In Marvel’s World of Mystery #3 (July 1956), a young boy and his farmer father encounter what appears to be a small space ship and some “bugs” in their barn. The father dismisses it all as “junk” and tosses it away, but the big reveal comes in the last couple panels: The “junk” is really […]
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Although Atlas/Marvel had largely given up on superheroes by 1956, there was an attempt at a super-villain-like character in The Yellow Claw (June 1956). The Yellow Claw was 150 years old, as well as a genius with supernatural powers allowing him to see into the past and future. He was opposed by Jimmy Woo, an […]
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In Marvel’s Uncanny Tales #45 (May 1956), a short story “The Men With Green Blood”. In it, a doctor investigates a corpse who had green blood and uncovers a group of older men who identify themselves as mutants and have “mentalities and strange developing powers”, operating in secret to benefit humanity.
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The Sub-Mariner makes his last appearance of the 1950s in Sub-Mariner #42 (July 1955), closing out the last of an attempted resurgence of Marvel (Atlas) characters, just as DC is warming up the engines of its full Silver Age. Atlas Comics gave Sub-Mariner two years, but I guess it wasn’t enough to ignite an interest […]
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In January 1955 Atlas (Marvel) put out The Black Knight #1 – a new comic book featuring a new character. The Black Knight had the secret identity of the foppish Percy of Scandia in King Arthur’s court, an ally of Merlin’s who battled against barbarians and occasionally King Arthur’s nephew Modred, who was married to […]
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In 1955, all DC and Marvel comics began having the “Approved by the Comics Code Authority” seal displayed prominently on the cover. The CCA was voluntarily put into effect by many players in the comics industry in response to Senate hearings around juvenile delinquency, championed by Dr. Wertham. This spells the end to EC comics, […]
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In Sub-Mariner #38 (Nov 1954), Namor is called into the Emperor’s castle underneath Antarctica. In a quick exposition, we are told that the Sub-Mariner used to have incredible powers: super-strength, flight, invulnerability, but that he has lost them over his extended time interacting with land dwellers: Namor is told that their scientists have discovered how […]
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Psst, Atlas! Your superhero revival attempt seems tinged with DC-envy when you describe Namor as “the original Aquaman”. Yes, Namor was introduced two years before the DC aquatic character. Yes, your anti-hero character is more complex and has a more interesting mythology. Yes, your character actually has a supporting cast. Not only that, your character […]
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In Captain America #78 (May 1954), Atlas (Marvel) continues to try to make their superheroes exciting by adding new super-villains. This time, the Commies create their own version of a “super soldier” to square off against Captain America. Ivan Kronov is given electrical powers and the name Electro. Like electric cars, he has one slight […]
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Atlas (Marvel) make the unusual move to turn Namor and Namora back into outsiders / antiheroes again in Men’s Adventures #28 (March 1954). After thwarting a commie plot, the red convinces a “yank” that Namor was responsible for the invasion. Namor and Namora plunge into the sea before they can be seized and Namor swears […]
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