Star Spangled War Stories #170
Published and © by DC, June 1973
Title: “Legends Don’t Die”
Synopsis: The Unknown Soldier secretly takes the place of a fallen battlefield legend in the South Pacific.
Writer: Archie Goodwin
Artist: Jack Sparling
Review: It’s little surprise that war comics resonated with Baby-Boom-era readers, a generation shaped by the aftermath of World War II and the specter of Vietnam. That natural connection was largely absent for the Bronze Age fan. Still, this is a competent, enjoyable tale from Archie Goodwin.
•••
Title: “UFM”
Synopsis: A futuristic technician tries to escape the horrors of war but ends up battling the ultimate fighting machine.
Writer: Gerry Boudreau
Artist: Walter Simonson
Review: This sci-fi short makes for an odd juxtaposition with the lead feature but features gorgeous early art from Walter Simonson.
Grade (for the entire issue): B
Second opinion: “A break from the fictional reality of war.” – Jim Kingman, discussing the backup story, from Comic Effect #33, February-March 2003 … Recommended by The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003.
Cool factor: That Walter Simonson kid is going to be alright.
Collector’s note: According to MyComicShop.com, there is a Mark Jewelers variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “When I die, it ain’t gonna be in some lost corner of the galaxy, for some cause I don’t care about ….” – Stacy Taylor, in a futile effort
