FOUR

THE SWINGING SIXTIES

The golden age of comics is 12.

I don't know who first coined that adage, but it fit me like a glove. I was born in December 1951, and it was in the summer of 1963 that my interest in comic books became a passion. I was still an avid baseball fan, had developed a liking for monster movies and science-fiction novels, and was starting to notice that the girls who went to school with me were getting cuter by the day, but the comic books were my special thing.

Let me tell you what the comic-book world of the 1960s looked like to me.

National Periodical Publications, better known as DC Comics, was the biggest star in my comic-book universe. It had Superman, Batman, and a wide range of other titles. When I had a few extra coins in my pocket, or could swing a trade, I'd get its science-fiction, war, and Western comics — and even such licensed comics as The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis and The Adventures of Jerry Lewis. DC got more of my allowance than any other publisher.

Marvel Comics wasn't on my radar at the start of the decade, but the comics created by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, Dick Ayers, Don Heck, and others would be the ones that cemented my love of the art form.

The golden age of comics is 12.

Dell was easily as big as DC, but, aside from the occasional movie adaptation, I rarely read its comic books. When Western Publishing, which actually held Dell's most valuable movie and TV licenses, split from Dell to form Gold Key Comics, I started buying some of its adventure titles. However, it wouldn't be until the 1970s that I would begin to appreciate the genius of such creators as Carl Barks and John Stanley.

Funny animals? Those were for kids. Just like comics about kids, though I read and enjoyed the Dennis the Menace comic books published by Fawcett and, when no one was looking, the Casper the Friendly Ghost titles from Harvey Comics.

Archie Comics had a couple of super-hero titles I read whenever they fell into my hands, as well as the offbeat Madhouse and Tales Calculated to Drive You Bats, but my interest in Archie, Jughead, Betty, Veronica, and the rest of the Riverdale High kids was a good decade away.

Every two weeks during the school year, I'd get a new issue of Treasure Chest, a Catholic comic book published by George A. Pflaum of Dayton, Ohio, and sold through such Catholic grade schools as my own Sts. Philip and James. It was in Treasure Chest that I first saw the work of such terrific comic-book artists as Frank Borth, Joe Sinnott, and Reed Crandall.

Various relatives occasionally gave me various issues of Classics Illustrated. The only one I ever bought was an adaptation of The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells, the purchase inspired by my seeing the 1953 movie at one of my school's weekly movie showings. The showings were also where I first viewed such lifelong favorites as Gorgo, Konga, and Invaders from Mars.

American Comics Group published a handful of titles that featured non-series science-fiction and supernatural thrillers. As clever as those stories were, I didn't buy any ACG comics until I discovered the remarkable Herbie.

Charlton Comics were somewhat more prevalent, but I didn't buy its comics, either — not until it began publishing ongoing Gorgo and Konga titles. The best of those monstrously entertaining comic books were drawn by Steve Ditko, soon to be known as the co-creator of The Amazing Spider-Man.

The comics world of the 1960s was a relatively tame place at the decade's start, but it wouldn't stay that way long. Stan Lee and Jack Kirby's Fantastic Four would change the industry forever.

Classic E.C. horror and science-fiction comics of the previous decade would be reprinted in mass-market paperbacks and introduce the new generation of readers to wonders that originally saw print in Tales from the Crypt and Weird Science. Indeed, the artistry of E.C. would inspire publisher Jim Warren's Creepy, a black-and-white magazine featuring many of E.C.'s finest artists.

With the success of DC's Justice League of America and such 1940s revivals as The Flash and Green Lantern, with the greater success of Marvel's Fantastic Four and Amazing Spider-Man, an exciting new age of super-heroes was upon us. And, by the end of the 1960s, our comics world would grow to include new publishers, new writers, new artists, and bold new concepts.

If the 1940s had been the Golden Age of Comics, the 1960s were the Silver Age. Here are some of the comics that made the decade so groundbreaking and so much fun …

Challengers of the Unknown #11

Writer: Ed Herron (tentative)

Artist: Bob Brown

The Challengers boldly go to another dimension to liberate a world from creatures who plan to conquer Earth. The cover, with its Jack Adler wash tones and color, is eye-catching, and the story finale is one of the most thrilling in comics history.

Love Romances #86

Writers: uncredited

Artist: Vince Colletta

Marvel (March 1960 ©* 1959 Atlas Magazines, Inc.)

Working gal Carol meets playboy Glenn and serious doctor Alan on a cruise. Who will win her? But the special meaning “The Night of June 16th” holds for me is that June 16 — in 1984 — is when I married my own beautiful Barb.

Wyatt Earp #27

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Dick Ayers

Several companies published comics starring historical figure Wyatt Earp, but this is my favorite. Lee and Ayers delivered an entertaining mix of grim gunfights, profound object lessons, and even comedy, all in stories of just five or six pages.

Space Adventures #33

Writer: Joe Gill

Artist: Steve Ditko

Charlton (March 1960 ©* 1959 Charlton Comics, image courtesy of Heritage Comic Auctions)

Introducing Captain Atom, the first nuclear-powered super-hero of the 1960s. Air Force Captain Adam goes from being blown up in an atomic rocket to battling “enemy agents” with his newly acquired abilities. The Cold War meets science fantasy.

Batman #131

Writer: Bill Finger

Artist: Sheldon Moldoff

This is the first of a series of stories “written” by Alfred wherein Batman's butler imagines a future in which Dick Grayson has assumed the mantle of Batman, and the son of the retired Bruce Wayne and Kathy (Batwoman) Kane is Robin.

This is the first of a series of stories “written” by Alfred.

Star Spangled War Stories #90

Writer: Robert Kanigher

Artists: Ross Andru, Mike Esposito

DC (April-May 1960 ©* National Comics Publications, Inc., image courtesy of Heritage Comic Auctions)

“Island of Armored Giants” launched one of the oddest and yet most compelling concepts of the 1960s, action-packed tales in which American G.I.s battled dinosaurs in a misty war that time forgot. The series continued for an amazing eight years.

The Brave and the Bold #29: Justice League of America

Writer: Gardner Fox

Artists: Mike Sekowsky, Bernard Sachs

The Justice League of America had its first meeting two issues earlier, but this adventure has a villain from 10,000 years in the future seeking to defeat the super-heroes … just as he read in a history book of his time!

World's Finest Comics #110

Writer: Jerry Coleman

Artists: Dick Sprang, Sheldon Moldoff

An alien commits crimes with impunity because he has captured Robin's life force, and any harm he suffers is felt more severely by The Boy Wonder. For 10-year-old me, it was heartrending to watch the young hero get weaker by the page.

Showcase #27: The Sea Devils

Writer: Robert Kanigher

Artist: Russ Heath

The Sea Devils — handsome leader Dane, romantic interest Judy, their younger brother Nicky, and tough guy Biff — were notable for the breathtaking art of Russ Heath and their fantastic adventures. They even fought a giant underwater gorilla. Honest.

Jughead's Fantasy #1

Writer: uncredited

Artist: uncredited

Archie (August 1960 ©* 1960 Archie Publications)

The Jughead-as-dreamer theme from Jughead's Folly is revisited in this first of three issues. In “Sir Jugalot and the Dragon,” he dons armor to save a fair princess. Subsequent stories would show him as a private eye and the son of Hercules.

Rawhide Kid #17

Writer: Stan Lee

Artists: Jack Kirby, Dick Ayers

Same name, different cowboy. This new Rawhide Kid is Johnny Clay, short of stature but fast on the draw and the toughest little guy in the West. After avenging the murder of the uncle who raised him, he is unjustly branded an outlaw.

Four Color #1120: Dinosaurus

Writers: Eric Freiwald, Robert Schaefer

Artist: Jesse Marsh

A secluded tropical island, frozen dinosaurs dredged up from a harbor project, and lightning. We're talking “B” movie heaven in comic-book form, adapted from the 1960 film by producer and writer Jack H. Harris and starring Ward Ramsey.

Sugar & Spike #30

Writer: Sheldon Mayer

Artist: Sheldon Mayer

Their investigation into the “Mystery of the Funny Faces inna Sand!” leads Sugar and Spike to a meeting with Mayer's other great creation, Scribbly and the now-adult cartoonist's own toddler son. Scribbly hadn't been seen since his title ended in 1951.

Four Color #1134: The Real McCoys

Writer: uncredited

Artist: Alex Toth

“Rembrandt McCoy” is a hilarious story in which Grandpa McCoy takes the art world by storm with his abstract paintings: paintings created by his brushes accidentally dripping on canvas. The Real McCoys aired on ABC and CBS from 1957 to 1963.

Batman #134

Writer: Bill Finger

Artist: Sheldon Moldoff

Batman and Robin fought a menacing menagerie of weird beasts in the 1960s, but few were as odd as “The Rainbow Creature.” Each colorful component of the South American monster's body gives it a different super-power.

Green Lantern #2

Writer: John Broome

Artists: Gil Kane, Joe Giella

Two classic adventures. The cover story introduces the anti-matter universe of Qward, while “Riddle of the Frozen Ghost Town” is the first appearance of Green Lantern friend and confidant Thomas Kalmaku. Both will play key roles for decades to come.

Lassie #51

Writer: Gaylord Du Bois

Artist: Bob Fujitani

What's that, Lassie? Timmy's radioactive? I guess he shouldn't have opened the suitcase with the stolen isotopes inside. Kidding aside, Du Bois had a knack for writing edgy stories for all ages. I'm still learning how good he really was.

Du Bois had a knack for writing edgy stories for all ages.

Adventures of Jerry Lewis #61

Writer: uncredited

Artist: uncredited

Lewis split from partner Dean Martin after sharing this comic for 40 issues, but his solo status didn't change the basics of his adventures: outlandishly wacky situations with lots of goofy gags and gorgeous gals.

Rawhide Kid #18

Writer: Stan Lee

Artists: Jack Kirby, Dick Ayers

Marvel (October 1960 ©* 1960 Atlas Magazines, Inc.)

“A Legend Is Born!” when bullies harass the Kid in a saloon, but the gunfighter the eyewitnesses describe bears no resemblance to reality. This clever commentary on perception is one of my all-time favorite comics stories.

Tarzan #121

Writer: Gaylord Du Bois

Artists: Jesse Marsh, Russ Manning

George Wilson's cover painting of Tarzan facing down a toothy T. rex in the jungle was irresistible to the dinosaur-loving kids of my generation. Du Bois' scripts often made use of both characters and concepts from the original Tarzan novels.

Dennis the Menace Giant #8: Dennis the Menace in Mexico

Writer: Fred Toole

Artist: Al Wiseman

Hallden/Fawcett (Winter 1960 ©* 1960 The Hall Syndicate, Inc.)

Vacations to Mexico weren't in the family budget when I was a kid, but, thanks to Dennis and his family, I got to “visit” our neighbor to the south in a wondrous 100-page comic book filled with fun and fascinating facts.

Showcase #30: Aquaman

Writer: Jack Miller

Artist: Ramona Fradon

After two decades of being a back-up feature in other comics, Aquaman finally gets his shot at stardom. His Showcase tryouts won the Sea King his own book. Since then, his appearances on multiple cartoon series have made him a household name.

The Brave and the Bold #34: Hawkman

Writer: Gardner Fox

Artist: Joe Kubert

There's a new Hawkman and Hawkgirl in town. The married duo are police officers from the planet Thanagar who, with the help of police commissioner Emmett, land jobs as the curators of the Midway City Museum.

…which, sadly, lasted only two issues.

Four Color #1186: Yak Yak

Writer: Jack Davis

Artist: Jack Davis

Davis drew horror, science fiction, war, and Western stories with uncommon artistry, but his true genius lay in sidesplitting comedy. He wrote, drew, and even edited this “pathology of humor,” which, sadly, lasted only two issues.

Gorgo #1

Writer: uncredited

Artist: Steve Ditko

In this adaptation of the 1961 MGM movie, a living prehistoric monster is put on display in London … until [Spoiler warning!] its even more enormous parent rescues it. Gorgo and his mom continued to appear in often-wacky comic-book adventures through 1965.

The Friendly Ghost Casper #35

Writer: uncredited

Artist: uncredited

Harvey (July 1961 ©* 1961 Harvey Famous Cartoons, image courtesy of Heritage Comic Auctions)

The scary “Witch of the Mountain Top” sends a hunter into the Enchanted Forest, armed with magical gunpowder that could mean “The End of Casper!” It's a surprisingly suspenseful adventure for the usually gentle world of the Friendly Ghost.

Secret Origins #1

Writers: Edmond Hamilton, Gardner Fox

Artists: Dick Sprang, Mike Sekowsky

One of the all-time great comics as DC gathered together the origins of the Superman-Batman team, Adam Strange, Green Lantern, The Flash, Green Arrow and Speedy, Wonder Woman, The Challengers of the Unknown, and J'onn J'onzz, The Manhunter from Mars.

Archie's Madhouse #14

Writers: George Gladir

Artists: uncredited

This comic book was sort of a gateway satire drug to Mad, but with more emphasis on teenagers and monsters. This issue features “If Teenagers Formed a Union,” “Questions Better Left Unanswered,” “The Discovery of Girls,” and other amusing pieces.

Detective Comics #294

Writer: Bill Finger

Artist: Sheldon Moldoff

The periodic table of elements was another of my many boyhood fascinations, so a story in which Batman fights a villain who can change into any of those then-100 elements was sure to thrill me. (FYI, there are now 108 elements found in nature.)

Adventures of Little Archie #20

Writer: Bob Bolling

Artist: Bob Bolling

The romantic chaos of Riverdale High pales next to what Archie experiences as a kid. Bolling's stories feature mad scientists, Martian visitors, criminal masterminds, and even a dinosaur or two. Sometimes, I think Archie peaked too early.

Showcase #34: The Atom

Writer: Gardner Fox

Artists: Gil Kane, Murphy Anderson

Another terrific 1940s super-hero revival from Editor Julius Schwartz and crew, as scientist Ray Palmer discovers a way to shrink his size to battle villains boThearthly and otherworldly and to help his lawyer fiancée, Jean Loring, win her cases.

Flash #123

Writer: Gardner Fox

Artists: Carmine Infantino, Joe Giella

The Flash of the 1960s travels to a parallel Earth to team up with the Flash of the 1940s against villains Fiddler, Thinker, and Shade. With this story, Editor Julius Schwartz creates a universe that can encompass all the great DC characters.

Konga #3

Writer: Joe Gill (likely)

Artist: Steve Ditko

Charlton (October 1961 © details not provided)

Each early issue of Konga continued from the previous one. Having survived a volcanic eruption that destroyed one island, the giant ape swims to another, where he battles a sea monster and patches up the troubled marriage of his human co-stars.

Treasure Chest Vol. 17 No. 2

Writer: uncredited

Artist: Reed Crandall

Designed to warn students about communism, the opening segment of this 10-chapter series offers a chilling portrayal of what life would be in a communist-controlled America. It's the only comic-book story that ever gave me nightmares.

Strange Tales #89

Writer: uncredited

Artists: Jack Kirby, Dick Ayers

Marvel (October 1961 ©* 1961 Vista Publications, Inc.)

This is my favorite of Marvel's giant monster yarns. A quiet, freedom-loving scholar brings a legendary dragon to life to disrupt China's planned invasion of Taiwan. Especially at Marvel, the Cold War was a frequent component of such stories.

…Lee and Kirby changed super-hero comic books forever.

Fantastic Four #1

Writer: Stan Lee

Artists: Jack Kirby, George Klein

These heroes might have their arguments, but, like the family they are, always come together to do battle with fearsome villains and embark on thrilling adventures. In breaking with tradition, Lee and Kirby changed super-hero comic books forever.

Tales to Astonish #27

Writer: Larry Lieber, Stan Lee

Artists: Jack Kirby, Dick Ayers

Henry Pym invents a shrinking serum, becoming “The Man in the Ant-Hill” in this typical one-shot science-fiction thriller. But, when Marvel moved into super-hero comics, the better-than-average sales of this issue would earn Pym a promotion.

…Henry Pym invents a shrinking serum, becoming “The Man in the Ant Hill.”

Superman #149

Writer: Jerry Siegel

Artists: Curt Swan, Sheldon Moldoff

DC (November 1961 ©* 1961 National Comics Publications, Inc., image courtesy of Heritage Comic Auctions)

“The Death of Superman” might have been an “imaginary story,” but its depiction of an alternate reality in which Lex Luthor finally achieves his blackest ambition chilled readers. It's heartrending to see Superman's loved ones file past his casket.

Tales Calculated to Drive You Bats #1

Writer: George Gladir

Artist: Orlando Busino

Two of the best and most prolific funny men in comics teamed for this monster-centric humor title featuring such characters as Hugo the Werewolf and Tut-Tut the Mummy. The comic book lasted but seven issues, but every one is a satiric gem.

Amazing Adult Fantasy #9

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Steve Ditko

“The Magazine That Respects Your Intelligence” featured short, twist-ending fantasy and science fiction tales, which Lee delighted in writing. All eight issues' worth of these stories were drawn by his future Spider-Man collaborator, Steve Ditko.

Patsy Walker #99

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Al Hartley

Marvel February 1962 ©* 1961)

My all-time favorite teen humor comic book. Nikita Khrushchev pays a visit to Patsy's town to check out our “pampered” youth. They set him straight. “No matter how many bombs and rockets we build, how can anyone ever beat those crazy Americans???”

Showcase #37: Metal Men

Writer: Robert Kanigher

Artists: Ross Andru, Mike Esposito

The Metal Men, classic characters of the 1960s, are amazing robots with human personalities. Legend has it that Kanigher created them over a weekend when another planned Showcase feature failed to get off the drawing board.

Four Color #1309: 87th Precinct

Writer: uncredited

Artist: Bernard Krigstein

Krigstein's art strives to overcome an odd script wherein a blind portrait painter murders his subjects. For fans of the Ed McBain novels, there's the further absurdity of Steve Carella using his deaf-mute wife Teddy as bait for the insane killer.

Richie Rich #9

Writer: uncredited

Artist: uncredited

Harvey (March 1962 ©* 1961 Harvey Features Syndicate, image courtesy of Heritage Comic Auctions)

Two members of the supporting cast shine in this issue. Our hero has a tough time buying girlfriend Gloria “Something Simple.” Then, in “The Boy and the Butler,” Richie learns what a remarkable friend he has in Cadbury.

Kookie #1

Writer: John Stanley

Artists: John Stanley, Bill Williams

Another creation of the prolific Stanley, Kookie is a square chick who works at Mama Pappa's Café Ex-presso and mingles with its clientele of stereotypical beatniks and other odd Greenwich Village types. Sadly, the title ran but two issues.

Incredible Hulk #1

Writer: Stan Lee

Artists: Jack Kirby, Paul Reinman

Marvel (May 1962 ©* 1962 Zenith Publishing Corp.)

Scientist Bruce Banner rescues rebellious teenager Rick Jones from certain death on a testing ground, only to be himself caught in the blast of an experimental gamma radiation bomb. It's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, updated for the Atomic Age.

Reptisaurus #4

Writer: uncredited

Artists: Joe Sinnott, Vince Colletta

Charlton (April 1962 © details not printed, image courtesy of Heritage Comic Auctions)

As titles go, “Reptisaurus Meets His Mate” is an alarmingly accurate description of this story: 20 pages of a giant monster in heat, defying military attempts to ending stop him, and wedding night.” You can't make this stuff up.

Green Lantern #13

Writer: John Broome

Artists: Gil Kane, Joe Giella

Their friendship gets off to a rocky start when Green Lantern is brainwashed by aliens into capturing The Flash. They defeat the aliens, reveal their civilian identities to each other, and go on vacation with their girlfriends. Even super-heroes need down time.

Richie Rich #11

Writers: uncredited

Artists: uncredited

Richie visits cousin Rodney Von Snoot in the exclusive (and not even slightly self-consciously named) town of “Snobsdale.” It turns out Richie owns the land. He gives it back to its original Native American owners. I love that kid!

Journey into Mystery #83

Writers: Stan Lee, Larry Lieber

Artists: Jack Kirby, Joe Sinnott

A frail physician finds an ancient walking stick in Norway and becomes the mighty Thor, just in time to send “The Stone Men from Saturn” running back to their home planet. Yet another super-hero sensation from the Lee-Kirby team.

Twilight Zone #12-860-210

Writers: uncredited

Artists: George Evans, Reed Crandall

Don't let the odd number throw you. This is the first issue of a long-running anthology series based on the classic Rod Serling TV series. With its third issue, published after Dell's split with Western, it became a Gold Key Comics title.

“With great power, there must also come great responsibility.”

Amazing Fantasy #15

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist: Steve Ditko

One of the greatest origins in comics, as high-school outsider Peter Parker is bitten by a radioactive spider, gains spectacular powers, and learns the harsh lesson that “with great power, there must also come great responsibility.”

Ghost Stories #1

Writer: John Stanley

Artists: Ed Robbins, Gerald McCann

The unseen “Monster of Dread End” is killing the children of that tenement neighborhood, and the brother of its first victim hunts it. Devoid of any gore, this is still one of the scariest horror stories in comics history.

Wendy Witch World #2

Writers: uncredited

Artists: uncredited

Wendy and Casper meet their evil twins in “Double Trouble.” Then, Wendy becomes her own evil twin, when her aunts send her away to Miss Viper's School for Ghoulish Girls. Also in this giant issue: Spooky the Tuff Little Ghost.

Tales to Astonish #35

Writers: Stan Lee, Larry Lieber

Artists: Jack Kirby, Dick Ayers

Scientist Henry Pym gets his second chance at stardom, donning a super-hero costume and battling communists and criminals with his army of obedient ants. Never a success, Pym would be subjected to numerous makeovers over the next few years.

Boris Karloff Thriller #1

Writers: Leo Dorfman, uncredited

Artists: Mike Sekowsky, Alberto Giolitti

Under its new Gold Key imprint, Western licensed the right to use Boris Karloff as host of this anthology, based on the TV series over which he presided. With its third issue, the series changed its name to Boris Karloff Tales of Mystery.

Superman #156

Writer: Edmond Hamilton

Artists: Curt Swan, George Klein

Superman is dying. His “final” message to mankind — carved on the moon with waning heat vision — sums up everything I love about the greatest comics hero of them all: “Do good to others and every man can be a Superman.”

“Do good to others and every man can be a Superman.”

Doctor Solar, Man of the Atom #1

Writer: Paul S. Newman

Artist: Bob Fujitani

“An atomic accident turns a young scientist into a fantastic being!” Though we'd heard that one before, Gold Key's first super-hero was more sophisticated and stylish than most. He even managed to get through four full issues without a super-heroic costume.

Tales from the Tomb #1

Writer: John Stanley

Artists: Frank Springer, Tony Tallarico

Edited by Golden Age veteran L.B. Cole, this one-shot featured a baker's dozen of unforgettable stories, including “Mr. Green Must Be Fed” — with one of the greatest shock endings in comics — “The Mudman,” and the single-page “Asphalt Test.”

Richie Rich #14

Writers: uncredited

Artists: uncredited

Confession: I've never read this comic book. I just love the cover. Someone should draw a cover of President Obama reading his Spider-Man and Conan comic books. For more confessions, check out the “Afterword” starting on page 265.

Two-Gun Kid #60

Writer: Stan Lee

Artists: Jack Kirby, Dick Ayers

Matt Hawk comes to Tombstone to practice law. A quick study when it comes to cowboy stuff, he also takes up bringing owlhoots to justice as the Two-Gun Kid. This is as much a super-hero strip as it is a Western.

This is as much a super-hero strip as it is a Western.

Fantastic Four #9

Writer: Stan Lee

Artists: Jack Kirby, Dick Ayers

When Mr. Fantastic's investments go really bad, The Fantastic Four find themselves at the economic mercy of their creditors and their then-enemy, The Sub-Mariner. Are super-hero teams eligible for a government bailout?

Justice League of America #16

Writer: Gardner Fox

Artists: Mike Sekowsky, Bernard Sachs

Justice League members spend the afternoon in their headquarters to beat a deadly trap set by The Maestro, a villain who exists only in a comic book created by a fan. One of the most fun and unusual super-hero stories of the decade.

The Brave and the Bold #45: Strange Sports Stories

Writer: Gardner Fox

Artists: Carmine Infantino, Joe Giella

Strange Sports Stories combined science fiction with all the great American pastimes. Though never a success, its writing and its art were among the most imaginative and inventive to be found in the comic books of this decade.

Strange Tales Annual #1

Writers: Stan Lee, Larry Lieber

Artists: Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko

Marvel's monsters would soon be eclipsed by the company's new super-hero stars but they receive a last hurrah of sorts in this collection of tales featuring Grottu, King of the Insects; Shagg, the living Sphinx; and other gargantuan menaces.

Magnus, Robot Fighter #1

Writer: Russ Manning

Artist: Russ Manning

In the year 4000 A.D., mankind faces enslavement by the robots on which it has become dependent. One man has the indomitable will and steel-smashing might to stand against these mechanical menaces. A classic comic book with a classic theme.

Dennis the Menace Giant #15: Dennis the Menace in Washington, D.C.

Writer: Fred Toole

Artist: Al Wiseman

The vacation-happy Mitchell family is on the road again, this time to our nation's capital. Dennis sees the sights and meets J. Edgar Hoover. He has a dream adventure with Capt. John Smith and writes a letter to his pal Joey back home.

Tales of Suspense #39

Writers: Stan Lee, Larry Lieber

Artist: Don Heck

Mortally wounded in Vietnam, weapons manufacturer Tony Stark creates a life-sustaining suit of armor and joins Marvel's growing ranks of super-heroes as the invincible Iron Man! His origin will be changed periodically to accommodate new wars.

Sgt. Fury #1

Writer: Stan Lee

Artists: Jack Kirby, Dick Ayers

Lee and Kirby brought the same sensibilities to the “war comic for people who hate war comics” that they'd brought to The Fantastic Four. Fury and his multi-ethnic, multi-racial band of brothers were as much a family as The FF.

Thirteen #7

Writer: John Stanley

Artist: John Stanley

As this comic's subtitle, “Going on Eighteen,” says, Val and her best friend Judy are just-teens barreling toward young adulthood through one wacky situation after another. The cast also includes older sister Evie and boy next door Billy. The series ran 29 issues.

Batman #156

Writer: Bill Finger

Artists: Sheldon Moldoff, Charles Paris

Batman watches helplessly as “Robin Dies at Dawn!” It's only a simulation created to test astronauts psychologically, but its hallucinogenic side effects have Batman reliving the death over and over again, threatening his crime-fighting and his sanity.

Dennis the Menace Giant #18: Dennis in Hawaii

Writer: Fred Toole

Artist: Al Wiseman

What did Henry Mitchell do for a living that he could afford to take his family on these vacations? Toole and Wiseman never asked, probably because they got to go to those same fabulous places to research the comic books.