Astonishing Tales #2
Published and © by Marvel, October 1970
Title: “Frenzy On the Fortieth Floor!”
Synopsis: Ka-Zar trades hidden jungle for big city as he attempts to rescue Zabu from the clutches of Kraven.
Writer: Roy Thomas
Penciler: Jack Kirby
Inker: Sam Grainger
Review: For one of its first titles of the Bronze era, Marvel turns to the quintessential artist of the Silver Age. Jack Kirby’s work on this Ka-Zar feature is fantastic. The story by Roy Thomas is pretty good, too, with a brisk pace that’s a nice fit for the split-book format.
•••
Title: “Revolution!”
Synopsis: Dr. Doom tries to stifle a revolution in a story full of unknown foes and anti-heroes.
Writer: Roy Thomas
Artist: Wally Wood
Review: This Dr. Doom solo outing is bereft of characters to cheer for, but the Wally Wood art is awfully nice.
Grade (for the entire issue): B+
Second opinion: Recommended by The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003.
Cool factor: This is an artist’s book, with both Jack Kirby and Wally Wood in fine form.
Notable: First appearance of Garokk, the petrified man.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a British variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “Zabu is Ka-Zar’s friend – his first friend – perhaps his only friend!” – Lord Kevin Reginald Plunder, better known to his friend as Ka-Zar
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on April 14, 2009.
