All-Star Squadron #129, homage to Arak, Son Of Thunder issue #32

Latest "Continuation Project" commission - All-Star Squadron #129, art by Val Semeiks, based as always on the cover of a comic written, plotted or scripted by Roy Thomas, in this case Arak, Son Of Thunder #32, original art by Ron Randall.

Title: "Danger - Dinosaurs At Large!"

Story: With Firebrand at the controls, the All-Stars' Aircuda flies across the Pacific Ocean, carrying both Firebrand and the Shining Knight towards Hawaii for a morale-boosting visit (and not coincidentally so that Danette Reilly can see her brother Rod, now back in Navy service). The two heroes will then fly on to the undisclosed location where Andre, Chuck and Olaf are overseeing the outfitting of what will become the Pacific's Blackhawk Island, in preparation for the Blackhawks' future battles against the Japanese.

Unexpectedly, the aircraft gets caught in a violent storm, which throws the heroes off course and wrecks their radio gear, leaving them unable to communicate. Firebrand battles valiantly against the storm but ultimately it proves too much for her, and the Aircuda crashes into the ocean.

Just before that happens, Firebrand grabs the Shining Knight and bails out, although his armoured weight is almost at the limit of her ability to lift. Spotting an island in the distance, the heroes head towards it, with Sir Justin urging Danette to abandon him and save herself. She refuses - and they crash into the surf, with the Knight dragging Firebrand onto the beach before both fall into unconsciousness!

Later, the Knight awakens and, leaving Firebrand safe, explores inland and gathers food. Returning, the two heroes wonder where they are - until the arrival of a giant prehistoric monster gives them their answer: they're trapped --- on Dinosaur Island!

With Firebrand still weakened, the Knight fights the dinosaur and eventually drives it off - only to see that it was being controlled from afar - by the fearsome Japanese villain, the Dragon King!

Continued - next issue!

I was delighted to get Val Semeiks, artist of several JSA-featuring comics (DC2000 and JLA Incarnations) to do this commission, and the fact that he had an extended stint on Conan made him the perfect choice to draw a cover featuring a sword-wielding hero in combat with a dinosaur, in my view. Hope you agree that Val did a fantastic job!