Moment In Time - Marvel Universe: Origins of The Invaders

In the midst of World War II, three amazing heroes emerge to battle the forces of evil, and the Marvel Universe is born.

The Human Torch -
created by Carl Burgos

The flaming android debuted in Marvel Comics #1, November 1939

Namor, The Sub-Mariner -
created by Bill Everett

The first mutant debuted in Marvel Comics #1, November 1939

Captain America -
created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby

The star-spangled champion debuted in Captain America #1, March 1941

Together they are The Invaders -

This series was set to explore the history of the Marvel Universe, and it started off strong.

Baron Strucker, of HYDRA, will use his knowledge of the future to take control of the past.

And the present.

Unfortunately after this 3-part Invaders story, the focus shifted to other far less interesting characters and the book was cancelled with issue #7.


Marvel Universe #1-3 1998
Writer: Roger Stern
Art team: Steve Epting / Al Williamson

That's Who? Who's Who Thursday - Krypto and Friends

Superman's best friend

The Legion of What? 

Yes, really

Krypto 
Art: Colleen Doran / Rick Magyer

Legion of Super-Pets 
Art: Curt Swan / Bob Smith 

That's Who? Who's Who Thursday - Jemm Son of Saturn

Without the Holograms

the solo career has been hell.

Art: Gene Colan / Bob Mcleod 

That's Who? Who's Who Thursday - Speedy

From boy

 To man

Speedy (Golden Age)
Art: Eric Shanower 

Speedy (adult) 
Art: Stan Woch 

That's Who? Who's Who Thursday - Duo Damsel

Triplicate - One = Duo

Duo Damsel aka Triplicate Girl 
Legion of Super-Heroes
Art team: Mary Wilshire / Dick Giordano 

Vampi Halloween!!

art by Jose Gonzales 

Battling Freedom Fighters from Earth X

Before the worlds shattering Crisis on Infinite Earths DC Comics was home to, well, infinite earths and universes.

Uncle Sam and his Freedom Fighters come from one such earth, affectionately called Earth-X. (see Who'sWho profile)

Sam is joined by Phantom Lady, the Ray, Human Bomb, and Condor.

They have traveled to Earth-1 chasing some random no-name villain.

Barging into the United Nations may end up casting them in the role of villain instead. 

These gentlemen aren't very subtle in talking to  

or ogling Wonder Woman. Not smart. 

Cover artist Ernie Chan has Wonder Woman battling the Freedom Fighters high above United Nations Plaza. 

Interior art team Ramona Fradon and Vince Colletta present a personal favorite. 

I enjoy a good hero-vs-hero throw-down, especially when its a cat-fight. But this one may have a decidedly more tragic ending. 

The Freedom Fighters have killed Wonder Woman!? 

Say it ain't say! She can't really be dead. 

C'mon, who's kidding who? 

Like DC is going to kill off Wonder Woman in some C-list title like Freedom Fighters. Even when she died in her own comic she never stayed dead.  

These are the only two issues of Freedom Fighters I have. And honestly that's just because of Wonder Woman's appearance. 

Who's Who profile - 1985 

Phantom Lady, Uncle Sam and the rest of the Freedom Fighters were originally published by Quality Comics. DC kindly acquired them. 

The Multiverse made sense - It explained how all those great classic characters and their adventures happened. Including ones from your own long history. I'm looking at you Justice Society and Earth-2. 

Freedom Fighters #4 and #5, 1976

Writers: Martin Pasko / Bob Rozakis 

Art team: Ramona Fradon and Vince Colletta  

Overstreet Price Guides: '91 $.50/'99 $5.00 

That's Who? Who's Who Thursday - Robin

How many of you are there?

Richard (Dick) Grayson - Earth 2 Pre-Crisis

Richard could theoretically be the original Robin to appear in Detective Comics #38, 1940. Earth 2 was home to the heroes of the Golden Age. Aging gracefully.

Dick Grayson - aka Nightwing

This Dick Grayson stepped out of Batman's shadow. A few times.

Jason Todd - Earth 1 Pre-Crisis

Repeat of Dick Grayson, complete with dead acrobat parents.

Jason Todd - Post-Crisis

Only interesting because you stole the Batmobile's tires

And got killed by the Joker.

Damian Wayne - 52

Oh yeah. You're dead now too.

Sorry Tim Drake, you got left off the list. I don't have a profile for you. Or Stephanie Brown (Spoiler) and Carrie Kelly(DKR).    Yet

Artists: Ken Steacy / Tom Mandrake / Dick Giordano 

Captain America on Broadway Sweeps the Tony's!!

What If...Tony Awards Special.

It Can't Be! Not You! - Supergirl

Look who is making her DCU Post-Crisis On Infinite Earths appearance.

This Supergirl is full of surprises.

She looks like Lana Lang.

 Calls this man Lex Luthor.

And comes from a world that has almost been completely destroyed by Kryptonians, under the direction of General Zod.

Zod is mostly know for "Kneel before..." in Superman II and being a constant prisoner of the Phantom Zone.

On this Earth he is ruthlessly murdering everyone in his path.

No one is spared.

Sometimes the ultimate punishment is required in dealing with ultimate evil.

Superman - Judge, Jury,

 How the once mighty grovel.

There is a glimmer of hope after all the death and destruction.

Sure, she isn't Kara Zor-El but I enjoyed who this Supergirl became.

In my opinion, Post-Crisis DCU was a really great time to be reading comics. Experiencing the characters all over again, connecting with them. The current 52 DCU is lacking that connection.


Superman # 21 and #22 1988
Writer; John Byrne 
Art Team: John Byrne / John Beatty

Even False Advertising Works - Showcase #101

Promised Joe Kubert art.

All we got was the cover.

It's an amazing cover. Joe Kubert is a comic book legend. That's why I wanted more.

Unfortunately the story by Jack C Harris didn't keep my interest, but Al Milgrim and Murphy Anderson out did themselves showcasing two great origins.

Hawkman

Adam Strange

Sometimes a cover and a few pages are enough to make a comic worth it.


Showcase #101, 1978
Writer: Jack C Harris 
Art team: Al Milgrom / Murphy Anderson 
Overstreet Price Guide: '91 - $2 / '99 - $8

That's Who? Who's Who Happy Mothers Day - Mother Box / Granny Goodness

I Love you Mom! Happy Mothers Day!

Don't forget to call your grandmother too.

Art Team: Jack Kirby / Mike Royer / Greg Theakston

Holy I'm-Not-Who-I-Used-To-Be Batman!

"The First of the New Adventures..."

Batman #408 is more than advertised. It's not just the death of Robin. It's also a rebirth.

Welcome to the DC Universe - New Earth, 1987.

After the Crisis on Infinite Earths things were different in the DC Universe.

Some characters had drastic changes to their origins. Like Jason Todd.

That's right, he's no longer a Dick Grayson clone. He's got street cred. 

Speaking of Dick Grayson. Some characters had changes to their endings. 

Instead of a falling-out with Bruce, his career as Robin ends with a bullet.

How many times can Joker kill Robin?

Hey look! Its art from the ad.

Some characters essentially remained unchanged. If it ain't broke.

After a life changing tragedy as a boy

Bruce Wayne

Becomes the Dark Knight!

The Batman Strut -

This has got to be one of my favorite comic panels ever. Of course Batman knows the pimps and hoes.

Batman #408 (The New Adventures) June 1987

Writer: Max Allan Collins

Art Team: Chris Warner/Mike DeCarlo

Overstreet Price Guide: '91 - $6 / '99 - $4