AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #9

“The Man Called Electro!”
Script: Stan Lee
Art: Steve Ditko
Letters: Art Simek

IN A NUTSHELL
With the power of electricity at his command, super-villain Electro robs banks. Jameson publishes front page news that Spider-Man IS Electro, and needing money for Aunt May’s operation, Peter sells him photoshopped pix to support the erroneous theory. When Electro frees criminals from the detention center, Spidey fights and eventually vanquishes Electro by dousing him with a hose. To quell his conscience, Peter gives Jameson photos of the fight. Betty tells Peter his involvement in dangerous situations makes her nervous.

WHAT’S HOT
TIMELY COMICS. I’m reading and posting about the first appearance of Electro in Marvel Comics the same week this super-villain hits the big screen in Spider-Man 2. Honestly, folks, I didn’t plan it this way. It’s just another one of those serendipitous coincidences I love so much.

SPEC-LESS. After reading the previous issue of Amazing Spider-Man, where Peter’s glasses are broken, I wondered if we would see them again. Apparently not…at least not yet. I also wondered if the kids at school would give Pete more respect after he knocked out Flash. There’s some evidence in this story that Peter’s reputation may indeed be keeping up with his new, groovier, spec-less appearance.

THE SUPERHERO WHO COULD BE—YOU! The story ends with the narrator suggesting that Spider-Man is “the superhero who could be–you!” As this issue continues and intensifies Peter’s real-life problems (sick relatives, no money, angry boss, girl troubles), it’s easy to see how teenage readers identify with him.

BETTY. The drama between Peter and Betty advances in this issue, as we see another side of our hero’s new love interest. Betty is a caring soul who will sit with a sick elderly woman, but a dark secret in her past makes her fear she could “be hurt again!” The last panel suggests they are both experiencing the first pangs of love. As if there wasn’t enough going on already in the Spider-Man title!

SCIENCE. This story has so much information about the workings and the dangers of electricity (rubber will insulate against electricity, but metal acts as a lightning rod), it almost reads like a junior high science textbook. The science in this story is not nerdy, it’s…electrifyingly HOT! Because commanding electricity, really is right up there when it comes to superpowers. However…

WHAT’S NOT
DRESSED FOR SUCCESS? What’s not hot, I fear, is the extremely goofy costume Max Dillon puts together for his super-villain exploits. I get that super-villains can’t just walk around in three piece suits, or no one will know they’re super-villains, but all those pointy lightning spikes hanging from his face and wrists…perhaps a bit…over the top? Can you say “Overkill”? And why green? What is it about green that screams “Electricity”? Nothing. I get the yellow, but I would have preferred to see red or orange in this goofy get-up. That’s my first thought, but I’m also a big fan of the blue electric man as seen in the upcoming Spider-Man 2 movie. Let’s face it: almost any color would make him look more dangerous (and less organic) than green.

THE J. JONAH JAMESON SCHOOL OF RESPONSIBLE JOURNALISM
I continue to be baffled over why J. Jonah Jameson, as the publisher of a major metropolitan newspaper, is willing to sabotage his circulation with questionable journalistic practices. The man is obviously consumed by personal vendettas, to the point that he lets his emotions stand in the way of reason. Ever since we’ve met him, he consistently abuses his position of power to advance his personal beliefs.

Based on the observation that both Spider-Man and Electro are powerful and confident, can climb buildings, and know who he is, Jameson jumps to the conclusion that they are same person. Without any effort to fact-check, he publishes this bit of flawed logic as front page news. Readers ponder, saying, “How could they print it if it weren’t true?” However, later, when Peter’s photoshopped pix are published as “proof,” the public begins to ask questions. “Jameson’s a nut!” one says, and another suggests that though the publishing mogul may not be actively trying to deceive them, perhaps he has made a “mistake.”

When Spidey and Electro appear at the same time, Jameson is crushed, finally realizing the error of his ways. But he’s not concerned at all about the integrity of his newspaper. His main concern is “I’ll be a laughingstock!” And then he goes on to say that it’s ALL because of Peter Parker.

So, at this point, he’s not even willing to think backwards enough to say “I goofed. I was wrong.” No, it’s ALL because of Peter Parker. Of course, Peter was wrong to give Jameson those doctored photos (though it was for a good cause, and he felt awful about it). But Jameson doesn’t feel awful about anything except the prospect of himself being a laughingstock.

In the end, Jameson’s ready to fire Peter, sue him, and give that “blanketty-blank” a piece of his mind…until the boy photographer shows up with front page pix that are the best yet! Now, Jameson’s all buddy-buddy again, as he rubs his hands together with an unsavory look upon his face, thinking, “I’m ROBBING him! I’ll make a FORTUNE with his pictures! But I DESERVE it–cause he’s a FOOL!”

Okay. I’ve let Jameson speak for himself here. There’s nothing more I need add.

FANTASTIC FOUR #23

“The Master Plan of Doctor Doom!”
Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: George Bell
Letters: Sam Rosen

IN A NUTSHELL
When Reed snaps at everyone for bickering, the others plan mutiny. Meanwhile, Doctor Doom collects criminals–strong Bill Brogan, con man “Handsome Harry” Phillips, and heat-resistant Yogi Dakor–to help destroy the Fantastic Four. Each member of the FF is tricked into captivity, but they break free and fight Doom. Doom uses the force of a solar wave and ionic dust particles to melt the room, but he himself is cast into outer space, while the FF survive. The plan to mutiny Reed as leader is abandoned.

WHAT’S HOT
INSULTS. Usually it’s Thing and Johnny flinging the insults back and forth, but Reed gets off a good one: “Ben, did anyone ever tell you you’re funny as a crutch? And only half as decorative?” He also accuses Ben and Johnny of being “temperamental prima-donnas” with “alleged minds.” Ouch!

ROBOTS. Add to Doctor Doom’s resume, he is a master Robot Designer. Jeez! Is there anything this guy can’t do?

PUSHING BUTTONS. Torch is lured by the promise of a sports car, Thing by hopes of retaliation against the Yancy Street Gang, and Sue is knocked out by the scent of poisoned flowers from an admirer. In addition, Doom tricks Reed into an escape-proof plexiglass container by using a robot of Thing to make him believe his help is needed. Doom may have many dangerous toys (including a flying belt to catapult him out of harm’s way), but perhaps his greatest weapon is his acute understanding of human psychology.

THE FORCE IS WITH SUE! Her force field helps out in more ways than one, and is a big part of Doom’s ultimate fall into the great abyss of space. Glad to see Stan and company so quickly realizing the power of the force.

WHAT’S NOT
NEEDLESS DESTRUCTION. Doom has a robot that looks like Thing. He decides, “One grotesque THING to look at is one too many! We need no more!” and destroys the robot. Yes, it’s a very dramatic insult, but was it wise? Wouldn’t a robot of Thing come in handy in the future? Well, I guess if he ever needs one again, he’ll just build it.

WEAKNESS. Last time we learned that Sue has a force field. This time we learn that using it weakens her. Well, Torch is also unable to flame on after extreme firepower, so I guess it’s not a girly weakness, just a story device to increase the potential drama.

SHUDDUP ALREADY!! During a moment of extreme peril, Reed stops for a science lesson about solar waves and ionic dust particles.

BOSS DOOM
The criminals Doom springs from jail may have wanted to stay put. Sure, Doom gets them out and increases their powers, and what’s more, he even promises them each $5,000. (WOOoooOOO!) I don’t know if they ever actually get their money, because as soon as they open the box, they are transported to another dimension, until Doom next summons them. Is this hot…or not? I guess it all depends where he’s sent them to wait it out.

TALES TO ASTONISH #52

“The Black Knight Strikes!”
Script: Stan Lee
Art: Dick Ayers
Letters: Art Simek

IN A NUTSHELL
Professor Nathan Garrett discovers how to make a horse fly and develops an arsenal of unusual weapons, which he uses in his new super-villain persona, the Black Knight. Commencing a crime spree, his real motive is to exact revenge upon Giant-Man, who once captured him. With a little bit of ingenuity (and the help of the Wasp), Giant-Man escapes the clutches of the Black Knight, and counter-attacks. When Giant-Man must choose in favor of saving Wasp, the Black Knight escapes, but vows to return.

WHAT’S HOT
THE SMALLER THEY ARE… Previously, Henry Pym spied on the bad guys as super-small Ant-Man. Ant-Man comes in handy later as well, when Giant-Man needs to get out of a tight situation (bound by cables). Now that Pym has activated his Giant-Man persona, it’s good to see there are still some things the little guy can do better. And let’s not forget the tactical element of surprise, when Pym instantly morphs from Giant-Man to Ant-Man, or vice versa. This crazy morphing causes the villain to exclaim, “Either you’re not human, or I’m going mad–MAD–MAD!!”

GIANT-MENSCH?? Giant-Man tells Garrett, “If threats could kill, I’d have been kaput long ago!” Later, when he jumps from the winged horse and catches a ride on a carnival parachute, he asks, “Got room for a kibitzer, folks?”

COURAGE. As Giant-Man jumps from a plane to a helicopter, an Air Force officer observes, “Big as he is, his size will never match his courage.” Agreed.

WHAT’S NOT
DOUBT. When Jan first describes the Black Knight, Henry counters with, “You could make a fortune writing comic books.” Haha! But why does he automatically doubt her fantastic story? Haven’t they dealt with the fantastic before? Aren’t THEY fantastic? I’m disappointed in Henry for showing very little trust in his partner.

VANITY. Giant-Man recognizes that the Black Knight’s “one vulnerable point is his colossal vanity.” But…isn’t that the vulnerable point on every super-villain?

CONCERN. When the Black Knight points out that the flying horse is about to crash, Giant-Man worries about Wasp. But wait! Couldn’t she just fly away before they crash? Hank’s concern is touching, but at this point, I think, he should be more concerned about his own safety.

AND YOUR SUPERPOWER IS…WHAT?
On the splash, Stan suggests that the Black Knight will rank with the world’s greatest super-villains. I beg to differ. Sure, he’s smart, and has fashioned lots of interesting and dangerous weapons, but he’s a guy on a flying horse, in a suit of armor. The flying horse is cool, of course, but Garrett could have achieved flight in any number of ways. And now he’s got to feed the horse, and stable it, and brush its mane, etc. etc. Is the awesome effect of a flying horse really worth all that trouble?

Without his weapons, the Black Knight has no offensive power, and without his horse, he has no means of escape. I think we’ve already met many more fearsome and efficient super-villains than this.

NOT WHAT THEY SEEM!
This time around, Wasp tells a tale to orphans about the year 3000, where all may not be what it seems. Escaping prisoners visit a planet and help the men fight the women, only to learn afterwards that they were fighting over the men’s preferred custom of catching and imprisoning space travelers. The prisoners are re-imprisoned, saying, “We walked right into it!”

Not much of a story going on here in a mere five pages, but I enjoyed the idea that on some planets, cute little foxes or bunny rabbits (or kagaroos?…) are the vicious carnivores that hunt and kill wolves. As the title says: “Not what they seem!”

Wonder who Wasp will choose to entertain next time.

TALES OF SUSPENSE #50

“The Hands of the Mandarin!”
Script: Stan Lee
Art: Don Heck
Letters: Ray Holloway

IN A NUTSHELL
Uncle Sam asks Iron Man to learn more about the Mandarin, so he flies to China and discovers for himself how powerful a foe is the man with a ring of power on each finger. Iron Man escapes the Mandarin’s grip and hurries back for the Stark Industries Employee Dinner, where glammed-up Pepper is attending with Happy as her date. Pepper worries that Stark will never ask her out if he thinks she’s dating Happy, and Happy worries that Stark is mad because he’s dating Pepper. Stark, on the other hand, is still worried about the Mandarin.

WHAT’S HOT
HOT PEPPER! Pepper looks great in this issue, very sophisticated, after her visit to the beauty parlor. With a new hairdo and no freckles, Tony finally notices and says she’s beautiful. But good ol’ Happy—he kinda likes her “the other way.”

BRAINS. Iron Man reckons that the Mandarin is the brainiest enemy he’s ever faced. I don’t know if I agree, but in superhero or super-villain, brains always come down in the plus column.

MISS AND…HIT! Have to hand it to Marvel. I just got done complaining about what a wimpy villain the Black Knight turned out to be, yet in the same month, Marvel also introduces the Mandarin, with his brains, brawn and ten rings of power. I know the Mandarin is a big deal in the Marvel Universe (well, except, maybe in Iron Man 3, which was kind of a surprise and a cheat both at the same time). This is only the first time I’m seeing the real Mandarin in action, so I’m not convinced yet, but he definitely shows promise.

NOT YELLOW. And at least his skin is not actually yellow.

WHAT’S NOT
TALKY TALKY. On the splash, we’re asked not to begin reading if we’re in a hurry, for time must be taken to “savor the drama, the suspense, all the sensational fantastic developments to the fullest.” This is the given reason, but in addition, this tale, like many others, is bursting with so many words, if you don’t have a good chunk of time, you’re not going to finish in one sitting.

TICK TOCK. The employee dinner is TONIGHT. Stark has time to fly via jet to China, have his run-in with the Mandarin, and then jet back to New York…and still get there in time for the special event. I think someone’s playing fast and loose with the clock.

SLOPPY SECONDS. Pepper would rather have Happy as a date than no date at all. That’s not really fair to Happy, who’s a decent bloke hopelessly hung up on a gal who only sees him as “better than nothing.”

OPERATE? However, having said all that, Happy is glad that Tony’s out of town so he can “really operate” with Pepper. There’s something unsavory about that term. It may be a 60’s colloquialism, but it makes him sound like a cad.

MEN!
When Stark finally notices all the trouble Pepper went through to attract him, he is impressed by her sudden glamor. Or is he? Yes, we know Tony Stark likes his women urbane and sophisticated, but we also know that he knows that underneath all that makeup and hair dye, it’s just Pepper, his freckle-faced secretary. I wonder if he really finds her attractive now, or is he simply saying what he knows she wants to hear? After all, he has a lot to make up for, after the way he treated her in Tales of Suspense #48. And we know she must be a really good secretary. She couldn’t hold her job with the illustrious Tony Stark this long, if she wasn’t! Perhaps Stark realizes that he can’t afford to lose her, and is willing to play the game, just to retain her services.

If so…cad.

JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #101

“The Return of Zarrko, the Tomorrow Man!”
Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: George Bell
Letters: Sam Rosen

IN A NUTSHELL
Thor is in a snit because he can’t marry Jane Foster. Odin punishes him by reducing his power and denying him access to Asgard. To destroy Thor in his moment of despair, Loki returns memory to the Tomorrow Man, who travels back to the 20th century with a robot to challenge Thor. At half power, Thor cannot fight efficiently, and agrees to return to the 23rd century with Zarrko, rather than risk further destruction to the earthlings. To be continued…

WHAT’S HOT
CHRONOLOGY. When Odin remembers what happened in last month’s issue of Journey into Mystery, he says “It was only one short month ago.” I don’t think the chronologist will always be this lucky, but in this case, real-world time and Marvel time are apparently moving at the same rate.

WHAT’S NOT
STOP CRYING, OR I’LL GIVE YOU SOMETHING TO CRY ABOUT! Odin has “ordered” Thor to forget his love for Jane Foster, and when Thor persists in it, Odin punishes him. I know these are immortals, but does that make it any easier for them to put aside their emotions? If no, isn’t Odin being cruel? And if yes, it is easier, why can’t Thor do it?

HALF POWER. Thor is at half power in this story…and this is half a story! Huh?? I should have guessed! But when I got to the end of page 13 and saw that I will have to wait until the next issue to find out how it ends, I was disappointed.

SIDE EFFECT OF THE AVENGERS INITIATIVE. Thor must be spending too much time with Hulk. He refers to the mortals as having “petty PUNY lives.”

“The Invasion of Asgard!”
Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: George Bell
Letters: Sam Rosen

IN A NUTSHELL
Sibling rival Loki tricks young Thor into guarding a “weak spot” in Asgard, then summons the Powers of Evil to attack Thor. Loki’s plan backfires when Odin and the Asgardian warriors arrive and beat back the evil ones. After this, Thor is delighted that he can lift Mjolnir a little higher. Meanwhile, Loki sulks and plots new evil against his brother.

WHAT’S HOT
STRONG WEAPONS. When Heimdall strikes, it is “with all the cosmic force of the universe in the blade of my sword!!” Wow!!

THE FORCES OF EVIL. I know it’s odd to put “THE FORCES OF EVIL” in the “WHAT’S HOT” column, but when I saw the conglomeration of evil in the second story, it brought back many pleasant memories of the old cartoon version of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. This is one of my favorite stories of all time, and though it has been done more expertly, nothing beats the evil Queen summoning “The People of the Toadstools!” The top of page 16 looks sort of like that.

WHAT’S NOT
PRETTY GOD. Young Thor looks like a girl…maybe Farrah Fawcett in her hey-day? Hard to take him serious as a mighty hero until he gets those bangs clipped.