Groove's Faves: "Sam Lomax, N.Y.P.D." by Younger, Sekowsky, and McWilliams

Hey, hey, hey, Groove-ophiles! Have ya picked up the new Atlas titles, Phoenix, Grim Ghost, and Wulf yet? Ol' Groove got his grubby paws on 'em and am looking forward to more. They're not exactly the Atlas/Seaboard style we remember from back in the Groovy Age, but they have a cool vibe and show lots of potential. The most intriguing update has to be pulling Wulf (the Barbarian, natch) into our present day world and teaming him with a cop named Sam Lomax. Yep, the same Lomax that headlined Atlas/Seaboard's short-lived Police Action mag! (I gave ya all the skinny on that mag here.) Since Lomax is back, Ol' Groove thought it was high time to share a peek at his dazzling debut from Police Action #1 (November 1974) courtesy creators Jack (Russ Jones) Younger, Mike Sekowsky, and Al McWilliams. Dig it, baby!

Random Reads: "He Is...the Grim Ghost" by Isabella and Colon

What's shakin', Groove-ophiles! With the recent announcement of Iron Mike Grell as Ardden's new Editor-In-Chief, I'm getting even more excited about that crazed comicbook company's Atlas/Seaboard revival. Of course, when I think of the A/S revival, Ol' Groove has'ta think about how much I truly dug the original incarnation back in the Groovy Age. To celebrate the nearness of the A/S revival (Grim Ghost #0 is only weeks away, baby!), here's a loving look at the original Grim Ghost #3 (April 1975). The incredible art is still by Ernie Colon, but writer/co-creator Michael Fleisher has moved on, replaced by Tony Isabella. Tony keeps the weirdness going pretty well, which reminds me how underrated Mr. Isabella was back in the Groovy Age. Gonna have to do a post on that one'a these fine days... Meanwhile, sit back and prepare to be shocked by the adventures of Matthew Dunsinane--'cause..."He Is...the Grim Ghost!"

Atlas Is Back--and So Is Ol' Groove!

What it is, Groove-ophiles! Did'ja miss me? Well, I'm back--easing back in (elbow's still swollen some, can't type for very long), but I can't stand it any longer! I miss my Groove-ophiles, so here I yam, baby!

My desire to come back was spurred by the recent news of the upcoming return of Atlas Comics! Wow, talk about news ya never saw coming! Here I've been rappin' about how crazy, cool, weird, and wonky those Groovy Age Atlas/Seaboard mags were, and lo and behold, Jason (Martin's grandson) Goodman announces that short-lived-but-well-remembered company's return. And what better way to return than with a super-hero who represents rebirth--The Phoenix? Toss in The Grim Ghost, a highwayman who cheats death (hmmmmmm, there's gotta be some kind of irony there) and ya got Ol' Groove's interest. I wish I knew more about who the creators are gonna be, but the fact that J.M. DeMatteis is editing the line gives me mucho hope. Meantime, I sure hope Ironjaw, Planet of Vampires, Morlock, Tiger-Man, The Destructor and especially Thrilling Adventure Stories aren't far behind. Stay tuned!

The Grim Ghost: Atlas/Seaboard's Answer to the Spectre

If you thought the Spectre was wild, Groovesters, then you're gonna flip over the Grim Ghost! Come on' into Ol' Groove's spooktacular library of supernatural superheroes as we delve deeper into...









Atlas/Seaboard was a comicbook company founded in 1974 by former Marvel (Timely, Atlas, and all) publisher, Martin Goodman. Goodman's intent was to compete with Marvel and DC. Some say, he wanted to crush Marvel into the ground. (For more great info on Atlas/Seaboard's background, check out the awesome Atlas Archives.) The main thing Ol' Groove wants you to keep in mind is that Mischievous Marty was the same old flood-the-market-with-knockoffs-of-whatever's-popular publisher he'd always been. Atlas/Seaboard had tons of fantastic talent but very few original ideas. Goodman wasn't interest in original. He wanted formulas that would sell.

In this case, Goodman probably wanted a Ghost Rider knock-off. Editor Jeff Rovin, however, seemed to crave originality in spite of Goodman. He'd follow Goodman's orders, but give 'em a twist. Like when he happened to hire Michael Fleisher, yep, writer of the Spectre revival, to write the series. With Fleisher at the helm, Goodman got his "deal-with-the-devil" Ghost Rider type character, but he also got that Spectre attitude added into the formula. See, the Grim Ghost didn't fight evil; he worked for Satan, himself. It was the Grim Ghost's mission to send evildoers to Hell--so he wouldn't have to go there, himself. Twisted, ain't it? If you think that's twisted, dig this: Rovin hired Richie Rich (!) artist supreme Ernie Colon to draw the series!

The Grim Ghost only hung (oops, bad word choice since our "hero" was a colonial highwayman hung for his crimes!) around for three issues. About par for the course for an Atlas/Seaboard title, actually. But it was so cool, twisted, and so-bad-it's-good that the mag has become sort of a legend. So, without further ado, from (fittingly) October, 1974, here is the kitschy, creepy origin of the Grim Ghost by Fleisher and Colon! (Click 'em to enlarge 'em...if you dare...hehehehehhh...)