Holey Moley! The World's Mightiest Spotlight Series is finally back for one more look at the adventures of Captain Marvel & Family in the superhero heyday of the Forties (1946-49). Appearing on the Historama are the official incorporation of the Marvel Family as a team; the debut of new friends like Freckles Marvel and Mr. Tawny the talking tiger, and baddies like Black Adam, the Sivana Family, Mr. Atom and >shudder< Aunt Minerva; Captain Marvel's second (and last) multi-part 'serial' of the Golden Age, 'The Cult of the Curse'; and plenty of miscellaneous quirky-but-wholesome 1940s fun... plus a couple of spankings. (3:30:09)
Listen here.
Comments
It's a monumental effort. Well done!
Some thoughts I have about Captain Marvel and the Marvels are that I can see why they were doing so well compared to Superman. I think it deals with wish fulfillment for kids. I can see why a kid would enjoy reading about some kids can become a super-hero by uttering a word immediately. With Superman you have to come from another planet and THEN grow-up to be Superman.
The fact that they had two other heroes stayed kids when they changed helps. I think this is similar to the strategy that Marvel (the company) is utilizing now. Looking at the new Champions they are all kids and they are junior versions of established heroes. I don't think Marvel Comics strategy has been as successful because of where the comic market is today.
I can't wait to hear the details of the lawsuit. I am having a hard time seeing how National/DC won this case. The Marvels were such a different take on comics. More comically based on the synopsis of the issues. Captain Marvel Jr and Mary Marvel predated Superboy and Supergirl.
Hopefully the story of how Marvel Comics nabbed the use of Captain Marvel will be addressed. Winning the lawsuit kind of bit DC in the ass on this aspect.
Adam, you're welcome.
Hearing about Lester was a surprise, as I expected your Mxyztplk reference to go instead to The Surrealist Imp from Captain Marvel Adventures #84. In a text piece from The Amazing World of DC Comics #13 (Oct. 1976) by E. Nelson Bridwell, Mxyztplk, Mxyzptlk, Woozy Winks, Ferlin Nyxly, Quisp, and several other impish rascals and comedic characters talk with one another, and among their group is The Surrealist Imp. No mention of Lester, though.
Thank you from bringing Lester's story and so many others to our attention. An incredible job.