Strange Tales #127, December 1964 [published 8 Sept. 1964] I missed this one when it was new.

Human Torch & the Thing: “The Mystery Villain!” - 12pp - Script: Stan Lee, Art: Dick Ayers, Inking: Paul Reinman, Lettering: Art Simek

If Reed is supposed to be driving the lead section of the Fantasti-Car on page one, than Dick Ayers has completely forgotten what it looks like!

Wasn’t this whole leadership thing done before?

Johnny’s recollection of fighting the Sub-Mariner in ST125 totally disregards the fact that he and Ben fouled up a peace conference with that little escapade.

This is - what? - the first time in months that Johnny’s love of cars is referenced.

I was going to complement Johnny on no longer be a hot-headed juvenile, but not after this story!

This story completely doesn’t match the reference to it in Spider-Man #19. Johnny’s flame would have recharged itself on the flight back from Utah, and the end of the story did not leave him flying weak and exhausted through the skyline of New York City. *SIGH!*

Dr. Strange: “Duel with the Dread Dormammu” - 10pp - Script: Stan Lee, Art: Steve Ditko, Lettering: Sam Rosen

Ah, more Ditko goodness. I can hardly wait!

The Mindless Ones appear more gnarly (rugged, lumpy, whatever) compared to their later appearances. I also prefer Dormammu’s attire here as opposed to any later story.

I just love looking at this artwork. I could just stare and stare and stare at it. It is marvelous to behold.

In juxtaposition to a lot of other plots of this period, I really like this story. Dormammu wants to grow his empire, and though completely evil by earth standards, he lives by a personal code of honor. Now that Dr. Strange has saved his life and his homeland, he is beholdin’ to Dr. Strange and must halt his plans of conquest as they apply to Dr. Strange’s home dimension. Bravo, Steve and Stan, bravo!

Dormammu did not voluntarily remove his spell on the Ancient One, but Dr. Strange’s victory, and Dormmammu’s resultant oath shattered that curse.

Why was Dr. Strange not rewarded with these gifts sooner? Because he had not yet proven worthy to be their guardian, he had not attained to the mastery needed to control them!

For me, the Dr. Strange saga in Strange Tales #126-146 is the greatest Graphic Novel that was ever created! Bar none!

Anarchy and Chaos are the natural state of the human race. Civilization is unnatural. It is a whim of circumstance. And Chaos must always ultimately triumph.
Last Edited By: Joseph William Marek Aug 18 12 8:14 AM. Edited 1 times.