Marvel Spotlight #2 (February 1972) – Key Highlights
-
Publisher: Marvel Comics
-
Published: February 1972
-
Editor: Stan Lee
-
Cover Artist: Neal Adams (pencils), Tom Palmer (inks)
-
Genre: Occult / Horror
-
Format: 52-page giant, full color
-
Cover Price: $0.25
🔥 Key Significance
-
First appearance and origin of Werewolf by Night (Jack Russell).
-
Introduces Jack Russell and the family curse that transforms him into a werewolf.
-
The story establishes the tragic history of the Russell family, including Jack's suspicions about his stepfather's involvement in his mother's death.
-
Features a striking Neal Adams cover, inked by Tom Palmer.
-
The cover and lead story were later reprinted in Essential Werewolf by Night (Marvel, 2005 series) #1.
📖 Story Highlights
- “First Night” – 27 pages
-
Plot: Roy Thomas and Jean Thomas
-
Script: Gerry Conway
-
Pencils/Inks: Mike Ploog
-
Letters: John Costanza
-
Synopsis: On his eighteenth birthday, Jack learns of the family curse from his mother while she is on her deathbed. He begins to suspect that his stepfather may have been responsible for her death.
-
Characters: Jack Russell (Werewolf by Night), Baron Russoff, Laura Russell, Phillip Russell, Lissa Russell, and Max Grant.
-
Originally reprinted in: Essential Werewolf by Night (Marvel, 2005 series) #1.
- “Where Gargoyles Dwell!” – 8 pages
-
Feature: Venus
-
Script/Art/Letters: Bill Everett
-
Synopsis: A fantasy-romance adventure featuring Venus and the Gargoyle kingdom.
-
Characters: Venus, Gara (King of the Gargoyles), Sylvia Corpo (Queen of the Gargoyles), and Whit Hammond.
-
Originally published in: Venus (Marvel, 1948 series) #16 (October 1951).
📌 Additional Details
-
Cover Title: “Night of Full Moon—Night of Fear!”
-
Cover Character: Werewolf (Jack Russell).
-
House Advertisement: Includes a promotional ad for Venus, featuring artwork by Bill Everett.
-
Page Count: The issue is listed as 52 pages, while the two detailed stories account for 35 pages; the remaining pages include additional material and advertisements.
A landmark Marvel horror issue introducing Werewolf by Night, with a memorable Neal Adams and Tom Palmer cover and a vintage Bill Everett Venus reprint.
