"The Joker"(PART 1)-The Insane Clown's Killer Reign!!! (40's-70's Era)

From his first appearance (with that chalk-white face, that wild green hair, those death-like eyes, and his malevolent red-lipped smile), the Joker was fully established as a homicidal maniac and a total wacko! He started off with a bang, killing innocent people with his 'Joker Venom', which caused his victims to laugh until they died, with a hideous smile etched on their faces (he had also tried to do that to Robin, during his and Batman's first encounter)! The Joker loved to kill for no particular reason, other than just the insane desire to do it! He would cause the deaths of a busload of passengers; just for laughs! He also liked to goad Batman & Robin with clues to his crimes. He seemed to enjoy the challenge that Batman presented (it kept his life from getting boring). The Joker arrived to bedevil the 'Dynamic Duo' for the first time in "Batman"#1 (Spring 1940). He was created by Jerry Robinson (concept), Bill Finger (writer), & Bob Kane (artist and co-creator of Batman, the year before). Kane was said to have gotten his inspiration for the Joker from a 1928 film called "The Man Who Laughs", starring Conrad Veidt.

In the 1950's & 60's, the Joker was toned down into more of an evil prankster, using wild gimmicks and gadgets to carry off his crimes.During the late 50's, he was  given an origin story (which was revised and expanded on, in later years). He got his start as a masked common criminal called the 'Red Hood', who swan through the chemical-infected sewers as an escape route after his crimes. This method of escape brought permanent consequences; he would forever have a chalk-white face, green hair, and a wide red-lipped smile! He was apparently driven insane by the death of his wife (as revealed many years later), as well as other occurrences. When he viewed his new 'look', he thought of himself as an evil clown and called himself "The Joker".

In "Batman"#251 (1973), the Joker's dangerously homicidal nature returned with a vengeance; thanks to the fantastic, legendary team of Denny O'Neil (writer) and my favorite artist, Neal Adams! The story (which was highly influential to future 'Batman' writers & artists, when dealing with the Joker) was titled "The Joker's Five Way Revenge" (my all-time favorite 'Batman vs Joker' story). Steve Englehart (writer) & Marshall Rogers (artist) continued to bring out more of the depths of the Joker's full-blown 'over-the-top' homicidal insanity. In the story "The Laughing Fish" (another personal favorite of mine!), the Joker used his 'Joker Venom' on fish (giving them his evil smile), so that he could patent and sell his poisonous fish! The aforementioned stories helped to form a pattern, which would influence the Joker's character and nature in blockbuster movies, TV animation, "Warner Premiere" animated films, and countless comic books.

The Joker was given his own title in the 70's, which lasted for 9 issues. He retained his 'killer edge' in these, as he battled with various superheroes and other villains.

During the 60's, 70's & 80's, the Joker appeared in many animated series (including "Scooby Doo", where he was teamed with the Penguin to battle Batman, Robin & the 'Scooby Gang'). But the animated series (during the 90's), which brought the Joker into full bloom, was "Batman: The Animated Series". The Joker was expertly voiced by Mark Hamill (of "Star Wars" fame), in what I consider to be the best, most accurate version of the Joker, to date! There have been several other great 'Batman' animated series' and animated movies featuring the Joker, but the Emmy-Award winning "Batman: The Animated Series" is my favorite!!! The Joker was even given a wildly crazy side-kick named "Harley Quinn", who is obsessively in love with her 'Mr. J.' (see Part #2 of this blog, for her story)!

TV & Movie Famous "Joker" live-action appearances include---"Batman" TV Series (1966-68) and film (1966), which featured Cesar Romero as the Joker; "Batman" (1989 Movie), which featured Jack Nicholson as the Joker; and "The Dark Knight" (2008 Movie), which featured Heath Ledger (in his 'posthumous' "Best Supporting Actor" role) as the Joker. These actors all gave excellent performances as the world's most famous nut-case and Batman's top nemesis!

The Joker has topped many "All-Time Top Villains" lists (usually at #1 or #2, and is nearly always in the top 5). He remains to this day, one of the most famous, colorful villains, EVER!!!

Please return for "The Joker" Part #2, which focuses on his 'totally bonkers' relationship with Harley Quinn!

"The Uncanny (& More Popular Than Ever) X-Men" (60's & 70's Beginnings)

The 'Uncanny' X-Men began their journey as a 5 member teenage mutant group (under the supervision & training of Professor Xavier) in "X-Men"#1(Sept. 1963). They were created by the ever-amazing team of Stan Lee (plotter, writer) & Jack Kirby (artist); who else!!! The original roster consisted of---Cyclops / Scott Summers (who could fire 'optic energy bursts' from his eyes); Iceman / Bobby Drake (who could cover his body in ice, form ice at will, and travel on an ice path, that he created); The Beast / Hank McCoy (who was born with over-sized hands & feet, which gave him extraordinary strength, speed, agility, and reflexes); The Angel / Warren Worthington (who could fly, due to wings on his back, and possessed superior vision); Marvel Girl / Jean Grey (who had the powers of telekinesis & telepathy); and last but not least, their mentor / trainer / protector- Prof. Xavier (who was an extremely powerful telepath with abilities which included---astral projection, mind control, illusion, memory manipulation, and psychic blasts).

Xavier provided a training school / residence for young people, who possessed the 'X' (mutant) gene, and were shunned by society. He helped them to understand and hone their varied 'gifts' He also provided them a 'Danger Room', to prepare them for deadly situations. The X-Men used their powers to protect society, and battle evil (whether 'mutant' or otherwise). Their main adversaries during this time were Magneto (still their top enemy, to this day) and his 'Brotherhood of Evil' (Mastermind,Toad, with Quicksilver & Scarlet Witch,who both later joined the 'heroic' side, with The Avengers); and The Sentinels (giant robots that were programmed to hunt down mutants). Guest heroic mutants included---Mimic; Havok (Cyclops' brother);Changeling; and Polaris (Magneto's daughter).

In 1969, Roy Thomas (writer) & Neal Adams (artist) took over the series, with mind-blowing, fantastic results! Beginning  with "Giant-Size X-Men"#1 (1975), there were major changes to the X-Men roster! Cyclops and Jean Grey were the only 'original' hold-overs. The fabulous writing & art were taken over by Len Wein and Dave Cockrum (later by Chris Clairemont and John Byrne, with equally wonderful results)! Some members of the new team (who came from other countries) included---Storm / Ororo Monroe (who could totally manipulate and create weather conditions, as well as fly); Nightcrawler / Kurt Wagner (who had blue skin, pointed ears, and a 'devilish' tail; who could climb walls, see in the dark, turn invisible in shadow, and teleport himself); Colossus / Piotr Nikelaievitch 'Peter' Rasputin (who could make his body 'metallic', for superhuman strength & near invulnerability); and the most popular X-Man to date: Wolverine / James 'Logan' Howlett (who had an 'adamantium' skeleton, 'adamantium' retractable claws from his hands, quick healing and body re-generation, slowed aging process, and immunity to toxins & diseases)! Other short-term members included---Thunderbird; Banshee; and Sunfire. By this time, Jean Grey had become "The Phoenix"; and the Beast (who would return to the group later) was now covered in blue fur, with claws and night vision added to his powers! The other 'original' members would go on to other groups, like "The Champions".

The X-Men have had multiple TV animated series of their own, as well as appearances with Spider- Man & Fantastic Four!

X-Men Movies include---"X-Men" (2000);" X2: X-Men United" (2003);"X-Men: The Last Stand" (2006); "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" (2009);" X-Men: First Class" (2011); "The Wolverine" (2013, forthcoming); and "X-Men: Days of Future Past" (2014, forthcoming).

Some major stand-out  performances from the movies include---Hugh Jackman as The Wolverine; Patrick Stewart & James McAvoy as Prof. Xavier; Ian McKellen & Michael Fassbender as Magneto; Halle Berry as Storm; and "Oscar Winner" Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique (although all the other performances in the films were also fantastic)!

The X-Men have gone through extensive changes over the years and have multiple comic book titles to their credit; quality never goes out of style!!!

"Henry Pym-The Multi-Sized Superhero" (Ant-Man;Giant-Man;Goliath;Yellowjacket

Henry Pym (who would emerge as many different superheroes of various sizes including---Ant-Man; Giant-Man; Goliath; Yellowjacket; and in later years, The Wasp) made his original debut in "Tales to Astonish#27. He was conceived by Stan Lee (plotter / editor); Jack Kirby (artist); Larry Lieber (writer); & Dick Ayers (inker).

Henry (Hank) Pym; bio-physicist / security operations expert; created a chemical substance from sub-atomic particles, which allowed him to shrink to miniature size (as Ant-Man, Yellowjacket and the Wasp) or to enlarge to gigantic proportions (as Giant-Man or Goliath)! He took on his 1st superhero role as the Ant-Man in "Tales to Astonish"#35. He was joined by his girlfriend (later wife) Janet Van Dyne, who became the Wasp (also shrunk to miniature size). Henry also created a cybernetic helmet, which allowed him to communicate with  (and ride on) ants. The Ant-Man and the Wasp had their own series until issue #69.

In 1963, Ant-Man and the Wasp were some of the founding members of "The Avengers". Feeling inadequate compared to the other heroes of the group, Henry took on a new identity as the enormous Giant-Man. He and the Wasp temporarily left the group in "The Avengers"#15. When they returned (in issue #28), Henry had yet another (giant-sized) identity; as Goliath (my personal favorite; as seen in the image above)! He continued as Goliath until he underwent a mental breakdown (in issue #59), and decided to become another miniature-sized hero; called Yellowjacket (Henry had married Janet by this time). Henry  stayed as Yellowjacket until issue #93, where he re-appeared as the Ant-Man. As Ant-Man, he also had a new (but temporary) series in "Marvel Feature"#4-10. After the death of Janet, Henry took on a new role as the Wasp! Henry Pym has had a very troubled life!

Some of the Villains that Henry has dealt with (through his variety of superhero roles) have included---Egghead; Whirlwind; Ultron (Henry's own robotic creation, who turned evil); the Living Eraser; Human Top; Porcupine; and countless others.

Henry's growth technology has allowed others to take on some of his superhero roles:

Goliath---Clint Barton / Hawkeye (temporarily during late 60's); and Bill Foster (originally 'Black Goliath'; during the 70's-Current).

Ant-Man---Scott Lang & Eric O'Grady.

TV Animation Appearances---(As Giant-Man) "The Marvel Superheroes Show; (As Goliath) "X-Men"; (As Ant-Man & Giant-Man) "The Avengers: United They Stand"; (As Ant-Man) "The Fantastic Four: The World's Greatest Superheroes"; (as Ant-Man) "The Super Hero Squad Show"; (As Ant-Man, Giant-Man & Yellowjacket) "The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes".

Animated Films---"Ultimate Avengers" 1 & 2; "Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow".

There is a live-action film of "The Ant-Man" slated to come to theaters in 2014!

Whether it's as Ant-Man, Giant-Man, Goliath, Yellowjacket, or the Wasp; Henry Pym has had many fans over the years (and still does)!!! Which of his superhero identities do you like best?

"(Superboy and...)The Legion of Super Heroes"-(circa 1958-1979)

Created by Otto Binder (writer) & Al Plastino (artist); the Legion of Superheroes made their debut in a "Superboy"(Superman as a teen) story, which appeared in "Adventure Comics"#247 (Apr. 1958). Several members of a vast teen superhero team had traveled through time (from the 30th century) to recruit and test Superboy, to see if he would be eligible to join their team (although Superboy had been their inspiration for becoming superheroes & forming the Legion in the first place). Superboy passed his testing and would join them for many 30th century adventures over the years. The Legion's 1st appearance was so popular (they returned in issue #267), that they gained their own feature by issue #300 (Sept. 1962)!!! As stories progressed, more and more of the vast team of superheroes were revealed. The Legion's membership included---Lightning Lad; Saturn Girl; Brainiac 5; Star Boy; Bouncing Boy; Triplicate Girl (who became Duo Damsel after one of her selves was killed); Karate Kid (who in the late 70's would gain his own comic book series, were about his adventures after time-traveling back to the 20th century); Colossal Boy; Ultra Boy; Lightning Lass (L.L.'s sister); Phantom Girl; Mon-El; Sun Boy; Element Lad; Matter-Eater Lad; Ferro Lad (who died saving the world from the Sun-Eater, in issue #353); Chemical King; Timber-wolf; Shadow Lass; and eventually Supergirl & Jimmy Olson (as Elastic Lad), from the 20th century. During the 60's era, Jim Shooter became the main writer, while Curt Swan & Win Mortimer, more than capably took on the artistic duties. Neal Adams (my favorite artist) did much of the cover art, during that time. The Legion battled many colorful super-powered villains, although none stood out to me as much as the 'Fatal Five', which included---Emerald Empress; Tharok; Mano; Persuader; and my personal favorite: Validus (an ominous giant super-being whose brain showed through the front of his head).

The Legion made their final "Adventure Comics" appearance in #380 (May 1969). In the early 70's, they became a back-up feature in "Action Comics", and eventually joined "Superboy" in his solo comic. Artists George Tuska & Dave Cockrum were responsible for re-vitalizing the series during that time (they accomplished this feat, with style). Bouncing Boy married Duo Damsel in "Superboy"#200 (Feb. 1974).

Mike Grell brought his fantastic brand & style of artistry to the series; beginning with issue #203 (which also featured the death of the Invisible Kid)!!! Grell also introduced 'sexier' costumes for all of the girls of the team! New heroes Wildfire, Tyroc & Dawnstar joined during this era. With issue #231, "Superboy" became "Superboy and the Legion of Super Heroes". In 1978, Lightning Lad married Saturn Girl in a DC Treasury Edition-Sized "All New Collector's Edition"#C-55, which was also illustrated by the 'great' Mike Grell! The 'Earthwar' story-line (which put the Legion in an inter-galactic war) received much acclaim. The series was written by Paul Lovitz and was illustrated by Grell (and later by Joe Staton). By 1980, Superboy left the team (giving them their own title)

Animated TV Appearances included---"Superman: The Animated Series" ("New Kids in Town"); "Justice League Unlimited" ("Far from Home"); and their own series "Legion of Super Heroes" which began in 2006.

Live-Action Appearances included---"Smallville" episodes: "Legion"; "Doomsday"; as well as the final season 200th episode.

As a kid, I was always fascinated by the "Legion of Super Heroes" and their vast array of colorful heroes & heroines (who came from nearly every planet imaginable); as well as their fantastic story-lines & artwork!!! I know they are still followed by 'legions' of fans!!!  

"Swamp Thing"- The Len Wein / Berni Wrightson Masterpiece From The 70's

Back in the summer of 1971, the creative team of Len Wein (writer) & Berni Wrightson (artist) first introduced to the fantastic monster / hero; "Swamp Thing"! The 1st incarnation of Swamp Thing appeared in "House of Secrets"#92 (June-July 1971). The setting was early 20th Century; whereas the later 'official' "Swamp Thing" series was set in the (then) current 70's. The premise remained somewhat similar between the original short story and the later series. In the original, a scientist (Alex Olson) is changed into a monstrous swamp creature; by a mixture of a lab / chemical explosion and the nearby swamp oozes. The blast was caused by Alex's lab assistant (Damian Ridge) who coveted Alex's wife Linda. The Swamp Thing took out his vengeance on Ridge, but couldn't get Linda to recognize who he was (her loving husband).

In "Swamp Thing"#1 (Oct.-Nov. 1972), the scientist is named Alec Holland; who has created a bio-restorative formula, which can cause vegetation to grow in barren areas (like deserts)! Alec and his wife Linda are working in their secret swamp laboratory, when evil men (who are minions of the mysterious 'Mr. E.') came to steal the Hollands' formula and research. They proceeded to kill Linda Holland and blew up the lab; leaving Alec (whose body was ablaze with chemical fire) to run toward the swamp to put out the flames which engulfed him. He emerged as the part-vegetation / part-man creature known as "Swamp Thing". He then killed the men responsible for his wife's death. Thus began the adventures of the Swamp Thing!

The extremely talented team of Wein & Wrightson did an 'awesome' job of capturing the Swamp Thing's human anguish; the eerie murkiness of the swamp-lands; and the grotesqueness of the many misshapen creatures that would arise to do battle with the Swamp Thing! Some of my favorite story-lines were those involving the evil Dr. Anton Arcane's deformed creature creations (think Dr. Frankenstein on steroids); the mysterious Mr. E.(Nathan Ellery); and a special cross-over appearance by "Batman" himself! My favorite issue though was No.#4, which involved a creepy, savage werewolf. Berni Wrightson's artwork (which was always murkily fantastic) expertly captured the eerie atmosphere, while a gnarly werewolf stalked his victims into the depths of the foggy, forbidding swamp-land. The confrontations between the Swamp Thing and his werewolf adversary, were beautifully rendered! The story & the artwork were an absolute masterpiece!!!

The supporting characters in the series included---Dr. Anton Arcane (and his army of created Un-Men; including the 'Patchwork Man'); Abigail Arcane (Anton's niece & a closely bonded ally of Swamp Thing); and Matthew Cable (Federal Agent, in pursuit of Swamp Thing; in connection with the deaths of Alec & Linda Holland).

Movie & TV appearances included---"Swamp Thing" (1982); "The Return of the Swamp Thing" (1989); and a follow-up TV series (1990-1993, on U.S.A. Network). The films and the TV series all featured actor / stuntman Dick Durock as "Swamp Thing". (Note: The movies featured Adrienne Barbeau & Heather Locklear as Swamp Thing's leading ladies)!
Animated appearances included---"Swamp Thing" (1991,5 episodes); "Justice League" ('Comfort and Joy'-cameo appearance); "Justice League Unlimited" ('Initiation' & a poster appearance in 'Wake the Dead').

The dynamically creative team of Len Wein & Berni Wrightson (who illustrated the first 10 issues) created an enduring legacy in comic book history, which has continued through several incarnations; to this day!!!  

"Hawkeye, the Marksman Avenger" (60's & 70's)

Hawkeye / Clint Barton made his debut as a misunderstood villain, who did battle with Iron Man (in "Tales of Suspense"#57-Sept. 1964, as well as #60 & #64). He was created by the excellent team of Stan Lee (writer / editor) & Don Heck (artist, who did a lot of artwork for "The Avengers")!

Orphans Clint Barton and his brother Barney ran away to join the circus. While there, Clint learned to be an expert marksman with bow & arrow, from 'The Swordsman' & 'Trick Shot'. He became a headlining performer called 'Hawkeye, the Marksman'. One night he caught his mentor, The Swordsman embezzling from the circus owners. The Swordsman made his escape by beating Clint up, leaving him to look like the thief.

Hawkeye had aspired to be a costumed superhero, after seeing Iron Man in action, but he was on the run after being mistaken as a thief. He soon met up with the 'Black Widow', who was secretly a Soviet spy (but became a superheroine in later years); with whom he fell in love. She proceeded to dupe Hawkeye into stealing technological secrets from Tony Stark (Iron Man). This brought them into direct conflict with Iron Man, over several occasions (one of which left the Black Widow injured). The Black Widow soon recoved and promptly disappeared; after which Hawkeye decided to try out being a superhero.

Hawkeye was then sponsored by his former enemy, Iron Man, who was trying to help him gain membership with The Avengers (*see "The Avengers"#16-May 1965). He, Quicksilver & the Scarlet Witch (who Hawkeye attempted to romance) joined the team at the same time. Hawkeye sometimes got into minor conflicts with his fellow Avengers, but always proved to be a useful ally. In "The Avengers"#63 (Apr. 1969), Clint took on a new superhero role as the 2nd version of the giant-sized 'Goliath' (after Hank Pym, the 1st Goliath), for a period of time. He returned to his 'Hawkeye' role, but left The Avengers, due to a conflict with 'The Vision' over love for 'The Scarlet Witch'

In the early 70's, Hawkeye joined the ranks of "The Defenders" for several adventures. Following this, he rejoined The Avengers once again (after the wedding of The Scarlet Witch & The Vision).

Hawkeye made many appearances in animated TV series', including---Tthe Marvel Super Heroes"(1966);"Iron Man" (in which Hawkeye was a regular); "Fantastic Four"; The Avengers: United They Stand"; "The Super Hero Squad Show"; "The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes"; "Iron Man: Armored Adventures"; "Ultimate Spider-Man"; "Avengers Assemble"; as well as other animated features! Hawkeye has also been in 2 major motion pictures---"Thor" (2011; cameo appearance); and in the smash hit, "The Avengers" (2012). He was well played by Jeremy Renner in both films.

These days, Hawkeye remains a highly revered Marvel superhero (as I'm sure he will for years to come)!!!

"Ms Marvel"-The Human / Kree Hybrid Superheroine ( 70's-Volume #1 Era )

Carol Danvers (who would become 'Ms Marvel') made her first appearance in a 'Captain Marvel' adventure ("Marvel Super-Heroes"#13-Mar. 1968). She was created by Roy Thomas (writer) and Gene Colan (artist). Carol was a U.S. Air Force Security officer, who met Dr. Walter Lawson (who incidentally was secretly 'Captain Marvel' of the alien race known as the 'Kree'), during her first adventure. In a later story, Carol is kidnapped by Kree villain  Yon-Rogg. As Captain Marvel arrives to rescue her, Carol is injured in an explosion of of a Kree device called Psyche-Magnetron (which, as it is revealed in "Ms Marvel"#1-Jan. 1977; causes her genes to mix with those of Captain Marvel; making her a human / Kree hybrid, with the same powers as Captain Marvel has)!!!

In "Ms Marvel"#1, Carol donned a red & blue costume, similar to that of Captain Marvel. Her powers included---superhuman strength, speed, stamina & durability; ability to fire energy bursts; ability to absorb forms of energy; and the ability to fly. The series was blessed such great writers as Gerry Conway & Chris Clairmont. The artistry chores were handled by fantastic artists like---John Romita Sr. (cover artist); John Buscema; Jim Mooney; Keith Pollard; Sal Buscema; Carmine Infantino (classic 'Flash' artist for DC);Dave Cockrum; & Mike Vosberg. The 1st series lasted from 1977-1979.

Ms Marvel has been on board for many adventures with The Avengers & The Defenders. She has also teamed individually with Spider-Man, The Thing, and Iron Man.

TV Animation appearances have included---"X-Men" (A Rogue's Tale); "The Super Hero Squad Show"; "The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes" (episode #459); and "Ultimate Spider-Man" (Flight of the Iron Spider).

Marvel announced that they had a finished script (in May 2013) for a "Ms Marvel" feature film.

In later years, Ms Marvel has had a variety of other aliases, such as---"Binary";"Warbird"; & "Captain Marvel"!!!

For what started as a spin-off series, Ms Marvel has found a definite place in comic book history!!!