Pop Culture Chronicles

Torch Sightings

The original Human Torch has been popping up all over the place during this 70th anniversary of Marvel Comics. What a fitting time for this character's renewed exposure since he was one of Marvel's first superheroes, gracing the cover of Marvel Comics # 1 back in 1939. In fact, this comic was recently reprinted and features the Torch's origin.  

The recently concluded Avengers / Invaders series had the Torch traveling forward in time from World War II to the present. At the series conclusion, Toro, the Torch's sidekick had been given a new lease on life in the present day.

A new 8-part series, The Torch, picks up this thread and develops it. The series begins with the original Human Torch still in the grave, but a rebirth is promised. Meanwhile, the shocking never-before-told origin of Toro is unfolding. With three issues now under our belts, I'm hoping that Toro will turn out to be the Torch's real son--but we'll see. 

This new and excellent series is co-plotted by Alex Ross, who also does the beautifully painted covers. Ross was the artistic talent on Marvels a few years ago which retold the history of Marvels' heroes, including the origin of the Human Torch, through the eyes (or eye) of a photo-journalist. 

The new series, Marvels Project, also retells the history of Marvel's Golden Age, this time through the eyes of the original Angel. Three issues into this eight-part series and I can see why Ed Brubaker is considered one of the best writers in the business.

Here we can see how the plots revolving around Nick Fury, The Human Torch, Sub-Mariner, the Angel, and the Ferret intersect at various points. New origin details and deeper character development of all these characters help us to better understand how they became who they are and why they behave as they have. All this and World War II espionage too! What more could you want? 

Further Golden Age exploits of the Torch can be found in Human Torch 70th Anniversary issue which includes a newly written story set in the Golden Age and some back-up reprints including the first meeting of Torch and Toro. 

In summary, here is a categorization of some recent appearances of the Human Torch: 

Origin Reprinted or Retold:

Marvels (now in trade, art by Ross)

Marvel Comics # 1 70th Anniversary reprint (includes all original back-up features as well)

Marvels Project 1-3

Golden Age Exploits:

Marvels

Marvels Project

Human Torch 70th Anniversary

Golden Age Marvel Comics Omnibus collection (reprints Marvel Comics # 1 & Marvel Mystery Comics 2-12; $125; around $80 from Amazon)

Modern Exploits:

Avengers / Invaders (time travel to the present) (completed 12-part series)

The Torch (rebirth)

Top Ten TV Westerns (50s-60s) Part 2

I now give you my choices for top five westerns of the 50s-60s. Since each western also appeared in comics, a comic cover will accompany each.

# 5 - Sugarfoot - I'm still not sure what a sugarfoot is, but I think it's like a tenderfoot with a sweet disposition. This was the character Will Hutchins played in this classic Warner Brothers series. Tom Brewster was a drifter studying law from the mail order books in his saddlebags (which is where his gun-belt stayed most of the time as well). This story about an experienced cowboy who was also a lawyer wannabe made for some very unique plots. About six issues of the comic were published as a part of Dell's Four Color series. 

 

# 4 - Big Valley- This series was the big break that made Lee Majors and Linda Evans TV stars. Ahead of its time, this series dealt with more mature issues as the illegitimate Barkley son returns to collect his share of the inheritance. Older brother, Jarrod (Richard Long) is a lawyer and middle brother, Nick (Peter Breck) is the hot tempered ranch boss. It didn't hurt that this series featured veteran actress, Barbara Stanwyck as matriarch Victoria. Dell published six issues of the comic series. 

 

# 3 - Gunsmoke - The longest running Western series in history, Gunsmoke stayed in prime time for 20 years (1955-1975), making James Arness the only actor to play the same character in a single series for two decades. Our family is currently making our way through the first season of this series which is now being released in official DVD season sets. The first three seasons are already out. The first 27 issues of the comic series were published by Dell beginning in 1957 as a part of the Four Color series. In 1969-70, six issues of Gunsmoke were published by Gold Key. 

 

# 2 - Bonanza- On DVD, finally! The first two seasons of this series recently came out on DVD. Until now VHS tapes and DVDs of public domain episodes were released, but often minus the original theme music. The new sets are "official" and even include original promo material, photo stills, and other special features. Most of these episodes have never before been released on video. The series was about the ranch family of patriarch Ben Cartwright, a three time widower with a grown son by each wife.

The chemistry of the original cast was excellent, but midway through, Pernell Roberts (eldest brother, Adam) left the show and Dan Blocker (Hoss) died just prior to the final season. The only original cast members left were Lorne Greene (Ben) and Michael Landon (Little Joe), so things just weren't the same by series end. The writing had also deteriorated. But in its heyday Bonanza was one of the best series ever. The first few seasons are exceptional and you can see how the Cartwright clan evolved and developed over time. A few issues of Bonanza were published as a part of Dell's Four Color series, followed by 37 issues published by Gold Key.   

# 1 - Maverick - What can be said that I haven't already mentioned in my previous Maverick post? While I'm a fan of traditional westerns, this one was anything but traditional. Cerebral plots and comedic episodes were common. Some episodes didn't even seem like westerns, with stories in settings like Louisiana, Mexico, on riverboats, and even in South America. James Garner was the original Maverick, but Jack Kelly, who played Brother Bart, was also very talented and likable.

The series was about two gamblers traveling the west and occasionally crossing paths. The first three seasons, featuring Garner, were the absolute best. The fourth season with Roger Moore as Beau and Robert Colbert as Brent were okay, but not as good. I do like the Roger Moore episode, Bolt from the Blue which guest stars Will Hutchins (as Sugarfoot?). 

For the fifth season Bart went solo, explaining why there are more episodes with him. One redeeming thing about this season was the recurring role of Peter Breck (pre-Big Valley) as Doc Holiday. My favorite fifth season episode is the hilarious Marshall Maverick with Jack Kelly and Peter Breck.

What makes this my favorite western is the stories and the acting of Garner and Kelly. Most of the Warner Brothers stable of westerns (including Maverick, Cheyenne, Colt 45, Sugarfoot, Bronco, and Lawman) have not made it to DVD. Exceptions include the first season of Cheyenne which is available and only three episodes of Maverick. These are all rare or nonexistent in syndication as well making the need for DVD collections even greater. But Maverick is available to Netflix members on streaming video.

Top Ten TV Westerns (50s-60s) Part 1

If you've read this blog for any length of time, then you know that one of my favorite television genres is the Western. I cut my teeth on the westerns of the late 60s and the re-runs of earlier Westerns. What all popular 50s and 60s westerns had in common is that they were all in the comic books as well--complete with photo covers. So here I'll go through my top ten westerns displaying the image of a comic cover for each.  

# 10 - Wanted: Dead or Alive - I discovered re-runs of this one weekdays after school while an elementary student. It's where Steve McQueen got his start. He went on to find stardom in the Magnificent Seven playing a character patterned after bounty hunter Josh Randall, his TV part. Two comics were published in the Dell Four Color series and the TV series is available on DVD.

 

# 9 - Lone Ranger - One of my earliest memories is of watching the Lone Ranger. As a child I would set my alarm to watch it at 6:30 weekday mornings before school. On Sunday mornings I would watch the color episodes on another TV station. I also read the comics, watched the cartoons, and owned the action figures. An official anniversary DVD set of the first two seasons has recently been released. The Lone Ranger's history in comics pre-dates his television appearances. 

 

# 8 - High Chaparral - Only one issue of this comic was ever published and is now worth about $70 in mint condition. I remember watching the TV series when it was new and I was a small child back in the late 60s. In the 70s I watched re-runs with my sister on weekday afternoons. We often pretended to be the characters when we played cowboys.  As an adult I saw re-runs on the Hallmark Channel when they dedicated Saturday afternoons to old westerns. They called it Rough and Ready Saturdays. The show was ahead of its time featuring Native Americans and Hispanics in the regular cast. This show is unfortunately unavailable on DVD, but fans are petitioning for it.  

# 7 - The Rifleman - Another show that I discovered in re-runs on weekdays after school. This was a personal favorite when I was a child. They packed a lot of action into 30 minutes. Only a handfull of public domain episodes are on DVD, but no official season sets as of yet.

 

 

# 6 - Cheyenne -An "A" variety Warner Brothers western. Great writing and great acting about a drifter raised by Native Americans. It was the first hour long TV western. This show is another of my earliest memories. I saw the re- runs as a teenager on Saturday afternoons. The first season is on DVD. 

 

Part Two of my top ten coming soon.  

Looking Ahead: Cool Retro-Related Stuff

As I continue my lifelong celebration of vintage pop culture, I've taken note of some new publications that are also refreshingly retro.

Batman / Doc Savage

This one-shot comic, scheduled for November 11 release, will team the Dark Knight with the Man of Bronze. The story is set in New York of the 1930s. While DC's multiverse consists of 52 universes, author Brian Azzarello has identified the location of this adventure as being in DC's 53rd world. A Doc Savage series will follow and his "world" will be populated by the likes of the Blackhawks, the Spirit, Rima, the Avenger, and possibly the Shadow. I can't wait! And BTW, in this world there are no super powers. 

Superman: Secret Origins

This six issue series by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank will retell the beginnings of Clark Kent in Smallville. I'm going to wait for the trade on this one so I can read the whole story at once. So now I've made myself a note.

Golden Age Marvel Comics Omnibus, Volume 1

This will reprint Marvel Comics # 1 and Marvel Mystery Comics# 2-12. I was excited until I learned that the cover price of this hardcover is $125. I guess I'll wait until it either comes out in paperback or makes it to my public library. I thoroughly enjoyed the 70th Anniversary reprint of Marvel Comics# 1. While much of the Golden Age stuff was obviously directed at small children, other stories are surprisingly good even by today's standards. And some of the art is very realistic. But I'll even read the campier Golden Age stuff just for the retro appeal. 

American Comic Book Chronicles

Each volume of this new book series from TwoMorrows will highlight a different decade of comic book history. The 40s and 60s will be covered in two volumes each. The volumes will not be released in order. The first volume, covering the 80s, is scheduled for 2010 release. These books promise to be comprehensive.

 

My Pull List (September 2009)

So here is what I'm reading these days:

Marvel Comics

Marvel 70th Anniversary One-Shots

I've really enjoyed this retro return to the Golden Age era. Each issue includes a new story, usually set in the World War II era, and back-up reprints providing a good history of Marvel Comics and of the state of popular culture in that era. 

Marvel's Project

A retelling of Marvel history written by Ed Brubaker. The first issue blew me away. The Human Torch, the Sub-Mariner, and the Angel. Classic characters with story and art that are up to modern standards of excellence.

Torch

An eight-parter co-written by Alex Ross who proved that he could write with the publication of JSA Kingdom Come Special: Superman (one of the best comics I may ever have read). It seems that this all new tale might be bringing the Golden Age Human Torch and sidekick Toro back together again. This will pick up some threads of sub-plot that were introduced in Avengers/Invaders, which had plot and covers by Ross.

DC Comics

Justice Society of America

This remains the only ongoing title I collect. The characters continue to fascinate me and the stories are still good despite the departure of Johns. I hear that a new title will be spinning off from this one as the JSA divides into two different teams. The other series will be called JSA All Stars. I don't know that I'll be getting both, but I was of the impression that the JSA was getting too big. If the teams are divided evenly between older and younger members, I'll go with the more established team.

 

Dynamite Entertainment

Project Superpowers, Chapter Two

While the first mini-series left much to be desired, it did set the tone for the excellent spin-off mini-series Black Terror and Masquerade. This one seems to be as good so far.

As usual the comics I collect are typically either revivals of Golden Age heroes or are set in the Golden Age era. I'm wondering if the final issue of Marvels: Eye of the Camera will ever be released. But maybe there's more hope for that than there is for the completion of The Twelve limited series. Anyway, I'm not holding my breath.

Kid Colt One-Shot

Western action at its best with an intriguing story by De Falco including suspense, unexpected plot twists, and a flashback to Kid Colt's origin. I hope this character I recall from my childhood makes a full comeback. While rough in spots, this is a comic I would let my kids read. Although it came out a few weeks ago, and I've been too busy to blog, I did want to give it an honorable mention. You might still find a copy at some comic shops.

I did not realize until recently that the Kid Colt character has been around since 1948 when his own title Kid Colt Outlaw appeared. I believe it ran through the 70s.  

And BTW, have you ever noticed how the Western comics genre was so populated by "kids" during the Silver and Bronze Ages? Marvel had Outlaw Kid, Kid Colt, Two-Gun Kid, and Rawhide Kid. Charlton had Billy the Kid and Cheyenne Kid. I'm sure I've missed someone.   

Final Crisis: Legion of Three Worlds (A Review)

Where do I even begin? What a great story! Now I remember why George Perez is my favorite artist of all time. Books with big team-ups have always been my thing and no one does the big team-ups like Perez. What I loved about the original Crisis on Infinite Earths was the consistent pencils of George Perez, unlike Infinite Crisis, which lacked such consistency. Perez draws my favorite artistic rendering of every DC comic hero. 

This series has to be the best crisis series since the original Crisis on Infinite Earths. It is full of surprises and the ending is by no means what I would have expected. The new mission for the Legion from Earth 247, the home earth of the third Legion, and the fate of Superboy-Prime were all most surprising. I hope we can see more of these characters. Superboy-Prime, the ultimate fanboy parody, had to be a loads of fun to write. I once took this character way too seriously and was even offended by him. Now I get the joke. But like an old timer pining away over the younger generation, I can say with a sigh, "He used to be such a nice boy."

On the downside, it took DC about a year to get all five issues out. By the time I got the latest issue, I had to review past issues in order to connect all the dots. This past weekend I read the entire series from beginning to end in a couple of sittings. This is probably the best way to read this story and make sense of it, so the forthcoming trade reprint should be very welcome. 

Long live the Legion! And long live the Multiverse!

For more on this series, see my previous review of the first issue.  See also Mark Engblom's April 4, 2008 post over at Comic Coverage, anticipating the release of this series. Be sure to catch our dialog on Suberboy-Prime in the comments section.              

A Trip to the Pop Culture Library

Our family recently spent an afternoon at the Browne Popular Culture Library on the campus of Bowling Green State University in Ohio. I could spend hours looking through their holdings. 

The entire fourth floor of the university library is dedicated to pop culture studies. They have an astounding collection of movies, recordings, and periodicals. But best of all, they have over 50,000 comic books. It's one of the largest library collections of comics in the world, although exceeded by the comic collections of the Library of Congress (over 100,000 comics) and the Comic Art Collection at the Michigan State University library (over 240,000 comics). 

Even Golden Age comics are available. You can actually touch them and read them. Now some of the older, more valuable stuff has to be read on microfiche on the first floor reader. But duplicate issues are also available in hard copy.

So we took the elevator to the fourth floor where we turned right down a hallway that took us to a room with tables, a computer, and a help desk. Shelves held a number of reference works on the history of film, comics, TV, actors, fictional characters, and popular music among other topics. The reference books cannot be taken from this room. 

Here is what was different from what I had envisioned: There were no stacks to browse in hopes of serendipitously running onto something that strikes your fancy. All items must be requested at the help desk, so it's good to know what you're looking for before you get there.

People unaffiliated with the university as either staff or students are at a bit of a disadvantage. First, you have to pay $25 if you want a library card. Parking can be a pain since so many lots are reserved. You cannot use a laptop to browse the card catalog since only school affiliates have passwords to access the wi-fi. While the website boasts large collections of Spiderman and Star Trek memorabilia, none of it is on display.

But the librarians will bring out whatever you want to see. I found the staff to be most helpful, friendly, and accommodating. They gave my kids some discarded hard cover comics and I came away with a reference book from the discard table. The librarians can log you into a library computer for use of the card catalog. So in spite of some inconveniences, I intend to make use of access to a library of this caliber which is within driving distance from where we live. 

(Photo courtesy Flickr)                  

Comic Collection Essentials, Part Four

I continue my posts on what I consider essential for a serious comic collection:

17) A few comics in which a Celebrity Appears as Him or Her Self. One of my favorites is Action Comics # 345 from 1967 in which Allen Funt catches Clark Kent on candid camera changing into his Superman attire. Another issue of interest is Avengers # 239 from 1984 in which the super-hero team appears on Late Night with David Letterman. These two are just too funny. 

18) Holiday Comics. While Christmas issues  have been plentiful in the past, the Justice Society actually celebrated Thanksgiving with the Justice League in JSA # 54. 

19) A good sampling of issues from some Favorite Writers and Artists. Some of my favorite writers include Stan Lee (of course), Denny O'Neil, Roy Thomas, and Geoff Johns. My favorite artists include George Perez, Alex Ross, and Dale Eaglesham. 

20) Marvel and DC Crossovers. As a child I recall the tabloid-sized one-shots of Superman vs. Spiderman and Batman vs. the Incredible Hulk (DC Special Series # 27). DC and Marvel together was a dream come true that up until then I could only experience by teaming up my Mego Men. Since these two milestones, the X-Men has met the Teen Titans, Superman has teamed up with the Fantastic Four, and Batman has appeared in one-shots with Spiderman, Daredevil, the Punisher, and Captain America. The real dream come true was the four part series from 2003 in which the JLA met the Avengers. Now if we could just have the Golden Age JSA team-up with the Invaders. Or how about Two-Gun Kid and Jonah Hex? The possibilities are endless. 

21) Some hardcover Archive or Masterworks editions. Experience the history of your favorite DC and Marvel characters. 

22) Collect some Action Figures of your favorite comic book heroes. Nowadays you can get just about anybody. While not comics, these items are comic-related. 

23) Other Comic-Related Collectibles include games, toys, movies, statues, and the list is never-ending. My comic-related items mainly consist of Batman items. Limiting myself to one character makes the collecting a bit more manageable--although I have a few other items I could not resist. 

24) Sports-Related Comics. My personal collection includes the series in which Sports Illustrated teamed up with Kellogg's cereal and DC Comics to produce the biographies of Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Ozzie Smith, and Nolan Ryan.  

25) Some Black-and-White comics. My collection includes Batman Black and White--of course. And these days a lot of Golden and Silver Age runs have been reprinted in black-and-white trades like DC's Showcase and Marvel's Essentials. It's a relatively inexpensive way to research your comic book history. AC Comics has also reprinted some Golden Age super heroes and westerns. 

So there you have it. My top 25 essentials to a comic collection in no particular order.                                      

Comic Collection Essentials, Part Three

I continue my list of 25 essential items to any comic collection:

 

12) Newspaper Strip Reprints. Newspaper strips are very essential to comic history since they are basically where comics got their start. I have actually belly-laughed at a collected edition of Popeye comics from the 1930s. The strip began as Thimble Theater in which the main characters were Olive and her family. But the sailor man came along and stole the show. I also enjoy reprints of Batman strips from the 40s. I have three volumes of dailies and one volume of Sunday Batman strips. 

13) Comics of Various Shapes,Sizes, and Formats. These days we have everything from trade paperbacks, to digests, to hardcover Archives, Masterworks, and graphic novels. As a kid I was especially fond of the tabloid sized comics from the 70s including reprint collections, movie adaptations, DC/Marvel crossovers, and sometimes entire Golden Age reprints including original commercials. Two of my favorites are DC's Famous First Edition reprints of All Star Comics # 3 and Detective Comics # 27. Even these over-sized reprints are worth something now.

14) Comics based on Classic Literature. Of course Classics Illustrated, reprinted many times, is the granddaddy of this genre. I understand that Roy Thomas is doing a great job as of late adapting classic literature for Marvel Comics. 

15) At least one comic signed by the writer or artist. Comics in our collection include the signatures of Dick Giordano, Dennis O'Neil, and a few others. My elementary-school-aged daughter was especially pleased to meet the creative team of Tiny Titans at a comic convention last Fall. Of course they signed our kids' comics and the artist even sketched and signed a picture for each of them. My girl requested a picture of Robin and our boy got Cyborg. 

16) Book and Record Collections. When you hear the beep it's time to turn the page. Anyone out there still have a working phonograph? 

What formats do you particularly enjoy? What have you enjoyed in the past? What would you love to add to your collection? 

To be concluded.