"Wildcat"-The Original 'Ted Grant' Version(s) From the 40's -70's!

Wildcat / Ted Grant made his first appearance in "Sensation Comics" #1 (Jan. 1942), and was conceived by Bill Finger (writer, who also was co-creator of "Batman") & Irwin Hasen (artist, who also was a famous comic strip artist).

Ted Grant had become a world-class boxer; trained by "Socker" Smith, whom Ted had saved. After "Socker" was killed (by Grant's corrupt managers), Ted took on the identity of "Wildcat" (with a dark full-body 'big cat' costume), to bring the killers to justice and clear himself of the crime. Thus began the crime-fighting career of "Wildcat"!

The Earth-Two (original version) Wildcat had many solo adventures (which also featured a tall, lanky sidekick named 'Stretch' Skinner), as well as becoming a member of the "Justice Society of America" (40's-70's), and a member of the "All Star Squadron" during the 80's.

On Earth-One, there was also a Ted Grant / Wildcat, who presumably had the same origin as his Earth-Two counterpart. This version made his first appearance as an aging retired boxer / sometimes superhero in "The Spectre"#3, during the 60's (Note: The story was illustrated by my favorite artist, Neal Adams). Wildcat also teamed with Batman in the pages of "The Brave and The Bold" on several occasions. Apparently though, the Earth-Two edition was the more prominent version.

There have been several other versions since that era including---Yolanda Montez (deceased); Hector Ramirez (also deceased); and Tom Bronson (Ted's son).

TV & Film Animated Appearances---(TV Animation) "Justice League";"Justice League Unlimited"; "Batman: The Brave and The Bold"; "Young Justice". (Animated Films) "Justice League: The New Frontier" & "Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths" (as an alternate version).   Wildcat also made a brief appearance (as Ted Grant) on an episode of "Smallville", called 'Absolute Justice'.

In comic book history, Wildcat / Ted Grant is still a true contender!!!

"Dirk Benedict"---Space & Action Hero From The 70's & 80's!

Dirk Benedict, film & television star, made his first big splash when he landed the role of Lieutenant "Starbuck" for the television pilot (which was also released theatrically) and subsequent TV series---"Battlestar Galactica" (the original version: 1978-79).Starbuck was a deep-space fighter pilot, who was a frequent gambler, sometimes con artist and avid 'ladies man'; usually juggling relationships with two lovely ladies; Cassiopeia & Athena (played by Laurette Spang & Maren Jensen, as seen in the top photo above). He was an expert 'Viper' pilot, who was basically the wilder one of the bunch. Although the big-budget show didn't last too long, Dirk achieved an honored place in 'Sci-Fi' TV history for his role as Starbuck. A hit revival series of "Battlestar Galactica" (with a different cast) arrived in the 2000's. The role of Starbuck was now a woman, played by Katee Sackhoff.

For the next few years, Dirk appeared in several minor movie roles. In 1982, his TV acting career took off like a rocket, again! Dirk was cast in the role of Lieutenant (again!) Templeton "Face" Peck on the hit action series "The A-Team". The show had a fantastic ensemble cast which included---George Peppard as "Hannibal" Smith; Mr. T as B.A. Baracus; and Dwight Schultz as "Howling Mad" Murdock (as seen in the bottom photo). "Faceman" (Dirk Benedict) was the team con-man, who was also very mechanically-inclined (on manufacturing special weapons & vehicles to fight the bad guys; usually on extremely short notice); and he was always the one sent to deal with and charm the ladies. The cast played off each other well, amid all the action, wrecked cars, and explosions.The show lasted for 5 seasons. Dirk even made a cameo in "The A-Team" movie (2010), which featured a different cast. "Face" was played by Bradley Cooper in the movie.

Although Dirk has been in a number of movie, TV & stage appearances; the roles he will always be best remembered for, are "Starbuck" & "Faceman"!

I got the privilege of talking with him and getting his autograph at the "Emerald City Comicon" (held in Seattle, WA), earlier this year!

Thanks Dirk, for the enjoyment of watching you perform these 2 fantastic roles (along with so many others)!!!

"Nick Fury-Heroic Soldier and S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent" (60's & 70's Heyday)

Nicholas Joseph "Nick" Fury was first introduced as a World War II era stogie-chomping Sergeant, who was the leader of a crack commando unit; in "Sgt.Fury and His Howling Commandos"#1 (a series which would last for 167 issues; from May 1963-Dec, 1981). He was created by Stan "The Man" Lee (writer) & Jack "King" Kirby. Because of their bravery, valor, and expert combat skills, Fury and his "Howlers" were called upon to help out in the Korean and Viet Nam Wars also. They were true patriots.

Nick Fury was re-introduced (although his W.W.II series continued) as a modern-day government agent, in "Fantastic Four"#21 (Dec. 1963). He had lost an eye by this time, but still continued to puff on his extra-large cigars. He was skilled in nearly every form of fighting, and the use of a vast array of advanced, complicated weaponry. In "Strange Tales"#135, Fury got his own spy series, as an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Supreme Headquarters International Espionage Law-Enforcement Division). S.H.I.E.L.D.'s top enemies were a terrorist / criminal organization called HYDRA, although they battled terrorist and global problems of every kind. Fury was equipped with a flying car, which he used to reach the flying heli-carrier that S.H.I.E.L.D. used as their headquarters. Writer / Artist Jim Steranko brought his own fantastic vision to the series; starting with "Strange Tales"#151 (Dec. 1966). The series was loaded with all of the classic 'spy staples', such as dazzling women, world-shattering villains, and about every form of high-tech weaponry, that you  could possibly think of! Steranko continued doing the series through #168, and carried on in "Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D." (which lasted for 15 issues--Jun. 1968-Nov. 1969). His artwork and story-lines brought Jim Steranko much acclaim (he also wrote the "Steranko History of Comics" paperbound book series, which is excellent!!! Check it out!).

It was always a mystery that Nick Fury still looked young, even though he had fought in W.W.II. This mystery was revealed in "Marvel Spotlight"#31 (Dec. 1976) "Assignment: The Infinity Formula", which was written by Jim Starlin and drawn by Howard Chaykin (whose signature I acquired at the "Emerald City Comicon, early in the year). In the narrative, Fury had gained access to an 'age-retarding' medication treatment.

Nick Fury has appeared with or teamed with nearly every major character in the 'Marvel Universe', at some time or another! He also has appeared on many Marvel animated TV series' & films such as---"Iron Man"; "Spider-Man: The Animated Series"; "X-Men: The Animated Series"; "Spider-Man Unlimited"; "X-Men: Evolution"; "Wolverine and the X-Men";" Iron Man: Armored Adventures"; "The Super Hero Squad Show"; "Ultimate Spider-Man"; "Avengers Assemble"; and even "Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel"
Direct-to-Video Animated films include---"Ultimate Avengers" 1 & 2; and "Iron Man: Rise of Technovore".

Live-Action Movie Appearances---
                   David Hasselhoff starred as Nick Fury (a great portrayal) in the 1998 Fox TV Movie "Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D." The movie was a lot of fun and followed the story-line pretty well.
                  Samuel L. Jackson has taken on the role of Nick Fury (to great effect) in cameo appearances in "Iron Man" (2008); "Thor" (2011); "Captain America: The First Avenger"(2011). His role was a little meatier in "Iron Man 2" (2010); and was a central role in "The Avengers"(2012).Jackson will also appear in "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" (coming in 2014) and in "The Avengers: Age of Ultron" (coming in 2015). He is also slated for appearances in future Marvel movies. Jackson (very recently) appeared as Nick Fury in a cameo on the 2nd episode ("0-8-4") of the new hit ABC TV series, "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.!!!

Nick Fury is an enduring character, who will last as long as there is a 'spirit of adventure & patriotism' in this country!