Written by (See Below).
Art by (See Below).
Cover Art by Stephen DeStefano.
SUMMARY:
DC Comics released this 48-page issue for July 1987.
- “The Warlord Exiles” (15 pages). Written by Michael Fleisher, with art by Adam Kubert & Jerry Serpe. Narrated in flashback from a Siberian prison camp, traitorous American soldier Danny Maddox relates how his childhood feud with classmate Travis Morgan later erupts into a Vietnam War-related dogfight over Russia. Inadvertently, Maddox’s effort at vengeance sets up Travis Morgan’s arrival in the subterranean swords-and-sorcery realm of Skartaris.
- “’Mazing Man” (1 page). Written by Bob Rozaskis, with art by Stephen DeStefano; Karl Kesel; & Bob Lappan. Briefly revealed is Siegfried Horatio Hunch III’s dumpster-diving that results in his makeshift super-hero helmet.
- “The Secret Origin of the Golden Age Hourman” (22 pages). Written by Roy Thomas & Dann Thomas, with art by Michael Bair; Mike Gustovich; Carl Gafford; David Cody Weiss; & Austin Mas. Note: The story is adapted from the 1940 tale drawn by Bernard Bailey in Adventure Comics # 48. Revealed in Rex Tyler’s poignant 1985 letter to his son, Rick, the original Hourman explains his December 1939 origin giving insight re: why he created Miraclo. More so, the elder Tyler relates the first two missions he undertook as Hourman to help explain why he has changed his mind about Rick’s desire to succeed him.
REVIEW:
As routine this issue is, its contents (or the vast majority) are a welcome treat for comics fans. Though somewhat contrived, the initial tale is Danny Maddox’s story as a lifelong rival rather than the Warlord’s initial exploits in Skartaris. Still, Michael Fleisher’s writing offers a good read to accompany Adam Kubert’s excellent visuals. Re: the dubious comic relief of ‘Mazing Man’s supposed origin, perhaps the less said the better.
Saved for is the main feature faithfully updating Hourman’s first appearance. Suffice to say, the book-end context of Rex’s letter and the art team’s good visuals easily surpass an otherwise run-of-the mill origin tale. If anything, the genuine homage put forth by Roy & Dann Thomas is commendable. That is why the classy Secret Origins # 16 merits a chance for re-discovery — DC Comics keeps these original backstories simple for any reader to enjoy these adventures.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Within the two-page “Secret Admirers” letters-and-answers column is an Hourman overview by Roy Thomas. Also included is co-editor Robert Greenberger’s announcement of his departure from this series.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
