100-Page FAKES! presents: ADVENTURE COMICS # 439 [with THE SPECTRE and THE SEVEN SOLDIERS OF VICTORY]

100-Page FAKES! imagines mid-1970s DC 100-Page Super Spectaculars that never were...but should have been!



Continuing our run of faux 100-Page Super Spectacular expansions of Adventure Comics, we come to the second Adventure Comics appearance of The Seven Soldiers Of Victory. The first two chapters of this story-- written in the '40s, then illustrated and published in the '70s--were in the previous issue, already embiggened as the 100-Page FAKES! edition of Adventure Comics # 438. The story has never been reprinted. 100-Page FAKES! intends to cover the remaining issues in that run over the next few weeks.

That ghostly avenger The Spectre is nearing the end of his run as the lead feature in Adventure, but he's going out in style. "The Voice That Doomed...The Spectre" is the first of a thrilling two-part story by Michael Fleisher, in which The Spectre is returned to mortal form, given a chance to live again as Detective Jim Corrigan. Following a couple of issues where he shared the art chores, the great Jim Aparo returns here as the sole artist, and he returns to characteristically stunning effect. Although this two-parter wasn't intended to be The Spectre's finale, it does serve as a fitting and satisfying end for this controversial series.

How do you follow Jim Aparo? With more Aparo! Aparo's 1968-1971 run on Aquaman (with writer Steve Skeates and editor Dick Giordano) remains my all-time favorite take on the Sea King. For this issue's reprints, we include a particularly trippy Skeates story from 1970's Aquaman # 54, with some simply dazzling Aparo artwork that borders (and occasionally invades!) the psychedelic. Here's Skeates' original text piece about the story:




Why hasn't DC reprinted the entire Skeates-Aparo Aquaman...?!

To round things out, we have Golden Age exploits of Bulletman and Bulletgirl and The Guardian and The Newsboy Legion, plus the 1968 introduction of Jonny Double. Roll credits!

The Spectre in "The Voice That Doomed...The Spectre," Adventure Comics # 439 (May-June 1975)
Aquaman in "Crime Wave!," Aquaman # 54 (November-December 1970)
Bulletman and Bulletgirl in "The Halloween Murders!," Master Comics # 73 (October 1948)
The Newsboy Legion in "Brains For Sale!," Star-Spangled Comics # 22 (July 1943)
Jonny Double in "Meet Jonny Double!," Showcase # 78 (November 1968)
The Green Arrow and Speedy in "Father Time's Inn!," Adventure Comics # 439 (May-June 1975)

Everything here is copyright DC Comics Inc. The Bulletman and Bulletgirl story is now public domain, but the rest can only be depicted here via representative sample pages. I share the whole book with my paid patrons. The Spectre! Aquaman! JIM APARO! The other guys, too! Once again, it's time for Adventure.

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Our new compilation CD This Is Rock 'n' Roll Radio, Volume 4 is now available from Kool Kat Musik! 29 tracks of irresistible rockin' pop, starring Pop Co-Op, Ray Paul, Circe Link & Christian Nesmith, Vegas With Randolph Featuring Lannie Flowers, The Slapbacks, P. Hux, Irene Peña, Michael Oliver & the Sacred Band Featuring Dave Merritt, The Rubinoos, Stepford Knives, The Grip Weeds, Popdudes, Ronnie Dark, The Flashcubes,Chris von Sneidern, The Bottle Kids, 1.4.5., The Smithereens, Paul Collins' Beat, The Hit Squad, The Rulers, The Legal Matters, Maura & the Bright Lights, Lisa Mychols, and Mr. Encrypto & the Cyphers. You gotta have it, so order it here. A digital download version (minus The Smithereens' track) is also available from Futureman Records.















COVER GALLERY

Jury Duty

Monday was the first time I ever had to answer a summons for jury duty. I'd received jury summonses before, but my number never came up, so I wasn't gone with the draft, in the army now, a-blowin' reveille, the boogie-woogie bugle boy of Jury Box B. Something like that. And, given a relatively high number of 339 this time out, I was cautiously optimistic that the wheels of justice could continue to grind without me.

This was not the case. Though **SPOILER ALERT** I was not selected for the jury, I was one of the first 402 called in to the Syracuse Criminal Courthouse. Juror # 339, reporting for duty.

My wife and daughter have served on juries in the past, as has my Mom. My Dad was the jury foreman in a high-profile murder case in the early '80s. So I was due. I really didn't want to deal with it, but I also didn't see that I had any legitimate claim of hardship. I resolved to at least try to be fair and honest in answering questions throughout the process.

I have to commend each and every one of the professionals working at the Criminal Courthouse today. Everyone I encountered there was polite, cheery without seeming saccharine, in good humor, and possessing well-practiced patience. Nor did there seem to be much, if any, surliness among my fellow prospective jurors. The folks with a job to do did the job without complaint or attitude; we the people cooperated.

After questionnaires were completed, and an introductory video was screened, our entire group was escorted two flights up to the courtroom. Once we were settled in our seats, we were informed of the nature of the criminal case at hand: an adult accused of multiple counts of sexual contact with two minors.

My heart sank. I'd prepared myself mentally for the possibility of having to help decide a murder case, a robbery case, but this was even worse, and it hadn't even occurred to me. I eventually glanced at the accused, and tried not to pronounce him guilty. Not yet. But I'm a Dad. Even before I was a Dad, the mere thought of minors being victimized made my eyes sting and my blood run cold. I felt no sympathy, and would consider no clemency, for anyone who would hurt a kid. Child molesters. Drop 'em in a deep hole, and let the mixing cement flow freely.

For all that, I held on to my determination to be fair. Innocent until proven guilty, beyond a reasonable doubt. I was the fourth number called, and the third seated in the pool of potential jurors. When there were 21 of us seated--a lengthy process, as so many were dismissed or excused along the way--we took a brief break, then returned to our seats.

The judge addressed us, reminding us of our collective responsibility to remain open-minded as we weighed evidence, to presume innocence unless and until the Assistant District Attorney had proven otherwise. The ADA addressed us next, asking general questions, then calling on individuals within our pool of 21 to answer further questions. She asked one woman, When did you graduate from high school? "1977," the woman answered. Okay. What color shirt did you wear that day? The woman didn't remember. Okay, let's try an easier one. What did you have for breakfast that morning? The woman could not remember that either. The ADA turned to all of us. Do you believe her, that she graduated from high school in 1977? Even though she's forgotten those details? We murmured that yeah, we did believe her. So you would say someone could still be telling the truth, even if they can't precisely remember all of the details of what happened to them? Yes. Point made.

The defense attorney asked us to look at the accused, and then asked each of us to say whether we would find him guilty or innocent based on what we knew. Since no evidence had yet been presented, Not guilty was the only answer we could reasonably give. One woman said she didn't know; when pressed by the attorney, she added, "I know I'm supposed to say 'not guilty,' but I don't know."

The attorney also pointed out that there could be very graphic, possibly disturbing evidence introduced during the trial; she asked that anyone who might have difficulty dealing with that raise a hand. My hand went up, one of several raised hands. She asked each of us to explain further, and to say whether or not that difficulty would hinder our ability to remain impartial as we weighed the evidence. I don't know, I answered. I want to be fair. But I'm a Dad. I paused, and concluded, I don't know.

And that's likely why I was among those dismissed from the jury pool. If I had been selected, I would have taken the responsibility seriously, and I would have somehow forced myself to remain neutral, letting the facts of the case lead me to an unbiased conclusion. But when asked, in the moment, I didn't feel sufficient confidence in my strength, my moral compass, to guarantee that I could.

So that was my day at the Syracuse Criminal Court. Having now served my obligation, I won't be called back for another ten years. When I am called, I will try once again to be fair and open-minded, to be the impartial juror our system requires. I just couldn't be that guy this time around.

This Is Rock 'n' Roll Radio # 952

Each week, the titular hosts of This Is Rock 'n' Roll Radio with Dana & Carl come to the studio with but one simple goal: to avoid snickering at mention of the word "titular." We also kinda like the idea of slapping together a broadcast that is the very model of an ultimate rockin' pop radio show.

But that's easy! Plus it's, like, fun. This week's pursuit of excellence in exuberance embraced the music of our Featured Act Vegas With Randolph, programming a number of their fine songs from across their four full-length releases, Vegas With Randolph, Above The Blue, Rings Around The Sun, and their brand-new one, Legs & Luggage. We also celebrated the 50th anniversary of Head, the wonderful soundtrack album from The Monkees' bitter and magnificent film of the same name. We made room for a couple of tracks from the new Paul Williams tribute album White Lace And Promises (courtesy of Eytan Mirsky and Lisa Mychols), and free play took care of the rest, creating yet another working example of The Best Three Hours Of Radio On The Whole Friggin' Planet. It's easy. It's fun. And it's what we do. Titular. Snicker. This is what rock 'n' roll radio sounded like on a Sunday night in Syracuse this week.

This Is Rock 'n' Roll Radio with Dana & Carl, Sunday nights from 9 to Midnight Eastern, on the air in Syracuse on The Spark WSPJ-LP 103.3 and 93.7 FM, and on the web at http://sparksyracuse.org/

Spark Syracuse is supported by listeners like you. Tax-deductible donations are welcome at http://sparksyracuse.org/support/

You can follow Carl's daily blog Boppin' (Like The Hip Folks Do) at 
https://carlcafarelli.blogspot.com/

Our new compilation CD This Is Rock 'n' Roll Radio, Volume 4 is now available from Kool Kat Musik! 29 tracks of irresistible rockin' pop, starring Pop Co-Op, Ray Paul, Circe Link & Christian Nesmith, Vegas With Randolph Featuring Lannie Flowers, The Slapbacks, P. Hux, Irene Peña, Michael Oliver & the Sacred Band Featuring Dave Merritt, The Rubinoos, Stepford Knives, The Grip Weeds, Popdudes, Ronnie Dark, The Flashcubes, Chris von Sneidern, The Bottle Kids, 1.4.5., The Smithereens, Paul Collins' Beat, The Hit Squad, The Rulers, The Legal Matters, Maura & the Bright Lights, Lisa Mychols, and Mr. Encrypto & the Cyphers. You gotta have it, so order it at https://tinyurl.com/ycnly8oz Digital download version (minus The Smithereens' track) now available at https://tinyurl.com/ycauy9xt

TIRnRR # 952: 12/2/18

THE RAMONES: Do You Remember Rock 'n' Roll Radio? (Rhino, End Of The Century)
--
VEGAS WITH RANDOLPH: She's An Intellectual (Caged Giant, Legs & Luggage)
P. HUX: Better Than Good (Kool Kat Musik, VA: This Is Rock 'n' Roll Radio, Volume 4)
THE LIKE: Release Me (Geffen, Release Me)
IRENE PEÑA: Must've Been Good (Kool Kat Musik, VA: This Is Rock 'n' Roll Radio, Volume 4)
THE MONKEES: Ditty Diego-War Chant (Rhino, Head)
THE MONKEES: Circle Sky (Rhino, Head)
THE SLAPBACKS: Make Something Happen (Kool Kat Musik, VA: This Is Rock 'n' Roll Radio, Volume 4)
--
EYTAN MIRSKY: The Family Of Man (Curry Cuts, VA: White Lace And Promises)
GRAHAM PARKER & THE RUMOUR: I Want You Back (Spectrum, The Very Best Of Graham Parker & the Rumour)
VEGAS WITH RANDOLPH: Happy (Caged Giant, Vegas With Randolph)
THE BEATLES: Hey Bulldog (Apple, Yellow Submarine Songtrack)
THE SPONGETONES: (My Girl) Maryanne (Loaded Goat, Always Carry On)
THE WHO: I Can't Explain (MCA, My Generation)
--
DAVE CARUSO: The Girl Who Checks All The Boxes (Aural Contact Productions, Buddha Pesto Manifesto)
CROSBY, STILLS & NASH: Long Time Gone (Rhino, Greatest Hits)
STEVE STOECKEL & HIS THIS IS ROCK 'N' ROLL RADIO ALL-STARS: He And She (unreleased)
LITTLE EVA: The Locomotion (EMI, VA: Girl Crazy!)
VEGAS WITH RANDOLPH: Supergirl (Caged Giant, Above The Blue)
TINA TURNER: Let's Spend The Night Together (EMI, VA: Girl Crazy!)
--
VEGAS WITH RANDOLPH: Chick Fighter (Caged Giant, Legs & Luggage)
POP CO-OP: Feint Of Heart (Silent Bugler, Four State Solution)
THE MONKEES: Supplicio (Rhino, Head)
THE MONKEES: Can You Dig It (Rhino, Head)
THE MONKEES: Gravy (Rhino, Head)
GRAHAM PARKER & THE RUMOUR: Saturday Night Is Dead (Spectrum, The Very Best Of Graham Parker & the Rumour)
THE NON PROPHETS: Flesh And Blood (unreleased)
COCKEYED GHOST: Where's My Best Friend (Big Deal, The Scapegoat Factory)
--
LISA MYCHOLS: You And Me Against The World (Curry Cuts, VA: White Lace And Promises)
SHONEN KNIFE: Top Of The World (A & M, VA: If I Were A Carpenter)
VEGAS WITH RANDOLPH: Nikki's Plan (Caged Giant, Rings Around The Sun)
PUFFY AMIYUMI: Love So Pure (Bar/None, Pure)
THE MONKEES: Dandruff? (Rhino, Head)
THE MONKEES: Daddy's Song (Rhino, Head)
GRAHAM PARKER & THE RUMOUR: Something You're Goin' Thru' (Spectrum, The Very Best Of Graham Parker & the Rumour)
--
VEGAS WITH RANDOLPH: A Lesser Fool (Caged Giant, Above The Blue)
COCKEYED GHOST: I Hate Rock 'n' Roll (Big Deal, The Scapegoat Factory)
THE MONKEES: Superstitious (Rhino, Head)
THE MONKEES: As We Go Along (Rhino, Head)
THE SMALL FACES: Tin Soldier (Immediate, The Autumn Stone)
MOD HIPPIE: We Leave It All Behind (Karma Frog, Wannabe Nobody)
TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS: Listen To Her Heart (MCA, Greatest Hits)
--
VEGAS WITH RANDOLPH FEATURING LANNIE FLOWERS: The Weekend's Coming (Kool Kat Musik, VA: This Is Rock 'n' Roll Radio, Volume 4)
MANNIX: Highway Lines (Kool Kat Musik, VA: This Is Rock 'n' Roll Radio, Volume 3)
THE MONKEES: Poll (Rhino, Head)
THE MONKEES: Long Title: Do I Have To Do This All Over Again (Rhino, Head)
THE KINKS: Days (Sanctuary, The Ultimate Collection)
VEGAS WITH RANDOLPH: I Could Be The One (Caged Giant, Legs & Luggage)
THE BEVIS FROND: Now You Know (Fire, Bevis Through The Looking Glass)
THE MONKEES: Opening Ceremony (Rhino, Head)
THE MONKEES: Porpoise Song (Theme From Head) (Rhino, Head)
THE GREAT SOCIETY: Someone To Love (Sundazed, Born To Be Burned)
THE MONKEES: Swami--Plus Strings (Rhino, Head)