Hands of the Dragon #1
Published and © by Atlas (Seaboard), June 1975
Title: Untitled
Synopsis: Twin infant brothers – one good, one scarred – are raised in a monastery and trained in the fighting arts.
Writer: Ed Fedory
Artist: Jim Craig
Review: Kung-fu adventures were a dime a dozen during the mid-1970s, and Hands of the Dragon is typical of the type. There’s nothing shockingly original here, but Ed Fedory’s story lays the groundwork for what could have evolved into an interesting series. His script starts off with an over-the-top pulpy tone, but settles into solid storytelling. And, with the exception of a confusing ending, this issue delivers a decently done origin. The art by Jim Craig is also solid, though stylistically a bit bland. (Note: The Grand Comics Database suggests Jim Mooney actually inked this issue.)
Grade: B
Second opinion: “Typically dull Atlas shot at bandwagon jumping? Yup.” – The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003
Cool factor: There’s just a whiff of “coulda been a contender” here.
Not-so-cool factor: To be continued … and, like so many of the Atlas (Seaboard) books, never was.
Character quotable: “I will kill him! I will follow him to the ends of the Earth – and slay him with my bare hands!” – Wu Teh, the Dragon (and that’s the good brother talking)
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on Oct. 7, 2009.
