This episode, Paul welcomes another UK podcaster to the show – David Steel, the co-host of the Earth 2 Podcast! David and Paul are all for one and one for all as they discuss DC Special #25 starring The Three Musketeers, Robin Hood, and The Viking Prince! Hear about David’s page of original art from this issue! But most of all, get ready for some rousing historical adventures involving ravens, evil twins, and wooly mammoths!
Plus – it is finally here – the first installment of The Monthly Planet! Paul and co-editor Shawn M. Myers talk about DC’s Daily Planet house ads from exactly 50 years ago – May 1976!
This month’s instocktrades.com selections:
https://www.instocktrades.com/products/sep241254/william-of-newbury-tp
https://www.instocktrades.com/products/feb110656/warriors-three-hc-dog-day-afternoon
Visit the Daily Planet:
https://www.mikesamazingworld.com/F231EB71A50CE9/features/gallery.php?page=planet
Have D’Artagnan’s remains been found?
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2rew2dgzzo
And for more on Murray Boltinoff:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murray_Boltinoff
https://www.mikesamazingworld.com/mike3/features/creator.php?creatorid=173
https://grokipedia.com/page/Murray_Boltinoff
Have a question or comment? Have a specific issue you love and want to talk to us about it? Have a favorite issue and want to be a guest?
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“Cloud Dancer ” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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Enjoyed the show – it’s always a treat when David guest stars.
Most of my comments, though, pertain to the Monthly Planet feature; first, I have to say that, as someone who once owned the entire, whopping 5-issue original run of Ragman, I really liked that series and specifically that version of Ragman – the street-level hero with the rather morbid origin who didn’t have any mystical aspects.
On DC’s Tarzan series, “Tarzan the Untamed” was an adaptation of the novel of the same name (the seventh one) in which, yes, at the beginning Tarzan believes his beloved Jane had been killed by German soldiers and he goes on a bit of a rampage while tracking them down in Africa (it’s been years, like almost 40, since I’ve read those books, so I don’t recall many of the details, but Jane was not in fact killed…)
Otherwise, when you mentioned DC Superstars of Space, it triggered a rush of nostalgia, as DC Superstars (of Space) no. 2 is one of the earlier comics I owned. That cover, with Adam Strange and Hawkman flying in outer space, is burned into my brain.
Looking forward to the next show…
Was VIKING Prince fairly serialized? After all if you lose your memory you gotta find it!
shocking no one I will defend brave and bold 130 having “4 famous co-star. Between my beloved JOKER solo series and the truly weird team ups with heros they were clearly trying to make something of Joker. I mean he showed up in dc presents TWICE. They did TWO stories where Superman needs Joker!
What does any of this have to do with whipped chocolate covered in milk chocolate? Sorry… obvious joke. Almost everything I knew about The Three Musketeers came from the Hanna-Barbera cartooned that aired during The Banana Splits Show. It used to drive me nuts that it was titled 3 Musketeers, yet featured FOUR heroes! It was decades before I found out that D’Artagnan wasn’t an actual Musketeer during the novel and I finally found peace with the concept. What does any of this have to do with this wonderful episode about DC Specials? Nothing really. I just thought I’d share. I’ll see myself out.
Great show! Loved hearing from David.
I have to imagine after the box office success of the Lester/Salkind Three Musketeer movies, DC was like, hey, we have a bunch of that material lying around, and we don’t have to pay any license to reprint it! Send one of the Woodchucks to the stat machine!
BTW, when I was on your previous show, BFR, I told a story about having Jose Delbo as an instructor when I was at JKS and it was not complementary to him. To be fair to him, he gave us another assignment that was similar to the one I previously mentioned, where we had to create “spot” illustrations for a book of our choice. For this assignment, I picked THE THREE MUSKETEERS, because it was superhero-ish. For whatever reason, I tried a more humorous, cartoony style, and I remember it came off pretty well, and I got a good grade from Jose. I can’t remember now why I didn’t try that style again, since it went so well the first time.
Ok, now to put my film historian hat on.
Upon your mention, I watched BUY ME THIS TOWN, the one movie written by Murray Boltinoff. It’s not even 70 minutes, and was on YT for free. And it was…surprisingly pretty good! For a cheap B programmer, meant to run as the bottom half of a double bill, it was fairly clever, had some fun twists, and I actually chuckled out loud a few times. Since MB is only credited with the story, not the screenplay, I don’t think he deserves much credit for the dialogue, but the story is certainly unique.
At one point, the lead character, the mobster who buys a small town, tells his skeptical new constituents about how he’ll run things. He promises, under his leadership, “no one will be homeless”, making him better than a lot of politicians running things RIGHT NOW! I was genuinely surprised at a line like that in this cheap little movie.
So thanks for inspiring me to watch it, it was quite fun.
Re: your theory about the reason for the sudden return of Three Musketeers material, Rob, these were all new stories, I think.
Excellent show, Paul and David. Back in the late 90s, I started researching the 1950s comics – this special run and The Best of the Brave and the Bold were economical ways to plug some gaps in my collection. I’ll note the reprints were often recoloured – and in the original “Forest of Traps”, Robin has a purple tunic on. I’d say the primary colour of Robin’s outfit in the 1950s was usually orange/red with green on the sleeves, legging, etc. (Some scholars have said that Robin Hood’s original colour was red, and in one of the medieval ballads he offers a guest cloth of “scarlet and green” which Professor Thomas Ohlgren feels is probably a corruption of “scarlet in grain”.)
Robin Hood appeared in a variety of comics in the 1950s, thanks to the popularity of The Adventures of Robin Hood which aired on the new independent TV channels in the UK (ITV today) and CBS in America. It was written by blacklisted Hollywood writers working under pseudonyms. Quality Comics began a series called Robin Hood Tales which DC starred publishing at the same time they took over the Blackhawk comic. More on that here: https://www.boldoutlaw.com/robspot/robin-hood-tales-comic.html And yes, Dell did adapt the 1952 movie The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men in Four Color, and would reprint the adaptation a few times. Dell also released a sort-of Classic Illustrated style Robin Hood one-shot. Magazine Enterprises and Charlton also had Robin Hood comics in the 1950s. You noticed that Robin didn’t do much robbing in these stories, and that’s what peaked my scholarly interest. How do you do Robin Hood when the first provision of the Comics Code says that crime and criminals should not be glamourized.
Murray Boltinoff’s text piece is pretty accurate. I mean the Nottinghamshire claims to graves, wedding etc is centuries of tourism, but the details are right. Aside from saying Nottingham Castle (which, aside from the 13th century gatehouse, looks nothing like a castle any more and more like sometihing that could serve as Wayne Manor … they both have caves underneath.) was built in 1608. More like 1068.
The art, especially by Russ Heath, is wonderful, as the art on the Three Musketeers and the Viking Prince.
Like you said, I really hope DC does a DC’s Finest: Adventure collection with all the pre-superhero Brave and the Bold comics.
I’ll leave you with a tease – do you know the major connections between the Three Musketeers and Robin Hood?
Fun show Paul, David and Shawn! I have never read any of the DC Three Musketeers stories, but this sounds and looks interesting, despite D’artagnan being a bit of a cad.
I read that DC digest that reprinted the early adventure strips from The Brave and the Bold, and I’m always up for more Robin Hood. And I would love to hear a Viking Prince podcast hosted by Paul! He was great on our JLU episode “guest-starring” Prince Jon.
Oh, and not sure if you’re aware, but there’s a new film “The Death of Robin Hood” coming this summer, with Hugh Jackman in the title role.
The Monthly Planet was worth the wait! Love the format and the insights from both my Bat-Cousins. I looked forward to reading the Daily Planet (or before I could read, at least looking at the pretty pictures), and was very sad when they disappeared along with DC’s dollar comics.
My knowledge of The Three Musketeers comes mostly from the Hanna-Barbera cartoon that Matt Sirois mentioned above. And Robin Hood always brings to mind when he and little John were walkin’ through the forest. Ooh-da-lolly, ooh-da-lolly, Golly what a day. I have seen the Kevin Costner movie.
But the big and pleasant surprise here was David Steel’s Instock Trades recommendation of William of Newbury. I loved that little series and had begun to think that maybe I was alone in that.
I also love the Daily Planet feature. You and Shawn are always a dynamic podcasting duo. Thanks for another great episode, Paul!
All for one and one for all !!!
I’m a huge fan of these characters the musketeers are some of my favorite I didn’t know dart-an was based on real person .
Also did you now that in the dc comics green
Green arrow met Robin Hood I think it was in more
Fun comics . And it that version it was revealed that version of Robin had more in common with our favorite emerald archer then we thought.
I wish I could remember the issue number.
Here’s a random animation fact Jerry and his nephew have bin both musketeers and part of robins merry men . To bad Dc never did a tom and Jerry treasury sized book.
Here’s a secret question if dc did a treasury of dc hero meets literary hero, team ups brave and bold style. Who would on the cover and who would be your stars and reprints or new stories?
For me it be a reprint book
Called dc presents time passages
On the cover would be green arrow and Robin Hood fighting off bad guys.the back round would be navy blue . And the stories
Within
1. The green arrow and Robin Hood team up
2: the atom time travel adventure with Ben Franklin and the farm animals.
3. Time travel cross word with Kronos
4. The sheriff of Nottingham’s wanted poster color by numbers of Robin Hood’s strange new merry men the atom and green arrow .
5. Text on the greatest inventions and biggest myths of Ben Franklin.
6. A silent knight story
7. A shingling knight story
8. Then a separate pull out cut out diorama
Containing all the all the historical characters and and animals so kids could make there own stories where Ben Franklin and the silent knight save the day .
Another fun episode as always!
Several months ago I had some spare time to check out a store here in Richmond called Cerebral Vortex that sells used vinyl records and some older comics. They actually have a pretty nice selection, mostly VF/Fine condition or lower, and several boxed of $1 and $3 comics. I did find a few DC Specials, including one of the other issues with the Three Musketeers and Robin Hood.
The 1970s Three Musketeers movie and it’s sequel came out in the mid-1970s, but so did Disney’s animated Robin Hood movie. There was also a Robin Hood movie with Sean Connery (no not the one with Kevin Costner!) as well.
I’m trying to remember if I mentioned “fair play mysteries” in the BatFam Reunion comments. If so, it may have been regarding Mike W. Barr, who wrote quite a few in his series “The Maze Agency”.
I say yes, add Super-Team Family to the rotation. Wasn’t it close to the same format anyway?
The Daily Planet features started around the time I was really getting into DCs, and was extremely helpful in letting me know what was coming out. Considering I had to change schools twice that year, any help was very much needed.
Apologies for the late comment, mad busy week here. What a treat to have the other half of the ever-fabulous Earth 2 Podcast, David, follow podcasting partner Peter onto the show.
As regards the Warriors 3 collection you recommended, Paul, does it not contain that excellent story from Marvel Spotlight #30 by Len Wein, John Buscema and Joe Sinnott, it’s massive fun and, as their first spotlight away from Thor – I believe – a nutty omission.
I’ve never seen a Three Musketeers film or TV show or read the book, the most I know is that Aramis was a men’s scent, but this comic looks all kinds of fun. I’m a fan of John Calnan so it was great to have his work once again part of the show and I had no idea Murray Boltinoff had story credits
I really enjoyed the profile of Mr Boltinoff, these bios are a favourite part of the show.
Love love LOVE the Monthly Planet section, how soon can we spin this off into its own show?
And yes Hercules unbound was indeed in Showcase Presents The Great Disaster.
Hey, I’d love to do a DC Superstars of Space issue, just whenever.
Paul, are you having a selective memory moment, denying that in between Irv Novick and the return of Carmine Infantino on the Flash there was Don Heck? I also love the Seventies Flash, have you pencilled in DC Special Series #11, the Flash Spectacular? Someone has surely snapped that up?
As you asked, please don’t add Super Team Fanily to this show’s remit, save it for its own series once you’re done with Superman Family. Super Team Family had some good stuff in it, but by gum, it was the stupidest title.
Never mind a florist and a fashion designer, you forgot that Dinah Lance was Bruce Wayne’s secretary for one issue… actually, maybe I imagined hearing that.
Don’t discount Karate Kid’s solo book, Paul, it got really good when Bob Rozakis took over and we had Diamondeth debut.
Catch you later, you Special man.
Super-Team Family gets my enthusiastic vote, which you could have probably guessed from my comment in the previous episode. I might as well make it official.
Wonderful episode, as always! I haven’t read any of DC’s Three Musketeers or Robin Hood stories, but I’ve been a fan of those characters for as long as I can remember so it’s a treat to hear you and David discuss further adventures of the famous swashbucklers.
That said, the Monthly Planet segment was outstanding! It feels like I’ve been waiting a year to hear you and Shawn do this, and it was such a pleasure to listen to. The only thing I can ask is don’t make this a backup feature on the regular DC Special Cast episodes. It’s like making Green Lantern a backup in Superman comics; they deserve their own title. Monthly Planet could/should be its own show, or at least separate episodes from the regular DC Special Cast episodes, otherwise it’s likely to overshadow whatever your “lead” comic is and that particular guest. (Just an idea, take or leave.)
Great show, Paul and David. I’ve never see/read this special before, but it’s always fun to see classic characters. D’artagnan gives off real creep vibes. The other three should ditch him since there’s only supposed to be three anyway. When David was mentioning cinematic versions of Robin Hood, it immediately sent me back to my youth when the Prince of Thieves movie with Kevin Costner came out. It lives rent-free in my head, mostly because I saw this movie in the theatre with a cute redhead. The summer of ’91 rocked.! Finally, good on Paul for getting to cover his favorite Viking Prince! That dude can handle the cold!
I’m with Ryan, I feel like the Monthly Planet with Shawn is taking on its own life. This needs to be a spin-off and grow the DC Specialcast franchise like the Arrowverse.
You should definitely add Super-Team Family to the list. I think one has a backup Green Arrow story drawn by Jack Kirby! Also, I’m always here for a Superstars of Space special if you need someone. Space Cabbie is just out there doing his best so Space Uber doesn’t take all his fares.
Awesome podcast sorry to this till now. I’ve always loved the Three Musketeers and Robin Hood. These are not the best representations of these characters especially with dartwnion acting like such a jerk. So it was awesome to hear all these stories though I never read the comics. I did enjoy these characters and other media anyway can’t wait till the next podcast.
Also I am a little disappointed in D’artagan That is no way to treat a woman that you love. I wouldn’t put up with it nor would my girlfriend Alita or our other girlfriend Donielle. Geez that fact that the lady . Wanted hi. At the end is shocking.
Yeah her dad was a dork and glad the musketeers took him down. But, oy vey d- ma. Is a bit of a d- bag. Any way I like that Robin Hood was also in these I always liked that character one of the reasons I took archery in collage A made an a in that class. Well him and the long bow hunter story and Huntress.
Yeah she used a cross bow, but close enough these are ok stories . I am just glad to see him in a comic. Sorry for the late response. Been a busy week . Anyway can’t wait for the next podcast.
Also a Shawn segment cool.