The Amalgam Age of Comics

What If Stan Lee and Steve Ditko Created Venom?

2011-11-15T01:06:00.001Z

In Amazing Spider-Man #15 (August 1964) Stan Lee and Steve Ditko introduced Spider-Man's most popular, and persistent foe!

Stan Lee recalls;

"My memory is usually not so good on how and when we came up with these characters, but I'll never forget how we came up with Venom, it's such a crazy story! I had a dream one night about two guys with these far out names...'Pickle-my-knee' and 'McFarley', something like that. Anyway, I dreamt these guys came up with the ultimate Spidey villain, and he looked just like Spidey, except he had this creepy grin stretched across his face! When I woke up, I called Steve straight away, and here's the thing I can't explain to this day, Steve said he had the exact same dream! Now isn't that amazing? We knew then that we just had to put this guy in the very next issue!"

Ditko has never confirmed or denied whether Lee's unlikely tale is true, but whatever his origins, Venom was one of Lee and Ditko's most unique creations.
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The cover above is, of course, Amazing Spider-Man #15 (August 1964) by Steve Ditko. The scary Spidey head is from Amazing Spider-Man #30, also by Ditko.

Super Soldier - The New 52

2011-11-11T22:11:00.001Z

Excerpts from the fan reactions to the Amalgam relaunch from the message boards of BleedingAlliance.com and ComicBookResoucearama.com....

"I hate this new Super Soldier, he's a bully! The Super-Soldier I grew up with didn't beat up people weaker than him! He just stood above Nazi soldiers quietly judging them until they were shamed into surrendering! That's a real hero!!!"

"Amazon has pants!!!???!!"

"Five Sparrows in five years?! How does that work?"

"Why does Super Soldier need armour? Come to think of it why does he need a shield?!"

"That loser Blaze Allen is Speed Demon again but there's no sign of Wally! This sucks"

"So Barbara Hardy is Black Bat again? How does that work!?"

"Did you see what they did to Shatterstarfire in Deathlok and the Outlaws? Disgusting!"

"Liefeld on Hawk and Dagger? Count me in!!!"

"So did Identity War still happen?"

"So Spider-Boy is a complete reboot? Does that mean he's not married to Insect Queen any more?"

"Meh, this all just a rehash of Zero Hour Reborn. I give this reboot six months"

"J.D. Quidio has killed Amalgam! I've been collecting for thirty years but NO MORE!!"

"Bring back Super Soldier's red shorts!!!"

The Superman #1 (2011) cover is by George Perez. The boot flaps are from Cap's armour in Captain America #438 (1995) by Dave Hoover. The S-shield is from Jeremy Roberts brilliant interpretation of DCNu Superman, check it out.

Maxima and Galactus

2011-07-13T00:33:00.000+01:00

She is an immortal being from before the Big Bang! She is the cosmic devourer of worlds who came to Earth to find a worthy man to serve as her herald! She is a threat so great that the Man of Iron was forced to enlist the aid of his greatest foes, The Fatal Four in order to combat her!

All that concerns her is her eternal hunger, the hunger that must be fed so that GALAXIMA may live!

Maxima is by Curt Swan and Brett Breeding and is from Who's Who in the DC Universe (1990) #2. The city is from the Lexcorp profile found in Who's Who in the DC Universe (1990) #11 by Dusty Abell and Al Vey. The Galactus bits are from a pin-up by John Byrne.

DC Universe Online Amalgams

2011-07-12T15:32:00.003+01:00

Many thanks to Elijah Laprise, who's created several of my Amalgams on DC Universe Online! He's even been kind enough to send me some pics of his creations.

Simon-El The Wonder Man

How cool are those?! Thanks Elijah!

Justice League International vs. X-Men

2011-06-07T00:51:00.000+01:00

This isn't an Amalgam but when I found out that Dave Cockrum drew the cover to Justice League Quarterly #8 (1992) as an homage to his famous X-Men #100 (1976) cover, I couldn't resist this mash-up. There are also a few added bits from Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man (1976) here.

Green Lantern: The 1960's Movie

2011-05-27T12:42:00.002+01:00

Ever wondered what Jack Palance would look like as the Punisher? Or who would star in 1950s production of the X-Men? Then check out Sean Hartter's Alternate Universe Movie Posters! Great fun!

I've been inspired by his good work (and by the upcoming Green Lantern movie) to try and create a '60s movie poster of my own. And yes, I know Gil Kane used Paul Newman as the model for Hal, but I happened to come across a picture of Warren Beatty that just seemed perfect.

The Fatal Five and The Fantastic Four

2011-02-24T02:23:00.001Z

They were just a group of petty crooks trying to scrape by in the super-advanced world of the 30th Century, until the day they stole an experimental space rocket! In an effort to escape from the Science Police the crooks flew their stolen rocket into the path of a Sun-Eater! They escaped with their lives, but were changed forever by exposure to the strange cosmic rays emitting from the creature....

Tharok Grimm, the group's dim-witted getaway pilot found his intellect and cunning were vastly increased, but at a terrible price! Half of his body was covered in a grotesque, impenetrable rocky hide. He is the group's leader, THINGROK!

Sarya Storm found her hatred for law and order had manifested itself in the form of a floating force bubble that resembled a giant eye! Using the eye she is able to turn herself, and others, completely invisible! She is the INVISIBLE EMPRESS!

Her brother, Mano Storm, discovered his body was permanently covered in a layer of fiery plasma that would destroy anything it came into contact with! He was able to cover it up with a costume made of unstable molecules, however the costume comes with removable gloves to enable him to turn his destructive touch on anyone who crosses him! He is HUMANO TORCH!

Garridan Richards was a gentle genius, drawn into a life of crime by his desire to fund scientific research that would benefit all mankind. He was also motivated by his unrequited love for Sarya Storm. Tragically the cosmic rays transformed him into a mindless, rage fuelled, super-strong brute, capable of stretching his enormous body to incredible lengths. Nothing can calm his mighty fury, except the manipulative Sarya, who doesn't hesitate to exploit the savage creature at every opportunity. He is MR FANTASTICUS!

Together they are the most dangerous criminals in the 30th Century, THE FATAL FOUR!

The Human Torch, Emerald Empress and Mano are by Mike Wieringo. I'm not sure who Tharok and Validus are by so let me know if you recognise them.

Batman Vs. American Psycho

2011-02-11T23:54:00.000Z

Once again I've been inspired by The Brave and the Bold: The Lost Issues and done another Non-Amalgan, team-up pic. This time the Dark Knight clashes with Bret Easton Ellis' murderous '80s yuppie nutbar, Patrick Bateman, as portrayed by Christian Bale.

Don't worry kids, Huey Lewis is fine.

The original cover is from Brave and the Bold #191 (1982) and is by Jim Aparo. Bateman and Huey are by me.

In other examples of Non-Amalgams Superman battles Morrissey here and teams up with the Fantastic Four, Charles Bronson, Doctor Who, James Bond, David Bowie, Woody Allen and me here.

I also urge you to check out The Brave and the Bold: The Lost Issues!

The Big Joke, starring Lou Ferrigno

2011-02-04T02:25:00.003Z

The Big Joke was an American television series based on the Amalgam comic book character of the same name created by Stan Finger and Jerry Kirby. The pilot episodes were a pair of TV movies on the PBCBS network beginning on November 4, 1977; the series soon followed, airing from March 10, 1978 to June 2, 1982 It starred Bill Bixby as Dr. Jack Banner and Lou Ferrigno as the Big Joke. The show was famous for its opening narration:

Dr. Jack Banner: physician; scientist. Searching for a way to erase the hidden potential for psychopathic behaviour that all humans have. Then an accidental overdose of gamma radiation alters his body chemistry. And now whenever Jack Banner finds something funny, a startling metamorphosis occurs. The creature is driven by bloodlust and pursued by an investigative reporter. [Banner:] "Mr. McGee, don't make me laugh. It only hurts when I laugh." The creature is wanted for several murders that he has committed. Jack Banner is believed to be dead, and he must let the world think that he is dead, until he can find a way to control the psychopathic spirit that dwells within him.

The show ran for five seasons until it was cancelled due to growing protest from moral campaigners over the shows high levels of gore and violence. Some years later three TV Movies were made in an effort to revive the series:

The Big Joke Returns (1988), in which the Big Joke battles Thorion of the New Asgods.

The Trial of The Big Joke (1989), in which the Big Joke encounters the blind archer, Devil Bow.

The Death of The Big Joke (1990), in which the Big Joke was finally executed for his crimes.

While my other TV related Amalgams have featured genuine Amalgams that have featured in the comics, the Big Joke is one I cobbled together myself. What other DC/Marvel TV shows or films could get the Amalgam treatment?

See also:

The Big Joke in comic book form.

George Reeves as Super Soldier.

Adam West as Dark Claw.

Concrete and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

2011-01-28T18:12:00.001Z

Ron Lithgow was a quiet, sensitive speechwriter for a U.S. Senator until the day his life was changed forvever. Ron was kidnapped by aliens and his brain was transplanted into the body of a giant rat. The aliens were also experimenting on four creatures with huge bodies made of a substance not unlike concrete. The four concrete creatures had no memory of where they were from and yet seemed to posses the personalities of contemporary American teenagers. They were also, inexplicably, masters in the art of Ninjitsu! Ron soon escaped from the aliens with the aid of his four new friends.

After their escape Ron decided he could make the best of his new situation and went on T.V. offering the skills of his four young proteges to any worthy causes. He named them after four famous explorers and together with Ron's assistant, Casey Munro and a scientist named April Vonnegut they continue to seek adventure.

They are BURTON, DRAKE, RALEIGH and COLUMBUS - The TEENAGE MUTANT CONCRETE NINJAS!

Concrete is written and drawn by Paul Chadwick and the Concrete images are all his work. Everyone should read Concrete, it's one of the best comics ever made.

This is my first attempt at a non-DC/Marvel Amalgam. What other non DC/Marvel characters would you like to see Amalgamated?

Batman Vs. Doctor Who

2011-01-01T16:52:00.002Z

This film will never happen (least of all because one of its stars is sadly no longer with us) but I think I can safely say it would be the greatest movie of all time!

Superman Vs. Morrissey

2010-12-30T18:03:00.005Z

Superman Vs. Morrissey was my first attempt at a fake comic book cover. I thought I'd have a go at updating it as I've learnt some new Photoshop tricks since then. My original effort can be found here.

The original cover is Action Comics #454 (1975) and is by Bob Oksner. Morrissey and Sandie Shaw are by me.

Merry Christmas! Conan the Barbarian and Santa Claus

2010-12-24T20:45:00.003Z

Santa was a Cimmerian and a barbarian of the far north. He was born on a battlefield and was already a seasoned warrior by the age of fifteen. After years of battle he grew weary of bloodshed and decided to journey home to the north. Unfortunately Santa lost his way and soon found himself lost in a blizzard and freezing to death. Santa was rescued by a lost race of elves and taken to the crystal temple of Crom. There he was given a sacred duty to deliver gifts and toys to the people of the world. Sadly the world in which Santa dwells is a harsh and cynical place where death awaits at the bottom of every chimney. If Santa is to deliver his message of peace and joy he must battle evil wizards, skulking monsters, fearsome warlords and terrifying demons. He is SANTA THE BARBARIAN!

Conan the Barbarian #1 (1970) is by Barry Windsor-Smith while the Santa bits are from Action Comics #105 (1947) and Batman #27 (1945).

MERRY CHRISTMAS AMALGAM FANS!

Venom and Superboy-Prime

2010-12-17T23:34:00.000Z

When Spider-Boy was trapped on the world of the Anti-Beyonder fighting alongside his fellow heroes in the Secret Crisis, he found a powerful suit of armour which boosted his strength and responded to his thoughts. Upon his return to Earth Spider-Boy soon discovered that the armour was actually a sentient shape-shifting being made from a part of the Anti-Beyonder himself!

During the Secret Crisis Spider-Boy had also met an alternate version of himself from the world known as Earth-Prime. On Earth-Amalgam Spider-Boy had been cloned by Project Cadmus from the DNA of researcher Peter Parker (who was killed in an accidental lab explosion) and raised by General 'Thunderbolt' Ross who taught him that with great power comes great responsibility. On Earth-Prime however, General Ross was also killed in the explosion that ended Parker's life. As a result, the Spider-Boy of Earth-Prime was raised by a bitter Cadmus scientist named Eddie Brock.

After the Secret Crisis, this alternate Spider-Boy found himself the only survivor of Earth-Prime. He was consumed by grief, anger and bitterness and blamed the heroes of Earth-Amalgam for his loss. He knew that in order to win his revenge he need an edge. As he pondered how to gain more power he found himself in an abandoned church. It was there he found Spider-Boy's abandoned sentient armour! The two twisted beings bonded and before long they became one of the biggest threats the Amalgam Universe has ever faced, SPIDER-BOY PRIME!

The original Spider-Boy cover is from Spider-Boy #1 (1996) by Mike Wieringo and Karl Kesel. Superboy Prime is from Infinite Crisis #5 (2006) and (I'm pretty sure) is by Phil Jiminez. Venom's claws are by Mark Bagley and Randy Emberlin and are from Amazing Spider-Man #375 (1993). The 'Prime' logo is from Tales of The Sinestro Corps: Superman-Prime #1 (2007).

Justice League of America Vs. Eastenders

2010-12-17T11:01:00.001Z

Ever wondered what would happen if the U.S.A's mightiest superteam met the stars of the U.K.'s most miserable soap opera....?

This isn't an Amalgam and I've already featured it on my other blog, but I was quite pleased with it so I thought I'd pop it up here too.

For our non-UK visitors, Eastenders is a long running British soap opera that focuses on the domestic and professional lives of the people who live and work in the fictional London Borough of Walford. It is very depressing.

This was originally the cover of Justice League of America #21 (1963) by Mike Sekowsky and Murphy Anderson.

Dot Branning, Ian Beale, Phil Mitchell, Pat Evans, Patrick Trueman and Heather Trott are all drawn by me.

Dark Claw, starring Adam West

2010-12-13T17:39:00.003Z

Dark Claw was a 1960s American television series, based on the Amalgam Comics' character of the same name which starred Adam West and Yvonne Craig as Dark Claw and Sparrow, two crime-fighting heroes who defended New Gotham City. It aired on the NBABC network for two and a half seasons from January 12, 1966 to March 14, 1968. Each week Logan Wayne (West) and Jubilation Lee (Craig) would don their costumes and defend the city from an evil super-criminal, most commonly Cesar Romero as The Hyena. One particularly famous episode teamed the Dynamic Duo with Van Williams and Bruce Lee as The Green Shadow and his sidekick, Kato Lane.

This picture was originally the great Adam West as Batman. The claws are borrowed from a picture of Hugh Jackman's Wolverine.

Adventures of Super-Soldier, starring George Reeves

2010-12-11T00:06:00.004Z

Adventures of Super-Soldier was the first television series to feature the Amalgam Comics' character, Super-Soldier. Sponsored by cereal manufacturer Nestlogg's, the show was on air between September 19, 1952 and April 28, 1958. The show was originally broadcast on the NBABC network.

George Reeves played Clark Kent/Super-Soldier with Jack Larson as Jimmy Olsen. Phyllis Cotes played Lois Lane in the first season but by the second season the character of Lois was written out and Cotes was replaced by Noel Neill as Sharon Carter. Stories followed Super-Soldier as he battled crooks, gangsters, and Nazis in the fictional city of Metropolis while masquerading "off-duty" as Daily Planet reporter Clark Kent.

This live action Amalgam was cobbled together from an image of George Reeves as Superman in 1952 and an image of Dick Purcell as Captain America in 1944.

Kick Ass and Batman

2010-12-09T18:29:00.000Z

Bruce Wayne was just just an ordinary teenager living in Gotham City. He wasn't the class jock or the class geek, but he was a comic book fan. Inspired by Kick-Ass, a comic book series and movie about an ordinary kid who puts on a costume and fights crime, Bruce decides to become the world's first real life superhero. He chooses to model his new identity on a bat after one of the creatures flies into his bedroom through an open window and scares him half to death. Creating his costume from a wetsuit and an old Halloween costume, Bruce is soon getting his ass kicked by a gang of street thugs. When asked by a witness what his name is, a dazed and concussed Bruce mumbles the first thing that comes into his head and unfortunately for him the name sticks. Before long, BAT-ASS is an internet sensation, with a Youtube video of his battle with the thugs going viral and a MySpace page acting as a 'Bat-Signal' for people who need his help. However, BAT-ASS soon begins to attract the attention of the vigilantes BIG ALFIE and HIT-BIRD and also a certain crime boss who fancies himself a comedian.....

The Kick-Ass images are from Kick-Ass #1-3 (2008) and are by John Romita JR and Tom Palmer. Joker's smile is from Punisher/Batman: Deadly Knights (1994) and is by John Romita JR and Klaus Janson. The Bat costume bits are from Realworlds:Batman (2000) and is by Marshall Rogers.

Metamorpho and Luke Cage

2010-12-02T02:30:00.000Z

A streetwise youth, the man called Rex Mason was sent to prison for a crime he did not commit. In exchange for parole, Lucas clandestinely underwent an experimental procedure overseen by corrupt scientist Moses Stagg. Stagg saught to uncover the secrets of an ancient radioactive meteorite known as the Orb of Ra. During the experiment the young man was transformed into a deformed freak with the ability to shapeshift and change himself into any element found in the human body. After escaping from prison and the clutches of Stagg, he forged the identity of "Luke Cage" becoming a "hero for hire," a sort of super-enhanced private detective. Aided by Misty Stagg, daughter of Moses, he now seeks to defend New York's Harlem from crime and injustice always staying one step ahead of Moses and his monstrous purple bodyguard, Java Killgrave. Wherever the familiar cry of "Blue Christmas!" is heard, there will be, LUKE CAGE - ELEMENT MAN!

The cover of Luke Cage: Hero for Hire #1 is drawn by George Tuska. The Metamorpho bits are by Jim Aparo and are from Who’s Who: The Definitive Directory of the DC Universe #15 (1986).

The Flash and The Inhumans

2010-11-30T00:28:00.001Z

In the isolated city of Centrillan the SPEED FORCE dwell, a race of inhuman speedsters who draw their mighty power from experiments with mutagenic Terrigen Bolts. The people of Centrillan are led by their royal family....

MOPJAW - Rumoured to be an imp from another dimension who was trapped in the form of a mighty hound after being struck by a Terrigen Bolt, Mopjaw is the Speed Force's resident teleporter.

MAX TRITON - The Aquatic Zen Master of the Terrigen Bolts!

JAY GORGON - The Elder Statesman of the Speed Force, and Bodyguard of the Royal Family. Each super-fast step of Jay's hooves can generate highly destructive seismic waves!

CRYSTAL QUICK - Part of the new generation of speedsters rising in Centrillan, Crystal is the ex-lover of Johnny "Red" Storm.

WALLNAK - Philosopher, martial artist and next in line to the throne of Centrillan. Wallnak's disciplined nature gives him a degree of control over his powers that is greater than any other speedster.

MEDUSA WEST - Queen of Centrillan and Aunt of Wallnak. Medusa has complete control over her molecular structure, particularly the molecules of her hair. She is the one true love of.....

RED BOLT - Silent King of Centrillan and the Speed Force, the Fastest Inhuman Alive!

The original Fantastic Four cover is Fantastic Four #46 (1966) by Jack Kirby. The Challengers of the Fantastic are of course genuine Amalgams and first featured in Challengers of the Fantastic #1 (1996).

Hawkman and Captain America

2010-11-26T17:57:00.001Z

At the Battle of Yorktown in 1781 a young soldier fell, becoming the last man to die in the last major land battle of The American War of Independence. Rather than pass on, his soul was reincarnated again and again throughout American history always laying down his life in defence of America and the ideals she represents . In 1861 he died leading a slave revolt against a brutal plantation owner. In 1917 he died in the trenches of France during the First World War. By 1940 he had found himself reborn as Steven Carter, an archaeologist who tried to enlist in the Army to fight the Nazi menace but was rejected because of poor physical health. It was shortly after this rejection that his research led him to the discovery of an alien material known as Nth Metal, which may have had a hand in his miraculous reincarnations. The Nth Metal heightened Carter's strength, speed and agility to the peak of physical perfection, and best of all granted him the ability to soar through the sky like an American Eagle. And so Steven Carter once again led his country into a battle for freedom and justice, held aloft by the wings of the WARHAWK!

I originally was going to call this one The American Hawk but I thought Warhawk was a bit catchier and less obvious. I believe Warhawk was also the name of the son of Green Lantern and Hawgirl who featured in episodes of the Justice League Unlimited and Batman Beyond animated series but I couldn't resist borrowing it for this Amalgam.

The original picture of Hawkman is from Hawkman Annual #2 (1995) and is by Cully Hamner and Wade Von Grawbadger.

Many thanks to Jeff Wilcox, who suggested a Hawkman/Captain America Amalgam.

B'wana Beast and Beta Ray Bill

2010-11-04T01:14:00.000Z

Beta Ray Bill was the champion of the warrior race known as the Korbinites. When his sentient ship Skuttlebutt crash lands on top of Mount Kilimanjaro, Bill is attacked by the African hero Mike Maxwell A.K.A B'wana Beast. Long ago Maxwell was granted the magical helmet, elixir and hammer of a legendary African protector but had become corrupted by the power. Bill battles Maxwell to a standstill and as he stands victorious over his foe the helmet, elixir and hammer are magically transferred to Bill. Bill now possess the ability to call forth mighty storms and also to merge two animals together to form a Chimera. He is Beta Ray Bill, champion of the Korbinites no more. He now stalks the jungles of Africa as B'WANA RAY BILL!

The Showcase titles are from Showcase Presents #66 (1967). B'wana Beast is by Chas Truog and Doug Hazlewood and is from Animal Man #3 (1988). Beta Ray Bill is by Walt Simonson and is from Thor #339 (1983).

The Vision and Mr Mxyzptlk

2010-09-26T00:35:00.003+01:00

When Hank Dibny, the Elongated Ant, attempted to create artificial life he didn't count on his new synthetic creation being inhabited by the spirit of a magical imp from the 5th Dimension! Ever since that fateful day this strange amalgam of magic and science has caused nothing but mischief for the heroes of Earth. Luckily for them there is a way to temporarily end the chaos. If the imp can be tricked into saying his own name backwards then a fail-safe installed in his android body kicks in and he is rendered inert for 90 days. But saying SYNTHYPTLK backwards can be very tricky....

The image of Mxyzptlk is from Who's Who in the DC Universe #13 (1992) and is by Jon Bogdanove and Dennis Janke.

Booster Gold and Ghost Rider

2010-09-25T01:51:00.000+01:00

In the 25th Century everything will be done with special effects. As a result stunt man Carter Blaze found himself out of work and desperate for money. Blaze dreamed of returning to a time when the advanced movie making techniques used in his century were still in their infancy, and a man ready to perform death defying stunts could gain fame and fortune. Blaze's prayers were answered by the demon Lord Mephistanus who offered him the chance to return to the 21st Century and pursue his dreams of wealth and fame. The only thing Mephistanus asked for in return was his soul! Believing he had nothing to live for in his Century, Blaze agreed. However upon his arrival in the past Blaze found he had been tricked. He would gain his fame and fortune, not as a stunt man but as a punisher of the wicked with a flaming skull! Forced to do Mephistanus' bidding, Blaze found that as well as punishing evil he could use his new found power to help the innocent. Now, Carter Blaze is desperately seeking to save his soul, and to make some money while he's at it! He is GOLD RIDER!

The Ghost Rider cover is from Ghost Rider #10 (1991) and is by Javier Saltares. Booster Gold is from Who's Who in the DC Universe #2 (1990) and is by Dan Jurgens and Joe Rubinstein.

The New Warriors and The Legion of Superheroes

2010-09-23T20:06:00.004+01:00

In the 31st Century billionaire R.J. Taylor was the victim of an assassination attempt as he travelled to Earth. Luckily for him Imra Baldwin of Titan, Chris Ranzz of Winath and Rokk Rider of Braal were on the same space flight. After they had used their mighty powers to rescue Taylor it emerged that luck had little to do with their encounter. Taylor had hired the assassins himself and had arranged for the three youngsters to be on the same flight. The eccentric billionaire's plan was to unite Ranzz, Rider and Baldwin and form a super-powered club that he would fund in order to avenge the deaths of his parents. Ranzz became LIGHTNING HAWK, Baldwin became SATURN-BALL, and Rider became NOVA BOY! Before long many more young heroes joined their club, heroes such as TURBOWOLF, PHANTOMSTAR, COLOSSAL RAGE, TITANIAC 5, SIMON-EL and the MASTICATOR! Their exploits became the stuff of legend. Together they are THE LEGION OF WARRIORS!

This image was originally from Who's Who in the DC Universe #16 (1990) by Chris Sprouse and Al Gordon.

DC Zombies

2010-09-21T22:35:00.001+01:00

I know that Blackest Night sort of gave us DC Comics' Zombies but I'd still love to see a DC series in the style of Marvel Zombies. Come on DC! I know you're not too proud to rip off a good idea! Actually we've kinda seen DC Zombies already, Marvel Zombies cover artist Arthur Suydam once drew a zombified DC cover for Wizard.

This was originally All Star Superman #10 (2008) drawn by Frank Quietly.

The Cyborg Super-Soldier

2010-09-11T16:58:00.000+01:00

Following the tragic death of Super-Soldier at the hands of Doctor Doomsday two scientists named Simon and Harlan Westfield formed Project Cadmus-Mech with the sole aim of recreating the Super-Soldier. They fused the DNA of the late Clark Kent with that of a dying soldier named Colonel Hank Manning. They then enhanced Manning with cybernetic parts built from the spacecraft that the deceased alien being that had granted Super-Soldier his powers had been found in. They then sent Manning out into the world to pose as a resurrected Super-Soldier. Unbeknownst to them, Manning was insane and blamed the late Soldier of Steel for the death of his family. Manning was well on his way to transforming the Earth into a giant Secret War-World before Super-Soldier actually did return from the dead and halted his evil scheme. Despite this THE CYBORG SUPER-SOLDIER remains a dangerous threat to humanity and has vowed to demolish all that Super-Soldier stands for!

This cover was originally Superman #79 (1993) by Dan Jurgens and Brett Breeding.

The Composite Super-Soldier

2010-09-09T00:14:00.000+01:00

Eddie Meach was a reporter for the Daily Planet who lost everything when his lies were exposed by Super-Soldier. He broke into the Super-Soldier Museum in the middle of the night in order to end his own life, but fate intervened! A bolt of lightning shot through an open window and struck a display of statues of the Legion of Galactic Guardians. The bolt passed through the statues and endowed Meach with the combined powers of the Legion! Meach decided to use his new found powers to seek revenge on Super-Soldier. He used his shapeshifting ability to form a new identity for himself, half Super-Soldier, half Dark Claw...THE COMPOSITE SUPER-SOLDIER!

Super-Soldier is by Dave Gibbons and is from Super-Soldier:Man of War #1 (1997). Dark Claw is by Jim Balent and is from Legends of Dark Claw #1 (1996). The cover is based on World's Finest #283 (1982) by Rich Buckler.

The Death of Super Soldier

2010-09-07T23:30:00.001+01:00

It was the end of the Identity War. The Superhuman Registration Act had split the superhuman community down the middle and old allies found themselves at war! The leaders of both factions, Iron Lantern and Super-Soldier were engaged in a brutal final conflict. Super-Soldier appeared to be gaining the upper hand when all of a sudden, tragedy struck! While the heroes had been distracted by their own internal struggle The Green Skull had robbed the monstrous Doctor Doomsday of his vast intellect and the crazed Doctor began rampaging around Metropolis. The heroes formed a truce in order to end Doomsday's path of destruction but it was too late. In order to end the rampage once and for all, Super-Soldier sacrificed his own life. The Soldier of Steel died in the arms of his true love, Sharon Carter. The city was safe and the heroes were united once more. But at what cost?!

Superman's death is by Dan Jurgens and Brett Breeding and is from Superman #75. Iron Lantern is from Iron Lantern #1 by Paul Smith.

Superman: One More Day

2010-09-05T22:13:00.000+01:00

Spider-Man: One More Day was a controversial 2007 story in which Spider-Man and his wife Mary Jane make a deal with the demon Mephisto and sacrifice their marriage to save the life of Aunt May. Ever wondered what would have happened if Superman was offered the same deal?

I'm a big Spidey fan and it may surprise you to learn that I LIKED One More Day. Please don't hate me. If anyone's interested I give my reasons for liking that particular tale here. Regardless, I thought it'd be fun to see Mephisto try and pull that same crap with Superman and Lois.

Superman is from Action Comics #863 (2008) and Lois is from Action Comics #866 (2008). Mephisto was originally "thwacked" by the Hulk in Incredible Hulk #418 (1994). All three of them are drawn by the amazing Gary Frank!

Wonder Man and Mon-El.

2010-09-05T00:01:00.010+01:00

Lar Gand escaped the planet Daxam and rocketed to Earth with the intention of establishing himself as a hero! Unfortunately the crash landing addled his mind and he was easily manipulated into using his ion powers against Earth's heroes by the evil Ultra Zemonite. The Zemonite had discovered that exposure to lead was fatal to Gand and promised him regular doses of a temporary cure in exchange for his aid. Gand soon regained his senses and helped the heroes defeat the Ultra Zemonite. With their help he cured his lead poisoning permanently. Feeling that he had shamed his original name, Gand chose a new name...SIMON-EL!

After years of protecting the Earth, Simon's lead poisoning returned. He fell into a deep catatonic state and was placed in suspended animation where he remained for centuries. Then in the 31st Century......

The original art is from Superman #694 (2009) and is by Cafu.

Since this is a post featuring an Amalgam of a member of the Legion of Superheroes I thought I'd show the genuine Amalgam version of the Legion. Spider-Boy and the Legion of Galactic Guardians from Spider-Boy Team Up #1 (1997) with art by Ladronn and Juan Vlasco.

It's actually a bit depressing to see this pic because I am never, ever, ever gonna come up with an Amalgam as awesome as Paste-Eater Pete or Timberwolf By Night. Brilliant stuff.

Other Photoshop Shenanigans

2010-09-04T19:56:00.001+01:00

Before I started doing Amalgams I had great fun using Photoshop to team up the Man of Steel with other heroes of mine. I even teamed him up with myself! I thought I'd pop them up here to see what people thought of them. Don't worry though, there will be more Amalgams tomorrow!

Blackest Night: Iron Man featuring Black Lantern Iron Monger

2010-09-03T13:15:00.000+01:00

Thanks once again for all the Amalgam suggestions. I asked in my last post who would get what Power Ring if DC's Blackest Night event spilled over into the Marvel Universe. There were lots of great ideas and one of my favourites was strangespanner's suggestion that Iron Man's deceased arch-foe, Obadiah Stane return as a Black Lantern.

The cover and image of Stane is from Iron Man #200 and is by Mark Bright.

Keep your suggestions for Blackest Night/Marvel crossovers (or indeed any kind of Amalgams) coming and I'll see if what I can do.

Also, what Marvel event could spill over into the DC Universe?

Blackest Night: Daredevil

2010-09-01T16:12:00.000+01:00

Thanks loads for the suggestions for Amalgams. I'm definitely gonna give some of them a go. Keep the suggestions coming.

I thought I'd try a different kind of Amalgam. What if DC Comics' Blackest Night event had spilled over into the Marvel Universe? I figured Daredevil would get offered a Green Lantern ring, being the Man Without Fear and all. But who would get offered the Blue Ring of Hope, the Red Ring of Rage, the Violet Ring of Love, The Indigo Ring of Compassion, The Orange Ring of Greed or the Yellow Ring of Fear? What dead Marvel characters would return as Black Lanterns? What do you think?

The Daredevil image is from Daredevil: Father #3 (2005) by Joe Quesada.

Plastic Man and Captain America

2010-08-28T00:25:00.000+01:00

Way back in 1940, "Eel" Rogers was a member of a criminal gang hired to steal an experimental serum from a government lab. While escaping with the serum Eel discovered the gang had been hired by Nazi spies! Unwilling to betray his country, Eel attempted to return the serum. His gang responded by riddling him with bullets! Eel was doused with the serum during the barrage and left to die. When he awoke he found that the serum had healed his wounds and granted him extraordinary powers. Eel found that he could stretch his body to amazing lengths and into incredible shapes. He went on to use his powers to fight the Nazi menace as THE PLASTIC PATRIOT!

Thanks once again to Rick who suggested this latest Amalgamation.

This cover was originally Police Comics #37 (1944) by Jack Cole.

Identity Crisis and Civil War

2010-08-26T23:13:00.000+01:00

When Janet Dibny was murdered by super-villains her husband Hank Dibny, the Elongated Ant, stopped at nothing to track down her killers. Tragically Hank's final confrontation with the super-powered murderers resulted in the destruction of several city blocks, including an elementary school. Shortly after this catastrophe the Superhuman Registration Act was passed and all heroes were required by law to surrender their secret identities to the government. Many refused and, led by Super Soldier, formed an underground resistance. S.H.E.I.L.D was torn from the grasp of rogue agent Bruce Wayne and placed under the control of Iron Lantern. The Emerald Avenger now found himself with the unpleasant task of leading the heroes who agreed to register in a war against Super Soldier's resistance. And so, the Identity War began and the Amalgam Universe was never the same again....

This is my first effort so far to feature genuine characters from the actual Amalgam Comics event. They are Super Soldier, Iron Lantern, Spider-Boy, Amazon, Speed Demon, Dark Claw, The Human Lantern, Ben "Rocky" Grimm AKA The Four Armed Thing, Reed "Prof" Richards and Sue "Ace" Storm. It's cobbled together from Michael Turner's variant cover for Civil War #1, Mike Wieringo, Karl Kesel and Gary Martin's work from Spider-Boy #1, Salvador Larocca and Al Milgrom's art from Speed Demon #1 and Dave Gibbon's cover for The Amalgam Age of Comics: The DC Collection. Super Soldier's toupee is from Michael Turner's cover for Identity Crisis #1.

Green Arrow and Daredevil

2010-08-22T20:49:00.000+01:00

Oliver Murdock was a human rights lawyer who threatened to expose an evil corporation's illegal dumping of toxic waste on a deserted island. Assassins working for the corporation blinded Oliver with that same toxic waste and left him on the island to die! The stranded man soon found that the toxic waste had taken his sight but heightened his remaining senses beyond normal human ability. He made himself a bow and found that his new abilities enabled him to shoot an arrow with superhuman accuracy! He was able to survive long enough to be rescued and returned to New Star City ready to begin a one man war against the corporate greed and corruption that robbed him of his sight. He is DEVILBOW!

Devilbow has made more than a few enemies over the years. Enemies such as The Clock Kingpin, "Bullseye" Drakon and Merlyn Hyde. Luckily he's also gained a few allies; the reformed assassin Shadoktra, best friend Foggy Harper and fellow superhero, The Widowed Canary.

This amalgamation was kindly suggested by Rick. The original Green Arrow image is by Mike Grell and originally featured in Who's Who in The DC Universe #14 (1990).

John Constantine: Hellblazer and Howard the Duck

2010-08-10T00:44:00.000+01:00

Howard Constantine was a only a dabbler in the occult on Duckworld until the day a deal with the demon Nergal went horribly wrong. Howard was sent through the Nexus of Realities and stranded on Earth. He now searches for a way home, using his occult knowledge to stay one step ahead of the agents of Hell. He is Howard Constantine, Hellduck, trapped in a supernatural world he never made!

The original John Constantine image is by Will Simpson and originally featured in Who's Who in The DC Universe #15 (1990). Howard the Duck is by Ty Templeton and Juan Bobillo and is from Howard the Duck #1 (2007). Both characters have been made into crappy films.

The Joker and The Incredible Hulk

2010-08-07T22:27:00.000+01:00

Jack Banner was a skilled research scientist on the verge of financial ruin. Desperate for money and terrified of losing his fiancee Betty, Jack turned to certain foreign interests for help. Jack was sent to steal the experimental gamma nerve gas he'd been working on for the government. Despite a last second change of heart, he was caught in the act and a stray bullet fired by an overzealous guard gave Jack a face full of the gas. Now, whenever Jack laughs a horrible transformation occurs and the gentle scientist is transformed into a monstrous, giggling psychopath! What's the Big Joke? Jack Banner is the Big Joke, and there's nothing funny about that.

The original Joker image is by Brian Bolland and originally featured in Who's Who in The DC Universe #13 (1990). The Hulk image is by Javier Pulido and is from The Incredible Hulk #474 (1999).

Deadpool and Hourman

2010-08-06T18:49:00.001+01:00

Wade Tyler was the most inept mercenary the world had ever seen. That was until the day he stole the formula required to make Miraclo X. When Wade takes a Miraclo X pill he gains super strength, speed and agility as well as an accelerated healing factor. There are however, certain drawbacks. Wade was left horribly disfigured by the drug and the powers granted by the drug only last one hour at a time. Worst of all, for that hour Wade is totally insane. Now Wade is one of the top mercenaries in the world, but at the price of becoming a slave to Miraclo X and it's hour of power. He is DEADHOUR!

The original Hourman image is by Tim Sale and originally featured in Who's Who in The DC Universe #5 (1990).

Vril Dox and Doctor Doom

2010-08-05T17:13:00.000+01:00

Raised a prince of the royal family of the planet Coluria, Dr. Vril Von Dox always believed he would follow in the footsteps of his father, the evil titanium clad computer tyrant Titaniac. That is until the fateful day he decided to free Coluria from his father's evil clutches. In order to complete his quest Dox formed the Lawless Extra-Guerilla Interstellar Operatives Network, or L.E.G.I.O.N. But is Dr. Dox truly seeking to free his people, or is L.E.G.I.O.N. just a means of gaining more power than even that of Titaniac? Will Dr. Dox be the Universe's saviour, or its conqueror?

Many thanks to fellow blogger X-Man75 for suggesting this latest home made Photoshop mash-up in the style of DC and Marvel's Amalgam Comics. Mixing two of comics' most arrogant characters together was a great idea on X-Man's part. Also, since Lobo is an associate of Vril Dox, I got to include one of my favourite original bonafide Amalgam characters, Lobo the Duck.

The original image of Dr Doom is from Secret Wars #10 (1985) by Mike Zeck. Vril Dox's face is from R.E.B.E.L.S #12 (2010) and is by Geraldo Borges.

Madam Fatal and Namor, The Sub-Mariner

2010-08-05T01:15:00.000+01:00

Richard Namor was an actor who discovered his true identity as the lost Prince of Atlantis on the fateful night that his daughter was abducted! His continuing quest to find his missing daughter takes him both above and below the waves. On land he uses his talents as an actor to impersonate an old lady, causing his foes to underestimate him, a mistake that costs them dearly. While in the depths of the oceans, Namor casts off his skirt and make-up and combats evil using the amazing aquatic abilities that are his birthright! He is MADAM MARINER!

For a few days now I've been wondering what could be the most ridiculous, unlikely and impossible DC/Marvel Amalgamation ever. Tonight it hit me! Madam Fatal, the world's first transvestite superhero mixed with Prince Namor, the dignified and regal son of Atlantis. A match made in Golden Age Heaven. A short explanation of why Madam Fatal is awesome can be found here.

The original image of Namor is from Sub-Mariner #35 (1954). I'm afraid I don't know the artist but if you know please feel free to leave a comment and I'll update the post.

Matter-Eater Lad and the Punisher

2010-08-01T00:12:00.000+01:00

When Tenzil Kastle of the planet Bismoll journeys with his family from the 30th Century to present day Earth, his Time Machine lands right in the middle of a Gang War! With his family killed in the crossfire and his Time Machine destroyed, Tenzil finds himself stranded and alone. Using all the deadly skills he picked up fighting Skrulls for the United Planets and his natural ability to eat matter in all forms, Tenzil wages a one man war on the criminal scum that ruined his life. He is the Masticator!

Okay, so the Masticator's a very silly name but he's a mash-up of the Punisher and Matter-Eater Lad, what were you expecting, poetry?

The original image of the Punisher is from the cover of Punisher: War Journal #1 (1988) by Carl Potts.

Nightwing and Spider-Man

2010-07-31T00:01:00.000+01:00

When circus aerialist Richard Parker witnessed the murder of his parents he felt he would never be able to bring the killer, crimelord Osborn Zucco, to justice. That is until he was bitten by a radioactive spider! Richard's natural acrobatic abilities were enhanced a hundredfold and he gained the uncanny ability to cling to walls and sense when danger is near. Now Richard seeks to avenge his parent's death, opposing injustice wherever he finds it as The Amazing Spiderwing!

Many thanks to fellow blogger Jason Todd for his suggestion of a Spider-Man/Nightwing mash-up.

The original Nightwing image is by Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez and originally featured in Who's Who in The DC Universe #14 (1990).

Iron Man and Superman

2010-07-30T03:34:00.000+01:00

When billionaire media mogul Clark Stark is wounded by criminals in a botched kidnapping, he is forced to don a mysterious suit of armour from an alien world in order to save his life. Now he fights such villains as Lex Laser, Meltallo and Titaniac in a never ending battle for truth, justice and the American way. Clark Stark is the Invincible Man of Iron.

The Iron Man image is from the cover of Iron Man #47 by Gil Kane and Vince Colletta. The rest is cobbled together from Superman #233 (1971) by Neal Adams and an image by Jon Bogdanove from Adventures of Superman #500 (1993).