Retro Comic Recap: Super-Villain Team-Up #17

Good afternoon,

Winding down a nice weekend with a summary of the seventeenth issue of Marvel's Super-Villain Team-Up. The cover for this title's final issue depicted the Red Skull holding a cosmic cube in one hand, flanked by the Hate Monger and Arnim Zola. The story was called "Dark Victory." The issue had a publication date of June 1980.

The tale began on Exile Island, as the Skull and Hate Monger were welcoming A.I.M. (Advanced Idea Mechanics) scientist George Clinton to their base of operations. As he was led inside their complex, George's hosts recounted the first time that a cosmic cube had been developed, and its eventual destruction (in stories told in the Tales of Suspense and Captain Marvel titles).  Clinton noticed that several prisoners were connected to the device that would be used to create the cube.

He noted that receiving so much information in a relatively short period of time could significantly damage the test subjects, but soon saw that the Nazis had plenty of prisoners at their disposal to serve as unwilling guinea pigs. One such captive was a man named Yousof Tov, who unsuccessfully tried to escape from the island (in the previous issue). His plight had been observed by a fellow prisoner named Rachel. She managed to flee on her own and alert American authorities, unaware that the villains' telepath made sure that his master, the Hate Monger, knew of the potential plans to disrupt their operations.

The Hate Monger was visiting the telepath when a subordinate entered the room to inform him that the Red Skull demanded his presence. The man who was born Johann Schmidt soon welcomed his ally to view their progress in creating a second cosmic cube. Meanwhile, Rachel had finally convinced leadership at S.H.I.E.L.D. (Supreme Headquarters International Espionage Law Enforcement Division) to gather the troops for an assault on Exiles Island.

Some time later, the Red Skull had some time to himself in his private quarters on the island. He talked aloud about his intentions, knowing that he was going against his original superior. He had little time for reminiscing afterward, as the S.H.I.E.L.D. forces were soon within striking distance. The Hate Monger, Arnim Zola, and the Skull gathered their forces to mount a defense, but it soon became clear that the villains' hired men were relatively inexperienced in comparison to the battle-hardened. S.H.I.E.L.D. officers.

During the confrontation, the Hate Monger ordered Zola to obey his commands before tearing off his mask and revealing that he was Adolf Hitler. The brain of the evil Nazi leader had been transplanted into the cloned body that he now occupied. His goal now was to integrate with the cosmic cube. 

Rachel and her allies soon reached the room where the cosmic cube was being crafted. She freed the prisoners who were attached to the device, including Tov himself, who was now a shell of his former self. Moments later, the heroes fled the scene right before the compound exploded. Several miles below the surface, the Red Skull examined the small cube that had been produced. Hitler accomplished his goal. On the last panel, we saw the former Nazi mastermind screaming for help as he was trapped within the bauble that his former underling, the Red Skull, had left behind. 

After this title ceased its bimonthly publishing schedule, Marvel created these annual issues to keep up the Super Villain trademark in efforts to discourage rival companies from doing the same. This was a satisfying conclusion to this storyline and series. MODOK (Mental Organism Designed Only for Killing) would have his own version of a super-villain team-up in a five-issue series in 2009, followed by Doom's alliances with other villains in a four-issue limited series a few years later. I wonder who would be featured if Marvel ever decides to reboot this title. 

That's it for today. Tomorrow, I'll begin another series, starting with a discussion of the first issue of the Champions, a short-lived superhero team from the 1970s that featured a few former X-Men and Avengers. Until then, have a great week, and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Super-Villain Team-Up #16

Good morning, folks!

Hope everyone had a happy and safe Halloween. It's time for me to talk about the sixteenth issue of Super-Villain Team-Up. The cover depicted the Red Skull and his associate, the Hate Monger, before several captives on Skull Island. The tale was titled "Shall I Call Thee Master?" The issue had a cover date of May 1979.

The story started with the aforementioned villains sitting down across from one another at a dinner table, about to toast their alliance. The Skull soon retired for the evening and went to his private quarters. The next morning, the man who was once Johann Schmidt went to the pistol range for target practice and got in a few exercises, with his faithful lackeys at his side.e He rejoined his comrade in time for the morning's procession, swearing allegiance to their masters as they passed by their balcony.

Elsewhere in the estate, a man named Yousof Tov was finishing his breakfast, although it was one he completed while under captivity. The Shin Bet commando was at the mercy of his host, who reminded him of the neuro detonator that had been placed in his neck (in early issues of Captain America's title). He walked past others from his home country. One of them was a woman who chastised Tov for joining the enemy. Yousof tried to explain that he had little choice in the matter, but his words weren't very effective.

He soon made his way to where the Red Skull was practicing his aim. The Skull then led Tov to his underground chamber, where he was preparing to develop a second cosmic cube. The first one had slipped from his grasp, and the German villain wasn't about to let the same happen with this one. 

The Skull then explained that Tov could procure security clearances and secrets from S.H.I.E.L.D. (Supreme Headquarters International Espionage and Law Enforcement Division) and A.I.M. (Advanced Idea Mechanics). Tov was reluctant to play along, until his host offered him the chance to eliminate the Hate Monger. Upon hearing that, Tov was more than willing to kill his adversary. The Skull then depressed a button on the remote control in his hand, sending Tov into instant unconsciousness.

Some time later, the Red Skull walked in on the Hate Monger, who was now unmasked and focused on his paintings. He talked about rescuing the Skull from his entrapment on the moon (in SVTU #12) and their initial partnership agreement. The Hate Monger recalled introducing the Skull to Arnim Zola and the Red Skull's subsequent plots against his hated rival, Captain America (chronicled in Cap's own mag). As he stared out the window, we saw the face of the Adolf Hitler clone that was the Hate Monger.

Back in his own quarters, Tov faked pain from the neuro implant. His guard quickly neutralized the effect, which gave Tov the opportunity to knock the man out and burst through the doors. Tov grabbed a rifle from one of the soldiers outside his room who had fallen, and ran for freedom. 

Before Tov left the grounds, he shot the lock on the cage containing other prisoners. He announced they were free to flee, but none of them opted to leave until Tov himself was shot. The woman that he'd quarreled with earlier ran to his side, and a fight broke out between the prisoners and mansion guards. 

Tov managed to escape during the melee and ventured toward the pier where he commandeered a small speedboat. He sped toward a U.S. naval vessel, but when he came aboard, he soon realized that the Red Skull and the Hate Monger were right behind him. Tov was returned to the base. As he walked back, he saw the prisoners whom he'd freed were back in their cage, including the woman named Rachel, who had fought with and against him. 

This was one of two Super-Villain Team-Up issues that were published on an annual basis by Marvel to retain the Super-Villain Team-Up trademark. I'm not a big fan of Carmine Infantino's artwork, but Peter Gillis' script gave me more insight into the Red Skull, a character that I'd only known from his earlier appearances in this title and in Cap's monthly series. I still prefer Dr. Doom over the Red Skull, but Schmidt is still a character to be wary of. The Hate Monger has also made his mark on multiple Marvel characters over the years, including an upcoming storyline in the Fantastic Four several years later. 

That's it for now. Taking a break to enjoy some NFL football on TV. I'll be back this afternoon for a synopsis of the seventeenth and final issue of Super-Villain Team-Up. In that one, we'll learn if the Skull was successful in his efforts to develop another cosmic cube. Until then, have a great Sunday and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Super-Villain Team-Up #15

Happy Halloween!

Hope all's well. Today, I'll be writing about the fifteenth issue of Marvel's Super-Villain Team-Up. The cover showed Dr. Doom being blasted by a ray fired from a cannon that a lackey was operating under the directive of the Red Skull. This issue was a reprint of Doom and Skull's first conflict from Astonishing Tales issues 4 and 5. The saga was named "The Invaders!" The issue had a cover date of November 1978.

The story began right after Crown Prince Rudolfo's failed attempt to take over Castle Doom. Victor Von Doom had prevailed, but his home had been destroyed in the process. He ordered his citizens to head to the palace to begin its reconstruction. Once things were underway, Doom rocketed off elsewhere.

Meanwhile, the Red Skull was watching Doom's departure with great interest. He and his associates felt like the small European nation was ripe for takeover. The Skull had found his crew on Exile Island shortly after a conflict with Captain America (Steve Rogers) and the Falcon (Sam Wilson). 

Doom arrived on the Riviera and strode into an extravagant hotel, demanding the royal suite for himself. After accommodations were made, several onlookers thought the unanticipated guest was ripe for theft. They soon found that the Latverian monarch was prepared for such a clumsy effort.

At the same time, the Red Skull and his forces were breaching Castle Doom. It didn't take them long to overpower the defenses. Latveria now seemed to belong to the German despot.

Doom found little amusement on the casino floor. He created a vortex that destroyed many of the gaming tables, and quickly grew bored. He flew off, heading for his homeland.

By then, the Skull and his compatriots had established new leadership. Their soldiers opened fire on the returning Doom. The Red Skull had access to all of Doom's weaponry, including a rocket that emitted a sleep gas that was powerful enough to knock Victor out. 

Afterward, Doom awoke inside his domain, inside a mummy case made of adamantine. While his adversary was gloating about his triumph, Doom reached for his thermo energizer, which helped him to break free after his foes had left the room. Victor made his way to the main power station to shut off power to the weapons the Skull's men were readying.

Doom knew his castle and its defenses better than anyone, so it was child's play for him to overcome the intruders. He eventually trapped the would-be usurpers in a room that was soon filled with gas. A temporary hypnotic spell made the Red Skull and his followers feel like they'd been reduced in size before being placed on another rocket en route to Exile Island. Doom knew that the effects would wear off as soon as his foes returned home, but was confident in knowing that he'd successfully reclaimed his throne once more. 

If you haven't read this storyline before, it's a nice introduction to the Doom/Skull rivalry. If you have, it's a reminder of their power and potential. I'm surprised that the two haven't clashed more often over the years, or even teamed up to defeat their common rivals. 

That's it for now. Time for me to enjoy a nice holiday Saturday. I'll return tomorrow morning to discuss the sixteenth issue of Super-Villain Team-Up. The Red Skull returns with a new ally in a brand new story. Until then, have a great weekend and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Super-Villain Team-Up #14

Happy Friday, folks!

It's time for me to talk about the fourteenth issue of Super-Villain Team-Up. The cover, illustrated by the legendary Uncanny X-Men team of John Byrne and Terry Austin, depicted Dr. Doom standing in a circle, with the heroes the Wasp, Hercules, Yellowjacket, the Vision, the Angel, the Scarlet Witch, Iceman, Captain America, the Beast, Iron Man, and Thor kneeling before him. The tale was titled "A World for the Winning!" The issue had a cover date of October 1977.

The story started in Latveria, where Magneto tried to make his way across a crowded street in the middle of a celebration. Citizens were rejoicing before a statue of their beloved leader, Doctor Doom. Magneto grew angry with the proceedings and used his mutant abilities to send the statue crashing to the ground before flying toward Castle Doom.

Inside the stately manor, Victor Von Doom was toying with the figures sculpted like many of his old superhero rivals. He was expressing his boredom when Magneto entered the room. The founder of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants had piqued Doom's interest, and he allowed his guest to explain how he'd returned to his normal size and abilities (in tales recounted in issues of the Defenders and the Uncanny X-Men). 

Magneto had arrived to offer a partnership in dominating the world. Doom was not interested, stating that the world was already his. He then pointed to a series of neuro canisters outside the window that were already pumping a toxin that would make the rest of the planet's inhabitants obey his will.

Not even Doom's guest was immune to the gas. He was eventually able to overcome its effects and engage Von Doom in a brief battle before a deal was struck. The arrangement was sealed with a drink, but Magneto's glass had been spiked with both the antidote to the drug and an intoxicant that would make him sleep until it was time for him to play his next part in the game that was about to begin.

Several hours later, Magneto burst into the New York headquarters of the Avengers. There, he fought against Captain America, Iron Man, Wonder Man, the Vision, the Wasp, Yellowjacket, Scarlet Witch, Thor, and the Beast. His alliance with Doom was revealed at the end of the conflict, one that the Latverian ruler had been observing from afar. 

A simple verbal command was all it took for Doom to control the Avengers. He allowed Magneto to choose one hero who would be free from his mental domination. Magneto chose his longtime rival, the Beast. After Magneto released his nemesis from the drug's control, the duo set off in a Quinjet toward Los Angeles, where they ran up against the superhero team known as the Champions. 

This was the end of this title's regular run, and the story concluded in the sixteenth issue of the Champions' mag. I'll discuss that title in my next retro comic recap series. This issue was the first matchup that I'm aware of between Doom and Magneto, and it hasn't been the last. Both characters have changed significantly since that initial meeting. I felt like this story was a bit rushed, probably because the title was cancelled a bit prematurely. I loved the idea of having Dr. Doom lead his own magazine. He's had a few titles of his own since, most recently over the last few years leading up to this December's next MCU movie. 

Although this title was cancelled, this wasn't the last issue of Super-Villain Team-Up.  There would be three more issues published before the series was finally put to rest. Tomorrow, I'll cover the fifteenth issue, which was a reprint of a couple of stories that chronicled Doom and the Red Skull's first conflict. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Super-Villain Team-Up #13

Happy Thursday, peeps!

Today's topic is the thirteenth issue of Super-Villain Team-Up. The cover depicted Prince Namor, the Sub-Mariner, and the warlord known as Krang squaring off in Dr. Doom's hands. The story was called "When Walks the Warlord!" The issue had a publication date of August 1977.

The tale began underwater, as Namor neared his home of Atlantis. Following closely behind him was Dr. Doom, piloting a spherical craft across the water's bottom. Victor Von Doom was attempting to honor his vow to assist the Atlantean people. The allies had just reached Atlantis' boundaries when they were attacked.

The Sub-Mariner approached the first wave and soon learned that the warlord Krang now inhabited his realm. Doom observed that revelation from the safety of his ship. He entered the suspended animation room after the battle had begun, and released a quartet of small projectiles from his armor a few moments later. 

While Namor continued battling Krang and his cohorts, Doom met Lord Vashti after he and his comrades emerged from their lengthy slumber. Vashti dispatched his comrades to assist their regent Namor, who now had to face a giant beast that Krang had summoned by blowing a large horn (that was first used in the fourth issue of the original Fantastic Four title). 

During the melee, Krang returned to the throne room, where he met Doom. The would-be usurper of Atlantis proved to be no match for the Latverian monarch. Namor arrived shortly after his battle had been won, to find Krang defeated. He was thankful for Doom's assistance and that he kept his word, but their alliance was now over. 

Namor's people were chanting his name once more as Doom departed. Victor noted that his strength was from his own determination, while Namor's was derived from the faith in him by his fellow Atlanteans. Doom was certain that they would meet again, but he did not know if it would be as friend or foe the next time. 

I felt like this was a satisfactory conclusion to Doom and Namor's partnership. It was a rocky relationship as I've said before, one that sometimes felt a bit out of place. Namor has been portrayed as both hero and villain throughout the decades in Marvel publications. and he has sided with Doom more than once. I'm glad that a different villain was the main antagonist, instead of someone like Tiger Shark or Attuma, who we ran across earlier in this series' run.

That's all I have for you today. Tomorrow, I'll close out the workweek with a discussion of the fourteenth issue of Marvel's Super-Villain Team-Up. A new threat takes the co-billing spot that issue, in a story that closes out this title's regular run and is a crossover with a book that featured a short-lived hero team. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Super-Villain Team-Up #12

Happy Wednesday, folks!

Time for me to talk about the twelfth issue of Marvel's Super-Villain Team-Up. The cover depicted Dr. Doom facing off against the Red Skull, who was riding a small rocket. The tale was titled "Death-Duel!" The issue had a cover date of June 1977.

Things were tense at Castle Doom in Latveria, as those gathered around the viewscreen in the palace's control room were watching as the Red Skull was preparing his hypno-ray from the moon, about ready to aim it at the planet Earth. Doom and the Shroud were flying toward the Skull's base on the moon, and remained in contact with Captain America back at the Latverian monarch's castle.

Crown Prince Rudolfo was being carted away for medical attention (after being shot by the Red Skull a few issues back). Prince Namor, the Sub-Mariner, had no interest in the current affairs, except for Doom's promise to restore his citizens back to their original states (a vow made last issue). Out in space, the Shroud donned a space suit so that he could tackle the weapon in orbit, while Doom continued to pilot his craft toward his enemy's lair.

The Red Skull was prepared for such an attack and had been readying his plans since his last encounter with Cap (in Captain America's own mag). He released a series of rockets that made a beeline for Doom's ship. Victor Von Doom's craft had no defensive weapons, save for the ones in his own armor. 

He flew from the ship moments before several rockets destroyed the vessel. Doom's lackeys prepared their master's space suit and he rode his small jet to the spot where Doom had landed on the moon. While the titans battled, the Scourge sought to deactivate the hypno-ray. The battle on the moon continued even after a ship piloted by Cap (borrowed from his friends at SHIELD) located the Shroud floating in space and used a tractor beam to bring him aboard. 

Both Doom and the Red Skull were formidable opponents, and each managed to pierce the other's suit. Doom used his glove's freeze unit to seal the wound and charged at the Skull, driving him into the ground. The Skull's ray loosed several large boulders that fell on top of both of them. Doom emerged unscathed, while his rival remained trapped under the rubble. 

Victor convinced the Skull's lackeys to see the error of their ways, and they turned to his side instead of rushing to save their former employer. The Red Skull continued to cry for help from his cracked helmet, even as Doom's next ship took off. He wasn't about to aid such a bitter enemy.

This was the end of this storyline, but the Red Skull would return in future issues of this series. Dr. Doom and the Skull had tangled before in the Astonishing Tales series (some of those stories would be reprinted in an upcoming issue of SVTU). I always did prefer Doom over the Red Skull, so for me this was a satisfying conclusion to this saga. My only gripe is that part of this story felt a bit rushed. We learned late in the story that the hypno-ray was sabotaged, but we didn't really learn just what the Shroud did to stop its activation, or what happened to him after Captain America's rescue. 

The Sub-Mariner will make his final appearance in this series in the thirteenth issue of Super-Villain Team-Up, which I'll discuss tomorrow. We'll see what happened when Namor finally returned to Atlantis, and whether or not Doom made good on his promise to help the Atlantean people. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap:: Super-Villain Team-Up #11

Happy Tuesday, folks!

Today's topic is the eleventh issue of Super-Villain Team-Up. The cover showed Dr. Doom battling the Red Skull in the foreground, and Captain America tackling the Shroud in the background, with Namor, the Sub-Mariner, bursting through a window in the midst of the chaos. Part three of the story was called "My Ally, My Enemy!" The issue had a publication date of April 1977.

The tale began with the Red Skull and his guards opening fire on the Shroud after having wounded the false Dr. Doom (the crown prince Rudolfo). The Shroud put up a valiant effort, but eventually relented to the new occupant of Castle Doom. The Skull brought his new captive to a viewscreen, where the real Dr. Doom was on board a ship with Captain America.

The Shroud was blind, so he wasn't able to see what transpired. A beam emitted from the castle was fired at the vessel, one that sent the plane on a spiral toward the ground. The Red Skull then switched the view to outer space, where his crew was busy assembling a hypno-ray to be aimed at our planet. 

While the Skull was gloating about his presumed triumph, Cap and Doom were ejecting from the ship before it crashed. They landed in the tall grass. Moments later, they were met by snakes who were much larger than they were.

A few moments later, the Sub-Mariner entered the fray. He took out the Skull's guards before their master teleported to the balcony. Skull appealed to Namor, claiming that they should both be on the same side (not telling his guest that he was the one responsible for the mining in Atlantis in Doom's name). He pointed to Rudolfo, stating that he stood in the way of the democracy he was about to offer the Latverian people.

The Shroud tried to appeal to Namor's senses, reminding him of his battles against the Red Skull and his allies back in World War II. The Sub-Mariner thought for a moment before asking to confer with the Skull. Meanwhile, Victor Von Doom and Captain America were underwater, having been knocked into a sewage duct by the onrush of water after floodgates were opened. Doom saved Cap from drowning before the duo crept along Doom's prison cells.

He stopped for a moment to consider his faithful servant Boris before leading Cap further. They soon came across a window, where the Red Skull was discussing matters with the Sub-Mariner. Doom leapt into the room and struck at his larger foe. The Skull's ray still had them shrunken, but they returned to normal size just as the Skull held his small foe in his hand.

Their regrowth was due to the Sub-Mariner pressing a button on a nearby console, just before he was shot by the German villain. Cap fought off the soldiers while Doom made a beeline for his would-be usurper. The Shroud was eventually forced aside by Captain America, who reluctantly fought his fellow hero, feeling that Doom had to prevail in this particular struggle. 

Just when it seemed like the Red Skull would win, Rudolfo, still struggling after being shot (last issue) managed to grab the teleportation control and sent the Skull away. The quintet's attention turned to the viewscreen afterward. The Red Skull was now on the moon, preparing to aim his hypno-ray at Earth's population. 

This was the second issue of this title that I purchased when I was much younger. I didn't know much about the characters at the time, but I loved the pacing and action. The confrontation between Doom and Skull was inevitable, and I'm surprised they haven't clashed more often over the years. 

That's all for today. This storyline continues in the twelfth issue of Super-Villain Team-Up, which I'll cover tomorrow. Doom and the Red Skull will face off again, and we'll see how Captain America and the Shroud fit into the final climactic conflict. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another.