Posts Tagged ‘Green Lantern’

Posted Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021 by Barry

JSA Classified (2005) 32

Giving Thanks is the inappropriately named Thanksgiving story from the 2008 JSA Classified book.

JSA Classified (2005) 32

JSA Classified (2005) 32

Alan Scott makes a pilgrimage to his daughter’s grave for some introspection. In the meantime, fellow Justice Society Members Flash and Wildcat hold down the JSA’s Thanksgiving Day parade float.

Not long after Green Lantern joins them, the Superman balloon floating above explodes showering all in a pink dust. Before it can settle, Solomon Grundy attacks.

Lantern deals with the threat, leaving fellow Society members to handle crowd control. Both problems dealt with, the trio dissolve leaving GL to face the real menace, Vandal Savage.

The story is continued in a Christmas issue that will be dealt with next month. For now, take time to enjoy those around you while you can. While this is a time known for thanksgiving, every day is, too.

The JSA first appeared in All Star Comics issue three. Their gathering marked the first team in comic books. The theme would be copied over time, most notably when the Justice League of America was formed in 1960.

Posted Monday, November 8th, 2021 by Barry

Comic Cavalcade (1942) 18

Though on sale Nov. 19, 1946, the cover of Comics Cavalcade issue 18 is the only reference to Thanksgiving.

Wonder Woman and Octavia of Venturia are kidnapped by the power-mad Manilus in the opening story, The Menace of the Rebel Manlings.

Manilus, a former lab assistant, has been dosed with Vitamin Z gas. The resulting effect was an enlargement of his brain. Apparently, an enlarged brain causes delusions of grandeur and the wish for world domination.

Comics Cavalcade 18

Comics Cavalcade 18

The full story has been reprinted in Wonder Woman:  The Golden Age Omnibus volume three.

The Galloping Greenbacks is a Flash vehicle, co-starring Winky Moylan, Blinky Boylan and Noddy Toylan.

Uncle Josh was afraid of money. When short, the old guy would go into a trance and wake up flush with cash. Of course, that led to paranoia and a fear of being sent to jail should his gain be illegal. Signal the Flash and the end to a mystery.

Green Lantern is the final headliner in The Meaning of “D.”

A wealthy man is convinced he owns everything, but must steal something beginning with the letter “D,” to save his wife. It’s up to Green Lantern and Doiby Dickles to foil the phony fortune teller.

The book is rounded out by six Mutt & Jeff one-page gags, features and Hop Harrigan in Seek and Hide! Or The Airmail Trail. Harrigan is the creation of Jon Blummer. He was one of the busiest characters of the Golden Age appearing in All-American Publications, radio serials and film serials.

Comic Cavalcade was published from 1942 to 1954.

The anthology series featured Green Lantern, Wonder Woman and Flash as the heavy hitters with filler stories sprinkled between. Comic Cavalcade moved from the form fitting figures of the mystery men to funny animal stories in 1948 when super heroes fell out of favor.

To entertain your guests, or host, here are a few Turkey Day facts: approximately 45 million turkeys are sold for Thanksgiving annually. That’s over 18-percent of the total turkey population raised each year.

California consumes the most fowls with 675-million pounds on the day.

The total calorie intake for a common Thanksgiving meal is 2,500. The average recommended calorie intake for one day is between 1,600 and 2,400.

A chunk of that may be from desserts eaten. Apple is the favorite, unless from the south where pecan takes top billing. On average, 18.9-million pies are purchased for Thanksgiving.

Posted Thursday, August 19th, 2021 by Barry

Showcase (1956) 22

On Dec. 17, 1903, mankind truly mastered three dimensions as the first controlled powered and sustained heavier-than-air human flight took place.

While Dec. 17 would seem the logical choice for National Aviation Day, it’s really today. In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into observance National Aviation Day using Orville Wright’s birthday, Aug. 19, 1871. Today is the day a grateful world recognizes the pioneers of flight.

Showcase (1956) 22

Acting as chairman for the day former test pilot Hal Jordan.

Introduced in Showcase issue 22, October 1959, Jordan embodied the Silver Age Green Lantern as brought to life courtesy of fathers John Broome and Gil Kane.

The writer/artist combo made Jordan a combat pilot cum test pilot for Ferris Aircraft. It was while training for the company he was summoned by a dying alien, Abin Sur, to become his replacement for Sector 2814 as part of the Green Lantern Corp.

Jordan appeared in two more issues of Showcase before granted his own title in July-August 1960. Gardner Fox would join Broome as co-author of the scripts beginning with issue 17. Together, with editor Julius Schwartz, they crafted adventures until 1970.

With issue 76, Dennis O’Neil and Neal Adams began the legendary Hard Traveling Heroes saga. The wunderkinds teamed Jordan with fellow Justice Leaguer Green Arrow and set them on a path across the United States. For two years, until issue 89, the green-garbed duo tackled such topics as overpopulation, bigotry and drug use.

As with the rest of the DC Universe, Jordan had to survive Crisis on Infinite Earths. He did and returned in the third volume bearing the Green Lantern title.

By the early 1990s Jordan was living on borrowed time in the DCU. A multi-part storyline turned him to the dark side. He adopted a new identity in Parallax and was replaced by Kyle Rayner.

In the new millennium, Jordan was allowed to wear the ring once more. He has continued to be the most recognized of the Green Lantern Corps, having lived through the New 52 and DC Rebirth.

Proclamation USC 36:I:A:1:118 allows the sitting president to proclaim August 19 as National Aviation Day each year. If desired, the President’s proclamation may direct all federal buildings and installations to fly the U.S. flag on that day.

Posted Tuesday, November 24th, 2020 by Barry

Comic Cavalcade (1943) 18

As with issues past and future, Comic Cavalcade cover artist Everett E. Hibbard would hit on the holiday, though the inside would be bare of any mention.

Wonder Woman is the lead off hitter in The Menace of the Rebel Manlings. The Amazon goes berserk, ‘nuff said.

Flash is next in The Galloping Greenbacks. Guesting are Winky Moylan, Blinky Boylan and Noddy Toylan. Also appearing is Joan Williams, the future Mrs. Jay Garrick.

A filler story titled Just a Story takes readers to New York. It would be reprinted in Justice League of America (1960) issue 114.

Seek and Hide, or The Airmail Trail, stars Hop Harrigan.

Green Lantern is the final of the tales, starring in The Meaning of D.

Also appearing in the issue are Mutt and Jeff.

Not a lot of sustenance with today’s issue, but stay with us as we count down to Thanksgiving.

Comic Cavalcade (1943) 18

Posted Friday, July 17th, 2020 by Barry

Green Lantern (1960) 23

If the idea of ever inking up ever crossed your mind, today may be the day. July 17 is observed as National Tattoo Day.

Green Lantern (1960) 23

Green Lantern (1960) 23

Singing the praises of indelible images inked on your body is Green Lantern’s arch nemesis, the Tattooed Man.

Tattooed Man began his career as a sailor-cum-burglar. Abel Tarrant was the victim of undisclosed chemicals bestowing upon him the ability to create three-dimensional objects from his ink.

His initial appearance was less than spectacular. To offset his losses, Tattooed Man joined the Injustice Gang seeking safety in numbers. Later he would be believed murdered by the Goldface mob.

He would return for the third volume of Green Lantern following Crisis on Infinite Earths. His brush with Guy Gardner, in issue two, didn’t deter his determination to go straight. Tarrant was not seen again until Hal Jordan’s funeral in issue 81.

John Oakes was the second to assume the Tattooed Man persona. His powers were of a more supernatural bent.

Mark Richards became the third incarnation. His tattoos bore his sins against humanity. His demise occurred during Heroes in Crisis.

Sailors bearing mementos of their journeys abroad brought the art to America. Early on they carried a stigma. Now there is a new found acceptance of tattoos which have become popular in the past 10 years.

Those considering a tattoo should remember to find a reputable artist. Decide upon a design. Check spelling if any is involved. Be prepared to pay.

To celebrate, share your ink on #NationalTattooDay.

Posted Friday, February 7th, 2020 by Barry

Comic Cavalcade (1942) 25

Our heroes make merry while Santa lies sick for the cover of Comic Cavalcade number 25. Again, the cover date is Feb.-March 1947, but the comic book appeared in December 1946.

Comic Cavalcade (1942) 25

Comic Cavalcade (1942) 25

The interior is business as usual with the only hint of Christmas on the front.

Wonder Woman headlines the book in ‘Hatred of Badra.’

Next up is a short entitled ‘The Talking Dog.’

Green Lantern is on ‘The Roof of the World‘ with Sky Pirate. GL experiences acrophobia after the villain disguises himself as a psychologist and hypnotizes the hero.

Hop Harrigan appears in ‘The Mystery of Airport Inn‘ and Cotton-Top Katie takes a turn before Black Canary. The siren of song stars in ‘Tune of Terror.’

Flash battles an animated idol unleashed by Kiua, the Mayan goddess.

Posted Saturday, January 18th, 2020 by Barry

Comic Cavalcade (1942) 19

This Feb.-March 1947 cover-dated comic book was actually released the preceding December. Hence, Green Lantern, Flash and Wonder Woman’s wave of their hands to silhouetted-Santa and hoist sacks full of goodies.

Comic Cavalcade (1942) 19

Comic Cavalcade (1942) 19

As with previous issues, Comic Cavalcade issue 19 is Christmasy in cover only. Of the seven interior stories, none deal with the holiday.

Wonder Woman’s ‘The Battle for Eternal Youth’ has the Amazon protecting her sister’s secret of immortality.

Flash races against time in a story of about the same name.

Foney Fairy Tales spells the heroes with some slap stick.

Mr. Nobody is featured in ‘The End.’

Hop Harrigan stars in ‘The Fog-Shrouded Demon’ and Cotton-Top Katie in ‘The Ball Game of the Year.’

Finally, Doiby Dickles makes a bet with Green Lantern-alter ego Alan Scott the cab driver can keep his calm while taxing folk around the city for a day.

Posted Thursday, December 12th, 2019 by Barry

Marginally Musical

Sergio Aragones, the master of Mad marginals, remembers the wassailers who infused Christmas spirit upon their neighbors by lifting high their voices with Christmas carols.

Carols, or noels, became popular in the 19th century despite having been around for hundreds of years prior.

Senor Aragones has only been around since 1937, but has made an impact with his gifted quirkiness first displayed in Mad Magazine. His influence spread as National Periodicals hired him in the 1960s to illustrate such titles as The Adventures of Jerry Lewis, Angel and the Ape, Inferior Five and Young Romance. His most famous creation is Groo, the Wanderer, a pastiche of Robert E, Howards’ Hyborian Age-barbarian, Conan.

Posted Monday, October 14th, 2019 by Barry

Comic Cavalcade (1942) 9

A great Christmas cover with no holiday spirit inside. With the exception of “The Story of Christopher Columbus.”

Columbus Day celebrates its namesake’s arrival in the Americas. Observance of the holiday varies from area to area. It shares itself with Yorktown Victory Day in Virginia and Puerto Rico Friendship Day on the Virgin Islands.

Comic Cavalcade (1942) 9

Comic Cavalcade (1942) 9

Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and the Flash are the mystery men and woman of the book with Hop Harrigan keeping the skies safe from Nazi menaces.

Mermaids are the villains in Wonder Woman’s story “The Subsea Pirates.”

Doiby Dickles becomes the damsel in distress for Green Lantern in “A Tale of a City.”

The Flash is featured in “The Tale of the Winged Horse.” An invitation is extended to join the liar’s circle.

Without a doubt, the oddest story is “Filipinos are People.” The “yarn” is “devoted to furthering understanding among the peoples of the world.”

Also included are some one and dones from Mutt and Jeff.

Posted Friday, October 4th, 2019 by Barry

Comic Cavalcade (1942) 12

Comic Cavalcade (1942) 12

Comic Cavalcade (1942) 12

Masks upon masks upon masks for the Fall 1945 issue of Comic Cavalcade.

As was the model for the title, the cover featured a seasonal event, but the interior proved its own beast.

Wonder Woman was featured in “Rebellion on Paradise Island.” Rival Dalma is jealous of her Amazon sister. She attempts a coup to assume control of the island.

“A Race Against Time” has Green Lantern and Doiby Dickles attempting to foil a murder during a six-day bicycle race.

The Flash is “Painting the Town” with “nitwit” inventors on the loose.

Mainstay Hap Harrigan must stop Professor Robomb from killing him in “The Adventure of the Million-Dollar Parcel!”

Also included in the 80-page giant are “A Medal for Mervyn!” and “Johnny Everyman.” Mutt and Jeff tag along for some shorts, too.