An eagle-eyed reader noticed that I omitted Kid Colt #130 in my list of "other comics published this month" in September 1966. I'm glad that people pay enough attention. I'll be very happy if someone finds mistakes that I need to correct. However, Kid Colt #130 was a deliberate omission. My list only includes comics with at least one new story, and Kid Colt #130 was a reprint issue. This will become more apparent as annuals are released, of which some have new stories but others don't. I don't yet know what I'll do with the "dreaded deadline doom" (DDD) issues that popped up in the 1970's. I'll deal with them when I get to them.
Fantastic Four #57
Title: Enter Dr. Doom!
Writer: Stan Lee
Artist: Jack Kirby
Villain: Doctor Doom, Sandman, Wizard, Maximus
Regulars: Wyatt Wingfoot
Guests: Black Bolt, Medusa, Crystal, Gorgon, Karnak, Triton, Lockjaw, Silver Surfer
This is typical for Stan Lee's writing style. The story is called "Enter Dr. Doom", but on the splash page we see the Fantastic Four being attacked by the Sandman. The Sandman is breaking out of prison with the help of the Wizard, who says that he'll remain where he is until the Sandman comes to collect him.
The Sandman later attacks the Fantastic Four at the Baxter Building. Before he flees he takes a handful of Reed Richards' devices with him, hoping that the Wizard can make use of them.
The Sandman was last seen in Fantastic Four #45.
The Wizard was last seen in Fantastic Four #43.
In the meantime, Johnny Storm and Wyatt Wingfoot are still dimension-hopping with Lockjaw, attempting to find a way to reach Crystal. In the Hidden Land Maximus tells the other Inhumans that Black Bolt isn't mute; he's always been able to speak, but he doesn't wish to.
In Latveria, Doctor Doom invites the Silver Surfer into his palace. He tells him that he's a man of peace, and the Silver Surfer is naive enough to believe him.
When he turns his back Doctor Doom uses a device to transfer the Silver Surfer's power into himself. What he says about being able to challenge Galactus is an exaggeration. It was Galactus who gave the power, and the Silver Surfer himself was unable to defeat Galactus in Fantastic Four #50.
Doctor Doom is also able to use the Silver Surfer's surfboard, which leads to some of the most chilling scenes ever to be drawn in Marvel Comics. Most comic fans say that the Galactus saga (Fantastic Four #48 to #50) is the greatest story ever written. It's my opinion that the Doctor Doom-Silver Surfer saga (Fantastic Four #57 to #60) exceeds it. I remember when I first read the comics as a boy. I went to the shop almost every day to check for the next issue of the Fantastic Four.
Doctor Doom was seen briefly, in a shadow, last month. His last full appearance was in Avengers #25.
To end on a light-hearted note, the Thing is watching "Marvel Super-Heroes" on television. This was a cartoon series that ran for three months in 1966. I've never watched it, and I have no intention to. Each episode was made up of three seven-minute stories. Seven minutes? It's impossible to put much into a time slot like that, apart from muscle bound characters mindlessly punching one another.
However, this is interesting in showing how Stan Lee viewed the so-called Marvel Universe. The super-heroes lived in the same universe as us, not a fictional Earth-616, and they watched the same television programmes as us. The television series is fictional, but the ones who watch it aren't.
Amazing Spider-Man #43
Title: Rhino on the Rampage!
Writer: Stan Lee
Artist: John Romita
Villain: Rhino
Regulars: Aunt May, Mary Jane Watson, Flash Thompson, Gwen Stacy, Harry Osborn, J. Jonah Jameson, Betty Brant, Ned Leeds, Frederick Foswell
Guests: Matt Murdock, Foggy Nelson, Karen Page, John Jameson, Dr. Connors
I prefer Steve Ditko as an artist, but I have to say that John Romita was an excellent choice to replace him. His simple, no-nonsense artwork is perfect for a super-hero like Spider-Man.
Here's some information about Marvel code for inexperienced readers. Do you see the cloud surrounding Spider-Man on the splash page? That means that the Rhino is thinking about him. It's so easy to understand when you know the code, isn't it?
Peter Parker is still love-struck while sitting sipping tea with Mary Jane. Love-struck or lust-struck, you decide. And it's only Mary Jane doing the sipping while Peter is doing the staring. It's lucky she isn't a dastardly super-villainess; he wouldn't stand a chance.
Notice that Peter's motorcycle continues to be an important factor in his life. It makes an impression on Mary Jane.
MJ's dialogue is an exaggeration of 1960's hippy slang. It's amazing that she didn't dress like a hippy with flowers in her hair. Stan and John probably didn't want to overdo it.
Adorable Artie Simek made a mistake. He wrote a V when he should have written a T. Foggy Nelson was ordered to defend the Rhino against his will, so what he meant to say was "I hate felonies".
Spider-Man defeats the Rhino with the help of a scientific formula developed by Dr. Connors, otherwise known as the Lizard. We last saw Dr. Connors, also in human form, in Amazing Spider-Man #33. Note J. Jonah Jameson's generosity when Peter Parker delivers his photos of the fight. He's getting an initialled key to the staff washroom. That's second best to having a permanent job.
J. Jonah Jameson might hate Spider-Man, but his son John doesn't share his feelings.
Once more we read about the poverty of Peter Parker's family. Aunt May can't afford medication. The lack of universal health insurance is a disgrace in a rich country like America.
And the motorcycle again! Peter Parker blames himself for his aunt's bad health, saying he shouldn't have spent his money on the motorcycle.
In this issue Flash Thompson is drafted to fight in Vietnam. As in all good soap operas, everything happens at once.
Strange Tales #151
Title: Overkill!
Writer: Stan Lee
Artist: Jim Steranko
Villain: Hydra, Don Caballero
Regulars: Dum Dum Dugan, Gabe Jones, Jasper Sitwell
This is a landmark issue. It marks the first story drawn by Jim Steranko, considered by many to be Marvel's greatest ever artist. He only worked for Marvel for three years, unfortunately. He had differences of opinion with Stan Lee that grew as time went by. Steranko had a very individual style, nothing like any comic book artists before him, and it was too extreme for Stan Lee.
In this issue we don't see much of Jim Steranko's distinctive style. Although he's the artist, the layouts were provided by Jack Kirby. It's precisely the layouts that separated Steranko from other artists, so Kirby is holding him back.
The "Overkill" in the title is a sonic ray that will cause all atomic bombs on Earth to explode simultaneously. Hydra wants to create chaos and destruction on a global scale.
Nick Fury escapes from Hydra, but he's suspicious because it was too easy. His instincts are correct. The Overkill Horn has been built into his plane's engines. When he reaches maximum speed the sonic ray will be unleashed.
Once more the horrible SHIELD slogan is repeated on the splash page.
The Crazy Credits tell us that Irving Forbush washes Hydra's hoods. Really! Has he no shame? I would never assist an evil organisation, not even in a trivial task like that. I would rather spend the day washing Stan Lee's underwear. You can quote me on that.
Title: Umar strikes!
Writer: Stan Lee
Artist: Bill Everett
Villain: Umar, Dormammu (flashback), Mordo (flashback), Kaluu (flashback)
Regulars: Ancient One, Wong, Clea
The majority of this story, six out of ten pages, is a recap of past events. Umar uses the Lamp of Lucifer to find out what has happened while she was trapped. She sees that her brother Dormammu is currently trapped in limbo. That means he didn't die in the clash with Eternity in Strange Tales #146. She orders the lamp to show her what led up to his imprisonment.
In addition to the many battles between Doctor Strange, Baron Mordo and Dormammu she sees the final clash with Eternity, which is shown here yet again.
In order to lure Doctor Strange, Umar hurls Clea into a foreign dimension.
When Wong asked Doctor Strange for money in Strange Tales #147 he was told to sell a few trinkets from the safe. This time Doctor Strange is angered, and he creates money. I'm sure that Doctor Strange's magic is sufficient to create perfect replicas of coins and bank notes with valid serial numbers, but it's still fake money. In his anger Doctor Strange has broken the law.
Tales of Suspense #84
Title: The Other Iron Man!
Writer: Stan Lee
Artist: Gene Colan
Villain: Mandarin
Regulars: Happy Hogan, Pepper Potts
Tony Stark appears before the congressional committee to answer questions about Iron Man. Before the first question can be asked he has a heart attack and collapses. The doctor finds the metal chest plate beneath his shirt. Most assume that it's just to keep him alive after shrapnel wounds in Vietnam, but the press begins to speculate that Tony Stark is Iron Man. While he's in hospital Happy Hogan, the only person who knows Iron Man's true identity, flies around in the Iron Man suit to stop the rumours.
The masquerade backfires. The Mandarin has been observing Tony Stark's hospital room, so he thinks Happy Hogan is really Iron Man, and he transports him to China. That's not logical. Since the Mandarin can spy on anything anywhere in the world, he should have discovered long ago that Tony Stak is Iron Man.
Incidentally, when Happy Hogan first appeared in Tales Of Suspense #45 he was an ugly ex-boxer, but he's become more handsome since Gene Colan took over as artist. Pepper Potts was also plain and unattractive in her early appearances.
Title: The Adaptoid!
Writer: Stan Lee
Artist: Jack Kirby
Villain: Super-Adaptoid
Guests: Hawkeye, Goliath, Wasp
Captain America shows his fellow Avengers the Adaptoid, who he defeated last month. He wants Goliath's opinion as a bio-chemist. Does Captain America know that Hank Pym is Goliath? I haven't been paying attention.
Stan Lee shows off by saying that the Adaptoid fought with the Tumbler in Tales Of Suspense #84. At least, he's trying to show off. He's actually showing himself up. It was Tales Of Suspense #83. Now I'm the one showing off. Do I deserve a No Prize?
While he's being examined the Adaptoid pretends to be comatose. In truth he's analysing the four Avengers, so that he can take on all of their abilities. This makes him the Super-Adaptoid.
The Super-Adaptoid defeats Captain America in battle, then throws him into the water. He wrongly assumes that Captain America is dead.
Tales to Astonish #86
Title: The Wrath of Warlord Krang!
Writer: Stan Lee
Artist: Jerry Grandenetti
Villain: Krang
Regulars: Lady Dorma
Sub-Mariner searches New York City for traces of Warlord Krang, but he's already back at sea. Krang sends an enormous tidal wave crashing over the city as his first step in conquering the surface world. Sub-Mariner is blamed, and soldiers hunt him.
This issue's artist, Jerry Grandenetti, only drew this one story for Marvel in the 1960's as a free-lance artist. In the 1970's he drew two more comics. He specialised in black and white comics.
Title: The Birth of the Hulk-Killer!
Writer: Stan Lee
Artist: John Buscema
Villain: Hulk-Killer, Boomerang
Regulars: Rick Jones, General Ross, Major Talbot, Betty Ross
The Hulk succeeds in diverting the Orion Missile away from New York City, but the general public blame him for trying to destroy them.
The Boomerang has improved his weaponry and is planning to attack the Hulk again.
General Ross finds one over-sized humanoid left behind by the Leader after his (seeming) death in Tales To Astonish #74. In the Leader's notes he reads that this humanoid is designated the Hulk-Killer. It's revived, but instead of accepting orders it breaks out and runs amok. First it fights the army, and then the Hulk arrives.
The Crazy Credits tell us that Artie Simek's lettering is lucrative. Why is that? Has Stan Lee given him a raise?
Thor #135
Title: The Maddening menace of the Super-Beast!
Writer: Stan Lee
Artist: Jack Kirby
Villain: Man-Beast
Regulars: Jane Foster, Odin, Balder
Guests: High Evolutionary
The Man-Beast creates an army of creatures that are almost as highly evolved as he is. Thor and the beings loyal to the High Evolutionary defeat them. The Man-Beast and his followers are herded into a space ship headed to the galaxy Dromisana. The High Evolutionary and his followers also leave in a second space ship.
Title: The Fiery Breath of Fafnir!
Writer: Stan Lee
Artist: Jack Kirby
Gods: Odin, Thor, Fandrel, Hogun
Thor, Fandral and Hogun win a battle against Fafnir, but Volstagg is still missing. Watching from Asgard, Odin proclaims that the total defeat of Fafnir is essential.
The Avengers #35
Title: The Living Laser!
Writer: Roy Thomas
Artist: Don Heck
Avengers: Captain America, Hawkeye, Goliath, Wasp
Villain: Living Laser
Guests: Bill Foster, Black Widow
Captain America and Hawkeye are trapped between laser rays that are gradually coming closer. In best James Bond fashion, they're moving slowly and the villain doesn't wait to see them die. Goliath arrives and turns the laser beams off at the last possible moment.
Captain America's shield is disintegrated by the laser rays, and he picks up a new shield when he gets home. This was a matter of contention by fans on the letter pages for months, because the shield was supposed to be indestructible. The explanation (a euphemism for excuse) given was that Captain America valued his shield so much that he only used a replica in his first outings with the Avengers.
The Living Laser is hired by rebels in Costa Verde, a Central American country, to overthrow their dictator. He effortlessly defeats the entire army of Costa Verde. The Avengers return and defeat him, but only because Goliath has regained the ability to change size. He was stuck at 10 feet since Avengers #28.
The Crazy Credits tell us that Sam Rosen's lettering is legible. That's what it should be.
X-Men #27
Title: Re-Enter: The Mimic!
Writer: Roy Thomas
Artist: Werner Roth
X-Men: Cyclops, Angel, Beast, Iceman, Marvel Girl, Mimic
Villain: Puppet Master
Regulars: Professor X, Vera, Zelda
Guests: Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, Spider-Man
Did you notice that I added the Mimic's name to the list of X-Men above? And yet the story starts out with him fighting against them. Have I blundered? Read on!
The story starts with action, with the Mimic defeating Professor X and four of the X-Men in their own school. Then the clock is rolled back to tell us how it came about. At the end of X-Men #19 Professor X removed Calvin Rankin's memory and in the process his mimicking powers. We saw him briefly last issue as Jean Grey's fellow student at Empire State University. Now he's caught in an explosion that makes his memory and his powers return. He asks Professor X if he can join the X-Men, and he's immediately made the group's new leader. Cyclops resigned after accidentally injuring the Angel last issue, but that's still a reckless step for Professor X to take.
Then the Puppet Master takes control of the Mimic, and battle ensues.
On page 15 Roy Thomas invites us to go back and read the first four pages to remind ourselves what happened.
The Crazy Credits tell us that Sam Rosen was the letterer, then adds "Wouldja believe Artie Simek?" Actually, yes, I would have believed it. The writers and artists are more or less consistent from issue to issue, but Sam Rosen and Artie Simek are interchangeable.
Have you noticed that all three of Marvel's super-groups has an enemy who combines all of their powers? The Fantastic Four have the Super-Skrull (last seen in Fantastic Four #32), the Avengers have the Super-Adaptoid (first seen in this month's Tales Of Suspense, and the X-Men have the Mimic.
In this comic there's a slight change in the costumes. The X-Men now wear red belts.
Daredevil #23
Title: DD goes wild!
Writer: Stan Lee
Artist: Gene Colan
Villain: Masked Marauder, Gladiator, Tri-Man
Regulars: Foggy Nelson, Karen Page
First of all, let me say a word of praise to Gentleman Gene Colan. The artwork in this comic is sheer beauty, especially the last few pages. His artwork is always good, but in this issue he's excelled himself.
After defeating the Tri-Man Daredevil is transported back to the Masked Marauder's lair by his (wrongly named) Levitation Ray. The battle between Daredevil and the Gladiator is evenly matched, so the Masked Marauder uses his Levitation Ray again to send Daredevil and the Gladiator to the arena in a European film set where they're watched by leading members of the Maggia. Don't you just love it that any two-bit villain can invent devices to zap people around the world? Why does anyone bother with airplanes?
Lions are released during the fight and attack the Gladiator. Daredevil defends the Gladiator, after which the Gladiator shows some honour. He refuses to fight with a man who's just saved his life.
Daredevil is left wandering around somewhere in Europe.
Other comics published this month:
Millie the Model #144 (Dennis O'Neil, Stan Goldberg)
Modelling with Millie #52 (Dennis O'Neil, Stan Goldberg)
Patsy and Hedy #109 (Dennis O'Neil, Al Hartley)
Rawhide Kid #55 (Larry Lieber, Larry Lieber)
Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #37 (Roy Thomas, Dick Ayers)
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