World’s Finest Comics #208
Published and © by DC, December 1971
Title: “Peril of the Planet-Smashers!”
Synopsis: Superman teams with Doctor Fate to battle alien high lamas who are willing to sacrifice Earth to reach nirvana.
Writer: Len Wein
Penciler: Dick Dillin
Inker: Joe Giella
Review: As comics took a turn toward realism and relevance in the early 1970s, it could be hard to say goodbye to the Silver Age. Even youngsters like Len Wein struggled at times, with scientific reality a sad casualty in this tale of magic, might and continental realignment. Silly, but fun.
•••
Title: “The Inside Story of Robotman!”
Synopsis: Some preemptive planning helps Robotman get back in the game after being busted apart by criminal-at-large Dirk McGurk.
Writer: Uncredited
Artist: Uncredited
Review: This reprint from 1948’s Detective Comics #138 offers a recap of Robotman’s origin and above-average art for its era.
•••
Title: “The Ghost Patrol”
Synopsis: A robbery using giant advertising balloons is interrupted by a happy-go-lucky trio of heroes known as the Ghost Patrol.
Writer: Uncredited
Artist: Uncredited
Review: A silly story but more above-average art from the Atom Age, this one reprinted from 1948’s Flash Comics #96.
Grade (for the entire issue): C+
Cool factor: This one earned its plus for that amazing Neal Adams cover.
Not-so-cool factor: Out of DC’s massive Golden Age library we get … Ghost Patrol?
Notable: The “World’s Finest Fanmail” letters page includes an LoC from future comics writer Tom Peyer.
Character quotable: “If magic is to be my albatross, I’ll live with it! A little humility is good for even a super-man!” – Superman, humble brag
Editor’s note: This review was written Aug. 6, 2022.
