I'm really tempted to just post the cover from this one: whatever you imagine from it, is probably
way better than the actual story! How do you have the "vampire of steel" and the Phantom Stranger and still drop the ball? From 1978,
World's Finest Comics #249.
The only fun bit in "The Vampire of Steel!" is Superman repeatedly choosing to hang out, but seemingly decline to help Batman, based on his code to "never give
super help to
corporations or
private persons--even friends!" The rest is squandered, like mythical undersea vampire creatures, a Jacques Cousteau-style undersea conservationist who you
know is going to be the bad guy--he's named 'Kalamari,' for pete's sake. Batman is about as mysterious as a kid wearing his underroos and almost as effective, and the Phantom Stranger can apparently breathe and talk underwater, yet never visits Aquaman. Jerk. On to the next one! (Story by Bob Haney, pencils by Kurt Schaffenberger, inks by Tex Blaisdell.)
I thought we had blogged either the prior or next chapter of this Green Arrow/Black Canary serial, "Will the Costume Make the Hero?" Written by Gerry Conway, pencils by Trevor Von Eeden, inks by Vince Colletta. Ollie had been ruined financially by Deleon, who added insult to injury by buying his old mansion, then finding the Arrowcave, proving Ollie was...Batman? I think I missed one of Deleon's steps there, but he needs 'Batman' to defend him against Hellgrammite, who has Black Canary captured. She manages to shatter her prison, and beat down the bug baddies's men, but gets knocked out again. Hiding in the shadows, his beard anyway, Ollie makes a convincing Batman, until he goes into action: he has no idea what's in his utility belt, since it's not labeled, and gets tangled in the cape and falls over!
Knowing Deleon was probably going to go to Hellgrammite--part of his scam, supposedly giving old gangsters new lives--Ollie thinks his career is probably over, but Hellgrammite forces Canary to call him for help. Even webbed up, though, Canary is still fighting to free herself: she does like a challenge. Hellgrammite turns on his men and Deleon, intent on covering his tracks and stealing the Green Arrow's identity, but still dressed as Batman Ollie manages to stop him. Deleon was killed, and Canary wonders if Ollie couldn't get his money back, but he claims he doesn't need it, then acts a little too possessive with Canary and pushes her away. Did I say a little? He's being a jerk.
Next, the Creeper's World's Finest debut! I think he'd stick around maybe seven issues, but here in "Moon Lady and the Monster" Jack Ryder and his supporting cast are security for a network's Elvira-like horror host as she's stalked by an old partner. It's a bit of fun, but I don't think sticks the landing--I wanted Moon Lady to go on, but apparently the ratings got her.
Then, an unexpected lead (that's on the cover...) and an unexpected guest-star: Wonder Woman, with Sgt. Rock! With Rock hypnotized by Doctor Psycho! And aliens! The latter are 100% unneccessary, as I'd rather see Rock and WW kicking Psycho back and forth. I don't know if he very much resembles later versions of the character, though.
Seriously, they could beat on him for chapters, I'll allow it. Another
DC Necronomicon, though.
He definitely resembles earlier versions of the character. The look is very Silver Age Dr. Psycho, but the attitude is straight out of the Golden Age. William Marston was anything but subtle. I'm still sore that they haven't put him in the movies yet- it's a bit of a cliché but Peter Dinklage would be perfect for the character. Harley Quinn did a decent job but he's most effective in full-on misogyny mode.
ReplyDelete@H:Peter Dinklage REALLY would be THE ideal choice to play Dr. Psycho. Hey even the most obvious can still be entertaining when done right.
ReplyDelete@Goo: Looks like you were right man. That cover and the story they could've told with Batman & Stranger fighting a Super-Vampire who's resistant to most forms of removing his vampiric cure save for a last minute crazy solution that only a writer like Bob Haney could pull out would've been a lot better than what was delivered.
I will say this Clark was SUPER-harshing on Bruce by not only not wanting to help a friend, but giving him shit because he was rich & accusing him of trying to profit & save a buck off a disastrous oil spill? Ease there Clark, you're supposed to be his friend not some suspicious government oversight committee. The unusual cynicism was uncalled for.Now if this happened now, sure, it be more than warranted.
Delon may have been right, but he was also an idiot. Why the fuck would Batman choose to use a bearded disguise whilst in full Batman regalia? Idiot.
Nice to see the Creeper. Thing is he's also treated like that one crazy uncle at a family reunion who most of the family avoid but still feel obligated to keep inviting every year.
I didn't scan it, but there's a great panel of Ollie after telling Deleon "It's a disguise" where he just can't anymore with that moron...Although, said moron managed to cheat him out of his money, so what's that say about him?
ReplyDeleteThat he's not so much a smart businessman, but one who who surrounds himself with smart people & layers?
ReplyDelete