A Sorry End for Everyone The Oval Office, December 1976 - one month after President Ford was defeated by Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter in the General Election. The President is meeting with his top advisors. “I just don’t get it,” The President sighed, looking at no one in particular. “How did I lose to a peanut farmer? Was it for pardoning Nixon? Too many stumbles? Chevy Chase? One advisor placed a file on his desk. “Sir, we believe we have an answer. Since the gener

Freefalling to Rock Bottom! Marvel Comics HQ circa 1975. Specifically the office of Editor-in-Chief Len Wein. “Hi Boss! You wanted to see me?” “Yeah, Mike.” Brows furrowed, he motions to the freelance writer. “Come in and close the door.” “Sure thing.” Once that’s done, he begins, “Hey, what’s up with the latest issue of Iron Man? Where’s the conclusion to that Black Lama story?” “Well, uh,” Mike starts fidgeting, “I needed more time to figure it all out. But instead of

A Train Wreck in Progress… Late in the night at “Perfidy & Pints” - a secluded supervillain bar in 1975… “Octavius! Over here! Quick!” “Huh?” the bewildered bad guy’s gaze falls upon several fellow felons. “Red Ghost. Baron Mordo. What’s going on?” “This way, comrade!” hisses the Soviet Schemer, “And keep your head down.” A moment later, the six-armed antagonist is seated and asks, “What’s going on?” “Keep your head down,” whispers Baron Mordo. “See that fool in the ho

Disappointment - Thy Name is Iron Man #73! “Before we launch into this week’s review, I have with me Alex Nevsky, the Crimson Dynamo, long-time Iron Man opponent and featured villain in this issue. First, I want to thank you for agreeing to this interview, Mr. Nevsky. It’s been quite a few years since anyone’s heard from you.” “That is true." “So where have you been all these years? Word was that the KGB had assassinated you after the next issue of Iron Man.” “Well, after