All -Star Squadron #57: "Kaleidoscope!"

All-Star Squadron #57

 "Kaleidoscope!" (Chapter One)
 May, 1986

 Story: Roy Thomas
 Artists: Mike Clark & Vince Colletta (PP. 1-3, 22)
 David Cody Weiss: Letterer
 Carl Gafford: Colorist

 The Crisis On Infinite Earths has ended in other time periods, following these events of mid-1985, the red skies have returned to blue or gray. Things are very different on April 1942, however. If the Crisis itself is not entirely over -- at least the return of its time-lost participants is no longer delayed... To the eyes of Liberty Belle, Johnny Quick, Firebrand, Amazing Man, and Tarantula, it looks like World War II has come to Flushing Meadow -- with a vengeance! Standing alongside Doctors Fate, Occult, and Green Lantern, the Man of Tomorrow does not need telescopic-vision to see that the red skies continue to make everything look like a bloodbath -- but at least their five missing All-Stars have re-appeared out of nowhere! The Green Lantern considers the possibility that perhaps they were wrong in assuming there was a connection! Sandy the Golden Boy stands with Hawkgirl, Robotman, and Hourman and wonders about the whereabouts of his mentor and the other Justice Society members!?

 When asked by Superman about their past whereabouts, Amazing Man pleads ignorance, Firebrand remembers lighting a stove in Madison Square Garden, and Johnny Quick is glad that they are back where they belong! Robotman appreciates their timely return and hopes they will help clean up after the mess with Oom the Mighty and the Monster Society of Evil. The Tarantula and Amazing Man both recall the start of that particular battle, but neither one can explain the feeling that something very important happened in the middle of it!? Liberty Belle wastes little time in taking charge and asking the others about the missing Justice Society members. Doctor Occult explains that Doctor Fate has returned from being teleported to the dark side of the moon by Oom and the mystic detective has only just learned about the various locations of the others. His mystic talisman indicates the Justice Society of America are not on Earth -- but in between other planets. They are -- in Hyper-Space!

 There is little Occult can do, but Fate decides to lend a hand. Since he lost the helmet of Nabu, Doctor Fate possesses fewer magical powers -- but if he and Occult pool their powers of concentration together, they may be able to locate their missing friends. Doctor Occult concentrates on the Justice Society members as hard as he possibly can, then begins to receive images as soon as Doctor Fate comes in contact with him! Focusing upon these images, Occult sees them aboard rocket ships -- heading through alien skies -- towards other planets that resemble those found in our solar system -- but these are not the same! The tumbling images are like waves breaking against the shore... in Occult's mind...

 The year was 1942 and Earth-2 was a world at war against Axis forces. The mightiest heroes of this parallel world have banded together, under executive order of President Roosevelt, as the All-Star Squadron.

 The Crisis On Infinite Earths occurred in 1985.

 The red skies were a visual phenonmenon during the Crisis and for a time, Earth-Two and its heroes managed to survive its aftermath until only one Earth remained.

 Liberty Belle, Johnny Quick, Firebrand, Amazing Man, and Tarantula were affected by the Crisis and found themselves in a time period different from their native 1942.

 The Man of Tomorrow and Doctor Occult were both created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

 The Justice Society of America were "Shanghaied Into Hyper-Space" in All-Star Squadron #50.

 Danette Reilly was lighting a stove when Harbinger summoned her in All-Star Squadron #50.

 Doctor Fate, Hourman, Hawkgirl, and Sandy the Golden Boy fought Oom the Mighty and Mr. Mind's Monster Society of Evil in All-Star Squadron #54.

 Kent Nelson lost the helmet of Nabu, but avoided being completely possessed by the Egyptian wizard, and lost much of his magical powers.

 The Justice Society of America were shanghaied into space by Gardner Fox, Jack Burnley, Sheldon Moldoff, Cliff Young, Stan Aschmeier, Joe Gallagher, Bernard Bailey, Harry G. Peter, and Howard Ferguson in All-Star Comics #13 (October-November, 1942.)

 Steve Chung
 "Kaleidoscopic Review!"

All-Star Squadron #57: "Kaleidoscope" (Chapter Two)

All-Star Squadron #57

 "Kaleidoscope" (Chapter II)
 May, 1986

 Roy Thomas: Writer
 Artist: Rick Hoberg
 David Cody Weiss: Letterer
 Carl Gafford: Colorist

 Doctor Occult is mentally zeroing in on a rocket heading for a canal-streamed world that resembles Mars! Now he hears a voice from inside the rocket and relays the words and images to the other members of the All-Star Squadron -- as best he can... There is a young man aboard who can only be -- The Atom. Wherever he is, he is still in one piece. The JSAer will soon know if this is really the case when the rocket lands! Doctor Occult is unable to glean from the Atom's spoken words as to how he came to be inside a hyper-spatial missile -- yet he senses the rocket slow descent upon entering the atmosphere of "Mars" -- The missile's automatic system lands it beneath the twin moons! SHROOOMM Once the instruments register oxygen outside, the Atom exits, and discovers a landscape resembling a gardener's delight!

 Since "Mars" has only a fraction of Earth's gravity, the Atom is surprised to discover he can leap over the trees like the Man of Tomorrow! From his broad-jumping and the red sand below, Al Pratt would almost believe he were on Mars! ZZZK! FZZK! The Atom soon spots two humanoid factions, briefly considering remaining a neutral observer, and then leaping into the fray! His new leaping abilities enable him to make short work of the opposition. Al Pratt wishes he could do this back on Earth with real atomic power! With one of the factions in full retreat, the other remains, and attempts to communicate with the Earthling.

 Despite being unable to understand their words, the Atom understands enough that they want him to follow them. He soon sees a town beyond one of the canals! As he enters the "Martian" city, Al Pratt wishes he had a camera. After removing his mask, a metal cap is placed upon his head, and Al Pratt now understands their language. The educatograph was created years ago by one of their scientists. The device uses radio short waves and the electric emanations from the human brain. Al Pratt could certain use this at Calvin College!

 He soon learns that the polar cap of "Mars" melts every year and fills their canals with water. The water furnishes the "Martians" with fluid and atmosphere without which they would be unable to sustain themselves. Kagar Butor of the Southern Nation demands tribute for the "atmosphere plants" he currently controls -- or else he will contaminate all of their water! The Atom is welcomed by the Northern Kagar, who thanks the JSAer for saving one of their patrols. Since the best defense is a good offense, the Atom intends on meeting with Butor and getting him to change his mind. The Atom is soon riding across the "Martian" ground on the Kagar's fastest mount... He hopes that his fellow JSAers are okay somehow! On the outskirts of the city of Butor, the Atom and his Martian guide pause their steeds... Only the plants prevent death from claiming this world!

 When the Atom finishes with Butor, the guy will be lucky to be a waterboy! Two drowsy guards are lulled into deep slumber when the Mighty Mite lands upon them! As the JSAer fights his way through the city, he manages to extricate the location of Butor from one of his followers! THRAM! In this lighter gravity, the Atom is given greater chance to flex his muscles against the doors, and makes a dramatic entrance! He also unfortunately walks into an electrical field! SZZZZZZZZZ

 The obese figure before him can only be Butor, who does not care about the identity of the short one. As the voltage is raised to fatality level, BRAKOOM! The Mighty Mite manages to free himself a split second earlier! SPLAK! Butor's meek surrender echoes the Atom's hopes that Adolf will be singing the same tune when the Justice Society finally catches up with him! A new treaty is forged, along with hostages from Butor's family, ensuring a lasting peace. As his reward, the Atom is given an educatograph, and the secret for making air from water. Having worked out the coordinates with the "Martians," he hopes that the reverse course will return him to Earth, and the Atom can make certain his fellow JSAers are well. He is certainly going to miss not having any actual super-powers any more.

 This has been Interlude Four of Justice Society Of America: Shanghaied Into Hyperspace!

 This chapter adapted material by Gardner F. Fox and Joe Gallagher from All-Star Comics #13, 1942.

 In the original story, the Justice Society of America were shanghaied into space!

 J'onn J'onzz is from the Mars of Earth-One.

 The Man of Tomorrow came from a Krypton where the inhabitants were already at the peak of human perfection.

 The Man of Steel of Earth-One gets his super-powers from Earth's lighter gravity and its yellow sun.

 DC Comics adapted A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

 Editor Julius Schwartz created archeologist Adam Strange, who travelled to the planet Rann in stories written by Gardner Fox.

 Alanna and her father, Sardath, used a device on Adam to aid him in learning the Rannian language.

 A kagar is a prince.

 Jimmy Olsen was once turned into a Jovian.

 Al Pratt resembles the Daily Planet cub reporter.

 Thanks to inhaling some hard water overnight, Jay Garrick went from warming the bench to becoming a football star and winning the big game for Joan Williams.

 I've enjoyed the art of Rick Hoberg in What If, DC Comics Presents, and All-Star Squadron.

 Steve Chung
 "Kaleidoreview" (Chapter II)

All-Star Squadron #57: "Kaleidoscope" (Chapter Three)

All-Star Squadron #57

 "Kaleidoscope" (Chapter Three)
 May, 1986

 Roy Thomas: Writer
 Arvell Jones & Alfredo Alcala: Artists
 David Cody Weiss: Letterer
 Carl Gafford: Colorist

 The image of "Mars" fades and "Jupiter" comes into view, complete with its mysterious red spot. Doctor Occult concentrates and sees that it is the JSAer known as Starman who is gazing upon this other dimensional version of Jupiter. The last thing he remembers is listening to Hawkman at the JSA meeting -- then keeling over. Ted Knight bets that he is ill and in a delirious state at a hospital! Since his mystic talisman has made contact with the JSAers' minds, Doctor Occult is able to glean some of their surface thoughts. As the compass widens -- the Doctor sees there is a civilization on "Jupiter"...

 The mystic detective can only wonder how these robotic creatures know of Starman and of Earth itself. These denizens of "Jupiter" adjust the dials on their waists, and soar upwards towards the rocket... They catch the ship and bring it to the forum! As the rocket's airlock door swing open -- the instruments read an oxygen atmosphere -- and Starman feels the cold. His fingers are numb and he can barely hold onto his gravity rod! Reaching the rod's stellar control pin, the JSAer is provided with heat and sufficient strength to resist "Jupiter's" harsh gravity! Starman is greeted by the metallic men and is lead to their subterranean city... In many ways, they are as human as Ted Knight, but due to their planet's gravity and harsh cold, they wear rustless metal clothing. Their internal organs are encased within.

 As he stands before the robot tribunal, Starman learns their mechanical devices translate his language and they know much about him. They are able to see and hear everything on Earth by using light, cosmic rays, and radio waves -- even across the dimensions. The JSAer recognizes the Justice Society of America meeting room on a viewscreen and learns it was Herr Gootsden who was responsible for shooting them into hyperspace! The Nazi scientist had intended for the Justice Society to be sent into outer space, but there were other factors. Although they possess a brilliant technology, these metallic inhabitants of "Jupiter" are in danger from the "great red spot" of their world -- consisting of an absorbing microbism -- a malevolent lifeform which is slowly but surely feeding upon their entire world! When they learned of his coming -- Starman became their only hope.

 Ted Knight doesn't know what he can do, if their science has failed -- but he's going to try. His gravity rod taps into the power of the stars of his cosmos. One of the metal men turns on the aero-dynamic force of his own power belt, and soars alongside the JSAer. The red spot is just beyond the dark mountains -- and now just below them! Starman increases the gravitational constant on his gravity rod -- and watches what happens! It leaps straight up at them and will engulf them both in a moment! The Metal man can feel it feeding on him and Starman feels the living quicksand -- pulling them down towards the main mass!

 The Astral Avenger manages to rotate the fungoid matter -- just like a cowboy does with his lasso -- and the circling motion serves as a delaying tactic. Using his gravity rod, Starman is able to perform a crack-the-whip motion, and -- the small portion of the red spot is now on its way into outer space. The JSAer has an idea of how to deal with the main threat and has the metal men construct a gigantic version of his gravity rod... It is now aimed at the dead center of the red spot.

 The giant rod rotates -- faster, and faster -- until the planet of "Jupiter" shudders as the alien matter is torn free from the world's heavy gravity. It will be swallowed by the immense other-dimensional universe. The red spot is now gone -- forever and the metal men can continue with their study of the cosmos. It also looks like Ted Knight will have to join them because there was only enough rocket fuel to bring him to "Jupiter," and not for a return trip. Since the giant gravity rod was able to drive off the red matter, it will also serve to drive the rocket, and the metal men will increase its power until Starman reaches his own corner of existence. They give him some books on his to treat any metal so that it may become transparent -- even invisible. Ted Knight imagines what an entire fleet of invisible bombers could do to Hitler and Tojo! The astral rod powers the rocket off into the void of hyperspace... and Starman vows to get the ones responsible for his unexpected one-way trip! Both he and Starman now know the identity of those who caused the Justice Society of America's disappearance...

 This chapter adapted All-Star Comics #13 (October-November, 1942): "Shanghaied Into Outer Space!" by Gardner Fox and Jack Burnley.

 I've enjoyed the art of Arvell Jones on Iron Man, Marvel Spotlight, Captain America, and All-Star Squadron.

 I've also enjoyed the art of Alfredo Alcala on Captain Mar-Vell and Detective Comics.

 Charlie-27 is from Jupiter.

 The inhabitants of Mondas had an advanced civilization and used their technology to evolve into the Cybermen.

 Robby Reed dials H for Hero!

 Krypton had a red sun and a heavier gravity than Earth's.

 The Justice Society of America were shanghaied into hyperspace in All-Star Squadron #50.

 Jimmy Olsen was once transformed into a Jovian.

 Steve Chung
 "Kaleidoreview" (Chapter Three)

All-Star Squadron #57: "Kaleidoscope" (Chapter Four)

All-Star Squadron #57

 "Kaleidoscope" (Chapter Four)
 May, 1986

 Roy Thomas: Writer
 Richard Howell: Artist
 David Cody Weiss: Letterer
 Carl Gafford: Colorist

 Even as "Jupiter" fades, "Venus" takes its place, and by the power of his mystic talisman, Doctor Occult witnesses a third rocket heading for this other-dimensional planet from where beautiful winged women soar to greet it. Doctor Occult's mystic talisman informs him the goddess Aphrodite is the one responsible for the rocket's guidance, and within the vessel is none other than -- Wonder Woman. The "Venusian" women open the hatch and find the unconscious heroine within. They must get her out before the rocket lands -- and the shock kills her!

 The winged women wrap the unconscious amazon in a golden net and take her to Queen Desira. Wonder Woman's arrival had been foretold by the oracle of Aphrodite -- and they have need of her aid! The "Venusians" have the gift of language which enables any visitor to understand their speech. The male "Venusians" are wingless -- and obey the winged women, for if they did not, the female "Venusians" would fly away where they could not follow. The meteor Comas Sola came down, with powerful warriors emerging from it to kill and capture their men since the women have no weapons. They have been safe because of their wings, but --the Meteor Men have arrived to see firsthand if Queen Desira can fly away from this particular sword! As the amazon is ordered to bind Queen Desira's wings, she tells the queen not to despair, for she has a plan. When Solaris asks her if she lost her wings in battle, Wonder Woman tells the Meteor Man she comes from another planet, and flying around in her invisible robot plane.

 Solaris does not believe her story about a flying machine and orders the winged women to chain her as his personal slave! As Doctor Occult notices the amazon almost smiling as the "Venusians" chain her wrists, Solaris proclaims himself to be the strongest man in the universe, and it is now Wonder Woman's turn to express her doubts. Solaris will prove this to her by freeing one of the "Venusian" men if he manages to defeat one of his Meteor Men! The "Venusian" accepts the challenge on behalf of his woman, Lupa. The "Venusian" manages to hurl his larger opponent into the air -- only to have the Meteor Man twist his massive body in mid-air, and land upon his hapless foe like a mountain upon a goat! When Queen Desira agrees to surrender if they do not harm their men, Solaris vows to kill these weaklings!

 When Solaris announces his intention to wrestle five "Venusian" men for the freedom of their queen, Wonder Woman takes him up on his offer! If she wins, the prisoners will be freed, but if she loses, she will be killed -- just as Solaris would any man. Before the guard can remove her chains, the amazon beats him to it. RRAKKTCH! As she offers her opponent first grip, the Meteor Man socks it to her, and is nearly sent into orbit by an uppercut to his blue jaw! Wonder Woman takes the Meteor Man for a spin, then flips him over, and is about to rope him when she discovers her magic lasso -- has been stolen during the fight!

 The Meteor Men will have other uses for her lasso. She is ordered to remove herself from Solaris -- or Queen Desira will be killed! His men are no more honorable than Solaris himself. This time, her arms are tied behind her -- with her own magic lasso! This is the one thing she could never hope to break--! With Solaris occupied for the moment, the amazon uses fancy footwork on a guard, and leaps into the stockade, where the winged women untie her. Wonder Woman remains to defend the prisoners and Queen Desira flies with her magic lasso to round up Solaris! When the Meteor Men enter the stockade, the amazon finds deflecting thrown spears to be child's play when compared to deflecting bullets back on Earth!

 The Meteor Men are shown the door when Wonder Woman hurls it at them! Queen Desira returns with Solaris, who is compelled by the magic lasso to order his men to thrown down their arms in surrender! The "Venusian" men carry Wonder Woman through the streets in triumph and through the the cheers of a grateful populace, while the winged women scatter golden flowers in her path. The goddess Aphrodite has taught the winged women how to make the Meteor Men both peaceful and loving. They are already eating out of the female "Venusian" hands. The amazon sees that they do seem to love it and wishes that it were a simple matter for peace among men back on Earth... Queen Desira offers to direct her efforts by giving Wonder Woman the gift of magnetic hearing. Her lips magnetize the amazon's earrings, and she will always be able to hear Desira's voice. Wonder Woman uses the meteor itself to power the rocket back to her native dimension -- but the vision fades --

 This chapter was based on All-Star Comics #13 (October-November, 1942): "Shanghaied Into Space!" by Gardner F. Fox, William Moulton Marston, and H.G. Peter.

 I've enjoyed the art of Richard Howell in Action Comics Weekly, Vision & The Scarlet Witch, The Shadow War of Hawkman, What If, and Marvel Comics Presents, and All-Star Squadron.

 The artist does a fine job of evoking H.G. Peter's version of the Golden Age Wonder Woman.

 The Looter found a meteor and used its power to battle Spider-Man as the Meteor Man.

 The Meteor Men are blue in appearance and exhibit the same warlike tendencies as the Kree.

 The "Venusians" are golden in appearance and favor attire which would appear foppish on Earth.

 Wonder Woman loses her amazon strength if she is chained by a man.

 Her magic lasso is the one thing she cannot hope to break.

 Queen Desira's lips helps to save rocket ships and ensures that Wonder Woman will always be able to keep 'em flying.

 Steve Chung
 "Kaleidoreview" (Chapter Four)

All-Star Squadron #57: "Kaleidoscope" (Chapter Five)

All-Star Squadron #57

 "Kaleidoscope" (Chapter Five)
 May, 1986

 Roy Thomas: Writer
 Mike Clark & Vince Colletta: Artists (pp 1-3, 22)
 David Cody Weiss: Letterer
 Carl Gafford: Colorist

 Doctor Occult can no longer stand the strain --! He could not maintain his concentration for another moment... When Doctor Fate reminds him there are five more members of the Justice Society of America unaccounted for, Green Lantern reminds Fate that one cannot force magic beyond a certain point, or else there will be repercussions. As the Man of Tomorrow assures the others that they are all anxious, Liberty Belle apologizes to Hawkgirl and Sandy the Golden Boy that they have not learned more about the whereabouts of Hawkman and the Sandman. Shiera Sanders figures if the other three members are safe... perhaps...Sandy Hawkins wonders if any of them will find their way back to Earth -- and Hawkgirl tells him they have to have faith... to wait... and to pray. While they are doing that, they must remember that they have got a job to do on Earth -- whether it is against the Axis powers or gangs like Oom's. Sandy agrees that this is what the Sandman would want and apologizes for being such a crybaby. Shiera Sanders knows tears are a sign of both strength and of weakness. They show that we love... and in the end, tears are the greatest strength of all.

 Superman and Doctor Occult were both created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

 Kent Nelson discarded the helm of Nabu and used a half-mask in order to function as Doctor Fate, and resist the increasing hold the Egyptian wizard had on him.

 The Tarantula and Sandman had similar-looking costumes before Jonathan Law did a re-design of his own heroic attire.

 Tears were on the way for readers of All-Star Squadron with the effects of the Crisis Of Infinite Earths and the arrival of Mekanique on Earth-Two.

 Steve Chung
 "Kaleidoreview" (Chapter Five)

All-Star Squadron #23: "When Fate Thy Measure Takes...!" (Chapter One)

All-Star Squadron #23

 "When Fate Thy Measure Takes...!" (Chapter One)
 July, 1983

 Roy Thomas: Writer/Editor
 Jerry Ordway: Penciller
 Mike Machlan: Inker
 Gene D'Angelo: Colorist
 David Cody Weiss: Letterer

 Three of the All-Star Squadron were captured by the Ultra-Humanite! Green Lantern is transporting Liberty Belle, Johnny Quick, and Commander Steel to the Perisphere. They have been up all night and most of the day, so much so that G.L.'s ring-bubble is getting weaker due to his lack of will power...

 Alan Scott has got enough ring-energy to get them through the top of the Perisphere. He is still having nightmares from seeing himself slaughtering millions of people in Japan, but that was a dream-image induced by the Brainwave... unlike the capture of Firebrand, Robotman, and Superman! With those All-Stars as her hostages and with both the Powerstone and the Hammer of Thor in her possession -- and Deathbolt and Cyclotron as her henchmen... plus the Subterraneans she lords over. The Ultra-Humanite also mentioned a third "talisman of power" and Liberty Belle has to absorb the new of it all. Johnny Quick sees that Libby is blaming herself because she is the chairwoman of the All-Star Squadron and reminds her this was a sneak attack -- just like Pearl Harbor.

 They must split up -- and try to learn what the Ultra-Humanite's plan is! When he sees that Liberty Belle is not in the mood for a goodbye kiss, Johnny Quick figures it's because he has become an also-ran when compared to Superman and Green Lantern! WHOOSH Newsreeler Johnny Chambers has got good connections for finding clue than Libby Lawrence does. If he can't figure out what the Ultra-Humanite is up to -- then no one can! This is something that they must handle between themselves -- once they have taken care of the Ultra-Humanite and her gang. Liberty Belle learns from Commander Steel that the Tarantula has returned to his Manhattan home. Green Lantern must return to the army barracks near Gotham City before Alan Scott is listed as AWOL. Once that is done, he is going on an Ultra hunt!

 Alan Scott can get in touch with Libby Lawrence through the radio station! Commander Steel will remain at the Perisphere -- in case the Justice Society of America returns from Washington, and will spend his time looking over Elektro. Commander Steel used to be Private Hank Heywood, United States Marine Corp -- listed missing in action and presumed dead. His fiancée gave up on him -- and married another man. Gloria's father, Professor Giles, created the steel skeleton that keeps Hank Heywood alive and didn't keep the scientist from dying. President Roosevelt promoted him to "Commander" Steel and Hank Heywood wonders why he came back to try and pick up the remainder of his life!

 Hawkman, Doctor Fate, and the Atom have reached the outskirts of Washington... and find themselves directly in the path of an approaching airplane. The pilot manages to miss them but the airplane is now going into a spin -- and unless the JSAers do something about it -- the pilot and the passengers are doomed!

 As Hawkman holds onto the Atom, Doctor Fate wishes he still had his magical powers -- and is grateful for his remaining abilities which enable him to hold the airplane aloft. Kent Nelson is determined to locate the Spectre, who did not appear when they were all captured by the Brain Wave. The Atom decides to accompany him to the Salem Tower and Hawkman plans to rendezvous with them back in New York, at the Perisphere.

 Their next stop is Salem, Massachusetts and Doctor Fate finds it most important that they reach their destination without further delay! The Atom knows that this is where the full helmet is currently kept. Twenty years ago, archeologist Sven Nelson and his son, Kent, stumbled across the tomb of Nabu in the Valley of Ur. Sven Nelson died from breathing poison gases, but the child was spared... when Nabu returned to life. The Egyptian wizard trained Kent until he was able to levitate both himself and other objects. Nabu also made him nearly invulnerable, with the exception of his lungs. This was his way of atoning for Sven Nelson's death. Kent Nelson learned his lessons well -- and one day used these newfound powers to split the Egyptian wizard open -- revealing an energy being from the planet Cilia. There is much Kent Nelson does not understand about the Egyptian wizard -- and probably never will. When Kent Nelson prepared to leave the valley in 1940, he was given three mystic talismans -- a cloak, an amulet, and the helmet of Nabu. He became the man of destiny known as Doctor Fate. Kent Nelson was now an entity who wielded more sorcerous power than anyone this side of the Spectre.

 One night last summer, Kent Nelson suddenly realized the truth about the helmet. When he donned it, he ceased to exist -- and another being took his place. He managed to enter his tower just in time... where Inza helped him to remove it, and she admitted to him how much it had been affecting him. Perhaps the world needed Doctor Fate -- but she needed Kent Nelson! The helmet continued to call out to him, but he was determined to become a Doctor Fate who was the master of his own destiny! A new helmet was carved and although it cost him some of his power... it did not cost him his soul!

 Doctor Fate has not worn his original helmet since then. The Atom sees Salem Tower, a place with no doors, no windows, and no trespassers. Al Pratt would settle for the remaining powers of flight, nigh-invulnerability, and super-strength...! One day, Kent Nelson will learn for himself the purpose of Nabu's tutelage. Doctor Fate is able to pass through the ancient stones with who or whatever he carries. Inside they find Inza on the floor and she tells them about the one who is after Nabu's helmet!

 The would-be thief wants out -- before he brings the tower down around their ears!

 While Fate would like to learn more about this intruder, the Atom is eager to leap into the fray, and is unprepared for the Amazing-Man -- who can alter his bodily structure with a mere touch. WHAMMM! Al Pratt has literally run into a stone wall!

 Fate knew he must have some sort of special power to break into the tower and is quick enough to get out of the way of a moving stone wall! KRAKK Amazing-Man has made quite an impression on the stone wall and manages to caught Doctor Fate off-guard with a right cross, and touching a shield to become as good as gold! The Atom is eager to get in some batting practice --

 BRAK! Unfortunately for him, his impromptu assault strikes out, and he is benched for the duration! ARRG It's now Doctor Fate's turn at bat and he points out that gold is very malleable, so when he hits Amazing-Man -- he's got to give! Their struggle is stopped by the crystal of Nabu -- falling from a nearby table -- and as Fate moves to save the all-seeing orb, Amazing-Man demonstrates his table manners by becoming wood! Inza distracts Kent by her unexpected arrival --

 Amazing-Man hits a home run! THRAKK! He knows that he is good enough to move from the Negro Leagues to the majors. He has got what he came for -- the helmet of Nabu. As soon as he can figure out how to make his exit, she will be able to tend to the two JSAers. It will take him hours to smash through the thick walls -- and then remembers how the helmet has got some sort of magical power... If Fate is able to walk through the stone walls like they're not there, his power should enable him to absorb that of the helmet -- The helmet is truly a touchy subject and the Atom is determined to dissuade Amazing-Man of his notion --

 Al Pratt's firm grip causes Amazing-Man to turn into flesh and blood! He also makes certain that the thief cannot turn back into stone by holding his arms back and leading with his jaw, instead! SLAMM! The Atom recognizes their assailant as Will Everett, the Olympic champion! Both he and Jesse Owens represented the United States in 1936 Berlin Olympics. What would he be wearing a costume and trying to steal Doctor Fate's helmet? Fate tells the Atom to place Everett's hand upon the orb and they will learn more.

 Roy Thomas named Will Everett and Amazing-Man after Golden Age artist Bill Everett and an obscure Golden Age hero with hydro-powers.

 I loved the art of Jerry Ordway on All-Star Squadron, Infinity Inc., and Adventures of Superman.

 Alan Scott has been a train engineer and worked at a radio station.

 Brain Wave induced some nightmares for the Justice Society of America.

 The Ultra-Humanite was originally an old man and placed his brain into the body of an actress, a giant ant, and a white gorilla.

 Alexi Luthor once used the Powerstone against the Man of Tomorrow.

 The Golden Age Green Lantern operated out of Gotham City.

 Steel the Indestructible Man had his own book by Gerry Conway and Don Heck.

 The pilot must have thought Hawkman was a bird from his plane and luckily for him, Doctor Fate possessed super-strength like Superman's.

 Roy Thomas and Todd McFarlane delved into the origin of Doctor Fate in All-Star Squadron #47.

 As the Golden Age Atom, Al Pratt was hoping for some actual super-powers, and got his wish after a run-in with Cyclotron.

 Amazing-Man's powers are identical to those of Crusher Creel, the Absorbing Man.

 The Golden Age Green Lantern is vulnerable to wood.

 Steve Chung
 "When Fate Thy Measure Reviews...!" (Chapter One)