Worlds Finest #127 (DC)
No Credits (w) & (a)
The teaming up of DC's two major heroes was inevitable given their commercial success and frankly these two superheroes along with Wonder Woman had kept the genre alive during the fifties whilst all other fell to the wayside.
However the comics code kept all comics rather tame and DC developed a formula that allowed for the production of child friendly stories that entertained so many of us in those sheltered times. Although this was a little too early for me (I was just 4 when this was published) the style lasted well into the early seventies until Marvel's more "adult" heroes forced Dc to change.
The main feature The Sorcerer from the Stars was one of those charming stand-offs where despite magic, science and superpowers nobody got hurt fighting all sorts of weird looking and powerful monsters conjured up by Zerno, the Sorcerer from Y'bar as he announced himself.
Stealing minerals and other seemingly "worthless" items leaves the dynamic trio somewhat confused as to the motives. Robin's clumsiness leads to the discovery that Dick Grayson has been replaced by an alien in disguise which Superman & Batman use to track down where the real Robin is being held prisoner.
Zerno kidnapped our young hero as Robin discovered the villain became weak in the presence of bronze (Don't ask just think Kryptonite...) and the villains end being tied up to be taken back to their home planet for trial. Phew!
The backup story featuring Aquaman is I'm afraid dreadful and shows why so many people thought he was a lame character back in the day. Talking to fish and making them do tricks including the use of eels as a lasso. Words fail me!
Strange monsters and sorcerers were quite often found in Worlds Finest stories. Most are great fun though perhaps today's more savvy kids might not "get" them sadly. Children grow up too quickly these days.
Damn you Greta.
...simpler times, and fun to look back at now.
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