Amazing Adventures #21
Published and © by Marvel, November 1973
Title: “The Mutant Slayers!”
Synopsis: With the help of the duplicitous Carmilla Frost, Killraven and his freeman escape – again – and battle their way to freedom.
Writer: Don McGregor
Penciler: Herb Trimpe
Inker: Yolande Pijcke
Review: Don McGregor, the writer most associated with Killraven, debuts with this action-packed issue. Like many Bronze Age writers, McGregor tends to overwrite, but give him credit for attempting to develop the supporting cast. Sadly, Herb Trimpe’s art suffers a major decline compared to the previous issue (see review). His storytelling here is at times muddled and lacking in dramatic flair. Worse, his creature design is subpar, which is unfortunate for a series filled with post-apocalyptic mutants and monsters. And the inking, by Yolande Pijcke (who?), is an ugly, cross-hatched-laden mess. This book desperately needs an art-team upgrade.
Grade: C+
Second opinion: “2 1/2 out of 4 stars.” – Comics Buyer’s Guide #1655, July 2009
Cool factor: Hmm. Yeah. Not so much.
Not-so-cool factor: Man, those creature designs are bad.
Notable: First appearance of Carmilla Frost and Grok. … First full appearance of Old Skull.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 6p British variant of this issue. … According to MyComicShop.com, there is also a Mark Jewelers variant.
Character quotable: “I don’t know who you are, siren or vixen, but Killraven doesn’t need any female to tell him his place.” – Killraven, manly man
Editor’s note: This review was written circa 2014.
