Cyberspace Comics market report, reviews and more

Because publishers want you to buy their product every month, comics are typically serial in nature. However, occasionally (and more often nowadays than ever before) publishers launch a comic title that is only meant to last for one issue. While ongoing series often have multiple chances to hook in new readers, the comics highlighted in this ongoing investigations only had One-Shot At Greatness!

Publisher: Amalgam Comics
Cover Date: June 1997
Cover Price: $1.95
Writer: Keith Giffen
Artist: John Romita Jr

When the DC and Marvel Universes merged in Marvel vs DC, a new one was created: the Amalgam Universe. This one-shot combined Thor with Orion (of the New Gods).

In a bid to unleash Ragnarok upon the Asgods, Thanoseid sends L’ok D’saad to set free the architects of the “end day”: Surtur, Kalibak, Ymir and Mangog. But, Thorion manages to defeat the villain and, by fusing the four giants together with himself, he becomes the Celestial!

It’s a pretty basic plot but there’s some fun action to be had here: trolls and other creatures invading Asgod; Thorion vs L’ok armed with the Mother Cube. But, perhaps what is most intriguing is this mysterious new creature formed from Thorion and the world-ending giants. What powers and goals does this enormous Celestial possess? That’s a mystery that may forever remain unlocked – but I shouldn’t wouldn’t mind seeing it explored!

On Ebay: Amalgam | Keith Giffen | JRJr
On AtomicAvenue: Amalgam Comics

Because publishers want you to buy their product every month, comics are typically serial in nature. However, occasionally (and more often nowadays than ever before) publishers launch a comic title that is only meant to last for one issue. While ongoing series often have multiple chances to hook in new readers, the comics highlighted in this ongoing investigations only had One-Shot At Greatness!

Publisher: Amalgam Comics
Cover Date: June 1997
Cover Price: $1.95
Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Dave Gibbons

When the DC and Marvel Universes merged in Marvel vs DC, a new one was created: the Amalgam Universe. This one-shot combined Superman with Captain America.

In 1942, Super-Soldier has been given the task of following stolen government equipment that’s being smuggled overseas. But, when the boat he’s on is attacked by Nazi U-Boats, he is distracted with protecting the ship while they make off with the equipment. Meanwhile, Super-Soldier’s pals, Sgt. Rock and his Howling Commandos have been captured by Baron Zemo and his Nazi forces. The very same forces that have stolen the equipment. Fortunately for them, Peggy has infiltrated the Nazi castle, set them free and informed Super-Soldier of their location. The heroes overtake the castle but not before Zemo escapes with the stolen goods. In the last page, Zemo meets with Lex Luthor and reveals that the stolen materials will be used to create a villain that Super-Soldier will not be able to defeat: Ultra-Metallo!

This tale of times past in the Amalgam Universe tells the story behind the creation of Ultra-Metallo (the villain from the first Super-Soldier one-shot). It also introduces the Amalgam version of Nick Fury/Sgt. Rock and features the double-villainy of Zemo and Luthor. Unfortunately, it didn’t really capture my interest as I hoped it would and, Gibbons’ art seems very unfinished – especially when it comes to backgrounds (which are missing or very basic, half of the time). No real surprise there since I wasn’t a big fan of the first one-shot, either.

On Ebay: Amalgam | Mark Waid | Dave Gibbons
On AtomicAvenue: Amalgam Comics

Because publishers want you to buy their product every month, comics are typically serial in nature. However, occasionally (and more often nowadays than ever before) publishers launch a comic title that is only meant to last for one issue. While ongoing series often have multiple chances to hook in new readers, the comics highlighted in this ongoing investigations only had One-Shot At Greatness!

Publisher: Amalgam Comics
Cover Date: July 1997
Cover Price: $1.95
Writer: Roger Stern & Karl Kesel
Artist: Jose Ladronn

When the DC and Marvel Universes merged in Marvel vs DC, a new one was created: the Amalgam Universe. This one-shot combined Superboy with Spider-Man.

During a battle with the Scavulture, Spider-Boy is at the mercy of the villain’s Evil Eye. And, just as the eye’s energy blast is about to hit him, Spider-Boy is trapped within a Time Square and transported to the future – the year 2099, to be exact – by the Legion of Galactic Guardians 2099. They reveal that his memory inspired the formation of their team. He’s been plucked from the past, moments before his death, so they can meet him face to face. But, it’s got to be a short meeting since he can only stay for ten minutes or so before it starts to place stress on the time-stream.

Things get bad when the Frightful Five break into the Legion’s headquarters and smash the Time Square Generator. So, our heroes have to stop the Frightful Five and figure out a way to send Spider-Boy back to his own time before a chronal collapse is triggered. And, even then, Spider-Boy is still at the mercy of Scavulture’s deadly energy blast. Sheesh! All this … and the first appearance of Spider-Boy 2099, as well!

There’s certainly a lot of time-travel going on in this book but, fortunately, it’s not super-confusing. Ladronn’s art is really channelling Jack Kirby – which seems to work well for this story. Stern & Kesel’s tale is quite in-depth – there’s a lot going on but it’s not so overwhelming that it gets beyond your grasp of understanding. Plus, it was neat to see the way they worked in the origin of Spider-Boy 2099. All in all, it was a fun read but nothing strong enough to make me wish for another one.

On Ebay: Amalgam | Karl Kesel | Jose Ladronn
On AtomicAvenue: Amalgam Comics

Because publishers want you to buy their product every month, comics are typically serial in nature. However, occasionally (and more often nowadays than ever before) publishers launch a comic title that is only meant to last for one issue. While ongoing series often have multiple chances to hook in new readers, the comics highlighted in this ongoing investigations only had One-Shot At Greatness!

Publisher: Amalgam Comics
Cover Date: June 1997
Cover Price: $1.95
Writer: Tom Peyer
Artist: Barry Kitson

When the DC and Marvel Universes merged in Marvel vs DC, a new one was created: the Amalgam Universe. This one-shot combined Magneto and his Brotherhood of Mutants with the Metal Men.

Magneto discovers that his Magnetic Men (Nickel, Iron, Cobalt, Antimony, Bismuth) have gained sentience so, he creates new identities for them and sends them out to live amongst humanity. Now, alone, he journeys to the living dinosaur island of Krakoa to continue his mission of defeating his brother Will Magnus, who wants to destroy mutantkind.

But, the Magnetic Men aren’t given much time to enjoy their newfound “humanity”. They’re quickly attacked and defeated by the Sinister Society (Soniklaw, Kultron, Vance Cosmic, Deathborg, Black Vulture) and brought back to Chemodam and Quasimodox – who intend to take over the Magnetic Men’s bodies.

Magneto’s attack on his brother’s fortress is halted when his magnetometer beacon warns him that the Magnetic Men are in danger. He follows the beacon and frees them from the Sinister Society – and during the battle, they release that they all have a common enemy in Will Magnus. United in purpose, a new team emerges!

There’s a lot of action happening in this issue that leaves very little time for character development. It’s got an enormous cast of 14 characters to juggle around but, it’s still a fun read that takes little brain power to enjoy. Not the finest example of comic story-telling but the art sure is nice and shiny.

On Ebay: Amalgam | Tom Peyer | Barry Kitson | Magneto | Metal Men
On AtomicAvenue: Amalgam Comics

Because publishers want you to buy their product every month, comics are typically serial in nature. However, occasionally (and more often nowadays than ever before) publishers launch a comic title that is only meant to last for one issue. While ongoing series often have multiple chances to hook in new readers, the comics highlighted in this ongoing investigations only had One-Shot At Greatness!

Publisher: Amalgam Comics
Cover Date: June 1997
Cover Price: $1.95
Writer: Alan Grant
Artist: Val Semeiks

When the DC and Marvel Universes merged in Marvel vs DC, a new one was created: the Amalgam Universe. This one-shot combined Howard the Duck with Lobo.

Lobo the Duck has been hired to take down the ultimate supreme unknown villain that has destroyed Manhattan. And, on his way to find his bounty, he comes across another bountyhunter (Ambush the Lunatik) looking for the same prey, a jealous ex-lover (Bevarlene) and old companions (Jonas Turnip, Gamorola & Billie the Millie) who know the villain’s identity! Unfortunately, they’re distracted before they can spill the beans. Crazily enough, the identity of the unknown villain is locked away within Lobo’s brain! And, he manages to intimidate himself enough to give it up … it’s Gold Kidney-Lady. And, now that he knows who he’s after, he takes her down easily … but not before her deadly Gravitoninoutometer has been activated, pulling the Moon towards the Earth for a deadly collision!

I know it’s nit-picky but, I don’t like my one-shots to end with “to be continued”. And, yes, the point of these Amalgam one-shots was to make them look like the first issue in an ongoing series … but still! Give me a conclusion, people! Anywho, Semeiks’ artwork is wonderfully cartoony and kooky. It’s super-busy and very fun to look at. Alan Grant’s story is very irreverent and follows no real logical path. It’s absolutely unhinged and couldn’t follow a straight line to save its own life. But, that’s what’s fun about it.. This one’s for you if you’re into kooky, krazy komix!

On Ebay: Amalgam | Alan Grant | Val Semeiks
On AtomicAvenue: Amalgam Comics

Because publishers want you to buy their product every month, comics are typically serial in nature. However, occasionally (and more often nowadays than ever before) publishers launch a comic title that is only meant to last for one issue. While ongoing series often have multiple chances to hook in new readers, the comics highlighted in this ongoing investigations only had One-Shot At Greatness!

Publisher: Amalgam Comics
Cover Date: June 1997
Cover Price: $1.95
Writer: Christopher Priest
Artist: Oscar Jimenez

When the DC and Marvel Universes merged in Marvel vs DC, a new one was created: the Amalgam Universe. This one-shot combined the X-Men with the Justice League.

Mankind’s inter-species war has turned in favor of humanity and metamutantkind’s premiere team, JLX, has been imprisoned. But, now that Fin Fang Flame has been loosed upon the Earth by the Hellfire League of Injustice, Amazon has freed and joined the JLX. They, along with their new recruit, Chaos, may be the Earth’s only hope against the giant fiery dragon!

I’m always up for a super-team going up against a huge monster. And, when it’s the witty and smart Fin Fang Foom (c’mon – it’s him, for all intents and purposes), it’s even better! We get some new recruits this issue: Amazon (Storm/Wonder Woman) and Chaos (Havok), a near-death experience for one of our heros and some more limelight on Nightcreeper. Lots of fun action to be had here but, nothing serious and very little characterization.

On Ebay: Amalgam | Christopher Priest
On AtomicAvenue: Amalgam Comics

Because publishers want you to buy their product every month, comics are typically serial in nature. However, occasionally (and more often nowadays than ever before) publishers launch a comic title that is only meant to last for one issue. While ongoing series often have multiple chances to hook in new readers, the comics highlighted in this ongoing investigations only had One-Shot At Greatness!

Publisher: Amalgam Comics
Cover Date: June 1997
Cover Price: $1.95
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Artist: Paul Smith

When the DC and Marvel Universes merged in Marvel vs DC, a new one was created: the Amalgam Universe. This one-shot combined Iron Man with Green Lantern.

Pepper Ferris has resumed her malicious role as Madame Sapphire and sent Great White to destroy everyone attending Stark’s reception for Senator Ferris. As Iron Lantern battles the giant robotic shark, his friends Happy & Rhodes have to defender his power source from Kyle O’Brien, who intends to steal it to become the new Iron Lantern again. And, just who is the mastermind behind all of these attacks on the Iron Lantern?

I truly had high hopes for this story, mainly because Kurt Busiek was attached as the writer. And, the opening page showed Oa, the Living Planet – a combination of Ego and Oa – which I thought was ingenious! But, the story got quickly bogged down by way too many developing plots before it could come to any reasonable conclusion. And, in fact, it doesn’t. This is probably the only Amalgam comic to end on a cliffhanger. A cliffhanger that, due to the very nature of the Amalgam universe, will never be followed up on. For shame!

On Ebay: Amalgam | Kurt Busiek | Paul Smith
On AtomicAvenue: Amalgam Comics

Because publishers want you to buy their product every month, comics are typically serial in nature. However, occasionally (and more often nowadays than ever before) publishers launch a comic title that is only meant to last for one issue. While ongoing series often have multiple chances to hook in new readers, the comics highlighted in this ongoing investigations only had One-Shot At Greatness!

Publisher: Amalgam Comics
Cover Date: June 1997
Cover Price: $1.95
Writer: Peter Milligan
Artist: Adam Pollina

When the DC and Marvel Universes merged in Marvel vs DC, a new one was created: the Amalgam Universe. This one-shot combined Generation X with Jonah Hex.

Young Jono Hex was run out of the town of Humanity for being a malform (or mutant as they’re known in the Marvel Universe). As he grew up, he grew mean and gathered a band of malform outlaws including Madame Banshee (Siryn), Johnny Random (Random), Skinhunter (Skin), White Whip (Emma Frost), Retribution (Penance), and the Twins Trigger (Northstar & Aurora). Marshal “Bat” Trask has created the robotic Razormen to hunt and kill malforms – and he’s sent them after Jono and his band. But, Jono devises a plan to set his oldest enemies (the town of Humanity) against his newest one (the Razormen) in a devious revenge scheme!

Milligan’s plot has highlighted a neat bit of western revenge. And, as neat as it is to see the members of Generation X with a Hex-western twist, they’re really unecessary. This story could have been soley about Hex and it would have played out just the same. Actually, it probably would have been a little better because the very few pages spent on them could have been better used towards character development of Hex himself. Combining the tortured souls of both Hex and Chamber was a great idea and I wouldn’t mind reading more about him … as long as the other characters aren’t along for the ride.

On Ebay: Amalgam | Peter Milligan | Adam Pollina
On AtomicAvenue: Amalgam Comics

Because publishers want you to buy their product every month, comics are typically serial in nature. However, occasionally (and more often nowadays than ever before) publishers launch a comic title that is only meant to last for one issue. While ongoing series often have multiple chances to hook in new readers, the comics highlighted in this ongoing investigations only had One-Shot At Greatness!

Publisher: Amalgam Comics
Cover Date: June 1997
Cover Price: $1.95
Writer: Barbara Kesel
Artist: Bryan Hitch

When the DC and Marvel Universes merged in Marvel vs DC, a new one was created: the Amalgam Universe. This one-shot combined X-Force with Doom Patrol and Teen Titans.

Brother Brood and his Brood have captured Niles Cable. Now, it’s up to his team, X-Patrol, to free him. This time, the team (consisting of Elasti-Girl, Shatterstarfire, Beastling, Dial H.U.S.K. and Ferro Man) have a new recruit named Jericho (a gray version of the Fantastic Four’s Thing with a glowing eye). And, although Elasti-Girl recommends him – the rest of the team is unsure of his trustworthiness.

Meanwhile, back in Zenosha, the captive Niles Cable has been infected with a Brood implant that will eventually overtake his body and consciousness. He has the power to destroy the implant but, doing so will release his control over the techno-virus that infects his body. Killing the implant would mean finally succumbing to the infection that he’s faced for decades!

When the team finally reaches Zenosha, they face off against the Brood, Terra-X the Destroyer (a neat combo of Terra and Galactus’ herald, Terrax), and the Brood. While they’re distracted, the brood implant has nearly overtaken Niles Cable and he is forced to fight his own team. However, Jericho sheds his rocky outer shell and reveals who he truly is: [a young, techno-virus-free Niles Dayspring – which explains that glowing eye], come to save the future from Brood infestation. This powerful mutant destroys Brother Brood and frees Cable of his brood implant.

Plenty of fun action to be had here and powerful art by Bryan Hitch. Same as last time, the Beastling provided some much-needed humor and fun but, unfortunately, Elasti-Girl was much more serious this time around. The story really seems to draw strongly on the Cable mythos, so fans of his will probably have a stronger appreciation for this issue. And, who doesn’t enjoy a good mystery hero?

On Ebay: Amalgam | Barbara Kesel | Bryan Hitch
On AtomicAvenue: Amalgam Comics

Because publishers want you to buy their product every month, comics are typically serial in nature. However, occasionally (and more often nowadays than ever before) publishers launch a comic title that is only meant to last for one issue. While ongoing series often have multiple chances to hook in new readers, the comics highlighted in this ongoing investigations only had One-Shot At Greatness!

Publisher: Amalgam Comics
Cover Date: June 1997
Cover Price: $1.95
Writer: Ty Templeton
Artist: Templeton with Rick Burchett

When the DC and Marvel Universes merged in Marvel vs DC, a new one was created: the Amalgam Universe. This one-shot combined Wolverine with Batman.

After two years, Lady Talia (mix of Talia and Lady Deathstrike) has come face to face with the man who killer her father (Ra’s-A-Pocalypse). Interestingly enough, the man who killer her father is Dark Claw, her former lover. And, similarly, he has dreamed of coming face to face with the man who killed his father, as well. Now that she has him at her mercy, Talia must decide if getting revenge will be worth becoming a murderer.

The art style perfectly mimics the critically-acclaimed 1990s Batman cartoon series and the story delivers an interesting twist, considering both main characters are trying to come to terms with the same problem: what would happen if they met their father’s killer? This added importance of characterization puts this one-shot well above the previous Dark Claw comic from the year before.

On Ebay: Amalgam | Ty Templeton
On AtomicAvenue: Amalgam Comics