Hump Day Heroics with Hostess Cakes

That Dirty Beach 
   starring Aquaman

I'd prefer a dirty beach to a wet Twinkie.

Mediocre Marvel Premiere - Paladin

Paladin has never been a favorite character of mine. I remember first seeing him in a Marvel Team-Up with Spider-Man.

If this story in Marvel Premiere #43 didn't have cover art by comic legend Dave Cockrum. And had been more than a quarter. I would not have bought it.

Cockrum designed and created the looks for The All-New, All-Different X-Men with Chris Claremont and the 70's Legion of Super-Heroes with Paul Levitz.

I wasn't as familiar with artist Tom Sutton but his 70's film noir-ish art style, with help by colorist M. Hands, really elevated this story past its basic story trope.

Damsel in-distress Marsha has hired Paladin to protect her from some hokey, lame villain named Phantasm.

I can hear you asking "who's Phantasm?" And no, it's not the same villain from Batman: The Mask of the Phantasm 

He was just a normal guy, working as a transient handler, (a what?), until something went horribly wrong.

Now wearing a suit he bought from another lame villain, Phantasm will have his revenge against those who have wronged him.

Including his ex-girlfriend Marsha. Explaining why Paladin has been hired to be her body guard.

It also neatly sets up the triangle between Phantasm, Marsha and Paladin. It's the all too familiar story trope - Hero falls in love with the woman he was supposed to protect.

When he's not able to safe her it leads to the ultimate, no-holds bar battle.

On the brink of defeat, villain confesses that damsel isn't really dead. He couldn't kill her - because he is still in love with her.

Hero gets the girl. The End.

I'm not sure what story I was expecting or wanting, so this hasn't been meant to be a critique of writer Don McGregor. He had a fine story idea, it just didn't work for me. I read it for the art.


Marvel Premier #43 - August 1979
Writer: Don McGregor 
Artist: Tom Sutton
Cover Artist; Dave Cockrum

Countdown to Christmas 12/25/12 - Toys for the Holiday

Merry Christmas everyone! Lets see what Santa left me under the tree.

Awesome!! I'll take the Hulk, Spidey and that carry case better be full of every figure shown and listed.

Countdown to Christmas 12/24/12 - Toys for the Holidays!

Even though I want everything is this ad, there are a couple items that jump out at me.

"The maniacal Mangler actually eats your favorite superhero and spits him out - flat!" What?! Is this from an actual comic, or just some crazy toy? 

Why does the Wonder Woman action figure look like Conan in drag? 

Countdown to Christmas 12/23/12 - Toys for the Holidays

Is there an App for that?

This is the best 1981 had to offer in handheld electronic game play. 

Countdown to Christmas 12/22/12 - Toys for the Holidays

It's a galaxy of goodies for the DC Comics fan in your life.

Those kick-ass flashlights would make perfect stocking stuffers! 

Countdown to Christmas 12/21/12 - Toys for the Holidays!

Now you too can explore the streets of New York City. Visit famous landmarks like The Baxter Building, Daily Bugle, The Avengers Mansion with the amazing Marvel World Play Set!

The stylish AM radio wrist watches, Mego Marvel Action Figures, and web-shooters would make excellent stockings stuffers.