The Brave and the Bold #31: Cave Carson - What I Saved

   (Continuing my series about the comics I saved when I sold most of my collection recently. This post includes elements written in 2010.)

   I think... I mean, I can't be absolutely sure, because I was, like, 4 years old at the time... but if memory can be trusted, this is the comic that first got me hooked on reading comic books.

   I learned to read at a very young age, thanks to my Mom and my two older brothers helping me along (I was reading comic books before I started Kindergarten).

   Comics were always around the house, but I don't remember any issues. I have vague memories of Donald Duck and Bugs Bunny comics, but that's all.

   Then one summer my cousin Jonathan (and his family) visited my Grandparents, and he had brought along some comic books. He let me read one of his adventure comics - and I was hooked. 

   I remember that it starred Cave Carson, and that there was a giant lava creature. Cave didn't have the most enduring career in comics - he appeared in a grand total of eight comics in the '60s - five times in The Brave and the Bold, and three times in Showcase. (He's had quite a few guest appearances since then, and recently he finally got his own mini-series - though it was an odd bit of work)

   Quite a few years ago I tracked down this issue at a comics convention, and it does seem to match my memory of that pivotal comic. It carries a cover date of August-September 1960, which matches the time frame about right.

    What I didn't realize is that (according to Wikipedia) this issue was the first appearance of my old pal Cave, and this issue was reportedly created by writer France Herron and artist Bruno Premiani (there are no credits listed). 

   What really amazes me is how well this issue holds up after (gulp) 60 years. 

   Oh sure, the story is over the top - it follows the underground adventures of Cave and his friends Christie Madison (a geologist) and Bulldozer Smith (a former sandhog, which is a construction worker who works underground on a variety of excavation projects). 

   Using their vehicle, the Mighty Mole, they explore the subterranean world, encountering strange monsters, including dinosaurs, menacing plants, lava creatures and a magnetic monster!

   The story is a fun ride as the team races from one danger (and narrow escape) to the next, all beautifully illustrated by the masterful (and woefully under-appreciated) Premiani.

   There are no superheroics on display, but there was plenty of action and the promise of more amazing worlds to discover. After reading this again, I can see why I was hooked!  

   So thanks, Cave, for getting me off on the right foot!

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Grade: A

Cave Carson Has a Cybernetic Eye #4

   I'm impressed with the way this series is managing to walk the fine line between the traditional version of Cave Carson (an underground explorer who uses his amazing invention to cut into the Earth) and the modern storytelling that offers up new characters, corporate intrigue, horrifying underground monsters and mysterious events.

   It helps that the art is by Michael Avon Oeming, who has a dynamic, original style that keeps the series grounded but also conveys the exotic creatures and events that drive the story.

   The story by Jon Rivera and Gerard Way is loaded with odd turns, mysteries, violence, hidden civilizations, family moments - and horror.

   It's not a book I'd recommend for young readers - it's really for adults only - and if you haven't read the earlier issues, it's probably best to wait for the collection - it would be tough to sort this story out by this point.

   But for those who tackle it, the reward are great.

Grade: A-

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Cave Carson Has a Cybernetic Eye #3

   I can't pretend that I know where Cave Carson Has a Cybernetic Eye is going - but I'm enjoying the ride.

   The character is so obscure, he was once a member of the group known as the Forgotten Heroes - but I always liked him.

    In the early '60s DC had several similar groups - heroes made up of a leader, his best friend / assistant, his best gal, and her brother (or variations thereof).

    Sea Devils, Rip Hunter, Cave Carson, Challengers of the Unknown - they were all real people thrown into adventure and adversity, and they formed a team - and a family.

   It's great to see the Young Animal brand bringing this character back. This issue continues to build the tension, as Cave gathers a new team (which includes his daughter and Wild Dog) to race to the rescue of an underground kingdom.

   But first they have to deal with the gruesome attack of giant monsters. (Natch!)

   It's not a comic for kids - there are adult elements at work here - but it's mighty entertaining and racing along at top speed.

   And it's further proof that any character can be interesting in the hands of a great creative team.

   I hope this succeeds - Cave deserves to be remembered!

Grade: A-

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Cave Carson Has a Cybernetic Eye #2

   The Young Animal series is still all shiny and new, so I wasn't sure what to expect - especially with Cave Carson Has a Cybernetic Eye, since it focuses on an obscure DC hero who happens to be an old favorite of mine.

   And while the story bears little resemblance to those adventures in the 1960s, it does provide a rip-snorting tale of a man standing up for his family and loved ones, and making some hard choices.

   Of course, this version from writers Gerard Way and Jon Rivera is not at all appropriate for young readers - there's adult language and brutal violence throughout - but the story is building in very interesting and harrowing ways.

   It involves a mystery involving an underworld civilization Cave discovered long ago - and it connects to his tough-as-nails daughter, who finds herself fighting for her life against strange and mysterious assailants.

   Throw in some corporate intrigue, the return of a classic vehicle, a surprising guest star, some info about the origin of Cave's titular eye, and cap it off with some powerful, energetic art by the amazing Michael Avon Oeming, and you have a great comic.

   There are just enough Easter eggs to keep old fans happy, and lots of new story points to pull in new readers.

   Highly recommended! (But not for kids.)

Grade: A-

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Cave Carson Has a Cybernetic Eye #1

   Here's a comic that could be sold by the title alone: Cave Carson Has a Cybernetic Eye.


 But I didn't buy it for the title - I picked it up because Cave Carson was the star of the first "hero" comic I remember reading (a story I told in this post).


   Cave's adventures were limited back in the '60s, but just seeing the title of this new series jabbed me right in my nostalgia zone (and that tickles, I can tell you).


   This issue is set under the Young Animal imprint DC has started under Gerard Way's guidance, and so far, so good.


    This is an odd issue, with moments of "normal DC" events (as Cave checks in with the company that uses his "Mighty Mole Machine" technology to seek out rare elements) - and then there are the "weird DC" events, as we discover Cave's malfunctioning eye, and he's confronted by a strange figure from his past.


   There's a tragic element throughout, as Cave learns to deal with loss and tries to connect with his grown daughter.


   There are also a couple of terrific cameos that will delight long-time readers.


   It's all strange and odd and not much at all like that first adventure in 1960 - but it's also mysterious and fascinating and I'm totally hooked.


   Can't wait for the next issue!


Grade: A-


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