Cover by Jim Aparo

Title:  “Panic in the Night!”
Synopsis The Phantom Stranger’s pursuit of the Dark Circle takes him to Paris – and a showdown with the sorcerer Tannarak.

Writer: Len Wein
Penciler: Jim Aparo
Inker: Aparo

Review: This lead feature suggests some depth – supporting cast, back story, etc. – but Len Wein’s script doesn’t really offer new readers a way in. As such, the story lacks drama and is a bit of a disjointed mess. Jim Aparo’s art is decent but his finishes are a bit scratchy. Disappointing.

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Title: “The Spawn of Frankenstein!”
Synopsis An adventurous researcher recovers and revives the Spawn of Frankenstein – and things don’t work out so well!

Writer: Marv Wolfman
Penciler: Michael W. Kaluta
Inker: Kaluta

Review: While nothing original, Marv Wolfman’s script has some energy, amplified, of course, by the raw-but-potential-laden art of Michael W. Kaluta.

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Grade (for the whole issue): B

Cool factor: Well, hello, Mr. Kaluta … you’re pretty good.

Notable: First appearance of the Spawn of Frankenstein.

Character quotable: “… the hand of justice will drive the laughter back down his taunting throat!” — Phantom Stranger, big talker.

Copyright ©2015 Off the Wahl Productions, all rights reserved. Each week, T. Andrew Wahl takes a look at a Bronze Age Fantastic First. For more reviews like this one, check out Wahl’s website, SequentialReaction.com.