Tuesday, November 26, 2013

"Prince Namor: The Sub-Mariner"-Hero or Villain??? (30's-70's Era)

Is he a Hero or a Villain??? He's been both!!! The Sub-Mariner (Prince Namor) has been around nearly as long as Superman and Batman (although not as steadily). He made his official debut in "Marvel Comics"#1 (Oct. 1939); even though he appeared a few months earlier in an extremely rare giveaway comic called "Motion Picture Funnies Weekly"! He was created by writer / artist Bill Everett.

Prince Namor was born in Atlantis, as the son of an American sea captain and an Atlantian princess. He grew up to become the prince of Atlantis (he had white flesh tone, while the rest of the Atlantians were blue-skinned). He was endowed with superhuman strength, speed and agility; he could live and breath underwater and on land, for a period of time. He could also fly (he had mini-wings on each side of his feet). His ears were pointed; he was clad in plain swim trunks, which were switched to green, with a scale-like appearance.

The Sub-Mariner began his career as a sworn enemy of all surface dwellers (especially the U.S.), destroying whatever was in his path. He engaged in many battles with the original Human Torch (and his side-kick Toro) during his early years, although they would later become allies and team-mates.The Sub-Mariner eventually decided to battle alongside the U.S. (his former enemies) and the Allied Forces against the Axis, during W.W. II. He then got his own self-titled comic book (Fall 1941-June 1949, 32 issues) and was also part of the "All Winners Squad" (with Captain America & Bucky and the Human Torch & Toro).He disappeared until the mid-50's, where he re-surfaced briefly in "Young Men Comics" and had a short return of his own series.

During the early 60's,the Sub-Mariner / Prince Namor made his full-blown return in "Fantastic Four #4, wherein he was discovered as a homeless man with amnesia, by Johnny Storm (the current Human Torch of the Fantastic Four). His memory was restored and he soon discovered that his undersea city of Atlantis had been destroyed by nuclear testing. His war against the surface dwellers was renewed!!! He had many clashes with the Fantastic Four, the Avengers, Iron Man, Daredevil, the Hulk (his sometimes ally), and a host of other superheroes. He also had short-lived alliances with super-villains like Doctor Doom and Magneto. He was given his own series with "Tales to Astonish" in 1965, and another self-titled series from 1968-74. Starting with "Sub-Mariner"#67 (Nov. 1973), Namor was temporarily given a new costume (pictured above), which enabled him to stay on land, after he briefly lost that ability (given to him by Reed Richards / Mr. Fantastic of the Fantastic Four). He was featured with Doctor Doom  in the 70's series "Super-Villain Team-Up". Also during the 70's, the Sub-Mariner took up the superhero mantle again! He Joined the outsider superhero group "The Defenders" (which became an ongoing series) with Doctor Strange, The Incredible Hulk, and a changing variety of others. He was also featured in a W.W.II-set series called "The Invaders", as part of a team consisting of Captain America & Bucky and the original Human Torch & Toro (just like the "All Winners Squad" from the 50's).

Television Animation Appearances---(1966) "The Marvel Super Heroes"; (1967) "Fantastic Four" (the Hanna-Barbara series); (late 70's- early 80's) "Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends"; "Spider-Man"; (90's -2000's) "Fantastic Four"; "The Avengers: United They Stand"; and "Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Heroes).      The Sub-Mariner still has not been featured in a live-action film or TV series!

The Sub-Mariner continues to this day, having been a member of several superhero groups, and undergoing many personal changes. He has had a vast career, spanning many decades; with an extremely rich comic book history!!!

Monday, November 18, 2013

"The Truly Classic Comic Book References of the 70's!!!"

The 70's were a truly classic era for comic book / superhero history books!!! This is the era that basically introduced this type of reference book (and it began an explosion of fantastic works to come). This list is definitely not all-inclusive, but included are most of the 'biggies', along with my personal favorites (all of which I own, incidentally!). They are in no particular order of favoritism; they are all amazing!

"The Steranko History of Comics Vol.#1 & 2 by Jim Steranko (comic book artist extraordinaire)---These 'LIFE Magazine-sized' paper-bound classics (pictured above) include many of the 'Golden Age' greats like Superman; Batman; Wonder Woman; Captain America; The Original Human Torch; Sub-Mariner; Captain Marvel; The Spirit; "Quality Comics" Heroes; Pulp Heroes; and so much more! These volumes are loaded with full-page B & W artworks and small images of classic comic book covers (along with the full-color multi-hero & heroine wrap-around covers by Steranko, himself!).

"The Great Comic Book Heroes" by Jules Feiffer---This fabulous hardcover edition has coverage of (as stated on the cover) "The origins and early adventures of the classic super-heroes of the comic books-in glorious color". Many of the classic DC, Marvel / Timely & Quality Comics Super-Heroes are featured in full-color, full story reprints.

 "Comix-A History of Comic Books in America" by Les Daniels---This amazing hardcover book covers a vast array of comic book types (with B & W + Color illustrations & stories throughout); with coverage of the usual classic super-heroes; E.C. horror & sci-fi; Disney; Warren Publications; Undergrounds; and much more.

"The World Encyclopedia of Comics" edited by Maurice Horn---This monstrous, extremely thick, very heavy hardcover volume is basically just what it says, with vast, general coverage, of nearly every type of comic book or strip from around the world. This large 790 page is illustrated throughout ( in B & W, with some color) with images of superheroes, humor, war, horror, sci-fi, romance, adventure, and erotica.

The Great DC reference books: "Superman: From the 30's to the 70's"---A great hardcover, which covers a large chunk of Superman's life and career, from his 1st appearance in "Action Comics"#1 through his changes into the 70's. This book displays work from some of the great Superman artists like---Joe Shuster; Wayne Boring; Al Plastino; Curt Swan and others. Illustrated throughout in B & W, with a section in color.
"Batman: From the 30's to the 70's"---Another great hardcover chronicling Batman's life and career from his dark origin and adventures; the introduction & origin of Robin, the Boy Wonder; semi-humorous 50's; the introduction of origin of Batgirl in the 60's; to the return of Batman's darker nature in the 70's. This book displays work from some of the great Batman artists like---Bob Kane; Carmine Infantino; Irv Novick; Neal Adams (my favorite) and others. Illustrated throughout in B & W, with a section in color. "Shazam: From the 40's to the 70's"---a later great hardcover covering the origins of 'The Original' Captain Marvel; Mary Marvel; Captain Marvel Jr. and other 'Marvel Family' members, from their early adventures to cancellation due to copyright problems; and revival in the 70's. Including classic artwork by artists like---C.C. Beck; Mac Raboy and later ones like---Kurt Schaffenberger and Dave Cockrum. Illustrated throughout in B & W, with a section in color. "Secret Origins of the Super DC Heroes"---An over-sized paperback full-color origin collection of many DC Superheroes (some both Golden & Silver Age versions)---Superman; Batman; Wonder Woman; The Flash; Green Lantern; Green Arrow; Hawkman; The Atom; Plastic Man & Captain Marvel.

The Great Marvel Reference books: "Origins of Marvel Comics"---Featuring full-color origins of Spider-Man; The Fantastic Four; The Hulk; Thor; Sub-Mariner & Dr. Strange. "Son of Origins of Marvel Comics"---Featuring Iron Man; The X-Men; The Avengers;Daredevil; The Silver Surfer; Nick Fury & The Watcher.  "Bring on the Bad Guys"---Featuring Dr. Doom; Red Skull; Green Goblin; Loki; Dormammu & The Abomination. "The Superhero Women"---Featuring Red Sonja; The Invisible Girl; Black Widow; Ms. Marvel; Medusa & Hela. "Marvel's Greatest Superhero Battles"---The Hulk vs The Thing; Silver Surfer vs Thor; Sub-Mariner vs Iron Man & Daredevil; and many other classics. Marvel also had a reprint book of The Incredible Hulk and one of the first official graphic novels, which featured The Silver Surfer and was rendered by his original creators; the greats: Stan Lee (writer) & Jack Kirby (artist). All of these spectacular books were over-sized paperbacks, with full-color art-work throughout. What a fantastic collection!!!

These wonderful reference books (& graphic novel) set the standard and paved the way for all comic book references and graphic novels to come (of which there are now an endless supply. Keep 'em comin'!). See if you can locate some of these excellent resources for yourself. You'll be glad you did!!! Take my word for it. Enjoy!!!

Sunday, November 10, 2013

"Get A Stretcher"---DC's Plastic Man & Elongated Man (40's-70's)

Plastic Man / Patrick "Eel" O'Brian made his debut in "Police Comics"#1 (Aug. 1941) for Quality Comics. The rights to Plastic Man and many other Quality Comics heroes were acquired by DC Comics in 1956. Plastic Man was created by writer / artist Jack Cole, with quite a unique and humorous flair.

Patrick "Eel" O'Brian was originally a small-time criminal, who was shot by the police, during a chemical plant heist. At that moment, a large vat of unknown chemicals spilled over him. His buddies abandoned him to his fate, but he escaped on his own to a nearby mountain. He was found and restored to health by a compassionate monk. During that time, Patrick discovered that he could stretch to any shape, bounce for great distances, and mold his features to look like anyone he wanted. He reformed and totally abandoned his life of crime. He then made himself a red yellow & black stretchable costume with goggles and became Plastic Man. He soon took on a comedy relief side-kick named Woozy Winks. The early adventures of Plastic Man were loaded with comedy, as he battled "Dick Tracy-like" villains.

Plastic Man had a career revival in the mid-60's (He was the original Plastic Man's son, who underwent the same transformation his father had, and dressed in basically the same costume). During the late 60's and into the 70's, Plastic Man teamed with Batman in various issues of "The Brave and The Bold". In one of those teamings (issue #95), the story took on a more serious tone; with Batman not realizing that he was being helped by Plastic Man until the end of the story. Later teamings returned to the somewhat lighter approach.

His TV animated show appearances included---"Super Friends"(1973); "The Plastic Man Comedy Adventure Show"(1979-81); quite a few episodes of "Batman: The Brave and The Bold"; also "Young Justice" and "DC Nation Shorts".

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The Elongated Man / Randolph 'Ralph' Dibny made his debut in "The Flash"#112 (May 1960). He was created by John Broome (writer) and Carmine Infantino (great Flash & Batman artist). The Elongated Man won the 1961 "Alley Award" for 'Best Supporting Character'!!!

Ralph Dibny discovered a drink (used by contortionists) called 'Gingold'. He learned how to make a super-concentrated version, and after drinking it, discovered he could stretch and contort his body in most any way that he desired, as well as for great distances!

The Elongated Man made several more appearances with The Flash, during which he made his name in show business. He originally wore a mask, but later revealed his identity to everyone (especially to Sue, his loving bride-to-be).

The Elongated Man soon became very popular, and made an appearance with Batman & Robin (who were also drawn by Carmine Infantino, at that time) in "Detective Comics". He was soon given his own back-up feature series in "Detective Comics", in which he and his wife Sue solved crimes and mysteries. The Elongated Man joined the "Justice League of America" in 1973, and was seen mostly in that series through 1995.

His TV animated show appearances included---"Justice League Unlimited" and "Batman: The Brave and The Bold".

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Special Note: DC Comics also had another 'stretchy' hero during the 60's; Superman's Pal: Jimmy Olson as "Elastic Lad", who was a sometimes member of the "Legion of Super Heroes".
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Plastic Man & The Elongated Man both have their special place in DC Comics history. I have always wondered how they would do in competition and ability against each other and (of course) with Marvel Comics' "Mr. Fantastic / Reed Richards" of the "Fantastic Four" (all pictured above). What do you think???