Retro Comic Recap: The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones #31

Good afternoon,

Today's topic is the thirty-first issue of The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones. The cover, illustrated by regular series cover artist Keith Pollard, depicted a red-haired man smiling as he watched Indy fall from a cliffside. The tale was titled "Big Game." The issue had a cover date of September 1985.

The story began on a plane flying near the coast of Washington State. Indiana was concerned about the pilot Smitty's attentiveness (not to be confused with the German pilot Schmidt, aka "Smitty," from issues 4 and 5), but was assured that things would be fine. However, a downdraft soon forced them to make a rough landing.

Jones removed the unconscious pilot from the vehicle afterward, and soon collapsed himself. The pair was found by a couple driving a Jeep. The woman offered assistance, which Indiana gladly accepted. As her companion drove, she explained they'd been looking for Bigfoot. Jones scoffed at the revelation, but changed his tone when he realized that his host was "Congo Kate" Crawford.

Kate knew of Indiana's reputation as well, and confessed that she was in the area because of reports of recent Bigfoot sightings. Those reports were supported by her driver/guide, Robert Thundercloud. The trio stopped at a hotel in Canyon Creek that evening. Kate asked Indy if he wanted to join her expedition, but he replied that he'd rather go home. Their conversation was interrupted by local officials, who were concerned about Kate's disruptions.

While Crawford was trying to calm the townspeople, Jones followed Thundercloud to the bar. He tried to have a friendly conversation, but ended up participating in a fight that was started by a few patrons. A shot fired into the air from Kate's pistol ended the confrontation. Indy went to bed that evening questioning her guide's motives.

The two parties made their separate ways the next morning. Thundercloud and Crawford were about to drive off, but were soon approached by more townspeople. The bartender that Robert had quarreled with last night had been found dead, and the American Indian was perceived to be a prime suspect.

Thundercloud drove off after town mayor Clayton Dunn and others made their accusations. Jones and Crawford followed on foot, careful not to cross paths with the angry townspeople. Robert finally made it to a cabin in the woods, where he found a multi-tailed whip that might have been used by the person responsible for the citizens' deaths.

Indy and Karen were roused by the sound of gunfire, but eventually separated. Jones later heard the mayor plotting something that sounded rather sinister. Meanwhile, Thundercloud was engaged in a fight with one of the locals, that spilled outside of the cabin and ended when Indiana stepped in. Richard wasn't about to let anyone interfere, and knocked the professor out before moving on.

By then, Karen had reached the shore and spotted a submarine in the water that had Japanese markings. She had inadvertently witnessed part of the mayor's plan, as she learned when Dunn arrived. He and his associate then fought Thundercloud, and during the fracas, Crawford was knocked from the cliff. 

Jones came to the rescue moments later. He had reason to be wary of both Thundercloud and Dunn. The mayor disclosed his alliance with the Japanese government before flailing at the professor with the multi-braided whip. Richard stepped in once more to defeat the mayor.

He then explained that the cabin he'd visited belonged to Sheriff Hyatt, the man he'd fought earlier that evening, Thundercloud was an FBI man, and his partner was the bartender from town. The bar brawl had been staged as a way to convey to Richard that the sub was coming. The Bigfoot rumors were intended to keep the townspeople away from the shore, so that they wouldn't see the sub's arrival. Its lights were the same ones that Indiana's pilot Smitty saw during their approach.

Hyatt also used the monster hoax to cover up his murders of the people who'd intervened. Richard served as Kate's guide to get closer to the truth. Just then, Kate returned. She'd been thrown from the cliff, but said that something had lifted her up. Her story brought more credence to the Bigfoot rumors. 

The next morning, Indiana bid Richard farewell. The authorities were aware of the Japanese sub, and it was time for Jones to return home. Kate joined him on the plane, noting that she'd wanted ro visit Africa, but fist she was interested in seeing the Natural Museum. She heard there was a handsome archaeologist who worked there.

This wasn't your typical Indiana Jones tale. There were no historical artifacts to find, just a mythological creature that may or may not be real. Karen was a possible love interest, but sadly this title would only see three more issues, and she never appeared in this series again. 

That's it for this article. Tomorrow, I'll cover the thirty-second issue of this title. It's the beginning of a three part story arc that shows us what happened when Professor Jones returned home and was introduced to a special guest who had her eye on one of the museum's prize possessions. 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 #30

Good afternoon,

I'm closing out this weekend with a recap of the thirtieth issue of Marvel's The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones. The cover showed Indy trying to revive a companion, as an unidentified man aimed a pistol at them in front of a casket that was resting on a pedestal. The story was called "Fireworks!" The issue had a cover date of July 1985.

The tale began on a boat navigating across the Hwang River in China in 1936. Jones and IRA member Michael Cobb were searching for Weng Ho, who had betrayed Cobb (last issue) by delivering a crate that was supposed to contain weapons for Cobb's cause. Instead, the crate housed the corpse of their agent in that country. Indiana had tagged along because he was looking for a mummy that was supposed to have been delivered to the National Museum.

Cobb proclaimed himself the leader of the expedition, and that he'd only allowed Indy to tag along because he knew the country. Jones knew the language well enough to convince a military group that they met to back off. Indiana thought that he was threatening them with explosives that didn't work, not knowing that Cobb was carrying waterproof dynamite until the soldiers had passed, and Jones casually tossed the sticks in his hand behind them, which detonated upon impact with the ground.

As the feuding colleagues ventured further, Alec Sutherland asked Marcus Brody at Marshall College for a meeting. The scholar had transferred to the university and was eager to start learning under Doctor Jones. Brody explained that the professor was still seeking the museum that he'd been dispatched to San Francisco to find, at the behest of museum trustee Bradley Travistock. Travistock himself joined the meeting, peeved that Jones had not returned yet. Brody suggested that his friend could be anywhere in the world at the moment. 

Jones came across several of Weng Ho's lackeys, some of whom took his fedora and revolver. An explosion in the near distance distracted them long enough for Indiana to escape. He eventually found a disguise and made his way to Cobb, who was now being held at gunpoint by the same military leader they'd just run into. 

Indy watched for a few moments before exposing himself by firing the sergeant's machine gun that he'd just been handed. Jones and Cobb then let the military leader guide them to Weng Ho's hideout until he commandeered a Jeep. The duo followed and took control of the vehicle. The sergeant had been knocked unconscious but could still be used as a decoy, which allowed them to enter their foes' stronghold. 

Once inside, the trio met the mastermind of the operation. Weng Ho admitted to Sean McManus' murder and knew about the ruse as soon as his guests had entered the perimeter. He got away as Jones and Cobb fought their way further inside the compound. Indiana followed Weng Ho to the coffin of his ancestor. Cobb had been wounded in the skirmish, but still had enough ammunition to deal a deadly blow to Weng Ho before succumbing to his injuries.

Cobb asked Indy with his last words to honor his promise to make sure the guns were delivered to his homeland. Jones' life had just been saved, so he made good on his commitment. Indiana found a weapons cache, which contained enough dynamite to destroy the base. 

Afterward, Jones was in Tsingtao, overseeing the shipments to Ireland and America. He had accomplished his goals and opted to take a boat back home. Indy decided that he'd had enough of coffins for a while and wished his unwanted accomplice well. 

This was another two-parter that felt a bit rushed. If enough background details were supplied, this could have been extended to three issues. I think that the Sutherland subplot was intended for a larger story, but we would only see one more minor appearance of the young college student before this title was cancelled. Only four more issues would be published, and the last three were part of the same storyline. 

If you're wondering what happened to Indy when he returned home, you'll have to wait just a bit. The thirty-first issue of The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones is a bit of a filler story. A plane crash off the coast of Washington State puts Jones in contact with a striking young woman who enlists his aid in her search for a legendary creature. Until tomorrow, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones #29

Good morning, all,

Hope everyone's enjoying this nice weekend. I'm starting the day with a discussion of the twenty-ninth issue of The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones. The cover showed Indy and several others standing in a cemetery next to a grave that was being dug up and a coffin being brought to ground. Several onlookers appear poised to attack. The tale was titled "Shot by Both Sides." The issue had a cover date of May 1985.

The story started in San Francisco's red light district. Indiana was about to learn more about the angry mob that had assembled around him. They made driving down the street rather difficult for the professor from Connecticut. Several of the men even tried to grab Jones in efforts to accost him. 

Hostilities were finally broken up by a shot fired by a derringer pistol belonging to Jessie Hale (who we last saw in issue #25). The two caught up for a while. While Indy was wondering why the Chinese Tong were after him, he noticed Hale walking toward the Ocean Pearl which was about to dock in the harbor. 

She called out to a crewman named Peter, who was her brother. He greeted Jessie and Indy warmly. Peter wasn't expected the professor until the next day, since his ship had arrived a day early. He made sure that the proper crate was loaded into a waiting truck and Jones was ready to depart until the trio found themselves surrounded by members of the Irish Republican Army.

The gun-toting gentlemen were less than friendly, but before most of them could react, the truck took off. A short while later, Peter let Jones and his siister out. The duo were going to create a distraction before meeting for a celebratory dinner later that evening. 

It didn't take very long for Indy and Jessie to catch up with their attackers, and surprise them from behind. The gunmen forced them to split up, but Indiana was still alone when he arrived at Chang's restaurant at midnight. More minutes continued to pass before Shin To and his subordinates arrived. They had Peter, and Indiana made an offer to trade the man for the mummy that had been offloaded earlier. 

Afterward, Indy walked alone when he was accosted by the same IRA members he'd just evaded earlier. One of them showed him a lock of hair that he claimed was Jessie's. Jones needed a couple of hours and was told where their leader could be reached. When Indiana returned to his hotel, he was handed a telegram by a bellboy. The message was from Tavistock back at Marshall College, informing him that his employment contract would be terminated if he didn't bring the mummy back in one piece. 

Jones had a lot to think about. He took a walk and caught up with the Tong who had been tailing him. He forced the man to take him to the building where Peter was imprisoned. He found Jessie's brother who lied about having the mummy to save his sister. He then told Indy where the mummy was being held, and gave him directions and instructions on how to reach the cemetery where it now rested. 

Indy reached the cemetery an hour later, and expected the IRA members to meet him, after he'd called them. Sure enough, they were just inside the front gates and were most interested in the crate, which actually contained weapons. Their leader said that the mummy was still back in China. 

Jones slowly realized Peter's role in the deception, and how he'd thrown a wrench in the plan by arriving a day early. He was about to leave with Jessie before a fight broke out between the IRA and the Chinese Tong. Peter had been freed and brought his captors to the gravesite with him. 

Even though Peter had double-crossed them, Jessie still didn't want any harm to come to her brother. They went back for him just as the two warring factors' leaders were about to open the crate. What they found inside was something that neither of them expected.

Inside the box was the fresh corpse of Patrick McManus, the IRA's contact in China. Peter swore that he'd loaded the correct cargo, and the IRA leader figured out that Weng Ho had stolen their money and killed McManus. Shin To and his lackeys left, because the fact that the mummy of their ancestor was back in their homeland meant they had no reason to continue the fight.

This left the IRA members in a quandary. They still wanted their missing cargo, but they couldn't just let the Americans go to the police. Jessie had never been to China and Peter was certain that he'd be shot on sight if he returned. Indy had been to that country before, and decided to join their group, but by that point, he wanted nothing more to do with Peter. 

This was the last monthly issue of The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones. The series was published on a bi-monthly basis for the rest of its run. That was a common practice for Marvel books that were selling poorly, and happened to other titles like Star Wars before its eventual cancellation. It was also the last appearance of the Hales in this series. The subterfuge was interesting, but writer Linda Grant didn't really seem to be a big fan of providing much background material on her characters. That and the changing art teams on this title probably contributed to its loss of regular readers. 

That's it for this article. Later today, I'll talk about the thirtieth issue of this series. Indy and the IRA leader will return to China to find the missing weapons and the ancient mummy. We'll also see what Alec Sutherland (introduced in issue #28) has to say when he meets with Marcus Brody. 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 #28

Good afternoon all, 

Hope everyone's been enjoying this weekend so far. I just returned from visiting family on what would have been my late grandmother's birthday, so I guess it's time for me to talk about the twenty-eighth issue of Marvel's ongoing series The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones. The cover depicted Indy using a parachute and tossing his whip with one hand to help a comrade who had jumped from the same plane as our hero. The story was called "Tower of Tears." The issue had a cover date of April 1984.

Things began at a Marshall College cocktail party. Indiana was mingling with his colleagues when a young man tried to enter. Indy heard the fevered pleas and heard the student out. He introduced himself as Alec Sutherland and explained that he was there to provide Jones with a book from Indy's former teacher, Doctor Arthur Hecht. Hecht insisted with his last breath that the tome be supplied to Indiana. 

The volume was more than just a mere diary. It was a journal of the late professor's excursions. He wanted his former pupil Indy to continue his work. Sutherland pointed to the passage in question, which mentioned the Tower of Tears in Iran, one of seven towers on the planet that were rumored to contain sorcerers that could bring about the end of life as we know it.

Professor Tavistock laughed when Jones read the entry aloud. Sutherland lashed out, noting that he wanted Indy to restore Hecht's good name by determining if the towers were real. Indiana was up to the challenge, especially since the semester break had just begun. He and Sutherland departed by plane and arrived in the skies above central Iran a couple of days later. Jones had to utilize his whip to guide the lad down, who had been terrified to pull his own ripcord after their jump.

Once the duo was on the ground, they made tracks for Tehran on foot. They eventually came across a caravan that seemed friendly until Jones mentioned the purpose of their quest. The strangers were then proclaimed to be looking for evil and were attacked before they could properly explain. Indy managed to free himself and Alec. When arrows were fired the professor's way, it was Sutherland's turn to ride to the rescue. He'd commandeered a horse and asked his companion to join him.

The pair galloped to safety after jumping a cliff. Sutherland admitted that he was on his college steeplechase team, which explained his familiarity with their ride. They made camp for the evening until the threat of heavy rains disrupted their slumber. Jones then pointed to their objective: the Tower of Tears.

Now all the adventurers had to do was to figure out how to gain entrance. They ducked behind one side when Alec noticed a woman from the caravan they'd encountered earlier, who seemed to be entranced. She found the entrance and was followed by a colleague, warning her of the potential danger lurking inside. Jones and Sutherland dashed in right before the door slammed behind them.

The Americans followed the caravan members up a spiral staircase until they saw a sorcerer chanting before a fire pit. The magician was pleased by the woman's arrival. Her companion threatened the sorcerer, but his knife was quickly taken from him by his opponent. The young man braved the flames and emerged from them unscathed. 

This didn't seem to faze the sorcerer, who took a pouch from his belt and tossed some of the powder it held on the lad. The woman's protector was quickly turned into a stain on the stone floor. A bit of clumsiness announced Jones and Sutherland's presence, and the sorcerer then turned his attention to them. Indy fought the wizard, and in trying to protect him, Sutherland inadvertently snuffed out the flames.

This enraged the sorcerer, because the flames had not been extinguished in two decades. Indiana reached for his opponent's pouch and tossed some of the powder at him as a distraction. The foes fought for Indy's pistol, and Indiana smelled a whiff of natural gas. He advised his opponent of the problem, but he didn't believe him and fired anyway.

The shot caused an explosion that blew up the top of the tower. Indy emerged a bit sore but otherwise okay. The pair extracted information from the sorcerer, who had been thrown from the structure in the blast. He said that the hypnotized woman had been with child, and that he'd planned to take the baby and raise it as his successor. They learned that the tale of the seven sorcerers plotting evil was merely a fairy tale. 

He went on to say that Hecht was imaginative. Indy insisted that Hecht was honest. The sorcerer gasped that there was only one tower before succumbing to his mortal injuries. Indiana and Alec were about to face retribution from the caravan until the woman stepped in, declaring the newcomers' heroic acts. 

Both men recounted their experiences in Iran to Tavistock several days later, back at Marshall College in Connecticut. Tavistock found little credibility in what he was told, particularly the portions regarding sorcerers and magic. After he left, Indy tried to impress upon Alec the importance of telling the truth about their discoveries. The lad understood and expressed an interest in transferring to the school because he felt that he still had a lot to learn. Indiana replied that they both had much to learn. 

This was a fine issue, but I would have appreciated a bit more background on Hecht, Tavistock, and Sutherland. As far as I know, this was the only story where they were featured or even mentioned in much detail. I still wonder what Sutherland's career was like, and if he transferred to Marshall College to study under Doctor Jones. It could have made for some interesting stories, or at least back-up tales in this series. Just another example of wasted potential, I guess. FYI, he did appear again, but the subsequent stories weren't enough to establish him as a very strong supporting character or one that would be worthy of backup stories or even a miniseries. 

That's all I have for you today. Tomorrow, I'll discuss the twenty-ninth issue of this series. Indy returns to the West Coast and runs into another familiar face as they embark on another adventure across the pond. Until then, have a great weekend and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones #27

Good morning, all,

It's time for me to discuss the twenty-seventh issue of The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones. The cover depicted Indy and a pair of comrades crashing into a glass window while rappelling on ropes and facing a trio of guns pointed at them. The tale was titled "Chapter 2: Trial of the Golden Guns." The issue had a cover date of March 1985. 

The story started with Indiana tied by his hands and feet to a quartet of horses in a pen, with Ilya Pugachev standing in the center, about to crack his whip and send the animals off in different directions. Just when things looked dire for our hero, the silence was broken by a few well-placed rifle shots, fired by Elizabeth Cody, granddaughter of the American sharpshooter Buffalo Bill Cody. 

There was still one rope to deal with. Indy pulled a jackknife from his pocket and freed himself just before colliding with one of the wooden posts. Elizabeth and their Russian allies came to his side, and Jones explained what had just happened and why. His comrades were angered but not very surprised to learn that Pugachev was working for their foe, Count Salkovich. The Cossacks' captain, Peter Rossov, insisted that his grandfather, the czar, be informed immediately.

They returned to their camp a short while later, and the old man stressed the importance of retrieving the golden guns from the Bolsheviks. His health was failing rapidly, but the leader's grandson and his soldiers were still very committed to the cause. Indy and Elizabeth had a vested interest in retrieving the weapons, which had been given to Buffalo Bill after winning a shooting competition with the old man years before.

Two groups departed the next morning. Indiana, Elizabeth, Peter, and their crew reached the stronghold, which had been built into a large mountain. While Rossov and his subordinates set up mortars equipped with grappling hooks to scale the tall walls, the second party mounted a direct assault on the Bolshevik defense. Indy and Elizabeth were two of the four people who scaled the walls and burst into the treasure room. 

There they found the gold-plated revolvers. They also saw that the count and Pugachev were waiting for them. Salkovich demonstrated that the weapons still worked perfectly. As Pugachev sought revenge on Elizabeth, the count pursued Indiana down a flight of stairs. He swung a hefty bullwhip that eventually got caught in a chandelier overhead and shocked its wielder.

Indiana picked up the pistols right before Elizabeth defeated Pugachev by opening a nearby crate and sending a bevy of birds at him. They ran for a window and started descending the mountainside. Salkovich pointed a rifle at the Americans, but an explosion took out his perch. Peter's soldiers threw ropes down and helped Indy and Elizabeth up as the Bolshevik base was being destroyed. 

Afterward, Rossov and Elizabeth engaged in their shooting competition. It was a very even match. Elizabeth appeared to lose on purpose. The old man was pleased with his grandson's victory, which redeemed his loss to Buffalo Bill. He passed away minutes later, and Peter presented the golden guns to his worthy opponent. Cody and Jones rode off together with the prize and some valuable information for their government, as well as a few tales to tell their ancestors. 

This was one of the last multi-part stories before the title's cancellation. It was a fine storyline, but once again, the treasure wasn't something that was very historically significant, since Buffalo Bill had been gone for less than twenty years when this tale took place in 1936. Indy usually pursued historical artifacts that had been lost or misplaced centuries ago. Elizabeth proved to be a valuable ally, but this was the only time she appeared in this series. 

That's all I have for this morning. Later this weekend, I'll cover the twenty-eighth issue of this series. A college mixer is interrupted by the arrival of a guest, who brings Indiana something from one of his former instructors that piques enough of his interest to join the lad on an excursion in another country. Until then, have a great weekend and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones #26

Good afternoon,

Hope all's well. I'm rounding out the week with a summary of the twenty-sixth issue of The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones. The cover, illustrated by Bob Budiansky and Bill Sienkiewicz, showed a man wielding a whip between two horses, with Indy tied to them in the foreground. The story was called  "Chapter 1: Trail of the Golden Guns." The issue had a publication date of February 1985.

The tale began somewhere underwater in the Caribbean. Doctor Jones was trying to obtain what appeared to be a valuable artifact from a crevasse that was guarded by a moray. He finally distracted the animal with a shoe long enough to grab the item and resurface. However, when he rose, he found himself staring up a boat full of military personnel.

Captain Belgrade and his men were patrolling the area. Indiana stated that he'd filed all the proper permits for his search in Bimini. That wasn't satisfactory for the captain, who was obviously looking for a bribe. Jones then tossed his bag at them. Instead of a priceless treasure, the greedy soldiers had to deal with the same moray that Indy did. 

Indiana was still floating near his raft and pulled out a flare gun that he aimed at the larger vessel. His shot struck its munitions, causing an explosion. He then yelled for Short Round, who came by, driving a speedboat. They successfully evaded the soldiers' gunfire, and would live to see another day. Indy told Short Round that he'd have to go back to boarding school when they returned, which the youth didn't like, because he felt like he had a lesser chance of being shot at while adventuring with the professor.

When Jones returned to Marshall College in Connecticut, he learned that his artifact was nothing more than a plain, ordinary ballast weight that had no historical significance whatsoever. As he walked the halls, Indy was approached by a pair of guests named Efrem Decker and Elizabeth Cody. They'd been told by Marcus Brody that Jones would be there. 

Indiana had a few minutes to spare and guided the newcomers to his office. Elizabeth started by saying she was looking for assistance in recovering something that had once belonged to her grandfather, William Frederick Cody, better known as Buffalo Bill. The legendary marksman had passed away when Elizabeth was young, but she still remembered his tall tales, including one involving his victory over a czar in a shooting competition.

The prize for that contest was a pair of twin pearl-gripped, gold-plated revolvers. The weapons had since been placed on permanent display at the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody, Wyoming. A Russian named Salkoski was most interested in obtaining them and was very persistent in his efforts. A few days earlier, someone broke into the museum and stole the pistols.

Emily was convinced that Salkovich was behind the theft and wanted to travel to Russia to reacquire her grandfather's prize possessions. Jones was recommended for just such a task. Indiana was flattered, but suggested she check with the State Department first. It was then that Efrem announced that he was from that very office. He suggested that Elizabeth seek Indy out. His department wanted Indiana to embark on the mission to flesh out the political climate because of the possible connection between Nazi Germany and the Russian Bolsheviks. 

Indy agreed to join the cause, especially since the government would be paying for the expedition. Several days later, Elizabeth and Indiana were traveling together by train through southern Ukraine. The duo was talking about Indy's previous visits to the country and the changing political climate when the train was stopped by several Cossacks.

Moments later, a few of the intruders entered the train's passenger cars. Jones went to protect Elizabeth, not knowing that she was just as skilled with a rifle as her famous grandfather. One of the strangers introduced himself as Peter Rostoff. He was familiar with both Jones and Cody. They were lured to their side after being led to believe that they might know more about Buffalo Bill's golden guns.

Indy and Elizabeth mounted up and joined their hosts just as the Red cavalry arrived on the scene. They rode off as the newcomers fired at them. Elizabeth took her rifle and shot back at their attackers until Rostoff advised her that there were better ways to elude their pursuers.

The group rode on, continuing into the Dnieper River. They had an easier time crossing because the Cossacks knew where the drop-offs and shelves under the river's surface were, and their foes did not. Elizabeth, Indy, and their hosts soon reached camp. A man named Ilya Pugachev reached for the female, offering to entertain her. He soon engaged in a brief scuffle with Indiana that was broken up by Rostoff.

Rostoff brought his guests to a tent where their leader sat. The older gentleman informed the trio that the guns in question were not a gift, but rather a prize in a shooting match between him and Elizabeth's grandfather. Buffalo Bill won on the final shot, and the Czar was still hungry for a rematch. He said that the golden pistols were being kept by Count Salkovich in an estate that was guarded by a private army. The old man was willing to lend the heroes resources to help obtain them, on the condition that once that happened, he would have a rematch between himself and Elizabeth. 

Elizabeth accepted the terms, and the parties headed off separately to retire for the evening. Jones had just left Elizabeth's company when he was hit on the head from behind. When he woke, he found himself tied by his hands and feet to a quartet of horses. Pugachev stood in the middle of the pen, stating that he had set up their initial fight, and admitted that he was one of Salkovich's spies. He then cracked the whip in his hand, which set the horses off and made Indiana start to scream, anticipating the danger that would come next. 

This was the one and only time that Short Round appeared in Marvel's ongoing Indiana Jones title. I was a bit surprised by his addition, since the events in the Temple of Doom movie happened a few years before those in the Raiders of the Lost Ark. It was good to see him, but I felt that the plot wasn't something that Jones would usually go after, since Buffalo Bill had only been gone for less than twenty years by that point. His golden guns weren't an ancient treasure, and he'd already been tied by the hands and feet by another foe in South America a year earlier in this magazine. 

Well, that's it for today. Tomorrow, I'll cover the conclusion of this storyline with a synopsis of the twenty-seventh issue of this series. We'll learn what happened to Indy, and if he and Elizabeth were able to journey to the Salkovich compound and obtain her grandfather's prize weapons. We'll also see if the Czar was able to have the rematch he'd waited decades for. 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 #25

Good afternoon,

It's time for me to discuss the twenty-fifth issue of Marvel's ongoing series The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones. The cover depicted Indy holding onto an artifact with one hand while clinging to the rail of a train caboose in the other arm, with an unidentified woman behind him and a trio of men chasing them on horseback behind them. The tale was titled "Good as Gold." The issue had a cover date of January 1985. 

The story started at a cabin in the Peruvian Andes in 1936. Indy arrived to translate an artifact that was written in an obscure Quechan dialect that only twelve men in the world knew. He was one of those experts. Indiana was greeted at gunpoint by his old colleague Jessie. She had asked Indy's employer for help, not knowing that he was the one who would be dispatched.

They caught up for a bit before Jessie brought out a stone that she felt might be the key to uncovering El Dorado. Jones started soon thereafter, and their work was interrupted by a knock on the door. They weren't expecting any company, and Jessie's associates were still at the dig site 

A large man named Ivar Reiss and his three associates barged in moments later. Indy and the strangers were at a stalemate, with each side pointing their guns at the other until Jessie dashed for the rifle in her quarters. She was knocked down by one of Ivar's soldiers, and Indiana gently reminded her that they were outnumbered at the moment.

Reiss and his contacts had been observing Jessie's activity. He also knew of Jones' impending arrival and wanted the treasure for himself. Indy's reputation preceded him, and he replied that he was flattered, wondering where Marion Ravenwood was.

Marion was about to host a speech at Marshall College in Connecticut at the time, and the only thing missing was her guest speaker, Indiana. Marcus Brody informed her that the professor had been called away to Peru. Marion was incensed by the news, noting that she'd cut her trip to Chicago short because Jones had wanted her to be there. She stormed off angrily, leaving it up to Brody to handle matters there.

Back in Peru, Jones was still working on the translation, while under constant watch by Reiss and his men. He learned that Ivar's father was the industrialist Edgard Reiss, and that the son was trying to make up for the fact that his father had deemed him unworthy to inherit the family fortune. It seemed he was looking for a bit of revenge by seeking the rumored treasure of El Dorado. 

Indiana eventually rose from the table, stating that he'd successfully completed the translation. He tossed the papers in front of him at the unwelcome guests, and tossed the fresh pot of coffee at one of them, giving he and Jessie enough of a distraction for them to exit. 

As they ran, Jones confessed that the actual translation had only taken him five minutes. He delayed acting because he was waiting for the next train, which was about to arrive. They jumped on as it passed, evading Reiss and his lackeys on horseback. 

Indy and Jessie got off the train when it stopped at Estarca. It was a slow but scenic journey. Indiana said they should look for the mountains that faced the rising sun, and pointed them in the correct direction. They then searched for the standing stones, which they found just before Ivar and his goons arrived. 

The soldiers opened the passage, and Ivar insisted that Indiana lead the way inside. They examined what appeared to be a sizable bounty, but Indy wasn't certain about its authenticity. A brief skirmish revealed that most of the treasure was fake. The only real artifact was the gold mask that Jones pulled off the wall and handed to Ivar. 

A few moments later, the roof started to shake and crumble. Everyone ran for cover, except Ivar. He was convinced that there was still treasure inside. As the room collapsed, Jones figured that it must have been a trap set for Spanish conquistadors, which had been triggered when he removed the mask. Jessie was a bit peeved when she learned that Indy had set the trap on purpose, but he was already set on heading home. 

Several days later, Jones returned to Marshall College. Brody was waiting for him with the news that Marion had moved on. She'd left a note saying that she had to get away, and asked Indiana not to come after her. She left voluntarily, and Indy wished her well, hoping she'd stay out of trouble. 

This was Marion's last appearance in this series. I figured that something like this might happen, since her appearances became fewer and there was a bit of tension after she caught Jones kissing another woman in issue #23. There were plans for her return, but the title was cancelled before they could be published. It's unknown if those tales will ever see the light of day. 

I felt that this was an okay story. Jessie would return as another fellow archaeologist and potential love interest for Indiana. Personally, I would have preferred Marion or the British scientist from issues 4 and 5, but I guess it's kind of hard to go back that far on a book whose creative teams kept changing rather regularly. It was another script where a new villain was introduced, only to meet their demise before the issue had concluded. If the writers hadn't continued this pattern, they'd probably have had more material to draw from for future stories. 

Well, that's all I have today. Tomorrow, I'll recap the twenty-sixth issue of this series. David Michelinie returns to pen a two-part story that begins with Indiana being recruited to assist in the recovery of a fairly recent American treasure. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another.