Doctor Strange, No. 1

Written by - Steve Englehart

Pencils by - Frank Brunner

Ink by - Dick Giordano

Cover by - Frank Brunner

Published in June 1974 is issue number 1, Volume 2, of Doctor Strange; featuring Stephen Strange 'Master Of The Mystic Arts'. There are 81 issues in total in volume 2 and throughout the run I would say that the art maintains a very high standard. I find the look of these Doctor Strange issues very appealing due to their psychedelic nature; the page layouts and general movement with the page are always visual stunning and very dynamic; a testament to the quality of Frank Brunner's impeccable skills as a penciller.

The title of this story is 'Through An Orb Darkly' and features the very first appearances of both Agamotto (and Agamotto's Dimension) and Silver Dagger. Silver Dagger infiltrates Doctor Strange's Sanctum, stabs him in the back with a mystical dagger and makes off with the Eye of Agamotto and Clea. Doctor Strange survives the attack, attempts to use the Orb of Agamotto but is transported to the Land of Agamotto which is very similar in appearance to Alice in Wonderland. Very Strange indeed...

Captain America and The Falcon, No. 186

Thought I'd sneak in a quick post before the month is out (just 10 mins to go looking at the time, I need to go to bed...) I think I'm going to have a little change of pace throughout April, still posting up old comics, but also some different stuff too, stay tuned! 

This issue from June 1975 again features another great cover by Gil Kane and Frank Giacoia. Earlier in the month I posted up issue 189, but again for the same reasons, I want to share this issue mainly down to Frank Robbins' pencil work; I really do like his stuff! This issue also marks the end of writer, Steve Englehart's, significant run on this issue from number 153.

Anyway, the basic plot behind this issue sees The Red Skull reveal to Captain America that Sam Wilson (The Falcon) was once a criminal called 'Snap Wilson' who The Red Skull created by using the 'Cosmic Cube'. Therefore The Falcon is under The Red Skull's command and is made to fight The Cap' to the finish. The Cap' is left with the decision on whether he should decapitate his friend using his shield.