Space Patrol: Super Mag Issue 24

Having proved popular, the first Space Patrol comic by Gold Token/Super Mag was quickly followed up by a second issue in December. This, too, adapted one of the television episodes with artwork again by R. Paul Hoye.

Young World, the publishers of Super Mag, also reprinted some of the comic titles in 64 page hardback editions containing two titles (right). Space Patrol - The Secret Formula was reprinted along with The Terrible Ten - Bush Rescue (apparently based on a popular Australian children's television series) around 1965 (the books contain no date), with a serial number (225/11) suggesting it is the eleventh in the series. At least two others, Mary Poppins/The Moonspinners (225/6) and Champion The Wonder Horse/Black Mask - Revenge, are known to exist. Unlike the earlier issues, which were printed in Belgium, the hardbacks editions were also printed in Italy, on a higher quality paper.

Any further details on Super Mag, Gold Token books or their publishers Young World, would be greatly appreciated. If you are able to help, please contact us.

Super Mag Issue 24 - The Secret Formula

Published by Young World, in December 1964. Printed in Italy.
Artist: R. Paul Hoye
40 page issue (Strip runs to just under 32 pages, plus a small photo teaser introduction)

Synopsis:
Adaptation of the television episode Secret Formula.

Continuity:
• The story is more freely adapted than Issue 12, and the likenesses of Mason and Kolig differ from the televised versions.

Astro Viewer Working:
• Haggarty's laboratory is at 'Space City, Earth', following the continuity in the first adaptation.
• Galasphere 347 is shown landing in Cresta, the capitol of Venus, at a tower similar to Space Headquarters.

• Haggerty is shown to be angry when Mason tells him and Raeburn that Kinotine is not for sale.
• The President of Venus refers to the creture as a 'Spirioum Spider'.
• Marla's outfit is more like a catsuit with a frilly collar.
• Husky's 'slang' is altered to more usual English, such as when bound by the web on the way back to Earth he thinks "This is ridiculous." instead of the on-screen "It's ridicuble."
• Haggarty's eductional explanation of how to break the web is omitted almost entirely, simply explained as freezing it to make it brittle.
• Dart is also angry at Mason after hearing the scientist has left for Mars.
• Kolig is not identified initially, and his 'offer' to Raeburn is more curtailed than the televised story.
• Kolig smokes a cigar while arranging Mason's 'accident'.
• There is more use of thought bubbles, especially with Kolig thinking 'Good-bye, you fool!' as Mason leaves, and gloating to himself as the agreement regarding Kinotine is signed.
• Husky is also seen smoking while waiting for Dart by the Galasphere outside Kolig's residence! (right)
• Artist Hoye gives Marla a more notably Venusian appearance, similar to Slim and the President of Venus.
• Raeburn is seen consulting paperwork at a filing cabinet on the last page.
• The inside back cover, giving the publisher's details and date of issue, also states '© Copyright Roberta Leigh', rather than 'Wonderama'.

We are again treated to a brief introduction, though regretably not as informative as the first, illustrated with a photo of Kolig:

SPACE PATROL - Secret Formula

Roberta Leigh's famous SPACE PATROL team are here again to solve yet another space problem.
This story of "The Secret Formula" has strange entangled mysteries to unravel. What is the secret formula? Why are certain people anxious to grab it for themselves? What powers does it possess? All these questions are answered excitedly in this new super magazine.

Hoorah!:
• The painted portraits of Dart, Slim and Husky on the front cover are very nice.
• The free adaptation of the story offers views of Cresta that are similar to Space Headquarters on Earth.
• On screen, Kolig says goodbye to Mason and is then speaking as if the accident has already occured. In this adaptation, the rocket carrying Mason explodes as it lifts off from Kolig's estate, giving the scene more sense.

Boo!:
• The artwork is less polished than the first, seeming a little rushed by comparison.
• While clearing up a few scenes, others are more curtailed than seen on television.
• ‘Galasphere’ is again spelt with two ‘l’s throughout.

Ready To Lift ?:
Somewhat less pleasing than the first adaptation, with less continuity to the televised episode. This could have worked in its favour but the whole gives the impression of a quickly produced follow-up to Issue 12. (6)

(With thanks to Keith Ansell)