While Reed, Sue and Ben have seemingly moved on from Johnny’s demise to create the Future Foundation with Spider-Man (geez, how many team and solo books can he be in anyway?) this is a perfect time to get reacquainted with ‘ol Hot Head before his expected return in Fantastic Four #600 in 2012. And there’s no better place to learn about his roots then a visit, not to the early Fantastic Four comic books (which are great in of themselves), but to the Human Torch short story, solo adventures that ran in Strange Tales #101-134 and are collected in Marvel Masterworks: The Human Torch Volumes 1-2.

If you know your Marvel history then you know that the FF #1 predated the debut of Spider-Man (Amazing Fantasy #15) by about 10 months; November 1961 vs. August 1962. But let’s not forget that the FF appeared in Spider-Man #1 (Mach 1963), setting the stage for the friendly feud between Spidey and Torch, and interestingly enough there was no Fantastic Four book in that hot summer month; #6 was held off until September. But it’s October, 1963 when things really heat up.

Strange Tales was started in 1951, as part of Atlas Comics horror line. As that genre wained, thanks in part to Fredric Werthem, Stan Lee thought that a superhero should be added and since Spider-Man had his own title and the Fantastic Four was popular, there was no better character to take over, and add a bit of a rivalry, Johnny Storm, The Human Torch. Of course Johnny was the Silver Age and second Human Torch. The first being created by Carl Burgos in 1939 for Marvel Mystery Comics and ran from #1-98 and in Human Torch #1-35. Both comics were cancelled in 1949 and after a short resurrection (along with Captain America and the Sub-Mariner in the 1950′s), the Golden Age original faded into obscurity until Fantastic Four Annual #4 (November, 1966).

Johnny’s adventures in Strange Tales differed slightly from Fantastic Four as it was geared for a little younger audience. Here, Lee was more focused on action then science, more earth born street level thugs then cosmic fears from beyond. Johnny was more like his new rival Spider-Man, having to go to high school, have a girl-friend and having to fit in. I can only imagine kids in the early 60′s arguing on the playground who was the better hero (we adults do this now on our own playgrounds called forums). So just keep that in mind if and when you pick these books up.

As for the comics themselves, they are a lot of fun and full of nostalgia and loaded with some of the best talent one book has ever seen. Stan Lee and his brother Larry Lieber do the majority of the writing, but Jerry Siegel (Superman) comes by for #112-113. As for the artwork, that job is left up to Jack Kirby and Dick Ayers who at times turn it over to Steve Ditko, Wally Wood, Bob Powell and the aforementioned, Carl Burgos.

Let’s look at some of the more notable comics:

• Issue #101 is a reintroduction to the origin of the Human Torch and the Fantastic Four.
• Issue #106 brings the four of them together (boy, that was quick!), and Reed, Sue and Ben come back for #108-109 (and make other short appearances throughout the run).
• Issue #107 is one of those books that can’t get reprinted enough; it’s Johnny vs. Namor, The Sub-Mariner in an epic battle that should not be missed! It’s also the fourth appearance of Namor in the Silver Age and his first outside of the FF title.
• Sandwiched in between Siegel’s brilliant #112 and #113, there is Strange Tales Annual #2. This particular book has Stan writing and Steve Ditko inking Jack Kirby’s pencils and even features Spider-Man – you won’t find this comic in the Amazing Spider-Man Masterworks or The Steve Ditko Visionaries HC!
• Issue #114 (November 1963) gets even better with the return of Captain America. As a reader of that time, it would have been awesome to witness his return (except his red shorts), but then be somewhat disappointed with the surprise ending. But fear not because Steve Rogers would be resurrected for good, a few months later in The Avengers #4 (March, 1964).
• Skipping ahead, Johnny’s buddy, Ben Grim comes by and teams up for the run of #121-134. Reading the issues, I’m not sure this move was necessary. One the good side they battle Namor in #125, but this team-up concept without Reed and Sue, helped end the Human Torch in Strange Tales to make way for the super spy, Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.

As for the extras in these two Masterworks, Volume 1 only contains an introduction by Dick Ayers while Volume 2 has Bruce Canwell doing that duty. In the second volume there is cover art for the complete 8-issue reprint run (1974-75) of The Human Torch. This series collected the Silver Age, Atlas Age and Golden Age comics that featured The Human Torch. Both volume have creator biographies.

Marvel Masterworks: The Human Torch Volume 1 HC (Variant Volume 66)
Written by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, Jerry Siegel, Robert Bernstein and Ernie Hart
Art by Dick Ayers, Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko
$50.00 ($55.00), 272 pages, Marvel Comics
Collects: Human Torch stories from Strange Tales #101-117 and Strange Tales Annual #2

Marvel Masterworks: The Human Torch Volume 2 HC (Variant Volume 114)
Written by Stan Lee and Larry Ivie
Art by Dick Ayers, Bob Powell, Carl Burgos and Jack Kirby
$50.00 ($55.00), 256 pages, Marvel Comics
Collects: Human Torch stories from Strange Tales #118-134

Also recommended:
Marvel Masterworks: The Golden Age Human Torch HC Volumes 1-3
Marvel Masterworks: The Atlas Era Heroes featuring Marvel Boy, Human Torch, Captain America and Sub-Mariner HC Volumes 1-3

Not every female heroine in the Marvel Universe needs to have superpowers (you may recall that I added in Lois Lane when I did my Real Power of the DCU). Mary Jane Watson was created, that is to say in name and legs only, by Steve Ditko in Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #25 (June 1965). John Romita Sr. made her famous with her good looks, charm and that wonderful quote, “Face it, Tiger… you just hit the jackpot!” in Amazing Spider-Man #42 (November 1966). She always had a suspicion that Peter Parker was Spider-Man and it was confirmed in Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #257. She married Peter in Amazing Spider-Man Annual #21, but the marriage has been wiped (Amazing Spider-Man #545, Spider-Man: One More Day) and thanks with the deal struck with Mephisto they only dated.

Let’s take a look at some of her collected editions:

• Spider-Man Masterworks Volume 5 Collects Amazing Spider-Man #41-50 and Amazing Spider-Man Annual #3
• Spider-Man: The Wedding TPB Collects Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #290-292, Amazing Spider-Man Annual #21 and Not Brand Echh #6.
• Spider-Man One More Day Collects Amazing Spider-Man #544-545, Sensational Spider-Man #41, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #24 and Marvel Spotlight: Spider-Man – One More Day/Brand New Day, with an afterword by Stan Lee.
• Models, Inc. GN TP Collects Models, Inc. #1-4 and features Mary Jane Watson, Patsy Walker, Jill Jerold, Chili Storm and Millicent (Millie the Model) Collins.
• Marvel Age Mary Jane Volume 1 HC Collects Mary Jane #1-4, Homecoming #1-4, and Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane #1-5.
• Spider-Man: Blue Collects Blue Collects the 6-issue mini.

She was portrayed by Kirsten Dunst the Spider-Man trilogy.

It’s hard to name many people who have both excelled in the TV and Comic Book industry, but one name instantly comes to mind: J. Michael Straczynski. From his creation and success on Babylon 5 to his epic run on Amazing Spider-Man and he reintroduction to Thor at Marvel, JMS has successfully crossed the line and has become on of the best writers in the medium. Recently he has made the move to DC Comics where he is guiding both Superman and Wonder Woman into a new era. We go over his comic book collected editions and reprints today. I was surprised to find out that just about everything he has done is collected! Don’t forget his other Superman work due in October, Superman: Earth One which is a re-imagination of Kal-El coming to Earth in 2010.

There’s also some information on a Battle Chasers Omnibus, The Best Of Battle (Titan UK), an email regarding The Unknown Solider and the New Releases of the Week.

Chris

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Before I ever read a comic book, I watched TV. Like most kids in Detroit, Channel 20 was a favorite showing reruns of Johnny Socko’s Flying Robot or Ultra Man. Channel 50, on the other hand, had reruns of the 1960′s Batman. I clearly remember watching every episode and priding myself on knowing each and every character. I even tried to piece my own continuity, which looking back on it now, was a complete waste of time. But even as a kid all that really mattered was Julie Newmar and Yvonne Craig. I loved the old TV shows: Batman, Hulk, Greatest American Hero, and heck I was even turned back on to Smallville when the JSA arrived.

TwoMorrow’s has now published a complete retrospective of all the superhero television shows called The Age of TV Heroes. It’s extensively researched and written by Jason Hofius and George Khoury. The book is full of interviews and rare photographs from years gone by. Every single live-action show ever having to do with a superhero is represented, which if you think about it is quiet a feat in of itself. I showcase that book today, but if you want to get the authors perspective you can listen to the TwoMorrow’s Tune-In Podcast with Jason and George from last summer when the book was in its final stages.

I also go over some of the 2010 Eisner Nominees and C2E2.

All this and the New Releases of the Week.

Chris

Collected Comics Library iPod App
http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/

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dgtlcomics@gmail.com

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Regular readers of this blog and listeners of the podcast are aware that every year I adopt a character (or creator). This entails me researching and reading a superhero from many different incarnations throughout the entire lifespan. For 2010 I chose Spider-Man with a special focus on the work of Steve Ditko. Sure I’ve read this work in bits and pieces before, but I have never looked at it with the maturity that I have now as an adult. Since starting, I have been drawn into Ditko’s world like no other creator has done to me before. I want to share my experience with you and with that in mind I’m focusing on the complete body of work from Steve Ditko for the entire month of February.

I begin the series of podcasts (one per week) with Ditko’s time at Marvel Comics from 1956 to his departure in July 1966. I go over all of his work in this time period and where you can find it in collected edition form and I also have an interesting email question regarding Marvel Masterworks Dr. Strange Volume 3 – you don’t want to miss it.

In upcoming shows I’ll discuss his first professional work and his long tenure with Charlton, his time at DC Comics, his return to Marvel and various independent works even up until today, where he is still working on Mr. A. I plan on this being a very informative and fun series and I hope to also include a few interviews with industry professionals along the way.

All this including Bat-Manga Volume 2, some news and notes from the Library Binding Company and the New Releases of the Week.

Chris

http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/

Links of Note:
Steve Ditko Week – Book Steve’s Library
Super I.T.C.H by Craig Yoe

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It’s time once again for my annual Adopt a Character show. You are welcome to play along, it very easy and fun to do. Simply pick a character that you have always wanted to know more about and go out and do it! You have a full year to get acquainted with the character (or team) by reading as much you can. You may recall in 2007 I chose Thor, in 2008 I went with Luke Cage (with a bit of Iron Fist thrown in) and last year I read the entire 27 volume series of Will Eisner’s The Spirit.

For 2010 I chose Spider-Man, a character that I haven’t really read much of since the 1980′s. I have a very specific reason for doing so and I explain why in the podcast. Sure, I’ve kept up with Spidey’s career, it’s hard not too, but this time I’m going way back to the beginning and starting from Amazing Fantasy #15. Thanks to the Marvel Masterworks program (11 volumes so far) I get to read them in full color with Steve Ditko. Speaking of Ditko, I’ve decided to study his work more in depth, as well.

Also on this short show, I go over the page count flub of the upcoming Invincible Iron Man HC Volume 1 and Diamond 2009 Gem Award Nominees including the nominess for 2009 Reprint TP or HC of the Year.

All this and the New Releases of the Week.

Chris

http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/
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This week on the show, I welcome in Steve Saffel to talk about his book, The Best of Simon and Kirby (Titan). A lot of care went into creating this lavish look back on the dream team of Joe Simon and Jack Kirby from the Golden Age of Comics. Steve gets into all the details, from the beginning and the reasons why it was published, to what is included, and what is still yet to come. Steve and I also chat about his time at Marvel, TwoMorrows Publishing, Comic Cons and Mark Evanier’s Kirby: King of Comics, which can be seen as a companion, of sorts, to Steve’s book. I’ll post a full written review of the book, including all of the exact contents, in a few weeks.

For more information on this book, please check out the very nice Best of Simon and Kirby site at Titan Books.

Collected Comics Library Podcast #233
50,774Kb; 53m 53s

Chris

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I remember 1990 very well. I was off and running at college without a worry in the world, well there was one worry – I collected comic books. Yes even back then I would have been shamed if anyone found out: my family, my fraternity brothers and my girlfriend. Not only did I have all that to deal with but I went to college in a small town that didn’t have a comic book store. My LCS was 200 miles away back in Detroit, but as I was saying I do remember that magical summer of 1990 – and Todd McFarlane was right there with me.

I was a Marvel guy back then and I had to literally memorize art styles, writing habits, continuity and who was on what book. Not to get all nostalgic but it was a lot harder to figure everything out with no internet to log on to but it was a whole lot more fun. I can’t recall when, where or how I got the news, but hot shot Todd McFarlane, who was coming off of Amazing Spider-Man was starting up a brand new Spidy series – simply titled: Spider-Man; no Amazing, Spectacular or Web Of in the moniker. I’m sure MacFarlane could have gone with any adjective he wanted to, but with his explosive art and story telling ability he left it up to the reader to fill in the blank.

Now Marvel has once again collected the first five issue storyline called Torment as part of their Marvel Premiere Classic Hardcover line of books (Variant Volume #27). They previously did so a few times but only as a Trade Paperback. McFarlane does just about everything (art, write, color, covers) but does get some artistic help from Bob Sharen and Gregory Wright, Rick Parker also does the lettering.

The story is set up in a noir style with giant backdrops of New York City. In fact upon rereading the first few pages it I could have been a Frank Miller Daredevil book. It’s a typical day for Peter and Mary Jane, a free wheeling couple; he jokes while she laughs along for they know, as well as the reader, that at the end everything will work out fine because Spider-Man always saves the day. But what happens in between the five issues? What does McFarlane have in store for our hero? It turns out Spidey gets a beat down by his old college professor Dr. Curt Conners aka The Lizard and it’s a bad one. But the Lizard is being manipulated by The Witch aka Calypso, who is an associate of the original Kraven The Hunter, and feels the thrill of the hunt herself. By poisoning Spider-Man and a manipulating the Lizard, a whole lot of tormenting is going on.

Besides this collected edition reprinting #1-5, there is also Marvel Age #90 (1990) in which McFarlane does the interior art and the cover and is interviewed inside. There is also a very funny piece by Fred Hembeck, where Spider-Man is covered in bandages and complains that he wants nothing more to do with Todd MacFarlane because all he does is beat the crap out of him. One problem with this satirical farce is that it gets lost in the gutter of the book and one funny punch line is unreadable. It does have an introduction by Jim Salicrup, who was the editor on the book at the time, but it’s just a reprinting of his intro from the1991 first trade paperback printing. This is rather disappointing. I would of like to of seen a reflection of this material by some one from today (Brian Michael Bendis, perhaps?) and why this story has stood the test of time.

As per other MPC’s Marvel has reprinted not only the cover art for each individual issue, but also the variant cover art of which there were several. This was the beginning of the foil cover age at Marvel and just about every book was had silver all over it. I can say that reprinting a foil cover does not work. What Marvel has done here, does not give the original artwork justice. The variants come out flat and dark, not at all how they looked on the newsstand 18 years. Sure, it’s nice to have them included, but it’s true when I say they have lost their luster. Track them down at a convention to understand what I mean. Lastly, I should let you know that, this book works very well as a pseudo-sequel to Spider-Man: Kraven’s Last Hunt, which was collected as the very first Marvel Premiere Classic Hardcover.

When it was released Torment didn’t get the best reviews, but I think it has aged fairly well. The pace is exciting, the horror is a page away and there isn’t too much MJ, which in this case is a good thing. I’d like to see Marvel continue on with McFarlane Spider-Man run; it doesn’t have to be in hardcover either. I think the Classic line of trade paperbacks would do nicely.

Marvel Premiere Classic: Spider-Man: Torment (Variant Volume 27) Collects Spider-Man #1-5 and Marvel Age #90, 136 pgs, $19.99

For more comments on this book and the latest Collected Edition news on the upcoming Fantastic Four Omnibus by Mark Millar and Brian Hitch and the Wednesday Comics series of Trade Paperbacks, please listen to the Podcast.
Collected Comics Library Podcast #232
24,417Kb; 25m 46s

All this and the New Releases of the Week.

Chris

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Today on the show, we get back to basics showcasing an iconic super-hero, an iconic super-villain and an iconic storyline: Spider-Man: Kraven’s Last Hunt. This is such a seminal mini-series that Marvel bestowed upon it the first volume in the Premiere Classic line of books. Published in 1987, the horrifying tale and ultra violent ending still has repercussions in today’s Marvel universe. No one is spared in this Clockwork Orange insanity driven saga; from Kraven himself injecting himself into the role of Spider-Man to better understand his prey, to Peter Parker being buried alive and reevaluating what it means to be a hero and even to Mary Jane who struggles for days when Peter vanishes without a trace. It’s no wonder that Marvel chose this title as the lead off, cementing it forever as a true Classic.

Also on the show are some news items regarding some upcoming oversized books including Absolute Justice, Absolute Green Lantern: Rebirth, Astonishing X-Men Omnibus, The Golden Age Marvel Comics Omnibus and the Iron Fist Omnibus.

All this and the New Releases of the Week.

Chris

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Collected Comics Library Podcast #186

25,902Kb; 27m 37s

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The first thing I should tell you about this weeks’ episode is that I was planning on reviewing 3 Masterworks not 2. I even went as far as to record the third part of the feature, but I decided to cut it all out during editing, which, if you listen closely, can hear the cuts. The segments I did leave in are Spider-Man Volume 10 and Golden Age Captain America Volume 2. Regarding the latter, you may want to read Rich Johnson’s Lying in the Gutters column, which I refer to, from a few weeks back.

Also on the show this week, Around Comics celebrates their 200th podcast, a PR on Parade with Fireworks from Image Comics and one older item: The Black Terror Omnibus, an “Essential” type book from Age of Adventure due out later this year.

All this including what I’m watching on TV this year and the New Releases of the Week.

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Chris

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