Amazing Adventures #38
Published and © by Marvel, September 1976
Title: “Deaths Dark Dreamer!”
Synopsis: An astronaut mutated by cosmic radiation traps Killraven in a nightmarish version of the pre-Martian-Invasion past.
Writers (plot): Bill Mantlo and Keith Giffen
Writer (script): Mantlo
Penciler: Giffen
Inker: Al Milgrom
Review: The recurring deadline woes of the regular Amazing Adventures creative team strike again! Sigh. While not up to the level of Don McGregor and P. Craig Russell’s best work, this outing isn’t bad. Guest writer Bill Mantlo peels off our titular hero from his Freeman for a solo adventure set against the backdrop of a nightmare version of the pre-Martian-Invasion Marvel Universe. At times, clunky dream logic undermines an otherwise solid story. The real treat here is the early Keith Giffen artwork. Already much improved from his Killraven debut (see review), Giffen displays hints of his future LoSH style.
Grade: B
Second opinion: “Truly senses-boggling.” – Martin Lock, Comics Unlimited #38, August 1976 … “(Amazing Adventures #33 and #38) are vital to the series in that they make you realize just how good the other issues are.” – Alan Brightmore, Comics Unlimited #48, October 1977 … “A new reader would be hopelessly lost. … 3 out of 4 stars.” – Comics Buyer’s Guide #1656, August 2009
Cool factor: That Keith Giffen fella might have some promise for illustrating the future.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 10p British variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “Dreams or nightmares – I will not fall to such as you – ever! – Not as I live!!” – Killraven, trippin’
Editor’s note: This review was written Dec. 29, 2021.
