I SPY--------- THE SECOND EPIC SERIES

[ISPYSHHHGUY]

cont: the relentless invention and pacing never lets up at any time within this tale, and although some of the elements in this chapter have featured before, [I SPY as PUBLIC ENEMY NO.1/ Bombardment from a surrounding mega-army] there are still more than enough new wonders on view here, which include the delightful 'sky-coloured paint' [just washed off as two RAF jets fly by!] and the telescopic pillar-box disguise, ----an especially memorable sight-gag. Great ariel shot on page one as I SPY ducks-n-dives the explosive volleys, and also a very unusual image of poor BOSS minus his overcoat.

Mastermind suavely relishes his desired position as master of Britain [a role that MR X had assumed only the previous year] but thus far, his aims seem simply to plunder the UK of it's material assets. Also time for a good old-time visual gag as I SPY confounds an elderly newspaper-vendor, who seems to provide copious quantities of the DAILY SPY. [Just how many spies actually frequent this comic-world? Enough to make a daily mass-produced daily paper for them all, it appears....]


Another well-paced, finely-tuned offering, in a tip-top tale crammed with much of what we admire from this sterling strip.

I SPY'S DEVICES: internal rocket-engine/ steel spike [heavy duty/ insta-smoke-screen/ sky-coloured paint with spray-wash removal capabilities/ insta-red Pillar-box disguise.


NEXT WEEK------THE FINAL BATTLE!

[steelclaw]

ISPYSHHHGUY
Nice strip of I Spy, I wonder when they stopped characters smoking in comics?

[ISPYSHHHGUY]

I've no idea, Steelclaw, but smoking was widespread in comics of the era, as you're doubtless aware......I've never been a smoker myself, and it featured in many issues of this strip, so so much for the corrupting effects of 'advertising' ciggie-smoking for minors.

I must admit, the act of smoking does appear noticable in comics when seen today, though.

I was reading this week about media mogul Simon Cowell, and apparantly his power is on par with Mastermind: he is the sole person in his entire office complex who is allowed to smoke indoors, anywhere!

[Digifiend]

I was reading this week about media mogul Simon Cowell, and apparantly his power is on par with Mastermind: he is the sole person in his entire office complex who is allowed to smoke indoors, anywhere!

Isn't that illegal? You can't smoke in the workplace any more.

[alanultron5]

He probably `was` Mastermind in a previous life! (S.Cowell) I got my panels a bit askew! I meant panels one & two in row two! Page two of ep six!

This issue is tough to get as its one of four Sparky issues that bizarrely are numbered 316 to 319! Only if a seller of E.Bay or 26 Pigs et al gives date as well, can you be sure of getting correct one! I can send you a direct Photo-Copy Rab if you need a better print of this ep! Contact me privatly if you need one!

Going back to Mahairee and Tempest! Yes! it would have been interesting to see Brian Walker versions! I would have quite liked to see Brians artistic take on "Operation I. Spy / Grab"

I think there could have been at least one more good Mr Tempest story in the bag-but it was not to be! Neither he-nor Mahairee ever troubled the I. Spy pages again, (Even in "Champ") so I presume they `bought it` in the great explosion!

Speaking of Mahairee! In "Operation I. Spy" he was portrayed rather more somberly than the "Fantasmajor Diamond" story! No "Quivering Curry Plants" dialogue in "Operation" or his beard having prehensile properties! I suspect that had he been used in a Walker story 1970-71 then he would have been made even more `serious`.

Back to "Copycat" Ep 6. I actually laughed out loud in 71 when Boss' coat got `whipped off!` Still find it funny now!

Mastermind really comes across as I. Spy's very-most deadly (Sorry Rab!) Foe in the way he `sets up` the Sssshguy to take all the blame for `his` crimes!

Now! If anyone can put up a portrait of Mr X in high heel stilletoes, Feather Boa and a Basque- that will really be something to get drunk about this Christmas!!

[ISPYSHHHGUY]

SPARKY issue 321, : 13/3/71.

I SPY and the COPYCAT: seventh, concluding chapter.

I Spy wins in the end......THANKS TO A FEW SPOTS OF GLUE!


synopsis: Mastermind completes his masterstroke of systematically looting the British Isles of it's material wealth, the conoys of riches secure in cargo-loads of Jumbo-Jets, awaiting his departure from Heathrow. I Spy, meanwhile, is trapped in Secret Service HQ's heavy-duty dungeon cell, which is so reinforced, it even appears I SPY-proof; his super can-opener, or indeed, his atomic drill can barely leave a scratch on the strengthened-steel walls. Furthermore, high-velocity explosives leave but a mere dent at the bottom of the wall!

Mastermind eerily comes to gloat at the cell-door of his dreaded foe, taunting him with the news that he has stripped the UK of all wealth, after it had been signed over to MM by his cabinet of copies. The suave scoundrel departs , leering dementedly, just as I SPY despatches his super 'Nuclear-Hydraulic Jack', which is a sort of 'super-upper', which elevates an escape hole large enough for our hero to escape from.

I Spy flies onwards to Heathrow Airport, overtaking Mastermind, and initiates an act of industrial sabotage, unseen at this point. He then speeds round to Darkmoor Prison, where Mastermind in in the process of releasing the real MPS he has temporarily jailed. Our hero flies into view, and Mastermind activates his copycat machine one last time, creating a large section of prison wall which is in direct line of I Spy's flightpath. Drilling his way clean through, the shhh! guy blasts the villain's demonic machine to smithereens, and presently Mastermind and valet James are trussed up in ropes.


I Spy frees the imprisoned PM/MPs, who are alarmed to hear that all UK reserves have been looted, and, naturally dismissing I Spy's recounting of Mastermind's copying capabilities, the fake Prime Minister is hauled in as proof. Mastermind, meanwhile, has escaped from the bonds that bind him, and he comandeers the squad of jets, ordering his lackeys that they flee the UK with the spoils. Patent superglue prepared by I Spy earlier see the 'planes bite the dust, and Mastermind is thwarted. Later, I Spy, Boss and the real Prime Minister sit to a enjoy a delightful spread of 'classic English breakfast', served politely by the still-extant fake PM.





above:Mastermind gleefully gloats at the imprisoned plight of his despised nemesis. Great moody ambience in these frames.

[ISPYSHHHGUY]

cont: The final chapter of this cracking fable depicts the resplendent Mastermind successfully transferring the spoils of the UK'S collective wealth onto a fleet of planes, where presumably he intends fleeing these shores and setting up a private empire in a luxurious tropical island. Mastermind's ambitions seem limited to sheer basic greed in this story, however, his supreme act of leaving the UK totally peniless is quite a coup, and makes the recent real-life greed of UK politicians seem restrained in comparison!

Fab scenes early on here as I SPY'S more powerful devices fail to breach the toughened security cell that holds him: unusually, his best devices fall apart [well, at least in one case], and great moody ambience as Mastermind taunts our hero from the other side of the cell-door, which clearly amuses and satisfies the power-crazed Mastermind.The 'Nuclear-Hydraulic-Jack is one of the most memorable-ever secret devices, followed by fine use of comic invention at the mid-point with the 'doubled wall' gag.

Again, I Spy's use of SUPERGLUE seems to pre-date the real item [which was definately available commercially in the 70s, but I doubt if it existed in '71, other than in the equipment licensed out to I SPY.]

This story rounds off with a charming, almost Avengers-like scenario of I Spy and Boss enjoying a rare treat of tea, buttered scones and muffins, which is the perfect antidote to the high-tech shenanigans that have permeated this overall top-quality story.

This final episode is essentially a 'tie-up-the-loose-ends-affair, that nicely caps the very imaginitive spy-scenarios depicted earlier.

I SPY'S DEVICES: super can-opener/ searchlight/ atomic drill/ sticks of dinamite/ Nuclear Hydraulic Jack----with remote-control---/ internal rocket-engine/ hat-elevated superdrill. with: superglue [heavy duty].









That's all from I SPY for now-----He's off for a spot of well-earned leave. Look out for the MINI-MARTINS next week.


I SPY will return in the SEVEN-STONE SUPERMEN

[alanultron5]

It is possibly the last of the TRULY!! Superb stories along with "V Mr X" "Mastermind Machines" "Operation I. Spy" and "Ghost of Mr X". I only just rate it by one trillionth above "Ghost of..." as Mastermind is in it! Mastermind sealed his place alongside Mr X as one of two foes who were I. Spy's deadliest enemies! I suspect that like me, Peter Clark and Brian Walker rated him just deadliest foe (Sorry Rab!) by yet again awarding the season finale (A bit like the `bill topper` on "London Palladium") to a Mastermind story!!!

The story does leave one `loose end` though! And a major one at that!! We are led to believe that because the `Copycat` is destroyed that the duplicate PM is still `alive`. Then so are every member of the Cabinet and Security Chiefs as -in my logic- if fake PM hasn't been turned off then neither have they!! Mastermind hadn't got around to that yet!

Sadly this plot `cock-up` resulted because Pete Clark obviously wanted to end the story with fake PM serving tea etc! It is a pity that storylines were `mucked up` for the sake of a `Joke` but I. Spy was still only deemed a `fun strip` by its makers!

In truth, the destruction of the `Copycat` would end the `false lives` of all duplicates! We can only hope that fake PM and `others` faded away after some time! If not, they would have to be killed!!

It was a strange mini-season of four stories! "Ghost of Mr X" and "Copycat" two towering achievements indeed! The "Fatman" opener was fair to decent, depending on your taste! Sadly, the "Voice" was a utter `dud` which sadly, was a sign of things about one year ahead!

[Digifiend]

Again, I Spy's use of SUPERGLUE seems to pre-date the real item [which was definately available commercially in the 70s, but I doubt if it existed in '71, other than in the equipment licensed out to I SPY.]

SuperGlue launched in 1958, having been invented in 1942. http://www.supergluecorp.com/history.html

[ISPYSHHHGUY]

I certainly don't question your references, Digi, but if it [superglue] was available, it never reached my local shops 'til at least the mid-70s. It doubtless existed, but it was the reserve of scientific departments [and I SPY!] for a long time before it was easily bought in shops; I definately remember the time when SUPERGLUE came along: it definately wasn't available to buy when I was a kid........

[alanultron5]

Its a bit like "Vidoe Recorders" Rab! These actually were in existance way before their late 1970s commercial release! TV and film companies used them in the 1960s. WWWT (Welsh TV) who lost their franchise in 1968 sold of theirs and I know the fellow who purchased one from them for £100 quid in `68`.

Back to the I. Spy eps! Not wanting to ruin Rabs presentation of the final four B/W stories from June to Nov 1971. What I do say is that to me now (I never saw most of it in 71) these four stories are very much on a `level par`.

Unlike "Ghost" and "Copycat" from the Oct 70 to Mar 71 series no stories are in the class of those two-to me! But none are anywhere poor like "The Voice" In fact; I rate all better than the "Fatman" story too!

In a strange reversal of the 70-71 series, it is the two `non` great villian stories (the first and third) that-to me- have the more intriguing plots in this series, unlike the weaker two in the 70-71 run!

I don't know if Rab or anyone else agrees with this viewpoint-but to my eyes their is a definate loss of Brian Walkers top rate style-especially in stories two and four! They just do not compare to the truly superb artwork of "Ghost" and "Copycat" gems of artwork!

[ISPYSHHHGUY]

Although the absolute high-points of the b/w WALKER I SPY may have passed by this point, Alan, the remainder of the series still contained a lot of worthwhile stuff, I felt, with great quirky qualities scattered throughout.....


----okay:


serial five:

Q'S QUEST for SUPREMACY:


I SPY and the seven-stone SUPERMEN.

----a gothic-chiller photoplay in five gloom-filled chapters.




The strip had been out of the running for a few weeks, but returned afresh on June 5, 1971 with yet another direction in the spy-shenanigans. This gloomy, sombre tale ,----which is nevertheless laced with shards of macabre black humour--------represents the always-refreshing I SPY diatribe of ekeing out new fronteirs, with scriptwriter PETER CLARK exploring new avenues for his dream-like scripts.


episode one: 5/6/71: part one of five.

A famous runner is the first ingredient.......of Doctor Q's superman recipe!


synopsis: A gloomy stately home sets the scene for a creepy plot: a 6o-something, warped boffin -----DOCTOR Q----ushers in a shifty set of five motley underworld chancers, who are intruiged at the demented genius' offer to transform them into super-fit/brave/ strong/clever/ leadership beings capable of ruling the world: a demonic, lethal-looking machine [behind a curtain] will make this evil dream a reality.The petty criminals are required as pawns to assist in the plot: a whiteboard outlines a list of 5 desirables who are required for their superior qualities: JOHN SWIFT, the athlete, SAM SUNN the strong-arm showman, Prof INE STEIN, the PRIME MINISTER, and I SPY.

Later, I SPY and BOSS are relaxing, watching athletics on TV......presently, one of DR Q's new lackeys is in the athletes' changing-rooms, swapping a high-tech pair of booby-trapped running-shoes for the real thing. On the running-track, John Swift literally roars into the lead: rocketing into the skies, courtesy of the docs' rocket-powered shoes! I Spy and Boss race to the scene, capturing the runner on radar. The bewildered Swift, meanwhile is guided towards DR Q's hideaway home, where the shoes conk out, and he falls through a skylight, landing in a throne-like chair, which manacles him securely.


DR Q operates a teapot which activates his deadly machine, and off-frame, a chilling transformation of Swift is taking place. The unfortunate athlete disappears clear off the radar, and the evidently altered Swift [who is labelled and placed in a small drawer] is filed for later use. The triumphant Q scores Swift from his hit-list: the mechanics of the diabolical plan are running very nicely.






above: the scene is set very effectively in this eerily-shrouded tableaux.

[ISPYSHHHGUY]

cont: This tale kicks off in cracking form, and is one of the most effective mysteries in the overall canon, with the abominable DOCTOR Q securing----for me, at least-----the acolade of attaining the title of I SPY's most chilling and potentially evil opponent: indeed, the final page of this three-page nightmare scenario has the distinction of being the only I SPY tale that ever slightly disturbed me. Something indeed terrible has happened to Swift----has he been miniaturized?-------------because it has occured 'off-camera', it heightens the dream-like tension and creates sinister drama of a very potent calibre.

Q is quite a chilling creation, with his portly, purely scientific outlook. He chubby-cheeked demenour belies his sinister thoughts, and visually he reminds me of the COACHMAN [to PLEASURE ISLAND] out of PINOCCHIO. There's a fair bit of plot to establish in this debut instalment, so not a great deal of I SPY in this one: great stuff overall, however, and a very nice logo heading, with its' almost carnival, Victorian-style lettering.




above: the demonic, decidedly disturbing activation of Q's crackpot machine: what on earth has become of the tragic Swift?


I SPY'S DEVICES: internal rocket-engine/ hat-extended radar tracker.



CAN ISPY FOIL THE DOCTOR'S EVIL PLAN? MORE THRILLS NEXT WEEK!

[alanultron5]

Q looks to me an amalgum of two veteran UK character actors Peter Bull and Willoughby Goddard! Though I only read two eps before ending my Sparky years! I did feel that Q could have been the third top eschelon villian...up there with Mr X and Mastermind! Sadly, the strip when going into colour totally abandoned such good ideals!

P.S I only recently cottoned on that `Fingers`(the Voice) was one of Dr Q's `helpers`

[alanultron5]

Dr Q might not have been quite at X or Mastermind levels-as with Mr Tempest his `scope` of villiany was limited! X & Mastermind could turn their hand to most forms of villiany but Tempest and Q were specialists in one field! Dr Q could have made a couple of returns though!