HE DOESN'T FIGHT CRIME -- HE DESTROYS IT -- the AVENGER IN DC COMIC'S JUSTICE, INC. !!!

Have a Great New Year's Eve -- and wishing you and yours a Happy New Year!!! 

DC Comic's Justice Inc. was a short lived comic book series written by Denny (The Shadow, Batman) O'Neil, featuring artist such as Al (Star Trek) McWilliams on the first issue & Jack "King" Kirby & Mike (Magnus Robot Fighter) Royer finishing the series. Based on characters created by Paul Ernst, under the house name of Kenneth (Doc Savage) Robeson.

The Avenger's real name is Richard Henry Benson, a globe-trotting adventurer who "had made his millions by professional adventuring": discovering rubber in South America, leading "native armies in Java", making "aerial maps in the Congo", mining "amethysts in Australia and emeralds in Brazil" and finding gold in Alaska and diamonds in the Transvaal^. Following the pulp archetype of a wealthy hero, despite an internal chronology making them (and Benson in particular) "children of the Great Depression", the Avenger's backstory gave him the funding to ultimately "support [his] crime-fighting appurtenances.

Deciding to settle down and raise a family, the first Avenger adventure ("Justice, Inc."), Benson's plans for a peaceful life as a "world-renowned industrial engineer" are shattered when his wife (Alicia) and young daughter (Alice) are killed during an airplane journey. The shock of this loss has a bizarre effect on Benson. His face becomes paralyzed while both his skin and his hair turn white, his facial flesh becoming malleable, like clay. His face was thereafter (for the first dozen stories) regularly described (as in "The Smiling Dogs") as:

...dead, like something dug out of a cemetery. The muscles were paralyzed so that never, under any circumstances, could they move in an expression. This dead, weird face was as white as snow – as white, in a word, as you'd expect any dead flesh to be! In the facial expanse of the face were set eyes so light-gray as to seem completely colorless^.

As a result of this tragedy, Benson vows to avenge himself on the villains, and to fight for all those who have suffered at the hands of criminals.

Justice Inc. #1  1st Sensational Issue! By the Creator of Doc Savage...Kenneth Robeson...Featuring The Avenger!
"This Night, an Avenger is Born"
Origin and intro of the Avenger, and his support organization Justice, Inc. The Avenger was Richard Benson. Due to the traumatic kidnapping of his wife and child the muscles in his face were frozen. This enabled him to literally mold his face into any shape.
"Justice Incorporated"
Background information on The Avenger / Justice Inc. characters feature article.

A favorite Kirby cover of mine!

 Justice Inc. #2  A Shocker! The Avenger Battles the Deadliest Man Alive -- The Sky Walker!
"Sky Walker"
Splash credit reads: "From Kenneth Robeson's novel, adapted by Denny O'Neil."
"Justice Inc. in the Movies?"
Background information on The Avenger / Justice Inc. characters feature article. 

Justice Inc. #3  The Avenger is Hurtling Toward his Doom Unless he can Stop -- The Monster Bug!
"The Monster Bug"
Justice Inc. recruits a new member to its ranks. Circumstances bring scientist Fergus MacMurdie to their aid in fighting a deadly chemical agent. The story involves a virus that turns people into monsters.
This story continues from The Shadow #5, with the unfortunately named villain Colonel Sodom who escaped in that issue. 

To me, the Joe Kubert covers gave the comic a pulp influence!

Justice Inc. #4  No Way for the Avenger to Get Down Alive ... No Way!
"Slay Ride in the Sky"
Justice, Inc. investigates planes that are mysteriously blowing up, tracing it to exploding birds. They trace the explosives back to the owner of the airline, who takes them prisoner aboard a blimp. 

2 issue mini-series by Shadow writer Andrew Helfer with striking Kyle Baker artwork!

  
Another DC series followed later, but that will have to wait for another day. 

Warner Paperback Library's the Avenger #1!

Warner Paperback Library came out with a series of The Avenger, reprinting the original 24 novels. Ron Goulart went on to write original books to finish the series. George Gross provided the captivating covers. 

Dynamite Entertainment's Justice inc.!

The original pulp series that started it all!

Current reprint of the original pulp series!

I'll be back on Monday with Charlton Comic's Thunderbolt!

The Avenger's appearance in The Shadow #11!

Live Large My Friends!

Thank You!

Terrific Alex Ross artwork on The Avenger, The Shadow & Doc Savage!

THE WICKED FISTS OF DC COMIC'S RICHARD DRAGON !!!

The DC Comic's series, Richard Dragon, Kung-Fu Fighter, began as a paperback novel, Dragon's Fist by Denny O'Neil as Jim Dennis.

As a teenage sneak thief in Japan, young Richard Dragon broke into a Chinese dojo outside of Kyoto to steal a priceless jade Buddha. Before he could get away, Dragon was caught and beaten by the dojo's teenage student, Ben Turner. O-Sensei, the dojo's master, saw something worth nurturing in Richard, and for the next seven years taught Ben and Richard, side by side, mastery of the martial arts. Dragon came to find an inner peace, only using his skill when absolutely necessary. Once he felt there was nothing more he could teach them, the O-Sensei left the two.

Denny O'Neil wrote most of the series, except for David A. Kraft on #11 & #12, with art by Leopoldo Duranona, Dick Giordano, Jim Starlin, Alan Weiss, Jack "King" Kirby, Ric Estrada & Wally Wood. Ric Estrada drew the rest of the series, following #4, with Wally Wood inks through #7!

Dragon is a man of starkly astounding resolve and power. His talents as a man of action are vast, and he is a cold and unstoppable machine at pretty much everything he does. When he focuses his inner energies (usually by touching the jade claw pendant the O-Sensei gave him), his spirit and body become (metaphorically) like unrelenting granite.
- See more at: http://www.writeups.org/fiche.php?id=3380#sthash.jPCbxFzx.dpuAs a teenage sneak thief in Japan, young Richard Dragon broke into a Chinese dojo outside of Kyoto to steal a priceless jade Buddha. Before he could get away, Dragon was caught and beaten by the dojo's teenage student, Ben Turner. O-Sensei, the dojo's master, saw something worth nurturing in Richard, and for the next seven years taught Ben and Richard, side by side, mastery of the martial arts. Dragon came to find an inner peace, only using his skill when absolutely necessary. Once he felt there was nothing more he could teach them, the O-Sensei left the two.

Dragon is a man of starkly astounding resolve and power. His talents as a man of action are vast, and he is a cold and unstoppable machine at pretty much everything he does. When he focuses his inner energies (usually by touching the jade claw pendant the O-Sensei gave him), his spirit and body become (metaphorically) like unrelenting granite.
- See more at: http://www.writeups.org/fiche.php?id=3380#sthash.jPCbxFzx.dpuf

Richard Dragon is an awesome martial artist, trained by the greatest master in the world. After years of training, he reaches the lofty distinction of being probably the best martial artist on Earth.
Dragon is a man of starkly astounding resolve and power. His talents as a man of action are vast, and he is a cold and unstoppable machine at pretty much everything he does. When he focuses his inner energies (usually by touching the jade claw pendant the O-Sensei gave him), his spirit and body become (metaphorically) like unrelenting granite.
- See more at: http://www.writeups.org/fiche.php?id=3380#sthash.jPCbxFzx.dpuf

Richard Dragon is an awesome martial artist, trained by the greatest master in the world. After years of training, he reaches the lofty distinction of being probably the best martial artist on Earth.
Dragon is a man of starkly astounding resolve and power. His talents as a man of action are vast, and he is a cold and unstoppable machine at pretty much everything he does. When he focuses his inner energies (usually by touching the jade claw pendant the O-Sensei gave him), his spirit and body become (metaphorically) like unrelenting granite.
- See more at: http://www.writeups.org/fiche.php?id=3380#sthash.jPCbxFzx.dpuf

Richard Dragon is an awesome martial artist, trained by the greatest master in the world. After years of training, he reaches the lofty distinction of being probably the best martial artist on Earth.
Dragon is a man of starkly astounding resolve and power. His talents as a man of action are vast, and he is a cold and unstoppable machine at pretty much everything he does. When he focuses his inner energies (usually by touching the jade claw pendant the O-Sensei gave him), his spirit and body become (metaphorically) like unrelenting granite.
- See more at: http://www.writeups.org/fiche.php?id=3380#sthash.jPCbxFzx.dpufDenny O'Neil wrote most of the series, except for #11 & #12 from David A. Kraft, with art by Leopoldo Duranona, Dick Giordano, Jim Starlin, Alan Weiss, Jack "King" Kirby, Ric Estrada & Wally Wood. Dick Giordano provided the covers (#1-#11) to these early issues. Ric Estrada drew the rest of the series, following #4, with Wally Wood inks through #7! 

 

I want to touch on the issues encompassing the adaptation of the great paperback novel.

Richard Dragon #1  Coming of a Dragon!
"Coming of a Dragon"
Richard Dragon and Benjamin Turner, travel to Afghanistan to stop the slavery ring of Aki. Based on the novel "Dragon's Fists" by Jim Dennis (Cartoonist Jim Berry & writer Denny O'Neil.)
"The Dojo" 
Text article. 

Richard Dragon #2  If You've Got To Die...Die Fighting!
"A Dragon Fights Alone"
The Swiss captures Carolyn and with Ben injured, Richard must go after him alone.
"The Dojo"
Text article.

Richard Dragon #3  They're the Weapons Masters...and They're Going to Make Mincemeat of...Richard Dragon!
"Claws of the Dragon"
Dragon battles the Weapon Masters to free Carolyn, but the Swiss manages to take Carolyn and escape.
"The Dojo"
Becomes the letters page.

 

Richard Dragon #4  
"A Time to be a Whirlwind"
Richard is unable to save Carolyn from The Swiss, but does get his revenge.
Concludes the novel adaptation.

Richard Dragon #18, last issue!

The comic book series went on for 18 issues. Lady Shiva co-starred in #5 through #18, following the adaptation of the novel. There was a Bruce Lee cameo in #14 with a striking cover by Rich Buckler. Even Captain Boomerang (not in costume) comes in for the last issue.

Unfortunately, when Richard Dragon returned in 2004, the series complete reworked of the character of Richard Dragon, essentially tossing out almost 30 years of continuity; Dragon converted from the wise and Zen like teacher of folks like the Question and the Huntress into an impulsive butt kicking kung-fu fighter; Many of the points of origin and history were completely different.

Richard Dragon #5 introduced Lady Shiva!

Live Large My Friends!

Thank You! 

 

THE GHOST WHO WALKS! KING COMIC'S THE PHANTOM !!!

 The Ghost Who Walks! King Features The Phantom!

King Comics published eleven issues of Lee Falk's The Phantom. This series continued from the Gold Key series and continued into the Charlton series. It was written by Dick (Jet Dream) Wood, Bill Harris & Pat Fortunato with artwork by Bill Lignante. Dynamic covers provided by Bill Lignante & Sy Barry. Issue #20 introduced the Girl Phantom (Julie Walker.)

The Phantom, Kit Walker, is the 21st in a line of crimefighters that originated in 1536, when the father of British sailor Christopher Walker was killed during a pirate attack. Swearing an oath on the skull of his father's murderer to fight evil, Christopher started the legacy of the Phantom that would be passed from father to son, leaving people to give the mysterious figure nicknames such as "The Ghost Who Walks", "Guardian of the Eastern Dark" & "The Man Who Cannot Die", believing him to be immortal.

Unlike many fictional costumed heroes, The Phantom does not have any superpowers but relies mainly on his strength, intelligence, and fearsome reputation of being an immortal ghost to defeat his foes. The 21st Phantom is married to Diana Palmer, whom he met while studying in the United States; they have two children, Kit and Heloise. Like all previous Phantoms, he lives in the ancient Skull Cave, and has a trained wolf, Devil, and a horse named Hero.

The Phantom #18  Brand New! Revealed! The fabulous treasure of the Skull Cave!
"The Treasure of the Skull Cave"
A group of swindlers, con-men, and revolutionaries team up to loot the treasure of the Phantom's Skull Cave, killing him and the Bandar with poison gas. One crook gains entry to the cave by deceit, only to be appalled when the Phantom shows off priceless historical treasures -- worthless antiques to him. When the Phantom and the Bandar round up the gang, the enraged other crooks readily recognize the value of these artifacts, and of the Phantom's "minor" treasure rooms, heaped with gold and jewels.
"Flash Gordon and the Space Pirates Part 1"
While testing a fantastic fuel cell Flash Gordon is forced down and menaced by space pirates. The pirate leader's niece helps him escape, but reveals that her uncle has a powerful organization with which he planes to take over the universe.
Drawn by legendary Wally (Dynamo) Wood.

The Phantom #19  Now! Two stories complete in this issue! Plus - Adventures in space with Flash Gordon!
"The Astronauts and the Pirates"
"Flash Gordon and the Space Pirates Part 2"
"The Masked Emissary" 

The Phantom #20  Now! The incredible story of the Girl Phantom!
"The Adventures of the Girl Phantom"
In a story frame, The Phantom tells Diana of how one of his ancestors became ill. Fearing that the Phantom's absence would threaten jungle peace, his twin sister Julie took his place very successfully, but at last crooks discovered that she was "only" a girl. They tracked her to the Deep Woods and made away with some of the Phantom treasure. She recovers the treasure, but the crooks lose their lives in a waterfall through rejecting her instructions. Her brother never realizes her ruse.

"David McCallum"
Ad for Man from U.N.C.L.E. Fan Club.
"Flash Gordon and the Space Pirates Part 3"
Forced down by a meteor strike on their space ship, Flash and Patch encounter hypnotic globes and a huge predator, which they fend off with a ray gun before blasting off again.

Fabulous artwork by Gil (Green Lantern) Kane.

"The Invisible Demon"
Several jungle folk, finally including the Phantom, are terrifyingly whisked into the sky by an unseen captor. Dr. Krazz is working with the Mytors, an underground race who want human samples for study in preparation for conquering the earth. The Phantom frees Mabawa and K'Wago, sending Krazz in their stead, and escapes, dynamiting Krazz's lair so as to end the Mytor threat.

The Phantom #21  A savage tiger trained since birth responds to one command -- Kill The Phantom!
"The Treasure of Bengali Bay"
"The Terror Tiger"
"Midnight with Mandrake"
Mandrake and Lothar chase a young purse snatcher into a subway tunnel.
May be a reprint from Flash Gordon #1.

 The Phantom #22 
"The Secret of Magic Mountain"
Told in two parts.
"This is The Phantom"
Text story of the Phantom.
"Arsenic and Old Rags"
Mandrake and Lothar catch an arsonist.
Personal favorite cover of mine, the ring nails it!

The Phantom #23
"Delilah" 
Told in two parts.
"Man on the Bridge"

The Phantom #24  Bam!

"The Riddle of the Witch" 
Told in two parts.
First cover drawn especially for this series by Sy Barry.

The Phantom #25
"The Cold Fire Worshippers"
Told in two parts. 
"Fort Sumter - Where Burst the Flames of War"
Artwork by a young Jeff Jones!

 
The Phantom #26  Boom Boom! Boom! Phantom Calls... Watch for Trouble... Two Men... Boom!
"The Lost City of Yiango"
"The Pearl Raiders"
"Saturn Sadie's past catches up with her..."
Brick Bradford back-up feature by Paul (Aquaman) Norris.  

The Phantom #27
"The Story of Hero"
Told in two parts.  

The Phantom #28


"Diana's Deadly Tour"
"Freedom Fighters"
Artwork by Ric (Richard Dragon) Estrada. 
"Action on Pura"
Paul Norris back-up feature starring Brick Bradford. 
"The Big Fight"
Last cover Sy Barry drew especially for this series.

The Phantom #29
Unfortunately, this issue was only published overseas.
The unused cover for The Phantom (King, 1966 series) #29 was used as the cover of the Mexican comic El Fantasma #63 published 7 March 1972. This cover was reprinted in the Hermes Press The Phantom: Complete Series: The King Years.

Hermes Press came out with The Phantom: Complete Series: The King Years reprinting these issues. Highly recommended hardcover edition! The cover for this edition from The Phantom #21.

The Flash Gordon back-up features were included in the Dark Horse Flash Gordon Archives Vol. 2.

A series of 15 Avon paperback The Phantom books came out as well. These were written by creator Lee Falk or prolific writer Ron (The Avenger novels) Goulart with terrific George (Gold Key Comics cover artist) Wilson painted covers. They were all based on Lee Falk's original stories.   

I must admit I did enjoy The Phantom movie that even came out on blu-ray disc. It captured the flavor of the comic books quite well. I would recommended it. A novel adaptation of The Phantom movie, starring Billy (Sniper) Zane, was published. It was written by Rob (Indiana Jones novels) MacGregor suiting the tone of the movie well. The novel allowed more fleshed out characters and a slower pacing than the film. The book also included many scenes which ended up on the cutting-room floor in the film version, one, a more detailed presentation of the Phantom's origin.

In addition to The Phantom comics, there was a nice looking scale model, Hot Wheels '65 Volkswagon fastback and a really cool Skull ring. 

Steve Ditko inked by Bill Reinhold art!

Jim Steranko The Phantom painting!

Ditko on The Phantom bonus pin-up!

Live Large My Friends!

Thank You!

Jack Kitby does The Phantom!

Rob Liefeld art!

Upcoming FCBD The Phantom with Don Newton cover!