VBI

~ i ee
 BEING AWAY FoR ALMOST AMONTH ‘L GOT A CHANCE TO GO SWIMMING
WAS NICE AND RELAXING. AND SAILING... SPENT SOME TIME
WITH MY FAMILY,

WELL,
T am BACK AT OU367 aN
AVENUE SouTH HOME
MIGHTY MARVEL,

HAD A GREAT TIME AT THE CONVENTION] | -- BUT IT WAS GREAT TO SPEND REALLY GOT TO KNOW 'EM ALL A
OUT IN SAN DIEGO, TOO, NOT ONLY DID TIME WITH THE OTHER MARVEL LITTLE BETTER OUTSIDE THAT
I MEET A LOT OF SUPER-TALENTED. EDITORS PRESSURE-COOKER OF AN
NEWCOMERS-. T OFFICE WE WORK |

SEE, RON, A SHORT GLY CAN LOOK OUT, VIRGINIA'S ON.

Never ouraexATALL ONE DEADLING RAMPAGE AGAIN. Al
Gah GIMME Cc Vil YOU MEAN
BACK MY STULL,
T-SQUARE! q DON'T you?

ae e
WHAT DO YOU MEAN.
HERE'S THE THE HULK CouLD BEAT
TENTH FLOOR, CAPTAIN AMERICA 2/
ogBYMARVELCOMIGS GROUP, apes Galen, Preaent SinesB
Suis oftion.CadenOFFICE
induaies OF Corpor.
PUBLICATION:Allrgra
387 PARK AVENUE
Pri SOUTH,
ain oma alecon clase peerat
der int cp fed, andany suc
marking |,norin pea mutilatediy
CoMigs‘GROUP."Postman: ‘Send address changes
Notbesold exceptiby
Sonditon. All prominent| charac
sulhrzed|dee and mnditior tit shall not Bepodoritibuiedwer bated
ndteGstncvoikaneasoe Marea eorosemary oR
of
to Subscription Dept., , ’ark Avenue South, New York, N.Y. 10018.PAINTED IN CANADA,
 ONTO THE
THE AIRSHIP SLIPS FROM THE SKY ADAPTING é rs DESTINATION: THIS SMALL,
SURFACE OF THE CHURNING SEA eee PLACID ISLAND OFF THE COAST
INSTANTLY TO ITS AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT. OF CHINA, NOT FAR FROM HONS

oS Oo oe :

ITS METHOD OF DOCKING:

S
anAesae
 CAPTORS
QUITE A LITTLE RAT'S NEST My IT's YOU SEE BEFORE YOU THE SLACK
HAVE LED ME TO, WELL PEPHAPS GOTTEN W/DOW -- MOST FEARED SPY_IN
ME CLOSER TO LOCATING (VAN PETROVICH, THE WORLD. SHE OVERCAME S/X
WHO SA//ELD SUSPECTS MAY ASSASSINS... ASSASSINS WHOSE
HAVE DEFECTED TO ( JOB IT WAS TO CAPTURE HER.
THE SOVIET UNION.
LIKE ME, IVAN'S A
RUSSIAN EXPATRIATE.
AND HIS KNOWLEDGE OF
ELECTRONIC GUIDANCE AND.

SS
soen
WHAT COMPLICATES
MATTERS IS THAT

OVER ME--UNTIL HIS

DISAPPEARANCE SEVERAL
MONTHS AGO.

TURNED TRAITOR TO OUR

ADOPTED COUNTRY--WILL
T HAVE THE STRENGTH BUT THEY FAILED-- THE FOOLS.
OF WILL TO STOP HIM i AND T WAS FORCED INTO THE FRAY.
AND THAT |S WHEN THE BLACK WIDO!
I DON'T KNOW. SUFFERED HER LONG OVERDUE DEFEAT ~
I JUST DON’T. {| AT THE HANDS OF SWAP DRAGON.

NOW BRING HER ALONG, SHE COMES OFF LIKE

THERE IS LITTLE TIME "/ A REAL CORNBALL,
TO WASTE. RIGHT? DOESN'T MATTER,
SHE S7/LZ WHIPPED
YOUR BUTT,

y {fl | You'Re
fy BREATHING
i ON MY NECK.
 DRAN DAMON BRANES He's THE
MILLIO: = MUNITIONS MANUFACTURER
THAT DaReDEVIE AND I FOUGHT
YEARS AGO IN CALIFORNIA.
% HE WAS FANATIC--CONSUMED WITH
THE DESIRE TO SURVIVE THE NUCLEAR
WAR HE BELIEVED WAS COMING-- THE
WAR HIS OWN WEAPONS WERE MAKING
EVER MORE LIKELY.

< SEE THE SHOCK AND DISGUST IN YOUR EYES. AND NOW YOU'VE CAPTURED
WIDOW. YES. IT AM DAMO} N_DRAN. AS YOU KNOW, | | ME--AND PROBABLY IVAN
I ONCE ATTEMPTED TO PHYSICALLY RECON- PETROVICH, AS WELL...FOR
G ies, THE SOVIET UNION “CORRECT 2
HUMANITY. iG OF suR-
VIVING THE INEVITABLE NUCLEAR HOLOCAUST,
BUT EVEN AS I TOWERED ABOVE THE
SPIRES OF SAN FRANCISCO, AN INDESTRUCTIBLE
GOD AMONG MEN, YOU BROUGHT ABOUT MY
MOLENT.MDOWNEALL, NATASHA ROMANOFF..
YOU AND DAREDEVIL DES7/ "ROYED
PROJECT FOUR.

NO, MY DEAR. I_ AM AN
INDEPENDENT. I MADE USE OF THE SOVIETS TO
FURTHER MY ENDS ONLY. YOU WERE N
BECAUSE My LIFE NOW HOLDS OWE GOAL--

YOU THOUGHT
ME DEAD--BUT
I SURVIVED AS
I ALWAYS HAVE!
UNFORTUNATELY, MY.
FACE WAS Fagot
MY:
WHICH FOLLOWED. PARADISE. TOO PEDESTRIAN. WILL BECOME CLEAR, (4)
 AND NOW HE |S BEING BROUGHT
HONG KONG WHERE BACK TO AWARENESS BY A VERY
YOU WERE DEFEATED FAMILIAR PAIR OF HANDS~~
By SNAP ee ah
IR S:H,
WOO LIES UNCON
SCIOUS,,yieleniald!
VICTIMO}
MMBAT.

SHE 1S NOW TELLING WOO THAT

THE MAN PINNED To THE WALL-~
ACTUALLY ONE OF MY AGENTS --IS
THE ONE WHO ATTACKED HIM. ALL
LIES, AS YOU KNOW,

Ml WITH NO REASON TO SUSPECT "YOU SEE, MY DEAR , SHE 1S.

SUBTERFUGE, WoO IS BEING LeD
DOWN THE PRIMROSE PATH
PRECISELY AS PLANNED.
GOING To HAVE Woo TAKE HER
ABOARD THE HELICARRIER TO
S:H.1,£-l.0. DIRECTOR WICHOLAS.
FURY, THEN’ IN FULL VIEW OF
NESSES, SHE IS GOING TO
lee HIM~ HRD MAKE A
TIMELY_EXIT.

SHAMBLES,"
 HARDLY, / REMEMBE ,RTHE
PERHAPS. BUT WON'T MY ] SOVIETS BLAME You
NATIVE RUSSIA WELCOME =
ME BACK WITH OPEN ARMS JassN\ fig | FOR THE KILLINGOF
IF I “SEE THE LIGHT"? A DEFECTED
AMERICAN SCIENTIST
=- UNAWARE THAT
MY AGENTS PLACED
WITHIN THE GB
DID THE ACTUAL A
MURDER.

SS FOR THAT,
= AND YOUR INITIAL
7] DEFECTION, THEY CONSIDER YoU
A TRAITRESS. You've NO ONE |
NaF ‘To TURN TO, YoU SEE. PITY.

YOU DISAPPOINT ME, BLACK WIDOW,

ALLOWING YOUR EMOTIONS 70 TRIGGER
IY
YOU MONSTER!
NEVER GET AWAY
YOU'LL
‘
4 SUCH AN CE PAD YOU HAVE BEEN 4
WITH THIS!!
e LAYED!

IVAN PETROVICH,
AT THAT MOMENT, A SLEEK SHUTTLECRAFT THE PLASTIC SURGERY WAS
CLEAVES THE NIGHT SKY HEAD/NG WES: ID_MY EX-
(ER THE SOUTH CHINA COAS:

TRULY BELIEVES I AM
THE BLACK WiDOw.

MAND
CENTER... A VERITABLE FLYING FORTRESS,
BRISTLING WITH THE MOST ADVANCED
WEAPONRY ON EARTH.

SWELL. I GOT A FEW

THOUSAND THINGS
TO SAY TO THE WIDOW.

IS EGG ON MY FACE.
NO IVAN...NO NOTHIN.

WELL, SHE’S
GONNA HEAR ABOUT
IT... LEMME TELL YA,
MEANWHILE, nee REAL SHE CAN WAIT, «BUT THERE THEY REMOVED MY
NATASHA ROM, THOUGH. 7S ANICE, WRIST BRACELETS, ie
AWARENS IN PLACE OF PROBLEM NUM- INVITING WINDOW COURSE... AND ONEOf
CONFINEMENT. BER ONE |S ABOUT TWELVE THEM CONTAINS Fue.
GETTING our, widow's LINE I USE
OHH... THAT'S THE FOR CLIMBING, THERE'S
SECOND TIME SNAP NO WAY IC AN GEAP
DRAGON'S TAKEN. Qe THAT
OUT. IT OWE _HER
AND THE
WIDOW.
ALWAYS. PAYS
HER DEBTS.

ONE THING THEY

HADN'T COUNTED
ON, THOUGH...

«AN EXTRA LAYER SIMPLE BOW AND UNFORTUNATELY

SEK,
T
epis
OF SKIN-- PLASTIC ARROW-- WITH A NON-
SKIN_TO BE EXACT, METALLIC HEAD.
A
COMPLAINING.
EVEN SOPHISTICATED
ELECTRONIC SCANNING...

Hee:
 HMMM... VERY DECEPTIVE, AND NEITHER IS SAV/EZLD.
HERE I THOUGHT I WAS H IGi-- dq THE PLASTIC EXPLOSIVE
AND THE WINDOW'S AT GROUND @) I'M ACTIVATING INSIDE
LEVEL...AND LOCKED. THIS ARROWHEAD SHOULD.
DO THE JOB.
T
Ih if:
[Hr Tt

THE
LASS
IS ALSO
THICKER THE BLAST
THAN A OUTWARD, SO
IND ~ THEORETICALLY,|
SHIELD. THE LEDGE
DRAN'S
TAKING NO.
CHANCES,

MAKE- NO-SUDDEN-
MOVES-OR-I- WILL-
STOP-YOU. THOSE
ARE -MY- ORDERS.

EYES EASES
SPEECH IS STILTED.

COME-WITH- ME, YOU- IVAN! DON'T YOU

ARE- MY -PRISONER. KNOW ME? IT'S
NATASHA.
 YOU -MUST- BE~
STOPPED! YOU-
MUST-NOT-
INTERFERE,
MUST-NOT.
———|

IVAN'S STRONG AS AN Ox,

BUT HIS DRUGGED CONDITION
HAS SLOWED HIM UPA BI
ENOUGH FOR ME TO DO-

POOR IVAN, HE'S BEEN THE FATHER AND TO THINK I COULD'VE

I NEVER KNEW. EVEN NOW, DESPITE COC? Believed, EVEN FOR AN INSTANT
WHAT THEY D/D_TO HIM:
7 BETRAYEDME,
MAN COULD HAVE <—
THAT THIS WONDERFUL, LOYAL

--HE COULDN'T SHOOT ME,

I. WATCHED HIM HESITATE... OH IVAN... IVAN. I'M
SAW THE REAL IVAN FIGHTING SO SORRY. PLEASE
FORGIVE YOUR LITTLE
TSARINA. PLEASE.

PERHAPS IT IS TIME
ON PUNISHMENT BECAME
RI B SEVERE, SNAP DRAG!
DOUBLE...IMMEDIATELY/ I RCOME BOTH HE LET HER KNOW PAIN...
HAVE TO: Bence THE COMMAND DO NOT KILL
TER, 9
 SWIFTLY,
SILENTLY,
SHE TURNS
AND. MOVES
1N SEARCH
OF HER
QUARRY. NOT
FOR HER,

aaah
XE

Le,

WHILE YOU ATTEND THESE

TO THAT, I WILL BE MASSIVE CANNONS
PREPARING A WEL~ I CONSTRUCTED
COME FOR THE SHIELD) / FROM THE REMNANTS
HELICARRIER, WHICH OF MY MUNITIONS
THE BOGUS BLACK EMPIRE SHOULD
WIDOW WILL BE GUIDING /]DESTROY THE CRAFT IN
OVER OUR ISLAND. FLIGHT. PARTICULARLY,
SINCE ITS DEFENSES
WILL BE IN A STATE
cw, OF DISARRAY AFTER
THE DEATH OF

- 4 Now, BE OFF
WITH YOu!

SO, I'LL SIMPLY

HAVE TO GOON X\\
yes. WITH THE BOLAS AND THAT
BO STAFF IT’S SUICIDAL TO
MOVE IN-- BUT I'VE GOT
TO THROW, HER OFF
BALANCE!

YOUR _ESCAPE WAS

UNEXPECTED... BUT LEFT ME
NOT UNDESIRABLE, | iN | AN OPENING. 9M

SHE'S DROPPED THE ¥ é BUT THE STRUGGLE

BOLAS/ BUT I CAN'T HAS ENDED, AND, AS.
LET HER RECOVER-- h ALWAYS, THE VICTORY.
SHE'S STILL GOT BELONGS TO SNAP
it FR/ - DRAGON.
YIELD Now,
]{ AND You WILL BE
J SPARED FURTHER
HUMILIATION.
=| —|

SUPERLATIVE.
T HAVE BEEN
IN COMBAT WITH

I'VE GOT
E _TO FEIGN
SURRENDER...
AND THEN MOVE «+. TURNING IVAN
— INTO A VEGETABLE
YOU SAID YOU "ROBBING HIM
KNEW ALL ABOUT OF HIS MIND--
ME, SNAP DRAGON? HIS W/LE/
DID YOU REALLY

ZZ AND FOR
WHAT ? SO YOUR
“MASTER! CAN HAVE
VENGEANCE ON ME/

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE WHEN I AM DONE CARVING

ON THE RECEIVING END
FOR A CHANGE?
UP THOSE FINE FEATURES
OF YOURS--YOU'LL NEVER SHOW
YOUR FACE TO ANOTHER AGAIN!
DOES IT
FEEL?! 7
We

YOUR SCREAMS OF
AGONY WILL SOOTHE MY
RUFFLED PRIDE. NOW...

ABOUT THAN
WOUNDED PRIDE,

THEN LET HER OWN MOMEN-

) (TUM CARRY HER OVER--
 NICE JOB, BEAUTIFUL. THAT] [TOO BAD You were=m GET_UP, LADY. WE GOTYA.A
SO INTA BEAT!
BROAD WAS PLENTY TOUGH. ||ON RINGSIDE SEAT FOR
HER, YA DIDN'T Za
/ SEE US. & of
Kae

\e h
y !

AND AS THE WIDOW BEGINS 1

WE'VE GOT THAT BLIMP (aay ~ WILLIAMS, LET
TO RISE,ELSEWHERE OVER THE) |IN OUR SIGHTS, MR-DRAN, ME
ISLAND OF DAMONDI IN, THE | |AND THE CANNONS ARE
Fc BEING LOCKED ON TARGET.@Jo Ms ‘
CULMINATION
INTO VIEW... 1TS SHADOW ALL OF lula LABORS.
BUT BLOTTING OUT THE RAYS
OF A FULL MOON.

a
‘ iy
e )
“SSNs

SO, YA FIGGER FAR FROM IT, YOU

4 THERE'S SOME- IDIOT. WITHIN
THIN! DOWN THERE] |MOMENTS I WILL
WE OQUGHTTA KILL_YOU AND MAKE
CHECK QUT‘CAUSE ||MY ESCAPE IN THE
CONFUSION --WITH
SH/ELD MONITORS
RELAYING IT ALL.
WELL, SO FAR,
I DON'T SEE

SURE HOPE THIS ENJOY YOUR,

‘AIN'T A WILD.
GOOSE CHASE. FURY. IT WILL
4 \% BE YOURLAST.
SURE TAKIN’ SUDDENLY...
YER SWEET Cm
TIME ABOUT
+

IVAN/ OUR ENCOUNTER

BEFORE MUST HAVE
E. 7
SOMETHING -MADE- ME -
SHOOT. SOMETHING. OVERCOMING THEIR
= PROGRAMMING.

AND THANKS TO_HIM, THE

WAY IS NOW CLEAR FOR ME TC
rw?
IF ONLY I/M
NOT TOO LATE.

AND ABOVE, IT'S TIME FOR ME TO SAY i

THE HEL/- AU REVOIR_ TO THE BOORISH z
CARRIER HOVERS COLONEL FURY,
=-AN OVERSIZED. as 2->

“5 ND
GRU. WEAPONS ecow.| | [o00 ‘A

es
 WAIT--SOMETHING’S COLONEL. URS Z
GONE WRONG! WHAT'S
DRAN DOING?

I'VE FOUND IVAN. HE'S BEEN I HAVE THE WOUNDS ON My.

BRAINWASHED, THIS IS ALL ARMS FROM THE GUARD Docs!
PART OF A REVENGE PLAN ATTACK AT THE RUSSIAN,
TO DISCREDIT ME _BY KILLING RESEARCH FACILITY. CHECK

VERY CLEVER BUT TLL STILL AWRIGHT, EVERYBODY TO BATTLE]

widow! such’! suCccEE ND STATIONS. T HAD A HUNCH
A RECENT ,YOU'LL BE RUINED SOMETHIN! WUZN'T RIGHT ABOUT
INJURY Was \ AS PLANNED--ON THIS SIDE TRIP, SO I HAD THE
THE ONE ISLAND SCANNED AND THE:
PART OF WEAPONS SYSTEMS PLT ON
YOUR MAKE- RED ALERT-- JUST IN CASE,
UP WE BUT I COULDN'T START
COULDN'T SHOOTIN’ UNTIL I KNEW
DUPLICATE, WHAT WAS GOIN! ON.

~ THEN OPEN
(OULD BE ALL THE
HEADSTART SHE'LL NEED,
 == DESTROYING THE Je WAN QUICKLY]
MAMMOTH CANNONS MERE COME WITH MES
SECONDS BEFORE THEY CAN (he MAIN
BE FIRED. |

WHILE OUTSIDE THE COm-

PLEX, A FIGURE /S STUNNED
INTO IMMOBILITY...
NO--IT CAN'T END THIS
WAY I WAS SO CLOSE--
MOMENTS FROM ACHIEVING
WSR MY REVENGE/
Mi

A BARRAGE OF SHELLS
DETONATE
ON THE TARGETED COULD HAVE
AREAS-- |
=~ GONE WRONG/?
THE MAOMAN'S TORMENTED CRY
SOON MIXES WITH THE DEAFENING
ROAR OF THE /SLAND'S DEATH
THROES, m ary

THE AWESOME REVERBERATIONS |

ROCK THE HELICARRIER, AS.
STABILIZING GYROS STRUGGLE
= TO KEEP HER UPRIGHT,

EVENTUALLY, THE AIR CALMS, AND

THE MORNING SUN RISES ON THE
ASHES OF DAMON DORAN AND
AIS DREAM, ;
AN ‘

A SMALL SKIMMER 1S DISPATCHED LOOKS FAMILIAR,

FOR SURVIVORS... I-I'VE SEEN IT BEFORE --CAN'T
EEN OER. BUT SO FAMILIAR...
WELL, LOOKIT
THAT. FURY SAID
THE WIDOW'D.
MAKE IT OFF THE
ISLAND ‘CAUSE
SHE'S THE BEST,
THERE IS.

WHEN A WOMAN
LIKE THAT SETS
HER SIGHTS ON
SURVIVIN!
NOTHINNS
GONNA STOP.
HER!

EVEN THE BLACK WIDOW IS

GOING TO STAND IN THE WAY
OF THAT.
 FROM OUR AFTERNOON'S
BRIEF SPORT /

/ERILY! 'TWOULD
TAKE MORE THAN A
SKITTERING STAG TO
4 SHORT-WIND
FANORAL'S we

-BeILLEID of the
IRRIORS Ge
MORE ZeaLouetyTHAN EITHER
IFYOU-- WHAT

Ys
ALAN ZELENET2Z: !STORY/ CHARLES VESS: “ART TIM NOVAK (LET ETE CHRISTIESCHEELE: COLOR
 MY LADY, ZDUNN, WHAT 0, PASHING FANCRAL,
EVER IS THE MATTER? MY HUSBANP BRAGI HAS
DISAPPEARED.
TONIGHT IS ALL-
FATHER ODIN'S'
GREAT MIP-SUMMER
CELEBRATION ~~

‘AND BRAGI, AS
BEFITS THE GOP OF
POETRY, |S To RECITE
AT THE FESTIVITIES
IN COURT.

(e/ HE STROLLE! :D INTO THE )

FOREST EARLIER, BUT |
WHEN T LATER
\ For LLOWEP,
HE WAS.
> GONE.

NOW SET YOUR

HEART AT EASE, VOW WE SHALL BE
FAIR TOUNN BACK WITH BRAG/ BEFORE
THE HEARTHS ARE LIT IN
ODIN'S BANQUET HALL,

WE SHALL
SEPARATE
|THE
BETTER To.
SEARCH ASGARDIS
GOLDEN REALM.
 By MAYHAP BRAG! WAS CARRIED
BY JEALOUS DWARFS,
FOR THEY ADMIRE GOOD
POETRY AS MUCH AS DO.
> THE GODS--

= : = me,"

A.NET OF GOLD J ‘ STRANGER; IE YOU'D GE SET FREE,

i FILIGREE/2 f A THEN YOUMUST PART WITH ONE OFTHREE--
: \ ( ASTEWEL OR RINB,OR GOLD'S OUR FEE,
WHAT )) STRANGER, SPEAK, WHICH SHALLIT BE?
E J z fs
ES Y iS STRANGER! I
WHEE! l
2

))
(
 WILL YOU ACCEPT THE = = i BY THE TREASUREOF THE
CUTTING EDGE OF MY i DWARF KING, LET US FLEE,
BLADE, YOU MISSHAPEN, Z Tol A “ BROTHER /
p CHURLS /? >

LL

7 A THOUSAND
PARDONS FOR MY
ap} clumsiness!

GUT WED NOT PART WITH YOU DWARFS ARE GREEDIER THAN
ANY OF OUR SONGS AND TOLD ||SQUIRRELS WITH ACORNS--WHAT
HIM TO SEEK VERSES AMI COST TO YOU TO SHARE MERE
THE BRANCHES OF worps 2

BRAGI YOU SPEAK J :

: TA
LYRIC FROM US, ONE J Y OFF TO THE
WORL?-TREE
ITHAT HE MIGHT SING Ti4 \
AT ODIN'S FEAST, hae THEN /
(EH? WHENCE 00ES THAT.
SUDDEN SHADOW FALL?

BY QUEEN KNORDA'S
BEAUTY/'TIS A TINY
GOCLING ING I ILL KNOCK YOU
TRAPPED WITHIN SENSELESS,
MY DRINKING LITTLE ONE, THEN
GOURD! ROAST YOU ON AN
OPEN SPIT!

7 NAY, OGRE, METHINKS

YOU MEASURE THE
FLEECE BEFORE THE
SHEEP |S SHORN. (5]
 & i { WHATS WHERE'S
THEN TILL SKIN | ne yeeey,
YOU ALIVE, BOAST-
FUL MITES

TOPPLING THEE OVER

THE CLIFFSIDE
eS,

IOH/ MY BONES FEEL, AND YOUR TOPKNOT WILL HANG FROM MY BELT IF ITOLD HIM TO.
BENT AND BROKEN / YOU PON'T ANSWER AT ONCE -- HAVE YOU SEEN SEEK SONGS AT
< THE GOD OF POETRY THIS DAY= THE FOOT OF THE
WORLD-TREE.
Ae pesSoeun A
 t 'TIS PLAIN
: THESE ARE
AT THAT MOMENT. // DAM ISELS OF
GOOD SENSE,

MORE LIKE 7EWV HEROES' QUEST, SUCH

\ IS THE GREAT GIRTH OF THI6 OVER- Al
STUFFED VAIN PEACOCK,

AND THE
DAUGHTERS OF
AEGIR RETURN
YOUR GREETING,
HANPSOME
HORSEMAN.

WATCH HOW
RANA SHALL TEASE
THE VOLUMINOUS
ONE; SISTERS.

I COME) MOST ELEGANT.

OF THE GODS, TO OFFER
WHAT KNOWLEDGE YOU
SEEK, i“
 A PLEASURE I'D NOT DENY
MYSELF, SWEET MAID--OOPH/,

eons
/ N va
! p's BLOOD!
YOUVE TUMBLED).
Waa MEVIXEN! 7

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, SISTER? =- UNLESS YOU UNRIDOLE ME

VOLSTAGG'S CORPULENCE THIS... HAS BRAGI, THE GENTLE
CAUSES OUR LAKE TO OVER= GOD OF POETRY, PASSED THIS WAY?)
FLOW ITS BANKS /
7
dirfl
|

AYE, AND IT'LL SPLASH

BOUT STIL THE LAKE'S ALL
ORY ANP YOU'RE STRANDED
ON THAT ROCK~-~

THEN 2UMPH2 IT'S200F= PHEW-- COME!

TO THE WORLO-TREE OFF WITH YOU,
FOR ME! TRON SHANKS /

BUT WE COULD
7 GIVE HIM NAUGHT, |
FOR A SEA-
P MAIDEN'S SONG
—=\ HAS NO MELODY
ON SHORE.
. > WE ADVISED
QJ
en HIM THE WORLD-
“ TREE'S WHERE
. POETIC
INSPIRATION
MIGHT BE
 Be WELC
HOGI
YOU'VE HAP THE
SAME REPORT
AST.

BUT THUS FAR,

I'VE FOUND NEITHER
HIPE NOR HAIR OF
BRAG! YET. 4
NOT IN YGGPRASILI
TANGLEP ROOTS, NOR IN

AND EVENING
DRAWS ALREADY
NIGH, FANDRAL.
 GRIM HOGUN SHALL Mal HARK-- ‘TIS BRAGI'S VOICE,
#)\ LEND ASSISTANCE, RG. THOUGH, BY YMIR'S ICY VEINS, [8
DASHING ONE. ; T SEE HIM NOT.

FOR WE
HAVE GIVEN THE
GODDESS IDUNN OUR
TROTH AND PLEDGE.

Hi
IN BAGLE'S GUISE,
TANGLED IN THE
WORLD-TREE'S FOLIAGE!

GR 748K, FRIEND FANDRAL,

EASIER callyTHAN PONE~-,

THAN EVER
SUPPOSED --UNPH!
 NOW HE KNOCKS.
THE DEADLY SNAKE y “AND WE'RE
FREE
UNCONSCIOUS ~~

THIS NOBLE QUEST IS

OVERTAXING-= MORE LIKELY YOU
LOST YOUR FOOTING
AND TUMBLED To OUR |
AIP, CLUMSY FELLOW, FOR f
WHICH OUR THANKS,
aa

BRAG|
SHOULP BE
| SOMEWHERE
NEAR THIS:
TREE

EE THINE, AZ|
THERAVE ‘\ VERY LAST
wal
IRRIORS, 7 SUNSET.

Se,
Se 7)
G
 SURELY YOU HEARD us
CALL THEE /
SHAME CRIMSONS
THESE PALLID CHEEKS
THAT EVER Z HID FROM
SUCH FAST FRIENDS! /

DEAR ME. THE TRUTH IS I WAS:

WE SEARCHED ALL ASGARD.
FOR YOU, MAN. I THROTTLED
TWO UGLY DWARFS TO LEARN
WHERE YOU'D GONE.
DESPERATE FOR A RHYME, AND WITH
JEW POEM TO PREGENT TO ODIN
THIS EVENING, I SOUGHT AID
EVERYWHERE.
J}
AT LAST, UTTERLY EXASPERATED,
I CHANGED INTO AN EAGLE AND FLEW
WERE, HOPING TO FIND INSPIRATION
AMIDST THE MYSTIC FOLIAGE OF THE,
MIGHTY WORLD-TREE,

AND I FOUGHT AMOUNTAIN J)

GIANT TO GAIN TIDINGS OF
YOU, MASTER OF POETS.

WHILE I HAD TO LEAVE BEHING }

| THREE TEARFUL SEA-MAIDENS,
BROKEN- HEARTED FOR LOVE
OF VOLSTAGG.
“LOYALTY TO ONE'S
FELLOWS COMES FIRST," }
SAID TAS I GALLOPED
NOBLY OFF /

“BALLAD OF
BEFORE OPIN'S ASSEMBLED COURT,
 THERE ese THREE WwapRions CLIMBED Py
|
(2WORLD "sd
POWN A OW, HEY DOWN fev DOWN A GOWN

THERE WERE THREE WARRIORS: CUBED

@ THE WORLO TREE
THEY WERE BOLD AS: SE wb oe
WITH A DOWN, DERRY, DERRY, CERRY, DOWN,

THANK YOU Ne
AH, POETRY. 'TIS A MYSTERY EVEN MY LIEGE. WHEN ONE
BEYOND THE ALL-FATHER'S KEN.
YOUR FANCIFUL FLIGHTS OF ly Bi i One NEVER
GENTLE BRAGI, ARE EVER PLEASING. AYE, FOR
THE ENDLESS FABRICATIONS SoU. SPIN SO INSPIRATION.
DELIGHTFULLY_ OUT OF THIN AIR NEVER,
CEASE TO AMAZE US.
 MARWEL Fal
% MARVEL COMICS GROUP
387 Park Avenue South ANNI
New York, New York 10016 “ASSISTAN

Dear Mr. Perez, You're right, Rick, we did forget to men-

Just one comment about Fanfare #10, tion that. But the following letter offers
page 5: Va-Va-Voooo000000000000M!|!I!!!!! us an out ... as well as pointing out yet
Thank you, another glaring mistake. By the way,Petra
Alan Attar Scotese used to be known as Petra
1551 Donnacona Goldberg. Does that help explain why her
Duvernay, Laval coloring is 80 good? She's one of the
Quebec, Canada best in the busine:
H7E-4C7
Er... hope you liked the rest of the Dear Editori-Al,
Issue too, Alan. Before reading Marvel Fanfare #11, |had
intended on writing you a letter full of utter
Dear Marvel Fanfare crew, praise about this wonderful title. But after
I would like to know why in Fanfare #10 it reading the Black Widow story, | can't resist
says on the bottom of the splash page “The pointing out a small (al right, big) errorin the
first in a stunning new series of cloak-and- issue (0.k. | admit that |have always wanted
dagger classics,” when the story has a No-Prize .. .). On page 14, the Widow
nothing to do with Cloak and Dagger? leaves her room". ..at one’a Japan's best
Sincerely, hotels" and swings over to the “little curio
Steven Finch shop in Hong Kong’! Any budding cartog-
5886 Abee St. rapher could tell you that Hong Kong is some
San Diego, CA 92122 1200 miles away from Japan! She must
have had some long rope!
this very same question. Apparently thatOnit towasthenecessary serious stuff, Al, ! don't believe
for you to say that the
‘exciting new super duo, Cloak Widow story took place
‘and Dagger have created such enthus|- appearances in Daredevil.before her recent
asm that many people have forgotten the most appealing featuresToof me, one of
that there is a genre of fiction which In- that it seems to exist somewhere Fanfare
outside of
volves sples and espionage which goes the normal Marvel Universe. By keeping
by the same name. Of course it was these
cloak and dagger mysteries which In- stories in Fanfare separate {rom the regular
Marvel titles, you allow writers/artists to do
spired Bill Mantlo to name his characters. special
Meanwhile, for all you readers who want stories about particular characters
to see more of Cloak and Dagger (the they are fond ofwithout them having to worry
super heroes, that is) rest assured that about violating some new plot development
of Editori-Al Is even now twisting Mant- inWidow the character's current appearances. The
story is a perfect example: Macchio
lo’s typing arm to acquire some C&D and Perez did the story based on the
stories for Fanfare.
“classic” version of the Widow (long hair
Al, and dark blue suit) and there is nothing
What can | say excépt that the Black wrong with that. If someone wanted to do a
Widow issues are probably my personal Hulk story for Fanfare he would no doubt
give the Hulk his “normal” brain and not
favorite issues of Fanfare. This is what the Bruce Banner's as in the recent storylines.
book was made for, without it we would have By allowing Fanfare to be timeless, you are
never seen this series, and that would have giving talented people free reign to write
been a shame. his/her "dream story" which could even be
So if there's any hope, go to the Marvel based on characters who are deceased or
offices and start digging around and see if
you can find any other stories of this quality, retired in the normal Marvel Universe.
This could make Fanfare a truly unique
hiding around.
day Tuttle book in the comics world, as it would allow
Room #203 Box 51 its creators to do any story they like without
College Union having to worry about “fitting” the story into
Edinboro University the current Marvel Universe. Sincerely,
Edinboro, PA 16444 Brett Bobley
Thanks, Jay. As we pointed out in the 98 High Farms Rd.
letter column last Issue, some people Glen Head, NY 11545
don't like the idea of using Inventory
material for Fanfare. But our attitude Is:
If it's good, use it, It'snice to know that
many of our faithful fans agree. A MUICRO-WORLD
Al Milgrom, OF WONDERMENT
The first part of the Widow series was WAITS YOU (IW
fantastic! | don't know why you're putting it
here instead of making alimited series book,
but the special paper in Fanfare combines
with the coloring of Petra Scotese(who?) for
a brilliant effect.
By the way, you seem to have forgotten
the footnote which explains that this story
takes place before Sam Sawyer's death in
an issue of Captain America.
ON SHLE EVERY
Rick S, Jones
11292 W 17B
60 DAYS 0k RECT
Argos, IN 46501 SALES OUTLETS!
the only reason we can offer
let such an obvious mistake get through.
To all those who wrote In (and they were
legion) to point out just where Hong
Kong Is located: our thanks, our apol-
gles ... but no No-Prizes. Many peop!
requested them, but no one offered an
explanation that would get Al off the
hook for this mistake. And that's what
are awarded for.
, Brett, much as we appreci
the fact that you don’t insist that Fanfare
keep up with the continuity in the rest of
the Marvel line, we feel we must try to
make that effort, However, since many
Fanfare jobs spend some time in the
drawer before they get printed, we often
find we must resort to the use of foot-
note disclaimers (this story takes place
before/after ...etc.) Let's hear what the
rest of you readers think.
Dear Marvel,
In Fanfare #10 on page 2, panel 7, it
shows the Black Widow's picture with infor-
is
mation stating: eyes: green; height: 5’9”.
But, in the Official Handbook of the Marvel
the Universe, it says: Eyes: blue: height: 5'7”,
What do you say to that?
Brent Bowman
800 Chandler St,
Elletsville, IN 47429
Er. ..would you believe colored con-
tact lenses and high heel shoes? You
know how these cloak and dagger types
love disgul
Dear Al,
Outrageous! $1.50 plus 5 pages of Pin-
ups. DISGUSTING!
John Brittan
11 Fleetwood Dr.
Daly City, CA 94015
Then there's
Aland Ann,
About Fanfare:
MORE PORTFOLIOS! (please?)
Oh, and as long as things continue to be
this good, you'll have my buck-and-a-half
for the duration.
See ya,
Thomas Long
Route 3 Box 146
Edwardsville, IL 62025
 Bath Beach Body Bullding is a real trip.
First of all, it's way, way out in Brookiyn, a good hour from Manhattan by car, and seventy-
three years by subway.
The outside Is . well, check out the photo below. Yes, that's King Kong. Alittle tacky, maybe,
but... stiking.
The inside, though — that's where the trip begins. Walk into that place, my friend, and feel the
dimension warp close behind you. I's . different inside.
First, in the small lobby you see a counter from behind which Tony Sabella or John Barbero, the
‘owners, sell an Incredible variety of stuf, from T-shirts to weight belts, from jockstraps to hard wraps.
You've got to be a member to get past the lobby into the gym, but they'll probably let you In anyway.
They should charge you a one-time fee for that, but, oh, what the heck, you're with a guy they like, so
go.on in and enjoy, willya. No charge. They aren't in this for the bucks it seems.
‘The guywewere with that they like is John Morell, aletterer at Marvel, and a darn good one. He lets
friends call him “Squid” — a name acquired because he worked on a boat one summer—but he
doesn't like it much, John isn't real big, but he's 150 pounds of rock-hard muscle and he can bench
press a locomotive, so you pay attention to what he likes. | call him John
John shows us around. First the photos in the lobby of top local bodybuilders and even inter-
nationally renowned guys who have visited BBBB — guys like Amnold, Franco, and Doug. No need
for last names. You're supposed to know who these guys are. The names are spoken with respect
. almost reverence.
John takes us downstairs to the weight room... . and, Lord, you know this isn't Kansas anymore,
Toto. First you notice the smell. I's not bad — i's Just definitly a gym, you know? Next, you notice
that everyone is wearing sweats, There's not a bulging bicep in sight. These guys are here to work,
not show off. Also, since they may be competing against one another in upcoming "shows" there may
be just a litle psyching out going on. That's where the competitiveness ends, though. Pick up @
barbell and somebody, whether he knows you or not, will walk over and spot for you — and shout,
"gimme one more, one more!” in your ear as you start to falter, trying to milk out that extra rep. Think
about the cuts, man. Definition don't come easy.
Welghts are dropped on the floor when you're finished. The weight racks? Emply. That's just how
it's done, Groans and shrieks punctuate the quiet background murmur of casual conversation, which
is mostly about bodybuilding. Oh, and if someone should take hisshirtoff to check his cuts?Well,it's
an event. Everyone gathers around and admires the arm, chest, or whatever is under consideration
at the moment, while the owner of said muscles poses, staring intently atthe ubiquitous mirrors, I've
ever seen such a supportive group. I's. . beautiful.
John leads us to the boxing room. There are boxing posters everywhere, and of course a ring. I's,
um, thoroughly broken in, but quite serviceable, The ring is why we're here,
"We" include myself, John, editors Ralph Macchio, Bob Budiansky, and Mark Gruenwald,
assistants Mike Carlin, Eliot Brown, and Bob Harras, writer Alan Zelenetz, artist and photographer
Vince Colletta, and artist Ron Wilson. Ron is the creator and penciler of the newest Marvel Graphic
Novel, SUPER BOXERS, written by John Byrne and inked by Armando Gil, and on sale November 8,
He and Morelli talked us into this trip. It all sounded so reasonable back at the office — check out
the gym, and the ring, you know, just to better understand the subtleties of SUPER BOXERS. Welll
even put on the gloves and spar a few rounds — you know, clown aroundin the ring! Welll take a few
pictures and, who knows, maybe use 'em in some promotional way. Hey, itl be a gas.
Ron is about six feet, a hundred and ninety-five pounds and built ike John. He did some amateur
boxing. He could have been a contender, but he’s just too nice a guy. No killer instinct.
Thank God. One two-minute round has me puffing and wheezing like an emphysematic steam
engine, though | can run ten eight-minute miles without any trouble, | have seven inches of height,
twenty-five pounds of weight, and sixty-three yards of reach advantage over Ron. Itisn't enough.
He's good. We're taking it easy — easy! — but | sense how hard those looping lefts could be
coming in. Ijab and backpeddle, frankly afraid to throw my right. You see, I've never hit anyone in my
\ife, I'm having trouble with the concept. Besides, I'd feel silly if | missed.
survive two rounds. Ralph "No Mas" Macchio and John "Kid Squid" Morelli take a turn, Watching
Is better, though |irritate everyone by repeatedly shouting, ‘“Take it easy! Nobody gets hurt, okay?
Easy, easy, easy!”
After a while we're all exhausted, We thank Tony and John profusely and go to lunch at a nearby
restaurant.
Ican't believe we did this, |can't believe /did this. |can't believe the experience lived up to its billing
—butit did.
You''l Ike SUPER BOXERS. Even ifyou never lace ‘em on and throw leather, If you aver did or ever
do, though — suddenly, it's awesome.
Protect yourself in
the clinches

dim Shooter
Editor in Chief

"KID SQUID" VS. "ROCKY" RON