Sunday, April 30, 2023

Superman Vs. The Super-Adaptoid in: "Super-Sized Smackdown!"

 

As a kid with a limited budget, I gravitated towards team and team up books.  I liked getting a lot of characters for my hard earned dimes.  So a villain like the Super-Adaptoid was always a treat to see.  He was like an entire team unto himself and I loved his look that combined all of the heroes whose powers he possessed.

Superman first faced the Super-Adaptoid in STF #3529

Saturday, April 29, 2023

Ms. Marvel and Elongated Man

 

These two look pretty good fighting together, due to the matching color costumes. I was never quite sure what purpose that scarf of Ms. Marvel's served though.  She didn't seem to be cold because she kept her legs bare, after all.  Still, it looked cool, so I didn't mind it.

Friday, April 28, 2023

Spider-Man Vs. The Black Spider

 

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will finally hit theaters in just over a month, and from what I've seen, it looks to be just as impressive as the first installment - maybe even more.  I am glad that it seems like they are once again not forgetting the heart of the story while presenting a variety of amazing animation styles to depict it.  I can't wait to check it out.

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Soviet Super-Soldiers and Uncle Sam

 

Common enemies can make for odd alliances sometimes, and that's what this tale would be about.  I'd like to think that all of our heroes could find some common ground and mutual respect for each other by the story's end.

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

BunnyBunch!

 


I've been getting requests for a bunny based super group pretty much since I started creating teams for STF.  I finally got around to it, and since rabbits are known for multiplying, this is easily my largest team to date.  At 10 members, they are a pretty powerful force - but I'm sure some people will still be  saying, "Hey, where's Thumper?" or something. Oh well, I hope that your favorite made the cut! 

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

The Punisher Vs. Manhunter in: "Manhattan Deception!"

 

Okay, a few days ago I was mentioning how I wondered why more heroes did not hade looser fitting sleeves on their costumes like Firestorm does - but this is going a bit too far.  Manhunter's sleeves were more than just loose, they were positively voluminous!  Perhaps he was hiding extra weapons in them?

These two previously met in STF #3081 and first crossed paths in in STF #1402...

Monday, April 24, 2023

Captain Universe and Archie

 


An energy from space that gives ordinary people amazing powers?  Sure, I can roll with that.  The two hottest girls in high school fighting over an awkward redhead? Now you are really stretching credibility (if my personal experience is anything to go on).  Still, in the world of comics, the impossible happens on a daily basis.  No wonder they provided an escape from the real world for so many of us as kids.

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Hawk & Dove Vs. Electro

 

I wanted to put together another all-Ditko cover, but this one provided me with a bit of a challenge.  Here's a behind the scenes look at some of the clean up and repair work that I needed to take care of before adding Electro in:



Saturday, April 22, 2023

Wildcat and Mr. T (The Animated Series!)

 

MeTV has been showing A-Team reruns lately and the show is a cheesy as I remember.  Watching them now, I don't know how Mr. T's B.A. Baracus put up with the rest of the team - they are all insufferable!  I especially roll my eyes at Hannibal, he considers himself to be a master of disguise but I would beg to differ.  The other three were always drugging B.A. to get him on planes when he repeatedly told them he didn't want to fly.  I'd like to see them try a stunt like that on Clubber Lang!

Wildcat and Mr. T first met in STF #1998...

Friday, April 21, 2023

Dr. Fate and The Hulk

 

There's been lots of talk about General Thunderbolt Ross' Red Hulk showing up in The Thunderbolts, and possibly Captain America: New World Order as well.  Where does that leave Bruce Banner's cinematic future?  She-Hulk ended with a huge reveal that he brought back an off-world son, so that's got to be dealt with somewhere.  Still, I haven't heard anything about where The Hulk is supposed to be featured next.  Let's hope that wherever he shows up, he'll get back to his savage side.

Doctor Fate (along with a couple of mages) previously crossed paths with The Hulk in STF #1949...

Thursday, April 20, 2023

The Micronauts and Red Tornado


 Continuing the tale begun on yesterday's cover, we see which one of Firestorm's allies had been compromised.  I've liked seeing Ronnie and Reddy together ever since they shared a story in the early issues of Fury of Firestorm, I enjoy their camaraderie and their costumes go together well.  

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Firestorm and The Micronauts

 

I'm not sure why more heroes did not opt to have loose baggy sleeves on their costumes.  They look to be a lot more comfortable than the traditional skin tight fare.  Firestorm has one of the best looks in comics, and the sleeves are a big part of that for me.

This is only Part One of a Two Part Epic - make sure you come back tomorrow for the thrilling conclusion!

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Justice Society of America Vs. M.O.D.O.K.

 

M.O.D.O.K. is a villain that I have been wanting to see  on the big screen since the debut of the MCU, so I was glad to hear he would be in Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania.  The quick glimpses I got of him during the trailers did not fill me with confidence, however.  Lackluster reviews kept me away from the theaters, but I'll catch the movie when it hits Disney+.  I'm going in with lowered expectations, so maybe I will be pleasantly surprised by his appearance.

Monday, April 17, 2023

Moon Knight Vs. Batman's Villains

 

Looks like Moon Knight is moving in on Batman's territory once again.  He's had some history of that on the blog, like when he and the Dark Knight swapped places in STF #318, or when he tried to win the Batcave in STF #683.  He's also faced off against the Joker in STF #2021 ,Two-Face in STF #1901, and Man-Bat in STF #968.

Sunday, April 16, 2023

Captain Marvel Jr. and Spider-Man

 

I never really understood those weird helmets that the A.I.M. henchmen would wear.  They looked like evil beekeepers and I can't imagine they had great peripheral vision.

Spidey and Freddy first met in STF #1358

I was glad to use an image by Stan lee's brother, Larry Lieber here.  I remember seeking out his few daily panels for the Spider-Man newspaper strip.  Many years back, I picked up an original strip by him:



Saturday, April 15, 2023

Green Lantern and Photon

 

The teaser trailer for The Marvels leaned a bit on the goofy side, but I am interested to see more.  Iman Vellani was enjoyable in Ms. Marvel, so it will be interesting to see her grow as a hero here.  Mostly I want to see the further development of Monica Rambeau into Photon.  I've followed the character since her very first appearance and I look forward to seeing her in full control of her powers. 

Friday, April 14, 2023

The Super Friends and The X-Men

 

The Disney+ X-Men '97 animated series keeps getting pushed back, but I am  interested to see how it turns out.  Will it take right after the original cartoon left off, or will a few years have passed?  Will they be sticking closely to the original designs and look?  The first series followed the comics pretty closely, so I expect that this follow up will continue along that path.

Thursday, April 13, 2023

Invaders Vs. Solomon Grundy in: "The Battle Above!"

 

I wonder If Solomon Grundy was affected by the Comics' Code Authority.  He was technically a zombie after all, which were against the Code for some time - prompting Marvel to present stories about "zuvembies".

Solomon Grundy previously met The Invaders in STF #3623, and faced off against Captain America in STF #1430...

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Groo and Asterix

 

I enjoy watching the Cartoonists Kayfabe Youtube channel where they examine comic art.  From time to time they will do Zoom interviews, and so far my favorite has been one they did with Sergio Aragones.  He tells a very inspiring story on how he crafted and shaped his career, it's a fascinating discussion and well worth seeking out.

This cover comes about as the result of a suggestion by Mike Shirley, a Patron of this Blog.  Thanks for the idea and the support, Mike!

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Power Man and Ambush Bug

 

After pestering so many heroes in the DC Universe, it looks like Irwin Schwab is seeking out other opportunities.  But will the Heroes for Hire be able to put up with his particular brand of "help"?  I don't know, but it might be fun to see play out.

Monday, April 10, 2023

Captain Marvel and Doctor Strange

 

While I was let down by Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, I am intrigued to see where  his story goes from here.  I want to know if he is evil now or if his "third eye" persona is something that comes and goes.  The whole incursion plot line seems to be setting up the future Avengers epics and has my interest.  Mostly, I want to see more of Charlize Theron as Clea, I really do love that casting.

Sunday, April 9, 2023

The Human Torch and Challengers of the Unknown

 

Ah, Paste-Pot Pete, always trying to be taken seriously. Even a name change and costume upgrade weren't enough to get him out of the C-List of villains.  Will this latest scheme catapult him to infamy?  I doubt it, but that's part of his charm.

Saturday, April 8, 2023

Metamorpho and Hawkeye

 

After reports of his terrible accident came in, I figured Jeremy Renner 's time as Hawkeye was sadly over.  Footage from a recent interview shows that while he still has a long road to recovery ahead, he had made significant progress.  It looks like he is taking part in rigorous physical therapy to get back up on his feet again.  Let's hope for his sake he makes a full recovery, and maybe for the fans' sake we'll see him join The Avengers for at least one more adventure.

Friday, April 7, 2023

The Hulk and Harley Quinn

 

Set photos and official images of Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga at Joker and Harley Quinn for Joker: Folie a Deux have been making the rounds and I really like what I see.  Joker seems pretty much the same (minus the green hair this time around?) and Gaga as Harley is recognizable as the character while fitting into the world that Todd Phillips created for the first film.  I can't wait to see how this movie looks in finished form.

Thursday, April 6, 2023

Doctor Who and Galactus

 

This is a confrontation that I would love to see. If there's one person that might be able to reason or bargain with Galactus, it's got to be The Doctor.  It would be entertaining to watch him try at least.

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Boba Fett on The Planet of The Apes

 

I'm wondering If Boba Fett will show up again in the currently airing season of The Mandalorian.  It's only fair, after Din Djarin and Grogu pretty much took over the second half of his mini-series.

Fett may be able to keep The Empire away, but the rebels are a bit more informed.  Princess Leia visited the Apes in STF #3622, and brought Han and Luke back with her in STF #3893...

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Spider-Man and Starman in "The Perilous Partnership of Payton and Parker!"

 

With the strong legacy aspects that Starman has that spread from comics' Golden Age to the distant future, the character seems perfectly suited for a streaming series.  I'd base it on Jack Knight and branch out from there, just as James Robinsons' excellent 90's comic series did.

Spider-Man met Starman in his Prince Gavyn form in STF #3374, and crossed paths with the Ted Knight Starman in STF #1479...

Monday, April 3, 2023

Stargirl and America Chavez

 

I was sorry to see the series end, but I enjoyed the final episode of Stargirl.  I especially liked the final few minutes where some closure was given to all of the ongoing plot lines.  I was introduced to America Chavez in the last Doctor Strange movie, but I can't say that I know too much about her as she was treated more like a plot device than a fully developed character.  Hopefully future appearances will help to define her a little bit better.

Sunday, April 2, 2023

Sgt. Fury & His Howling Commandos and The Unknown Soldier

 

There's nothing like a good rescue mission tale, especially if it is illustrated by the likes of Dick Ayers or Joe Kubert. Those Silver and Bronze Age war comics really did attract some of the best artists.

The Unknown Soldier has met Nick Fury before on the blog - they last appeared together in STF #2578, and first crossed paths in STF #1686...

Saturday, April 1, 2023

Wolverine and Jonah Hex

 

So much is being made of Wolverine starring in Deadpool 3, and likely returning again for Avengers: Secret Wars that it seems like it may be a good long time before a new version is presented for the MCU.  I wouldn't expect any casting announcements soon, even if other mutants start to be introduced.  I really hope they pick a short actor to play Logan when they get around to it, though.  Hugh Jackman is great in the role, but a tall Wolverine always seemed slightly off to me.