The Toy Box

Comics Corner: The Spectacular Spider-Man Annual 8

Title: The Spectacular Spider-Man Annual
Issue Number: 8
Release Date: November 1988

Highlights

First appearance of Junipur, Katos, and Professor Quint
Spider-Man sits atop a roof petting a stray cat and pondering if Mary Jane would be upset if he brought it home when a stray explosion hits close to him
Reference is made to The Spectacular Spider-Man 142, 143, The Amazing Spider-Man Annual 22, The Amazing Spider-Man 90, and 148
Spider-Man swoops down and deals with the High Evolutionary's armored men, and then goes to check on the girl they were chasing, only to come face to face with the clone of Gwen Stacy

Seeing each other startles them both

The battle with the armored men commences, and in the tussle, Gwen has taken off on foot

High Evolutionary's men return to him, having failed their mission a third time

He explains to Quint why he needs Gwen Stacy - To study her genetic makeup

Peter digs out an old photo album of him and Gwen, looking through it while he waits for Mary Jane to come home

When she does, he explains to her what's going on

The High Evolutionary spies on the Young Gods training for battle, but they realize he's there, and what his plan is for humanity
Some of them think they should do something about it, but Katos tells them they shouldn't get involved

Not listening, Brightsword has Highnote transport him and her, along with Daydreamer, Mindsinger, Sea Witch, Splice, and Junipur to Earth

Katos informs the rest they need to go after them before they bring disaster to all humanity

As Mary Jane and Peter wait for the inevitable arrival of Gwen, Mary Jane gets upset, feeling like she's never stood a chance with Peter as long as Gwen was in the picture

Peter tells her that he doesn't love Gwen anymore, but in his mind, calls himself a liar

Gwen tracks down Peter to his new apartment through Betty Brant

As she grabs him for a hug, his Spider-Man costume gets exposed under his robe

Gwen panics, and runs away

Mary Jane tells Peter he still loves Gwen, and to find her, help her, but come home to him with a clear heart, or don't come home
Spider-Man grabs Gwen, and tries to explain, but she immediately blames him for killing her father

Distracted, and trying to explain, the High Evolutionary's men attack

Quint grabs Gwen, and transports back to their hidden base, but Spider-Man jumps on, and goes along

As the entire base attacks Spider-Man, the rogue Young Gods appear on the scene, and immediately join the fray

The remaining Young Gods also show up, but immediately set to the task of stopping their comrades

However, it ends abruptly when Daydreamer sneaks up on Calculus, and zaps his mind harder than she expected, sending him into a screaming frenzy

Spider-Man frees Gwen, and calms her down by telling her he's Peter

They embrace, but he tells her that it's over between them because he's in love with someone else

Caduceus is able to repair Calculus's mind

The Young Gods depart

Spider-Man demands to know what High Evolutionary wanted with the clone of Gwen Stacy

He explains that he wanted to learn how Professor Warren created her, and in probing learned she never was a clone of Gwen Stacy, rather a near identical woman that Warren kidnapped, and genetically altered

High Evolutionary transports Spider-Man and "the woman" out of his fortress

As the now confused woman questions everything, Daydream appears behind her, and returns her original memories to her

The woman, who Peter still doesn't know, simply wanders off, presumably back to where she remembers she was from
Peter returns to Mary Jane, and when asked if he loves Gwen, he says of course he does, but that she's dead, and part of his past, while Mary Jane is now and his future

Low Points

There's a second story featuring the Young Gods, and a third all about High Evolutionary, but neither include Spider-Man
These annuals are really long and drawn out

Take out the Young Gods, and the story isn't impacted at all, instead, it's tighter, and moves along better

Oddities

None

Rating (based on a 1 through 5 Stans grading system)

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Retro Spins: Devo - New Traditionalists

It's interesting how something as simple as a pamphlet can inspire the inception of an entire band. Jocko Homo Heavenbound which included a winged devil illustration called, "D-EVOLUTION". However, it was this very thing found by Mark Mothersbaugh, who showed it to Gerald Casale and Bob Lewis, that would start to kick things off. That same pamphlet would later inspire the Devo tune, Jocko Homo.

The first iteration of Sextet Devo featured Casale, Lewis, Mothersbaugh, brother Bob Casale, Rod Reisman and Fred Weber. Though this lineup would only perform together once in 1973. Someone had the foresight to film the event, and it's actually been released on Devo's The Complete Truth About De-Evolution (1993).

The lineup would continue as the Casale brothers, Bob Lewis, Mark Mothersbaugh, and his brothers Jim and Bob Mothersbaugh. Though in 1974, Lewis would step down as a member and actually take on the role as band manager. They'd record music videos for Secret Agent Man and Jocko Homo and stay together until Jim's departure in 1975. He'd be replaced by Alan Myers. The core members were now in place; Gerald Casale, Mark Mothersbaugh, Bob Mothersbaugh, Bob Caslae, and Alan Meyers.

Fame would start to come with the 1976 Chuck Statler directed film, The Truth About De-Evolution. After it won first place at the Ann Arbor Film Festival, David Bowie would take a direct interest in the band. Bowie would make it his mission to get them signed with Warner Bros. Shortly thereafter, they were asked by Neil Young to participate in his film, Human Highway. Filming would begin in 1978, and not wrap up until 1981, with it eventually being released in 1982. Devo would play nuclear garbage men and provide Mark Mothersbaugh with his first opportunity to score a soundtrack.

In 1977, Devo released their first single, Mongoloid backed with Jocko Homo. This was followed by a cover of the Rolling Stone's (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction. This was followed by the EP, B Stiff, released on Stiff Records. This was followed by another EP, Mechanical Man (1978), which contained so many demo versions that people initially thought it was a bootleg.

By this point, both David Bowie and Iggy Pop were pushing Warner to sign the band, and eventually they acquiesced. While Bowie initially agreed to produce their debut, previous commitments required him to back out. Brian Eno was brought in to fill the roll, and the end result was 1978's Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!

An appearance on Saturday Night Live would garner them national attention, and riding this wave, delivered their sophomore album, Duty Now for the Future (1979). Though not as successful as its predecessor, it did allow the band to tour Japan, as well as appear at Don Kirshner's Rock Concert that same year.

As part of their act, the guys embraced the Church of the SubGenius, a parody religion. Under this guise, they would perform as the band, Dove, serving as their own opening act as a joke. Dove would then appear in the 1980 televangelism spoof film Pray TV.

1980's Freedom Of Choice would serve as the band's breakthrough album with its hit, Whip It. This not only put them on radio airwaves but become a staple on MTV during its early years. Additionally, their boom in popularity allowed them the opportunity for a massive tour of Japan, UK, Germany, Canada, France, Italy, and Netherlands, in addition of course to the USA. Multiple television appearances also followed. The EP DEV-O Live kicked off 1981 for them, and was followed by their next album, New Traditionalists, which is where we start things off today.

My first exposure to this one was the song, Race Of Doom, which randomly came across my shuffle list one day. It immediately got my attention, as was added to my regular rotation. As such, I was kind of looking forward to today's Retro Spin, anxious to see what more would come from it.

It certainly delivered a synth pop and new wave filled listening experience, and an enjoyable one at that. I also found some other noteworthy tracks, which included, Jerkin' Back 'N' Forth, and Through Being Cool. The latter was a bit of a shock for me, because I initially recognized it. No, not from hearing it on the radio, but instead in the animated film, Heavy Metal.

Along with the single, Working In The Coal Mine, which was recorded during the Freedom Of Choice sessions, Devo contributed Through Being Cool, which plays during the bar scene, with an animated band performing it. While Working In The Coal Mine appears on the soundtrack, and plays during the end credits of the film, Through Being Cool was not included on the record.

From there, Devo worked with Toni Basil as her backing band to record her debut, Word Of Mouth. The album would also feature Basil covering three songs from Devo, Be Stiff, Space Girls, and You Gotta Problem. Of course, most notable from that would be the smash hit, Mickey.

Not ready for a rest, they returned to the studio to record 1982's Oh, No! It's Devo. This is where we'll pick up tomorrow.

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Disclaimer: They Toy Box does not endorse or contribute to piracy. Retro Spins posts are intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. None of the music discussed here is available for sale, downloading or distribution.

Comics Corner: The Spectacular Spider-Man 143

Title: The Spectacular Spider-Man
Issue Number: 143
Release Date: October 1988

Highlights

Death of Persuader, AKA Roland Rayburn
First appearance of the security guard, Mel Zimmerman, Ben, the bartender, Dave, Steve, Andrea, and the Lobo Brothers, Eduardo and Carlos
First appearance and death of the hired gunman, Andrew
First appearance of the locations Herdling Refinery, Grapevine Lake, and the Lobo's Mansion
Spider-Man has been returning to Punisher's boat, following the events that had them both investigating Tombstone, but he hasn't returned

Some would be burglars try to rob the boat, and thinking they might have information, he pounces them, but learns nothing

Punisher is spotted at the Dallas airport by a security guard who's good at remembering faces

A report overhears him confronting the vigilante

The Arranger attempts to fill Kingpin in on current events, which is actually just a synopsis for the readers, but is told to shut up, and that he, the Kingpin, is more interested in his revenge on Daredevil
The clone of Gwen Stacy is on a bus in Ohio, headed towards Peter Parker, looking for his help

The vehicle is attacked by the High Evolutionary's men, who are continuing their pursuit of her

Reference is made to The Amazing Spider-Man 308 and 309
Peter meets Mary Jane at a bar, and the two have dinner plans

Those plans are interrupted by a news report saying that the Punisher was spotted at the Dallas airport

As Peter storms off to catch a plane, Mary Jane calms herself down saying she knew there would be days like this, and that she's not angry...much

Punisher infiltrates an oil refinery being used to smuggle drugs for the Lobo brothers, and does what he does best, kill people, and blow it up
When Peter arrives in Dallas, he meets up with Andrea who works on the team promoting the book Webs (see oddities)

He shows up to attend a convention to sign copies of his book, and asks her about the Lobo brothers (see oddities)

In doing so, we get a backstory on them

Peter takes a break while signing books to dip out as Spider-Man, and hunt for the Punisher

He finds him on the tail end of a killing spree at the Lobo brother's mansion

He's holding the brothers at gunpoint, and they tell him to do what he's going to do, and tell the Kinpin that they spit on him

This temporarily breaks the "spell" he's under by the Persuader

Spider-Man breaks up the party by webbing Punisher's gun away, but this only starts a fight between the two

The Lobo brothers dip out during the scuffle

Spider-Man is grazed across the head by a bullet, temporarily knocking him unconscious

He awakens to Punisher standing over him with his gun drawn

Instead of shooting Spidey, Punisher turns his weapon on Andrew, and Persuader, killing them both

He tells Persuader that he only fogged his brain, but never had control of his mind

Seeing and hearing everything from a safe distance, the Lobo brothers profess their forthcoming revenge on Kingpin

Low Points

Peter is explaining to a kid how his older red and blue costume wasn't as easy to capture on film as his new one

The kid tells him he thinks it stinks, and is promptly told by Peter, "G'way, kid, ya bother me."

Oddities

Pretty convenient there just so happens to be a convention in town that very day for Peter to trek to Dallas and sign books at
How would Andrea know about a pair of local drug dealers when she works in book promotion?

Rating (based on a 1 through 5 Stans grading system)

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Retro Spins: Devo - Freedom Of Choice

Back in my day, Devo's Whip It was required listening. Unfortunately, it relatively stopped there, and as a result, one would be forgiven to classify the band as a one hit wonder. Even being a staple of the era, the reality is that the song only reached number fourteen on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980. Its relevance perhaps came more so from its music video, which was among the earliest played on the station.

From there, they had two other minor Billboard hits. The first was the cover version of Working In The Coal Mine, which peaked at number forty-three in 1981. While it was recorded during the Freedom Of Choice sessions, it would not be included on the album. Instead, it was contributed to the animated film, Heavy Metal, and its subsequent soundtrack. Ironically, it would be another soundtrack contribution which would be their third and final charting hit when the Theme From Doctor Detroit landed at fifty-nine in 1983 on the Billboard.

Personally, my knowledge of the band was limited to just Whip It and Working In The Coal Mine for the longest time. For the longest time, the only albums in my collection were 1980's Freedom Of Choice, and the Heavy Metal soundtrack. However, while out shopping at a used CD store in 2022 for my birthday, I came across, Oh No, It's Devo, which I decided to pick up. It definitely wasn't an album I wanted per se, but rather, grabbed because it was there, and from a band I knew.

Returning to the same used CD store in January 2023, I found their 1978 debut, Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!, and followed this up with a purchase on ebay for a compilation album I'd had on my want list, but never pulled the trigger on, 2000's Pioneers Who Got Scalped: The Anthology. Though I typically steer clear of greatest hits, I wanted this one specifically for the inclusion of the cover, Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini, used in the 1987 film, Revenge Of The Nerds II: Nerds In Paradise. The film itself never received a soundtrack release.

It was at this same time that I also came across 1981's New Traditionalist, and for whatever reason, I also grabbed it for my collection. However, it wouldn't be until May of 2026, when deciding which Retro Spins to tackle next that I decided to look into their remaining two album, 1984's Shout, and 1988's Total Devo. It was at this point why I remembered that Devo was a slow band to be added to my collection; most of their albums are so freaking expensive.

This does at least make sense, as CD releases were relatively few and far between. With exception of Japanese releases, legit or otherwise, options in the USA were mostly limited to the 1996 Infinite Zero Archive series, or 2005 Collectibles releases. Mind you, not every album was released during these periods. Yes, there are anomalies in there, such as Freedom Of Choice which saw a wider CD release, due in part to Whip It, and Total Devo, which was released during the boom of CD popularity. But for the most part, the majority of their earlier work is quite rare outside of vinyl and cassettes.

Devo was a new wave and synth pop bad through and through, and this is exactly what I expected to get from today's Retro Spin. Yes, they do incorporate lead, rhythm and bass guitars into the tracks, but these are utilized sparsely. Mainly, you're getting keyboards and drums.

Ever present are those quirky lyrics the band became known for. In retrospect of listening to Weird Al Yankovic's Dare To Be Stupid, the song, which parodies liberally from the guys, it's actually not far off from how their lyrics come off. I do, however, favor the latter to Devo.

With an understanding of what I was going to be getting, it was easier to mentally wrap my mind around everything. Tracks like Snowball, Freedom Of Choice, and That's Pep delivered catchy hooks, and along with Whip It, stood out as the superior tracks. Overall, while I'm not necessarily sold on the band, I am intrigued enough to continue on. With four more to go, I suppose that's a good mindset to have.

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Comics Corner: Web Of Spider-Man Annual 4

Title: Web Of Spider-Man Annual
Issue Number: 4
Release Date: October 1988

Highlights

First appearance of Ylandris, Carlos Cardinale, Doyle Denby, Santo, Maria, and Poison, AKA Cecilia Cardinale
Peter appears on the television talk show, Miami Slice with host Doyle Denby
Cecilia Cardinale, a woman working as housekeeping at the motel Peter Parker is staying in Miami at enters his room, and sets his spidey senses off

As she leaves, she seems to be talking to herself, and one of the questions is if she should kill him

In the Everglades, the High Evolutionary's men set up and activate his equipment, which awakens Man-Thing
Meanwhile, after her shift, Cecilia is catch a bus, and continues talking to an image that only she can see

The image of the female tells her that tonight is both their night

Back in the Everglades red blobs fall from the sky, hitting the High Evolutionary's men, and appearing to kill them instantly, but they soon rise again

High Evolutionary explains that it's genetic pollutants that rain down from the atmosphere, and like a symbiote attach to a host

Kingpin makes a call to Slug, and the two come to a mutual agreement to work together to solve their "product shortage"
At home, Carlos Cardinale is watching G.I. Joe on the television

It appears that Cecilia has super powers, and displays them as she playfully lays on her back, picks Carlos up with her legs, and "helicopters" him over her head

Peter heads out in the evening for some food, but ends up as Spider-Man, helping Santo from a beating he's receiving

As Spider-Man gets information on who the assaulter was, and leaves, the High Evolutionary's Purifier squad "cleans" Santo

Cecelia prepares for the night, and takes on the persona of her alter ego, Poison
Slug kills his own man, by suffocating him in his stomach fat folds - punishment for failure with Santo
Poison kills several Purifiers, and watching from the side is her son, who cheers her on
Reference is made to Marvel Comics Presents 1 - 12
Peter Parker makes a deal with the Tribune, first dibs on his pictures in exchange for a plane and boat ride to the swamp

As Spider-Man, he finds the stash of drugs Santo told him about, but he's interrupted by some drug runners

They in turn are interrupted by the Purifiers

As Spider-Man watches the fight, his spider senses kick into overdrive, and he sees Poison, instantly recognizing her as the housekeeper from his motel

Ylandris departs Poison's body, and proclaims she's strong enough now to make her trip home
Mary Jane surprises Peter at his motel
After the backup story, see low points, there's a year in review of Spider-Man, which showcases highlights from 1988

Peter and Mary Jane's Wedding
Kraven's Last Hunt
The Mad Dog Ward
The return of Doctor Octopus
Venom
The return of Black Cat

Low Points

The story is long and boring
There's a backup story, but it's just about Poison
There's a third story, but it's just about High Evolutionary

Oddities

None

Rating (based on a 1 through 5 Stans grading system)

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Retro Spins: The Human Leage - Crash

Today I'm wrapping up the 80's discography of The Human League. They're a band that stumbled under the original lineup, but who massively broke out upon sole remaining member, Philip Oakey taking the reigns, and guiding the band to mainstream success with 1981's Dare.

When I last left off on their history, they had released not only their 1984 follow-up, Hysteria, but Oakey had collaborated with Giorgio Moroder on not only Together In Electric Dreams for the film, Electric Dreams. The two would then release a studio album together. While it would not prove to be popular, it would contain the aforementioned hit.

Despite the success the band had found, key songwriter Jo Callis would opt to leave, though no information is noted as to why. This was followed by their manager, Bob Last, who's reason for departure also appears to be undocumented. However, he was never replaced by anyone else.

Jim Russell would join as drummer, and together, the group returned to the studio to begin work on their next album. Unfortunately, under the production of Colin Thurston, things didn't go well, and the material recorded shelved. Concerned with the lack of progress, Virgin Records paired them up with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis to produce a usable album. This only led to more clashes as the two producers outright rejected most of the bands conceptual ideas for songs, and any subsequent material they contributed. The end result would be 1986's Crash.

While the album would prove to be a success, specifically led by the single, Human, the band would go on to say that Crash wasn't the album they wanted to make. Adrian Wright, who was essentially sidelined in the studio would leave the group after its release. Following the supporting tour, Ian Burden and Jim Russell both left, replaced by Neil Sutton and Russell Dennett. But I'm getting too far ahead now. First, let me play through the actual CD.

I'll preface by saying that Human is probably my favorite from the group. However, being penned by producers James Harris III, and Terry Lewis, it definitely sounds off in comparison to the musical styles of previous albums. In fact, this sounds more like a Janet Jackson record in retrospect. This makes sense considering their extensive work with her since the 80's. But I agree. A Human League album this is not.

That's both a pro and con. It's a con because you don't truly get an honest presentation of the band. If you were to hear this and then go back in time to their other albums, things wouldn't add up. However, if you look at it as a standalone album, it's actually a bit better, to me, then what has come before it.

There were a couple standout tracks to me, which included Are You Ever Coming Back?, I Need Your Loving, and of course, Human. However, there are also a couple of honorable mentions in there that weren't too bad. These included Jam, and Party.

The Human League, now consisting of Philip Oakey, Joanne Catherall, Susan Ann Sulley, Russell Dennett, and Neil Sutton, entered the 90's, and released their first album in four years, Romantic? While it would chart decently in the UK, overall it wouldn't prove to be a successful comeback. It would further be the last for Virgin Records, who abruptly cancelled their contract in 1992.

It would take them a couple years to produce demos and obtain a new contract, releasing Octopus in 1995 on East West. The song Tell Me When, would give them their first UK top ten since 1986, but would end up being a one and done album for the label. The reason being that it changed management hands in 1998, and their contract was once again cancelled. By this point, Dennett had also departed, having left in 1996.

Despite not having label support, they'd continue to tour, taking little to no breaks since 2000, with Oakey, Catherall, and Sulley remaining as the consistent mainstays. Further, they've released two additional studio albums, 2001's Secrets, and 2011's Credo. Presently, they've embarked on the massive Generations tour, which has them performing across the USA in 2026, and scheduled for Australia and New Zealand in 2027.

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Comics Corner: The Amazing Spider-Man 309

Title: The Amazing Spider-Man
Issue Number: 309
Release Date: Late November 1988

Highlights

Todd McFarlane hid one spider on this cover
First appearance of Styx, AKA Jacob Eichorn, and Stone, AKA Gerald Stone
First appearance of the Turbo-Hoper vehicle
Spider-Man is working on Manslaughter Marsdale, thinking he has information on Mary Jane's location

He doesn't

Jonathon Caesar still holds her captive, and is intent on them being married
Caesar learns from his goons that Spider-Man is looking for Mary Jane, and resolves to hire some special bodyguards
Peter goes to the Bugle looking for work, and Jameson tells him to go find news worth photographing

As he's leaving, Jameson tells Glory Grant to inform all reports of the Bugle that information on Parker's wife is their top priority

Reference is made to The Spectacular Spider-Man 139
Styx and Stone arrive at Caesar's home, and Mary Jane sees first hand the awful powers of Styx as he touches a plant with his bare hand, and it dies
Returning home, Spider-Man is seen through the window by Caesar - He panics, sending Styx and Stone to attack
Mary Jane disables Caesar with a lamp to the face, then electrocutes his two goons who are standing in a puddle of water with the wires
Spider-Man is in peril against Styx and Stone, but is saved by Mary Jane who's grabbed one of the guard's guns, and opens fire on them
Caesar is arrested, and Peter and Mary Jane both return home safely
Did you find the hidden spider?

It's part of Styx's hair on the bottom right corner

Felix the Cat is hidden as part of the grass, to the right of the tree's long trunk

Low Points

Either the continuity is off, or something's been retconned

Robbie Robertson is still in the hospital talking about his broken back, but it was revealed it was just a sprain, and he's already walked

Oddities

In his anger, Spider-Man smashes a gargoyle, and then regrets doing so

He webs it up, and says he'll contact the management of the building to fix it - Except his webbing only holds for an hour before dissolving, and it's the middle of the night

Rating (based on a 1 through 5 Stans grading system)

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Retro Spins: The Human Leage - Hysteria

Before we start, I have to say a sad farewell to Mrs. Bonnie Tyler. May she rest in peace.

Bonnie passed away on July 8, 2026, after complications from an illness she was being treated for in a Portugal hospital. She had just celebrated her seventy-fifth birthday one month (to the day) earlier.

Fun fact: Ace Of Base popularized the song, Don't Turn Around in the 90's, but it was originally recorded as a B-side by Tina Turner for her single, Typical Male in 1986. Bonnie Tyler would then record her own version of the song in 1988 for her studio album, Hide Your Heart. That album would be retitled to Notes From America when released in the USA.

Okay, now back to today's post.

Third times the charm? Maybe. So far, my journey through The Human League has been lackluster at best. I've found no new tunes to add to my shuffle list, and candidly, have been quite bored with what I've been hearing.

When I last left off on the history of the band, founding members Ian Craig Marsh, and Martyn Ware departed the group over musical direction disagreements with singer, Philip Oakey. While Marsh and Ware wanted to stay true to their original roots, Oakey in turn was leaning more towards a commercial new wave sound. Though their manager, Bob Last attempted to reconcile the trio, it was ultimately agreed that Oakey could continue performing as The Human League, but that in doing so, he would need to pay the other two members one percent of the royalties from the next album. Further, in doing so, he remained under contract with Virgin Records, assuming all of the band's debt. Ware and Marsh would go on to create Heaven 17 with Glenn Gregory, who was actually their first choice as singer for The Human League.

Word quickly began to spread that the group had broken up, and was ultimately finished. One reporter would even go so far as to state that all of the talent had departed. Rude.

It was mere days before a scheduled tour was to occur, leaving Oakey scrambling for backup singers. Deciding he needed a female to match the higher ranger of Ware, he and his girlfriend frequented clubs in the area, looking for anyone who could fit the bill. He found this in Joanne Catherall and Susan Ann Sulley, who were dancing together at the Crazy Daisy Nightclub. Finding out they were both friends, and only seventeen, he decided to hire them both, so that they could look after each other on the tour. For final approval, he also visited their parents, and got not only their approval, but permission from the schools they were attending at the time.

Lastly, Ian Wright was brought in to fill the gap as synthesizer player. With the lineup complete, the tour was successfully completed. Based on its success, and the girl's professionalism, Oakey and Last offered them a full time role in the group.

Things, however, were not well for the band. Heavily in debt to Virgin Records, both Oakey and Wright new they needed a hit. For this, they knew they needed a musician, and found this in Ian Burden. They released the single Boys And Girls, which reached number 47 in the UK, and restored some faith from the label in them.

Producer Martin Rushent was brought in to guide them on further singles, and under him, they released, The Sound Of The Crowd, which would become their first top forty UK hit, peaking at number twelve. Feeling the group could utilize the talents of another musician, Jo Callis was then brought into the fold as their sixth member. This was followed by the single, Love Action (I Believe in Love), which outperformed their previous, peaking at number three in the UK. This surge in popularity caused their first two albums to start selling again, and both would chart for the first time, eventually going gold.

Another top ten would follow with the single, Open Your Heart, and then came the 1981 studio album, Dare, their most successful to date. It would reach number one in the UK, stay their for four weeks, and in total spend seventy-seven weeks on the charts.

For Dare, the group had recorded what Oakey referred to as a weak filler track. That song, Don't You Want Me, was selected by the label to be released as a single, which Oakey fought against, claiming it would damage the band's reputation. Overruled, a music video was also put into production. That little throw away track would skyrocket to number one. It would also become their first to chart in the USA, also reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

The band headed out on a massive international tour, with Dare being the first of their albums released in the USA by A&M Records. The Human League had just achieved their breakthrough. But perhaps that's another good stopping point. For now, let's dive into 1984's Hysteria.

Things actually start off pleasantly, with I'm Coming Back and I Love You Too Much sounding like a different band than previous albums. With track three, Rock Me Again and Again and Again and Again and Again and Again (Six Times), I found myself enjoying it.

The Lebanon, and Don't You Know I Want You, were decent tracks, but for the most part, everything else fell into relative background music. As a whole, the album wasn't as interesting as I hoped it would be. Especially after such a massive start. Still, better than what I expected.

It's interesting how a group can start out, be kind of blah, but then with a lineup shift, skyrocket into legacy status. I can't help but wonder how the original members feel in that scenario. It's kind of like changing lanes when yours isn't moving, just for the lane you just departed to start moving, and your new lane to stop. It makes you wonder, "Oh, was I the problem?" In this case, I can't help but ponder if Ware and Marsh were like, "Oh, we were the ones who stunk the band up." I don't know. Maybe I'm overthinking it.

The problem with a successful album is that the label then wants you to follow up with something bigger and better. This put immense pressure on the band, and they struggled to come up with material. To fill the gap, their label released the EP, Fascination! in 1983, which contained the top ten hit, (Keep Feeling) Fascination, and the minor hit, Mirror Mirror. Hysteria was finally completed and released in 1984, but would under perform, producing no hits in the USA. It did, however, fare better in the UK, where The Lebanon, and Life On Your Own.

It was at this point in my historical search of the band that it finally dawned on me where I was more familiar with the name Philip Oakey...

Following Hysteria, Oakey would work with a personal idol to him, Giorgio Moroder, to record the single, Together In Electric Dreams for the soundtrack to the film, Electric Dreams. It would become another hit for him. This would lead them to record the album, Philip Oakey & Giorgio Moroder, for Virgin Records. However, it would not be as successful.

That's a nice positive note for things to end on. Tomorrow I wrap up my 80's adventure through The Human League with 1986's Crash.

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Comics Corner: The Amazing Spider-Man 308

Title: The Amazing Spider-Man
Issue Number: 308
Release Date: Early November 1988

Highlights

Todd McFarlane hid one spider on this cover
First appearance of Chili Bono
Peter returns home from Chicago to find his wife missing

She's closer than he thinks, being held a few floors down by Jonathon Caesar

Mary Jane slaps Caesar across the face when he touches her, only to get smacked right back
Caesar tells her that he always gets what he wants, and even his parents learned to never tell him no

He then talks about the disappearance of his brother for not letting him have his train set

Peter has a signing at a bookstore in Queens, but can't fathom going with his wife missing, until Aunt May calls and says she and several friends will be attending the event
Felicia Hardy, AKA Black Cat, shows up at the Bedford building looking for Peter, but is told she'll have to come back when he's there
After getting a tip from Chili Bono, Spider-Man heads to a cemetery in the Bronx, following a rumor that someone hiding there wants revenge on him

After beating up his goons, Taskmaster appears

Reference is made to Marvel Team-Up 103, and Captain America 334
Taskmaster tries to explain to Spider-Man that he doesn't know Mary Jane Watson, and that Spider-Man has gone crazy

Fighting of course ensues

Did you find the hidden spider?

It's part of the grass, climbing at the base of the tombstone on the far right

Felix the Cat is hidden in the silhouettes of the grave stones, atop the furthest on the left of the four clustered on the right

Low Points

Cool to see McFarlane's rendition of Taskmaster, but overall, a pretty dull issue that draws out the story arc for no real reason

Oddities

None

Rating (based on a 1 through 5 Stans grading system)

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Retro Spins: The Human Leage - Dare

Well, yesterday's Retro Spin, and my start of making my way through the 80's discography of The Human League was a bust. 1980's Travelogue wasn't for me, and it left me in a relative mundane state to want to continue on through their albums. But today, perhaps there's hope. With 1981's Dare, I at least know I'm going to get a hit that I know and like.

Computer operators, Ian Craig Marsh and Martyn Ware, met at the youth arts club, Meatwhistle in 1977. The event provided an unstructured space for teenagers to experiment with music, early video equipment, and drama, fueling the two's creativity. Together, they purchased a Korg 700S synthesizer and learned how to play it. They'd be invited to perform at a friend's 21st birthday party, and in turn, form the band, The Dead Daughters.

A few months later, they added friend, Adi Newton, and changed their name to The Future. Newton would serve as another synth player, but leave relatively early to form the group, Clock DVA. Rather than focus on adding another keyboardist to replace him, the two focused on finding a singer. While they initially had their sights set on Glenn Gregory (Heaven 17), he was unavailable. Instead, they turned invited a school friend, Philip Oakey to take the helm. The only snag was that Oakey had no musical background. Instead, he was more so known for his sharp style of dressing. Ware would say he was ideal because, "he already looked like a pop star".

The trio would change their name to The Human League, taking it from the boardgame, StarForce: Alpha Centauri. They'd be signed to the independent label, Fast Product, when Ware's friend, Paul Bower delivered their demo to owner, Bob Last. They released their first single and began performing live around the area. However, quickly became concerned of their stagnant stage presence from their reliance on technology and tape machines to deliver most of the music. To help with this, they brought in director of visuals, Philip Adrian Wright.

Their live performances began to see a boost, aided all the more by being invited to support Siouxsie and the Banshees. However, their biggest surge in popularity would occur in 1978, when David Bowie attended one of their shows, and stated to NME that he'd, "Seen the future of pop music".

1979's The Dignity of Labour EP would soon be released by Fast Product but be their last with the label, as they'd be approached and signed by Virgin Records. However, because of his early support, the band would extend an offer to Bob Last to take the role as their manager. Then the problems began. Despite offering the band creative freedom, Virgin immediately set stipulations and began demanding changes to their style for their first single to make them more commercial. Since they had received such a large advance, which they couldn't pay back, the band was in no position to push back, but requested the single, I Don't Depend on You, be released under the name, The Men.

The single would fail, and as a result, the label would permit them to return to their original sound and style for their 1979's studio album debut, Reproduction. The was led by the single, Empire State Human, which also failed. As a result, Virgin cancelled the anticipated tour which would have followed.

Virgin allowed The Human League to release the EP, Holiday '80, in 1980, which garnered them their first TV appearance on BBC TV's Top of the Pops. Unfortunately, their claim to fame as pioneers of electronic pop music was usurped by Gary Numan, which began causing internal rifts between Ware and Oakey. Whereas Ware wanted to stay true to their original roots, Oakey pressed for a more pop oriented sound. Things would come to a head, prompting Ware to walk out, and with him went Marsh.

Last tried to reconcile the three, but ultimately, it was deemed they simply couldn't go on together. Oakey would stay as The Human League, while Marsh and Ware would form Heaven 17 with their original choice for a singer, Glenn Gregory. In keeping the name, Oakey not only assumed all the debt of the band so far, but the obligations of the contract with Virgin. Further, the split required that he pay the two departed members one percent of royalties for the next album. Things got further complicated, as without a band, Oakey was pressed for how to perform at the upcoming tour, which was just ten days away, and the news already reporting that the band was done.

That seems a good place to pause on the history of the band until tomorrow. For now, let's dive into 1981's Dare.

I'm sorry to say that it was more or less the same drivel I was greeted by last time, with the exception of closing out with Don't You Want Me. Overall, it was a pretty lackluster listening session, which left me bored. In fact, that boredom actually equated to me paying very little attention to the music, which quickly fell to the background.

Frankly, I'm not seeing the appeal of The Human League. Rather than a legacy band of the 80's, I kind of feel like they just got lucky a handful of times. I'm not impressed. The band is 0 - 2 in my book, and I'm not enjoying hearing their albums so far. Rather, I'm drudging through them at this point simply to check them off.

Candidly, that sucks. Listening to music should be an enjoyable experience. Not a mundane checkbox. Sadly, for now, that's what it's become with The Human League. Maybe that will change with tomorrow's album, 1984's Hysteria. Sadly, I don't foresee it being as impactful as the Def Leppard variety.

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Comics Corner: The Amazing Spider-Man 307

Title: The Amazing Spider-Man
Issue Number: 307
Release Date: Late October 1988

Highlights

Todd McFarlane hid one spider on this cover
First appearance of Glora, Ms. Keller, Albert, and Edmund Debevic
First appearance of State Street, and Biograph Theater
An old lady spots Mary Jane in the grocery store, and asks her to autograph a magazine she's on the cover of
Jonathon Caesar stops by Peter and Mary Jane's apartment, and tells Mary Jane that if she needs anything while Peter is in Chicago to let him know
At home, Jonathon has a wall full of photographs of Mary Jane, and what appears to be her undergarments
Marvel has a laugh at "fans" by having a young kid come for an autograph, but doesn't even know Peter's name

The fan has his own gold pen which he takes to all autograph signings

Back at Mr. Dukane's home, Chameleon has him bound to a chair, and intravenously being fed glucose through an IV

He promises to let the man go once he no longer needs his identity, which is why he's keeping him alive and healthy

Reference is made to The Amazing Spider-Man 1, 80, and 186
Origin of Chameleon, and his new powers through a serum that allow him to manipulate his actual flesh to change appearances

He even wears a special costume that he can control mentally to take whatever shape, style, and color he needs

His plan is simple, the complete political, and economical destruction of the USA

Peter and his tour manager go to the Midtown Convention Center in Chicago, where Peter has been tied into the current event at the center with their guest speaker, Dr. Edward Debevic

Chameleon is also there for the doctor, disguised as Captain Turner

He's hired some men to cause a distraction, and they do so by shooting guns and claiming it's a robbery

Chameleon grabs Debevic, and says he'll get him to safety

Spidey makes short order of the thugs, and overhears the remaining officers talking about their confusion over Captain Turner who is in the building, but whom another just spoke to on the phone
Chameleon cuffs Debevic to a pipe, and assumes his identity, but Spider-Man crashes into the room seeing the two identical men

He immediately realizes it's Chameleon, who escapes by throwing an explosive, but not before Spider-Man tags him with a tracer

Despite quick changing as he runs through the streets, Spider-Man continues his pursuit

After getting his hands on a cop's gun, Chameleon takes hostages, and heads into a theater where he also finds the tracer on his body

He ditches it, and after another change of appearance, escapes with all the hostages running from the building

After a long day at a photo shoot, Mary Jane returns home, greeted by cigarette smell, and two men she's never seen before

Jonathon Caesar tells her they're his men, and that he's in her home to get what he's always wanted - her

Did you find the hidden spider?

It's on the collar of Chameleon's left arm

Felix the Cat is on the shirt of a young man at Peter's book signing

Low Points

None

Oddities

None

Rating (based on a 1 through 5 Stans grading system)

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Retro Spins: The Human Leage - Travelogue

Today I'm heading back to new wave, for a dip in the ocean of The Human League. Admittedly, I know very minimal about this very impactful band of the 80's. I mean, who doesn't know the tracks Human, Don't You Want Me, and Fascination? They're classic staples of the decade.

For the longest time, my collection of their albums consisted solely of 1981's Dare, and 1986's Crash on CD, as well as an LP of the EP, Fascination! That was enough for me (at the time), as it covered all bases of the aforementioned tunes. However, as often the case, when preparing for my next block of Retro Spins, I decided to focus in on them, and see what albums from the era I was missing. Not too many, as it would turn out. Just 1980's Travelogue, and 1984's Hysteria.

Tracking them down was easy. Accepting how expensive they were was not. My biggest concern going into the purchase was that knowing nothing from the albums, or in general much more than a handful of songs from the group, that this could be a purchase which didn't deliver on value. Still, I took a chance, mainly driven by my desire to cover the entire decade in one fell swoop of posts.

Well...Travelogue, which kicks off 1980, but is The Human League's second album to date, not including EP's, definitely has a very new wave synth pop sound to it. With that comes the quirky sounds associated with the genre; beeps, boops, and distortion, as well as sometimes odd lyrics. This is all very prevalent in the opening track, The Black Hit Of Space, a song with lyrics such as:

I couldn't stand this bland sound any more so I walked towards my deck to turn it off

All I could see was the B-side of the disc which had assumed a doughnut shape with the label on the outside rim

I reached for the arm which was less than one micron long but weighed more than Saturn and time stood still

I knew I had to escape but every time I tried to flee, the record was in front of me

Yeah, sure, whatever all of that means.

Overall, though, and the biggest offense, was that it was just boring. There's nothing memorable on Travelogue. No songs which stood out, nor really entertained. Basically, when you get to the root of it, this one, for me, wasn't worth the price I paid, and that's incredibly disappointing. Further, it doesn't excite me to really press on in the band's discography. I mean, I will because I already own the albums, but I'm not exactly looking forward to it at this point. Though I do hope it gets better.

Beyond that, I don't have much of anything left to say.

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Comics Corner: The Amazing Spider-Man 306

Title: The Amazing Spider-Man
Issue Number: 306
Release Date: Early October 1988

Highlights

Classic McFarlane Action Comics number 1 homage
First appearance of William Dukane
Spider-Man takes out his anger on a couple of reporters trying to get a comment from him on the Peter Parker published book, Webs

Spider-Man can't understand why he's jealous of Peter Parker, and vice versa, when they're the same person

Jonathon Caesar, the owner of their building, shows up at Peter and Mary Jane's home to give Mary Jane a giant bouquet of flowers, and invite them to a party towards the end of the week
Black Cat, AKA Felicia Hardy, swings through the sky towards Peter's old apartment, thinking to herself how lucky he is that she's decided to give him another chance

Entering in through the skylight, she's met by Hal, the new tenant, who's just finished a shower

As she heads back out into the night, Black Cat deduces that Spider-Man moved because the old place held too many memories of them together, and that he still loves her

Peter meets a kid backstage who asks for an autograph, but then drops his bag full of comics

Peter recognizes an issue of Action Comics, and says he used to have it when he was a kid

Mary Jane slips over to the convention the kid was headed to, and buys it for Peter

Roland Carson strolls into the office of William Dukane, and tells him he's there to take over his company

His face then shifts, and he transforms into Mr. Dukane

Reference is made to Web Of Spider-Man 19
Humbug heads to Empire State University to steal what he needs for his research, but picks the wrong door, and breaks into the women's locker room

He's met by screams, and decides to wait until night to try again

At home, Aunt May is visiting, and when she asks if Peter received any word on his Assistantship Grant at ESU, he remembers he not only forgot, but that the paperwork is due tonight by 9:00 PM
Spider-Man swings by the school as Humbug over amplifies the door he's trying to break into, and shatters all the windows surround him

Spider-Man ultimately defeats him by threating to destroy a jar of roaches

Peter and Mary Jane attend the party at Caesar's place, and when Mary Jane tells him that Peter will be away Monday on another signing, he thinks to himself that she'll be his by Monday
Dukane has been replaced by the Chameleon
Felix the Cat is on the mat in the bathroom of the man living in Peter Parker's old apartment

Low Points

None

Oddities

None

Rating (based on a 1 through 5 Stans grading system)

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