Back Issue #166 April 2026 (magazine review).
The subtitle of this 166th edition of Back Issue is ‘Partner Up!’, focusing on various comic book partnerships, although not necessarily sidekicks. The opening feature centres on Lois Lane and, as writer John Wells points out, she has existed for as long as Superman himself. Her history has shifted repeatedly over the decades, particularly regarding her relationship with the Man of Steel and whether she recognised Clark Kent’s true identity or merely pretended not to. The article also touches on their later married life.
It would actually be fascinating to see this expanded into a broader look at all the women in Superman’s life, especially since DC once published giant-sized issues dedicated to exactly that subject. Really, it was only Lana Lang and Lois Lane who became obsessively invested in the relationship, neither apparently stopping to consider just how thoroughly Superman dodged their questions. No one in-universe seems particularly bothered by the fact Lois’s hair colour has changed repeatedly over the decades either. Nevertheless, she is probably the longest-running female supporting character in American comic books.
I have never actually read the Hernandez brothers’ Love And Rockets. Writer Ben Herman explains the history of its two lead characters, Maggie and Hopey, along with the origins of their names. I finished the article considerably wiser about the characters, although still none the wiser about the title.
Writer Joseph Norton examines Peter Parker’s largely forgotten girlfriend, Debra Whitman, notable mainly because she disliked Spider-Man. Most of Parker’s relationships have been comparatively stable, even Felicia Hardy in her own chaotic fashion. Debra essentially entered the story because she worked for the same employer as Parker and inevitably fell for him. It was always destined to become a sticky relationship. Yes, the pun is unavoidable. Even when I originally read those stories, I never expected the romance to last.
I had never heard of Brat Pack by Rick Veitch, originally published in 1991, but writer Tom Powers not only explains the series but also interviews Veitch himself. Although I have not read the volumes, they sound like the complete antithesis of traditional sidekick stories, exploring what happens when young protégés break away from their mentors.
Writer Bryan D. Stroud turns his attention to Batman’s second partner. Originally, on Earth-Two, Batman’s trusted aide was the rotund, detective-style butler Alfred Beagle. Over time, continuity shifted, his appearance changed and, on Earth-One, he evolved into Alfred Pennyworth. I was already familiar with much of Alfred’s history, having reviewed several stories featuring him last year, but it is interesting seeing it all collected together here. I was initially tempted to say Batman was unique in having a butler within his inner circle, before remembering Tony Stark also had Edwin Jarvis. Admittedly, we rarely saw Jarvis actually performing traditional butler duties outside Avengers Mansion administration.
Writer Steven Thompson explores Milk & Cheese, Evan Dorkin’s strip featuring two perpetually enraged dairy products. It may simply be one of those uniquely American ideas, but the strip certainly conveys the feeling of being furious at absolutely everything.
I was slightly puzzled by the inclusion of Hawkeye and Mockingbird here because they were not merely partners but also a married couple. Writer Paul Burns provides a thorough rundown of their turbulent relationship. I am less convinced by his suggestion that Hawkeye barely escaped high school before becoming a carnival archer. The man designed trick arrows sophisticated enough to embarrass military engineers, so he clearly had plenty of intelligence. I always liked Mockingbird’s costume as well, although the odd head masks did not always flatter her appearance. Burns also notes that the pair were intended to parallel a certain famous DC Comics couple, although I had honestly never made that comparison because the characters feel fundamentally different.
As usual, this issue offers a mixed bag of subjects and characters. The things I already knew were enjoyable revisits and the things I did not know added considerably to my comic book lore. Always a worthwhile combination.
GF Willmetts
May 2026
(pub: TwoMorrows Publishing. 82-page illustrated magazine. Price: $10.95 (US). ISSN: 1932-6904. Direct from the publisher, you can order it for $10.95 (US).)
Check out the websites: www.TwoMorrows.com and Back Issue issue page
