A new incarnation of Ka-Zar
The reason most people remember this issue is because it is the first appearance of Ka-Zar. Or at least this incarnation of him. The original Ka-Zar was one of the various characters introduced in the pulp magazines of Martin Goodman. He appeared in three issues, dated between 1936 and 1937. When Goodman went on to establish Marvel Comics in 1939, Ka-Zar was adapted in comic books. He was a regular feature in Marvel Mystery Comics from 1939 to 1942. he also had a crossover with Human Torch and Namor in "Human Torch Comics" #5 (Summer, 1941). After that the original version was mostly forgotten.
The original Ka-Zar was your typical Jungle Lord, a white guy proclaiming himself ruler of his own portion of the African jungle. Not that different from Tarzan, the exemplary of this genre. The second one has some quirks of his own. His domain is a tropical climate-region laying beneath the ices of Antarctica. There various human tribes share the land with dinosaurs, mastodons and early equids. A land of anachronisms where cavemen with clubs live sive by side with fortified cities like that of the Swamp Men. If it sounds similar to the Lost World (1912) by Arthur Conan Doyle and Pellucidar (1915) of Edgar Rice Burroughs, it probably should. But it is a good location for numerous adventures. Here Jack Kirby does a pretty good illustration of the prehistoric fauna, no doubt already grooming Ka-Zar for a series of his own.
While the X-Men are fish out of water in this setting, the issue does feature further character development of them. Some good, some not so much.
*Jean Grey's control of her telekinesis seems to be advancing. The exercise she performs in the second page alone has her dismantling a rifle into its composite parts. Then re-assembling it to its original condition by memory. All by telekinesis. When later faced with a Tyrannosaurus Rex, she is at first terrified. Then manages to throw boulders at its head. then concentrates on its legs. Managing to topple the heavy beast. The bonds keeping her hands behind her back are fortified with pitch which she is unable to break. But she easily removes the bonds off Warren, allowing him to fly them away from the confused dinosaur.
*Warren gets to shine at two instances. First, he is the one locating the news report on Ka-Zar and notifies the team of a potentially new mutant. A welcome break from "weeks" of inactivity. He was also the one getting the news report on Toad in #5. He seems to be the X-Man most alert to outside goings on. Second, when released from his bonds by Jean, they are both aware he can't transport her in his arms for long. He still risks it, noting "I've got to try! I could never leave you behind." Genuine emotion from the "conceited" X-Man in love.
*Professor X is back at the Mansion. But the X-Men remain in charge of their own training exercises and get to choose their next mission. He trusts their own judgement. He also confides to Cyclops alone that his ties in Washington have already contacted him about the Ka-Zar situation. He has already concluded the man is not a mutant, Cerebro failing to locate any mutant presence in Antarctica. Which again advances the plot of Xavier's government contacts and rather refines the capabilities of Cerebro.
*Scott and Jean have the hots for each other. But while their thought panels reflect this, neither vocally expresses his/her affection. Added for increased drama. Instead often described as one of the most tiresome elements of the 1960s issues of the series. Lots of unresolved sexual tention, precious little relevance to the plot. In this instance the only development is Cyclops' open relief at locating an unharmed Jean following her captivity. Ignoring the Angel who is standing right next to her and had underwent the same experiences. Warren is rather annoyed.
*Iceman gets little attention in the script but manages to trap Zabu in ice with minimal effort, creates ice bridges at will and introduces multiple Swamp-Men to their first avalanche.
*Beast's speed allows him to evade multiple attacks, even when said attacks knock out his allies. But he is reluctant to counterattackack. Expressing his belief that "Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent." This follows comments from previous issues that he is a pacifist at heart. Though his contact rarely matches his ideals.
A very enjoyable issue with pretty good art at places. But Ka-Zar, Zabu and the Savage Land seem to get better artwork than most of the X-Men. In the fan letters, at least one person complains that Jack Kirby is overworked and this negatively affects the quality of his artwork. Perhaps the fan had a point but this is among his better efforts in this title.
