As I've said before, Marvel Comics' best version of Doc Savage was the black and white magazine version which ran for 8 quarterly issues (from the summer of 1975 to the spring of 1977). Doug Moench wrote every issue, keeping the stories fresh and fun, sending Doc and his Amazing Five all over the world in search of adventure, danger, and justice. While the mag went through a veritable revolving door of pencilers, Tony DeZuniga kept the book consistent by inking every issue (except #8) and penciling a few, as well. All in all, Doc's mag was extremely well done, mixing pulp adventure, Marvel-style action and characterization, and a sense of fun.One of Groove's favorite issues was published in the winter of 1975, issue #3. "The Inferno Scheme" sported pencils by Marvel legend John Buscema, who excelleled in sci-fi machinery and action, both of which this story is filled with. Writer Doug Moench focused much of the attention on Renny, one of Doc's most interesting aide's, though usually overshadowed by the popular Monk (who was absent from this story so he could star in a back-up solo story in this issue--if you want me to run it, let me know!) and Ham. Moench's story was also partially inspired by the James Bond movie, On Her Majesty's Secret Service, for its breath-taking ski-action sequences. If you overlook the fact that Moench boo-booed by mentioning Fort Knox (which wouldn't be built until three years after this particular Doc Savage adventure took place), the story is a near-perfect comicbook romp. But you don't have to take my word for it, Groove-ophile! Here's the proof from Moench, Buscema, and DeZuniga themselves!
