Shade, the Changing Man (1977) 6

Shade, the Changing Man (1977) 6

May 1978

Khaos, the Lord of Terror!

by Steve Ditko, Michael Fleischer, Jerry Serpe, Ben Oda, Jack C. Harris

SuDe demands that Shade hand over the M-Vest. Shade refuses. Chaos erupts when Barak and Mellu, who were taken prisoner by SuDe’s lackeys, break free and help Shade to escape from SuDe’s grasp. Mellu’s mother sees that the handwriting is on the wall and escapes as the SuDe armor is badly damaged. She makes it home but falls into a coma.

Shade and Barak chase after the person who escaped from the suit of armor, whose identity they do not know. They are unable to catch them due to a cave-in that blocks their way. 

Colonel Lopak shows up and arrests SuDe’s men. He demands a full report from Mellu. He finds the report she turns in to be unsatisfactory. He knows about her past with Rac Shade and is convinced that she’s concealing valuable information as to his whereabouts. 

Dr Z. Z. steps in to assume control of the secret crime academy set up by SuDe. He makes plans to invade and take over the Earth Zone.

Khaos hits multiple places in the city, causing death and destruction wherever he goes. He demands that control of the Meta Zone be turned over to him. 

President Olon meets with Colonel Kross to talk about the progress he has made investigating who is behind the theft of top secret information and scientific equipment. The President faces possible impeachment at the hands of the Metan Council because he refuses to capitulate to Khaos. 

Khaos shows up ready to kill President Olon. Shade shows up in time to prevent the assassination attempt from being a successful one. Khaos leaves after burning Shade so badly that his skin seems to have turned jet black and he looks like silhouette.

Thoughts

The cover to this issue is not my favorite. 

Is Shade dead? No, he can’t be but what exactly happened to him? What next for Barak and Mellu? What about Mellu’s mother? How long will she be in a coma? Are there too many threats for Shade to deal with them all? What will be Khaos’ next move? How will Colonel Kross figure into the next issue? Will the action return to the Earth Zone or stay in the Meta Zone?

I’m still on board for more even though the end of the line for this series is rapidly approaching. 

Mysterious Messages to the Meta-Zone

Both letters printed on this month’s letters page, reacting to early issues of Shade, provide feedback and suggestions about past and future issues of this comic book series.

DC Publishorial: A Word About the Fight of the Century

Written by Jenette Kahn, this month’s Publishorial is all about the Superman vs. Muhammad Ali comic book, which was published soon after this issue of Shade.