The Guardian #1
Spectrum; March 1984
Cover by Steve Woron and Bob Lewis

Title: “Nightmoves”
Synopsis: Former vice cop Bobby Karras dons superhero tights to do the dirty work he knows needs to be done.

Writer: Fred Schiller
Writer (plot assist): Paul Wishinsky
Penciler: Tom Morgan
Inker: Bob Lewis

Review: It’s pretty obvious: Spectrum Comics really wanted to be Marvel. The good news is they do a pretty good impersonation here with The Guardian #1. Fred Schiller’s story is surprisingly strong. Though the main character doesn’t scream “Original!,” the writer does a nice job introducing a varied supporting cast. He also has a good handle on pacing, ending the book with a cliffhanger. The art by Tom Morgan and Bob Lewis is wannabe Byrne, which isn’t a terrible thing. If The Guardian were a real Marvel title, it’d be a middle of the pack offering — but one with potential.

Grade: B

Cool factor: Its competence is refreshing.
Not-so-cool factor: A black assassin named The Spade? Really?
Notable: Not listed in The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide.
Character quotable: “Come a little closer and I’ll cut you a mouth, Sock Head!” — Georgie, a pink-Afro-wearin’, white-boy thug.

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.