Strange Adventures #209

Strange Adventures #209 (On Sale: December 26, 1967) features just another wonderful Neal Adams Deadman cover.

"How Many Times Can a Guy Die?" is plotted by Carmine Infantino, scripted by Jack Miller and drawn by Neal Adams. Deadman suspects that the Eagle was responsible for his death. He takes over the body of a circus hand named Pete and leaves a note for the Eagle which claims that he knows about his crime. The Eagle brings the note to Vashnu who recognizes the handwriting as Boston Brand's.

Deadman then follows the Eagle and learns that the acrobat is really a thief. The Eagle and his gang steal some jewels, so Deadman attempts to gather evidence while in Pete's body. The Eagle catches Pete and tries to kill him. Deadman, still animating Pete, is able to stay alive until the police arrive. The cops take the Eagle into custody, but they also confirm that the Eagle was responsible for another theft elsewhere at the time of Boston's murder. This story was reprinted in Deadman #3.

The back-up story is "The Man with Four Minds" by Ed Hamilton and Carmine Infantino and is a reprint from Strange Adventures #69.

Edited by Jack Miller.

Fox and the Crow #108

Fox and the Crow #108 (On Sale: December 26, 1967) features another Stanley and his Monster cover by Winslow Mortimer. This is this title's swan song.

"The Monster of City Hall" by Arnold Drake and Winslow Mortimer and featuring Stanley and his Monster begins the issue.

It is followed by "Surprise Package" and three other untitled and uncreadited Fox and the Crow stories.

Edited by Murray Boltinoff.

Detective Comics #372

Detective Comics #372 (On Sale: December 26, 1967) has Neal Adams' seventh cover of the month and the first one on a purely Batman book. I'm not crazy about the coloring on this one, but the figures are really nice.

"The Fearsome Foot-Fighters" is by John Broome, Sheldon Moldoff and Joe Giella. Batman is confronted by some strange thefts in which the thief leaves I.O.U. notes in place of the stolen items. Batman follows clues which lead him to a gang of foot fighters from Karonia. The real thief is Marne Zoldin, a Karonian freedom fighter who needed money to fund his attempts to overthrow the dictator of his country. The foot fighters find Zoldin first and kill him.

The back-up Elongated Man story, "Elongated Man Throws His Weight Around," is by Gardner Fox, Gil Kane and Sid Greene. The Elongated Man and his wife attend a county fair where Ralph witnesses a pickpocket rob one of his young friends. Ralph stops the thieves and returns the stolen money to his friend, who has earned a job as a strong man at the fair. The Elongated Man also learns about a "big job" being planned that night. He stays on the fairgrounds until the gang strikes.

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Brave and the Bold #76

Brave and the Bold #76 (On Sale: December 26, 1967) sports Neal Adams' sixth cover of the month for DC, this one featuring the odd combination of Batman and Plastic Man.

"Doom, What is Thy Shape?" is by Bob Haney, Mike Sekowsky and Jack Abel. Batman begins tracking a series of bizarre crimes. The trail leads him to a subway tunnel where he encounters a group of Plastoids, androids made of plastic. The Plastoids and their creator, the Molder, trap Batman in plastic and leave him to be killed by a subway car. Fortunately Batman is rescued by Plastic Man who has been tracking the Molder too.
This story does not specify which Plastic Man appears here. The first Plastic Man originated on Earth-2 and immigrated to Earth-X. Plastic Man #7 establishes that the original Plas has aged and now has a son that is active on Earth-1. There is also a Plastic Man that is native to Earth-1. This story takes place on Earth-1 as evidenced by Batman's appearance. Since it occurs while the son of the original Plas is active, it shall be assumed that the Plastic Man in this story is the original Plastic Man's son. Later Brave and the Bold team-ups feature the Plastic Man who is native to Earth-1.

The back-up story featuring Robin, "The Man Called '50-50'," is a reprint from Star Spangled Comics #128 and is by David Reed and Jim Mooney.

Edited by George Kashdan.

Adventure Comics #365

Adventure Comics #365 (On Sale: December 26, 1967) features Neal Adams' fifth cover of the month for DC..

"Escape of the Fatal Five" is by Jim Shooter, Curt Swan and George Klein. When the peaceful planet Talok VIII becomes a belligerent warlike world, the United Planets Director calls upon the Legion to investigate. The world's heroine, Shadow Lass, who had been off-planet on a mission, accompanies four Legionnaires, Superboy, Brainiac 5, Cosmic Boy, and Karate Kid.
As Talok's warlords have completely sealed off their world, the five heroes parachute into a barren desert, intending to make their way into Talok's capital, which they do despite obstacles placed in their path by the mysterious agency behind Talok's transformation.

Gaining entrance to a fortress, the heroes are struck by rays which teleport each into a death-trap. Karate Kid finds himself trapped inside a gigantic, hollow diamond, Cosmic Boy encounters five large, non-magnetic, metal balls which rush at him in a short hallway, Superboy is slowly being crushed in a tiny sphere, Brainiac 5 is imprisoned in a small chamber with spiked walls moving in on him, and Shadow Lass appears in a room flooded with bright, glaring lights, which weaken her darkness-casting power and can eventually kill her. Reprinted in DC Special Blue Ribbon Digest #8 and Legion of Super-Heroes Archives Vol. 7 HC.

This issue also contains an 8-page feature: "The Origin and Powers of the Legion of Super-Heroes."

Edited by Mort Weisinger.

Action Comics #359

Action Comics #359 (On Sale: December 26, 1967) features another dramatic cover by Neal Adams.

Inside "The Case of the People Against Superman" by Leo Dorfman, Curt Swan and George Klein continues from last issue. Superman stands trial for the death of Ron Noble, who was killed during an exhibition boxing match with the Man of Steel. Noble was really a criminal, who swallowed a poison pill to frame Superman. Famed lawyer Earl Barton represents Superman, while district attorney Alonzo Kroll hopes to make a name for himself by getting Superman convicted.

Choosing a jury is difficult because Superman is popular among the citizens of Metropolis. When the trial begins the district attorney makes his case that Superman can't safely control his powers.

For his defense, Superman is able to take the courtroom back in time to view the actual death of Noble.

The back-up Supergirl story is "The Super-Initiation of Supergirl" by Otto Binder and Kurt Schaffenberger. When Supergirl sees a group of sorority girls hazing pledge Joan Bryant with cruel pranks she sets out to stop them. The Girl of Steel pledges the group herself, so the girls come up with pledge stunts that could expose Supergirl's secret identity.

Edited by Mort Weisinger.

Swing With Scooter #11

Swing With Scooter #11 (On Sale: December 21, 1967) features a pretty nice Joe Orlando cover.

Inside we begin with two Scooter stories, "What a Blast," drawn by Joe Orlando and "Femme Fatale," drawn by person unknown. Next is a Kitty Karr story (Gwenny! I didn't know...) and another Scooter story, "I Was a Teenage Teenager," both also by persons unknown. The book ends with an untitled Sylvester story by, you guessed it, persons unknown.

Edited by Jack Miller.

Superman's Girl Friend Lois Lane #81

Superman's Girl Friend Lois Lane #81 (On Sale: December 21, 1967) features a great Neal Adams cover. The second issue I bought and I was hooked I tell you, hooked!

"No Witnesses in Outer Space" by is by Leo Dorfman and Kurt Schaffenberger. Continuing from last issue, Lois has moved to Coral City and started a new life. Superman misses her and decides to go back in time to repair their relationship. He plans to arrive at the birthday party he missed, but circumstances cause him to be delayed again. After concluding once again that the past can't be changed, Superman returns to the present.

Lois, in her new job as a nurse, assists Dr. Culver with an experimental gas test performed on death row convicts. Some of the convicts break loose and take Lois as a hostage. Superman arrives to stop them, but Lois is exposed to the gas. The gas gives Lois limited E.S.P. and allows her to read Superman's mind. She finds out that he does love her, but his excuse that she would be a target if they married is a real fear he has.

Lois realizes that she can't marry Rand Kirby as she had planned, but also can't bear to hurt him. When her E.S.P. gives her a vision of the future in which Superman is trapped by Kryptonite in space, she sees Rand rescue him. However, her vision shows Rand dies in the process.

Lois stows away on Rand's rocket and saves Superman herself. When the Man of Steel is free of the Kryptonite, he snaps Lois's lifeline in space.

The back-up story is "How Lois Lane Got Her Job" reprinted from Superman's Girl Friend Lois Lane #17 and is by Otto Binder and Kurt Schaffenberger. During a celebration of her anniversary at the Daily Planet Lois tells Clark Kent how she got her job by getting three scoops without any help from Superman. Lois relates how she caught a safe company employee who was selling safe combinations, how she got a picture of a reclusive Rajah who was really a jewel thief, and how she beat a deadline by sending her story on an archeological find in a bottle to reach the Planet. Clark recalls the events surrounding each story and realizes that Superman’s actions nearby inadvertently helped Lois get each of the scoops, but Clark decides to keep the knowledge to himself.

Edited by Mort Weisinger.

Hawkman #24

Hawkman #24 (On Sale: December 21, 1967) sports one of the uglier Dick Dillin and Jack Abel covers I have seen in quite a while.

"The Robot Raiders from Planet Midnight" is by Arnold Drake, Dick Dillin and Charles Cuidera. Assigned to protect General Foster, who is to preside over an Armed Services Day parade, Hawkman notices that the general salutes with the wrong hand, exposing him as a robot impostor. Other military leaders and his own wife have been similarly replaced, and Katar tracks Shayera through space. He arrives on a sunless planet, and is set upon by winged beasts, which he defeats with his refrigio-ray. Disguising himself as a robot, he infiltrates, but is easily detected, and he and Shayera are united at gunpoint. They learn of this world's plan to invade Earth, and are then forced into combat with beasts in an arena.

The back-up story is "The Man Who Grew Wings" a reprint from Strange Adventures #65 by Otto Binder, Sid Greene and Joe Giella.

Edited by George Kashdan.

Girls' Love Stories #133

Girls' Love Stories #133 (On Sale: December 21, 1967) sports a cover pencilled by Jay Scott Pike (am I the only own who thinks there is something a little Shatner and Nimoy about these two guys?).

"The Remembrance of Love" by persons unknown begins the issue and is followed by "A Lesson in Love" which is inked by Bernard Sachs. Finally is "Love Cheat" drawn by Howard Purcell.

Edited by Jack Miller.

Sugar and Spike #75

Sugar and Spike #75 (On Sale: December 19, 1967) sports a Sheldon Mayer cover.

The first story is "The Mystery of the Mischievous Marble" which is written and drawn by Sheldon Mayer. the back-up story features Doodles Duck, is untitled, was reprinted in Best of DC #28 and is also written and drawn by Sheldon Mayer.

Edited by Murray Boltinoff.

Star Spangled War Stories #137

Star Spangled War Stories #137 (On Sale: December 19, 1967) sports a Russ Heath War That Time Forgot cover marred by some really dreadful coloring.

The first story is a War That Time Forgot story, "Fight to the Last," by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert. That is backed by "Mud Soldier" by Howard Liss and Jack Sparling and "Human Booby Trap," a reprint from Our Fighting Forces #1 by Robert Kanigher and Jerry Grandenetti.

Edited by Robert Kanigher.

Metal Men #30

Metal Men #30 (On Sale: December 19, 1967) features a cover by Ross Andru and Mike Esposito.

Inside we have "Terrors of the Forbidden Dimension" by Otto Binder, Gil Kane and Mike Esposito. This is the beginning of a three-issue run by Binder and a two-issue stint by Kane.

Edited by Robert Kanigher.

Heart Throbs #112

Heart Throbs #112 (On Sale: December 19, 1967) sports a cover pencilled by Jay Scott Pike.

"Sweet Mystery of Love" is penciled by Howard Purcell (why do I keep thinking, "...at last I've found you!"?). This is followed by "Temporary Sweetheart," a reprint from Girls' Romances #69 and is drawn by Arthur Peddy and Bernard Sachs. Lastly we have "3 Girls -- Their Lives...Their Loves, Episode 11" penciled by Jay Scott Pike.

Edited by Barbara Frielander.

Holiday Harangue

While I'm not really into the spirit, I wouldn't say I hate the holidays per se. I get it: People bum out in the Winter time and look around for something to get excited about. They have festivals, perform rituals, drink a lot of booze, whatever it takes to get them through the long, dark nights. However, there are certain things about the American holiday scene that I find truly repulsive. Like Christmas carols. I loathe Christmas carols. All that crap about snow and bells and "do you hear what I hear" -- it's saccharine and phony and each year it bugs me a little more. The other day, standing in a long line at Borders, I finally got a break -- no fucking Xmas carols on the sound system. However, a middle-aged woman behind me insisted on whistling a number of them (off key, of course). I finally lost it and burst out singing to her wonky accompaniment: "Walking in my winter under-wear!" Everyone in line laughed and it seemed to shut her up.

The other thing that vexes me is the consumer panic. You can't just go about your business at the holidays, you're bound to get sucked up into the shopping frenzy of others. Why must I be inconvenienced by someone else's religious mania and/or deadline-driven flight of false consciousness? God forbid I go to Costco for some toilet paper and coffee -- I'll be trampled by the harried hordes with their gift baskets and giant bottles of hooch! Happy holidays my ass, the only people that are happy at the holidays are kids. Media-programmed, conformist little id monsters who must be appeased at all costs. They're the main reason adults are lined up outside big box stores before dawn the day after Thanksgiving, bleary-eyed and ready to duke it out with whoever stands in the way of them and the shit their stupid kids want. Kids. Who needs 'em? As some wag put it, "They're needy, boring and they can't hold their liquor." 'Nuff said.

So instead of some Hallmark sentiment, I'll just wish you health and some measure of peace of mind. These are things we could all use, no matter the season.

Superman #204

Superman #204 (On Sale: December 14, 1967) has another cool Neal Adams cover. This was the first issue of Superman that I purchased.

The issue begins with "The Case of the Lethal Letters" by Cary Bates, Rose Andru and Mike Esposito. Superman receives a warning that harm will befall his friends if he does not abandon his crime-fighting career. When Lana Lane and Lori Lemaris are both attacked and disappear, Superman suspects that Lois Lane will be the next target. Despite his efforts to protect her, Lois also disappears.

Superman announces that he will end his career and asks that his unknown opponent return the missing girls. Following his announcement, television reporter Lorraine Delon returns to her hideout in preparation to kill the kidnapped women. Superman follows her after picking up her excited heartbeat following his announcement.

Lorraine incapacitates Superman uses Q-Energy which originates from another universe. She explains that her real name is Lorraine Lewis, a brilliant female scientist. She holds a grudge against Superman because his girl friends with the same initials have upstaged her own achievements. Reprinted in Limited Collectors' Edition C-31.

Next is "The Duplicate Superman," reprinted from Acton Comics #222 and created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino. Superman is divided into two beings during an experimental Q-bomb test. One Superman does not possess X-ray vision, while the other is missing telescopic vision. Together the two Supermen take turns as Superman and Clark, appearing in the same place at the same time for Lois Lane.

Later, Superman-T turns criminal and steals a gold plated statue. Superman-X confronts him, but is forced away to deal with an emergency. Alone, Superman-T constructs a lead shield from the inside of the statue.

The final story is "The Fortress of Fear" by Cary Bates and Al Plastino. An alien life force takes control of Superman's Fortress of Solitude. The Fortress itself then attacks the Man of Steel and nearly defeats him.

Edited by Mort Weisinger.

Our Army at War #190

Our Army at War #190 (On Sale: December 14, 1967) has a cover by Joe Kubert featuring Sgt. Rock's 6 Battle Stars.

We begin with "What Makes a Sergeant Run?," a Sgt. Rock reprint from Our Army at War #97 by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert. Sgt. Rock is pestered by a new recruit who asks him what a sergeant is. Before Rock can come up with an answer, Easy Co. comes under fire. They survive and take an enemy occupied farm house. Rock is pestered again and again by the recruit, but each time he is interrupted. Easy defends their position against a tank. Rock rescues the recruit and takes out the tank. Afterwards, the soldier has his answer without Rock saying a word. Sgt. Rock's actions have taught the kid what he wanted to know.

Next is "Tank Raiders", a Haunted Tank reprint from G.I. Combat #90 by Robert Kanigher and Russ Heath. The crew of the Haunted Tank stops to refresh themselves after a battle. While bathing, the tank is stolen by a group of enemy soldiers. Jeb and his crew chase down the tank in a jeep. They push the jeep off a cliff to block the road below. When the tank stops, the crew retakes it from enemy hands.

That is followed by "Death Dive," a Johnny Cloud reprint from All-American Men of War #84 by Robert Kanigher and Irv Novick. Johnny Cloud and the Happy Braves fly escort for a group of bombers. The bomber flight leader tells Johnny that this is his final mission. When the bomber is shot down by enemy fire, Johnny follows the plane to the ground and helps the wounded pilot out of the plane. German soldiers on the ground commandeer the plane forcing Johnny to pilot a bombing run on his own Navy.

Next we have "Jumping Jeep" reprinted from All-American Men of War #38 and created by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert.

Next is "Trail of the Terror Rockets," a Mademoiselle Marie reprint from Star Spangled War Stories #89 by Robert Kanigher and Mad Magazine favorite Mort Drucker. Mademoiselle Marie attempts to locate a secret German missile site. While disguised as a washer woman, Marie falls for a trick planted by Commandant Von Ekt. She eludes capture, but she is unable to learn the correct location.

When Marie attempts to rescue a captured pilot, who has seen the missile launch site, Marie herself is captured. She is taken to a labor camp, which she discovers is the missile site. She signals some Allied bombers with a mirror, and they destroy the site. Marie and the prisoners, including the captured pilot, overpower the guards and escape the camp.

That is followed by "Underwater Gunner," a Gunner and Sarge reprint from Our Fighting Forces #51 by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert. After taking out a machine gun nest on the side of a cliff, Gunner and Sarge encounter an enemy tank positioned on a river bank. Gunner and Sarge enter the river and swim toward the tank. Though they aren't as good as frogmen, they manage to destroy the tank.

After the battle, Sarge decides that they could use some real frogman training, so he asks his brother Eddie who is a navy man to teach them. Eddie leads Gunner and Sarge underwater where they are attacked by enemy frogmen. They fight off the frogmen only to encounter an enemy submarine. Somehow, they manage to change the course of a torpedo and take out the enemy sub.

The issue concludes with "Foxhole Pilot," a reprint from G.I. Combat #50 by Robert Kanigher and Irv Novick.

Edited by Robert Kanigher.

Falling In Love #97

Falling In Love #97 (On Sale: December 14, 1967) has another great cover by John Rosenberger.

The issue begins with "An Age Limit on Love" which was produced by persons unknown. This is followed by "Memory of Love," a reprint from Falling In Love #17 drawn by Arthur Peddy and Bernard Sachs. The final story is "The Next Best Thing to Love" drawn by John Rosenberger.

Edited by Jack Miller.

Young Romance #152

Young Romance #152 (On Sale: December 12, 1967) has an amazing cover by John Rosenberger, who came to DC in 1964 after years of working for American Comics Group and Archie, where he drew The Fly and The Jaguar. In a few years he would work on Lois Lane and Wonder Woman as well.

The issue begins with "All I Want is You" which was produced by persons unknown. This is followed by "Nicolette," a reprint from Girls' Romances #67 drawn by Bernard Sachs. The final story is "Hide Her Love" drawn by John Rosenberger and reprinted in Heart Throbs #153.

Edited by Jack Miller.

World's Finest Comics #173

World's Finest Comics #173 (On Sale: December 12, 1967) has a Curt Swan and George Klein cover. This is the first issue of World's Finest Comics I purchased.

"The Jekyll-Hyde Heroes" is by Jim Shooter, Curt Swan and George Klein. Dr. Aaron is apprehended by the World's Finest Team for illegal human science experiments. When he gets out of jail, Dr. Aaron decides to take his revenge on Superman and Batman. First he learns which of their villains that they fear the most, then he uses psyche-distorter chemicals on them. The chemicals cause physical and psychological transformations which turn Batman and Superman into Two-Face and the space villain Kralik (being my first issue of World's Finest, I thought Kralik was a well-known and established Superman villain. Only later did I realize that Shooter had invented him for this one story and that he was never heard from again.).

As Two-Face and Kralik, the former heroes begin attacking Metropolis and each other. Robin deduces that the heroes have been turned into villains, but he is captured by Dr. Aaron before he can summon help. However, when Batman in his Two-Face guise decides to kidnap Dr. Aaron himself, the scientist is forced to drink his own chemicals and becomes the Composite Superman.

The back-up story is "The Super-Key to Fort Superman" reprinted from Action Comics #241 and created by Jerry Coleman, Wayne Boring and Stan Kaye. While visiting his Fortress of Solitude Superman discovers a message written on the wall which reveals that an intruder has penetrated the Fortress. Superman seals the entrance, but later learns that the intruder has returned.

Edited by Mort Weisinger.

Justice League of America #60

Justice League of America #60 (On Sale: December 12, 1967) has a Mike Sekowsky and Murphy Anderson cover. This was the first issue of Justice League I purchased.

"Winged Warriors of the Immortal Queen" is by Gardner Fox, Mike Sekowsky and Sid Greene. Zazzala the Queen Bee again attempts to press the Justice League into her service, but only succeeds in paralyzing J'onn J'onzz, Hawkman, Aquaman, and Wonder Woman. Succeeding in gaining control of the Atom, she reasons that she must reduce the other heroes in size in order to overpower their wills. She then changes Flash, Green Arrow, Green Lantern, Superman, and Batman into tiny winged thralls.

Having managed to open the vials of immortality elixir, Zazzala has gained immortality, but finds herself gradually becoming paralyzed as a side-effect. She therefore intends to send the League after the components of an antidote to the original serum.

When Batgirl, who has followed Batman, invades her headquarters, Zazzala changes her into another thrall. Green Lantern and Atom procure a special urn from the planet Gram, Superman and Flash acquire a heat-globe from the planet Ishtan, and Batman, Batgirl, and Green Arrow bring back a liquid from Peremunda.

After taking her antidote, the Queen Bee intends to keep the heroes as her slaves. Reprinted in Justice League of America Archives Vol. 7 HC and Showcase Presents: Batgirl Vol. 1 TPB.

The back-up story is "The Seeing-Eye Humans" a Captain Comet reprint from Strange Adventures #38 by John Broome and Murphy Anderson.

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

G.I. Combat #128

G.I. Combat #128 (On Sale: December 12, 1967) features another terrific Russ Heath Haunted Tank cover.

"The Ghost of the Haunted Tank," a reprint from G.I. Combat #95 begins the issue and is by Robert Kanigher and Russ Heath. Jeb Stuart receives a cryptic warning from the ghost of General Jeb Stuart. When the Haunted Tank is attacked by an enemy tank, Jeb uses the warning to escape. Then when the crew is knocked out, the general destroys the enemy tank.

The rest of Jeb's crew begins to think him crazy for believing in a ghost. Later when the Haunted Tank encounter six more enemy tanks, they are able to survive by positioning themselves in the middle of the enemy formation.

After the tanks are destroyed, Jeb's crew tie him up, believing that he is crazy. Slim takes command of the tank.

The back-up is also a reprint, this time from G.I. Combat #94 and is also by Robert Kanigher and Russ Heath. In "The Haunted Tank Vs Killer Tank" Jeb Stuart and the crew of the Haunted Tank approach the town of Crucy along with B Squadron. The squadron receives a radio message from the enemy warning them to turn back. The squad ignores the message and presses on towards the occupied town.

On the way the tanks are destroyed one by one by mysterious means. The radio warning even told the tank commanders which order the tanks would be destroyed. Jeb's tank is the next on the list.

Edited by Robert Kanigher.

Blackhawk #239

Blackhawk #239 (On Sale: December 12, 1967) has another Dick Dillin and Charles Cuidera cover. Two questions: 1. Why does the "killer that Time Forgot" remind me of Ma Hunkle? 2). Damn, the old Blackhawk uniforms sure look great! OK, that last on wasn't really a question.

"The Killer That Time Forgot" is by Bob Haney, Dick Dillin and Charles Cuidera. In a snow bank atop the alps, a man who has been frozen in the ice awakens and frees himself. The man walks to a nearby town where a museum is being robbed by a group of Blackhawk impostors. The man attacks them, then walks away.

When the real Blackhawks are called to the town, they recognize the man as the Iron Hammer, a Nazi they fought during World War II. The Nazi was thought to have been killed under an avalanche, but now the Blackhawks know he survived.

The back-up story is "End of the Line" reprinted from Our Army at War #12 and created by John Reed, Gene Colan and Bernard Sachs.

Edited by George Kashdan.

Adventures of Bob Hope #109

Adventures of Bob Hope #109 (On Sale: December 7, 1967) has Neal Adams' last Bob Hope cover. There are two reasons for this: First, Neal was doing more covers and serious strips for DC and second, the Adventures of Bob Hope was cancelled with this issue.

"Is There a Witch Doctor in the House?" is by the standard team of Arnold Drake and Neal Adams. There is also a short back-up story untitled (If there's one thing I can't stand...) featuring Liz.

Edited by Murray Boltinoff.

Atom #35

Atom #35 (On Sale: December 7, 1967) has another cool Gil Kane and Sid Greene cover.

"Plight of the Pin-Up Atom" is by Gardner Fox, Gil Kane and Sid Greene. Ray Palmer learns that the foster parents of his lab assistant Enrichetta Negrini were injured during a robbery at their home, he investigates as the Atom. The crooks return to the home to steal a collection American Primitive artwork. The Atom tries to stop them, but he is knocked out and taken prisoner. The gang leader tries to make the Atom a part of one of his other collections, but he fails to remove the Tiny Titan's size control belt.

Next is "Col. Blood Steals the Crown Jewels" also by Gardner Fox, Gil Kane and Sid Greene. When Professor Hyatt pulls a strange jeweled object from the Time Pool, the Atom enters it to investigate. He discovers that the object is one of England's Crown Jewels. While in the past, the Atom stops an attempt by Colonel Tom Blood to steal the jewels. When he returns to the present, the Atom learns that Blood was later pardoned by King Charles, and he suspects that the attempted robbery may have taken place with the king's consent.

Lastly we have a "Demand Classic" reprint from Strange Adventures #41, "Last Day on Earth" by John Broome and Sy Barry.

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Challengers of the Unknown #60

Challengers of the Unknown #60 (On Sale: December 7, 1967) has a completely unconvincing cover by Bob Brown, which also suffers from some really poor coloring.

"The Thing That Could Not Die" is by the standard team of Arnold Drake and Bob Brown and is followed by "2 Hours to Die," a reprint from Challengers of the Unknown #41 by France Herron and Bob Brown. Prof pilots a mini-sub to the ocean floor to conduct some demolition work. His sub becomes trapped by some large boulders. His explosives are set to go off within two hours. The other Challengers each attempt to rescue Prof before the bomb explodes. Ace and Red both fail and are injured in the attempt.

Edited by Murray Boltinoff.

Unexpected #105

Unexpected #105 (On Sale: December 7, 1967) has a Bob Brown cover. This is the first issue using this name as the first 104 issues were published as Tales of the Unexpected. This becomes DC's first horror anthology book.

"The Night I Watched Myself Die" by Carl Wessler and Bob Brown was later reprinted in Unexpected #159. Next is "Daydreams That Became a Nightmare" drawn by Lee Elias. That is followed by "The Island of the Enchantress" draw by Ruben Moreira and reprinted from House of Secrets #7. Lastly is "The Human Phantom" by Otto Binder, Gil Kane and Joe Giella and reprinted from Strange Adventures #48.

Edited by Murray Boltinoff.

Our Army at War #189

Our Army at War #189 (On Sale: December 5, 1967) has a Sgt. Rock cover by Joe Kubert.

"The Mission Was Murder" is a Sgt. Rock story by Robert Kanigher, Joe Kubert and Jack Abel. It is followed by "Tag for a Tail Gunner," a reprint from Our Fighting Forces #1 by France Herron and Arthur Peddy. Rounding out the issue is "You Can't Bust a Sergeant" by Howard Liss and Jack Sparling.

Edited by Robert Kanigher.

Flash #176

Flash #176 (On Sale: December 5, 1967) has a fairly spooky Carmine Infantino and Murphy Anderson cover.

"Death Stalks the Flash" is by John Broome, Ross Andru and Mike Esposito. Illness befalls Iris Allen causing her to become delirious. In her fevered state, Iris fears for the life of her husband the Flash. Worried about his wife, the Flash is able to use his super-speed to transport himself into the dream dimension (Wow! Is there anything he can't do just by moving fast?). He finds Iris's dream and watches as a dream version of himself battles Death.

Next is "Professor West -- Lost, Strayed, or Stolen?" also by John Broome, Ross Andru and Mike Esposito. Professor Ira West attends a workshop to improve his memory. He recognizes another student in the class, but he cannot remember from where he knows him. After the workshop, West follows the man outside and suddenly remembers that he saw the man digging a hole outside Central University. The man is really a crook, who wants to find some buried loot that he has forgotten. The crook and his gang then force Professor West to lead them to the buried loot.

When Professor West fails to return to his daughter's house, Iris sends the Flash to look for him. The Flash uses a tracking device in Ira's watch to find the professor.

The third story is "Open the Door, Earthman" a reprint from Mystery In Space #34 by Otto Binder, Carmine Infantino and Bernard Sachs.

Doom Patrol #117

Doom Patrol #117 (On Sale: December 5, 1967) has a dramatic Bob Brown cover.

"The Black Vulture" is by Arnold Drake and Bruno Premiani. The Chief is deserted by the Doom Patrol after his new relationship with Madame Rouge causes him to neglect his duties as their leader. He then must fight alone against the Black Vulture, an old foe who has become a costumed criminal with a bird motif. The Doom Patrol returns in time to help battle the Vulture and his trained birds, but they in turn must be rescued by the arrival of the Chief's Indian friend, White Feather, and his warriors, who also have an old score to settle with the Black Vulture.

The back-up story is "The Man of 100 Wigs" by Jack Miller and John Prentice, a reprint from Tales of the Unknown #3.

Edited by Murray Boltinoff.

Batman #199

Batman #199 (On Sale: December 5, 1967) has a nifty Carmine Infantino and Murphy Anderson cover adorning what was the first issue of Batman that I purchased 40 years ago. The cover is a cool idea and puts into the reader's mind that Batman is a best seller and scarce and you better get your copy while you can. Great marketing idea by Schwartz.

"Peril of the Poison Rings" is by Gardner Fox, Sheldon Moldoff and Joe Giella. The batman and Robin stop a robbery at the Norwood Estate, but while most of the gang are sent to prison, gang-leader Rembrandt Dickens escapes capture, Dickens then begins a career as a comic artist, writing true crime tales involving jobs that he planned.

When his gang is eventually released from prison, Dickens gives them poison rings. When they encounter Batman and Robin again, the Caped Crusader is scratched by one of the rings. Batman is then forced to track down the latest Batman comic book which contains a clue to Dickens's identity and location.

Next is "Seven Steps to Save Face" also by Gardner Fox, Sheldon Moldoff and Joe Giella. When Batman and Robin stop a robbery in progress, the crooks capture Robin and substitute a midget in his place. Batman then sees the midget in a Robin costume knocked out, so he lets the crooks go to save his partner. He brings the impostor back to the Batcave before realizing his mistake. The midget then learns his secret identity and uses a belt radio to pass the information to his gang.

Finally there is also a solo Robin story this issue, "Operation 'Escape," drawn by Jim Mooney and reprinted from Star Spangled Comics #124.

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Strange Adventures #208

Strange Adventures #208 (On Sale: November 30, 1967) features just another wonderful Neal Adams Deadman cover. Oh how I loved the Eagle's costume and thought for sure that he was Boston's killer.

"How Many Times Can a Guy Die?" is plotted by Carmine Infantino, scripted by Jack Miller and drawn by Neal Adams. Sometime before his murder, Boston Brand had a brief association with an arrogant trapeze artist/acrobat called Eagle, who had initially been hired by Lorna Hill to help hype their show in St. Louis. But the rehearsals led to Eagle's attempted murder of Brand, a terrible fight between the two aerialists, and Eagle being kicked off the show by Brand. Eagle swore to get revenge on Brand. Now, Deadman thinks that Eagle could be his killer.

Much to his chagrin, Deadman discovers that Lorna has hired Eagle as the circus's new aerialist. When Eagle puts the moves on Lorna, Deadman inhabits Tiny's body and knocks Eagle down. A remark Eagle then makes about Brand being dead, just as he had warned him, leads Deadman to believe that Eagle is truly his killer. This story was reprinted in Deadman #2.

The back-up story is "Gorillas in Space" by Bill Finger, Carmine Infantino and Bernard Sachs and is a reprint from Strange Adventures #64.

Edited by Jack Miller.

Detective Comics #371

Detective Comics #371 (On Sale: November 30, 1967) has a cool Carmine Infantino and Murphy Anderson cover that I remember so very well as this was the first issue of Detective that I ever purchased, lo those 40 years ago.

"Batgirl's Costume Cut-Ups" is by Gardner Fox, Gil Kane and Sid Greene. Batgirl is upset with herself when her own feminine vanity delays her in a fight with the Sports Spoiler Gang. Batman and Robin are able to catch part of the gang thanks to Batgirl's efforts, but she feels embarrassed. Batgirl seeks to redeem herself against the gang, but when she makes a girly shriek, Batman and Robin are distracted during another fight.

Batgirl tries to find a way to suppress her femininity during crime fighting. Then she realizes that it can also be used to her advantage. During her next fight with the gang, Batgirl rips her tights. The crooks are so distracted by her beautiful legs, that they are easily defeated by Batman. Reprinted in Showcase Presents:Batgirl Vol. 1 TPB.

The back-up Elongated Man story, "The Bellringer and the Baffling Bongs," is by Gardner Fox, Mike Sekowsky and Sid Greene. While visiting a California mission, Ralph Dibny is puzzled by a bell that rings without a rope attached. When he investigates, Ralph finds an injured man stumbling away from the mission. Sue drives the man to the hospital while the Elongated Man continues to look around.

Ralph discovers a gang of bank robbers retrieving some hidden loot from the mission. The gang attempts to tie Ralph in knots, but the Elongated Man prevails. However, he is unable to solve the case of the ringing bell.

When Ralph meets up with Sue again, she has an explanation. Reprinted in Showcase Presents the Elongated Man Vol. 1 TPB.

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Adventure Comics #364

Adventure Comics #364 (On Sale: November 30, 1967) shows you how far some title need to progress to leave the past behind. Curt Swan and George Klein do the honors here.

"The Revolt of the Super-Pets" is by Jim Shooter and Pete Costanza. The animal members of the Legion of Super-Pets are playing in space when they detect remote-controlled crime machines headed for Earth. The Pets destroy the machines and fly to the Legion Clubhouse to warn the Super-Heroes, only to have the Legionnaires chastise them because they failed to trace the weapons to their point of origin. Leaving the Super-Pets and Saturn Girl to guard the Clubhouse, the heroes attempt to trace the machine's trail themselves. Upset over this treatment, the Pets depart after Saturn Girl gives them a telepathic charge so that they can communicate with each other.

The Super-Pets soon meet Rikkor Rost of the planet Thanl, who informs them that his world worships them, and hopes that they will accept his offer of a permanent home there. They accept, and he teleports them to Thanl.

Meanwhile, the Super-Heroes return to the Clubhouse to inform Saturn Girl that their attempt to trace the machines proved fruitless, and that they want to apologize to the Super-Pets. She leads them to Thanl, where the heroes note the many statues honoring the Pets. They find that the animals are now reluctant to leave, and when Chameleon Boy rashly grabs Proty, demanding his obedience, the Pets fight back, and send the defeated Legionnaires back to Earth.
Rikkor Rost suggests that the heroes may further plot against them, and so Super-Horse, now human because a comet is passing Earth, and a disguised Proty join the Legion as two new members, Biron the Bowman and Blockade Boy. The two are assigned the task of discovering the origin of the crime machines, and after the other depart, they use the Legion's computer to trace the weaponry to the planet Thanl. Reprinted in Legion of Super-Heroes Archives Vol. 7 HC.

Edited by Mort Weisinger.

Action Comics #358

Action Comics #358 (On Sale: November 30, 1967) is like a line of demarcation in the history of Superman covers. Neal Adams' dramatic staging of a grieving and distraught Superman is just a stunner. If you ever needed an indication that this was not your father's Superman, this cover was it.

Inside is a different story though as "Superman... Guilty of Homicide" by Leo Dorfman, Curt Swan and George Klein is only a marginal departure from the standard Superman fare. Members of the International Crime Exchange develop a plan to frame Superman for murder. Dr. Frost has created a method to temporarily resuscitate the dead. He uses the procedure on Bullets Stacey, a dead crook, now given about ten hours of new life. Before Stacey can meet Superman in a boxing match, his revived heart gives out, and he dies.

Ron Noble the chairman of the Crime Exchange volunteers to take Stacey's place. During an exhibition boxing match, Noble swallows a poison pill which kills him after a Superman punch. The hidden poison makes it look like Superman lost control of his powers and hit his opponent too hard.

Frost then complicates Superman's defense by posing as the coroner and further demonstrating Superman's lack of control. Superman is then taken into custody and will be tried for murder.

The back-up Supergirl story is "Superboy in Argo City" by Cary Bates and Jim Mooney. While retrieving a space jewel for his mother, Superboy is captured by a space-probe. He is taken back to Argo City which is currently floating in a red sun solar system. Superboy was hit in the head and has amnesia. He is taken in by Zor-El, though neither one knows that they are related. Superboy befriends Zor-El's young daughter Kara and gives her the space jewel that he intended to give to Martha Kent.

Zor-El eventually completes his project to build engines which can transport Argo City to another solar system. The city soon enters a new system inhabited by hostile alien life forms. The Kryptonians agree to leave the system, but the aliens demand that someone remain behind. Superboy volunteers.

The aliens then erase the memory of Superboy from the minds of the people in Argo City. Zor-El then pilots the city to a different solar system. Superboy regains his powers and is able to escape from the aliens, but he has no memory of his time in Argo City. Reprinted in Four Star Spectacular #3.

Edited by Mort Weisinger.

Showcase #72

Showcase #72 (On Sale: November 28, 1967) features a nice Russ Heath cover of Johnny Thunder in an issue branded Top Gun.

The issue begins with a Trigger Twins story "Sheriff on a Spot," reprinted from All-Star Western #101 by Robert Kanigher, Gil Kane and Joe Giella. That is followed by an Epics of the Texas Rangers story "Panhandle Terror," reprinted from All_American Western #125 written and drawn by Joe Kubert. Rounding out this all-reprint issue is Johnny Thunder in "Unseen Allies," from All-American Western #104 by Robert Kanigher and Alex Toth.

Edited by Robert Kanigher.

Metamorpho #16

Metamorpho #16 (On Sale: November 28, 1967) features a cover by Sal Trapani.

"Jezeba, Queen of Fury" is by Bob Haney and Sal Trapani. When Sapphire unexpectedly marries Wally Bannister, Metamorpho seeks a return to his old life as Rex Mason. He is approached by a mysterious figure known as Mr. Shadow and recruited to find the legendary land of Ma-Phoor. He embarks on the quest and soon finds the city south of Ethiopia.

Upon his arrival, Metamorpho soon realizes that Mr. Shadow is actually an agent of Ma-Phoor and has intentionally brought Metamorpho to the city. Metamorpho then meets Jezeba, the Queen of Ma-Phoor. She tells him about her history and of her former lover Algon, who is a doppleganger for Metamorpho.

Jezeba believes that Metamorpho is Algon and wishes to marry him. With Sapphire lost to him, Metamorpho agrees until he learns that Jezeba plans to invade the outside world. This story has been reprinted in Showcase Presents:Metamorpho Vol. 1 TPB.

Edited by George Kashdan.

Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #108

Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #108 (On Sale: November 23, 1967) features a cover by Curt Swan and George Klein.

"The Midas of Metropolis" is by Leo Dorfman, Curt Swan and Jack Abel. Jimmy inherits a million dollars from Ron Hilton, a spendthrift playboy, on the condition that he can spend another million within 24 hours. Superman is assigned to bring Jimmy the money whenever he makes purchases which are restricted to items $50,000 or less. Jimmy is also not allowed to buy more than one of any item.

Jimmy begins his day as a spendthrift. He is making good progress, but some of his purchases actually make him a profit which he must also spend in the allotted period. After several close calls, Jimmy is down to his last dime.

The back-up story is "Jimmy Olsen, the Boy Swordsman" reprinted from Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #41 and produced by Otto Binder, Curt Swan and John Forte. Jimmy Olsen accidentally performs feats of great swordsmanship. He is recruited by a man from Valdania, where swordsmanship is highly regarded, to participate in an exhibition.

Jimmy does well at the exhibition and even vanquishes three outlaw swordsmen. The King rewards Jimmy with treasure. Once outside of Valdania, the Prime Minister reveals that it was a hoax. He used Jimmy to rob the treasury.

Edited by Mort Weisinger.

Inferior Five #6

Inferior Five #6 (On Sale: November 23, 1967) features an odd Mike Sekowsky and Mile Esposito cover. Odd because how often do you see Superman and Superboy on the same cover?

"How to Make a Bomb""How to Make a Bomb"is by E. Nelson Bridwell, Mike Sekowsky and Mike Esposito. In the offices of National Periodicals, the big boss known as I.D. seeks out Jack Miller the editor of the Inferior Five. I.D. informs Miller that the latest issue of the Inferior Five is due, so Miller corners E. Nelson Bridwell to get him to write the script. Miller and Bridwell then walk through the National office meeting other staffers in an attempt to get them to finish the issue.

When they return to Miller's office, a bald villain attacks them. The villain is removed to be used in a better feature. Bridwell finishes his script, while Miller is dragged away to a padded cell. The Inferior Five then falls asleep in Miller's office having missed out on taking part in any sort of adventure.

Besides Jack Miller, Irwin Donnenfeld, and E. Nelson Bridwell, the story also features appearances by Barbara Friedlander, Robert Kanigher, Julius Schwartz, Mort Weisinger, George Kashdan, Murray Boltinoff, Mike Sekowsky, Carmine Infantino, Mike Esposito, Jack Schiff, Jack Adler, Sol Harrison, Gil Kane, and Joe Letterese.

Edited by Jack Miller.

Green Lantern #58

Green Lantern #58 (On Sale: November 23, 1967) features a nice Gil Kane cover with some interesting inks by Sid Greene.

"Peril of the Powerless Green Lantern" is by Gardner Fox, Gil Kane and Sid Greene. While rescuing some trapped people from a burning building, Green Lantern is caught in an explosion. His power ring protects him from serious injury, but it is damaged in the blast. The ring begins to cause Hal to absorb the emotions of the people around him. He acts like a criminal around crooks; he is terrified when a mob panic; and he is unusually jovial when a crowd cheers him.

The Guardians witness Hal's behavior. They don't know about the power ring's malfunction, so they believe he needs a vacation. They take away his ring and order Hal to relax. However, trouble soon finds Hal in the form of an angry bear. Without his ring, Hal is forced to take on the bear with only his hands and wits to save Eve Doremus and her kid brother.

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Girls' Romances #130

Girls' Romances #130 (On Sale: November 23, 1967) features a cover penciled by Tony Abruzzo.

We begin with "I Didn't Want His Love" pencilled by Jay Scott Pike which is followed by "Three Steps to Heartbreak," a reprint from Girls' Romances #68 and pencilled by Arthur Peddy. We end with the cover story, "The Girl He Really Loved," penciled by Tony Abruzzo.

Edited by Barbara Friedlander.

Spectre #2

Spectre #2 (On Sale: November 21, 1967) has somewhat effective cover by Neal Adams.

"Die, Spectre -- Again" is by Gardner Fox and new series artist Neal Adams. This is Neal's second super-hero series at DC and one that I thought he was ineffective with. The supernatural aspect of the Spectre just seemed in conflict with Neal's style. It's like with the Phantom Stranger; Neal did wonderful, evocative covers for the book, but in the one story he illustrated I think the art fell flat.

Jim Corrigan is puzzled by a series of impossible crimes. The Spectre realizes that the crimes are being committed by an ethereal being. When he confronts the spectral criminal, he finds that his powers are not enough to defeat his foe.

The Spectre links the thief to magician Dirk Rawley, but Corrigan saw Rawley at the same time the robbery occurred. The Spectre theorizes that if Corrigan can hit Rawley's physical self at the same moment as he hits the ethereal Rawley, then the villain will be defeated.

When Corrigan and the Spectre attempt to execute their plan, the physical Rawley avoids Corrigan's blow, which allows his ethereal self to imprison the Spectre inside a gem. The Spectre manages to escape, but Corrigan is suspended for the unprovoked attack on the magician. Reprinted in Adventure Comics #495.

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

Plastic Man #8

Plastic Man #8 (On Sale: November 21, 1967) has a cool cover by Carmine Infantino and Mike Esposito.

"The Unforgettable Wot's-Iz-Name" is by Arnold Drake and Jakc Sparling (See, I tild ya' he would be doing Plastic Man soon!). Plastic Man is crushed when a row of bleachers collapses on top of him. Physically he emerges unharmed, but a blow to the head gives him amnesia. It also causes him to mimic the behavior of the people around him. When he meets up with Waisel the Weasel, the crook is able to convince him that the police are actually crooks. He then leads Plastic Man on a string of robberies.

Edited by Murray Boltinoff.

Bomba the Jungle Boy #3

Bomba the Jungle Boy #3 (On Sale: November 21, 1967) has a fairly creepy cover by new Bomba artist Jack Sparling.

Inside we have "My Enemy... the Jungle" written by George Kashdan and drawn by Jack Sparling. Sparling had done a string of Eclipso stories in House of Secrets and some sci-fi stuff in Strange Adventures and would soon be moving on to Plastic Man and Green Lantern. This story was reprinted in Tarzan #231.

Edited by George Kashdan.

Teen Titans #13

Teen Titans #13 (On Sale: November 16, 1967) features another wonderful Nick Cardy cover. This was the first issue of the Teen Titans that I bought.

"The TT's Swingin' Christmas Carol" is by Bob Haney and Nick Cardy. The Teen Titans find themselves reliving the events of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol when Tiny Tom Ratchet involves them in the secret dealings of junkyard owner Ebenezer Scrounge and Mr. Big, a smuggler with a strange device that recycles junk into "new" goods. With the Titans playing the roles of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, Scrounge repents and helps them bring in Mr. Big and his gang. This story has been reprinted in Limited Collectors' Edition C-34, Best of DC #22, Christmas with the Super-Heroes #1 and Showcase Presents:Teen Titans Vol. 1 TPB

Edited by George Kashdan.

Superboy #144

Superboy #144 (On Sale: November 16, 1967) features nice cover by Curt Swan and George Klein. I know for a fact that this is the first issue of Superboy I ever bought; my golden age was just beginning.

"Superboy's Lost Identity" was by Otto Binder, George Papp and Frank Springer. When Superboy prepares to stop the Mechanical Mob from stealing an armored car he discovers that his own uniform has been replaced by one with an unknown design. After apprehending the crooks, he heads for home in his Clark Kent clothes, but is sidetracked by a compulsion that leads him to a different house. Inside he finds that the Quentins believe he is their own son Kirk.

Superboy is unable to solve the puzzle, so he visits the Kent house and discovers another boy inside. The Kents claim this other boy is their own son, the real Superboy. Despite his best efforts the Boy of Steel cannot convince them of the truth or even that he has super powers.

Superboy then investigates the attic at the Kent house where he is attacked by Jor-El and Lara, who claim to have come from Krypton, which was never destroyed. He then follows Krypto on a trip through time in which his strange costume is shredded.

When Superboy returns to the present, the Quentins tell him the truth.

Edited by Mort Weisinger.

Secret Hearts #125

Secret Hearts #125 (On Sale: November 16, 1967) features a cover penciled by Jay Scott Pike and maybe inked by the dreaded Vinnie Colletta who rears his ugly head for the first time on our blog. Colletta has stopped working for DC in 1959 but beginning with this issue makes his less than triumphant return. Ugh!

We begin with "I'll Get Even with You" by persons unknown and "A Long Way from Love" penciled by Vinnie Colletta. This issue concludes with "Reach for Happiness -- Episode 16" which is penciled by Jay Scott Pike.

Edited by Jack Miller.

House of Mystery #172

House of Mystery #172 (On Sale: November 16, 1967) features interesting, though not well-colored cover by Frank Springer featuring Dial H for H.E.R.O.

We begin with Martian Manhunter in "Manhunter's Stolen Identity" by Jack Miller and Joe Certa. The Martian Manhunter follows Ivor Sandez, Mr. V's top lieutenant, hoping the trail will lead back to his boss. When he reaches one of Vulture's mountain hide-outs, J'onn assumes the form of Sandez. However, a nearby martian meteor causes Sandez to assume J'onn's form and powers.

In the Martian Manhunter's body, Sandez tries to make himself the head of Vulture. In Sandez's body, J'onn is pursued by Vulture agents who believe that he led the Martian Manhunter to their hide-out. J'onn hopes to delay Sandez long enough for the meteor to burn out which will restore him to normal.

Our back-up is the cover-story "The Monsters from the H-Dial" by Dave Wood and Frank Springer. When Robby uses the H-Dial to become a super-hero and battle a tornado, his friend Jim is transformed into a menacing fireball. Robby fails to make the connection between Jim and the fireball. Later when Robby becomes Chief Mighty Arrow to handle an earthquake, Jim becomes another weird monster.

Following his strange transformations, Jim is placed in the hospital with no knowledge of his predicament. Robby uses the H-Dial again, and Jim becomes yet another menace. This time Robby sees the change. After rescuing a freighter, Robby is attacked by Jim in monster form. Reversing the H-Dial, Robby returns both himself and Jim to normal.

Edited by George Kashdan.

Quick-Draw Okatsu

I've been waiting for years to see this flick, ever since I saw a production still in Alain Silver's The Samurai Film. Oh how happy I am that Synapse has finally released it in all its gruesome glory. It's part of their Legends of the Poinsonous Seductress series. This film, and it's sequel, Okatsu the Fugitive, were directed by Japanese horror legend Nobuo Nakagawa. The old boy proves he can dish out cruelty-laden exploitation fare as well if not better than his Toei contemporaries. I'll be writing more about this film in my upcoming book, Stray Dogs & Lone Wolves 2: Deeper Into Samurai Film. For now, all I can say is check it out!

Batman #198

Batman #198 (On Sale: November 14, 1967), AKA 80pg. Giant #G-43 features a cover by Carmine Infantino and Murphy Anderson spotlighting an All-Villain Issue.

We begin with "The Origin of the Batman" from Batman #47 by Bill Finger, Bob Kane and Charles Paris. Batman and Robin discover that a trucking company is smuggling wanted criminals out of state. When Batman sees a picture of the trucking company's owner, Joe Chill, he immediately recognizes the man as the killer of his parents (this was the first time the killer's name was revealed. Batman works the case alone, trying to trap Chill and get evidence against him. Chill eludes Batman's traps and continues to operate his company.

Finally Batman takes a daring risk and reveals his identity to Chill, explaining that Chill was responsible for creating him. Batman threatens to follow and harass Chill until the crook eventually slips up. Frightened, Chill runs to his gang. He tells them that he was responsible for creating Batman. Before he can tell them who the Batman really is, they gun him done for creating their nemesis. Batman is then able to finally close the case of the Wayne murder.

Next is "The Jungle Cat-Queen" from Detective #211 by Ed Hamilton, Dick Sprang and Charles Paris. After a jewel heist, Catwoman pilots her plane to a remote island where she meets her accomplices. Batman follows her to the island and is quickly captured. Catwoman allows Batman to escape, even though her partners try to kill him. Once free Batman rounds up the gang, but the Catwoman herself escapes.

This is followed by "The Web of the Spinner" from Batman #129, by Bill Finger, Sheldon Moldoff and Charles Paris. While Batman and Robin track down a new costumed foe, the Spinner, Batwoman is investigating a swami who she believes is a phony. All the heroes finally follow their leads to an old windmill which the Spinner is using as a hideout. Although they are able to overcome the Spinner, Batman suspects more is going on. They exit the windmill just before it explodes. The swami is the real Spinner, and he setup another crook to take the fall. Batman then finds evidence in the swami’s possession and arrests him.

Next we have (Oswald Who?) reprinted from the Batman Sunday strip 2/10/1946-3/10/1946 by Alvin Schwartz, Jack Burnley and Charles Paris. This was later reprinted in Batman:The Sunday Classics, 1943-1946 TPB.

"The Crimes of Batman" from World's Finest #61 by David Reed, Lew Sayer Schwartz and Charles Paris follows.

This is followed by "The Menace of False Face" from Batman #113 drawn by Sheldon Moldoff and Charles Paris. A new criminal and master of disguise, False Face, commits robberies around Gotham by disguising himself. Batman realizes that the real people which False Face replaces are delayed from their normal activities in advance. When someone is delayed, Batman arrives in their place and is able to locate False Face, but the crook escapes. During another encounter, Batman is apparently knocked out, but he is really able to capture False Face and his gang.

Lastly we have "The Bandit of the Bells" from Batman #55 drawn by Bob Kane and Charles Paris.

Edited by E. Nelson Bridwell.