Marvel and Mouse

 By Wally Wood

 How did Wood know decades ago what caught everyone else completely by surprise just this morning?

From Kleefeld on Comics

This piece of artwork was commissioned from Wally Wood by TV Guide to accompany a 1968 article about how comic book style heroes were starting to crowd out the more "traditional" animated fare of Saturday mornings.

What's fascinating to me is that:

1. The heroes leading the charge are all Marvel characters despite a Saturday morning cartoon lineup that featured Batman & Robin, Aquaman, Shazzan, the Herculoids, Johnny Quest, Mighty Mightor, Birdman, Super President, as well as Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four
2. The only "defensive posture" character not running away in fear is the only Disney character. Although it's obviously presumed Micky's stance indicates shock, one could also read it as steadfast determination.

In light of today's announcement, it's hard not to read something prophetic into the image. How did Wood know decades ago what caught everyone else completely by surprise just this morning?