"The Savage Claws of The Wolverine"---Beginnings!

The Wolverine made his first (very brief) appearance in "The Incredible Hulk"#180 (Oct. 74), but took center-stage in the next issue (#181-Nov.74). He was created by the marvelous team of: Roy Thomas (concept); Len Wein (writer); John Romita Sr. (artist, character designer); & Herb Trimpe (original comic book artist)!!! He is currently one of the most popular superheroes of all time (always scoring extremely high on "Greatest Superhero" lists)!

Canadian mutant James Howlett (who later took on the name 'Logan', after his biological father) was born in Alberta, Canada, during the 1880's. As he grew, James discovered that he had bone protrusion claws that would come out above the knuckles of both hands, at given times. Troubles caused by these claws forced him to leave home and become a miner in the Yukon Territory.

Logan stopped aging; taking on near-immortality. He also found that he had self-healing powers, along with superhuman strength and agility. He fought for the Canadian military during W.W. I; fought alongside Captain America, during W.W.II; and was part of several groups such as---"1st Canadian Parachute Battalion"; the C.I.A.; & "Team 'X' (a black-ops group). Later imprisoned by members of the "Weapon X" Program, Logan had 'Adamantium' (an indestructible metal) grafted to his skeletal structure and to his retractable bone claws. He escaped and was found and helped to recover, by James and Heather Hudson.

Logan then joined Canada's Dept. H, and took on the identity of "The Wolverine". His 1st mission was a dangerous one. He was sent to stop a destructive battle between the Hulk and the Wendigo; and thus made his 1st official superhero appearance.

In 1975, The Wolverine was recruited by Prof. Xavier, to join the "X Men" (which he reluctantly did, in "Giant-Size X-Men"#1). He became regular full-time member in the "X-Men" comic book series. His character became more fully developed by writer Chris Claremont and artists, Dave Cockrum & John Byrne. The Wolverine's popularity took off like a rocket, and hasn't come down since!!!

The Wolverine was given an iconic 4-part mini-series, which was rendered by the great Frank Miller ("The Dark Knight Returns"), in 1982. His famous catchphrase was first used during that series---"I'm the best at what I do, but what I do isn't nice!" He has had his own comic book series, and has appeared in many of the multiple "X-Men" series' He has also been part of many other superhero groups, including "The Avengers".


TV Animation Appearances---"X-Men" (several series'); "Wolverine and the X-Men"; & "The Wolverine; as well as appearances in others.

Live-Action Motion Picture Appearances---"X-Men" (2000); "X-2: X-Men United" (2003); "X-Men: The Last Stand" (2006); "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" (2009); "X-Men: First Class" (2011, cameo appearance); "The Wolverine" (2013). In each of these blockbuster movies, The Wolverine has been played to savage, tormented, grumpy perfection by Hugh Jackman, who is absolutely FANTASTIC in the role of a lifetime!!! Hugh will continue the role in 2014's "X-Men: Days of Future Past"; in which he will play the 'present-day' and 'past' versions of Wolverine. This movie looks destined to be a major motion picture event, when it comes out next year.

The character of The Wolverine, should soar in popularity for decades to come!!!  

"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!!!

"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!!!

"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".

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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".

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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".
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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???

"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!