The Fightin' 5 Reports #15 - Finale!

Fightin Five came to an end, at least as a self-titled comic. The back feature Peacemaker was awarded its own title and the Fightin' 5 became a back up in that book for all of its five issue run from 1967. All the issues list Pat Masulli as the Executive Editor and Dick Giordano as the Managing Editor.

In The Peacemaker Volume 1 #1 dated March, 1967 The Fightin' 5 are back in a story titled "Ruler of Darkness" presumably written by Joe Gill and featuring artwork by Bill Montes and Ernie Bache. The action begins right in the middle as a Balkan dictator named Leontid Jrozva has his agent Sonya hold Hank Hennessey (FF4), the leader of the Fightin' 5 at bay while he describes his attempts to pressure the major powers to go to war as they ought. Sonya shoots Hennessey, but it proves to be a ruse as she radios Irv "The Nerve" Haganah (FF2) that he should meet her at a graveyard where they uncover Hennessey's casket to find him rather fit. Hank radios Frenchy the Fox (FF1) who is flying above and who lands to pick them up. An enemy jet appears and Hank fires a pistol but one loaded with special anti-aircraft ammunition that destroys the enemy. The team then heads back to base where they debrief Sonya who indicates that the dictator has missiles and that they should both inform their respective governments. The Fightin' 5 plus Sonya then parachute back into the region and Hank and Irv destroy the dictator's capability to fire missiles by destroying the master communications array. But the electricity involved is deadly and kills Irv and seriously injures Hank, destroying his arm and one eye. Sonya then uses a destruct switch to destroy the dictator's base. The Fightin' 5 carry their dead and wounded home as the story ends.

The death of Irv "The Nerve" and the injury to Hank allow the creators to revamp the series pretty significantly. There will be a new member added to the team to take Irv's place and Hank's role will change drastically.

In The Peacemaker Volume 1 #2 dated May, 1967, The Fightin' 5 are back in a story with no title but doubtless written by Joe Gill and drawn by the team of Bill Montes and Ernie Bache, that picks up some time after the events of the previous adventure which resulted in the disabling of Hank Hennessey and the death of Irv "The Nerve". The remaining member (Tom Tom, French the Fox, and Granite) discuss events with leader Hennessey who now has one arm and wears an eye patch, and has become a desk jockey. They use a computer to select the replacement for Irv and surprisingly the choice is Sonya the Soviet agent who helped in the last adventure. They are suspicious, but can only follow orders as the team heads into the north to investigate a Communist installation which seems to pose a threat. They investigate using air packs but soon are captured. It appears that Sonya betrayed them and they feel vindicated if annoyed at that turn of events. But Sonya is merely pretending and helps the team to escape and destroy the base before flying back to home base. Nonetheless the others plan to watch her closely.

The addition of Sonya adds some real spice to the team. She's obviously not someone they cotton to immediately, adding some mild tension. And also the hint of romance as Granite seems smitten, or at least very interested. Characterization seems more important even the stories are developed with much shorter page counts.

In The Peacemaker Volume 1 #3 dated July, 1967, The Fightin' 5 return in a story titled "Special Prisoner" written by Joe Gill and drawn by Bill Montes and Ernie Bache. The story begins with a U.S. official named Lowell Sims being abducted by U.S. forces for safekeeping. It turns out that Granite Gallero, a member of the FF is a double for Sims and the plan developed by the leader Hank Hennessey is for him to become Sims and get kidnapped by enemy agents who have already kidnapped an important nuclear scientist named Dr.Roy Farney. This is arranged and Granite is quickly taken prisoner and flown to Farney's location. Meanwhile Frenchy, Tom-Tom and Sonya follow and parachute into the location to rescue them both. After some exchanges the do indeed rescue the pair and escape the enemy base. A sidebar to this action has been Sonya and her attempts to win the respect and trust of her colleagues. Granite especially is tough on her though we find it's because he's romantically interested too.

In The Peacemaker Volume 1 #4 dated September, 1967, The Fightin' 5 return for one more story titled "Card Carrier" and is part one of a two-part tale by Joe Gill with Bill Montes and Ernie Bache on art. It begins in an alley with a grenade assault on a publishing company. A policeman shows up and pursues the vandals, shooting and wounding one of them, but not being able to capture them. The scene shifts to Hank Hennessey, leader of the FF who is briefing Granite Gallero about a membership card belonging to one Rober Heddon found at the scene of the crime and how it points to the problem of spies who might be using a liberal political group to do espionage work. Despite there persistent doubts about her it is agreed that Sonya is best suited to infiltrate the group. Meanwhile Tom Tom and Frenchy the Fox stake out the publisher's office thinking another attack might be imminent. Two men do show up to finish the job but are intercepted and followed by Tom-Tom, who hands the pursuit off to Frenchy. Thinking they have escaped, the two thugs goe their hideout in the sewer system and Frenchy follows. Granite reports in from the police station that the card carrier Roger Heddon has been found in the river dead from the gunshot wound received during the crime. Frenchy though is discovered following the thugs as the installment ends.

In The Peacemaker Volume 1 #5 dated November, 1967, The Fightin' 5 return for a final time in the conclusion of "The Card Carrier" by Joe Gill and drawn by Bill Montes and Ernie Bache. The action begins immediately as Tom-Tom reports Hank Hennessey that Frenchy the Fox has followed the vandals to their hideout. He doesn't know that Frenchy is at that moment captured by the thugs but he is able to escape and make contact momentarily before being knocked out. Alerted Hank and Tom-Tom get reports from Granite and Sonya. Granite Gallero reports that the man they thought was shot by the policeman was in fact dead before the attack and so the whole thing appears to be a frame with the card being a red herring. Sonya supports this report from inside the movement and the Fightin' 5 reassemble. Tom-Tom has gone to assist Frenchy and comes under gunfire, and the rest appear to assist. They take down the attackers, save Frenchy and realize the whole communist plot angle was a ruse by the publisher of the right-wing paper to kindle resentment against the Soviets. The story ends as the assembled FF fly over a safe Washington D.C.

The Fightin' 5 are among Charlton's transitional heroes. They precede the true "Action Hero" line which had mainstays like Blue Beetle (revamped) and Captain Atom joined by Thunderbolt, Peacemaker, and Thunderbolt, but also run concurrently with many of them. But when the Action Heroes were purchased by DC long ago, these guys didn't go along for the ride and so remained hidden in the vast unplumbed depths of the Charlton sea.

They are as much a part of the spy surge prompted by the success of the James Bond movies as are The Man from UNCLE, Nick Fury Agent of SHIELD, Our Man Flint, and many many others. But they are alas a largely forgotten part of it save by true-blue Charlton fans. The stories by Joe Gill span the gamut from solid hard-nosed espionage to sprawling sci-fi and points between. The death of Irv "The Nerve" Hagannah was a pretty big deal when characters like that didn't die mostly. It added some depth to the series, gave it a punch in the gut which made the later stories a bit more edgy.

The artwork by the longtime team of Montes and Bache is I suspect something of an acquired taste. The produce some at times lovely artwork but I do find their storytelling suspect at other times. The work seems more about delicate finishes than clarity, but it's difficult to fault the final result which is memorable and sometimes downright lovely. Like most Charlton talents, the team on this book were reliable, and the writer Joe Gill defines the role.

These guys need a collection, a solid collection to get their adventures out in front of a larger audience. But sadly I suspect it will never happen.

Until then we must as they did, continue to fight. 

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The Fightin' 5 Reports #14

Fightin' Five Volume 2 #41 is dated January, 1967. The Executive editor is Pat Masulli and the Managing Editor is Dick Giordano. The script is by regular writer and  creator Joe Gill along with Bill Montes and Ernie Bache on the artwork. The cover is Rocke Mastroserio. This is final original issue of the Fightin' Five to be published.

The "5" are Frenchy the Fox, Irv "The Nerve" Haganah, Granite Gallero, Hank Hennessy, and Tom-Tom. Designated according to the first letter of their name, they formed "America's Super Squad" and the word "F.I.G.H.T.", hence Fightin' 5.

"Monster from the Abyss" begins under the ocean when Dr.Aquilla and his scuba-wearing henchmen try to take control of the nuclear submarine and underwater laboratory the U.S.S. Plankton. Aquilla has established a base under the sea where he mines precious gems and minerals. He perceives the Plankton as a threat and orders his men to take control of it. In the course of that a missile is sent astray which ends up going deep into a trench. Meanwhile the Fightin' 5 approach the area concerned over Aquilla's activities. The missile goes to the bottom of the trench where it explodes just above the head of a gigantic sleeping reptile. The ancient creature is understandably upset and rises from the depths to see what has awakened him and encounters another missile which explodes on contact.

"Aquilla's Doom" begins as the creature attacks the U.S.S. Plankton and the Fightin' 5 arrive on the underwater tableau. They begin to try and distract the mammoth creature and do draw its attention away but it then seeks to attack them. Aquilla sees this and is happy to see the creature handle his enemies for him. The Fightin' 5 try to draw the beast away and succeed, but when Plankton crew try to emerge to effect repairs they are attacked by Aquilla's men who issues an order for them to surrender their ship. The Fighitn' 5 though manage to turn the sea monster and it starts to destroy parts of Aquilla's undersea base. Aquilla's attempts to attack Hank with a squidlike ink gun only attract the creature to him and he has to swim for his life hiding in the coral. To save the undersea despot the Fightin' 5 use a small bomb and get the creature to swallow it. It explodes but only gives the monster the hiccups. This does though distract him and he swims away while the Fighitn' 5 go to rescue the crew of the Plankton and capture Aquilla.

"Expendable Except" is a one-page text story set during WWII in which a scientist uses his wits and a wine cellar to enable himself and his daughter to escape the Nazis with an O.S.S. agent and emigrate to America.

The Peacemaker has a second installment this issue. The writing is by Joe Gill and the art is by Pat Boyette.

"The War Peddler" picks up the action from the previous issue with Peacemaker having just been shot from the sky by Emil Bork an evil arms dealer. But Peacemaker recovers in the nick of time just missing the ground when his jets restart. Later aboard his own jet he seeks out Bork who is trying to instigate a war by initiating conflict with is own men and equipment and tricking two bordering nations. Christopher Smith learns of his plan, confronts Bork but it is to no avail who escapes in his own helicopter. Smith then becomes Peacemaker and takes to the skies reaching the site of the impending battle. Using his ability the electronically scramble communications and some paralyzing nerve gas he incapacitates both armies. Bork seeing this shoots four missiles at Peacemaker. Peacemaker uses his helmet laser to destroy three of the missiles and sends the fourth into Bork's own plane killing the amoral war peddler. The blurb promises for Peacemaker adventures in the next issue of Fighin' 5 but there will be no more. Instead Peacemaker will get his own book. More on that later.

It has long been noted that the sea monster awakened in this issue of Fightin' 5 bears a striking resemblance to longtime Charlton monster-character Gorgo. As can be seen above in this cover by the Montes and Bache team for an issue of Gorgo, the resemblance is amazing. In fact, inside the issue the beast looks even more like Gorgo with the nifty little ear fins added which are missing from the cover.

This is the last regular issue of the Fightin' Five. The title is cancelled and its place is taken by the debut of a new Peacemaker comic a few months later in 1967. It will be over a decade before the title is revived picking up the original numbering but using only reprints. Those have been covered in previous reports. While Peacemaker takes the lead, the Fightin' 5 are given the back up position with some few new adventures. There will be more on those spy exploits in the next and final report.

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The Fightin' 5 Reports #13

Fighitn' Five Volume 2 #40 is dated November 1966. The Executive Editor is Pat Masulli and the Managing Editor is Dick Giordano. The story was written by Joe Gill with the regular team of Bill Montes and Ernie Bache doing the art. Montes and Rocke Mastroserio did the rather striking cover this issue.

The "5" are Frenchy the Fox, Irv "The Nerve" Haganah, Granite Gallero, Hank Hennessy, and Tom-Tom. Designated according to the first letter of their name, they formed "America's Super Squad" and the word "F.I.G.H.T.", hence Fightin' 5.

If you'd like to read the actual issue go to this link at The Charlton Comics Reading Library.

"The Agents of D.E.A.T.H." (Dedicated Enemies of And Traitors to Humanity) are five rich international criminals who have banded together to take vengeance on the world for a multitude of reasons. The story opens with the Fightin' 5 taking a day off at Cape Cod with their girlfriends. But a relaxing day at the beach changes suddenly when a mysterious but beautiful woman appears and touches Hank who immediately follows her without explanation. She is Lady Dawn, a member of the Agents of D.E.A.T.H. The other members are Enrico Cuomo - an Italian treasure hunter, Anton Vidrian - appliance manufacturer, Thomas Lash - disgraced U.S. military man and financier, and Hans Muller - former boy genius for the Nazis. Aboard their high-tech and high speed boat they plot the theft of secret submarines from the New London boatyards. Hank appears to be under Lady Dawn's control.

"Candiate for D.E.A.T.H..." begins with the raid which succeeds with the theft of one nuclear sub. While that one is leaving Lady Death and Hank stay to steal another. The other members of the Fightin' 5 though have figured out what must've happened and get their won submarine and use a steel-twine warhead to trap the escaping sub.

"Murder, My Friends" has the Fightin' 5 infiltrate the New London base and Hank appears to gun them down with gas when they emerge from the water. But it's a ruse as he is actually protecting them from the murderous gang. Hank, Lady Dawn and Enrico Cuomo head off in the other stolen sub to their villainous launch. Once there, they try to escape but Hank looking for an opportunity uses his knife to short-circuit the boat's electronics and quickly defeats Cuomo. As Lady Dawn prepares to shoot him he unleashes a smoke grenade and leaps off the boat. Enrico and Lady Dawn escape but the Five imagine they will return.

Debuting in this issue is The Peacemaker. Created by Joe Gill and Pat Boyette, this is a new hero in Dick Giordano's "Action Hero" regime.

In "Introducing: The Peacemaker" we meet Christopher Smith, international envoy to the Geneva Arms Conference and dedicated man of peace. On his way to the conference he is waylaid by arms dealer Emil Bork and his henchmen and his top secret papers are stolen. Later Smith attends a dinner party with Bork where Smith weighs his options. Seeing no way to stop Bork by negotiation he puts on his Peacemaker gear and using jet takes to the air. Peacemaker then stops Bork's me from kidnapping three of the conference attendees. A twin-jet bomber takes to the air and Peacemaker takes chase but seems to shot down as the first half of the story closes.

This comic has not been reprinted to my knowledge.

More to come.

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The Fightin' 5 Reports #12

Fightin' Five Volume 2 #39 is dated September, 1966. The Executive Editor is Pat Masulli and assuming duties as Managing Editor is Dick Giordano. The script for this issue was by the always reliable Joe Gill and like the art inside was provided by Bil Montes and Ernie Bache. The cover is by Montes with inks by Rocke Mastroserio.

The "5" are Frenchy the Fox, Irv "The Nerve" Haganah, Granite Gallero, Hank Hennessy, and Tom-Tom. Designated according to the first letter of their name, they formed "America's Super Squad" and the word "F.I.G.H.T.", hence Fightin' 5.

"5 Trails to Death" begins with an ending of sorts. The Fightin' 5 team battle aboard a Soviet sub to capture Zero, a weirdly costumed and bald mastermind. They succeed and haul their captive to a U.S. base in the Everglades. But Zeru effects his escape almost immediately by using a foggy gas which incapacitates the whole base. But as Zeru runs through the swamp to find his comrades, he is followed by Frenchy who was using scuba gear during the escape. He follows Zeru to a Soviet sub and tags along until the sub eventually docks at what is called "Death Island". He is detected though and the twin dangers of sharks and scuba-wearing opponents appear to kill Frenchy. Zeru checks with his henchman and learns that the island is fully stocked with deadly creatures such as spiders, crocodiles, insects, and fish in addition to high-tech equipment. Meanwhile the Fighitn' 5 have recovered from the gas and begin a search for Zeru. Irv "The Nerve" flies out in a small plane and finds "Death Island" but is shot down by a deadly missle. 

"The Bicycle Soldier" is a one-page text story which discusses the various ways soldiers have been transported over the centuries, including on foot, the use of camels, and such. The focus though is one the Japanese use of bicycles to effectively wage the war in Malaya.

The remaining Fightin' 5 continue to search for Zeru and to that end Granite uses a jet to reach "Death Island" and parachutes in. He battles some crocodiles and is discovered by enemy soldiers and seems to be killed when he responds with a hand grenade. Hank and Tom-Tom have taken a launch and are too heading for the island when they detect a woman in scuba gear beneath their boat. The capture her and head on to the island but the boat is then blown up by Zeru's forces. With all of the Fightin' 5 seemingly dead, Zeru gives the go ahead to his leader that the United States can now be effectively blackmailed using lethal atomic missles located on the island. Then we see Hank walk out of the surf and he quickly obtains contact with Frenchy, Irv, and Granite, who have all likewise survived despite appearances. Then Tom-Tom emerges carrying the girl enemy agent.  Then the members reveal how they survived. Hank and Tom-Tom had an armored cockpit in the boat which protected them, Frenchy was saved by his nylon armor and shark repellant, Irv used a rocket-belt to escape his plane, and Granite used his nylon armor and a handy ditch to evade the explosion. Reassembled, Hank is then seemingly capture and confronts Zeru. At the last moment he grabs an enemy weapon and destroys the command console for the deadly missiles eliminating the threat to the United States. In a furious counterattack the Five appear to kill all the enemy agents including Zeru, though he is not shown. The Soviet ambassador is summarily kicked out of the office once his threat is rendered harmless.

"Experiment 74" is a three-page story drawn by Montes and Bache which describes a nuclear test which after the first part causes a scientist and his military liaison to check out a cave in the blast zone. The stumble upon a large reptilian creature immune to bullets. The escape, but just as the second part of the nuclear test happens, destroying the cave and the presumably the creature too.

This comic has not been reprinted to my knowledge.

More to come as the Fightin' 5 are joined by The Peacemaker.

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The Fightin' 5 Reports #11

Fightin' Five Volume 2 #38 is dated July 1966. The issue was edited by Pat Masulli and written by Joe Gill. The art as usual was by Bill Montes and Ernie Bache. The cover was was done by Rocke Mastroserio.

The "5" are Frenchy the Fox, Irv "The Nerve" Haganah, Granite Gallero, Hank Hennessy, and Tom-Tom. Designated according to the first letter of their name, they formed "America's Super Squad" and the word "F.I.G.H.T.", hence Fightin' 5.

"The Plans of S.A.T.A.N." begin with an introduction to the organization S.A.T.A.N. (the meaning of the letters is never revealed but I think of them as Sabotage, Arson, and Terrorism According to Nico) and its leader, a former WWII double agent named Nico. The story begins when the Fightin' 5 defeat, they think, a Communist plot for smuggling but find themselves ambushed by Nico (dressed in a devilish costume and using a trident with electric rays) and agents of S.A.T.A.N. They are not killed but given a warning to stay out future dealings with the terrorist gang. When they recover Hank and the rest immediately begin tracking the terrorists and describe how Nico was both effective as an agent for the Allies and the Nazis.  Nico explains his plan to his men and sends bombers to the Riviera aboard secret submarines and on motorcycles. These explosions draw the Fightin'5 to Monaco while Nico and his men use a fake subway train to infiltrate the New York Stock Exchange where they force the employees to give them access to the wealth there. Their escape is masked by the use of the fake subway car which is confronted by the military while the gang use a helicopter disguised as a tour ride to leave town. The Fightin' 5 realize they've been decoyed.

"American Ingenuity" is a one-page text piece which talks about how U.S. troops in Vietnam have to use their wits to fight effectively, specifically the use of metal soles in shoes to avoid spikes and the use of hatchets to better wage hand-to-hand warfare in the dense jungles.

"Planned Disaster" begins with the Fightin' 5 being blown up by one more charge in Monaco. They recover, regroup and try to anticipate Nico's next move. The demonic leader reveals to his men a triple-prong attack against Venice, Berlin, and Marseilles. Knowing Nico's flair for the dramatic, Hank plays a hunch he will truly attack the canals of Venice and the team heads there aboard their jet bomber. Using his submarines and a small army of sharks Nico prepares to loot Venice. First a tanker spills fuel into the water of the canals and then it lit afire.

"City in Flames" sees the Fightin' 5 in scuba gear descending into the canals of Venice to confront Nico and finding mines and sharks. They fight their way through and confront the S.A.T.A.N. forces who are busy looting the various museums of the area. Nico tries to stun the team again with his pitchfork, but they are prepared and fake him out by only pretending to fall prey to it. When he and his men have left Hank and the other members regroup and counter attack eventually defeating Nico's forces. Nico himself leaps into the canals to escape but is surrounded by sharks. His fate is unknown as the story ends.

"Man to Man" is a three-page story written by Joe Gill and drawn by Montes and Bache which shows how United States troops must alter their tactics to be effective in Vietnam by adopting a more individualized and stealthy approach to warfare.

The issue is reprinted in Fightin'5 Volume 4 #49 dated December, 1982, the final regular issue of the run. The text page is missing and the "Man to Man" is replaced by "The Enemy", a WWII story about PFC Billy Trent learning to deal with the greatest enemy a soldier has to battle, even in the Pacific Theater, fear. The art for this story is in my estimation by the "Nicholas Alascia" team. Note how the devilish face of Nico has been removed from this version of the cover.

A version of the cover was used on 1998's The Power of Five from ACG.

And the lead story appeared in 2000's Heroes Ink #1 from ACG.

This is the second straight Fightin' 5 adventure which as the team battling enemies in jaunty jumpsuits. Unfortunately like most old-fashioned artists, Mones and Bache are much better at drawing actual people in realistic clothes than in super-suits. This tendency makes Nico and his henchmen look like what they are, men in costumes which often look somewhat silly. Modern artists often have the reverse problem, less able to draw realistic clothes than costumes.

The series came to a final end after its 1981 revival, sadly before all of the Fightin' 5 stories could be reprinted. We'll take a look at the last several. As always, more to come.

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The Fightin' 5 Reports #10

Fightin' Five Volume 2 #37 is dated April-May 1967. The book was edited by Pat Masulli and written as always by Joe Gill. The regular art team of Bill Montes and Ernie Bache were back after one issue absent from the assignment. And for the first time they supplied the cover art themselves for the comic.

The "5" are Frenchy the Fox, Irv "The Nerve" Haganah, Granite Gallero, Hank Hennessy, and Tom-Tom. Designated according to the first letter of their name, they formed "America's Super Squad" and the word "F.I.G.H.T.", hence Fightin' 5.

"Reign of Evil" begins with a description of Alexander De Groot, a somewhat foppish descendant of European royalty, long deposed and looking to take his vast accumulated wealth and make himself ruler of the world. To that end he as assembled a small army of soldiers all wearing green jumpsuits with the family crest on the chest. Meanwhile the Fightin' 5 are training in their headquarters, specifically testing out a new bulletproof fabric. Hank briefs the team on De Groot who he says is very dangerous and will begin his reign of terror by stealing the old family crown now kept in France. A few days later De Groot does just that, using a helicopter and sleeping gas to pilfer the crown. Grimsby, the CIA liaison for the Fightin 5 arrives at their HQ and gives them the mission to go to Murania (De Groot's small country) and deal with the threat. The team board their B-58 Hustler jet and head to Europe. They are recognized but allowed to penetrate the Muranian border as part of De Groot's scheme to trap them.

"Water Wins a Victory" is a one-page text story about how a man named Peter Rustain gives the Allies critical information about water supplies in the North Africa deserts enabling them to successfully defeat the Nazi commander Rommell.

Part II "Decreed to Die" picks up the action as the Fightin' 5 attack De Groot's castle but they are anticipated and are swiftly captured. But Granite tricks a guard and the team is able to escape using a car to leave the castle full of enemies. A De Groot jet fires on them, but is only able to destroy part of the castle. The team return to their jet and fly away leaving De Groot, the Monarch of Murani to move onto his next plan for world conquest.

"Part III While a City Sleeps" shows how De Groot's forces are able to infiltrate the Paris sewers and send a powerful gas into the air which puts nearly the whole population to sleep. The Fightin' 5 fly into the area and Hank and Frenchy parachute into the slumbering metropolis. Using jet belts they attack De Groot's forces, once again forcing the leader to flee in his helicopter. Meanwhile Granite, Irv the Nerve, and Tom-Tom have dispatched more of De Groot's mercenary force. The whole team regroups and flies again to Murania only to find the De Groot castle has fallen in completely after its earlier damage. De Groot was inside and Hank suggests the petty ruler now has what he long wanted, complete control, but only of ancient ruins and dungeons deep beneath the Earth.

"Sport of Judo" is a three-page story by Frank McLauglin describing in detail two judo throws -- specifically Kata Gurama (Fireman's Throw) and Uchimata (Upper, Inner Thigh Throw). Sarge Steel narrates these instructions.

This comic has never been reprinted to my knowledge. The costumes that De Groot and his men wear seem oddly out of place for a Fightn' 5 adventure, more appropriate for a superhero comic. This is another sign that the series is seeking a big more glamor in its action. The annual notice of publication is included in this issue and suggests that the comic is averaging over 230,000 copies per issue in circulation. Average for the time and a blockbuster run in today's diminished marketplace.

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The Fightin' 5 Reports #9

Fighitn' Five Volume 2 #36 is dated January, 1966. Edited by Pat Masulli and written as always by the iron man Joe Gill, this issue featured Rocco "Rocke" Mastroserio not only on the covers which he'd inked and drawn for a few issues, but on the interiors as well giving the Montes and Bache team a break.

The "5" are Frenchy the Fox, Irv "The Nerve" Haganah, Granite Gallero, Hank Hennessy, and Tom-Tom. Designated according to the first letter of their name, they formed "America's Super Squad" and the word "F.I.G.H.T.", hence Fightin' 5.

"Part 1 Hidden Empire" introduces Dr.Hubert Nijus, a world-famous scientist focused on oceanography. We meet Nijus as he is meeting with one of his volunteers, one of many young men, and he gives the willing subject a pill which is designed to enable the terrestrial human the ability to function for long periods underwater. We see other volunteers who have progressed farther along who have actually developed fins on their bald heads and a purple color to their skin. The United States government is concerned and sends J.D. Leonard of Special Section to investigate. He finds Nijus and sees a "Fin Man" but before he can take Nijus captive, he is captured, taken in a tube to an underwater complex Nijus has built on the bottom of the ocean. When Leonard does not report the government contacts the Fightin' 5 to take a look. They fly and meet a man named Basil, the Chief of Special Section to get the details. Meanwhile a scientist leaves their meeting and makes his way through a hidden trapdoor into the water ultimately riding a powered sled to report to Nijus.

"The Strongsword" is a one-page text story about a Saxon named Edward who flees his homeland after the arrival of William the Conqueror and finds his way to Japan by way of China where a Japanese warlord named Yoritomo is much impressed by his large and powerful sword. He is made a samurai and helps them in a number of ways, specifically tactically in battling other clans and is given the named Kyianoto.

"Part 2 City of Missing Men" picks up the action when the Fightin' 5 reveal they saw lab assistant leave and follow him into the depths using their scuba equipment. They are soon attacked by Fin Men using sharks as weapons. The Fin Men then capture Hank, Granite, Irv the Nerve, and Tom-Tom in a net and take them to Nijus. Frenchy the Fox escapes but maintains radio contact with Hank. Nijus boast of his ability to turn men into his undersea servants and shows off his vast complex including submarines he has developed to deliver atomic weapons he has built. He then takes Hank and begins the transformation process on him.

"Part 3 The Fishy 5" sees Tom-Tom and the other captured Fightn' 5 members get the Fin Man treatment, but they seemed relatively unconcerned. Meanwhile Frenchy has located the powerhouse for the undersea city and blows it up. The seemingly transformed Fightin' 5, still using their scuba gear to ease their transition approach various of the Fin Men and offer them a cure for the Nijus treatments. Some agree and some don't. A battle erupts when Frenchy returns. Dr.Nijus fearing defeat runs into his base and blows it up, killing himself. After his death, all the Fin Men accept the cure and they head for the surface.

"The Treasure Pirates" is a three-page story by unknown talents which talks about how scuba gear has made treasure hunting of old sea wrecks much easier. Sadly pirates still are on the prowl for successful hunters and the story shows how they take the prize only to find themselves later held at gunpoint by the savvy hunter.

The comic was reprinted in Fightin' 5 Volume 4 #48 dated December, 1982. The cover is somewhat altered and notably the distinctive purple color of the Fin Men is dropped in this reprint. The treasure hunt story is also reprinted but the text story is changed to "Expendable Except", a yarn about an O.S.S. mission to rescue a scientist and his daughter during WWII.

While there have been a few high-tech details in the Fightin' 5 stories to this point, mostly the use of jet belts, this is the first story which could be categorized as a pure science fiction adventure. It was a interesting turn after the rather gritty story from the previous issue. 

More to come.

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The Fightin' 5 Reports #8

Fightin' Five Volume 2 #35 was dated November, 1965. Edited by Pat Masulli and written by Joe Gill, this issue was drawn by the team of Bill Montes and Ernie Bache. The cover is by Montes and inked by Rocke Mastroserio.

The "5" are Frenchy the Fox, Irv "The Nerve" Haganah, Granite Gallero, Hank Hennessy, and Tom-Tom. Designated according to the first letter of their name, they formed "America's Super Squad" and the word "F.I.G.H.T.", hence Fightin' 5.

"Green Death in Vietnam" begins with some information on the nature of the struggle between the Viet Cong and the South Vietnamese government assisted at the time by the United States. The Fightin' 5 are training in their headquarters, specifically using the M16 rifle. They get a call from a General in the U.S. military who orders the team to go to Vietnam and deal with a particular Viet Cong leader named Chu. Hank was serving in Vietnam before he was tapped to lead the Fightin' 5 and he is quite up to date on the problem. The team fly to Southeast Asia on a Convair B-58 and report to Major Harry Becker who knows Hank. While the regular forces will continue to battle the Viet Cong on the military front, the Fightin' 5 are given the specific mission to undermine the charm of Chu and render him powerless. The fly into the bush and immediately engage in a deadly firefight which reports of make Chu quite angry. He leads his forces in a stealth attack using reeds to breathe underwater to hide their approach as they take over a local village. The Fightin' 5 story continues as the team use a jet belt to reconnoiter after they come across the attacked village. and find Chu's forces.

"Danger and Delicatessen" is a one-page story about Sgt.John Hailler who is part of the Quartermaster Dept. and while visitng a local delicatessen finds a man who is eager to defect. He takes great pains to accomplish this and later is rewarded when he finally gets his food.

"Part 2 A Legend Dies" begins with the Hank leading a counter-attack against Chu's forces. It causes the leader to retreat and lose considerable face when he runs out. Later the team build a raft to follow Chu down river and eventually locate his base of operations. After infiltrating his base Irv the Nerve and Frenchy blow up his munitions. While they use their skills to destroy Chu's communications and infrastructure Hank challenges Chu to hand-to-hand battle. Hank wins the duel and Tom-Tom dumps the humiliated and diminished Viet Cong leader into a puddle. Having accomplished their mission the Fightin' 5 report to their superiors and prepare to return home.

"The Green Badge of Courge" is a three-page story illustrated by Ernie Bache which details the skills and training of the United States Special Forces soldier and suggest this type of warrior is the future of warfare.

This issue was reprinted in Fightin' 5 Volume 4 #47 dated August 1982.

Charlton was one of the very few comics companies that set stories in Vietnam during the actual war itself. Other war comics were set comfortably in the remote and heroic World War II. Vietnam was still pretty controversial. But at Charlton the war was real, at least as real as any war gets in comics.

More to come.

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The Fightin' 5 Reports #7

Fightin' Five Volume 2, # 34 is dated September 1965. Edited by Pat Masulli, this issue like all the rest was written by Joe Gill who actually is credited by name. Also credited are Bill Montes and Ernie Bache, the regular artists. Montes supplied the cover art this time which was inked by Rocke Mastroserio.

The "5" are Frenchy the Fox, Irv "The Nerve" Haganah, Granite Gallero, Hank Hennessy, and Tom-Tom. Designated according to the first letter of their name, they formed "America's Super Squad" and the word "F.I.G.H.T.", hence Fightin' 5.  

"Death Rode the Red Wind" begins with wild scene of the complete Fightin' 5 under attack in the desert called "The Inferno" by mounted nomadic warriors and WWII vintage Stuka aircraft. The story itself begins when Dr.Gray and his Nurse Anne Loomis are kidnapped by a band of desert warriors led by Kifa-Ray, who it turns out is the twin brother of the leader of the region, King Fazam-El. The King has sent for the Fightin' 5 to help rescure the two kidnap victims. They turn up soon enough and use camels to penetrate the desert in search of their Gray and Loomis. At a remote fort formerly a base for the Foreign Legion Kifa-Ray consults with his mentor, a Nazi officer Wolfgang Kuss who has at least three Stukas and their pilots under his control. He sends one of the Stukas out to attack the Fightin' 5 but their combined firepower brings the plane down and they then quickly penetrate the fort and rescue Loomis, but are surprised by Kifa-Ray who gets the drop on the team.

"Cut a Coupon" is a one-page text narrative which describes how the use of coupons attached to propaganda for free food were crucial in waging the psychological war in Vietnam.

"Part 2 Tools of Treason" begins when the Fightin' 5 drop their weapons after Kifa-Ray has re-captured Loomis and all of them are put into cells. Later it is determined they are free to leave, but their only way out is across the deadly "Inferno", the desert which surrounds the area. Hank  refuses to leave without their weapons and finally Kifa-Ray and Kuss agree. On foot the Fightin' 5 and the rescued duo are confronted with the "Red Wind of Death" a deadly sandstorm which they survive by using some high-tech pliofilm sheets which encase their bodies but still allow them to breathe. They then face the two deadly Stukas which they again shoot down. They rescue the pilots who reveal they are more than willing to turn against Kuss. As the section ends they agree to return to the fort.

(Great vintage ad featuring this issue of Fightin' 5 and other Charlton action heroes of the time. I thought for years this cover was by Jim Aparo.)

"Part 3 The Red Wind Blows" begins when they arrive at the fort and penetrate the walls by use of a hidden cave entrance. Using smoke grenades they ultimately defeat Kuss and Kifa-Ray who has also turned against his mentor. Kuss is seemingly killed when the fort is exploded and Kifa-Ray is returned to the care of his twin bother the King. The Fightin' 5 then fly home, the mission completed.

"The Sport of Judo" is a detailed three-page story drawn by Frank McLaughlin showing various moves in the sport and reminding readers to be careful and seek out professional training before trying the holds and flips. The piece is narrated by Sarge Steel. 

This issue was reprinted in Fightin' 5 Volume 3 #46 dated June, 1982.

 I was a bit surprised by the use of WWII vintage villains in this issue. Certainly unreformed Nazis were common enough in the 60's, but these particular ones seem not to have changed at all. It was a little bit jarring in a book which had a sense of its time up to then.

More to come.

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The Fightin' 5 Reports #6

Fightin' Five Volume 2, No. 33 was dated July, 1965. This Pat Masulli edited comic feature a very handsome Rocke Mastroserio cover featuring all of the Five in action. The F.I.G.H.T. name is clearly explained right on the cover. The main story was written as usual by Joe Gill and drawn by Bill Montes and Ernie Bache.

The "5" are Frenchy the Fox, Irv "The Nerve" Haganah, Granite Gallero, Hank Hennessy, and Tom-Tom. Designated according to the first letter of their name, they formed "America's Super Squad" and the word "F.I.G.H.T.", hence Fightin' 5.

"The Cult of the Black Dragon" begins with a description of how Comrade Fang has developed a cult following in an effort to achieve world power in the face of Communist power in China. To that end he's moved his operations to Africa, a continent ripe for conquest. He develops his forces and creates a monster-like black tank which resembles a dragon. President Johnson himself bemoans how little the United States can do officially, but assigns the CIA man Mr.Smith to go to the Fightin' 5 and recruit them to go to Africa to deal with Fang. Armed with the latest equipment (rocket belts and tactical nukes) the go to Africa and stir up trouble and attacking Fang's forces. But they come under fire as Part One closes.

"Always Airplanes" is a one-page text piece which details the value of high-tech planes which can use short runways and advanced communications equipment.

"Part 2 The Jungle King" picks up the Fightin' 5 action as Hank and Granite fend off attacks from the Black Dragon tank and then go to back up their comrades. Frenchy is captured and despite some rough treatment manages to turn the tables on his captors. (Strangely the scripting mistakes Frenchy for Irv in this sequence.) Hank, Granite, and Tom-Tom invade Fang's stronghold and Hank using his jet belt is able to save Frenchy.

"Part 3 The Flames of the Dragon" begins as Hank and Frenchy descend to attack the Black Dragon tank, but are taken aback when they realize Granite has commandeered it. He uses it to destroy Fang's fortress then destroys the tank itself. Fang is furious and orders the Fightin' 5 killed immediately but they reorganize at their jeep which carries their nuke cannon and use that weapon to defeat Fang once and for all. The local officials try to hire the Fightin' 5 as mercenaries but they decline and fly back home to the good old U.S.A celebrating a job well done.

"Peace Corp Patsy" is a three-page story which describes how a Peace Corp volunteer, a farmer by trade is rejected by the local forces and collaborates with the local populace to fight back. He reveals his training as an infantryman in Vietnam prepared him well for this work.

(Some of the cover art elements of this issue were used for an advertisement.)

And that's a wrap. This issue has never been reprinted to my knowledge. It's always interesting to see an American President recognizably portrayed in a comic. Maybe that's why they did reprint this issue,but I doubt it.

More to come.

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The Fightin' 5 Reports #5

Fightin' Five Volume 2 #32 is dated May, 1965. The cover is by Dick Giordano. The lead story was written by Joe Gill and features art by Bill Montes and Ernie Bache. The editor was Pat Masulli.

The "5" are Frenchy the Fox, Irv "The Nerve" Haganah, Granite Gallero, Hank Hennessy, and Tom-Tom. Designated according to the first letter of their name, they formed "America's Super Squad" and the word "F.I.G.H.T.", hence Fightin' 5. 

"Part I Image of Glory" by Gill, Montes and Bache begins with a description of Joshua Forbes, a demagogue who preaches health and has developed a following in the Appalachian Mountains among the economically depressed population there eager for an uplifting message. The story begins at the Fightin' 5 headquarters where the team trains and they watch Forbes in one of his television presentations. At the same time a Forbes follower are keeping the team under surveillance and are discovered by Tom-Tom who promptly pitches him into the river. The team assembles and flies to the Forbes compound in the Appalachians when they come under missile attack. They avoid the missile but barely and are forced to parachute into the mountain terrain where Hank is promptly caught.

"One More Mission " is a three-page story drawn by Bill Molno which tells of the World War II bomber "Ugly Anne" and the final mission behind enemy lines. The crew deliver their deadly cargo and barely return to England having to strip the plane down to its essentials to land safely for the final time.

"Part 2 Forbes' Secret Fort" picks up the action with Hank falling after being grazed by a bullet. Tom-Tom descends on parachute and eliminates one attacker while Frenchy punches another. Hank recovers and dispatches his opponent too. Reassembled the team infiltrate the Forbes estate and defeat the force there. Meanwhile Forbes is on television where the threat he poses to the tranquility of the nation is most evident. He boards a helicopter and heads back to his base.

"Part 3 The Fate of the World"  begins with a counterattack by Forbes and his forces who capture the Fightin' 5 but then lose control when Hank openly attacks Forbes himself. Forbes tries to flee in his helicopter but Hank catches hold of a stray safety rope and climbs up where he confronts Forbes again. Fearing for his safety Forbes has the pilot descend and Hank then knocks out the demagogue once and for all. Forbes is turned over the proper authorities where he is committed to an asylum, the last image of the great leader showing him playing with paper dolls.

"Always Alert" is a one-page text piece which gives lots of solid technical information on the TOW missile.

"Fightin' Facts" is a two-page story drawn by Rocke "Rocko" Mastroserio where Uncle Sam himself appears to talk about the sundry skills and attitudes it takes to succeed in the Special Forces.

 The main Fightin' 5 story has never been reprinted to my knowledge. The "Fightin' Facts" piece was reprinted in Fightin' 5 Volume 3 #46 dated June, 1982.

I've noticed that some of the Fightin' 5 stories have very strong premises, but wrap up so quickly that they undermine the climax. This one a bit of that problem sadly. Still, it was a stirring adventure.

More to come.

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The Fightin' 5 Reports #4

Fightin' Five Volume 2 #31 is dated February, 1965. The cover is by Dick Giordano, and the main story is written by Joe Gill with art by the regular team of Bill Montes and Ernie Bache. The issue was edited by Pat Masulli.

The "5" are Frenchy the Fox, Irv "The Nerve" Haganah, Granite Gallero, Hank Hennessy, and Tom-Tom. Designated according to the first letter of their name, they formed "America's Super Squad" and the word "F.I.G.H.T.", hence Fightin' 5.

"The Many Masks of Doom" begins begins at the Virginia headquarters of the Fightin' 5 with the members training when a State Department representative arrives and gives the team orders to head to an unnamed Eastern country which they get to by way of Tokyo aboard a B-58. Aboard a connecting plane they meet another State Department official who tells them that a local leader named General Winh is acting out of character and is leading a coup of his country's government. The official suspects the nefarious involvement of Duc Du Mort, a mysterious enemy who has worked with the Nazis, the Soviets, and now seems to be operating in the Eastern bloc. The team meet Winh and things seem normal, but soon they are attacked on the road and later outside their hotel. Using their technology, especially their rocket packs they fight back and some success.

"The Meuse-Argonne Battle" drawn by Sam Glanzman is a one-page story giving the basic facts of that important World War I battle.

"Part II The First Encounter" starts with the Fightin' 5 confronting General Winh and his men, but using gas the team is subdued and locked in cells. They quickly escape using gas bombs embedded in their own uniforms while Irv picks the lock. The battle the enemy and find the real Winh also in a cell. They free him and race to capture Duc Du Mort but come under attack by a jet fighter.

"Two Heroes" is a two-page text story detailing the contributions of Thomas Boyd and and a soldier named Parker to the ultimate victory during the Revolutionary War.

"The Loners" is a one-page story drawn by Bill Molno showing how one-man units contributed to the U.S. victory on Guadalcanal and later in Korea.

"Part III A Friendly Face" picks up the action with the Fightin' 5 fending off the jet attack at the United States embassy. They come under fire and then realize the military units and the ambassador himself are frauds. The ambassador, who is really Duc Du Mort in disguise sends out a radio broadcast announcing the surrender of the U.S. forces much to the surprise of all other officials. The Fighitn' 5 penetrate the embassy and using grenades fend off the enemy, but see Duc Du Mort escape in a helicopter.

"O.S.S." is a three-page story drawn by Bill Molno detailing some of the contributions made to the U.S. war effort in Europe and how the members of the O.S.S. must remain silent about their secret operations.

"Part IV The Last Role" finds the Fighitn' 5 having rescued the real ambassador and planning to capture Duc Du Mort who meanwhile has returned disguised as Hank Hennessy himself. But the other members realize the deception defeat him with a solid uppercut, though the real solider guarding the embassy are not at first convinced. There is some discussion about Du Mort's motives with the suggestion he was most likely looting the treasury of the country. The status quo returned, the Fightin' 5 return in triumph to their Virginia headquarters and await their next mission.

The story was reprinted in Fightin' 5 Volume 3 #45 dated April, 1982.

The action in this adventure was very cohesive in this one, with the members of the team fighting effectively together. All the members contribute.

More to come. 

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The Fightin' 5 Reports #3

Fightin' Five Volume 2 #30 is dated December, 1964 and sports a very dramatic Dick Giordano cover. The lead story was written by Joe Gill and drawn by Bill Montes and Ernie Bache, and whole shebang was edited by Pat Masulli.

The "5" are Frenchy the Fox, Irv "The Nerve" Haganah, Granite Gallero, Hank Hennessy, and Tom-Tom. Designated according to the first letter of their name, they formed "America's Super Squad" and the word "F.I.G.H.T.", hence Fightin' 5.

"The Ransom of 'Big-D'" begins when three members of the Fightin' 5 run into problems with products manufactured by General Dynamoters Ltd., a huge firm responsible for much of the equipment produced in the United States. Called "Big D" by most folks, this is a corporation which has touched the lives of most everyone on the planet. Trouble starts when Hank Hennessy, leader of the F5 and his girlfried Bridget Darbot find the new sports car he's bought is unreliable and causes them to wreck. Hank is hurt a little and Darbot is hosptialized. Meanwhile Irv "The Nerve" Haganah is testing a parachute that fails to perform but he saves himself barely. Also Granite Gallero runs into trouble with a tank he's testing which fails dramatically. All three members share notes and realize something must be wrong at "Big D". Hank is a stockholder, so on that pretext they gather the team (Frenchy the Fox and Tom-Tom) and plan to infiltrate the mammoth plant to find out what's the issue. But they are intercepted by a "Big D" jet when they approach the plant.

"The Decadent Democracy" is a one-page story drawn by Bill Molno which showcases a drama at the Berlin Wall when an American, derided as soft helps a girl escape then also he guard who failed to stop her.

"The Big-D Battlerground" picks up the action as the jet attacks the Fightin' 5 but is repelled when they switch on their electronic force field. They shoot down the jet and the pilot ejects. On the ground, Hank and Granite drive through the main gate while Irv, Frenchy, and Tom-Tom inflitrate the plant using the underground sewer systems. Hank and Granite bluff and force their way into a board meeting where they encounter Mr.Luckens, a well-known gangster and and his henchmen who have blackmailed their way into control of the mammoth company. Luckens tries to have the two heroes killed and put aboard a rocket which will dispose of their bodies by taking them into orbit.

"The Indian Wars" is a two-page text article detailing the battles the United States government has had with the various Indian tribes over the decades, with a particular emphasis on military tactics.

"The Instant Army" drawn by Bill Molno is a one-page story about how the U.S. military has changed and become much more mobile thanks to air support like troop transports and helicopters.

"Stolen Empire" begins when Frenchy, Irv, and Tom-Tom attack the "Big-D" plant and save Hank and Granite from being shot into orbit. Then the combined might of the Fightin' 5 battle the forces of the gangsters who have taken over Big D forcing Luckens to escape in a bomber. He plans to drop an atomic bomb on the plant eliminating his enemies but is shot down by Hank in his jet fighter. The gangsters are gathered up and arrested and authorities promise Hank that things will get back to normal at General Dynamotors and even offer him a new sports car.

"The Phantom of the Sahara" is a three-page story drawn by Bill Molno which offers a rather glowing reprise of the career of Nazi Field Marshall Rommell.

The comic was reprinted in Fightin' 5 Volume 3 #44 dated February, 1982.

I found this story very timely given the relatively recent scandals rocking the clear inspiration for "Big D", General Motors. It would be nice on some level to think the nigh-criminal neglect and cover ups which have been going at GM were in fact the result of the company having been taken over by gangsters, but alas it's sadly true they result from mere businessmen looking out for profits in the nearest quarterly report. Greed pure and simple and not out and out gangster-style criminality, though sometimes the difference is hard to detect.

This is a solid Fightin' 5 adventure, well written and well drawn by Montes and Bache who do a much better job on the storytelling in this one. Hank has emerged as the dominant member of the team, his wealth giving them access to places they'd be hard pressed to access otherwise. Their status apart from the United States government is somewhat in play here, as they seemed to pick their own mission with little consultation with the authorities.

More to come.

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The Fightin' 5 Reports #2

The second issue of Fightin' Five was Volume 2 #30 and dated October, 1964. It's the first adventure of the assembled team following their organization in the previous issue. Edited by Pat Masulli and written by Joe Gill and drawn by Bill Montes and Ernie Bache with a cover by Dick Giordano,

The "5" are Frenchy the Fox, Irv "The Nerve" Haganah, Granite Gallero, Hank Hennessy, and Tom-Tom. Designated according to the first letter of their name, they formed "America's Super Squad" and the word "F.I.G.H.T.", hence Fightin' 5.

This story has the assembled team pitted against a "college of sabotage" which was located in the Sierra Madre mountain range in Mexico. Specifically the threat is Lev, a Soviet trainer is preparing Aztec warriors as saboteurs who will penetrate U.S. defenses and wreak havoc. Since the "college" is located in another country the United States cannot respond in an official capacity, but calls on the Fightin' 5 to solve the problem.

"The Aztec Warriors" begins when an Aztec warrior sets off a bomb aboard a U.S. ship in Seatle. Information from the surviving warrior leads the Fightin' 5 to Arizona from their Montana base where they plan to infiltrate Mexico in secret. They uncover evidence of Aztec and Soviet collaboration and confront Princess Malaxtl who eludes Hennessy and Frenchy the Fox.

"The Evil Teacher" begins after Malaxtl's disappearance when Aztec warriors appear and capture Hank as Frenchy escapes. Hank is taken to Lev but Malaxtl wishes to sacrifice the handsome leader of the Fightin' 5 in classic Aztec style. Meanwhile the other members of the team are waging a battle above ground when  Tom-Tom too is captured. After a furious struggle Tom-Tom is selected for the sacrifce.

"Allies of Hate" opens as Tom-Tom manages to escape sacrifice by breaking the traditional chains, which are interpreted by Malaxtl as a sign that gods wish the Aztecs to change their ways. She turns on Lev and the Soviets and gunfire erupts which strikes Malaxtl while Hank and Tom-Tom regroup with the other members of the Fightin' 5. Lev and his helpers have taken refuge in the giant head of a local tomb and are planning to launch atomic weapons.

"The Eyes of Death" opens as the launch is underway despite the objections by some of the Soviet agents that Lev goes too far. The Fightin' 5 penetrate the fortress head and alongside the Aztec warriors destroy the atomic missles. Granite Gallego finds the torso armor from an ancient conquistador and puts it on. This proves beneficial when the metal is able to deflect Lev's bullets and Lev finds himself trapped then killed in an Aztec trap. Princess Malaxtl has recoverd though and wants Hank to stay but the Fightin' 5 must stay together to face the next threat.

"Ballistics Talking" is a two-page text piece on the science of ballistics with a great deal of detail offered up.

"The Space Warriors" features art by Bill Molno and tells in a single page what space war might like, and suggests that soldiers will be fewer in number and the battles will last hours and not days.

"The Made a Man" is also drawn by Molno and this three-page story tells how the Philadelphia born Billy Cleve finds success as a Special Forces soldier in Vietnam.

"American Pioneer" is a one-page reprise of the history of the great Kentuckian Daniel Boone.

The majority of this comic was reprinted many years later in Fightin' 5 Volume 3 #43 dated December, 1981.

I was most struck in this story how modern the threat was. Despite the trappings of the Cold War, the idea that saboteurs (substitute "terrorists") being given special training in a remote part of the world so that they can infiltrate and destroy vital U.S. sites seems like something taken from modern headlines.

More to come. 

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The Fightin' 5 Reports #1

It's finally time to do a close reading of "America's Super Squad" the Fightin' 5. I pretty much promised to do this over a year ago. So let's begin.

Charlton comics was looking for new avenues and genres to conquer in 1964 (the previous month had seen the debut of a new Blue Beetle comic) and the spy genre was red hot with the success of the James Bond movies and The Avengers TV show among many other things.

So in classic Charlton fashion, the title Space War had its title changed to Fighin' 5 (Charlton had a squadron of books in the war genre featuring the word "Fightin'") and the number continued. So the debut issue of Fightin' Five is Volume 2 #28 dated July, 1964. In the debut story edited by Pat Masulli and  written by Joe Gill, and drawn by Bill Montes and Ernie Bache with a cover by Dick Giordano,  we meet the members of the new squad which are to wage a clandestine war against America's enemies across the globe.

The "5" are Frenchy the Fox (Last name never revealed), Irv "The Nerve" Haganah, Granite Gallero, Hank Hennessy, and Tom-Tom (Real name never revealed). Designated "FF1", "FF2", "FF3", "FF4", and "FF5" according to the first letter of their name, they formed "America's Super Squad" and the word "F.I.G.H.T.", hence Fightin' 5. It was a bit tortured but in tune with an era which gave us S.P.E.C.T.R.E., U.N.C.L.E., S.H.I.E.L.D., and T.H.U.N.D.E.R.

The debut story titled "Introducting The Fightin' 5 - America's Super Squad" begins with a one page intro to all five members, then with Chapter I "Frenchy is Found!" introduces Frenchy the Fox who is skin diving on the Riviera where his mission is to reclaim a stolen necklace. The CIA show up to offer him a job. Chapter II "The Private Eye" shows Irv the Nerve David (not yet "Haganah - more below) who is in an unnamed city rounding up some art thieves. He too is contacted by the CIA. Chapter III "Granite Gallero Joins" takes us to a U.S. weapons proving ground where Gallero is showcasing some new potent weapons for the military when the CIA shows up. Chapter IV "Hank Hennessy...Special Forces U.S.Army" introduces Hank who is a devoted soldier in Vietnam and a rich playboy who handles a masher than quickly answers the call when the CIA asks. Finally in Chapter V "The Retiring Wrestler" we meet Tom-Tom who is in a bout as the bad guy and makes contact with the mat and the CIA simultaneously.

Chapter VI "The Assignment" shows the team in uniform and firing on a castles. We quickly then learn the back story which involves the abduction of former German scientist Ernst Von Essen by the Eastern Block. The Fightin' 5 are briefed and swiftly fly to Europe to get him back. The attack is swift and well coordinated and each team member is required to show his special skills, especially the ultra-strong Tom-Tom who bends the bars of Von Essen's cell with is bare hands. Using specially designed rocket-packs the team safely get the scientist to safety aboard a helicopter which gets him out of harms way. The team return to the U.S. aboard a B-58 and the story closes at their hidden base discussing their next mission since they've decided to stay together as a team.

"The Looter" is a text story which tells of a former Nazi named Eric Wanderman who sneaked out of the fallen Reich with a hoard of stolen loot. An agent is sent with the help of a woman who can identify Wanderman. After some intrigue and betrayal the Nazi is killed.

"Jungle Death" is a two-page war story drawn by Bill Molno which tells of the heroic sacrifice of a soldier named Simms who clears out a Japanese machine-gun nest with a grenade and the cost of his own life.

"The Story of the Medal" is a three-page story with art by Molno again and relates how medals have been traditionally the province of the nobility but have in more recent years been made available to all soldiers to recognize their dedication and sacrifice.

This story has been reprinted twice. The first time in Fightin' 5 Volume 3 #42 dated October, 1982 which picked up the original numbering of the series after many years.

The story is also reprinted in 1998's The Power of 5 from ACG Comics in glorious black and white.

This is a rock solid debut installment for the series. The story takes pains to carefully introduce our five heroes and points out the special talents of each. The story by Joe Gill is typically well crafted and the artwork by the hard-working team of Montes and Bache has their virtues and their weaknesses. They had a flair with finishes which was very handsome, but the storytelling is alas suspect in several places. Without captions the action would be hard to follow at times.

One oddity is the naming of Irv "The Nerve" Haganah, who in the first story is actually presented as having the last name of "David" and is listed as having served with the "Haganah" (Hebrew for " Defense"), part of the Israeli military. At some point in the story "Haganah" becomes his last name and serves as such for the rest of the run. Joe Gill wrote them fast, and I guess he lost track.

The  Fightin' 5 also have the international flavor most famously demonstrated by the Blackhawks. But based on their personalities, I'd say the 5 owe more to the Howling Commandos than the Blackhawks. Tom-Tom in particular evokes the sound of Dum-Dum as in Dugan, the strongman of the team.

The Fightin' 5 is a series which has a good grounding in the real world with several topical references, but also had some shout outs to the science fiction crowd with the rocket belts. A super-spy saga with a real Charlton flavor.

More to come.

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The Son Of Vulcan Reports - DC Part 2

Let me be clear. I'm not against reboots at all. In fact I'm rather a fan of them, when they work.

So it doesn't bother me that DC decided to lift the name of "Son of Vulcan" and attach it to a new hero in 2005. It has been done before, specifically the birth of the Silver Age of comics with the birth of new heroes like Flash, Green Lantern, and Atom. All three of these heroes look different and have different costumes from their original Golden Age sources, and only later were connected to them in any real way other than similarity of powers, and in the case of Atom not even that.

DC has a long history of this sort of thing. So the question becomes, how good is the reboot. In the case of Miquel Devante, the new Son of Vulcan, not bad really.

Lots of spoilers follow so tread carefully.

The story begins with the Floronic Man committing a murder and then deciding that salad bars are slaughterhouses. At the resturant in the town of Charlton's Point he decides to attack is sitting Miguel Devante and his friend Sienna. The Floronic Man is stopped by the sudden appearance of a superhero named "Vulcan", with the help of Miguel who slices off Floronic Man's arm. This creates a bond between the hero and the boy. Their heroism becomes the subject of news media, in particular a reporter named Josey Masulli. Miguel returns to the Derby Youth Home where he it is revealed he is an orphan. Vulcan returns to his secret base in Still Space and in conversation with his companion Pandora speaks highly of Miguel. Miguel is being punished by the headmaster of the orphanage. He is sent to his room after a beating. Meanwhile a mysterious villain with a mad on for Vulcan attacks the captured Floronic Man. Vulcan returns to tell Miguel that he wants him to become his superhero sidekick and together they face the threat they believe to be Floronic Man but is not and as the story closes Vulcan suffers a fatal wound to his torso.


The fatally wounded Vulcan transfers his powers to Miguel by branding his face with the imprint of his hand and Miguel, the "Son of Vulcan" erupts with fire destroying a large building and sending the assailant away. Without training and with the corpse of Vulcan having vanished, Miguel is left to explain things to the authorities, who arrest him. Pandora appears and frees him from custody and transports him to the Forge where he is supposed to be trained for his new role. Meanwhile the villain's mate moans about her absence. Praetor reveals himself aboard the Forge as Miguel's mentor and asks for the "First Law" which Miguel does not know. Praetor gives Miguel a tour of the Forge and introduces him to the heritage of heroes he has become part of, while Pandora goes to collect the remains of Vulcan. After the tour, and having asked Miguel to name the Law two more times, Praetor following programming tries to eject Miguel from the Forge and into space.


Pandora grieves for Vulcan while Miguel holds onto the door of the Forge for dear life. While the JLA talks of having a funeral for the hero Vulcan, Pandora arrives back at the Forge in time to save Miguel from space by removing her arm and sending it to retrieve him. It is revealed she is an artificial being and she and Miguel then try to leave the Forge which is destroying itself per its programming having assumed the line of Vulcans is broken, since Miguel could not recite the Laws. They are just about to escape in Vulcan's "Justi-Flyer" with the Encyclopeiae Vulcanus when Praetor corrupts Pandora's programming and Miguel is just able to fly away with her as the Forge destroys itself. Meanwhile the villain who killed Vulcan returns to her mate and it is revealed that they are Pale Martians and the surviving male seeks renewed revenge on the Son of Vulcan.


Miguel tries to hock his Vulcan sword to get enough money to return home and goes to an establishment run by Funky Flashman. He has to stop a robbery and is able to get some money to boot. Meanwhile at the Twilight Assisted Living complex a man hears news reports of Vulcan and is reminded of a time when he was called into service as part of the Vulcan tradition. Funky Flashman is fascinated by the sword his employee took in and contacts the Pale Martian who arrives immediately with deadly results for the help. At the funeral for Vulcan trouble is brewing when assorted villains show up in particular a gang dubbed the "Coalition of Crime". Miguel who showed up at Vulcan's grave is attacked and battles the offbeat collection of baddies until the old man shows up and teleports them away to relative safety.


Barney Blaine, the man who rescued Miguel tells him some of his history. Meanwhile the Coalition of Crime made up of a sorceress named Witchhazel, a little and smart dinosaur named Dino-Mite, a cowboy-themed centaur dubbed Charliehorse, a man-monkey-robot combo named Monkey-In-The-Middle, who are joined later by Scramjet and Fishmonger wonder what happened to Son of Vulcan and his rescuer. They seek them out and attack until Miguel is able to activate his fire powers and and repels them until he and Barney once again teleport away leaving the Coalition to deal with some heat-seeking missles fired by Scramjet. Barney and Miguel try to get Miguel's sword back from Funky Flashman but fail. Then Barney tells Miguel at long last about his heritage. In a story titled "The Martian Chronicles" we learn that the Pale Martians had been invading Earth for millions of years. Eventually they activate mankind's Meta-gene capacity. Men discover fire and drive the Pale Martians away. To remind themselves of the threat they create messages and through history man then fights and repels this enemy who pretend at times to be gods. Until finally during the time of the Romans, a hero is uses the technology of the "gods" from Mars creates the weapons of Vulcan and begins the tradition which has at last come down to Miguel. This saga is related by Barney to a disguised Martian who then telepathically gives him a heart attack.


The Pale Martian has captured Miguel, the Son of Vulcan and using DNA gotten from Funky Flashman derived from the Secret Society of Super-Villains injects his unborn children. When Miguel revives and attempts to escape he is confronted by the shape-shfiter but fights back and is successful as the brutal battle rages. Miguel seeking escape is confronted by the Children who look like ersatz versions of the Secret Society, but Miguel able to repel them. Furious the Pale Martian attacks a final time before Miguel finally burns him down. As the Laws of Vulcan are recited, Miguel visits his friend Sienna in Charlton Point, his friend Barney at the hospital, retrieves the Justi-Flyer and Pandora, and approaches Titans Tower where he confronts his destiny as a hero.


Later it is shown that Son of Vulcan did indeed join the Titans, becoming a member of Titan's East.


This is a tasty update. I actually like the premise and the eventually blending of sci-fi and mythic elements. Scott Beatty, the writer name checks the original creators of Son of Vulcan (reporter Masulli and two cops named Fracchio and Tallarico) and the whole story begins in Charlton Point and at the Derby Home. That kind of nominal respect for what has come before buys a lot of tolerance from me as a reader. I rather liked the story.

But the artwork is a whole other deal. Keron Grant creates lovely artwork, but dang if his storytelling doesn't downright confuse me at times. And it's not so much his panel arrangement which is reasonably standard, but the lack of real shadows and depth in the images making many things incomprehensible to my eye. I literally just cannot make out what is going on even as I look at it. This is a classic instance of style overwhelming functionality.

There is one section in the fifth issue, the "Chronicles" section which is drawn by Al Milgrom and things get less stylized and much clearer. In this section too, the original Vulcan looks remarkably like the classic Johnny Mann character. So while it is common for most to say there is no connection between this series and the original, I'd imagine that over time a connection was going to be made.

As a reboot this is as solid as any I've seen and we have a good hero at the end able to take on the world, with a little more training. While I wish that DC had given the original a spin in a storyline all his own, I have to confess this 2005 limited ain't all that bad a substitute.

And I'm very surprised at myself for saying that.

That wraps up my look at Son of Vulcan. I've learned a lot about this misfit hero, especially his brief turns at DC. I hope you have too.

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