Spider-Variant

I'm not even sure why I started this project, as I have never collected any issue of the Beware! The Claws of the Cat series. I was a fan of Tigra though, so maybe that is reason enough. I wanted to see if I could put the entire story together from the unpublished issue #5, written by Linda Fite, drawn by Ramona Fradon, and inked (some pages, maybe not all were inked though) by Jim Mooney. Had it been published, it would have had a cover date of August 1973. I own none of the art below and have cobbled the story together from various sources. Below each page, I wrote out the story, as I didn't know how well some of these scans would show the dialogue. There are some pages missing, and some pages that only have pencils and are not lettered. This is everything that I can find so far. Page 1: Splash: ALONE AGAIN (NATURALLY), GREER NELSON - - A.K.A THE CAT - - DOES NOT SUSPECT THAT THE SNARE BEING SET BY A SINISTER SORCERESS WILL SOON MAKE HER… SPELLBOUND! Greer thinking “I FEEL SO DOWN TODAY, BUT THERE’S NOTHING TO DO ABOUT THE BLUES EXCEPT WAIT FOR THEM TO GO AWAY.” Page 2: No lettered page available. Page 3: Panel 1: The Cat thinking “MY FEET CLAWS ARE STRONGER, TOO - - EVERY ACTION IS SMOOTH AND PRECEISE…” Panel 2: The Cat thinking “THEY RESPONSE MORE DIRECTLY TO THE MOVEMENTS OF MY MUSCLES AND TENDONS.” Panel 3: The Cat thinking “NOW FOR A GOOD TEST - - ” Panel 4: The Cat exclaiming “IF ANY OF THIS UNDATED EQUIPMENT IS FAULTY, I’LL FIND OUT - - --THE HARD WAY!” Panel 5: The Cat exclaiming “SUCCESS!” Panel 6: The Cat thinking “THINK ILL HEAD OVER TO LOOP. I’M STARTING TO FEEL BETTER- - NOTHING BEATS EXERCISE FOR MAKING YOU FEEL ALIVE - - --EXCEPT FALLING IN LOVE.” Panel 7: The Cat thinking “BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY -- WHOOPEE. IF YOU’RE SO DARN COOL, GREER - - WHY AREN’T YOU DOWN THERE TRIPPING THE LIGHT FANTASTIC?” Page 4: Panel 1: Story Dialogue A GENT IN BLUE PROVIDES THE ANSWER: Cop 1 exclaiming “HEY CAL! THERE SHE IS - - THE CAT!” Cop 2, Cal, responding “OKAY - - LET’S GET HER.” Panel 2: The Cat thinking “WHA – THE POLCIEMAN HAS HIS GUN DRAWN!” Cop 1 exclaiming “COME DOWN HERE! WE WANT TO TALK TO YOU.” Panel 3: The Cat thinking “I THOUGHT THEY WERE ON MY SIDE AFTER I ROUNDED UP MAN-BULL.”* *Editor’s note reads: LAST ISH, REMEMBER?- - R. Panel 4: The Cat thinking “BUT THAT GUN TELLS ME IT AIN’T NECESSARILY SO.” Cop 1 exclaiming “STOP OR I’LL SHOOT!” Panel 5: The Cat thinking “MY LORD! HE MEANS IT! THOSE BULLETS ARE REAL!” Panel 6: The Cat thinking “NO WARNING SHOTS - - NO EXPLAINATION. WHAT’S THE MATTER WITH THOSE GUYS?” Panel 7: The Cat thinking “I DON’T KNOW - - BUT I’M NOT HANGING AROUND TO FIND OUT.” Page 5: Panel 1: The Cat exclaiming “GADS! THEY MUST BE PSYCHIC!” Cop 1 exclaiming “HOLD IT RIGHT THERE! YOU’RE UNDER SUSPICTION- -“ “- - FOR MUDRDER AND KIDNAPPING.” Panel 2: The Cat thinking “MURDER? WHAT’S HE TALKING ABOUT?” Panel 3: Cop 2 exclaiming “DON’T SHOOT HER, ORTIZ. SHE’LL FALL TO HER DEATH…AND WE’LL NEVER KNOW WHERE LAKUYA IS.” Panel 4: Story Dialogue SUCCESSFUL EVADING HER PURSUERS, GREER MAKIES IT BACK TO HER APARTMENT. The Cat thinking “MURDER?? AND KIDNAPPING?” “WHY DO THEY THINK I’M INVOLVED?” Panel 5: The Cat thinking “I’LL SHEE IF THERE’S ANY INFO ABOUT THIS ON THE TUBE- -“ TV SET ANNOUNCING “… FEAR THAT LAKUYA HAS BEEN KIDNAPPED. POLICE ALSO REPORT THAT THE MISSING ANGOLAN ENVOY’S CHAUFFEUR WAS FOUND DEAD NEAR THE CAR, ALLEGEDLY CLAWED AND TORN AS IF BY SOME WILD BEAST.” Page 6: No page available. Page 7: Panel 1: Greer speaking “WOW! THIS HOUSE IS FANTASTIC! HAVE YOU LIVED HERE LONG?” Graymalkin speaking “MY FAMILY HAS OWNED IT FOR FIVE GENERATIONS! WOULD YOU LIKE SOME TEA?” Panel 2: Graymalkin speaking “THIS IS MY OWN SPECIAL BLEND... I HOPE YOU LIKE IT.” Panel 3: Greer thinking “THIS WOMAN IS NO CRANK - - I SENSE A POWERFUL FORCE AT WORK.” Greer speaking “MMM… IT’S STRANGE - - BUT GOOD.” Graymalkin thinking “THIS GIRL IS NO MERE GRADUATE STUDENT - - “ Graymalkin asking “NOW, WHAT CAN I TELL YOU, MISS D’AMATO?” Panel 4: Greer responding “WELL, I’VE BEEN DOING RESEARCH ON THE …THE…I…WANTED TO ASK IF … UNH…” Graymalkin asking “ARE YOU ALL RIGHT, MISS D’AMATO?” Panel 5: Graymalkin words swirling around Greer’s head “ARE YOU ALL RIGHT?” “ARE YOU ALL RIGHT??” “ARE YOU ALL RIGHT?” Page 8: Panel 1: Story Dialogue GREER’S MIND REELS…HIDEOUS HALLUCINATIONS LOOM BEFORE HER CLOSED LIDS - - Greer thinking “THE TEA … SHOULD HAVE KNOWN… SO CARELESS…” Panel 2: Story Dialogue QUICKLY GREER LOSES CONSCIOUSNESS - - Panel 3: Story Dialogue ONLY TO AWAKE AN UNDETERMINED PERIOD LATER IN A CLAMMY, VAULTED… Greer exclaiming “DUNGEON?!” Panel 4: Story Dialogue SUDDENLY A DOOR CRASHES OPEN, AND A WEIRD PROCESSION ENTERS - - Panel 5: Greer thinking “IT’S GRAYMALKIN - - AND THE WHOLE COVEN OF WITCHES. THEY HAVE A MAN TIED UP - - IT MUST BE LAKUYA!” Page 9 (above): No lettered page available. Page 10: No page available. Page 11 (above): No lettered page available. Page 12 (deleted): No lettered page available. This page was slated to be deleted per note on top of the art board. Page 12 (note the number 12 written in pencil over 13 on top of page): Panel 1: The Cat thinking “IF IT WEREN’T FOR THIS MASK, I’D HAVE A HARD TIME SEEING, TOO…” Panel 2: The Cat thinking “GOT TO SHIFT THIS STONE COVER.” Panel 3: Story Dialogue SLOWLY, GREER PUSHES OPEN AN EGRESS - - AND CLIMBS OUT INTO THE MOONLIT GARDEN. Panel 4: Story Dialogue SWIFTLY SHE GLIDES ACROSS THE SHADOWED LAWN Panel 5: Story Dialogue WITH SILENT STEPS, SHE APPROACHES THE GREAT HOUSE. Page 13 (note the number 13 written in blue pencil over 14 on top of page): Panel 1: The Cat thinking “NO LIGHTS ON DOWN HERE - - ” Panel 2: The Cat thinking “AH! THERE’S SOMETHING - - UP ON THE SECOND FLOOR.” Panel 4: Story Dialogue THE CAT CLIMBS UP WARILY, PEERS IN THE GOTHIC-ARCHED WINDOW - - Panel 5: Story Dialogue - - AND IS STUNNED BY THE LOOMING, HIDEOUS FANTASMS CAVORTING AND CATERWAULING IN THE FIRELIGHT. Page 14 (note the number 14 written in blue pencil over 15 on top of page): Panel 1: The Cat thinking “MY LORD! GRAYMALKIN DIDN’T LIE! THERE’S LAKUYA - - ” Panel 2: The Cat thinking “- - CONNECTED TO A CAT BY SOPHISTICATED EQUIPMENT.” Panel 3: Story Dialogue THE FRENZIED CRIES INSIDE BECOME MUFFLED AND CONCENTRATED IN AN UNITELLIGIBLE CHANT. Panel 4: Story Dialogue ONE MACBRE FIGURE REACHES FOR A LEVER, AND - - Page 15 (note the number 15 written in pencil over 16 on top of page): Panel 1: Story Dialogue - - THE CAT CRASHES THROUGH THE WINDOW! Panel 2: The Cat asking “WHAT’S WRONG HAZEL? NO QUICK SPELL TO STOP A RIGHT FIST?” Panel 4: The Cat saying “SORRY TO STOP THE AUDITION. YOU WERE SINGING SO NICELY, TOO” The Cat thinking “EACH OF THESE CREATURES IS FEROCIOUS - - AND LETHAL.” Page 16: Panel 1: The Cat saying “IF I EVER PRODUCE A ROCK OPERA OF MACBETH, I’LL CALL YOU.” Panel 2: The Cat thinking “UNCONSCIOUS! CAN’T ESCAPE NOW - - I MUST FIND GRAYMALKIN!” Panel 3: The Cat thinking “SO MANY OF THEM - - THEY SEEM TO SPRING FROM NOWHERE.” Panel 4: The Cat stating “THIS SHOULD MAKE YOU HARPIES COOL DOWN A WHILE.” Panel 5: The Cat thinking “THEY APPEAR TO BE …SHRINKING?” Panel 6: The Cat saying “WHA - - ? OH NO!” Page 17 (note the number 17 written in pencil over 18 on top of page): Panel 1: The Cat exclaiming “THE ASPCA WOULD NEVER APPROVE OF THIS - - EVEN IF I TOLD THEM THESE AREN’T ORDINARY CATS!” Panel 2: The Cat saying “I TRUST YOU FELINES HAVEN’T USED UP YOUR QUOTA OF LIVES.” Panel 3: Story Dialogue WITHOUT WARNING, THE CATS THEMSELVES SEEMED TO CHANGE - - INTO TOWERING BEASTS… Panel 4: Story Dialogue …BEASTS OF FICTION, NIGHTMARE CREATURES, MENACING AND TERRIFYING. Page 18: Panel 1: Story Dialogue NOT TRUSTING HER EYES, GREER IS FORCED TO BELIEF BY THE DEADLY COLD TOUCH OF A SCALY TALON. Panel 2: Story Dialogue A SHOCK WAVE OF FORCE SLAMS GREER AGAINST THE WALL - - Panel 3: The Cat thinking “IT - - IT’S OPENING!” Panel 4: The Cat exclaiming “GRAYMALKIN! YOU’VE CREATED THESE MONSTERS SCIENTIFICALLY!” Panel 5: Graymalkin exclaiming “KEEP AWAY! MY SYSTEM TOOK YEARS TO PERFECT!” Panel 6: The Cat exclaiming “YOUR SYSTEM…ILLUSIONS? HOLOGRAMS? WHAT? WHATEVER THOSE MONSTERS ARE MADE OF - - I’M GOING TO STOP THEM!” Graymalkin exclaiming “NO! NO! YOU MUSTN’T RIP AT THOSE WIRES - - THE BALANCE IS TOO DELICATE!” Panel 7: Story Dialogue THE DAMAGE DONE TO THE EQUIPMENT HAS A STRANGE EFFECT ON THE PUPPET-MONSTERS... Page 19: Panel 1: Story Dialogue THEIR ELECTRO-STRINGS ARE FIGURATIVELY CUT, AND THEY ATTACK THEIR CREATOR - - Graymalkin yelling “AIEEEE!” Panel 2: The Cat thinking “I HAVE TO WORK FAST! THE ONLY WAY TO DESTROY THE BEASTS IS TO DESTROY THE SYSTEM.” Story Dialogue SUDDENLY - - SILENCE! Panel 3: Story Dialogue THE MONSTROUS SHAPES, WITCHES, CATS’ CARCASSES, AND ALL THE TRAPPINGS OF SOCERY - - ALL GONE! The Cat thinking “NOTHING … NOTHING AT ALL. THE SYSTEM BLEW - - AND EVERYTHING WENT WITH IT. BUT HOW? GRAYMALKIN MUST HAVE ESCAPED.” Panel 4: Story Dialogue GREER HURRIES OVER TO LAKUYA’S INERT BODY. The Cat thinking “HE’S WEAK AND EXHAUSTED, BUT HE’S FINE. I’LL CALL THE POLICE FROM A PHONE BOOTH AND TELL THEM WHERE HE IS - - ANONYMOUSLY.” Panel 5: The Cat thinking “LAKUYA’S STORY WILL CLEAR THE CAT WITH THE AUTHORITIES.” “AND THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO LOCATE GRAYMALKIN - - IF SHE’S AROUND.” Panel 6: Story Dialogue THE DUSKY DAWN STREETS OF CHICAGO HOLD NO CLUE IN THE MYSTERY OF A NOW EMPTY MANSION - - WHERE THE CAT DANCED LAST NIGHT WITH DEATH AND THE DEVIL. THE END

Funny, with my collection long sold, I only have reprints of the stories now. Typically, my reprints stop at Amazing Spider-Man 185.

The first time I really noticed was when Ross left after issue 185. Issue 186 was just so different and unappealing to me. I sometimes say that it was the end of my Bronze Age. Ross's departure from Amazing Spider-Man really resonated with me as a twelve year old.

Not Ross Andru, but pure Bronze Age cross-over goodness. Sal Buscema and Frank Giacoia from Nova 12, which leads into the fondly remembered Amazing Spider-Man 171. I collected Nova as well as the Amazing Spider-Man, so this was a match made in heaven.

Substitute Spider-Man for Supergirl on this cover and it would have fit right in with Ross's and Frank's work on the Amazing Spider-Man.

True or False Ross Andru drew the Black Costume Spidey. True actually. Here is the rare event from The Spider-Man Graphic Novel: Fear Itself from February 1992, 21 months before he passed. Inks by Mike Esposito. I love Mr. Andru's work, but I felt the work in this issue wasn't quite as polished as usual.

Nice book.

I did some searches on the Grand Comic Database, but I couldn't find the story. Here is the link https://www.comics.org

Here's what John said "I think the greatest thing Ross did was the Spider-Man vs Superman cross over. I have told many people at many conventions that I don’t know of anybody who could have done a better job on a huge project like that. It’s high profile, you’re out there exposed, and he did the best job I’ve ever seen on such a big project. That’s one of my favorite books of all time. I did work with him on that book because I was the consultant for Marvel and Stan sort of insisted that every once in a while I touch up a Mary Jane Watson face, or a Peter Parker face. You might find a couple of my faces sticking out like a sore thumb in that book." I think Ross would have been the ultimate professional, thanking John for his help, but I do feel deep inside he would have been like us all, feeling somewhat slighted. I also felt John is sincere in that Stan told him to make the corrections. (I meet John Romita back in 2006, incredibly nice and humble guy.) I think Neal Adams did a lot more corrections on Superman, than John did on Spidey, PP, or MJ, though. I think the book is amazing, so the final project may have stepped on some artistic toes, but to me, it's near perfect.

That's from Superman vs the Amazing Spider-Man No, I don't think it is Andru. Yes, two right feet.

No sir, but I like it.... That's neat.

I remember buying this book off the stands. Probably my first exposure to Infinity Covers.

Awesome (and painful it appears) story Steve. Were you able to discern the reworked Splash pages from the rest of the story art during the 'longways' phase? Some of it was quite close, others not so much. And it was never credited (to my knowledge, though I don't study these books too often).

Thanks Lee.

Thanks Lee for updating that. I do hope these find a great home my friend. Ok to share the Splash on other forums?

Oh snap, would love to see more Lee. Really appreciate your inputs to our little Ross Andru thread.

OH man, is that nice. Thanks @Lee B. for sharing. Is this a Xerox from Dave Hunt? So Awesome.

W-What--?! because I really need to exclaim my question.

Not Andru, but Gil Kane filling in for Ross in Amazing Spider-Man 150. Not the best Spidey story ever, but fondly remembered by myself, as my brother and I grabbed two copies of this issue, knowing it would be a collector's item, lol. Love the little pacing notes that Gil (and many other artists) wrote in the margins of the artboard. The first one reads "Spider-Man Starts to Zap Smythe" The third panel margin note reads "Smythe Web Gets Spidey".

Ah, this brings back great memories of the Variant Mafia. The information and galleries on that site were extremely well done, IMHO.

Here's a panel from the original art from Marvel Super-Heroes 14. Pencils by Ross Andru and inks by Bill Everett. I have never been a fan of the art in this book, but understood Ross hadn't hit his stride yet. But it looks a lot better in black and white, I will admit. I love reading the pacing notes in the margins of the art, the top margin reads 'Harry walks girls "Out" on his way to pick up'... I'm sure it would finish Prescription. Also in the left margin it reads "Fix Girls" Hmmm, wonder what was changed. This is the only time (hmm would need to check the first 11 issues of MTU to be sure of that statement) Ross drew the real Gwen Stacy, not that fake clone, lol.

Nice book! Anyone else remembering reading "Still Only 35 Cents" and thinking that's still too much, lol. Times have changed.

No, spoke with a bunch of British blokes, had to be across the pond.

Oh, I worked on a project in Great Yarmouth a couple of years back. Never got to go there though.

I didn't start collecting until ASM 153, so all of these issues I got through mail in offers. Best time of my collecting life. Loved the feeling of opening those Spider-Man comics and reading these stories for the first time. Best days of my youth.