Random Happenstance

So I mentioned this one on BlueSky the other day, and knew I had bought it recently but didn't have it handy. And, um, it was directly behind me. (Another fun bit of nonsense: I recently got rid of my old bed, which had a massive headboard. I miss having it to hang stuff on, but it was in my way for years otherwise; and it being gone has just destroyed my sense of object permanence. I keep expecting to bump into it...) From 1989, Secret Origins #40, featuring "Gorillas in Our Midst" Written by Cary Bates and Greg Weisman, pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Mike DeCarlo; "The Legend of Congorilla" Written by Tom Joyner, pencils by Fred Butler, inks by Kez Wilson; and "If U Cn Rd Ths" Written by Rusty Wells, "plot and tardiness" by Andy Helfer, art by Mark Badger. Cover by Bill Wray.

This series ran to issue #50: I always think this was closer to the end, but that was probably the Ambush Bug issue. On the letters page, editor Mark Waid explains the rationale for this all-ape issue: back in the 50's and 60's, the prevailing wisdom was that gorillas sold comics, and he estimates DC had about 200 gorilla/monkey/ape covers. Even though that was some time ago, it's still a beloved bit of DC lore and still returns here and there for stuff like JLApe. Carmine Infantino did a bunch of those gorilla covers himself, and returns here for the secret origin of Gorilla City, and its two most famous inhabitants, Solovar and Grodd. Then, it's Congo Bill and Congorilla, told completely straight, like a "jungle noir."

"If U Cn Rd Ths" is doubtless the high point, though: the secret origin of Detective Chimp. This one's a departure from his 50's origin, as tiny alien scientists increase Bobo's intelligence; but Waid suggests if you use your imagination it still fits. (Detective Chimp can talk now, can't he? He couldn't for a long time.) Waid also laments he would never get to do another issue like this again...unless he "can dredge up three more gorillas to put in this book next year." Titano, Angel and the Ape, and the Gorilla Crime Boss of Gotham! Boom, done, get on it.