Thoughts

The problem with established comics universes is that, over time, the rules of the universe get established. Locations and people get defined, with their own growing backstory. For long-term readers this can mean that its hard to enjoy something new. Embark on a new run with an established character, and almost immediately they’re interacting with others and places that they have decades worth of history with.

Of course, the other side to that is that for some readers, this will be their first experience of such a person or location. The essential quality that made them cool that long term readers might be jaded about will seem fresh to them.

And this holds true for me with the Savage Land in these issues. First time I read these comics, the notion of this hidden world in the Antarctic, with its own incredible microclimate, where dinosaurs still roam and death is everywhere just felt so unexpected and fun. I now know the basic concept is hardly original having been a cliche since Doyle’s “The Lost World”, plus it had previous appearances in the Marvel Universe, developing its own continuity. But this was the first time for me, and it featured dinosaurs and a Tarzan-type with a Sabre-toothed Tiger buddy and some dastardly goings on in a volcano. And I loved it.

Fun Panel

Another glorious double page spread slightly undone in the Omnibus format. Stick it on a poster though. it’s lovely.

Any Googling

The appearance of Ka-Zar and Sauron would normally mean jumping online to find out what happened, but to be honest this issue had more than enough to make me feel like I wasn’t missing anything. Weirdly though, I ended up reading about Kirk Marston, the guy who ends up becoming the Petrified Man. Turns out he had quite a pre-history in Ka-Zar comics. He’s Dead now though.

None More Claremont

In one tiny panel, Nightcrawler throws a snowball at Wolverine. He reacts with fun. This is the first real taste of the bond that develops between these two, a friendship I’ve always loved.