E-Man #9
Published and © by Charlton, July 1975
Title: “The Genius Plant”
Synopsis: E-Man and Nova team with the U.S. military to help bring down the scheming Genius One.
Writer: Nicola Cuti
Artist: Joe Staton
Review: While it loses a few points for relying on a evil-genius-must-spill-his-guts plot reveal, this E-Man tale is another zany read. Nova works well as E-Man’s superpowered partner. And the new villain, Genius One, offers a nice twist on the mad-scientist archetype – and a fun comeuppance.
•••
Title: “The Wish”
Synopsis: Rog 2000 steps in to keep a witch from getting mugged, only to find himself turned human for his trouble!
Writer: Nicola Cuti
Artist: John Byrne
Review: It’s another madcap Rog 2000 adventure and another early showcase for John Byrne’s fast-improving art. Also, a fantastic twist ending.
Grade (for the entire issue): B+
Cool factor: Hate to keep going back to this well but, dang, Rog 2000 is a joy.
Notable: Includes a “Prologue! History of E-Man and Nova” one-pager by Nicola Cuti and Joe Staton.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a Modern reprint of this issue from 1977.
Character quotable: “I am above good and evil. I am a super being and this island is the nucleus of a better world … a world controlled by geniuses.” – Genius One, evil genius
A word from the writer: “Of all the E-Man backup features Rogie has received most of the favorable mail.” – Nicola Cuti, talking about Rog-2000, in Charlton Bullseye #1, 1975
Editor’s note: This review was written Aug. 31, 2021.
