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!

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AWARDS: Writing

Posted on February 5, 2024 by Chrissy

THE MARVELOUS AWARDS!!

WRITER AWARDS

I mentioned last time that I have begun to keep a sketchbook, dabbling in art. But for as long as I can remember, I have always considered myself more a writer than an artist. Therefore, I have the greatest amount of admiration for those who fashion a fetching story. The writers of Marvel have not yet disappointed me. And with that, I dedicate this next round of Marvelous Awards to those who yield the pen that is mightier than the Swordsman’s sword, Hawkeye’s arrow, Hulk’s “Smash!” or even Thor’s Hammer!

And so…let us begin!

TIME TRAVEL ISSUES

Ah! So we begin here, deep in the quandaries of time travel. I am always fascinated with this literary trope, yet also, mainly, mystified and frustrated. (Disney’s Loki series, anyone?) It seems the prevalence of time-travel has slowed down in 1965 Marvel Comics, but here are a few contenders to consider.

In the category of Time Travel Issues, the nominees are…

  • Strange Tales #134 (Human Torch & Thing): Kang and King Arthur

  • Journey Into Mystery #122: Thor takes Hobbs on a time tour

  • Avengers #23: Cap uses the recreater to discover who abducted the Avengers to the future (with no explanation to how Cap travels through time himself!)

And the Award goes to…

Journey Into Mystery #122, for the torturous idea of bringing a newspaper reporter on the most fantastic scoop of his lifetime, but not allowing him to remember any of it. (What sadist dreamed that one up?)

EPIC BATTLE SCENE

The Epic Battle Scene was covered last time from an artistic standpoint, but the concept behind each of the following battle scenes deserves mention.

In the category of Epic Battle Scene, the nominees are…

  • Iron Man vs. Titanium Man

  • Thor vs. Hercules

  • Captain America vs. prison “guards”

And the Award goes to…

Captain America vs. prison “guards.” All three nominated battles involve worthy opponents, but this spectacle seems to foreshadow the fabulous elevator scene in Captain America: Winter Soldier, where Cap singlehandedly takes out a large group of “guards” in a matter of seconds. Iron Man and Thor each fight against a well-armored and historic champion, but Cap is simply one good guy against a bunch of bad guys, and he gets the job done. Going up, anyone?

SOAP OPERA

Oh, John and Marcia! Cue the organ! Here we go again!

In the category of Soap Opera, the nominees are…

  • A Distraught Janet decides to leave Hank

  • Foggy hates himself, after bad-mouthing Matt to Karen

  • Tony gives up Pepper by pretending to be engaged

And the Award goes to…

Oh…oh…! These are all such bubbly examples, I don’t know how I shall ever decide! Okay…I guess I’ll have to give the edge to poor Janet Van Dyne, who is ready to not only dissolve both her personal and professional relationship with Hank, but also leave town in order to think things through. Could this really be the end of Hank and Jan? You know what I’m going to say: tune in tomorrow, folks…

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

How boring life would be if people never changed! There’s always room for improvement. A good writer knows this, and Marvel throws us a few curveballs in 1965.

In the category of Character Development, the nominees are…

  • Body of Hulk, Brain of Banner

  • Kurt Marko saves both his son Cain and his stepson, Charles Xavier

  • The Rehabilitation of Hawkeye

And the Award goes to…

Body of Hulk, Brain of Banner. Kurt Marko proves himself “not so bad after all,” but alas, shortly after this monumental decision, he dies. Hawkeye’s about-face is instrumental in determining his future, but Hulk’s makeover cuts to the very core of his personality. And again, I’ll raise the specter of the MCU, by noting that this recent development brings to mind Professor Hulk, who is so…hulky, and also so charming. Not sure how long I’ll have to wait in the comics to run into the Professor, but in the meantime, this new and improved version of Hulk has suddenly become a lot more three-dimensional.

STILTED LANGUAGE

Here is one of those “booby prizes” I foreshadowed last time. While most of the time Marvel dialog is—if not always “spot on”—at least acceptable. But these examples stick out like the proverbial sore thumb.

In the category of Stilted Language, the nominees are…

  • That Tweezers

  • It’s Matt Whom She Loves

  • It Was She Who Took It

And the Award goes to…

That Tweezers. Though awkward, “whom” is actually correct, and “It was SHE who took it!” could easily be edited to simply read “She took it!” But there is never a time when it is appropriate to say “That tweezers.” Right?

SLAYING LANGUAGE

I have previously alluded to a certain college professor who was apt to say, “Some of the language in here just slays me.” It was meant as a compliment. So, in direct opposition to the previous booby prize for Stilted Language, I now present for your consideration some superb “slaying language.”

In the category of Slaying Language, the nominees are…

  • Hank Pym: “Young Lady, You’re Impossible, and I Love It!”

  • Power Man: “I’d hate myself if you wanted me to!”

  • Beast: “We’ve heard the clarion call to battle! Let us sally forth and slay some dragons!”

And the Award goes to…

Beast, because “slaying language” is not simply what he does in this one panel, it’s what he does on a constant basis. It’s in his DNA! And I could listen to him all the livelong day!

BEST HOMER SIMPSON D’OH! MOMENT

Who doesn’t love hapless Homer Simpson? Especially when he messes up and utters the inevitable “D’Oh!” As in cartoons, and life itself, Marvel characters also occasionally make a mistake or two that demands a hearty “D’Oh!”

In the category of Best Homer Simpson D’OH! Moment, the nominees are…

  • Bucky discovers Captain America’s secret identity

  • Cyclops drops his sunglasses and wreaks havoc

  • Power-Man accidentally confesses framing the Avengers

And the Award goes to…

Well, I want to give this one to Power-Man, for inadvertently revealing the whole of the evil plan (“D’Oh!”) but in the end this Award must go to Steve Rogers, for so carelessly donning his Captain America suit when and where anyone might walk in. Of course, this “D’Oh!” moment ultimately works out well, as little Bucky gladly insists upon becoming his sidekick. But the way we got here would have done Homer Simpson proud!

BEST ORIGIN STORY

Begin at the beginning. While this is almost always good advice, Marvel writers rarely comply. But no matter where a story begins, going back to the beginning invariably adds depth, color and a furtherance of comprehension. This year we are treated to several origin stories, some which we have been waiting on for quite some time. Which was the most compelling?

In the category of Best Origin Story, the nominees are…

  • Mandarin

  • Hawkeye

  • Professor X

  • Beast

  • Thor & Loki’s Sibling Rivalry

And the Award goes to…

While not technically an “origin story,” I’m giving the Award to Tales of Asgard for its picturesque telling of the childhood of Thor and Loki. Loki’s jealousy of golden boy Thor runs so deep, it is surely not the consequence of a single event. This particular look into Thor and Loki’s childhood days in Asgard provides many clues as to what sort of men/gods they will grow up to be.

BEST BEDSIDE MANNER

When correctly handled, the doctor/patient relationship can verge on the sacred. Some doctors do this better than others. While the following nominees each present a unique situation, only one can win the Award!

In the category of Best Bedside Manner, the nominees are…

  • Don Blake comforts Jane Foster

  • Leader comforts Hulk

  • Jean Grey comforts her fellow X-Men

And the Award goes to…

Dr. Blake comforting dear Jane. We’ve seen them together as doctor and nurse, and also as two crazy kids out on a dinner date, but this image of tenderness between the doctor and his beloved patient absolutely vibrates with all the soap opera of General Hospital.

BIGGEST CAREER CHANGE

Earlier we discussed character development, but sometimes character is developed by a sudden change in situation. Where have our heroes been, and where are they going? Inquiring minds want to know how these career choices will influence their stories and their futures.

In the category of Biggest Career Change, the nominees are…

  • Hawkeye, Quicksilver & Scarlet Witch join the circus

  • Captain America signs up as a sparring partner

  • Giant-Man (and his title) retires

And the Award goes to…

With bittersweet regret, this Award goes to Giant-Man (and his title) as they both now appear headed for retirement. I myself have recently retired, so perhaps I relate too much, but my line of work was never anywhere near as interesting as that of Pym and Van Dyne, and their sudden disappearance from the landscape of Marvel superheroes leaves a giant gap. Yet, having said this, let me add that it is not a gap too wide to be filled, as Marvel constantly comes up with new personnel. Still, no matter who else might come along, and what their powers and personalities might be, Giant-Man and Wasp will be missed. At least by this reader. I can only hope that this is not truly the last I will see of them. But I guess I’ll have to keep reading to find out!

MOST ROMANTIC MOMENT

Well, to be completely honest…I’m not really here for the heroic acts, epic battle scenes, best decked-out villains’ lairs or even the fabulous 60’s fashions. I’ve never had any qualms about freely admitting that I’m here for the soap opera…and soap opera naturally means romance! So let’s get on with it!

In the category of Most Romantic Moment, the nominees are…

  • Reed and Sue’s Wedding

  • Giant-Man Kisses Wasp

  • Black Widow Matches Hawkeye’s Mask

And the Award goes to…

Reed and Sue’s wedding, of course! As the poet once said, “If you like it, then you shoulda put a ring on it!” and Reed has done just that, finally making the Big Commitment. Such a major story development—and the artist helps out with all those magical black on pink background rays of love! Such a moment as shall live in Marvel history forever!

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Returning one final time to our theme of Changes, as happens every year, we have lost a few characters along the way. Whom shall we miss the most?

In the category of Gone But Not Forgotten, the nominees are…

  • Crime Master

  • Baron Zemo

  • the Leader

  • Black Widow?

And the Award goes to…

Well, I would miss Black Widow the most, but somehow I can’t bring myself to believe she’s really dead. So instead I’m going with Baron Zemo, because in his heyday, he was such a royal pain in Cap’s patriotic rear. Though, to tell the truth, I also can’t quite believe he’s actually gone either. The problem with these “Gone But Not Forgotten” folks in Marvel is that unless there’s a body, you can never really be sure. And at times even when there is a body, somehow they still manage to return! I guess that’s why I’ll have to keep reading into 1966!

Well, that does it for today’s installment of Awards, and there is only one more to go, but it’s the Grand Poobah, the Cream of the Crop, the Show of Shows, when next we consider the Best of the Best of 1965! See you next week, for the Grand Finale of these Marvelous Awards!

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AWARDS: Art

Posted on January 29, 2024 by Chrissy

THE MARVELOUS AWARDS!!

ARTIST AWARDS

Well now, we are really moving ahead with our Awards, and finally begin to turn our attention not so much to what has been created, but rather to the creators. Without the artists and writers, where would the Marvel characters in the Marvel universe be? Absolutely nowhere! So let’s give credit where credit is due, and we’ll start right now, by honoring the best of the best in Art.

MOST EPIC BATTLE SCENE

When you have superheroes and super-villains, odds are you will now and then have super battles—or as we like to call them here at the Marvelous Zone, Epic Battle Scenes. In 1965, which of the many will win the Award for the Most Epic Battle Scene?

In the category of Most Epic Battle Scene, the nominees are…

  • Fantastic Four Annual #3

  • Strange Tales #132

  • Daredevil #6

And the Award goes to…

Fantastic Four Annual #3, which reminds me so much of the Epic Battle Scene in Avengers: Endgame. Everybody who’s anybody is there, giving it their absolute best. As the Editor grandly points out, this is “the greatest battle royal ever recorded within human memory—!” ’Nuff said.

MOST DRAMATIC TRANSFORMATION

Since many Marvel characters are not what they seem, or not what they once were, transformation is an integral element in many a storylines.

In the category of Most Dramatic Transformation, the nominees are…

  • Ben Grimm to Thing permanently

  • Steve Rogers to Captain America

  • Absorbing Man to wood, stone and steel

And the Award goes to…

In 1965, I’m liking Steve Rogers turning into a super-soldier so he can eventually become the superhero Captain America. Not only is this a transformation of his body, but also his entire life. This is a seminal moment that must be celebrated.

BEST DIAGRAM OR MAP

Oh goody! It’s the Best Diagram or Map Award! I’m distressed that Marvel is not presenting these with the same frequency as in previous years, but every instance is an opportunity for me to exclaim “Oh goody!” and judge which is the best.

In the category of Best Diagram or Map, the nominees are…

  • Matt Murdock’s Apartment

  • Organizer’s Lair

  • Daredevil’s Billy Club

And the Award goes to…

The Organizer’s Lair, not only for having so many levels, but also for the secret tunnel access through a water-filled elevator shaft. However, why isn’t the helicopter on the roof? And what is the purpose of that penthouse, anyway? More questions than answers, so I guess I’ll have to keep reading!

BEST USE OF PERSPECTIVE

Because I started a sketchbook in my retirement, I am now keenly aware of the importance of perspective when forming a piece of art. So I softly enter here, with reverence and a new appreciation for this artistic concept.

In the category of Best Use of Perspective, the nominees are…

  • A Big Eye watches a Tiny Giant-Man

  • Namor as he approaches a cave

  • The view through Giant-Man’s Mask

And the Award goes to…

The view through Giant-Man’s mask. Because I have to ask myself: is that really what he’s seeing? And if so, however does he manage it? The darkness around the images of the outside world lends a sense of solitude to the life of a superhero. An excellent artistic portrayal of the superhero’s unique place in the world!

WALKING OFF INTO THE SUNSET (OR MOONLIGHT)

Sunset, moonlight…you get the idea. The superhero comes to the end of a long day of derring-do, and finally has a tranquil moment to sigh and enjoy his inner satisfaction…or ponder his remaining troubles.

In the category of Walking Off Into the Sunset (Or Moonlight), the nominees are…

  • Amazing Spider-Man #24

  • Strange Tales #134 (Doctor Strange)

  • Strange Tales #128 (Doctor Strange)

  • Tales to Astonish #63 (Giant-Man and Wasp)

And the Award goes to…

Strange Tales #134, as Dr. Strange so dramatically proclaims that he must lose himself in the night and begin his search…for Eternity! He’s not simply looking forward to a warm bath or a cold beer. Truly, a superhero’s work is never done! And how poetically the mystical man’s thoughts are portrayed against this backdrop of dark buildings and blinding yellow car lights, as his trench coat sways dramatically in the evening breeze.

DR. STRANGE PAGING DR. SEUSS

Of all the corners of the Marvel universe where the artists most get to stretch their creative wings, surely the pages of Doctor Strange give greatest opportunity.

In the category of Dr. Strange Paging Dr. Seuss, the nominees are…

  • Strange Tales #128

  • Strange Tales #133

  • Strange Tales #138

And the Award goes to…

Strange Tales #138, which vividly reminds me of the Quantum Realm of the recent Ant-Man movies. Which also had a highly Seuss-ish quality about them. See how small Doctor Strange appears in the middle of this inexplicable madness! I’ll bet Steve Ditko had fun creating this other-worldly world.

BEST HAIR

What’s the saying? God only made so many perfect heads; the rest are covered with hair. Marvel has its share of bald beauties, but this Award honors the artistic celebration of hair!

In the category of Best Hair, the nominees are…

  • Medusa

  • Boy Thor

  • Scarlet Witch

And the Award goes to…

You thought I was going to pick Medusa, right? Her hair truly is spectacular, but somehow, I can’t stop looking at the gorgeous blonde locks of young Thor! As much as I hate to admit it, Sue Storm probably wishes her hair had as much style and bounce!

HOTTEST BABE: FEMALE

As time goes on, I’m beginning to see some improvement in the artistic portrayal of women. I know this will get better, but for the time being, let’s take a look at some of Marvel’s hottest babes in 1965.

In the category of Hottest Babe: Female, the nominees are…

  • Black Widow

  • Wasp

  • Enchantress

  • Pepper Potts

  • Scarlet Witch

And the Award goes to…

Enchantress has it ALL going on: the figure, the tight green outfit, the long blonde hair, the inexplicable coverings on her arms (but not her hands or shoulders). And besides—as I may have noted before—it’s sorta in her name to be hotter than all the other girls. So she wins, (bare) hands down.

HOTTEST BABE: MALE

Can a man also be a hot babe? You bet!

In the category of Hottest Babe: Male (the art award previously known as “Best Chest: Male”), the nominees are…

  • Molten Man

  • Nick Fury

  • Captain America

  • Swordsman

  • Power Man

And the Award goes to…

Nick Fury, for rocking his chesty look, not only with huge strong hairy arms and an eye patch, but also the ever-present cigar. Nothing stops this guy, nothing fazes him. He is the picture of masculinity. The only thing I would do differently here is swap his “outfit” (such as it is) with Power Man’s—in the more dramatic color “Power Red.”

IF LOOKS COULD KILL

Some years ago I ran across the phrase “if looks could kill” in Bram Stoker’’s Dracula and wondered if this is the earliest use. If anyone knows the history of the phrase, please share! In the meantime, though Marvel is certainly not the first to employ this concept, they definitely have several good examples of it in their 1965 comics.

In the category of If Looks Could Kill, the nominees are…

  • Pepper Potts, Pissed at Countess Spirosa

  • Loki, Pissed at Balder

  • Hogun, just Pissed

And the Award goes to…

Pepper Potts. Somehow the “if looks could kill” look is much more dramatic on a woman’s face, especially when coupled with the strong emotion of jealousy. Loki and Hogun probably look pissed most of the time anyway, so these examples are not so unusual; but here Pepper wears her heart on her sleeve…or in her eyebrows, as the case may be.

BEST COLLAGE

Making a collage is always a fun art project, and when Marvel does it, not only is it fun, but it also provides a great deal of information in a very small space. Three cheers for the economy of the collage!

In the category of Best Collage, the nominees are…

  • Amazing Spider-Man #31: Peter’s first day at college

  • Strange Tales #137 (Doctor Strange): Doctor Strange probes the Ancient One’s mind

  • Tales of Suspense #62 (Iron Man): Axonn-Karr’s adventures

  • Tales of Suspense #63 (Captain America): Newspaper headlines

And the Award goes to…

I simply love the artistic depiction of Peter Parker’s first day at college! It reminds me of one of those 1980’s school comedies. Can’t you just hear Wang Chung playing in the background?

MAYHEM IN THE STREETS

We couldn’t get through these Art Awards without addressing Marvel’s marvelous capacity for capturing the chaos that the clash of superheroes and super-villains unleashes upon the unsuspecting public.

In the category of Mayhem in the Streets, the nominees are…

  • Amazing Spider-Man #25

  • Journey Into Mystery #113

  • X-Men #9

And the Award goes to…

X-Men #9 has it all. In the background, thundering tidal waves threaten civilization, and in the foreground, the expressions of innocent bystanders perfectly capture what this Award is all about. It doesn’t get much better than this.

MAYHEM IN THE OFFICE

Not content with Mayhem in the Streets, the Marvel Bullpen has been experimenting with the idea of moving the mayhem into the workplace. And so far, they’re doing a stellar job of it!

In the category of Mayhem in the Office, the nominees are…

  • Amazing Spider-Man #20

  • Strange Tales #139 (SHIELD)

  • Tales of Suspense #62 (Captain America)

And the Award goes to…

Strange Tales #139. With their world collapsing around them, a frantic employee admonishes the boss with “You can’t keep us here any longer!” The boss agrees, but feels compelled to add, “We will resume tomorrow!” Hello! If the building is still standing tomorrow! If we aren’t all dead tomorrow! Have you ever had a boss who doesn’t know when it’s time to quit? This kind of attitude only adds to the mayhem.

SILLIEST IMAGE

The Marvel Bullpen always seems to be having so much fun with Art, and where is this more apparent than in their propensity to create some of the silliest images imaginable?

In the category of Silliest Image, the nominees are…

  • Amazing Spider-Man #24

  • Fantastic Four #35

  • Strange Tales #128 (Doctor Strange)

And the Award goes to…

Once again, the Spider-verse takes the prize! From a very young age, I would lie on the floor looking up at the ceiling and wonder what it would be like if everything was upside down. Apparently, the creators of Marvel have engaged in similar fantasies. This image speaks so strongly to me, and if you are being honest, it also sparks your own childlike imagination.

BEST PAGE LAYOUT

From small artistic touches like an expression, chest or hair, to the much larger decisions that affect the overall look of a page, let us now turn our attention to the Best Page Layout.

In the category of Best Page Layout, the nominees are…

  • Fantastic Four #39, with a photographic background

  • Strange Tales #139, where Doctor Strange views the SHIELD splash

  • Tales of Suspense #62 (Iron Man), with staggered, creatively placed panels

And the Award goes to…

Strange Tales #139. Always a fan of the “Fourth Wall,” I’m enamored by the idea of Doctor Strange looking at the cover of a Marvel Comic. This particular piece of art reminds us that it is all art, and I respect the artists for their artistic decisions. Bravo!

So now, as we come to the end of the Art Awards and I have expressed my respect for the artists of Marvel, we next turn to the writers, where again I am sure I will express much respect in the granting of Awards. Though surely we’ll discover some booby prizes along the way, as well? Tune in next week to find out, as we come rapidly to the final stretch of these 1965 Marvelous Awards!!

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AWARDS: Silver Age Awards

Posted on January 22, 2024 by Chrissy

THE MARVELOUS AWARDS!!

SILVER AGE AWARDS

Ironically, many who enjoyed the “Silver Age” of Marvel Comics in the 1960’s are now themselves in their sixties, sporting silver hair. And though my own hair has morphed from a glorious brown to a vibrant white over the decades, I was not one of those who enjoyed the “Silver Age” of Marvel Comics while it was happening. But I’m here now and loving it! The nostalgia of this era is sometimes overwhelming, and so much fun. That’s what I’m here for—the fun! And this set of Awards should prove to be exactly that. So let’s get started.

POP CULTURE

Did I not just mention nostalgia? And we’re off and running. Let’s go!

In the category of Pop Culture, the nominees are…

  • Coffee a Go-Go

  • Thing & Torch Meet the Beatles

  • Thor’s French Film Star

And the Award goes to…

I love all of these pop culture references, but having only recently become a more dedicated coffee drinker, the Coffee a Go-Go warms my heart like a steaming hot latte! And so much good-natured ribbing about the beatnik subculture is like a swirl of whipped cream atop. Can you dig it?

NOW THAT’S COMEDY!

The 1960’s were filled with so much comedy, from iconic sitcoms like Gilligan’s Island and Green Acres, to classic Disney movies like The Love Bug and The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes, as well as Jerry Lewis’ Nutty Professor and Peter Sellers’ Inspector Clouseau. As a child of the 1960’s, I also enjoyed Dr. Seuss, Mad magazine, and collections of poetry like Oh, What Nonsense! And Marvel Comics was all about jumping on that bandwagon as well.

In the category of Now That’s Comedy, the nominees are…

  • Volstagg

  • X-Men

  • Stan’s Credit Box

And the Award goes to…

Stan’s Credit Box. Whenever you are about to immerse yourself in an entertainment where the title page or opening remarks are just as enjoyable as all that follows, you know you’re on the right track. The credits set the stage, and the stage is set for comedy!

STYLE

Ah! The style of the 1960’s! What goes around comes around, and somehow it seems that style…well…never goes out of style.

In the category of Style, the nominees are…

  • Gideon’s Snazzy House

  • Eternity’s Hippie Outfit

  • Zantor Beatnik

And the Award goes to…

Gideon’s Snazzy House. I want that house! I want to live in that house!

ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION

In many ways, the 1960’s were the beginning of the age of technology. In the real world, advancements in communications technology came painfully slow, in comparison to the breakneck pace of the following decades. But Marvel was ahead of the curve, in many ways predicting advancements that were yet to come.

In the category of Alternative Communication, the nominees are…

  • Doctor Strange’s Enchanted Eye

  • Professor X’s Mento Helmet

  • Avengers’ Pager Jewelry

And the Award goes to…

The Avengers’ Pager Jewelry. The watch, the pin, the ring predict the pager in the same way Star Trek “communicators” foresee cell phones. If Doctor Stranger’s Enchanted Eye and Professor X’s Mento Helmet have current day equivalents, they do not speak to me as intimately. But I fully understand and appreciate the usefulness of a watch, pin or ring that can call out an important message.

WISH WE HAD THAT INVENTION

But why stop at communications?

In the category of Wish We Had That Invention, the nominees are…

  • SHIELD’s Flying Car

  • Nick Fury’s Periscope Hat

  • Leader’s Transporter

  • Mister Fantastic’s Dishwasher

And the Award goes to…

The Leader has essentially created the Star Trek transporter. Does it get any cooler than that?? Though kudos to Reed Richards for apparently inventing the dishwasher!

TRAVELING IN STYLE

I always enjoy doing this Award, as the writers and artists of Marvel seem to have such a good time dreaming up crazy ways for their characters to get around.

In the category of Traveling In Style, the nominees are…

  • SHIELD’s Flying Car

  • The Helicarrier

  • Tony Stark’s Mini-Sub

And the Award goes to…

A helicarrier is certainly more marvelous than any form of transportantion we have yet seen, but…c’mon! A flying car??? After being snubbed in the previous Award, I am now biologically required to give wings to every human being’s fantasy of owning a flying car. Go, Lola!

EXOTIC LOCATION

When Russ and I watch movies (and so often, by the way, this happens in 60’s flicks), whenever we see an exotic or otherwise interesting location, we yell out “Travelogue!” A travelogue can always be counted on to add a bit of spice to a story. As Marvel has well figured out.

In the category of Exotic Location, the nominees are…

  • Lichtenbad

  • Olympus

  • The Savage Land

And the Award goes to…

Wow! This one was tough, because all are such good contenders. But in the end, the Award goes to Lichtenbad, and I’ll tell you why. While Olympus and the Savage Land are certainly exotic, the average reader will not believe they could ever actually travel there. But Lichtenbad resembles so many ancient cities one might add to their European itinerary. The description of it being “like a medieval fortress” lends a touch of history, and the suggestion that it is akin to a prison adds a layer of mystery and potential danger. And, it’s got a moat.

STRONG WOMEN

The 1960’s saw the beginning of the Women’s Lib movement, and Marvel jumped on that bus early, peppering its pages with not only strong female super-heroes and villainesses, but also the occasional supporting character.

In the category of Strong Women, the nominees are…

  • Agent 13

  • Celia Rawlings

  • Scarlet Witch

And the Award goes to…

Celia Rawlings, for her two-pronged attack against her Nazi captors. We don’t know enough yet about Agent 13 (though she could certainly be a future contender in this category), and Wanda is there in a pinch, but having magical powers makes it that much easier to respond in strength. In contrast, Celia’s only superpower is a sudden burst of anger, self-preservation and commitment to what is right. While her Nazi guards have guns, all she has is her determination and high heels. Good work with those heels! BOK!

CAT FIGHT

Strong women don’t always play nice. Though women may have engaged in a form of hand-to-hand combat with other women throughout history, the spectacle we now know as a “cat fight” is a relatively modern phenomenon. Is this a manifestation of Women’s Lib, or merely the indulgence of a particular male fetish? That is not for me to decide. What is for me to decide is which Marvel cat fight wins the Award for 1965.

In the category of Cat Fight, the nominees are…

  • Invisible Girl vs. Medusa

  • Wasp vs. Madame Macabre

  • Scarlet Witch vs. Princess Python

And the Award goes to…

Invisible Girl vs. Medusa, and I can justify this choice with one word: hair. All.That. Long. Red. Hair. Spectacular!

MEN BEHAVING BADLY

So we’ve just witnessed some gals behaving badly. But what’s good for the goose is good for the gander! Or is it the other way around? No matter, men are just as capable of bad behavior as the ladies.

In the category of Men Behaving Badly, the nominees are…

  • Harris Hobbs kidnaps Jane Foster in a bid to discover Thor’s identity

  • Rick Jones says the quiet part out loud in South America

  • Matt Murdock bails on the law firm

And the Award goes to…

Though any of these could easily have taken this Award, in the end it goes to Matt Murdock, for his utter insensitivity to his friends’ problems. While he has money to take a vacation, elsewhere in the story we learn he is not willing to pay his portion of the rent on the business that bears his name. This level of selfishness is not like our hero at all. I guess this extremely bad behavior is the writer’s way of letting us know how out of sorts Murdock is at this moment, but…c’mon!! Really??? Maybe the “Men Behaving Badly” Award should have gone instead to the Marvel Bullpen for stretching our levels of credulity?

MOST PATHETIC FEMALE POTRAYAL

Well, I just got done praising Marvel for moving ahead regarding their portrayal of women, but a few vestiges of the old stereotypes still remain. Let’s move through these quickly.

In the category of Most Pathetic Female Portrayal, the nominees are…

  • Invisible Girl, in an apron

  • Brunette in the Street

  • Wasp Intrigued by Count Nefaria

And the Award goes to…

Sue in an apron, fussing about dinner and Johnny getting ashes on the furniture. Though I must say, that random woman in yellow planting herself in front of an oncoming car, rather than putting her energies into simply moving out of the way is absolutely inexplicable. (Perhaps she was auditioning for the Damsel in Distress Award?)

BIGGEST SHOW ON EARTH

And no examination of Marvel Comics would be complete without a nod to the Big Top! Stan, this one is for you.

In the category of Biggest Show on Earth, the nominees are…

  • Spider-Man faces the Clown and Masters of Menace

  • Hawkeye, Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch Join the Circus

  • Hawkeye Quits the Circus

And the Award goes to…

Hawkeye, Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch, for joining the circus after deciding to leave the Avengers. Ah! That good old dependable circus! When all else in life fails, you can always join the circus, right? What a comforting alternative…at least in the Marvel universe of the 1960’s.

This little walk down Memory Lane has reached a picket fence that we will open next time to take a deep dive into the marvelous artwork of Marvel Comics in 1965! See you then!

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