ASTONISHING TALES #7 (1971)
by Gerry Conway & Gene Colan
Second part of Doom’s fight with Black Panther, who you can tell wasn’t particularly popular since the story is barely given any presence on the cover.
We have both a new writer and a new artist. Gene Colan seems to be FAR more in tune with Doctor Doom than when he last drew him on Daredevil.
Gerry Conway is also very good on the character. The dialogue between Black Panther and Doom flows perfectly.
Doom is quite impressed with Black Panther, even wondering if he can truly conquer Wakanda if they are like him.
Although it wouldn’t be Doom if this didn’t serve as an excuse to talk highly about himself.
Did I mention how gorgeous the art is?
Doom’s henchmen, in addition to having the worst fashion sense, don’t think very highly of him.
Doom is repairing his drilling machine to reach the vibranium bedrock, keeping Black Panther tied up inside and wasting no time to gloat.
The story is very brief, but we have some time for a philosophical discussion about the power of kings. Good stuff!
Black Panther wonders about Doom’s plans as he escapes. Apparently vibranium is too unstable to withstand Doom’s drill…
…something that Doom discovers once the machine reaches its target. His henchmen prove too much of a nuisance.
Why exactly did he bring these idiots with him?
Black Panther, having escaped, then threatens to blow up the vibranium (along with THE ENTIRE NATION) if Doom doesn’t back down.
It’s a brief but important exchange: Black Panther values the freedom of his people above the technological advantage of vibranium.
And so Doctor Doom just retreats, even if he could’ve easily won the fight.
This will be further explored in the 2010 Doomwar storyline, which once again will put Doom and Black Panther against each other. It’s uncanny how close the two stories are, even with 40 years between them.
Doom significance: 4/10
Black Panther isn’t a major adversary for Doom, but he will repeatedly show to have quite a lot of respect for him. Even when he’s trying to kill him.
Silver Age-ness: 0/10
This almost doesn’t belong to the Silver Age. It deserves the very first 0/10, even on the Marvel scale.
Does it stand the test of time? 9/10
Superb dialogues and art. Still a very short story, but unlike the first part it uses what little time there is for atmosphere and characterization. The only flaw is the lackluster action, but it’s not that big of a deal since very clearly it isn’t supposed to be the main focus.
It was a Doombot all along
Just like last time, no indication one way or the other.
Take over the world & Destroy the FF!
Doom barely mentions conquering Wakanda, so I’m not counting it.
Crazy tech
Nothing we haven’t seen last issue, but the drilling machine is so cool that it wins again.
Interesting letters: I never expected to see someone asking for “a more down to earth” Doctor Doom, but it’s true that this adversaries have been lacking.
I’m assuming that the John D. Warner who wrote the letter asking for a down to earth Doom is the same John Warner who later became a writer for Marvel, where he created Ulysses Bloodstone – an undeniably cool character who never really clicked until he was replaced by his even cooler daughter.