Random Reads: "Maximilian's Treasure"

Howdy there, Groove-ophiles! Not too long ago, Ol' Groove moseyed on down to the local Cracker Barrel to fill his belly with some good breakfast grub. While waiting for a table, I was drawn to the spinner rack (love spinner racks!) filled with DVD collections of classic TV shows. What did my wondering eyes behold but an old, long unseen (for moi) fave, the first season of The Wild, Wild West! Now, to Li'l Groove, that show was right up there with Lost In Space and Batman, baby, so I had to nab that sepia-toned box of memories. Watching them made me remember Gold Key's short-lived comix series based on that awesome old show, and viola! a new post is born! Jump in the WABAC machine and let's see what comicbook shenanigans the James Bond of the West and his Master of Disguise partner could get into...

Can anyone help identify the credits for this story? All the Grand Comics Database can tell us is that Sal Amendola inked it... Thanx!

Black and White Wednesday: "The Angry Dragon...Kills!" by Claremont and Nebres

What it is, Groove-ophiles! Today we're going to check out the grand finale of Chris Claremont and Rudy Nebres' Iron Fist epic from Deadly Hands of Kung Fu #24 (April 1976). But first dig that Bob Larkin cover!

 

Groove's Faves: The Misunderstood Hulk

Hey, hey, hey, Groove-ophiles! One of my fave things about the Groovy Age was that, at any time, we would get one of those moments that just clutch you. The moment might make you laugh, gasp, cry, or shout with rage, but it would move you somehow. They were unexpected moments, hidden in the plot, gems that just made a story worthwhile on their own, but actually helped move the overall story along, as well. Take this moment from Defenders #21 (December 1974) by Steve Gerber and Sal Buscema (inks by Sal Trapani). It's the beginning of the famous "Headmen Saga", but Steve and Sal take time-out for a truly moving, deeply insightful look at the heart of the Incredible Hulk. Not only that, but Messrs. Gerber and Buscema give us a glimpse of what it would really be like to live in the Marvel Universe. Check it out...

Yes, the mysterious, selfish neighbor is, indeed, one of the Headmen, Arthur Nagan, so the scene does help the plot move along. But really, what else in this ish is going to top that scene with the heartbroken Hulk?

Groovy Age Gold: "Prevue of Peril!" by Simon and Kirby

Happy Holidays, Groove-ophiles! Let's kick the month of December off with a special all-star tale of The Newsboy Legion and The Guardian by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby! "Prevue of Peril!" was first published in Star Spangled Comics #12 (cover-dated September 1942) and reprinted in Jimmy Olsen #146 (December 1971). Dig it, baby!