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.
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.
ReplyDeleteCue the Carl Douglas music!
Also Bronze Tiger
Delete*Smiles at sudden mental image of Bob Greenwade and Sebastian the Crab performing duet on "Kung Fu Fighting." *
ReplyDeleteOne 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!
ReplyDeleteKarate 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!)
ReplyDeleteThe movies came out long before he was killed.
Delete@Carycomic: I think Sebastian the Crab is actually Quickdraw McGraw's sparring partner in the martial art of...Crabby-Kabong!
ReplyDeleteYour "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.
ReplyDeletePS @Cary: Sebastian can handle the lyrics, while I play flute.
ReplyDelete@Bob Greenwade: GOOD ONE! :-)
ReplyDeleteOf 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.
ReplyDelete#Bigby65: he started out as Richard Dragon's partner (back when both were agents of G.O.O.D.).
ReplyDeleteWhich raises a question...could Karate Kid take Wonder Woman and her training?
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised Cap didn't want to fight Champion himself.
Paul Reubens, Pee-Wee Herman, died at 70 because of cancer.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to his family and friends. :-(
ReplyDeleteAlways good to see the Legion--but it looks like Val's right foot is backwards(?)
ReplyDeleteSure, he's the future's greatest martial artist, but he's not Elastic Lad! ^_^
@Kid Charlemagne: Who do you think is the purple-colored section of the ropes in the background? ;-)
ReplyDeleteI'll bet that's how Cap got to the 31st century in the first place. Jimmy Olsen's LSH signal ring!
Val was putting his best foot forward
ReplyDeleteNo doubt, in retaliation for Big Blue ruining that old Queen song.
ReplyDelete"I am the Champion, my friends.
And I'll keep on fighting till
The Very End!"
English translation: the Champ can kiss his mighty prowess good-bye.
ReplyDelete;-)
Lo! Good one. :-)
ReplyDelete