Random Reads: Black Goliath in "Survival!"

While Young Groove always dug the Black Goliath character, the short-lived comicbook series never really lived up to its promise. Until the final issue. After four issues of run-of-the-mill super-heroes punching out third-rate super-villains, "Survival!" was a breath of fresh air. I dunno if it was the amazing Keith Pollard art, or regular scripter Chris Claremont (who wrote issues 2-on) finally cutting loose with a full-out sci-fi story, but after four mediocre issues, Black Goliath #5 (August 1976) just blew me away. While the plot isn't earth-shattering (or even all that original), it is a touching tale of friendship, heroism, and sacrifice. But. It. Was. The. Last. Issue. Wonder what Claremont and Pollard would have dreamed up for issue #6 had the series continued? Ah, well. We'll always have Kirgar.