Astonishing Tales #4 - Marvel Comics

ASTONISHING TALES No. 4, February 1971

Purportedly pitting the Jungle Lord against the Savage Land’s Sun God, at least according to its sensationally-sketched John Buscema cover illustration, Gerry Conway’s script for Issue Four of “Astonishing Tales” probably caught a fair few of the comic’s loyal readers somewhat off-guard in February 1971 due to the sheer complexity of its plot. Indeed, having initially appeared to be a simple ten-page tale depicting Ka-Zar and his friends attempting to thwart Zaladane “from slaughtering a group of peaceful villagers”, the Brooklyn-born writer’s storyline suddenly involves the capturing of a bedazzling unicorn, an attack by “one ponderous Tyrannosaurus Rex”, and the sudden rise to godhood of Garokk, the Petrified Man.

Undeniably adding to this fantastical feast for the eyes is Barry Smith’s exquisite artwork, which quite beautifully depicts both the soaring savagery of the High Priestess and the fearsome fireballs her pterodactyl-flying warriors bring down with devastating effect upon the City of the Vala-Kuri. The British illustrator’s menagerie of Savage Land wildlife is especially well-drawn, with the prehistoric King of Lizards and dazzling horned horse both appearing suitably formidable in their own unique ways; “Hold Zabu -- Ka-Zar claims this prize! The fabled unicorn is the swiftest of beasts ---“

Infinitely more hilarious, at least until is disconcertingly dark final splash page featuring plenty of Fourth Reich swastikas, is Larry Lieber’s tale concerning Doctor Doom quite preposterously deciding to take a holiday at “the world famous Riviera” whilst his peasants briskly rebuild his castle, following its destruction during Prince Rudolfo’s failed rebellion. Busy battling society’s elite at the roulette wheel, or effortlessly thwarting an attempt to steal his famous armour by a pair of hopeless burglars, this ludicrous scenario is surprisingly counteracted by the far more menacing appearance of the Red Skull in Latveria, and his bizarre entourage of “international would-be world conquerors… during World War Two.”

Proficiently pencilled by Wally Wood, the Exiles are the highlight of “The Invaders”, with the likes of Baldini, Hauptman, Krushki and Cadavus, Monarch of the Murder Chair, all being given their very own panels within which to exhibit their variety of super-powered attacks. Doom too is given plenty of sheet space with which to shine by “one of Mad's founding cartoonists”, repeatedly demonstrating his advanced technology’s superiority over the international resort’s unimaginative visitors by means of an electrical zap, a devastating punch, and the creation of a casino-wrecking swirling vortex.

Writer: Gerard Conway, Artist: Barry Smith, and Inking: Sam Grainger