This issue of ‘Back Issue’ has the sub-title of ‘Support Staff’. I think I might have called it ‘Supporting Characters’ to be a bit more grey because some of them are actually leaders. Afterall, as seen by the cover, Amanda Waller is a lot higher than that as she runs Task Force X aka the Suicide Squad in an efficient way. I love the way she’s putting Batman to task on the cover, based off Suicide Squad # 10, apparently because she threatened to find out his secret identity. Methinks I need to see that story. You can find it in the graphic novel, ‘Suicide Squad: Trail By Fire’. Potentially, Waller could do this to any of the super-heroes who crosses his path. Writer John Kirk goes into her history over DC Universe remakes showing how she had become a fixture. Only once have they ever had her shed weight and that version wasn’t so successful.
Writer Matt Merante draws attention to Franklin ‘Foggy’ Nelson and his history with Matt Murdock. His nickname might be a misnomer as he snores in his sleep. He might be a smart lawyer but he also misses spotting his partner being Daredevil. Even so, he’s had a busy life. If you’re building up a supporting cast in stories, then it’s important to not isolate or use them only when needed. Giving them a life of their own is the means to develop them.
I have to confess to not reading enough of the early Vampirella stories to know about Mordecai Pendragon, whom Vampi becomes an assistant. Writer Dewey Cassell gives his history. Definitely a sot (that’s a drunk) but Vampi takes a liking to him.
Writer John Wells looks at the life of Krypto and how various writers had to determine whether he should have thought word balloons for the readers. I’m glad he acknowledged the Legion Of Super-Pets and the Space Canine Patrol Agents but wished he’d covered both organisations in more detail if for no other reason than explaining how they talked telepathically, which would have gone a long way to explaining Krypto’s own intelligence.
Writer James Heath Lantz looks into the life of Mary Jane Watson as Peter Parker hits the jackpot with her. Actually, based on the length of his article, I’m surprised she hadn’t been covered before. From the start, when John Romita drew her, MJ had all the makings of prolonged supporting character, even if she was taken off the map for 4 years.
I only really knew Oberon from his time in the Justice League with Scott Free. Writer Robert Jeschonek’s article covers his entire history, even if I’m no wiser about his time on Apokolips, more so as that nice Darkseid seems to treat him as a pal when he meets him.
I would have thought the Warriors Three, Fandral, Hogum and Volstagg, would have been covered before. Writer Joseph Norton points out that they first appeared in 1965 although I can’t recall the story, remembering them more in the 1970s. He doesn’t note that they aren’t really part of Norse mythology, although Valhalla makes it feasible. As noted from above, supporting characters are effective if they have their own lives and these three surely qualify as that.
The last article by Brian Martin as he interviews Roy Thomas, Michael ‘Mickey’ Eury, Peter Sanderson and Ralph Macchio. Their common connection is they all started off as letterhacks, specifically into DC and Marvel comics. Considering my own record in getting letters into most magazines I read plus the Daily Mirror regularly, I share some of their reaction. The first time and you’re walking on the ceiling. From then on, you do more to prove it isn’t a fluke. You still have to have something to say and stand out from the rest of the letters. I do agree with them it’s a dying art and needs your support. Although the likes of social media give an almost instant reaction, a lot of editors think letters columns aren’t worth anything anymore. I tend to think they are wrong because not everyone uses them and it’s useful to see a physical reaction to the precious issues that’s off-line.
In many respects, we could do with another issue or three on this theme because there are so many supporting characters. For a starter, this is a fun read.
GF Willmetts
October 2026
(pub: TwoMorrows Publishing. 82 page illustrated magazine. Price: $10.95 (US). ISSN: 1932-6904. Direct from them, you can get it for $ (US))
check out websites: www.TwoMorrows.com and https://twomorrows.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=98_54&products_id=1886&zenid=qpvrhl3oio9pijuq1ov4722u17
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