tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84088229122234688532024-03-19T01:44:18.569-05:00The Defenders FansiteDedicated to the definitive superhero non-team.<hr>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger577125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408822912223468853.post-54944939123313822762024-03-19T01:27:00.003-05:002024-03-19T01:43:43.222-05:00Expenses<table><p>As master of the mystic arts, Dr. Strange earned no income. This put his servant, Wong, in the unenviable position of explaining that he couldn't pay their pharmacy bill because he had already withdrawn their last penny to pay that month's rent. To make matters worse, building inspectors informed Dr. Strange that his home would be condemned unless he painted the building and sealed up the trap doors and hidden passageways. To make do, Dr. Strange asked Wong to take a handful of jeweled trinkets from their vault and sell them at market price (<b>Strange Tales #147</b>).</p>
<p>Dr. Strange must have learned a thing or two following that ordeal. When a battle against the mystic Kaluu left the Sanctum Sanctorum in need of repair, Wong broached the subject of money again. This time around, Dr. Strange repaired their home by casting a spell. He then conjured up stacks of coins and dollar bills so Wong would never need to ask for money again (<b>#151</b>).</p>
<h5>Strange Tales. Vol. 1. No. 147. August 1966. "From the Nameless Nowhere Comes … Kaluu!" Stan Lee & Denny O'Neil (script), Billy Everett (art), Sam Rosen (lettering), Irv. Forbush (amulet polisher).</h5>
<h5>Strange Tales. Vol. 1. No. 151. December 1966. "Umar Strikes!" Stan Lee (script), Bill Everett (art), Artie Simek (lettering).</h5>
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<table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-ThtvzYRW8TX6ewt34iTtt3VT8ZHt1HdncQgRhHIfkDhL0HRMVRT_uc8mwUpq0QeV9lbxuehe2OHZ1wZnTzWTpYf_Cali25vrM05Jk86by5llmq61Mqo1L8LUy1llZQtTw1ZqkkoINd8KY0OyVfwI718Hed2e7DufvoNvyH_VnRWfzh85oeQj8SB0zXN/s545/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-16%20at%204.15.19%20PM.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="545" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-ThtvzYRW8TX6ewt34iTtt3VT8ZHt1HdncQgRhHIfkDhL0HRMVRT_uc8mwUpq0QeV9lbxuehe2OHZ1wZnTzWTpYf_Cali25vrM05Jk86by5llmq61Mqo1L8LUy1llZQtTw1ZqkkoINd8KY0OyVfwI718Hed2e7DufvoNvyH_VnRWfzh85oeQj8SB0zXN/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-16%20at%204.15.19%20PM.png"/></a></div></table>
jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16561276987653547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408822912223468853.post-70207092472410245182024-03-18T00:10:00.003-05:002024-03-19T00:53:52.228-05:00Double Trouble<table><p>Hedy Wolfe was envious of Patsy Walker's popularity—so envious, in fact, that when she ran into a young woman who happened to be the spitting image of Patsy, Hedy concocted a plan to destroy Patsy's reputation. Hedy offered to buy the mystery woman a new dress if she insulted Patsy's closest friends. The mystery woman, who was in town visiting her aunt, agreed. Hedy's plan worked at first but eventually unraveled when she mistook the real Patsy for the imitator. After learning the truth, Patsy's friends held no grudges against her for the things the impostor had said. Meanwhile, the fake Patsy fled with the new dress, having never divulged her true name.</p><h5>Patsy Walker. Vol. 1. No. 109. September 1963. "Patsy's Troublesome Twin!" <i>Part Two:</i> The End of a Scheme!"</h5></table><table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTi9HsbpWxigRJaMeI_RCDFVNErxUb4l_SGzP-13C5FFvCz23roNvyOD1CAZAdL5Vlq0p_AcHjUr3st-E6ifdmPX1h0FTROs1fqe1z3CbYGQXS1J2fxrjnNyiTlAaO_MepifJnqVlf93BTe4ysoBXbwDv7Id9ksyT9oJH1sQS1HkdnzMB5ZT85QlJlu-WV/s640/109-1.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTi9HsbpWxigRJaMeI_RCDFVNErxUb4l_SGzP-13C5FFvCz23roNvyOD1CAZAdL5Vlq0p_AcHjUr3st-E6ifdmPX1h0FTROs1fqe1z3CbYGQXS1J2fxrjnNyiTlAaO_MepifJnqVlf93BTe4ysoBXbwDv7Id9ksyT9oJH1sQS1HkdnzMB5ZT85QlJlu-WV/s320/109-1.jpg"/></a></div></table>jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16561276987653547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408822912223468853.post-77458695070505770932024-03-17T16:42:00.003-05:002024-03-17T16:43:57.196-05:00Disappearing Act<table><p>Although the covers of Patsy Walker comic books sometimes referenced the stories within, the covers often worked as stand-alone gags. Such was the case with <b>Patsy and Her Pals #22</b> (May 1956). That cover showed Patsy Walker and Hedy Wolfe fighting for the attention of Buzz Baxter at a magic show starring Presto the Magician. While it would have made for a creative setting, the magic show did not appear inside the issue. Incidentally, Presto closely resembled longtime comic character Mandrake the Magician, who would become one of the anachronistic <a target = "_blank" href = "https://defendersfan.blogspot.com/2015/07/defenders-of-earth.html"><b>Defenders of the Earth</b></a>.</p></table><table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1ckZ4_qclRCAA20ytCttJOKRzRvKUG45xv30ZSoFS8wZc2UdpFsFQnO2zHqKKEvxfXT5XsObE2NOerJp9UWhlLAUWuLwlTAwQQZ0tinLOHvL_SamiKkstl2JRUox9e3VPD39FoDLF9iU8nTOv2OZ0SYfBillzWKT190P54E48doPna2FU9iIw52v7Ner/s575/Patsy_and_her_Pals_Vol_1_22.webp" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1ckZ4_qclRCAA20ytCttJOKRzRvKUG45xv30ZSoFS8wZc2UdpFsFQnO2zHqKKEvxfXT5XsObE2NOerJp9UWhlLAUWuLwlTAwQQZ0tinLOHvL_SamiKkstl2JRUox9e3VPD39FoDLF9iU8nTOv2OZ0SYfBillzWKT190P54E48doPna2FU9iIw52v7Ner/s320/Patsy_and_her_Pals_Vol_1_22.webp"/></a></div></table>jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16561276987653547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408822912223468853.post-5730919414951652602024-03-16T00:30:00.003-05:002024-03-17T11:32:37.306-05:00Day in the Lives<table><p><b>Rampage #7</b> (Nov. 30, 1977) included a two-page spread depicting "A Somewhat Quiet Day in the Lives of the Daring Defenders!" Valkyrie and Aragorn entered the comedic scene, which showed Prince Namor beside a "New Atlantis" fish tank, Dr. Strange practicing stage magic, and Hulk chewing on a <b>Fantastic Four</b> comic book with Thing on the cover.</p></table><table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlajjy03NsnqtrxghpxWSPqw27gI9vF2RmO3n1lgrwhJQE2QB-PEJHlrSZiHV8pfIfD6GjCY4RQTKl1oihZIz8_853iaVmXi80UqOC7Z3uoPk0JnckbCiftsPFDQ1UPQdEHFDEEyKRi-GvPkS3dDawjl2U-cn1t75TuU6wP_36VGG3pRd3NKgHOIvqgey/s1791/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-15%20at%2012.58.22%20PM.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="1791" data-original-width="1204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlajjy03NsnqtrxghpxWSPqw27gI9vF2RmO3n1lgrwhJQE2QB-PEJHlrSZiHV8pfIfD6GjCY4RQTKl1oihZIz8_853iaVmXi80UqOC7Z3uoPk0JnckbCiftsPFDQ1UPQdEHFDEEyKRi-GvPkS3dDawjl2U-cn1t75TuU6wP_36VGG3pRd3NKgHOIvqgey/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-15%20at%2012.58.22%20PM.png"/></a></div></td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOgmA8B-iB_CIVhzP9QaV80ZUNebgqR5lvJy1rp9xXnFrhTBoelEMPUR24625cwcIIfOrFYSMvItJ7gn_gzc0jkRDYg2_huhobBNrmRUYl_Wvo_w_2-zpRhp2ueO1lARfMJLQ-TigCaMZDlG23pnK6ExKAPnDXcZplOXhtYEhjXbBvoIaiFvbkd8KLqAF/s1793/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-15%20at%2012.58.28%20PM.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="1793" data-original-width="1269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOgmA8B-iB_CIVhzP9QaV80ZUNebgqR5lvJy1rp9xXnFrhTBoelEMPUR24625cwcIIfOrFYSMvItJ7gn_gzc0jkRDYg2_huhobBNrmRUYl_Wvo_w_2-zpRhp2ueO1lARfMJLQ-TigCaMZDlG23pnK6ExKAPnDXcZplOXhtYEhjXbBvoIaiFvbkd8KLqAF/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-15%20at%2012.58.28%20PM.png"/></a></div></td></tr></table>jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16561276987653547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408822912223468853.post-63699893358224436632024-03-15T09:58:00.003-05:002024-03-15T17:32:06.851-05:00The Knave of Hearts<table><p>One of the numerous <a target = "_blank" href = "https://defendersfan.blogspot.com/2008/12/defenders-for-day.html"><b>Defenders for a Day</b></a> was Jack of Hearts—real name Jack Hart. Because of his motif, I tend to associate that character with the Knave of Hearts, who was accused of stealing tarts in <b>Alice in Wonderland</b>.</p><h5>Around the time he sought membership in the Defenders, Jack of Hearts starred in Marvel Premiere #44 (Oct. 1978); the Knave of Hearts and other Wonderland characters featured prominently on the back cover of <a target = "_blank" href = "https://defendersfan.blogspot.com/2021/07/adapting-alice.html">Marvel Classics Comics #35</a>. </h5></table><table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMmjdz1YxUilte04xRbUnvm7sVX8tDhyphenhyphen8Qb6HADbceQfsaSZAldhoiB6XlcBIKGpKXL9b35Vi3_O_2L0gr6re4md9a9n51xhRmNFEXsEULCfGIDfzyBmakiTTqUnZImhY2CagVyEo6hOnSIihRRTgJZ1-kfr2DN3XWrnnMe4ckNPOiaLSuxgWVeZhGesp9/s643/44-1.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMmjdz1YxUilte04xRbUnvm7sVX8tDhyphenhyphen8Qb6HADbceQfsaSZAldhoiB6XlcBIKGpKXL9b35Vi3_O_2L0gr6re4md9a9n51xhRmNFEXsEULCfGIDfzyBmakiTTqUnZImhY2CagVyEo6hOnSIihRRTgJZ1-kfr2DN3XWrnnMe4ckNPOiaLSuxgWVeZhGesp9/s320/44-1.jpg"/></a></div></td><td> </td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nxvHIlAVsez_Tz-L5IDHO0YSeeKmxJFzIMl4rmf9Kdh72T-BoKTz_HRsF-PF0awV9v-9Ef3bduAC5RCyGAwbIHUzvbmzvTkFAR2DJUkd-Aukfk0MiBxLM1AfP_kxDPLS8iZAIyKOV43Hd1pGVyC0b0avS8af8iKwjG7kQDWVeW0Qgg4bxFxsSfrowEIf/s2446/1b_b5364f83-62e6-450b-8b10-b5b3cad4e622%20copy.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="2446" data-original-width="1731" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nxvHIlAVsez_Tz-L5IDHO0YSeeKmxJFzIMl4rmf9Kdh72T-BoKTz_HRsF-PF0awV9v-9Ef3bduAC5RCyGAwbIHUzvbmzvTkFAR2DJUkd-Aukfk0MiBxLM1AfP_kxDPLS8iZAIyKOV43Hd1pGVyC0b0avS8af8iKwjG7kQDWVeW0Qgg4bxFxsSfrowEIf/s320/1b_b5364f83-62e6-450b-8b10-b5b3cad4e622%20copy.jpg"/></a></div></td></tr></table>jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16561276987653547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408822912223468853.post-55880508093608082692024-03-12T00:54:00.001-05:002024-03-12T00:55:45.077-05:00Bonus Points!<table><p>While reprinting issues of the <b>Defenders</b>, the weekly U.K. magazine <b>Rampage</b> also included back-up content from other superhero comics—and sometimes from anthology series originally published during the Silver Age. Such was the case with <b>Rampage #13</b> (Jan. 11, 1978), which reprinted <a target = "_blank" href = "https://defendersfan.blogspot.com/2008/06/something-sinister-this-way-comes.html"><b>Defenders #14</b></a> followed by the five-page story "Beware!!! Of the Little Toy Men!!" That suspenseful tale first appeared in <b>Journey into Mystery #58</b> (May 1960). In writing this blog over the years, I've noticed the frequent use of exclamation points in comic books, but this particular title takes the cake for excessive punctuation!</p></table><table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBaaqJzh9-X0AczsXEb_U25i6Sc-W_qWTOjvzv9gFLg2_rHZELRiyJM8Haf2X-ffjlyPtndOIVIb2o_aPjvJWirNg-KnSwQAtAatrdlFGs3CV3IWRJIR-3M5CT-9WJWJSvXaHWvMaemjy360fAYdgN3pUPoJefzUXV9pik8rpk38ogm089eyuEngeFuoN/s951/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-11%20at%2012.14.28%20AM.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="707" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBaaqJzh9-X0AczsXEb_U25i6Sc-W_qWTOjvzv9gFLg2_rHZELRiyJM8Haf2X-ffjlyPtndOIVIb2o_aPjvJWirNg-KnSwQAtAatrdlFGs3CV3IWRJIR-3M5CT-9WJWJSvXaHWvMaemjy360fAYdgN3pUPoJefzUXV9pik8rpk38ogm089eyuEngeFuoN/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-11%20at%2012.14.28%20AM.png"/></a></div></table>jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16561276987653547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408822912223468853.post-44907645838372588222024-03-10T20:31:00.014-05:002024-03-10T21:13:11.759-05:00Reservations about Wertham<table><p>I've written several posts over the years about <a target = "_blank" href = "https://defendersfan.blogspot.com/2022/07/innocent-advertising.html"><b>Seduction of the Innocent</b></a>, Fredric Wertham's scathing attack on the comic book industry. After rereading the book again, I've decided to address a few more of Wertham's arguments, which contributed to the Comics Code of 1954. Wertham held that comic books were anti-educational. Western comics, for example, did not accurately portray the American West. Additionally, placing dialogue in word balloons was just one of many practices that depleted comics of literary merit.</p>
<p>The merits of some of Wertham's claims were themselves suspect, however, such as his contention that superheroes promoted a Fascist ideology. In Chapter II, Wertham remarked that we should be thankful the S on Superman's chest was not an S.S. That comparison was blatantly ahistorical seeing how often comic books had portrayed Superman and other costumed heroes battling Nazis during the Second World War.</p>
<p>Wertham's credibility might be called into question elsewhere as well. In Chapter IV, he recalled a conversation with a boy who suffered from nightmares. The boy said he liked reading <b>Blue Beetle</b> comics, likening the title character to Superman but with the added power of turning into a beetle. Wertham said it was easy to understand why a child would be frightened after reading the adventures of a man who became an insect. The problem with Wertham's analysis, however, was that Blue Beetle did <i>not</i> transform into an insect—exposing Wertham's unfamiliarity with the material he was so prone to condemn.</p>
<p>Right or wrong, Wertham was convinced that comic books interfered with the psychological well-being of children and their ability to identify with positive role models. In Chapter IX, he asked, "Is that the best we can do for children, that we teach them the Green Lantern will help?" Interestingly, though self-reflection was uncommon for characters during the Golden Age of comics, Green Lantern would readily question his impact on society during the Bronze Age.</p>
<p></p><h5>The original Green Lantern first appearance in All-American Comics #16 (July 1940).</h5></table><table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mURW0lRgrtqHXnW2rQiXlURg69b3HuvyD0-D96pdD8zhIeZmZq5WyH2vDaTiZT9hzTWlmtykObF5m3sZs9TQVPkdB4p3UNy1tPk0TszNCNYH6aUbGM-Lo5Kzo6FLgWZWS6iX4LH_clgbqlUTBMhnabZgs4cghwifjqUqV5mz6YrwYcMRUMFREPqOwiT9/s554/All-American_Comics_16.webp" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mURW0lRgrtqHXnW2rQiXlURg69b3HuvyD0-D96pdD8zhIeZmZq5WyH2vDaTiZT9hzTWlmtykObF5m3sZs9TQVPkdB4p3UNy1tPk0TszNCNYH6aUbGM-Lo5Kzo6FLgWZWS6iX4LH_clgbqlUTBMhnabZgs4cghwifjqUqV5mz6YrwYcMRUMFREPqOwiT9/s320/All-American_Comics_16.webp"/></a></div></table>jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16561276987653547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408822912223468853.post-78285282407347600122024-03-08T00:07:00.005-06:002024-03-08T00:23:25.222-06:00The Hostess Formula<table><p>Hostess ads were a mainstay of superhero comic books throughout much of the Bronze Age. Criminals would stop in their tracks at the sight of Twinkies, CupCakes, or fruit pies—gleefully surrendering to authorities while biting into the Hostess snacks. Hostess products could also subdue a rampaging Hulk.</p>
<p>Ads for fruit pies consistently featured both apple and cherry (although a character might favor one flavor over another). Sometimes a third choice would appear from one of the following selections:</p></table><table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnECTwpRsPRhewreQVDltXEEp2jPZXFu_aDD9yx7-yv3s9iozDsK66Q4qK80llEyBdeJrzqqtbJispyVg2uSJX6zblC-rPXWLoOCA8tfhfL6GI5npNhDqSG31dAlhhJyrd0wm_cybJtCrNX2F7f0VMg84rlUhreZQuw2ogOGGz2UMVaOftt2FfnP4K-ebV/s1051/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-07%20at%2011.52.37%20PM.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="1051" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnECTwpRsPRhewreQVDltXEEp2jPZXFu_aDD9yx7-yv3s9iozDsK66Q4qK80llEyBdeJrzqqtbJispyVg2uSJX6zblC-rPXWLoOCA8tfhfL6GI5npNhDqSG31dAlhhJyrd0wm_cybJtCrNX2F7f0VMg84rlUhreZQuw2ogOGGz2UMVaOftt2FfnP4K-ebV/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-07%20at%2011.52.37%20PM.png"/></a></div></td><td> </td><td><ul><li>blueberry</li><li>lemon</li><li>peach</li></ul></tr></table>
<table><h5>Daredevil defeats the crimelord Peachy Keen in the closing panels of this Hostess ad for peach, apple and cherry fruit pies.</h5></table>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408822912223468853.post-20292824301826136162024-03-04T22:36:00.001-06:002024-03-04T22:36:18.310-06:00Meditation Practices<table><p>The Defenders were no strangers to meditation. Dr. Strange had a Chamber of Meditation within his Sanctum Sanctorum, the original headquarters for the non-team. As one of the New Defenders, Moondragon often meditated as well. For all their differences, both characters were fiercely private and relied on meditation for mental clarity. </p><h5>Dr. Strange shows Nighthawk and Valkyrie his Chamber of Meditation in <a target = "_blank" href = "https://defendersfan.blogspot.com/2008/06/ulitimate-mutant.html">Defenders #15</a>; Moondragon meditates (and levitates) in New Defenders #136.</h5></table><table><tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OSXJcN-H4ALrTsRBuSPz1fJdoXtcYR8HtD2Ara8l1hvsdU_MlnmwPK4uLAuq-TC5zS1NXdL7boasWBz5OrkKIfwi3FJmyvDvWer2d7V4keWuAQQRvt1EH0abFc5h0f7U3tdyuSrfIbmIAQx1VfcrqUrs3jhPGC-NDhygoyhZwOXOw3cs_Nb-lOfx-3Lf/s1719/Screen%20Shot%202022-12-28%20at%2012.45.21%20AM.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="1719" data-original-width="1558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OSXJcN-H4ALrTsRBuSPz1fJdoXtcYR8HtD2Ara8l1hvsdU_MlnmwPK4uLAuq-TC5zS1NXdL7boasWBz5OrkKIfwi3FJmyvDvWer2d7V4keWuAQQRvt1EH0abFc5h0f7U3tdyuSrfIbmIAQx1VfcrqUrs3jhPGC-NDhygoyhZwOXOw3cs_Nb-lOfx-3Lf/s320/Screen%20Shot%202022-12-28%20at%2012.45.21%20AM.png"/></a></div></td><td> </td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8vHlCsp92xuUzo90YbVvhRroCV1PFjcvT8-nB9kYz3gJyIpoic4sMVn-DpVWAVlPgNE4_rejHhJHaKXn2Pv8QHUR9IRJd9czlRlvcnfnztHDA-AWd6Sa4cPFuYhh99vDp_L0eabRgJQXU__Y0CSQEab0yeEx0EzGh6R_HVYkrM-iQakGu1-Vm8lFTkqE/s456/img_e2133%20copy.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8vHlCsp92xuUzo90YbVvhRroCV1PFjcvT8-nB9kYz3gJyIpoic4sMVn-DpVWAVlPgNE4_rejHhJHaKXn2Pv8QHUR9IRJd9czlRlvcnfnztHDA-AWd6Sa4cPFuYhh99vDp_L0eabRgJQXU__Y0CSQEab0yeEx0EzGh6R_HVYkrM-iQakGu1-Vm8lFTkqE/s320/img_e2133%20copy.jpg"/></a></div></td></table>jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16561276987653547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408822912223468853.post-31527556822824329972024-03-02T22:11:00.003-06:002024-03-02T22:17:52.545-06:00Day of the Druid<table><p>The druidic philosophy outlined in early versions of <b>Dungeons & Dragons</b> considered the moral opposites of Law and Chaos as balancing forces of nature. As such, the clerical subclass of Druid adhered to the alignment of <a target = "_blank" href = "http://defendersfan.blogspot.com/2015/11/true-neutral-libra.html"><b>Neutral</b></a>, a worldview with no particular leanings toward good or evil.</p>
<p>About a decade before the creation of the game, <b>Strange Tales #144-145</b> presented a vastly different take on druids. The leader of a hidden cult combined mystic rites and modern technology to summon the Egg of Satan—a thing of evil designed to seek out Col. Nick Fury and destroy him. Given their diabolical aims, these druids might be a better fit for <a target = "_blank" href = "https://defendersfan.blogspot.com/2015/11/lawful-evil-secret-empire.html"><b>Lawful Evil</b></a>, the alignment closely associated with devils in <b>Advanced Dungeons & Dragons</b>.</p>
<h5>The cover of Strange Tales #144 (May 1966) likened the mysticism of Dr. Strange to Nick Fury's nemesis in "The Day of the Druid!" <a target = "_blank" href = "https://defendersfan.blogspot.com/2023/04/spellbook-shield.html">Dr. Strange starred in a different story within the issue.</a></h5></table><table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyT8hMZM-NK9RYbvO_9jLg3wu1DbjJfsiXYZZJigzPOF4ynE94hQslsTzBoAedpNfrmXXghd_1AlnXRwiPmkouAMuN8M-SKRZIEKxJ54icYgpNg_MrOR1z8i4FPZgGdF7yTHsj4Uiv4XEb8_BO2DHnioulJVAlLbW8NYDWr4o8kPEMcikX2iVQh3NVjtJv/s619/144-1.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyT8hMZM-NK9RYbvO_9jLg3wu1DbjJfsiXYZZJigzPOF4ynE94hQslsTzBoAedpNfrmXXghd_1AlnXRwiPmkouAMuN8M-SKRZIEKxJ54icYgpNg_MrOR1z8i4FPZgGdF7yTHsj4Uiv4XEb8_BO2DHnioulJVAlLbW8NYDWr4o8kPEMcikX2iVQh3NVjtJv/s320/144-1.jpg"/></a></div></table>jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16561276987653547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408822912223468853.post-2224050999155951972024-02-16T01:21:00.000-06:002024-02-16T01:21:56.780-06:00Torpedo<table><p>Like many other <a target = "_blank" href = "https://defendersfan.blogspot.com/2008/12/defenders-for-day.html"><b>Defenders for a Day</b></a>, the hero Torpedo was still relatively unknown during his stint with the non-team. Torpedo later found a niche as the recurring ally to Rom the Spaceknight. After their first encounter in <b>Rom #21</b>, Torpedo made frequent appearances in the series until his death in <b>#50</b>.</p></table><table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADt3W1VqmBS1aevksNwM2CzsfmZHH0B4w71VWVHMap9WjuSgC4Rsdy2KvbrZk3Cl9C43jB38drKV0PTVqNiZmHXqmiC65sVqmL6c4IewP3UzEUztXm4YCDBMymUBW09ql1xN0b669blI-XRmeaPGENNruQ36uijb0Nn9MalJuizOlhcOK8jLufhuYPQ1t/s611/19214-3010-21452-1-rom.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADt3W1VqmBS1aevksNwM2CzsfmZHH0B4w71VWVHMap9WjuSgC4Rsdy2KvbrZk3Cl9C43jB38drKV0PTVqNiZmHXqmiC65sVqmL6c4IewP3UzEUztXm4YCDBMymUBW09ql1xN0b669blI-XRmeaPGENNruQ36uijb0Nn9MalJuizOlhcOK8jLufhuYPQ1t/s320/19214-3010-21452-1-rom.jpg"/></a></div></table>jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16561276987653547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408822912223468853.post-38820725611239914492024-02-11T23:00:00.006-06:002024-02-11T23:05:09.049-06:00Ins and Outs<table><p>Bringing together mutant heroes and supernatural crimefighters, the Champions was an antecedent to the New Defenders—just set in Los Angeles instead of the Southwest. A source of internal conflict arose, however, when Darkstar became the group's new recruit (<b>Champions #10</b>).</p>
<p>Already feeling like an outsider, the demonic Ghost Rider resented how quickly his teammates trusted Darkstar. On more than one occasion, Ghost Rider refused to let Darkstar help him in combat, misinterpreting her cooperativeness as a sign of pity (<b>#14</b>). Ultimately, neither character felt at home in the Champions, prompting them both to resign and leading to the dissolution of the superteam (<b>#17</b>).</p><h5>The following entry for the Champions originally appeared in The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe.</h5></table><table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8H09jsrtPVMFJ5M9D10TigVceQtKELJyag7ZTWY429mAJXwqPSq-j7YIStt1KKNXGqicqpCDCnCASl4FJlEfcdwdoHxh6ZWB5tmO51FLrAzzry5u1VbXAyJZYaxoOSiwT8_ZEbwZskP5B66Mz_ZFsIG-ZwpOPDUecFfoMcFB20fX7s8stkzCxqm_FXBqj/s287/images-1.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8H09jsrtPVMFJ5M9D10TigVceQtKELJyag7ZTWY429mAJXwqPSq-j7YIStt1KKNXGqicqpCDCnCASl4FJlEfcdwdoHxh6ZWB5tmO51FLrAzzry5u1VbXAyJZYaxoOSiwT8_ZEbwZskP5B66Mz_ZFsIG-ZwpOPDUecFfoMcFB20fX7s8stkzCxqm_FXBqj/s320/images-1.jpg"/></a></div></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408822912223468853.post-75120207453711395212024-01-21T23:06:00.002-06:002024-01-21T23:10:37.585-06:00Gals on the Go-Go!<table><p>The cover of <b>Patsy and Hedy #109</b> introduced a new tagline for the series, referring to the duo as "Gals on the Go-Go!" Now employed as newspaper reporters, Patsy and Hedy thwarted a spy ring and other dangers far outside the scope of their earlier adventures in high school. The change of pace was short lived, however, as the series ended with <b>#110</b>. That being said, this brazen version of Patsy Walker was an important step toward her future career as the superheroine Hellcat.</p><h5>Patsy and Hedy. Vol. 1. No. 109. December 1966. "Surf-Side Spies!" Stan Lee (editor), Denny-O (writer), Al Hartley (artist). </h5></table><table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHJPij-tbcbrVye94URo3882OXT_bL4UNczXdSt0E7NJpZYQ-0uK8myO5kkct58VTYa6s_Ll19Tg-bmCTfdFMdu74DJXQonJlLpwULf2OI64Rwm1GyzB8yM2xP6E-5ZZcUdOtH_fYPcI5zLQR98DxpmFLgr2jumkKPrjrG0ZrmJM1evRGnMvJbXT4cxnC/s627/109-1.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHJPij-tbcbrVye94URo3882OXT_bL4UNczXdSt0E7NJpZYQ-0uK8myO5kkct58VTYa6s_Ll19Tg-bmCTfdFMdu74DJXQonJlLpwULf2OI64Rwm1GyzB8yM2xP6E-5ZZcUdOtH_fYPcI5zLQR98DxpmFLgr2jumkKPrjrG0ZrmJM1evRGnMvJbXT4cxnC/s320/109-1.jpg"/></a></div></table>jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16561276987653547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408822912223468853.post-53604500677025654042024-01-12T19:55:00.003-06:002024-01-12T20:00:01.647-06:00Patsy and Hedy's Apartment<table><p>After Patsy Walker and Hedy Wolfe graduated from high school, the words "Career Girls" began appearing on the cover of their series beginning with <b>Patsy and Hedy #96</b>. The two young women began sharing an apartment and the comic book adopted a soap opera tone.</p><h5>This annotated apartment layout appeared in Patsy and Hedy #101 (August 1965).</h5></table><table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghd9cwqOKeHRoAodafUDMtLMDWYiEvmPqg-nbA1kd-k5KOR-Z4bEOGS4sTcwI3KUl-JRTGNwn2kX8IP-yfB5FcGsS88haZwXM2NBviFgHZg5nCh_CMlzIKvzzKj88aY83oroKONiQDVceURjUpE7tn4ODNCiqq_-g0VIYZAIk4I58mdHueNh4iR58DiHb7/s1755/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-23%20at%204.48.50%20PM.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="1755" data-original-width="1183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghd9cwqOKeHRoAodafUDMtLMDWYiEvmPqg-nbA1kd-k5KOR-Z4bEOGS4sTcwI3KUl-JRTGNwn2kX8IP-yfB5FcGsS88haZwXM2NBviFgHZg5nCh_CMlzIKvzzKj88aY83oroKONiQDVceURjUpE7tn4ODNCiqq_-g0VIYZAIk4I58mdHueNh4iR58DiHb7/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-23%20at%204.48.50%20PM.png"/></a></div></table>jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16561276987653547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408822912223468853.post-65421826415245448582024-01-10T01:12:00.000-06:002024-01-10T01:12:54.755-06:00Valiant Pin-Up<table><p>This pin-up of Valkyrie riding Aragorn comes from <b>Rampage #11</b> (Dec. 28, 1977). Also pictured: Dr. Strange, Prince Namor the Sub-Mariner, and Hulk.</p></table><table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAmaK5hw16bY2R_a_BhsAuh8pwG7yVO3id0OUTHT_JWw61WH6SLtuI0RHL3bxXxwMgd61IpLnkh8UIidomtZ2HKI9TqU0dRe_2Vbnib1NmkS7oNaS2viU7Gcf0vTSl9DmyPjDokZBgQ9IeiHEMvlJrfaSbjYzuMQ7kZ_qGxELT67KGpCP2PvIQll3JXa3/s1711/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-22%20at%205.38.12%20PM.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="1711" data-original-width="1139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAmaK5hw16bY2R_a_BhsAuh8pwG7yVO3id0OUTHT_JWw61WH6SLtuI0RHL3bxXxwMgd61IpLnkh8UIidomtZ2HKI9TqU0dRe_2Vbnib1NmkS7oNaS2viU7Gcf0vTSl9DmyPjDokZBgQ9IeiHEMvlJrfaSbjYzuMQ7kZ_qGxELT67KGpCP2PvIQll3JXa3/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-22%20at%205.38.12%20PM.png"/></a></div></table>jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16561276987653547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408822912223468853.post-18520025534148365092024-01-07T23:22:00.003-06:002024-01-07T23:24:26.837-06:00Psychic Disguise<table><p>Long before she honed her own psychic abilities as Hellcat, a teenage Patsy Walker received an unexpected visit from a swami carrying a crystal ball. Underneath the turban and fake mustache was Buzz Baxter, Patsy's recurring love interest. Buzz wanted to surprise Patsy and make up with her after storming out earlier that evening. He had jumped to the conclusion that Patsy had lost interest in him when their plans to spend time together kept getting intruded upon. But Buzz discovered that jealous classmate Hedy Wolfe had orchestrated the series of interruptions as a plot to break up the young couple (<b>Patsy and Hedy #49</b>).</p>
<h5>This panel of Patsy Walker and a disguised Buzz Baxter comes from Patsy and Hedy #49 (January 1957).</h5></table><table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWfvoKk-acmypvCAnnt01PST7FDhESmmiOxBg52ogXkxnAWBeFA4-cR_qRJtsNY1GBhJI-UJi8DO_2BJ3T9OUL9ZmajX2bAI-gkLjxp91MZzEc48_LaC4BreGDMBzp2FvwQW7jvUb7yUQJmBfS5Gi4r6D_5oaOp1G9pP17sD6F3BH-jgzvBKpfzHlR0dZ/s199/407033447_1324365215117928_2642996075984151650_n.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWfvoKk-acmypvCAnnt01PST7FDhESmmiOxBg52ogXkxnAWBeFA4-cR_qRJtsNY1GBhJI-UJi8DO_2BJ3T9OUL9ZmajX2bAI-gkLjxp91MZzEc48_LaC4BreGDMBzp2FvwQW7jvUb7yUQJmBfS5Gi4r6D_5oaOp1G9pP17sD6F3BH-jgzvBKpfzHlR0dZ/s320/407033447_1324365215117928_2642996075984151650_n.jpg"/></a></div></table>jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16561276987653547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408822912223468853.post-33637234047977291352023-12-15T22:28:00.001-06:002023-12-15T22:28:33.698-06:00Daring Pin-Up<table><p>This pin-up of the Daring Defenders comes from <b>Rampage #8</b> (Dec. 7, 1977). That issue of the weekly U.K. magazine reprinted the story from <a target = "_blank" href = "https://defendersfan.blogspot.com/2010/02/definition-of-non-team.html"><b>Defenders #7</b></a>, Hawkeye's introduction to the non-team.</p>
<h5>Pictured clockwise: Hulk, Valkyrie, Dr. Strange, Sub-Mariner, Hawkeye. </h5></table><table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LI6e_MA2-6TaNKCA4Ud7NK1PeTNH3yPUKP1iXnVy1RHpMjRhnLwhQ230GY5MqcSHJSIQo14KK3hODhepAr-iE4Lk3KTv9rYv6e1-6G9P1glB4M50oFGZOMy2G_2ljzq9m8zaIVmOEaPjFUPx_kCcWgp5jLdXaBOmFFjCJmZjIjgxqf14v109FK0-utIq/s717/DOC121523.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LI6e_MA2-6TaNKCA4Ud7NK1PeTNH3yPUKP1iXnVy1RHpMjRhnLwhQ230GY5MqcSHJSIQo14KK3hODhepAr-iE4Lk3KTv9rYv6e1-6G9P1glB4M50oFGZOMy2G_2ljzq9m8zaIVmOEaPjFUPx_kCcWgp5jLdXaBOmFFjCJmZjIjgxqf14v109FK0-utIq/s320/DOC121523.jpg"/></a></div></table>jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16561276987653547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408822912223468853.post-24679975235338851992023-12-04T23:15:00.001-06:002023-12-04T23:17:35.160-06:00Reversal<table><p><a target = "_blank" href ="https://defendersfan.blogspot.com/2014/09/when-did-jessica-jones-battle-avengers.html"><b>Defenders #89</b></b></a> established that the early Patsy Walker comics were actually fictionalized accounts of the heroine's teenage years before she became Hellcat. That metatext was previously referenced in <b>Patsy and Hedy #78</b>.</p>
<p>Tired of being portrayed in a negative light, <a target = "_blank" href = "https://defendersfan.blogspot.com/2021/01/chaotic-neutral-hedy-wolfe.html"><b>Hedy Wolfe</b></a> took a train to New York City to complain to the creative team responsible for <b>Patsy and Hedy Magazine</b>. Unless changes took place, Hedy said, her father would buy the publication and fire them. In response to that threat, the following issue depicted Hedy as kind and understanding while Patsy came across as petty and jealous. The plan backfired, however. Hedy's friends described the new story as an unbelievable satire and laughed at her expense. All the more infuriated, Hedy demanded that the magazine go back to portraying her as they originally had.</p><h5>This illustration from Patsy and Hedy #78 (Oct. 1961) shows a comic book within the pages of the comic book.</h5></table><table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidn1uHf1MBtR824tWmuB_x4W_86WTA5JhpjGgZFgxyA2eRJ7loODawSVM5YZKwkNtZ66C7hq3b4V-Xb9IVmY-HaLFtOAu3owooGpimTpLx-8miC6PrnIe0FxQl5JpxQZ4GgV5pDyKUnMpnA-UnO1TIFT6dJhQ-FM44ewLNKlykv03i1VpF7Wf2h8yPuQ9e/s664/DOC112423.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidn1uHf1MBtR824tWmuB_x4W_86WTA5JhpjGgZFgxyA2eRJ7loODawSVM5YZKwkNtZ66C7hq3b4V-Xb9IVmY-HaLFtOAu3owooGpimTpLx-8miC6PrnIe0FxQl5JpxQZ4GgV5pDyKUnMpnA-UnO1TIFT6dJhQ-FM44ewLNKlykv03i1VpF7Wf2h8yPuQ9e/s320/DOC112423.jpg"/></a></div></table>jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16561276987653547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408822912223468853.post-64579433840613009942023-11-29T01:02:00.003-06:002023-12-01T18:55:40.492-06:00Moonga of Mars<table><p>When friends suggested seeing a monster movie, Patsy Walker shot down the idea. In Patsy's opinion, monsters were just laughable. As a practical joke, Buzz Baxter rented a costume to scare Patsy by introducing himself as Moonga the Martian (<b>Patsy and Hedy #76</b>). Even as a prank, the sight of an extraterrestrial was extraordinary. Although monster comics were commonplace at the time, Patsy Walker was firmly situated in the genre of teen romance/comedy.</p>
<p></p><h5>This panel comes from Patsy and Hedy #76 (June 1961).</table><table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvIBaBDP_xiks-ZMfR6CUWk9GDKRo8sZ4arUZRQLOn_srkAz3tvsjMbEd2FH15yd44jNyLjz1FgD9poSzo_4jOQwLKX_4ElAL1SkGI3Ksl3RV3O51A1FYbh59zRitCJzrimxKjL3X-Vvww-9rnyxXZX4r8Qt0jtXXtNOgYiv91oa2esS1AH2DWYtrAT30/s560/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-23%20at%207.05.43%20PM.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvIBaBDP_xiks-ZMfR6CUWk9GDKRo8sZ4arUZRQLOn_srkAz3tvsjMbEd2FH15yd44jNyLjz1FgD9poSzo_4jOQwLKX_4ElAL1SkGI3Ksl3RV3O51A1FYbh59zRitCJzrimxKjL3X-Vvww-9rnyxXZX4r8Qt0jtXXtNOgYiv91oa2esS1AH2DWYtrAT30/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-23%20at%207.05.43%20PM.png"/></a></div></table>jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16561276987653547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408822912223468853.post-33780481514896090942023-11-24T03:34:00.006-06:002023-12-13T01:14:21.741-06:00Arrows and Alignments<table><p>Robin Hood was an inspiration for many a comic book archer, such as <a target = "_blank" href = "https://defendersfan.blogspot.com/2021/09/the-squadron-symmetry.html"><b>Green Arrow</b></a>, <a target = "_blank" href = "https://defendersfan.blogspot.com/2018/09/trick-arrows.html"><b>Hawkeye</b></a> and <a target = "_blank" href = "https://defendersfan.blogspot.com/2020/11/the-arrows-of-golden-archer.html"><b>Golden Archer</b></a>. Given my many posts over the years about the alignment system from <b>Advanced Dungeons & Dragons</b>, I was curious how the game assessed this folk hero.</p>
<p>An article from <b>Dragon #55</b> (Nov. 1981) described Robin Hood as <a target = "_blank" href = "https://defendersfan.blogspot.com/2021/02/chaotic-good-el-aguila.html"><b>Chaotic Good</b></a>, citing his love of total freedom and his hatred of injustice. That wasn't the last word, however. An article from <b>Dragon #63</b> (July 1982) noted that bandits in the tradition of Robin Hood have an alignment of <a target = "_blank" href = "https://defendersfan.blogspot.com/2023/04/neutral-good-rick-jones.html"><b>Neutral Good</b></a>. This inconsistent take on Robin Hood, or characters like him, shows the room for interpretation within the nine alignments from <b>AD&D</b>.</p>
<h5>The story of Robin Hood appeared in Marvel Classics Comics #34 (Oct. 1978).</h5></table><table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvGYcKOejh_HYHpYYBbiogoHSxaUDJu-1SkHmrNB5If-hwTLx0KvxHQxMpPRuB5hEAAAvwVk8O5q1DERHIaWBe80A3bmWRNJBIAgv0WkxKjFQNL3T_yJrZGLrsOfYaQB9VQ3el2vIsgHpSTwx3mY8mfCXi5ClDBvyOqmC16iOE2LOKyrd8sKikRk_tfKmZ/s450/portrait_uncanny.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvGYcKOejh_HYHpYYBbiogoHSxaUDJu-1SkHmrNB5If-hwTLx0KvxHQxMpPRuB5hEAAAvwVk8O5q1DERHIaWBe80A3bmWRNJBIAgv0WkxKjFQNL3T_yJrZGLrsOfYaQB9VQ3el2vIsgHpSTwx3mY8mfCXi5ClDBvyOqmC16iOE2LOKyrd8sKikRk_tfKmZ/s320/portrait_uncanny.jpg"/></a></div></table>jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16561276987653547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408822912223468853.post-62138702627840782382023-11-17T16:06:00.004-06:002023-11-17T19:28:58.423-06:00Buzz Baxter: Public Enemy #1<table><p>Back in their days as high school sweethearts, Patsy Walker and Buzz Baxter were at odds. After warning Buzz about being too quick to lose his temper, Patsy became all the more concerned when Buzz refused to appear in court to pay a fine on a traffic ticket (<b>Patsy Walker #42</b>).</p>
<dl><dd><b>Patsy:</b> Buzz, I'm afraid this is far more serious than you think! It could <i>ruin</i> your future … One thing leads to another and before you know it you're <i>Public Enemy Number One!</i></dd></dl>
<p>As things turned out, Buzz had received a phony traffic ticket as a practical joke, so he wasn't in any real trouble with the law—at least not until years later when he became the supervillain Mad-Dog and Patsy became the crimefighter Hellcat.</p>
<h5>Buzz Baxter worries about becoming a criminal in this panel from Patsy Walker #42 (Sept. 1952).</table>
<table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vR_JqO8yPRbaTsbHd7InoqeccFP4wlfx04ma7PbyrFZWs3fHkb-9dEPJKFyhnCZBL3xUsevkNvQ1Dne2ntBPu2yMk-_Mwj0-xmVQT1nb6NSwHNKgw_qeeEVYI6sFtp_6oIkFUNYwjsRt7qGnsPO2xl5aNP7lQQUOd-XtwFAsgssxUIZrRiTbIY7M16ZB/s559/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-17%20at%201.39.53%20PM.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vR_JqO8yPRbaTsbHd7InoqeccFP4wlfx04ma7PbyrFZWs3fHkb-9dEPJKFyhnCZBL3xUsevkNvQ1Dne2ntBPu2yMk-_Mwj0-xmVQT1nb6NSwHNKgw_qeeEVYI6sFtp_6oIkFUNYwjsRt7qGnsPO2xl5aNP7lQQUOd-XtwFAsgssxUIZrRiTbIY7M16ZB/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-17%20at%201.39.53%20PM.png"/></a></div></table>
jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16561276987653547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408822912223468853.post-32759673294426994492023-11-11T20:40:00.002-06:002023-11-11T21:04:50.729-06:00Cat Costume<table><p>Patsy Walker eventually became a superhero when she found the costume worn by the original <a target = "_blank" href = "https://defendersfan.blogspot.com/2008/12/hellcat-mind-of-her-own.html"><b>Cat</b></a>. Coincidentally, exposition on the cover of <b>Patsy and Hedy #47</b> (Nov. 1956) noted that teenage Patsy had her eye on a cat costume for a masquerade party. Although that situation didn't appear as a story inside the comic book, the cover provides some subtext (albeit unintentional) for Patsy's adult alias as Hellcat. </p></table><table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOK2A_HvhhyQnidN_Yn5xbM4dggtsA3veH8Yn_l9l70-cZeOZU7zb4aLA_R000tPy-m3eWxuZ3qK7GJb3qbJWWY8X4iRkdv7ejOzS3eXoArrXdAcoWdm6PErT_HqtCjKjCqRXxu8ZjqMLabe-Z2MPLUjoMRPUJvD0yODBfDtb0iZQ3oecdi6N-aNh-OF-X/s591/47-1.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOK2A_HvhhyQnidN_Yn5xbM4dggtsA3veH8Yn_l9l70-cZeOZU7zb4aLA_R000tPy-m3eWxuZ3qK7GJb3qbJWWY8X4iRkdv7ejOzS3eXoArrXdAcoWdm6PErT_HqtCjKjCqRXxu8ZjqMLabe-Z2MPLUjoMRPUJvD0yODBfDtb0iZQ3oecdi6N-aNh-OF-X/s320/47-1.jpg"/></a></div></table>jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16561276987653547304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408822912223468853.post-53488485014671696182023-11-04T23:32:00.004-05:002023-11-04T23:35:51.615-05:00On a Lark<table><p>Lady Lark was among the most tragic members of the Squadron Supreme. As revealed in the Squadron Supreme limited series, Linda Lewis had been a successful recording artist until an accident damaged her vocal cords. Following an operation, new vocal cords gave her superhuman sonic powers. As a drawback, however, she could no longer sing (<b>Squadron Supreme #1, #4</b>). In some respects, Lady Lark's music career had parallels to that of <a target = "_blank" href = "https://defendersfan.blogspot.com/2013/11/dazzled.html"><b>Dazzler</b></a>, a singer whose mutant powers over light and sound propelled her into the role of reluctant superhero.</p>
<p>Like other early members of the Squadron Supreme, Lady Lark had a counterpart in the Justice League of America—specifically, Black Canary, with her ear-piercing "canary cry." On top of that, Lady Lark's on-again, off-again relationship with teammate <a target = "_blank" href = "https://defendersfan.blogspot.com/2020/11/the-arrows-of-golden-archer.html"><b>Golden Archer</b></a> was an homage to Black Canary's romantic pairing with Green Arrow in DC Comics. </p>
<h5>This image of Lady Lark comes from Avengers #147 (May 1976). Since her powers often appeared as music notes, singing may have been how Lady Lark activated her superhuman abilities. </h5></table><table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_Ac92BDhuqnegLK8bBa4Epy8Vf-E5aytvEiA-8yaUMrprJkgzQHFP8jOsvEvpTLV1EQqivudLd83dNTOSvXCHkrY3eOmR3_pgBLaeYKfFN9W9VwOewJU7HrjhXOe0NlBtVc0n1l_PPvTxH04plfDL50DjOIlgbQ7DVHOv24rZ1DZWpM5Oh2cJBfmSqOw/s296/tumblr_inline_oxkr7ldyFH1s0scec_1280.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_Ac92BDhuqnegLK8bBa4Epy8Vf-E5aytvEiA-8yaUMrprJkgzQHFP8jOsvEvpTLV1EQqivudLd83dNTOSvXCHkrY3eOmR3_pgBLaeYKfFN9W9VwOewJU7HrjhXOe0NlBtVc0n1l_PPvTxH04plfDL50DjOIlgbQ7DVHOv24rZ1DZWpM5Oh2cJBfmSqOw/s320/tumblr_inline_oxkr7ldyFH1s0scec_1280.jpg"/></a></div></table>jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16561276987653547304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408822912223468853.post-13172424968846919622023-11-03T22:02:00.007-05:002023-11-05T00:21:29.944-05:00Love Triangulation<table><p>A complicated love triangle developed in the "Patsy Walker" story from <b>Miss America #44</b> (March 1952). Patsy was upset that boyfriend Buzz Baxter was more interested in reading a <b>Kid Colt</b> comic book than paying attention to her. At Patsy's prompting, Buzz put aside the comic book only to become equally preoccupied with westerns on TV and film.</p>
<p>Buzz then took Patsy on a date to the rodeo to see Tex Dallas, a cowboy he admired. After the show, Tex coerced Buzz into riding a horse called "Back-Buster"; the ornery animal immediately threw Buzz to the ground! Buzz went home with a sore back while Tex invited Patsy out dancing—leaving Buzz feeling bitter and betrayed by his hero.</p></table><table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmWQsW7wkIff1w_Dl7vI-PyXfawvLycfRjVx3qm9NbWScXkLJerGV7KenrO_SMZSYBjxqGqlf-4SFkaXSjLnnRvNK1hrL6GW9qNtxDCHTjgYG2Cg_vHThFt4OUqexDa5z7N6RJ0Q6rLcuB1XaCRnvM7pwI3VCjZi0vqdbOpA5EsOCC1V_PAudHYS1_rj8/s1098/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-03%20at%207.03.21%20PM.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="1098" data-original-width="1075" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmWQsW7wkIff1w_Dl7vI-PyXfawvLycfRjVx3qm9NbWScXkLJerGV7KenrO_SMZSYBjxqGqlf-4SFkaXSjLnnRvNK1hrL6GW9qNtxDCHTjgYG2Cg_vHThFt4OUqexDa5z7N6RJ0Q6rLcuB1XaCRnvM7pwI3VCjZi0vqdbOpA5EsOCC1V_PAudHYS1_rj8/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-03%20at%207.03.21%20PM.png"/></a></div></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408822912223468853.post-36319274279942194472023-10-13T23:42:00.001-05:002023-11-02T01:40:19.107-05:00Heavenly Hair Styles<table><p>Before Patsy Walker took to wearing a costume as Hellcat, her romance comics regularly included pages with her modeling various clothing fashions or hair styles. The same was true for Patsy's friend and rival <a target = "_blank" href ="https://defendersfan.blogspot.com/2021/01/chaotic-neutral-hedy-wolfe.html"><b>Hedy Wolfe</b></a>. This page of "Patsy's Heavenly Hair Styles" comes from <b>Patsy and Hedy #97</b> (Dec. 1964).</p></table><table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkJZdQBoEyhgPVFd30X4YRsKIkoXwX7EP_ua4K-VBGBpla5pTLvz4g1PRc9MWpr-nEP2wMICP4XeraEQrwdDRhLfL_AbaRnePfTbGcsbb1Q9rPhT_c28gMeinyuEBtUxzfO3RcCD97rvaMdVnvLxVWt15f85WQNB54Xgkc75QbqoELJm7JphOTh14btf-/s1852/Screen%20Shot%202023-10-13%20at%207.07.29%20PM.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="1852" data-original-width="1233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkJZdQBoEyhgPVFd30X4YRsKIkoXwX7EP_ua4K-VBGBpla5pTLvz4g1PRc9MWpr-nEP2wMICP4XeraEQrwdDRhLfL_AbaRnePfTbGcsbb1Q9rPhT_c28gMeinyuEBtUxzfO3RcCD97rvaMdVnvLxVWt15f85WQNB54Xgkc75QbqoELJm7JphOTh14btf-/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-10-13%20at%207.07.29%20PM.png"/></a></div></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0