History of Comic Books Chapter XXIII: Steve Ditko at DC (Ditko’s Departure Part 2)

 

Ditko was signed to DC in 1968, and worked there into the 70’s. This chapter will only focus on his contributions to the Silver Age of DC,  Hawk and Dove and The Creeper.

Hawk and Dove first appeared in Showcase #75, before getting a comic of their own. They are brothers Hank (Hawk) and Don(Dove) Hall. Their names come from the two divergent philosophies they personify. Hawk is the more aggressive of the two. Both brothers possess enhanced speed, strength, and agility when transformed. (Unlike their namesakes, neither can fly) Hawk represents the pro-war philosophy of the 60’s, while Dove is more of a pacifist. This comic is probably one of Ditko’s preachier creations, with Hawk’s personality being more in line with Ditko’s Randian perspective. As a result, readers are supposed to side with Hawk more than Dove. The duo soon joined the Teen Titans. In later years, other people have taken on their mantles, but retaining their divergent perspectives.

The Creeper is journalist Jack Ryder. He received a comic book of his own called Beware the Creeper. Jack has a wristwatch -like device that transforms him into The Creeper. He gains the persona when he rescues a scientist named Dr. Yatz, who injects him with a serum that enhances his strength, speed, and agility. As the Creeper, Ryder has a mischievous personality, but doesn’t use his powers for evil.

Since this may be the last time I talk about Ditko for a while, I thought I’d address a common criticism. Some see his adherence to Ayn Rand as a crutch, because he refused to work without being able to promote objectivism in some way. While I disagree with his views, I admire his desires to stick to his beliefs. It’s a shame that the 60’s were not the best environment for the creative control he desired. Today, his legacy is unmatched.

Next Time: Warren Comics

Advertisement

Morons at the Gate

On November 3rd, Joe Biden won the election. Rather than accept his loss like a mature adult would do, Trump threw fits on Twitter for two months and tried everything he could to negate the results and deny reality. Finally, he sought to his last refuge. He gave a speech to his base, telling them to march down Pennsylvania Avenue and do his dirty work. They ransacked the capitol, even going so far as to dump feces. They stole important data from computers. They defaced monuments. These were thugs, not patriots.

What’s even worse is they were practically let in! The police took selfies with these thugs! I now fully understand why NWA recorded “F the Police” . Because I guarantee if there were black people, it would’ve been worse! “Next time we won’t be peaceful!” ? You weren’t even peaceful this time! Five people died!

This was all the work of a brat who’s gotten his way his whole life. He tapped into their basest hatred and parwnoia and stoked a fire. And now they are again talking about impeachment. I doubt it will happen. Most of his cabinet have fled the sinking ship. We have people in the senate who were in lockstep with him.

Trump is now banned from social media. That’s not enough! He needs to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We need to do whatever it takes to prevent him from repeating this in 2024. Because it WILL be much worse. Trump is the worst president we have ever had! Even Nixon had the dignity to resign. And what will happen on the big day? Will someone attempt to assassinate Biden AND Harris?

But even that won’t stop the even bigger problem. Even after Biden is sworn in, the cult will still exist. They need deprogramming. They need to be reeducated. It can be done. I myself once voted Republican. But now I will no longer do so. Racism will never die. Nazism didn’t die in Germany.

I cannot sing America’s praises anymore. I hate my country. Nothing will change that now.