Ka'a'nga in "The Red Witch of Ubangi-Shan" (Fiction House; 1948)

My impromptu Ka’a’nga week continues with an earlier tale than yesterdays’ golden age adventure circa Jungle Comics #105 (Sept. 1948); originally published by Fiction House. The title for “The Red Witch of Ubangi-Shan” comes from the issues cover, written by [‘Frank Riddell’] and illustrated by John Celardo. 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!

Ka'a'nga in "The Treasure of Tembo Wanculu" (Fiction House; 1952)

 

Ka'a'nga stars today in "The Treasure of Tembo Wanculu" from Jungle Comics #147 (Mar. 1952); originally published by Fiction House and illustrated by Maurice Whitman. The Catacombs acknowledges "Comic Book Plus" as the source of this classic comic story. Note: The copyright for this issue, its contents and artwork belongs to the original publishers and/or the creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes. Enjoy!

"Gal" Friday! Brenda Starr

In lieue of a traditional "gal" Friday this week, I'm recommending that everyone give this book a read:

Before Fredric Wertham and The Seduction of the Innocent (SOTI), before the Kefauver Hearings, and before the infamous Comics Code, the comic book racks at local drug stores and newsstands boasted a plethora of delights highlighted by the good girl adventures of the comic book version of Brenda Starr. These four-color wonders displayed all the finer things loved by comic books buyers: good girls, bondage, a little torture, and other exciting things, which adults thought would corrupt the morals of young and impressionable readers (Brenda Starr cover art was even used as an example in SOTI). Now for the first time in over fifty years comics fans can read and own these rare comics from another era, digitally restored to perfection and presented in an archival hardcover. In addition to presenting all of the Brenda Starr stories, this reprint also boasts all of the scintillating back-up features found in these books as well. WARNING! These stories are not for the faint of heart! This volume collects the first eight issues of the Superior Comics Brenda Starr Pre-Code comics with lovely art by Jack Kamen and Matt Baker, complete with a historical essay and other documentary material.

Brenda Starr: the Complete Pre-Code Comics Volume One: Good Girls, Bondage, and Other Fine Things from Hermes Press, retails for a measly $60.

Nagra in "Jungle Justice" (Star Publications;1954)

Nagra, White Goddess of the Blue Pygmies debuts today in a thriller titled “Jungle Justice” from Terrors of the Jungle #10 (Sept. 1954); originally released by Star Publications. The story which introduces Nagra was written and illustrated by Jay Disbrow.  The Catacombs acknowledges "Comic Book Plus" as the source of this classic comic story. Note: The copyright for this issue, its contents and artwork belongs to the original publishers and/or the creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes. Enjoy!

Zegra in "The Black Pool" (Fox; 1949)

Zegra returns to the Catacombs today in a fun adventure called "The Black Pool" from Zegra, Jungle Empress #4 (Feb.1949); originally published by Fox Feature Syndicate. There are no identified creator credits available. The Catacombs acknowledges "Comic Book Plus" as the source of this classic comic story. Note: The copyright for this issue, its contents and artwork belongs to the original publishers and/or the creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes. Enjoy!

The Red Comet in "The Slasher" (Fiction House; 1952)

Today we’re continuing with the space adventures theme that began with my last story post. The Red Comet makes his final appearance in “The Slasher” which is taken from Planet Comics #69 (Winter 1952); originally published by Fiction House, written by Cy Thatcher and illustrated by Rudy Palais. It must be mentioned that although this is chronologically the last appearance of this character, this story is in fact a reprint from Planet #20 [previously issued a decade earlier]. The Catacombs acknowledges "Comic Book Plus" as the source of this classic comic story. Note: The copyright for this issue, its contents and artwork belongs to the original publishers and/or the creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes. Enjoy!

My Baltimore-Comic Con Report!

Jim Cheung art [detail]!

The 2013 Baltimore Comic-Con occupies two conjoined halls in the city's nice convention center, and this year they really packed those rooms to the gills. Sheesh, were there ever a mother's ton of attendees. Now, if only the bulk of them could manage to be a little more courteous to others in their zeal to get around the convention floor. I was repeatedly bodyslammed from one side of the aisle to another throughout both days of the show, a phenomenon that I have unfortunately come to expect from Baltimore over the three years that I have visited that show. It's too bad really, as otherwise this is a really fun convention. That is not a reflection on the organizers or guests, just an unruly upper seaboard level of crassness that offends my Southern sensibilities. Adding insult to injury, I typically stop, cede ground, or try to move out of the way as necessary; and even then sons of bitches still kept plowing into me. By the time that I finally threw in the towel on both days, I admit to having tipped over into being full blown angry at the common herd.

Oh, well! Despite that unfortunate experience, it was extremely gratifying to finally meet Ramona Fradon, Brian Bolland, Don McGregor, Ron Randall, and several other guests who were in attendance; plus seeing many more comics industry favorites all over again is always a plus. I only managed to get about half of the items signed that I took with me, and then opted out of attempting the rest solely to minimize the amount of time spent standing static on the cruel concrete flooring. I picked up a small handful of bronze age books to flesh out my collection, and picked up a few additional items. This year I shelled out the most cash to have Jimmy Cheung illustrate my blank white variant cover of Marvel's Infinity #1. I didn't select a subject, and simply left that up to the artist, and he returned a spectacular Captain America (current costume design), which lived up to my expectations.

This year my brother David, our pal Burt, and I took in a few new Baltimore places and activities that we hadn't previously, and then all too soon had to head back to the Carolina's. I've included a few random photos for your edification. Enjoy!

Mid-afternoon crowd entering on Saturday

The most daring cosplayer in attendance; despite black shoes & socks.

Infinity #1 (art by Jim Cheung).

Baltimore Comic-Con 2013!!

I will be out flying from South Carolina to Maryland this evening to spend the weekend at the 2013 Baltimore Comic-Con. This will be my third consecutive visit to this fun show, and there's plenty of industry guests to get excited about: Neal Adams, Ken Bald, Brian Bolland, Sal Buscema, Jimmy Cheung, Frank Cho, Amanda Conner, Ramona Fradon, Ron Frenz, Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, Keith Giffen, Michael Golden, Adam Hughes, Mike Mignola, George Perez, Ivan Reis, Stan Sakai, Walt Simonson, Jim Starlin, Herb Trimpe, and Bill Willingham just for starters. This year writer/director/actor Kevin Smith brings his AMC series," Comic Book Men" to Baltimore to film scenes for an upcoming episode too! Wish me luck in getting my small stack of classic back issues signed by those talented folks in attendance; although the fact that I sprung for the VIP admittance package might help out with that goal. See you next week with some fun details!



[L to R] Brian Bolland; Sal Buscema; Ramona Fradon

Remembering Babylon 5!

Babylon 5 originally premiered on February 22, 1993 [pilot], and the regular series initially aired from January 26, 1994 through November 25, 1998. B5 launched an era of television CGI visual effects and in the process earned multiple awards during its initial run, including two consecutive Hugo Awards for best dramatic presentation, several Emmys and Saturn awards, and continues to regularly figure prominently in various polls and listings highlighting top-rated science fiction series. Set between the years 2258 and 2262, it depicts a future where Earth has sovereign states, and a unifying Eartgov. Today let’s take a few moments to remember the talented cast members (both major, minor, and recurring) who have passed away since the show ended: Michael O’Hare (Commander Jeffrey Sinclair); Andreas Katsulas (Ambassador G’Kar); Richard Biggs (Dr. Stephen Franklin); Jeff Conaway (Zack Allen); plus Robin Sachs (various) and Tim Choate (Zathras).

[L to R]; Michael O'Hare -Andreas Katsulas-Richard Biggs

Captain Kiddeo in "Space Bum" (Farrell; 1958)

Today I didn’t strangle, shoot, run over, explode, demolish, defame, or otherwise destroy any of the vast army of assholes that have been irritating the living shit out of me lately; but I refuse to DENY that they exist (having contributed to the birth of some of them). Therefore an “outside the box” kind of silver age story is called for (in order to lighten my foul mood). Captain Kiddeo stars in “Space Bum” which is taken from Strange Journey #3 (Feb. 1958); originally published by Ajax-Farrell and illustrated [supposedly] by the Iger Shop gang. The Catacombs acknowledges "Comic Book Plus" as the source of this classic comic story. Note: The copyright for this issue, its contents and artwork belongs to the original publishers and/or the creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes. Enjoy!

"Gal" Friday! The Women of Kick-Ass 2

If you enjoyed the 2010 film Kick-Ass, then you'll probably not be too disappointed with the sequel Kick-Ass 2. Jim Carrey and John Leguizamo are really good in their supporting roles, adding lots of heart to the overall story. However, let's face it, if you're a fan of the earlier movie, then Hit-Girl WAS the real star of the show. Chloe Grace Moretz reprises her wonderful "ass-kicking" role, and you can basically forget the titular star, whose name escapes me (which is about as much of an impression as he made ... again). This time two other women grab a bit of the limelight as well. Lindy Booth portrays "Night-Bitch", one of an army of superheroes inspired by the exploits of Kick-Ass himself. She is a deliciously sweet woman. Bodybuilder Olga Kurkulina is also fearsome as "Mother Russia" on the opposite side of the table as a primary villain (and the only one of note, besides the rechristened "Motherfucker" aka Red Mist). Kurkulina dolls up quite nicely in the real world, and she has been photographed in the buff, so fetish types should google those if you wanna see a different side of this bad girl (I'm not featuring those photos just so you have to do an extra bit of surfing). All three "gals" are officially inducted into the Catabombs as this weeks pick!

Blackhawk in "The Master of Treachery" (Quality; 1956)

It’s a day later than intended, but here is the second of this weeks promised Cold War adventures of the legendary fighter aces of WWII. The Blackhawks travel to Morocco to help the French forces against a bandit financed by Communists in “The Master of Treachery” also from Blackhawk #105 (Oct. 1956); originally published by Quality Comics, written by Dick Wood and illustrated by Dick Dillin (future Justice League of America artist) & Chuck Cuidera. The Blackhawk Squadron, usually just called the Blackhawks, were a small team of World War II-era pilots of varied nationalities, each typically known under a single name (either their given name or their surname): Blackhawk; Chop Chop; Stanislaus; Hendrickson; Chuck; Olaf; Andre. The Catacombs acknowledges "Comic Book Plus" as the source of this classic comic story. Note: The copyright for this issue, its contents and artwork belongs to the original publishers and/or the creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes. Enjoy!