The Toy Box

Comics Corner: The Spectacular Spider-Man 139

Title: The Spectacular Spider-Man
Issue Number: 139
Release Date: July 1988

Highlights

First appearance of Isadore Kipper
Origin of Tombstone
A gunshot streaks past Spider-Man's head as he's racing to Robbie Robertson's office to meet him after a frantic phone call insisting he come

Spider-Man web's up the shooter, and finds that he was aiming for Robbie, but that the hero got in the way

Spider-Man finds a note to Peter Parker in Robbie's office, but not Robbie

The note points him to a cassette player where Robbie has left a recording for him stating he's an accessory tor murder, and articles with the note about Tombstone

Spider-Man is interrupted by J. Jonah Jameson, and Kate Cushing, who are looking for Robbie

Kate tells Jonah that Robbie has been acting different as of late, and may be in trouble

Tombstone and Arranger are having a conversation with Roland Rayburn, but he's not giving them the information they want to hear, resulting in Tombstone getting physical, dislocating his arm at the order of the Arranger
Kingpin knows about Rayburn's ability to manipulate minds, and how it's made him rich, and wants him to work for him

He tries to use this ability on the Arranger, but Tombstone knocks it out of him

Seeing he's not going to help willingly, the Arranger has Rayburn drugged by a needle

Tombstone receives a call from Robbie Robertson, asking him to meet him
As Spider-Man swings through the rainy night, he continues listening to the tape on the portable recorder, taking him back to Robbie's high school years, and the origin of Tombstone
Lonnie Lincolon, AKA Tombstone, hears that Robbie is writing a story on him for the school paper, specifically how he extorts money from other kids for "protection"
After giving him a thorough beating, Lonnie tells Robbie that he's not going to write that, and that the two should be "friends"

Robbie withdraws the story, but after seeing that things with him and Lonnie are just beginning, he vows to never do so again

Flash forward eight years, and Robbie is the night desk catcher for a paper in Philidelphia

He gets a call from a frantic man who tells him he has information on who killed Ozzy Montana, a local crime boss

Robbie races off to meet him, but instead finds the dead man in the hands of Tombstone

Afraid, Robbie doesn't say a word to anyone, or write any stories

A month later, Robbie and his wife have moved to New York, and he's working for the Bugle, but he keeps following every story on Tombstone closely that others write - Specifically about him being arrested numerous times, but never tried
Reference is made to Web Of Spider-Man 36, and The Spectacular Spider-Man 137
At a bar, Robbie overhears Ben Urich talking about Tombstone, and the speculations of him being the number one hitman in Philadelphia

Robbie snaps, and yells at Ben in front of everyone at the bar, telling him that journalists deal in rumors, and that he should grow up

The tape finishes with Robbie telling Peter that all the deaths by Tombstone are on his hands for doing nothing, and he's going to meet Tombstone because tonight it ends
Spider-Man goes to the Arranger, and demands to know where Tombstone is, he's pointed to Battery Park
Tombstone meets Robbie at the park, and the editor pulls a gun on him saying he's going to arrest him

Tombstone lunges at him, and though Robbie fires repeatedly, he's informed the hitman is wearing a vest

Tombstone tells Robbie he's going to give him one more chance for old time's sake, then squeezes him, breaking his back

Spider-Man hears his howl of pain, but when he arrives, Tombstone is long gone, leaving Robbie lying on the ground

Low Points

None

Oddities

None

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

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Retro Spins: Warlock - True As Steel

After hearing their debut album, I wanted to share the find with my girl. While she dug the music and agreed the guitar work sounded like Randy Rhodes during his work with Ozzy Osbourne, she did not enjoy the vocals of Doro Pesch at all. So much so, that by song three, she turned it off. Bummer! On the bright side, my co-worker who has been hipping me to some 80's metal stopped by my office as I was literally playing through this album, and said he'd been listening to Warlock all weekend, based on my recommendation, and that he dug it. I'll take that win!

With the loss of Rudy Graf, who left Warlock after the tour for their previous album, I found myself pondering a question. Would the band be as good? Graf was a major contributor to the writing of tracks for their first and second albums, and while the second didn't really resonate as much with me as a whole, the guitar work continued to stand out as superb. In particular, the slick solos.

Niko Arvanitis would be brought in to replace him. However, only contribute to two songs, True As Steel, and Fight For Rock. The latter would also be used as the title for what would become their 1986 EP. This would serve to garner the band attention in the USA, primarily due to their first music video for the song, which aired on MTV's Headbanger's Ball. The EP would feature six tracks in total, three of which would transfer over to their third studio album, True As Steel.

Though not as well received, True As Steel would become their highest peaking album, reaching number eighteen in Germany, but still failing to chart anywhere else in the world. Led by Fight Of Rock, the song, they also began seeing considerable airplay on US radios.

August 16, 1986 (great day!) would make Doro Pesch the first female vocalist to lead a band at Donington's Monsters Of Rock. Warlock would play amongst the likes of Def Leppard, Motörhead, Ozzy Osbourne, and Scorpions. They'd then open the festival in Maimarktgelände Eisstadion in Mannheim, West Germany. This would include many of the previous acts noted, as well as the McAuley Schenker Group and Bon Jovi. They'd spend the rest of 1986, as well as part of 1987, supporting shows for W.A.S.P. and Judas Priest.

The album does fare a bit better than yesterdays. While it has lost that sound reminiscent of Rhodes, it does manage to churn out some solid tunes. Some of which stood out to me; Mr. Gold, Love In The Danger Zone, Lady In A Rock 'N' Roll Hell, Love Song, and the instrumental album closer, T.O.L.

Overall, it's just another solid rock experience from Warlock, and once again keeps me excited to continue on. Sadly, I only have one more.

After touring, Pesch would spend time in the USA with new manager, Alex Grob to promote the band, and arrange further tours. Unfortunately, guitarist Peter Szigeti, and bassist Frank Rittel were unwilling to commitment to the changes that would come about transferring to the United States, prompting them to leave the band. They would be replaced by Tommy Bolan, and Tommy Henriksen.

Things seemed to be going great, with Warlock recording their fourth album, 1987's Triumph and Agony. However, behind the scenes, something devious was taking place. Something which would greatly impact the band, cost them their name, and leave Doro Pesch locked in a legal battle for the rights to her own legacy. That all unfolds tomorrow as I go into Warlock's final album.

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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 Amazing Spider-Man 302

Title: The Amazing Spider-Man
Issue Number: 302
Release Date: July 1988

Highlights

Todd McFarlane begins inking his own pencils, and with no disrespect to Bob McLeod, previous inker of The Amazing Spider-Man, it noticeably makes his artwork look better
First appearance of Wes Cassady, Royce Nero, Ruth Cassady, and Billy Cassady
First appearance of Emporia
Peter is brought to On-Line Research in Emporia, Kansas, where he's been offered a job as chief assistant of their experimental division
Martin Jacoby tells him that he's been recommended for the job by Doctor Curt Connors, and takes Peter on a tour of the building

During the tour, he witnesses a hostile interaction between scientist Royce Nero, and construction boss, Wes Cassady

A torch explodes, causing a fire at the building

Spider-Man springs into action

Not wanting to be seen, Spider-Man assesses the fire from a rooftop, he sees Wes Cassady running through the chaos at super speed, and using his super strength to kick insulation bundles on the fire to put it out

The two see each other and panic that they've been spotted, taking off in opposite directions

In his lab, Royce is working on a mechanical exoskeleton with enough firepower to destroy large rocks
Back in New York, Silver Sable's men return, but only one, who's beaten to a pulp is able to walk

He gives the report that they've found Franz Kraus, but that he's got a bigger organization than originally expected

At the home of Wes Cassady, as he sends his children inside he notices Spider-Man on his roof watching him

Spider-Man asks how he keeps knowing he's there

Wes explains his origin story

He was bit by a scientifically altered jack rabbit, giving him super speed, strength, jumping, and sensing abilities

Except unlike Spider-Man, he just wants a normal life, and hasn't told anyone until now, not even his own family

Back in New York, Silver Sable pays a visit to William Baker, AKA Sylvester Mann, AKA Sandman, and offers him a job
Peter calls Mary Jane and tells her how great the job prospect is, but when they hang up she somberly thinks to herself that she was worried about this
Dawning his power suit, Royce crashes into Jacoby's office, and tells him he's there to take all the plans for the secret projects in his safe
Spider-Man battles Royce, who for the most part is using harmless weaponry, that is until he hits Spider-Man with a sonic blast

Spidey begs Wes to help, but the man is afraid that everyone will think he's a freak, including his family

Spider-Man is able to get close enough to Royce, and deliver a knockout punch to his face
Cassady apologizes, but Spider-Man tells him that everyone has to live with their own decisions
Peter returns to New York, and tells Mary Jane he wants to take the job, but she tells him that her life, career, and friends are in New York, and she doesn't know if she can leave all of that behind for his dream

The response goes unanswered in a cliffhanger ending

Felix the Cat is hidden on the papers that get disheveled

Low Points

None

Oddities

None

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

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Baltimore Comic Con Part IV: Convention Books, Heroes For Hope, And Purchases

My day at Baltimore Comic Con 2025 wrapped up with me scampering around the showroom floor grabbing signatures from various artists. While I tried to take photos of them all, I did manage to forget a few. You have to understand; these places are a madhouse. You not only have to keep moving to maximize your time but also be considerate about those behind you who are trying to do the same thing. Here are some of the folks I did manage to snap a picture of.

Bart Sears

Cully Hamner

Denys Cowan

Ron Garney

Ron Willson

Todd Dezago

Mike Grell

As with most conventions, Baltimore Comic Con offered a magazine to attendees. The biggest benefit, for me, was the map and directory for where everyone was sitting. That was a life saver many times in helping me zip around the showroom floor from table to table.

Paper Girls cover by
Cliff Chiang

I had to pull out my Heroes For Hope: X-Men book to grab a few more signatures from the convention. One of them was from someone I was supposed to grab two years ago when there but was so tired from walking around that I decided to call it a day. I'm glad I finally checked that name off the list.

Signed by Charles Vess, John Workman,
and Mike Grell at Baltimore Comic Con 2025.

Signed by Jim Shooter at
Big Lick NOVA 2025.

Signed by Art Adams, and Joe Rubinstein
at Awesome Con 2024.

Signed by Al Milgrom, Bob McLeod,
Chris Claremont, Howard Chaykin, Klaus Janson,
Louise Simonson, and Walter Simonson
at Baltimore Comic Con 2023.

Charles Vess

John Workman

Mike Grell was quite happy by the person ahead of me from Texas, who apparently owns his own whisky distillery, and brought the artist a few sample bottles. Grell said that he may need to get into them soon, to which I laughed and said, "He'll be signing books as Mark Graham by the end of the show, and telling people, what do you care what it says, I signed it." Fortunately, the joke landed.

P.S. Mike was the person I missed out on a couple years back.

Mike Grell

Though no new signatures were added, here's the back of the book, signed only by Jim Starlin.

Signed by Jim Starlin,
at Baltimore Comic Con 2023.

One of the things I missed out on at the last Baltimore Comic Con was taking the time to walk the floor and just grab a few signatures here and there from artists who I didn't necessarily have anything else for but were / are big names in the comic world. Admittedly, there were a handful of other signatures I wanted to get but missed out on because either their line was capped until later in the afternoon, they'd taken a break, and would be back later in the afternoon, or were doing a panel, and would be back later in the afternoon. Oh well, I got more than enough to walk away happy.

Signed by Bart Sears, Mike Grell,
Richard Case, and Ron Garney at
Baltimore Comic Con 2025.

Signed by Guy Dorian Sr.
at Big Lick NOVA 2024.

Signed by Art Adams, Jeph Loeb,
Jim Salicrup, and Joe Rubinstein
at Awesome Con 2024.

Signed by Art Suydam, Jim Shooter,
Mark Waid, Michael Golden, Renee Witterstaetter,
Rick Leonardi, and Ron Marz at Big Lick NOVA 2023.

Signed by Al Milgrom, Alex Saviuk, Bob Hall,
Bob McLeod, Bob Wiacek, Brian Michael Bendis,
Chris Claremont, Howard Chaykin, Jim Starlin,
Jon Bogdanove, Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, Judy Bogdanove,
Keith Williams, Klaus Janson, Louise Simonson,
and Walter Simonson at Baltimore Comic Con 2023.

Bart Sears is not only a legend in the comic industry, but worked on the art for many toy lines, including, C.O.P.S., G.I. Joe, World Wrestling Federation, and the 90's X-Men Toy Biz line.

Bart Sears

Some of Mike Grell's standout work in the comic industry include Green Lantern, Green Arrow, and The Warlord. Mind you, that's only the tip of the iceberg.

Mike Grell

I'm not going to lie. I was a bit miffed when I told Richard Case that he could sign on the back, and he said, "I think I found a good spot on front," and proceeded to sign over both Brian Michael Bendis and Bob Wiacek's signatures.

Case started in the comic industry working under Walt Simonson before becoming the main penciler for Doom Patrol and even worked on the iconic Neil Gaiman Sandman series.

Richard Case

While at his table, Ron Garney regaled us with the story of the time he met William Shatner. Apparently, Captain Kirk was quite a jerk to him and basically told him to pound sand. The two were guests at the same show, and one of the staff brought Garney to the same room Shatner was in. When Garney told him that he too was a guest for the show, Shatner was taken aback. Things only got worse when the artist dared to sit on the same couch as the thespian, who voiced that he was note pleased about it. When Garney tried to apologize to him later when he saw him again at the hotel, he was basically blown off. Wow...I would have told Kirk where he could go ahead and beam himself to.

The Amazing Spider-Man, Captain America, X-Men, Daredevil, Silver Surfer, Hulk, Garney worked on them all, and then some.

Ron Garney

Back side

Signed by Billy Tucci, Charles Vess,
Cully Hamner, Denys Cowan,
John Workman, Josh Baylock,
Marc Hemper, Ron Wilson, and
Todd Dezago at Baltimore Comic Con 2025.

Signed by Christopher Priest,
Guy Dorian Jr., and John Beatty
at Big Lick NOVA 2024.

Signed by Mark Bagley
at Awesome Con 2024.

Signed by Howard Mackie, Jae Lee,
Pop Mhan, and Terry Kavanagh
at Baltimore Comic Con 2023.

Unless you read Shi in Top Cow Comics, Billy Tucci probably isn't a name you're too familiar with. He was definitely big in the indie circle of the 90's, helped all the more by frequent shout outs in Wizard Magazine.

Billy Tucci

Charles Vess has delivered a treasure trove of fantasy artwork and even worked with the likes of Neil Gaiman. However, for me, his work will always stand out for those wonderful covers he did sporadically for various Spider-Man titles back in the 80's.

Charles Vess

Cully Hamner is best known for his work on Green Lantern, and Blue Beetle. Truthfully, I only snagged a signature from him because there was nobody at his table, and he only wanted a couple bucks in donations for signing books.

Cully Hamner

Denys Cowan was kind of rude to me when I stepped up to get his signature. When he saw that Jim Shooter had signed the book, I told him how Jim was great and literally signed hundreds of books for me one year. He looked me dead in the face, and said, "I wouldn't sign that many for you." Okay...I didn't ask you to. Be happy I'm paying you to sign one of my books.

Though his name has floated around the industry for a long time, Cowan's most popular contribution was the character Static, a comic which many fans look for. Personally, I've never read it. Based on my interaction with him, I never will.

Denys Cowan

John Workman is credited with many lettering contributions to some of the best comics of the 80's. He's worked with all the greats in the process. Without his words, you'd only have pictures.

John Workman

Josh Baylock was the lead artist on G.I. Joe when it was relaunched by Image Comics / Devil's Dues back in 2001.

He was selling commissions for only $50.00, but when I asked if he'd do a Peter Parker for my "Decisions" series, he said it would be too much work for him to do at the show. I get it, so no harm done.

Josh Baylock

Beyond his work with Neil Gaiman on Sandman, I don't know much about Marc Hempel. Unfortunate, since he's worked for just about all of the companies out there; DC, Marvel, First Publishing, Mad Magazine, Malibu, and more.

Marc Hemper

Ron Wilson worked pretty steadily for Marvel Comics from the early 70's through the 90's, though his contributions to Spider-Man were limited to just two issues. I suppose in hindsight I could have brought those books along for his signature.

Ron Wilson

Todd Dezago worked mainly on The Sensational Spider-Man, but contributed to more Marvel books in the 90's. Honestly, it was his affiliation with my favorite wall crawler that got me to walk up to his table.

Todd Dezago

Another thing I often miss out on at the shows is actually having the time to walk around and buy stuff. I suppose this could be a good thing, because when I do actually stop to smell the roses, I make bad decisions, such as this.

Did I need an Amazing Spider-Man 121, the death of Gwen Stacy, signed by Stan Lee? No. Did I need to spend the money on it? Absolutely not. Am I glad I have it? Ecstatic!

We'd gotten there just before 8:00 AM, and I was on my feet the entire time until 2:30 PM. I was hurting, tired, hungry, thirsty, and really didn't need to spend any more time walking around. I honestly didn't want to walk around anymore, take photos myself, or necessarily look for things to buy that I didn't need - Especially since I'd already checked that box pretty hard.

Overall, another great convention, a good time, and I'm happy to have had the opportunity to go, and add more great signatures to my comic collection.

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Retro Spins: Warlock - Hellbound

I'm fully stoked to dive into today's Retro Spin. Before yesterday, I'd never heard of Warlock and only got their albums after coming across them on a list of heavy metal bands from the 80's. Admittedly, it was the incredibly reasonable pricing that got me to take the plunge on their four studio albums. After playing through yesterday's Burning The Witches, their 1984 debut, I considered myself an immediate fan. Will it stay that way? I hope so, but let's find out as I continue with their sophomore released, Hellbound (1985).

A disastrous distribution and poor financing, which not only hindered the band's commercial momentum, but derailed their support tour, led to Warlock switching labels from Mausoleum Records to Phonogram. With distribution handled by Vertigo Records, the band entered the studio to record and release their second album.

With its release, the band garnered attention around the UK and Germany, granting them the opportunity for a full European tour. This would eventually bring them to Camden Palace Theater in London, where they recorded the concert film, Metal Racer, released that same year. The UK embraced Warlock, naming them Best New Band that year in Kerrang! magazine. Doro Pesch would also be voted Best Female Singer by readers of Metal Forces.

After performing at Metal Hammer Festival, alongside Metallica, Venom, Running Wild, Pretty Maids, Nazareth, and Wishbone Ash, things seemed to be on a trajectory of onward and upward. Warlock had carved their name in the wall in the annals of heavy metal.

Had the newness worn off already? Or was I just being picky at this point? Hellbound, while good, didn't deliver as well as Burning The Witches. It was a solid listening experience, in particular the guitar solos of Rudy Graf, and Peter Szigeti.

Disappointingly, as a whole, things weren't as catchy. What I noticed in reviewing the track listing was that whereas in their debut Graf and Pesch were the main songwriting, for this album, not only are all the band members credited, but so too are several outside sources. Could this simply be a problem of too many hands in the pot? Possibly. When you have five or more people each trying to put their own stamp on a tune, things can get muddy really quickly.

Again, it's a good album. It just doesn't have that oomph that the previous did. What it also doesn't have is many standout tracks, of the nine, I picked two, Shout It Out, and Catch My Heart. However, unlike Burning The Witches, which left me wanting to play it again, Hellbound is a relatively one and done for me.

The Hellbound tour would also serve as the last for Rudy Graf, who would leave after it ended. Though it's not been confirmed, it's speculated that tensions internally with other members, and the intense, demanding nature of the band's rapid rise led to his exit. Niko Arvanitis would replace him.

Unlike a lot of other bands, there's not much history being provided between Warlock albums, so tomorrow, I'll just jump right into 1986's True As Steel and keep the music flowing.

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Comics Corner: The Amazing Spider-Man 301

Title: The Amazing Spider-Man
Issue Number: 301
Release Date: July 1988

Highlights

First appearance of Martin Jacobi, and Franz Kraus, AKA Frank Kruz
First appearance of the Pruett Building
A team of Wild Pack soldiers run through a training course at the Pruett Building, but fail
Reference is made to The Amazing Spider-Man 265, 281, and Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man 128, and Web Of Spider-Man 39
Mr. Cruz, head of security for the Pruett Building offers Silver Sable $100,000.00 to run the training course
Peter is in process of moving furniture around their new home for Mary Jane when her watch alarm alerts her to a photo shoot she needs to get to
Spider-Man heads out, and drops by Silver Sable's condo, demanding to know why she sent her men after him a few weeks back, she informs him it was just a job, and nothing personal
Jason Pruett and Franklin Cruz arrive, sending Spider-Man's spidey sense into high alert
Peter heads to ESU to inquire about an advanced photography course, but finds out it's all filled up

As he's leaving, Dr. Sloan spots him, and asks him to step in on a class to explain ohmic resistance

An unknown gentleman is looking for Peter, first stopping at his new home, only to get a lead from the doorman that he's headed to the college, but he misses him there too
Mary Jane and another model, Topaz, mince not so nice words with each other over hairstyles
As night falls, Silver Sable arrives at the Pruett Building to run the course
Spider-Man investigates Pruett and Cruz, and while he finds nothing on the first, grows suspicious about the limited information on the latter

Spider-Man searches Cruz's apartment, and discovers he's a Nazi, and not only that, but the son of a Nazi that Silver Sable put away years ago

Silver Sable continues to run the course, but doesn't realize that the booby traps aren't harmless trip lasers and knock out gas, but rather deadly burning lasers, and poisonous gas
Spider-Man infiltrates the Pruett building, and stops Silver Sable at the last second from pushing a button to end the test, which is also bobby trapped to end her life

She doesn't believe him, and determines it's a ruse, with Cruz having hired him to stop her from completing the test

After a brief fight, Spider-Man finally gets her to understand, and ripping off the panel to the button shows her the explosives beneath which would have killed her
Cruz escapes, but Pruett tells Silver Sable she'll not only be paid, but that he wants to hire her to bring him to justice
The mysterious man finally catches up with Peter by being at his home with Mary Jane

He's Martin Jacoby, and he represents On-Line Research in Emporia, Kansas

At the recommendation of Curt Connors, he's there to offer Peter a job as their new chief assistant of their experimental division

Felix the Cat is hidden in the audience of students during Peter's class

Low Points

For Todd McFarlane, the artwork is kind of hit or miss - Some panels are amazing, others seem rushed, and sloppy

Oddities

None

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

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Retro Spins: Warlock - Burning The Witches

In the sausage party known as heavy metal, it's refreshing to come across a female rocker who can hold her own. Vocalist Doro Pesch emerged on the West Germany scene in 1980 with Michael Bastian on guitar, Frank Rittel on bass and Thomas Franke on drums, forming Snakebite. Franke was replaced by Michael Eurich and, second guitarist Peter Szigeti also joined. However, the band would soon thereafter disband.

Pesch, Szigeti and Eurich formed a new band in October 1982 with Thomas Studier on bass and guitarist Rudy Graf. It would be Graf who would come up with the name Warlock, as well as several songs. They'd bring in manager, Peter Zimmermann, who was instrumental in contributing to their early success and recognition, mainly by getting them supporting gigs with the band, Trance.

The band secured a recording deal with Mausoleum Records, after submitting a four-track demo. However, just before recording their first album, Studier would leave, being replaced by Frank Rittel. Their 1984 debut, Burning the Witches, would be recorded in just six days, and after a quick remix by Rainer Assmann and Henry Staroste, was released.

That's a relatively short but sweet introduction and history of the band.

Truthfully, I didn't even know about Warlock until just recently. I stumbled across them by reading a list of "heavy metal artists of the 80's". When I first saw they only had four albums, my initial thought was, "Yeah, but they're going to be stupid expensive." This turned out to actually not be the case. I was able to get each album for around ten dollars, with this one actually being brand new / sealed.

I didn't know what to expect from Burning The Witches. I knew none of the songs. I'd never heard the vocals of Doro, or if I did, had no idea who she was, or what she sounded like. All I can say after doing so is, "Wow!" This is an amazing album! I'm an immediate fan.

Doro's voice is like Ann Wilson times ten. She has the range, but also the uniqueness that makes her stand out in a sea of female vocalists. She certainly holds her own in the heavy metal world. Graf and Szigeti create a guitar sound so familiar to that of Randy Rhodes earlier work with Ozzy Osborune that one might even think Rhodes himself was in the band. Their solos have a way of grabbing your soul, evoking an emotional feeling as the guitars howl.

This would be a wall album for me if I had it on vinyl. It's absolutely perfect from start to finish. Still, I have my favorites from it, which were Sign Of Satan, After The Bomb, Dark Fade, Without You, Metal Racer, and Holding Me. I actually want to listen to this whole album again. I may have to throw it on for my girl to get a taste, and as an excuse to play it again.

While the album was well received, bad distribution and poor financing from their label not only crippled their commercial success but severely hindered their support tour. Profoundly dissatisfied with Mausoleum, Warlock left the label, and signed with Phonogram, releasing their future albums through Vertigo Records. With little to no history in between that, I'll dive into their 1985 sophomore album, Hellbound, tomorrow.

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Comics Corner: Web Of Spider-Man 39

Title: Web Of Spider-Man
Issue Number: 39
Release Date: July 1988

Highlights

First appearance of Rashiv, Bob Flanagan, Robert Tempia, Marty, and Mr. Giovanni
First appearance of Ye Olde Pawn Shoppe
Spider-Man helps a homeless woman in an alley who is being robbed by a homeless man

The woman repays him by pulling a thread on his suit, opening the entire back of it

Nathan Lubensky leaves his apartment in Queens, grumbling about the state of the area, and missing May Parker
Reference is made to The Amazing Spider-Man 271, 300, Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man 41, and 113
Nathan gets his paper from Ravish, and gives some change to Norton, a homeless man before wheeling his chair down the sidewalk

Norton repays his kindness by literally ripping the door to his apartment off the hinges to rob him

Norton has super strength

Mary Jane comes home and finds Peter poorly sewing his ripped suit back together

She makes a call to Bob Flanagan and Robert Tempia, telling them she needs a Spider-Man costume for her husband by tomorrow

Aunt May calls Peter, and tells him about the robbery at Nathan's home, and that there's also been robberies in her neighborhood

He goes to check on her

Norton sells some of Nathan's valuables to the pawn shop, and uses the money for liquor
Peter goes to check on Nathan too, and though his deed is first met with hostility, the two soon smooth things over
With a new suit, Spider-Man hits the streets the next day checking with every pawn shop, and scrupulous character on the street

He finally gets a lead that points him to Giovanni's

Spider-Man finds Norton attempting to sell Nathan's engraved watch at Giovanni's, and feels like he recognizes the man

He does - As Norton escapes, he runs to his shopping cart, retrieving his Looter outfit

Peter returns the watch, and upon hearing Norton's first and last name from Nathan, he realizes it's the Looter, and tells Nathan to call the cops (see oddities)
Spider-Man catches up to Looter, and the battle takes place outside of Aunt May's home
Looter turns his sights on the van with May and her fellow seniors inside

It's a big mistake, as this sets Spider-Man off

Seeing May in danger Nathan wheels towards her, and when he falls from his chair when a cop tries to stop him, he crawls, shouting for her
Nathan proposes to May, and she accepts

Low Points

None

Oddities

Peter thinks that the Looter is headed to Aunt May's house, and despite no clues or evidence leading to this, he's somehow right

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

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Retro Spins: Judas Priest - Ram It Down

It's a sad day. Today's the day that I listen to my last Judas Priest album. I hear you, you tell me, it doesn't have to be. As of 1990 they have another eight albums, all the way through 2024's Invincible Shield. To that I say, "No." Though I did pick up their 1987 live album, Priest...Live!

1988's Ram It Down would come about from several tracks initially intended for the aborted double album Twin Turbos. For better or worse, it would finish off the decade for the band. While their legion of fans would help push it to gold certification, critics would rip the album up, calling it stale and routine. Being a lot of leftover tracks, that may be a fair assessment.

I suppose no further introduction is needed. Let's dive into my last Judas Priest listening session.

Speed metal is apparently the name of the game, at least that's the first impression I get from album opener, and title track, Ram It Down. Coming off of Turbo, it's a complete 180. It's not a bad tune at all. Unfortunately, this doesn't fair the same for the remainder of the album. The only other standouts for me were, I'm A Rocker, and Monsters Of Rock.

The biggest misstep for me is probably the Chuck Berry remake of Johnny B. Goode. I don't know if the boys had just heard the news of the forthcoming Back To The Future Part II, and felt nostalgic for the original film, or if they truly felt the need to pay tribute to Berry. Whatever the reason, it's not a good rendition.

Overall, it was kind of a dud, and I actually lost interest in the remainder of the album after the above noted cover. For me, it was a disappointing note for Judas Priest to end the decade on. After all the buildup that was leading to this point, I really expected better. Especially in light of me essentially becoming a fan over the course of the previous five albums.

Upon its release, drummer Dave Holland would leave the band, citing numerous reasons. Among these were his need to take care of his ailing mother and sister, but also that he never really felt appreciated for his contributions. Apparently, Holland was never made a full member when initially joining in 1979. Longtime producer, Tom Allom would also step away from the band, not returning until the 2009 live album, A Touch of Evil: Live, and the 2018 studio album, Firepower.

While the band would recruit drummer Scott Travis for 1990's Painkiller, litigation would commence that year against the band by the parents of 20-year-old James Vance and 18-year-old Raymond Belknap, who claimed the young adults shot themselves based on subliminal messages implanted in their 1978 album, Stained Class urging them to commit suicide. While Belknap would die instantly from a shotgun blast under his chin, Vance would only end up maiming himself, though die three years later from a drug overdose. The case would ultimately be dismissed.

Tensions purportedly with Rob Halford and his fellow bandmates led to the singer departing to form the band Fight. However, contractual obligations kept him officially part of Judas Priest until 1992, though he would collaborate with them for a twentieth anniversary compilation entitled, Metal Works '73–'93.

The band would spend several years looking for a new singer, eventually selecting Tim "Ripper" Owens. While Owens would provide vocals for 1997's Jugulator, and 2001's Demolition, both albums would flop. He'd amicably step down when after ever-growing demand brought Rob Halford back into the fold. The reunited Judas Priest would kick things off with the box set, Metalogy, and an appearance at Ozzyfest in 2004, where the media dubbed them the premier act.

Studio album, 2005's Angel Of Retribution, would fair much better than the previous two Owens fronted releases, but continue the trend of failing to acquire any sales certifications. This trend would continue for 2008's Nostradamus, and 2014's Redeemer Of Souls. The later would also be the first to not include K.K. Downing on guitars, who retired from the band after citing tensions with management and other members. He would be replaced by Richie Faulkner.

Since then, the lineup of Rob Halford, Glen Tipton, Ian Hill, Scott Travis, and Richie Faulkner have remained, releasing 2018's Firepower, and 2024's Invincible shield. However, Tipton would formally retire from touring in 2018 due to his battle with Parkinson's disease. Andy Sneap has toured in his place since then, and the band is actually set to kick off their Faithkeepers series, which will begin in July, and end in September 2026.

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Comics Corner: The Spectacular Spider-Man 138

Title: The Spectacular Spider-Man
Issue Number: 138
Release Date: May 1988

Highlights

Final appearance of Maggie Michaelson, Gullivar South, Elvira Corona, Luis Corona, and Emelita Corona
Captain America and Tarantula go on the hunt for Spider-Man
Tarantula tells Captain America that Spider-Man killed his predecessor, and is aiding known traitors

He then gives a twisted retelling of the events from last issue involving Elvira Corona

Captain America thinks all of the information he's receiving sounds odd, but he has his orders
Peter and Mary Jane meet with Maggie Michaelson, and please for aid in amnesty for Elvira
Robbie Robertson blows Kate Cushing off when she asks what's been wrong with him as of late

She uses her report instincts to find a clue in an old newspaper article of Tombstone on his desk

A guard is reading what looks like a book, but possibly a comic because he states, "This Claremont guy sure can write." A nod to Marvel writer, Chris Claremont
Tarantula and Captain America break into the holding cells where Elvira is, and the villain questions her about Spider-Man, but in Spanish so that Captain America doesn't understand
Tombstone goes to see Roland Rayburn, and tells him the Arranger wants him
Mary Jane gets a call from Elvira pleading for help, and Spider-Man heads out on the mission, but knows it's a trap

What he didn't expect was Captain America to be working alongside Tarantula, and they both attack

Captain America disengages from the fight, questioning why he's there, and what he's doing
Reference is made to The Amazing Spider-Man 236
Tarantula stings Spider-Man with his poison tipped boot blade, and then proceeds to state out loud the terrible things he's going to do to him

He doesn't get a chance, as Spider-Man deliver's a blow that breaks Tarantula's knee

Hearing everything Tarantula said, Captain America walks away

Captain America returns to Mr. South, and informs him he's aware that he's a rogue agent, and socks him one good in the face
Peter and Mary Jane watch Elvira board a plane, being taken back to her country

Tarantula is in cuffs, and also being returned home

Low Points

I prefer my Spider-Man stories to stay out of politics, and real-world hot topics

I read Spider-Man to escape from that stuff, not absorb it more

Oddities

None

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

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Retro Spins: Judas Priest - Turbo

Though it will have been just a day between my last Judas Priest listening session, the truth of the matter is that it took several days for me to finally get around to 1986's Turbo, much to my chagrin.

After delivering 1984's Defenders Of The Faith, the band would take a hiatus from performing, with the only exception being an appearance at the Philadelphia side of Live Aid in 1985. Their setlist included Living After Midnight, The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Pronged Crown), and (You've Got) Another Thing Comin'.

Returning to the studio, the band initially intended to deliver a double album, Twin Turbos. The idea was to have one record which provided a mainstream commercial sound, with the other returning to the roots of heavier hard rock. The concept was eventually aborted after pushback from the label, with the peppy tracks becoming Turbo.

However, this wouldn't be a calm period for singer Rob Halford. His continued struggles with substance abuse were escalated from growing issues with an ex-boyfriend whom he nicknamed "Brad". Things would take a traumatic turn when Brad committed suicide in 1985. The tragedy would lead Halford to rehab, where he swore to get clean, and by January 1986 he completed the treatment. If there's a light to the story, on January 6, 2026, Rob celebrated forty years of sobriety.

Turbo would be released that following April and be the first to incorporate synthesized guitars and forego the usual sci-fi and fantasy lyrical themes in exchange for love and romance. This was Judas Priests response to the changing landscape of 80's music, which was favoring more synth pop-oriented music over hard rock and heavy metal. The strategic shift proved to be favorable, with the album being yet another success for the band.

The shift is very noticeable from the start, and while it works, it's a bit of a system shock at first. Ultimately though, I dig it. It's like Judas Priest meets Bon Jovi, and the two meld together. I could go for more of this style.

Halford on the other hand considered it his love / hate album, stating in 2008, "The only agenda we've ever had in Priest was to really give every album its own life and I think we've achieved that on everything from Rocka Rolla up to the new one, Nostradamus. That said, if ever there was a controversial record in terms of what people might have expected from us, it's Turbo. It was the fact that we moved into a different atmosphere, but that's where we were at that particular time. Some of the technological advances like the pedal boards that Glenn and KK used were giving us options for different sounds and experimentation. Personally, I think there are still some great tracks on that album ... It's one of the recordings that divide opinion."

That's a fair assessment, and I suppose I'm in the unpopular camp among fans, wherein I liked it quite a bit. Standout tracks for me were Locked In, Parental Guidance, Rocky You All Around The World, Out In The Cold, Hot Love, and reckless.

Despite being a successful, guitarist K.K. Downing would admit it wasn't their biggest selling album. He attributed this to the changing landscape that was visualized across MTV, saying, "Even Ozzy went to the hairdressers." Halford would also admit that he felt his substance abuse at the time contributed to lackluster lyrics.

For better or worse, the remaining tracks initially intended for the double album release were salvaged and made their way to 1988's Ram It Down. Though the band's fanbase would be large enough to push it to gold certification, critically, it was considered a flop. Being their last release in the decade, tomorrow will wrap up my Judas Priest journey.

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Comics Corner: The Spectacular Spider-Man 137

Title: The Spectacular Spider-Man
Issue Number: 137
Release Date: April 1988

Highlights

First appearance and death of Armando Ruiz
First appearance of Padre Enrique Lopez, Gullivar South, Leon, Maggie Michaelson, Elvira Corona, Luis Corona, Emelita Corona, and Dunphy, the immigration officer
Spider-Man grumbles, having wasted his time getting photos taken, and developed in time for the early edition, only to hear that Jameson has scrapped the story
Armando Ruiz works at the Bugle as a janitor, but he's found by Tarantula, who kills him as a traitor
Reference is made to The Amazing Spider-Man 236, 297, 299, Web Of Spider-Man 35, and 36
Spider-Man hears Armando scream, and returns to the Bugle, only to be confronted by Tarantula
Just as quick as the villain strikes, his soldier's show up, fire at Spider-Man, and as he dodges their gunshots, they all disappear as if never there
Hearing about the murder of his own employee, Jameson says he wants Ben Urich and Peter Parker put on the story

He says if someone is murdering his employees, he wants answers because he doesn't want to leave town for no good reason

Mary Jane meets an illegal immigrant named Elvira Corona working at the photo shoot, worried about being deported, and she wants Peter or Spider-Man to help her
As Robbie leaves Jonah's office he ponders about his sighting of Tombstone recently
F.B.I. agent, Gulliver South meets with Tarantula, and says though it's off the record, he has the support of the US government, and gives him a file on the illegal immigrants from his country hiding in the USA
Peter meets Mary Jane for lunch and the two talk about him going back to school

He has one stipulation though, he needs to pay for it himself, not have Mary Jane foot the bill

She tells him about the job his editor called about (see oddities)

Robbie looks towards Kingpin's tower, and wonders if Tombstone is inside, his answer comes when he sees him on the street

Though he tries to tail him, Tombstone is aware, and stops to talk to him, reminding Robbie he told him years ago to stay out of his business

Peter meets Ben, who is interviewing Maggie Michaelson, but while there, his spidey sense goes off when he sees a man nearby

Following him down an alley, he's jumped by immigrants who say they don't want people around here taking photos

Meanwhile, Tarantula is after his next traitor, Luis Corona, and his family
Elvira Corona calls Mary Jane, and tells her she's at the church with her family, but that Tarantula is after them

Spider-Man springs into action

Despite the padre assuring them that they are safe on holy ground, Tarantula infiltrates the church

Spider-Man intervenes

Hearing the disturbance, citizens call the police, but being an illegal, Elvira, and her family, are afraid
As Tarantula flees, Spider-Man sees that Elvira is being taken into custody by immigration
As Tarantula broods over being defeated, Mr. South agrees, and says the government has brought in someone to assist him, and in walks Captain America

Low Points

Spider-Man's chronological order is off, though he's moved to Bedford Towers with Mary Jane, this issue sees him back at the Chelsea Apartments, which means the next issue, which continues where this leaves off, is also out of order

Oddities

It says that Spider-Man is three blocks away, plus he's swinging through the air, but he hears Armando Ruiz scream, who's inside a building?
The Bugle is looking for Peter, and they call Mary Jane at a photo shoot? How do they know where she is, and how to reach her?

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

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