First, this Neal Adams shot [edited to get name right] from Thor #179. It’s not a great story: Loki swaps minds with Thor and Odin can’t help because he’s sealed away for (honest) Brooding Time. But I think this visual of Thor-as-Loki getting trapped in Mephisto’s realm is pretty cool.
Second, from Captain Marvel #21. 20 and 21 were a Hail Mary play to revive Mar-Vell’s book in the hope sales would improve (I’m guessing the Hulk’s prominent role was part of that). They didn’t, and we wouldn’t see the good captain in his own book again for two years. I’m guessing we might not have seen him ever except DC was about to publish new stories of the original Captain Marvel and reviving Marv ahead of that secured the trademark and stuck DC with Shazam! as a comic book title. All that said, this Gil Kane-drawn scene stuck out.
You heard that right. Bruce Banner (scripted by Roy Thomas) beats Black Lightning to “justice like lightning” by seven years, and the Thunderbolts by several decades.
Third, this cover for Showcase #92, another Mike Sekowsky written-and-drawn issue. I know nothing about Manhunter 2020 but damn, I love this cover.
Last, but definitely not least:
If I’d been reading comics back then, I don’t think this ad would have excited me any. I wasn’t plugged in to whatever grapevines and fanzines existed in 1970; lots of fans probably knew who “the great one” was but for me it could as easily have been Galactus as Jack Kirby. And what was the Boom Tube — a new character? A series? I admit even if they’d mentioned Kirby’s name it wouldn’t have meant much to me, but still — why not mention it? They did with Ditko.
FWIW, I think that Thor spread is Neal Adams (inked by Joe Sinnott). Great art – OK story as you said.
You are correct. I should have checked instead of relying on memory, but it’s edited to get it right.