She is already beautiful, even with half of her face covered! Joe Staton really has a feel for this character. I am liking that the colorist here are gocomics is adding the platinum tone to her hair! I just wish her horns were flesh color!
Twilight Zone creator Rod Serlings daughter just published a book about her famous father. He was from Binghamton, NY & had a summer home on Cayuga Lake near Ithaca, NY. He sometimes used the name of local towns as locations in his TV episodes.
After the discussion yesterday regarding Mysta’s attire and questions that were raised about whether Staton’s portrayal is an accurate representation of her legacy, I decided to do a little research. I skimmed through the years Moon Maid was a regular or semiregular in the strip (1964-1973) and culled out panels that were representative of her overall appearance during each of those years. The sampling size was very small for 1970, and I found nothing for 1971 (either I missed something or she didn’t appear that year).As you will see at the link below, Mysta’s costume did evolve somewhat over the years (the pics are listed chronologically). On the other hand, the basic look Gould gave her when she was first introduced in 1964 never really went away. Most of the changes that took place during the Space Era were variations on a theme. Apart from the brief appearance of the “minus” skirt during the 1969 Painted Lady/Hy Jacky story (which immediately went away), the only significant change to Moon Maid’s basic costume was in 1973, the last year she had a significant role in the strip.I have included a pic of the maternity smock Moon Maid wore when she was expecting Honeymoon. I was going to include additional panels featuring her wedding gown, the frock she wore when she and Junior went on their first date (both from 1964) and the black dress she wore on the day she died in 1978. But frankly I’m a little tired of combing through strips and decided just to go with these. Just to confirm that especially early in the story, Moon Maid did wear typical women’s clothing from time to time. But after Honeymoon was born in 1965, Moon Maid was thereafter almost never seen out of her familiar bustier until 1973. As you will see, the costume Staton has given Mysta is virtually an exact match with the outfit she wore beginning in 1967 through early 1969, nearly two years of the strip. Whatever people may think of it, her costume is certainly representative of her look during the Space Era. As well, just as it was typical of Moon Maid to be in costume during the 1960s whether at work or at home, I don’t consider it strange or uncharacteristic that she is in costume while hiding out at her headquarters. And especially not since she seems to go out and fight crime when the mood hits her.I won’t be surprised if I’m attacked for putting this together. My intent is only to respond to the complaints about Mysta’s attire, to the effect that her costume is not accurate or typical of what we should expect Moon Maid to be wearing. Based on the evidence, I believe it certainly is. Hopefully the visual evidence will put that discussion to rest.http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/9282/mmfashionsovertheyears.jpg
My two cents about Mysta’s attire. I think that Retik and Stellaluna are both “Loonies”, as in crazy about the Moon. I also think that Dr. Sail and Zy Ghoat want everyone to realize that this is Moon Maid, and the Moon Maid everyone is familiar with, is the one dressed in the sexy “Playboy bunny suit”. I am sure that almost all news footage ever taken of her, had her dressed that way. In the public eye, she isn’t Moon Maid unless she looks the part. Sort of like any super hero from any comic that isn’t in costume. When this group finally decide to come out into the open, so to speak, I think they want everyone to realize that they are “Loonies” and that their figurehead is THE ONE AND ONLY MOON MAID. Isn’t going to happen if she dresses up as Mysta Tracy mild mannered housewife.Just my opinion. Agree with it , or don’t. It’s up to you.
Sorry, it is Zy Ghote. Never will get that name spelled right.Oh, and I forgot to mention. I don’t think Mysta is selecting what she wears. I think that her two “handlers” do that for her. Just another reason for her to be dressed the way she is.
I agree with Willy007 (and stated yesterday myself) that Moon Maid’s clothing were variations on the same theme. Moon Maid dressed sometimes in Earth clothing. However, most of the time she dressed in “traditional” Moon fashion. This would be akin to someone from a foreign country who moved to the USA but felt more comfortable in her native clothing.
The suggestion was made yesterday that perhaps she wore Earth clothing normally but put on the Moon outfit when she was fighting crime.
Moon Maid was never framed in the strip as a “super hero” who went out to fight crime. Quite the opposite is true. Moon Maid’s powers interfered with radio, television, and phone communications. It caused quite a bit of worry for the government and Moon Maid was forced to make a promise not to use her full powers.
That said, Tracy would sometimes call in Moon Maid to use her powers to open a lock or some other small police procedure. Despite her popularity (both within the context of the strip and with the readers), the government was leery of Moon Maid and her powers (as was Tracy at various times) because she was apparently much more powerful than she usually demonstrated.
Also, a new Moon civilization had just been discovered with the entire population of this civilization endowed with the same powers as Moon Maid. Desipte the fact that Diet Smith was quick to make business deals with the Moon government, Earth governments were a bit hesitant of this Moon/Earth alliance.
Moon Maid became involved in several stories where her powers came into play, but she was never portrayed in the strip as some sort of “costumed super hero.” Her garb IMHO simply reflected the clothing style of the Moon people.
Somehow I myst – er, missed how and when she became called “Mysta.” I read the strips from the 1960s-70s, but I don’t remember the name “Mysta,” only “Moon Maid.” Can anyone explain?
I don’t believe Dr. Sail. He won’t let Mysta see her face because he’s a phony and doesn’t want her to know she’s already healed! I think he’s using her for some purpose but don’t know what it is yet.
If she is Angeltop, would she be fighting crime? If she is a clone of Moon Maid, why would her face need to heal? If she isn’t Moon Maid, why would she want to go back to the Moon? Why wouldn’t she want to see Junior and Honey Moon? Hope all questions are answered some day.
I’m sure if Chester Gould had wanted her to have an “official” name – he would have given her one. Obviously he felt she should simply be called by the nick name “Moon Maid”. I can understand that; it makes every mention of her remind us she IS not of this earth, but from the moon. Giving her a normal earth name tends to make her more one of the crowd down here, and detracts from the uniqueness of her Gould was trying to express. I have no problem at all with Chester Gould’s wonderful characters being “brought back” for NEW adventures. But I draw the line at changing – ie; “correcting” – his past work……..
With all the discussion about Mysta’s costume, one thing that hasn’t been mentioned is that moon women don’t wear a lot of clothes because doing so makes them physically uncomfortable. Moon people can change their body temperatures at will. They don’t need protection from the elements. In fact, they are stimulated by extreme cold and dislike heat. Like any pretty woman, Mysta wants to look beautiful, so that’s part of it. But there is a physiological reason that accounts for why she and all moon women wear less rather than more. (Not sure why they prefer the long boots, but even moon men wear them so maybe that’s just a fashion thing.) You can see what I’m talking about by reading the following panels from early 1964:
I have gotten a Moon Maid education today! Thank you to Tarry Plaguer, Willy007, and Ray Toler and others for the great information! I like all these pics, too. THey bring back many memories of why I like Moon Maid so much as a girl. And its been many years since I have read her story so it’s helping to fill in the gaps in my memory. One more question, who is Chin Chillar? knto999 mentioned the name and it does ring a bell but I can’t remember. Thanks again!
Great strip today. I don’t trust Dr. Sail either, but we’ll have to wait and see on him. Mysta looks apprehensive in the first panel, and vulnerable in panel three. She seems to be under Dr. Sail’s spell, and Staton’s art communicates all of this very well. I wouldn’t want to be Dr. Sail if he’s actually doublecrossing her! The electric sparks remind us who has the real power here, and how quickly and easily she could turn the tables on him. So far I am thoroughly impressed with Curtis and Staton’s work on this story. Every day has given us great new art to appreciate and new questions to think about. Seems like it’s going to be quite a yarn.
I do want to say that while I may not have liked Moon Maids having a new moniker, for every one thing I find I don’t like in Mike and Joe’s renditions, I also find 99 things I DO enjoy…..they have done a terrific job in general, and I always look forward to my Dick Tracy fix every day…..this comic absolutely rocks!!!
I’m loving this story so far but not the gocomics coloring. Blue horns and green hair for Mysta? C’mon guys!Hey Willy007, bail us out here. Do you have the version with fixed colors? I believe you posted one for yesterday.
We’re not even a week into this story, and each day, we get wonderful information from Mike and Joe. I have to say, I do enjoy their pacing of their stories, which is usually gripping at the beginning, but wind up rushed in the end. I hope with the extended time alloted to this story, this ending isn’t rushed (like I fel during the Broadway Bates/cosplay storyline and the Sweatbox story). < p >With all the talk about clones and Zy Ghote and Mumbles, I had a revelation and hope that Mike and Joe clear it up. What if this wasn’t the first actual clone that Zy Ghote developed? What if the first clone he did successfully make was the Mumbles in the 1994 storyline, where he was aged? That would explain things that folks here posted about, such as the aging of a clone, the memories, lack of continuity, etc. To me, it makes perfect sense and fits in with everything that has gone on before.< p >And if anyone’s counting, put me in the corner with the folks that this Moon Maid has more than a fleeting acquaintance with Mrs. Chin Chillar.
I just had an idea….what if the problem with Mysta is that she is like Hank Henshaw aka the Cyborg Superman? Maybe she has a skin growing over a cyborg body or she is the real Mysta merged with cybernetic body by the evil Dr. Sail?
60sFan almost 11 years ago
I don’t trust Dr. Sail!
Vista Bill Raley and Comet™ almost 11 years ago
Good morning all…
margueritem almost 11 years ago
Something may be rotten in Dr. Sail land…
Good morning, VB!
avenger09 almost 11 years ago
Oh Oh, I think Moon Maid is being deceived, nothing is wrong with her face! And I don’t like his grin as he’s putting on his gloves!!!
Stagger Lee almost 11 years ago
You never want to hear a Doctor that is working on you say “Oops!”.
dennis4476 Premium Member almost 11 years ago
She is already beautiful, even with half of her face covered! Joe Staton really has a feel for this character. I am liking that the colorist here are gocomics is adding the platinum tone to her hair! I just wish her horns were flesh color!
jonahhex1 almost 11 years ago
Maybe she has a mustache…..
charliefarmrhere almost 11 years ago
Twilight Zone creator Rod Serlings daughter just published a book about her famous father. He was from Binghamton, NY & had a summer home on Cayuga Lake near Ithaca, NY. He sometimes used the name of local towns as locations in his TV episodes.
willy007 almost 11 years ago
After the discussion yesterday regarding Mysta’s attire and questions that were raised about whether Staton’s portrayal is an accurate representation of her legacy, I decided to do a little research. I skimmed through the years Moon Maid was a regular or semiregular in the strip (1964-1973) and culled out panels that were representative of her overall appearance during each of those years. The sampling size was very small for 1970, and I found nothing for 1971 (either I missed something or she didn’t appear that year).As you will see at the link below, Mysta’s costume did evolve somewhat over the years (the pics are listed chronologically). On the other hand, the basic look Gould gave her when she was first introduced in 1964 never really went away. Most of the changes that took place during the Space Era were variations on a theme. Apart from the brief appearance of the “minus” skirt during the 1969 Painted Lady/Hy Jacky story (which immediately went away), the only significant change to Moon Maid’s basic costume was in 1973, the last year she had a significant role in the strip.I have included a pic of the maternity smock Moon Maid wore when she was expecting Honeymoon. I was going to include additional panels featuring her wedding gown, the frock she wore when she and Junior went on their first date (both from 1964) and the black dress she wore on the day she died in 1978. But frankly I’m a little tired of combing through strips and decided just to go with these. Just to confirm that especially early in the story, Moon Maid did wear typical women’s clothing from time to time. But after Honeymoon was born in 1965, Moon Maid was thereafter almost never seen out of her familiar bustier until 1973. As you will see, the costume Staton has given Mysta is virtually an exact match with the outfit she wore beginning in 1967 through early 1969, nearly two years of the strip. Whatever people may think of it, her costume is certainly representative of her look during the Space Era. As well, just as it was typical of Moon Maid to be in costume during the 1960s whether at work or at home, I don’t consider it strange or uncharacteristic that she is in costume while hiding out at her headquarters. And especially not since she seems to go out and fight crime when the mood hits her.I won’t be surprised if I’m attacked for putting this together. My intent is only to respond to the complaints about Mysta’s attire, to the effect that her costume is not accurate or typical of what we should expect Moon Maid to be wearing. Based on the evidence, I believe it certainly is. Hopefully the visual evidence will put that discussion to rest.http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/9282/mmfashionsovertheyears.jpg
fhoffman01 almost 11 years ago
Nice work, Willy. I agree with your conclusion.
coldsooner almost 11 years ago
Sure enough, what’s beneath that scarf is what he doesn’t want “others” to see, and a way to perhaps keep Mysta from wanting to go out too often.
Tarry Plaguer almost 11 years ago
My two cents about Mysta’s attire. I think that Retik and Stellaluna are both “Loonies”, as in crazy about the Moon. I also think that Dr. Sail and Zy Ghoat want everyone to realize that this is Moon Maid, and the Moon Maid everyone is familiar with, is the one dressed in the sexy “Playboy bunny suit”. I am sure that almost all news footage ever taken of her, had her dressed that way. In the public eye, she isn’t Moon Maid unless she looks the part. Sort of like any super hero from any comic that isn’t in costume. When this group finally decide to come out into the open, so to speak, I think they want everyone to realize that they are “Loonies” and that their figurehead is THE ONE AND ONLY MOON MAID. Isn’t going to happen if she dresses up as Mysta Tracy mild mannered housewife.Just my opinion. Agree with it , or don’t. It’s up to you.
Tarry Plaguer almost 11 years ago
Sorry, it is Zy Ghote. Never will get that name spelled right.Oh, and I forgot to mention. I don’t think Mysta is selecting what she wears. I think that her two “handlers” do that for her. Just another reason for her to be dressed the way she is.
johnrussco almost 11 years ago
honeymoon has her eyes lol
Ray Toler almost 11 years ago
@willy007@Tarry Plaguer
Great collection of Moon Maid attire. I thought you were just furnishing new avatars for everyone on the board.
Pequod almost 11 years ago
@willy007@Tarry Plaguer
Thanks for taking the time to gather and share this art. Wonderful memories, both old and new. Cheers!
Ray Toler almost 11 years ago
I agree with Willy007 (and stated yesterday myself) that Moon Maid’s clothing were variations on the same theme. Moon Maid dressed sometimes in Earth clothing. However, most of the time she dressed in “traditional” Moon fashion. This would be akin to someone from a foreign country who moved to the USA but felt more comfortable in her native clothing.
The suggestion was made yesterday that perhaps she wore Earth clothing normally but put on the Moon outfit when she was fighting crime.
Moon Maid was never framed in the strip as a “super hero” who went out to fight crime. Quite the opposite is true. Moon Maid’s powers interfered with radio, television, and phone communications. It caused quite a bit of worry for the government and Moon Maid was forced to make a promise not to use her full powers.
That said, Tracy would sometimes call in Moon Maid to use her powers to open a lock or some other small police procedure. Despite her popularity (both within the context of the strip and with the readers), the government was leery of Moon Maid and her powers (as was Tracy at various times) because she was apparently much more powerful than she usually demonstrated.
Also, a new Moon civilization had just been discovered with the entire population of this civilization endowed with the same powers as Moon Maid. Desipte the fact that Diet Smith was quick to make business deals with the Moon government, Earth governments were a bit hesitant of this Moon/Earth alliance.
Moon Maid became involved in several stories where her powers came into play, but she was never portrayed in the strip as some sort of “costumed super hero.” Her garb IMHO simply reflected the clothing style of the Moon people.
Blindfolded Wildcat almost 11 years ago
Somehow I myst – er, missed how and when she became called “Mysta.” I read the strips from the 1960s-70s, but I don’t remember the name “Mysta,” only “Moon Maid.” Can anyone explain?
mrichman almost 11 years ago
I don’t believe Dr. Sail. He won’t let Mysta see her face because he’s a phony and doesn’t want her to know she’s already healed! I think he’s using her for some purpose but don’t know what it is yet.
marvee almost 11 years ago
If she is Angeltop, would she be fighting crime? If she is a clone of Moon Maid, why would her face need to heal? If she isn’t Moon Maid, why would she want to go back to the Moon? Why wouldn’t she want to see Junior and Honey Moon? Hope all questions are answered some day.
PublicDomain almost 11 years ago
I suspect it’s because she’s not a clone of Moon Maiden and won’t look at all like her.
knto999 almost 11 years ago
This moon maid may be Chin Chillar. The mask covers the beard.
fredville almost 11 years ago
I’m sure if Chester Gould had wanted her to have an “official” name – he would have given her one. Obviously he felt she should simply be called by the nick name “Moon Maid”. I can understand that; it makes every mention of her remind us she IS not of this earth, but from the moon. Giving her a normal earth name tends to make her more one of the crowd down here, and detracts from the uniqueness of her Gould was trying to express. I have no problem at all with Chester Gould’s wonderful characters being “brought back” for NEW adventures. But I draw the line at changing – ie; “correcting” – his past work……..
willy007 almost 11 years ago
With all the discussion about Mysta’s costume, one thing that hasn’t been mentioned is that moon women don’t wear a lot of clothes because doing so makes them physically uncomfortable. Moon people can change their body temperatures at will. They don’t need protection from the elements. In fact, they are stimulated by extreme cold and dislike heat. Like any pretty woman, Mysta wants to look beautiful, so that’s part of it. But there is a physiological reason that accounts for why she and all moon women wear less rather than more. (Not sure why they prefer the long boots, but even moon men wear them so maybe that’s just a fashion thing.) You can see what I’m talking about by reading the following panels from early 1964:
mrichman almost 11 years ago
I have gotten a Moon Maid education today! Thank you to Tarry Plaguer, Willy007, and Ray Toler and others for the great information! I like all these pics, too. THey bring back many memories of why I like Moon Maid so much as a girl. And its been many years since I have read her story so it’s helping to fill in the gaps in my memory. One more question, who is Chin Chillar? knto999 mentioned the name and it does ring a bell but I can’t remember. Thanks again!
Chief Patton almost 11 years ago
Great strip today. I don’t trust Dr. Sail either, but we’ll have to wait and see on him. Mysta looks apprehensive in the first panel, and vulnerable in panel three. She seems to be under Dr. Sail’s spell, and Staton’s art communicates all of this very well. I wouldn’t want to be Dr. Sail if he’s actually doublecrossing her! The electric sparks remind us who has the real power here, and how quickly and easily she could turn the tables on him. So far I am thoroughly impressed with Curtis and Staton’s work on this story. Every day has given us great new art to appreciate and new questions to think about. Seems like it’s going to be quite a yarn.
fredville almost 11 years ago
I do want to say that while I may not have liked Moon Maids having a new moniker, for every one thing I find I don’t like in Mike and Joe’s renditions, I also find 99 things I DO enjoy…..they have done a terrific job in general, and I always look forward to my Dick Tracy fix every day…..this comic absolutely rocks!!!
fredville almost 11 years ago
oh, and Timmy, whether it turns out you’re right or not…..very impressed by your Chin Chillar theory regardless….some good thinking involved there!
yumpinyiminey almost 11 years ago
I’m loving this story so far but not the gocomics coloring. Blue horns and green hair for Mysta? C’mon guys!Hey Willy007, bail us out here. Do you have the version with fixed colors? I believe you posted one for yesterday.
Monk_Mayfair almost 11 years ago
We’re not even a week into this story, and each day, we get wonderful information from Mike and Joe. I have to say, I do enjoy their pacing of their stories, which is usually gripping at the beginning, but wind up rushed in the end. I hope with the extended time alloted to this story, this ending isn’t rushed (like I fel during the Broadway Bates/cosplay storyline and the Sweatbox story). < p >With all the talk about clones and Zy Ghote and Mumbles, I had a revelation and hope that Mike and Joe clear it up. What if this wasn’t the first actual clone that Zy Ghote developed? What if the first clone he did successfully make was the Mumbles in the 1994 storyline, where he was aged? That would explain things that folks here posted about, such as the aging of a clone, the memories, lack of continuity, etc. To me, it makes perfect sense and fits in with everything that has gone on before.< p >And if anyone’s counting, put me in the corner with the folks that this Moon Maid has more than a fleeting acquaintance with Mrs. Chin Chillar.
jonahhex1 almost 11 years ago
I just had an idea….what if the problem with Mysta is that she is like Hank Henshaw aka the Cyborg Superman? Maybe she has a skin growing over a cyborg body or she is the real Mysta merged with cybernetic body by the evil Dr. Sail?
http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/0/9241/634600-cyborg_superman_001.jpg