Famous Funnies #37

I've written before about using the environment to challenge the Heroes. Even a slushy sidewalk can change the dynamics of combat, as both sides might have to make a save vs. plot or science (whichever is better) to stay on their feet each turn.

Here we see bulletproof vests and automatic rifles in use, and more realistically than usual in comics. Note that the bulletproof vest seems to work just as it does, game mechanics-wise, in Hideouts & Hoodlums -- it reduces your chance of being hit and damaged, but doesn't actually absorb damage (as it is often erroneously shown doing in comics).

A large cache of weapons and armor is not unusual to find in a hideout.

Skyroads veers into mad science territory this month. A machine that can "send a person from place to place by radio" sounds like the power Teleport through Focus (found in Book I: Men & Supermen). This particular machine has drawbacks, though, as it tends to shock the subject (1d6 damage?) more often than it actually works.

Wandering encounters are usually more about keeping the Heroes on their toes than keeping them well-stocked in Experience Points, but if you happen to put $100,000 in stolen money on a hoodlum, you're handing out an awful big boatload of XP.

Working spaceships seem a bit much too, but if you really want to level up your Heroes quickly and push them into space adventures, who am I to judge?

The original Black Panther in comics!

Here we see lots of examples of missile fire, and cover, evidence that first aid does not immediately revive unconscious people, and the dangers of bringing your dog along on adventures.

Here we see an example of an untraditional "wand", as the witch's focus item is her black necklace.  If the Phantom Magician had cast Detect Magic, he could have discovered that.

The witch's trap utterly fails because the Editor has allowed a save vs. missiles for the falling debris, and everyone got lucky rolls.

Note the importance of bringing light into a hideout.

I've said it before, but I don't get to share pages of Joe Palooka nearly as often as I'd like. This time, we see that pottery sells for $7, unless you can scam someone into spending hundreds of dollars on it.


(Scans courtesy of Digital Comic Museum)