Making a Splash: John Romita's Captain America

Ya know, Groove-ophiles, for a short time in 1971, John Romita was reunited with a character he'd drawn back in the mid-1950s: Captain America. The Jazzy One's style had changed quite a bit, and the times had certainly changed, but Cap and Romita still made a great fit. Ol' Groove should also mention that Romita's take on Cap made for a nice bridge from the Gene Colan era to the long-running Sal Buscema era of CA&F (and a few issues had dynamite inks by Joe Sinnott, to boot). Just dig these splashes from Captain America and the Falcon issues 138-144 (March-September 1971) and see for yourself!

Groove's Faves: Marvel Treasury Edition #8

Merry Christmas, Groove-ophiles! 'Tis the  night before Christmas--and you're too excited to sleep! Christmas is tomorrow, but ya have to grab some "z's"--what's a young Groove-ophile to do? Well, how 'bout cozying up with a tabloid-sized Giant Superhero Holiday Grab-Bag (aka Marvel Treasury Edition #8, Winter 1975)? Worked for Young Groove way back when. 'Course I hadda read it three or four times 'cause it was so filled with superhero spectacle! Check it out...

From the far-out front cover by Jazzy John Romita...

...to a swinging S.H.I.E.L.D. saga by Groovy Gary Friedrich, Far-out Frank Springer, Johnny (EC) Craig and a dash of Bashful Barry Smith)...

...followed by a classic Stan (The Man) Lee/ Sturdy Steve Ditko Spider-Man stunner...

...the oft-remembered Luke Cage Christmas Carol "Jingle Bombs" by Sterling Steve Englehart, Gorgeous George Tuska, and (Not the Reverend) Billy Graham...

...a fave Hulk-short by Rascally Roy Thomas, Happy Herb Trimpe, and Big Brother John Severin...

...climaxing (story-wise) with Dr. Strange celebrating the New Year by battling Eternity, courtesy Rascally Roy, Gene (The Dean) Colan, and Terrific Tom Palmer...

...followed by black and white repros of the original covers from this ish's reprints...

...and topped off by a swingin' Season's Greetings courtesy Righteous Rich Buckler and the Jazzy One!

Now, aren't ya ready for that long winter's nap? Happy ho, ho, ho to you!!

The Grooviest Covers of All Time #4

What can I say? Jim Steranko. Nick Fury. S.H.I.E.L.D.

Okay, I'll say a little more. Steranko was part of the revolution that helped create the Groovy Age. His art was like a rocket's blast. It caught everyone's attention, stimulated our imaginations, then disappeared all too quickly from view. When Steranko returned to Marvel (around 1972) he created a ton of wonderful covers and helped Stan Lee develop F.O.O.M. (For more on F.O.O.M., click here.)

Most folks remember Steranko's use of pop-art in his covers; those were truly awesome, and you'll be seeing some here, never fear! However, it's his iconic patriotic covers always slay Ol' Groove. This is one of his best!