Monday, January 17, 2022

This plot seemed familiar, but that will happen...

From the cover I thought this was maybe N'Kantu's first appearance, but it was at least a couple in. They maybe could've had the splash page for the cover instead; crazy space mummy seems like it should maybe move some books. From 1974, Supernatural Thrillers #8, "Power Times Four!" Written by Tony Isabella, art by Val Mayerik.
After rising again from a museum in New York City, the Living Mummy's "sanity" is back, just in time for him to get yanked into another dimension and attacked by rock creatures, dust devils, mini-volcanos, and pelting rain. (The pelting rain probably doesn't sound so bad, but what does wet mummy smell like?) He is brought before the Elementals, four wizard-y types that claim to have been around since before Atlantis sank, but were driven off by a warrior with a ruby scarab. (This bit features "Dann" and "Garret," and is a brief homage to the classic Blue Beetle!) Although banished, the Elementals wanted to return to earth, if only some chump was available to get them the scarab: they make a brief attempt to bribe N'Kantu with the restoration of his humanity, before the air elemental Zephyr takes control of his mind, and sends him on his way, compelled to complete his mission by any means, including murder...! Well, wait, how else was he going to do that? He wasn't particularly sneaky or anything.
I felt like I had seen this plot with Morbius before, or maybe Werewolf by Night: weird magic/alien whatever kidnaps the hero with a ray--also a convenient way to keep them from being captured by the cops! Then sends the hero after whatever MacGuffin they shouldn't have. That's usually a two-parter, although looking it up, the Elementals were still giving N'Kantu the hassle in the last issue of the series, although they appeared to be short one by then...
Also this issue: a Lee/Ditko three-pager, "The Little Gypsy Tea Room" from Amazing Adult Fantasy #13, and somebody--probably 'Darren,' who signed the cover and front page--clipped the Marvel Value Stamp of the Ancient One out of this copy.

2 comments:

Mr. Morbid's House Of Fun said...

I actually used to have his debut issue awhile back. Not bad actually.
And you're right, a Space Mummy gimmick seems like it'd sell like gangbusters back in the Silver Age.

Nice homage to the OG Blue Beetle btw.
Oh and FUCK YOU Darren on behalf of my buddy Good.

googum said...

Nah, if little Darren got some enjoyment out of it, I'm all for it. I'm not going to resell this anytime soon, or send it in to be slabbed...