Wonder Valkyrie

Under orders of Odin, the valkyries of Valhalla began capturing Amazons of Paradise Island shortly after World War II. These valkyries had wings but also rode wingless flying horses. Odin sought to turn the impressive Amazons into valkyries, but the Greek goddess Aphrodite restored the Amazons to their usual selves (Wonder Woman #23).

Wonder Woman. Vol. 1. No. 23. May 1947. "Seige of the Savage War Maidens" by Charles Moulton.

Fantastic Treasury

The first comic book I remember perusing was Marvel Treasury Edition #2 (1974). It must have been a gift from my parents. Starring the fabulous Fantastic Four, the oversized publication reprinted the team's early encounters with Dr. Doom, Sub-Mariner, the Impossible Man, Silver Surfer, Galactus, and the Watcher. I was just starting to read at the time, however, and had a hard following the stories collected inside. Even so, the visuals introduced me to some science fiction themes and two foundational members of the Defenders.

Report Card

When Buzz Baxter told girlfriend Patsy Walker that he got a 90 on an algebra test, she said her score was 88 (Patsy Walker #73). But Patsy's marks in math apparently didn't stay that high. When Patsy's father reviewed her report card from Centerville High School, he saw that she earned A grades in English, Language and History, and a C in Math (#78).

This panel comes from Patsy Walker #78 (Aug. 1958).

Mickey Walker

Patsy Walker's kid brother, Mickey, was a recurring character in comic books. As a running gag, Mickey would extort money in exchange for giving Patsy privacy with her boyfriend, Buzz Bazter. Different renditions of Mickey appear on the covers of Miss America #71 (Aug. 1955) and Patsy and Hedy #78 (Oct. 1961).

Metamorpho: The Standby Superhero

If DC Comics had launched a non-team like the Defenders, Metamorpho would have been a strong candidate. Radiation from a meteorite transformed soldier-of-fortune Rex Mason into Metamorpho, the Element Man. Dismayed by his altered appearance, the reluctant hero turned down an invitation to join the Justice League of America but agreed to assist in emergencies (JLA #42).

When Joker, Penguin, and the Riddler conspired to change Batman into the lumbering Bat-Hulk, the caped crusader sought out Metamorpho—hoping his chemical powers might reverse the effects. Instead, a bolt of lightning did the trick (Brave and the Bold #68). Unlike Bruce Banner, whose clothing ripped when he became Hulk, Bruce Wayne's bat-costume stayed intact as Bat-Hulk.

Before Metamorpho declined membership in Justice League of America #42 (Feb. 1966), Green Arrow (#4), Atom (#14), and Hawkman (#31) had said yes. Metamorpho faced Bat-Hulk in The Brave and the Bold #68 (Oct.-Nov. 1966).