A fun aspect of comic books is that sometimes their covers combine to make an even larger image. Here’s a look at some connecting covers.
After the events of Knightfall, Bruce Wayne handed the mantle of the Batman down to Dick Grayson in the Prodigal storyline. Brian Stelfreeze painted these covers for the Batman: Shadow of the Bat chapters of that crossover.
After looking at hundreds of comic book covers, it becomes quickly apparent that not every cover is 100% original. Whether done intentionally or even underhandedly, there’s something about uncovering these “swipes” that adds a new element of fun to reading and collecting comics.
The 400th issue of Batman was illustrated by a host of great artists including Art Adams, Brian Bolland, John Byrne, Mike Grell, George Perez, Steve Rude and Bernie Wrightson. The cover featured a Bill Sienkiewicz piece and there was even a special introduction by Stephen King.
 Batman #400 October 1986 Bill Sienkiewicz |
 Happy Birthday Gnatrat #1 1986 Mark Martin |
Marvel Two-In-One launched in 1974, teaming the Thing with a different hero each month. This guide will tell you everything you wanted to know about the series – and more!
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Date: July 1976
Cover Price: 25¢
Writer: Bill Mantlo
Artist: Ron Wilson
the Thing – Benjamin J. Grimm was bombarded by cosmic rays in a space exploration flight, alongside three friends. The cosmic rays gave each of them different powers, and they formed the Fantastic Four. Ben underwent the most physical change of the foursome: his skin mutated into orange rock and, as a result, he gained super-strength.
Spider-Man – When Peter Parker was bitten by a radioactive spider, he gained super-strength and the ability to stick to wallls. Using his scientific background, he devised web-shooters that allow him to swing from tall buildings.
After raising a volcano in the middle of the Hudson River and knocking the Thing unconscious, the Basilisk is well on his way to taking over the world with the threat of his other strategically placed volcanoes. Fortunately, Spider-Man makes his way to the volcano and takes on the villain – buying the Thing enough time to revive. In the ensuing battle, the two heroes manage to wipe the floor with Basilisk. And, when his unconscious body meets with the volcano, his ability to focus his power flees his body – thus, the volcano and Basilisk implode leaving the world safe again!
This story takes place in the Hudson River near New York City.
The Basilisk manages to finally tunnel out of the ground (after the events of this story) in Fantastic Four #289. After his emergence, he was suddenly killed by Scourge in that issue.
Bill Mantlo (the writer of Marvel Two-In-One since September 1975) was also writing Marvel Team-Up (essentially the same concept as MTIO except Team-Up featured Spider-Man every month) since October 1975. So, a handful of months after he started his writing gig on both titles, it seemed like a great idea to initiate a crossover between the two series.
About one quarter of this issue was a flashback to the Basilisk’s previous appearances in Marvel Team-Up and Marvel Two-In-One. After we’re caught up to speed, the rest of the story is just a big brawl between Basilisk, the Thing and Spider-Man. Not much at all in the way of characterization but, it fills in some gaps in the Basilisk’s history and it’s also revealed that the Basilisk’s extra powers came from the Omega Stone which was unearthed in Marvel Team-Up #16. His powers were enhanced by the stone off-panel after #17.
On Ebay: Marvel Two-In-One | the Thing | Spider-Man
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Two-In-One | Spider-Man
With years spent reading single issues here and there, juggling storylines of dozens of titles, I decided it was time to find a better way to read comics. So, it was off to the back issue bins armed with the longest want list you’ve ever seen! Putting together series after series and reading them in their complete goodness, I was reborn as the Retro-Reader!
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Number of Issues: 6
First Issue: February 2009 ($3.99)
Last Issue: April 2010 ($3.99)
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Artist: Jay Anacleto
Phil Sheldon is one of the top names in photo-journalism. For decades, his work introduced the people of the Marvel Universe to the super-heroes who exist within it. His book, Marvels, collected some of his most powerful photographs and intended to shed some positive light on these super-beings who are sometimes feared by normal, everyday people. Phil wanted the world to believe in these heroes – to trust them – and Marvels was his way of engendering those feelings.
But, the media tends to focus on negative events – after all, they’re more newsworthy. “Spider-Man: Murderer?!” sells more paper than “Do-Gooder Rescues Elderly Woman”. And, in this modern, cynical era, the public has begun to mistrust its heroes. Captain America & the Falcon fighting alongside the X-Men against S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents. Hulk – on a rampage. Captain America accused of murder. Mutants – living among us in secret. The world had grown frightened of the Marvels.
At this point, Phil Sheldon finds out that he’s got lung cancer – and only a short while to live. Faced with his mortality, Phil looks back upon his life and wonders if he’s truly accomplished anything. Many times, he’s missed out on time with his family to run off to photo opportunities. But, what has he accomplished? What has he done? In this dark hour, Phil feels as if he’s done nothing. He’s stood witness as others have done great things … but, he was only documenting the greatness. Not actually creating it.
After facing his fears and accepting the news of his impending death, Phil latches on to a new idea. An idea that drives his hopes up and, with his spirits lifted, staves off the ravaging effects of the disease – for a time. He’ll create a sequel to his book, Marvels. It will remind the public that they shouldn’t be scared of these super-powered heroes. This book will be part of his legacy – a way for people to remember him, long after he’s gone.
As he begins to contemplate the photos he’ll use in his next book, Phil can’t help but notice the newscasts on a daily basis. The Punisher – killing unconvicted criminals. Ghost Rider – an actual demon? Wolverine – a blood-thirsty Canadian super soldier. And now, Captain America – a neo-Nazi? Perhaps the Marvels had changed. Even the villains have changed: Molecule Man rescued the world from the Beyonder’s damage. The Hulk had earned a Presidential pardon. Galactus had saved Manhattan from a renegade alien. Phil decides to approach his new book with a different angle: showing the good with the bad. Illustrating that there might be a dark side to the heroes … but, at the same time, the villains had some light in them, as well.
Sadly, before Phil could finish his book, he had gotten extremely ill. Confined to a hospital room, he eagerly sorted through his photographs – pondering which to include and what to write alongside them. He enjoyed visits from his wife and two daughters – and one other guest: Maggie. In her younger years, Phil and his family had taken Maggie in. She was a mutant on the run and that act of kindness had a profound affect on the young woman. Now, years later, here she stood – a testament that Phil had, indeed, done something great with his life. At the time, he toook the chance of a mutant-hating mob finding out and destroying his home or hurting his family. But, he took the risk to help a young girl who didn’t deserve the fear that her physical deformities bred in the hearts of less-understanding people.
In the presence of his family (Maggie included), Phil passed on – the cancer had finally taken its toll. The memorial service was packed – a crowd filled with family, friends and co-workers – all attesting to his family how he’ll be missed. How influential his work had been. And, how great a guy Phil Sheldon was. With the help of some of those friends, Phil’s family intends to complete his book, leaving behind a legacy he’d be proud to have.
The Bad: none that I can find
The Good: Although Phil Sheldon, everyman, is certainly the focus of this story, the super-heroes of the Marvel Universe are truly an essential part. Even though they’re barely in the limelight here, they are the driving force behind Phil Sheldon. And, with that in mind, Kurt Busiek includes references to actual bits of continuity in every nook and cranny. Each news report, headline and street conversation about what Captain America’s doing or who the X-Men are fighting is taken from the story found within a Marvel Comic. That attention to detail was truly appreciated by a Marvel Zombie, like myself, who actually remembers reading almost all of those referenced stories. It’s amazing how each brief headline or news report byline triggered memories of the entire story being referenced. I am truly impressed by the amount of research Busiek had to do to create all those references – or, possibly even more impressive, he pulled them out of his head – having read (and remembered!) all the same stories that I had enjoyed.
I’d be remiss if I took the time to talk about this series without mentioning the stunning artwork. Jay Anacleto’s pencil work is just beautiful. The realistic art style he employs adds an important layer of sincerity to this heartfelt tale. He also took the time to get the costumes right for the stories that were being referenced. Again, a lot of research must have been done to make sure those details were right – and, as a Marvel Zombie, I really appreciated that. In fact, his artwork was so superb that a variant of each issue was also published showcasing just his artwork – unhindered by the coloring process that can sometimes hide or cover over the original art. I hope you won’t read into that statement too much because Brian Haberlin’s painstaking coloring job was phenomenal – a truly important part of crafting the mood and tones of the story.
The Verdict: Wow! After 15 years, the long-awaited sequel to Marvels has finally arrived. At times, I had given up hope on it ever being created – but now, after reading it, I can honestly say: it was worth the wait. Seriously! Kurt Busiek has crafted a heartfelt tale that rivals the original in emotion (but not quite scope. The first one showcased Galactus’ initial arrival on Earth, for Pete’s sake!).
I’ve never felt as upset about the death of a comic character as I did by Phil’s. Why? Because it was permanent. Because Phil was me. He was you. He was Kurt. He wasn’t some super-hero that would magically come back to life a few years later. He was just a normal, every day guy. An everyman who just happened to show us the greatness of the Marvels. And, this was the last we’d see of him.
I’ve already mentioned earlier at how much more you’ll appreciate this story if you’re a true Marvel Zombie. Busiek took the time to carefully reference dozens of events from actual Marvel continuity and Jay Anacleto lovingly rendered them the way they actually took place (with the right costumes, and all!). And, while the original series showcased Busiek’s own admiration for the Marvel super-heroes, it seems that this one was even a little more personal. Sure, it continued to display the wonder of the Marvels but, it’s easy to read into Phil’s questions and ponderings about life – and take them to be Busiek’s own. Is Busiek, himself, pondering his own self-worth? After all, like Phil, he’s “chronicled” great moments in the lives of the Marvel super-heroes. But, is he now pondering and weighing his own accomplishments? I hope you’ll allow this story to serve as a shining testament to the greatness of Kurt’s writing. His amazing ability to tell a story that, while it does features super-heroics, can truly affect the reader on an emotional level. Have no fear, Mr. Busiek, long after you have shuffled off this mortal coil, this story will serve to inspire future generations to believe in great things and look for the best in everything. What a wonderful legacy for you … and Phil.
On Ebay: Marvels | Kurt Busiek | Jay Anacleto
On AtomicAvenue: Marvels
Marvel Comics Presents launched in 1988 as an ad-free anthology showcasing four eight-page features, stuffed inside a wrap-around cover. This guide will tell you everything you wanted to know about the series – and more!
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Wolverine in “Acts of Vengeance” part 7 written by Howard Mackie art by Mark Texeira Ghost Rider and Brass take the easy way to the top of the building while Wolverine and Yuji (Brass’s father) take the stairs up. They both meet in the middle and find Brigitte and Jack bound in a room – surrounded by dozens of armed men. Their leader, Langley, claims to have orchestrated the whole thing. But, before the men can kill our heroes, Deathwatch comes across the scene – wondering why his men have been commandeered without his approval. Bad news for Langley! |
Shanna in “The Bush of Ghosts” part 3 written by Gerard Jones art by Paul Gulacy Dubose Wilson, jive-talkin’ black marketeer, tries to find the leader of the black diamond market in Zanzibar but doesn’t get much help from the locals. Meanwhile, his quarry, Sir Guy Cross-Wallace, prepares for Shanna to find him. And, as predicted, Shanna is currently breaching his mansion. |
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Daredevil in “Redemption Song” part 2 written by Sandy Plunkett art by Sandy Plunkett with Dwayne Turner Daredevil quickly subdues Ellington and demands a further explanation of his experiment-gone-wrong. He explains that he tested the intelligence-boosting formula on himself and it had granted him the ability to read minds. Now his company, Octagon, has a warrant out for his arrest and the experimental dogs are after the scientists who created their torment. Ellington doesn’t want this power to fall into Octagon’s hands because he feels it’s run by greedy men without morals. When the dogs arrive at the lab, Daredevil confronts them – and, with DD and the dogs distracted with each other, Ellington slips off into the night with his notes. |
Dark Star/Starlight/Black Widow in “One Into Three Won’t Go!“ written by Robert Campanella art by Larry Alexander Sergei Krylov, the Presence, believes himself to be so powerful that he considers himself a god. And, after all, shouldn’t a god be granted multiple female companions? It’s with this in mind, that he takes possession of Starlight and sends her to capture the Black Widow and Darkstar to be his love-slaves. The Black Widow and Darkstar win the ensuing catfight by freeing Starlight’s mind. Interestingly enough, her heart still belongs to the Presence. |
I know a lot of people like to hate on Rob Liefeld but, this is one cool-looking cover! Finally, the title of the Wolverine/Ghost Rider story starts to make sense. Acts of Vengeance was a crossover where villains took on heroes they didn’t normally fight in an effort to disorient and defeat them. It’s finally made clear here that, although Deathwatch’s goons were being used, Deathwatch wasn’t the one giving the orders. That was a neat twist to the story – especially after so many issues seeming to imply that Deathwatch was in charge. The elements of the Shanna story all seem to be coming together nicely – and the same goes for Daredevil’s. The events of the Black Widow story take place after events in Quasar #19-24. This story goes to show how, clearly, the Presence is completely out of his mind. He sends Starlight to make Darkstar one of his female concubines – even though she’s his daughter! Yick!
On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Daredevil | Shanna | Black Widow
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Daredevil | Shanna | Black Widow
You may not be surprised to learn that most people in the comic business grew up reading comic books. However, you might be interested in knowing what they were reading. Here’s a look at “Famous Fanmail”!
Todd Nauck‘s fun art stylings have graced the pages of the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Supreme, Youngblood, the Legion of Super-Heroes, Young Justice and many other high-profile books. His letter, printed in Archangels: the Saga #3 (cover date: August 1996), lent some praise to the independent series.
On Ebay: Archangels | Todd Nauck
On AtomicAvenue: Archangels
A fun aspect of comic books is that sometimes their covers combine to make an even larger image. Here’s a look at some connecting covers.
Painkiller Jane debuted in the pages of 22 Brides and quickly moved on to her own series, published by Event Comics in 1997. In December 2005, SciFi adapted the character into a made-for-tv movie that led to a single-season television series. With the newly-acquired attention, Dynamite Comics launched a second Painkiller Jane comics series. By the time they followed that up with her third series, they had also acquired the rights to publish Terminator comics and both characters were thrown together in a crossover story. The story began in Painkiller Jane vol. III #4 – both variants combine into the image below.
On Ebay: Painkiller Jane | Terminator
On AtomicAvenue: Painkiller Jane | Terminator
After looking at hundreds of comic book covers, it becomes quickly apparent that not every cover is 100% original. Whether done intentionally or even underhandedly, there’s something about uncovering these “swipes” that adds a new element of fun to reading and collecting comics.
The Guardians of the Galaxy debuted over four decades ago in Marvel Super-Heroes #18. At first, the concept wasn’t a smash hit – in fact, their next appearance was in Marvel Two-In-One #5 which was published five years later!
In the 1990s, Jim Valentino launched the first Guardians of the Galaxy series. The series was very popular when it first debuted and continued publication for over five years. In issue #26, Jim Valentino retold the origin of the Guardians of the Galaxy but, with a twist: it seems that, previously unknown to us, the events of their origin were guided by Starhawk’s machinations. It was a neat bit of retconning that wasn’t heavy-handed.
 Marvel Super-Heroes #18 January 1969 Gene Colan |
 Guardians of the Galaxy #26 July 1992 Jim Valentino |
On Ebay: Guardians of the Galaxy
On AtomicAvenue: Guardians of the Galaxy
Marvel Two-In-One launched in 1974, teaming the Thing with a different hero each month. This guide will tell you everything you wanted to know about the series – and more!
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Date: July 1976
Cover Price: 25¢
Writer: Bill Mantlo
Artist: Sal Buscema
the Thing – Benjamin J. Grimm was bombarded by cosmic rays in a space exploration flight, alongside three friends. The cosmic rays gave each of them different powers, and they formed the Fantastic Four. Ben underwent the most physical change of the foursome: his skin mutated into orange rock and, as a result, he gained super-strength.
Spider-Man – When Peter Parker was bitten by a radioactive spider, he gained super-strength and the ability to stick to wallls. Using his scientific background, he devised web-shooters that allow him to swing from tall buildings.
The Thing continues to investigate the volcano that V/Volcanus fell into, last issue. He’s still hoping to discover why volcanoes all over the world are erupting within the very same week. Inside, he discovers a cave wherein the Basilisk ambushes him. During their battle, the villain reveals that he’s behind the erupting volcanoes – and he intends to unleash the volcanic activity on New York City, next. As he teleports himself to NYC, the Thing lunges forward and gets caught up in the transport.
Meanwhile, in Peter Parker’s Chelsea apartment, Spider-Man can barely believe his eyes when he looks out his window and sees a blanket of volcanic smoke surrounding the George Washington Bridge. He web-swings towards the smoke and finds a volcano has emerged in the middle of the Hudson River! By the time he makes his way to the volcano, the Basilisk has defeated the Thing . Now it’s up to Spider-Man to avenge his fallen friend AND save the world from being conquered by Basilisk and his volcanoes. (to be continued!)
This story takes place within the Savage Land and then jumps to New York City’s George Washington Bridge area.
The Basilisk appears next in Marvel Team-Up #47, the continuation of this very story.
Bill Mantlo (the writer of Marvel Two-In-One since September 1975) was also writing Marvel Team-Up (essentially the same concept as MTIO except Team-Up featured Spider-Man every month) since October 1975. So, a handful of months after he started his writing gig on both titles, it seemed like a great idea to initiate a crossover between the two series.
This issue seems like mostly all set-up for the conclusion of the story. There wasn’t much in the way of characterization for the Thing … and if you were looking for an actual “team-up” between the Thing and Spider-Man, you’ll have to read the next part of this story (in Marvel Team-Up #47). In fact, there is no scene within these pages that features both heroes fighting the villain at the same time (as the cover teases). I’m also curious how this two-bit villain developed the power to summon volcanoes at will – hopefully that’ll be explained before the story concludes. And, would it be too much to hope that the green-colored bat will be explained too?
Note: This issue’s letters column features commentary on Marvel Two-In-One #14.
On Ebay: Marvel Two-In-One | the Thing | Spider-Man
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Two-In-One | Spider-Man
Marvel Comics Presents launched in 1988 as an ad-free anthology showcasing four eight-page features, stuffed inside a wrap-around cover. This guide will tell you everything you wanted to know about the series – and more!
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Wolverine in “Acts of Vengeance” part 6 written by Howard Mackie art by Mark Texeira Brass reveals his hatred for the Mandarin due to his involvement in the death of his girlfriend, Theresa. Wolverine remembers a run-in that he had with the Mandarin recently and they decide that the villain is probably the connection. After their brief respite, Wolverine, Brass, and Ghost Rider continue to battle Deathwatch‘s men. In the last page, Ghost Rider and Brass have taken off for an unknown destination. |
Shanna in “The Bush of Ghosts” part 2 written by Gerard Jones art by Paul Gulacy Shanna tracks down the animal killers … or, at least, the bottom rung of the ladder. At the top of that ladder? Sir Guy Cross-Wallace. The search for his trail has begun. Also, in this issue, we follow Dubose Wilson (who seems to be in on the black market for diamonds) and Heller (a reporter attempting to expose the diamond thefts). |
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Daredevil in “Redemption Song” part 1 written by Sandy Plunkett art by Sandy Plunkett with Dwayne Turner There’s a heatwave in New York this July and a pirate radio station has hit the airwaves. It’s all the rage with the locals. The DJ, Travis T. Hipp, warns his listeners of a wild pack of dogs roaming the streets. Daredevil attempts to save a man from the dogs and even though he manages to beat them away, he’s too late. Before the man gives up the ghost, though, he beseeches Daredevil to seek out a scientist named Ellington and warn him that the dogs will be after him. Daredevil manages to find Ellington’s lab and his private journals. The writings reveal that Ellington was one of four scientists hired by Octagon to develop intelligence-boosting drugs. They used stray dogs as test subjects. The animals developed higher intelligence, escape and have been systematically hunting and killing the four scientists. After Daredevil has learned all of this, Ellington returns to the lab and confronts the vigilante for trespassing. |
Silver Surfer in “A Howling in the Void“ written by Len Wein art by Hugh Hayes The tranquility of deep space is interrupted by a heartwrenching moan that lures the Silver Surfer to a derelict spaceship. The ship has clearly been ravaged and left to the abuses of drifting in space. Upon closer inspection, the Surfer finds the dead bodies of the crew. Unexpectedly, the corpses rise and attack the Silver Surfer. Using the power cosmic, he defeats them all – but, they rise again. This cycle continues until the Surfer is herded into the ship’s control room. The ship reveals itself to be a sentient being – one who has suffered much damage. It’s wounds are irreparable and it siphons the Surfer’s power cosmic to end its long-suffering agony through self-termination. |
The Wolverine/Ghost Rider tale continues to be quite uninteresting and Shanna’s feature hasn’t quite hit its stride yet, either. The Daredevil story caught my attention and the one-and-done Silver Surfer space horror was touching, poignant and mournful.
On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Daredevil | Shanna | Silver Surfer
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Daredevil | Shanna | Silver Surfer
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