawkgirl, Golden Eagle, and Bird Man are examples of winged
heroes.
Thunderbird was a member of the All-New, All-Different X-Men, and
was the first of their number to die in Uncanny X-Men #95.
"Pink Flamingos" is a film by John Waters.
In the first Superman movie, we saw young Clark Kent kick a football
into the skies.
Nice to see that Perry White admits when he is no longer surprised
by the antics which take place at the Daily Planet.
Steve Chung
"The Birdboy of Review |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2009 1:39 pm |
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Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #69
"Jimmy Olsen's Viking Sweetheart"
June, 1963
Story: Leo Dorfman
Art: John Forte
Jimmy Olsen has a following with his fan club, who admire his
exploits for The Daily Planet, but Lucy Lane does not, for she has
rejected his attentions on numerous occasions, but this may change,
thanks to Jimmy Olsen's Viking Sweetheart! Jimmy and his fan club are
spending the weekend on a ski trip, but the cub reporter only has eyes
for Lucy Lane. The members of the fan club are disappointed that their
idol won't be giving them skiing tips, and instead, will be striving to
win Lucy's love, which they see as a hopeless case.
Lucy greets Jimmy, then goes skiing with Ron Baxter, The Olympic Ski
Champion! Momentarily discouraged, Jimmy sees a sign about the ski
jumping championship tomorrow, and believes that he may be
able to leap Daredevil chasm! On the slope, Jimmy prepares for some
practice jumps, then lands at an awkward angle, starting a landslide!
Caught in the avalanche, Jimmy begins to lose consciousness, but when
he comes to, he hears a call for help... in old Norse! Having visited the
age of Vikings, he is familiar with the language.
Digging through the snow, he comes upon a girl named Holga, who
calls him Leif! Telling her that he's not Leif Erickson, but a cub
reporter, the girl struggles to figure out what happened during the time
she was trapped in the snow slide. It was only weeks ago that she and
Leif arrived on Vineland with his crew, eager to get married, and one
day, as they were crossing a mountain range, her foot slipped, and she
fell into a snowbank! Now awake and confused from her ordeal, she
listens as Jimmy explains to her what must have happened. It has been a
slumber for many centuries, but Holga is grateful for the rescue,
especially from one who is even more handsome than her Leif! As Holga's
fingers touch his face, Jimmy feels their coldness and offers to hold
hands so that he can warm them for her.
In the hotel room of The Jimmy Olsen Fan Club, one of the members
chuckles as they watch Jimmy about to warm Holga's fingers, then presses
a button so that the Holga robot's temperature will be adjusted. Another
member congratulates Harvey, whose robot designer uncle gave him the
experimental robot, which he likens to a living doll! It was their plan
to bring the robot along when they learned that Lucy Lane would also be
at the ski resort, as competition for Jimmy's affections. Unaware of the
trick, Jimmy smiles as Holga presents him with her amulet as a token of
gratitude and affection. Jimmy offers to be her advisor and guide to the
modern world, starting with the English language, but Holga presses the
knob on the magic pin given to her by a soothsayer so that she can speak
the language. In reality, Harvey has pressed a button on the console for
the language change. At the ski jump, Ron Baxter sees the Norse beauty,
who is with Lucy's friend, Jimmy Olsen, but wonders why she's wearing the
odd attire, and figures that they must be making a movie in the area,
while Lucy wonders why a starlet would waste time with the cub reporter.
After hearing her story, Lucy is skeptical, but Holga asks to borrow
Jimmy's skis, and soon, she is skiing and impressing the others, as Jimmy
tells them that it was The Norse who invented skis and are the world's
greatest skiers. Once her leap is completed, the others gasp in
amazement, for Holga has leaps over Daredevil Chasm! Press photographers
arrive and take pictures of the smiling Norse lass, who tells them that
Jimmy is the most attractive man she ever met, while Lucy wonders if
she's been underestimating him all this time?
Becoming a national celebrity, Holga is invited to The White House,
and is given a model of a viking ship by First Lady Jacquelyn Kennedy,
with Jimmy as her escort. At Washington Airport, Lucy is aboard the
plane which will be flying Holga back to Metropolis, and the General
tells her that she is to receive the red carpet treatment! On the
flight, Holga orders more sandwiches and coffee for her handsome Jimmy,
while Lucy is forced to wait on them, and watch The Norse Lass romance
her boyfriend! Upon landing, Jimmy apologizes to Lucy and tells her that
his fan club wants to meet Holga, while she is discouraged at not being
able to ask him for a date. Running a check of the plane, Lucy finds the
model viking ship which Holga forgot, and heads for Jimmy's Fan Club,
just to show him that there's no hard feelings. At the club, no one is
in attendence, but Lucy uses the key once given to her by Jimmy...
Inside, Lucy sees the monitor screen with Jimmy and Holga focused
upon it, but as she gets closer, she discovers that Holga is a robot, and
figures that Jimmy has been using it to make her jealous! At that
moment, Jimmy is seated on a park bench, and about to tell Holga
something, which makes Lucy certain that the cub reporter is unaware that
she is a robot. Even so, Lucy is determined to make him pay for snubbing
her, and presses a button, which is designed to make the robot treat
Jimmy coldly! As Jimmy offers Holga a package for her to open and
discuss their future, "Holga" begins to laugh at what she believes is a
proposal! Having been proposed to by warriors and chiefs, "Holga" tosses
the box, which she believes contains a betrothal ring, aside, as Jimmy
beg for her not to leave it like this!
Lucy watches the monitor, enjoying the sight of Jimmy begging and
pleading. It serves him right for the way he's treated her, and she can
hardly wait to tell the cub reporter that he was in love with a robot!
Heading to the park, Lucy approaches the bench, thinking that perhaps
she's been mean to poor Jimmy, and sees the discarded gift that Holga
tossed aside, as well as a note. As she reads the note, Lucy discovers
that Jimmy was turning Holga down for her! She has never known how much
he loved her until now! Jimmy turns and sees Lucy, aware that she's read
the note, and Lucy begins to weep, for she knows that he loves her far
more than she deserves. Knowing that she's been a fool, Lucy tells him
that if he still wants her, she'd be proud to announce their engagement
to the world! As they kiss, Lucy vows never to tell Jimmy that he was
jilted by a robot, and would never dare to hurt his pride! At The Jimmy
Olsen Fan Club, Holga is dismantled, having completed her mission, with
Lucy having fallen for their hero, and Harvey figures that they'll be
invited to the wedding soon!
In a previous story, Jimmy was the best pal of Thor, Red-Haired and
Red-Bearded God of Thunder!
In an Adventures of Superman episode, Leif Erickson was the name of
a hood who was the focus of Boy Editor Jimmy Olsen's attempts to arrest
before the statute of limitations ran out on his crime.
My Living Doll was the name of a show with Bob Cummings and Julie
Newmar as Rhoda The Robot.
Hmm, you suppose that Harvey had a chance to tinker with Holga,
rather than use her on his hero?
The concept of robot girlfriends was explored by Jack Kirby in the
first issue of O.M.A.C. in the 1970's.
A happy ending for Jimmy and Lucy.
Steve Chung
"Jimmy Olsen's Viking Review" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2009 1:51 pm |
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Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #27
"A Date With Miss Metropolis"
March, 1958
Story: Otto Binder
Art: Curt Swan
Inks: Ray Burnley
Cub reporter Jimmy Olsen, Superman's Pal, would be a fine date for
any girl. From starlets to beauty queens, but on this day, Jimmy meets
the antithesis of a glamour girl, and his greatest challenge on a date
with Miss Metropolis! At The Daily Planet, Perry White has an assignment
for an interview with Gloria Mason, the teenager who has just become Miss
Metropolis, and with Lois and Clark busy on assignment, Jimmy eagerly
volunteers, figuring that she must have won a beauty contest! Perry
knows that Jimmy had been out of town when Miss Metropolis was chosen,
and the poor cub reporter has no idea what he's in for!
Outside, Jimmy is balancing himself on the cracks on the sidewalk,
and figures since Gloria must have won a beauty contest, he should spruce
himself up as well! The cub reporter purchases a bouquet, and when he
arrives at Miss Mason's penthouse apartment, he sees her from the back,
and takes in her statuesque beauty, then waits for her to turn around.
Once she has turned around, Jimmy sees that she wears glasses and has a
slight overbite, which makes Jimmy ask her how she became Miss
Metropolis. Gloria explains that the rules were changed in the year of
our lord, 1958, and Jimmy sees the inscription on her trophy, "Miss
Metropolis of 1958... Girl With Highest I.Q." After a brief interview,
Jimmy gets ready to leave, but Gloria wishes to hear more about him, he
who is Superman's pal, and a famous cub reporter. Willing to keep
tomorrow open for him, Gloria holds his hand, while Jimmy thinks about an
excuse for not showing up tomorrow.
The following evening finds Jimmy about to watch Teen Time, when the
phone rings. It's Gloria, who wonders when the cub reporter will be
coming over, and Jimmy thinks about telling her that he has a broken leg,
when the TV Teens are having a romantic moment, with the boy asking the
girl if she'll go steady with him. Impressed with what she hears, Gloria
agrees to go steady with Jimmy and invites him over, to his horror! At
the apartment, Gloria closes her eyes and tells him to kiss her, while
Jimmy tells her that she's much too intellectual to believe in such silly
stuff. Taking Jimmy by the arm, Gloria agrees, then asks him what he thinks
of the relativity theory, to which Jimbo replies, "Relatives are fine!"
Intent on breaking the proposal, Jimmy is interrupted by reporters and
photographers, who take their picture, hearing that Jimmy is her fiance,
the cub reporter can't possibly break off the engagement without people
in town finding out about it.
At The Planet, Lois tells Jimmy that she didn't think he went for
the brainy type, and the cub reporter rubs his forehead, knowing that
even his pal can't get him out of this one. Unfortunately, mild-mannered
reporter Clark Kent is unaware of Jimmy's distress, congratulating the
cub reporter on knowing that beauty is only skin-deep, then suggests a
double-date, with him, Lois, and Gloria for some bowling. Figuring that
Gloria can't be good at bowling, Jimmy hopes to make her angry so that
she'll break the engagement. At the bowling alley, Gloria rolls strike
after strike, telling Jimmy that it's all about the density of the ball,
the length of the alley, and the spacing of the pins. Jimmy fears that
he won't be able to beat this human computer. Meanwhile, Clark, too, is
bowling a perfect game, and Lois suspects that he's really Superman.
Knowing that he's been using super-aim, Clark pretends to have used
Gloria's formula, and continues to bowl a perfect game.
Gloria's score is twice Jimmy's and outside, she suggests that they
go dancing, with the cub reporter dreading his friends seeing the square
he's with. With Gloria taller than him, Jimmy seems to be on his knees,
but knowing that Gloria might not know how to jitterbug, he hopes to get
off the dance floor. Jimmy's plan to dance with other girls to make
Gloria sore is doomed, since all she has to do is work out a formula for
the hep beat, and Jimmy wonders if he can somehow outwit her. On the way
home, they see a crook and a policeman having a shoot-out. Jimmy
prepares to activate his signal-watch, but Gloria has an idea. Jimmy
places his hat on a stick, then stick it out so that the crook will shoot
at it...
A shot is fired, and Gloria has calculated that the bullet will
ricochet up from the stone wall, hitting a flower pot off the window
sill, which falls and knocks out the bandit. The officer cuffs the
unconscious crook, then tells the kids that they'll get the reward for
the capture of the crook. Gloria figures that once they're married, she
and Jimmy can catch crooks without Superman's help. With her brains and
Jimmy's underworld contacts, they can make a lot of money. Seeing that
Gloria is the greedy, mercenary type, Jimmy wonders if he should disguise
himself and leave the country, then figures it's the coward's way out. At
a dime store, Jimmy purchases a cheap engagement ring, then changes the
price, confident that Gloria will be able to spot the glass blue diamond,
and be furious with him.
While Jimmy sleeps, Superman passes by on his nightly patrol, then
sees the glass diamond on Jimmy's dresser. Figuring that his pal has been
swindled, the Man of Steel soars towards a nearby coal yard, then
squeezes a lump of coal into a diamond! Entering the bedroom, Superman
replaces the fake diamond with the real one, thinking how Jimmy won't
suffer for having a false ring. At the apartment, Gloria is thrilled at
the generosity of her fiancee, while Jimmy smacks his head in surprise,
for he is now hooked, and she thinks he's madly in love with her! The
following day finds Jimmy calling Gloria from the Planet, telling her
that he's too busy to go interview Sir Cedric Feathertip, Earl of Sussex,
an English celebrity who came for a visit, and asks her if she interview
him, instead. During the interview, the English gentlman kisses her
hand, then tells her how he won a fortune as a contestant on The Quiz
Bloke show, answering questions on Einstein's Theory of Relativity and
other simple things. Gloria is impressed by Sir Cedric's high I.Q.
He tells her that his I.Q. is 176, well above genius level, and that
he could win many cash prizes on American quiz shows, that is, if he had
an expert assistant. Gloria mentions that she was chosen as Miss
Metropolis for having the highest I.Q. among girls. Sir Cedric grips her
shoulders, confident that they can bankrupt any quiz show, as well as
spending their evenings writing encyclopedias, and enjoy married life.
Confident that they'd be richer than Fort Knox, Gloria accepts his
proposal. When Jimmy arrives at her apartment, Gloria gives him the ring
back, telling him it's Sir Cedric she loves, and that theirs is a match
made in minds, while Jimmy doesn't matter. Jimmy takes back the ring,
agreeing with her decision. When Superman's patrol brings him near the
docks, he sees Jimmy tying rope to an anchor, and talking about his
troubles being over. Having heard about Gloria jilting him, The Man of
Steel urges Jimmy to reconsider. Smiling, Jimmy tells his pal that he's
merely getting rid of a disguise, while Superman's x-ray vision sees the
English clothes, the monocle, cane, fake mustache, black wig, and stilts,
which made Jimbo taller. The Man of Steel understands that Gloria will
never see "Sir Cedric" again, jilting Jimmy, and now with no fiancee
whatsoever. Jimmy figures it's what she deserves for being so fickle and
greedy. He hopes that she ends up with an electronic brain, and that she
thought he was dumb?
Superman's pal is caught in the bonds of holy matrimony.
True that Jimmy was expecting a beauty contestant (or these days, a
Victoria's Secret model), but I don't think that Gloria was unattractive,
and that being intelligent should be a turn-off. No doubt Jimbo took
several cold showers after the interview.
Interesting that Gloria couldn't tell the difference between Jimmy's
voice and an actor on the TV.
Interesting that Gloria is tall and Jimmy is short. She's about a
head taller than him, though.
The disguise which Jimmy contemplates using to leave the oountry is
interesting, in that the mask resembles Richard Nixon.
"The Quiz Bloke Show" What a name! I bet the questions would be along
the lines of, "Name The Doctor played by Hartnell, Troughton, Pertwee,
Baker, Davison, Baker, and McCoy." "Who?"
Charles Van Doren was a contestant and big winner on the quiz show
"21." He became a correspondent on The Today Show, but it was soon
learned that he was encouraged to cheat by the producers of the quiz
show.
Hmm, if Gloria Mason had been a beauty contestant, would Jimmy have
been that quick to reject her or vice-versa? It would probably be a
shorter story.
Steve Chung
"A Review With Miss Metropolis" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2009 1:59 pm |
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Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #52
"Jimmy Olsen, Wolf-Man!"
April, 1961
Story: Jerry Siegel
Art: Curt Swan
Inks: Stan Kaye
Having once been turned into a Wolf-Man, the cub reporter again
finds himself in the same terribly hirstute situation once more, and even
worse! Jimmy is getting a kiss from stewardess Lucy Lane, only the kiss
of this beautiful girl doesn't work in breaking the spell, which
unbeknownst to young Olsen, is caused by the magic of Mr. Mxyzptlk! In
Metropolis, Mr. Mxyzptlk returns for another visit and is grateful to
have escaped from the advances from his girlfriend, Miss Gzptlsnz, on her
birthday, then sees Jimmy walking on the street below. The imp follows
Jimmy on his date with Lucy Lane, who is eager to have dinner lunch with
the mild-mannered cub reporter...
Upon seeing the stewardess, Mr. Mxyzptlk is smitten by her beauty
and cannot believe that she is dating that oaf, Olsen! At a swanky
restaurant, Jimmy and Lucy are sharing a dance, with Jimmy figuring it's
worth a week's pay for the meal since they're happy, while the fifth
dimensional imp watches them from an outside window. After their date,
Jimmy drops Lucy off at her apartment, and soon, the stewardess answers a
knock at the door, and sees the fifth dimensional imp bearing a giant
emerald for her approval! Knowing about Mr. Mxyzptlk from her sister,
Lois, Lucy rebuffs him by telling him that Jimmy Olsen is her boyfriend!
At Jimmy's apartment, the young cub reporter is going over his
trophy case, while outside, Mr. Mxyzptlk's eyes catch sight of the
wolf-man potion, which takes the kiss of a beautiful girl to break the
spell! Suddenly, Jimmy is compelled to take a swig of the wolf-man
potion, not knowing that it is the fifth dimensional imp's magic which is
causing his rash action, as well as turning the potion to ordinary water,
so that it is his magic which will make Jimmy a Wolf-Man once again!
Dazed, Jimmy uses his signal-watch to summon Superman, while Mr. Mxyzptlk
decides to watch the fun from a discreet distance! When The Man of Steel
arrives, Jimmy fills him in on what has happened, and wonders if his pal
can arrange for Miss X to kiss him in a darkened room, and who broke the
spell last time.
Assuring his pal that he'll do it, Superman flies out, while Jimmy
waits and soon sees his face becoming wolf-like and his hands become
hairy paws. Turning off the lights, Jimmy hears the approach of
Superman, who unbeknownst to Jimmy, has brought Supergirl to kiss him, as
she did before. The purpose of the darkened room is to keep her identity
a secret, as in the time of this story, she was Superman's secret weapon,
while the young cub reporter believes it's to keep the girl from not
being frightened by his features. Superman watches as they kiss, and
both Jimmy and Kara think that they'd like to do it again sometime. The
next moment finds Superman and Jimmy alone in the darkened room, with
Jimmy thinking that The Man of Steel flew Miss X home at super-speed, but
there's some bad news for young Olsen...
Seeing his reflection, Jimmy is horrified at still being a wolf-man,
which The Man of Steel states he saw in the dark with his radar-vision(?)
Superman leaves, but tells Jimmy to take heart, as he prepares to deal
with some extreme emergencies, he'll think of a solution to help his pal!
The following day finds Jimmy as his old self, but come nighttime, he'll
be a wolf-man again! Seeking to get his mind off his problem, he
accompanies Lois on her assignment to find Emil Kobrak, the most wanted
convict in the U.S., as they interview Al Teller, who was a friend of
Kobrak before going straight!
While Lois interviews Teller, Jimmy stares at the exhibit of Emil
Kobrak being chased by Superman, admiring the realistic figures in the
capture scene, and then kicks the Kobrak figure in the knee! Surprised
that he's been found out, Kobrak tells them how he took his wax figure's
place in the exhibit when he learned that Lois was going to interview
Teller, and hid in plain sight so that he could listen better. Using his
signal watch to call Superman, Jimmy tells Kobrak that he saw the
perspiration on Kobrak's brow, and naturally, dummies don't sweat, while
The Man of Steel catches the two crooks. In the office, Lois is at her
typewriter, thanking Jimmy for his help with the story and wonders how
she can repay him, while Jimmy's attention is on the rising moon... Lois
sees Jimmy in his wolf-man form, and recalls Superman telling her that
only a kiss from a beautiful girl can break the spell! Jimmy is ashamed
to ask for her help, but Lois kisses him and hopes with all her heart
that it will cure him, while the cub reporter weeps at her great display
of kindness!
The kiss failed to change him back, and Mr. Mxyzptlk can hardly wait
when Lucy Lane sees her boyfriend now! The following day in Metropolis
park, Jimmy sees that it'll be dark soon, but Lucy wants to go to the
zoo, where she admires the cute timber wolves, while the moon rises, and
Jimmy begins to change... He turns his back to Lucy, hoping to spare her
the sight of him, but Lois told her what happened, and this time, Lucy
wants to kiss him, unlike the previous occasion when she refused to.
Closing her eyes, Lucy thinks of someone handsome, while Jimmy regards
this as a most important kiss from her! Opening her eyes, Lucy voices
her opinion that Jimmy is still ugly, while the cub reporter regards her
as a wonderful girl to be putting up with him, and the fifth dimensional
imp is enjoying every minute of the cub reporter's agony!
At the beach, Jimmy is looking at the moon's reflection on the
water, when he slips on a pebble, then falls into the sea, where he is
caught in the warm embrace of Lori Lemaris, who has read his mind, and
uses her knowledge of his predicament by kissing him, but this, too,
fails! Telling him that perhaps the right girl will have the right kiss,
Jimmy visits Lana Lang, who agrees to kiss him, thinking that if she
succeeds where Lois didn't, Superman might choose her over her rival,
while Jimmy hopes for the best, and even Mr. Mxyzptlk begins to admire
Jimmy's tenacity! Unfortunately, The Wolf-Man Jimmy Olsen walks down the
street, having met failure once more, but a veiled girl calls out to him,
telling him that her kiss will absotively, posolutely will cure him!
Lifting her veil a bit, Jimmy is kissed by the mystery girl, and
notices his face and hands are now back to normal. Curious to see the
beautiful girl whose kiss cured him, Jimmy removes her veil and sees Miss
Gzptlsnz, whom he regards as a homely hag, and whose arrival has caused
Mr. Mxyzptlk to come out of hiding and admit that it was his magic that
changed Jimmy into a wolf-man, but not knowing how her kiss could have
cured him! Having been stood up on her birthday, Miss Gzptlsnz followed
him to Metropolis and saw what he put Jimmy through, and tells the imp
that she used a special brand of lipstick to cure him. Reading the label
of the Kltpzyxm lipstick, Mr. Mxyzptlk is tricked into returning to the
fifth dimension for another 90 days! Before she leaves, Miss Gzptlsnz
tells Jimmy that she used fifth dimensional magic to cure him, and
assures the young cub reporter that she'll be nagging the imp for each
one of those ninety days, then recites her name backwards! Now cured of
being a wolf-man, Jimmy is once again dating Lucy and is eager for a
kiss, to which she rebuffs him, telling the wolf that he's had enough
kisses to last him months!
Even one who says his prayers at night and is Superman's pal, can
became a wolf-man when Mr. Mxyzptlk's interest in Lucy Lane blooms.
I guess Jimmy is the reason why there's child-proof caps on aspirin
bottles.
Lois proves to be more sympathetic to Jimmy than her sister is to
him.
Lucy wants to help Jimmy and is honest about his appearance when the
kiss fails to work.
A kiss between a mermaid and a wolf-man. About as likely as one
between a mermaid and a Superman.
Lana Lang is still seeking to out-do Lois and become Mrs. Superman.
In our adolescence, we had to deal with acne, while Jimmy has to
deal with a real close shave in this story.
Steve Chung
"Jimmy Olsen, Wolf-Man Review!" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2009 2:09 pm |
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Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #58
"Jimmy The Soda-Jerk!"
January, 1962
Story: Robert Bernstein
Art: Curt Swan
Inks: George Klein
Standing on a scale, Jimmy reads his fortune, which tells of a
beautiful girl, who has just entered his life, and that he should be nice
to her because she goes for him in a big, big, way, and behind him is
Elsie, the 308 lb beauty who is confident that fate means for them to
meet, while at the cosmetic counter, Lucy Lane beams at Jimmy's fortune,
and The Man of Steel realizes that this particular girl has a lot of love
to give! At a drugstore in Metropolis, the Daily Planet cub reporter is
undercover as a soda jerk, a job he got the other day, and since then,
Elsie has been by the counter, intent on making Jimbo her own, while
Jimmy regrets smiling at her the day he began the job. Elsie offers to
take him out to dinner, which she'd gladly pay for, and Jimmy tells her
that he'll think about it, as soon as she gets back to her cashier's
booth before the boss gets upset, and thinks to himself why the girl
doesn't see he has no desire to date her?
Thirsting for a coke, Lucy Lane enters the drugstore and is
surprised to see Jimmy The Soda Jerk in action! Shushing her, Jimmy
tells her not to give him away since he's undercover, watching the owner,
"Legs" Halleck, who knows the young man as Jimmy Smith. He tells her that
the owner is an ex-convict who appears to be going straight, but Jimmy's
been informed that he's involved in a counterfeiting racket, and no one
knows how Halleck contacts the members of his gang to pick up the phony
money! Once he's finished his story, Jimmy sees Lucy walking away, and then,
bring in a salesgirl wanted sign from outside. Since she has four days
before her next flight, and wondering how exactly Jimmy gets his scoops,
she applies for the salesgirl job, to Jimmy's disbelief. Shortly, the
owner comes up to Jimmy, having been told that he is a friend of Lucy and
can recommend her for the job, which he does, and hopes that she doesn't
get in his way. At night, Jimmy and Lucy have dinner, with him trying to
convince her that the assignment is dangerous, and she, confident that
the cub reporter can take care of himself, so that she can watch him in
action!
The following morning, Jimmy is given the task of replacing the
penny fortune cards in the scale, and later, Jimmy treats Lucy to her
fortune on the scale. Reading her fortune, Lucy tells Jimmy that it's
about a handsome, rich gentleman, who will fall in love with her and take
her out on exciting dates, and that her weight is 110 lbs. Mr. Halleck
calls Lucy over and tells her that there's a customer at the perfume
counter, the customer is a handsome rich gentleman, who finds her
beautiful and offers to take her out, while Jimmy fumes and places a
penny in the scale. Hoping to somehow make Lucy jealous, 165 lb Jimmy
reads about a beautiful girl who has just entered his life, and for him
to treat her nice since she goes for him in a big, big way! Hearing a
girl's voice behind him, Jimmy turns...
Elsie tells Jimmy that she has two tickets to the jazz festival, and
the cub reporter turned soda jerk wonders if the fortune is all it's
cracked up to be. Seeing Lucy and the handsome gentleman customer
sharing smiles with one another, Jimmy tears up the jazz tickets, his
thoughts on cracking the counterfeit money passers, unaware of how
Elsie's feelings are hurt. The afternoon finds Elsie wondering why Jimmy
isn't interested in her, then she mentions Willie Paxton, a man she
claims is dying for a date with her, and who she will have nothing to do
with until he loses 100 pounds. Paxton comes in frequently to buy
weight-loss pills, and Elsie is confident that Willie would be eager to
take her to the jazz festival. Willie, meanwhile, asks Mr. Halleck for
some pennies for the scale. Elsie greets Willie, who tells her that
he'll lose the weight someday with the reducing pills, as he slips a
penny into the coin slot... Elsie tells Jimmy that Paxton is starving
himself to make an impression on her, while Jimmy's eyes suddenly zero in
on a thin fellow who has just walked in, and who resembles someone from a
rogues gallery.
The thin man orders a malted milk, and Soda Jerk Jimmy figures that
there must be something secret in the malted milk powder, and empties the
entire container in vain for a secret message. The thin man tells Mr.
Halleck that he really has a soda jerk on his hands, then leaves, with
the boss cross at the undercover reporter, who has overloaded the shaker
with the malted. The next day, Willie Paxton tells Elsie that the
weight-loss pills haven't worked, and he is still at 300 lbs, then orders
Jimmy to make him a double butterscotch frappe when Elsie's out, and the
soda jerk wonders why Paxton would want ice cream if he's trying to lose
weight? Suddenly gripped with an idea, Jimmy tells Lucy to get on the
scale with him, intent on making the scale weigh 300 lbs, and the
undercover cosmetic salesperson wonders if Jimmy has jerked one too many
sodas.
The two of them together weigh 265 lbs, but Jimmy thinks that the
safe in the back room would do the job, just as an orange Krypto soars
by. Whistling, Jimmy gets Krypto's attention and begins to bring the
safe to the scale, then drops it when he is attracted by the aroma of a
hot dog! Elsie returns, then asks what the boss' safe is doing out of
the back room. Pointing a finger at Elsie, Jimmy figures that she must
weigh 300 lbs, and tells her to get on the scale, but the delicate Elsie
has never been on a scale, unable to face what she must weigh. Desperate
for her to get on the scale, Jimmy agrees to give her a kiss for each
pound she weighs, and asks her to weigh herself. With such an incentive,
Elsie hopes she weighs a thousand lbs, then gets on the scale! (Holy
Simmons, Batman! Jimmy is going to have some sore lips in the morning.)
Elsie weighs 308 lbs and expects 308 kisses from Jimmy, who is so
intent on reading the fortune on the card that has just come out, that he
fails to see Mr. Halleck's return. It reads, "Seek fortune on waterfront
at midnight." This is the method that "Legs" used to get a special
message to Willie Paxton, who weighed 300 lbs, while anyone who weighed
under 300 lbs would get a regular message. "Legs" Halleck has a message
of his own for Jimmy... "I'm going to bump you off!" Now aware that
Jimmy has gone undercover as a soda jerk to nail him and his gang, "Legs"
is about to pull the trigger, when salesgirl Lucy blinds him with perfume
from the sample atomizer! While "Legs" is blinded, Jimmy activates his
signal watch to contact Superman, who will no doubt catch the
counterfeiting ring at the waterfront this evening. Indeed, The Man of
Steel vows to keep a date with the gang, but before that can happen,
Jimmy has to fulfill an appointment of his own... with Elsie!
214...215...216... Jimmy grudingly finds it's worth it, for he has
received 308 lbs of satisfaction out of catching Halleck and The
Counterfeiting Gang.
Having gone undercover as a bellboy, a window-washer, a racketeer,
and even a girl, Jimmy has become a soda-jerk! Jimmy's fortune has come
true for in being nice to Elsie, he managed to uncover "Legs" Halleck's
counterfeiting ring.
Ah, The Silver Age, where if a girl wasn't a newshen or flight
attendent, she could be an undercover cosmetics salesgirl!
Perhaps the handsome, rich gentleman was really The Man of Steel in
one of his amazing disguises. Having been out with Lois, maybe he wanted
to date Lucy, as well. The disguise, to spare his pal's feelings, to
avoid Lois' wrath, and to stake out the drugstore... yeah, that's right!
Willie Paxton outweighs me by 70 lbs. My kingdom for a Cosmic
Treadmill.
What would a Silver Age Jimmy Olsen story be without a
misunderstanding between him and Lucy? "Quick, Lucy! Get on the scale!"
For some reason, Krypto is colored orange in this story. Red
Kryptonite?
Jimmy's boss wanting to bump him off. Usually it's the other way
around.
With her use of the sample atomizer, I don't know why Lucy didn't
follow Lana Lang's example of joining The Legion of Super-Heroes as
Cosmetic Queen?
214... 215...216... kisses and I have to ask, what will give
first... Jimmy... Elsie... or the stool beneath them?
Steve Chung
"Jimmy The Soda-Review" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2009 2:25 pm |
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Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #59
"Jimmy Olsen, Freak!"
March, 1962
Story: Leo Dorfman
Art: Curt Swan
Inks: George Klein
The young cub reporter has always worshipped stewardess Lucy Lane,
hoping that she would return his affection, but today it is Lucy Lane who
is receiving the cold shoulder from Jimmy! An impossible occurrence?
No, for it happens on the day that Jimmy Olsen becomes a freak!
It's Valentine's Day, and outside of Lucy Lane's apartment, Jimmy
arrives with a box of candy, only to see a quartet of Lucy's boyfriends,
with flowers and expensive gifts in hand. Answering the door, Lucy
scolds Jimmy for coming with a mere one pound of candy, while the men in
her apartment snicker at his meager offering.
Heading for The Daily Planet, Jimmy decides to buy Lucy an expensive
gift, such as a necklace or diamond ring. At noon, the cub reporter is
seated on a park bench, eating a bag lunch, intent on saving money for a
down payment on a ring, which will no doubt bring a smile to Lucy's face.
HUMMMM-MMMM-MMM! Hearing the humming sound, Jimmy rises and sees a
flying saucer, which has a strange sort of beam shining upon him! The
female alien emerges from the spaceship, pleased that her psycho-locator
beam functioned flawlessly, and pleased to see Jimmy in person! Jimmy sees
the gorgeous girl, who introduces herself as Princess Ilona of The Sunev
Galaxy, and who has been watching Jimmy's exploits with Superman for years,
the young cub reporter is her hero and idol! Telling Jimmy how much she
admires his bravery, his good looks, Ilona tells him that the purpose of
her trip is to ask the cub reporter to marry her! The flustered cub
reporter needs some time to think it over, as he does have a girlfriend!
Ilona considers her a mean, inconsiderate child, then insists that
Jimmy kiss her so that he'll forget she ever existed! They lock lips and
Jimmy realizes he has never been kissed like this before! Once they part,
Ilona asks Jimmy if he thinks he'll be able to forget Lucy Lane, and
Jimbo is in such a dazed state, that he heartily agrees! Now betrothed,
Ilona presents Jimmy with a betrothal gift, according to the customs of
her galaxy. Jimmy sees the golden belt, which is decorated with rare
jewels! Donning the belt, Jimmy is told by Ilona that the jewels are for
far more than mere decoration. Each gem gives Jimmy a super-power!
Touching the emerald gives Jimmy the power of flight! Pressing the
diamond makes everything the cub reporter touch turn to gold, such as the
tree in the park he brushes against!
Touching the ruby renders Jimmy invisible. Wondering how he can
thank her, Jimmy is told that he can do so by becoming Ilona's husband,
and sharing the riches of her galaxy! So pleased is Ilona, that she
insists that they visit her galaxy for the wedding ceremony , but Jimmy
requests that they leave at night. He wishes to introduce her to his
friends, who'll be attending the Valentine's Day costume ball,
particularly his stuck-up girlfriend, and Ilona heartily agrees! At the
dance, Lucy is the center of attention, with each man fighting for the
opportunity to dance with her, but soon, all eyes turn to Jimmy Olsen,
clad in a spaceman costume, and with a glamourous girl on his arm!
Jimmy's friends are stunned by Ilona's unearthly beauty, while the
cub reporter freely admits that she's out of this world! Now the center
of attention, Ilona only has eyes for Jimmy, who shares a dance with her,
while Lucy Lane wonders how the cub reporter would rate a girl like
Ilona. Figuring that she underestimated him and that no doubt beneath
the boyish appearance, he must have a dynamic personality, Lucy walks
over and offers to dance with Jimmy, who yawns and tells her that he's
promised all of his dances to his fiancee, who tells her that she is the
jealous type, and for Lucy to run along! Realizing that she's lost Jimmy
forever, Jimmy has a friend walk her home, while Jimmy watches and gloats
about finally having the chance to give Lucy the brush-off! Seeing that
it's late, Ilona tells Jimmy that they should be heading for the
spaceship and prepare for launch at dawn!
Jimmy tells her that he just needs half an hour to pack his clothes
and Superman trophies, then meet her at the park! At dawn, Jimmy heads
for the park, pleased that he is to marry a princess, live in the lap of
luxury, and grateful that Lucy Lane never accepted any of his proposals!
Unbeknowst to Jimmy, the shrubbery conceals some male acquaintances of
Ilona's, who see him and know that he is to be number five, as well as
Ilona's favorite! Walking into the ambush, Jimmy is suprised to see the
quartet of spacemen, who are unimpressed by the mere stripling who Ilona
will marry, and their eyes see the betrothal belt! With the opinion that
there's much to Jimmy, one of the spacemen presses the jade button on his
own belt, and the dyna-ray turns Jimmy into a human balloon, which is
good since there will be more of him for Ilona to love!
Figuring that it must be Jimmy's art of conversation which Ilona
covets, another spaceman uses the dyna-ray to enlarge the cub reporter's
tongue and ears! Noting Jimmy's red hair, the other spaceman uses the
dyna-ray to add more red hair to Jimmy's head! Now knowing what it's
like for The Man of Steel when he is exposed to Red Kryptonite, Jimmy
uses his signal watch to call his pal, and a split-second later, Superman
arrives, and asks Vangar, Duran, Rogor, and Berek what they're doing on
Earth! The quartet of spacemen greet their old friend, while the
transformed Jimmy wonders when his friend will help him, and the startled
Superman realizes that the unshaven bouncing boy is none other than Jimmy
Olsen! Familiar with the Sunevian magic belts, Superman tells the
spacemen to turn Jimmy back to normal!
The four of them are Ilona's husbands, and Jimmy is to be the fifth!
Ilona arrives and tells the cub reporter that it's perfectly legal in her
galaxy to have many husbands, and that he'll be her favorite! Asking to
have a word alone with Superman, Jimmy asks his pal to get him out of this
jam, and the grinning Man of Steel points out that to break a Sunevian
engagement would be an unforgivable insult which would lead to intergalactic
war! However, he has a plan...! The Man of Steel soars away at super-speed,
with Ilona wondering where Superman is heading to, and Jimmy tells her that
his pal is picking up a couple of things he forget to bring along! Superman
returns with two elderly women on each arm, who Jimmy tells Ilona are none
other than his wives! Surprised that Jimmy didn't tell her that he was
married, the cub reporter tells the stunned Ilona that he didn't think it
was important at the time, but not to worry, since she will always be his
favorite!
Refusing to marry a man who is married to what she regards as
monstrosities, Ilona takes her four husbands and heads for Sunev! As the
ship leaves Earth, Jimmy thanks Superman for saving him, and The Man of
Steel tells him that Ilona didn't suspect that Jimmy's "wives" were none
other than Lois Lane and Lana Lang in disguise, who when told of his
predicament, agreed to help! Jimmy asks Lois and Lana for one more
favor. Since Lucy saw Jimmy with Ilona, she no doubt has the impression
that he is a great lover, and not to tell her the truth, which they agree
to, and Lois, in particular, since she's not too pleased by the way her
sister has been treating the cub reporter! The following day, a tearful
Lucy congratulates Jimmy on his upcoming marriage, while Jimmy tells her
that they broke up since Ilona wasn't his type, and she was very jealous!
Brightened by the news, Lucy asks Jimmy for a date, with a movie, some
chinese food, and a walk in the park, but Jimmy calmly flips through a
little black book and tells her that he may be able to see her in a week!
He neglects to tell her that he's flipping through his grocery list, but
Lucy swoons at the thought that she has a chance to date Jimmy Olsen, and
will be waiting night and day by the phone!
Lucy seems to be unusually cruel to Jimmy in this story, about as
cruel as Superman is to Lois in the pages of her title around the same
time.
Oblivious to the way he's being treated, Jimmy is determined to get
her a nice gift, and gets our sympathy, not to mention our incredulity.
Ilona's advances makes me wonder if she was Supergirl in disguise or
even Superman in a Red Kryptonite induced transformation of his own.
Still in possession of the betrothal belt, Jimmy could use it to
turn objects to gold and increase his income, but in a subsequent story,
he'll lose track of the belt.
It'd be interesting to see if any youngsters asked their parents
what bigamy is, or if it was referred to in the letters pages. No doubt,
Weisinger or their parents would tell them it's an advanced form of math,
such as Trigonometry or Algebra. One Ilona equals five husbands!
For once, Lois and Lana weren't trying to unmask Superman or trick
him into becoming their husband.
Steve Chung
"Jimmy Olsen, Review!" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2009 2:36 pm |
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Posts: 4672
Location: Detroit, Michigan
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Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #60
"The Girl Who Was Lucy Lane's Double!"
April, 1962
Creators: Robert Bernstein (Script). Curt Swan (Pencils). George Klein
(Inks).
The cub reporter has traveled through time before, but Jimmy now finds
himself in a different era with plenty of surprises when he meets "The
Girl Who Was Lucy Lane's Double!" The red-haired reporter is dusting his
Superman souvenirs in his apartment when he sees a dogcatcher about to net
Streaky the Super-Cat! He watches as the orange tabby with the white
streak on its side leaps through the net, and whirls clockwise in the
air.
Since the Man of Steel and the Maid of Might are away on emergency
missions, Jimmy decides to pursue Streaky by using the Sunevian magic
belt, which was a gift from Ilona of the Sunev Galaxy. When the marriage
plans were called off, the ruler neglected to retrieve the betrothal
present. The cub reporter remembers how each button performs a different
function, and by pressing the onyx jewel, he can travel to the past.
Both he and Streaky are now in a New England town, where the people are
dressed in puritan garb. The date is Thursday June 12, 1692, and the tax
collectors are out in force. Realizing that his modern clothes is sure to
attract unwanted attention, Jimmy activates the emerald jewel, and flies
towards an effigy of the Governor.
The cub reporter dons the puritan clothes and goes in search of the
Super-Cat. He soon comes across a wolf pack. By pressing the pearl jewel
on the belt, a repeller ray sends the wolves backwards, and the animals
flee. Jimmy introduces himself to some hunters as the sole survivor of a
shipwreck. The men offer him shelter and the search for Streaky is
postponed. Back in the town, the Governor's men have arrested a woman who
was found with a doll-likeness of Governor Gale. Lucinda Lawrence is to be
punished by public ducking.
As the girl is seated in the ducking chair, Jimmy sees that she resembles
his girlfriend, Lucy Lane. The townspeople plead for her release, but
since Lucinda refuses to pay taxes, she made be made an example of. When
the Governor suggests that someone else take her place, the cub reporter
volunteers. Gale eyes the red-haired stranger and plans to keep the
meddler underwater for too long a time. As the ducking stool goes
underwater, Jimmy activates the amethyst jewel on the Sunevian belt. He
is now surrounded by a force-field which keeps him with enough air to
breathe. Ten minutes pass, with the Governor reluctantly raising the
ducking stool to the surface once more.
When the townspeople see that the newcomer is safe and sound, Jimmy tells
them that he's had plenty of practice at holding his breath. Free from
the ducking stool, he and Lucinda head for her uncle's carpenter shoppe.
The carpenter agrees to take Jimmy on as an apprentice, and the
red-haired reporter stays for supper. He watches as Lucinda stirs the
pot with a special stick, and she tells him that it's a special dish.
After the meal, they take a walk around town, with the girl telling him
that if they got married, she'd be happy to cook and clean for him.
When Lucinda asks him to kiss her, Jimmy obliges, and realizes that things
wouldn't be so bad for him in the past. In the morning, Lucinda and her
Aunt Clara go to do the wash, while Jimmy has some breakfast.
Grateful for their hospitality, the cub reporter grabs a broom to sweep
up, and sees a dusty bear rug that needs some beating. As he beats the
rug on a clothes line, Jimmy sees Streaky flying by. Pressing the
emerald jewel on the belt allows the cub reporter to fly after the
Super-Cat. Two customers come out of Ye Olde English Ale House to see
the red-haired newcomer flying in the air after an orange cat. The chase
leads to the chimney of the Lawrence home. Inside, Jimmy finds that
Streaky is now black with soot and explains to the Super-Cat what he's
been through to find him. As he strokes the black cat, he sees that the
soot isn't coming off. With cat in hand, the cub reporter decides to
return to 1962 by activating the Sunevian belt.
To his dismay, Jimmy finds that his magic belt has disappeared. Lucinda
enters and urges for him to hide from the Governor's men, who are out for
his arrest. He tells the girl to wait, while he goes to speak with them.
Jimmy Olsen is to be arrested for the crime of being a demon. When the
red-haired reporter walks beneath a ladder, Jimmy learns that today is
Friday the 13th, and he is now under arrest. Inside the town courthouse,
the Governor confesses that he had thought there was something amiss with
the newcomer when he had survived the ten minute ducking. The hunters
testify that they had seen the wolf pack fleeing from Olsen.
The wild animals would have killed him if he was a mere mortal, but they
were afraid of him. Jimmy tries to explain how his magic belt's repeller
ray kept him from harm, then realizes his error. The pub-goers tells the
Governor how they saw him flying in the air on a broomstick, and the cub
reporter mentions his magic belt once again. Three more townspeople
testify that they saw Jimmy playing with a black cat on Friday the 13th.
With the evidence against him, the Governor orders that Jimmy Olsen be
put to death... hanged. He is to be placed in the stocks until his date
of execution in the town of Salem. The red-haired newcomer is the center
of attention in the town square, and receives a visit from Lucinda. She
has come to save him, and a minute later, Jimmy disappears from the
stocks.
Reappearing in Lucinda's cottage, the cub reporter realizes that the girl
must be a witch! The stick that she used to stir the dish last night was
a magic wand. Lucinda shows Jimmy her collection of devil dolls in the
cupboard. The broom that the red-haired reporter held was a witch's
broom, while the black cat was her pet, Satan. He had mistaken her cat
for Streaky. It was Lucinda's magic which caused his Sunevian belt to
disappear. She had fallen in love with the young man, but now that he
has been accused of being a demon, he must go back to the future. The
next moment, Jimmy finds himself back in his apartment, with Streaky the
Super-Cat soaring past his window. In the afternoon, the cub reporter
visits the Metropolis Museum, where he learns what happened to Lucinda on
June 13, 1692. Among her effects was a belt with many jewels, and Jimmy
knows that he had better not tell his girlfriend that he had almost
married a witch.
Jimmy Olsen and Lucinda Lawrence would have made a great couple. He with
his Superman trophies, and she with her devil dolls.
The cub reporter received the Sunevian Golden Belt in Jimmy Olsen #59.
Without his super-cape, the Super-Cat was obviously streaking.
Seeing Jimmy in puritan garb, I'm reminded of the character of Billy
Pilgrim from Kurt Vonnegut's "Slaughterhouse Five," who'd also spend his
days traveling along his lifetime.
1962 was the time of "Duck and Cover," but 1692 was the time of
"Ducking."
Olde English is good for what "ales" you.
Elizabeth Montgomery starred in the 1960's series, "Bewitched." Samantha
Stephens had her own Aunt Clara and a two-part episode had Sam visiting
16th Century Salem, as well.
Steve Chung
"The Girl Who Was Lucy Lane's Review" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2009 2:42 pm |
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Location: Detroit, Michigan
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Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #65
"The Human Porcupine!"
December, 1962
Story: Jerry Siegel
Art: Curt Swan
Inks: George Klein
The young cub reporter has certainly had more than his fair share of
experiences on the subject of physical transformations. He's been a
Wolf-Man, a Giant Turtle Man, an alien, and a merman. Now under the 5th
dimensional magic of Miss Gzptlsnz, the girlfriend of Mr. Mxyzptlk, Jimmy
Olsen gets the point when he is turned into The Human Porcupine! It's
Leap Year in the fifth dimension, and Miss Gzptlsnz proposes to Mr.
Mxyzptlk, who refuses, and has the girl heading for Earth in search of a
more suitable suitor! At The Metropolis Zoo, Jimmy is waiting for Lucy
Lane, unaware that Miss Gzptlsnz has materialized above him, recognizing
the young man she met before, and then proposes to him.
Remembering her as the homely hag who saved him from being a
Wolf-Man, and aware of her fifth dimensional magic, Jimmy makes sure not
to provoke her and tells Miss Gzptlsnz that he's a confirmed bachelor.
When she flies off, The Man of Steel arrives, telling his pal that he
overheard their exchange and asks why he didn't accept her proposal,
which has Jimmy frowning, and saying that he'd rather marry an animal!
After Superman soars away, Miss Gzptlsnz re-appears in a puff of smoke,
having heard his conversation with Superman about rejecting her, and uses
fifth dimensional magic to have the cub reporter walk through the zoo and
to resemble the first animal he meets! Compelled, Jimmy walks through the
zoo, determined not to stare at any animals, such as the giraffe he passes
by, but decides to approach the lion cage, reasoning that if he adopts the
characteristics of the king of the jungle, the girls will give him the lion's
share of their affections. Unfortunately for Jimmy, it is a porcupine which
crosses Jimmy's path first, thanks to Miss Gzptlsnz, who opened its cage!
A moment later, Jimmy has become a human porcupine, a fate worse
than when he was a wolf-man! Racing out of the zoo, Jimmy meets Lucy,
and one of his quills flies through her stewardess hat! Screaming, Lucy
sees that Jimmy is now a human porcupine, then runs off towards the
Metropolis Fair Grounds, with Jimmy trying to keep up and telling her
that he didn't mean to shoot his quill, which happened when he was
excited, and that real porcupines don't fire their quills. Lucy ducks
into a hot air balloon, while some roustabouts tell her that they'll take
care of the masher, but upon seeing Jimmy in his new state, even these
hardened men turn tail and run! Jumping into the basket, Jimmy tries to
explain what's happened, just as the balloon begins to soar upward, and
when Lucy screams for help, another of Jimmy's quills flies out and
punctures the balloon!
The helium gas begins to escape, with Lucy seeing the ground below,
but Jimmy uses his ultra-sonic signal watch to reach The Man of Steel,
who catches the balloon, and asks his pal what's happened, learning of
the fifth dimensional magic of Miss Gzptlsnz! Once on the ground, Lucy
runs away, Superman tells Jimmy to get Miss Gzptlsnz to say her name
backwards so that she'll go back to her own dimension, breaking the
spell. Racing into a phone booth, Jimmy calls up Kim Loo, and calls in a
favor from the chinese restaurant owner. When Miss Gzptlsnz arrives to
taunt him, Jimmy offers to take her for some romantic dining, and in Kim
Loo's Chinatown restaurant, the owner tells them to don Mandarin robes
while they eat, and Miss Gzptlsnz laughs when she sees the quills
sticking out of Jimmy's robe.
Reading his fortune cookie, Jimmy tells her that his fortune reads
of marrying someone exotic, while Miss Gzptlsnz starts to read her
fortune, and the cub reporter sharing a knowing smile with Kim Loo, who
placed a typewritten message with her name spelled backwards, which will
send her back for 90 days. Unfortunately, the scheme fails when Miss
Gzptlsnz stops reading before reaching her name, and sees through his
trick, making Jimmy so excited that his quills fire and strike the
chinese gongs, as well as ruining the egg roll, won ton soup, and egg foo
yung! While Kim Loo rages, Jimmy discards the robes.
At the Daily Planet, Jimmy is looking for some fatherly advice from
Editor Perry White, but when Perry's cigar drops from his mouth in
surprise, the shout causes the cub reporter to become excited, and one of
his quills ruins the negative of a valuable picture! While Perry's
temper is flaring, the cub reporter meekly takes his leave,and later,
Jimmy finds a job as a circus freak, where the sword swallower is
devouring Jimmy's flying quills, and the human flame thrower is burning
them. As Jimmy uses his quills against the human pin cushion, the
tattooed man makes a comment that the crowd is ignoring him, in favor of
the human porcupine! Miss Gzptlsnz returns to see Jimmy, who tells her
that he's glad to see her and wants to get married!
When he turns, she sees the heart tattoo on his chest and one of the
quills resembling Cupid's arrow, then wonders what's written inside the
heart tattoo. When Jimmy tells her that it's a love message for her,
Miss Gzptslnz can hardly wait to read it, and read it aloud she does...
"Jimmy Loves Znsltpzg!" Tricked into reading her name backwards, she
disappears back to the fifth dimension for 90 days. The Man of Steel
arrives in time to see Jimmy turned back to his normal self, and tells
his pal that he's been watching him, as well as admiring how the cub
reporter got rid of the pest. Jimmy hit upon the idea when he saw the
circus' tattooed man, then uses water to wash off the temporary tattoo.
Thankful that he's no longer a human porcupine, Jimmy regrets that he
didn't see another animal first, but Superman points out that it could
have been much worse, and at the zoo, Jimmy sees what's inside the next
cage he would have passed... a skunk! Gulping, the cub reporter admits
to his pal that it definitely could have been worse!
This tale occurs on Leap Year, so Superman/Clark Kent must have
celebrated a birthday!
Miss Gzptslnz did help Jimmy to be cured of being a wolf-man, but
the ungrateful cub reporter could have been a bit nicer to her and spare
her feelings, rather than telling Superman that she's a beast. Jimbo
certainly got what he deserved, and oh, if only he was nice to her and
gave her a tour of Metropolis, or took her to Kim Loo's for lunch, he
might have avoided this transformation, and probably gained a friend.
It was funny to see Lucy being startled, losing composure, then
running away from Jimmy. After all, how much can the poor girl endure?
I'd bet that she's had a tougher time with Jimmy than Lois has had with
Superman!
Miss Gzptlsnz does enjoy taunting Jimmy for her wounded pride, and
this would make her seem unlikeable, but I can see her point of view in
wanting to teach Jimmy a lesson about appearances.
Fortunately for Jimmy, he manages to outwit her and come up smelling
like a rose... rather than a "Flower."
Steve Chung
"The Human Porcupine Review!" |
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