Pop Culture Safari!

Watch Rod Stewart and the Faces Perform "You Wear It Well" on "Top of the Pops" 1972

New Comics Collected Editions May 11: Moon Knight Omnibus! Avengers: Operation Galactic Storm!

Our picks this week. Click the links to order from Amazon.

Moon Knight Omnibus Vol. 2

The end of the beginning! Doug Moench and Bill Sienkiewicz’s landmark, critically acclaimed run comes to a close. But first Moon Knight must survive threats old and new — including the madness of Morpheus, the deadly return of Stained Glass Scarlet, the devious Black Spectre and a rematch against the Werewolf by Night! Moon Knight teams with Iron Man, Brother Voodoo, Doctor Strange, Spider-Man and more — but when tragedy strikes, the dead walk and secrets come to light, will Moon Knight meet his final rest? Or will he rise again, reinvigorated as the Fist of Khonshu?

COLLECTING: Moon Knight (1980) 21-38, Iron Man (1968) 161, Power Man and Iron Fist (1978) 87, Marvel Team-Up (1972) 144, Moon Knight: Fist of Khonshu (1985) 1-6, Marvel Fanfare (1982) 30; material from Solo Avengers (1987) 3, Marvel Fanfare (1982) 38-39, Marvel Super-Heroes (1990) 1

Avengers Epic Collection: Operation Galactic Storm

The Kree/Shi'ar War! When two of the galaxy's most ancient and powerful races clash, it's up to Earth's Mightiest Heroes to play cosmic peacekeeper! With Earth in the crossfire, the Avengers are drawn into the conflict — and end up as alien invaders on war-torn worlds of wonder! Assemblers East and West are embroiled in an epic too big for even two Avengers titles — one that will shake the team to its very foundations! Super heroes from three galaxies clash in a war filled with incredible action — including Thor vs. Gladiator of the Shi'ar Imperial Guard — and the Avengers will face repercussions that will haunt them for years!

COLLECTING: Avengers (1963) #345-347, Avengers West Coast #80-82, Quasar #32-34, Wonder Man (1991) #7-9, Iron Man (1968) #278-279, Thor (1966) #445-446, Captain America (1968) #401 and material from Captain America (1968) #398-400

Pop Culture Roundup: Benzedrine, George Perez, Jack Flanders

ITEM! Is Benzedrine harmful?

ITEM! The Comics Journal remembers George Pérez.

ITEM! The classic radio series "The Fourth Tower of Inverness" launched the incredible exploits of intrepid adventurer Jack Flanders 50 years ago. If you've never listened to this wondrous blend of humor, wonder, mysticism and action, you can stream it here now.

George Pérez, the legendary comic book artist for Marvel and DC, has died after battling pancreatic cancer. He was 67.

Pérez was the artist behind Marvel's "The Avengers" and DC's "Superman,""Wonder Woman," "New Teen Titans," and "Fantastic Four" among others. His death was announced on his Facebook page Saturday through his friend, Constance. DC and Marvel also confirmed his death with statements on social media.

"George passed away yesterday, peacefully at home with his wife of (40 years) and family by his side. He was not in pain and knew he was very, very loved," the post read. "The world is a lot less vibrant today without him in it. He loved all of you. He loved hearing your posts and seeing the drawings you sent and the tributes you made."

We'll do some tribute posts to Pérez in coming days.

New "Doctor Who" Announced: Ncuti Gatwa

From the BBC:

Star of stage and screen Ncuti is best known for his critically acclaimed performance in Sex Education as the iconic Eric Effiong, for which he was awarded Best Actor Award at the Scottish BAFTAs in 2020 as well as numerous nominations, including Best Male Performance in a comedy programme at this year’s BAFTAs.

Speaking of his new role, Ncuti says: “There aren’t quite the words to describe how I’m feeling. A mix of deeply honoured, beyond excited and of course a little bit scared. This role and show means so much to so many around the world, including myself, and each one of my incredibly talented predecessors has handled that unique responsibility and privilege with the utmost care. I will endeavour my utmost to do the same.

"Russell T Davies is almost as iconic as the Doctor himself and being able to work with him is a dream come true. His writing is dynamic, exciting, incredibly intelligent and fizzing with danger. An actor’s metaphorical playground. The entire team has been so welcoming and truly give their hearts to the show. And so as much as it’s daunting, I’m aware I’m joining a really supportive family. Unlike the Doctor, I may only have one heart but I am giving it all to this show.”

Russell T Davies, Showrunner, adds: “The future is here and it’s Ncuti! Sometimes talent walks through the door and it’s so bright and bold and brilliant, I just stand back in awe and thank my lucky stars. Ncuti dazzled us, seized hold of the Doctor and owned those TARDIS keys in seconds. It’s an honour to work with him, and a hoot, I can’t wait to get started. I’m sure you’re dying to know more, but we’re rationing ourselves for now, with the wonderful Jodie’s epic finale yet to come. But I promise you, 2023 will be spectacular!”

Charlotte Moore, Chief Content Officer, says:“Ncuti has an incredible dynamism, he’s a striking and fearless young actor whose talent and energy will set the world alight and take Doctor Who on extraordinary adventures under Russell T Davies’ new era."

Further details will be announced in due course.

More Neal Adams - A Gallery of Tarzan Cover Art

The great comics artist Neal Adams, who died at age 80 last week, did a series of memorably savage covers for Tarzan paperbacks from Bantam in the 1970s. Here's a look at some of them up close.