From the Database: Mighty Doc Stalwart #179

The Mighty Doc Stalwart Issue 179 (February, 1978)

Fright at the Museum

Summary: Archaeologist Kira Keller is overseeing the opening of a new Mummy exhibit at the Meridian Museum of History and has invited Doc Stalwart as a guest. Doc mentions that he had worked with her father, and asks if she has anything else from him beyond a love of archaeology. She plays coy, saying she doesn't know what he could mean. When the custodian falls under the sway of Tessek's power, he opens the casket and Tessek is reborn. As Doc chases Tessek around the museum, Tessek gathers his garb and totem, becoming increasingly more powerful. Finally, Kira dons the gauntlets her father had left her, becoming the Bronze Beacon. She and Doc, working together, are able to defeat Tessek.

First Appearances: Bronze Beacon III; Tessek the Terrible

Historical Notes: This is the first issue in the 'Rise of the Victory Legion' storyline. Over the next several issues, Doc would encounter a variety of heroes, building a team that would soon face global threats. This was also the first issue without Lee Stanford as writer; he had penned the previous 178 issues, but had just retired, still serving as editor in chief. Kirby Jackson, who had retired from the regular art duties several years earlier, continued to provide covers until issue 200. Byron John, who had assumed art duties with issue 172, also assumed writing duties here, becoming the first writer/artist to create Doc stories. He would remain on the book as its primary creative force (except for a handful of issues by guest creators) until issue 250.