Monday, July 31, 2023

Captain America and Karate Kid


 Concluding this three-part epic, we now see why Cap had to seek out the LSH's greatest combatant.  I remember as a kid thinking it was odd that out of all the Legionnaires, Karate Kid was the first to have his own solo title.  I guess DC was trying to cash in on the martial arts craze in the 70's and just used whoever they had that fit the bill.

21 comments:

Carycomic said...

Whoa! I did not see this one coming, at all. I mean, let's face it. Marvel, themselves, haven't used the Champion since that Silver Surfer limited series circa the late Eighties! As for DC's lack of martial artist characters? Like you said, Ross: it was the early Seventies. Their only other such character, back then, was Richard Dragon.

Cue the Carl Douglas music!

Carycomic said...

*Smiles at sudden mental image of Bob Greenwade and Sebastian the Crab performing duet on "Kung Fu Fighting." *

Carycomic said...

One more thought for this morning while we're on the subject. Will Richard Dragon ever make his debut, here? I mean, you found room for Rick and Morty...and even Richard Outcault's Yellow Kid!

Anonymous said...

Karate Kid was my favorite Legionaire! I loved his brief solo comic. I was pissed that he was killed off so they could make those stupid movies. ( I refuse to watch them!)

Anonymous said...

@Carycomic: I think Sebastian the Crab is actually Quickdraw McGraw's sparring partner in the martial art of...Crabby-Kabong!

Bob Greenwade said...

Your "guess" is exactly on point, Ross; the folks at DC even said as much at the time (though not quite in those words). In fact, I'm surprised that you haven't yet teamed KK up with Marvel's entry in the "riding the martial arts craze of the 70s" category, Shang-Chi. Maybe those two can make a connection before Val goes back to the 31st century.

Bob Greenwade said...

PS @Cary: Sebastian can handle the lyrics, while I play flute.

Carycomic said...

@Bob Greenwade: GOOD ONE! :-)

Bigby65 said...

The movies came out long before he was killed.

Bigby65 said...

Also Bronze Tiger

emsley wyatt said...

Of the four Legionnaires inducted in Shooter's first two parter, three would eventually die, Ferro Lad, Nemesis Kid, and Karate Kid. The latter two each killed by one of the other four.

Carycomic said...

#Bigby65: he started out as Richard Dragon's partner (back when both were agents of G.O.O.D.).

Detective Tobor said...

Which raises a question...could Karate Kid take Wonder Woman and her training?

I'm surprised Cap didn't want to fight Champion himself.

Detective Tobor said...

Paul Reubens, Pee-Wee Herman, died at 70 because of cancer.

Carycomic said...

My condolences to his family and friends. :-(

Kid Charlemagne said...

Always good to see the Legion--but it looks like Val's right foot is backwards(?)

Sure, he's the future's greatest martial artist, but he's not Elastic Lad! ^_^

Anonymous said...

@Kid Charlemagne: Who do you think is the purple-colored section of the ropes in the background? ;-)

I'll bet that's how Cap got to the 31st century in the first place. Jimmy Olsen's LSH signal ring!

Anony Mouse said...

Val was putting his best foot forward

Carycomic said...

No doubt, in retaliation for Big Blue ruining that old Queen song.

"I am the Champion, my friends.
And I'll keep on fighting till
The Very End!"

Carycomic said...

English translation: the Champ can kiss his mighty prowess good-bye.

;-)

Anonymous said...

Lo! Good one. :-)

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