 |
| Images copyright DC COMICS |
Isn't it ironic that ARNOLD DRAKE, original writer (and co-creator) of The DOOM PATROL, also wrote X-MEN after leaving DC and writing for MARVEL? Two misfit groups led by a wheelchair-bound idealist whose intention was to protect humanity. Unless I'm much mistaken, both teams had their own BROTHERHOOD Of EVIL to fight against, pushing credulity a bit too far when it comes to coincidence. Arnold Drake later said he thought STAN LEE must've heard about The Doom Patrol at the preparation stage and stolen a jump on him. Poor Stan just can't win. It's asserted by some that JACK KIRBY created the X-Men, not Stan - who's now also accused of ripping off Arnold Drake as well as appropriating Kirby's credit.
Hard to believe I bought this mag at least 30 years ago. If memory serves, I purchased it from the late PETE ROOT of AKA Books & Comics in Glasgow's Virginia Galleries. I more than likely bought it primarily because I'd read the New Doom Patrol in SHOWCASE #s 94 to 96 back in the '70s, and therefore wanted to add the original group's first appearance to my collection. In my never-ending quest to give you a glimpse into yesteryear, I've decided to share the cover and some of the interior pages with you here.
Incidentally, I've added the covers and splash pages of #s 95 & 96 of Showcase to my post about #94, which you'll see if you click here. Wait until you've savoured the mood and the magic of the pages on display here first though - I wouldn't want you to exit prematurely and miss them, especially after all the time and trouble I've gone to in scanning them just for you.
