Lando Calrissian, Tomar-Re and The Silver Surfer

 

The Mandalorian and Grogu is struggling at the box office.  I really liked the first two seasons of the Disney+ series and I thought Andor was great - but there have also been a lot of missteps since Lucas sold the company.  I'm not sure what could be done with the Star Wars franchise to turn things around at this point. If you put me in charge, I'd probably set up a scenario like the one above, so what do I know?

Moon Knight Vs. The Riddler

 

This could be an interesting match up.  Moon Knight's shifting personalities might keep even Edward Nigma guessing at his next move.

Princess Leia Vs. Aliens

 

It was only a matter of time before this confrontation.  The Aliens have already faced off with Luke Skywalker in STF #1363, Han Solo in STF #2965, and Lando Calrissian in STF #4165. 

This cover required some background extension before I could add in a Xenomorph. Here's a look at the behind the scenes progress: 

The Freedom Fighters Vs. The Avengers (100-Page Giant!)

 

Looks like we have another full-issue throwdown on our hands!  Let's hope they can sort out their differences and all get together for a slam bang finale in the last 10 pages!  Here are some closer looks at the stories included in this Anniversary Issue:

Shaman and Johnny Thunder

 

This issue serves to close up a loose STF plot line.   Doctor Fate met Professor X in STF #4321, and the two were merged into one in STF #4322.  I figured that it was time to follow up on that two-parter and get these guys unfused.

Kamandi Vs. Galactus in "The Contingency Plan!"

This story is a direct sequel to STF #4368, where The Last Boy on Earth first met The World Devourer.  For this follow up tale, I figured that it was only appropriate to use Jack Kirby images, as he was the artistic genius behind both characters.

Infinity Inc. Vs. The Masters of Evil

 

Filming has completed on Avengers: Doomsday, and the movie is in the editing and special effects stage.  Word is that a first look teaser will be included in front of the next Avatar film, with lots of speculation as to what it will show.  My favorite guess is that the movie may undergo a last minute surprise name change - to Avengers Vs. X-Men!

The Flash and Mr. Fantastic

 

I haven't seen the new FF movie yet, but I hear that Pedro Pascal is pretty good as Reed despite the mustache and limited stretching scenes. I was worried about the casting, so that's good to hear.

This cover required some decluttering and background replacement.  Here is a look at the behind the scenes progress: 

The Shadow Vs. Werewolf by Night

 

Uh-oh - Has Lamont Cranston been bitten?  And what will happen if he becomes a werewolf himself? The exciting answers are just 60 cents away!

Red Tornado and Storm

 

It looks like Reddy has reverted back to his original form for this tale.  It's nice to see him getting along with Ororo after they  had clashed in STF #2441, due to events that took place way back in STF #82...

Chewbacca and The Legion of Superheroes

 

I remember being excited to see the Muppet Show episode where Mark Hamill and characters from Star Wars appeared.  Chewbacca appeared without his ammunition strap so he looked kind of naked to me.  Still, it's one of the best Muppets episodes - the Pigs in Space sequence in this one is a masterpiece.

Hawkwoman and Lady Sif

 

Uh oh!  It looks like Mr. Universe,  the arch villain of the STF universe, has returned!  This time out, he is vexing two of comicdom's greatest warrior women.  As the cover indicates, the adventure is just beginning - Who will show up in part two?  Make sure to come by tomorrow to find out!

Sub-Mariner, Stingray & Namorita meet The Teen Titans

 

Namorita joined the Teen Titans back in STF #1714, and the team previously crossed paths with her and her cousin, The Sub-Mariner and back in STF #2648.  I figured that the third part in this ongoing saga should involve a third sea-faring guest star, and that was an opportunity to use the always cool Stingray.

Man-Bat and She-Hulk

 

Matt Reeves' The Batman trilogy seems to be focusing on The Dark Knights more grounded foes.  I am hoping that when we finally get to DCU adventures with  Batman: The Brave and the Bold, we can finally see some of the more fantastical members of the rogues gallery on the big screen.  I've always said involving Hugo Strange and his Monster Men experiments would be a great place to start, as you can use that plot to also introduce Man-Bat and Killer Croc.  Make it so, James Gunn and Peter Safran!

The Avengers Vs. Black Adam

 

As we reach the mid-point of this 5-Part Tale, we see that Black Adam is using his cosmically charged power to tear through Earth's Mightiest Heroes!  One member of the team thinks they have what it takes to face him solo, though.  Who is it, and are they correct?  Make sure you come back tomorrow for Part Four!

Conan and The Demon / Kraven Vs. The Huntress

 

Time for another double dose of action. I always liked a good back up story in the comics of my youth.  Sometimes they were even better than the main feature.  "Whatever Happened to...?" in DC Comics Presents was always a treat and I was a fan f the Nemesis serial in The Brave and The Bold as well.

Mr. Terrific and E-Man

 

James Gunn seems to like Tweeting images that hint at his DC plans and one that really got fans talking was of Mr. Terrific.  Hopefully this means we'll be seeing Michael Holt on the big screen.  Hopefully with his team The Terrifics, that way we'll get Phantom Girl, Metamorpho and Plastic Man as well.

The Beast and Wildcat

 

One guy dresses like a big blue cat and the other guy looks like one.  It was about time these two got into business together.  Look like their first case is an explosive one, though!

Hercules and Vixen (Vs. The Enchantress!)

 

Presenting Part One of a Five-Part Epic!  Will this, the 9th appearance of the Herc/Vixen Romance, spell the end for these STF lovebirds?  After all the time it took for them to get together, too!  Where will this tale go from here?  Make sure to come back tomorrow for the next heartbreaking chapter!

Moon Knight and The Elongated Man in: "The Tall-Tail Two!"

 

This marks the 13th appearance of the MK/EM Team on the blog, and maybe that unlucky number is an indication of the trouble they'll be facing no that there's a new crazy pairing in town.  Now that I see them together, I think an Elongated Man battle with Stilt-Man would be cool to see.  All that stretching around extended legs is sure to make for some fun visuals.