1970's Flashback: Rocket Raccoon

Man, I haven't done one of these posts in quite a while!

Rocket Raccoon #1 (May 1985)

The intelligent, anthropomorphic hero “Rocket Raccoon” originally appeared in Marvel Preview #7 (Summer 1976), which was actually a continuation of a science fiction back-up series called “The Sword in the Star”. The story written by Bill Mantlo and illustrated by Keith Giffen, was inspired by the classic Beatles song "Rocky Raccoon”. Rocket Raccoon possesses the normal attributes of an Earth raccoon, including an acute sense of smell, sight, hearing and touch. He is an accomplished star-ship pilot, an excellent marksman with the two laser pistols he carries, as well as having an affinity for heavy weapons. He's also an excellent military tactician and leader.

 He subsequently appeared in The Incredible Hulk #271 (May 1982), and in 1985 he received his own four-issue limited series penciled by Mike Mignola and inked by Al Gordon (with Al Milgrom). He later appeared in three issues of "She-Hulk" in 1992, after which Rocket Raccoon was not seen again until 2007's “Annihilation: Conquest” event and its eventual spin-off series, a reboot of Guardians of the Galaxy, where he remained a regular member of the team until the title was canceled in 2010. After that, Rocket appeared in the follow-up limited series The Thanos Imperative. Along with fellow Guardian Groot, Rocket Raccoon starred in backup features in Annihilators #1-4 (Mar-Jun 2011) and Annihilators: Earthfall #1-4 (Sept-Dec 2011).

Voodah in "Challenge of the Longnoses" (McCombs;1947)

I have mentioned before that the golden age African warrior, Voodah, from Crown Comics was eventually altered by either the publisher, artists or colorists into just another white jungle lord in a loincloth. What the reasoning behind this transformation truly was is lost to the ages, but needless to say the forward thinking that had first allowed original creator Matt Baker to present a golden age black adventure hero had long since run its course. This previously untitled story that I’m calling “Challenge of the Longnoses” from Crown Comics #8 (Feb.1947); originally published by McCombs Publications, was drawn by artist Alex Blum (with possible inks by David Heames). Voodah kills a man clad in a crocodile costume and discovers a plot to kidnap local girls for sale to a gang of slave traders. 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 belongs to the original publisher and/or creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes. Enjoy!

Look it up (it's funny)!

I'm going to call someone a foul name before this post runs its course and I want you all to look up the term used online (since it is very funny and apropos). I recently discovered that some nameless troll has created a blog that is disguised as mine, that re-presents many of my own posts here in the "authentic" Catacombs, as his own. It annoys me quite a bit, since many folks link to this site and/or share my posts (a practice that is perfectly fine to me, and even flattering), but this bottom-feeder claims that his ersatz site is his blog creation. It took less than a couple of minutes to determine that reporting abuse to Blogger leaves much to be desired, and will require some thought before launching that necessary campaign. However, that doesn't mean that I can't point this ASS PUPPET out to my loyal (and/or casual) followers. So, if you find your way over to the alternate Catacombs (link). Please say hello to "Master Koplak" and tell him that the real, true, and original "The Comic Book Catacombs" says that he can suck my ass to infinity and beyond.

Ka'a'nga in "Stalker of the Beasts" (Fiction House;1941)

After his parents were killed by wild beasts, the boy who would come to be known as Ka'a'nga was saved from death and raised by a she-ape to become master of the jungle. Later a young aviatrix named Ann Mason crashed in his jungle and he saved her from slavers. Of course she becomes his woman. Today Ka'a'nga stars in a story identified on the issues cover as "Stalker of the Beasts" written by 'Red Brady' and illustrated by Silver Age legend George Tuska (who also drew the cover). This golden age adventure is from Jungle Comics #13 (Jan.1941); originally published by Fiction House. 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 belongs to the original publisher and/or creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes. Enjoy!

The Art of Reading: "Judy and the Golden Crown" (Better;1949)

Golden age comics typically included short stories, usually accompanied by a panel or two of artwork in order to qualify for magazine mailing rates. These 2-3 page text pieces served their purpose well enough, but in the absence of any eye-appealing artwork (as was often the case), I doubt that many kids gave them the time of day. The script on “Judy and the Golden Crown” which was originally published in Exciting Comics #65 (Jan.1949) by Better/Standard/Nedor, is credited to “Charles S. Strong” (a bogus company alias) but the attached art panels are illustrated by Art Saaf. 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 belongs to the original publisher and/or the creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes. Enjoy!

"Gal" Friday! Jordan Carver

 

Images from her website.

I occasionally consider choosing a specific pin-up queen that could suitably represent the overarching themes of The Comic Book Catacombs. It’s a tall order mind you, given an infinite number of lovelies that would potentially qualify for such a lofty status. Bavarian beauty Jordan Carver has previously appeared as an official “Gal” Friday selection (November 2010) and she is definitely on my personal Top Ten list. Just look at her incredible 32HH assets (boy, howdy). I found these ultra-fine photos from an entire photo shoot that Jordan shot wearing this leopard print bathing suit. I’m not posting them all, to encourage you to conduct your own web search for the remainder (you will be glad that you did). German born, and current resident of the state of California, this phenomenal "gal" definitely deserves consideration should I ever get around to naming a single “gal” for the ages. 

In Memorium: Robert L. Washington III

Static #1 (June 1993)

Writer Robert L. Washington III, who co-created and wrote the first year of “Static” for DC Comics Milestone imprint with Dwayne McDuffie and artist John Paul Leon, passed away yesterday after suffering multiple heart attacks. He was only forty-seven. His other series work included Shadow Cabinet, Extreme Justice, Timewalker, and Ninjak. Washington had difficulty securing work within the industry after the mid-1990s implosion. He had even been homeless a few times, receiving assistance from The Hero Initiative for basic living expenses. He detailed his situation in his final work, a one-page autobiographical strip he contributed to "Hero Comics 2012", a charity comic released last week to help raise money for the organization that had previously aided him. The Catacombs extends its condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Camilla in "Ruins of the Mobazi" (Fiction House;1941)

Camilla, Queen of the Lost Empire returns again this week in a previously untitled story from Jungle Comics #16 (Apr.1941); originally published by Fiction House and with art by Frank Frollo. I’ve christened this golden age classic “Ruins of the Mobazi”. 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 belongs to the original publisher and/or creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes. Enjoy!

The Red Panther in "The Mad Hermit" (Fiction House;1940)

The Red Panther stars today in a previously untitled adventure from Jungle Comics #11 (Nov. 1940); originally published by Fiction House. The artist on “The Mad Hermit” is Arthur Peddy. The Catacombs is grateful to Don "Zu-Gogo" Falkos for providing the scans for this story. Note: The copyright for this issue, all contents and artwork belongs to the original publisher and/or the creators and are reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes. Enjoy!

In Memorium: Ray Bradbury

One of the Grand Masters of Science Fiction, author Ray Bradbury passed away quietly in his sleep last night at the age of ninety-one. His stellar writing career was built upon a string of seminal 1950s works that became standard reading in schools across the world: The Martian Chronicles, Fahrenheit 451, Dandelion Wine, and Something Wicked This Way Comes, were followed by over 400 novelettes, shorts stories, screenplays, teleplays, and anthologies. He was one of the most celebrated 20th century American writers of speculative fiction. Many of Bradbury's works have been adapted into comic books, radio broadcasts, television shows or films such as It Came from Outer Space, The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms, The Illustrated Man, The Martian Chronicles, Fahrenheit 451, Something Wicked This Way Comes and he also adapted the Herman Melville novel “Moby Dick” in 1953 for director John Huston. That classic film starred Gregory Peck as Captain Ahab. The Catacombs extends its condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Camilla in "The Renegade Hunchback" (Fiction House;1941)

Camilla, Queen of the Lost Empire stars today in a previously untitled story from Jungle Comics #15 (Mar. 1941); originally published by Fiction House and with art by Robert Webb. Once again the usual jungle scenario takes a back seat to simple fantasy in “The Renegade Hunchback” which is weird since Camilla’s primary love interest, Sir Champion used to be a hunchback named Caredodo. 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 belongs to the original publisher and/or creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes. Enjoy!

Three weeks .....Heroes Convention (30th Anniversary)!

http://www.heroesonline.com/heroescon/