1st Issue Special #10 (1976)

1st Issue Special #10 (January, 1976)
"We're the Outsiders"
By: Joe Simon, Jerry Grandenetti, & Creig Flessel
Cover Price: $0.25

While I can't say I bought this one off the racks (I wasn't even a gleam when this hit the stands), I can say I paid cover price for it... so that's something, right?  I gotta admit, I snagged this one thinking it had some sort of connection to... well, the Outsiders... like, of the "Batman and..." variety.  Even though I knew that was an 80's concept, I still thought there may be a connection.  Spoiler Alert: Nope.

I remember being confused after buying this one.  It says "1st Issue Special" on top, yet I never thought that was actually the name of the series.  I thought for sure the title of the book was "Outsiders", and that this was simply the first issue.  So, how can an issue be both a "first" and "#10 in a series"?

Well, during the mid 1970's it appeared as though DC was trying to eat their cake and have it too, in publishing an anthology series wherein every issue is a "#1"... sounds a lot like the contemporary market there, no?  1st Issue Special would last 13 issues, and may be best remembered as the series that introduced Mike Grell's Warlord to the world (in issue #8, Nov-75).

DC would revisit the title of Outsiders in 1983, however, it would prove to be a much different (and more successful) venture featuring more traditional superhero fare.

--

Several odd characters are huddled around a television set.  On screen, there is a newscaster reporting on a "freak" that is currently terrorizing the town of Lynnville.  The newsman goes on to stoke the flames of the impending riot by stating that the towns citizenry is currently assembling to commit a "final assault" on the creature.  Operation: Rescue commences.  Our team of Outsiders intends to intervene and save the poor misfit.  Johnny, Ronnie, Mary, and Doc hop onto Larry's body-cart, and they are off!

Upon reaching town, they find a young bulbous-headed boy named Billy being beaten down by several townsfolk.  The Outsiders sing a little rescue tune (seriously), even the playing field, and ultimately rescue the boy.

Perhaps in a commentary on perception, Mighty Mary is able to get the drop on a few yokels by luring them to her by showing them her pretty face.  When they get close enough, she pounces and grabs them with her large rippling scale-covered muscles.

The team reconvenes once they appear to be out of danger, and they take the opportunity to share their origin stories with us... the reader.  No seriously, Hairy Larry wants to tell us what's up.

Thanks for lookin' out, Larry!

Our first story is of Johnny, the reptilian character.  Several years back, fisherman Ahab Smith got a nibble on what he thought to be a pretty interesting catch.  He took the lizard-child to a Hospital to get checked out.

A while later, Doctor Goodie is called into a dark examination room.  Another Doctor is observing the lizard-boy, and decides that he must end its suffering... and wields a large butcher's knife to do the deed.  Goodie and this bespectacled prick enter a struggle, which Goodie loses.  The Doc is about to carve up Johnny, when the lizard hisses at him and (maybe?) pokes him with his forked tongue, knocking him out.  Dr. Goodie wraps the critter in a blanket and runs out of the hospital.

Our next story features Batman and Robin as they catch some crooks with delicious Hostess Fru... oh, wait.  That's just an ad... we'll discuss that one later.

Our real second story is for the rescue-ee, Billy.  You see, he lived with his father who ran a tailor shop.  One night (perhaps this very night), two mooks broke in and attempted to hold-up the joint.  Billy's doddering daddy, Old Man Lundy, tells them he has nothing.  They see a poorly hidden trap door in the floor, and head over to see what he's hiding.  Lundy protests... so they kill him.

Making their way down to the lower level, the creeps find Billy and his amazing dome looking back at them.  Billy, not meaning any harm introduces himself and slowly approaches.  One thug whacks him in the head with a piece of lumber, which doesn't appear to affect our Billy.

WOK!  THUD!

The thugs retreat back up the ladder, and Billy curiously follows.  The men panic and toss a kerosene lamp at the boy, which causes the entire shop to go up in flames.  Billy emerges from the fire, only to find himself surrounded by townies, who all takes turns introducing the boy to several blunt instruments in attempt to run him out of town.

Our third story is another Doctor Goodie tale.  This time, in spaaaaace!!!  Goodie is headed toward Venus on a super-secret mission when he becomes abducted by aliens (or maybe just Venus natives, who knows?)  Two years go by, and Goodie is still missing (I wonder what became of the lizard-boy during this time?).  His craft finally reappears.  He is taken to a medical facility and it is determined that he had been in suspended animation.  They also advise him that there'd been some alterations made to his previously gorgeous face... he looks like one of them shrunken apple heads (see below).

Our fourth and final story... is yet another Doctor Goodie story.  They must have had big plans for him.  Anyways... he's back to being his devastatingly handsome self, and is once more practicing medicine.  All of the women who make his acquaintance seem to fawn over him.

He excuses himself, and heads to his private quarters located twenty-stories (!) below the hospital proper.

Always loved these cross-section pictures we'd sometimes get back in the day

When he arrives, he removes his mask, revealing his shrunken-apple head and meets with his team, now featuring Billy as a full-fledged member.  They gather once more around the television set, and find that yet freak (this one flaming!) is terrorizing a town called Luckless.  The Outsiders must enact Operation: Rescue once again!

--

This was a harmless little tale in one of the more twisted neighborhoods of the DC Universe.  Makes me wonder if this band of characters is still out there somewhere... likely trying to scrounge up the cash to afford a lawyer to go after Batman for taking their team name.

Truth be told, not much to this one.  We observe the team's initial outing, we learn their mission statement, and get a bit of insight as to their origins.  We don't get the origins of the Amazing Ronnie nor Mighty Mary, perhaps those were being saved for the hopeful launch of the series proper.  I suppose I'd be somewhat remiss not to sorta-kinda compare this to the Doom Patrol, and perhaps even Marvel's X-Men.  There is a text piece included written by Allan Asherman (which I will pop in below) discussing how people are different, and how we should all strive to be accepting of one another.  So, I suppose at its core, The Outsiders is a commentary on discrimination predicated on ones appearance.  Okay, I guess I can dig that.  I've read enough comics featuring heroes sworn to protect a "world that fears and hates them", that this resonates in me a bit.

These Outsiders would, to my knowledge only make one more appearance... over thirty years later in a single panel of an issue of Superman (from that odd era where Superman didn't even appear in his own books).

From Superman #692 (November, 2009) - Words: James Robinson/Art: Fernando Dagnino
Love their designation "FIS10"... I now get that reference!

Worth seeking out?  Well, if you come across it for two-bits... sure.  Otherwise, I think I can safely say this is not required reading.

--

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Ol' Doc Scary feels your pain, lady!

Never knew there was a DC version of the Bible...
Gotta wonder if it was affected during Crisis? 

Toldja we had Hostess!
Batman is so badass he knocks dudes out while they're driving!

Okay, gotta find these before December.

I don't think I've ever seen a doctor with a dragon tattoo on his chest.
Might wanna check his credentials

A. Leading Authority is one of my top-ten authors!
I think this is how Batman got his start 

No... Maybe this is how Batman got his start

T'was a simpler time.

I can't picture Randy Savage saying "Sink your teeth into a Slim Jim!"
I don't get the werewolf reference either... maybe it's their taste for blood 'n metal?

Power of Shazam! #1,000,000 (1998)

Power of Shazam! #1,000,000 (November, 1998) or (November, 85271)
"Between the Rock and a Hot Place"
Writer & Penciller - Jerry Ordway
Inker - Dick Giordano
Colorist - Glenn Whitmore
Letterer - John Costanza
Assistant Editor - Frank Berrios
Editor - Mike Carlin
Cover Price: $2.50

The DC One Million issues never fail to catch my eye.  Not only due to their novel trade-dress, but also for just which titles were included... seeing that Young Heroes in Love (a title I need to visit sometime soon), Resurrection Man, and Superman: The Man of Tomorrow all had "One Million" issues makes me smile.  Another title that took part (of which I was unaware) is the book we're going to discuss today... The Power of Shazam!

As I'd mentioned during my Shazam! The New Beginning discussion, I have very little Captain Marvel knowledge... however, I'm trying to rectify that.  Perhaps jumping in on an issue #1,000,000 is a foolish way to "get my feet wet" on a character, but the cover looks awesome, so here we are...

--

We open at the Rock of Eternity where Steve Buscemi a woman called Satra finds the slumbering Captain Marvel, along with a treasure trove of artifacts.

Back on Mercury, which during this time frame serves as something of a communications hub, Satra emerges from a turbine.  She is greeted by her son, Tanist, who is sporting a cast on his right leg.  She removes her eye filters (-10 Buscemi) and hands over a disc crammed full of data that should prove to be of special interest to one called Tinker.

Satra heads off for a moment, leaving Tanist to guard the tesseract portal that lay deep behind the turbines.  A mustachioed gentleman called Prospero observes the activity and approaches the boy to get the skinny on what's going on.  The two struggle for a brief moment, before Prospero heads toward the portal planning on claiming its contents for himself.  As he gets pulled through, he begins to panic... Tanist grabs Prospero's leg, and they are both deposited at the Rock of Eternity.

The fellas approach the sleeping Marvel and Propero uses his eye-beams to slash off a chunk of his overgrown beard.  This reveals the famous Captain Marvel lightning-bolt... causing them to mistake him for the Flash.  When Prospero attempts to remove some hair that is obscuring the man's eyes, he is shocked to find Captain Marvel's eyes to be open.

Captain Marvel is now awake.  He lightly taps Prospero, which sends him flying... and look towards Tanist, who he confuses for old pal Freddy Freeman.

Prospero strikes back, firing an eye beam at one of the Rock's stalactites, causing it to nearly crush young Tanist.  Captain Marvel is able to shield the boy, however, the damage is already done.

Back on Mercury, the Headnet that connects all the inhabitants has gone kaput.  This causes all of the citizens to become wildly confused.  They all head into the tesseract, trampling Tanist's poor mother, Satra to death in the process.

Back at the Rock, Captain Marvel finds himself the target of multiple attackers, including Shade the M-Powered Woman, Atomic Ant (in his nicest Marvel/MiracleMan skivvies), Mr. Elastic, and the irredeemable Aquafresh.

Cap makes reasonably short work of these goofs, and in the process regains his missing memory.

He also remembers poor Tanist, and heads directly for him... passing by the Mercurians as they loot and destroy the treasures of the Rock.

With Tanist in his arms, Captain Marvel exits the tesseract.  When they are free from danger, he asks the lad to say his name.  Tanist lets out a "Captain Marvel", and is no sooner hit with a bolt of power-granting lightning!

The two Marvels then head out in attempt to locate the modern-day Flash.

--

Despite my confusion and perhaps inability to follow much of the goings on in this issue (I feel this is more an indictment on my reading comprehension than Mr. Ordway's ability to craft a narrative), I enjoyed it.  It would be unfair of me to point out any sort of perceived story-flaws, as this is just one chapter in a wide-reaching crossover... so I won't.

The action scenes were the high point of this issue, to me.  Watching Captain Marvel take on this crazy crew of villains (including the incomparable Aquafresh!) was a treat.  Seeing Cap finally get his memory back was great as well.  This story found a way to tie the contemporary Captain Marvel in with this far-flung future timeline, and did so perfectly.

My main problem becoming invested with stories like the Legion of Superheroes and, yes, even some other DC One Million entries is that the characters just feel too distant for me to really build any kind of connection with.  I don't worry when Saturn Girl is in trouble... because whatever she's going through just feels so far away.

It's like that George Carlin bit, that I will attempt to paraphrase/butcher.  He said something like, if you hear about a grand tragedy on television or over the radio, your ears perk up... and then when you come to learn that the incident occurred on the other side of the planet, you no longer care.  That's how I am with respect to comic stories that take place in the future (or in space, if I'm being honest).  With this being the "real" Billy Batson Captain Marvel (at least to my knowledge), I was able to actually care about the outcome.

This is a hard one to recommend as an out-of-sequence random read, but in viewing it as part of the greater DC One Million tapestry... or if you're a Captain Marvel fan, definitely check this one out.

--

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The horror... the horror!

Vigilante #50 (1988)

Vigilante #50 (February, 1988)
"A Life!"
Writer - Paul Kupperberg
Penciller - Steve Erwin
Inker - Jack Torrance
Letterer - John Costanza
Colorist - Liz Berube
Editor - Mike Gold
Cover Price: $1.50

Spoilers are a funny and terrible thing.  I've had my share of comics stories spoiled before getting the chance to actually read them myself.  I've even had major key plot twists ruined for me while waiting on line at the comic book store.  So, uh... spoilers to follow...

One time in particular was back in 2003.  My absolute favorite book at the time was Marvel's New X-Men written by Grant Morrison.  I'll never forget standing in line to pay for my unhealthily large stack of books... only to have the jerk-ass behind the counter look at me and say:

"Can you believe Xorn was Magneto?!?"

My chin hit my chest, and the dude instantly realized what he had done.  He ruined the plot twist that the part two years of X-Men stories was leading up to... and he didn't just ruin it for me, there were other people in the shop as well.

He rang up my books, and I stopped him before he scanned New X-Men #146.  He looked at me funny, and I just shook my head "no".  Rather than argue, he gave it to me for free... I mean, the entire thing was ruined, it was the least he could do.  So yeah... I really don't like spoilers.

I said all of that so that I may say this.  This final issue of Vigilante will be irreparably spoiled for you should you choose to continue.  Granted this is a nearly thirty-year-old book, but I want to make it perfectly clear that I am about to ruin the (fairly shocking) ending in this here post.

Still with us?  Okey dokey... let's do this.

--

Adrian Chase picks up the latest edition of the local newspaper.  The headline states that someone called the Homeless Avenger has been killed.  The Homeless Avenger, like Chase, was a Vigilante.  It is alluded to that Chase left the Avenger to die in something of a riot the night prior.  This is just the beginning of Chase's realization of all the harm he has inflicted on those around him.

In order to perhaps justify his actions to himself, Chase thinks back to why he started on this path.  Why he became the Vigilante.  He was a District Attorney in Manhattan who had a hit put out on him... however, it would be Chase's family that paid the ultimate price.

Enter, Chase's on-again-off-again, Black Thorn.  She's sporting a black eye (courtesy of Chase... see, he's having a pretty rotten time of late).  They discuss the recent events concerning the Homeless Avenger.  Thorn wishes to speak about what happened between them the night before as well, however, Chase ain't having it.  She tries to keep him there, to which Chase smacks her across her face and knocks her down.

A man exits the building.  The police have been staking out the place overnight.  Captain Arthur Hall instructs his men to chase the fella down.  The pursuit continues through several blocks, several buildings, and over several fences.  They finally catch up with who they believe to be Adrian Chase... however, they got the wrong guy.  Probably still a bad guy, given the frantic escape attempt... but not their target.

Adrian Chase decides to take in a wholesome slasher movie to get his mind off of things.  There are some punk kids harassing an elderly fellow a few rows back.  Chase tries to maintain his cool, however, completely flips out and thrashes the little bastards.  As he pounds away, he comes to the terrifying realization that he no longer has any control over his Vigilante instincts.  He flees the theater as security approaches.

Black Thorn meets up with Detective Harry Stein at a diner to discuss what's going on with Adrian.  She fears his mental capacities are failing, and he just may be losing his mind.  Stein, understanding chap that he is tells her to chill out.

Chase, now in his Vigilante gear, raids an opium den... which becomes an incredibly violent and shooty affair.  The nearby police along with Hall receive word of the raid, and head over.

While Vigilante shoots anything that moves, he carries on an internal monologue recounting several others who wore his Vigilante costume and met with a fatal end... one by his own hand.  Before he knows it, Chase has killed dozens of men inside the opium den.  Surrounded by piles of fresh corpses, he thinks to himself how everyone in his presence winds up dead.  He collapses forward, and vomits.

The Police burst through the door, and Chase throws himself out a window.  Outside, after a brief period of rest and further reflection, Chase reenters the fray.  What appears to be a shootout between the police and some thugs was ultimately a trap to lure the Vigilante in.  No sooner does he enter, that all the guns turn to point at him.  What is a Vigilante to do?  He fires back.  Now, Adrian Chase is a cop-killer.

Attempting to flee before he can commit any more atrocities Chase is approached from behind.  He turns and instinctively fires... and realizes that he just shot Captain Hall dead.  They exchange a few, pretty contentious words as Hall lay dying.  As the rest of the officers approach, Chase flees once more.

The next scene... is the big one.  We observe Chase in his apartment.  He's holding a pistol, and he carefully inserts one bullet into the chamber.  He lifts his Vigilante mask and crushes it in his hand as he enters the bathroom.  He considers the significance of what he is about to do, and after a few moments of hesitation proceeds to place the pistol under his chin, and somewhat reluctantly... pulls the trigger.  Black Thorn enters moments later and discovers what had just occurred.

Click to Enlarge

The issue and series ends with the very small funeral service of Adrian Chase.  Adrian was cremated, and Thorn keeps his urn of ashes.

--

Now that was a damn fine way to close out a series.

I'd read this issue a few times before today's review, and each time I still get the butterflies as I work my way through it.  The moment after he shoots Hall... you know that he's taken that one step too far, and there would be no coming back.  In the hours leading up to the event in question, he recounts all of the lives he'd left in his wake in the name of his twisted form of justice.  He was initially put on his path due to the death of his wife and children... not unlike another certain skull-chested vigilante.  However, unlike the Punisher, Chase's motive was more justice than revenge.  I believe he somehow justified his actions, almost making it though they were for the overall good... the Punisher, I feel knows what he's doing is wrong... and he just gets over it.

You get the feeling that the Punisher doesn't really take inventory of his actions.  Never stopping to consider what he was doing.  Adrian Chase, however, continuously beat himself up over what he'd caused to occur.  When that overwhelming guilt... almost tangible... the physical heft of that guilt, was just too much for him to bear... well, he needed both a way out, and a way to pay for his sins.

Suicide is something that should not be taken lightly.  Kupperberg does an amazing job showing Chase actually hesitate.  He's sitting in his bathroom with that pistol... and he... stops.  He sits down.  He thinks.  He realizes the irrevocable nature of what he is about to do.  A lot of credit needs to be given to artist, Steve Erwin as well.  He gives us, in Chase's facial expressions (and even posture and visible mannerisms) such conflicting emotion.  Even to the final panel before killing himself, the detail of his finger trembling is included... up to the very last moment, Chase was struggling with his decision.

A terrible and wonderful issue that I'm sure this piece did very little justice to.  It is something that should be read... even though I've just ruined it.  If you come across this issue, don't hesitate... pick it up.  You can then hesitate with every turn of the page until Adrian Chase ultimately makes peace with and meets his (un)timely end.

--

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