The Fantastic Four #8 (Aug 1962) introduces another classic FF villain: the creepy-looking Puppet Master, who moulds radioactive clay into the likeness of a person which then gives him the ability to control that person. He first tests his ability with a “nameless nobody”, commanding him to climb up to the top of a bridge […]
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Thor gains a supporting cast member in his next adventure in Journey into Mystery #84 (July 1962): Jane Nelson (not Foster, yet). Jane is Dr. Donald Blake’s sweet, easily-smitten girl who doesn’t have much to do, keeping in that early 1960s Marvel tradition of very poorly written female characters (looking at you, Sue Storm). Donald […]
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Speaking of expanding the family, Wonder Woman #121 (Feb 1961) tries to change Queen Hippolyta from a sidelines-only character into one of action. In it we are treated to the first tale of “the entire Wonder Woman Family”. The trick is its all done through the “time and space screen” on Paradise Island, in which […]
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In Superboy #68 (Nov 1960), “The Boy Who Betrayed Clark Kent!” introduces the character of Pete Ross, expanding Superboy’s supporting cast. Newly moved to Smallville, Pete Ross stands up to bullies for Clark Kent and Clark decides to befriend him, learning that Pete’s hobbies include acting and detective work. Later, Clark becomes suspicious of his […]
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Etta Candy and the Holliday Girls make their Silver Age reappearance in Wonder Woman #117 (August 1960), completely with a “Woo! Woo!” catchphrase. Etta is a little less chubby and a lot less bold. She is joined by three bland friends this time: Lita Little, Tina Toy, and Thelma Tall. It seems clear that Robert […]
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No, we’re not quite done with the 1950s yet. One or two more interesting bits appeared on the newsstand in December 1959. This time, it’s the debut of Aqualad, a predictable sidekick for Aquaman. Aqualad is never given a name in this first story, but harkening back to the story of Aquagirl, Aquaman explains to […]
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Jim Gordon new family life isn’t the only supporting superhero character background getting fleshed out. In Superman #72 (July 1951), “The Private Life of Perry White”, Perry White is given a wife and a son all in one issue. Perry White’s son Will is looking for a job at the Daily Planet as “Will Whitman” […]
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Though the Kents were introduced way back in Superman #1 – in Superboy #3 (May 1949), Ma and Pa Kent finally join the supporting cast of Superboy stories. Up until this point, both Kents have only been seen in 1 or 2 panels in Superboy or Superman flashbacks, but this is the first time they […]
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Continuing the trend of female characters being introduced to male-dominated series, Sylvester Pemberton, the Star-Spangled Kid, gains an adopted teenage sister, Merry. Within one issue, she would fashion her own costume and join the Star-Spangled Kid on his adventures as Gimmick Girl.
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The supporting cast of Green Lantern continues to expand! In Green Lantern #30 (December 1947), Alan (Green Lantern) Scott gains a new partner-in-crime-fighting: Streak the Wonder Dog. Streak narrates the story, making him the main character – which is funny because eventually he replaces Green Lantern in the comics. Another interesting thing to note is […]
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