Retro Comic Recap: The Champions #2

Happy Tuesday, folks!

Time for me to talk about the second issue of the Champions. The cover depicted Hercules, surrounded by Pluto, Ares, and Hippolyta, while Ghost Rider, the Black Widow, the Angel, and Iceman fought foes in the background. The story was called "Whom the Gods Would Join..." The issue had a cover date of January 1976.

The tale began with Iceman, Venus, Ghost Rider, Angel, Hercules, and Black Widow standing in front of the recently arrived Ares, Pluto, and Hippolyta. The heroes were in disbelief after listening to the villains' assertions (as announced at the end of the last issue). Pluto repeated that Hercules was supposed to wed Hippolyta, and that Ares would wed Venus.

This started a brawl between the Olympian gods, a conflict that the other heroes avoided until it appeared that Hercules had been defeated. The Ghost Rider then rammed his motorcycle against Pluto, giving the others time to drag their friend to safety. Iceman then sealed the portal that the Olympians had entered from with a casing of ice before using an ice slide to lift the Black Widow and Hercules away, as the Angel flew close by with Venus in his arms. 

Their opponents tried to break the ice door until Pluto decided to send them all back home. There, they had an audience with Zeus to plead their case. Pluto did all the talking for his allies, concluding with the oath that Hercules had to abide with. Zeus concurred with that statement, but warned his guests not to commit any further wrongdoings.

While Pluto, Ares, and Hippolyta celebrated, the heroes had regrouped just in time to be attacked by the Huntsman. The Ghost Rider's hellfire dispatched that enemy, but not before their foe had knocked out Venus and Hercules. The remaining Champions strategized under the advice of the Black Widow. Ghost Rider stayed behind while she, the Angel, and Iceman went to renew their conflict with the Huntsman and his ally, a large humanoid called Menoetius. 

Iceman and the Widow's teamwork enabled them to defeat their larger opponent, followed almost immediately by the Huntsman. Angel grabbed his rival's staff to prevent him from bringing forth other dangers. As it turns out, the Huntsman didn't need his weapon to cast spells. He then made the Ghost Rider strike at his new teammates, thinking them to be the Olympian gods they'd fought earlier. He used that distraction to spirit Venus and Hercules away.

The four human Champions were left behind in Los Angeles. Johnny Blaze (Ghost Rider) was sorry for attacking his friends, but the group now had bigger concerns. They had to figure out how to venture to Olympus to free Hercules and Venus. 

For a new team that wasn't formally named or aligned as of yet, this wasn't a bad second issue. There were stil some rough parts in the plot and artwork, but not too bad for a brand new team. It featured villains that I wasn't familiar with upon first read, and it kept me interested in wanting to know what happened next.

I'll cover the finale of this trilogy tomorrow, with a discussion of the third issue of the Champions. We'll find out what happened to the kidnapped Olympians, and if their new colleagues were able to prevent Pluto's plans from reaching fruition. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: The Champions #1

Happy Monday, folks!

Hope everyone enjoyed the weekend. Today's topic is the first issue of Marvel's series called the Champions. The cover of the debut issue featured Hercules leading his teammates Ghost Rider, the Angel, the Black Widow, and the Iceman onward. The tale was titled "The World Still Needs...The Champions!" The issue had a cover date of October 1975.

After the splash page, the story began on the campus of UCLA, where students Warren Worthington III and Bobby Drake were discussing their collegiate life. Neither of them was impressed with where they were in life at the moment, but neither of them wanted to return to the X-Men, either. They were talking about their old colleague Hank McCoy (the Beast) and his success with the Avengers when a portal opened before them.

A quartet of winged women emerged from the portal and began attacking students on campus. Drake was the first to take action against the strangers, using his Iceman abilities to send a blast of ice at one of the attackers. He held down the fort while Worthington changed into his Angel superhero duds. Together, the longtime friends and teammates were able to effectively tackle the intruders.

Meanwhile, elsewhere on the college grounds, a woman named Natasha Romanoff was pacing nervously awaiting an interview for a position that she'd hoped would be enough for her and her friend to afford to be able to afford life's necessities. It had been some time since the woman also known as the Black Widow had cut ties with her former partner and lover, Daredevil (aka Matt Murdock). 

While Natasha and her friend Ivan waited, a horde of female warriors emerged from another portal and demanded the return of a woman named Venus. Inside her office, humanities professor Dr. Victoria Starr was anticipating interviewing Romanoff when she heard the commotion outside. She opened her door, and the attackers' attention then focused on her. 

The Black Widow managed to escape with the professor and assured her that Ivan was safe. At the same time, Johnny Blaze was riding his motorcycle onto the campus when he was warned of the goings-on. He barely had time to duck a mace that missed his head by inches. That near-accident prompted Blaze's change into the Ghost Rider. The hero rode into the fray, only to be confronted by a large warrior who called himself Cerberus. 

After being blasted by hellfire that was emitted from the Ghost Rider, Cerberus swiftly transformed into a large purple dog. This form proved more threatening to the hero, who tried to ride away. In yet another part of campus, the god known as Hercules was preparing to give a speech. However, that would have to wait, as the Olympian was accosted by a swarm of mutates. 

It didn't take long for that particular melee to crash through the building Hercules was in. The Ghost Rider noticed the commotion and offered Hercules a ride, after assuring him that he was friendly. Before they could drive much further, the duo came across the same winged warriors and female soldiers that the Angel, Iceman, and Black Widow were still fighting.

As the Angel carried the professor in his arms, she changed her guise and disclosed that she was the god Venus whom the strangers had arrived on campus to find. A simple love spell dispelled many of the invaders so that the sextet of heroes had enough time to converse. Hercules and his new allies dug into why his cousin Venus had been attacked when a bolt struck her from behind. He and his companions turned to see Pluto, Hippolyta, and Ares standing before them. Pluto declared that Hercules was to wed Hippolyta and Venus was supposed to marry Ares, or risk the end of the universe if they should refuse such unions. 

Much like the Super-Villain Team-Up title, the Champions was an interesting concept that wasn't given much time to really prove that the series could stand out on its own. Part of the reason again, was a rotating cast of writers and artists, like SVTU. Another complaint was that this group didn't really have many established rivals, and only a few were created specifically for this title. The group's demise wasn't even properly chronicled before this title was cancelled (a 2-part wrap-up was later published in the pages of Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man). I liked the idea of this group, although I thought it would have been nice to have more guest stars and maybe rotating team members, especially featuring heroes who either had their own short-lived series or were only featured in one-offs or other short story arcs. 

Well, that's all I have for you today. Tomorrow, I'll cover the Champions' second issue. We'll see if wedding bells rang in that story and the dangers that this new supergroup faced along the way. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

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.