Weekly Update 7/22/19

Sorry for the late update today!

Superheros in the 1960's/ early 70's seems largely motivated by one thing: an innate sense of civic responsibility. With some (Spider-Man), it's more explicit than others. But we never question why Iron Man or Vision are fighting so hard to defeat criminals or to save the world, it's built into their moral fiber that they can fight... so they must. And one consistent theme that is tied into this responsibility is the idea that these powers are a burden and stop our heroes from living fulfilling personal lives.

That idea of power as a burden of responsibility is an interesting one, because the implied subtext is that enjoying your powers or using them for anything other than pure altruism would be selfish and can only lead to darkness. This dynamic being so pervasive is somewhat surprising to me, as it would seem obvious to make superpowers seem like a fun escapist power fantasy, at least occasionally, rather than always an anchor around our heroes' necks.

We have gotten a moment here or there showing Peter Parker using webslinging as an outlet for his stress, but it will be interesting to see powers discussed as more than solely tools for altruism. 

This week's episode is Marvel Year Ten: 1971 Variant Cover, out today 7/22/19. Please get any 1972 feedback for us to discuss on our next Variant Cover episode by 8/6/19. You can send it to mymarvelousyear@gmail.com

THE COMICS COVERED FOR 1972, PT. 1 ARE:

Marvel Team-Up #1
Shanna the She-Devil #1
Amazing Adventures #11-12
Marvel Premiere #1
Tomb of Dracula #1-2
Fantastic Four #122-123
Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1
Avengers #95-97

 THE COMICS COVERED FOR 1972, PT. 2 ARE:
Avengers #102-104
Marvel Spotlight #2-5
Defenders #1-3
Amazing Spider-Man #113-115

In addition, $3+ Patrons will get access to Extra Issues, the bonus newsletter that fleshes out each year's readings.

Extra Issues: 1971 will cover T'challa's origin, Red Wolf, Red Skull vs. Dr Doom, and more!

EXTRA ISSUES 1971:

Captain America # 134
Astonishing Tales #4-5
Avengers #87
Savage Tales #1
Captain America # 139
Marvel Spotlight #1
Dardevil #81

UPCOMING PODCAST SCHEDULE:

July 22: Marvel Year Ten: 1971 Variant Cover
July 29: Marvel Year Eleven: 1972 Pt. 1
August 5: Marvel Year Eleven: 1972 Pt. 2
August 6: Feedback for 1972's Variant Cover Due
August 12: Marvel Year Eleven: 1972 Variant Cover
August 19: Marvel Year Twelve: 1973 Pt. 1

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You can find all the My Marvelous Year reading lists here and check out the rest of what Comic Book Herald has to offer here.
Thanks for joining us on this journey through Marvel comics!