For my first comic review since getting my new computer, I wanted to review something simple. I also thought it would be nice to use this to showcase a lesser-known comic character. So, why not show people an adventure of Marvel's resident Tarzan analogue, the Lord of the Savage Land, Kevin Plunder, aka Ka-Zar?
There have actually been two Ka-Zars, believe it or not. The first one was David Rand. Created by future Marvel publisher Martin Goodman (under the pen name "Bob Byrd"), this Ka-Zar first appeared in a pulp magazine: Ka-Zar #1 (October 1936). This Ka-Zar's pulp stories would be adapted in comic form starting with Marvel Comics #1 (October 1939). But after 1942, the original Ka-Zar would fade into obscurity.
The more famous version of Ka-Zar, Lord Kevin Plunder, debuted in X-Men #10 (March 1965). Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, this Ka-Zar drew not just from the Tarzan mold, but also drew from caveman character, his early appearances had him speak in stereotypical caveman broken English, but would later on show more articulance with his speech.
The Kevin Plunder Ka-Zar would go on to make many appearances in the comics, his Savage Land home mostly tying him to the X-Men mythos. Over the last near-sixty years, Ka-Zar has appeared in numerous comics, and even had his own series a few times. He would also go on to appear in other media, most notably in the 1990s X-Men animated series. So, with that out of the way, let's look at Astonishing Tales #17!
The cover is a Dan Adkins and Morrie Kuramoto piece. It's pretty neat. It depicts the villainous Gemini trying to Mighty Punch our jungle man off of an airplane's landing gear.
"Target: Ka-Zar!"
Writer: Mike Friedrich
Penciler: Dan Adkins
Inker: Frank Chiaramonte
Letterer: John Costanza
Colorist: Unknown
Editor: Roy Thomas
Editor-in-Chief: Roy Thomas
The story begins with our jungle man and his lovely blonde galpal about to be ambushed by some robbers.
Ka-Zar is able to dispatch these gunmen with little issue, bragging that being a jungle man, he has the power of a mastodon and the speed of a cheetah. Basically, he's like a Power Ranger without the morpher, colorful costume, and the giant mech Zord. Also, cheetahs live in savannahs, mountains, and deserts, not in jungles. But he's from the Savage Land, which...doesn't follow the rules of animal habitation anyway.
His date admonishes him for his recklessness. Marvel's resident Tarzan analogue could have gotten hurt, or someone else hurt, but Ka-Zar will have none of it. The two leave, debating life in the city compared to his home in the Savage Land. It's here that the story notes that despite their differences, Ka-Zar is quite fond of the beautiful blonde. It's here that the blonde gets a call from ol' Nick Fury, Director of SHIELD.
Yes, the blonde is no ordinary bombshell. She's a SHIELD agent. In particular, future West Coast Avenger Barbara "Bobbi" Morse. She's got a briefing to get to. We next switch scenes to a prison, where a man known only as "The Pusher"...yeah, there's only so many cool codenames in the world, is getting taken to his cell. Ka-Zar had busted him in the previous issue.
The man hears a voice taunting him, saying he's a failure. The Pusher looks at some of the other inmates, but it wasn't any of them. We look in one of said prisoners, a Josh Link. You see, he's half of a set of twins. The Link twins had the classic "Good twin, bad twin" thing going...you can guess which twin Josh was.
Josh and Damian Link had first appeared in issue 8. The crimebusting cop Damian knocked himself and Josh into an electro chamber. The rays of the chamber mutated the Link brothers, giving them a sort of psychic link. Josh's gang rescued him, but tried to kill him. Josh's spirit seemed to call out to Damian...and Damian sensed him coming. He was able to save his brother, noting that he was much faster and stronger than a normal person.
Josh Link has figured out how to control this power, and it's unlikely he plans to use it in a positive manner. But let's go away from Mr. Link for a while and check in on the SHIELD Helicarrier.
Yeah, this wouldn't be happening under Phil Coulson. He'd have a plan for this. Anyway, Fury asks Ka-Zar and Bobbi to join in on a briefing discussing an attempt at duplication of the Super-Solder Serum that turned the skinny Steve Rogers into Captain America. There has been a new serum made derived from the notes of one Ted Sallis. One of the people at the briefing is one Damien Link, the NYPD's liaison to SHIELD. Link isn't feeling so well, so he goes to lie down. Ka-Zar jungle instincts warn him there's something about this cop.
Link is able to take over Damian's mind and switch to his new supervillain outfit.
This dude would've been a great fit in the Zodiac Cartel. Oh, wait. He was in the Zodiac Cartel! Back with our heroes! Ka-Zar and Nick Fury discuss the need for super-soldiers. Fury says having more super-soldiers like Steve Rogers would be an asset in protecting freedom. Ka-Zar fears that such an action would hasten the beginnings of a war. It's not much of a conversation, but I do like this scene. I think the idea of Ka-Zar being a bit of a philosopher would have helped him stand out from other Tarzan-archetype jungle men.
Gemini bursts in and steals the serum. Ka-Zar gives chase, nothing the two are about equal in speed. Gemini is stopped by fire from SHIELD Agents. He may be strong and fast, but the villain is not bulletproof. The firing forces him to stand still, stuck in a standoff.
Ka-Zar catches up with the two-in-one villain, but he's able to escape and make his way to a SHIELD jet. The King of the Savage Land hitches a ride by grabbing the plane's landing gear. Gemini is able to land the plane, where he prepares to pass off the new serum to his partner. And who is his partner?
Lord Plunder, aka Ka-Zar's brother. And he's packing a big ol' monster with him!
I enjoyed this story. It's not anything really special, but that doesn't mean it's not good. What I did like was the mentioning of Ted Sallis' work on duplicating the Super-Soldier Serum that would make Steve Rogers into Captain America. I loved that. It really helped show that the Marvel Universe is an interconnected world. That events that happened in one book matter because they can impact events in another book.
It's why I really hate the idea that continuity is a hamper to tell a good story. To me, that's just an excuse to be lazy. Continuity these days is easier than ever to research. Also, I think being able to tell a good story and respect continuity is not an either/or thing. Look at Kurt Busiek's Avengers run. It used past continuity and told great stories with it. So, yeah. Continuity is not a bad thing, IMO.
If you want to read this for yourself, I recommend tracking down the 2016 trade paperback Mockingbird: Bobbi Morse, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. Thanks for reading this blog entry! If you liked it, show it off! Take care of yourselves, and each other! Stay safe, stay healthy, stay home, wash your hands often, wear a mask, and get vaccinated! See you next time!
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