(Original 1941 The Skyman and Return of The Skyman covers by Ogden Whitney)
RETURN OF THE SKYMAN a retro comic review by ALCOHOLMAN!
for MYSTERY ISLAND PUBLICATIONS: POP CULTURE UNLIMITED!
May 2009
Every once in a while an interesting comic book comes across my desk at the Secret Society that I feel is worth sharing with my drinking buddies.
I recently found a copy of Return of Skyman No. 1, a story by our very own Devilgirl artist extraordinaire, Mr. Mort Todd with kick-buttable art by a guy named Steve Ditko.
Yeah, that Spider-Man guy.
Anyway, with a groovy team-up like that, I figured something interesting must have happened, and I wasn’t wrong, but firstly (hey, that rhymes with thirsty…) let me introduce you to: The Skyman.
The Skyman was created by Gardner Fox of Justice Society fame and an artist named Ogden Whitney for Columbia Comics in 1940. First appearance: Big Shot Comics No. 1 (May 1940).
The Skyman is an aviator/adventure hero born out of the classic “golden age” love of pure fun and larger-than-life action. Like his progenitors of the genre, Superman and Batman—The Skyman aka Allen Turner is both meek/wimpy when not in costume, yet a rich playboy who is still able to hook up with a curvy chick. From a modern perspective somebody might try to put a spin on that aspect, but we are dealing with a 1940’s archetype, and Todd was true to that in his script. The story buzzes along with an open air excitement that makes you feel like you’re reading something actually new and refreshing—yet at the same time introducing/reintroducing Skyman—as well as establishing him in 1987 (told ya it was a retro review!) via time machine plot as a new action hero—just in time to hear Halfway to Insanity by The Ramones.
I found myself smiling while reading this comic in bed (just because Lucy Hell was reading a comic next to me doesn’t count) and that’s a good, refreshing feeling, as opposed to groaning and feeling like: “Why the hell did I just buy this damn thing when I still haven’t finished the Mickey Spillane catalog?”
For Ditko lovers, this comic is a real treat that you may have missed as The Skyman often flew on a secret radar-free flight plan.
Check out this wild panel and dig that crazy Ditko vampire!
Well, besides the groovy script and the always awesome Ditko art, the thing I found really great about this particular project was editor/publisher Ron Franz’s obvious love for bringing this character back to life.
In addition to reprinting the original origin story by Fox and Whitney, Franz included an article about his epic search for the original Skyman artist, Ogden Whitney, whom he held in such great esteem. Just reading “Searching for Ogden Whitney” was worth the ticket of admission for this cool gem of a retro comic. The original cover price of this comic was $1.75, but due to 80’s inflation you’ll probably have to pay at least twice that much, but it’s worth it!
Sadly, due to rare disturbances in the Source, I don’t believe this team had an opportunity to bring us a Return of Skyman No. 2, but if I’m wrong about that, lemme know!
I need info on what happened with the dreaded Iron Ghost coming to town!
Out of a possible 6 cans, I give this comic a solid six-pack with no regrets.
Sincerely,
Agent Adams aka Alcoholman
Secret Society
05.18.09
MORT TODD INTERVIEW
LUCY HELL, DEVILGIRL INTERVIEWS BAT LADY
LUCY HELL DEVILGIRL No. 1. AVAILABLE TO OWN NOW! CLICK BANNER/CLICK HERE!
“Return of The Skyman Review" by Alcoholman. Edited/formatted by Bradley Mason Hamlin.
© 2009 by Mystery Island Publications. Published: 05.18.09.
All rights reserved.
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