Tales Of Suspense #98
"The Claws Of The Panther!"
February, 1968
Stan Lee: Writer
Jack Kirby: Artist
Joe Sinnott: Embellisher
Artie Simek: Letterer
Captain America is traveling within an automatic magna-ship in the heart of darkest Africa, in answer to an urgent message from the Black Panther -- when a ray from somewhere in outer space just misses striking the craft -- by mere inches!
The ray blast melts a nearby mountain -- burning a trail across the ground below! If it had struck the magna-ship -- both it and Cap would have been utterly disintegrated! Since the magna-ship is under the control of the Black Panther -- Cap is a virtual prisoner within the cabin! From all he has heard and read about the Black Panther -- Cap decided to trust him! But if this is a trap -- he senses the magna-ship's descent!! It's about to crash! At the last moment -- the ground opens below--! The landing field is hidden -- submerged in the middle of the dense jungle!! Cap has landed -- and there in the shadows are the silent rushing figures of the Black Panther and his followers! Since Cap cannot be certain of their intentions, he is not in the mood to become their fall guy! ZOK!
The first wave has been taken care of -- but now the Black Panther is attacking! The lithe figure is able to dodge Cap's blow with ease! As the others insist upon subduing their monarch's opponent, the Black Panther insists on fighting like a man! Captain America has past their test -- and the Black Panther is certain he has not been deceived by an imposter! The ray fired at the magna-ship is a common danger and the time has come for explanations--!
At that moment, in a secret fortified jungle base, two technicians are about to be punished for their failure to slay Captain America with the solar ray! The penalty for failure -- is death! The two technicians are both aware how utterly merciless their leader is! They point out that it would take a long time for him to train others to operate the solar-ray beam! They request to use plan red --! If both Captain America and the Black Panther are not slain with a single blow, their very lives will be forfeit! Task Force B is contacted for the activation of plan red! Within the jungle, Task Force B acknowledges the order -- and will execute it at once! With all units at battle ready and all weapons operational, Captain America and the Black Panther will both be gone before day's end!
Back at the Black Panther's headquarters -- a tracking scope has spotted the source of the solar bolt which almost struck the magna-ship! When asked by Cap for the identity of their common foe, the Black Panther assures him that he would not believe his identity! Before long, they will both come face-to-face with him! The deadly object in space is a solar heat projector -- with electronic jaws and a mirror to catch the sun's rays -- making it a thousand times deadlier than an H-Bomb! It hovers silently above the planet -- protected by a vibratory shield -- and quite capable of annihilating any point on Earth with a single solar blast!
No one is safe as long as the solar heat projector remains in orbit! Until now, their unknown foes have been testing their deadly toy, and now, they are ready to strike! S.H.I.E.L.D. has not been alerted to the threat because there is no way to destroy the solar heat projector by a direct attack! Its protective vibratory field is proof against the rockets sent against it by the Black Panther! They must use stealth--speed-- and cunning by striking at the control complex and render it inoperative! The Panther's men have already located a small group of agents! If they can manage to capture them--! The Black Panther take the lead -- for he knows the terrain as Captain America would know his own home! It has been many years since Steve Rogers had a home! And he wonders how many more years will it be before he will be able to call any place a home -- before he also finds a life -- and someone to love? Even now -- Agent Thirteen is half a world away on a secret mission--! He must not think about that -- not when the solar ray threatens all mankind!
They soon reach their objective! The air is filled with unnatural silence and the Black Panther senses the presence of the world's most dangerous predator -- MAN! FZAT! Both manage to take cover against the uniformed troops -- who are armed with rocket rifles! Their first shot missed and thanks to Cap's shield, there won't be a second one! ZIK! These are foreign mercenaries -- and there are others attacking from behind!
As Cap thanks his newfound ally for the warning, the Black Panther is busy trying to secure a prisoner for interrogation! The two combatants are far too powerful and are soon put out of action with low voltage stun-bolt shots! CLICK! SHOOP!
Even Captain America is overcome by the blast and cannot remain conscious for long! On the outskirts of Wakanda, Agent Thirteen senses that she is being observed, and the beeps of her courier case confirms her suspicions! Everything depends upon the success of her masquerade as Irma Kruhl! Using the case's interior mirror, she sees that her visitors have the look of hardened assassins! She must not take chances and act -- now!
The disguised Agent Thirteen strikes out at her three assailants with the skill and speed of a top S.H.I.E.L.D. agent! THAK! TZIP! Two of the attackers fall from applied judo-thrusts... and the third falls victim to a repello-gas capsule fired from the courier case! WHOOSH! Once the trio have recovered -- they are to lead Irma Kruhl to their leader -- The Black Panther sees that Captain America has recovered! Cap wonders why they haven't been finished off yet --? The Panther assumes this is because their attackers assumed they were playing possum!
Being familiar with their methods, the Panther suggests they hurry, and Cap suspects their unseen foes may be laying in wait with a trap! It is a chance they must take and it is an opportunity their unseen foes exploit to their full advantage! KLIK Since they fought like beasts, they will be caught like beasts! Cap and the Panther fall into a waiting lion trap! Luckily, they both know how to deal with the sudden fall! It won't take them long to climb out...! The Black Panther senses the presence of several armed men--above them! If these men are being led by the one the Panther suspects -- Captain America must brace himself for a shock--! Now Cap knows why it was he who was sent for by the Black Panther! For, in all the known world, Captain America has had no greater foe than the one he thought long-dead... The man who killed Bucky Barnes twenty years ago -- just as Baron Zemo plans to kill HIM!
The Black Panther first appeared in Fantastic Four #52 (July, 1966) and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
The Fantastic Four must have been the ones to fill Cap in about the Black Panther.
Jack Kirby wrote, illustrated, and edited the Black Panther's solo title in 1977.
Jack Kirby introduced readers to Brother Eye and Buddy Blank in the pages of OMAC (One Man Army Corps).
S.H.I.E.L.D. stands for Supreme Headquarters International Espionage Law-Enforcement Division.
Baron Zemo died in Avengers #15 (April, 1965).
Steve Chung
"The Review Of The Panther!"
The archives of the Silver Age Reviews Yahoo Group, celebrating that classic era of comic books published between 1956 and 1972! (And occasionally beyond!)
Showing posts with label Tales of Suspense. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tales of Suspense. Show all posts
Tales Of Suspense #11: "I Created Sporr, The Thing That Could Not Die!"
Tales Of Suspense #11
"I Created Sporr, The Thing That Could Not Die!"
September, 1960
Script: Stan Lee and/or Larry Lieber
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Letters: Artie Simek
On the night of the scientist's arrival in Transylvania, he feel the fear
coming from the villagers... They watch as the coach heads towards the
forbidden mountain, and remember the legend which could return to ruin
them all. The horses galloped along the wet, twisted trail... When
asked by the coachman if he wanted to return, the professor tells him
that he may leave now. Now inside the abandoned castle... the scientist
surveys the place where the legendary Dr. Frankenstein brought his
monster to life, and his creation brought an end to both of their lives.
To the professor, the neglected castle provides the ideal place for him
to continue his experiments with the "growth" machine. The equipment
arrives on the third day, with each piece a one-of-a-kind item.
With his lab in place, the professor plans to increase the size of cows,
sheep, and chickens, so that there will be more food for people to eat,
and hunger will be gone. While he continued his work on the "growth"
machine, the villagers were wondering what was happening... They have
heard that the stranger in their midst was a scientist. They have seen
his light burning bright until morning, and wonder what experiments could
inspire such devotion. They know if he continues his work, the legend
will come to pass, and they will all suffer for it. On the night that
the "growth" machine was to be tested... the villagers decide to storm
the castle. Inside the lab, the "growth" beam is aimed on an amoeba, the
tiniest of living beings. The professor plans to increase its size by
three, then move on to other life forms. CRASH! After breaking down the
door, the villagers see the room filled with evil science equipment, and
figure that the scientist was planning on dooming them all. The
professor is soon seized before he can continue with his experiment.
As the man of science is taken away from his laboratory, the "growth"
machine continues its work. As its creator languished in the village
jail, the protoplasmic mass had grown to the size of a human hand...
Each second under the ray's exposure caused the organism to grow larger
-- become stronger-- Until, at dawn, the amoeba smashes its way through
the castle wall... and makes its way down the mountain. The people in
the village observe its approach. They find it even more horrible than
the monster of Frankenstein, and know that the scientist's creation shall
destroy them soon enough.
The amoeba is now larger than an elephant, and the professor sees
firsthand what his "growth" machine has wrought. One of the villagers
cries out the name of Sporr, an ancient legend of indestructible power.
The giant mass slithers its way, with the villagers unaware that the
amoeba is mindless, and moves without thought. The professor finds that
the prison bars are loose, and he seizes his chance. A small boy is in
the path of Sporr, but the scientist gathers him up, and takes the child
out of harm's way. Now from a place of safety, they watch as Sporr
continues his rampage in their village. One of the villagers remembers
that he's just placed some explosives in the area, and hopes that this
will take care of the creature.
BOOM! The explosion is perfectly timed, with Sporr blown to bits, but
the scientist begins to frown. He sees that the pieces are coming
together once more. When an amoeba is cut in two, each one becomes a
separate living thing, and the creature has re-formed once more. Sporr
turns away and heads for a nearby farm. Bruno the farmer fears for his
crops and his home. Since it was the professor who created the creature,
he must know of a way to stop it. The scientist has an idea, but it's a
dangerous one, and their only chance for survival. After running to the
farmhouse, the professor coats himself with sugar, and plans to decoy
Sporr away from the village. Now covered with sugar, the professor heads
for the mad mass of protoplasm. The human bait knows that he dare not
make a mistake, or else forfeit his own life.
The villagers watch as the scientist leads Sporr away from the farm, and
heads for the woods. He had heard them mention a quicksand pit in the
area. At the edge of the pit, the professor climbs up a tree, then
removes his smock, and drops it into the quicksand... The sugar-covered
lab coat lures the amoeba towards it -- causing Sporr to fall into the
bog. The creature was now at the bottom of the pit, where it would
stay... forever... Such a monster was never meant to exist on Earth,
threatening the lives of others. Sporr has gone back -- back to the
place where all life begins -- where he belongs. Normal life returns to
the village -- as the professor tries to pick up the pieces of his own...
He has learned not to tamper with nature, while they swear not to let
superstition cause them to attack things that they do not know. The
story is at an end... and Sporr is no longer a threat.
This story was reprinted in Where Monsters Dwell #2 (March, 1970).
On the splash page, Sporr eyes the fleeing villagers, and slithers down
the mountain towards them.
Castles tend to be located in the most forbidding of places.
The scientist wears a brown raincoat, purple scarf, and glasses which he
could not possibly see through.
The "growth" machine is a proud Kirby/Ayers creation, guaranteed to fill
up much precious space in the laboratory of the Silver Age scientist.
One man of science can not stand against a mob of superstitions.
Luckily for the professor, the villagers know prison bars about as much
as they know science.
Faster than a runaway amoeba, able to break through prison bars with his
bare hands, and leap helpless children out of harm's way in a single
bound. It's a bird... it's a plane... it's Super-Scientist!
Oddly enough, none of the villagers were worried about the dynamite,
which actually caused more damage than the runaway amoeba had.
Luckily for the village, the explosion did not cause the creation of more
Sporrs.
When caught in battle, the professor has gotten an idea for the sweet
science. (Holy Sugar Smocks, Batman!)
With a creepy castle and a quicksand pit in the woods, the village sounds
like an ideal place for the vacationing Marvel Super-Hero.
In Thor #256 - #257 (January - February, 1977), the God of Thunder and
his companions met a giant tentacled creature named Sporr in a two-part
story by Len Wein, John Buscema, Tony DeZuniga, Glynis Wein, Gaspar
Saladino, and Condoy.
Steve Chung
"I Reviewed Sporr, The Thing That Could Not Die!"
"I Created Sporr, The Thing That Could Not Die!"
September, 1960
Script: Stan Lee and/or Larry Lieber
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Letters: Artie Simek
On the night of the scientist's arrival in Transylvania, he feel the fear
coming from the villagers... They watch as the coach heads towards the
forbidden mountain, and remember the legend which could return to ruin
them all. The horses galloped along the wet, twisted trail... When
asked by the coachman if he wanted to return, the professor tells him
that he may leave now. Now inside the abandoned castle... the scientist
surveys the place where the legendary Dr. Frankenstein brought his
monster to life, and his creation brought an end to both of their lives.
To the professor, the neglected castle provides the ideal place for him
to continue his experiments with the "growth" machine. The equipment
arrives on the third day, with each piece a one-of-a-kind item.
With his lab in place, the professor plans to increase the size of cows,
sheep, and chickens, so that there will be more food for people to eat,
and hunger will be gone. While he continued his work on the "growth"
machine, the villagers were wondering what was happening... They have
heard that the stranger in their midst was a scientist. They have seen
his light burning bright until morning, and wonder what experiments could
inspire such devotion. They know if he continues his work, the legend
will come to pass, and they will all suffer for it. On the night that
the "growth" machine was to be tested... the villagers decide to storm
the castle. Inside the lab, the "growth" beam is aimed on an amoeba, the
tiniest of living beings. The professor plans to increase its size by
three, then move on to other life forms. CRASH! After breaking down the
door, the villagers see the room filled with evil science equipment, and
figure that the scientist was planning on dooming them all. The
professor is soon seized before he can continue with his experiment.
As the man of science is taken away from his laboratory, the "growth"
machine continues its work. As its creator languished in the village
jail, the protoplasmic mass had grown to the size of a human hand...
Each second under the ray's exposure caused the organism to grow larger
-- become stronger-- Until, at dawn, the amoeba smashes its way through
the castle wall... and makes its way down the mountain. The people in
the village observe its approach. They find it even more horrible than
the monster of Frankenstein, and know that the scientist's creation shall
destroy them soon enough.
The amoeba is now larger than an elephant, and the professor sees
firsthand what his "growth" machine has wrought. One of the villagers
cries out the name of Sporr, an ancient legend of indestructible power.
The giant mass slithers its way, with the villagers unaware that the
amoeba is mindless, and moves without thought. The professor finds that
the prison bars are loose, and he seizes his chance. A small boy is in
the path of Sporr, but the scientist gathers him up, and takes the child
out of harm's way. Now from a place of safety, they watch as Sporr
continues his rampage in their village. One of the villagers remembers
that he's just placed some explosives in the area, and hopes that this
will take care of the creature.
BOOM! The explosion is perfectly timed, with Sporr blown to bits, but
the scientist begins to frown. He sees that the pieces are coming
together once more. When an amoeba is cut in two, each one becomes a
separate living thing, and the creature has re-formed once more. Sporr
turns away and heads for a nearby farm. Bruno the farmer fears for his
crops and his home. Since it was the professor who created the creature,
he must know of a way to stop it. The scientist has an idea, but it's a
dangerous one, and their only chance for survival. After running to the
farmhouse, the professor coats himself with sugar, and plans to decoy
Sporr away from the village. Now covered with sugar, the professor heads
for the mad mass of protoplasm. The human bait knows that he dare not
make a mistake, or else forfeit his own life.
The villagers watch as the scientist leads Sporr away from the farm, and
heads for the woods. He had heard them mention a quicksand pit in the
area. At the edge of the pit, the professor climbs up a tree, then
removes his smock, and drops it into the quicksand... The sugar-covered
lab coat lures the amoeba towards it -- causing Sporr to fall into the
bog. The creature was now at the bottom of the pit, where it would
stay... forever... Such a monster was never meant to exist on Earth,
threatening the lives of others. Sporr has gone back -- back to the
place where all life begins -- where he belongs. Normal life returns to
the village -- as the professor tries to pick up the pieces of his own...
He has learned not to tamper with nature, while they swear not to let
superstition cause them to attack things that they do not know. The
story is at an end... and Sporr is no longer a threat.
This story was reprinted in Where Monsters Dwell #2 (March, 1970).
On the splash page, Sporr eyes the fleeing villagers, and slithers down
the mountain towards them.
Castles tend to be located in the most forbidding of places.
The scientist wears a brown raincoat, purple scarf, and glasses which he
could not possibly see through.
The "growth" machine is a proud Kirby/Ayers creation, guaranteed to fill
up much precious space in the laboratory of the Silver Age scientist.
One man of science can not stand against a mob of superstitions.
Luckily for the professor, the villagers know prison bars about as much
as they know science.
Faster than a runaway amoeba, able to break through prison bars with his
bare hands, and leap helpless children out of harm's way in a single
bound. It's a bird... it's a plane... it's Super-Scientist!
Oddly enough, none of the villagers were worried about the dynamite,
which actually caused more damage than the runaway amoeba had.
Luckily for the village, the explosion did not cause the creation of more
Sporrs.
When caught in battle, the professor has gotten an idea for the sweet
science. (Holy Sugar Smocks, Batman!)
With a creepy castle and a quicksand pit in the woods, the village sounds
like an ideal place for the vacationing Marvel Super-Hero.
In Thor #256 - #257 (January - February, 1977), the God of Thunder and
his companions met a giant tentacled creature named Sporr in a two-part
story by Len Wein, John Buscema, Tony DeZuniga, Glynis Wein, Gaspar
Saladino, and Condoy.
Steve Chung
"I Reviewed Sporr, The Thing That Could Not Die!"
Tales Of Suspense #71: "What Price Victory?"
Tales Of Suspense #71
"What Price Victory?"
November, 1965
A Study In Splendor By STAN LEE, Writer!
A Muse Of Majesty By DON HECK, Artist!
A Glimmer Of Glory By WALLY WOOD, Inker!
A Nice Lettering Job By ART SIMEK, Bon Vivant!
A Rapid Review Repast By STEVE CHUNG, Bon Appetite!
The Titanium Man is confident that no matter what device the American
hero's friend has brought him, it will not enable him to exact victory.
He is now ready to show the world that the follower from the Iron Curtain
will prevail, and Iron Man will soon meet defeat. The armored Avenger
will not let Happy Hogan's sacrifice be in vain. Shell-Head is ready to
confront his opponent and to battle him to the bitter end.
ZZZZT! The Titanium Man begins his assault with his shatter-blast ray.
RRRRRRAKKK! Thanks to his electronically operated flexible armor, Iron
Man is able to evade the attack. TOK! Seeing that his opponent's armor
has been able to endure his weapon, it is now Commissar Bullski who is
under attack. FSSST! The armored Avenger is able to dodge his foe's
attack, while the entire world sees him fly circles around him. THHTTTT
Taunted by the American, Bullski loses his temper, while Iron Man tries a
new tactic. The Titanium Man watches as the armored Avenger starts to
fall from the sky, and believes that his blasts have done more damage
than he had thought.
Before the titanic Titanium Man can make another move, Shell-Head
generates plenty of force from his miniature transistors. Even Commissar
Bullski's titanium armor is unable to cope with many more blasts like
that. In his bulky armor, the Titanium Man is unable to flee, but Iron
Man's demonstration has just begun. Two armored hand latch onto either
side of the Iron Curtain despot. KLANGG! The armored Avenger flings his
opponent into the side of a rock wall. Commissar Bullski had made the
mistake of thinking that he would exercise his muscles, and make his
enemy disappear. He also made the mistake of picking the wrong enemy to
oppose. The Titanium Man has challenged an opponent who has no fear of
him.
THUP! The transistorized power which safeguards his own life is being
used in the fight, but Tony Stark believes it's worth it. His only
regret is that Happy Hogan is not here to see it. The Commissar had
thought that his titanium armor was impervious to harm, but the negative
particles of ionic energy being fired off by Iron Man should erode that
protection rather quickly. The Titanium Man hadn't counted on the array
of scientific weaponry at the Avenger's disposal. The Red supporters
believe that the American is cheating, while Shell-Head's supporters urge
their hero to fight on. An ambulance carrying the body of Happy Hogan
has left the scene, with Pepper Potts learning that the chauffeur is in a
coma. As she wipes the tears from her eyes, Pepper prays for him.
Senator Harrington Byrd is upset that the millionaire industrialist has
not turned up.
Senator Byrd lends the secretary the use of his car to head for the
hospital, while he waits for Tony Stark to appear. On the battlefield,
Iron Man has chased the Titanium Man towards a wall of boulders, where
his opponent pulls at one boulder in particular. A modified rocket
launcher has appeared and is aimed at the armored Avenger. FOOOM! In
the next second, Iron Man takes to the air, followed by the deadly
rocket. He is able to activate the device given to him by Happy Hogan.
The deadly rocket has been rendered harmless by the reverser, with the
resulting explosion proving to be a wake-up call for the Titanium Man.
With no more hidden weapons and traps to use, Commissar Bullski is now
caught in the iron grip of fear. As he wonders what Iron Man's
transistorized powers will be capable of, the Commissar is caught in the
field of the reverser ray, and finds that his titanium armor is now
useless. The Titanium Man has just been rendered powerless by the
Invincible Iron Man.
Shell-Head is now ready to give a benefit demonstration for his viewing
audience. WHRRRRRR The armored Avenger performs a feat worthy of the
plate-spinners on the Sullivan Show, with Bullski as the plate. KRAK!
Iron Man makes a pitch and the Titanium Man becomes an unstoppable fast
ball, with his harsh impact splitting an entire boulder in two. WOOM!
Grabbing onto his opponent once more, Iron Man uses the powerless
combatant as a jackhammer against the ground. In order to clear his
head, the armored Avenger decides to give the Titanium Man a bird's-eye
view of the battlefield, and a chance to surrender.
Thanks to the radio circuitry built into his armor, Shell-Head has just
transmitted his opponent's surrender to the entire world. Luckily for
Bullski, Iron Man does not believe in attacking a defenseless foe. He
removes the helmet from his defeated opponent and leaves him wedged
between two rock formations. Commissar Bullski dreads what his superiors
will do to him, but the American is unimpressed. Senator Byrd is on hand
to personally congratulate Iron Man on his victory, and accepts the
Titanium Man's helmet as a trophy. After learning that Happy is still
alive and at the Interpol Hospital, the armored Avenger hurries on his
way. Waving after the departing hero, the Senator wonders why a real
hero like Iron Man couldn't be the head of Stark Industries, instead of
the spoiled playboy, Tony Stark.
At the hospital, Pepper Potts and the Countess De La Spirosa has been
waiting for the millionaire industrialist. A specialist has been sent
for from Vienna, but the secretary cannot believe that the boss would not
be here for Happy. The doctor informs Pepper that the patient has not
responded to treatment, and it's up to the specialist now. She is upset
that the Countess had stolen the device from Mr. Stark's hotel room, so
that Happy would have had to bring it to Iron Man. The Countess places
the blame on the shoulders of the man who had jilted her. Turning
towards the window, Pepper wonders what kind of mine Tony Stark really
is. The man in question has won the fight and is now resting in bed, as
the recharger restores power to his lifesaving chest device.
Not willing to delay any longer, the millionaire industrialist gets ready
to head for the hospital. The Reds are trying to claim that the
Americans had something to do with the Titanium Man's defeat. When the
entry of Happy Hogan with a weapon is mentioned, the Reds are reminded
that their champion had stocked the battlefield with illegal traps and
concealed weapons. Not willing to face the truth, the Iron Curtain
representatives are not eager to return to their respective countries
anytime soon. The portable charging unit will enable Tony to fully
charge his chest device until he has arrived at the hospital.
At the hospital, Mr. Stark learns about the extent of Happy Hogan's
condition. When Pepper embraces him in her concern for their friend,
Tony wonders about the depths of her feelings for Happy. The Countess
demands an audience with the millionaire playboy, but is verbally
rebuffed by her old flame. Naturally, money is no object when it comes
to their friend's welfare, but it is up to the doctors now. In the
waiting area, Pepper asks her boss where he had been during the battle.
He tells her that he was in the middle of an important business deal.
The secretary cannot believe that her boss would think of such a thing
while two men had been risking their lives.
The secretary wonders how she could have possibly fallen in love with
such a man. Doctor Schiller has arrived to take care of the patient,
with the operation continuing into the night. At dawn, Tony and Pepper
learn that Happy Hogan is still alive, thanks in large part to his will
to live. In the event of any changes, they will be notified. Pepper
cannot bear to walk out of the hospital with her boss, while Tony Stark
knows that she will blame him for what's happened. He has gotten what
he's wanted, but is it what he wants? The girl he loves now hates him,
but Tony Stark has no right to think of himself with Happy in the
hospital. His damaged heart must remain as cold as the chestplate he
wears -- forever.
On the cover of Tales Of Suspense #71, the Invincible Iron Man delivers a
delicious right cross to the jaw of the Titanium Man.
The glimmering gold of Wally Wood's inks carries the majesty of Don
Heck's art to new heights.
The artful Simekian sound effects makes this a battle to remember.
Shell-Head struts his transistorized stuff and makes the Titanium Man
take a fall.
With the life of his friend in the balance, Tony Stark must play the part
of a cold executive, as well as the knight in shining armor that is Iron
Man.
Steve Chung
"What Price Review?"
November, 1965
A Study In Splendor By STAN LEE, Writer!
A Muse Of Majesty By DON HECK, Artist!
A Glimmer Of Glory By WALLY WOOD, Inker!
A Nice Lettering Job By ART SIMEK, Bon Vivant!
A Rapid Review Repast By STEVE CHUNG, Bon Appetite!
The Titanium Man is confident that no matter what device the American
hero's friend has brought him, it will not enable him to exact victory.
He is now ready to show the world that the follower from the Iron Curtain
will prevail, and Iron Man will soon meet defeat. The armored Avenger
will not let Happy Hogan's sacrifice be in vain. Shell-Head is ready to
confront his opponent and to battle him to the bitter end.
ZZZZT! The Titanium Man begins his assault with his shatter-blast ray.
RRRRRRAKKK! Thanks to his electronically operated flexible armor, Iron
Man is able to evade the attack. TOK! Seeing that his opponent's armor
has been able to endure his weapon, it is now Commissar Bullski who is
under attack. FSSST! The armored Avenger is able to dodge his foe's
attack, while the entire world sees him fly circles around him. THHTTTT
Taunted by the American, Bullski loses his temper, while Iron Man tries a
new tactic. The Titanium Man watches as the armored Avenger starts to
fall from the sky, and believes that his blasts have done more damage
than he had thought.
Before the titanic Titanium Man can make another move, Shell-Head
generates plenty of force from his miniature transistors. Even Commissar
Bullski's titanium armor is unable to cope with many more blasts like
that. In his bulky armor, the Titanium Man is unable to flee, but Iron
Man's demonstration has just begun. Two armored hand latch onto either
side of the Iron Curtain despot. KLANGG! The armored Avenger flings his
opponent into the side of a rock wall. Commissar Bullski had made the
mistake of thinking that he would exercise his muscles, and make his
enemy disappear. He also made the mistake of picking the wrong enemy to
oppose. The Titanium Man has challenged an opponent who has no fear of
him.
THUP! The transistorized power which safeguards his own life is being
used in the fight, but Tony Stark believes it's worth it. His only
regret is that Happy Hogan is not here to see it. The Commissar had
thought that his titanium armor was impervious to harm, but the negative
particles of ionic energy being fired off by Iron Man should erode that
protection rather quickly. The Titanium Man hadn't counted on the array
of scientific weaponry at the Avenger's disposal. The Red supporters
believe that the American is cheating, while Shell-Head's supporters urge
their hero to fight on. An ambulance carrying the body of Happy Hogan
has left the scene, with Pepper Potts learning that the chauffeur is in a
coma. As she wipes the tears from her eyes, Pepper prays for him.
Senator Harrington Byrd is upset that the millionaire industrialist has
not turned up.
Senator Byrd lends the secretary the use of his car to head for the
hospital, while he waits for Tony Stark to appear. On the battlefield,
Iron Man has chased the Titanium Man towards a wall of boulders, where
his opponent pulls at one boulder in particular. A modified rocket
launcher has appeared and is aimed at the armored Avenger. FOOOM! In
the next second, Iron Man takes to the air, followed by the deadly
rocket. He is able to activate the device given to him by Happy Hogan.
The deadly rocket has been rendered harmless by the reverser, with the
resulting explosion proving to be a wake-up call for the Titanium Man.
With no more hidden weapons and traps to use, Commissar Bullski is now
caught in the iron grip of fear. As he wonders what Iron Man's
transistorized powers will be capable of, the Commissar is caught in the
field of the reverser ray, and finds that his titanium armor is now
useless. The Titanium Man has just been rendered powerless by the
Invincible Iron Man.
Shell-Head is now ready to give a benefit demonstration for his viewing
audience. WHRRRRRR The armored Avenger performs a feat worthy of the
plate-spinners on the Sullivan Show, with Bullski as the plate. KRAK!
Iron Man makes a pitch and the Titanium Man becomes an unstoppable fast
ball, with his harsh impact splitting an entire boulder in two. WOOM!
Grabbing onto his opponent once more, Iron Man uses the powerless
combatant as a jackhammer against the ground. In order to clear his
head, the armored Avenger decides to give the Titanium Man a bird's-eye
view of the battlefield, and a chance to surrender.
Thanks to the radio circuitry built into his armor, Shell-Head has just
transmitted his opponent's surrender to the entire world. Luckily for
Bullski, Iron Man does not believe in attacking a defenseless foe. He
removes the helmet from his defeated opponent and leaves him wedged
between two rock formations. Commissar Bullski dreads what his superiors
will do to him, but the American is unimpressed. Senator Byrd is on hand
to personally congratulate Iron Man on his victory, and accepts the
Titanium Man's helmet as a trophy. After learning that Happy is still
alive and at the Interpol Hospital, the armored Avenger hurries on his
way. Waving after the departing hero, the Senator wonders why a real
hero like Iron Man couldn't be the head of Stark Industries, instead of
the spoiled playboy, Tony Stark.
At the hospital, Pepper Potts and the Countess De La Spirosa has been
waiting for the millionaire industrialist. A specialist has been sent
for from Vienna, but the secretary cannot believe that the boss would not
be here for Happy. The doctor informs Pepper that the patient has not
responded to treatment, and it's up to the specialist now. She is upset
that the Countess had stolen the device from Mr. Stark's hotel room, so
that Happy would have had to bring it to Iron Man. The Countess places
the blame on the shoulders of the man who had jilted her. Turning
towards the window, Pepper wonders what kind of mine Tony Stark really
is. The man in question has won the fight and is now resting in bed, as
the recharger restores power to his lifesaving chest device.
Not willing to delay any longer, the millionaire industrialist gets ready
to head for the hospital. The Reds are trying to claim that the
Americans had something to do with the Titanium Man's defeat. When the
entry of Happy Hogan with a weapon is mentioned, the Reds are reminded
that their champion had stocked the battlefield with illegal traps and
concealed weapons. Not willing to face the truth, the Iron Curtain
representatives are not eager to return to their respective countries
anytime soon. The portable charging unit will enable Tony to fully
charge his chest device until he has arrived at the hospital.
At the hospital, Mr. Stark learns about the extent of Happy Hogan's
condition. When Pepper embraces him in her concern for their friend,
Tony wonders about the depths of her feelings for Happy. The Countess
demands an audience with the millionaire playboy, but is verbally
rebuffed by her old flame. Naturally, money is no object when it comes
to their friend's welfare, but it is up to the doctors now. In the
waiting area, Pepper asks her boss where he had been during the battle.
He tells her that he was in the middle of an important business deal.
The secretary cannot believe that her boss would think of such a thing
while two men had been risking their lives.
The secretary wonders how she could have possibly fallen in love with
such a man. Doctor Schiller has arrived to take care of the patient,
with the operation continuing into the night. At dawn, Tony and Pepper
learn that Happy Hogan is still alive, thanks in large part to his will
to live. In the event of any changes, they will be notified. Pepper
cannot bear to walk out of the hospital with her boss, while Tony Stark
knows that she will blame him for what's happened. He has gotten what
he's wanted, but is it what he wants? The girl he loves now hates him,
but Tony Stark has no right to think of himself with Happy in the
hospital. His damaged heart must remain as cold as the chestplate he
wears -- forever.
On the cover of Tales Of Suspense #71, the Invincible Iron Man delivers a
delicious right cross to the jaw of the Titanium Man.
The glimmering gold of Wally Wood's inks carries the majesty of Don
Heck's art to new heights.
The artful Simekian sound effects makes this a battle to remember.
Shell-Head struts his transistorized stuff and makes the Titanium Man
take a fall.
With the life of his friend in the balance, Tony Stark must play the part
of a cold executive, as well as the knight in shining armor that is Iron
Man.
Steve Chung
"What Price Review?"
Tales of Suspense #70: "Fight On! For A World Is Watching!"
Tales of Suspense #70
"Fight On! For A World Is Watching!"
October, 1965
Story: Scribbled
And Scrawled By:
STAN LEE
Illustration: Doodled
And Dawdled By:
DON HECK
Delineation: Battered
And Blotted By:
MICKEY DEMEO
Lettering: Mumbled
And Jumbled By:
SAM ROSEN
Reviewing: Keyboard Crunching
And Punching By:
STEVE CHUNG
Put 'Em All Together, They Spell Marvel
...So You Know That It's Gotta Be Great!
It's the Invincible Iron Man vs. the Titanium Man. 'Nuff said?!?
There may have been some people who missed the last rabid review of
Suspense. If you are that merry soul, we'll bring you up to date.
Behind the Iron Curtain, a titanium suit of armor has been built for
Commissar Bullski, with one reason in mind. He who dons the armor shall
defeat the American hero known as Iron Man. Only a large man such as
Bullski would be able to operate in such bulky armor, but to the
Commissar, it's as if he's wearing an overcoat. (Holy Googol, Batman!)
The isolated, neutral nation of Alberia is the sight where the fight will
be televised, with many tourists present to view the event. The Countess
Stephanie De La Spirosa has some history with Tony Stark, having been
jilted by him in the past. BAROOOM! The previous review ended with
Shell-Head being led into a mine field by his opponent. His armor will
protect him from this explosion, but Iron Man wouldn't want to go through
another one.
Seeing that the explosion has not finished off his foe, the Titanium Man
bombards him with impulse rays, which will set off more mines in the
area. Not only is Bullski larger and stronger than Iron Man, but
craftier, too. Not willing to risk his heart to further shocks, the
armored Avenger uses his boot jets to gain some altitude. The viewing
audience believe that Iron Man is fleeing the scene in defeat, but then
they see him landing beyond the mine field, and turns to face his
opponent once more. Shell-Head must be prepared for anything, especially
since the Titanium Man isn't following the rules, and is playing to win.
With the entire world watching the fight, Bullski plans to inflict the
greatest propaganda victory for his communist nation. Iron Man sees
this, but reminds his opponent that he's still standing.
Facing a foe who is twice his size, and who is packing many concealed
weapons, the armored Avenger plans to dive bomb him. Unfortunately for
Shell-Head, his left boot jet has been damaged from the exploding mine.
Seeing his predicament, the Titanium Man is able to gain on his prey, and
fires off his radar rings. Pointing towards his opponent, a series of
rings shoot out, and grow larger with each passing second. Although he
tries to avoid them, the armored Avenger is soon surrounded by the remote
control rings. They contract around Iron Man and immobilize him.
As the radar rings force him down to the ground, Shell-Head wishes he
were living the playboy life instead. Among those in the audience is
Countess De La Spirosa, who is searching for the millionaire
industrialist, and spies Happy Hogan among the spectators. Pepper Potts
wonders how the Countess could possibly be thinking about Tony Stark at a
time like this. After he tells the Countess that they've haven't seen
the boss, he asks Pepper just what happened to Mr. Stark. Both turn
towards the TV screen and watch as the Titanium Man activates his
power-sapper beam. He hopes that the world is witnessing how he has made
the American Avenger helpless. Iron Man strives to free himself and
applies full strength to each stress point, no matter what the drain is
on his power supply.
The radar rings give way and expand once more. With his power pack
needing time to recharge, Shell-Head sprays his opponent with a chemical
bath. In the hotel lab used by Tony Stark, the Countess fails to find
the millionaire industrialist, and is determined to find a way to make
him come after her. Seeing a transistor device on a worktable, she knows
that Tony Stark will come after her, and leaves something for him to
remember her by.
WHIST! Iron Man continues to stall for time by using the proper
combination of chemicals to make things hot for Commissar Bullski in his
titanium armor. The armored figure begins rolling around on the ground,
trying to rub off the chemicals in the dirt. With his strength returning
from the quick recharge, Shell-Head sees that his opponent has been
rolling around for too long, and wonders if the chemicals have had a
fatal effect. BLANG! When he gets closer to aid his foe, the armored
Avenger is caught off-guard by a punch from the Titanium Man, and is soon
caught in an unyielding clinch. With the American hero in his grip,
Bullski is certain that the battle will soon be won.
Senator Harrington Byrd sees that things look bleak for Iron Man, and if
the Avenger should fail, he will hold Stark responsible. The politician
had been convinced that the industrialist was a fraud, and fears the
possibility of losing this event. THUD! Even though his armor is
smaller and lighter, Shell-Head is able to withstand his opponent's
attacks. He wonders how long his heart can stand the strain. After a
fifteen minute period of fighting, there will be a rest period. Iron Man
decides to use his untried subminiature device to turn the tide of
battle, then discovers that he had left it at the hotel. As the armored
Avenger seeks to hold out until the end of the round, the Titanium Man
decides to do the same, and come up with a new strategy.
WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Iron Man realizes that his opponent is also stalling
for time, and that the Titanium Man may be experiencing uncertainty
during their fight. The warning siren sounds and the round ends. Each
combatant has a ten-minute rest period. While the Titanium Man heads off
to plan a new attack, the armored Avenger soars past Senator Byrd, Happy,
and Pepper on his way to his lab. The senator believes that Stark's
bodyguard will leave the battle, Pepper disagrees, and Happy wonders
what's happened to the boss. At his hotel, Iron Man sees that the device
is gone, then discovers the handkerchief belonging to his former flame.
With only a few minutes left, he dons a new pair of boot jets, and flies
off in search of Happy Hogan.
Finding the former prizefighter, the Armored Avenger asks him to retrieve
the stolen transistor device from the Countess. Happy assures him that
he will do so, as soon as Iron Man lets go of his shoulders. At the
garage, Harold "Happy" Hogan uses his pugilistic charms to persuade an
attendant to tell him where the Countess has gone. Driving in Tony
Stark's sportscar, Hogan has a hunch why the boss hasn't shown up for the
fight. SCREETCH! After cutting her off, Happy picks up the Countess,
and drives back to the spectator area. When he learns from Pepper that
the second round has begun, Happy knows that he must give the device to
Iron Man as soon as possible. As he races off to Shell-Head's side,
Pepper pleads for him not to endanger his own life, and Happy knows that
whatever should happen next... it will have been worth it.
On the battlefield, the Titanium Man has renewed his assault on Iron Man,
hoping to wear down his foe with a relentless attack. The armored
Avenger is able to dodge the molecule scrambler ray, but although he is
once again at full strength, the pain in his chest has become almost
unbearable. With a single charge left in his proton gun, Shell-Head
opens fire... BWATT! The Titanium Man's armor has been damaged, but it's
not enough. Both combatants hear a voice crying out, with the armored
Avenger turning towards his friend on the ridge, and Bullski getting
ready to fire his molecule scrambler rays once more. The American
manages to dodge the deadly burst, but they ricochet, and hit Happy
Hogan. Stricken by the blast, he hands Iron Man the badly-needed
transistor device. When the Avenger offers to get him to a doctor, Happy
tells him that he knows that his time is up, and that it was worth it.
The chauffeur now knows that it is he who Pepper loves.
When Iron Man tells his friend to hang on, Happy smiles, and tells his
boss to give the Titanium Man one for him. Among those watching the
scene on the TV screen is Pepper Potts, who screams in anguish, and
faints from the shock. As the senator tells the crowd to give her room,
the audience see that the combatants are getting ready to face off
against one another once more. The Titanium Man is grateful for the
distraction, and is assembling one of his more powerful weapons to deal
with the American hero. Happy Hogan had known his secret, and despite
his feelings for Pepper, he had aided him in his time of need. Tony
Stark vows that his friend will not have given his life in vain. While
he lives, he will continue the fight, and make it most memorable. The
armored Avenger turns towards the titanic Titanium Man... as fresh rage
flows through him. Gone is the pain from his damaged heart. Gone is the
threat of danger. All that matters to Iron Man is the memory of his
friend and the battle to be fought to the bitter end. Wherever his
friend now resides, the Avenger prays that he knows... that this will be
for him.
Shell-Head almost suffers an explosive finish on the splash page, as he
learns that the Titanium Man has got plenty in mine.
Panels from Tales of Suspense #69 were used in the summary for what had
gone before.
Unfortunately for the Titanium Man, Iron Man is able to fly rings around
him.
After the armored Avenger gives him a chemical bath, Bullski finds
himself on a roll.
If talking were fighting, I would have loved to have seen Senator Byrd
step into the ring, and be forced to eat crow.
Yes, after walking a mile through a mile in Shell-Head's boot-jets, I
think that the politician would develop a much better appreciation for
the armored hero.
When he hears the concern in Pepper's voice, Harold Hogan is finally,
truly happy.
When she sees what happens to Happy Hogan on the battlefield, Pepper
Potts is far from happy.
As the Titanium Man is putting together another deadly weapon, Iron Man
is getting himself together, and is ready for the final round.
October, 1965
Story: Scribbled
And Scrawled By:
STAN LEE
Illustration: Doodled
And Dawdled By:
DON HECK
Delineation: Battered
And Blotted By:
MICKEY DEMEO
Lettering: Mumbled
And Jumbled By:
SAM ROSEN
Reviewing: Keyboard Crunching
And Punching By:
STEVE CHUNG
Put 'Em All Together, They Spell Marvel
...So You Know That It's Gotta Be Great!
It's the Invincible Iron Man vs. the Titanium Man. 'Nuff said?!?
There may have been some people who missed the last rabid review of
Suspense. If you are that merry soul, we'll bring you up to date.
Behind the Iron Curtain, a titanium suit of armor has been built for
Commissar Bullski, with one reason in mind. He who dons the armor shall
defeat the American hero known as Iron Man. Only a large man such as
Bullski would be able to operate in such bulky armor, but to the
Commissar, it's as if he's wearing an overcoat. (Holy Googol, Batman!)
The isolated, neutral nation of Alberia is the sight where the fight will
be televised, with many tourists present to view the event. The Countess
Stephanie De La Spirosa has some history with Tony Stark, having been
jilted by him in the past. BAROOOM! The previous review ended with
Shell-Head being led into a mine field by his opponent. His armor will
protect him from this explosion, but Iron Man wouldn't want to go through
another one.
Seeing that the explosion has not finished off his foe, the Titanium Man
bombards him with impulse rays, which will set off more mines in the
area. Not only is Bullski larger and stronger than Iron Man, but
craftier, too. Not willing to risk his heart to further shocks, the
armored Avenger uses his boot jets to gain some altitude. The viewing
audience believe that Iron Man is fleeing the scene in defeat, but then
they see him landing beyond the mine field, and turns to face his
opponent once more. Shell-Head must be prepared for anything, especially
since the Titanium Man isn't following the rules, and is playing to win.
With the entire world watching the fight, Bullski plans to inflict the
greatest propaganda victory for his communist nation. Iron Man sees
this, but reminds his opponent that he's still standing.
Facing a foe who is twice his size, and who is packing many concealed
weapons, the armored Avenger plans to dive bomb him. Unfortunately for
Shell-Head, his left boot jet has been damaged from the exploding mine.
Seeing his predicament, the Titanium Man is able to gain on his prey, and
fires off his radar rings. Pointing towards his opponent, a series of
rings shoot out, and grow larger with each passing second. Although he
tries to avoid them, the armored Avenger is soon surrounded by the remote
control rings. They contract around Iron Man and immobilize him.
As the radar rings force him down to the ground, Shell-Head wishes he
were living the playboy life instead. Among those in the audience is
Countess De La Spirosa, who is searching for the millionaire
industrialist, and spies Happy Hogan among the spectators. Pepper Potts
wonders how the Countess could possibly be thinking about Tony Stark at a
time like this. After he tells the Countess that they've haven't seen
the boss, he asks Pepper just what happened to Mr. Stark. Both turn
towards the TV screen and watch as the Titanium Man activates his
power-sapper beam. He hopes that the world is witnessing how he has made
the American Avenger helpless. Iron Man strives to free himself and
applies full strength to each stress point, no matter what the drain is
on his power supply.
The radar rings give way and expand once more. With his power pack
needing time to recharge, Shell-Head sprays his opponent with a chemical
bath. In the hotel lab used by Tony Stark, the Countess fails to find
the millionaire industrialist, and is determined to find a way to make
him come after her. Seeing a transistor device on a worktable, she knows
that Tony Stark will come after her, and leaves something for him to
remember her by.
WHIST! Iron Man continues to stall for time by using the proper
combination of chemicals to make things hot for Commissar Bullski in his
titanium armor. The armored figure begins rolling around on the ground,
trying to rub off the chemicals in the dirt. With his strength returning
from the quick recharge, Shell-Head sees that his opponent has been
rolling around for too long, and wonders if the chemicals have had a
fatal effect. BLANG! When he gets closer to aid his foe, the armored
Avenger is caught off-guard by a punch from the Titanium Man, and is soon
caught in an unyielding clinch. With the American hero in his grip,
Bullski is certain that the battle will soon be won.
Senator Harrington Byrd sees that things look bleak for Iron Man, and if
the Avenger should fail, he will hold Stark responsible. The politician
had been convinced that the industrialist was a fraud, and fears the
possibility of losing this event. THUD! Even though his armor is
smaller and lighter, Shell-Head is able to withstand his opponent's
attacks. He wonders how long his heart can stand the strain. After a
fifteen minute period of fighting, there will be a rest period. Iron Man
decides to use his untried subminiature device to turn the tide of
battle, then discovers that he had left it at the hotel. As the armored
Avenger seeks to hold out until the end of the round, the Titanium Man
decides to do the same, and come up with a new strategy.
WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Iron Man realizes that his opponent is also stalling
for time, and that the Titanium Man may be experiencing uncertainty
during their fight. The warning siren sounds and the round ends. Each
combatant has a ten-minute rest period. While the Titanium Man heads off
to plan a new attack, the armored Avenger soars past Senator Byrd, Happy,
and Pepper on his way to his lab. The senator believes that Stark's
bodyguard will leave the battle, Pepper disagrees, and Happy wonders
what's happened to the boss. At his hotel, Iron Man sees that the device
is gone, then discovers the handkerchief belonging to his former flame.
With only a few minutes left, he dons a new pair of boot jets, and flies
off in search of Happy Hogan.
Finding the former prizefighter, the Armored Avenger asks him to retrieve
the stolen transistor device from the Countess. Happy assures him that
he will do so, as soon as Iron Man lets go of his shoulders. At the
garage, Harold "Happy" Hogan uses his pugilistic charms to persuade an
attendant to tell him where the Countess has gone. Driving in Tony
Stark's sportscar, Hogan has a hunch why the boss hasn't shown up for the
fight. SCREETCH! After cutting her off, Happy picks up the Countess,
and drives back to the spectator area. When he learns from Pepper that
the second round has begun, Happy knows that he must give the device to
Iron Man as soon as possible. As he races off to Shell-Head's side,
Pepper pleads for him not to endanger his own life, and Happy knows that
whatever should happen next... it will have been worth it.
On the battlefield, the Titanium Man has renewed his assault on Iron Man,
hoping to wear down his foe with a relentless attack. The armored
Avenger is able to dodge the molecule scrambler ray, but although he is
once again at full strength, the pain in his chest has become almost
unbearable. With a single charge left in his proton gun, Shell-Head
opens fire... BWATT! The Titanium Man's armor has been damaged, but it's
not enough. Both combatants hear a voice crying out, with the armored
Avenger turning towards his friend on the ridge, and Bullski getting
ready to fire his molecule scrambler rays once more. The American
manages to dodge the deadly burst, but they ricochet, and hit Happy
Hogan. Stricken by the blast, he hands Iron Man the badly-needed
transistor device. When the Avenger offers to get him to a doctor, Happy
tells him that he knows that his time is up, and that it was worth it.
The chauffeur now knows that it is he who Pepper loves.
When Iron Man tells his friend to hang on, Happy smiles, and tells his
boss to give the Titanium Man one for him. Among those watching the
scene on the TV screen is Pepper Potts, who screams in anguish, and
faints from the shock. As the senator tells the crowd to give her room,
the audience see that the combatants are getting ready to face off
against one another once more. The Titanium Man is grateful for the
distraction, and is assembling one of his more powerful weapons to deal
with the American hero. Happy Hogan had known his secret, and despite
his feelings for Pepper, he had aided him in his time of need. Tony
Stark vows that his friend will not have given his life in vain. While
he lives, he will continue the fight, and make it most memorable. The
armored Avenger turns towards the titanic Titanium Man... as fresh rage
flows through him. Gone is the pain from his damaged heart. Gone is the
threat of danger. All that matters to Iron Man is the memory of his
friend and the battle to be fought to the bitter end. Wherever his
friend now resides, the Avenger prays that he knows... that this will be
for him.
Shell-Head almost suffers an explosive finish on the splash page, as he
learns that the Titanium Man has got plenty in mine.
Panels from Tales of Suspense #69 were used in the summary for what had
gone before.
Unfortunately for the Titanium Man, Iron Man is able to fly rings around
him.
After the armored Avenger gives him a chemical bath, Bullski finds
himself on a roll.
If talking were fighting, I would have loved to have seen Senator Byrd
step into the ring, and be forced to eat crow.
Yes, after walking a mile through a mile in Shell-Head's boot-jets, I
think that the politician would develop a much better appreciation for
the armored hero.
When he hears the concern in Pepper's voice, Harold Hogan is finally,
truly happy.
When she sees what happens to Happy Hogan on the battlefield, Pepper
Potts is far from happy.
As the Titanium Man is putting together another deadly weapon, Iron Man
is getting himself together, and is ready for the final round.
Tales of Suspense #69: "If I Die, Let It Be With Honor!"
Tales of Suspense #69
"If I Die, Let It Be With Honor!"
September, 1965
Story By STAN LEE The Idol Of Millions!
Art By DON HECK The Toast Of Two Continents!
Inking By V. COLLETTA The Pride Of The Bullpen!
Lettering By SAM ROSEN The Last Angry Letterer!
Reviewing By STEVE CHUNG The Past Roving Reviewer
The Invincible Iron Man has won many victories in his career, thanks to
his transistorized power. What happens when Shell-Head must battle a
much stronger and deadlier foe? Tony Stark has been working on a
sub-miniature reverser for several weeks, but still has to perfect it.
This is a time when Iron Man's might can do no good where the
industrialist's inventiveness is needed.
Tony is thankful that this work is distracting him from other matters.
He knows that he can never tell Pepper Potts how much he loves her. Only
he knows that if his chestplate should fail, his own heart would stop
beating. The time has come for another recharge, and after seating
himself, lifesaving current flows through the vital chestplate once more.
Work on the reverser must wait, as the businessman must check in on his
factory. Happy Hogan is asking Pepper if she wants to go dancing at the
Frug A-Go Go, and the lovely red-haired secretary agrees. As she starts
to talk about her new discotheque dress, Happy sees that the boss has
arrived.
Having heard their conversation, Mr. Stark offers them the use of his
limousine for their date tonight. When Pepper asks if he'd like to join,
the boss declines. Hogan is far from happy, and wonders if the girl will
ever get over her crush. At a communist work camp near Siberia, Comrade
Bullski has arrived to serve as the new commissar. Rumor has it that
Bullski had been transferred because he had inspired fear in the Premier.
The Commissar is shown the main laboratory, where the imprisoned
scientists labor. Seeing them, Bullski orders the scientists to work
harder with three more hours each day. If any fail to do so, they will
be dealt with. Commissar Bullski will crush their wills as easily as he
can crush an iron pipe. In his quarters, it seems that the new commissar
is not happy with his new position. He is determined to prove himself
worthy of becoming dictator by defeating the greatest enemy of
Communism... Iron Man.
After reviewing the records of various captive scientists, the Commissar
orders his chosen ones to report to the yard. Bullski offers each man
his freedom if they follow his commands. They are to build him a
titanium armored suit. The scientists, aware that titanium is even
stronger than iron, agree. In the laboratory where the Crimson Dynamo
had built his own armor before his defection, the men are instructed to
build a suit even stronger than Iron Man's. Since they lack the
knowledge of miniaturizing transistors, the Commissar will be forced to
wear a bigger, heavier suit of armor. As the scientists begin their
task, Bullski reviews films of the armored Avenger. Since he is bigger
than his foe, the Commissar is confident that he will prevail.
As the impatient Commissar waits, the scientists are ready to pour the
titanium core, and produce the necessary transistors. Bullski's armor
will be big enough to carry a disintegrator ray. As he heads for the
laboratory, the Commissar tells his aide to send the men to another camp
with no laboratory. It will be their reward for being foolish enough to
trust him. This will be done after he's done testing the armor. Bullski
is ready to don the massive armor.
The Commissar is able to move with ease while wearing the armor. He even
refuses the power-assisted controls within the armor to ease his
movements. All that remains for him to do is to challenge Iron Man.
After the American hero uses his weaponry upon the Titanium Man in
failure, Bullski shall smash his foe. With his defeat, the world shall
see the superiority of Communism.
A telegram arrives for Tony Stark from the Iron Curtain. Pepper Potts
tells her boss that the letter is for his bodyguard. The Titanium Man
challenges Iron Man to a fight at a neutral site. Copies of the letter
have been sent to newspapers all over the world. The millionaire
industrialist knows the toll he has taken with his chest device, even so
far as to consider leaving the Avengers. When Pepper insists that
Shell-Head accept the challenge... or admit weakness, her boss turns
away. He tells them that only Iron Man can make this decision. Senator
Byrd in Washington, D.C. has heard that the armored Avenger has not yet
accepted the challenge. Figuring that the industrialist doesn't want to
lose his bodyguard, the Senator demands that a letter be set to Stark.
When asked what would happen if Iron Man were to be defeated, Byrd knows
that this is a risk they must take.
After receiving Senator Byrd's telegram, Tony Stark must make a decision.
Should he risk his life with an unknown foe while his chest device may
give out at any moment? Would it be better to lose than be considered a
coward? He must find a way to perfect his chest device long enough to
fight the Titanium Man. While the rest of the world wonders if the
armored Avenger will accept the challenge, the "playboy" struggles with a
way to bring himself to full power. At the crack of dawn, Tony Stark
gets an idea, and heads off to reinforce his chest device. After the
preparations have been made, Iron Man now feels the power coursing
through him, and knows that the Titanium Man will be getting his wish.
After receiving the reply, Commissar Bullski orders that the traps be
made ready.
The following morning finds Pepper Potts and Happy Hogan being invited to
accompany their boss to Europe to see the fight. Happy can't help but
wonder why Stark will be going, but with Pepper there, he can't blame the
man. The site of the battle will be in Alberia, and will be overseen by
an international committee. Tourists have gathered in Alberia for the
upcoming fight, which will be televised. A single telestar satellite is
in orbit, to monitor the upcoming battle. A battlefield from World War
II will be the chosen arena.
Inside the international hotel of Alberia, Happy Hogan and Pepper Potts
see the Countess De La Spiroza. The secretary is aware that the Countess
is an old flame of Tony Stark. Happy can hear the jealousy in Pepper's
voice from where he's standing. Stephanie meets with Tony, having been
boarded in the Riviera. Pepper begins to frown at the sight of the two
of them together. When Happy innocently asks why should she care, the
secretary's frown intensifies. The Countess wants to invite the playboy
upstairs for a nightcap, but the industrialist will be calling it an
early night. He will in fact be working on his Iron Man armor. Having
been jilted once by Tony Stark, the Countess De La Spiroza vows to make
him pay for that.
The fateful meeting occurs at dawn, with the Burgomaster of Alberia going
over the rules set down by the international committee. As Iron Man eyes
the height of his opponent, the Titanium Man is eager to begin their
battle at once. The Communists are hoping for a propaganda victory when
their champion prevails. With the field cleared, the two armored men
face off against one another. ZAT! Figuring that all it will take is a
single blast, the Titanium Man fires his weapon, but Iron Man is able to
fly out of the way. WHOOOM! A repulsor-ray burst from the armored
Avenger sends his opponent down a hill.
WOK! As he strikes the Titanium Man, Shell-Head knows that his punches
are not hurting him as they should. The larger figure uses magnetic
attraction to snare Iron Man, then gloats as the cameras are recording
their battle. As the Titanium Man pulls him down towards the ground, the
armored Avenger musters up enough strength to perform a maneuver, and
jets away to safety. As his opponent begins unleashing blast after blast
towards him, Iron Man begins to run, but unknowingly towards his doom. A
secret mine field has been prepared, and Shell-Head suffers from the
treacherous attack. BAROOOM! Watching one of the many television
receivers are Happy Hogan and Pepper Potts. As Pepper gasps at the
Titanium Man's trickery, Happy wonders why their boss isn't there to see
what's happening.
The mind-staggering menace of the Titanium Man is introduced in Tales of
Suspense #69.
Unfortunately for Iron Man, he is the one sent staggering into a mine
field by his treacherous opponent.
When it comes to the reverser, the smaller, the better.
The dance craze at the time was the Frug.
Although Pepper has got a crush on her boss, it's Happy Hogan who's
feeling the pain.
Commissar Bullski is able to crush an iron pipe with his bare hands.
Is it me or does Bullski bear some resemblance to Bluto?
Is titanium stronger than iron? If it is, why is this so?
Although the Commissar is bored by the pictures of Iron Man, I was quite
happy to reread this story, and appreciate the work done by Don Heck and
Vince Colletta.
Likewise, when the Titanium Man envisions Iron Man's defeat at his hands,
Heck and Colletta keep it interesting.
Senator Byrd regards Stark as a conceited playboy, but in reality, the
industrialist must make a most fateful decision.
Even with his health at stake, Tony finds a way to make sure that his
chest device will last through the fight with the Titanium Man. In
overcoming this handicap, he has this reader's sympathy, and I'm rooting
for him to win.
For a guy nicknamed "Happy," Hogan seems glum much of the time.
While the Countess and Tony Stark are all smiles, Happy Hogan is nervous,
while Pepper Potts has a frown that could burn through steel.
It is a credit to artist Don Heck that he makes these scenes interesting,
and by looking at the facial features of each character, we can pretty
much tell what's on their mind without having to read the word balloons.
Vinnie Colletta was an excellent choice to ink Heck, as their
collaboration complements one another quite well.
The lumbering Titanium Man vs. the sleek and agile Iron Man.
Although he has it on his foe on mobility, the Commissar has got
Shell-Head on brute strength.
Unfortunately for the armored Avenger, Bullski had plenty in mine along
the arena.
Steve Chung
"If I Die, Let It Be With Review!"
September, 1965
Story By STAN LEE The Idol Of Millions!
Art By DON HECK The Toast Of Two Continents!
Inking By V. COLLETTA The Pride Of The Bullpen!
Lettering By SAM ROSEN The Last Angry Letterer!
Reviewing By STEVE CHUNG The Past Roving Reviewer
The Invincible Iron Man has won many victories in his career, thanks to
his transistorized power. What happens when Shell-Head must battle a
much stronger and deadlier foe? Tony Stark has been working on a
sub-miniature reverser for several weeks, but still has to perfect it.
This is a time when Iron Man's might can do no good where the
industrialist's inventiveness is needed.
Tony is thankful that this work is distracting him from other matters.
He knows that he can never tell Pepper Potts how much he loves her. Only
he knows that if his chestplate should fail, his own heart would stop
beating. The time has come for another recharge, and after seating
himself, lifesaving current flows through the vital chestplate once more.
Work on the reverser must wait, as the businessman must check in on his
factory. Happy Hogan is asking Pepper if she wants to go dancing at the
Frug A-Go Go, and the lovely red-haired secretary agrees. As she starts
to talk about her new discotheque dress, Happy sees that the boss has
arrived.
Having heard their conversation, Mr. Stark offers them the use of his
limousine for their date tonight. When Pepper asks if he'd like to join,
the boss declines. Hogan is far from happy, and wonders if the girl will
ever get over her crush. At a communist work camp near Siberia, Comrade
Bullski has arrived to serve as the new commissar. Rumor has it that
Bullski had been transferred because he had inspired fear in the Premier.
The Commissar is shown the main laboratory, where the imprisoned
scientists labor. Seeing them, Bullski orders the scientists to work
harder with three more hours each day. If any fail to do so, they will
be dealt with. Commissar Bullski will crush their wills as easily as he
can crush an iron pipe. In his quarters, it seems that the new commissar
is not happy with his new position. He is determined to prove himself
worthy of becoming dictator by defeating the greatest enemy of
Communism... Iron Man.
After reviewing the records of various captive scientists, the Commissar
orders his chosen ones to report to the yard. Bullski offers each man
his freedom if they follow his commands. They are to build him a
titanium armored suit. The scientists, aware that titanium is even
stronger than iron, agree. In the laboratory where the Crimson Dynamo
had built his own armor before his defection, the men are instructed to
build a suit even stronger than Iron Man's. Since they lack the
knowledge of miniaturizing transistors, the Commissar will be forced to
wear a bigger, heavier suit of armor. As the scientists begin their
task, Bullski reviews films of the armored Avenger. Since he is bigger
than his foe, the Commissar is confident that he will prevail.
As the impatient Commissar waits, the scientists are ready to pour the
titanium core, and produce the necessary transistors. Bullski's armor
will be big enough to carry a disintegrator ray. As he heads for the
laboratory, the Commissar tells his aide to send the men to another camp
with no laboratory. It will be their reward for being foolish enough to
trust him. This will be done after he's done testing the armor. Bullski
is ready to don the massive armor.
The Commissar is able to move with ease while wearing the armor. He even
refuses the power-assisted controls within the armor to ease his
movements. All that remains for him to do is to challenge Iron Man.
After the American hero uses his weaponry upon the Titanium Man in
failure, Bullski shall smash his foe. With his defeat, the world shall
see the superiority of Communism.
A telegram arrives for Tony Stark from the Iron Curtain. Pepper Potts
tells her boss that the letter is for his bodyguard. The Titanium Man
challenges Iron Man to a fight at a neutral site. Copies of the letter
have been sent to newspapers all over the world. The millionaire
industrialist knows the toll he has taken with his chest device, even so
far as to consider leaving the Avengers. When Pepper insists that
Shell-Head accept the challenge... or admit weakness, her boss turns
away. He tells them that only Iron Man can make this decision. Senator
Byrd in Washington, D.C. has heard that the armored Avenger has not yet
accepted the challenge. Figuring that the industrialist doesn't want to
lose his bodyguard, the Senator demands that a letter be set to Stark.
When asked what would happen if Iron Man were to be defeated, Byrd knows
that this is a risk they must take.
After receiving Senator Byrd's telegram, Tony Stark must make a decision.
Should he risk his life with an unknown foe while his chest device may
give out at any moment? Would it be better to lose than be considered a
coward? He must find a way to perfect his chest device long enough to
fight the Titanium Man. While the rest of the world wonders if the
armored Avenger will accept the challenge, the "playboy" struggles with a
way to bring himself to full power. At the crack of dawn, Tony Stark
gets an idea, and heads off to reinforce his chest device. After the
preparations have been made, Iron Man now feels the power coursing
through him, and knows that the Titanium Man will be getting his wish.
After receiving the reply, Commissar Bullski orders that the traps be
made ready.
The following morning finds Pepper Potts and Happy Hogan being invited to
accompany their boss to Europe to see the fight. Happy can't help but
wonder why Stark will be going, but with Pepper there, he can't blame the
man. The site of the battle will be in Alberia, and will be overseen by
an international committee. Tourists have gathered in Alberia for the
upcoming fight, which will be televised. A single telestar satellite is
in orbit, to monitor the upcoming battle. A battlefield from World War
II will be the chosen arena.
Inside the international hotel of Alberia, Happy Hogan and Pepper Potts
see the Countess De La Spiroza. The secretary is aware that the Countess
is an old flame of Tony Stark. Happy can hear the jealousy in Pepper's
voice from where he's standing. Stephanie meets with Tony, having been
boarded in the Riviera. Pepper begins to frown at the sight of the two
of them together. When Happy innocently asks why should she care, the
secretary's frown intensifies. The Countess wants to invite the playboy
upstairs for a nightcap, but the industrialist will be calling it an
early night. He will in fact be working on his Iron Man armor. Having
been jilted once by Tony Stark, the Countess De La Spiroza vows to make
him pay for that.
The fateful meeting occurs at dawn, with the Burgomaster of Alberia going
over the rules set down by the international committee. As Iron Man eyes
the height of his opponent, the Titanium Man is eager to begin their
battle at once. The Communists are hoping for a propaganda victory when
their champion prevails. With the field cleared, the two armored men
face off against one another. ZAT! Figuring that all it will take is a
single blast, the Titanium Man fires his weapon, but Iron Man is able to
fly out of the way. WHOOOM! A repulsor-ray burst from the armored
Avenger sends his opponent down a hill.
WOK! As he strikes the Titanium Man, Shell-Head knows that his punches
are not hurting him as they should. The larger figure uses magnetic
attraction to snare Iron Man, then gloats as the cameras are recording
their battle. As the Titanium Man pulls him down towards the ground, the
armored Avenger musters up enough strength to perform a maneuver, and
jets away to safety. As his opponent begins unleashing blast after blast
towards him, Iron Man begins to run, but unknowingly towards his doom. A
secret mine field has been prepared, and Shell-Head suffers from the
treacherous attack. BAROOOM! Watching one of the many television
receivers are Happy Hogan and Pepper Potts. As Pepper gasps at the
Titanium Man's trickery, Happy wonders why their boss isn't there to see
what's happening.
The mind-staggering menace of the Titanium Man is introduced in Tales of
Suspense #69.
Unfortunately for Iron Man, he is the one sent staggering into a mine
field by his treacherous opponent.
When it comes to the reverser, the smaller, the better.
The dance craze at the time was the Frug.
Although Pepper has got a crush on her boss, it's Happy Hogan who's
feeling the pain.
Commissar Bullski is able to crush an iron pipe with his bare hands.
Is it me or does Bullski bear some resemblance to Bluto?
Is titanium stronger than iron? If it is, why is this so?
Although the Commissar is bored by the pictures of Iron Man, I was quite
happy to reread this story, and appreciate the work done by Don Heck and
Vince Colletta.
Likewise, when the Titanium Man envisions Iron Man's defeat at his hands,
Heck and Colletta keep it interesting.
Senator Byrd regards Stark as a conceited playboy, but in reality, the
industrialist must make a most fateful decision.
Even with his health at stake, Tony finds a way to make sure that his
chest device will last through the fight with the Titanium Man. In
overcoming this handicap, he has this reader's sympathy, and I'm rooting
for him to win.
For a guy nicknamed "Happy," Hogan seems glum much of the time.
While the Countess and Tony Stark are all smiles, Happy Hogan is nervous,
while Pepper Potts has a frown that could burn through steel.
It is a credit to artist Don Heck that he makes these scenes interesting,
and by looking at the facial features of each character, we can pretty
much tell what's on their mind without having to read the word balloons.
Vinnie Colletta was an excellent choice to ink Heck, as their
collaboration complements one another quite well.
The lumbering Titanium Man vs. the sleek and agile Iron Man.
Although he has it on his foe on mobility, the Commissar has got
Shell-Head on brute strength.
Unfortunately for the armored Avenger, Bullski had plenty in mine along
the arena.
Steve Chung
"If I Die, Let It Be With Review!"
Tales of Suspense #53: "The Way It Began..."
Tales of Suspense #53
"The Way It Began..."
May, 1964
Story Plot: Stan Lee
Script and Art: Larry Lieber
Inking: Paul Reinman
Lettering: Artie Simek
In an operating room, doctors work hard to save a life. With the
patient's heart getting weaker, they must move fast. Unbeknownst to the
physicians, their progress is being observed by the Watcher. His
advanced mind contains such vast knowledge that he could tell them how to
save the life of the patient. He must resist the temptation to do so,
and not interfere with the destiny of others. This is his curse, to
forever observe and record what transpires in the universe. This was not
always the case, for in the distant past...
Before the Earth came into being, the race who would someday be known as
the Watchers resided in a far away galaxy. Theirs was a peaceful race
who lived in ornate floating cities. With their superior intelligence
and honesty, they had not gone to war or known hatred. Their possessions
were on display, with no fear of it being stolen. With their scientific
minds, they were able to discover the key to immortality. The Delta-Ray
Baths would keep them fit for centuries. Uatu and his father were
members of the government. One day, Ikor decided to share their
knowledge with those races less fortunate than their own. Emnu
disagrees, and sees no reason why they should share their hard-won way of
life with others. It is Uatu who persuades Emnu to go along with their
decision. The members of the High World Council prepared themselves by
absorbing cosmic anti-matter isotopes and travel faster than any
spacecraft.
With the treatments completed, they begin to concentrate, and their forms
become living energy. This energy is guided by their mental commands,
and they are able to make the journey at almost the speed of light. Even
at such a speed, it would take them less than a year to reach the nearest
inhabited planet. Prosilicus has a primitive civilization by their
standards, and they are eager to advance their progress by centuries.
The Prosilicans see the group materialize upon their world, and are given
the secret of nuclear energy. When they ask what that is, the
Prosilicans learn that the power of the atom can warm their homes at
little cost, be used to fight disease, and enable their vehicles to run
for months at a time.
The gift is accepted and Uatu congratulates his father on their good
deed. With their task completed, the group leave Prosilicus to watch the
multi-dimensional eclipse. On the planet, the Prosilicans began
harnessing nuclear power, but the ways in which it was used differed
vastly from the aliens' intent. Soon, nuclear war broke out on
Prosilicus, with the price being exacted by all who dwelled on the
planet. Those who had provided the gift were observing two dimensions of
time and space passing one another.
Once the phenomenon had ended, the travelers made their way back towards
Prosilicus. They cannot believe their eyes, for the entire civilization
has been wiped out. The few survivors regard the aliens as monsters who
gave them the evil known as nuclear energy. They had thought that the
Prosilicans would use the atom's power for peaceful purposes, but were
wrong. Now it is Emnu who chides Ikor for his generosity with the
Prosilicans. Now, he knows that the Prosilicans were not ready for such
a gift, and despite his best intentions, Ikor had caused them great harm.
As penance for what happened on Prosilicus, he decides that he and his
race will never again interfere with any others in the universe. They
will be a race of Watchers -- observing and recording, but never
participating in the matters of others. Since that time, several eons
ago, they who had discovered immortality... they who had thought
themselves the most advanced and civilized would now be known as the
Watchers. This would ever be their destiny...
This story was reprinted in Marvel Collectors' Item Classics #9.
This story was retold in Silver Surfer #1 by Stan Lee, Gene Colan, and
Syd Shores.
"The Way It Began..." was also the story title for Fantastic Four #126.
In Star Trek: The Original Series, Delta Rays had a less than beneficial
affect on Captain Christopher Pike in "The Menagerie."
I wonder if Emnu was related to Xemnu the Titan?
Would such an alien go along with the policies of his race for
noninterference?
The Prosilicans are green skinned, have pointed ears, and have Mohawk
hairstyles.
While Ikor and his brethren saw the benefits of nuclear energy, the
Prosilicans found the dark side of this gift.
The multi-dimensional eclipse looks suspiciously like the Crisis on
Infinite Earths caught in a giant "X." (Holy Children of The Atom,
Batman!)
The Guardians of the Universe were another long-lived race who also
suffered setbacks, most notably the creation of the Manhunters.
Steve Chung
"The Way It Reviewed..."
May, 1964
Story Plot: Stan Lee
Script and Art: Larry Lieber
Inking: Paul Reinman
Lettering: Artie Simek
In an operating room, doctors work hard to save a life. With the
patient's heart getting weaker, they must move fast. Unbeknownst to the
physicians, their progress is being observed by the Watcher. His
advanced mind contains such vast knowledge that he could tell them how to
save the life of the patient. He must resist the temptation to do so,
and not interfere with the destiny of others. This is his curse, to
forever observe and record what transpires in the universe. This was not
always the case, for in the distant past...
Before the Earth came into being, the race who would someday be known as
the Watchers resided in a far away galaxy. Theirs was a peaceful race
who lived in ornate floating cities. With their superior intelligence
and honesty, they had not gone to war or known hatred. Their possessions
were on display, with no fear of it being stolen. With their scientific
minds, they were able to discover the key to immortality. The Delta-Ray
Baths would keep them fit for centuries. Uatu and his father were
members of the government. One day, Ikor decided to share their
knowledge with those races less fortunate than their own. Emnu
disagrees, and sees no reason why they should share their hard-won way of
life with others. It is Uatu who persuades Emnu to go along with their
decision. The members of the High World Council prepared themselves by
absorbing cosmic anti-matter isotopes and travel faster than any
spacecraft.
With the treatments completed, they begin to concentrate, and their forms
become living energy. This energy is guided by their mental commands,
and they are able to make the journey at almost the speed of light. Even
at such a speed, it would take them less than a year to reach the nearest
inhabited planet. Prosilicus has a primitive civilization by their
standards, and they are eager to advance their progress by centuries.
The Prosilicans see the group materialize upon their world, and are given
the secret of nuclear energy. When they ask what that is, the
Prosilicans learn that the power of the atom can warm their homes at
little cost, be used to fight disease, and enable their vehicles to run
for months at a time.
The gift is accepted and Uatu congratulates his father on their good
deed. With their task completed, the group leave Prosilicus to watch the
multi-dimensional eclipse. On the planet, the Prosilicans began
harnessing nuclear power, but the ways in which it was used differed
vastly from the aliens' intent. Soon, nuclear war broke out on
Prosilicus, with the price being exacted by all who dwelled on the
planet. Those who had provided the gift were observing two dimensions of
time and space passing one another.
Once the phenomenon had ended, the travelers made their way back towards
Prosilicus. They cannot believe their eyes, for the entire civilization
has been wiped out. The few survivors regard the aliens as monsters who
gave them the evil known as nuclear energy. They had thought that the
Prosilicans would use the atom's power for peaceful purposes, but were
wrong. Now it is Emnu who chides Ikor for his generosity with the
Prosilicans. Now, he knows that the Prosilicans were not ready for such
a gift, and despite his best intentions, Ikor had caused them great harm.
As penance for what happened on Prosilicus, he decides that he and his
race will never again interfere with any others in the universe. They
will be a race of Watchers -- observing and recording, but never
participating in the matters of others. Since that time, several eons
ago, they who had discovered immortality... they who had thought
themselves the most advanced and civilized would now be known as the
Watchers. This would ever be their destiny...
This story was reprinted in Marvel Collectors' Item Classics #9.
This story was retold in Silver Surfer #1 by Stan Lee, Gene Colan, and
Syd Shores.
"The Way It Began..." was also the story title for Fantastic Four #126.
In Star Trek: The Original Series, Delta Rays had a less than beneficial
affect on Captain Christopher Pike in "The Menagerie."
I wonder if Emnu was related to Xemnu the Titan?
Would such an alien go along with the policies of his race for
noninterference?
The Prosilicans are green skinned, have pointed ears, and have Mohawk
hairstyles.
While Ikor and his brethren saw the benefits of nuclear energy, the
Prosilicans found the dark side of this gift.
The multi-dimensional eclipse looks suspiciously like the Crisis on
Infinite Earths caught in a giant "X." (Holy Children of The Atom,
Batman!)
The Guardians of the Universe were another long-lived race who also
suffered setbacks, most notably the creation of the Manhunters.
Steve Chung
"The Way It Reviewed..."
Tales Of Suspense #32: "The Man In The Beehive!"
Tales Of Suspense #32
"The Man In The Beehive!"
August, 1962
Story: Unknown
Art: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Unlike most people, Lucius Farnsworth does not have to wear a net
whenever he's near a beehive. Seeing that his pets are happy, Farnsworth
knows that they will continue to produce honey for him. A disgruntled
beekeeper knows that the more honey they make, the more money his
employer makes. Thanks to his pets, Lucius Farnsworth is the most
successful honey maker in the entire state. Farnsworth may be a rich
man, but this evening, the bee keeper will be the one taking some of that
dough. That night, he breaks into the house, and knows that his
employer's distrust of banks will enable him to become a rich man. He's
had to spy on Farnsworth for months, but he's learned the combination to
the safe, and should have enough money to retire in style. On his way to
a midnight snack, Lucius Farnsworth hears someone at his safe, and spots
Eric the beekeeper when he turns on the light.
Now that he's been found out, Eric intends on making sure that the police
never learn of his wrongdoing. To his surprise, his employer just stands
there, and orders him to drop his weapon. The eyes of Lucius Farnsworth
bear down on the beekeeper, who is unable to pull the trigger. Once he
is handed the gun, Farnsworth intends on making his employee pay for his
mistake. As they walk outside, employer asks employee if he's ever
wondered why the bees have never stung him, and if he was aware that
Farnsworth possesses some strange powers of his own. Lucius Farnsworth
is a mutant, born with the power to accomplish impressive feats with his
brain. Now, he will reduce them down to the size of bees. Indeed, Eric
is startled to find himself and Farnsworth are now no larger than the
bees. It will be the bees who will mete punishment. The beekeeper begs
not to enter the hive, but if he doesn't, he will be shot.
Within the hive, Eric sees the wings and honey-coated tongues of the
bees. He hears the hum of a thousand insects, knowing that he is trapped
within their realm. One of the bees is coming towards him, and is about
to sting. If he were at normal size, it wouldn't harm him, but at this
smaller size, it will be fatal. He must hide, but where? The honeycomb
is the only place for him. Spotting eggs, he turns away from that
particular cell. He'll hide in the other cell beneath the honey. It
doesn't work because the bees can see him in there, and he can see them
through the honey.
The bees are sucking out the honey out of the cell to get at him. In his
frantic state, Eric tears at the wall, in order to save his own life. He
can hardly move in the sticky substance, but he must break through to the
next cell. Eric's made it, but Farnsworth has spotted the coward, and
alerts his pets. With nowhere to hide, he seizes the queen bee. Now,
he's on, and won't be stung by the other bees.
Eric strives to guide the queen towards the hive's opening, where he can
make his escape. Before he can reach his goal, the beekeeper finds
himself lassoed by his employer, and pulled off by blades of grass. The
bees will not be cheated of their vengeance. On the ground, the bees
swarm towards him, with one of them restraining him. Trapped and unable
to move, Eric sees the others coming closer --- closer. In another
moment, it will all be over. The voice of Lucius Farnsworth cries out,
and the bees withdraw from view.
He knows that the disgruntled beekeeper will never try to rob or injure
him again. Employer and employee are once again back at their normal
size. Farnsworth explains that everything was merely an illusion. When
Eric was caught at the safe, he was placed in a hypnotic trance, and
believed himself to be trapped in the beehive. Despite the employer's
explanation, there is still something left to ponder. When the bee man
takes his leave, he leaves a small metal object behind. Eric can't tell
for sure what it is. He continues to search the floor, but he will never
find the tiny gun he imagined he saw. Eric will never know for certain
what truly happened.
This story was reprinted in Where Monsters Dwell #34 (March, 1975).
An misattribution in the issue states that it first appeared in Strange
Tales #99.
On the cover of Where Monsters Dwell #34 by Sal Buscema, we take a good
long look at the man in the beehive. The poor man can't take a bad case
of the hives.
To bee or not to bee, that is the question.
The disgruntled beekeeper sought to increase his net worth, but got
caught in the net, instead.
One wonders if Lucius Farnsworth was an alias for Mastermind of the
Brotherhood of Evil Mutants.
Whether Farnsworth was a mutant or a hypnotist, he certainly pulled a
sting on Eric.
"Honey" was a song sung by Bobby Goldsboro.
"Honeycomb" was a song sung by Jimmie Rogers.
Steve Chung
"The Man In The Review!"
"The Man In The Beehive!"
August, 1962
Story: Unknown
Art: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
Unlike most people, Lucius Farnsworth does not have to wear a net
whenever he's near a beehive. Seeing that his pets are happy, Farnsworth
knows that they will continue to produce honey for him. A disgruntled
beekeeper knows that the more honey they make, the more money his
employer makes. Thanks to his pets, Lucius Farnsworth is the most
successful honey maker in the entire state. Farnsworth may be a rich
man, but this evening, the bee keeper will be the one taking some of that
dough. That night, he breaks into the house, and knows that his
employer's distrust of banks will enable him to become a rich man. He's
had to spy on Farnsworth for months, but he's learned the combination to
the safe, and should have enough money to retire in style. On his way to
a midnight snack, Lucius Farnsworth hears someone at his safe, and spots
Eric the beekeeper when he turns on the light.
Now that he's been found out, Eric intends on making sure that the police
never learn of his wrongdoing. To his surprise, his employer just stands
there, and orders him to drop his weapon. The eyes of Lucius Farnsworth
bear down on the beekeeper, who is unable to pull the trigger. Once he
is handed the gun, Farnsworth intends on making his employee pay for his
mistake. As they walk outside, employer asks employee if he's ever
wondered why the bees have never stung him, and if he was aware that
Farnsworth possesses some strange powers of his own. Lucius Farnsworth
is a mutant, born with the power to accomplish impressive feats with his
brain. Now, he will reduce them down to the size of bees. Indeed, Eric
is startled to find himself and Farnsworth are now no larger than the
bees. It will be the bees who will mete punishment. The beekeeper begs
not to enter the hive, but if he doesn't, he will be shot.
Within the hive, Eric sees the wings and honey-coated tongues of the
bees. He hears the hum of a thousand insects, knowing that he is trapped
within their realm. One of the bees is coming towards him, and is about
to sting. If he were at normal size, it wouldn't harm him, but at this
smaller size, it will be fatal. He must hide, but where? The honeycomb
is the only place for him. Spotting eggs, he turns away from that
particular cell. He'll hide in the other cell beneath the honey. It
doesn't work because the bees can see him in there, and he can see them
through the honey.
The bees are sucking out the honey out of the cell to get at him. In his
frantic state, Eric tears at the wall, in order to save his own life. He
can hardly move in the sticky substance, but he must break through to the
next cell. Eric's made it, but Farnsworth has spotted the coward, and
alerts his pets. With nowhere to hide, he seizes the queen bee. Now,
he's on, and won't be stung by the other bees.
Eric strives to guide the queen towards the hive's opening, where he can
make his escape. Before he can reach his goal, the beekeeper finds
himself lassoed by his employer, and pulled off by blades of grass. The
bees will not be cheated of their vengeance. On the ground, the bees
swarm towards him, with one of them restraining him. Trapped and unable
to move, Eric sees the others coming closer --- closer. In another
moment, it will all be over. The voice of Lucius Farnsworth cries out,
and the bees withdraw from view.
He knows that the disgruntled beekeeper will never try to rob or injure
him again. Employer and employee are once again back at their normal
size. Farnsworth explains that everything was merely an illusion. When
Eric was caught at the safe, he was placed in a hypnotic trance, and
believed himself to be trapped in the beehive. Despite the employer's
explanation, there is still something left to ponder. When the bee man
takes his leave, he leaves a small metal object behind. Eric can't tell
for sure what it is. He continues to search the floor, but he will never
find the tiny gun he imagined he saw. Eric will never know for certain
what truly happened.
This story was reprinted in Where Monsters Dwell #34 (March, 1975).
An misattribution in the issue states that it first appeared in Strange
Tales #99.
On the cover of Where Monsters Dwell #34 by Sal Buscema, we take a good
long look at the man in the beehive. The poor man can't take a bad case
of the hives.
To bee or not to bee, that is the question.
The disgruntled beekeeper sought to increase his net worth, but got
caught in the net, instead.
One wonders if Lucius Farnsworth was an alias for Mastermind of the
Brotherhood of Evil Mutants.
Whether Farnsworth was a mutant or a hypnotist, he certainly pulled a
sting on Eric.
"Honey" was a song sung by Bobby Goldsboro.
"Honeycomb" was a song sung by Jimmie Rogers.
Steve Chung
"The Man In The Review!"
Tales Of Suspense #9: "I Saw Diablo! The Demon From The Fifth Dimension!"
Tales Of Suspense #9
"I Saw Diablo! The Demon From The Fifth Dimension!"
May, 1960
Story: Larry Lieber
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
The legend had come to life. The legend of a monstrous creature who
dwelled within the mountains. Now, it was no longer a legend, but real.
Now upon its arrival, it was Doomsday! The natives would flee from the
demonic monster who had come to destroy them. They knew that nothing
could stop Diablo, and for one man, he knew that the legends were true.
Diablo lives.
One year ago, in a Trinidad cafe, two men are arguing about a village
where the natives claim that a demon dwells high up in the mountains. A
guide and adventurer, the third man asks them about the mountain-dwelling
demon. The Aztecs claim that a giant demon made of smoke makes his home
in the Sierra Madre Mountains. The guide has been from Singapore to
Siam, and has never heard of such a thing. Since he's interested, the
guide is given a map, and is shown the location. The guide is next seen
hopping a freighter from Trinidad. Assuming it isn't some sort of
wild-goose chase, and if there is such a creature in the mountains, he
will make a million dollar discovery. Docking at Veracruz, the guide
travels northeast, and reaches the Aztec village. The natives are fleeing
for their lives, and tell the newcomer that Diablo is coming down from
the mountain.
Alone in the Aztec village, the guide wonders what manner of beast Diablo
could possibly be. Sensing something behind him, he turns and looks upon
a living nightmare swirling before him. He does not move as the giant
figure draws closer to the deserted village. What he does hear is in his
mind, not his ears. His mind is being probed and he can't keep the smoke
giant's thoughts out. Diablo will empty his mind of irrelevant thought,
and reveal his secret.
Age ago, the alien participated in the great experiment. With his world
overcrowded, Diablo traveled through other dimensions in search of a new
home for his race. Time and space were his to control. Centuries later,
planets were created and worlds died, but still the alien continued on
his journey. Stumbling across the puny, three-dimensional world of
Earth, he had found what he had sought. Diablo remained silent for ages.
Gathering strength and harnessing the energy of the elements, Diablo
would once again be the master of time and space. Now, he was ready to
strike, and destroy all of mankind.
The guide is convinced that he is having a hallucination, but the alien
offers a small demonstration of his power. The hapless human finds
himself caught in the smoky mass which comprised Diablo's hand. He is
unable to breathe, and is made aware of the alien's might. Diablo does
have power, but so do those who dwell on Earth. They are not all as
helpless as the hapless natives. The alien does not regard the clumsy
weapons of Earth as a true threat. His very name has sent terror
throughout the galaxies themselves. The hand weapons of terran soldiers
would be as threatening as gnats to an elephant.
The weaponry of the three-dimensional world would not harm the alien.
They who are from the Fifth Dimension are as so much smoke. He could not
be destroyed by bullets and bombs. Even atomic weaponry would fail, for
he could drift from city to city, and millions would be destroyed in a
nuclear attack. Planes would be unable to drop their bombs without
harming those who dwell below. Once his mission was completed, Diablo
would summon the others from the Fifth Dimension, and Earth would be
theirs. The green hills of the planet would tremble at the coming of his
brothers on their new home.
The guide trembled at the mental images he had been receiving, but while
the alien had been painting it, he had gotten an idea. There was only a
slim chance for survival and it had to be taken now. The fate of the
world was depending on his next move. Pointing a finger at the smoky
giant, he informs the alien that there is a weapon that he is not aware
of. Intrigued, Diablo would see it before he crushes the human. The
guide will show him the power he has. A power which all on Earth possess
and one which could destroy Diablo at will. The alien witnesses the
human creating a creature of smoke, and then trembles at what he
witnesses next. Now it is the alien who turns and flees back to his own
world. The planet Earth will never be invaded, for how could they have
known. The guide's gamble has succeeded. Diablo fled for the mountains,
and by the time the natives returned to the village, the alien had faded
from sight. It was a lit cigarette lighter that did it. When Diablo saw
the smoke coming from the flame, he thought it was another alien like
himself. As he watched, the guide blew out the flame, and the smoke
vanished. Figuring that the human could do the same to him, Diablo fled
in fright, and plans for a fifth-dimensional invasion of Earth went up in
smoke.
This story was reprinted in Monsters On The Prowl #30 (October, 1974).
The legend of Diablo describes a monstrous, hulking thing.
In the Silver Age of Marvel, the legends of the Hulk and the Thing came
to pass.
The aliens from the Fifth Dimension must be extremely long-lived.
If the gambit had failed, the people of Earth would be reeling from the
Platters's tune, "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes".
On the mighty world of the Fifth Dimension, the aliens wear headsets, and
their receivers have the necessary accessories in Kirby brand equipment.
On the fifth page and the seventh page of the story, readers are treated
to the sight of the planet Earth, as terran and alien continue their
verbal duel for the fate of a world.
Steve Chung
"I Reviewed Diablo! The Demon From The Fifth Dimension!"
"I Saw Diablo! The Demon From The Fifth Dimension!"
May, 1960
Story: Larry Lieber
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Dick Ayers
The legend had come to life. The legend of a monstrous creature who
dwelled within the mountains. Now, it was no longer a legend, but real.
Now upon its arrival, it was Doomsday! The natives would flee from the
demonic monster who had come to destroy them. They knew that nothing
could stop Diablo, and for one man, he knew that the legends were true.
Diablo lives.
One year ago, in a Trinidad cafe, two men are arguing about a village
where the natives claim that a demon dwells high up in the mountains. A
guide and adventurer, the third man asks them about the mountain-dwelling
demon. The Aztecs claim that a giant demon made of smoke makes his home
in the Sierra Madre Mountains. The guide has been from Singapore to
Siam, and has never heard of such a thing. Since he's interested, the
guide is given a map, and is shown the location. The guide is next seen
hopping a freighter from Trinidad. Assuming it isn't some sort of
wild-goose chase, and if there is such a creature in the mountains, he
will make a million dollar discovery. Docking at Veracruz, the guide
travels northeast, and reaches the Aztec village. The natives are fleeing
for their lives, and tell the newcomer that Diablo is coming down from
the mountain.
Alone in the Aztec village, the guide wonders what manner of beast Diablo
could possibly be. Sensing something behind him, he turns and looks upon
a living nightmare swirling before him. He does not move as the giant
figure draws closer to the deserted village. What he does hear is in his
mind, not his ears. His mind is being probed and he can't keep the smoke
giant's thoughts out. Diablo will empty his mind of irrelevant thought,
and reveal his secret.
Age ago, the alien participated in the great experiment. With his world
overcrowded, Diablo traveled through other dimensions in search of a new
home for his race. Time and space were his to control. Centuries later,
planets were created and worlds died, but still the alien continued on
his journey. Stumbling across the puny, three-dimensional world of
Earth, he had found what he had sought. Diablo remained silent for ages.
Gathering strength and harnessing the energy of the elements, Diablo
would once again be the master of time and space. Now, he was ready to
strike, and destroy all of mankind.
The guide is convinced that he is having a hallucination, but the alien
offers a small demonstration of his power. The hapless human finds
himself caught in the smoky mass which comprised Diablo's hand. He is
unable to breathe, and is made aware of the alien's might. Diablo does
have power, but so do those who dwell on Earth. They are not all as
helpless as the hapless natives. The alien does not regard the clumsy
weapons of Earth as a true threat. His very name has sent terror
throughout the galaxies themselves. The hand weapons of terran soldiers
would be as threatening as gnats to an elephant.
The weaponry of the three-dimensional world would not harm the alien.
They who are from the Fifth Dimension are as so much smoke. He could not
be destroyed by bullets and bombs. Even atomic weaponry would fail, for
he could drift from city to city, and millions would be destroyed in a
nuclear attack. Planes would be unable to drop their bombs without
harming those who dwell below. Once his mission was completed, Diablo
would summon the others from the Fifth Dimension, and Earth would be
theirs. The green hills of the planet would tremble at the coming of his
brothers on their new home.
The guide trembled at the mental images he had been receiving, but while
the alien had been painting it, he had gotten an idea. There was only a
slim chance for survival and it had to be taken now. The fate of the
world was depending on his next move. Pointing a finger at the smoky
giant, he informs the alien that there is a weapon that he is not aware
of. Intrigued, Diablo would see it before he crushes the human. The
guide will show him the power he has. A power which all on Earth possess
and one which could destroy Diablo at will. The alien witnesses the
human creating a creature of smoke, and then trembles at what he
witnesses next. Now it is the alien who turns and flees back to his own
world. The planet Earth will never be invaded, for how could they have
known. The guide's gamble has succeeded. Diablo fled for the mountains,
and by the time the natives returned to the village, the alien had faded
from sight. It was a lit cigarette lighter that did it. When Diablo saw
the smoke coming from the flame, he thought it was another alien like
himself. As he watched, the guide blew out the flame, and the smoke
vanished. Figuring that the human could do the same to him, Diablo fled
in fright, and plans for a fifth-dimensional invasion of Earth went up in
smoke.
This story was reprinted in Monsters On The Prowl #30 (October, 1974).
The legend of Diablo describes a monstrous, hulking thing.
In the Silver Age of Marvel, the legends of the Hulk and the Thing came
to pass.
The aliens from the Fifth Dimension must be extremely long-lived.
If the gambit had failed, the people of Earth would be reeling from the
Platters's tune, "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes".
On the mighty world of the Fifth Dimension, the aliens wear headsets, and
their receivers have the necessary accessories in Kirby brand equipment.
On the fifth page and the seventh page of the story, readers are treated
to the sight of the planet Earth, as terran and alien continue their
verbal duel for the fate of a world.
Steve Chung
"I Reviewed Diablo! The Demon From The Fifth Dimension!"
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