BY THE CLOSE OF THE 1960'S. the occult in all its forms -- Astrology, ESP, Tarot, Magic(k), etc., had established itself in the firmament of popular culture. What had begun as an interest in alternative forms of philosophy and spirituality nurtured and sustained in large part by the psychedelic experience and prevailing drug culture had not unexpectedly evolved into commercialism. Occult shops, mystics, seers, prophesiers and hacks had popped up like magic mushrooms across the US, the UK and other parts of the world that had embraced the hip culture.
This collection of articles from the March 1970 issue of McCALL'S are a testament to how far the occult had come and what it had grown into. From seances to star-gazing, these topics are covered within the context of their contemporary relevance (another well-worn 60's word!). Key here is Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.'s survey of Madame Blavatsky, who was largely responsible for bringing metaphysics and mysticism into the modern age.
We best know author and composer Anthony Burgess for his 1962 novel, "A Clockwork Orange", which was adapted into film by Stanley Kubrick and premiered in the US in 1971. The film was banned in the UK after groups of young people were dressing up as "droogs" and creating havoc much like in the movie.
Burgess' first love was music and he wrote numerous pieces during his lifetime. Similar to Tolkien, he was also interested in language and bemoaned the fact that English was being polluted during his lifetime. Including Nadsat, the language used by Alex and his droogs in "A Clockwork Orange", he also invented the primitive language spoken by characters in the 1981 film, QUEST FOR FIRE.
Included here is an article by Crispin Jackson in the April 2000 issue of BOOK AND MAGAZINE COLLECTOR, in which he surveys Burgess' oeuvre. Included is a bibliography of his works.
MONSTER MENACE
Vol. 1 No. 4, March 1994
Marvel Comics
Editor: Mort Todd
Scripts: Stan Lee; Larry Lieber
Artists: Jack Kirby; Steve Ditko; Dick Ayers
Lettering: Artie Simek
Cover: Floyd Hughes
Pages: 36
Cover price: $1.25
This is the last of the 4-issue Marvel Monster series under the guidance of editor Mort Todd. Another nice collection of classic monster comic stories, including a sequel to "The Totem" and a great Jack Kirby pinup!
