New Talent Showcase #4 (April, 1984)
Ekko: "Ekko, Part One"
Bobcat: "Bobcat"
Feral Man: "Who is the Feral Man?"
Full Circle: "Full Circle"
Writers - Rich Margopoulos, Mike Tiefenbacher, Steve Ringgenberg, & Ashley Tillman
Pencils - Steve Lightle, Stan Woch, June Brigman, & Shawn McManus
Inks - Gary Martin, Karl Kesel, Rick Magyar, & Mark Alexander
Letters - Duncan Andrews & Andy Kubert
Colors - Jeanine Casey, Shelley Eiber, & Helen Vesik
Edits - Karen Berger
Cover Price: $0.75
Welcome gang, to the fourth compilation post for New Talent Showcase!
Now, a funny thing happened to me the other day while rifling through some cheap-o bins around town... I just so happened to find and procure an issue of the more "current year" New Talent Showcase. Ya know, the big fat book that DC put out once a year to see how some of their workshop creators fare plying what they'd learned to some of DC's heaviest-hitting characters.
I was happy to find it, because... I gotta tell ya, there's no way I'm spending the $7.99 cover price DC was asking for this. When I first saw the price, I was sure that it was either a mistake... or DC was just screwing with us. Hell, even at DCBS prices (40-50% off), there's still no way I was gonna bite on that!
For a buck though? Yeah... I've spent more on less for this site, and this will keep the project going for an extra couple of weeks (after we discuss the whole 19 (?) issue run from the mid-80's of course). So, it was definitely a cool find... caused me to swipe the card... and, we'll get to it... ya know, down the line!
For now though, we've got a somewhat eclectic foursome of stories... that, for the most part, I enjoyed very much. I hope you do as well!
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Our story opens with a fella being hunted down in an alley by a Grenadier and an archer known as Quarrel. His name is Trevor Hawks, and it looks like he's gotten himself in too deep researching the so-called "Crimeking". Quarrel puts a bolt through his heart, and they leave him for dead. A weirdo named Screwball arrives in a... well, giant hamster ball... to transport the baddies back to base.
We shift scenes to New York's Hope General Hospital, where inside we meet a doctor who finds himself with the hotpants for the pretty new doc on the block. He asks to join her for lunch in the cafeteria, and she seems cool with it. While he chats her up, he puffs on his pipe... that's no euphemism folks... frankly, I'm not sure he's that flexible. Anyhoo, he's interrupted by an intern with a bad mohawk named Klepto... who pops by to try and steal his gold Zippo lighter. We're world-building here, folks!
The Docs then learn that they got a "bleeder" who just showed up. It is, of course, Trevor Hawks. Get this... that pipe-puffin' Doc is Simon Hawks, Trevor's little brother! The hot-doc is named Gretchen, by the way. Together, they look at the victim, and realize that: they can rebuild him... they have the technology. Now, when I was reading this, I assumed that these two turned Trevor into Ekko...
... but, that's not the case at all! Gretchen and Simon do manage to save Trevor's life... but, get this... it's Simon who turns out to be Ekko! Our new hero suits up, and can sense the arrival of... Grenadier and Quarrel, who are here to finish the job they'd started in the alley.
We get a couple of pages of Ekko showing his stuff... which is basically that the suit gives him heightened senses... maybe super-strength. I'm sure we'll learn more as we go through. We wrap up, however, on the dire scene of Ekko being blasted out of a hospital window... some eight stories high! Will he survive? Well, we'll have to wait until next time to find out...
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You remember back in the early 90's when they stopped making G.I. Joes look like... well, G.I. Joes? Instead of looking like actual "army men", we'd get these neon-colored, crazy-helmeted, huge-booted, gaudy-ass goofballs? That's... well, that's kind of what I think about when I see our new friend, Ekko.
I really assumed that this was going to wind up being a Six-Million Dollar Man riff, with poor clinging-to-life Trevor being suited up into the gimmick. For all I know, it still might go that direction... if Simon actually doesn't survive the fall. Eh, anything can happen, right?
I appreciated the little bit of "world-building" we get here. Establishing a civilian cast and setting to surround our hero is something I always dig... even if some of our characters are a bit one-note. I mean, a dude named Klepto... who has a proclivity to pocketing shiny things? Oh well... can't win 'em all.
The baddies? Well, more early-90's G.I. Joe fare. I mean, these weirdos could easily be slotted into Cobra or the Dreadnoks, no? Oh well. I'll withhold judgment on 'em for now... and let 'em grow into their roles.
Since this is New Talent Showcase... let's meet us some new talent, shall we? Our writer, Rich Margopoulos... well, we've already met him. He was the man behind our earlier Forever Amber feature... remember? The DC Brass of 1984 must've been pretty high on the guy, considering he's given the lead-off feature both times out so far!
Across the table, we've got Steve Lightle... who, I'm actually kind of surprised we've never discussed here at the site! He would go on from here to have a pretty prolific career. When I think of him, my mind immediately goes to the Kupperberg Doom Patrol, even though his run there was very short... like 5-6 issues, if I'm not mistaken. I think a lot of folks will know him as the guy who penciled over Keith Giffen's layouts on the early Baxter-era Legion of Superheroes. It's really neat seeing some of his early work here.
Overall... Ekko is a pretty neat, if low-stakes, little strip. It feels a lot like the DC-Impact line. Kind of boilerplate stuff... but, inoffensive enough to enjoy.
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We open with little Davey Tresh having his mother put some Neosporin on his scrapes. Ya see, this kid has been dealing with a serial bully named Billy Myers. It seems like every day, Dave gets his butt whupped. Telling his folks only makes it worse... because Dave's dad calls Billy's dad... and, lemme tell ya, that ain't never a good idea. All'at will getcha is more whuppins. Davey is a fan of "big cats"... he's not quite a Tiger King or anything, but he's certainly a fan. He play-acts beating Bully-Billy up with his cat models... breaking one in the process. That night, Dave's sister reveals that our boy Davey might've been cruisin' for a bruisin' this fine day... as she overheard him singing "I wish I was a Billy Myer's wiener". Ouch!
That night, Davey hits the hay... and has a wonderful dream that he is a big cat... hunting down a Billy Myers-faced rat!
The next day at school, Dave learns that the Myers family leaves Billy home alone at night... and, somehow, this gives him an idea. He still falls for the "Spell 'I met'." (I am E.T.) gimmick... which, when I was growing up was "Spell 'I cup'."... maybe it was regional? Anyhoo, that evening, David puts his plan in motion... he uses his "Christmas Ink" to dye his little sweatsuit black... then practices acting like a big cat in the bathroom (with the water running to cover up his growls and grunts).
Davey heads downstairs to dinner... and gets the third degree from Mom. She asks what he was doing in the bathroom all that time with the water running... which, I feel is a line purposely setting me up to say something perverted... but, I won't. Anyhoo, Dave pretends to start sleepwalking at around 7:30 and heads up to bed. Upstairs, he "suits up"... and prepares to give Billy Myers Wiener the scare of his life!
And, well... he does just that! Turns out Bill Myers actually is kind of a wiener... though, if I were in fourth grade and suddenly saw a glowing-eyed anthropomorphic cat beast howling in a tree in my side yard, I'd very likely have to change my drawers. Hell, if I saw I regular critter howling in my tree I'd start sweating! Anyhoo, it looks as though our Davey might have a little of the Catholic guilt in him, because he immediately decides to come clean... reveal to Billy that there's no cat-beast outside... it's just him giving him a fright.
Billy comes around pretty quick... and suggests that maybe they become friends. He's got an attic they can have all sorts of adventures in... which, ya know, sounds like how an after-school special might start. Whatever the case, the kids decide to put their differences aside... and Davey is christened as: Bobcat. He heads home... hootin' and howlin'... and annoying some neighborhood dogs.
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So yeah... this was not at all what I was expecting! I had this pegged as some throwaway street-level deal with a lady (Davey's mom) in a catsuit. I couldn't be happier that my hot-take was completely and totally wrong!
I had a lot of fun with this... it was a sorta silly coming of age bit, but I feel it did a lot of things right. Having been a kid, not unlike Davey, I had my share of bullying done at me. I remember having to plan alternate routes home to avoid certain blocks or houses. I can definitely relate to what this character was going through. Feelings of powerlessness, anger... and maybe being just enough of a smart-ass to sorta-kinda deserve a butt-kicking or two.
I really dug this... though, I must say... I'm not sure I'm really looking forward to where this is headed (if, in fact, it is headed anywhere). This opening chapter just tapped into so many memories for me... simpler times, but when little things meant the world, ya know? Feels like Davey's entire world revolves around trying not to get beat up at school... which, sure, really sucks... but, at the same time, in the greater scheme of things, isn't much more than a hiccup in a lifetime.
We met artist Stan Woch in an earlier NTS... but, Mike Tiefenbacher is a newbie. There isn't all that much I'm able to dig up about ol' Mike... heck, his DC Wiki page doesn't even list him as a writer on this story! What I have found is that Mike wrote a handful of backup strips for DC Comics Presents... and also provided some pencils for the Funny Stuff Stocking Stuffer. Of note, he was at one time the Executive Editor for the Comics Reader fanzine, of which I've actually happened across a copy or two in my travels. Love coming across the ol' zines. It makes me nostalgic for a time that I didn't even live through!
Overall, this was a fun little feature, and I'd love to see more like this.
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We open in the far-flung year of 1997... boy oh boy, the future was such a long time ago! Here we meet a former Agency Research Analyst who has volunteered to undergo a process that can "expand his consciousness". Looks like he's starting to regret his decision, but by now, it's too late to go back. He's already strapped to the table and being injected with all sortsa stuff. Once the formula begins to flow, our man is haunted by some strange visions... his cat, his girlfriend, and some pervert with a mustache and a headband. He wakes up... transformed!
He's transformed all right, he's now... the Feral Man! His hair has grown out a bit, and he now sorta resembles Pa Ingalls from Little House on the Prairie. The doctors look on, pleased as punch that they've "unlocked his primal essence", whatever that means. We spend the next few months watching our hero go through training sessions and what-not.
One night, our man tries to read... and finds it to be too much of a challenge for his "frenzied" mind. We shift to another day of training, and a contentious chat between our Feral Friend and a "coach" of sorts named Muldoon. Things go sideways, and our hero lunges at the fella in something not unlike a Berzerker Rage. Thankfully, he's able to check himself before he wrecked... uh, the other guy.
Our hero next decides it's time to check out of the facility... and so, he makes a break for it. He narrowly manages to escape, and a few hours later he's made his way back home. Once inside, he's frightened by his cat... and so, he slams it against the wall... killing it. We wrap up with the Feral Man realizing just how much the company has messed with him... and decides to, I'm going to assume, whistle-blow... telling his tale to The Washington Post!
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Well... they can't all be winners, can they?
This... ehh... was kind of a stinker. Not only did our new hero look like he stunk, but the story pretty much did too. Not much to it, unfortunately... so, it's hard to really analyze it.
I can tell ya some superficial bits I didn't like... such as the Nietzsche quote that opened it. I mean, if you're a writer, and your first instinct is to begin your story with a Nietzsche quote... maybe just close the laptop for the day. It's never quite as clever as you think it's going to be, and ultimately just makes it look like you're trying too hard.
I thought his dream of pi (not to be confused with dreams of pie, which I have regularly... Salish cherry especially), was another bit of preciousness. Sort of a shorthand for "hey, ain't this smart writing?" No, no it's not. Fifth-graders know what pi is... this isn't deep stuff here.
Other than that... I wasn't keen on our Feral Friend killing his cat. Don't like seeing animals get hurt, even two-dimensional ones that I haven't even met yet... though, I suppose that does drive home the point that he's a changed man post-treatment. Gotta wonder though, if this cat can survive months without being fed... it oughta be able to shrug off being chucked into a wall.
Overall... this was... ehh. It was fine. Can't get too mad at it, though I will say, I'm not all that excited for our next chapter.
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We open in Union Square Park in Manhattan where we meet a 51-year old fella named Allen Turgen. He explains that, up until today... he had the world by the tail... but, that's all over now. His life, to this point, has been a series of disappointments and tragedies... including the death of his wife in a car accident several years prior. From there, he would dive headfirst into his work... and would eventually meet another lady-friend. Then, today... his company was bought out... and everybody near retirement age was given the ol' heave-ho (Fifty-One is near retirement age? On what planet?). Not only that, his new gal-pal, Cindy decided this was the best time to dump his sorry ass.
So, our hero sits in the park... wallowing. Can't really hold it against him, it sounds like he's had a pretty lousy day, dunnit? Then, suddenly he hears a shriek! Two thugs are trying to rob an old homeless woman of her bag. Our Turgen (uncharacteristically) leaps into action!
He ultimately gets his butt-kicked... and the baddies get the bag. The lady thanks him for trying... but can't disguise her disappointment that her bag was stolen. Ya see, her whole entire life was in that bag. Our hero vows to track it down... and, a couple'a panels later... he does just that. As there was nothing of monetary value in the bag, the baddies dumped it in a nearby garbage can. Did... did the pickpockets actually think an old bag lady would have anything worth stealing in her pocketbook? C'mon...
We wrap up with Turgen returning the bag... and the two new friends going out to grab breakfast together. Ya see, our hero thought he'd lost everything that day... but actually wound up finding something inside himself he didn't even know he had.
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This wasn't half-bad! It kind of felt out of place, here... but, I enjoyed it for what it was. It actually feels like something that might've been more at home in the pages of Wasteland or something. Well, actually... it's probably better than most of the stuff we read over there!
This is the kind of story where I wonder how the fan of the day received it. It's unlike anything else in the issue... there's nothing supernatural about it (unless we're assuming ol' Turgen tapped into some sort of power to sniff out the proper garbage can), and there were no superheroes. I guess ol' Turgen was pretty heroic... but, again, dude's not wearing tights or a cape.
There's not a whole heckuva lot to say about this one... it was a wee bit shorter than the other features in this issue, weighing in at just six pages... but, I feel like they really "nailed" the story they were trying to tell in the pages they were afforded.
Who are "they"? Well, we're talking about Ashley Tillman and Shawn McManus.
Ashley Tillman... unfortunately didn't go on to do all that much at DC... at least according to the information available online. Just this story, and a few others (all appearing in New Talent Showcase). If you're able to dig up anything else about Ashley, please pass it along and I'll edit the piece!
Across the table sits Shawn McManus... he'd go on to do a whole bunch in the biz... and if Marvel Comics Chrisesnts is still going strong in like six years, we'll eventually see him pop up there! He's got some pretty decent runs on some of the Vertigo books, including Sandman and Fables.
Overall... a decent enough low-key (relatively speaking) story here... and a nice way to close out the issue.
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Et-Cetera:
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Wraparound Cover:
New Talent Showcase #3 (March, 1984)
Class of 2064: "Dark Side of the Earth"
Writers - Todd Klein, Beppe Sabatini, Brian Jacobs, & Rich Margopoulos
Pencils - Scott Hampton, Dan Day, Geof Isherwood, & Stan Woch
Inks - Steve Montano
Letters - Todd Klein, Duncan Andrews, & John Costanza
Colors - Shelley Eiber, Helen Vesik, Robin Keuneke, & Jeanine Casey
Edits - Marv Wolfman, Ernie Colon, & Roger Slifer
Cover Price: $0.75
Wow, three issues down... we're about 1/6 through this little project (that is, of course discounting the more recent New Talent Showcases... which, we'll probably cover here too).
This issue features a pair of endings, and a pair of (as far as I can tell) one-offs. Very strange indeed. We're going to say goodbye to both the Class of 2064 and Forever Amber... probably (though don't quote me) for good. The other two filler stories weren't half bad either, as you'll soon find out... if you haven't already hit the back-button on your browser, that is.
If I had to pick a favorite this week, it'd probably be our third story... Ticker Blood. It was very weird, very unexpected... and just good fun. Be sure to lemme know which one you dug the most! I've tinkered a bit with the Blogger Comments dealie, so it (in theory) should be easier to leave comments without having to enter your Social Security Number, Blood Type, and Mother's Maiden Name... hopefully no more having to offer up your first-born either!
I mention this at the end of this piece, but I do not own New Talent Showcase #4... but, as soon as I track it down, I'll continue this project. Got plenty of other stuff in the hopper though, so for the foreseeable future, there oughta still be stuff coming out every day.
Before hopping into the synopsis, I wanna draw some attention to the new New Talent Showdays compilation page, where you can catch up with or revisit these features in the order they're meant to be read!
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We open with Pern and Tycho rescuing Chryse from the hot air balloon just in the nick of time before it hovers over the microwave receiver. Feels like we've missed a scene between chapters, as I don't quite know how we got here, but alas... here, we are. After getting to safety, a still unconscious Chryse begins to seize. Pern's all sorts of worried, but Tycho assures him that she has epilepsy, and appears to be past the worst of her seizure. Pern's a bit annoyed that Tycho did some background checking on the object of his affection... but, whattayagonnado? Chryse comes to just in time for our trio to be confronted by... FREE EARTHERS!
While elsewhere, the Canyon Police bumble and stumble their way into a plan, the Big Free Earth (BFE) fella proceeds to chat up the children. He claims to mean them no harm, and just wants to show them the truth. They hop into his hooptie, and fly over the site of World War III's Ground Zero... Phoenix, Arizona? Whaaaa? Well, Phoenix has such a bad case of "little big town syndrome", I'm sure this was a fist-pump moment... even if it's only due to the absolute decimation of our fair city.
The Big Guy keeps talking... and shares with the kids the story of how the ones that survived the bombings had to deal with radiation... all things we've come to expect from fallout-type situations. The craft lands and the kids exit, only to find themselves at a "Radiation Camp". The BFE tells Chryse that they need her.
Back at the Canyon, the Police still try and figure out how to track down and rescue the children... but, they're too boring to really dedicate an entire paragraph to, so... back to the Camp! Chryse has her memory jogged about her last visit to the Doctor... before the trip. If you recall, from way back in Chapter One, that Doctor had mentioned something about getting the "virus" out to Earth. Well, this is when that happened. The Virus was placed into Chryse's medication in hopes that it would arrive safely where it was needed. The BFE removes his gas-mask-helmet gimmick, to reveal his deformed visage. He tells the kids that he's dying... however, the "virus" can help those around him who are not yet that far gone. Chryse doesn't even need to think about it, she hands over the virus-laden meds.
The BFE puts his helmet back on and asks the kids to relay the true story of the Free Earth movement upon their return to Mars (or wherever). Pern and Tycho agree... and, check this out, we get a group-hug out of it! Isn't that the most adorable thing you've ever seen?
Right about now, the Canyon Police finally catch up with the kids... and they're taken back to rejoin their classmates. When the dust settles, Pern tries to "seal the deal" with Chryse. Well, I've got some bad news for ya, Copernicus... the Martian Girl only has eyes for Tycho! Chryse and Tycho retire to the bedroom... and, from the hearts floating about... are probably in the process of doin' it! Welp, didn't expect that... but, I should've.
The story proper ends the following morning. Tycho makes a comment about The War of the Worlds... and compares it to this instance of the Martians landing on Earth. He just hopes they were in time.
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That was a pretty satisfying ending, wunnit? I don't think it's anything we didn't already see coming, but it was still quite good.
From the get-go, it felt as though we weren't given all the information we needed about the Free Earthers. Even in the earliest pages of this feature, it seemed as though they were more "freedom fighter" than "terrorist". Though, I suppose nowadays that might be a dicier and more contentious statement than I intend for it to be.
We're living in an era where the media has a measure of control over the "narrative". Regardless of your stance, you always know when "your side" is getting the short shrift in the news. The Free Earth Movement has been condemned... to the point where the children of Mars/LaGrange are told, in no uncertain terms, that the FE's are the bad guys. If you recall, the one bit of advice Pern's father gives him before leaving on the trip was to watch out for Free Earthers.
The earlier parts of the story had several "doth protest too much" sort of statements... so, the ultimate reveal was pretty-well telegraphed. If a writer tries to convince you over and over again during the earliest part of their story that something walks and talks like a duck... you can be damn sure it's not gonna wind up being a duck.
That said, this was all perfectly fine. The cast was, for the most part, likable... and the threat/non-threat felt substantial. The writing was quite good, with some fun moments of humor in otherwise dire scenes.
I think my only problem with Class of 2064 overall was... the sorta-kinda disjointed feeling I'd get between scene transitions. I feel like there were a few scenes left on the "cutting room floor", ya know? I could be completely talking out my ass (and I likely am), but some scenes just "happened", ya know? Last week we talked about the "beach stories" that the classmates reflected on. Feels like we should've seen that... otherwise, why bother referencing it? Even consider the opening to this chapter. Pern and Tycho are already saving Chryse? Feels like we missed something.
Also, the brief cutaways back to the Canyon Police... felt like both too much and not enough time was spent with the cops trying to track down the kids. It was a worst of both worlds situation... made me wonder why Klein even bothered with it. I don't think we needed a page of the Police lamenting the fact that they'd have to deploy a helicopter to facilitate the search... but, we got one! While this added a "scene" to the story... it didn't add anything substantial. Ya follow? There really wasn't any need for it, because nothing actually came of it. I'd have been fine if the Canyon Cops just showed up at the end, and told the trio that they'd been looking for them all this time.
Overall, though... I think if you sat down with this story, you'd have a mostly good time with it. As mentioned, the characters are likable... and, as cliche as it might've been, it's always fun to see the girl wind up with the nerd, right? I probably ought to mention the art... which remains fantastic throughout this entire feature. I really wish there were more chapters of this. I haven't looked into the future... so, for all I know, we might just get another go-round with these kids down the line. I kinda doubt it... but, ya never know!
Definitely recommend checking this one out.
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This story opens with a King Tobias stood atop a tower within his kingdom. He laments the fact that on this very day the "King's Treaty" expires. What's that? Well, ya see... there's some sort of "Ancient Agreement" in this realm regarding the King's ability to bear an heir to the throne. Today is the last day for Tobias to, well, have a son. If his (thankfully pregnant) wife can't pop the tot out before nightfall, they're out on their butts. It's almost a certainty that Tobias will be removed from power before tomorrow... to the point to where his replacement, Vulmic is waiting in the nearby waters.
Tobias checks in on his (third) wife (The King is a two-time... two-time widower), and... no dice... no baby just yet. The King than meets with one of his royal guards, who informs him they are more than prepared to fight off Vulmic and his forces, should it come to that. Tobias, however, wishes to stick to the original treaty he'd agreed to.
Well, about that... Tobias' Royal Guard have decided to go on the offensive. While Vulmic acts an irritant, a great big fist raises out of the water... and smashes one of the warships to splinters!
At that very moment, on board another of Vulmic's fleet... a man begins to glow. He's their Alchemist. Ya see, up until now, with the treaty in place, no one could use magic against Tobias. Now that there has been outward aggression, the treaty is null and void (I guess)... and so, magic begins to flow! Oh, we also learn that Vulmic was responsible for the deaths of Tobias' prior two wives... which begs the question, just who really broke the treaty here?!
Tobias rushes back to his wife's bedside... and finds an insectoid assassin readying to murder the queen... and their unborn child!
We spend the next few pages watching Tobias and Vulmics forces fighting... and, while it's all rendered nicely, there really isn't all that much to say about it. Suddenly, however, the monsters and magic vanish. Vulmic stands in disbelief... uncertain as to what might happen next. Well... what happens next is, Tobias emerges from his chambers, hoisting aloft... his son.
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For a story that I never would have read on my own, I thought this was pretty good. Even when I first flipped through to create my cover-images, I saw the art (which is great... but, didn't exactly inspire my interest), I figured this was going to be a slog. Thankfully, it was only an eight-pager... and managed to keep a really good sense of urgency throughout.
I am, however, left with a few questions... mostly regarding the nebulous nature of this "treaty". It seemed as though this "pact" was, in a way "natural". As soon as it was broken by Tobias' men, magic returned. So then, why wasn't the treaty broken when Vulmic murdered the previous two Queens? Is this Ancient Agreement only predicated on outward aggression from the King? That doesn't exactly sound fair, does it? Oh well... it was what it was... and it all worked out for Tobias in the end.
Since this is a new "feature", it means we have some New Talent to meet... so, let's do that. Beppe Sabatini, in addition to having a very fun-to-say name (give it a try!), was a prolific letterhack before trying his hand at writing comics. He has written... well, a few comics stories. For DC, in addition to this, he wrote "S.O.S. From Nowhere!", which appeared in Action Comics #572... which featured a trio of short stories, that also included Mark Waid's first DC Comics story, "The Puzzle of the Purloined Fortress!"
Found a little bit about his letter-writing days in Superman: The Persistence of an American Icon (2017, Rutgers University Press) by Ian Gordon:
Across the table, we've got Dan Day. If that surname is familiar, it's because Dan is the brother of Gene Day. I don't know a heckuva lot about Gene, other than the fact that he passed way too early, and was something of a mentor to Dave Sim, the creator of Cerebus. Back in the late-90's I found myself reading a lot of Dave Sim's writings... not necessarily his comics, but his essays. Many of them referenced Gene Day. If I recall right, Sim even spearheaded a Gene Day Award in his honor.
Now, as for Dan... he, like Beppe, has a handful of credits to his name for both Marvel and DC. He worked in the indies, notably for Renegade Press. The DC Wikia also credits him with some of the turn of the century era Cartoon Network books... which feels like something of a style clash. I've never read one'a those, so I can't speak to it!
Anyhoo, this was pretty good... and I enjoyed it. I'm also glad it doesn't look like it's getting any subsequent chapters. Overall, worth a look!
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Our story takes place in Arizona, 1892... so, quite a while before the Class of 2064's World War III decimates the state. We're at a prison in the middle of nowhere, where a Lieutenant (there's that difficult to spell word again) Bo Tucker has strict orders to retrieve a man who had been serving a sentence for multiple murders. A man, named Ticker Blood. So... with all the names in the world, and we've got a Tucker and a Ticker... really? Now, about Ticker... he's quite the mess. He's haunted by nightmares, screams, and laughter. In fact, when Lt. Bo comes for him, he isn't 100% sure whether or not it's the "real life", or just another dream.
Together, they mount steed and begin their long trek back to the Fort. Tucker won't tell Ticker why he'd come for him... mostly due to the fact that he isn't entirely sure. He repeatedly tells our man that he's just "doing his duty". Blood laughs, revealing that just "doing his duty" is what got him into the mess he's been in for a decade.
Nearly a week passes before the T's arrive at the Fort. Ticker is deposited at the Nurse's station for a once-over. The Doc insists he have his shackles removed before she proceeds with the examination. He's sat on a bed... and, the sound of children playing outside that really throws him for a loop. With this, he leaps up, thanks the Doc for her kindness, and rushes outside.
Ticker heads toward the Sheriff's station, and overhears the reason why he'd been freed. Ya see, there's a bit of a "problem" a town or two over... something having to do with creatures. Blood bursts into the station, and reveals that this is the exact situation he found himself in ten-years prior. Ya see, he and his men entered a town... which had been taken over by creatures. In fact, Tucker's own men transformed as well! He continues to explain that the only reason he'd been spared was... he ran. He ran into the desert, then snuck back in after nightfall, and set the whole dang town on fire.
The Sheriff apologizes for not believing Ticker Blood all dem years ago... then dispatches T & T off to investigate the "problem". As our men enter the town, they are approached by a "cute little girl". Tucker rides toward her, and Ticker's all "not so fast, kemo sabe". Just then... the kid yanks her own head off, revealing a mess of tentacles and suckers that latch onto Lt. Bo!
Before he knows it, Ticker is surrounded by tentacle-heads! He throws himself through a Gun Shop window and engages in an hours-long firefight. Lucky thing that Gun Shop was there, no? The story ends with Ticker victorious... but, once again finds himself surrounded by authorities. Are his troubles behind him... or have they just begun?
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This was pretty cool! I really wasn't expecting this to veer into the horror-realm. Thought this was going to be a straightforward (and dull) western romp!
Ticker's tale is a tragic one... imprisoned under false pretenses, haunted by the terrible things he had been forced to do. It's just a really great foundation for an empathetic character. I also appreciate how we're kind of walking the line between reality and insanity throughout.
Early on, Ticker's unsure whether or not this is even real... which, kind of just felt like an attempt at playing off his fragile mental state. However, the deeper we get into the story, the more the reader might find themselves questioning it themselves. The ending here is quite striking. Ticker has "slaughtered" yet another town, including (assumedly) his own ally. Was this real? Was it another tortured flashback? Did Ticker ever actually leave his cell in this story? What would be the best ending? This is really good.
Let's meet our New Talents! Brian Jacobs... uhh, wrote this? The only thing that comes up anywhere online (including the DC Wikia) is a character with the name from some Zenescope book. According to Horror Comics in Black and White: A History and Catalog, 1964-2004 (McFarland & Company, 2013) he contributed to Creepy #130 (August, 1981).
Across the table sits a far more familiar name, Geof Isherwood. He would go on to have a prolific career in comics, with runs on Suicide Squad for DC, and Doctor Strange, Conan, and The 'Nam (among others) for Marvel. It isn't often that these New Talents actually have recognizable names, so it's always a treat when they do!
Overall, this was a good one... and, just like with By Ancient Agreement, a story I never would have read if not for this project! Good stuff!
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Our final chapter picks up right where we left off last week, with Amber being held up at some warehouse by a group of police officers... one of whom promises to splatter her "pretty brains" all over the wall should she get out of line. He continues running her down, and even tosses a few racial epithets for good measure. It looks as though all hope is lost for our Amber, when suddenly... gunshots! Remember how last time, that one rapist guy was trying to sell all that opium... but Amber turned it all to, well, amber? Well, this is the fall-out from that. The rapist has very likely just been shot to death. All the cops, but one, rush off to the "tub" to find out what all the hub-bub's about. Lucky for Amber, the officer left guarding her is sympathetic to her situation. He too is of mixed race, and knows how difficult that can be... he assures her that America is still a land of opportunity and sends her away.
We follow Amber all the way to... her father's house! Wow, I wasn't expecting to meet him quite this quickly. She knocks on his door, as the Sun Stone glows. When he answers... get this, he's overjoyed to see his daughter! He rushes for an embrace, which Amber returns... and they both start crying. The End.
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Okay, it's not really the end. Inside, Amber and Mr. Jones catch up. All seems to be going well, if not a bit reserved. Amber finally asks her big question: Why did he abandon them all those years ago? Well... I hope you're ready for some exposition, cuz I'm about to deliver dollops.
Ya see, Roderick Jones was a Combat Engineer in the Vietnam War. While on R&R, he met Su Wan, fell in love, and dey make'a da baby. Su Wan was already with the Circus, and Roddy was called to the field... so their relationship seemed doomed from the start to be a short one. Fast-forward later in the war, Roddy is exposed to Agent Orange... and his quality of life plummets. He's discharged, and broke... but still sends whatever he can to Su Wan and Amber. He never called for them to join him in America, because, as he puts it... he's a "rotting corpse gradually rotting away."
This sends Amber and a weird "This is America" style rant... she just can't believe that the government would turn its back on its people this way. Dad explains that, back then, everyone had "blind faith" in Washington, D.C. and didn't ask any questions. During Vietnam, really man? Ya tellin' me there weren't any... I dunno, "movements" during that era? Hmm. Anyhoo, the discussion is interrupted by a ringing phone. It's Jones' buddy Scully... and, from the sounds of it... somethin' big is about to go down.
Ya see, there's this Army General Brillhart speaking out against the Vietnam Vets who have been pressuring Congress for more medical aid... and, well... the Vets are pretty ticked. So ticked, in fact, that they've kidnapped the General! What's more, they're planning on executing him... tonight! Dad decides he's gotta intervene and stop his pals before they do anything they'll regret. Amber insists she come along as well... and so, she does. Before we know it (18 minutes later), Amber bursts through the door of the place where the General is being held. She does her "Kali this, vessel that" spiel while wiping out a gaggle of Vets. When finally stood before the General... well, let's just say, this dude's a real piece of work. He breaks out a Fred Blassie line, mocking Papa Rod for being a "Pencil-Necked Geek".
Brillhart assures the Vets that he has no fears about dying... which, might just be his way of trying to call their bluff. Welp, Scully don't play that... and instead of backing down... he raises his rifle to around the General's eye-level. Jones, however, steps in before he can pull the trigger. Then, it's Amber's turn to talk. She reflects on a time where she and Su Wan tried getting into the American Embassy... and were given the boot by some Colonel. She draws a single rose from a nearby vase. Wow, nothing sets the stage for an execution like a vase full of roses! These Vets sure know a thing or two about the romance aspect of an assassination. Anyhoo, she picks up the rose... and turns it Forever Amber!
She then threatens to do the same to the General... annnnnd, knowing this broad ain't screwing around, he finally gives up. He begrudgingly tells the Vets that, while he can't actually help them fight for their benefits... he can stop running their names through the mud. The Vets are cool with that. We wrap up with Amber and Daddy Rod walking up to the United States Senate for a hearing on Agent Orange. The End... probably?
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Betcha weren't expecting this to be a story about the fallout of the Vietnam War... because, I sure wasn't!
This wasn't bad or anything, it just went a whole 'nother direction from where I assumed it was heading. Really not sure why we even needed Amber to have her Sun Stone powers for a story such as this, ya know? She only really used it a couple of times... and, it was more as an "added" thing than anything outright intrinsic. She could very well have beaten up any number of goons using her actual fighting prowess... and, heck, there had to be another way she could'a FUBARed the Opium deal. She could've "Secretly replaced their regular drugs with Folgers Crystals" or something.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, with all the set-up... it feels like Amber was being built for more than just this type of story. I feel like she should be sparring with Super Villains, not threatening some General with a rose she turned to glass. I mean, what's next: Amber stands up during the Senate Hearings on Agent Orange and starts ominously and threateningly waving her Sun-Stoned hand around?
Let's talk pacing, because... boy howdy, did we get quite an exposition dump today! Feels like multiple chapters worth of information was plopped in our laps... so much so, that we're barely given the opportunity to digest it all before the story ends. I wonder if this was always planned as a three-part arc, or if Margopoulos and Company assumed this would run a few more issues before wrapping? It feels to me like the first two-parts were (relatively speaking) lollygagging compared to this. This was some breakneck "go-go-go" stuff.
Again, it's not bad or anything... I just wish it had more time to "breathe".
Speaking of "breathing"... I don't actually own New Talent Showcase #4 (and try as I may, I haven't been able to find it anywhere over the past several weeks)... so, this feature might be going on a bit of a "breather". No worries though, I've got plenty more in the works, including a whole new (very-much DIY) "Showcase" I'll be introducing this weekend. Should be fun, especially for readers who want to see some more stuff from the actual DC Universe here. I'm really looking forward to it. We've also got Superman's Birthday on 2/29... so, expect something kinda weird that day too! Hopefully, before long, we can pick up with NTS where we left off! Heck, maybe I'll find it in the next couple days to render this entire paragraph completely meaningless!
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(Not the) Letters Page:
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Wraparound Cover:
