Amazing Adventures #32
Published and © by Marvel, September 1975
Title: “Only the Computer Shows Me Any Respect!”
Synopsis: Killraven and crew seek overnight refuge in a Octo-Tympanum-View-Scope emporium, tripping out and digging some tunes.
Writer: Don McGregor
Penciler: P. Craig Russell
Inker: Dan Green
Review: Following the previous issue’s action-packed showdown (see review), writer Don McGregor turns his attention to … the upside of acid trips? Seriously, this might be the most pro-recreational-drug-use story to come out of mainstream comics during the Bronze Age. Add a few meditations about the power of music and this sleepy story is definitely a relic of its time. McGregor’s ponderous prose isn’t quite up to the task of capturing the psychedelic experience, and P. Craig Russell’s art – which should be perfect for such a story – loses a bit of magic under Dan Green’s inks. Still, credit for trying something different.
Grade: B
Second opinion: “Don McGregor and Craig Russell continue to stretch the boundaries of the comics medium with innovative layout and unexpected scripting. … 3 out of 4 stars.” – Comics Buyer’s Guide #1656, August 2009
Cool factor: Hey, kids, just say “yes” to drugs!
Not-so-cool factor: Hey, kids, just say “yes” to drugs!
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 9p British variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “I’ll tell you why, son. Because things are resolved there.” – Hawk’s father, on why someone might want to be in an altered state all the time
Editor’s note: This review was written Oct. 5, 2021.
