This is one of those comics that the march of time has not yet managed to dim my memory of when I purchased it in my local newsagents back in July 1971. Although Sub-Mariner #34 was cover dated February 1971 (and would have been on sale in the US around Nov 1970) it wasn’t until July that it reached these shores and the spinner rack of my then home town. No 11 year old comic book fan could resist that action packed Sal Buscema cover and I immediately purchased it without attempting to sneak a peek inside (my usual method of deciding whether or not to buy a comic). The downside of this issue was that it was a two part story and US comic distribution being what it was would mean that #35 would not appear in my local area for some time. But in the meantime I had an exciting comic to enjoy, a comic that has remained one of a my all-time favourites to this day.
The story itself starts when Namor becomes aware that there is a machine that can control the weather, and in order to save the Earth from possible danger he enlists the help of other heroes to help in its destruction. The story opens with the Hulk unknowingly trespassing on the fortified island of San Pablo, where he attracts the army led by its dictator "El General" . As Namor monitors the conflict, he hopes that he can convince the Hulk into aiding him in destroying a device that poses a threat to the entire world.
But before he tries to engage the Hulk, he first confronts the Silver Surfer and, after a brief fight, convinces him to help.
The Surfer and Namor then seek out the Hulk's assistance and, after a brief fight the Hulk also agrees to join Namor's quest.
The three heroes (who are never refered to as a team or "Titans Three") then end up battling El General's army, smashing apart his weapons, and defeating his military, thus allowing the people of San Pablo to revolt and oust their leader.
In the aftermath of the battle Namor, the Silver Surfer, and the Hulk fly off to deal with the menace which Namor had gathered them to fight. This story continued in Sub-Mariner #35 (cover March 1971) an issue I woudln't pick up until 1974, but thats another story for next time.
I was probably about seven years old when I walked into my local newsagents in Cambuslang (near Glasgow) with my pocket money firmly he...
Following on from my last post featuring some of my favourite Marvel comic book covers from 1973, I thought I would show some of DC's ...
Nearly a half-century on I still consider 1973 to be the year that cemented my destiny in becoming a lifetime comic book fan. It was a yea...
These "Titans Three" issues are total favorites of mine. These along with the three wild issues in which Doc Strange, Subby, and Hulk battle the Undying Ones (wrapping up Doc's cancelled series story line) are the "secret origins" of The Defenders, a group I fell in love with instantly. Sal Buscema was still in his formative years here, his style was echo of his brother's still, but great all the same. Looking forward to the second part. I can't wait until they reprint these issues of Sub-Mariner in Epic format.
ReplyDeleteI remember reading the "Undying Ones" story in a Marvel UK comic (Avengers?) and forgot that is also considered ( along with Subby #34 & #35) as the secret origin to the Defenders. It would be nice to have these stories published in the Epic format. They did reprint Subby 34 & 35 in a Marvel Tales special that was a good filler until the Epic edition hopefully surfaces.
DeleteCan't recall whether I've ever seen this issue before or not, though the splash page seems nearly familiar. Nice cover.
ReplyDeleteHere's a wee tip for you, McS, entirely free of charge. I only offer it because mixing up 'to' and 'too' is something you do on a regular basis. 'Too' usually means 'also', and 'to' means 'expressing motion in the direction of', etc. Depending on context they can also mean other things, but 'too' can never mean 'to' and vice versa. Simple.
Cheers This issue and issue 35 of Subby was reprinted in a UK Marvel title ( possibly MWOM) so thats where you probably saw it
ReplyDeleteSorry meant to add I will update later I'm travelling this week with work nd I can't do blogger on my phone t- the types to small. The joys of age .
DeleteI don' t think I've ever seen this story before but obviously the idea for the Defenders started here. I had every issue of Rampage weekly (34 in total) which featured the Defenders.
ReplyDeleteAs Rip says the idea for the Defenders probably started with Sub Mariner issue 22 and Hulk 126 when Hulk, Doc Strange and Subby appeared in a cross over type story . Im sure this issue and the next one were reprinted in a Marvel UK weekly. Rampage weekly was a good comic.
ReplyDeleteThis comic is completely new to me, McScotty, but it looks a lot of fun. If Marvel came up with a Hulk/Silver Surfer/Namor film, I'd pay good money (well, $5 on senior's Tuesday) to see it.
ReplyDeleteHi Ian, Yes it was a fun and exciting comic at the time ( still is lol) the second part of the story in issue 35 is even bettèr though. I've not been that impressed with the movie versions of Namor and the Surfer but it would be a great film if they made them more like the comic characters.
ReplyDelete