Amazing Adventures #36
Published and © by Marvel, May 1976
Title: “Red Dust Legacy”
Synopsis: Killraven and the Freemen face tough ethical choices when they raid the birthing chamber at a Martian facility.
Writer: Don McGregor
Artist (layouts): P. Craig Russell
Artist (finisher): Sonny Trinidad
Review: Don McGregor and P. Craig Russell’s Killraven serial continues to dive into the thematic deep end, addressing questions often ignored by the mainstream comics of its era: Is the slaughter of innocents ever justified? What role do the oppressed have in perpetuating a conflict? When should the rank and file speak out against injustice by their leaders? Can participants in a conflict escape the momentum of compounding trauma? The shadow of the then-recently concluded war in Vietnam falls heavy on this issue (and series). McGregor’s verbose prose isn’t always up to the task, but Killraven remains a fascinating read.
Grade: A-
Second opinion: “Don McGregor does an outstanding job of presenting arguments from both the humans and the Martians. … 4 out of 4 stars.” – Comics Buyer’s Guide #1656, August 2009 … “(McGregor) is the missing link between comics and science fiction.” – Alan Brightmore, Comics Unlimited #48, October 1977 … “Postage-stamp panels, confused and disjointed storyline and occasional poor inking all add up to a rather unreadable book. … 2 out of 4 stars.” – Marvel Art Review #2, 1976 … Recommended by The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003.
Cool factor: This issue doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 30¢ variant and a 9p British variant of this issue. … According to MyComicShop.com, there is also a Mark Jewelers variant.
Character quotable: “Today, we let them know that fear … is an emotion we will teach then!” – Killraven, ready to give the Martians the what for
Editor’s note: This review was written Dec. 27, 2021.
