Retro Comic Recap: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom #1

Good morning,

Hope everyone's having a relaxing holiday weekend. It's time for me to talk about Marvel's adaptation of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. This was released as both a Marvel Super Special and a three-part limited series. Since I only have the limited series in my collection, I'll discuss that and begin today by covering the first issue. The cover was a montage of images, including Indy in a white tux, an airplane, a mountain range, and a village in India, that Jones, Short Round, and Willie Scott rode past on elephants. The issue had a cover date of September 1984.

After the title/splash page, the story began in Shanghai, 1935. Professor Jones was about to enter the Club Obi Wan for a rendezvous with Lao Che. He was there to deliver the remains of Che's ancestor, Hurachi, in exchange for a diamond. The exchange was a bit more complicated than initially anticipated, and it involved Scott's introduction to the American professor, a few threats, the death of Indiana's associate Wu Han, poison, and an antidote.

After a scuffle, Jones searched for the antidote that had made its way to the dance floor while Willie went after the large diamond. The two Americans eventually used a large gong that had been shot free from its mooring on a wall as cover as they jumped out of a nearby window and into the back of the car that Indy's young ally Short Round was driving.

As the car left the club, Jones fumbled for the antidote and briefly returned fire against their pursuers before the trio reached the airport. A British associate (played by Dan Akroyd in the 1984 movie) guided them to their plane. Indy thought he was one step ahead of his foe, not knowing that the vessel they departed in was owned by Lao Che.

Indiana was weary, and he and Short Round decided to take a nap en route to what they assumed would be their trip to Siam. Willie eventually fell asleep, but was awakened by the sounds of the pilots exiting the plane. She ran to the cockpit and found it empty. Scott hurriedly woke Jones, who did his best to keep the plane level.

They finally realized they couldn't dodge the mountains before them. The pilots took the only parachutes, so Indiana had to grab a raft and inflate it as they fell to earth, moments before the plane they were just on crashed into the mountainside.

The raft served as a makeshift sled when the trio touched ground, and they rode it all the way to a large body of water. After descending a waterfall, they learned that they were in India, which was made apparent by the native shaman who stood before the foreigners. The man led his guests to his village and provided them with food as he explained the need for the travelers to stop at Pankot before heading to Delhi.

Pankot Palace had a new maharajah, and it was rumored that its power had risen again. The shaman wanted the adventurers to retrieve a sacred stone that had been taken from their village that they trusted to protect them. After the stone disappeared, their village wells dried up, the river stopped, crops and animals died, and their children were taken.

Later that evening, Indiana thought about what the old man had told them. His musing was interrupted by the entrance of a weakened young boy, who was gasping for breath. He placed a piece of parchment in the professor's hand and said one word: sankara.

The next morning, Indy, Short Round, and Willie embarked on their mission. They rode elephants until finding a good spot to set up camp for the evening. Willie bathed in the river until a large snake wrapped around her. Indy stood there, still terrified of snakes, until the animal started dozing off, and slithered away.

As Short Round tended to the elephants, Indy explained to Willie how he'd found the lad trying to pick his pocket. His parents had been killed during the bombings of Shanghai. Scott told him how she'd made her way to Shanghai after the American Depression effectively killed her nightclub career.

Jones told her about the parchment the young boy had given him back in the village. It showed a priest named Sankara who lived many generations ago. He once climbed Mount Kalisa and encountered Shiva, the Hindu god. Stories said that Shiva had given Sankara five stones that had magical powers to use to combat evil. One of those stones might have been the same as the one that had been taken from the small village they were in the day before.

The next day, the group resumed their quest for "fortune and glory," and pressed on. They could see Pankot Palace in the near distance, but had to proceed the rest of the way on foot. Their guide, Sanju, would take the elephants after a statue was uncovered that appeared to have frightened the native away. 

Although there were a few scenes (like Indy's entering Club Obi Wan and the extended snake scenario) in this adaptation that were not in the final cut of the film, I still felt like this was a fine adaptation. I was familiar with writer David Michelinie from his work on the regular Indiana Jones title, penciler Butch Guice from the Micronauts books, and inkers Akin and Garvey from their work on ROM: Spaceknight. This movie was the darkest of the five Indiana Jones flicks, and I know that there were certain depictions that they couldn't completely portray because of the average ages of the comics' target audience. The story still moved along at a decent pace, and it included most of the fun parts from the big screen blockbuster.

Well, that's all I have for the moment. I'm going to go see the new Star Wars film. When I return, I'll cover the second issue of this limited series. We'll find out what happens to the crew once they reach Pankot Palace and the secrets they uncover inside. Until then, have a great day and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones #20

Good afternoon, folks,

Happy Friday! Today's topic is the twentieth issue of The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones. The cover depicted Indy running in a field from an airplane that was firing at him, in a scene that was reminiscent of that from an old Alfred Hitchcock movie. The tale was titled "The Cuban Connection!" The issue had a cover date of August 1984. 

The story started at Marshall College in Connecticut, as Professor Jones was examining the fake Arnhem ring, just before the National Museum's new curator, Osborn Sloams-Hagen, walked in. Indy was certain he'd brought back the genuine article, and didn't take too kindly to Osborn's jabs at his friend, Marcus Brody. Indy was certain that Brody had nothing to do with the swap.

Meanwhile, Marcus was cleaning out his old office when Marion Ravenwood entered. Moments later, Indiana arrived, asserting that the ring must have been switched out before the exhibit began. Marcus remembered that the only people who had been cleared to move large objects at the time were the crew assigned to install the new boiler. Indy and Marion then set off to find those workers.

A short while later, they arrived at the warehouse. Indy brought a folder containing a fingerprint that had been left behind on the fake Arnhem ring. The man Jones accused then lashed out at him before making a run for his truck. Marion followed and managed to climb on for a while in an effort to stop the thief. She was eventually knocked off the vehicle, but only after the suspect ran back into the warehouse.

Jones and Ravenwood followed, until they were pinned into a corner by a forklift. Marcus came to the rescue, knocking out the man named Al with the business end of his umbrella. Al confessed that he'd been hired by a man named Juan Soto. The trio wasn't convinced that the confession would be enough to restore Marcus' good name, and they soon set off to find Al's employer in Cuba. 

They learned that Soto had a sugar plantation outside of the city of Havana, and arrived at its outskirts not long after their plane landed. Indiana entered the plantation, inadvertently setting off a silent alarm in the process. A plane swooped down on the newcomers, guns blazing. Jones shooed his friends away as he crept toward a nearby tractor. He lit the fuel and waited for the plane to collide with it.

Soto witnessed the crash from the safety of his office and assumed that Indy had to have been involved somehow. The explosion was enough of a distraction to allow Jones, Ravenwood, and Brody to reach the compound's outer wall. However, when they scaled it, they saw a trio of hungry wolves waiting for them on the grounds.

The heroes were prepared for battle until a shrill whistle called the beasts off. Soto then approached his guests. After they were disarmed, the Americans were given a tour of the facility. Soto supplied weapons to local rebels and assisted the white slave trade in the area. He admitted that his men had taken the real Arnhem ring, but he was not about to disclose the name of the client who had hired him to accomplish that goal.

During the conversation, Soto realized that Brody no longer had his cigar in his mouth. Moments later, some of the ammunition in the hallway went up in flames. Marion and Indy took guns from some of their captors, and the trio followed Soto by boat. Indy was finally able to toss a rope onto Soto's craft and pull himself back into harm's way.

While Marcus and Marion were driving alongside the larger boat, Soto and Indiana were engaged in a fist fight. Marion moved to save her friend, but she would not interfere with the scuffle. Jones was the victor and got Soto to whisper the name of the mystery client to him before Juan jumped into the water, not realizing that he was heading straight for several very hungry sharks.

It was too late to save the villain, but Indy had a much greater concern at the moment. He'd learned that the client was none other than his old rival, Ben Ali Ayoob. In Guatemala, Ayoob was being informed of his lackeys' failures and knew they meant that Jones was on his way. He was pleased with the news, knowing that their game would resume until reaching its inevitable end. 

It was good to see Ayoob again, although Marvel's colorists have been very inconsistent with his skin tone coloring in most of his appearances in this series. It seemed like the villain had hideouts in multiple corners of the globe. Despite another change of penciler (Luke McDonnell this time), inker Danny Bulanadi kept David Michelinie's script moving right along at a steady pace.

I'm going to take a brief break from the regular series to cover Marvel's adaptation of the movie Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, starting tomorrow morning. I'll discuss the first of that three-part limited series before resuming with issue #21 of this title. We'll see Indy embark on an unexpected quest with an ally and an unwanted guest as they delve deeper into a centuries-old legend. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones #19

Good afternoon, everyone,

Hope all's well. Today's topic is the nineteenth issue of Marvel's series The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones. The cover, illustrated by Bret Blevins, showed Indy holding onto what I assume is his bullwhip with the shadow of a winged creature underneath him. The story was called "Dragon by the Tail!"  The issue had a cover date of July 1984.

The tale began in an airplane flying above the mountains of Nepal. Jones was preparing to parachute down into the icy conditions. He found a cave that would serve as shelter from the snow and wind a short while later and began reading a letter from a Japanese colleague that piqued his interest.

His friend thanked Indiana for saving him two years before, noting that his missive served as payment for that debt. He explained how his party had found the descendants of prehistoric cave dwellers in the northwestern portion of Mount Dhubri. Their modern weapons scared off the attackers, and when the group pressed on, they were astonished to find stone carvings that formed a sort of temple or barrier around what appeared to be a dragon encased in ice. The archaeologists agreed not to disturb their discovery and chose to leave.

News of their discovery eventually reached military leaders in their home country. There was some discussion about whether or not what had been found was real. If the creature could be revived, it might be used as a weapon against the country's enemies. The professor would not bring the militia to the site, but now informed Indy that the general's men were en route to the Himalayas, guided by others from the professor's group.

Indy considered the debt paid in full, and the next morning, he set out to investigate. Jones was amazed to see the monster had already been dug out and was being carted off via sled, still encased in ice. Indiana took out a guard and grabbed his grenades, hoping to set off an explosion that would send the mountain above them toppling down to interfere with their activities.

However, Jones was spotted by another soldier and fired upon. He suffered a flesh wound and had to use his whip to latch onto a peak to prevent a violent collision with the ground. By the time the soldiers arrived, Indy lay down and made it look like he'd been grievously injured. The men were convinced that their secret was safe and moved on.

Indy watched the Japanese military fly away with their prize in a zeppelin, and soon came across several of the prehistoric locals that his friend had mentioned in his letter. They had observed Jones' actions and determined that he was an ally. His shoulder wound was tended to, and Indiana was given an incantation that would, when spoken, make the dragon return to his worshippers. It was written in a pre-Indic language that Indiana was confident that he could translate. 

Several weeks later, Indy arrived at the home of Professor Kobayashi in Japan. He was greeted by a woman who knew his name and moved to attack. Jones disarmed the female, who explained that she'd failed, adding that her father refused to help his nation's military. Feeling like he betrayed his country, Kobayashi decided to take his own life. 

The professor didn't blame Indiana, but his daughter did. Jones talked about her father's devotion to peace and that he was trying to warn his friend. His debt to the American professor made it easier for Indy to do the right thing. He wanted to know as much about the dragon as possible. Indy knew that Kobayashi would have helped him, and his daughter eventually realized that. She led Indiana to a local temple that was large enough to be used as a military base. It could also contain the information that Jones sought.

He thanked the woman, who opted to wait outside for Jones. The first two men that Indy encountered told him that foreigners were forbidden to enter the facility. Indy apologized for his lack of knowledge, claiming to be a tourist. Neither man believed him, and a fight soon broke out.

Indiana took out each opponent individually. His pouch fell down an incline, and Jones went after it, figuring that the incantation it contained might be the only way to stop the beast. More soldiers arrived before Indy could accomplish that task. He used his whip once more to climb up to a safe hiding place as the guards rushed past.

After the soldiers departed, Jones jumped back down and found a door that led him to what he sought. The creature was still encased in a glass cylinder, as scientists were operating equipment around it. Indy learned that the military men had moved from ice to sleep gas to keep the dragon dormant. He was spotted by a soldier right before Indiana ran to one of the valves. Jones tugged on it to try to reduce the gas's flow.

Moments later, the creature awoke. It broke out of its prison and engaged in a battle between itself and its captors. Jones used his whip to draw the monster's attention as he ran toward his pouch that had the ancient inscription inside. The dragon's fiery breath caused some damage, and Indy was forced to grab the parchment and leave the pouch behind.

The dragon soon spread its wings and burst through the temple, with Indy attached via bullwhip. It reached the village before Indiana could climb onto its back, but Jones finally managed to get a secure spot and read the chant. When he finished, the dragon changed direction and started to fade from sight.

Indiana leaped before the creature vanished. Those who had seen it guessed that it might have been a part of the city's festival. None of them knew that the dragon had actually returned to its resting place in the Himalayas. It resumed its lengthy slumber as worshippers gave thanks and Indy returned to Kobayashi's daughter. She thanked him for his efforts and hoped that they'd meet again someday. As the American professor sailed away, he thought that war between their countries seemed likely, but at least without the dragon, it wouldn't happen as quickly.

Longtime Marvel readers may have thought that the dragon in this issue was the same or similar to Fin Fang Foom. There were definitely similarities, but unless those rumors are ever confirmed, this tale will probably be seen as non-canon. As filler issues go, this was an interesting yarn, one that would probably fit in with stories like the plot of the Crystal Skull movie.

Well, that's all that I have for you today. Tomorrow, I'll discuss the twentieth issue of this title. The regular storyline will resume, as Indiana and Marion Ravenwood dig a little deeper into the fake Arnhem calendar ring and meet the National Museum's new curator. We'll also see the return of another popular villain. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones #18

Good afternoon, folks,

Well, we made it halfway through the week! Time for me to talk about the eighteenth issue of The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones. The cover, illustrated by Herb Trimpe and Jack Abel, showed Indy and Marion teetering as someone in the background was shaking the wooden bridge that they stood upon. The tale was titled "The Search for Abner Chapter 2: The City of Yesterday's Forever!" The issue had a publication date of June 1984.

The story started in the Himalayan Alps, as Jones and Ravenwood found themselves falling as the bridge they'd been on had just given way. Indiana grabbed one of the ropes that had held the structure together and managed to snag it on a nearby slope. Marion held on for as long as she could. Jones presumed the worst after she lost her grip.

After he could no longer see her, Indiana continued to climb and moved on until his body needed rest. He thought about the journey so far, until his reverie was broken up by the arrival of several strangers who ordered him to join their party. Indy agreed and was amazed when he saw the legendary city of Ra-Lundi before them.

The domed village was much warmer than the mountains outside. Jones was soon greeted by Chen Sha, who guided him to quiet quarters. On the way, the old man explained that F'han Tal gave them heat and energy. They reached the F'han Tal temple, and Indiana was offered food. 

Indy was more concerned about Marion, who he was informed was still alive. Indiana saw her moments later and wanted to be by her side immediately. However, that was not to be. Chen Sha reached out to his guest's face, and Jones was out like a light.

When Indiana awoke, he found Marion standing in front of his eyes. She explained that she'd remembered the fall, and the next thing she knew, she was in a room that had a glowing entity in the middle. Chen Sha had told her that she'd been healed by something called a fantail. 

The couple was still concerned about the possibility that Marion's father, Abner, might still be alive, but before they could contemplate that further, they were instructed to attend the village's life celebration. By the time that Jones and Ravenwood arrived, all of the townspeople had gathered in the square, with Chen Sha sitting on a throne in the center pavilion. 

Marion guessed that the silent man wearing a gold mask who sat to Sha's right might be her father. Indiana calmly suggested that they watch the proceedings. The crowd started making noise before a large cage was brought inside. Sha ordered the cage be opened, and that its occupant, a large, hairy, humanoid beast, be brought forth. 

The creature picked through the residents until it selected one that it dragged outside. Sha offered the outsiders an explanation of their ritual. He began by stating how fire had fallen from the skies many years ago melting and freezing the structure referred to as Talon Rock. His people discovered the fire's healing properties, which also slowed aging and offered near immortality. 

They called this resource "F'han Tal," or "life giver" and built their town around it. However, they were largely able to avoid death. Finding the nearby beasts offered some hope in that regard, and over the generations, outsiders, like the one Marion and Indy had observed, had been tasked with digging traps to capture the monsters and bring them inside for their ceremonies. 

The assistants were given a golden mask and a place of honor, like their current associate, who Sha said had been found wandering without memory or voice in the snow. He added that the townspeople who had gone off to die eventually had to be replaced, insinuating that his new guests would be those replacements. 

Meanwhile, not very far away, LaFonte and McIver and their crew were nearing Ra Lundi when they came across several of the same creatures that Jones and Ravenwood had just been introduced to. They pressed on as the animals became deterred by the rifle shots, as Indy and Marion broke free from their cell. Jones made a detour to the temple to see F'han Tal for himself before they went to find the man with the golden mask.

Marion was still convinced that the stranger was her father, but was unable to rouse him from his slumber. The duo then heard the noises of battle outside. Indiana saw that their old opponents had finally reached the city, and were doing their best to take it over by force. He took Marion's hand and led her out of the room, making sure that they grabbed their supplies and return to the temple.

Jones was setting sticks of dynamite near the F'han Tal when Sha struck at him with his sword. The ruler cared more about power than the will of his people. He was about to cast a deadly blow, when the man in the golden mask intervened. He tossed a small statue that knocked Sha out cold. He then pointed toward the exit.

As Indy and Marion were departing, they were noticed by McIver. They were crossing another wooden bridge when they heard and witnessed the explosion in the city. The destruction was also observed by LaFonte and McIver, who had left their soldiers behind to fight on their behalf. Neither party was particularly interested in returning to Ra Lundi at the moment.

Some time later, Jones and Ravenwood returned to Marshall College in Connecticut. They were suprised to see that the National Musem was closed on a Wednesday. They made their way to Marcus Brody's office. Their old friend was delighted to see them, but had some bad news to share. He showed them a newspaper article about the Arnhem ring Indy had brought back from a previous expedition, which was found to be a fake. Indiana was certain that he'd retrieve the genuine article, to which Marcus replied that he could take the matter up with the museum's new curator the next day.

This issue felt a bit rushed to me. It didn't really answer the question of whether or not Abner Ravenwood was still alive, and the villains didn't really accomplish much of what they'd set out to do. We didn't learn much about the strange creatures that apparently live outside the domed city, either. The twist on the last page was enough to keep me interested, but I really felt like this storyline could have been expanded on with more details, even if it meant stretching things out for another issue or two. There were three inkers on this story, and after enough time, I could correctly identify which pages had been worked on by Vince Colletta, Ernie Chan, and Danny Bulanadi over Herb Trimpe's pencil work.

That's it from me for today. Tomorrow, I'll cover the nineteenth issue of this series. It's a bit of a fill-in issue, as Lee Lieber (Stan Lee's real-life brother) joins Jack Abel and Vince Colletta on a story that has Indy returning to Nepal to start another solo adventure. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones #17

Good afternoon,

Hope all's well with everyone. It's time for me to talk about the seventeenth issue of The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones. The cover depicted Indy and Marion Ravenwood fleeing on horseback from several opponents firing at them from a pair of vehicles. The tale was titled "The Search for Abner, Chapter 1: The Grecian Earn." The issue had a cover date of May 1984.

The story started on the island of Crete, in an underground labyrinth, where Indiana and Marion found themselves staring at a legendary Minotaur who was blocking their path. The figure then swung his club at the strangers. His second blow struck a support pillar that brought part of the roof down on the room's occupants.

While the mystery man was preoccupied with trying to dislodge his weapon from the hole it made in the wall facing it, Jones and Ravenwood took the opportunity to escape. As they did so, Indy thought back to how they got into the predicament in the first place.

It all started with another incident that brought the former couple closer together. Things changed when Marion received a telegram that turned her white as a sheet. Indiana thought about her reaction even as he embarked upon another mission (that was recounted in the previous two issues). 

When Indy returned, Marcus Brody informed him of Marion's decision to take a leave of absence from her public relations duties for the National Museum and head to Greece to pursue the possibility that her father, Abner Ravenwood, may still be alive. Indiana went after her, even though it meant he'd miss the opening ceremonies for the Arnhem ring display. 

After a quick flight to Athens, Indiana started asking the locals if they'd seen Marion. He eventually found her on a bridge just outside of Heraklion. Jones wasn't too surprised by Marion's less-than-pleasant reaction to his arrival.

Unfortunately, neither of them had much time for conversation, as they soon found themselves boxed in by New Dorians, people who followed the original Dorians, who made life very difficult for residents following the Trojan war. Jones explained what they were up against before they opted to jump from the bridge and swim to safety.

As they fled, Indiana went on to say how Dorians made sacrifices to the Minotaur, the half-man, half-bull son of King Minos, and that he'd encountered several members of their group years earlier in an operation that drew scrutiny from local law enforcement. The duo eventually made their way to Minos' former home of Knossos, and their hiding spot turned out to be where the Dorians once made blood sacrifices to their deity.

Jones and Ravenwood appeared to be trapped, but the walls had weakened somewhat over the years. Indy took out a pocket knife, but before he could attempt to dislodge a few tiles, the Minotaur returned. As the foe attacked, his helmet fell off, revealing an ordinary man beneath it. His club swung once more, this time knocking a hole in the floor that our heroes fell through.

Indiana lit his torch, and the pair were stunned by the appearance of bats flittering around them in the chamber. They hightailed it to the nearest door, slamming it shut behind them. A short while later, Marion lured their opponent toward the doorway. Jones was hiding and knocked the larger man into the room full of bats. They departed after hearing their former foe's screams cease.

Some time later, after Indy and Marion had escaped the complex, they talked about the telegram. Ravenwood said that it had been sent from Bill Kershaw, a former colleague of her father's. They found Kershaw in the back room of a local watering hole. Kershaw had worked with Abner Ravenwood for a man named Lafonte. Abner walked away from the partnership after he'd caught both of them cheating on invoices.

As Kershaw sobered up, he explained that he and Lafonte had found a map before dissolving their partnership. The map talked about Ra-Lundi, a city in Tibet. The city's god was a white man. Abner set out for that destination, which Bill was willing to disclose for a price. 

Jones handed over the money, even though he and Ravenwood knew that Kershaw would probably have drunk the $500 before he even reached the airport. The duo then took a train to Constantinople. Indy wanted Marion to be realistic about how slim the odds were that her father was alive, but it was still a chance that they were willing to see through together. 

Following the train ride, Indiana and Marion continued on foot to the grassy area known as the Kara Kavan, where Lafonte had set up camp. The two Americans soon entered his tent and met with the adventurer. Marion cut to the chase, stating that she wanted the map to Ra-Lundi. Lafonte pulled out a small carved map that he immediately pocketed. He said that he had need of that particular item, noting that his camp was being used to train Mongols for the trek to that rumored location.

Marion suggested that they could work together, but Lafonte already had a business partner, who emerged from the shadows. His familiar voice confirmed that it was none other than Indiana's old rival, McIver (last seen in issue #8). McIver explained that the Nazis were funding this venture. He talked about his anticipated bonus before mocking Marion's father. That comment incensed her, and Lafonte's men had to restrain her before taking their unwanted guests away. 

On the way out, Jones chastised Marion for her display of anger. She opened her coat to show him that she'd taken the map medallion. Pickpocketing was a skill that she'd learned during her years in Nepal. The pair then engaged in a fight with the guards behind them. The noise drew Lafonte and McIver's attention, but they were too late to prevent them from escaping on horseback.

They rode on, but their horses were soon followed by Lafonte's guards in a pair of trucks. The grenades stolen from the camp were enough to cause the vehicles to crash in a narrow passageway. Indiana and Marion soon donned winter gear as they prepared to ascend mountains. 

When they reached the summit, Indy nearly fell into a hole covered by snow, with a fabric net over the top. That confirmed that people were nearby. The only question was who such a trap was intended for.

Jones and Ravenwood eventually came across Talon Rock. The structure looked like a large, ancient claw. As they were halfway through a wooden bridge, they noticed someone shaking the structure on one end. The movement was enough to cause the bridge to break, sending the adventurers tumbling to their fate.

This issue was the end of the first half of this series. It was an interesting tale, and I think it was the first time that the same writer, penciler, and inker were used for three consecutive issues. The story plodded along a bit at times, but it was good for regular readers to see the return of McIver and entertain the possibility that Abner Ravenwood might still be alive. 

Tune in next time for the conclusion of this storyline. I'll recap the eighteenth issue of this title, and we'll learn what happened to Indiana and Marion. We'll also see if Ra-Lundi actually exists and what new concerns await both of them when they return home. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones #16

Good afternoon all,

I'm kicking off this week with a recap of the sixteenth issue of The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones. The cover, drawn by the issue's penciler Herb Trimpe, showed Indy swinging from his bullwhip above a ship, as passengers on that vessel and a neighboring submarine looked on, including one who fired at our hero. The story was called "Death on Dark Waters Chapter 2: The Sea Butchers." The issue had a cover date of April 1984.

When we last saw him, Indy had been buried up to his neck in sand on the edge of an Aleutian island, with hungry rock crabs clattering toward him. The archaeologist was scared, but not quite defenseless. Jones swallowed a mouthful of sand, which he spat at some of the animals.

Just as one crab was about to pinch Indiana's left ear, it was struck by a baseball bat that had been swung by Indy's old friend, Simon Katanga. The captain of the Bantu Wind had escaped the pirates who had commandeered his ship (in the previous issue) by jumping overboard. One of his arms had been cut by a barnacle protruding from the ship's hull, and the resulting blood flow was enough to convince the mercenaries that their foe was out of action.

Katanga stayed underwater until the pirates moved their attention elsewhere, then he swam to shore. He freed Indiana, who was very thankful for his timely intervention. The comrades raced down to the landing, in time to observe that Esmeralda's crew must have finished loading everything valuable into the Bantu Wind, which was about to depart. 

The duo stayed hidden in the bushes until they learned the whereabouts of Katanga's crew. They then returned to the Chinese temple to find the sailors tied up, and sticks of dynamite wired to blow up in minutes. Indy wanted to save the remaining relics, but Katanga informed him that there simply wouldn't be enough time to do that and free their colleagues. Jones realized that and helped the captain ensure that everyone could leave safely, moments before the explosives detonated. 

A few miles from the coast, the explosion was witnessed by a Japanese naval ship. Even though the island was in American waters, the captain still felt that it was important to preserve their nation's possible threats. The ship then lay in a course for the islands.

A short while later, a cigar-smoking member of Esmeralda's crew aboard her purloined submarine was overtaken by Katanga and Jones. At the same time, on the Bantu Wind, the pirate leader was about to provide a demonstration to her subordinates to show them what could happen if they failed her. She had a lackey who'd stolen a few valuables for himself and offered him a revolver for a game of what appeared to be a sort of Russian roulette. What she didn't tell the crewman was that all six slots of the revolver's barrel had been loaded. The man took himself out, showing his mates what happened to people who stole from their leader.

Esmeralda then noticed her sub floating near the stolen ship she was now on. She was surprised to hear Indiana demanding surrender. Something on the horizon caught her eye, and she instructed Gunther to send a signal to the Japanese boat that was about to enter the fray.

The S.O.S. signal had been received, and the Japanese cruiser started its attack on Esmeralda's sub. The submarine quickly dove, but not without suffering some damage. Its crew eventually realized, with some convincing by their guests, that they may have been fighting on the wrong side. 

While still submerged, the new allies came up with a plan. They sent out some debris to make the Japanese crew think that their attack had been successful. It looked good at first, but the commander wasn't about to take chances. He ordered a course around the island and that he was to be informed immediately if any variation in underwater movement was noticed by sonar.

Now Indy, Katanga, and their new friends had to think about how to handle Esmeralda's pirates. Jones asked his associates to gather up all available life jackets and some of the jewels from the hold. As they neared the Bantu Wind, some of the mercenaries spotted the gold and other items that had been affixed to the floating life jackets.

The crewmen dove into the water to claim their shares of the treasure. Esmeralda thought that was a bit too convenient, and soon saw her submarine surface. Its crew tossed grappling hooks, and a struggle began after Esmeralda promised a bonus for each invader that was brought down. 

Indy and Esmaralda faced off once again, but this time it was Indiana who was victorious. Katanga and his men held the crooks at gunpoint, while they noticed the Japanese ship move away from them, until Jones had another brainstorm. 

The Bantu Wind now had the sub chained to its rear, and it being dragged behind made the Japanese officers assume that they were under attack. This gave Esmeralda some time to slip away and return to the sub. She wasn't anticipating the Japanese vessel to fire, and a powerful salvo soon sank the sub. The remaining ships then sailed off on their separate ways. 

Indy arrived home a few days later. As he was recounting his latest exploits with Marcus Brody, Brody informed the professor that Marion Ravenwood had taken a leave of absence. She'd gone to Greece to find her father.

If you didn't quite understand the plot of this issue at first, rest assured that you're not the only one. I re-read it a few times just to make sure that I was following along. I thought that it would have made more sense to move the treasure to one ship, especially in the submarine that could move faster and dive underwater to avoid detection, but Esmeralda must have had her own reasons for wanting two ships at her disposal, I guess. 

While Esmeralda's fate is uncertain as of this issue, we will learn more about Marion's whereabouts in the next issue. David Michelinie, Herb Trimpe, and Vince Colletta return to begin a new storyline in issue number seventeen that delves into her search for her father. Indy tags along for the ride, and we see the return of another familiar face along the way. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones #15

Good afternoon, all,

I'm wrapping up this weekend with a discussion of the fifteenth issue of The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones. The cover depicted Indy in the middle of a crowd as a net containing several crates above them had just broken. The tale was titled "The Sea Butchers Chapter 1: Island of Peril!" The issue had a cover date of March 1984.

The story started in the skies above the Aleutian Islands. Indy and his pilot, Jock Lindsey, had arrived to take aerial photographs of the land below. They knew that the Japanese military forces might make that task a bit troublesome, but still pressed on with their mission. It didn't take long for a Japanese plane to roll past their plane, spewing machine gun fire as it passed.

Lindsey flew closer to the ground for Indiana to get a few photos before they neared a Japanese warship. Indy snapped a few pictures of the cruiser before they skimmed above it. Lindsey took a barrel roll as Jones grabbed a rusty sea hook and tossed it at the opposing plane. The hook snagged the wings, yanking them off in a swift motion and causing the damaged plane to sink like a stone. The cruiser's captain observed the affair from his binoculars and ordered his lieutenant to send a longboat for the downed pilot. 

Some time later, Professor Jones shared the photographs with his colleague, Doctor Marcus Brody, at Marshall College in Connecticut. Brody noted that the images showed some promise, despite their blurryness. Indy was certain that one of the buildings he'd photographed was a statue of Chung Hua, the Chinese god of their ancient mariners. 

Brody was inclined to agree, except for the fact that they had no concrete proof. He held up a small statue of the deity in question, stating that they needed physical proof. Jones understood, adding that they'd need a ship that was big enough to move large artifacts. Fortunately, he knew of a captain who might just be willing to help.

After a few inquiries were made, Indiana found himself strolling through the streets of Panama City, Panama. He was headed for the city jail, where his old friend, Captain Katanga, was being held. The captain greeted his comrade across the cell bars, explaining that he'd been apprehended because he'd misplaced the bill of sale and related documents for the shipload of rum.

Indy managed to free his colleague, unaware that his cellmate had been listening to their conversation with great interest. An hour later, the friends convened at the Bay of Pagamo. They narrowly evaded the crash of several large crates that fell from their net, which had been suspended by a crane, and were soon engaged in a fight with several locals.

The allies were separated during the conflict. Indiana ducked into a hotel until more of his pursuers were hot on his trail. Jones jumped toward the next building, landing in a produce cart before seeking safety in the restaurant next door. Indiana eluded a trio of thugs in the kitchen and ran out the back door.

Jones kept running until he encountered more gun-toting goons. Katanga advised Indy to get down, and he did so right before the captain's men took out their foes. Indy thanked his old friend for his timely assistance, and they set sail soon thereafter. 

Some time later, their vessel was boarded by members of the Japanese navy. They claimed to be searching for contraband, and the commander thought he recognized the American professor from an earlier incident involving relics stolen from a museum in Tokyo. Jones feigned innocence, replying that he was deathly afraid of flying. 

Jones and Katanga knew that they had to be careful after their guests left. The rest of the voyage was rather uneventful for their ship, the Bantu Wind. Upon reaching their destination, Indy and the captain disembarked, along with a hand-picked crew. 

Indy breathed a sigh of relief when they finally reached the Chinese temple. Jones marveled at the treasures it contained until his attention was drawn by a female voice from behind. It belonged to the mercenary named Esmeralda Vasquez. Katanga recognized one of her associates as his former cellmate from the Panama jail. 

Vasquez was behind the attack on the dock. They wanted his assistance, but Jones wasn't a prize that could be acquired easily. He swung his lantern at the wall behind him after being slapped by the pirate leader, sending sparks flying and allowing him and his friends to escape. 

As they headed toward shore, Indy and his comrades noticed a submarine sitting in the waters before them. Esmeralda admitted that she'd stolen the U.S. ship. She eventually convinced Katanga to obey her commands after torturing one of his crewmen. While the ship's crew was led toward the docks, a different fate lay in store for Jones.

Indy was herded to the southern part of the island, where he was buried up to his neck in the sand. Katanga made a break for it and jumped into the water as Vasquez's soldiers fired at him. Meanwhile, Indiana stood helpless against the rock crabs that were now starting to surround him. 

As a kid, I had kind of lost interest in this title after the previous issue. I wasn't satisfied with the constantly changing art teams and had found intermittent issues before its ultimate cancellation afterward. I just picked up this issue a few years ago. I wasn't too surprised with another change of artists, but I found the story compelling enough to keep me reading. 

The only thing that irked me was that this issue did nothing to move along Marion's story. We will learn a bit more about that in the next issue. Tomorrow, I'll cover the sixteenth issue of this title. We'll find out what happened to Indy and Katanga, and gain more insight into Esemeralda's plans. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another.