Back Issue #146 September 2023 (magazine review).
The cover of this “Back Issue” speaks volumes with a single word: Daredevil. Specifically, it highlights the years Gene Colan dedicated to the title. My love affair with Colan’s art began with Daredevil #26. Although I initially encountered it through a reprint, the image of Daredevil executing a multi-pose forward somersault captivated me. Daredevil was the quintessential parkour superhero long before the term was coined.
Writer Jarrid Buttery informs readers from the outset that Marvel publisher Martin Goodman instructed Stan Lee to create a character reminiscent of Spider-Man, leading to the birth of the “Man Without Fear.”
Daredevil’s complex history is compelling. I finally discovered the fate of his fictional brother Mike, which had long eluded me. This issue’s historical coverage extends up until Frank Miller took over the artistic responsibilities. Reading about writers struggling to grasp Daredevil’s character is fascinating, especially considering that he is primarily a non-super-powered hero who once took on the Hulk. The issue also features a selection of Gene Colan’s pencilled covers, showcasing his unique approach to adding dimensionality to his work.
Writer Ed Lute offers insight into one of Daredevil’s adversaries, Mr. Fear, who is essentially the antithesis of the hero. Multiple individuals have donned the Mr. Fear disguise, none of whom enjoyed much success. It begs the question: What madness possesses individuals when they slip into a costume?
James Heath Lantz takes a broader perspective, examining heroes with disabilities. However, his focus is mainly on those whose disabilities mirror real-life challenges, such as reliance on wheelchairs. Lantz overlooks the original Dr. Mid-Nite (Charles McNider), a blind surgeon. A panel by Michael Golden, created decades later, humorously addresses this oversight. Unfortunately, characters like Cyclops and Rogue, whose powers also entail physical disabilities, receive no mention, not even in passing.
The issue also presents an in-depth exploration of DC Comics’ “Challengers Of The Unknown” by Ed Catto. This team, originally comprising four or five men (and eventually a woman), are specialist adventurers who believe they are living on borrowed time after surviving a plane crash. Much debate centers on why the Challengers didn’t resonate with readers in the way the Fantastic Four did. Having read a few issues in my youth, I attribute this to the bland and interchangeable personalities of DC characters during that era, a pitfall into which the Challengers also fell.
Tom Powers interviews Jeph Loeb about his collaboration with the late Tim Sale on the mini-series ‘Challengers Of The Unknown’ for DC and ‘Daredevil: Yellow’ for Marvel. It seems the retrospective mini-series they were involved in might be worth exploring, especially considering the tantalizing image of the Fantastic Four in their Fantasi-Car outside Nelson and Murdock’s offices, featured in the interview. These Marvel books are set for reprint next year.
A piece by Bryan Stroud reveals that Hal Jordan’s face was loosely based on Paul Newman, although I struggle to see the resemblance. Jordan, while embodying fearlessness and honesty, only received the Green Lantern mantle due to his proximity to Abin Sur.
In a stark contrast, Sinestro never remained true to the path of righteousness. As writer Brian Martin delves into his history, it’s interesting to note Sinestro’s resemblance to actor David Niven, a detail seemingly overlooked by many. Despite wielding the powerful yellow ring supplied by Qward, Sinestro never truly achieved “loser” status. The notion of an ‘invisible yellow’ energy field is briefly touched upon, raising intriguing questions related to energy frequencies and visibility.
Please note that many comments above are my reactions to the reading material, not necessarily reflections of the content itself. This issue offers abundant material for readers, so approach it fearlessly and dive in.
GF Willmetts
September 2023
(pub: TwoMorrows Publishing. 82 page illustrated magazine. Price: $10.95 (US). ISSN: 1932-6904. Direct from them, you can get it for $ (US))
check out websites: www.TwoMorrows.com and https://twomorrows.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=98_54&products_id=1700
