Right now I am reading a series of Marvel comics westerns from the early 1970's. Yes, I realize most of these stories were reprints of earlier stores done in the 1950's and 1960. But they are entertaining stories and good, solid art work. None of the work is credited, as was common in the 50's and 60's. Some of the (I assume) new work is credited to Stan Lee, Roy Thomas, Dick Ayres, and a few others. The style of the westerns is very similar to the adventure type stories written before Marvel superheroes. Just a man with a gun and fighting skill against bullies, outlaws, and as the books call the "Owlhoots". I am reading "Ringo Kid", "Two-Gun Kid", "Kid Colt", and "Kid Colt - Outlaw". I also read a Cheyenne western that depicted Wild Bill Hickok in a fight with a bear with only his knife. A very nice, somewhat stylized story for the time written and drawn by the late Gil Kane. It is interesting that at the beginning of the "Kid Colt - Outlaw" the writers have a short, two to three sentence "origin" of why Colt is an outlaw. A simple, yet elegant explaination.
On to more modern books, I always try to read "Avengers". I am amazed and Kurt Busieck's stories, and his depth of small and obscure stories that Kurt relates and brings together to form a complete whole. I am currently looking for inexpensive copies of "Avengers Forever", as this is an obvious pre-curser to Kurt's "Maximum Security" saga, where Shield has the Supreme Intelegence in "jail" on the moon. Fascinating concepts. I als have to say that I do not enjoy every Kurt Busieck story, as I though his Ultron story in the Avengers was too long and too bloody. The "death" character that rises from the ashes - I could live without that nonsense. I prefer more personal stories like the one in Africa. That was very cool. And it related to previous Marvel stories.
Do I have to admit this one? Okay - just for you. Don't tell anyone. I really, really like the Spider-Girl comic. I buy every issue. Why do I like it? The characters are real. I can relate to them. Peter Parker is very mucjh like the "old" Perter Parker I grew up with in issues 85 (or so) through 145 (or so). I can relate to the high school. My family members who are in high school like so much they try to borrow it before I can read it. I like other MC-2 universe characters. I especially like "The Buzz". I am sorry it was terminated after only three issues. Thanks to Tom DeFalco and crew.
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