CAPTAIN AMERICA ENVISIONED BY STEVE DITKO !!!

“What luck ! A chance for my might to destroy the symbol, and the champion defender of the weak… with their ’rights’ and ’freedom‘ !” - See more at: http://www.writeups.org/fiche.php?id=2890#sthash.30HZC9KA.dpuf

“What luck ! A chance for my might to destroy the symbol, and the champion defender of the weak… with their ’rights’ and ’freedom‘ !” - See more at: http://www.writeups.org/fiche.php?id=2890#sthash.30HZC9KA.dpuf

What luck ! A chance for my might to destroy the symbol, and the champion defender of the weak… with their ’rights’ and ’freedom‘ !” - See more at: http://www.writeups.org/fiche.php?id=2890#sthash.30HZC9KA.dpuf

We all remember Captain America as illustrated by Jack Kirby, Jim Steranko, Gene Colan and even Barry Windsor-Smith. But along came a back up feature in Marvel Comics Presents #80 & #81 gaving us Steve Ditko's Captain America. Not only did he illustrate the story, but he wrote it as well. Terry Austin provided an excellent inking job.

 Marvel Comics published this story in the midst of the epic Wolverine Weapon X storyline by Barry Windsor-Smith. 

Marvel Comics Presents #80
"Wargod Part 1"
Captain America answers an urgent call from Jake Bage, semi-retired FBI officer. When he gets to Jake’s apartment, he discovers the agent’s dead body and is attacked by the killer, Wargod. The villain overpowers Cap and tosses him out a window. By the time our hero can make his way back to the apartment, Wargod has made his escape – but not before he destroyed some mysterious files. At the apartment, Cap discovers a recording by Jake that explains some leads about Wargod. It leads him to seek out Agent X-4, who is timely attacked by a squad of masked goons. Later, Captain America follows up on a lead that X-4 discovered, and meets up with the now-resigned General Hager. After the meeting, the General’s daughter, Mora, renders Cap unconscious with a dose of gas! It appears that she’s one of Wargod’s aides. 

Includes Daughters of the Dragon & Mr. Fantastic stories. The back cover of Cap, Mr. Fantastic, Colleen Wing & Misty Knight illustrated by Rod Ramos.

Marvel Comics Presents #81
"Wargod Part 2 Final Blow"

Given her background and beliefs, Mora Hager presumably has some military training ; she also demonstrated skills in both leadership and manipulation. She had a cadre of standard henchmen, at least one of whom was also an OK spy.
The Wargod armour gave her protection, enhanced strength and incredible speed and timing with her weapon - a huge, electrified two-handed mace. Using her superhuman efficiency and Pressing the Attack, she kept Captain America on the full defensive, while wearing him down as the electric shocks from her weapon where conducted through the shield.
- See more at: http://www.writeups.org/fiche.php?id=2890#sthash.30HZC9KA.dpuf

Captain America comes to (after his gassing last issue by Mora) and takes on Wargod’s men. After he gets through them, he comes face to face with Wargod but, he’s got Senator Weason and General Hager at his mercy – trapped within a glass case hooked to lethal gas. It’s up to Cap to defeat Wargod before the villain can kill the captives. And, as the battle draws to a close, the villain’s helmet is knocked off … revealing Mora, the General’s daughter. Captain America fights the henchmen and electrified two-handed mace, wielded by the powerful Wargod.
Includes Ant-Man & Daredevil stories. The Daredevil story was illustrated by Marshall Rogers & Al Williamson. The back cover of Cap, DD & Ant-Man was illustrated by Mike Mignola!

 

Marvel Comics Presents was a fantastic series, lasted a long time. There were lots of great storylines never reprinted. Incredible, considering the immense amount of talent involved.

I enjoyed this lighthearted, Captain America story, seen through the eyes of Steve Ditko. Sorry to say, it has not been reprinted, but is generally available in the back issue bins at a decent price. 

Have to say, Spider-Man was Steve Ditko's baby!

Live Large My Friends!

Thank You!

Sensational Jack Kirby Captain America!

Fantastic Jim Steranko Captain America!

Incredible Gene Colan sketch of Captain America!

 

Barry Windsor-Smith inked Jack Kirby in Captain America's Bicentennial Battles!