December 22nd 1973 - Marvel UK, 50 years ago this week.

Thanks to Charlie Horse 47 and Killdumpster for their sponsorship of this post, via the magic of Patreon. 

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At this time of the year, there's only one thing that matters.

And that's, "What's Number One?"

Slade are Number One!

Or, at least, they are if you're living in 1973.

It's an indisputable fact. That year, their ever-green smash Merry Xmas Everybody claimed the Yuletide top spot that all British artists dream of, and sealed their place in immortality. And, arguably, revived the concept of the Christmas single itself, setting us on the path to where we are today with about 50% of the Top 100 being made up of festive offerings.

Nothing quite so festive was occurring at the pinnacle of the British LP chart which was ruled, right then, by Elton John and his double album of renown Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.

Then again, that record took its title from The Wizard of Oz, and The Wizard of Oz tends to show up on TV at Christmas. So, perhaps Elton's offering was more Christmassy than it initially seemed.

Recruited by desperate locals from outer space, the Hulk continues his battle with the biggest mouth in the universe, as he and the Galaxy Master slug it out in a conflict that could shake the cosmos itself.

Obviously, the villain stands no chance against the World's mightiest mortal and is soon overcome.

However, even that mortal has problems when, battle over, he transforms back into Bruce Banner on a spaceship with barely any air in it!

Back on Earth, things start out nicely for the Fantastic Four when they're invited to a posh do at the Latverian embassy.

But, as they enter that embassy, little do they know who their true host for the evening really is...

Then again, their host might not be too sure who he really is either, as I do believe this is the tale which first posits the notion that Dr Doom, Kang, Immortus and Rama-Tut might all be the same man.

Drama is piled upon drama when the all-new Avengers must prove themselves in battle with the Minotaur.

I've never read this one and, so, from that cover, I'm going to assume the Minotaur's working for the Mole Man.

I'm also led to believe, by the internet, that this comes about because of the gang's search for the Hulk who they're hoping to re-recruit to the team.

Well, the Minotaur may not prove to be one of Marvel's great villains but I know who does.

And he's about to make his debut in the pages of Dr Strange.

For, lo, it is in this very issue the dread Dormammu makes his Marvel UK debut when the Ancient One tells our hierophantic hero the villain plans to conquer the Earth.

This gives Strange no choice but to enter Dormammu's realm and challenge him to a punch-up.

When the Kingpin recruits "reformed" reporter Fred Foswell and kidnaps J Jonah Jameson, Spider-Man makes it his own personal business to get involved.

But, like the Hulk always does, neglects to hold his breath when shot in the face by gas.

Can our hero possibly bounce back from this setback?

And is it really worth all this trouble to save Jonah?

Elsewhere, Odin sends Thor and Loki to Skornheim to endure the Trial of the Gods, in order to determine which of his sons is lying to him; the honest one or the one who never stops lying.

Call me prejudiced but why do I get the feeling only one of those combatants is going to follow the rules?