Category: Comics Reviews

Spider-Man Reviews: Amazing Spider-Man 11, Amazing Spider-Man 12

ASM 011 coverAmazing Spider-Man #11 (April 1964) – “Turning Point” – Stan Lee/Steve Ditko

This one starts with Peter Parker pining over Betty Brant when he hears that Dr. Octopus is being released. He goes to the prison to ask the warden to keep Ock inside, but Ock has served his time (and the warden is more inclined to imprison Spidey for his temerity in breaking into the prison). When Dr. Octopus is released, Spider-Man follows him and sees him being picked up by … Betty Brant! Continue reading “Spider-Man Reviews: Amazing Spider-Man 11, Amazing Spider-Man 12”

Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 197, Conan the Barbarian 198

Conan 197 coverConan the Barbarian #197 – “Stand” – James Owsley/Val Semeiks/Geof Isherwood

This one starts where last issue left off, with the old dinosaur rampaging through the town in response to Freja’s stupid attack on it. When Conan returns (with Red Sonja), he’s ready to kill Freja but Shapur reminds him that they need Freja’s army to fight against the Kothian emperor. Conan does have Freja put in irons. At Conan’s camp, Bahkt (who has been given the power to consume souls by the Devourer) has slaughtered the entire camp, including Sonja’s Hyrkanians while looking for Conan. Continue reading “Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 197, Conan the Barbarian 198”

Spider-Man Reviews: Amazing Spider-Man 9, Amazing Spider-Man 10

ASM 009 coverAmazing Spider-Man #9 (February 1964) – “The Man Called Electro” – Stan Lee/Steve Ditko

This one starts with Spider-Man swinging frantically through the city, ignoring everything around him in his haste (even inadvertently foiling a bank robbery just by swinging past). Turns out he has some medicine for Aunt May and wanted to fill the prescription as fast as possible. If she’s so sick she can’t live without a pharmacy prescription, why isn’t she in a hospital? Maybe they can’t afford a hospital stay. Continue reading “Spider-Man Reviews: Amazing Spider-Man 9, Amazing Spider-Man 10”

Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 195, Conan the Barbarian 196

Conan 195 coverConan the Barbarian #195 – “Blood of Ages” – James Owsley/Val Semeiks/Geof Isherwood

This one starts with the villagers of Shoraji looting the Temple of Mitra where Kaleb defeated the Devourer of Souls last issue. But when one villager gets too greedy and tries to steal the Devourer’s sword, he’s hit by lightning and the Devourer is reborn in his body, still craving revenge against Conan and Kaleb, but wary of whatever power Solaise is hiding. Continue reading “Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 195, Conan the Barbarian 196”

Spider-Man Reviews: Amazing Spider-Man 7, Amazing Spider-Man 8

ASM 007 coverAmazing Spider-Man #7 (December 1963) – “The Return of the Vulture” – Stan Lee/Steve Ditko

This one starts with the Vulture (whose real name we still don’t know) acting like such a good boy in prison that he earns the trust of the warden, who allows him all kinds of privileges … like working in the machine shop. Naturally, Vulture uses the opportunity to jury-rig a new flying device that’s good enough to get him over the wall. Continue reading “Spider-Man Reviews: Amazing Spider-Man 7, Amazing Spider-Man 8”

Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 193, Conan the Barbarian 194

Conan 193 coverConan the Barbarian #193 – “Shedu” – James Owsley/Val Semeiks/Geof Isherwood

This one starts with Conan and Anneka taking a break from Irham’s campaign against Emperor Strabonus for a little skinny-dipping. They’re interrupted by some soldiers who remind Conan they have to keep checking Irham’s defenses and shoring them up against the inevitable invasion. Continue reading “Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 193, Conan the Barbarian 194”

Spider-Man Reviews: Amazing Spider-Man 5, Amazing Spider-Man 6

ASM 005 coverAmazing Spider-Man #5 (October 1963) – “Marked for Destruction by Dr. Doom” – Stan Lee/Steve Ditko

This one starts with J. Jonah Jameson ranting about Spider-Man on TV (so, nothing new). Peter Parker pretends to see some sense in Jonah’s diatribe, just to throw off suspicion about his secret identity. That earns him the scorn of his classmates (like I said, nothing new). Continue reading “Spider-Man Reviews: Amazing Spider-Man 5, Amazing Spider-Man 6”

Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 191, Conan the Barbarian 192

Conan 191 coverConan the Barbarian #191 – “Deliverance” – James Owsley/Val Semeiks/Geof Isherwood

This one starts with an ex-soldier (Jahib-Re) reflecting on his past glories. Jahib was once unbeatable and commanded respect and fear in equal measure from all who knew him. Now he’s older and has been retired (somewhat unwillingly), but when his liege (Prince Irham) requests his presence, Jahib responds immediately. Continue reading “Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 191, Conan the Barbarian 192”

Spider-Man Reviews: Amazing Spider-Man 3, Amazing Spider-Man 4

ASM 003 coverAmazing Spider-Man #3 (July 1963) – “Spider-Man vs Doctor Octopus” – Stan Lee/Steve Ditko

Ah, another classic villain origin story. This one starts with Spider-Man catching some thieves and lamenting that stopping ordinary punks is too easy and that he’d like an opponent who really challenges his power. Careful what you wish for, Spidey! Continue reading “Spider-Man Reviews: Amazing Spider-Man 3, Amazing Spider-Man 4”

Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 189, Conan the Barbarian 190

Conan 189 coverConan the Barbarian #189 – “Rites of Inquisition” – James Owsley/John Buscema/Ernie Chan

This one starts with the funeral rites for Jahli, the boy-king of El Shah Maddoc who was killed last issue by assassins. Conan feels somewhat responsible and vows to punish whoever instigated the plot, threatening some of the attendees at the ceremony. He’s closer than he knows to the truth, as six of them are actually working for the Council of Seven, who did orchestrate the killing. Continue reading “Conan Reviews: Conan the Barbarian 189, Conan the Barbarian 190”