Fifty years ago today - February 1974.

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

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Follow me, Reader, as I roll up my trouser legs and paddle in the shallows of history.

Everyone's favourite psychotic gunman makes his debut, as the Jackal convinces the Punisher to try and kill everyone's favourite wall-crawler.

Believing Spidey killed both Gwen Stacy and Norman Osborn, the vengeance-happy vigilante's only too willing to oblige.

Zodiac are back - and giving the Avengers far more trouble than they should be.

I do believe this is the one in which the villains have a gun designed to kill anyone of a certain star sign. Though how it knows people's star signs is anyone's guess.

Regardless, thanks to New York's polluted skies, it has to be set up on the roof of a skyscraper where everyone, including the Avengers, can see it.

And that can only lead to a scrap.

Is there any hope for our hero?

It would appear not, as he's accused of murdering the Tumbler and is then stopped by Moonstone, the real killer who's out to discredit America's idol.

I do believe Leila's also in sensational solo action, this month.

When I say, "action," I, of course, mean getting kidnapped and having to be rescued.

I know nothing of the contents of this one, other than that it takes place to the west of Khitai. So, would that be Japan?

My memories of this are vague. I'm going to guess Darkoth the death demon is in it. And, possibly, the Silver Surfer. But don't quote me on any of that.

I am, however, sure Dr Doom's in it.

Now the Hulkbuster Base is in trouble - because it has not one but two powerhouses to contend with!

It's true! The Hulk and Juggernaut have teamed up - and nothing can stop them!

Nothing, that is, except Professor X who shows up at the right time to thwart his ever-malevolent stepbrother.

I've never read this one but I really don't fancy Iron Man's chances.

Thor and his mates face overwhelming odds when it comes to thwarting the gigantic Masters of the Black Stars.

But are things as they seem?

And are the planets they rule as full of vitality as one might think?

I do believe there are just eight issues to go before the New X-Men make their debut!

But who needs that sort of rubbish when quality villains like the Blob and Vanisher are back?

Not only that but, rather oddly, there's a backup strip which has nothing to do with the X-Men at all and is, instead, a thriller called The Spirit of Swami River, as brought to us by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.

That's Marvel's output looked at but we should never forget that, when it comes to comics, there are other fish in the sea.

And few fish come bigger than DC. Therefore, let us sample a random snatch of what that company was offering in its books which bore the cover date of February.

A moment that shall never be forgotten, for as long as humanity might survive, has reached us, as Jim Aparo and Michael Fleisher revive the company's very own dead detective when the Spectre returns from wherever he's been, to wreak havoc upon the criminals of the world.

if I remember correctly, in this tale, he melts one villain and reduces another to a skeleton. Is it any wonder I loved this strip, as a lad?

But that's not all we get. After all, we're also provided with a backup tale which asks the ever-pertinent question, "Is a Snerl Human?"

If there's anything I've never been able to say no to it's 100 pages of Batman action.

Therefore, I'm going to say nothing but yes as we get the senses-shattering return of Man-Bat in the first story I ever read that features him.

It all happens when a spate of robberies spurs the mixed-up scientist to abandon retirement and tackle the miscreants.

Following that tale, Batman and Robin must track down The Witch, a mysterious figure to blame for the murder of Erik Dorne and the theft of his manuscript.

Then, a private detective attempts to join the prestigious Bullet Hole Club - even if he has to get himself shot to do it.

After that, a new villain announces his presence by stealing the Batmobile, Bat-a-Rang and Bat-Boat. But why would anyone do such a thing?

Next, Luke Graham needs Robin to help prove his paper about the Chinese iron industry wasn't plagiarised.

Now, in an imaginary tale by Alfred, the second Batman and Robin must battle the Son of the Joker.

And, finally, a veteran of Gotham City Police Department has his day made when the caped crusader suggests he be put in charge of the Bat-Signal.

It's a vital issue for all true lovers of DC comics, as we're treated to the awesome origin of the Legion of Super-Heroes.

I don't remember too much about it but, apparently, three super-youths rescue billionaire R J Brande who promptly bankrolls them in the formation of a brand new crime-fighting team the universe will never see the likes of again.

I have even less recall of the origin of Blackhawk and, to be honest, I don't even have that much recall of the character himself.

However, if the Grand Comics Database is to be believed, it all takes place in Poland and involves Nazis.

Superboy's mag hits its 200th issue. And does so in style, as the now powerless Bouncing Boy and the distinctly under-powered Duo Damsel decide to marry.

But, before you can even utter the words, "Holy gatecrashers!" that foul fiend Starfinger appears and abducts her! 

If I remember right, it was a dispute about ownership of a splash page in this issue which led to Dave Cockrum quitting the strip and defecting to The X-Men.

Superman gets the 100 pages that such a legend deserves - and does so with a special that carries a theme of magic.

In our first tale, unalloyed annoyance erupts when Mr Mxyztplk returns. I think we can all guess just how the man of steel dispatches that particular nuisance.

Next, Supes and Jimmy Olsen must contend with The Demons from Pandora's Box!

After that, our hero attends The Magicians' Convention! where he must get to the heart of a prestidigitational crime.

Following that, we're presented with The Other Side of the World! in which Zatanna and the Green Lantern venture to the land of Ys where a warlock may hold the key to Zatara's fate!

That's followed by The Enchanted Mountain! a tale of which I can claim to possess no recollection.

And we conclude the book with a yarn the world knows as Beauty and the Super-Beast! in which Kal-El stands helpless before the sorcerous might of Circe and her ability to turn men into beasts.

Or does he? I'm fairly certain the "witch" turns out to be Saturn Girl and she's doing it all with the aid of her shape-shifting pet Proteus in a plot to fool Lois Lane.

Or, possibly, the Superman Revenge Squad.

Or perhaps someone else.