Kamis, 30 April 2020
Slumdog Millionaire (5 Stars)
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This is the second film I'm watching this week to commemorate the death of the magnificent actor Irrfan Khan. He plays the strict but fair police officer interrogating Jamal Malik, who's been accused of cheating on "Who wants to be a millionaire?" He plays a relatively small part in the film, but he's perfect for the role.
It's the mark of a great actor that even when he's sitting silently we know what he's thinking.
This is the second film I'm watching this week to commemorate the death of the magnificent actor Irrfan Khan. He plays the strict but fair police officer interrogating Jamal Malik, who's been accused of cheating on "Who wants to be a millionaire?" He plays a relatively small part in the film, but he's perfect for the role.
It's the mark of a great actor that even when he's sitting silently we know what he's thinking.
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| Irrfan Khan 7 January 1967 – 29 April 2020 |
Success Rate: + 22.8
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Order from Amazon.com |
| Order from Amazon.co.uk | |
| Order from Amazon.de |
The Muppet Movie (1979)
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Director: James Frawley
Still a fun, clever, goofy flick that can still please adults as well as kids.
Considering that we watched The Muppet Movie, one might think that my wife and I have kids. We don't. One might also assume that we watched this during the Coronavirus quarantine. We didn't. No, we actually watched this late in 2019, well before the COVID-19 virus altered all of our lives and viewing habits. We watched it just because it was a movie that we had watched plenty of times as kids in the early 1980s but neither of us had watched in decades. So one evening, after a long week, we decided to return to what we remembered as a gem of our youth.
We weren't disappointed.
The actual Muppet Show on television, which ran from 1976 to 1981, was known as a wonderfully hilarious, all-ages show that was ostensibly for kids but had more than its fair share of broad appeal. It had cranky adult characters, thinly-veiled sexuality, and a roster of massively famous celebrity guests that most late-night talk shows would have killed to have. It was a variety show run by raucous, wild puppets, and it quickly became legendary.
The 1979 feature film carried over all of the zaniness and fun of the TV show, using a road show plotline to keep things humming along. Kermit the Frog is offered a chance to be a big star in Hollywood, after a movie producer hears him singing in his home swamp. As Kermit makes his way to Tinsel Town, he meets and befriends nearly all of the other characters familiar to those who know the Muppet Show - Fozzie the Bear, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and all of the other memorable characters. They are pursued by the mogul of a fast-food franchise that sells frogs' legs, who wants Kermit first as a spokes-, uh, frog, but then to simply cook up and serve in his restaurant.
Yes, it's all very silly, as it should be. But The Muppet Movie was great at the very thing that the TV was great at - breaking the fourth wall and cracking plenty of great jokes. There are more than a few puns and plenty of Zucker Brothers-style deadpan humor. And there are even a few solid jabs thrown at the entertainment industry here and there. And, of course, there are a few musical numbers thrown in, which is something that I'm always lukewarm about but certainly didn't mind, even in my mid-forties. The icing is always the many celebrity cameos, including names like Milton Berle, Mel Brooks, James Coburn, and plenty of others.
This was a every bit the fun, comforting stroll down memory lane that my wife and I wanted it to be. Jim Henson, creator of all things Muppet, was an absolute genius of family entertainment, and this movie will stand as testament to that for many, many decades to come.
Still a fun, clever, goofy flick that can still please adults as well as kids.
Considering that we watched The Muppet Movie, one might think that my wife and I have kids. We don't. One might also assume that we watched this during the Coronavirus quarantine. We didn't. No, we actually watched this late in 2019, well before the COVID-19 virus altered all of our lives and viewing habits. We watched it just because it was a movie that we had watched plenty of times as kids in the early 1980s but neither of us had watched in decades. So one evening, after a long week, we decided to return to what we remembered as a gem of our youth.
We weren't disappointed.
The actual Muppet Show on television, which ran from 1976 to 1981, was known as a wonderfully hilarious, all-ages show that was ostensibly for kids but had more than its fair share of broad appeal. It had cranky adult characters, thinly-veiled sexuality, and a roster of massively famous celebrity guests that most late-night talk shows would have killed to have. It was a variety show run by raucous, wild puppets, and it quickly became legendary.
The 1979 feature film carried over all of the zaniness and fun of the TV show, using a road show plotline to keep things humming along. Kermit the Frog is offered a chance to be a big star in Hollywood, after a movie producer hears him singing in his home swamp. As Kermit makes his way to Tinsel Town, he meets and befriends nearly all of the other characters familiar to those who know the Muppet Show - Fozzie the Bear, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and all of the other memorable characters. They are pursued by the mogul of a fast-food franchise that sells frogs' legs, who wants Kermit first as a spokes-, uh, frog, but then to simply cook up and serve in his restaurant.
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| Madelaine Kahn and Telly Savalas - just two of the many, many great little celebrity cameos which were always been part of the early Muppet movies. |
This was a every bit the fun, comforting stroll down memory lane that my wife and I wanted it to be. Jim Henson, creator of all things Muppet, was an absolute genius of family entertainment, and this movie will stand as testament to that for many, many decades to come.
The Rotting Zombie's Round-up of Horror News for April 2020
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It is my intention to eventually get rid of these monthly news posts I do, something I hoped to achieve this month, but alas it was not to be so. The reason I wish to do away with them is for two reasons. Firstly so that it frees up another day in the month to put up a review, and secondly so that instead of waiting till months end I can instead immediately put up any news I receive on my Facebook and Twitter pages. If you so wish you can go and follow me on those pages, only if you want to though.
The UK is now deep into its lock down and I am finding only leaving the house to go to work or do my weekly food shop a bit draining, but least this makes for memorable times. I am still three quarters of the way into Doom Eternal, to be honest...I'm not loving it as much as I thought I would! I still need to stick up a review of Resident Evil: Resistance, but to do that I have to give the game one last go, this is turning out to be quite the task though as I think the game is very dull. Onto the news!
Season 2 of NOS4A2 is due to premiere on AMC UK Tuesday 7th July at 09:00 PM GMT. This supernatural horror series stars Emmy-nominated actor and producer Zachary Quinto and Ashleigh Cummings. It is based on Joe Hill's best selling novel of the same name. I haven't actually heard of this show before getting the press release. Apparently this picks up eight years after the events of season one and has a man named Charlie on a path of revenge against someone named Vic.
Another month and another team-up that Terror Films has partook in. This time they have joined up with the AVOD YouTube Channel, Watch Movies Now! Terror Films entire library is coming, kicking off with The Bone Box that arrived on 4th April, followed by Dead Body, After Dark and The Chair. A new film from their catalogue is due to arrive weekly. The channel has over 142,000 subscribers, with more than 12 million views per month.
In time for the 40th anniversary of Friday the 13th comes "First Jason's 40" hot sauce from Gemini Crow/Demon Vegan. These companies have joined up with Ari Lehman (the original Jason Voorhees to release these. First Jason's 40 'is a majestic hybrid of sweet and heat. Peaches, Molasses & honey deceptively draw you in right before the heat grips your tongue and continues to rise, which can only be described as slightly less painful then a machete to a head.' Other hot sauces from Demon Vegan include Slasher Sauce and a red Habanero based sauce called Blood of the Lake. Head here if you want to get a hold of any of these.
The first ever 'virtual Phantasm horror convention', known as Phantasm-con 2020 is coming this May 1st and 2nd. The convention is raising funds for personal protection equipment for first responders and veterinarians during the COVID-19 crisis that has swept the globe. The virtual convention includes a live main stage featuring Q&As and interviews with celebrity guests and fans. An exhibit hall where visitors can click thru to popular online stores and sites for memorabilia. A film room with interactive watch parties that gives fans the opportunity to hang out with celebrities in real time during scheduled screenings. Autograph 'tables' and chat rooms where photos and posters will be available via online stores. Also included are art rooms, links to delivery food and drink sponsors, and contests and giveaways. Of course the legendary Reggie Bannister shall be in virtual attendance.
I have a lot of time for the Phantasm series, they are a great series of horror films, for more details about this virtual event head here.
Erotic horror The Last Roommate had its unrated DVD release on 14th April from SCS Entertainment. This film that stars Jenn Nangle, Julie Anne Prescott and Shawn C. Phillips is about a young woman who falls in love with her seductive new roommate, together they fall into an erotic tangle of violence and deadly obsession. The film can be purchased here.
Also from SCS Entertainment comes 5G Zombies, releasing on DVD and VOD 1st March. This takes place in a world overtaken by a recent virus pandemic (sound familiar?). All governments have conspired together to brainwash the remaining survivors using 5G technology, in order to create a new world order. This is a British/American anthology. Sadly there are plenty of utter morons in the real world who really do believe 5G is the root of all evil. Check out the world premiere trailer below.
MGI Films have announced the DVD release of their new horror film, The Devil's Fairground. It is out now at Amazon and Walmart in the U.S and Canada. In this lovely titled horror two competing paranormal TV shows converge on an abandoned haunted amusement park, which just happens to be the gateway to Hell. The Amazon link is here.
Horror-Fix Pictures are due to go into production this November on horror comedy The True Tale of Ole Splitfoot vs. the Lesbian Warrior Nuns of the Great White North. This is to be set in a remote Canadian town whose only industry is the local maple syrup processing plant. A group of lesbian warrior nuns, posing as strippers stand guard against the hordes of Satan. The film has been described as 'the most f*cked up horror-comedy ever made'. Veteran actors Michael Paré and Robert Lasardo are part of the cast.
It isn't often a press release makes me laugh, but the one for Dutch film We was one such one; "Artsploitation Films now realises that not changing the title (original title, Wij, is We in English) has made it challenging (ok, nearly impossible) for people to find it on the internet."They have provided links to the various sites it is able to be downloaded/streamed from. This includes Prime Video, VUDU, Apple TV, Google Play, Kino Now and Vimeo.
Horror comedy Murder Made Easy has had its soundtrack released on all digital platforms. The original motion picture soundtrack came from Sean Spillane (The Woman, Tales of Halloween, Jug Face). Spillane said of the soundtrack, "Writing, performing and recording the score for Murder Made Easy was an absolute blast. In such a character driven story I used various genres of music to further reflect each character's personality." Back when I reviewed this lovely Agatha Christie inspired horror I gave it a grand 8/10 rotting zombie heads and said of it, "I came to this with expectations of a dull murder mystery and left having really enjoyed what I had witnessed". I love a good soundtrack so added this one to my Apple Music collection.
Russian horror comedy Why Don't You Just Die! is out now on Blu-ray and Digital HD and will be there to watch on the Arrow Video Channel on 4th May. I said of this "an always interesting and often amusingly chaotic story" and gave it a solid 8/10 rotted zombie heads when I reviewed it earlier this month. Check out a clip below.
Jeff Payne has released some stills from the next installment of his 'The Pale Faced Lady' series, titled In Darkness I Wait. Payne says for this one "I'm going full terror...tense atmospheres, dread, and horror...my goal is to scare my mom on this one haha!". This follows on from The Pale Faced Lady and She Will Return. This third part in the short film trilogy is due to arrive soon.
Finally, turn based strategy/RPG video game 1971 Project Helios is due to release on PC, Playstation 4, Xbox-One and Nintendo Switch on 9th June thanks to RecoTechnology. This takes place in a dystopian world that is scarce in resources, and also covered in a thick layer of ice. The turn based combat pits you against three different factions as you try and locate a key scientist.
It is my intention to eventually get rid of these monthly news posts I do, something I hoped to achieve this month, but alas it was not to be so. The reason I wish to do away with them is for two reasons. Firstly so that it frees up another day in the month to put up a review, and secondly so that instead of waiting till months end I can instead immediately put up any news I receive on my Facebook and Twitter pages. If you so wish you can go and follow me on those pages, only if you want to though.
The UK is now deep into its lock down and I am finding only leaving the house to go to work or do my weekly food shop a bit draining, but least this makes for memorable times. I am still three quarters of the way into Doom Eternal, to be honest...I'm not loving it as much as I thought I would! I still need to stick up a review of Resident Evil: Resistance, but to do that I have to give the game one last go, this is turning out to be quite the task though as I think the game is very dull. Onto the news!
Season 2 of NOS4A2 is due to premiere on AMC UK Tuesday 7th July at 09:00 PM GMT. This supernatural horror series stars Emmy-nominated actor and producer Zachary Quinto and Ashleigh Cummings. It is based on Joe Hill's best selling novel of the same name. I haven't actually heard of this show before getting the press release. Apparently this picks up eight years after the events of season one and has a man named Charlie on a path of revenge against someone named Vic.
Another month and another team-up that Terror Films has partook in. This time they have joined up with the AVOD YouTube Channel, Watch Movies Now! Terror Films entire library is coming, kicking off with The Bone Box that arrived on 4th April, followed by Dead Body, After Dark and The Chair. A new film from their catalogue is due to arrive weekly. The channel has over 142,000 subscribers, with more than 12 million views per month.
In time for the 40th anniversary of Friday the 13th comes "First Jason's 40" hot sauce from Gemini Crow/Demon Vegan. These companies have joined up with Ari Lehman (the original Jason Voorhees to release these. First Jason's 40 'is a majestic hybrid of sweet and heat. Peaches, Molasses & honey deceptively draw you in right before the heat grips your tongue and continues to rise, which can only be described as slightly less painful then a machete to a head.' Other hot sauces from Demon Vegan include Slasher Sauce and a red Habanero based sauce called Blood of the Lake. Head here if you want to get a hold of any of these.
The first ever 'virtual Phantasm horror convention', known as Phantasm-con 2020 is coming this May 1st and 2nd. The convention is raising funds for personal protection equipment for first responders and veterinarians during the COVID-19 crisis that has swept the globe. The virtual convention includes a live main stage featuring Q&As and interviews with celebrity guests and fans. An exhibit hall where visitors can click thru to popular online stores and sites for memorabilia. A film room with interactive watch parties that gives fans the opportunity to hang out with celebrities in real time during scheduled screenings. Autograph 'tables' and chat rooms where photos and posters will be available via online stores. Also included are art rooms, links to delivery food and drink sponsors, and contests and giveaways. Of course the legendary Reggie Bannister shall be in virtual attendance.
I have a lot of time for the Phantasm series, they are a great series of horror films, for more details about this virtual event head here.
Erotic horror The Last Roommate had its unrated DVD release on 14th April from SCS Entertainment. This film that stars Jenn Nangle, Julie Anne Prescott and Shawn C. Phillips is about a young woman who falls in love with her seductive new roommate, together they fall into an erotic tangle of violence and deadly obsession. The film can be purchased here.
Also from SCS Entertainment comes 5G Zombies, releasing on DVD and VOD 1st March. This takes place in a world overtaken by a recent virus pandemic (sound familiar?). All governments have conspired together to brainwash the remaining survivors using 5G technology, in order to create a new world order. This is a British/American anthology. Sadly there are plenty of utter morons in the real world who really do believe 5G is the root of all evil. Check out the world premiere trailer below.
MGI Films have announced the DVD release of their new horror film, The Devil's Fairground. It is out now at Amazon and Walmart in the U.S and Canada. In this lovely titled horror two competing paranormal TV shows converge on an abandoned haunted amusement park, which just happens to be the gateway to Hell. The Amazon link is here.
Horror-Fix Pictures are due to go into production this November on horror comedy The True Tale of Ole Splitfoot vs. the Lesbian Warrior Nuns of the Great White North. This is to be set in a remote Canadian town whose only industry is the local maple syrup processing plant. A group of lesbian warrior nuns, posing as strippers stand guard against the hordes of Satan. The film has been described as 'the most f*cked up horror-comedy ever made'. Veteran actors Michael Paré and Robert Lasardo are part of the cast.
It isn't often a press release makes me laugh, but the one for Dutch film We was one such one; "Artsploitation Films now realises that not changing the title (original title, Wij, is We in English) has made it challenging (ok, nearly impossible) for people to find it on the internet."They have provided links to the various sites it is able to be downloaded/streamed from. This includes Prime Video, VUDU, Apple TV, Google Play, Kino Now and Vimeo.
Horror comedy Murder Made Easy has had its soundtrack released on all digital platforms. The original motion picture soundtrack came from Sean Spillane (The Woman, Tales of Halloween, Jug Face). Spillane said of the soundtrack, "Writing, performing and recording the score for Murder Made Easy was an absolute blast. In such a character driven story I used various genres of music to further reflect each character's personality." Back when I reviewed this lovely Agatha Christie inspired horror I gave it a grand 8/10 rotting zombie heads and said of it, "I came to this with expectations of a dull murder mystery and left having really enjoyed what I had witnessed". I love a good soundtrack so added this one to my Apple Music collection.
Russian horror comedy Why Don't You Just Die! is out now on Blu-ray and Digital HD and will be there to watch on the Arrow Video Channel on 4th May. I said of this "an always interesting and often amusingly chaotic story" and gave it a solid 8/10 rotted zombie heads when I reviewed it earlier this month. Check out a clip below.
Jeff Payne has released some stills from the next installment of his 'The Pale Faced Lady' series, titled In Darkness I Wait. Payne says for this one "I'm going full terror...tense atmospheres, dread, and horror...my goal is to scare my mom on this one haha!". This follows on from The Pale Faced Lady and She Will Return. This third part in the short film trilogy is due to arrive soon.
Power-rock group MF Ruckus have released the third chapter of their post-apocalyptic comic book The Front Lines of Good Times. This follows the band as they 'attempt to survive and thrive in the post apocalyptic hellscape of the year 2040'. The third chapter is titled Acropolis Now! and sees the band arriving at Scrappertown where they put on a gig at a local speakeasy, The Acropolis. This is written by vocalist Aaron Howell and illustrated by This is Heavy Metal creator Jake Fairly. This third chapter is available as a high quality PDF, and best of all, it is free for download from the bands website, check it out for yourself via this link.
New episodes of Death Squad are currently available on RUKU, Amazon, and Stirr on the Popstar! app or streaming. The show is about five ex-military zombie killers sent to an off-line bio lab. This was filmed in Yerevan Armenia.
Classic Movie Review: Where is the Friend's House? (1987)
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Where Is the Friend's House? (1987)
Directed by: Abbas Kiarostami.
Written by: Abbas Kiarostami.
Starring: Babek Ahmed Poor (Ahmed), Ahmed Ahmed Poor (Mohamed Reda Nematzadeh), Khodabakhsh Defaei (Teacher), Iran Outari (Mother), Ait Ansari (Father), Sadika Taohidi (Perzian Neighbour), Biman Mouafi (Ali, a neighbor), Ali Djamali (Grandfather's Friend), Aziz Babai (Waiter), Nader Ghoulami (Property Owner), Akbar Mouradi (Old Man from Azerbaidjan).
There is a simplicity to Where is the Friend’s House which only adds to its emotional power. Directed by Iranian master Abbas Kiarostami – who would go on to make far more complex films, with different layers of reality layered throughout – from Close-Up to The Taste of Cherry to Certified Copy and many others – Where is the Friend’s House doesn’t get that complex. It is a simple, straight forward story – the type of thing that people who were fans of the Italian Neo-Realists would recognize. And it is a heartbreaking film in the way it builds its simple acts of kindness.
The narrative begins at school – where Ahmed (Babek Ahmed) is seated next to his friend Mohamed (Ahmed Ahmed) – when the teacher comes around to check their homework – berating poor Mohamed for once again not doing his homework in his workbook – and telling him if it happens again, he will be expelled from school. Keep in mind these kids are about 8 years old, but education isn’t quite a right here – and its notable, but never noted in the film, that only the boys are being educated at all. It isn’t until Ahmed gets home that night that he realizes that he has made a purely innocent mistake – taking not just his own workbook, but Mohamed’s as well. He knows the implications of this – but no one else seems to care that much. He tries to explain the situation to his mother – again and again – but she doesn’t want to hear it, just wants him to finish his homework, and then go buy bread – he can just give the book back tomorrow. Adding to the difficulty is that Ahmed lives in Koker, and Mohamed lives in the nearby, neighboring village of Potesh. Both villages are a maze of narrow streets, seemingly identical buildings, and confusing directions. When Ahmed does get to Potesh, he still isn’t able to find his friend’s house – and keeps being given bad directions. He finds families with similar names, or people who just saw him and his father – but they just left for Koker. He runs around – and is stymied at every stop. His grandfather berates him – and wants him to give up his quest and go get his cigarettes – we then stay with the grandfather, who details his own childhood for a few minutes, before Ahmed comes back – and is able to go on his quest again. This all culminates with a lengthy sequence where Ahmed meets an elderly man, who says he can walk with him to his friend’s house – although once again, the end result isn’t what he expected.
The film is deceptively simple. The narrative really is simple of course – it’s the story a boy trying to correct his innocent mistake, and going to great lengths to do just that. But the power of the story only slowly reveals itself – and the implications of it. Yes, the film takes on the appearance of a Neo-Realist film – but it isn’t quite that simple either. Kiarostami is painting a portrait of this community, about childhood innocence, but doing the right thing – and a portrait of rural Iranians. It is a quest narrative – and at that a very simple one. But its implications are profound. Kiarostami would return to this area – these characters – twice more (I will review those two films, Life and Nothing More and Through the Olive Trees as well) – and with each passing film, he complicates the relationship between actor and character, director and narrative, etc. But here, he has made a simple story – with the profundity of a parable – one you will not forget.
Quick Sips - Serial Box: Ninth Step Station [ep02.03 & 02.04]
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So now that the second season is well under way, what surprises lurk in the latest two episodes/chapters of Serial Box’s Ninth Step Station? Well, there’s certainly murder aplenty, with the political situation in the city deteriorating as anti-Chinese sentiment clashes with Chinese resource superiority and propaganda. It’s driving a wedge into the heart of the city, setting neighbor against neighbor, and maybe even partner against partner. And after an extremely intense third episode, the fourth slows things down again with a trip to the countryside and a remote resort where Emma and Miyako have to wait out a storm...with a killer. I love this series for the mashup of mystery and science fiction, political thriller and buddy drama. To the reviews!
Serial Chapters:
“The Acid Detail” by Jacqueline Koyanagi (ep02.03)
No Spoilers: It’s a particularly grisly case as Emma and Miyako must investigate murders involving people being locked in their cars and subjected to aerosolized acid. Which, if it wasn’t bad enough, also requires them to cross enemy lines to work once more with Detectives Liu and Wong from the Chinese side of the city. Which...isn’t exactly a treat. But it does build a bigger picture about what’s going on in the city, the resistance that Miyako finds herself accessory to and the more radical, more violent resistance that she’s tasked with bringing to justice. The mystery here is built well and handled smoothly, and there are some charming flourishes (the lady with the pet lizard is my new hero). It’s a fairly contained piece, too, touching on the ongoing plots with Emma and Miyako without making them central, mostly focusing on the mystery and the thrills and chills it contains.
Keywords: Murder, Acid, Drones, Resistance, Queer MC
Review: The cold open this episode is actually really hitting, the murder intense and the characters given enough history and personality that it’s rather difficult reading, actually. Which is a point in its favor, really, because a lot of this episode is looking at resistance and methods and what it means for the city to be divided, to essentially be at war without there being active war. The victims here were trying to do what was best for them, but in doing that they were playing into the Chinese plan to win through resources. Emma and Miyako run into that, too, as they have to deal with the Chinese detectives and their increased manpower and technology. The resources are different, and are being weaponized (down to the air conditioning in the shops) to try and make people want the Chinese side to win. Against that, there’s only so much that talent and determination can do, and yet Miyako comes face to face with what it means to fight back using tactics that...might be necessary. For her that line is already blurry, and I’m not sure that this chapter makes it any clearer. It simply increases the tension inside of her, the doubt and the guilt, while offering no better alternative.
Meanwhile I like how the mystery plays out, the ways that Miyako tries to use her skills and her experience to make up for the fact that Ninth Step is underfunded and under-powered. And by and large it works. But not cleanly. Not without cost. And not completely, as they’re not able to keep what was happening from the press. Time and again Miyako comes up against the limitations all around her, and bears new scars in part because better equipment and manpower weren’t available. She holds on, and sees it through, and finds the guilty parties, but at the same time she has to deal with the smug Chinese detectives and the knowledge that the tactics these killers were using might not be so different from those deployed by her own people. She already knows her “side” has murdered. An innocent man, for political reasons. Is this so different?
Meanwhile there are some nice Emma moments, as well, including a great bit near the start of the chapter where she’s dealing with Kensuke. A side plot to the episode might indeed be the misogyny that carries through so much of the system, the way that Miyako and Emma rare undercut all the time, and the way that Emma is much more likely to be punchy about it. I love that she’s drawing these boundaries with Kensuke, putting up clear rules that he’s still trying to bend. It captures his personality well, and it echoes in Liu and his casual cutting remarks (the use of hysterical, the dismissal of their skills using gendered terms). It all just layers so well while providing a rather chilling string of murders, a great series of interrogations, and a bit of action as well. It’s a blast of a read!
"Blood in the Water” by Malka Older (ep02.04)
No Spoilers: This chapter takes Emma and Miyako away from Tokyo and to a small resort known for its hot springs. It’s a vacation of sorts, rather necessary considering the tense drama and violence of the last episode. It’s also a classic in terms of murder mysteries, with the resort isolated by a storm and suddenly a dead body to deal with. The detectives have to figure out who the murderer is...before they kill again. The intimate setting and isolated location might seem to offer the pair some distance from the politics of Tokyo, but the chapter also explores what they bring with them, and contains a rather large bombshell moment when one of them makes a confession. There are still secrets aplenty, though, and while the episode pushes a few things forward, it also leaves the future for Emma and Miyako (and indeed, all of Japan) a complete mystery.
Keywords: Murder, Hot Springs, CW- Sexual Assault, Storms
Review: Okay, so probably it comes as no surprise that I love the isolated house mysteries, which are a huge tradition in the genre. There’s a small group, a locked house, and a detective (or two) conveniently on site. In this case, the murder is of a man with a robotic tail in a resort cut off during a storm. Which both throws a wrench in Emma and Miyako’s relaxing vacation and saves them from the awkwardness after Emma confesses that she knows who killed the conservative diet member (during last season’s finale). It’s a big reveal, and one that Emma has been stressing over because of how her own government and former boss are involved. But she’s got a few things going for her to help assuage her guilt, mostly that she’s been working on building evidence against Charles, which isn’t exactly safe for her. So she’s risking herself to do the right thing. Which puts Miyako both in a position to be angry about it and guilty herself, because she’s sitting on a much bigger secret, that she knows who killed Emma’s friend, and not only that she’s working for them.
The issues with the resistance from the last episode are present here as well but mostly in the background. Miyako’s still dealing with being a part of something that goes against her oath as a police officer. And now to be confronted with a mirror of that from Emma, it puts Miyako in a sour mood, and it seems to creeping through her, a poison that might yet corrupt a person who seemed incorruptible. Already it seems to impacting her relationship with Koari, adding an element of paranoia there, an element of resentment. It seems to impacting her detecting, as well, through fearing that every crime is going to be connected to anti-Chinese sentiment, that she might find herself put in a position of having to cover something up actively rather than simply not revealing the truth about something after the fact.
Meanwhile the mystery itself is quick and solid, and again, I love the classic nature of it, that even when Emma and Miyako try to get away and catch some relaxation, murder finds them. And here for once it’s not a conspiracy or in connection with the war. It’s about something almost mundane in comparison, though certainly not innocent. About the ways that men target women, the ways that these “traditional” business practices are still very much about traditional misogyny and abuse. And I really like how the murderers are revealed, the extra complications that make it so that there’s not just one killer at work. It’s sneaky and creepy and well played out, and I really like the change in scenery allowing Emma and Miyako to have a much more focused time together away from the usual cast. Another wonderful read!
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Quick Sips - Fireside Magazine #78
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| Art by Erik Ly |
It's always a joy when I can say that I'm not looking at a complete issue because I must recuse myself from my own work. On top of the three short stories that I am looking at from this month's Fireside Magazine, my own very short piece, "Foie Gras," is available to read as well. It features a holographic Napoleon and an...interesting way of thwarting his evil ambitions. The rest of the issue also brings a mix of fun and thoughtful SFF, making for a quick and fascinating collection of fiction, all under 1500 words. So yeah, to the reviews!
Stories:
“Gender and Other Faulty Software” by John Wiswell (1000 words)
No Spoilers: This story is told as a series of log entries by a technician sent to reclaim an apparently malfunctioning ship for their corporate bosses. What starts off seeming like a problem with the hardware or code, however, becomes something much more as the ship itself asks over and over again “what is male?” The piece moves from workplace mystery to something a bit more dangerous as the ship grapples with identity and the narrator tries to offer what they’re good at...support. It’s a mostly-cute story with okay a little murder thrown in but it’s fun and heartwarming all the same.
Keywords: Spaceships, Coding, Gender, Non-binary MC, Questioning
Review: To be clear, the people that get murdered are assholes who were mocking someone in a deeply intimate and violent way, so it’s not like they didn’t have it coming. And for me the story really does a good job of having this situation that everyone assumes is a glitch and showing how common that way of thinking is. Just because code is a lot of the time in binary doesn’t mean gender is, and the piece finds the narrator having to be a kind of mentor to the ship as they go through the difficult journey of questioning their gender and embracing being non-binary. The situation certainly isn’t helped the the narrator’s coworkers, who are complete assholes about it, and for me the piece speaks a bit to the way that things like capitalism aren’t really great for having complex takes on things like gender. The lines are rigid and built on exploitation, on fitting things neatly and quickly into boxes regardless of how well those things fit. The advantage that the ship has is that they have really big guns and aren’t really shy about using them. The result is a rather touching moment of a queer elder getting to help a babyqueer through a really had self awakening. And finding at the end of it that they like the feeling it gives them, like being able to help someone go through something that they already went through. It starts them on a road that they didn’t expect, one that takes them away from the employment they had been in before and toward a future where maybe other people can have an even easier time coming to terms with who they are, protected from bigotry and false binaries. A wonderful read!
“The Intergalactic Shoemaker’s Revenge” by Jordan Rivet (1386 words)
No Spoilers: The narrator of this story is a future shoe maker, using their CobblerTech to make footwear to the best of their abilities. It’s not a romantic profession, and they might have a bit of a chip of their shoulder because people seem to bend over backwards to give respect to pirates and don’t really give any to the lowly shoe maker. Of course, pirates has sort of earned that respect, or at least fear, by intimidating and criming their way through space. Something the narrator is reminded of when one walks into their shop and demands a pair of boots...quick. The piece is fun and funny, and underlines an almost fairy tale like moral rather nicely: don’t be an asshole.
Keywords: Shoes, Pirates, Space, Threats, Commerce
Review: The running theme of not being an asshole or Bad Things are coming your way is reinforced with this story, where the pirate is just a jerk about basically everything, and the narrator, while not perhaps the shining-est paragon of virtue is at least diligent and cares about their work. Something they don’t have to do, given that the pirate is rude to them at every opportunity. And I love that this could have gone one way, perhaps even the more expected way, where the shoe maker is honest and rewarded for their honesty about the small flaw in the boots and by that earns some respect for standing up for the pirate and preventing them from being injured despite their bad treatment. Which is fine but still sort of reinforces the idea that pirate wasn’t being a complete ass and that it was always somehow on the shoe maker to be more assertive in order to deserve respect. When really, assertiveness shouldn’t be a requirement for being treated well. And the shoe maker sort of proves that it’s not quite necessary. Or, at least, that respect isn’t always the thing you should be really worried about or focused. That fear and respect can be earned and that will get you something, but money might get you faster, at least in the system that they’re living under. Because at the end of the day, going to the authorities might seem unromantic, but it sure pays well, and the narrator at least realizes that they don’t owe the pirate anything. No loyalty for all that some people find that way of life romantic. Rather, they watch out for themself because the pirates don’t care anything for them. And this time at least the shoe maker is the one walking away richer, which is nice. A great read!
“Akhulume” by Larissa Irankunda (1422 words)
No Spoilers: The narrator of this piece is being held captive somehow, on a ship it seems. They were taken along with their president, and it’s on that president that a lot of their hopes of rescue hang. In the mean time, though, they are repeatedly interrogated by the beings of the ship, and each time she gives an answer, every time she says her name in the way that would make her family proud to hear it, it destroys the beings and resets her experience. The result is a story that is slightly surreal, very dreamlike, and loose when it comes to world building and structure. The style is interesting, and the piece seems to be saying a lot about voice, and language, and judgment.
Keywords: Language, Aliens, Captivity, Names, Family
Review: This piece really speaks to me of the power of language, of names, but also of the danger of them. The way that they can isolating, the way that there is such a pressure to conform to the dominant language and values of a place. The narrator finds themself taken outside of their culture, placed into an alien setting where their name holds power, yes, but also makes them a target of constant interrogation, pain, and isolation. The aliens here seem intent on getting across that the narrator’s name, that their language itself, is offensive and harmful. They are pushed, through repetition, through means insidious and invasive, to change. To reject the language that they had grown up to be proud of. To tailor their words to a different value system, where they would be slow, timid, not at all the person they are. But it would be comfortable for these aliens, and for the narrator that comes with so much baggage, so much gaslighting and confusion. Because it’s supposed to be something good but it’s also not. It’s supposed to be a triumph but it’s also a loss. There is no uncomplicated way to be, no way forward that doesn’t involve losing something. And it’s a trap that feels very much to me that it has to do with the ways that people are expected to assimilate into other cultures when they move. Hell, not even when they move, but to fit into a certain global or here interplanetary hegemony where there are shared values, shared sounds, where everyone is supposed to be more alike, which is to say everyone is supposed to adopt the ways of the dominant, the most powerful. Anything else is crushed away, de-valued and altered. And it’s a strange, very dreamlike piece that still manages a solid impact. A great read!
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Marvel Years 13.05 - May 1973
Watch Movies TV -
In the 1970's Marvel was still trying to revive its horror and science fiction comics. They were the company's mainstay in the 1950's, but by the mid-1960's they were all cancelled to give priority to its super-hero comics. Like all of the other revival attempts, "Worlds Unknown" failed; it was cancelled after eight issues. This wasn't necessarily because it was a bad comic. Times change, and people change. The anthology comics weren't what Americans wanted to read in the 1970's.
Fantastic Four #134
Title: A Dragon stalks the Skies!
Writer: Gerry Conway
Artist: John Buscema
Fantastic Four: Reed Richards, Ben Grimm, Johnny Storm, Medusa
Villain: Fregory Gideon
Regulars: Susan Richards, Franklin Richards
Last month Gerry Conway wrote the script for a Roy Thomas plot, and this month he takes over the complete writing duties for the Fantastic Four. I can't conceal that I'm disappointed. The world's greatest comic magazine needs a better writer. It's not just the many, many mistakes he makes; his stories just aren't appealing.
Agatha Harkness's house has disappeared.
The Dragon Man attacks. Roy Thomas wrongly states that he was last seen in Sub-Mariner #16. It was Sub-Mariner #15. Come on, Roy, where's my No-Prize?
The Thing is reading Marvel's latest anthology comic, "Worlds Unknown". He says he paid 25 cents for it. He was ripped off! The cover price is 20 cents.
Almost three years? Come on, Johnny, it was more than seven years ago. Have you forgotten already? Or is this yet another Gerry Conway blunder? He should take a month off from writing, so that he can read all the old comics.
Doris says that Johnny dropped her. Another blunder. She dumped him by telephone in Fantastic Four #45.
Doris has put on weight in the last seven years. This is what she looked like in Strange Tales #132.
So what's happening? The multi-millionaire Gregory Gideon, who we last saw in Fantastic Four #34, wants revenge for his defeat. He wants revenge on the original Fantastic Four, not newcomers like Medusa, so he's also captured Susan Richards.
Amazing Spider-Man #120
Title: The Fight and the Fury!
Writer: Gerry Conway
Artist: Gil Kane
Regulars: J. Jonah Jameson, Betty Brant, Ned Leeds, Aunt May, Harry Osborn, Norman Osborn
Regulars: Gwen Stacy
Guests: Hulk, General Ross
The events in this comic take place before this month's Hulk comic. Spider-Man continues his battle against the Hulk. They both escape from the dam, and the Hulk leaps away.
This panel leaves me speechless. Gerry Conway makes a mistake. He knows that he's made a mistake. He doesn't correct his mistake. He doesn't even apologise for his mistake. In the Hulk's own comic, written by Steve Englehart, General Ross has been given permission to use his own armed forces, including the Hulkbusters, in American territory. Gerry Conway has written that General Ross has been assigned to the Canadian army. Yes, Gerry, we expect consistency, and if you aren't consistent we consider you a failure.
And talking about errors, Peter Parker calls his aunt Max. At least there isn't a text box saying, "We know her name has been May for the last 10 years, but whaddaya want? Consistency?"
Spider-Man has been reading DC comics. He should be ashamed of himself.
Peter Parker goes to Montreal to speak with the lawyer who contacted Aunt May. He's interrupted by the Hulk rampaging. The lawyer is shot by someone working for Doctor Octopus.
The Incredible Hulk #163
Title: Trackdown
Writer: Steve Englehart
Artist: Herb Trimpe
Villain: Gremlin
Regulars: General Ross, Major Talbot, Betty Ross
The Hulk continues leaping north, until he finds himself in the ice north of Canada. That's a lot of leaping, because Canadian territory stretches a long way.
He's captured by a Russian scientist called the Gremlin. Does he look familiar? He's the son of the Gargoyle, who died in Incredible Hulk #1, back in the days when the Hulk was grey. General Ross is hunting the Hulk and is also captured. The Hulk escapes and leaves General Ross behind.
Daredevil and the Black Widow #99
Title: The Mark of Hawkeye!
Writer: Steve Gerber
Artist: Sam Kweskin
Villain: Dark Messiah
Regulars: Ivan
Guests: Thor, Black Panther, Vision
This mini-masterpiece begins with a beautiful double splash page. Steve Gerber has to be praised for capturing the feeling of Daredevil as a character. In his dealings with women he's a gentlemen, but Hawkeye's macho posturing brings out the worst in him.
The two heroes squabble with one another over the Black Widow like two immature teenagers. Finally they calm down. The Avengers arrive to ask Hawkeye to help them in their battle against Magneto. Hawkeye refuses, but Daredevil and the Black Widow agree to join them.
Avengers #111
Title: With two beside them!
Writer: Steve Englehart
Artist: Don Heck
Avengers: Vision, Scarlet Witch, Black Panther, Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Black Widow
Villain: Magneto, Piper
Guests: Hawkeye, Professor X, Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Iceman
This is yet another great story from Steve Englehart!
The Avengers who are still free (Thor, Black Panther and Vision) prepare to attack Magneto, accompanied by Daredevil and the Black Widow.
Hawkeye sits around moping after refusing to help the Avengers. He consoles himself by letting his arrogance run wild.
"Some day soon, the name of Hawkeye will mean more than the Avengers, Daredevil and the Black Widow put together".
Wow!
Magneto is using his newly developed mind control power on the remaining Avengers (Iron Man, Captain America and Scarlet Witch) and the X-Men (Cyclops, Marvel Girl and Iceman). He makes them fight against the other Avengers, but like a puppeteer, he only has a limited number of hands to pull the strings. He can't make them all fight at once, just a few at a time.
After defeating Magneto, the Avengers offer Daredevil and the Black Widow membership in their team. Daredevil turns down the offer, but the Black Widow accepts. Daredevil is still feeling temperamental after his recent battle with Hawkeye, so he thinks the Black Widow wants to get away from him.
Captain America and the Falcon #161
Title: If he loseth his soul!
Writer: Steve Englehart
Artist: Sal Buscema
Villain: Dr. Faustus
Regulars: Sharon Carter, Leila Taylor
Captain America finds Sharon Taylor's farewell note, and he's determined to help her. He asks the Falcon for help, after they parted company last issue.
This is a magnificent speech, that could have been penned by Stan Lee in his best days.
Sharon is being held in a hospital against her will after a supposed car accident. The doctor is Dr. Faustus, who we met once before in Captain America #107, so we know something as wrong. There's a mystery woman that Sharon recognises. Despite what's drawn on the cover, Captain America doesn't meet her in this issue.
Hero For Hire #9
Title: Where angels fear to tread!
Writer: Steve Englehart
Artist: George Tuska
Villain: Doctor Doom, Faceless One
Guests: Reed Richards, Johnny Storm, Ben Grimm. Medusa
The concept of this story is ridiculous, but it's well written. Luke Cage flies halfway around the world and invades a foreign country to collect an unpaid debt for $200. Even when you consider that it's worth $1100 in today's money, it's totally over the top.
I take Doctor Doom's side in this argument. Luke Cage is crazy.
Luke Cage links up with the Faceless One, who we last saw rebelling against Doctor Doom in Astonishing Tales #3. They remain allies until the Faceless One is about to kill Doctor Doom. Then he saves his life. After all, if Doctor Doom is killed he will never be paid.
Doctor Doom pays Luke Cage his $200 out of gratitude. In cash, and not one dollar extra. I think Luke Cage deserved a bonus for saving Doctor Doom's life.
This is a hilarious issue. If Reed Richards had charged rental on the intercontinental rocket craft, Luke Cage would have made a big loss. Hilarious!
Thor #211
Title: The End of the Battle!
Writer: Gerry Conway
Artist: John Buscema
Villain: Ulik
Regulars: Fandral, Hogun, Volstagg, Tana Nile, Silas Grant
Guests: Jarvis
Thor regains his hammer seconds before the time limit passes. He travels to Earth, where Ulik is mounting an attack to conquer the human race. As we know, if anyone wants to conquer the Earth he starts in Manhattan. That's the way it's always been, that's the way it always will be.
Thor defeats Ulik with the aid of Tana Nile's weaponry. The Trolls return to their kingdom.
Fandral tells Thor that Balder has returned to Earth, but he's gone mad.
When I began my Marvel Years reviews I considered giving each comic a rating from one to five stars, the same system that I use for my films. I decided against it because almost every comic would receive a five-star rating, which would be boring. At that time I only intended to review from 1961 to 1972. Now I've extended the limit to 1991, and there's much more variation in the quality of the stories. Unfortunately. This issue would be given three stars, a slight improvement over two stars for last month's issue. Maybe I'll start rating the comics soon. What do you think?
Iron Man #58
Title: Mandarin and the Unicorn: Double Death
Writer: Steve Gerber, Mike Friedrich
Artist: George Tuska
Villain: Mandarin, Unicorn
Regulars: Pepper Hogan
Mandarin and the Unicorn attack Iron Man together. The Mandarin's new Yin Headband of Power allows him to control the Unicorn as if he were an eleventh ring.
In a flashback we learn that the Unicorn originally went to the Mandarin for help, fearing that his mind was deteriorating. That was obviously the case. He's forgotten that his partner in Iron Man #16 was the Red Ghost, not the Red Guardian.
I've forgotten when this was. I think it's referring to Tony Stark's first heart attack after his heart was replaced. Was that in one of the first solo Iron Man comics? I've forgotten. Anyone who can tell me the answer, please leave a comment.
In the final conflict the Mandarin suddenly finds himself in the Unicorn's body. That's weird. He grabs hold on his own motionless body and flies away.
The workers abandon their strike after finding out their union leader was the Mandarin.
Sub-Mariner #61
Title: The Prince and the Pirate!
Writer: Steve Gerber
Artist: Bill Everett, Winslow Mortimer
Regulars: Vashti, Tamara, Betty Prentiss, Namorita
Villain: Dr. Hydro, Gremlin, Lazard
Namor's coronation is celebrated in Atlantis. I still haven't figured out why his title as ruler is Prince and not King.
Betty Prentiss and Namorita go on holiday to Florida. Their plane is hijacked by someone called Gremlin. No, it's not the same Gremlin who appears in this month's Hulk comic. Marvel is running out of names for its characters. Gremlin works for Dr. Hydro, who is kidnapping people to transform them into water breathers. He wants to conquer Atlantis as their new home. Prince Namor is captured when he investigates.
Sadly, Bill Everett was taken ill after completing only the first three pages of this issue. The rest was completed by Winslow Mortimer. These three pages were the last artwork Bill Everett did for Marvel. Assuming that this comic was published in early February, three months before the cover date, he passed away a few weeks later. Because of the printing delays, etc, his death wasn't announced until the comics with cover date September 1973.
Night Nurse #4
Title: The Secret of Sea-Cliff Manor!
Writer: Jean Thomas
Artist: Winslow Mortimer
Regulars: Christine Palmer, Linda Carter (flashback)
Maybe I misunderstood this series. I assumed it was about Linda Carter, since the series is a sequel to the 1960's comic called Linda Carter, Student Nurse. Now there's an issue which is based solely on the supporting character, Christine Palmer. Linda herself only appears in a single picture in a flashback.
After the events of Night Nurse #2, when she had to testify against her lover, Christine quit the hospital and looked for a new job. Now she's found a job as a physical therapist at a remote manor. She has to take care of a crippled young man called Derek Porter.
Unlike the previous hospital drama stories, this is an excellent haunted house story. The atmosphere and the suspense are outstanding, making it the best comic in the series. Unfortunately, it's also the last comic in the series.
Captain Marvel #26
Title: Betrayal
Writer: Jim Starlin, Mike Friedrich
Artist: Jim Starlin
Villain: Super-Skrull, Skragg, Thanos (Masterlord), Death, Controller (cameo)
Regulars: Rick Jones, Lou-Ann Savannah
Guests: Thing
This issue wins the Comic Of The Month Award. None of the other comics come close. It's the second part of an epic story which will get better from issue to issue. I remember when I first read this comic. I was stunned.
Captain Marvel is tricked into a fight with the Thing. The Thing's voice is taken away, so he can't yell his battle cry at Captain Marvel as he does on the cover. The covers are often inaccurate. He has to wait to speak until the battle is over: It's clobbering time!
We find out that the Masterlord of the last issue is Thanos, who first appeared in Iron Man #55. When I first read the comic I didn't recognise the Earth Outlaw, but I had to kick myself afterwards. I should have recognised him straight away, even though he's in the shadows in the third panel of page 3. But do you recognise the other figures in the shadows? One is Thanos, the other is Death, who's also shown on the cover.
On page 5 we see Death again, still hidden in the shadows, only recognisable by her cowl.
Here's another glimpse of Death again on page 14.
There's an even clearer view on page 15.
On page 18 we finally see her in her full beauty, accompanying Thanos and the Super-Skrull.
Thanos knocks the Thing unconscious with a flick of his fingers. Then he changes Captain Marvel back to Rick Jones and carries him into space.
Marvel Feature #9
Title: The Killer is my Wife!
Writer: Mike Friedrich
Artist: Craig Russell
Villain: Whilrwind, Doctor Nemesis
Regulars: Wasp
Guests: Bill Foster, Iron Man
Henry Pym (Ant-Man) is still trapped at miniature size, and he's being attacked by his wife, who's turned into a mutated wasp.
It wasn't last issue, whatever Roy Thomas says. It was in Marvel Feature #7. Has he forgotten that last month was a Dreaded Deadline Doom issue?
Henry Pym's colleague friend Bill Foster, who hasn't been seen since a brief appearance in Avengers #75, refuses to believe that Henry Pym is dead, so he searches the rubble of their house. He's assisted by Iron Man, who quickly gives up when there are no traces.
Roy Thomas says that Iron Man was tied up on the West Coast in the current issue of Iron Man. Really? The current issue has Iron Man fighting the Mandarin at Stark Industries' main factory on Long Island. And before that he battled Fangor in Central Park. So what's he talking about? His most recent visit to the West Coast was four months ago in Iron Man #54.
Henry Pym uses his cybernetic helmet to calm his wife, and she returns to human form, though still wasp sized. They fight with a cat, and she's knocked unconscious. He's confronted by a costumed man who calls himself Doctor Nemesis.
Marvel Premiere #8
Title: The Doom that bloomed on Kathulos!
Writer: Gardner Fox
Artist: Jim Starlin
Villain: Demons, Kathulos
Regulars: Wong, Clea, Ancient One (flashback)
The Shuma-Gorath story is plodding on slowly from episode to episode. I really don't think that Gardner Fox is the best writer for a story like this. However, this issue stands out because of the incredible artwork by Jim Starlin. This is one of very few Doctor Strange stories that he drew, but it's so impressive that I wish he'd been the regular artist.
Doctor Strange escapes from the haunted, poltergeistish house and sends Wong and Clea home. They should never have been with him. He goes to Stonehenge by himself, where he faces an army of demons. After defeating them he travels to a living planet called Kathulos. By defeating Kathulos he strands himself on the planet with no way of returning to Earth.
Tomb of Dracula #8
Title: The Hell-Crawlers!
Writer: Marv Wolfman
Artist: Gene Colan
Regulars: Frank Drake, Rachel Van Helsing, Taj, Quincy Harker, Edith Harker, Clifton Graves
Kills: None (total 12)
Embraces: None (total 3)
Dracula is wounded worse than it seemed in the last issue. A poison is spreading through his body. He turns into a bat and flies to Dr. Mortte, a vampire who still works as a physician. He gives Dracula a blood transfusion.
Meanwhile, Frank Drake and his friends defeat the army of hypnotised children.
Dr. Mortte has invented a device he calls a Projector (TM). By shining it at graves, the dead rise as vampires without the need to be bitten. That's a strange device. Dracula uses it to make new vampires, but Dr. Mortte has a bad conscience and begins to fight with him. Dracula kills him, but the Projector is destroyed, and all the vampires that it's created disappear.
Werewolf by Night #5
Title: A Life for a Death!
Writer: Len Wein
Artist: Mike Ploog
Villain: Luther Kane
Regulars: Lissa Russell
Jack Russell flees after killing Joshua Kane. He meets Joshua's brother, Luther Kane, who makes him an offer. He can prevent Jack's sister Lissa becoming a werewolf, but he'll only do it if Jack agrees to kill a millionaire businessman the next day. Jack reluctantly agrees, partly because he loves his sister, partly because he knows that by killing one person he'll save the lives of the many people his sister would kill.
There's an error in the story. Last issue was the third night. See the splash page of Werewolf By Night #4. The following night is also said to be the third night.
The Werewolf finds the millionaire, but he's old and demented, so he doesn't want to kill him. There's a lunar eclipse, which makes the Werewolf turn human again. Jack returns to Luther Kane and demands the cure. Luther refuses, and he dies in a fight. Jack frees his sister.
The Monster of Frankenstein #3
Title: The Monster's Revenge!
Writer: Gary Friedrich
Artist: Mike Ploog
The Monster rescues Captain Walton and two of his crew. The Captain tells the rest of the story from Mary Shelley's novel to the other two sailors.
I greatly enjoy the way the Frankenstein story has been retold in lengthy flashbacks, while other things happen in the present. It skilfully shows the way the Monster has changed over the last 100 years.
The ship begins to fall apart around them.
Non-canon comics published this month:
Marvel Team-Up #9 (Gerry Conway, Ross Andru)
Conan the Barbarian #26 (Roy Thomas, John Buscema)
Kull the Conqueror #8 (Roy Thomas, Marie Severin)
Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #110 (Gary Friedrich, Dick Ayers)
Red Wolf #7 (Gardner Fox, Syd Shores)
Creatures on the Loose #23 (Gardner Fox, Val Mayerik)
Chamber of Chills #4 (John Jakes, Frank Brunner)
Worlds Unknown #1 (Gerry Conway, Ralph Reese)
Spoof #5 (Stu Schwartzberg, Marie Severin)
In the 1970's Marvel was still trying to revive its horror and science fiction comics. They were the company's mainstay in the 1950's, but by the mid-1960's they were all cancelled to give priority to its super-hero comics. Like all of the other revival attempts, "Worlds Unknown" failed; it was cancelled after eight issues. This wasn't necessarily because it was a bad comic. Times change, and people change. The anthology comics weren't what Americans wanted to read in the 1970's.
Fantastic Four #134
Title: A Dragon stalks the Skies!
Writer: Gerry Conway
Artist: John Buscema
Fantastic Four: Reed Richards, Ben Grimm, Johnny Storm, Medusa
Villain: Fregory Gideon
Regulars: Susan Richards, Franklin Richards
Last month Gerry Conway wrote the script for a Roy Thomas plot, and this month he takes over the complete writing duties for the Fantastic Four. I can't conceal that I'm disappointed. The world's greatest comic magazine needs a better writer. It's not just the many, many mistakes he makes; his stories just aren't appealing.
Agatha Harkness's house has disappeared.
The Dragon Man attacks. Roy Thomas wrongly states that he was last seen in Sub-Mariner #16. It was Sub-Mariner #15. Come on, Roy, where's my No-Prize?
The Thing is reading Marvel's latest anthology comic, "Worlds Unknown". He says he paid 25 cents for it. He was ripped off! The cover price is 20 cents.
Almost three years? Come on, Johnny, it was more than seven years ago. Have you forgotten already? Or is this yet another Gerry Conway blunder? He should take a month off from writing, so that he can read all the old comics.
Doris says that Johnny dropped her. Another blunder. She dumped him by telephone in Fantastic Four #45.
Doris has put on weight in the last seven years. This is what she looked like in Strange Tales #132.
So what's happening? The multi-millionaire Gregory Gideon, who we last saw in Fantastic Four #34, wants revenge for his defeat. He wants revenge on the original Fantastic Four, not newcomers like Medusa, so he's also captured Susan Richards.
Amazing Spider-Man #120
Title: The Fight and the Fury!
Writer: Gerry Conway
Artist: Gil Kane
Regulars: J. Jonah Jameson, Betty Brant, Ned Leeds, Aunt May, Harry Osborn, Norman Osborn
Regulars: Gwen Stacy
Guests: Hulk, General Ross
The events in this comic take place before this month's Hulk comic. Spider-Man continues his battle against the Hulk. They both escape from the dam, and the Hulk leaps away.
This panel leaves me speechless. Gerry Conway makes a mistake. He knows that he's made a mistake. He doesn't correct his mistake. He doesn't even apologise for his mistake. In the Hulk's own comic, written by Steve Englehart, General Ross has been given permission to use his own armed forces, including the Hulkbusters, in American territory. Gerry Conway has written that General Ross has been assigned to the Canadian army. Yes, Gerry, we expect consistency, and if you aren't consistent we consider you a failure.
And talking about errors, Peter Parker calls his aunt Max. At least there isn't a text box saying, "We know her name has been May for the last 10 years, but whaddaya want? Consistency?"
Spider-Man has been reading DC comics. He should be ashamed of himself.
Peter Parker goes to Montreal to speak with the lawyer who contacted Aunt May. He's interrupted by the Hulk rampaging. The lawyer is shot by someone working for Doctor Octopus.
The Incredible Hulk #163
Title: Trackdown
Writer: Steve Englehart
Artist: Herb Trimpe
Villain: Gremlin
Regulars: General Ross, Major Talbot, Betty Ross
The Hulk continues leaping north, until he finds himself in the ice north of Canada. That's a lot of leaping, because Canadian territory stretches a long way.
He's captured by a Russian scientist called the Gremlin. Does he look familiar? He's the son of the Gargoyle, who died in Incredible Hulk #1, back in the days when the Hulk was grey. General Ross is hunting the Hulk and is also captured. The Hulk escapes and leaves General Ross behind.
Daredevil and the Black Widow #99
Title: The Mark of Hawkeye!
Writer: Steve Gerber
Artist: Sam Kweskin
Villain: Dark Messiah
Regulars: Ivan
Guests: Thor, Black Panther, Vision
This mini-masterpiece begins with a beautiful double splash page. Steve Gerber has to be praised for capturing the feeling of Daredevil as a character. In his dealings with women he's a gentlemen, but Hawkeye's macho posturing brings out the worst in him.
The two heroes squabble with one another over the Black Widow like two immature teenagers. Finally they calm down. The Avengers arrive to ask Hawkeye to help them in their battle against Magneto. Hawkeye refuses, but Daredevil and the Black Widow agree to join them.
Avengers #111
Title: With two beside them!
Writer: Steve Englehart
Artist: Don Heck
Avengers: Vision, Scarlet Witch, Black Panther, Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Black Widow
Villain: Magneto, Piper
Guests: Hawkeye, Professor X, Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Iceman
This is yet another great story from Steve Englehart!
The Avengers who are still free (Thor, Black Panther and Vision) prepare to attack Magneto, accompanied by Daredevil and the Black Widow.
Hawkeye sits around moping after refusing to help the Avengers. He consoles himself by letting his arrogance run wild.
"Some day soon, the name of Hawkeye will mean more than the Avengers, Daredevil and the Black Widow put together".
Wow!
Magneto is using his newly developed mind control power on the remaining Avengers (Iron Man, Captain America and Scarlet Witch) and the X-Men (Cyclops, Marvel Girl and Iceman). He makes them fight against the other Avengers, but like a puppeteer, he only has a limited number of hands to pull the strings. He can't make them all fight at once, just a few at a time.
After defeating Magneto, the Avengers offer Daredevil and the Black Widow membership in their team. Daredevil turns down the offer, but the Black Widow accepts. Daredevil is still feeling temperamental after his recent battle with Hawkeye, so he thinks the Black Widow wants to get away from him.
Captain America and the Falcon #161
Title: If he loseth his soul!
Writer: Steve Englehart
Artist: Sal Buscema
Villain: Dr. Faustus
Regulars: Sharon Carter, Leila Taylor
Captain America finds Sharon Taylor's farewell note, and he's determined to help her. He asks the Falcon for help, after they parted company last issue.
This is a magnificent speech, that could have been penned by Stan Lee in his best days.
Sharon is being held in a hospital against her will after a supposed car accident. The doctor is Dr. Faustus, who we met once before in Captain America #107, so we know something as wrong. There's a mystery woman that Sharon recognises. Despite what's drawn on the cover, Captain America doesn't meet her in this issue.
Hero For Hire #9
Title: Where angels fear to tread!
Writer: Steve Englehart
Artist: George Tuska
Villain: Doctor Doom, Faceless One
Guests: Reed Richards, Johnny Storm, Ben Grimm. Medusa
The concept of this story is ridiculous, but it's well written. Luke Cage flies halfway around the world and invades a foreign country to collect an unpaid debt for $200. Even when you consider that it's worth $1100 in today's money, it's totally over the top.
I take Doctor Doom's side in this argument. Luke Cage is crazy.
Luke Cage links up with the Faceless One, who we last saw rebelling against Doctor Doom in Astonishing Tales #3. They remain allies until the Faceless One is about to kill Doctor Doom. Then he saves his life. After all, if Doctor Doom is killed he will never be paid.
Doctor Doom pays Luke Cage his $200 out of gratitude. In cash, and not one dollar extra. I think Luke Cage deserved a bonus for saving Doctor Doom's life.
This is a hilarious issue. If Reed Richards had charged rental on the intercontinental rocket craft, Luke Cage would have made a big loss. Hilarious!
Thor #211
Title: The End of the Battle!
Writer: Gerry Conway
Artist: John Buscema
Villain: Ulik
Regulars: Fandral, Hogun, Volstagg, Tana Nile, Silas Grant
Guests: Jarvis
Thor regains his hammer seconds before the time limit passes. He travels to Earth, where Ulik is mounting an attack to conquer the human race. As we know, if anyone wants to conquer the Earth he starts in Manhattan. That's the way it's always been, that's the way it always will be.
Thor defeats Ulik with the aid of Tana Nile's weaponry. The Trolls return to their kingdom.
Fandral tells Thor that Balder has returned to Earth, but he's gone mad.
When I began my Marvel Years reviews I considered giving each comic a rating from one to five stars, the same system that I use for my films. I decided against it because almost every comic would receive a five-star rating, which would be boring. At that time I only intended to review from 1961 to 1972. Now I've extended the limit to 1991, and there's much more variation in the quality of the stories. Unfortunately. This issue would be given three stars, a slight improvement over two stars for last month's issue. Maybe I'll start rating the comics soon. What do you think?
Iron Man #58
Title: Mandarin and the Unicorn: Double Death
Writer: Steve Gerber, Mike Friedrich
Artist: George Tuska
Villain: Mandarin, Unicorn
Regulars: Pepper Hogan
Mandarin and the Unicorn attack Iron Man together. The Mandarin's new Yin Headband of Power allows him to control the Unicorn as if he were an eleventh ring.
In a flashback we learn that the Unicorn originally went to the Mandarin for help, fearing that his mind was deteriorating. That was obviously the case. He's forgotten that his partner in Iron Man #16 was the Red Ghost, not the Red Guardian.
I've forgotten when this was. I think it's referring to Tony Stark's first heart attack after his heart was replaced. Was that in one of the first solo Iron Man comics? I've forgotten. Anyone who can tell me the answer, please leave a comment.
In the final conflict the Mandarin suddenly finds himself in the Unicorn's body. That's weird. He grabs hold on his own motionless body and flies away.
The workers abandon their strike after finding out their union leader was the Mandarin.
Sub-Mariner #61
Title: The Prince and the Pirate!
Writer: Steve Gerber
Artist: Bill Everett, Winslow Mortimer
Regulars: Vashti, Tamara, Betty Prentiss, Namorita
Villain: Dr. Hydro, Gremlin, Lazard
Namor's coronation is celebrated in Atlantis. I still haven't figured out why his title as ruler is Prince and not King.
Betty Prentiss and Namorita go on holiday to Florida. Their plane is hijacked by someone called Gremlin. No, it's not the same Gremlin who appears in this month's Hulk comic. Marvel is running out of names for its characters. Gremlin works for Dr. Hydro, who is kidnapping people to transform them into water breathers. He wants to conquer Atlantis as their new home. Prince Namor is captured when he investigates.
Sadly, Bill Everett was taken ill after completing only the first three pages of this issue. The rest was completed by Winslow Mortimer. These three pages were the last artwork Bill Everett did for Marvel. Assuming that this comic was published in early February, three months before the cover date, he passed away a few weeks later. Because of the printing delays, etc, his death wasn't announced until the comics with cover date September 1973.
Night Nurse #4
Title: The Secret of Sea-Cliff Manor!
Writer: Jean Thomas
Artist: Winslow Mortimer
Regulars: Christine Palmer, Linda Carter (flashback)
Maybe I misunderstood this series. I assumed it was about Linda Carter, since the series is a sequel to the 1960's comic called Linda Carter, Student Nurse. Now there's an issue which is based solely on the supporting character, Christine Palmer. Linda herself only appears in a single picture in a flashback.
After the events of Night Nurse #2, when she had to testify against her lover, Christine quit the hospital and looked for a new job. Now she's found a job as a physical therapist at a remote manor. She has to take care of a crippled young man called Derek Porter.
Unlike the previous hospital drama stories, this is an excellent haunted house story. The atmosphere and the suspense are outstanding, making it the best comic in the series. Unfortunately, it's also the last comic in the series.
Captain Marvel #26
Title: Betrayal
Writer: Jim Starlin, Mike Friedrich
Artist: Jim Starlin
Villain: Super-Skrull, Skragg, Thanos (Masterlord), Death, Controller (cameo)
Regulars: Rick Jones, Lou-Ann Savannah
Guests: Thing
This issue wins the Comic Of The Month Award. None of the other comics come close. It's the second part of an epic story which will get better from issue to issue. I remember when I first read this comic. I was stunned.
Captain Marvel is tricked into a fight with the Thing. The Thing's voice is taken away, so he can't yell his battle cry at Captain Marvel as he does on the cover. The covers are often inaccurate. He has to wait to speak until the battle is over: It's clobbering time!
We find out that the Masterlord of the last issue is Thanos, who first appeared in Iron Man #55. When I first read the comic I didn't recognise the Earth Outlaw, but I had to kick myself afterwards. I should have recognised him straight away, even though he's in the shadows in the third panel of page 3. But do you recognise the other figures in the shadows? One is Thanos, the other is Death, who's also shown on the cover.
On page 5 we see Death again, still hidden in the shadows, only recognisable by her cowl.
Here's another glimpse of Death again on page 14.
There's an even clearer view on page 15.
On page 18 we finally see her in her full beauty, accompanying Thanos and the Super-Skrull.
Thanos knocks the Thing unconscious with a flick of his fingers. Then he changes Captain Marvel back to Rick Jones and carries him into space.
Marvel Feature #9
Title: The Killer is my Wife!
Writer: Mike Friedrich
Artist: Craig Russell
Villain: Whilrwind, Doctor Nemesis
Regulars: Wasp
Guests: Bill Foster, Iron Man
Henry Pym (Ant-Man) is still trapped at miniature size, and he's being attacked by his wife, who's turned into a mutated wasp.
It wasn't last issue, whatever Roy Thomas says. It was in Marvel Feature #7. Has he forgotten that last month was a Dreaded Deadline Doom issue?
Henry Pym's colleague friend Bill Foster, who hasn't been seen since a brief appearance in Avengers #75, refuses to believe that Henry Pym is dead, so he searches the rubble of their house. He's assisted by Iron Man, who quickly gives up when there are no traces.
Roy Thomas says that Iron Man was tied up on the West Coast in the current issue of Iron Man. Really? The current issue has Iron Man fighting the Mandarin at Stark Industries' main factory on Long Island. And before that he battled Fangor in Central Park. So what's he talking about? His most recent visit to the West Coast was four months ago in Iron Man #54.
Henry Pym uses his cybernetic helmet to calm his wife, and she returns to human form, though still wasp sized. They fight with a cat, and she's knocked unconscious. He's confronted by a costumed man who calls himself Doctor Nemesis.
Marvel Premiere #8
Title: The Doom that bloomed on Kathulos!
Writer: Gardner Fox
Artist: Jim Starlin
Villain: Demons, Kathulos
Regulars: Wong, Clea, Ancient One (flashback)
The Shuma-Gorath story is plodding on slowly from episode to episode. I really don't think that Gardner Fox is the best writer for a story like this. However, this issue stands out because of the incredible artwork by Jim Starlin. This is one of very few Doctor Strange stories that he drew, but it's so impressive that I wish he'd been the regular artist.
Doctor Strange escapes from the haunted, poltergeistish house and sends Wong and Clea home. They should never have been with him. He goes to Stonehenge by himself, where he faces an army of demons. After defeating them he travels to a living planet called Kathulos. By defeating Kathulos he strands himself on the planet with no way of returning to Earth.
Tomb of Dracula #8
Title: The Hell-Crawlers!
Writer: Marv Wolfman
Artist: Gene Colan
Regulars: Frank Drake, Rachel Van Helsing, Taj, Quincy Harker, Edith Harker, Clifton Graves
Kills: None (total 12)
Embraces: None (total 3)
Dracula is wounded worse than it seemed in the last issue. A poison is spreading through his body. He turns into a bat and flies to Dr. Mortte, a vampire who still works as a physician. He gives Dracula a blood transfusion.
Meanwhile, Frank Drake and his friends defeat the army of hypnotised children.
Dr. Mortte has invented a device he calls a Projector (TM). By shining it at graves, the dead rise as vampires without the need to be bitten. That's a strange device. Dracula uses it to make new vampires, but Dr. Mortte has a bad conscience and begins to fight with him. Dracula kills him, but the Projector is destroyed, and all the vampires that it's created disappear.
Werewolf by Night #5
Title: A Life for a Death!
Writer: Len Wein
Artist: Mike Ploog
Villain: Luther Kane
Regulars: Lissa Russell
Jack Russell flees after killing Joshua Kane. He meets Joshua's brother, Luther Kane, who makes him an offer. He can prevent Jack's sister Lissa becoming a werewolf, but he'll only do it if Jack agrees to kill a millionaire businessman the next day. Jack reluctantly agrees, partly because he loves his sister, partly because he knows that by killing one person he'll save the lives of the many people his sister would kill.
There's an error in the story. Last issue was the third night. See the splash page of Werewolf By Night #4. The following night is also said to be the third night.
The Werewolf finds the millionaire, but he's old and demented, so he doesn't want to kill him. There's a lunar eclipse, which makes the Werewolf turn human again. Jack returns to Luther Kane and demands the cure. Luther refuses, and he dies in a fight. Jack frees his sister.
The Monster of Frankenstein #3
Title: The Monster's Revenge!
Writer: Gary Friedrich
Artist: Mike Ploog
The Monster rescues Captain Walton and two of his crew. The Captain tells the rest of the story from Mary Shelley's novel to the other two sailors.
I greatly enjoy the way the Frankenstein story has been retold in lengthy flashbacks, while other things happen in the present. It skilfully shows the way the Monster has changed over the last 100 years.
The ship begins to fall apart around them.
Non-canon comics published this month:
Marvel Team-Up #9 (Gerry Conway, Ross Andru)
Conan the Barbarian #26 (Roy Thomas, John Buscema)
Kull the Conqueror #8 (Roy Thomas, Marie Severin)
Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #110 (Gary Friedrich, Dick Ayers)
Red Wolf #7 (Gardner Fox, Syd Shores)
Creatures on the Loose #23 (Gardner Fox, Val Mayerik)
Chamber of Chills #4 (John Jakes, Frank Brunner)
Worlds Unknown #1 (Gerry Conway, Ralph Reese)
Spoof #5 (Stu Schwartzberg, Marie Severin)
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