The Mighty Thor Annual #17: "Paradise Lost"

The Mighty Thor Annual #17
"Paradise Lost"
1992

Writer: Peter Sanderson
Penciler: Rich Yanizeski
Inker: Fred Fredericks
Letterer: Dave Sharpe
Colorist: Max Scheele

He is known and feared by billions as Kang the Conqueror. He has conquered both time and space. He had even transcended his own mortality. But it had been false. For years, he had spent half of each day mourning his greatest failure. Not all Kang's power and knowledge could resurrect the only woman he ever loved.

Before he had met her, Kang had thought his own power to be limitless. Having made the Earth of the 41st century his own, Kang set out on the conquest of other planets, and feed his insatiable hunger. Soon, Kang became dominant over millions of planets in the Milky Way Galaxy. As other galactic empires began to fear his might, his defeat by the Avengers still rankled. Kang monitored the Avengers since their last battle and learned of another time lord, Immortus, who appeared to be their foe. Would Immortus prove to be an ally or a rival? Kang's first priority was to destroy Earth's Mightiest Heroes. He would infiltrate them with a robot assassin, who would be created as a double of the mysterious new hero known as Spider-Man! The idea of a heroic doppleganger pleased Kang, but the real Spider-Man interferred, and vanquished the robot assassin in midair!

Frustrated with his failures in the Twentieth Century, Kang decided to seek his fortune in the Heroic Age of Camelot, while the Black Knight was away battling Morgan Le Fey. Taking Merlin by surprise, Kang defeated his magicks with his futuristic science -- and then challenged all of King Arthur's knights --

--Besting each of them in single combat! Kang's skills as a warlord were aided by his force-beam-lance. Camelot was Kang's! He planned to create an alternate reality in which Britain would conquer the rest of the globe, and super-heroes would never exist! Acting against his vow of non-interference, Uatu the Watcher enlisted the Thing and the Torch to stop Kang... but was this truly Uatu? This Watcher claimed his base was in Limbo... Immortus' realm!

Whoever he was, the Thing and the Torch were sent back in time, where they released Merlin, and routed Kang's army. Kang was forced to flee and King Arthur regained his throne. Kang later felt the urge to join the villainous horde that attacked the Fantastic Four on Reed Richards' wedding day in vain. Only Doctor Doom could have influenced the conqueror's mind. Back in his own time, Kang was absolute master of the galaxy, and its inhabitants. He had spared only one small kingdom from conquest... the realm of the beautiful Princess Ravonna. Never had the conqueror found a woman more worthy to rule the universe by his side. Ravonna disdained his proposals of marriage... swearing that she would never share her own throne with a mere commoner no matter how powerful.

Kang transported Captain America, Hawkeye, Quicksilver, and the Scarlet Witch to his own time, then fought them to prove his worth to Ravonna... nearly crushing the Star-Spangled Avenger beneath his own shield, turned giant by his futuristic science. Ravonna only saw the bravery of the Avengers, and Kang's patience was at an end. The conqueror made his demand. His armies surrounded her domain. Either Ravonna surrendered her hand in marriage or her tiny kingdom would fall beneath his boot. Ravonna hesitated. Her father, Carelius would later tell Kang that despite her protestations, Ravonna would have returned his love... had he wooed her with tenderness instead of threats. Kang was a fool. With Earth's Mightiest Heroes ready to attack -- the conqueror gave the signal -- and his troops opened fire! In an hour, Ravonna's kingdom belonged to Kang!

But not Ravonna's heart. Kang did not care because the Avengers were his prisoners and Ravonna was his prize! Kang's policy was to kill any ruler he had captured... but Ravonna would prove to be the exception. He ordered his men to prepare for the wedding. Baltag and the other commanders had their objections. Should Kang spare Ravonna, they would follow the conqueror no longer! Where was Kang the Conqueror in the face of this insurrection? Only Ravonna gave his life any meaning. He could never let her die! His former commanders came for him, as the assassins he knew they would. The revolt had begun when Kang pledged to free Ravonna's kingdom if the Avengers and her subjects would battle at his side. Ravonna was amazed that the conqueror had risked his very life and empire on her behalf. During this strange frame-of-mind, he felt oddly pleased at fighting alongside Earth's Mightiest Heroes, and not against them.

Baltag was now his prisoner. Kang freed Ravonna's kingdom -- and her as well. It was then that she saw him in a new light -- but Baltag broke free of the guards, grabbed a weapon -- and fired! Ravonna threw herself between them, saying how she knew she truly loved him. Baltag was gunned down -- but it was too late. "Perhaps 'tis just as well, my lord!" "Perhaps -- 'twas never meant -- to be--!" Then Ravonna spoke no more. Neither Kang nor the finest physicians in the galaxy could help her. All that he could do was to preserve Ravonnna in suspended animation... and hope that one day he would find a way to revive her safely. The Earth was ravaged by Baltag's rebellion. Kang had to stop it before it spread throughout his empire like a virus. He needed to recover his Growing Man stimuloid from its hiding place in the past.

The Growing Man was freed accidentally... and the Mighty Thor sought to stop him. Kang quickly reduced the stimuloid to the size of a doll. He then turned his rage over Ravonna's plight against the God of Thunder! Before entering his disguised timeship, Kang vowed he would return to destroy all life in this time period. He had underestimated the Mighty Thor, who hurled his enchanted hammer -- to entrap his timeship in an infinity vortex! The timeship was already on its way. Back in the Fortieth Century, the Growing Man made short work of the rebel forces. The revolt was over and Kang had won.

A miracle came in the form of the Grandmaster, who challenged him to a game. If Kang lost, the Grandmaster would obliterate both the conqueror and his world. If Kang won, he would be granted a single use of the power over life and death. It was his only chance -- his only hope -- to save Ravonna! He would risk all for her! Kang made Earth's Mightiest Heroes his pawns against the Grandmaster's Squadron Sinister. Needless to say, the Avengers prevailed. How could the conqueror let his enemies go free? They had vexed him at every turn. And now he had them in his grasp! Kang demanded that the Grandmaster give him power over both life and death. The Grandmaster forced him to choose -- life for Ravonna -- or death for the Avengers? In that moment, the conqueror won over the man. Death it would be for Earth's Mightiest Heroes, and the life from their bodies were being drained!

The Black Knight was unaffected -- and struck Kang down with his Ebony Blade. Kang had been tricked because the Grandmaster had given him the power to slay the Avengers! The Black Knight was not yet a member! Once they were restored to health, they welcomed him to their ranks only mere moments later! Kang's moment had passed -- and his power of death with it. He felt a chill as the Grandmaster paused before the still form of Ravonna, and sensed that the Elder of the Universe was not yet done with his revenge! Kang was once again alone. Ravonna was as one in death. He could no longer blame Baltag, for he had condemned his beloved to living death... a mute testament to his personal lust for power. He had spent his youth dreaming personal glories of conquest and revenge! His life was now of endless tomorrows devoid of meaning... without love.

Kang the Conqueror was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

Kang first appeared in Avenger #8 (September, 1964).

Kang sent his robot assassin against Earth's Mightiest Heroes in Avengers #11 (December, 1964).

The Thing and the Human Torch met the Challenge of the Watcher when they traveled back to Camelot in Strange Tales #134 (July, 1965).

Kang tried to crash the wedding of Reed and Sue in Fantastic Four Annual #3 (October, 1965).

Kang brought the Avengers to his future time-period in Avengers #23 (December, 1965).

Baltag gunned down Ravonna in Avengers #24 (January, 1966).

The God of Thunder fought the Growing Man in Thor #140 (May, 1967).

Kang and the Grandmaster gathered their respective pawns for the game in Avengers #69 - #70 (October-November, 1969).

The Dane Whitman Black Knight became a Avenger in Avengers #70 (November, 1969).

This chapter was part of the Citizen Kang storyline which ran through the Avengers-related Annuals in 1992.

Steve Chung
"Paradise Reviewed!"

Star Wars #2: "Six Against The Galaxy!"

Star Wars #2
"Six Against The Galaxy"
August, 1977

Roy Thomas: Scripter/Editor
Howard Chaykin: Illustrator
Steve Leialoha: Embellisher/Colorist
Tom Orzechowski: Letterer

Luke Skywalker, young farmer on the planet Tatooine, has been knocked unconscious by the Sandpeople. At the moment, they have not bothered to kill him, and have turned their attention to his landspeeder, when -- WHOOOOOO As the echoes of the howling moan pass through the canyon, the Sandpeople pause in their collective pillaging ---

They flee in terror as if from some unseen monster! To the android Artoo Detoo, the approaching figure proves to be hardly monstrous... a man whose face has been cracked by the exotic climate. He tells the little droid that his young friend will be fine! Luke is glad to see Ben Kenobi and tells him that the droid claims to be the property of Obi-Wan Kenobi. That is a name that Ben hasn't heard in a long time. Luke's uncle claims to have known him, but says he is dead. Ben says that Obi-Wan is alive and he should know because that's him! He hasn't gone by the name of Obi-Wan since before Luke was born. Ben doesn't remember owning a droid. Right now, they'd best get inside before more Sandpeople show up. They go off in search of Threepio and find the very dented and damaged droid half-buried in the sand with one arm broken off! The droid had taken a bad step.

Inside Ben's small hovel, they watch the holographic message for General Obi-Wan Kenobi -- Princess Leia Organa presents herself in the name of her father, Bail Antillies, viceroy of Alderaan. Years ago, Obi-Wan served the Old Republic in the Clone Wars; now Bail Antilles begs him to aid them once again in their darkest hour. Princess Leia's mission to Obi-Wan has failed, and she shall soon be captured. Vital information necessary for the survival of the rebel alliance has been placed in this R2 unit and must be delivered to Alderaan! Obi-Wan Kenobi is their only hope... Ben was once a Jedi Knight -- just like Luke's father! Luke was told by his uncle that his father was a navigator on a spice freighter! Luke's Uncle Owen did not agree with his ideals -- and thought he should have remained on Tatooine, and not have gotten involved. Uncle Owen was afraid Luke's father's adventures might influence him. Ben has something to give him. Luke's father wanted him to have this -- when he was old enough. If he touches the brightly-colored button by the pommel -- he will see for himself!

At the touch of a button, a brilliant beam of intense light appears... This was his father's lightsabre -- the weapon of a Jedi Knight! The Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic -- but Luke asks Ben how did his father die? Luke's father was betrayed and murdered by a young Jedi named Darth Vader -- a youth Ben was training -- one of his brightest disciples and his greatest failure! Darth Vader used the power of the force for evil -- to aid the Empire in hunting down and destroying the last of the Jedi Knights. Vader had been seduced by the dark side of the force -- and it had consumed him. The force is an energy field created by all living things; it surrounds and binds the galaxy together. Knowledge of the force is what gives a Jedi Knight his power. Luke must learn the ways of the force -- if he is to travel with Ben to Alderaan! Right now, Luke wants to get back home! Ben needs Luke's help because he is getting too old for this kind of thing. Luke can't get involved! He hates the Empire, but there's nothing he can do about it! That's Luke's Uncle Owen talking. Ben reminds Luke that the force is with all beings, binding them together; one's suffering is the suffering of all! Luke can take Ben as far as Anchorhead, from there, he can get transport to wherever he is going. Luke must do what he feels is right, but right now, he doesn't feel too good about it!

Aboard the Empire battle-station known as the Death Star, Darth Vader prepares to discuss the location of the hidden rebel base with Princess Leia. As the cell door closes, her screams are scarcely heard in the outside corridor. Back on Tatooine, Luke's landspeeder heads for what is left of the Jawa sandcrawler that stopped by his uncle's place only yesterday! All the Jawas are -- dead! By the looks of it, the Sandpeople are responsible! There are bantha tracks -- and parts of their gaffi sticks, too! Luke has never heard of them hitting something this big! Ben knows they didn't... but they are meant to think so. Only imperial stormtroopers have blast points this precise. These are the same Jawas who sold Artoo and Threepio. The stormtroopers must have been searching for Artoo because of Princess Leia's message! If they tracked the droids to the Jawas, they may have learned who they sold the droid to. And THAT would lead them back -- HOME!

As Ben tries to warn Luke that it's too dangerous, the young farmer is already in his landspeeder, and leaves Ben alone with the two droids. Ere long, he is running toward the smoking ruins that were once his home with Aunt Beru and Uncle Owen! There he sees two smoldering remains which had once been his relatives... Back on the Death Star, Grand Moff Tarkin, the regional governor of this sector of space, has joined Darth Vader before a viewscreen which reveals the galaxy. All systems are operational and they must decide upon a course to set. The Princess has proven resistant to the mind probe and it will be some time before they are able to extract any useful information from her. Governor Tarkin suggests an alternative form of persuasion and thinks it is time to demonstrate the full power of the Death Star by setting course for Alderaan! The bonfire is still burning when Luke returns to Ben and the droids. The force is with Luke because if he had been there, he would have died -- and the droids would now be in the hands of the Empire! Luke wants to go with Ben to Alderaan because there's nothing here for him now! He wants to learn the ways of the force and to become a Jedi -- like his father!

The landspeeder takes its passengers to Mos Eisley Spaceport, where Ben tells Luke they won't find a worse wretched hive of scum and villainy! Imperial stormtroopers surround the landspeeder and ask Luke how long he has had these droids, if he comes from the south, and to see his identification! Ben interrupts them by telling them that they do not need to see his identification, that these are not the droids they are looking for, and that Luke can go about his business. Fortunately for them, the force has a strong influence upon the weak-minded... Most of the good freighter pilots frequent this particular cantina -- but they must watch their step because this place can get a little rough.

Young Luke soon finds out what Ben meant when two fellow bar patrons decide to pick a fight and warn him that they have the death sentence on twelve systems! When Ben tries to calm things by offering to buy them drinks, one of them shoves Luke to the ground, and the other draws a blaster -- and as the bartender yells "No blasters!" -- Ben Kenobi activates his own lightsabre -- and an amazed Luke Skywalker is suddenly reminded that elderly Ben Kenobi was once the Jedi Knight known as Obi-Wan Kenobi!

Only when the two would-be assailants lie down in sections of the floor does Ben Kenobi appear to relax... The young farmer remains speechless as the various Cantina patrons give Ben a respectable amount of personal space at the bar. The incident has only lasted a few seconds. Ben speaks and introduces Luke to Chewbacca, a Wookie. The young farmer has heard of Wookies, but had never expected to meet one. The seven-foot anthropod is not gentle-looking nor does its deep-throated response do much to put Luke's mind at ease.

Chewbacca is first mate on a ship that might suit their immediate needs. As Threepio and Artoo wait outside, they see someone exiting the cantina, and then approaching the two Imperial troopers. Threepio does not like the looks of this. Inside the cantina, Chewbacca escorts Ben and Luke to a corner, where they meet Han Solo, captain of the Millenium Falcon. Chewie has told him they are looking for passage to the Alderaan System. When by Ben if it's a fast ship, Han reminds them that the Millenium Falcon is the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than twelve par-secs! Han's outrun Imperial starships -- not the local bulk-cruisers -- but the big Corellian ships. The Millenium Falcon is fast enough, but Han wants to know what's the cargo? An old man, the boy, two droids, and no questions asked. They would like to avoid any Imperial entanglements. For that kind of trick, Han wants ten thousand... in advance.

Luke remarks they could buy their own ship for that amount of money! Han asks who would fly the ship? Since they don't have that much on them, they can give Han two thousand now, plus another fifteen thousand when they reach Alderaan. The answer to the seventeen-thousand question is docking bay ninety-four, and they will take off whenever they are ready. By the looks of things, two Imperial stormtroopers have taken an interest in the old man's handiwork...! After asking the nervous bartender some questions, the two Imperial stormtroopers move towards the booth in the rear, and they find a space-pilot who lacks a light-sabre and a very big Wookie. The nervous bartender can only shrug his shoulders in response. Ben informs Luke that he will have to sell his landspeeder. Luke is okay with this because he will not be coming back to Tatooine!

Inside the cantina, the two Imperial stormtroopers have already left, but as Han Solo prepares to leave the booth, he is greeted at blaster-point by Greedo. Han tells Greedo he was just on his way to tell Jabba that he has the money, but Greedo informs him that it's too late, and that his boss wants his ship. That will only happen over Han's dead body. As Greedo prepares to comply with the requirement, the hapless bountyhunter is blasted by his would-be prey. As Han and Chewbacca leave the cantina, the space-pilot throws the bartender a coin, and apologizes for the mess.

At a used speeder lot, Luke regrets the deal since the XP-38 came out, his landspeeder just hasn't been much in demand lately. It will be enough because Ben has the rest they need to cover the rest of the fee. Ben and Luke fail to notice the shadowy figure watching them intently as they pass through another alleyway. At docking bay ninety-four, Han meets with Jabba, and explains why he had to fry Greedo. The next time Jabba wants to tell him something, he has better not send one of his blaster-happy twerps instead of himself.

If only Han hadn't dumped that shipment into outer space. Where would Jabba be if every pilot who smuggles for him did that at the sign of an Imperial starship? Even Han gets boarded; and he had no choice in the matter. The space-pilot has got a charter now and can pay Jabba back -- with some interest. Jabba tells his men to put their blasters away! He is only doing this because Han is the best and he needs him. If Han were to disappoint him again, Jabba will put a price on his head so high -- he won't be able to travel to any civilized system again for the rest of his life! Han promises Jabba his payment, but not because of the threats. He will pay him because... it's his pleasure to do so. Back on the Death Star, Darth Vader has been informed of the fruitless search at Mos Eisley Spaceport. It is only a matter of time before the droids are located! It is Princess Leia's hope that the data being used against the Empire enables her to resist the mind-probe. When she learns it has been destroyed, Princess Leia will break!

At that moment on Tatooine, Luke Skywalker is getting his first glimpse at the Millenium Falcon. The ship is a piece ofjunk and doesn't look like it could possibly go above sub-light speeds. Han assures his passengers that the ship may not look like much, but the Millenium Falcon has got it where it counts... because of special modifications he's added himself. The ship will go point five beyond light speed, and FZZAP The sudden arrival of Imperial stormtroopers signals the need for immediate departure -- for the passengers and their pilot! ZZRAK! FTIK FTIK Chewbacca activates teh deflector shield with a surly GRUNK!

The next moment finds the Millenium Falcon's departure being observed by the various denizes of Mos Eisley. As soon as they appear on Han Solo's radarscope, three Imperial stardestoyers appear out of nowhere... These giant starships are one hundred times the size of the Millenium Falcon -- with a firepower which dwarfs the smaller ship! Two of the stardestroyers are trying to cut them off. When Luke remarks that he though the ship could outrun them, he is warned by Han to watch his mouth or else he will be floating home alone. They will be safe enough, once they make the jump into hyperspace. Han also knows a few manueuvers that should lose their pursuers...!

A near miss causes the entire ship to shudder as the phototrophic shielding is almost overcome! This is where it starts to get interesting! When asked by Ben how long it will be before they make the jump to light speed, Han says they just have to wait for the navi-computer to make the calculations for the coordinates. At the rate the stardestroyers are gaining, they have only a matter of minutes -- and Han reminds Luke that traveling through hyper-space is not like dusting crops! Without the necessary calculations, they could pass directly through a star, or come too close to a supernova... and that would shorten their trip considerably! They have lost a deflector shield, but are now ready for the jump to light speed!

At that moment, the Millenium Falcon shakes violently, and Threepio must hold on for his very android life-- and Artoo sways beneath the thundering impact of the incoming laser blasts! BEEPADEEP BEEPADEEP Threepio asks to no one in particular if this trip was necessary, and how could he possibly forgotten how much he hates space-travel!

On the cover of Star Wars #2 by Rick Hoberg and Tom Palmer, Luke Skywalker strikes back, and urges Ben Kenobi to swing his light-sabre -- or they're finished!

I suppose we should be grateful that Luke didn't tell Ben to shake his bootie, instead!

By the looks of the cover, Luke and Ben are the only humans on Tatooine, and the aliens must be recovering from one heck of a hangover by the looks of it.

Howard Chaykin and Tom Orzechowski were kind enough to sign my copy of this issue.

Back in 1977, the only way to see Star Wars was either in the theater or by reading the Marvel Comics adaptation.

One asks why Luke's landspeeder didn't have a car alarm?

Sandpeople are also known as Tusken Raiders.

Threepio took a bad step and didn't mean to arm himself.

Clones were very big for Marvel Comics in 1975.

The force is a strong influence on the weak-minded and the Marvel Comics adaptation had a strong influence on the young and impressionable readership.

"Negola Dewaghi Wool-Dugger?!?" is what the alien tells Luke in the cantina.

If I were Luke, I'd be like, "Sure, Negola Dewaghi was a wool-dugger, but she's a nice lady!"

Some days, you're a Jedi Knight, and other days, you're the guy who got cut through by the Jedi Knight.

Wookie fashion includes a handy bandolier (and little else).

Greedo got too greedy for his own good.

Jabba should have sent Stingy or Cheapo instead.

One wonders if the used landspeeder once driven by a little old lady from Tatooine got good mileage.

Jabba looks different than his later appearance in Return Of the Jedi.

Even in a galaxy far, far away, nobody likes or appreciates smart-mouthed back-seat drivers.

Steve Chung
"Six Against The Review!"

Star Wars #3: "Death Star!"

Star Wars #3
"Death Star!"
September, 1977

Roy Thomas: Writer/Editor
Howard Chaykin & Steve Leialoha: Artists/Illustrators
Steve Leialoha: Colorist
Tom Orzechowski: Letterer

The tale thus far: the Rebel Alliance continues to defy the corrupt Galactic Empire -- because the location of their hidden base is currently unknown to them. Now, the powerful battle-station known as the Death Star is about to destroy Princess Leia's home planet of Alderaan unless she reveals the location of the rebel base! She insists to Governor Tarkin that Alderaan is a peaceful and weaponless world -- Tarkin would prefer a military target and for the Princess to name the system of the rebel base!

With Admiral Motti awaiting the order to destroy Alderaan, Princess Leia tells them the rebel base is on Dantooine, and Tarkin thanks her for being reasonable. He is now ready to proceed with the operation; and they may fire when ready! Since Dantooine is too remote to be an effective demonstration of the battle-station's capabilites, they must make do with the planet at hand. The laser weaponry of the Death Star are focused on the emerald planet of Alderaan... which soon ceases to exist. Tarkin promises the Princess that soon the rebellion that she and her late father had championed shall vanish in a similar manner!

At that moment in hyperspace, Ben Kenobi feels a sudden ebbing in the force, as if billions of beings cried out at once! Han tells his passengers he has lost the Imperial starships that were pursuing the Millenium Falcon -- and is a bit disappointed when they don't all thank him at once for the news! As he calculates their arrival on Alderaan at 0200, Threepio informs Han that Artoo is beating Chewbacca at their 3-dimensional chess game, and that R-2 units excel at games of mathematical skill -- a fact that the Wookie does not appreciate in the least!

When Threepio chastizes Chewbacca for his growling over Artoo's legal move, Han reminds him that it's never wise to upset a Wookie! Threepio is reminded by the space-pilot that unlike droids, Wookies have been known to rip their opponent's arms out of their sockets when they lose. Seeing Han's point, Threepio urges Artoo to employ a new strategy by letting the Wookie win! Elsewhere on the ship, Luke Skywalker continuing his exercises with the light-sabre and the remote! Its sensors are capable of zapping him when he least expects it!

ZRAPP! "YEEEOW!" Ben suggests to Luke that he try again... this time while wearing a helmet that prevents him from seeing the remote! Ben tells the young farmer that his eyes are deceiving him and not to trust them! A true Jedi Knight such as Luke's father and Ben can feel the force flowing from him. The force controls one's actions -- but it also obeys your commands. SWISSSH The remote avoids Luke's lightsabre strike, and Ben tells him to stretch out his feelings -- in the dark! This time, he successfully deflects the remote with his lightsabre! FORP!

Luke did it and confesses to Ben that he could almost see the remote! Han is both skeptical and practical in his preference for having a good blaster by his side instead of relying on hocus-pocus religions and ancient weaponry. The space-pilot may not believe in the force, but he does believe they are slowing down to sub-light speed and their next stop -- Alderaan... The Millennium Falcon has come out of hyper-space and into a meteor storm -- or some type of asteroid collision! The position is correct -- only there is no Alderaan! The entire planet has been totally blown away! Han spots an Imperial TIE Fighter -- but there are no Imperial bases in the immediate area! It could not have followed them through hyper-space because it is a short-range fighter. If it should identify them -- Ben suggests that they let it go because it is out of range and Han decides to have Chewie jam its transmission!

The TIE Fighter is heading for a small moon, with the Millennium Falcon gaining on it! Ben sees that this is no moon, but some sort of space station. The space-pilot insists that it's too big to be a -- and suddenly has a bad feeling about this. Han orders Chewie to go full reverse and lock in the auxiliary power! They are still moving toward it because the ship is caught in a tractor beam, and they are being dragged in! Even at full power, there is nothing they can do, but shut down!

Han Solo is not about to be sucked up like so much space dust -- not without putting up a fight! If it is a fight, it's one he cannot hope to win... and Ben offers him an alternative to fighting.

At that moment, within the Death Star, the scout ships sent to Dantooine report they have found the remains of a rebel base -- long deserted. Lord Vader reminds Governor Tarkin that the Princess would not knowingly betray the rebellion -- unless she thought she could destroy the battle-station in the process! Tarkin wants her to be immediately terminated, but Vader believes she can still be of value to them. Grand Moff Tarkin will find the hidden fortress -- if he has to erradicate every star system in the sector. Vader informs Tarkin that they have just captured the same Corellian freighter which left the quarantine on Mos Eisley. They may have been trying to return the stolen data tapes to Princess Leia. In one of the hangars aboard the battle-station, no one is found aboard the freighter, and the ship's log states that the entire crew abandoned ship soon after takeoff. There are no droids aboard, either. Vader insists they keep checking because he senses a presence he hasn't felt since -- Within the captured freighter, Han Solo admits he never thought he would be using these special compartments to smuggle himself! Even so, they won't be getting past the tractor beam! Ben will work on that particular problem. When the space-pilot calls the former Jedi Knight a fool, Obi-Wan asks, "Who is the greater fool -- the fool, or the one who follows him?"

The Imperial stormtroopers arrive with the necessary scanning equipment to properly search the freighter. When two of the troopers carry the sensitive apparatus onto the Corellian freighter, they are in for a surprise! With his visi-screen revealing a sudden lack of guards, a worried gantry officer uses his radio to ask TX-421 why he is not at his post! A lone trooper appears and gives the hand signal that they've got another bad radio transmitter. When the gantry officer decides to see for himself what the trouble is, the door opens, and Chewbacca the Wookie gives the startled officer the back of his hairy hand! THLAP! "NRRLK!"

"GAROOO!" Even as the large Wookie connects with the startled gantry officer, another stormtrooper appears at the doorway... to blast the other trooper before he can use his blaster! Between Chewbacca's howling and Han's blasting, it's a miracle the entire battle-station doesn't know they are here! The space-pilot doesn't like this sneaking around. Threepio plugs in Artoo to read the entire Imperial computer network. WHOOP BOOOP-R-BEEP It is learned that the tractor beam is coupled to the main reactor in seven locations... but most of the data is restricted... Artoo will continue to learn what he can. With the tractor beam off, they can leave, but Ben knows that he must go alone.

Han has gotten more than he bargained for on this particular trip, but even he thinks taking the tractor beam out of commission will take more than the old man's magic. Ben knows that their destiny lies along another path and that they must deliver the droids to the rebel forces. Before leaving, Ben tells Luke to trust his feelings because the force is with him! PUH-WHEET! PUH-WHEET! PUH-WHEET! Threepio tells the others that Artoo is repeating that she is here! It was Princess Leia who put the holographic message into the R-2 unit! Han is not going anywhere, but Luke wants to change the space-pilot's mind by telling him how beautiful she is! Han finds life to be beautiful, too! The young farmer also mentions that she is rich and that the reward for her safe return will be more than he can imagine! The space-pilot can imagine quite a bit of money! With the promise of wealth, Han is ready to listen to Luke's plan!

Luke is about to put electric handcuff on Chewbacca, which causes the Wookie to go "HARARRGN!" The young farmer then decides that Han should do it, and the space-pilot already knows what he has in mind. "GHRK!" While Threepio and Artoo remain to monitor the situation, Han tells the two droids that if they are discovered, to pray the troopers don't have blasters! Cold comfort, indeed! Out in the corridor, Luke and Han try to appear inconspicuous in their stolen armor, as they wait for the vacuum elevator to open. Few give the trio a second look because they are used to seeing helpless prisoners -- even large ones. As they enter the security area, Han starts to think that this isn't going to work, and reminds Luke that he had mentioned it earlier! When asked where they are going with this -- thing, they inform the guard that the Wookie is a prisoner transfer from Block TX-138. The guard wasn't notified...

They are to wait there while he clears it, and as he starts punching in to make certain that Block TX-138 is not currently occupied... they see only three stormtroopers in the area, and that it's time to make their move. "ARROOOO!" The Wookie has gotten loose and its two stormtrooper guards are certain it will rip them apart! The next moment finds Luke and Han firing wildly, but not at Chewbacca. "GNRRR" They blast the automatic cameras -- the energy-rate controls -- TZIP ZIK ZURK! ZZRK "HNGH" FRAP Two of the stormtroopers are taken down!

Seconds later, valuable electronic equipment has been rendered useless by blaster-fire... SZZRAK The lone trooper suddenly realizes that the two newcomers are dangerous and opens fire! It is too late -- as the disguised space-pilot soon demonstrates -- ! KZIK ZZZZ "GNARK" Luke sees the officer in charge is about to activate the alarm system --! Han tells him to do something because he's got his hands full!"

ZZRAP Luke does a space-pirate proud! Han learns the Princess is being held in Cell 2187 and tells Luke to get moving while he holds them off in the security center! Although the space-pilot does his best to keep the rest of the station in the dark, he soon terminates the boring radio conversation with a BLAM! He and Chewie are about to have some unwanted company!

Luke has reached the middle of the long corridor -- and Cell 2187. He breaches it with his laser pistol -- then stops -- tongue-tied -- when the smoke clears -- and he sees that she is even more beautiful than he had imagined! Princess Leia, on the other hand, finds him to be a little short to be an actual stormtrooper! Removing his helmet, Luke introduces himself to the princess, and tells her they've come to rescue her! Ben Kenobi is with them -- and the droids, too!

In the outer security chamber, things have gotten very hot -- as several explosions have torn a gaping hole through which Imperial stormtroopers are beginning to come through... Han and Chewie have got to retreat! "HRNK!" Seeing the Princess, Han informs them that they can't go back the way they came! Princess Leia compliments the space-pilot on the way he has just cut off their only means of escape! Han begs her worship's pardon -- and offers to return her to the cell! He love to do just that but just now -- they've got trouble! FTIK ZIK He and Chewie start blasting! If they die here -- they will take as many of them along with them as possible! Luke calls for Threepio on the radio for information on other escape routes and gets no answer -- as the sound of the troopers' laser blasts come closer -- and closer--!

On the cover of Star Wars #3 by Gil Kane and Tom Palmer, Han, Leia, Chewbacca, and Luke are doing battle with Imperial stormtroopers aboard the Death Star!

I first came across this comic book and series through the Whitman 3 Comics For A Dollar Packs.

Howard Chaykin and Tom Orzechowski were kind enough to sign my copy of this issue.

When it comes to colors, Steve Leialoha is a prince!

When it comes to lettering blaster sound effects, R-2 units, and Wookies, the orz is strong with Tom Orzechowski.

Back in the days before next-generation video game systems, droids and Wookies had to make do with three-dimensional chess.

One wonders what Wookies do when they win... do they rip only one of their opponent's arms when they are congratulated?

The Millennium Falcon goes over the moon for a short-range TIE-Fighter, only to learn that ain't no moon, but a space-station!

The Star Wars movie owe a debt of gratitude to Akira Kurosawa's "Hidden Fortress".

A ship in the hand is worth a Wookie in the mush!

Luke and Han's marksmanship drew little suspicion from the other stormtroopers until it was too late!

Artoo's reading skills are truly impressive to those of us who have plenty of unread email.

The officer in charge of the security center punched in and got his ticket punched out by Han and Luke in stormtrooper's clothing.

Steve Chung
"Death Review!"

Star Wars #5: "Lo, The Moons Of Yavin!"

Star Wars #5
"Lo, The Moons Of Yavin!"
November, 1977

Roy Thomas: Writer/Editor
Howard Chaykin & Steve Leialoha: Illustrators
Glynis Wein: Colorist
Tom Orzechowski: Letterer
Archie Goodwin: Consulting Editor

The tale thus far: Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Chewbacca have freed Princess Leia from her imprisonment aboard the Imperial battle-station known as the Death Star. As the Millenium Falcon makes a break for it, it remains to be seen how long the princess will remain rescued --! Aboard the ship, the space-pilot tells the young farmer that they are not out of trouble yet!

Luke soon finds himself at the controls of the laser cannon on one side of the Millenium Falcon... He has never fired this type of weapon before! But he must! Han Solo is on the other side and manning his own station. Ben Kenobi died freeing them from the Death Star's tractor beam and this is one smuggler will who see that the old man did not die in vain! Han tells the kid to sit tight until the attack begins! As for Princess Leia Organa, she is well aware that they are outgunned -- outnumbered, but somehow her rescuers have managed the situation so far! As for Chewbacca, the seven-foot Wookie's thoughts are his own. As the TIE fighters make their approach, the TIE-pilots' emotions are concealed beneath their air-giving helmets... Luke struggles to use the force that Ben showed him how to use -- or else they will soon be finished!

The force is the name given by Ben Kenobi for the energy field created by all living things -- which binds all things together. It enabled Luke to wield a lightsabre, by getting in touch with himself -- and all others. Now as the TIE Fighters weave around the Millenium Falcon... he cannot get the range. As Han urges him to keep trying, Luke insist they are coming in too fast! Two of the TIE Fighters dive at the fleeing space freighter, in an attempt to line up their weapons on it. Two energy bolts zero in on the fleeing freighter... and a single bolt pierces the already overloaded ray-deflectors to strike one side of the ship! REEEEEEEE Although partially deflected, the bolt carries enough power to blow out a control panel. The gauges whine against the amount of energy they are monitoring and compensating for... HRONK The Wookie's reply to Princess Leia are not pleasant to listen to.

One of the TIE Fighters floats directly into Luke's sights, with the young farmer firing at it, and the small vessel diving out of range -- and into Han Solo's sights! The TIE Fighter erupts in a multi-colored explosion! Han and Luke are firing once more -- with Luke striving to become one with his weapon. This time, he succeeds! There are still three TIE Fighters left to deal with!

Thanks to Luke, there are now only two remaining! Princess Leia informs them that the Millenium Falcon has lost the lateral controls for the starboard deflector shield! FRONK! The space-pilot tells the princess not to worry because the ship will hold together! As he wills it to hold together, the TIE Fighters move in an attack formation, and Han tells Chewie to keep them on the Millenium Falcon's port side!

The Corellian smuggler watches as the TIE Fighter's energy bolts head for the Millenium Falcon, and prays! All aboard are well aware that a single direct hit on the side without shielding -- means doom! One of the TIE Fighters finds itself in the space-pilot's gun-sights, and is vaporized! At that same moment, the other TIE Fighter heads for the now-defenseless starboard side -- and Luke Skywalker ignores the energy being thrown at him! At the last possible moment before the TIE Fighter gets out of range, Luke swings his weapon -- and his finger tightens on the firing control -- "NOW!"

The Imperial TIE Fighter becomes an expanding cloud of space dust! Aboard the Millenium Falcon, the crew and passengers rejoice at their own survival! Han is amazed that they have managed to survive for so long and Princess Leia tells them about the vital information the R2 unit is carrying. She hopes when the technical read-outs of the Death Star are read, its weakness will be found quickly. Their escape from the Empire's battle-station was far too easy for comfort!

Back aboard the Death Star, Governor Tarkin learns from Lord Vader that the fleeing freighter has just made the jump to hyper-space. Unbeknownst to them, there is a homing beacon aboard the ship -- so that the Imperials can follow them to the main rebel base. Lord Vader considers this to be a day long remembered for the end of the last of the Jedi Knights -- and soon, the end of the rebellion itself!

Back aboard the Millenium Falcon, somewhere in hyper-space, Han asks Leia why their escape seemed too easy, and the princess explains that the Empire must want to follow them to the main rebel base! She hopes the data inside the R2 unit can be analyzed quickly so that they can fight back against -- The Corellian smuggler insists he has had enough! He is not doing this for her revolution -- and he is not doing this for her. He expects to be well paid. She tells Han that he won't have to worry about his reward because if money is all he wants... that is exactly what he will be receiving... When he asks what else is there besides money, Leia tells the young farmer that his friend is quite a mercenary...

She wonders if Han really cares about anything... or anyone? Luke cares and watches as Leia heads for the main hold area. He asks Han what he thinks of the princess, and the space-pilot says he tries not to. Still, she has a lot of spirit, and Han wonders if a guy like him and a princess like her --? The young farmer doesn't think so -- and only he knows what his true feeling are.

The planet Yavin is a large gas giant with several moons that are planet-sized, and three of them can support humanoid life. The Millenium Falcon drifts towards Yavin-4 with its thick emerald jungles... The air is filled with the cries of unseen beasts. In the middle of a forest of lush trees, there is an ancient temple shrouded in mist. Those who originally built the templec ould not imagine the interior of their former edifice. Inside, metal has replaced rock and beneath the layers below, there are hangar upon hangar of one-man freighter spacecraft. It is towards the uppermost of the hangars that a landspeeder now heads with the crew and passengers of the Millenium Falcon.

Five of the six who took on the Death Star and survived are now greeted by Commander Willard! They had feared the worst when Alderaan was destroyed, and they feared Princess Leia lost -- along with her homeworld and her father. There is no time for sorrow because the Imperial battle-station has surely tracked them here. The rebels must use the information stored in Artoo to plan their attack against it. Deep within the temple, General Jan Dodonna gives a hasty briefing... Perhaps Luke may have joined the rebel pilots -- but Han and Chewie are getting out as soon as they are given their reward. The Death Star is heavily shielded and carries more firepower than half of the Imperial Star Fleet.

Although the Death Star's defenses are designed for a large scale assault, a small one-man fighter should be able to pass through its defensive screen. Analysis rpovided by Princess Leia have revealed a weakness in the battle-station in the form of a small, unshielded thermal exhaust port that runs directly into the reactor system. A direct hit should set off a chain reaction that will destroy the Death Star. Unfortunately, this target is two meters across -- and will have to be hit by photon torpedoes. Although it sounds impossible for the computer to hit a two meter target at maximum speed, Luke insists he has bull-eyed womp-rats in his T-16 back on Tatooine, and they are no larger than two meters. Their approach will not be easy, for they must manuever down the shaft which circles the Death Star. They must level off in the trench and skim the surface to the precise location of the target area. They must remember -- only a direct hit has a chance to destroy the battle-station -- before it detroys Yavin-4 -- and the rebellion itself! General Jan Dodonna tells them to man their spacecraft -- and may the force be with them!

Luke, Threepio, and Artoo rush along with hundreds of others into the massive hangar, where flight crews load last-minute armament, and unlock power couplings. It is two familiar figures who catch Luke's attention -- Chewbacca and Han! The space-pilot has gotten his reward -- and is leaving! He has got some old debts to pay off... and if even if he didn't he would be a fool to stay here. Since Luke is pretty good in a fight, why doesn't come with them aboard the Millenium Falcon? Luke knows that Han is aware what is about to happen and what they are up against. They could use a good pilot -- but Han is turning his back on them! The Corellian smuggler points out that a reward is no good if you're not around to spend it! Attacking the Death Star is not his idea of courage; it's suicide! HRUNK Chewie is not so sure about that. Luke tells Han to take care of himself... since that seems to be what he is best at. He doesn't hear Han's whispered reply: "May the force be with you!"

As Luke reaches his X-Wing Fighter, Princess Leia greets him... This is what he wants to do, and his only regret is that Han did not change his mind. She knows that a man must follow his own path; and that no one else can choose it for him. If only Ben were here. As they hold hands, Luke is greeted by his childhood friend, Biggs, and wishes he had the time to tells him what he has been up to since they last saw one another! They are greeted by Blue Leader, who asks Luke if he has been checked on the Incom T-65, and is reassured by Biggs that he is the best bush-pilot in the outer-rim territories.

Blue Leader is familiar with the outer rim and the name of Skywalker because he had met Luke's father once when he was a lad! If Luke has got half of his father's skill, he will do all right! The galaxy will be a lot better off when the sons of the original Jedi Knights are back on the job! Biggs wants to hear all of Luke's stories when they get back! This will be like old times for them because they are a couple of shooting stars that will never be stopped! Threepio wants Artoo to come back in one piece so that his life won't be boring. The R2 unit may be a little beat up, but Luke wouldn't dream of flying without him! BLEEP!

Princess Leia Organa is among those gathered around the display screen which displays Yavin and its many moons. Upon that very screen is a large red dot that is moving steadily towards the fourth of Yavin's satellites... The red represents the Death Star's progress as it moves into the Yavin system. There is no more than half an hour before it is able to fire on Yavin-4 and destroy the planet. The sounds of animal life are muted by the man-made thunder created by four ion rockets -- as several X-Wing Fighters emerge from the dense folliage in tight formation -- to vanish into the crimson morning sky! Blue Leader communicates to his Blue Boys to adjust their selectors, and to check in. They are approaching their target at one-point-three parsecs... and now, it's do or die time! Or perhaps both, for them... perhaps both!

On the cover by Rick Hoberg and Dave Cockrum, Luke and Chewbacca run for the Millenium Falcon, only to be told by Han Solo that it's too late because the Death Star has arrived!

I first read this story when it was reprinted in the second Star Wars Treasury Edition.

Back in 1977, the only way to see Star Wars was in the theater or by reading the Marvel Comics adapation.

For Han Solo, money can buy happiness, and be used to pay off his debt to Jabba the Hutt.

I first saw Star Wars with my cousins at Serramonte 6, then at Tanforan with my mother.

The film holds special meaning for me because Tikal, Guatemala was were filming for the rebel base on Yavin-4 took place.

My mom is from Guatemala and when I recognized Tikal on the movie screen, I elbowed my mom in the ribs, and spent the rest of the summer telling my relatives that Guatemala was in Star Wars or La Guerra De Las Galaxias as they called the film in Spanish.

Using photon torpedoes on the Death Star sounds like a job for the Starship Enterprise.

Unlike the film, readers got to meet Biggs in issue number one of the Marvel Comics adaptation.

In the adaptation, Blue Leader claims to have met Luke's father when he was just boy, and knew him as a great pilot!

I wonder if his opinion would have changed if he had known who was about to shoot him and his ship during the assault on the Death Star.

Steve Chung
"Lo, The Review Of Yavin!"

Detective Comics #601: "Tulpa Part One: Monster Maker"

Detective Comics #601
"Tulpa Part One: Monster Maker"
June, 1989

Alan Grant: Story
Norm Breyfogle: Pencils
Steve Mitchell: Inks
Todd Klein: Letters
Adrienne Roy: Colors
Daniel Raspler: Associate Editor
Denny O'Neil: Editor
Bob Kane: Creator

At a red light on a Gotham City street corner, the driver of a Ferrari Testarossa wants to know if the driver of the Batmobile wants to race! When the driver of the Batmobile questions the sanity of the driver in the Ferrari Testarossa, the impromptu drag race begins --

SKREEEEEEEEEE The Ferrari Testarossa burns rubber and almost runs down two startled pedestrians! SKEEE Seeing that the driver is obviously not in his right mind -- when the light turns green, the Batmobile SKREEEEEEs into action! The Ferrari Testarossa has a five liter engine, is capable of sixty miles in under six seconds, and its top speed is just over one hundred and eighty -- VVRR<<<<<< As the Batman engages the Batmobile's turbo jet, he admits wondering how his own vehicle would do in just such a competition! RROARR

Two Gotham City police officers are enjoying their break, when they see, and hear the Ferrari MMMMMing past their parked patrol car! They are forced to skid when the Batmobile ROARRs by, and they turn on the siren WREEOOOEEE By the time the patrol car reaches the speed limit, the two cars will be in Canada! What the heck -- the police officer always wanted to give a hero a speeding ticket! WREEOOOO RRRM As the Batmobile RROOAAAAAAAARRRs along, the Batman hopes that the two officers are aware he is doing this for a good reason.

The Ferrari is on a direct course with an oncoming bus! The Darknight Detective must time this just -- right! The Batmobile THUMPS into the side of the Ferrari, which causes the Testarossa to SKREE, and Batman deploys the air bags -- and chute! FWAMP FOOP The Batmobile SSKREEEEEEs into the back of the bus with nary a BUMP on the air bags.

The Ferrari Testarossa SKRENCHes and SKRUNGGs into a nary alleyway meant only for cycles. Its bodywork will never be the same again! As the Batman confronts the driver of the Ferrari, he gets a closer look at the man's face -- and the skull beneath the cracking skin!

The driver disintegrates in the Darknight Detective's own hands! When the two police officers arrive at the scene, they are also at a loss to explain what has just happened here.

The sacred realm of Tibet where the snow falls in the summer is what he has often dreamt of -- He imagines the Potala Palace -- where the sun is streaming from the gilded roofs -- and the holy men are bricked up alive in their tombs --where the master of chants calls up his poems to God from the roof of the world! One day, he would like to return -- back to where he was conceived, but which he never got to see. It is much easier now because the Chinese are no longer as hostile as when his father was a young man. Perhaps he will have his chance -- perhaps if everything goes well this evening -- RRNG He heads for the door, hoping that it has all worked out, and there will be an end to this once and --

He is not glad to see his visitors as they are to see him. Mr. Kellogg knows a way to get some color into his cheeks -- especially if he doesn't have their money! When he insists to them that the money is on the way, Cecil and Lumps are told to show him what happens to liars! Cecil and Lumps give him one to GROOH on!

Mr. Kellogg decides to give him the benefit of the doubt. They will have a pot of tea while they wait for his friend to return. The owner of the Ferrari was unaware it was stolen. He had been asleep at the time when the thief cracked open the safe and took the car keys. There was seven thousand dollars in the safe -- and the thief only took five. The antiques were untouched -- but the owner is distraught when he learns of the Ferrari's current condition in a downtown alley.

When the Batman assures him the Ferrari went out in style, and the owner will collect the insurance money, there is still a two-year waiting list to be considered! With no prints on the car, the trail ends here. The identity of the disintegrated Ferrari heister will remain a tabloid mystery! After being thanked by the Darknight Detective for their cooperation, the two police officers watch as the Batmobile SKREEEEEEEEs away, and only then does one of them realize that he forgot to give Batman his ticket! Randy reminds Mick that the costumed hero did save a bus, and Mick only regrets not having a story to tell his grandchildren!

Dawn at the Tibet Shop finds Mr. Kellogg not enjoying Tenzin's tea, and he is beginning to suspect that he has made fools of them. The tea is SPSHed in Tenzin's face, as Mr. Kellogg's boys do what they have to do, with extreme relish!

Dawn is the start of a new day for most -- but for the Batman, the dawn marks the end of another evening. This has not been a satisfactory night -- with the mystery of what happened to the Ferrari thief... to be solved on another evening. Mr. Kellogg and his boys exit the Tibet Shop, confident that Tenzin will be in touch with his friend, and they will be seeing him again this evening!

This evening -- tomorrow night -- every night! If Tenzin doesn't find the money, Kellogg and his boys will keep coming back... If his father only knew what he was letting his son in for. Five thousand dollars was not worth all this pain! Tenzin cannot rely on his... friend. He knew he should have insisted on him being less arrogant and less aggressive -- more agreeable. But Tenzin was in a hurry, and it was such an effort for Tenzin... He cannot rest if he is ever to be free of Kellogg and his goons. Tenzin will have to try again. He goes down... deep... down into his own mind. And he looks for his friend.

The sun has hardly set when Bruce Wayne has risen once more. He knows that a few minutes can sometimes make all the difference in the world. As Alfred asks if there is anything for the wash, Bruce recalls what he has checked on references to sudden disappearances -- the transportation of matter -- even alien abductions... but nothing remotely comes close to explaining what happened to the Ferrari thief. When Alfred asks if he expects to find anything, Bruce admits he does not expect anything... but as the Batman, he accepts what the evening brings! Tenzin asks his friend if he understands that he is not to take any unnecessary risks. Violence is to be used as a last resort. No matter how much money there is, he is steal only five thousand dollars.

The target has been selected -- it is a quiet place out of town. If he is discovered, he must flee immediately -- and let no one detain him! This quiet place is the home of wealthy socialite -- Bruce Wayne! After scaling the walls of Wayne Manor, he will take no unnecessary risks as he slips past the electric-eye beams on the grounds. He will alert no one to his presence as he forces the windows open, but he does not account for Alfred Pennyworth, who knows the manor's moods like the back of his own hand.

He will remove only five thousand dollars from the safe. He will return to... but his presence is discovered by the Wayne Manor butler! He leaps at Alfred Pennyworth with such force, that the hapless butler drops both his gun and flashlight from either hand! BLAM! There is a minimum use of violence POW! to the butler and another SPAK when Alfred attempts to prevent his exit!

As he flees from Wayne Manor, three muggers are trying their luck with the Batman in an alley! If he had a penny for every time some punk tried that -- he'd have enough to pay their dental bill! TOK BRINGG! BRINGG! The ringing from the Batmobile puts an end to this round, and their consciousness. KIKT After seeing that the mugging victim is okay, the Darknight Detective checks in with Alfred.

There's been a spot of bother at Wayne Manor and the perpetrator became rather physical with the butler when he remonstrated with him... Before calling for a doctor, Alfred thought he should check in first. He did get a good look at his attacker and also managed to place a batbug on him. It so happened that the homing locator came out in the wash, the pocket of the other tunic to be exact! The batbug is coming through crystal clear and Alfred's assailant is heading down Ryker's Park. When he suggests that Alfred call himself a doctor, the butler reminds Master Bruce that he is a doctor. SKREEEEEE Robbing the homes of the rich -- he can understand, even when it's his own. But beating up on Alfred -- that brings out the worst in him!

He has failed. He was interrupted and forced to use violence to flee. It is as if Yama himself conspired against Tenzin! Since he may have been seen and traced here, Tenzin does as he must! It does not want to die! Tenzin knows it has no desires because it is a Tulpa -- a shadow doppleganger given substance by the power of his own mind! The Tulpa cannot die -- for it was never alive! As Tenzin made it from naught... so is the Tulpa returned to naught. Tenzin feels like a murderer -- as if he has its blood on his hands! He finds it most odd that even the faintest bit of life is so reluctant to renounce its precious gift...

Amid the ashes, Tenzin finds the mark of the Batman! The batbug is squashed in one hand -- FRTZZZ The Batmobile closes in on Ryker's Park when the bug ceases transmission. Whether it has been found or has fallen off -- the result is the same. The Batman knows he is somewhere in the area.

After scaling up the side of a building, the Darknight Detective settles in with a pair of binoculars, and is prepared to demonstrate that batbugs are not the only trick in his repertoire -- Knowing Rafe Kellogg will be back again -- Tenzin can already hear his voice -- and feel the thugs' sharp blows... Tenzin also knows he can take no more. This evening, it must end -- one way or the other! He is sorry that he must do what his father warned him never to do.

Kellogg and his thugs will find no mere Tulpa waiting for them! Tenzin goes down... deep into his own mind. And he goes looking for a demon from hell!

On the cover of Detective Comics #601 by Norm Breyfogle, the Tulpa in a stolen Ferrari is being cut off by the Darknight Detective in his Batmobile!

Daring the Batman to a street race is something I'd never thought I'd see, but leave it to Alan Grant to show what would happen if such a thing ever came to pass.

Norm Breyfogle is great at capturing the moments, whether it be Batman's grim discovery of the Ferrari thief's unnatural mode of departure, the Gotham City police officer's regret that he didn't get to ticket the Batmobile, and the Tulpa disproving Tenzin's assessment of it lacking a life of its own.

Todd Klein shines with his lettering which captures the reader's eye and the sounds of the action.

Adrienne Roy's coloring captures the mood, whether it be reflected by the light of a police siren or taking place in the small confines of a Tibetan Shop.

It's a good thing that Bruce Wayne is a rich man because there's a lot of punks who could use help with their dental bills when the Batman gets through with them.

Gotham City dentists must love Batman!

It's a good thing Alfred is a doctor because Bruce Wayne doesn't believe in house calls.

Ashes to ashes, Tenzin does what he must!

To deal with demons from hell, Tenzin must conjure up one of his very own.

Steve Chung
"Tulpa Part One: Monster Review!"

Sea Devils #3, "Ghost of the Deep!"

SEA DEVILS #3; Jan-Feb. 1962; DC Comics (National Periodical Publications); Rober Kanigher, editor; featuring "Underwater Crime Wave!" and "The Ghost From the Deep!", both written by Kanigher and drawn by Russ Heath. On the cover by Heath with wash effects by Jack Adler, the skin-diving Sea Devils are confronted by a giant woman directing a sea serpent to attack them!
Review by Bill Henley
When I was a young kid in the early 60's, I was fascinated by scuba diving. I never got to try it myself-- the closest I got was snorkeling in a small lake-- but I loved the TV show "Sea Hunt," and for a time I was also a fan of DC's team of intrepid divers, the Sea Devils.
I suspect the Sea Devils were inspired by the popularity of "Sea Hunt", which first appeared on TV in 1958 (though Kanigher and Heath first showed an interest in scuba diving in 1956 with "Frogmen," a one-shot tryout in SHOWCASE #3). But while TV's Mike Nelson tangled underwater with relatively mundane crooks and smugglers and the occasional shark, the Sea Devils-- leader Dane Dorrance, strongman Biff, pretty girl Judy and her kid brother Nicky-- battled an assortment of much more outre undersea menaces verging on the surreal (and absurd). The stories in this issue, which I rediscovered upon purchasing the Showcase Sea Devils black and white collection, are good examples of the true bizarreness of this series.
On the splash page (an appropriate term) of "Underwater Crime Wave," the Sea Devils ride the back of a swordfish, while holding on to a toga-clad prisoner, to attack a couple of skin-diving crooks wielding spear-guns. The story begins on land as the Sea Devils sit in a theater watching newsreel footage of "G. Nakko," a wealthy "man of mystery" with a Roman fetish who holds gigantic "toga parties" that would put Animal House to shame. While still in the theater, they are approached by a government agent asking for their help tracking down a "giant smuggling syndicate". Before they even leave the theatre, the agent is "kayoed," (it's not clear if permanently or not) by agents of the syndicate! The Sea Devils vow to carry on the mission, but first they put on a scheduled charity exhibition of their famed stunt-diving skills. Afterwards, an agent of Nakko, the "modern Nero," asks them to put on a show at one of his parties for ten times their usual fee. Dane curtly refuses; "We're not performing seals! Tell your modern Nero he hasn't enough money to buy our services!" "No one ever turned Mr. G. Nakko down before! You'll regret it!"
The next day, the Sea Devils start searching for signs of undersea smuggling but find no leads, after five futile days, the Devils spot a floating distress marker, and the three male Sea Devils dive to investigate, leaving Judy to mind their boat. "Dane-- I'll never speak to you again if you leave me here because I'm a girl!" "Nonsense, Judy! We need someone on the surface we can ABSOLUTELY depend on!" The Devils follow a line from the distress marker down into the depths, noticing an unusual profusion of sea life. Then when they follow the line into a cavern, instead of finding a trapped fiver, they themselves are trapped in a net!
They are dragged into a gigantic Roman-style coliseum which "Nero" and his gang have somehow constructed underwater! And they discover to their dismay that Judy has been captured as well, and is locked in a plastic container which is slowly filling with water. The other Sea Devils must engage in an undersea gladiatorial contest for the amusement of Nero, clad in toga and scuba gear, and a vast audience of scuba-clad spectators! If they cannot defeat all of their foes within one hour, Judy's container will fill up and she will drown!
The youthful Sea Devil Nicky is the first to fight, against a foe wielding a net. Nicky is able to escape and entangle the bad guy in his own net, with some help from a friendly porpoise. But his battle takes a full half hour's worth of his sister's precious air! Next, strongman Biff is forced to engage in an undersea boxing match, hampered by an excessively heavy weight belt. But when his opponent knocks him into an outcropping of sharp coral, The belt is severed and Biff is able to score a knockout. With just 15 minutes left-- and "Nero" silently gloating about a secret ace in the hole-- Dane has to battle bare-handed a foe armed with a sharp trident. But once again a sea creature comes to his aid (isn't that supposed to be Aquaman's shtick?) as Dane climbs aboard a passing swordfish and uses its bill to wrest away the trident.
"Nero" orders his henchmen armed with modern undersea weapons to attack the Sea Devils, but they and the swordfish counter-attack and free Judy from her prison, using "buddy-breathing" to keep her alive.
Having escaped "Mr. Nero's" undersea gladiator contest, the Sea Devils commandeer a "sea sled" vehicle from the bad guys to reach the surface. There they find a U.S. Coast Guard vessel which has spotted the Sea Devil's boat manned by members of the smuggling gang "who couldn't answer our questions." As the other gang members surface and are rounded up, Dane promises to provide all the evidence needed to convict them, including "Mr. Nero". (Just don't tell them about that whole Roman gladiator thing down there, guys, or they'll think you're nuts.)
The splash page of the second story "The Ghost of the Deep," also by Kanigher and Heath, depicts our heroes struggling in the coils of a giant sea serpent, under the cruel eye of a sub-sea goddess figure. The story begins with the Sea Devils taking a break from their watery labors by attending "a seaside night spot, the Circe Club." (Isn't teenaged Nicky a little young for a place like that?). The guys tease Judy for being entranced by the singing of a male crooner, Larry O'Day. But then, all three of them-- including Dane, who's supposed to be an item with Judy-- are caught by the spell of a girl singer calling herself Circe. "Look at you! Mooning over Circe Smith as if she were the legendary Circe! And YOU laughed at ME!"
"The next day, as the Sea Devils prepare to test some new deep-diving gear," Judy accuses Dane of still being "in a daze from that crooning female's song last night!" Dane insists that "when I'm diving-- I'm alert every second!" Not alert enough to escape a maelstrom that seizes all four Devils when they enter the uncharted waters! And finally, "in a strange, shimmering depth of the sea they have never reached before," the male Sea Devils stop and stare as if listening to some sound that Judy cannot detect, then start "cavorting like dizzy salmon! They act as if they have NITROGEN NARCOSIS!" An editor's note explains this is the dangerous. "Rapture of the deep," the result of diving at great depths, wherein a diver loses all grasp of danger and judgment."
Herself Judy seems unaffected, and tries to figure a way to get the men to surface. But then she finally sees what they see and hear-- a beautiful "sea siren" who has her male teammates enraptured! All three of them want to win this "Circe" for themselves! And none of them-- not Dane,or Biff, or her brother Nicky-- pay any heed when Judy tries to persuade them to head surface-ward!
Circe demonstrates the ability to communicate telepathically with her male victims (combined with dubious poetic skills); "Welcome to Circe's watery home! From it you shall never want to roam! To each of you, the task I give is this... Who brings me the greatest treasure,?his reward shall be a kiss!"
And so, the three male Sea Devils scatter to the sea currents, each determined To be the one to win the precious kiss! Nicky is the first to bring back a prize, after battling a "golden eel" to wrest away a golden necklace from a pirate hoard. Biff finds a jeweled crown on the figurehead of an ancient sunken ship, but to win it he must put his own brawn against the strength of the animated figurehead! As they lay their treasure at Circe's feet, she continues "tormenting them with her smile and song while she waits for Dane to come back!"
Dane discovers an "antique mirror encrusted with pearls," but has to fight a "giant otter" (drawn more like some kind of undersea Panther) to keep it. When he returns to. Circe, she reaches out for him and his gift. "She's choosing Dane! The boy I love!" (Boy? Dane seems to be a full grown man, though admittedly he hasn't been acting all that mature lately.)
As Dane approaches Circe for her kiss, he throws away his mouthpiece and air tanks! A horrified Judy darts in and presses her own tanks on Dane, then swims desperately for the surface with only the air in her lungs. The sight of this act of self-sacrifice snaps the others out of Circe's spell, and they follow her, with Dane offering his mouthpiece to Judy in the "buddy-breathing" system.
But Circe is not willing to give her love-struck victims up without a fight, and she sends her pet sea serpent after them! The four divers are caught in the coils of the serpent which threatens to crush the aqualung-dispensed breath out of them! Then the turbulent waters form another maelstrom which tears the Sea Devils out of the grip of the detention and up toward the surface.
Upon surfacing, the other Sea Devils want to know what happened to Judy's air tanks. They remember nothing of all the drama with Circe the "sea siren,' and when Judy tries to tell them about it, their response is, "Poor kid! You must have been down too long without air! You must have had a touch of-- NITROGEN NARCOSIS!"! An outraged Judy's rejoinder; "You MEN! You make fools of yourselves-- then so very conveniently forget about it! Ohh-- you're impossible!"
(Truth to tell, "a touch of nitrogen narcosis" is probably the best explanation of the goings-on in nearly ALL these "Sea Devils"stories.)

Showcase #92; Manhunter 2070, "DOA".

SHOWCASE #92; Aug. 1970; DC Comics (National Periodical Publications); featuring "Manhunter 2070" in "D.O.A," written, drawn and edited by Mike Sekowsky.

 Review by Bill Henley

 I hadn't thought about Manhunter 2070 in a long time until a few months ago I came across "The Judas Coin," a Walt Simonson graphic novel which featured a succession of past, present and future DC characters, ending with Manhunter 2070. I'm pretty sure that was the first significant appearance of the character since his unsuccessful tryout run in SHOWCASE #91-93 (the last three issues of the original SHOWCASE run). But I kind of liked "Manhunter 2070" when it first came out, and I resolved to do a review of one of those issues when I came across them. So here goes...

 As established in issue 91, Starker, aka Manhunter 2070, is a bounty hunter in a future a hundred years hence (from the original publication date), in which mankind has expanded out into interplanetary and interstellar space (via the "Bridwell Space Drive", har har) and conditions look a lot like the old Wild West. Though Starker collects rewards for the human and alien baddies he brings in "dead or alive," he's already rich, and is clearly motivated more by anger at the criminals he targets than by money. This second issue is an origin story which explains the reasons why, and it left the biggest impression on me of the three issues, so I'm reviewing it.

 On the cover, a young, space suited Starker stands on a tiny planetoid on which a cross marks a grave! "You can rest easy now, Dad-- I got them ALL-- EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM!"

 The story begins in the "present" of 2070, in Janus, "resort city of Jupiter," where Starker is relaxing and escorting two pretty girls-- until they spot a "wanted" poster from the "Brotherhood of Space," which turns the tables on bounty hunter Starker by placing a 100,000 credit price on HIS head! Sternly, Starker insists that he must now part company with the two girls (to whom he seems more like an honorary uncle than a lover) lest they end up in the line of fire! As Starker's spaceship blasts off for Earth on automatic pilot, Starker accedes to the girls' pleas to tell then how his vendetta against interplanetary crime and piracy began.

 It began 17 years previously (that would make it the year 2053) when Starker was a young teenager accompanying his father, a wandering asteroid miner, who had just made the find of a lifetime, a rock full of the ultra-valuable mineral didanium. But the elder Starker's dreams of wealth and a settled life for his son are shattered by the appearance of a crew of ruthless space pirates with a sideline in asteroid claim-jumping! "Thanks for finding all this didanium for us!", the pirate captain sneers before brutally shooting down Starker's father!

 It appears that young Starker is about to share his dad's fate until a member of the ship's crew, the cook known as "Slops", intervenes. He urges the captain to let Starker remain alive to serve as his helper in the galley. "You know my rule-- no LIVE witnesses-- but okay-- a kid can't hurt us!" If Starker imagines that Slops is motivated by mercy to save his life, he is quickly disabused, as upon the two of them arriving in the galley, Slops lays him out on the floor by a brutal slap. "That's to show you who's boss here! Now get started cleaning this place up!"

 And so, long years begin during which young Starker knows nothing but brutality-- orders backed up by boots and fists-- from Slops and the rest of the pirate crew. However, rather than being cowed, Starker is hardened and confirmed in his hatred for the Pirates as he watches them victimize other innocents. He begins observing the Pirates closely as they practice their deadly combat skills in their leisure hours. Once he is caught "spying" on Slago, a pirate whose specialty is knife-throwing. Slago has him stood up against a wall with a fruit atop his head to serve as a William Tell-like knife target! The Pirates are impressed with the boy's "nerve" as he stands without blinking or flinching as Slago's hurled knife slams into the fruit on his head! Nonetheless, he is punished with a blow and warned against future "spying". But Starker is not deterred. He is totally focused on revenge, and "to get that revenge, I knew I had to be TOUGHER and BETTER than they were". Though he still pretends to be cowed in front of the pirate crew, he sets up a secret practice area in an unused hold where he can emulate Slago's skills with a stolen knife from the galley and practice combat moves against a dummy. He also wanders the ship to learn every nook and cranny of it, and lifts weights to "harden my muscles to match the hardness of my heart".

 "Zone day, when I had just turned eighteen," Starker begins the first stage of his revenge campaign by rebelling against Slops, his cruel master in the galley. When Slops tries to beat on him once too often, Starker fights back, takes a knife away from Slops, and beats him unconscious. Then, he hurls the senseless Slops at the feet of the pirate crew, announcing, "Meet your NEW waiter and dishwasher-- Slops is taking over THOSE chores now! I'M your new cook! Anybody object?" Will this act of rebellion win him a quick death? No; by the Pirates' rough code, "I deserved the job because I was able to beat Slops out of it", and besides, he turns out to be a better cook than Slops.

 After two more years of slightly higher-status servitude, Starker, now full grown, decides it is time for him to make his real strike for freedom and vengeance! He begins by systematically disabling the pirate ship's lifeboats. Then he lays a trap for foe member of the pirate crew, tripping him with a wire strung across a corridor, rendering him unconscious with a karate chop to the throat, and taking his weapons! "A blaster, a needle gun and a knife! Now I've got a chance!" He leaves the subdued pirate alive, tied up in a tool locker; he is not bent on killing the entire crew, just the five pirates who were present at the killing of his father!

 Starker smashes into a room where three pirates are playing cards. One of them is Sergio (no doubt, like the "Bridwell Drive," a backhanded tribute to a DC coworker) who is one of "the five". Starker warns the other two that his business is with Sergio and they should stay out of it. But all three go for their Ray-guns! Starker's draw is faster, and he blasts down all three! "I told you others I had no quarrel with you," says Starker, but they don't hear him, being dead along with Sergio.

 Then an alarm goes off and Starker realizes his attack is being seen by closed-circuit TV on the bridge. The element of surprise gone, Starker hurls his defiance; "Hello, Captain-- I'll be coming after you-- VERY soon!" "It's the kid! He's gone wild! He's killed three of my men!" "It was funny, even after what I had just accomplished, I was still just 'the Kid' to them."

 As the captain orders the crew to hunt down "the kid," Starker holes up in the engine room where he disables the lights. One of the crewmen sent after him is "Cyclops," not Scott Summers, but a one-eyed alien and one of his father's killers. Hanging from overhead pipes in the darkness, Starker seizes Cyclops by the beck with his legs! "For long minutes, powerful leg muscles stay locked around Cyclops' neck-- and then..." "That's number TWO, Dad."

 Starker knocks out another pirate from behind and gets the drop on two more, leaving all three tied and gagged in a storage room. Gaining entrance to the ship's weapons room (you'd think the captain would have kept a guard on it), Starker emerges with an oxygen helmet and four cans of "paralyzo-gas" which he introduces into the ship's ventilation system. At one swoop, nearly the whole crew is put out of action! But not the captain and his two chief henchmen, who are the remaining three of "the five," and who spot the gas danger in time to don their own oxygen helmets. "And one lousy punk kid did this!" Growls the captain. "Well, there's still THREE to ONE! Let's go get him!" The three imprudently "spread out," separating in order to find Starker, and the one who finds him first is Slago, the knife artist. "Disdaining the use of a blaster, he used his favorite weapon-- and MISSED!" Starker pulls his own knife; "Let me show you HOW to do it, Slago!" He throws the knife, in a panel showing the knife hurtling almost directly at the reader; "You do it like THIS!" And now it's three killers down and two more to go. Quickly Starker meets "number four," an alien named Dondor, and Starker's draw with a blaster is more accurate. "Only one more-- THE CAPTAIN!"

 Tracking the captain by closed circuit TV, Starker revels in the look of fear in his face. He catches up to the captain where he is trying to escape in a disabled lifeboat. "I knew I should have killed you back there on that rock!" "There's only one way out for you, Captain-- that's PAST ME!" "ALL RIGHT THEN- I'LL GO PAST YOU!" But he doesn't. "Two blaster a sounded almost as one," and though Starker appears to suffer an arm wound, only he remains alive! "That's the LAST ONE, Dad-- you can rest easy now!"

 Two days later, Starker brings the pirate ship to a "Space Security patrol station," where he herds into custody the Pirates who are still alive, "still groggy from the Paralyzo-Gas." "There's seven D.O.A. still in the ship outside your airlock." And so, Starker's career is launched as "the richest bounty hunter around," since the rewards on the pirate crew totaled over two million credits.

 As I indicated, this story left an impression on me at the time, mainly because it was more violent and brutal than I was used to in Code-approved comic books. That panel of young Starker throwing the knife particularly stuck in my mind. Even now I'm a little surprised this story got past the Code. Though it has seemed to me sometimes that the Comics Code took a more relaxed attitude toward comics set in past or future time eras than those set in the present.

 The next issue of SHOWCASE featured a "present day" Manhunter 2070" story, which ended on a cliffhanger; an unconscious Starker is about to be brained by a primitive, ax-wielding alien. Did he escape? "You'll find out in the next Manhunter 2070-- IF THERE IS ONE!" There wasn't. Not only were there no further Manhunter 2070 adventures, but issue 93 was the last in the legendary original run of SHOWCASE. In interviews years later, Mike Sekowsky claimed that his previous SHOWCASE feature, "Jason's Quest" about a wandering teenage motorcyclist, sold well and would have gone to an ongoing series if DC office politics hadn't caused Sekowsky to be fired from his editorship. (Of course, in those work-for hire days, nothing would have stopped DC from continuing "Jason" with different creators if they had wanted to badly enough.). As far as I know, though, Sekowsky never claimed "Manhunter 2070" was an unsung hit. Sci-fi comics are always an iffy sales proposition, unless tied in with a non-comics franchise such as Star Wars or Star Trek, and I guess "Manhunter" fell flat on the comics stands of 1970.

 I liked it, though, and would have bought a "Manhunter 2070" title if there had been one. Let us hope that Starker evaded that caveman's ax and went on to more adventures, even if we never got to read about them.