Adventure Comics #439 (June 1975)
title: "Father Time's Inn!"
writer: Joe Samachson
art: Lee Elias
editor: Joe Orlando
cover: Jim Aparo (signed)
Synopsis:
Green Arrow and Speedy find themselves in a village in the Land of Magic, and go in to Father Time's Inn to try to pick up information and find a way home. Inside the lobby they find Father Time arguing with First Quarter Moon, who wanted to shine at his moment of glory but feels he was robbed of it because of a solar eclipse. He insists Father Time let him take Full Moon's place.
Unfortunately for First Quarter Moon, Father Time won't re-arrange everyone's schedule. Moon gets angry, and punches are thrown. Green Arrow and Speedy find themselves pulled into the battle, defeated by Mars and Mercury in conjunction.
Father Time has the two Soldiers tied up, and intends to make them into new constellations after he sorts out the problem with First Quarter Moon. In that chance, Green Arrow is able to turn Father Time's hourglass upside down, making time run backwards. Their ropes are then untied naturally, and Green Arrow and Speedy are free. Father Time notices the change, however, and pulls Sagittarius and Cancer down to stop them.
Green Arrow speaks up to stop the quarrel from First Quarter Moon. He suggests that First Quarter teams up with Last Quarter to take the place of Full Moon. The moons all happily agree,and Father Time gladly sends the battling bowmen back to Earth on a comet.
Green Arrow speaks up to stop the quarrel from First Quarter Moon. He suggests that First Quarter teams up with Last Quarter to take the place of Full Moon. The moons all happily agree,and Father Time gladly sends the battling bowmen back to Earth on a comet.
Commentary:
As explained in the earlier posts about this story, "The Land of Magic" was written in 1945 but was not published until 30 years later!
This story was illustrated by Lee Elias, who was actually the artist on Green Arrow during his run in the back-up spot in World's Finest Comics in the late '50s and early '60s. So he's familiar with the characters and knows what he is doing. Although the final appearance of the Seven Soldiers in Leading Comics #14 was the group's last appearance, it was NOT the end for Green Arrow and Speedy. In fact, their spotlight never went out, going from More Fun Comics (their home in the '40s) to World's Finest Comics and Adventure Comics (their homes in the '50s and '60s). And as most people know, Green Arrow and Speedy are still characters in the DCU today. It was established that these characters are from Earth-2 (the same universe as the Justice Society of America) when they "returned" from limbo in the pages of Justice League of America #s 100-102.
As a story, this is another goofy one. Green Arrow and Speedy and Father Time are all drawn in a classic heroic style, but the celestial bodies, such as the two quarter moons, are drawn in a more cartoony style that somehow, oddly, fits the story. And the constellations that literally drop from the sky to attack our heroes are drawn in a classic Roman (?) style. Very fast-paced story that keeps you entertained through its six pages.
Just as a reminder, besides the Green Arrow and Speedy the other Seven Soldiers of Victory were the Crimson Avenger, the Shining Knight, the Star-Spangled Kid and Stripesy, and the Vigilante. Considered an unofficial (honorary?) Soldier was the Crimson Avenger's partner, Wing.
This story has not yet been reprinted. Therefore, I gladly reproduce the six page story here it its entirety, exactly as it appeared in its comic-book form.
This story was illustrated by Lee Elias, who was actually the artist on Green Arrow during his run in the back-up spot in World's Finest Comics in the late '50s and early '60s. So he's familiar with the characters and knows what he is doing. Although the final appearance of the Seven Soldiers in Leading Comics #14 was the group's last appearance, it was NOT the end for Green Arrow and Speedy. In fact, their spotlight never went out, going from More Fun Comics (their home in the '40s) to World's Finest Comics and Adventure Comics (their homes in the '50s and '60s). And as most people know, Green Arrow and Speedy are still characters in the DCU today. It was established that these characters are from Earth-2 (the same universe as the Justice Society of America) when they "returned" from limbo in the pages of Justice League of America #s 100-102.
As a story, this is another goofy one. Green Arrow and Speedy and Father Time are all drawn in a classic heroic style, but the celestial bodies, such as the two quarter moons, are drawn in a more cartoony style that somehow, oddly, fits the story. And the constellations that literally drop from the sky to attack our heroes are drawn in a classic Roman (?) style. Very fast-paced story that keeps you entertained through its six pages.
Just as a reminder, besides the Green Arrow and Speedy the other Seven Soldiers of Victory were the Crimson Avenger, the Shining Knight, the Star-Spangled Kid and Stripesy, and the Vigilante. Considered an unofficial (honorary?) Soldier was the Crimson Avenger's partner, Wing.
Be back tomorrow for Chapter 4 starring The Crimson Avenger and Wing!
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