Amazing Adventures #28
Published and © by Marvel, January 1975
Title: “The Death Merchant!”
Synopsis: Killraven and crew lay siege to the Death-Birth fortress in a battle with the Death Breeders.
Writer: Don McGregor
Artist: P. Craig Russell
Review: Don McGregor’s world-building continues to improve, but it is new artist P. Craig Russell’s growth that is breathtaking. It recalls Barry Windsor-Smith’s rapid development on Conan: PCR’s work has already improved significantly since his Killraven debut a month prior (see review), with his unique, ornamental style growing increasingly polished.
•••
Title: “Escape From Nowhere!”
Synopsis: An escape artist is hit by a truck – and might have pulled off the greatest escape of his life.
Writer: Uncredited
Artist: Tony DiPreta
Review: This two-pager reprinted from World of Suspense #7 is fine filler, but, seriously, it’s time to give Killraven this space.
Grade (for the entire issue): A-
Second opinion: “3 1/2 out of 4 stars.” – Comics Buyer’s Guide #1655, July 2009 … “This issue is just about perfect in every way.”– Pierre Comtois, “Marvel Comics in the 1970s: An Issue By Issue Field Guide to a Pop Culture Phenomenon: Expanded Edition,” 2021
Cool factor: P. Craig Russell is coming on strong.
Not-so-cool factor: The Death-Birth slave pens have a suitable ick factor.
Notable: Origin of Volcana Ash.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 8p British variant of this issue. … According to MyComicShop.com, there is also a Mark Jewelers variant.
Character quotable: “Didn’t you know, Volcana? The Martians have acquired a taste for Earthlings!” – Killraven, talking about “human delicacies”
Editor’s note: This review was written Aug. 27, 2021.
