E-Man #6
Published and © by Charlton, January 1975
Title: “Wunderworld”
Synopsis: The Brain returns, but Nova and E-Man uncover their arch-villain’s nefarious plot during their visit to a Wunderworld amusement park.
Writer: Nicola Cuti
Artist: Joe Staton
Review: E-Man remains a comic like no other. The heroine, Nova Kane, is both overly sexualized and self-actualized, often demonstrating more agency than the series’ title character. There’s a sophistication to Nicola Cuti’s work, and more than a smidge of darkness; it finds its perfect complement in Joe Staton’s cartoony artwork.
•••
Title: “That Was No Lady”
Synopsis: Kicking back at Duffy’s Tavern with his new lady friend, Rog 2000 recounts his recent battle with Magno.
Writer: Nicola Cuti
Artist: John Byrne
Review: Not everything here works from today’s vantage, but Rog 2000 is still full of whimsical fun. Also: John Byrne debuts!
Grade (for the entire issue): A-
Cool factor: Rog 2000 makes the big leagues (or at least as “big league” as it gets at Charlton.)
Notable: First professional comic-book work by John Byrne. … First comic-book appearance of Rog 2000. … Byrne and fellow comics pro Duffy Vohland serve as inspirations for characters in the Rog 2000 story.
Character quotable: “I have found that there is more pleasure in control than in destruction.” – The Brain, changing perspectives
Editor’s note: This review was written Aug. 9, 2021.
