Ms. Mystic #1
Pacific Comics; October 1982
Cover by Neal Adams

Title: “Ms Mystic”
Synopsis: The Science Investigation Agency accidentally opens an interdimensional rift, gaining a powerful ally who can help protect the environment.

Writer: Neal Adams
Artist: Adams
Art assistance: Michael Nasser

Review: Denny O’Neil and Neal Adams’ classic Green Lantern run could be heavy handed, but those comics are masterpieces of subtlety compared to this one. The environmental message here is ham-fisted, but any book with Adams on pencils has potential. It will be interesting to see how this series develops.

Title: “From the Tales of Zed: Rescue Rhapsody”
Synopsis: A piper tries to save a fairy from an ogre-like creature, but ends up captured himself.

Writer: Chris Miller
Penciler: Miller
Inker: Miller

Review: Chris Miller’s rendering and visual storytelling are very advanced, but the dialogue-free story offers little reason to return for more.

Grade (for the whole issue): B

Cool factor: Neal Adams doing a creator-owned superheroine book.
Not-so-cool factor: The general clunkiness of the story.
Character quotable: “As a vessel of the Earth’s revenge, I assault your abominable outer crust … to expose your disease-ridden insides …” — Ms. Mystic, mistress of words.
A word from the editorial director: “We believe that Ms. Mystic #1 is one of the most collectible comics to come along all year.” — David Scroggy, in an “Editorial News” column in this issue.

Each week, Andrew Wahl takes a look at a Bronze Age Fantastic First. This month, he’s focusing on some of the era’s smaller publishers. For more reviews like this one, check out Wahl’s website, ComicsBronzeAge.com. Bronze Age Fantastic First reviews © 2013 Off the Wahl Productions. All rights reserved.