SAVAGE SWORD Of CONAN REFORGED #s 2 & 3...

Copyright CPI

I must confess I've quite enjoyed the first three issues of The Savage Sword Of Conan Reforged, where Heroic Signatures/Titan have sensitively coloured various b&w classic Marvel strips and breathed new life into them, visually speaking.

However, what I don't quite understand is this: Although CPI own the copyright on all things Conan, 'twas Marvel who originally commissioned these strips and paid for them.  Surely, then, they belong to Marvel, who you'd think would retain ownership of the images even though they no longer have a license to publish them.  Why, then, are Titan (or whoever) allowed to reprint Marvel strips when they never financially contributed to them when first published?  Or is there something I don't know about?  Like, perhaps Marvel receives a fee for the use of pages which they should really still own, even if they can't publish them on account of no longer having licensing rights to the character?  If not, I'd say they should.  (Get a fee, I mean.)

But that's not what this post is about - I just got carried away.  (Whaddya mean I should be?!)  Thought you'd like to see the covers to #s 2 & 3, as well as some interior pages to show how good the colouring is.  However, this wouldn't be Crivens without a bit of criticism.  Cop a gander somewhere below at the woman being seized by (spoiler alert) cannibals: to my eyes, her head is too high above her shoulders, and too far back to be entirely natural looking.  I'd say Neal Adams (or an assistant) erred on this pic and should've put more work into it.  Saying that, though, these are nice looking mags, and a Roy Thomas Conan Tale is usually always worth reading.  (For the record, I prefer the art on the John Buscema-illustrated tale.)

In the text piece in issue 2, there's a couple of typos, but I'm not sure if the article was retyped or simply scanned from whatever issue it originally appeared.  Either way, it would've been nice if they'd been corrected, as I, for one, hate anything that detracts from a mag's potential perfection.  I haven't yet read the text piece in #3, so am unaware if it's error-free or not.  Anyway, enjoy the piccies and feel free to leave a comment on what you think about these Cimmerian comic mags if you've bothered to buy them.  (And if not, why not?!)

NO, HE DOESN'T MEAN MEXICANS, MELVIN!

Copyright MARVEL COMICS

I can't remember whether or not I've referred to this before, but I've intended to for a while now, so here it is.  It's the very first time the FF's flare gun signal has been used, and the cops in the 2nd last panel are seeing it as it happens, just like everyone else.  It's only been in the sky for mere seconds, perhaps a minute or two at most, but one of the cops states "Rumours are flyin' about an alien invasion!".  Come again?  There hasn't been time for any rumours to get started (much less for the cop to hear about them), and what's so alien about three English words in the sky?  H'm, methinks Stan boobed with this bit of dialogue, what say the rest of you?*

(*Obviously not much, going by the distinct lack of comments.)

******

One more thing: Look at the 'splash' panel, in particular the person standing between the woman and man both pointing at the flare.  The left shoulder of the 'in-betweener' appears to be in front of the woman, despite her being larger, which suggests this panel is a 'composite' of two different panels less than competently merged together.  

Post From The Past: Ah, But Is It An ORIGINAL...?

Images copyright MARVEL COMICS

MARVEL had been publishing their weekly periodicals in Britain for a while, when, perhaps responding to some readers' requests, they asked the rest of us if we'd like to see more original covers.  To my mind, 'original' covers meant the original covers which had first appeared on the U.S. mags, not newly-originated ones for the U.K. comics, which seemed to be what Marvel had in mind.  I responded, saying "Yes, more original covers please!" - as, no doubt, did quite a few other Marvelites, because, before too long, the weeklies sported brand-new (and, a few exceptions apart, mostly inferior) cover art all across the board.

I eventually twigged to what had happened regarding the differing interpretations of what was meant by 'original', but, going by the poor reception of many of the 'new' covers featured on this blog, I had the right idea and Marvel had the wrong one.  (I exclude JIM STARLIN's covers on early issues of MWOM because they were well-drawn and I actually like them.)  Perhaps, had Marvel stuck with more 'classic' covers from the original U.S. issues, their titles may have enjoyed a greater success.

So what say you readers?  Did you care much for the specially-produced, newly-drawn cover art on the Marvel weeklies of your youth, or, like me, did you prefer to see the classic covers that had first graced the initial printings of these early titanic tales?  Make your valued views known in the comments section - the fate of the free world hangs in the balance!  (Well, if I'm gonna lie, I like to make it a big one.)

This cover illo was also pressed into service as a splash page in the very next
issue.  Not quite in the same league as the SURFER cover above, eh?

FAMOUS (?) FIRST ISSUES - PLUG #1...

Copyright D.C. THOMSON & Co., Ltd

Do you think ugly people are aware they're ugly?  I mean genuinely hideous people, not ordinary folk who just lack confidence and self-esteem.  The reason I ask is because, when I came to do this post about Plug's (from The Bash Street Kids) own 1977 comic, I wondered if it would be allowed today as Plug's whole 'schtick' was being ugly (though, in seeming answer to my opening question, he didn't consider himself to be anything but handsome).  A strip devoted to essentially making fun of an ugly buggah flies in the face of the whole 'woke' ethos that permeates far too many things in our modern age.

Anyway, I suppose that's by-the-by.  A few months back I bought two copies of Plug #1 via eBay and have been planning on doing a post about it for some time.  I bought my original copy in 1977, but I don't think I kept it, though it could be lingering forgotten in a cupboard somewhere, in which case I now have three copies.  As I leafed through its pages, I realised there was nothing in it which really appealed to me, so I can't be bothered scanning anything from it apart from the front and back covers.  Anyone remember this DCT weekly comic and, more relevant, did anyone actually buy it?  (Apart from me, obviously.)

The other strips were Hugh's Zoo, Tony Jackpot, First Ada, Digby The Human Mole, Eebagoom, Sea Urchin, Ava Banana, The Games Gang, Antchester United, The Bandshees, Supporting Life, Lumpy Gibbon, and Gnoo Faces.  The art was nice for the most part, but I found the characters uninspiring.  In fact, I haven't even bothered to read them.

As for yours truly, do I consider myself ugly or good-looking?  Well, given that another of my nicknames is Mr. Handsome, I think that's all I need to say on the matter.

What's that?  You don't believe my other nickname?  Well, here's proof, written by one of my biggest fans.  (That'll be me then.)

                                     I am the handsomest of men,
                                                     the ladies look, then look again;
                                                     I'm toned and fit, and tall and dark,
                                                     in my blue eyes resides a spark
                                                     which makes them tremble deep within
                                                     and lets me turn their hearts to 'sin'.
                                                     If truth be told, I'm quite a tease,
                                                     but women's eagerness to please -
                                                     to play the game of 'birds and bees'
                                                     and do their utmost to appease
                                                     my appetite for pleasures rare -
                                                     lets me perform with style to spare.

                                                     I am Adonis come to life,
                                                     all women wish to be my wife.
                                                     I conquer hearts with languid ease
                                                     and watch them buckle at the knees.
                                                     I laugh as their chins hit the floor
                                                     whenever I pass through a door.
                                                     E'en Sapphic slaves can't help but 'turn'
                                                     so filled with lust for me they burn,
                                                     their 'lady love' they all do spurn
                                                     and nevermore will they return
                                                     to their past wicked wanton ways,
                                                     such is the power of my gaze.

                                                     My skin is firm and tanned and smooth,
                                                     my honeyed words do serve to soothe
                                                     the fever in their lustful hearts,
                                                     pierced by cherubic Cupid's darts.
                                                     I cannot fail, I am God's gift
                                                     to women who require a 'lift'
                                                     to make them feel desired and young
                                                     by one so manly and well-hung,
                                                     who charms them with a silver tongue,
                                                     whose name and fame are so far-flung -
                                                     for me they'd all lay down and die...
                                                     and do so with a grateful sigh.

                                                     Who am I?  Why...

                                                     I'm Mr. Handsome.

BABE Of The DAY - RAQUEL WELCH...

Today's babe, Raquel, is wearing a

sweater - so called because when we men

see such voluptuous curves wrapped up snugly

in this kind of figure-hugging apparel, we start

sweating while thinking about what lurks so

 tantalisingly just under the surface.

COLLECTOR'S ALBUMS REUNITED - (With One 'Restored' To Almost Its Original Appearance...)

Before restoration.  Copyright DC COMICS

Fancy going on a little journey with me?  Well, not quite so little, perhaps, as it's all the way back to 1981 inside a shop in Southsea.  Me and my pal Joe had gone in so he could buy cigarettes and we spotted two copies of the Superman The Movie Collector's Album lying on the news-agent's counter and I immediately 'bagged' what I considered the best condition copy for myself, leaving the second copy for Joe.  Originally published in 1978, neither of them could be described as pristine, both showing some relatively minor signs of wear.  When we returned home from Portsmouth a few months later, I have no memory of ever seeing Joe's copy again.

Before restoration

Down through the decades, I looked after my copy and it's pretty much in the same condition as it was in 1981, except for me removing the 50p sticker from the cover not long after purchase.  As all regular readers will perhaps know, Joe died back in October and I was among the friends invited to Joe's flat to help ourselves to a pile of stuff destined to be disposed of, either to charity shops or Joe's bin in the back garden.  It was then my eye fell upon the self-same Superman Special he'd bought at the same time as mine almost 45 years earlier, so that joined my other choices, most of which were comics I'd given him from the late '70s onwards.

After restoration

Joe tended not to be so adept as me at keeping things in good condition, and his copy was quite blootered, with creases and colour 'rubs', as well as there being some foxing on the interior pages, but I decided to work a little 'magic' on its imperfections and give it an acceptable appearance, though I've still got a bit of work ahead of me until I'm satisfied.  However, I thought I'd show you my progress so far, with some before-and-after scans of the front and back covers.  Also included are two scans of my own copy, acquired, as I said, at the exact same time and place as Joe's, just so you can see well how I look after my stuff (barring accidents) over the passage of time.

After restoration

So nearly 45 years later, both copies are reunited with one another, which is a nice way to end this post I think.  What do you esteemed Crivs say?  Below is my copy side-by-side with Joe's after restoration - just to complete the reunion and allow you to compare both of them.  Click to enlarge, then click again for optimum size.

BABE Of The DAY - LINDA LOVELACE...

I've just walked in through my front door

and there she is, already getting her kit off -

the woman's insatiable!  I'm finishing my chips

first though, as I don't want them getting cold.

Wait a minute, Linda, you'll stay hot longer

 than my chips will.  Fancy a couple?

SO - WHO'S YOUR FAVOURITE BATMAN ARTIST OF ALL TIME...

Copyright DC COMICS

If this blog site was anywhere near as good as it thought it was (or I thought it was), it would now be showing you different pics of Batman, illustrated by various artists to help you answer the question in the title.  However, I guess it doesn't live up to my aspirations, namely because I'm far too fatigued (or maybe just lazy) to dig out a bunch of Batman mags so's I can give you a selection of panels to crystalise your thinking and help you choose which of all the artists ever to draw the Caped Crusader is your absolute favourite.

To make things a little easier for you (and perhaps a little more interesting), let's make it your three favourite Batman artists of all time.  Ready, steady - Go! 

BABE Of The DAY - DANA GILLESPIE...

My, what a lovely pair this young lady

has - of seductive, captivating eyes, designed

to hold you all in her spell.  Crivvies, show your

appreciation for delightful Dana Gillespie

by slobberin' into your drool cups - now.

SUPER DC GIANT #S-24 Presents SUPERGIRL...

Copyright DC COMICS

For a drawing, Supergirl is quite an attractive young woman, wouldn't you say, Criv-Kids?  That's probably why I purchased this 1971 Super DC Giant #S-24 64-page ish (not counting covers), so's I could admire her in that mini-skirted costume.  (Or maybe I'm kidding.)  This comic mag reprints a quartet of tales originally published in Action Comics #s 295 to 298 from 1963, which constitute a complete four-part story from the first to the last.

Modern comics don't do much for me these days, being too dark, too grim, in some cases, too gay (Superman's now got a son who plays for both teams - strewth) and too boring.  There are sometimes exceptions of course, but they're few and far between.  That's probably why I prefer older comics from the '60s, '70s, '80s, and '90s, a time when superhero comics weren't trying to be storyboards for movies and weren't pursuing an agenda to influence society to accept the tastes of a militant minority, bent on reshaping civilization to their own often dubious notions.

So, let's take a glance at what comics looked like back in 1963 and '71, when their only purpose was to entertain the young and young-at-heart, eh?  Oh for these days again - or am I the only person who thinks this way?  Feel free to leave a comment if you so desire, especially if, like me, your heart beat a little faster on sight of Supergirl in her skater-like costume when you were a kid.  And did you prefer Jim Mooney's or Kurt Schaffenberger's artistic rendition of the Maid Of Might or were you more of a Curt Swan man?  Tell the world!

SUPERMAN & SPIDER-MAN TREASURY EDITION AVAILABLE NOW...

Copyright DC COMICS and MARVEL COMICS

In 1995, when the 2nd Superman/Spider-Man Treasury Edition team-up (first published in 1981) was reprinted as a standard-sized comic mag (with a gold-trimmed cover), it contained an irritating colour-glitch on several pages throughout the mag; namely, Superman's costume was coloured purple-ish rather than blue.  I can only assume the re-colourist tried to subtly dis-tinguish the blues between Supes' and Spidey's costumes, but the printing process somehow screwed it up in some way.  (It was also printed that way in a softcover collected edition of several DC/Marvel team-ups.)  It surely couldn't have been a deliberate choice, as there are panels and pages where Superman's costume is the correct hue of blue.

So I'm sure you'll all be glad to know the new Facsimile Edition of the John Buscema illustrated team-up is free from such distracting and disappointing visual errors, allowing you to buy it with confidence, with a choice of the original Bob Larkin cover or one by Brian Bolland.  The only niggle I have is the square-bound spines are a bit 'pinched', resulting in the margins between one page and another being almost invisible.  It would've been better had the margins on the righthand and lefthand sides of alternating pages been wider, allowing readers to see the art and lettering next to the spine without having to flatten it out to facilitate a smooth read.  However, that said, this is a must-have for all true fans.

So what are you waiting for?  Get straight 'round to your local comics shop and buy a copy today!

CORGI TOYS JB ASTON MARTIN D.B.5 (1968) REISSUE - Oh, Do Come Along, Double-O-Seven...

Behold - the Corgi Model Club's reissue of The New James Bond Aston Martin D.B.5 from 1968.  As something to look at and admire it's a nice little item, but not a patch on the original toy from back in the day.  So what's wrong with it then?  The ejector seat is nowhere near as powerful and the passenger barely clears the roof; the tire-slashers don't extend anywhere near as far (is that a contradiction-in-terms?) as on the '68 version; the overriders are a bit 'blocky' and lack the finesse of its '60s predecessor; the windscreen is narrower, and there are a couple of other disappointments.  Still, it'll look nice in your display cabinet so don't let little ol' me put you off acquiring one for your collection.  Quick - before Goldfinger bites you on the bum!

(This is the gold grille & bumper edition, the silver grille & bumper version will be arriving soon.)

Another CASE For The MAN From U.N.C.L.E. ...

Some of you may recall me previously mentioning a cardboard Man From U.N.C.L.E. attache case I received one Christmas from an aunt and uncle (npi) back in the late '60s.  Well, I've recently bought a replacement for it and am awaiting its arrival from Japan.  When I was a kid, I owned an Uncle badge, my brother had an Uncle fountain pen, and we both had Uncle ID cards, and it's great to be able to say that, with the purchase of this case, I now own all of them again.  Hooray for me!  Enjoy looking at a trio of the seller's pics until the item actually arrives.  Just can't wait.  Did you have this item in your youth?  Then reminisce to your heart's content.  (Forgot to mention I also have the Corgi Toys 'Thrushbuster', bought around 25/30 years or so ago.)

Update: Amazing!  I ordered the case on the 3rd of this month, it was posted on the 4th, and it arrived today on the 9th.  All the way from Japan in under a week - not bad going at all, eh?

THOSE WERE THE DAYS, MY FRIEND...

Images copyright relevant and respective owners

I often wonder just how many people in the world are as happy or satisfied with their present circumstances and experiences as they are with past ones from their childhood, teenage, and early adult years.  Things usually change (not always for the better) as time gradually unfolds, and there are places, people, and periods from my past I wish I still had access to - in reality as opposed to merely memory.  Let me tell you about one of them.

When my family moved into a new (to us, though truth to tell, it was only two or three years old) house in 1965, a new church was in the process of being built across the road.  Once completed, after a few years when any jumble sales or church fayres were held, I could often be found the night before as the tables were being set up (more on that in a moment), looking for second-hand toys, annuals, and bagatelles that probably wouldn't have been affordable to me brand-new, but certainly fell within my budget as 'pre-used' items.

We lived in that neighbourhood for 6 years and 7 months, and when we moved to my present domicile, I would still stroll along to see what goodies could be had to add to my stash of possessions that other people had relinquished.  My mother still attended that church even after we'd flitted and she continued to receive requests from organisers for tins of food, unwanted bric-a-brac and the like, as donations to any upcoming jumble sales or fayres.

She would give them to me in a carrier bag to take along to the church building, which I was only too happy to do as it gave me unquestioned access to other contributions, and those in attendance who were arranging the presentation of said items had no objections to selling me any comic, book, or toy that took my fancy.  These events invariably occurred on a Saturday, so I'd plod along on a Friday evening with some donations and then take my pick of what was on offer and thereby beat the Saturday melee, though I'd usually still attend that just to soak up the atmosphere.

Even when we flitted again in 1983, I continued this custom, and I yet own quite a few things today that were obtained in this fashion.  When we returned to my current house in '87, the practice continued for a few years until the church was demolished and a new one erected in its place.  Again, I still attended with a carrier bag of donations two or three times a year, until someone from the church started calling at our front door for them after a suitable advance warning/request for any unwanted goods.  ('Twas the same for every member, not just us.)

And so my advance visits came to an end, but I have many happy memories of such occasions and wish I could yet indulge myself - even though the reality of being able to do so might no longer afford the same excitement and satisfaction (and hoard of goodies) as was once the case.  (I miss the original building, demolished over 30 years ago.)

And what about you Crivvies?  Do you have any moments from your past that have expired over time that you wish you could resurrect and once again experience a cherished, halcyon period from your childhood or teenage years?  If so, let's read all about them, and maybe be reminded of our own long-gone days of yesteryear.  The comments section awaits.

The above Shazam! book and Knockout Annual (a replacement for my original '70s copy) are two of the items I acquired this way over the years.  These two were obtained circa 1984 or '85.  Another item bought at the same time is a Coca Cola mirror and small table, not counting (or showing) various books, ornaments, and records.

(BOND) BABE Of The DAY - JULIE EGE...

I intended to write an interesting,

educational, entertaining post that would

amaze and astound you, but then realised I

could produce the same effect by simply

showing you a photo of Julie Ege.

The DISAPPEARING PEN Affair...

Copyright relevant owner

Back in November of last year I published a Man From U.N.C.L.E. Annuals Cover Gallery, in which I mentioned my brother owning an invisible ink fountain pen (acquired in either Kinghorn or Ayr I think, around the mid-'60s), which I somehow lost while crossing a playing field one day.  Well, it's only taken me around 60 years, but I've just received a replacement for it, which I bought after seeing it on eBay recently (arrived today, along with my glow-in-the-dark skull).

Will I be giving it to my sibling to replace his long-vanished writing implement?  (That means 'pen', Melvin.)  Hey, stop being so silly - of course I won't.  It's mine!  (I have a vague notion my brother's pen may've been green or grey [or a greeny-grey], but I'm not 100% sure.  I have seen ones on the 'net in something resembling those and other colours).  Any older Crivs ever own such a pen?  Open Channel 'D' and relive your childhood memories in our comments section.

The SKULL COMES HOME... (Updated)

It was 1977 or '78.  Once, I could have told you precisely what year, but my memory is in decline, alas.  I'd been in Glasgow for the day and purchased a Revell life-size human skull model kit.  I have a notion I got it from Miller's Art Store, but that may just have been the bottle of luminous paint with which I covered the skull once I'd built it back home.  I remember there was an episode of Mind Your Language starring Barry Evans on TV as I perused the contents of the box to familiarise myself with the parts.

Once painted, it looked like a real skull, and my friends and me had a laugh when walking along the street, taking turns to hold it under an arm - it certainly received quite a few double-takes.  With the ignorance of teenagers we thought observers must have believed it to be genuine, but they were probably just thinking "Who are these d*cks with a toy skull?".  In the fullness of time, I passed it on to my pal Joe, who later gave it to one of his friends, who somehow managed to lose the jaw and four front teeth and a rear molar.

I didn't lay eyes on it again until decades later after Joe had re-acquired it from his careless friend, and that's when I first learned of the damage it had suffered.  He asked me if I wanted it back, but I declined as it was now in less than pristine condition.  More decades passed and eventually so did Joe, and while round in his flat helping to pack his possessions away for disposal, I finally reclaimed the skull from my teenage years and brought it back home with me, rather than abandon it to be binned by his family.

It needs a little work, as some of the luminous paint has flaked off, but it's not a priority as I have so many other things to do first.  Funnily enough, not long after bringing it home, I was examining it and there was a repeat of an old episode of Mind Your Language on TV.  I've no idea if it was the same one I watched back in the '70s on the night I first acquired the skull, but wouldn't it be something if it was?  Or do those ironies only ever happen in books and movies?  However, that's not the end of the story.

I recently saw a boxed, sealed example of the same Revell skull on eBay and decided to buy it for old times' sake.  It has one significant difference to my original, in that it's a 'glows-in-the-dark' version, meaning I won't have to apply any luminous paint to it.  Sure, I don't really need it, but it's a way of reliving a long ago moment, as well as having a complete model of the skull with a full complement of teeth along with its lower jawbone*.  The sentimental among you needn't fret though, I'll still retain its predecessor.

(*Maybe I'll even get them 3D scanned and printed, and repair the original.)

Ever owned anything you gave away at some point, only to be eventually reunited with it decades later?  If so, all your fellow Criv-Kids want to read about it so get typing.

Wait, there's more.  (Just remembered.)  Before I gave the skull away, sometime in the late '70s I drew a head and shoulders portrait of myself with the skull just at the back of me.  The idea was to suggest a skeleton was standing behind me looking over my shoulder, symbolising the fact that death is always present.  I no longer have the original lightly-shaded pencil drawing, but somewhere up in the loft is a poorly-reproduced dark photocopy of it.  Whenever I find it (won't be anytime soon) I'll add it to this post.  I've looked at that pic many times over the decades, but I'd forgotten I used the Revell skull as reference until this moment. 

BABE Of The DAY - JANE RUSSELL...

From Picture Show Annual 1951

comes delectable Jane Russell, one of

my top babes of all time.  It's been said that

gentlemen prefer blondes, but surely not

when jaw-dropping Jane's around.

CASTEL CRIVENS NEW ACQUISITIONS... (Updated)

All images copyright relevant and respective owners

Arrived yesterday, The Legend Testers from Smash! (60th Anniversary) - though for some odd reason, it doesn't contain the strips from the Annuals, which previous collected editions of various strips published by The Treasury Of British Comics have done.  Where else would they print them?  Bit of a mistake in my view, but maybe they'll eventually do a second edition and rectify the oversight.

Arrived today, two facsimile editions of Superman Vs Spider-Man (50th Anniversary), by DC and Marvel, each with a different cover for the indecisive among you - and square-bound, just like the '70s original.  What can I say?  Buy 'em both now!  (And before you ask what happened to my recently declared intention to cut back on my buying, I pre-ordered them yonks ago before I arrived at that decision.) 

Below, available in February, the 2nd team-up between Supes and Spidey, with the original cover by Bob Larkin and a variant by Brian Bolland.  Better get your orders in now, Crivvies!  (Have to say I think Bolland has made Superman rather 'anaemic'-looking and hasn't quite captured Spider-Man's mask in profile.)