Sunday 14 October 2012

THE MISSING LINK IN COMICS...


Copyright REBELLION

Now that I've cleverly piqued your interest with a cunningly conceived title, I can deliver the knockout blow.  The MISSING LINK began as an INCREDIBLE HULK-KING KONG knock-off in "the comic with the mid-Atlantic accent" - FANTASTIC #1, way back in February 1967.  Written by ODHAMS' POWER COMICS editor ALF WALLACE (who later worked for MARVEL UK), it featured the superlative artwork of Spanish illustrator LUIS BERMEJO ROJO, usually credited simply as Luis Bermejo.

Within the space of a few weeks, the strip took a completely different direction, eventually being renamed JOHNNY FUTURE with issue #16.  Fondly remembered by readers of the time as one of the better-drawn adventure strips of the '60s, here, for your perusal, is the first episode in case you weren't around at the time.  And if you were, here it is again so that you can relive the happy memories of your childhood days.  Brings a tear to your eye, doesn't it?

Now tell me - who wants to see the next episode?

For more information on The Missing Link and Johnny Future, click here.   




And, below, is the cover of the comic in which ol' Linky made his debut.

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7 comments:

  1. Norman Boyd14 October 2012 at 17:20

    The link to more Link doesn't work Kid. Try the following instead, although unfortunately Steve never got to reprint the stories, it's an interesting article

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  2. Kid14 October 2012 at 17:52

    It's working now, Norman, if you'd like to give it a try. I'll give the Down The Tubes article another read as well. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Norman Boyd14 October 2012 at 18:50

    Certainly is working now Kid and to such an interesting blog!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kid14 October 2012 at 19:08

    I suppose you could say that link was a missing one to begin with, eh? Thanks, Norman.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Comicsfan14 October 2012 at 23:37

    One good "knock-off" deserves another--I wonder if anyone from Marvel remembered this story and was inspired to create their own "Missing Link" as a Hulk foe a year later?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Kid15 October 2012 at 00:11

    An interesting thought. Actually, I wonder if the Link started as a Hulk strip and was then renamed. Where'd he get his trousers from? I have an interesting explanation that would make for a great story. One day, perhaps.

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  7. Anonymous15 October 2012 at 07:44

    In the meantime, feel free to post more Link!




    B Smith

    ReplyDelete

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