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Post by JKCarrier on Feb 7, 2016 20:14:27 GMT -5
Thanks to the various clones and the science of Arnim Zola, it's possible Hitler was killed by Torch and survived. Somebody had to become the Hate Monger! IIRC, they actually cover this in an issue of Super-Villain Team-Up. Arnim Zola had prepared things ahead of time so that, when the Human Torch killed Hitler, Der Fuhrer's consciousness was automatically transferred to a clone, which went on to become the Hate-Monger. The Human Torch killing Hitler was first shown in Young Men #24 in 1953. You can see a panel from it here (you'll have to scroll down a bit): outofthequicksand.blogspot.com/2012/02/golden-age-of-marvel-comics-vol-1.htmlNotice that Roy even duplicated the dialogue for the What If? sequence: "Tell them I committed suicide!" "Lying with his dying breath!" |
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Post by coke & comics on Feb 7, 2016 20:23:33 GMT -5
Thanks to the various clones and the science of Arnim Zola, it's possible Hitler was killed by Torch and survived. Somebody had to become the Hate Monger! IIRC, they actually cover this in an issue of Super-Villain Team-Up. Arnim Zola had prepared things ahead of time so that, when the Human Torch killed Hitler, Der Fuhrer's consciousness was automatically transferred to a clone, which went on to become the Hate-Monger. The Human Torch killing Hitler was first shown in Young Men #24 in 1953. You can see a panel from it here (you'll have to scroll down a bit): outofthequicksand.blogspot.com/2012/02/golden-age-of-marvel-comics-vol-1.htmlNotice that Roy even duplicated the dialogue for the What If? sequence: "Tell them I committed suicide!" "Lying with his dying breath!" Thanks. I have not read that issue of Young Men. (Or much of the series. I have a reprint of #25, and have read the odd story that's been reprinted here or there.) I pulled out Super-Villain Team-Up #17 to remind myself. I knew I got that idea in my head from somewhere.  |
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Post by Roquefort Raider on Feb 8, 2016 6:23:20 GMT -5
That's the only Super-villain team-up issue I own, and I recall appreciating the good continuity work done on the Hitler case... including seeing that bucket-headed android from an issue of Captain America, next to the Hate-Monger!
I miss the days when "continuity" wasn't yet a bad word for having been so abused. It made Marvel comics feel like a real universe, with a coherent history we would discover little by little.
And you people really make me want to hunt down What if..? #4, now!!!
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Post by coke & comics on Feb 8, 2016 14:44:03 GMT -5
That's the only Super-villain team-up issue I own, and I recall appreciating the good continuity work done on the Hitler case... including seeing that bucket-headed android from an issue of Captain America, next to the Hate-Monger! I miss the days when "continuity" wasn't yet a bad word for having been so abused. It made Marvel comics feel like a real universe, with a coherent history we would discover little by little. And you people really make me want to hunt down What if..? #4, now!!! Also, details like you point out indicate the creative team doing their homework, but not rubbing your face in it. The issue doesn't make you feel like you should have read a billion other issues. But if you have read some relevant issues, you feel like the writer has too. |
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Post by coke & comics on Feb 8, 2016 14:45:10 GMT -5
That's the only Super-villain team-up issue I own... I would be remiss in not recommending Super-Villain Team-Up #14, in which Dr. Doom conquers the world and only Magneto is left to challenge him. |
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Post by wildfire2099 on Feb 8, 2016 15:10:52 GMT -5
All of Super-villain team up is pretty good... I just posted about it somewhere else (I think in the 'what have you read lately thread)... and also comes in a nice trade  . |
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Post by sabongero on Feb 15, 2016 17:02:01 GMT -5
What If…? #5: Captain America and Bucky had Both Survived World War II?50 Cents @ October 1977 (Cover Page and 33 net pages) Writer: Don Glut Artist: George Tuska Inker: Russ Jones Colorist: G. Roussos Letterers: Lay and Greenwood Editor & Co-Plotter: Roy Thomas Watcher Quote: “A question perhaps which I can answer – for in those violent days your people call Worl War II, I was present! I am the Watcher – who both observed and recorded the exploits of that era’s mightiest fighting team …! For, on this day, a non-costumed Captain America and Bucky were attempting to stop an experimental drone plane. One of America’s newest weapons – launched by the Nazi Baron Zemo. Yet, not until the valiant Captain America fell short of the craft, did he come to realize the truth… Would that the awesome power at my disposal had prevented the explosion. But, I am sworn not to intervene in such matters. Thus I could but watch, as a brave young ally perished, while Baron Zemo the murderer who had gimmicked the drone to explode escaped unpunished for his ignominious deed! But Captain America did not perish! … Thus it happened that Captain America, living legend of World War II, awakened in another time to join that elite group of super-powered mortals, the Mighty Avengers.” “Such were the events on your world! Yet, I the Watcher may peer into other frames of reality, and to the near final day of another second World War being waged on a quite similar parallel world! But on this Earth, the vehicle upon which these heroes ride move a mere second or two faster…” Synopsis: The story begins during the final days of the war in Germany where the familiar scene of Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes are trying to prevent a drone fighter plane from arriving and destroying its intended target at the Allies. This time around, Steve Rogers was able to disable the plane and he and Bucky ride the plane as it crashed into the ocean. Both men survived this ordeal. Baron Zemo escaped and flew to the Red Skull’s HQ. The Red Skull let’s Baron Zemo that he failed his mission. As Zemo explained his failure, the Red Skull reached for a hidden gun and shot Zemo in the abdominal region, and pulled something from the wall and it opened a hidden passageway in the floor, and the fallen Zemo fell below. But the Red Skull revealed it wasn’t a gun, but was an experimental weapon that will place Zemo in suspended animation for 20 to 30 years. The Red Skull, followed by his Nazi bodyguards, made his way to escape in a plane propelled by the jet powered V-2 rocket. He lets his bodyguards know there is only one seat and that they will remain behind to kill more allied soldiers as they make their way to their fortress. He flies away laughing. The bodyguards shoot at him regarding him as a traitor, but it is too late, the Red Skull is out of their range. And then that scene was followed by more pages regarding Captain America and Bucky’s further exploits in World War II. And then it is followed by their exploits in the early days of the Cold War fighting communist spies. They heard late-breaking news from a newsstand that Nick Fury has died in the battlefields of the Korean War. And the 1950’s make way for the 1950’s where Bucky has retired his costume and went into semi-retirement. It was around this time that Captain America was invited by the President to the White House regarding a special offer. The President (I am guessing LBJ at the time) knew Captain America was Steve Rogers, and revealed that there is a new threat to the United States. HYDRA. It is a fanatical terrorist organization bent on taking over and ruling the world. The President is putting together a new organization to combat the new global terrorist threat, and offered the leadership of that organization to Steve Rogers as The Director The Supreme Headquarters International Espionage Law-Enforcement Division. S.H.I.E.I.L.D. for short. He turned down the offer. The President’s second choice was Nick Fury, who is now deceased. Steve Rogers gave high praise to Bucky Barnes and recommended Bucky to the President. And it was at this time, S.H.I.E.L.D. was led by a more younger leader, Buck Barnes (apparently his name hasn’t been retconned yet to James Buchanan Barnes). The story moved forward to a S.H.I.E.I.L.D. led BY Bucky Barnes battling HYDRA. He was about to unmask the leader, The Supreme Hydra, until the evil leader escaped his clutches. After the battle, Barnes revealed to his S.H.I.E.I.L.D. second-in-command, Jimmy Dum Dum Dugan that his hand to hand combat with the Supreme Hydra reminded him of a time back in World War II, and that the fighting style reminded him of Germany with Captain America. As Duggan and Barnes walk away, they talked about why Barnes never assumed the Captain America mantle, or why Steve Rogers never offered it to him. The story then skipped several years, and Barnes and Captain America were walking and all of a sudden out of nowhere, the Hulk was rampaging, and caught them by surprise. Steve Rogers received a knockout punch from the Hulk and was knocked out. Barnes grabbed Cap’s shield for protection from the rampaging monster. He spotted Rick Jones. Falling building debris was about to crush Rick Jones, until Buck Barnes saved him utilizing Captain America’s shield. The story moved forward to a bedridden Rick Jones with Steve Rogers at his side. A masked Captain America suddenly appeared in the room with Steve Rogers. Steve Rogers was surprised when Captain America unmasked. It was Buck Barnes. They argue that Steve is no longer in his prime and that the super soldier serum is wearing off, and that Buck should assume the Captain America mantle even though he is not enhanced by the super soldier serum. Barnes convinced Rogers to give up the superhero gig to him, and at the same time assume leadership of S.H.I.E.L.D. Meanwhile, a newly awakened Rick Jones overheard their conversation and he suggested becoming the new Captain America sidekick. And thus, the role reversal has been assumed by both parties. Buck Barnes as the new Captain America, and Steve Rogers are the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. On a raid against a HYDRA stronghold, S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Steve Rogers calls up some back up for his team. The backup was Captain America. In this world, Captain America still had the same love interest in S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent 13, Sharon Carter. They all broke into the HYDRA base and quickly took down some HYDRA agents. They took their uniform and went the rest of the way disguised as HYDRA agents. They made it to the Supreme Hydra’s location who was about to address the HYDRA agents about the new HYDRA weapon. But one of the HYDRA agents noticed something wrong with a disguised Sharon Carter, citing that the HYDRA uniform hugged her differently as if a woman is in the uniform, and that there are no women allowed in this part of the HYDRA base. The heroes and agents disrobe the HYDRA uniforms and assume their guise. A battle ensues. Steve Rogers tries to knockout the new HYDRA weapon and as he touched the weapon a gleaming light blinds the heroes and in the next scene they are strapped to bed-like equipment and are prisoners of the Superme Hydra. As a rambling mad Supreme Hydra gloats, a shackled Steve Rogers recognizes the speech pattern and mannerisms. He lets the Supreme Hydra know who is underneath that mask, and it is revealed as Baron Zemo. A crazed Zemo went on that he built Hydra so he can get his revenge on Captain America, whose face is etched in his mind. He unmasked a knocked out Captain America, and doesn’t recognize Barnes face. Steve Rogers inferred that Zemo must have become insane, as he doesn’t even recognize his face as Captain America. Nonetheless, Zemo pulls a gun to shoot at Barnes. Steve broke free from his shackles and went after Zemo and punched him. The heroes are back and a melee ensues as HYDRA agents enter the room. Zemo made his way to activate a missile. Steve’s actions of hurling the Captain America shield at Zemo shattered the missile and opened up the side of the volcano to have boiling water enter the room, where Zemo is overran by the boiling water. Only Steve’s quick thinking of using the shield as a surfboard saves him. The battle ensued and the remaining SHIELD agents wrap things up. Unfortunately, in the adjoining room sealed from the volcano’s molten lava, as they were wrapping things up, a mortally wounded Buck Barnes as Captain America lays in a table. He tells Steve that he wasn’t fast enough as Steve, and he succumbed to the wounds citing there is only one Captain America, and that is Steve Rogers. Sharon Carter is in tears as she was hoping this would be Barnes last mission and that they would get married and leave this whole gig. And fast forward to the future, and Steve Rogers is in the S.H.I.E.L.D. museum staring at Captain America’s uniform and shield behind a glass casing. He is left in his thoughts wishing Nick Fury was still alive as he was better at this sort of thing as S.H.I.E.L.D. Director and just curse and chomp on his cigar and show no emotion, which he has trouble doing. He stepped out thinking good thoughts about Buck Barnes as being a selfless individual. Suddenly Rick Jones dressed up as Bucky showed up in the museum. He stared a long time at Captain America’s uniform, and then went to talk to Steve Rogers. And that’s how it ended. Comment: I am more familiar with the new millennium story of James Buchanan Barnes assuming the role of Captain America back in 2008, after the “Death of Captain America” storyline by Ed Brubaker. Those were some of the best storytelling in the Sequential Art form that I have ever read. And the story enhanced by a realistic illustration by Steve Epting was icing on the cake. But now getting back to this What If story. It’s great to see that there was a succession in the Captain America legacy. And all it took was getting to the plane a few seconds earlier, and in this world, that was what prevented the tragedy of Bucky and Captain America in the closing days of World War Two. We saw short glimpses of Buck Barnes and Steve Rogers as director of S.H.I.E.L.D. It is still the same, going after terrorist organizations that threaten the United States. We get a Steve Rogers who is a professional leader, but does not have the swag of Nick Fury. We have a more humane leader in Steve Rogers, even though it is only a glimpse. |
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Post by sabongero on Feb 16, 2016 20:59:07 GMT -5
 What If…? #6: The Fantastic Four had Different Super-Powers?
60 Cents @ Swcember 1977 (Cover Page and 33 net pages) Writer: Roy Thomas Pencilers: Jim Craig & Rick Hoberg Inker: Sam Granger Colorist: Phil Rache Letterer: Costanza Consulting Editor: A. Goodwin Watcher Quote: “It is a question only I can answer. For, I am The Watcher!” “Whatever their fate, the choice is theirs to make. My fate is merely to observe, not to influence the lives of such as they. I am and ever shall be The Watcher!” Synopsis: The story begins with the Fantastic Four taking on a lower tier of criminals. They easily defeated these “nickel and dime ham-and-eggers” villains. The superhero group thought it was easy taking care of these criminals thanks to their powers. And this lead Johnny Storm to ask, “What if we’d all have gotten different powers altogether?” We are then taken back to the origin story of the Fantastic Four where they flew in space and were bombarded with cosmic rays and ended up with their powers as they are in the 616 Universe. The Watcher then shifts to another alternative origin story to the Fantastic Four. They were still bombarded with cosmic rays. But upon crash landing on Earth each member had a different power. Ben Grimm grew enormous dragon-like wings. Johnny Storm became metallic somewhat of a robot man. And Sue Storm had Mr. Fantastic’s elasticity and stretching powers. And Reed Richards became a physical brain with no other body parts, but with a strong mental and telepathic power, even able to control people’s minds. The three superheroes were guided mentally by Reed Richards and took on a demon who was trying to steal a treasure. Upon defeating the demon, it vanished in a puff of smoke, but unknown to the heroes it was a lackey of Dr. Victor Von Doom, the ruler of Latveria. On a remote location viewing the action, Dr. Doom cursed as his plans was foiled by the three superheroes. He was intrigued by them. Utilizing science and sorcery he used arcane words to learn more about the three heroes. To his delightful surprise, he found out there was a fourth member, but had no face as the other three. He sees their exploits defeating the Sub-Mariner, the Mole Man, and a host of other villains. But he was intrigued about the fourth member, the Living Brain. Dr. Doom increased his concentration to find out more about the true nature of the Living Brain who apparently guides this group of three superheroes. And little by little the brain transformed to a man. A man whom Doom recognizes and loathes with utmost disdain. Reed Richards! Doctor Doom plots his revenge. Having the superpowers doesn’t exactly give them a really happy personal life. Reed Richards envies the other three for looking human and having a physical body, and at the same time losing the love of his life, Sue. Ben Grimm doesn’t like getting crowded and his wings touched by the public. Johnny Storm gets ridiculed about how he looks as a robot man. Sue is depressed that she lost Reed Richards and that the more time she spends with Ben, the more feelings she’s developing towards him. Reed goes on a depressing monologue how he still loves Sue and the only thing preventing him from going insane his that he is occupied with doing many schematics and diagrams in upgrading the defense and technology of the Baxter Building headquarters. Just then, he noticed an intruder alert with the warning lights flashing all over the building. And Reed Richards, the Living Brain encounters Dr. Doom. They have a dialogue that Doom is a master roboticist and can create a body for him. But Richards quickly strikes it down, citing he is not interested and that the Baxter Building with all its intricate technology hooked up to him is his body. Then the manipulative Dr. Doom appeals to Reed Richard’s humanity and shows his friends living and enjoying the simple things of life in public, whereas Reed is doomed to confinement in the Baxter Building. And then Doom brings out his ace in the hole, and tells Reed Richards that for all his vast mental powers, it cannot replace the loss of Susan Storm. And Reed finally acquiesces to Doom’s manipulation and agreed to go with him back to Latveria to have Reed transplanted into a living robot. Reed would do anything to get Sue back. The Living Brain of Reed Richards is placed in a sealed canister and is being moved by Doom to his ship, when a sudden appearance by Johnny Storm tried to prevent the abduction. Reed tried to explain to Johnny that it wasn’t but a hotheaded Johnny Storm attacked Doom. A one-sided battle ensued and Doom easily overpowered Johnny Storm. And Doom gloats over a fallen Johnny Storm and revealed to Reed Richards who he is and what Reed Richard’s failure to help him in the past has done to him. He can now claim his revenge. The three heroes use the Pogo Plane to reach Latveria and save Reed Richards. A thought crossed Ben Grimm’s mind second guessing Sue Storm’s genuine feelings for him. Dr. Doom revealed his plan to a helpless and trapped Living Brain that is Reed Richards. Doom plans to utilize Reed’s mental powers to power Dr. Doom’s time machine. In the middle of his gloating, an alarm sounded that there are intruders approaching the castle. The three entered Doom’s castle and go separately to cover more ground in order to find the captive Reed Richards. The elaborate defense mechanism within Doom’s fortress are proving to be very difficult for the three superheroes. As Doom sets the machinations to incorporate Reed Richards powers, Reed Richards still struggles against the electric shield casing his Living Brain is held captive. And finally, he penetrates the shielding and unleashes a mental attack on Doom. As the two battle with their mind, the three superheroes suddenly break in and attack Doom. Ben Grimm flies to a captive Richards and tries to free him from the glass canister. Doom overpowered the Storm siblings and turned his attention to Ben Grim whom he quickly disposes of. Johnny Storm got a second wind and went after Doom, and Doom easily tore off one of his robotic arms. And disposes of him as well. A revived Susan Storm engages Doom in combat. Doom is getting the best of her. And he is physically assaulting her. The brutality of the attack enrages a captive Reed Richards. And Reed Richards’ brain pulsated with rages and Reed attacks Doom with a mental blast. Doom tried to endure and stay in control but Richards told him he can increase his mental blast threefold in strength. Doom inches for the control panel and Reed tried to prevent him, and it was followed by an explosion. As Johnny, Sue, and Ben emerge from the debris, the body of Dr. Doom stands in front of them. As they prepare to attack, they were told by Dr. Doom, that it is he, Reed Richards who is in Doom’s body as he sent his mind to Doom’s body just before the explosion. And thus, the new Fantastic Four is born. Comment: Six issues in, and the comic book has increased in price by a dime from 50 cents to 60 cents. It is refreshing to read one and done stories in one comic book, unlike the decompressed days of today, as individual issues are stretched out in order to market as a grouped together trade paperback or hardcover edition for the bookstore market. The only drawback is that there isn’t a lot of allocated time for building characterization. Time passes by real quick and scenes would jump even years later in the span of a single issue. But those were the days and style of the comic book format. It is weird to have Dr. Doom as part of the Fantastic Four, albeit with Reed Richards’ brain. That was a nice added touch to see Dr. Doom in a Fantastic Four costume at the end. It didn’t look good on him. His villain colors suited him better, and his megalomaniacal dialogue and gloating was great. At times corny and cheesy, but it is great to revisit the old dialogue of the clichéd maniacal supervillain. |
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Post by coke & comics on Feb 17, 2016 0:55:53 GMT -5
What If…? #5: Captain America and Bucky had Both Survived World War II?I quite liked this issue. I appreciate the symmetry with issue 4, and think this did a better job fashioning a narrative out of the events, even one spanning such a long stretch of time. And I definitely liked the roles they found for all the characters and how they dealt with the idea of legacy. |
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Post by tingramretro on Feb 17, 2016 2:33:17 GMT -5
Yeah, the 50s Cap and Spirit of '76 are talked about in Thomas' Invaders book... and I think it's even mentioned in the INvaders revival a couple years ago. And in a lot of other places, besides, including a recent run of Captain America (and Fred Davis, the second Bucky, was killed off in Winter Soldier #5 in 2012) . It's always been accepted that this story was not a true What If? but a record of events in the main continuity. |
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Post by sabongero on Feb 18, 2016 17:43:45 GMT -5
Yeah, the 50s Cap and Spirit of '76 are talked about in Thomas' Invaders book... and I think it's even mentioned in the INvaders revival a couple years ago. And in a lot of other places, besides, including a recent run of Captain America (and Fred Davis, the second Bucky, was killed off in Winter Soldier #5 in 2012) . It's always been accepted that this story was not a true What If? but a record of events in the main continuity. Thanks for mentioning that. I'll have to pickup a copy of that issue to read, or better yet, get the TPB to read the entire storyline. |
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Post by sabongero on Feb 18, 2016 17:45:17 GMT -5
 What If…? #7: Someone Else Besides Spider-Man had Been Bitten by the Radioactive Spider?60 Cents @ February 1978 (Cover Page and 32 net pages) Writer: Don Glut Pencilers: Rick Hoberg Inker: Sam Granger Colorist: George Roussos Letters: Rick Parker Editor & Concept: Roy Thomas Watcher Quote: “I am the Watcher… one of a weariless race of beings, whose station it is to observe and record that which occurs within the cosmos. Perhaps you think it strange, that in a complex universe, comprised as it is of infinite parallel worlds, I now concern myself with this – a seemingly insignificant event now happening upon your Earth! Then watch with me and all shall soon be made known to you.” “What if… on one of the infinite number of parallel Earths in the universe… the order of events had been slightly altered?” “… and I have spoken of fate, that inevitable end toward which certain beings are inescapably drawn! Behold then – I have shown how apparently trivial incidents can alter the course of history … a fateful scene which occurs soon after each of these series of tragic events, a scene which in all three cases is identical… and involving Peter Parker. And so it happens that, upon each of these three Earths… by now it should be obvious that it requires more than just the bite of a radioactive spider. More than just powers and gimmicks. In truth, it requires a special breed of person possessed of certain qualities, qualities which make up the individual named Peter Parker. You see then, that it was destiny’s plan for Peter Parker to become the Amazing Spider-Man. And it is my task to observe this Spider-Man, on any of the worlds upon which he exists… thus must it ever be! For I am… The Watcher!” Synopsis: The Watcher narrates as we revisit the origin of Peter Parker turning into the Amazing Spider-Man. Then we get to the gist of the issue. This is basically three different stories with three different people getting bitten by the radioactive spider, instead of Peter Parker. The first story is Flash Thompson getting bitten by the spider. Peter Parker found the dead spider and kept it. A super-strengthened Flash Thompson was irresponsible and was more like a bully with powers and ended up killing Crusher Hogan. He escaped and the law was after him. He then had a Spider-Man costume and fought criminals and supervillains. But he wasn’t the scientific genius that Peter Parker is. And on a battle with the Vulture he battled the Vulture high in the sky, but he didn’t develop web-shooters, and Flash Thompson fell a long way down and perished. Peter Parker who was watching the aerial battle went to wear Spider-Man fell to his death and unmasked the superhero to reveal Flash Thompson. A teary eyed Peter Parker moved by the death of the hero, cited that Flash was in the big leagues and couldn’t just assail supervillains in a high school jock mentality, which lead to his early death. He grabs the Spider-Man mask and stares at it for a long time. The second story is about the radioactive spider bitten Betty Brant, who was working for the Daily Bugle. Just like in the Flash Thompson story, Peter Parker witnesses the radioactive spider biting prior to dying, and after biting the hand of Betty Brant, Peter recovered the dead radioactive spider. A concerned Peter Parker convinced J. Jonah Jameson to allow Betty to recuperate before going back to work. Peter takes Betty to a restaurant to eat. And her spider powers emerged when she banged on the table citing she wouldn’t work for J. Jonah Jameson if she didn’t need the money. And in that instant she broke the table in half. Peter ushers her out of the restaurant to prevent further attention. She further tested her strength at home, and Peter convinces her to be a superhero. Betty sews a Spider-Girl costume while scientific genius Peter Parker creates web fluid for her. She fought crime and Peter Parker takes photos to sell Spider-Girl pictures to the Daily Bugle which uses them for their newspaper stories. But basically she was fighting crime for publicity. Just then a thief running with a stolen bag of payroll passes them with a security guard in pursuit. Betty does not stop the criminal citing to Peter she didn’t have any web fluid left, and not being quick enough to decide to chase the criminal and stop him. Peter defends Spider-Girl to the guard saying that it was the guard’s job to stop the criminal. They leave the scene. And when they arrived at Peter’s home, a police officer by his home told Peter the bad news that his Uncle Ben was shot and killed by a burglar. Betty Brant changes into her Spider-Girl costume to go after the murderer. She cornered the murderer and captured him. Unfortunately, it was the same robber whom she failed to stop earlier. A little later on she cried to Peter saying that it was the man she failed to stop and it was her fault that Uncle Ben was killed. She gave up being a costumed hero and dumped the costume in a garbage can. Peter Parker walking Betty away looked back and stared at the red and blue Spider-Girl costume. The third story has Colonel John Jameson as the beneficiary of the radioactive spider bite. Peter Parker again recovered the dead spider and was curious if the spider was the recipient of a dosage of radioactivity. John Jameson discovered his super strength and agility in the gym. His father witnessed his superhuman feats and was convinced his son to give up his astronaut career and to fight crime as Spider Jameson, the super astronaut. He successfully fought crime and Spider-Man Jameson gets positive coverage from the Daily Bugle. Then a space capsule was plummeting down to earth out of control with an astronaut about to die once it crashes on Earth. J. Jonah Jameson told his son that he has to stop the capsule descent to prevent the astronaut’s death. Changing into his Spider-Man costume and rocket backpack, he went to pursue the descending space capsule. John’s rocket backpack ran out of fuel, and he along with the capsule crashed on Earth, but he took the brunt of the impact and therefore kept the capsule intact. J. Jonah James and Peter Parker arrived at the scene to find a deceased Spider-man Jameson underneath the space capsule. The fallen hero is honored in NYC’s Central Park with a memorial of a statue in his honor. After everyone has dispersed after the festivities, Peter Parker stands in front of the statue and just stares at the bronze statue of the fallen hero. Then the Watcher narrated that the ending to each story was with Peter Parker in his home laboratory, and analyzing the dead radioactive spider and trying to isolate the venom, and risking his health, he drinks the concocted serum. The next thing we see is Peter Parker sticking to walls and swinging in a Spider-Man costume. Thus, the Amazing Spider-Man is born. Comment: The thing I liked about this issue the most is the Watcher illustration by Rick Horberg with a well-rounded more musculature and plumped head of the eternal observer. His head has more horizontal volume than previous illustrators in the series that I could really feel his giant-sized stature. As to the story I had the feeling Flash Thompson would be portrayed as a jock, and tackle being a hero with a jock mentality of being haughty as if one is invulnerable despite lack of preparation. Betty was as expected, portrayed not as a damsel in distress, but not mentally tough enough to persevere through the gritty moments of crime-fighting. John Jameson was more of a Buzz Lightyear type of superhero. But at the end it is good to know, that it was Peter Parker, as a person, that was the main characteristic that made him Spider-Man. |
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Post by Icctrombone on Feb 18, 2016 17:50:16 GMT -5
What If…? #6: The Fantastic Four had Different Super-Powers ?
Very enjoyable issue. |
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Post by sabongero on Feb 18, 2016 22:08:31 GMT -5
 What If…? #8: The World Knew Daredevil was Blind?60 Cents @ April 1978 (Cover Page and 32 net pages) Writer: Don Glut Co-Artists & Craftsmen: Alan Kupperberg & Jim Mooney Colorist: Mary Ellen Letterer: Karin Concept & Editor: Roy Thomas Watcher Quote: “Alas, Karen Page could never understand Matt Murdock’s reluctance to submit to an operation that might return his sight! But, in truth, the lawyer fears not the operation’s failure, so much as its success. For his other senses had become super sensitive … sharpened many times above those of a normal man! These other senses gave him an edge over his criminal adversaries, who like everyone else assumed him to be just another costumed acrobat! He feared that a successful eye operation might remove his super-senses thereby depriving your world of the unique being known simply as Daredevil.” Thus we come to what your culture would call --- a “happy ending”! But suppose Matt Murdock had not given up his Daredevil career? What if he continued being Daredevil without extra senses? Indeed What If…?” Synopsis: The issue began with the Watcher narrating Daredevil in action fighting crime in his original yellow and red costume. Electro witnessed Daredevil’s triumph in the background plotting to break into the Baxter Building with the Fantastic Four out of town. It then cuts to the next brief scene with Karen talking to Matt about an operation that can restore his eyesight, which was received lukewarmly by Matt Murdock. Fast forward and Electro broke into the Baxter Building triggering a silent alarm which was heard by Daredevil’s heightened senses. He goes to the Baxter Building, and he and Electro went at it. Electro was getting the better of Daredevil in the battle and Spider-Man just happened to be in the area and goes into the Baxter Building and joins the melee. The two superheroes overpower the supervillain and wraps him up for the authorities. However, Electro divulges an important secret he learned in the battle and let Spider-Man know, while Daredevil disregarded it nonchalantly. Electro said that he zapped Daredevil with electric bolts so bright it should have blinded Daredevil during the battle, but it had no effect on Daredevil. Therefore Electro revealed that Daredevil was a blind superhero. Furthermore he asks Daredevil what is the color of his costume in front of Spider-Man and Daredevil could not answer. Daredevil redesigned his costume to the modern version we are used to seeing. The Owl battled Daredevil in Matt’s office and defeated him. Karen finally persuaded Matt to have the eye operation. In the meantime, Matt and Karen went to Lichtenbad to have the operation. He then battled the ruler of that place, Duke Klaus Kruger and his robot minions and defeated them. Matt’s operation was a success and he can see. Unfortunately, he lost his super powered heightened senses. We then go to the rematch with the Owl. And Daredevil almost lost his battle with his evil foe. But he knocked him out and saved a judge. Daredevil revealed his secret identity to the media and gave up being a superhero, but he cited he will continue fighting crime and won the District Attorney’s position in NYC. He ended up married with Karen Page as well. There is a Fred Hembeck-like mini story at the end illustrated and written by Scott Shaw. It’s a wild and wacky and comedic take on Peter Parker as Spider-Man, with four arms and four legs. It’s an origin story put into comedic effect. Comment: The issue started with Daredevil’s fashion victim original costume. Black trunks with red and yellow colors finishing out the rest of the costume colors. It is good note that there is only a single letter “D” on his chest, and not the double “DD” in subsequent issues. Seeing those colors somehow gave it a dated era in the past. I didn’t know this fact, and just assumed it has always been two “DD”s all this time since the initial introduction into comic books. Halfway through the issue Matt then dons the familiar dark maroon/blood red costume that we are all accustomed to. I have to say that it is a more appealing visual than the original costume. That was a pleasant change. Also, it’s a pleasure to see Karen Page with a happy ending in this alternate reality as opposed to the editorial sabotage to her character throughout the years (i.e. drug addict, death due to AIDS, physical beatings, etc.). Talk about Gail Simone’s article about “Women in Refrigerators” Karen Page must have been the precursor to Kyle Rayner’s girlfriend. This is also the first issue with a real happy ending. You have a married Matt Murdock, who is no longer a superhero and was elected District Attorney of New York. It’s an ending that doesn’t leave you with a heavy heart as a reader, unlike the first seven issues. So this series can indeed have a happy ending. Good to know that. The Watcher in this issue is illustrated as a somewhat a fatter persona. His head is circular and almost has a double chin. Looking at him reminds me of a wise Buddha statue akin to the ones in the Far East. Also, he handles his wardrobe as if he is holding it like ancient Romans wearing togas and holding the toga in a forearm. Just a tidbit I noticed. Nice approach by the illustrator. Eight issues in and I love seeing how the Watcher’s sporadic appearances are all somewhat different and that the illustrator makes the Watcher his “own” creative difference from the previous issue. |
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Post by coke & comics on Feb 20, 2016 20:59:41 GMT -5
What If…? #6: The Fantastic Four had Different Super-Powers?
60 Cents @ Swcember 1977 (Cover Page and 33 net pages) Writer: Roy Thomas Pencilers: Jim Craig & Rick Hoberg Inker: Sam Granger Colorist: Phil Rache Letterer: Costanza Consulting Editor: A. Goodwin I quite liked this issue. I generally think the series is getting better with each issue. I liked most of the new powers. Except perhaps for Sue's. Just getting Reed's powers and a fairly lame name was a bit disappointing. I like the battle with Dr. Doom. He's my favorite villain and this is a solid Doom story. This issue perhaps inspired the MCU2 take on Reed, where he becomes Big Brain of the Fantastic Five. |
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