Zago, Jungle Prince in "The Insane Maiden!" (Fox;1948)

It's hump day and I'm just beginning to snap out of the erratic biorithyms from the long weekend spent out of state attending my oldest daughters college graduation. I was finally able to take in the new Thor movie last night (it's pretty good and I will share my thoughts on it tomorrow). My loyal pug seems to be recovering from the traumatic experience of being left out of said road trip and under the care of an unfamiliar dog whisperer, and even the Catacombs seems to be somewhat on the mend (although still running a bit behind schedule). Alas!

Zago, Jungle Prince returns after a lengthy absence in the Jack Kamen illustrated "The Insane Maiden!" from Zago, Jungle Prince #2 (Nov.1948); originally published by 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 creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes.

Enjoy!

1980's Flashback/From the Dust Bin: Kraven's Last Hunt

I like comic books.

From a very young age, I have always appreciated the way that artwork accompanied by dialog in word balloons blend together to tell a great story that is also fun in and of itself. The narrative format of the comic book art form appeals to me in a powerful way that no other medium truly does. That doesn’t mean that I don’t like movies, television, novels or other forms of entertainment. I do. What I’m saying is basically that I like comic books, and I guess that’s not really going to change.

However, I do find it very challenging to find current product that engages me in the way that titles of the past did and that fact is not tied to the retiring, fading away or death of former writers and artists. The industry itself has changed in ways that – in my opinion – detract from the level of enjoyment that has kept me in “comics”.

I will revisit some aspects of this subject in coming days, but today let me share a wonderful epiphany that rippled out from the recent Free Comic Book Day. As I was plucking stacks of back issues from the quarter boxes marked down for sale at the store event which I attended, one issue in particular grabbed my attention. Web of Spider-Man #32 (Nov.1987); originally published by Marvel Comics, was Part IV of "Kraven's Last Hunt" (also known as "Fearful Symmetry") a storyline written by J.M. DeMatteis and illustrated by Mike Zeck. This classic six-part tale featuring the final battle between Kraven the Hunter and Spider-Man ran through Web of Spider-Man, Amazing Spider-Man and Spectacular Spider-Man during 1987 (the very year that I originally got married) and I never purchased a single issue from this run. Man, was I a dope!

I immediately knew that I would have to have every single one of these issues as soon as I flipped through Web of Spider-Man #32. I headed for eBay and bought the remaining issues for next to nothing. Damn, this a story for the ages. I doubt that many comic book super-villains have enjoyed the kind of magnificent send-off that Sergei Kravenoff did in this multi-part epic. In "Kraven's Last Hunt", the hunter's long-term festering aggravation over his inability to best Spider-Man has finally destroyed his sanity. Kraven hatches a scheme that actually defeats Spider-Man, who is seemingly shot to death and buried, allowing the villain to don a copy of Spider-Man's costume in an effort to prove himself superior at his adversary's former activities.

As “Spider-Man”, Kraven roams throughout New York City, brutally attacking criminals, including a group of thugs attempting to assault Mary Jane Watson (who had only recently wed Spider-Man/Peter Parker). The culmination of these activities is Kraven's successful capture of the super-villain, Vermin, whom Spider-Man had previously needed the help of Captain America to defeat. Two weeks later, Spider-Man revives from the effects of the tranquilizer dart that Kraven had shot him with, and he manages to dig his way out of his own grave. After Spider-Man confronts Kraven, the hunter does not even fight back, considering himself the victor having made his final point.

Kraven ultimately releases Vermin, who attacks Spider-Man, thinking him responsible for his brutal capture. Vermin defeats Spider-Man, but Kraven intervenes before the creature can kill him. Kraven allows Vermin to go free and tells Spider-man he can pursue him if he desires, but that Kraven's hunting days have ended. While Spider-Man goes after Vermin, Kraven retires to his home, reminiscing about his past and the peace that he now feels, and then he commits suicide with a shotgun in his mouth. Spider-Man finally confronts Vermin and is able to outwit him, and then he goes home to his wife and recovers.

DeMatteis and Zeck truly deserve the acclaim they received for this story line, but mention must also be made of the superlative efforts of inker Bob McLeod, letterer Rick Parker, colorist Janet Jackson and Editor Jim Salicrup on this terrific set of books which represent the kind of gold standard that the comic book business used to turn out each and every month.

"Gal" Friday! Julianna Guill

Julianna Guill is best known for her role as Bree in Friday the 13th (2009) and Scarlet Haukkson on the webisode series My Alibi. She also co-starred in the TBS series Glory Daze as Christie. I chose her as this weeks "Gal" Friday selection for three reasons.
Like myself, Julianna is a native North Carolinian, and you've simply gotta support the home team. She is also in the process of amassing a neat genre acting resume with roles in My Super Psycho Sweet 16, Altitude, the aforementioned Friday the 13th and the upcoming The Apparition.

Finally, she's very cute, trim and blessed with a super-fine rack (which is on full display in that 2009 re-do) that foolishly inserted Jason Voorhees as the actual Camp Crystal Lake killer, breaking with the original Friday the 13th (the original is much superior, by the way).

Be careful out there today!

The Ron Frenz Gallery!

Ron Frenz has a history of working on books where the lead characters were not in their original costumes/identities. Spider-Man wore his black costume during his tenure, Thor took on a new secret identity and look, and Superman changed costumes AND powers all while Frenz was the regular artist on their titles. He is well-known for his 1980s work on Amazing Spider-Man, and more recently, for his work on Spider-Girl (who he co-created with writer Tom DeFalco).

These commission samples of his from Catskill Comics show that he has a flair for classic DC characters in their standard costumes too.

Enjoy!

Jann of the Jungle in "Rampage!" (Marvel;1973)

Here is the classic introduction & origin of Jann of the Jungle (aka Jane Hastings) from Jungle Tales #1 (Marvel/Atlas; Sept. 1954). "Rampage!" was written by Don Rico and illustrated by Art Petty, but this story was reprinted in Jungle Action #3 (Feb. 1973); which is the source of these scans. The cool bonus cover is by Jim Starlin and Frank Giacoia.

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 creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes.

Enjoy!

Camilla in "The Flame Queen and the Witchman" (Fiction House;?)

Bear with me this week folks, I didn't post any comic book stories last week, so I'm going to make up for that with golden age classics today, tomorrow and Thursday. I want to review my favorite Free Comic Book Day issues on Wednesday; and then close out the week with my usual "Gal" Friday post before heading to West Virginia for a few days to enjoy my oldest daughters college graduation.

This Camilla story is a bit of a mystery, since neither Mr. Falkos or I know where it was originally printed. Therefore there are no creator credits either. It looks pretty good, and at four pages, it's a short read (part of the reason why you're getting an "extra" story this week). The lack of an official title allowed me to select one of my own, "The Flame Queen and the Witchman", for inclusion in the Catacombs archives.

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 creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes. Enjoy!

FCBD 2011 Photo Report!!

I spent a sunny & fun Free Comic Book Day in Charlotte, North Carolina with my brother David, my young nephews Jack and Sam, and our loyal buddy, Burt Dellinger at the "Heroes Aren't Hard To Find" shop. We love going to Shelton Drum's place for FCBD, since they allow every customer a copy of every freebie that is available, plus they bring in guests to draw free sketches for attendees. This years contingent included Budd Root, Andy Smith, Cully Hamner, Bridgit Scheide, Ian Flynn, Rico Renzi, Chris Brunner, Sanford Greene, Jason Latour, Laura Martin, Brian Stelfreeze and Matt Wilson.

Proving that the universe is fickle, as I rapidly approach my 50th year, it always astonishes me that so many young nerds, geeks and dweebs show up with smoking hot girlfriends who are seemingly "into" the comics hobby. That kinda shit just didn't happen back in my day. Sniff!

Although there were also many little boys and girls wearing typical genre costumes (Spidey, Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman), this years adult cos-players were almost non-existent. A pair of overweight Carolina Ghosbusters were on scene with a fully-functional "Exto-1" vehicle, complete with sound effects. A bonus spillover feature that helped salvage the day, was the neighboring Starbucks, where lots-o sexy lady joggers and yuppies continuously came and went; gotta have some eye-candy to appreciate when you're single and needy.

The discount comics boxes drew quite the crowd, let me tell you. I managed to pull almost one hundred excellent comics from the $.25 boxes, and that was just on one side of the aisle, since unfortunately I became wedged between two large ladies who apparently didn't understand simple hygiene. Sort of lost the desire to continue the treasure hunt after that, if you know what I mean. Lunch at the nearby Fuel Pizza (the best pie ever) helped me recover from the free-floating vapors those mammoth chicks were giving off. I could say more, but I realize that I'm getting snarky, so please enjoy my FCBD 2011 Photo Report.

"Gal" Friday! (In Memorium) Yvette Vickers

B-move actress, Yvette Vickers is primarily known for two roles in schlocky horror films of the late 1950’s, Attack of the 50 Foot Woman and Attack of the Giant Leeches. She enjoyed a much longer run on television as a guest star on numerous TV series between the 1950’s and 1970’s, after which she largely disappeared. As a model, Yvette was photographed by director Russ Meyer and became the July 1959 Playmate of the Month for Playboy magazine. Her centerfold is a thing of beauty! Those were the days when Hefner’s bunnies mostly showed a bit of side boob and lots of butt. Yvette’s centerfold shows her belly down on a couch with no pants on, revealing her spectacular bottom, and gazing at the viewer with a true come-hither expression on her rather pixieish face. Seek it out on the web and like me, you too will really envy the lucky guys who got to snack on this babe. Her other cheesecake photos are beyond awesome too and I encourage you to seek them out.

Sadly, Yvette Vickers made belated headlines this week when it was reported that her mummified body had been discovered last week by a nosy neighbor who had become concerned over her extended absence, noting that her yellowing mail was nestled within cobwebs outside her decades old Los Angeles home. The county coroner was uncertain over how long Ms. Vickers had actually been dead, perhaps weeks, months or even a year.

Although Yvette inadvertently made a final splash in becoming yet another tragic Hollywood story for the media and fans to ponder, as an actress, singer and pin-up queen, she is definitely worth remembering. The Catacombs extends its heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and fans.

In Memorium: Jackie Cooper

Actor, director and producer Jackie Cooper spent most of his life in front of or behind the camera. He was one of the rare child actors who managed to make the transition to an adult career. He is also the youngest performer to have been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, an honor that he received for the film Skippy in (1931) at the age of nine. Producer Hal Roach had received $25,000 from Paramount Studios for loaning them Cooper's services, although he only paid Cooper his standard Roach salary of $50 per week.

Cooper had first joined Roach’s “Our Gang” cast in the short Boxing Gloves in 1929, originally signed to a three year contract. He was initially only a supporting character in the series, but by early 1930 he had done so well with the transition that he had become one of the Gang's major characters. He was the main character in the episodes The First Seven Years, When the Wind Blows, and many others. His most notable Our Gang shorts explored his crush on Miss Crabtree, the schoolteacher played by June Marlowe, which included the trilogy of shorts Teacher's Pet, School's Out, and Love Business.

He famously portrayed The Daily Planet editor Perry White in all four Christopher Reeve Superman films. Jackie Cooper passed away on May 3, 2011 in Santa Monica, California, at the age of eighty-eight. The Catacombs extends its sincerest condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Beware My Power .... June 17, 2011

Look Behind you, Barnabas - Your Journey Is At An End!

Hermes Press continues its archival reprint series of the classic Dark Shadows comic book with Dark Shadows-The Complete Original Series: Volume Two. Reprinting Dark Shadows #8-14; originally published by Gold Key Comics, Volume Two continues the bronze age adventures of vampire/anti-hero Barnabas Collins on his quest to remove his dark curse and to restore order to the Collinwood estate. Along the way, he also has to deal with the lycanthropic Quentin Collins, as well as a threat from his own immortal past.

Written by both Donald Arneson and Arnold Drake (Doom Patrol, Deadman), Dark Shadows was drawn by Joe Certa & Jack Sparling. Volume Two features masterfully painted covers by George Wilson, giving the series a timeless pulp look. The hardcover book with 224 pages retails for $49.99. Trivia: The quote (above) is the cover blurb from the original George Wilson cover of Dark Shadows #11 (Nov.1971).

As director Tim Burton and actor Johnny Depp continue to develop their Dark Shadows feature film, you can experience the 1970s Dark Shadows series in digitally remastered full-color that is of a higher quality than the original comic book's printing. Hermes Press continues to be haunted by Barnabas Collins and his supernatural ilk, as they gear up for future volumes of Dark Shadows. Thanks to Chris Irving for the heads up!

In Memorium: William Campbell

Although he appeared in many episodic television series, actor William Campbell achieved true cult status for his two guest-starring roles on the original Star Trek, appearing first as the mischievous super-being Trelane (partly in parody of Liberace, whom Campbell resembled), in an episode of the original series called "The Squire of Gothos". Campbell also appeared three times as the Klingon, Captain Koloth. Campbell first played Koloth on the original Star Trek series in the classic episode "The Trouble With Tribbles." He reprised the role of Koloth on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, some thirty years later. Campbell appeared at several Trek conventions in the 1980s and 1990s. His final such appearance occurred in 2006. He passed away from natural causes on Thursday at the age of eighty-seven.

His roles on the big screen opposite such notables as John Wayne, Kirk Douglas and Elvis Presley include Operation Pacific, Escape from Fort Bravo, The High and the Mighty, Battle Cry, Man Without a Star, Love Me Tender, The Naked and the Dead, Hush… Hush, Sweet Charlotte and Pretty Maids All in a Row.

The Catacombs extends its sincerest condolences to his family, friends and fans.