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Astonishing Tales 1970-1976: The Ben Stevens Era

Arthur Mason

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Published in Astonishing Tales (1970 1976) #13 Ben Stevens

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Astonishing Tales was a Marvel Comics anthology series that ran from 1959 to 1979. The series featured a variety of stories, including science fiction, fantasy, and horror. In 1970, the series was taken over by writer-editor Ben Stevens, who began to focus the series on horror stories.

Astonishing Tales (1970-1976) #13

by Ben Stevens

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	90712 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	21 pages

Stevens' run on Astonishing Tales was a critical and commercial success. He introduced several new characters to the Marvel Universe, including Dr. Strange, Werewolf by Night, Man-Thing, and Moon Knight. He also helped to develop the character of Blade, who would go on to become one of Marvel's most popular characters.

Dr. Strange

Dr. Strange was created by Steve Ditko and Stan Lee, and first appeared in Strange Tales #110 in 1963. The character is a neurosurgeon who becomes the Sorcerer Supreme, the Earth's protector against magical threats.

Stevens took over the writing of Dr. Strange in Astonishing Tales #15. He introduced several new elements to the character, including his astral projection abilities and his use of the Eye of Agamotto. Stevens also developed the character's relationship with his mentor, the Ancient One.

Dr. Strange By Steve Ditko And Ben Stevens Astonishing Tales (1970 1976) #13 Ben Stevens

Werewolf by Night

Werewolf by Night was created by Gerry Conway and Mike Ploog, and first appeared in Marvel Tales #32 in 1972. The character is a werewolf who is cursed to transform every full moon.

Stevens took over the writing of Werewolf by Night in Astonishing Tales #18. He developed the character's backstory and introduced several new characters, including his love interest, Nina Price. Stevens also wrote the character's first solo series, which ran from 1972 to 1977.

Werewolf By Night By Mike Ploog And Ben Stevens Astonishing Tales (1970 1976) #13 Ben Stevens — Werewolf by Night by Mike Ploog and Ben Stevens

Man-Thing

Man-Thing was created by Steve Gerber and Rich Buckler, and first appeared in Adventure into Fear #10 in 1971. The character is a swamp monster who is created when a scientist is transformed by a powerful chemical.

Stevens took over the writing of Man-Thing in Astonishing Tales #19. He developed the character's personality and backstory, and introduced several new characters, including his friend and ally, Ted Sallis. Stevens also wrote the character's first solo series, which ran from 1974 to 1975.

Man Thing By Rich Buckler And Ben Stevens Astonishing Tales (1970 1976) #13 Ben Stevens

Moon Knight

Moon Knight was created by Doug Moench and Bill Sienkiewicz, and first appeared in Werewolf by Night #32 in 1975. The character is a vigilante who uses his skills as a former mercenary to fight crime.

Stevens took over the writing of Moon Knight in Astonishing Tales #23. He developed the character's backstory and introduced several new characters, including his love interest, Marlene Alraune. Stevens also wrote the character's first solo series, which ran from 1976 to 1979.

Moon Knight By Bill Sienkiewicz And Ben Stevens Astonishing Tales (1970 1976) #13 Ben Stevens — Moon Knight by Bill Sienkiewicz and Ben Stevens

Blade

Blade was created by Marv Wolfman and Gene Colan, and first appeared in The Tomb of Dracula #10 in 1973. The character is a vampire hunter who is immune to vampire bites.

Stevens took over the writing of Blade in Astonishing Tales #24. He developed the character's personality and backstory, and introduced several new characters, including his allies, Taj Nital and Quincy Harker. Stevens also wrote the character's first solo series, which ran from 1976 to 1977.

Blade By Gene Colan And Ben Stevens Astonishing Tales (1970 1976) #13 Ben Stevens

Impact on Marvel Universe

Ben Stevens' run on Astonishing Tales had a major impact on the Marvel Universe. He introduced several new characters who would go on to become popular and important figures in the Marvel Universe. He also helped to develop the horror genre in Marvel Comics.

Stevens' work on Astonishing Tales is still considered to be some of the best horror comics ever written. His stories are well-written, suspenseful, and often thought-provoking. Stevens' work helped to define the Marvel horror genre and set the stage for the future of horror comics.

Legacy

Ben Stevens' run on Astonishing Tales is a classic era in Marvel Comics. His stories are still enjoyed by fans today, and his characters continue to be popular and important figures in the Marvel Universe. Stevens' legacy is one of creativity, innovation, and excellence. He is one of the most important and influential figures in the history of Marvel Comics.

Astonishing Tales (1970-1976) #13

by Ben Stevens

5 out of 5