Back Issue #154 September 2024 (magazine review).
As editor Michael Eury explains in the editorial, Back Issue #139, ‘Not-Ready-For-Primetime Marvel Heroes’ was an underestimated success. I’m still searching for something that truly stands out. Therefore, in this issue, we present the DC version of Heroes of the Second Tier.
Writer Dan Johnson starts off with Ralph Dibny, the Elongated Man, and his wife Sue, principally acting as a superhero version of ‘The Thin Man’ film series. I first encountered Ralph Dibny in the back of ‘Detective Comics’ during the 1960s, but he also made appearances in the back of ‘The Flash’ and other comic books. Editor Julius Schwarz created them, unaware that his company had acquired Quality Comics characters, including Plastic Man. Analyzing here, I think part of the reason the Dibnys never rose higher in the ranks was down to his stretched mouthful codename, which relied more on his detective skills than stretching. There was no mention of his wiggly nose, even when he was on the right track. Alas, both are now ghost detectives, mostly because the writers didn’t know how to evolve them into modern times.
For ‘Showcase,’ editor/writer/artist Mike Sekowsky created the three-part ‘Jason’s Quest’ of a motorcyclist looking for his sister. I have to confess I only saw its cover in the 1960s, ignored the ‘s,’ and assumed his name was Jason Quest when really it was Jason Grant Jr. He adheres to the popular trend of motorcycle riders depicted on television and in films during that era. I think had it been created today, it would probably have been only a mini-series.
Author John Wells examines Dinah Lance, the Black Canary from Earth-2 who switched to Earth-1 following her husband’s death. I’m in analytical mode. One important point to consider is the absence of female writers at DC Comics. OK, that’s par for the course with most American superheroines in those days, but no one really got a handle on her or her sonic cry since then.
Writer James Heath Lantz explores Jimmy Olsen in his Mr. Action phase. I may have missed it, but it appears that after Jack Kirby left the title, his new writers struggled to find a suitable role for him. His reckless behavior begs the question of why Superman didn’t reprimand him or take away his signal watch.
Now, Nubia, who is sometimes referred to as Wonder Woman’s sister, is a character I had never encountered, but writer Ed Lute provides me with some insight into this mysterious woman.
Bryan D. Stroud explores Rex Reason, also known as Metamorpho, the Element Man. I tend to be confused by him because after reading an interview with his artist, Ramona Fradon, his body is composed of wood, water, rock, and gas. It scarcely resembles a blend of elements from the periodic table. I suspected this was a contributing factor to his lack of advancement, as he was perceived as either a shapeshifter or a powerhouse.
Speaking of powerhouses, writer John Wells examines the hyper-powered Vartox, who draws inspiration from actor Sean Connery’s portrayal of Zed in the 1974 film ‘Zardoz’ and is likely one of the older superheroes. It’s unclear whether the macho image of a bare chest would still be relevant today.
Writer Bryan D. Stroud looks at one of Steve Ditko’s most bizarre characters, the Odd Man, lost in the DC Comics implosion.
Lilith Clay, a former member of the Teen Titans, provides a more detailed account of her history, as outlined by writer Ed Catto. Interestingly, she was able to identify all the Titans in civies using her psionic power, a feat that should leave you wondering why other mentally talented supervillains never did the same.
Finally, we have Ultraa from Earth-Prime, not to be confused with Ultra, the Multi-Alien (has he ever been profiled?), a powerhouse who faced the JLA a few times before ceasing to exist in the Crisis, as writer John Schwirian reveals.
I’m now pondering any that were missed out on. For a while, ‘Showcase’ ran characters and teams under their own titles, primarily due to their initial sales. Editor Eury’s failure to include a list of topics covered in other issues led me to believe that the Red Tornado was a possibility.
GF Willmetts
December 2024
(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=1789
