Just as DC/National Comics and other outfits were still dabbling with super hero characters as the 1940s transitioned into teh 1950s, the same was true of Timely Comics, which would one day become Marvel. The firm has lasting success with three characters throughout the 1940s: the Human Torch, the Sub-Mariner and Captain America. But all … Continue reading The First Silver Age Marvel Super Hero
Month: March 2023
BHOC: GREEN LANTERN #109
GREEN LANTERN (Co-Starring Green Arrow) was a series whose move into the DC Explosion I really liked--mainly because I had a real love for the Golden Age heroes of DC's past. So having a regular back-up spot dedicated to Alan Scott, the Original Green lantern, was very welcome in my eyes. I also really liked … Continue reading BHOC: GREEN LANTERN #109
WC: STRANGE TALES #118
STRANGE TALES #118 was another book that I got in my Windfall Comics haul of 1988. By this point, it was a decidedly secondary title in the expanding Marvel line, not really possessing the spark of any of the other series of the era. This was really down to the lead Human Torch feature. While … Continue reading WC: STRANGE TALES #118
CANCELLED COMIC CAVALCADE #1: BLACK LIGHTNING #12
CANCELLED COMIC CAVALCADE was something of a legendary title, in that it wasn't really a published title at all. In 1978, as a publishing initiative designed to restore the health of the division, new DC Publisher Jenette Kahn and her editorial team had made the decision to raise the price of the line from 35 … Continue reading CANCELLED COMIC CAVALCADE #1: BLACK LIGHTNING #12
BHOC: ACTION COMICS #488
I was into picking up this next issue of ACTION COMICS thanks both to the impending showdown between Superman and Microwave Man--a costumed villain from the past who'd spend decades off in space--and the start of the Air-Wave back-up series. I knew Air-Wave from over in GREEN LANTERN and had liked him a bunch as … Continue reading BHOC: ACTION COMICS #488
Forgotten Masterpiece: MARY MARVEL #8
In contrast to most of the other publishers in the field, Fawcett Comics wasn't hesitant to have their various super hero characters interact with one another. Recognizing the promotional strength of their most popular hero Captain Marvel, Fawcett would regularly feature him on the cover of any new title launch, welcoming the new star to … Continue reading Forgotten Masterpiece: MARY MARVEL #8
The First Silver Age DC Super Hero
As the 1940s transitioned into the 1950s, the heyday of the typical costumed super hero appeared to be in its twilight. While big marquee characters such as Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman continued to post sufficient sales to continue in their respective titles, all across the field, other less fortunate crusaders were hanging up their … Continue reading The First Silver Age DC Super Hero
BHOC: IRON MAN #115
This next issue of IRON MAN was the preamble to what would, in time, be considered one of the very best runs that the title had to offer. His arrival had been touted on the Marvel Bullpen Bulletins page all month, and so here was John Romita Jr., the son of Marvel legend and art … Continue reading BHOC: IRON MAN #115
WC: SGT FURY #25
This issue of SGT. FURY AND HIS HOWLING COMMANDOS was the final one I got in my box of Windfall Comics, purchased for $50.00 back in 1988, and it was an interesting issue for reasons that I'll expound upon later. SGT FURY was a bit of an odd duck in the Marvel line, in that … Continue reading WC: SGT FURY #25
AMAZING HEROES #62 1985 PREVIEW SPECIAL, S-Z
More, more, more of the 1985 AMAZING HEROES Preview Special for 1985, spotlighting and teasing the comic books that will be released in the coing year. These old Preview Specials are a treasure trove of insight as to what creators and editors were thinking about their work in real time. SPECTRUM PRESENTS didn't happen, and … Continue reading AMAZING HEROES #62 1985 PREVIEW SPECIAL, S-Z