1980's Flashback: Cloak and Dagger

Tyrone "Ty" Johnson and Tandy Bowen aka Cloak and Dagger first appeared in the Marvel Comics series, Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #64 (March 1982). The characters were created by writer Bill Mantlo and artist Ed Hannigan.

The pair were teenage runaways who were manipulated by the demonic entity, D'Spayre, into accepting an offer of shelter from some strange men. The two teens were then forcibly delivered to a criminal chemist who was developing a new form of synthetic heroin for Silvermane and the Maggia, and testing it on runaway teens, often with fatal results. Johnson and Bowen somehow survived injections of the drug, and they fled. During their escape, the drug turned them into superpowered beings (they were later revealed to be mutants, and the drug had simply awakened their latent abilities). Tyrone found himself engulfed in darkness and seized by a strange hunger which eased in the presence of Tandy, who was glowing with a brilliant light. Trying to hide his newly shadowy appearance in a makeshift cloak, Tyrone began absorbing the chemists thugs into his darkness while Tandy struck them down with daggers of light. The two teens dubbed themselves "Cloak & Dagger" and declared war on crime, combating drug-dealers and helping other runaway children.

There have been a numerous attempts to launch ongoing Cloak and Dagger series, but none have survived past 19 issues, usually due to low sales. The pair have made appearances as guest stars, in a wide variety of titles, such as Runaways, New Mutants, Marvel Knights, the "Maximum Carnage" story arc in Spider-Man and the miniseries House of M. Cloak and Dagger illustration by Chris Samnee.

Retro-View: Worldwatch

Hot off the heels of controversial work for both Marvel Comics (X-Men, She-Hulk) and DC Comics (Action Comics), in 2004 Chuck Austen created the independently published title WorldWatch, which featured explicit depictions of superhero sex and violence. The series also included back-up stories and features that played up additional aspects of the books mature nature and perhaps intentionally tweaked the noses of fan boys and industry pundits who had grown increasingly hostile towards Austen.

The last page of Worldwatch #2 featured a tongue-in-cheek announcement from the publisher stating that Austen had been fired, and that he would be replaced by notable writer Sam Clemens (the real name of legendary American writer Mark Twain). However, as creator and owner, Austen could not actually be fired from Worldwatch. Austen later admitted that it was intended as a joke, and that he was disappointed that readers had not understood that

Wild and Wooly Press only released three (out of seven) issues before folding, and so the dilemma of how the series protagonists personal relationships and inherent corruption led to the team’s self-destruction remains a mystery. Despite the volume of criticism directed towards Austen, I didn’t find anything repulsive in the two issues that I recently purchased (#2 & 3). Readers of diverse fare such as classic issues of Heavy Metal, Penthouse Comix, Star*Reach or even current stuff from Fantagraphics (for instance) would not be put off by anything shown within the pages of Worldwatch.

Artists Tom Derenick and Norm Rapmund are terrific on this series. Their women are bold, beautiful and very sexy. The male characters are equally appealing, and for once, a featured gay character isn’t drawn like a milksop. Despite his in-story antics, Ramrod is illustrated in a truly classic heroic manner. Every character is easily differentiated from each other and I agree with other critics who’ve interpreted the various team members of Worldwatch as analogous to a blended JLA/Avengers. The pencilled art by Derenick is some of his best ever, and it was for this reason that I picked up these issues.

["Nekkid Bottoms, USA", a XXX back-up series set in a nudist colony and drawn in a recognizable Archie Comics style, is really quite funny.]

I don’t believe that either Austen or Derenick participated on this book solely to gratify dark personal desires or to traffic in sleaze. I am willing to bet, given the public outcry over Austen’s earlier mainstream work, and his occasionally poor reaction to his most vocal critics, that he may have tried to craft a series using some familiar tropes that stretched the limits of what could be done with sex within a traditional superhero setting, and what certain shifts in current mainstream titles that – let’s face it – mimic very similar premises, suggest about modern publishing mindsets.

We live in a world that has become increasingly crass, venal and ugly. There is no consensus on what is or should be considered appropriate for mainstream comic books. The Comics Code Authority has run its course! It is a world of grey areas and reality TV series that make celebrities out of complete idiots, rich debutantes and fringe people who are full of themselves.

War Woman, Sergeant Mercury, Doc Gulliver and the other team members seem uncomfortably familiar and readers were teased with some interesting questions about sexual identity, criminal behavior, egotism, arrogance and real world politics. How this series would have ended is anybody's guess, but if you can get past some “R” rated dialogue, intense depictions of sex (including a graphic depiction of an attempted rape of the series lead female character in the midst of a major battle) or if stuff like this titillates you, you might want to track down Worldwatch and give it a look. I'm not sure how Blogger would feel about the nudity depicted within the pages of this series, but you can find examples online with a simple search.

"Gal" Friday! Jolynn Carpenter

Jolynn Carpenter is a model and actress living in New York City. A little over a year ago, she received an unexpected email from Alexander Maleev, the illustrator for Marvel Comics' Spider-Woman series. Alexander was searching for a model for Spider-Woman/Jessica Drew, and felt that Jolynn "fit the description perfectly", and asked her to consider helping him out.

Jolynn jumped at the chance, and became the current face of Spider-Woman/Jessica Drew and the rest is history! She says that it's pretty cool to be a super heroine!

I've become an instant admirer, and I also have to add that Jolynn really seems to be cut out for the role. Thankfully, she also agreed to my "humble" request to feature her as this weeks official "Gal" Friday, and while I think it's cool to have Spider-Woman hanging around the Catacombs, it's made even more terrific to know that Jolynn brings her to life online regularly for Marvel (see example; left).

What a looker!

Frank Frazetta Tribute: Thun'da, King of the Congo in "King of the Lost Lands" (ME;1952)

The final Frazetta tribute post almost logically circles back to the very first tale of Thun'da from Thun'da, King of the Congo #1 (published in 1952 by Magazine Enterprises). Lovingly illustrated by the late, great Mr. Frazetta and terrifically written by the equally great Gardner Fox, who went on to pen so many classic Silver Age stories for DC Comics and others, this initial story details how aviator Roger Drum became the man known as Thun'da. The wonderful cover is added today to close out this impromptu tribute to the master in style.

Of course, comics weren't his only legacy. There are tons of genre paintings representing every kind of high adventure, science fiction, fantasy and many other types of fiction all underneath classic Frazetta artwork. The stories were often diverse and fun to read, no matter what the subject matter, but the tremendous eye appeal of those iconic Frazetta paintings on the covers had to have pulled lots of fans into those stories. I know that in some cases, that's what got me to pick them up.

Gone, but not forgotten, only barely begins to cover the loss of Frank Frazetta. I hope that you all had a thrill reading through the full issue of Thun'da that I've presented over the last few days and to Frank's family let me say; May he rest in peace.

The Catacombs is grateful to Don "Zu-Gogo" Falkos for providing the scans for this story. Note: The copyright for this issue, its contents and artwork belong to the original publisher and/or the creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes.

Come on back tomorrow for my regular "Gal" Friday feature and have sweet dreams tonight. Enjoy!

Frank Frazetta Tribute: Thun'da in "The Monsters From the Mists!" (ME;1952)

"The Monsters From the Mists!" is the second story from Thun'da #1(Magazine Enterprises; 1952), and as you can see for yourselves, the fact that Frazetta didn't continue on the remaining five issues of this title is just sad. He and writer, Gardner Fox, certainly combine for a neat adventure strip.

The Catacombs is grateful to Don "Zu-Gogo" Falkos for providing the scans for this story. Note: The copyright for this issue, its contents and artwork belong to the original publisher and/or the creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes.

One more story to go and it's coming up next. Enjoy!!

Frank Frazetta Tribute: Thun'da in "Gods of the Jungle" (ME;1952)

Thun'da, King of the Congo #1 was originally published by Magazine Enterprises in 1952. Gardner Fox wrote all of the stories and Frank Frazetta fully illustrated the entire package, including the terrific cover (which I'm saving for tomorrow). At some point I had actually planned to post the stories from this issue, but since I've searched through the entire backlog of posts in the Catacombs and failed to find any of them, I believe that I changed my mind. I do seem to remember pondering whether I should follow through with that idea, due to the fact that this issue has been reprinted a few times over the years, and probably shied away from doing so.

However, with the passing of Mr. Frazetta, and since I've already posted the third-of-four tales from this golden age classic yesterday, I'm gonna go ahead and post the last of that issues Thun'da stories today. Tomorrow I will post the first & second Thun'da adventures, and I apologize for falling out of sequence here, but the stories are so awesome that I hope you will forgive me in the long run.

The Catacombs is grateful to Don "Zu-Gogo" Falkos for providing the scans for this story. Note: The copyright for this issue, its contents and artwork belong to the original publisher and/or the creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes.

Enjoy!

Frank Frazetta Tribute: Thun'da in "When the Earth Shook" (ME;1952)

In honor of the great fantasy illustrator, Frank Frazetta, who passed away yesterday, the Catacombs presents "When the Earth Shook" from Thun'da #1 (originally published by Magazine Enterprises; 1952).

This is the third (of four) Thun'da, King of the Congo tales from that seminal issue, which was superbly written by DC Comics/Silver Age master-storyteller, Gardner Fox.

The Catacombs is grateful to Don "Zu-Gogo" Falkos for providing the scans for this story. Note: The copyright for this issue, its contents and artwork belong to the original publisher and/or the creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes. The final Frank Frazetta story starring Thun'da will be posted on Thursday.

Enjoy!

In Memorium: Frank Frazetta

Frank Frazetta, one of the true godfathers of fantasy, science fiction and comic book illustration has passed away at the age of 82 from an apparent stroke in Florida.

Frazetta started drawing comic books at the age of sixteen in various genres: westerns, fantasy, mysteries, historical, and funny animal comics, which he signed as "Fritz." His talent was noticed at the outset of his career and yet he turned down job offers from Walt Disney. In the early 1950s, he worked for EC Comics, National Comics, (including the superhero feature "Shining Knight"), Avon, and several other comic book companies. Much of his work in comic books was done in collaboration with his friend Al Williamson and mentor Roy Krenkel.

Frazetta produced memorable work on syndicated strips like his own Johnny Comet, Flash Gordon and Li'l Abner, which he left after nine years [in 1961] with Capp to return to comic books. He eventually joined Harvey Kurtzman on the bawdy parody strip Little Annie Fanny in Playboy magazine.

Frazetta then really kicked his career up to a different level, whith his iconic painted covers on paperback science fiction and fantasy novels, such as the Conan the Barbarian series. In addition to this work, he produced movie posters, record album covers and worked in animation. In 2009, Frazetta's "Conan the Conqueror" painting was the first of his personal holdings to be offered for sale, and was purchased by a private collector for $1 million.

The Catacombs expresses its sincerest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and worldwide fans.

Cat Scratching Fever!!!

I have previously mentioned that I had chosen to acquire an official John Byrne commission sketch, and also that I had opted to make getting it a bit interesting, by allowing the board members at his website to select the final subject of my commission from a list of ten characters that I had predetermined. To view my previous post on the matter click commission.

Marvel Comics character, The Black Cat, received the most votes from the participants at Byrnerobotics and now, John Byrne has completed the drawing.

I couldn't be happier with the results, and as you can see for yourselves, Felicia Hardy (aka The Black Cat), turned out spectacularly.

In fact, this one is so good, that I may have to break down and get another. The next highest vote getter's in the poll were 3-D Man and Doc Samson.

Now, which one should be next ..... ?

"Gal" Friday! Vanessa Branch

I hope that you will agree with me that the Catacombs selection for this weeks "Gal" Friday feature is simply "fabulous!"

Vanessa Branch is easily recognizable as the spokesperson for Orbit Gum, in those commercials she always closes with her signature line, "Fabulous! No Matter What."

I definitely say the same about her. Ms. Branch holds dual citizenship in the United Kingdom and the United States. She also speaks fluent French and Mandarin Chinese and she was Miss Vermont in 1994.

Vanessa has appeared in such films as Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (Giselle in all three), The Cell and John Q. On television she has appeared in Star Trek Voyager, The Invisible Man, She Spies, LOST, Monk and CSI: Miami.

She plays the role of Zhana Agonskaya in the video game Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 and she voiced the character of Beatrice Portinari in the video game Dante's Inferno.

Blond, lithe, semi-British and still dreamy at the tender young age of thirty-seven, the fair Vanessa is certainly fabulous enough to rate a spot in the Catacombs .... no matter what.

Dragon*Con in 118 Days!!!

Dragon*Con, is the world's largest fantasy/SF convention, held annually in Atlanta, GA, on Labor Day weekend, September 3–6, 2010. That's means there are only 118 days left until the fun begins.

The organizers of Dragon*Con never rest on their laurels, since the Con offices stay open year round. As a courtesy, the Catacombs would like to entice you with this early sneak peek at some of the celebrities that are already queued up to appear at the show. I won't bore you with a long list of names, but if you are a fan of genre films and television shows, or classic TV of any kind, just take a gander at this montage of actors from recognized fare like Star Trek The Next Generation, Star Trek Deep Space Nine, Star Trek Voyager, Twilight, New Moon, Hercules The Legendary Journeys, Andromeda, Dallas, Halloween, V, Firefly/Serenity, Farscape, The Road Warrior, Stargate Atlantis, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, and that represents just the tip of the celebrity iceberg that will be descending on Atlanta at the tail end of the summer.

There will also be dozens and dozens of sci-fi, horror & thriller authors, comic book writers and artists, musicians & bands, cos-players, reenactors, and well; more stuff than you can shake a light-saber at during four fun-filled days in the heart of Dixie.

Click here for more info and plan to join the fine folks of Dragon*Con in September.

"In Brightest Day" - the Song!!

Gary Mitchell, an independent musician and comic book fan, has written an original song that he is trying to get noticed by the filmmakers of the upcoming 2011 Green Lantern film (starring Ryan Reynolds). Gary contacted me recently and asked that I help spread it around to people who might also appreciate and enjoy it.

"In Brightest Day" features hard-hitting guitar riffs, rock solid grooves and some exhilarating energy. Mr. Mitchell believes that it just might be the perfect GL anthem, with exalting themes of courage, perseverance and will power in the midst of impossible challenges, perfect to appeal to fans and non comic fans alike.

Here are three links for you to follow in order to check it out. Myspace. Facebook. YouTube.

Give it a listen and see what you think! The Catacombs wishes Gary well in his efforts to get Hollywood's attention!