Weird Science #3
"A Gobl Is a Knog's Best Friend" delivers a quietly profound sci-fi fable from Al Feldstein and Wally Wood, whose sharp, expressive art brings to life a lone traveler’s unintended legacy. In 2963, Jerome Kraft lands on a distant world, where his compassion and advanced knowledge transform a primitive society—only to be met with religious persecution when his miracles threaten the established order. Decades later, a new generation still reveres the symbols of his sacrifice, unaware of the truth behind the legend. The cover by Wally Wood captures the story’s eerie, mythic tone, making this a standout in the Weird Science series.
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In the year 2963 Jerome Kraft lands on a planet to catalog various life forms with four years of provisions. The rocket that dropped him off expects to return in four years but will later be destroyed and all records of Jerome's mission lost. Jerome encounters a primitive society and, using advanced technology, heals the sick and feeds the hungry. The people proclaim him their Savior sent by God, but he tells them that he is simply a man from a far distant star who possesses greater scientific advancement. The high priest orders Jerome brought before him and denounces the idea of other worlds as heresy. He tells Jerome that he must cease working his miracles for the poor and benefit only the wealthy. Jerome refuses. Thousands of years pass before another rocket lands on the planet and they find an advanced civilization. Many people wear curious designs around their neck and the space explorers ask what they represent. They are told it is a religious symbol representing a stretch rack, upon which their Savior was put to death.
Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).