AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #32: “So! We Meet Again!”

Posted on May 1, 2024 by Chrissy

Published: January, 1966

“Man on a Rampage!”
Script: Stan Lee
Plot: Steve Ditko
Art: Steve Ditko
Letters: Artie Simek

In last month’s issue of The Amazing Spider-Man, the mysterious Master Planner gave a great deal of attention to designing all kinds of difficulties for our costumed hero. The writers gave a great deal of attention to keeping secret the true identity of the Master Planner—most probably so it could be revealed in dramatic fashion when Marvel Comics and its readers were next scheduled to meet again, right here in issue #32.

To set the stage: in his under the sea hidden headquarters, as the Master Planner continues to plan ways to thwart his mortal enemy, the Amazing Spider-Man, he also revels in his belief that no one yet knows his true identity. But all that is about to change! Almost immediately, before the reader can even get to the middle of page two, we get this:

So! Here we find out the Master Planner is, in fact, Dr. Octopus, whom we met ages ago in issue #3. (Doc Ock, by the way, is back courtesy of the notoriously inadequate prison system of these early Marvel Comics. But that’s a whole ’nother story…)

Not very long after this, Spidey is let in on the secret as well, and when he and Doc Ock first see each other, Ock celebrates the occasion by letting out a hearty, hokey, “So Spider-Man—we meet again!”

Ka-boom!

I love this moment. I’ve often heard some version of “So we meet again!” spoofed in popular culture, most often in over-the-top comedies about larger-than-life heroes and villains, but I’m not sure I’ve come upon these words uttered with such clarity in an actual comic book.

The moment is so, so satisfying.

Very often in the real world, unlike in comics, “meeting again” is an enjoyable, fun, heartfelt experience. We reunite with old friends or relatives, remember a long-lost love, reconnect with activities from our younger days that once again provide a great deal of pleasure. The “pleasure” Doc Ock expresses in his exclamation of “So, Spider-Man…we meet again!” might be somewhat perverse—as all super-villains are, by definition, perverse—but still, it is a pleasure to him, all the same.

Coming back to something familiar after a long absence is often a pleasure. Case in point: This blog is now eleven years old. Much to my amazement, I have been reading and writing about Marvel Comics for eleven years. Wow. How did that happen so fast? Of course, to be fair, I should lessen that number by three, since there was a “dark period” from 2016 to 2019 when I didn’t blog, and I don’t remember actually reading any comics during that time, either. In fact, there’s a lot about that time I don’t remember…or at least, would rather forget. During this difficult period in my life, priorities were skewed, and a lot of fun activities simply had to shut down.

But I made it through. Wiser, better (I hope). And in a way, as life slowly returned to “normal,” I guess you could say I eventually experienced my own personal “So!…We meet again!” as many enjoyable aspects of my life slowly returned…including Marvel Comics.

Seeing Doc Ock immortalize those words in print brought my mind around to the pleasure that was revived when I finally got back to Marvel Comics after such a long absence. I have other stories (not all involving Marvel Comics, of course) and I’ll relate another one later in this post, but right now, let’s get back to our Spidey story.

As it turns out, Doc Ock is not the only character making an encore performance. This particular Amazing Spider-Man issue is chockful of so-we-meet-again moments.

Let’s start with the easiest one: Although Foswell was in fact the gang boss knows as the Big Man (ASM 10), after going legit, he got his job back at the Bugle and posed as “Patch,” who was an informant. The fact that the writers are pulling from so many past stories serves as a reminder of how rich a history they have already established in only 32 issues. Where might they go next?

Events being what they are, Spidey also decides to look up his old friend Dr. Connors, who in issue #6 was the villain the Lizard. Remember him? Previously, Spider-Man helped Dr. Connors overcome his reptilian affliction, and now the man is willing to do whatever he can, to help Spider-Man in return. It’s good to have friends in positions of power, with useful knowledge. Especially when one of your arch-enemies from long ago is interfering with your plans to get a healing potion to your poor sick dying aunt.

BAD BLOOD
Yes, poor Aunt May is sick. Again. Actually, she’s been sick off and on most of the time we’ve known her, but what can you expect from someone who’s drawn as if she’s 120 years old? Despite what her previous ailments may have been, at this point her doctors have determined that her condition is caused by radioactivity in her blood.

Really? How did that happen? Going back again to issue #10, as Aunt May was having a different medical issue, Peter donated his blood. At first he was reluctant, concerned the radioactivity from his fateful spider bite could be passed on to Aunt May, but he breathed a sigh of relief when the medical professionals informed him his blood was perfectly okay. Well, guess what? They were wrong. And now Aunt May is at death’s door, and once again, as when Uncle Ben died, Peter is involved, and torn up with guilt.

As much as I hate all these horrible things that are happening to poor Peter, I also love it (not in a perverse way, though, I assure you). None of the Marvel titles I’m reading have ever been as simple as “Good guy fights bad guy, good guy wins, The End,” but these multiple efforts to dig deep into the rich history of this title show an impressive level of sophisticated storytelling. The sudden appearance of both a nearly-forgotten villain, quickly followed by an equally nearly-forgotten ally, hits the reader like a lightning bolt. Pretty soon, Marvel won’t even have to bother making up new villains and heroes; they can just keep pulling from their already ample stable of characters.

Now, here’s my second personal “So!…We meet again!” story. In 2003, I took my kids to see The Pirates of the Caribbean. Fun times, to be sure! One of my favorite characters from the film was Captain Barbossa, as entertaining as he was evil. (Also, I am a longtime fan of Geoffrey Rush. If you keep reading my blog long enough, you’ll soon become convinced there are very few actors who aren’t on my “Ooh! I like him!” list.) So it was more than a little disappointing when Barbossa was shot dead by Jack Sparrow at the end of the first film.

Or…was he?? In the next installment…there he is again, in all his swaggering glory, making a surprise appearance in the very last scene. GASP!! Could it be?? And I do mean “Gasp!” I distinctly remember gasping and grabbing my daughter’s arm when Barbossa appeared. Did anyone else see that coming? Or, twenty years ago, was I not yet as savvy a filmgoer as I am now? Twenty years ago, I had next to nil exposure to the world of comics, so I was probably not aware of a lot of story strategies for these epic types of adventures with larger-than-life characters. I had not yet heard the saying “If you don’t see the body, they’re not dead.” (Russ likes to add, “If you DO see the body, they’re still not dead!”) So the idea of characters coming “back from the dead” was not something I generally considered as a possibility.

But in the world of comics, and in the world of entertainment in general (if you’re paying attention…) anything can happen. And usually does. My point is, it’s always fun to be surprised. In comics, I mean. And entertainment. But not always so much in real life. I prefer my drama to be literary, not literal. (See my earlier recounting of my “dark years.”)

POOR PETER
So, there are some things about comic book stories that perhaps cannot be anticipated, but on the other side of this equation, there are other things upon which we can steadily rely. In The Amazing Spider-Man series, it’s this:

Poor Peter. Can I ever get through my thoughts about this title without at some point lamenting “Poor Peter”? Nothing goes right for this kid. Every story seems to contain at least some of the many stresses that unrelentingly plague our hapless hero. Not only is there no relief from all his girl troubles, money troubles, bully troubles, villain troubles, ailing aunt, and having to deal with a blowhard of a boss, but as time goes on, each of these concerns grows only more intense.

For poor Peter’s sake, I would like to inject a note of hope. If I had to guess, I would say Aunt May does eventually receive her dose of the healing ISO-36 and gets better. And STAYS better. Of course, since she appears an appropriate online date for Ingmar Bergman’s Death figure from The Seventh Seal, we probably can’t depend upon her being around indefinitely. And unfortunately (and again I’m only guessing), but when Aunt May finally dies, it seems likely Spider-Man will somehow be involved, and poor Peter will once again be racked with guilt.

But I hope the writers grant him at least a short reprieve during which he can feel his beloved elder relative is doing as well as possible.

Before we can get to anything approximating an at least partially happy ending, Spidey must first overcome the cliffhanger at the end of issue #32. We leave him trapped under enormous beams that have fallen from the ceiling, unable to reach the life-saving isotope…upon which a steady drip, drip, drip is threatening to flood the entire room. And even if he can get out from under the beams and secure the ISO-36 before the room is flooded, he will then have to fight his way through a legion of the Master Planner’s minions. And even if he can get past this small army, the clock is ticking as the serum is losing potency: will Spider-Man be able to deliver it to Dr. Connors in time for him to get it to Aunt May and save her life? OMG! How will this ever turn out?

For the answer to these and other alarming questions, I guess we’ll have to wait until next issue, when…we meet again…

Want to read this comic on your computer? Marvel has a scan!
Want to own the story? Buy the Masterworks!
Posted in Spider-Man | 5 Comments

X-MEN #16: Creative Solutions

Posted on April 1, 2024 by Chrissy

Published: January, 1966

“The Supreme Sacrifice!”
Script: Stan Lee
Layouts: Jack Kirby
Pencils: Jay Gavin
Inks: Dick Ayers
Letters: Art Simek

Russ and I often joke about our “superpowers.” Russ claims he can turn a red traffic light green by staring at it a long time. More impressively, one of mine is the infallible propensity for determining the exact size container for storing leftovers. But—and experience has borne this out—together, our most amazing superpower is the ability to recognize and solve problems—sometimes even before they occur. Life is nothing if not a series of problems that demand solutions. But we have a saying here at Casa Chappell: “Problem?? No problem! Solution!”

Developing a plan for how to store cans in the pantry so you can see them all and don’t have to move them around and risk dropping one on your toes just so you can have a bowl of soup may not rise to the level of a superhero vanquishing a dreaded foe who is hell-bent on taking over the universe, but hey…soup! Right? It’s worth celebrating, in our own little way.

So if we normal human beings, living normal human lives, can be deeply appreciative of the human capacity for developing creative solutions to our normal human problems, how much more is this true for the superhero, who faces exceptionally unique and consequential dilemmas?

This issue of X-Men expertly showcases how these young and still somewhat inexperienced superheroes use both their ordinary and extraordinary skills to get them out of a jar of pickles—without dropping it on their toes! Let’s take a look.

KNOW WHEN TO HOLD ’EM, KNOW WHEN TO FOLD ’EM
In this final installment of a three-part story, the giant robotic Sentinels have captured and imprisoned the X-Men in an impenetrable Heavy Grav Globe. After many attempts at using their superpowers to break out of the globe, the X-Men finally recognize the futility of attacking their situation with superpowers, and instead decide on a “Plan B,” which utilizes not only their super-strengths, but also their intelligence and cunning. And as soon as the opportunity presents itself…success! Not to say it’s easy, but the combination of patience, powers, coordination and sheer desperation finally puts them on the other side of the Heavy Grav Globe, fighting and ultimately defeating the Sentinels.

Meanwhile, Master Mold, the leader of the Sentinels, has been repeatedly bullying scientist Bolivar Trask in an attempt to gain his cooperation in creating an even bigger army of Sentinels. Trask refuses several times, but when the Master Mold threatens the destruction of an entire city unless Trask helps, the hapless scientist finally relents, reasoning that “Where there’s life, there’s hope. We may still find a way…” And he holds on to that hope for as long as he possibly can, right up to the last split-second, when he finally determines that hope has indeed run out.

Up until that last moment, it’s reasonable to suspect Trask is only trying to save himself. But eventually he also comes around to his own “Plan B,” putting an absolute end to the technology that produces more Sentinels. This momentous decision results in his own death…but so be it. When there is clearly no other path, he makes this ultimate sacrifice for the good of all mankind.

Of course this hearkens back to Spock’s Star Trek maxim, “The good of the many outweighs the good of the few.” Trask’s emotional insistence on “hope” is good to a point, but in the end, logic must supersede, even at great personal risk. This is bravery, textbook heroism—and it is this final act that transforms Trask from a well-meaning but misguided adversary into a full-fledged hero.

ACHILLES HEEL
Of course, being a hero is always easier, when your foe possesses a glaringly conspicuous Achilles Heel. For all their power, the Sentinels have some major shortcomings. Sticking with our Star Trek motif, in so many ways, they resemble the Borg: slow moving, individually slow-witted, lacking the capacity for independent thought and creative solutions. Sure, there’s power in numbers, but as in any bureaucracy, numerous nameless minions in an elaborate chain of command does tend to slow things down.

The Sentinel’s most conspicuous Achilles Heel is that they are slow moving. “Whew! Lucky for me they’re so slow moving,” says Cyclops, as he leaps out of the way of a Sentinel’s chest ray. When Marvel Girl turns her powers upon a single Sentinel, she quickly realizes that even a single Sentinel is too much for her telekinetic powers to manipulate. But by using a bit of that good old-fashioned creative problem-solving, she decides instead to focus on only the arms, moving them backwards, which eventually causes the Sentinel to topple over and crash to the ground.

GROWING UP BEFORE OUR VERY EYES
As anyone who’s ever been a parent surely knows, there is a great deal of joy to be had in watching your children learn to figure things out for themselves. As referenced above, there’s quite a bit of that in this story. But wait…there’s more! For instance, Jean uses her powers through a wall. She can’t even see what she’s doing, but somehow gets it done. Necessity is the Mother of Invention? I would add: “Problem…? Solution!”

Also, Jean helps Angel glide over a fire by lifting him telekinetically, protecting his wings from the flames. This is the first time she uses her powers to levitate both herself and someone else at the same time. Yet another handy application of her powers!

I was somewhat taken aback by Angel inwardly admitting he has always felt superior to the rest of them because he can fly. (Of course, Marvel Girl’s newly developed power to levitate herself is awfully close to flying, isn’t it?) Now, admittedly, any insect that flies is so much scarier than any insect that doesn’t. (Though scampering away at top speed is also disconcerting…) So I can understand why Angel would feel this way about his particular superpower. However, after everything that happens in this issue, I wouldn’t be surprised if Angel now begins to feel differently, to see himself more as an equal to his teammates, rather than above them. (Though, technically, of course, he is often above them…)

Poor Beast is unconscious for a good deal of this story, but once he gets his wits about him again, he utilizes them in a most advantageous manner, carrying the stricken Iceman across his thighs. “There’s more than one way to skin a cat!” he exclaims. Of all the X-Men, I am least surprised that Beast has employed his creative problem-solving skills to resolve an immediate dilemma.

Speaking of Iceman, there’s a lovely moment when he is finally recognized as a “Man” rather than just a boy. His innovative solution to use ice to create pressure to crack the walls of the Heavy Grav Globe ultimately doesn’t work, but it was a good try. When Iceman despairs, “I failed you!” Cyclops prefaces his praise with “Don’t ever say that again, boy!…You’re as much of a man as any of us!” (Ahem? I think Marvel Girl would take exception?)

Speaking of Cyclops, the fact that he seizes the opportunity to offer positive encouragement to the youngest member of the team expertly illustrates how he is developing his leadership skills. Early in the story, the Narrator describes Cyclops as “the dedicated deputy leader,” but during this crisis, our deputy leader embraces his role more strongly than we have yet seen. I’m reminded of this scene from Avengers, when Captain America rises to his position as leader of the group by employing not only his super-human strength, but also his confident leadership skills to create a plan to succeed against the Chitauri attacking from the skies.

This is such a great moment for the coming together of the Avengers, and I include it here because it so strongly reminds me of the events of this X-Men story. After much individual action and peril, the X-Men all eventually gather together in one spot and Cyclops says, “We’re no safer—no better off—but, at least we’re together!” Developing the ability to cohere together as a team in a healthy manner is also a mark of maturity. All the X-Men are developing individually, but all these individual personal improvements ultimately combine to make them stronger together.

But let’s not stop there! Elaborate problem-solving under intense pressure may still be relatively new for our young X-Men, but Professor X naturally exudes this skill. It’s sort of in his name, Professor X—he’s always thinking. In this issue, the Professor recalls an incident from two issues earlier, when a certain Sentinel was inexplicably incapacitated. Xavier surmises that discovering the answer to this mystery could be their greatest clue on how to take down the whole bunch. Of course, we expect smart and creative thinking from Professor X, but this development also signals a maturing of the level of storytelling, as the events from two issues ago become integral to the resolution of the entire dilemma.

THE GREAT ESCAPE
I cannot leave this issue without also noting that the conclusion of this three-part story plays out as cinematic in both scope and execution. The X-Men have defeated the Sentinels, and Trask has sacrificed himself for the good of all humanity. Yet peril still remains: a tremendous wall of fire threatens their lives unless they can find a way to get past it. Working together, each X-Man does their best to save his (or her) comrades. Once again: stronger together!

AND THE MORAL OF THIS STORY IS…
In the last panel, the Narrator summarizes this three-part story with this: “Beware the Fanatic! Too often his CURE is deadlier by far than the evil he denounces!” While this pronouncement is indeed as heavy-handed as it sounds, I will now echo it with my fervent hope that we citizens of 2024 will take this warning to heart and use our own problem-solving skills to evaluate our situation to come up with creative solutions to the many problems we will face in the world today if we don’t “beware” the fanatics, grow up, get over ourselves and learn how to cooperate. We may not have the superpowers of the X-Men, but if we employ their same level of loyalty and unity against our current quandaries, surely we can make this world a better place.

Sermon over. The Mass has ended. You may now go in peace, to contemplate how lessons learned in Marvel Comics might mirror and improve our lives…if only we keep ourselves open to the challenge of solving problems by seeking out creative solutions.

Want to read this comic on your computer? Marvel has a scan!
Want to own the story? Buy the Masterworks!
Posted in X-Men | Leave a comment

TALES TO ASTONISH #75: Reckless

Posted on March 1, 2024 by Chrissy

Published: January, 1966

“Not All My Power Can Save Me!”
Script: Stan Lee
Layouts: Jack Kirby
Illustrations: Mickey Demeo
Letters: Sam Rosen

This issue begins with one of my favorite moments in Marvel Comics so far. Following the progression of Hulk, I have sometimes been confused regarding the scope of his powers, and whether he is hero, villain…or something in-between. The writers often seem uncertain exactly what to do with Hulk, so I’ve been wondering when and how his character will finally “gel.” Even now, there are still so many unanswered questions, but in this issue, it is Hulk himself who is asking the questions.

Having recently retired from the Rat Race (dramatics: it was not that bad…), I find myself in a position to do whatever I want. I, of course, had many months to think this through, and as an obsessive planner, I’ve mapped out things extensively on a massive To-Do List. Hulk, on the other hand, is unexpectedly thrown into his current situation, when the Leader, to whom he owes a debt, dons the accursed Ultimate Machine helmet…and immediately drops dead. Though feeling no remorse, Hulk notes that he is no longer beholden to anyone; he is his own man once again. “I’m free…” he reflects, but then, in what can only be imagined as a tone of confusion and exasperation, adds, “to do WHAT??”

EXISTENTIAL CRISIS
This feels more like an existential crisis than anything Hulk has yet experienced. This is not toddler Hulk, angrily exclaiming “Hulk smash!” But it’s also not the Bruce Banner voice of reason still buried deep within his psyche, advising him to assist the good guys and strive for justice. Here, Hulk is simply a semi-cognizant being, suddenly asking himself, “If I could do anything in the whole wide world…what would I do?”

The strain of this question seems too much to bear, because almost immediately he embarks on a path of reckless behavior. He could have listened to his inner Banner, but chooses against that path, for he realizes he is now separating from Banner more and more, and he likes it that way.

However, when Hulk hears Rick Jones, he realizes Jones is a friend and decides to help him. A good-guy activity, to be sure…but he makes this decision not because of friendship, but more so because “it’ll give me somethin’ to do!” Somethin’ to fight and smash! This is Hulk’s comfort zone, and he falls right back into it.

MEN BEHAVING BADLY
After causing the death of the Leader, the Ultimate Machine goes back to the Watcher, who comments, “It will be many millenniums [sic] before mankind is ready for it.” Human fascination with technology is so overwhelming that curious—and greedy—souls, like the Leader, are anxious to try something new and exciting, without first determining the consequences. And now, even after Hulk has witnessed the Leader sent to his doom by this overwhelming technology, yes, even now, he also is STILL willing to try it! With no clear scientific proof for his reasoning, Hulk figures his thicker skin will protect him. He’s taking a big chance. Is Hulk a gambler, and if so, by nature or nurture? Or is he just too depressed and wrapped up in his existential crisis to give a damn what happens to him? Either way, he cannot resist pushing that button.

All that being said, for Hulk, who lives a life full of danger and has only himself to worry about, this reckless risk may not actually be that big of a surprise. But he isn’t the only one in this story pushing a button without knowing what might happen next.

A SHOT IN THE DARK
Led by General “Thunderbolt” Ross, the military has come into possession of Bruce Banner’s impressive T-Gun. Looks like it packs a punch…but they have never tested it and honestly, they have no idea what it does. Yet Ross gives the command to use it on Hulk because “it’s the only thing that may STOP him!” His emphasis is on “STOP,” but should really land on “MAY.” Ross is willing to risk everything to destroy Hulk. Are his priorities out of whack, or is this the inevitable conclusion of a grudge match between two strong macho personalities?

TIME TRAVEL
But let’s back up a bit. T-Gun. Why in the world did Banner even build a device that was never meant to be used? He was trying to learn if a blast that alters light waves could send a person into a different time. It appears the answer is “Yes!” for our reluctant hero is transported to the future—where Washington, DC has been destroyed, and the local inhabitants hail Hulk as “he, of whom our ANCIENT legends tell!”

Time Travel is back, baby! After completing last year’s 1965 Awards, I realized Time Travel had not been a major theme that year, but here it is once again, and I’m actually surprised at how excited I am to see it. Dystopian society much? Bring it on!

BUTTERFLY EFFECT
So…Hulk recklessly dons the Ultimate Machine headwear, and General Ross shoots off a super-weapon with no idea of the consequences. But who in this story is more reckless than the Watcher? He interferes yet again, not knowing what will happen. He, who should know better! After all, his entire philosophy is that he does not interfere, he only watches. He knows that if he interferes, he might change the course of history. I’m assuming The Watcher has read the chapter in his Watcher’s Manual regarding the potentially devastating impact of the Butterfly Effect. And yet, time after time…after time, he continues to break his own rule. You know the saying: “You had ONE JOB!!” The Watcher has only one job. But I don’t think I’ve ever seen him in a story doing only what he says he is supposed to do, i.e. WATCH.

“The End of the Quest!”
Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Adam Austin
Inks: Vince Colletta
Letters: Sam Rosen

But now let’s turn the page to the other story in this issue. Sub-Mariner’s saga provides a comforting contrast to what’s happening on the surface world. As seen in the previous issue, Namor decided to rescue Dorma from the Faceless Ones, rather than continue his quest for the Trident, which would assure the return of his kingdom. Bold choice…but is it reckless—as reckless as the behaviors blindly chosen by those in Hulk’s world?

One is immediately reminded of Spock’s logic that “The good of the many outweighs the good of the one.” Yeah, that Spock is a good talker, isn’t he? But when push comes to shove, he actually chose to save Kirk’s life. Sacrificing himself in the process. So, to some degree, you might say Spock was reckless. Reckless…yet also incredibly noble.

Namor is kind of like Spock (and it’s not just about the eyebrows and ears). He carries the stricken Dorma rather than the Trident, again valuing her life most of all. And fortunately for him, King Neptune, who sees all and knows all, is impressed with his sacrifice. Since Neptune is the autocrat of the sea, he makes an on-the-spot decision that instantly alleviates Namor’s dilemma: he gets to keep the girl AND his kingdom as well! If only he can make it back to the Revitalizer Ray in time to keep dear Dorma from death!

Namor chooses…wisely. He does not behave badly.

However, we do see a small moment of existential crisis for Namor, or at least that’s what I read into this panel:

Here the Narrator offers up a rousing poetic defense of the power of Namor as the “strongest of all who live beneath the swirling seas!” But note the weary monarch’s mood. Immediately he thinks, “I survived that first attack…but, I may not be so fortunate a second time!” Maybe Namor didn’t hear the Narrator’s words of praise? Is he losing confidence? Or has he had his fill of Epic Romanticism on this harrowing quest, and is now incorporating a good dose of common-sense reality into his plans? Or is he simply, frankly…exhausted?

When a character contradicts the Narrator, does this count as an existential crisis? Or are the writers merely encouraging us to feel and think and vicariously experience the full scope of emotions? Either way, they’ve hit all the bases in this issue. One Job? Accomplished!

Want to read this comic on your computer? Marvel has a scan!
Want to own the Sub-Mariner story? Buy the Masterworks!
Want to own the Hulk story? Buy the Masterworks!
Posted in Hulk, Sub-Mariner, Tales to Astonish | Leave a comment

AWARDS: Best of Show

Posted on February 12, 2024 by Chrissy

THE MARVELOUS AWARDS!!

BEST OF SHOW

1965 was a historic year for Marvel Comics, with old friends departing, and new friends coming on board. The Universe is expanding, and I can’t wait to see what comes next! But before we head in to 1966, let’s take a moment to review the Best of the Best in the following most encompassing categories. Come along with me as this edition of The Marvelous Awards gives a final heart-felt nod to the banner year of 1965!

BEST NEW CHARACTER

So many new characters have made their first appearance this year, it was hard to choose only a few nominations. But here are some of the most significant, and most promising for the future.

In the category of Best New Character, the nominees are…

  • Absorbing Man

  • Bucky

  • Medusa

  • Red Skull

  • Volstagg

  • Mary Jane Watson

And the Award goes to…

Mary Jane Watson, who, though she has barely appeared thus far, has captured our imagination ever since Aunt May first mentioned her, way back in Amazing Spider-Man #15. The aura of mystery that still clings to Ms. Watson has set the stage for our anticipation and hope of seeing more of her in 1966.

BEST (NON-SUPERHERO) COVER

In truth, I only read the superhero Marvel Comics I review in this blog, but I still get a kick out of looking at all the covers of other titles. Marvel Comics in 1965 provides a hodgepodge of genres, but some of the art can be compelling. Presented for your consideration, a representative sample from each non-superhero title:

In the category of Best (Non-Superhero) Cover, the nominees are…

  • Kid Colt Outlaw #121

  • Millie the Model #129

  • Modeling With Millie #44

  • Patsy & Hedy #101

  • Patsy Walker #121

  • Rawhide Kid #47

  • Sgt. Fury #23

  • Two-Gun Kid #78

And the Award goes to…

Two-Gun Kid #78. As much as my heart wants to follow Millie and Patsy, I have to admit that I find the artwork on this cover of Two-Gun Kid most appealing. I’m not one of those “horse girls,” but there’s something compelling about these brave horses and the men riding them in the middle of such active water. And all those vibrant colors! I doubt the Wild West ever looked quite so bold, but in the fantasy world of comics, this artwork is an effective beacon encouraging us to open the pages.

BEST (SUPERHERO) COVER

Now I’m in much more familiar territory! The cover is, of course, the first thing that attracts a reader. Some titles you stick with, no matter how bland or horrible the cover. But what if a cover is an absolute work of art? Does it speak well for the gems hidden within its pages? Which of these following covers works as Art (with a capital A) and also hints at further treasures within?

In the category of Best (Superhero) Cover, the nominees are…

  • Amazing Spider-Man #25

The cover of Amazing Spider-Man #25 is nominated for its bold primary colors, as well as its unusual subject matter. At first glance, we wonder if Doc Ock has a new outfit but then we notice…no! That’s the crazed face of J. Jonah Jameson! What the heck is going on here?

  • Avengers #21

Avengers #21 brings us the imposing figure of POWER MAN! Really, why has it taken this long to be introduced to a super being with this commanding moniker? And speaking of commanding, notice his stance, and the pile of defeated Avengers in the background, looking small and weak, and possibly even…dead? I want to know more!

  • Daredevil #7

The Daredevil title has not been around long, but already in issue #7, we have an epic clash between “The Man Without Fear” and the always to-be-feared Sub-Mariner. And Daredevil doesn’t seem to be faring too well. He may be without fear, but this battle is obviously taking place on Namor’s home turf. Strong dark colors and suggestion of movement make this cover a contender for the Best Superhero Cover of 1965.

  • Fantastic Four #45

You’ve got to love the Fantastic Four, and the cover of issue #45 provides a lovely family photo…if the object of a family photo is to show each member stressed and combative! A canopy of stars and what appears to be a huge moon suggests the 4’s upcoming battle with the curiously named “Inhumans” will be “not of this world.” Bring it on!

  • Journey Into Mystery #120

Journey Into Mystery #120 has everything I love about a Marvel cover: cataclysmic color, movement, fire, power and the menacing face of a new villain. Oh! And the Mighty Thunder God himself! With the image and mention of the “Hammer,” we know this issue will certainly be a blockbuster!

  • Strange Tales #138

Strange Tales #138 gives us a startling look at our new hero, Nick Fury. It appears bullets simply bounce off him! In stark contrast to the green outfits of both the bad guys and Fury himself, the background fades away in hues of technological gray. In this new world of the spy thriller, human strength and personality is still the star of the show.

  • Tales of Suspense #71

In Tales of Suspense #71, we get a preview of the magnitude of Iron Man’s battle against Titanium Man. There can be no question regarding the force of his punch! And who is that lying on the ground behind him, knocked out or possibly…dead?? Inquiring minds want to know! I am picking up and reading this issue to learn the answer to the cover’s epic question “What price victory?”

  • Tales to Astonish #64

Tales to Astonish #64 provides us with two astonishing scenes, side by side, promising a double dose of action and adventure. And these two images could hardly be more different from each other. The reader will surely feel he is getting the biggest bang for his—twelve cents.

  • X-Men #10

Who is this? Could it be Tarzan? No, it’s Ka-Zar! A new character is prominently displayed on the cover of X-Men #10. And apparently there’s also a cat involved. (I’m always there for cats…) A lunging loin-clothed muscle man and a sabre-tooth tiger? How in the world have the X-Men gotten themselves into this pickle? Read and find out!

And the Award goes to…

Journey into Mystery #120! Some of these contenders were stronger than others, but the power and spectacle of JIM covers always captures the Artist buried deep within me.

BEST STORY OVER MULTIPLE ISSUES

Remember back in the day…1965, perhaps…when almost all TV shows were episodic? You could watch them in any order with very little disruption to your understanding. Marvel caught on quickly that they would get better mileage out of their titles if they engaged readers not only with an emotional investment in the characters’ personalities, but also in the suspense of a continuing storyline. Here are some of 1965’s biggest and most exciting storylines over multiple issues.

In the category of Best Story Over Multiple Issues, the nominees are…

  • Doctor Strange: The Hunt for Eternity

  • Sub-Mariner: The Trident Quest

  • Thor: Trial of the Gods

  • Iron Man: Challenge of the Titanium Man

And the Award goes to…

Thor: Trial of the Gods. Though I must say, this one took a bit of thought. Like a homebuyer on HGTV’s House Hunters, I first eliminated Dr. Strange (for its vague, mystical, anti-climatic conclusion) and Iron Man (for the storyline’s brevity). Sub-Mariner has several important elements—the quest for the Trident, trouble at home with Krang, and Namor’s complicated relationship with Dorma—but this story is not yet concluded. That leaves Thor and the Trial of the Gods, which is as epic as anything else coming out of Asgard, but more importantly, the storyline is not just about the Trial, but about all the consequences that follow. One thing leads to another…hmmm, sort of like real life! And, the cheating, scheming Loki is in top form here!

BEST SINGLE ISSUE

And yes, while it may be true, as seen above, that giving extended time and energy to an epic storyline is the way to go, it’s also true that very often, great things come in small packages. And thus, we offer an “All Crammed In, In a Wonderful Way” Award for the single best issue!

In the category of Best Single Issue, the nominees are…

  • X-Men #9: How Professor X lost the use of his legs

  • Fantastic Four Annual #3: Wedding of Reed and Sue

  • Avengers #16: The Old Order Changeth

  • Strange Tales #135: SHIELD: The Introduction

And the Award goes to…

Well, this one was not so easy. All our nominees have a good case to make. Strange Tales introduces Nick Fury and SHIELD, and Avengers showcases a brand-new line-up, while X-Men fight the Avengers and we also learn important background information on Professor X. But I can’t help it, if I keep coming back to the Wedding of Sue and Reed. Everyone who’s anyone is there, in an atmosphere that is one part Party, two parts Battle, and with more than a pinch of Romance thrown on top. This story has it all! As Stan exclaims on the cover, “This is the BIG ONE!” It’s unlikely any of us might forget our own wedding day, and though Sue and Reeds nuptials may not have quite the same emotional impact on us, nevertheless, in 1965, this issue of Fantastic Four takes the cake! (The wedding cake, that is…)

IRVING FORBUSH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

And now for something completely different, here is an Award that has not been given in years past. It’s taken a few years for the concept of “Lifetime” to begin to make any sense in this still very new Marvel Universe, and in these formative years, nothing quite so momentous has yet taken place. But now, after so short a time, we find that Giant- Man and Wasp are “retiring.” Can it be?? I still can’t believe it! But believe it or not, it’s only fair and appropriate that we honor the achievements of their brief career…thus far. Here’s to you, Giant-Man and Wasp! And hoping you might be persuaded someday to come out of retirement and once again take your rightful place in this oh so marvelous Marvel Universe!

This year, the presentation of the Irving Forbush Lifetime Achievement Award goes to…

ANNOUCEMENT

You know what the pink box means! Something big is coming! The video above is the first effort in our new YouTube channel, the Marvelous Zone! We plan to create content here on a regular basis, and we’ve already posted the first exciting episode of Marvelpiece Theatre! Please check us out, and of course, Like and Subscribe for updates!

BEST TITLE

And now at last we come to the final Award, the one you’ve all been waiting for. Which title, in 1965, has had the most spectacular showing, including all the aforementioned elements—art, storyline, character development, and just a general sense of being right on the money, hitting a high point in the world of Marvel Comicdom? This is truly, The Best Of The Best!

Drumroll, please…

In the category of Best Title, the esteemed nominees are…

  • Avengers

The Avengers go through quite a shake-up this year, losing old members, gaining new, and dealing with all the problems that entails. They have quite a few problems to work out before they can really function again at top performance. How will this all end up?

  • Amazing Spider-Man

The Amazing Spider-Man is also going through some major life changes, as Peter graduates from high school and heads off to college, for new challenges and new friendships—while still having to worry about ailing Aunt May back at home. Oh, poor Peter!

  • Iron Man

With a piece of shrapnel buried deep in his heart, Tony Stark cannot get out of the Iron Man suit, which leads to a distressing assumption that he is dead, while he works frantically to save his own life. Once that crisis ends, guess what? He must fight Titanium Man in a classic showdown representing world superpowers. Oh, and best friend Happy risks his life to help Iron Man. Could anything be more dramatic?

  • SHIELD

Strange Tales adds new title SHIELD, opening the world of Marvel Comics to an entirely new genre, the spy thriller. Nick Fury moves from his work in WWII to lead SHIELD against formidable foe, Hydra. Ka-boom! The Marvel Universe just got significantly bigger!

And the Award goes to…

Iron Man, for the layering of soap opera upon soap opera. Many of the other titles also do a good job with soap opera, but nothing trumps coming back from the “dead.” And Happy’s selfless act of loyalty clinches the Award. Of course, we still don’t know who Pepper will end up with—Happy or Tony? Stay tuned…

So at last, we bid farewell to 1965 as we come to the end of the 3rd Annual Marvelous Awards! I hope you’ve enjoyed these Awards, even if you may not always agree with my choices. But we are all friends here, and I pray you will all remain my friends, as I gallantly trod into the “future” of 1966! I suspect this coming year will be groovy, a blast, the living end, and a gas! One thing I know for sure: no matter what else, it will be absolutely…Marvelous!

Posted in Year In Review | Leave a comment