WOW!! You've been busy, Alan......this writing reminds me of the 'THUNDERBIRDS' backstories in some of the GERRY ANDERSON books in which they had things along the lines of........'Scott Tracy was born in 2033, etc, etc..
I like MR. X'S 'real name' of 'XAVIER'.........how about a 'backstory' of I SPY himself, then.......a pity it never actually turned up in the actual comic.
'MAJOR STARTLING-GROPE' is a brilliantly subversive moniker: the theory about I SPY'S 'miniaturized' internal devices was a great deduction; I often felt that if comic-history had taken different turns, 'I SPY' could still have been around today, with graphic novels from various artists [no, NOT the 'K-TEL' version!] and/or different publications along the 'JUDGE DREDD' line. [with full-colur, etc].......
-----the 'backstory' stuff you have provided would have kickstarted great potential for offshoot stories.....some excellent points you have raised, Alan, and good imaginitive stuff.....
I SPY--------- THE FIRST EPIC SERIAL
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ISPYSHHHGUY
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Peter Gray
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Re: I SPY--------- THE FIRST EPIC SERIAL
Maybe I spy can come back to the Beano..
the stories were very clever and is what is needed in todays comics...DFC did this..
Also love the explaination of how I Spy kept his weapons in that cloak...it all makes sense...
he only used an animal once (tiger) so he must have got cold feet...the animal rights people must have had a go..
Not knowing who I Spy is...makes it special..
the stories were very clever and is what is needed in todays comics...DFC did this..
Also love the explaination of how I Spy kept his weapons in that cloak...it all makes sense...
he only used an animal once (tiger) so he must have got cold feet...the animal rights people must have had a go..
Not knowing who I Spy is...makes it special..
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ISPYSHHHGUY
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Re: I SPY--------- THE FIRST EPIC SERIAL
A very well-thought-out, detailed work on 'I SPY' that Alan has done above, that 'touches base' on many high points in the series' history, of it's 'GOLDEN PERIOD' of 1969-'71.......talking of which;
'SPARKY' issue 258, December 27, 1969;
' I SPY and the FANTAS-MAGORIAN: [part 2 0f 4]:
SYNOPSIS: I SPY, BOSS and GRANNY SPY hurtle round to the ROYAL HOTEL, where young XAVIER [that's MR.X to you] is in the process of kidnapping a group meeting of the world's top BOFFINS, who are, as we speak, entering the false building facade placed in front of the real building by the VICTORIANNA-bedecked villain: the facade is revealed to be a stainless steel, barred mini-prison [on castors] which MR. X has hooked to his souped-up TRACTOR, which whisks the captives away.
I SPY and co. arrive seconds too late, but pursue the escaping desperado and his hyper-intelligent EGGHEAD cargo. MR X and his convoy quite literally disappear into an elaborate, full-scale mechanized hill-entrance he has prepared, which swallows the whole lot up seamlessly. A bewidered I SPY surveys the vast, empty vista and deduces that MR X has somehow [quite literally] gone underground: the well-prepared XAVIER [who has built-in periscope capabilities and trapdoors built into the countryside] bungs up I SPY'S ultra-sensitive noise-sensor equipment, and is almost rumbled as GRANNY'S brolly bounces off his top-hatted bonce down a rabbit-hole.
I SPY'S nightvision-telescope only picks up an innocent RABBIT, however, leaving MR X clear to proceed with his plans to construct the ALL-OUT-WAR machine: the FANTAS-MAGORIAN.
[above: 'NOW 3', or 'NOW, THAT'S what I call World Domination'.......]
After searching the desolate countryside for an entire month, terrifying RUMBLING echoes break out, and the newly-minted WAR MACHINE [with a gloating MR X at the helm] breaks free of the inner-factory construction base, unleashed onto an unsuspecting---and bewildered-----world.
A nice, easily-digestible episode, that outlines the typically extreme lengths that MR X is prepared to go to, to achieve his world-dominating aims. Not only has he constructed a vast, subterannean factory to oversee construction of his vast WAR-MACHINE, he has also ensured he has covered his tracks with hermetically-sealed, foolproof camouflage that extends a vast expanse of countryside, complete with hydraulic rolling countryside. Just how MR X manages to 'coax' the eggheads into doing his bidding is not made clear: but you can bet your boots that his methods were unsavoury....
The idea of a vast, underground factory producing cutting-edge WAR technology is actually rooted in fact; in WW2, the NAZIS quite literally hollowed out mountains [utilizing slave-labour] to ensure secrecy of the production of their V-1 and V-2 ROCKETS.
Nice intertextual interplay of other 'SPARKY' characters, as I SPY name-checks ' INVISIBLE DICK' in this episode.
I SPY'S DEVICES;: motorized unicycle/underground noise-detector [with headphones] telescope with searchlight facilities.
And so, the final 'I SPY' episode of 1969,and thus the sixties decade, comes to a conclusion. This episode appeared in the CHRISTMAS episode of 'SPARKY', and is one of the few stories in this issue that doesn't mention the CHRISTMAS festivities. Come to think of it, a Christmas ' I SPY' story never materialized in the strip's entire history: but it wouldn't have been beyond the realms of possibility, perhaps having an exploding CHRISTMAS PUD-BOMB lobbed into SPY HQ, or maybe MR X himself hijacking SANTA CLAUS' flying sled, and arming it to the teeth.
'SPARKY' issue 258, December 27, 1969;
' I SPY and the FANTAS-MAGORIAN: [part 2 0f 4]:
SYNOPSIS: I SPY, BOSS and GRANNY SPY hurtle round to the ROYAL HOTEL, where young XAVIER [that's MR.X to you] is in the process of kidnapping a group meeting of the world's top BOFFINS, who are, as we speak, entering the false building facade placed in front of the real building by the VICTORIANNA-bedecked villain: the facade is revealed to be a stainless steel, barred mini-prison [on castors] which MR. X has hooked to his souped-up TRACTOR, which whisks the captives away.
I SPY and co. arrive seconds too late, but pursue the escaping desperado and his hyper-intelligent EGGHEAD cargo. MR X and his convoy quite literally disappear into an elaborate, full-scale mechanized hill-entrance he has prepared, which swallows the whole lot up seamlessly. A bewidered I SPY surveys the vast, empty vista and deduces that MR X has somehow [quite literally] gone underground: the well-prepared XAVIER [who has built-in periscope capabilities and trapdoors built into the countryside] bungs up I SPY'S ultra-sensitive noise-sensor equipment, and is almost rumbled as GRANNY'S brolly bounces off his top-hatted bonce down a rabbit-hole.
I SPY'S nightvision-telescope only picks up an innocent RABBIT, however, leaving MR X clear to proceed with his plans to construct the ALL-OUT-WAR machine: the FANTAS-MAGORIAN.
[above: 'NOW 3', or 'NOW, THAT'S what I call World Domination'.......]
After searching the desolate countryside for an entire month, terrifying RUMBLING echoes break out, and the newly-minted WAR MACHINE [with a gloating MR X at the helm] breaks free of the inner-factory construction base, unleashed onto an unsuspecting---and bewildered-----world.
A nice, easily-digestible episode, that outlines the typically extreme lengths that MR X is prepared to go to, to achieve his world-dominating aims. Not only has he constructed a vast, subterannean factory to oversee construction of his vast WAR-MACHINE, he has also ensured he has covered his tracks with hermetically-sealed, foolproof camouflage that extends a vast expanse of countryside, complete with hydraulic rolling countryside. Just how MR X manages to 'coax' the eggheads into doing his bidding is not made clear: but you can bet your boots that his methods were unsavoury....
The idea of a vast, underground factory producing cutting-edge WAR technology is actually rooted in fact; in WW2, the NAZIS quite literally hollowed out mountains [utilizing slave-labour] to ensure secrecy of the production of their V-1 and V-2 ROCKETS.
Nice intertextual interplay of other 'SPARKY' characters, as I SPY name-checks ' INVISIBLE DICK' in this episode.
I SPY'S DEVICES;: motorized unicycle/underground noise-detector [with headphones] telescope with searchlight facilities.
And so, the final 'I SPY' episode of 1969,and thus the sixties decade, comes to a conclusion. This episode appeared in the CHRISTMAS episode of 'SPARKY', and is one of the few stories in this issue that doesn't mention the CHRISTMAS festivities. Come to think of it, a Christmas ' I SPY' story never materialized in the strip's entire history: but it wouldn't have been beyond the realms of possibility, perhaps having an exploding CHRISTMAS PUD-BOMB lobbed into SPY HQ, or maybe MR X himself hijacking SANTA CLAUS' flying sled, and arming it to the teeth.
Last edited by ISPYSHHHGUY on 10 Mar 2009, 18:16, edited 1 time in total.
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alanultron5
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Re: I SPY--------- THE FIRST EPIC SERIAL
The appearance of the Fantas-Magorian is a superb work of art from Les! It looks a little like a giant `Panjandrum` footage of which can be seen in the "World At War" series! (It was a sort of giant Double Catherine Wheel affair devised in the 39-45 war loaded with explosives) "Dad's army had an episode parodying it!
Sorry that mt `peice` doubled up! A notice told me my first attempt had failed, so I tried again and got TWO! Noticed a couple of errors! Masterminds mother is Madeleine Not Mary! And I ommitted he was born in Hertfordshire!
Peter! "I Spy" used at least two breeds of dog as well! I can't take credit for "Major Startling-Grope" though! Came across that moniker in Spike Milligans book "Rommel-Gunner Who?" Thought it suited my piece perfectly!
Sorry that mt `peice` doubled up! A notice told me my first attempt had failed, so I tried again and got TWO! Noticed a couple of errors! Masterminds mother is Madeleine Not Mary! And I ommitted he was born in Hertfordshire!
Peter! "I Spy" used at least two breeds of dog as well! I can't take credit for "Major Startling-Grope" though! Came across that moniker in Spike Milligans book "Rommel-Gunner Who?" Thought it suited my piece perfectly!
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ISPYSHHHGUY
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Re: I SPY--------- THE FIRST EPIC SERIAL
many thanks to the ever-resourceful PETER for letting me see this well-executed gem:
It's not by usual artist MALCOLM JUDGE; it reminds me of the style of the 'SNOOTY' artist, after BOB NIXON left 'BEANO' etc for IPC....
It's not by usual artist MALCOLM JUDGE; it reminds me of the style of the 'SNOOTY' artist, after BOB NIXON left 'BEANO' etc for IPC....
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ISPYSHHHGUY
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Re: I SPY--------- THE FIRST EPIC SERIAL
'SPARKY' issue 259, [JANUARY 3, 1970]:
'I SPY and the FANTAS-MAGORIAN' ; [part 3 of 4]:
SYNOPSIS: 1970: the decade that would inflict such setbacks/phenomena as PUNK ROCK, MASS UNEMPLOYMENT, PLATFORM HEELS and 'LITTLE JIMMY OSMOND' in the future starts out, ----somewhat ominously-----in the very first week of the brave new 1970s with the much more pressing threat of the 1oo-foot-tall, all-out-WAR-machine :the FANTAS-MAGORIAN, a seemingly indestructible, stainless-steel plated armoured harbringer of total DESTRUCTION.
-----not only that, but at the steering-wheel of this mighty behemoth, is the cackling, demented MANIAC known as MR. X: carrying out his deranged intentions to crush all in his unholy path, in his quest to conquer the entire world. So vast in scale is this machine, that the space between the wheels allow it to pass over I SPY, BOSS and GRANNY SPY,-------who [somewhat uncharacteristically] is obliged to call out the combined forces of the RAF, NAVY and ARMY, in an effort to halt this most deadly of threats to civilization.
A concentrated bombardment of 100 bullseyes from land, sea and air leave absolutely no impact on MR X'S contraption, and he duly responds with precision-shelling from all angles using BLASTER-capabilities, which quell the minor irritants that HM FORCES represent, at least in comparison to this actual threat. The top-hatted MADMAN now turns his attentions to the civilian population, which prompts I SPY to ROCKET ahead directly in front of the mighty machine and cut, via speedy CIRCULAR-SAW, a hairline crack which enables him to utilize his [handy portable] 'NUCLEAR-POWERED-SUPER-JACK', which--as the label states------allows I SPY to create a full-scale instant EARTHQUAKE, which causes MR X'S oncoming COLLOSSUS to sink beneath the earth's crust.
I SPY duly releases his portable device, enabling the EARTH to completely seal up again. With MR. X seemingly out of the game once again, I SPY and BOSS realize that GRANNY has disappeared off of the face of the planet, also, and genuine tears of regret are shed at the loss of this lovable old BATTLE-AXE......however, she re-erupts, brolly-a-blazing, from the agitated earth, which witnesses the spectacle of the triumphant MR. X, whose lethal mega-craft is re-emerging from beneath the EARTH, to unleash further terror on our world.
An exceptionally exuberant action-packed episode, in which the [quite] incredible MR X enjoys perhaps his finest personal hour within the series, inasmuch as he is able to enjoy the fruits of his anarchic dealings: his trail of devastation was never to reach such chaotic heights as appeared in this tale. Unusual inasmuch as I SPY feels obliged to call out the entire might of HM FORCES as back-up: very untypical of him, but-hey!------these are exceptional circumstances we are talking here!
As close to undiluted anarchy as the series ever reached, this episode delivers the goods---and more-----and represents much of what made this series so memorable; FANTASTIC!
I SPY'S DEVICES; radio-transmitter [with microphone]/internal rocket-engine/ circular-saw unicycle/ 'nuclear-powerd-super-jack [highly portable].
'CAN NOTHING stop the FANTAS-MAGORIAN? Look out for I SPY'S secret weapon.........NEXT WEEK!'
'I SPY and the FANTAS-MAGORIAN' ; [part 3 of 4]:
SYNOPSIS: 1970: the decade that would inflict such setbacks/phenomena as PUNK ROCK, MASS UNEMPLOYMENT, PLATFORM HEELS and 'LITTLE JIMMY OSMOND' in the future starts out, ----somewhat ominously-----in the very first week of the brave new 1970s with the much more pressing threat of the 1oo-foot-tall, all-out-WAR-machine :the FANTAS-MAGORIAN, a seemingly indestructible, stainless-steel plated armoured harbringer of total DESTRUCTION.
-----not only that, but at the steering-wheel of this mighty behemoth, is the cackling, demented MANIAC known as MR. X: carrying out his deranged intentions to crush all in his unholy path, in his quest to conquer the entire world. So vast in scale is this machine, that the space between the wheels allow it to pass over I SPY, BOSS and GRANNY SPY,-------who [somewhat uncharacteristically] is obliged to call out the combined forces of the RAF, NAVY and ARMY, in an effort to halt this most deadly of threats to civilization.
A concentrated bombardment of 100 bullseyes from land, sea and air leave absolutely no impact on MR X'S contraption, and he duly responds with precision-shelling from all angles using BLASTER-capabilities, which quell the minor irritants that HM FORCES represent, at least in comparison to this actual threat. The top-hatted MADMAN now turns his attentions to the civilian population, which prompts I SPY to ROCKET ahead directly in front of the mighty machine and cut, via speedy CIRCULAR-SAW, a hairline crack which enables him to utilize his [handy portable] 'NUCLEAR-POWERED-SUPER-JACK', which--as the label states------allows I SPY to create a full-scale instant EARTHQUAKE, which causes MR X'S oncoming COLLOSSUS to sink beneath the earth's crust.
I SPY duly releases his portable device, enabling the EARTH to completely seal up again. With MR. X seemingly out of the game once again, I SPY and BOSS realize that GRANNY has disappeared off of the face of the planet, also, and genuine tears of regret are shed at the loss of this lovable old BATTLE-AXE......however, she re-erupts, brolly-a-blazing, from the agitated earth, which witnesses the spectacle of the triumphant MR. X, whose lethal mega-craft is re-emerging from beneath the EARTH, to unleash further terror on our world.
An exceptionally exuberant action-packed episode, in which the [quite] incredible MR X enjoys perhaps his finest personal hour within the series, inasmuch as he is able to enjoy the fruits of his anarchic dealings: his trail of devastation was never to reach such chaotic heights as appeared in this tale. Unusual inasmuch as I SPY feels obliged to call out the entire might of HM FORCES as back-up: very untypical of him, but-hey!------these are exceptional circumstances we are talking here!
As close to undiluted anarchy as the series ever reached, this episode delivers the goods---and more-----and represents much of what made this series so memorable; FANTASTIC!
I SPY'S DEVICES; radio-transmitter [with microphone]/internal rocket-engine/ circular-saw unicycle/ 'nuclear-powerd-super-jack [highly portable].
'CAN NOTHING stop the FANTAS-MAGORIAN? Look out for I SPY'S secret weapon.........NEXT WEEK!'
Last edited by ISPYSHHHGUY on 12 Mar 2009, 11:42, edited 7 times in total.
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alanultron5
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Re: I SPY--------- THE FIRST EPIC SERIAL
I have that "Ali and his Baba" copy as well! Has anyone seen the two "I.Spy" references in issue 381 (might be 382 not certain) in the "Sparky People" strip a Mother barges in to berate `Sir` about current I.Spy story ( Masterminds `age` device) Her young son comes in dressed as (and calling himself) Mr Mastermind. Another Mother barges into sirs office while her son who is convinced that he is (and dressed as) I.Spy! He and `Mastermind` half wreck Sparky office in their `battle`.
Later that issue in the `Spoofer McGraw` strip; Spoofer convinces Bo that he-Spoofer-is actually I.Spy. (A reader had asked who really was I.Spy).
Later that issue in the `Spoofer McGraw` strip; Spoofer convinces Bo that he-Spoofer-is actually I.Spy. (A reader had asked who really was I.Spy).
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Re: I SPY--------- THE FIRST EPIC SERIAL
I think you're right - it does seem to be Jimmy Glen (who only retired about a year and a half ago)ISPYSHHHGUY wrote:It's not by usual artist MALCOLM JUDGE; it reminds me of the style of the 'SNOOTY' artist, after BOB NIXON left 'BEANO' etc for IPC....
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ISPYSHHHGUY
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Re: I SPY--------- THE FIRST EPIC SERIAL
thanks Andy.....Jimmy's name always seems to elude my memory.
'SPARKY' issue 260 [JAN.10TH, 1970];
' I SPY and the FANTAS-MAGORIAN' [part 4 of 4]:
SYNOPSIS: Once again 'caught bonny' in the perilous path of the oncoming COLOSSUS of MR X'S lethal WAR-MACHINE [which is erupting from it's earthbound 'tomb'], I SPY opts to flee the scene swiftly, by ROCKETING to safety, snatching BOSS and GRANNY clear out-of-range of the unstoppable FANTAS-MAGORIAN, which MR X is now steering in the direct trajectory of distant LONDON, which he clearly intends obliterating to rubble.
I SPY unveils an ambitious, dramatic plan: his large diagram outlines the centre of the EARTH----which very handily contains red-hot-boiling LAVA, which, if can be released artificialy---may be the only source of sufficient power to stop MR X'S all-conquering mega-vehicle.
Again positioning strategically in front of the oncoming threat, I SPY launches his ambitious plan, by DRILLING speedily to the very centre of the planet, eventually reaching his destination and planting sticks of dynamite near the target-area. Rocketing to the surface and gliding free of the path of the oncoming MACHINE in the nick-of-time, I SPY manages to witness the results of his audacious plan: the EARTH RUMBLES and 'QUAKES', then spews forth an almighty LAVA-BLAST which is of such deadly ferocity, it completely decimates MR X'S war-machine, which is totally blown-apart.
A dazed MR X is incapacitated [with rope-bonds and ball-and-chain], and in the meantime BOSS jokes to GRANNY SPY that perhaps she can replace her wrecked MOTOR-BIKE [which perished in the BOMB-BLAST back in episode one] using assembled components of the fragmented FANTAS-MAGORIAN. Relating this quip to a disinterested I SPY for the 50th time back at SPY HQ, the triumphant battleaxe smashes her way into SPY HQ [in a vast 'motorbike' she has constructed from vast cogs from MR X'S machine], wreaking havoc once more to the hapless pair.
A dynamic conclusion to this vitally-effective tale, which delivers spectacle and driving drama in equal measure. The intense heat endured by I SPY as he drills ever-near the centre of the earth is neatly understated by him simply prespiring a few beads of sweat! This was MR X'S most concentrated effort to wreak destruction on the world, and his ultimate defeat was to prove a mere setback in his never-ending quest to dominate the planet; before long, he would return again with a new scheme which would allow him to unleash futher MAYHEM.
The artwork looks slightly rushed on this episode: the only time I really noticed it during the BARTON era.....I'm not complaining though: this tale is still a 5-star gem that satisfies and entertains.
I SPY'S DEVICES: internal rocket-engine/ultra-sharp tungsten drill.
above; the SUMMER 1972 'SPARKY PEOPLE' story that featured the I SPY/MR. MASTERMIND-obsessed kids, as mentioned by Alan.
THREE more LES BARTON serials would follow this story, but before then, there will be a short break in the proceedings, as I outline a basic [non-I SPY] roundup of 'SPARKY' comic, circa 1969.
'LOOK OUT for the AMAZING MASTERMIND MACHINE.......next week'
'SPARKY' issue 260 [JAN.10TH, 1970];
' I SPY and the FANTAS-MAGORIAN' [part 4 of 4]:
SYNOPSIS: Once again 'caught bonny' in the perilous path of the oncoming COLOSSUS of MR X'S lethal WAR-MACHINE [which is erupting from it's earthbound 'tomb'], I SPY opts to flee the scene swiftly, by ROCKETING to safety, snatching BOSS and GRANNY clear out-of-range of the unstoppable FANTAS-MAGORIAN, which MR X is now steering in the direct trajectory of distant LONDON, which he clearly intends obliterating to rubble.
I SPY unveils an ambitious, dramatic plan: his large diagram outlines the centre of the EARTH----which very handily contains red-hot-boiling LAVA, which, if can be released artificialy---may be the only source of sufficient power to stop MR X'S all-conquering mega-vehicle.
Again positioning strategically in front of the oncoming threat, I SPY launches his ambitious plan, by DRILLING speedily to the very centre of the planet, eventually reaching his destination and planting sticks of dynamite near the target-area. Rocketing to the surface and gliding free of the path of the oncoming MACHINE in the nick-of-time, I SPY manages to witness the results of his audacious plan: the EARTH RUMBLES and 'QUAKES', then spews forth an almighty LAVA-BLAST which is of such deadly ferocity, it completely decimates MR X'S war-machine, which is totally blown-apart.
A dazed MR X is incapacitated [with rope-bonds and ball-and-chain], and in the meantime BOSS jokes to GRANNY SPY that perhaps she can replace her wrecked MOTOR-BIKE [which perished in the BOMB-BLAST back in episode one] using assembled components of the fragmented FANTAS-MAGORIAN. Relating this quip to a disinterested I SPY for the 50th time back at SPY HQ, the triumphant battleaxe smashes her way into SPY HQ [in a vast 'motorbike' she has constructed from vast cogs from MR X'S machine], wreaking havoc once more to the hapless pair.
A dynamic conclusion to this vitally-effective tale, which delivers spectacle and driving drama in equal measure. The intense heat endured by I SPY as he drills ever-near the centre of the earth is neatly understated by him simply prespiring a few beads of sweat! This was MR X'S most concentrated effort to wreak destruction on the world, and his ultimate defeat was to prove a mere setback in his never-ending quest to dominate the planet; before long, he would return again with a new scheme which would allow him to unleash futher MAYHEM.
The artwork looks slightly rushed on this episode: the only time I really noticed it during the BARTON era.....I'm not complaining though: this tale is still a 5-star gem that satisfies and entertains.
I SPY'S DEVICES: internal rocket-engine/ultra-sharp tungsten drill.
above; the SUMMER 1972 'SPARKY PEOPLE' story that featured the I SPY/MR. MASTERMIND-obsessed kids, as mentioned by Alan.
THREE more LES BARTON serials would follow this story, but before then, there will be a short break in the proceedings, as I outline a basic [non-I SPY] roundup of 'SPARKY' comic, circa 1969.
'LOOK OUT for the AMAZING MASTERMIND MACHINE.......next week'
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alanultron5
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Re: I SPY--------- THE FIRST EPIC SERIAL
"Fantas-Magorian" was still a good story, even if I don't quite rate it at the very top of the Les B era! Ep one lets it down for me-as I explained earlier; but the finale is WONDERFUL!!
I had read (and kept) virtually every Sparky since it began in Jan 65. I didn't notice I.Spy that much untill the "Mud Mansion" two parter with Mr X' first real appearance! After that I really began to find it exhillerating and loved the move to longer stories! Only the "Terrible Grannie" story was `below par` for me after that! There was one real `stinker` of the Brian Walker B/W period! It was a Three parter from early 71.
The year 1970! I regard that as the tenth year of the 60s! I loved the music scene that year because pure teen pop virtually died out! Into the singles charts came names such as Jethro Tull, Fleetwood Mac, Frigid Pink, Creddence Clearwater Revival, Family, Free, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Chicago, Arrival, Rattles, C.C.S, Joni Mitchell, Melanie, Canned Heat, Ten Years After etc! Free hit No1 on three charts with "All Right Now" as did Deep Purple with "Black Night" In Oct 70 both Purple and Sabbath were in the Top Three!
My cousin took me to the Bath Festival at Shepton Mallet in Somerset in July 70. Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd were two of the top acts there! A great year for me! As well as all this; Sparky went from strength-to strength in 1970, HOORAY!!
I had read (and kept) virtually every Sparky since it began in Jan 65. I didn't notice I.Spy that much untill the "Mud Mansion" two parter with Mr X' first real appearance! After that I really began to find it exhillerating and loved the move to longer stories! Only the "Terrible Grannie" story was `below par` for me after that! There was one real `stinker` of the Brian Walker B/W period! It was a Three parter from early 71.
The year 1970! I regard that as the tenth year of the 60s! I loved the music scene that year because pure teen pop virtually died out! Into the singles charts came names such as Jethro Tull, Fleetwood Mac, Frigid Pink, Creddence Clearwater Revival, Family, Free, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Chicago, Arrival, Rattles, C.C.S, Joni Mitchell, Melanie, Canned Heat, Ten Years After etc! Free hit No1 on three charts with "All Right Now" as did Deep Purple with "Black Night" In Oct 70 both Purple and Sabbath were in the Top Three!
My cousin took me to the Bath Festival at Shepton Mallet in Somerset in July 70. Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd were two of the top acts there! A great year for me! As well as all this; Sparky went from strength-to strength in 1970, HOORAY!!
A Face unclouded by thought.
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alanultron5
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Re: I SPY--------- THE FIRST EPIC SERIAL
Ah! nearly forgot! Regarding I.Spy's modus operatus! (Wot!?) his geology and vulcanology was way off! Volcano's form due to techtonic friction which is very close to Earth's surface! No Volcano's ever form via route from Earth core!
If anyone did try to drill down they would possibly the same result as happened in 1970 Dr Who story "Inferno".
Interestingly, in late 1969 both USA and USSR did attempt (briefly) very deep penetration of Earth Mantle! US called their's "Project Mo Hole" USSR unamed! Both abandoned due to pressure stress on drill heads! The pressure would have crushed poor old I.Spy before he even got ten miles down!
That is your lesson for today! I hope you all paid attention as questions may be asked later!
If anyone did try to drill down they would possibly the same result as happened in 1970 Dr Who story "Inferno".
Interestingly, in late 1969 both USA and USSR did attempt (briefly) very deep penetration of Earth Mantle! US called their's "Project Mo Hole" USSR unamed! Both abandoned due to pressure stress on drill heads! The pressure would have crushed poor old I.Spy before he even got ten miles down!
That is your lesson for today! I hope you all paid attention as questions may be asked later!
A Face unclouded by thought.
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ISPYSHHHGUY
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Re: I SPY--------- THE FIRST EPIC SERIAL
when drilling to the centre of the earth was proved to be a no-no, NASA started blasting ROCKETS at the MOON in an attempt to discover ice reserves: sounds like a MR X scheme to me!
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alanultron5
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Re: I SPY--------- THE FIRST EPIC SERIAL
The "I.Spy" series really went from strength to strength in 1969. The early episodes are still very enjoyable and it is facinating to see how it evolves! The eight part "Mr X" story really lifted it to new heights and the "Mr Tempest" story was a real Gem! The only real `mis-fire` in my opinion was the "Terrible Grannie" story!
The "Fantas-Magorian" story is certainly better than average! It's a bit like a sunspot, if you can catch my meaning! On it's own it shines! However-it falls between two OUTSTANDING! stories in the 1969-70 season!
As the series enters 1970 we get a new villian of outstanding excellence! A fellow that quickly becomes every bit as deadly a threat to I.Spy as Mr X ever was! The debut story of said new `menace` saw a change to three page episodes and much larger panels that in my view gave Les Barton a chance to really experiment in his work.
There is a final Mr X story that gets as bizarre as you can get! Part of the fun in first reading was guessing `how it was done!`
Of course the season finale! Well! what can I say! For me, the final story is SHEER, UTTER BRILLIANCE! What a plot! And Les' artwork really at it's peak! An incredible ending to boot! By the finish of the Les Barton era "I.Spy" was in all possibility the most popular Sparky story of the papers life!
The "Fantas-Magorian" story is certainly better than average! It's a bit like a sunspot, if you can catch my meaning! On it's own it shines! However-it falls between two OUTSTANDING! stories in the 1969-70 season!
As the series enters 1970 we get a new villian of outstanding excellence! A fellow that quickly becomes every bit as deadly a threat to I.Spy as Mr X ever was! The debut story of said new `menace` saw a change to three page episodes and much larger panels that in my view gave Les Barton a chance to really experiment in his work.
There is a final Mr X story that gets as bizarre as you can get! Part of the fun in first reading was guessing `how it was done!`
Of course the season finale! Well! what can I say! For me, the final story is SHEER, UTTER BRILLIANCE! What a plot! And Les' artwork really at it's peak! An incredible ending to boot! By the finish of the Les Barton era "I.Spy" was in all possibility the most popular Sparky story of the papers life!
A Face unclouded by thought.
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ISPYSHHHGUY
- Posts: 4275
- Joined: 14 Oct 2007, 13:05
- Location: BLITZVILLE, USA
Re: I SPY--------- THE FIRST EPIC SERIAL
I know that I've slightly cheated by already entering two episodes of 'I SPY' from JAN, 1970; ; however,------ before leaving 1969 altogether,---- I want to do an overview of
COMIC, in the year:
-----as there was much, much more to 'SPARKY' than just it's premier secret agent during this year. Over the next few postings, I will try and avoid mentioning ' I SPY' altogether, if at all possible, and concentrate on the other varied material that featured in the title.....whether memorable or otherwise.
JANUARY in this year, of course, saw the final remnants of 'SPARKY'S' past, including this typically olde-style swashbuckling tale, [artist unknown]:
---this sort of tale would hang around the comic in one form or another until at least 1972, before being elbowed out completely, in favour of 'all-cartoon' material which engulfed all humorous titles, eventually.....
-----next up, most of you must be familiar with 'PETER PIPER', which began life as a vintage DUDLEY D. WATKINS vehicle [possibly in 'MAGIC', decades earlier]; in common with 'KEYHOLE KATE', HUNGRY HORACE' and 'PANSY POTTER', this was another early D C T strip adapted for the brave new 'SPARKY' of 1965 onwards........I want to show this earlier, comparitively 'new' update of the character as rendered by VIC NEILL, whose style, in early '69 especially, was noticably more elaborate than later on, when his style settled into his more easily-recognizable style:
---and next we have the aforementioned 'PANSY', as envisaged by the prolific BOB WEBSTER who had a very prolific style and contributed muchos material to the comic in this period [PANSY'S hairstyle, though it looks curiosly archaic here, is actually a late '60s 'update' from her more familiar 'spikeytop' barnet, which would return before long]:
COMIC, in the year:
-----as there was much, much more to 'SPARKY' than just it's premier secret agent during this year. Over the next few postings, I will try and avoid mentioning ' I SPY' altogether, if at all possible, and concentrate on the other varied material that featured in the title.....whether memorable or otherwise.
JANUARY in this year, of course, saw the final remnants of 'SPARKY'S' past, including this typically olde-style swashbuckling tale, [artist unknown]:
---this sort of tale would hang around the comic in one form or another until at least 1972, before being elbowed out completely, in favour of 'all-cartoon' material which engulfed all humorous titles, eventually.....
-----next up, most of you must be familiar with 'PETER PIPER', which began life as a vintage DUDLEY D. WATKINS vehicle [possibly in 'MAGIC', decades earlier]; in common with 'KEYHOLE KATE', HUNGRY HORACE' and 'PANSY POTTER', this was another early D C T strip adapted for the brave new 'SPARKY' of 1965 onwards........I want to show this earlier, comparitively 'new' update of the character as rendered by VIC NEILL, whose style, in early '69 especially, was noticably more elaborate than later on, when his style settled into his more easily-recognizable style:
---and next we have the aforementioned 'PANSY', as envisaged by the prolific BOB WEBSTER who had a very prolific style and contributed muchos material to the comic in this period [PANSY'S hairstyle, though it looks curiosly archaic here, is actually a late '60s 'update' from her more familiar 'spikeytop' barnet, which would return before long]:
Last edited by ISPYSHHHGUY on 16 Mar 2009, 11:40, edited 1 time in total.
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ISPYSHHHGUY
- Posts: 4275
- Joined: 14 Oct 2007, 13:05
- Location: BLITZVILLE, USA
Re: I SPY--------- THE FIRST EPIC SERIAL
above; 'HARRY CARRY', drawn by JAMES CAMERON, another prolific contributer to 'SPARKY' in it's mid-period: his work never expanded past mid-'69 regarding this comic, however; a shame, as I enjoyed his work, which was rendered in a more AMERICAN style.
Next, the final front-page appearance of the much-maligned, ultra-controversial 'SPARKY' character, who even to this very day, can elicit much gnashing of teeth [and hair being torn out] by right-minded liberals, not to mention the well-meaning 'P C' set: little did artist RON SPENCER realize his cartoon creation would kindle such heated debate a full 4 decades later.
MORE on SPARKY later.....