Cyberspace Comics market report, reviews and more

August 19, 2010

Famous Fanmail #20 Matt Howarth

Filed under: Famous Fanmail — Doorman @ 7:30 am

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”!

Matt Howarth has been working in the alt/indy comics scene for decades, now. He’s probably best known for his two most-famous creations: Those Annoying Post Bros. and Savage Henry. From time to time, he’s ventured into the mainstream and produced works like Star Crossed (from DC Comics’ short-lived Helix line of comics). He got a letter printed in Thor #211 (cover date – May 1973). In it, he extolls Marvel’s new policy of crediting colorists for their work.

Thor letters page with Matt Howarth

On Ebay: Thor | Matt Howarth

August 18, 2010

Glow in the Dark Comics #9 Cyberspace 3000

Filed under: Glow in the Dark Comics — Doorman @ 8:53 am

During the speculator boom in the 1990s comic book market, publishers enhanced comic covers to increase sales. These gimmicks included shiny foil, holograms and even pop-ups! But, one of the coolest enhancements was the glow in the dark cover. Let’s shed some light on the subject, shall we?

Cyberspace 3000 #1 glows in the darkPublisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Date: July 1993
Cover Price: $2.95

In the early 1990s, the Marvel UK line launched dozens of titles into the comics market. Many of them were limited series or poorly selling titles that didn’t even last a year.

One such title was Cyberspace 3000, and despite appearances by Galactus, the Silver Surfer, Adam Warlock, Thanos and Doctor Strange, it was canceled at issue 8. However, it left behind a legacy including one of the coolest glow in the dark covers. In the dark, this cover creates the silhoutte of Galactus‘ head. Depriving this cover of light exposes a glowing eye and a word ballon that says “I HUNGER“. Very cool!

On Ebay: Galactus | Cyberspace 3000

August 17, 2010

Comic Book Cover Swipes Exposed #20 Pretty Woman

Filed under: Swiped: Comic Book Cover Swipes Exposed! — Doorman @ 2:10 pm

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.

Richard Gere and Julia Roberts starred in 1990’s romantic comedy, Pretty Woman. Deadpool and Dr. Betty Swanson (A.I.M./Hydra double agent) are featured in Arthur Suydam’s cover to Deadpool: Merc With A Mouth #5.


Pretty Woman
1990
 
Deadpool: Merc With A Mouth #5
January 2010
Arthur Suydam

On Ebay: Deadpool | Arthur Suydam

August 16, 2010

One-Shot At Greatness #20 Doctor StrangeFate

Filed under: One-Shot At Greatness — Doorman @ 1:12 pm

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!

Doctor StrangeFatePublisher: Amalgam Comics
Cover Date: April 1996
Cover Price: $1.95
Writer: Ron Marz
Artist: José Luis García-López

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

*Warning! Plot Spoilers Below*

In Marvel vs DC, Axel “Access” Asher was passed on the powers and responsibility of keeping the DC Universe and the Marvel Universe separate. He quickly failed at this job and the universes did indeed merge together into the Amalgam Universe. Doctor Strangefate is the only person that exists in the Amalgam Universe that knows how it came about … and he wants it to stay that way. So, he sends a squad consisting of the Skulk (Hulk & Solomon Grundy), Jade Nova (Jade & Nova) and the White Witch (Scarlet Witch & Zatanna) to abduct Access. Unfortunately for Strangefate, he discovers that Access has hidden away the keys that will allow him to separate the universes again. Access beats a hasty retreat and Strangefate is left to ponder his failure at securing the existence of his very world.

Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez‘s art here is fantastic! The character designs he’s created are wonderful (especially the Abominite!). Ron Marz‘s story is perhaps the most important of the Amalgam one-shots. If Strangefate had succeeded, it would have eliminated the reinstatement of the DC & Marvel Universes. And, at the very end he reveals Strangefate’s secret identity. You’ll never guess it! The story’s end doesn’t leave much room for continuation but in this case, it’s well-warranted and the chase feeling of this tale sucked me right in.

On Ebay: Amalgam | Ron Marz | Doctor Fate | Doctor Strange
On AtomicAvenue: Amalgam Comics

August 14, 2010

Minimate Spotlight #15 Moon Knight

Filed under: Minimate Spotlight — Donny B @ 6:41 pm

Action figures have long been a perfect compliment to comic books, since every kid (or kid at heart) has that natural desire to act out adventures with their favorite heroes off the drawn page. Every so often, a unique style of figure comes along that breaks the mold, so to speak. Each Saturday, Donny B will be showcasing various offerings from Art Asylum’s take on the ‘block figure’, with a weekly spotlight on Minimates.

Moon Knight, a cult favorite B-list hero in the Marvel Universe, made his Minimate debut in Marvel’s 29th wave. Characters like Moon Knight, who fly under the general public’s radar, would be considered by toy makers to be one of those choices that might keep sales at a minimum. However, thanks to the bigger name characters that he was paired with in this particular wave (namely Daredevil and Wolverine), this cool looking and often requested ‘mate was able to see the light of day:

Behind the Image:

No magic photoshop work here. I was walking around a parking lot looking for spots to utilize for a unique looking shot… and I found this one underneath the wheel base of my car. Very simple, very straight forward.

On Ebay: Moon Knight

August 13, 2010

Retro-Read #19 Dead of Night: Devil-Slayer

Filed under: Retro-Read — Doorman @ 8:54 am

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’s MAX Comics
Number of Issues: 4
First Issue: November 2008 ($3.99)
Last Issue: February 2009 ($3.99)
Writer: Brian Keene
Artist: Chris Samnee
Cover Artist: Kaare Andrews

*Warning! Plot Spoilers Below*

After his wife left him, Sergeant Danny Sylva decided it was time to re-enlist and was promptly shipped back to Iraq. On a raid, he discovers a plot by a rogue sect of demons and angels to hasten the Apocalypse by starting xenogenesis (the rebirth of demons on Earth), hoping to prompt an angelic invasion that’ll begin the end of the world. But, he’s going to stop it because he’s this generation’s Shagish Chultepi (English translation: Devil-Slayer) and, armed with the Sword of Naram-Sin and clothed in the Shemagh, he’s the only one who can.

The Bad: Making Sylva the great-nephew of Eric Simon Payne (the Devil-Slayer that most Marvel fans will be more familiar with) seems a bit of an unnecessary connection.

the Good: Referencing the original Devil-Slayer and his well-documented insanity was a nice nod to Marvel continuity. The coloring scheme, coupled with Samnee’s art, does a great job of capturing the darkness and desolate nature of war as well as the horror of encountering a demon. The covers by Kaare Andrews are the cherry on top of this artistic ice cream sundae.

The Verdict: Keene tells a truly frightening story here and creates a new hero from the legacy of an old one. The story allows us to discover all of these seemingly crazy and unnatural things at the same time as the main character, allowing us to form a “bond” with him … both of us experiencing things that are better left unexperienced. I never felt that the previous Devil-Slayer got his proper moment in the spotlight but, here’s hoping that this one will. The last page hints at future battles against Hellstorm and Dracula that I’d really like to see!

On Ebay: Devil-Slayer | Dead of Night | Kaare Andrews | Brian Keene | Chris Samnee

August 12, 2010

Famous Fanmail #19 Bob Gale

Filed under: Famous Fanmail — Doorman @ 8:29 am

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”!

Bob Gale is best known for his involvement with the Back to the Future franchise (some of the best films ever made!). He wrote all three movies, the story for the BttF ride, and the cartoon series. On occassion, he’s written for comics, as well. His credits include Batman, Daredevil, Spider-Man … and Ant-Man! He got a letter printed in Thor #208 (cover date – February 1973).

Thor letters page with Bob Gale

On Ebay: Thor | Bob Gale

August 11, 2010

Glow in the Dark Comics #8 Evil Ernie: Revenge

Filed under: Glow in the Dark Comics — Doorman @ 12:55 pm

During the speculator boom in the 1990s comic book market, publishers enhanced comic covers to increase sales. These gimmicks included shiny foil, holograms and even pop-ups! But, one of the coolest enhancements was the glow in the dark cover. Let’s shed some light on the subject, shall we?

Evil Ernie: Revenge #1Publisher: Chaos! Comics
Cover Date: October 1994

Evil Ernie was an ongoing series originally published by Eternity Comics. After six issues, he later became one of the flagship characters for Chaos! Comics. His first mini series, Evil Ernie: Resurrection, lasted four issues as did his second mini-series, Evil Ernie: Revenge. To celebrate its first issue, Chaos! publisheda premium edition that was limited to 10,000 copies. Unfortunately, the red ink dulls the glow finish making it difficult to see the hidden image (Lady Death on the left; Ernie on the right with outstretched claws).

On Ebay: Evil Ernie

August 10, 2010

Comic Book Cover Swipes Exposed #19 X-Men

Filed under: Swiped: Comic Book Cover Swipes Exposed! — Doorman @ 8:57 am

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.

1991’s X-Men #1 is the best-selling comic of all time, reaching 8 million in sales. Part of those figures are due to the variant covers (5 of ’em!) that were released. The other part was due to the incredible popularity of Jim Lee‘s art, at the time. Since it’s been so well-embedded in the social consciousness of comic fans, all of the variants have become targets for cover swipes over the year.


X-Men vol. II
October 1991
Jim Lee
Lethargic Comics, Weakly #4
September 1991
Greg Hyland

Marvel Zombies: Dead Days
July 2007
Arthur Suydam

On Ebay: X-Men | Lethargic | Marvel Zombies | Jim Lee | Greg Hyland | Arthur Suydam

August 9, 2010

One-Shot At Greatness #19 Sherlock Holmes: Sussex Vampire

Filed under: One-Shot At Greatness — Doorman @ 8:23 am

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!

Sherlock Holmes in the Sussex Vampire by Warren EllisPublisher: Caliber Comics
Cover Date: 1996
Cover Price: $2.95
Writer: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Adapted by: Warren Ellis
Artist: Craig Gilmore

*Warning! Plot Spoilers Below*

Sherlock Holmes is hired to investigate the curious problem of an English businessman named Robert Ferguson. His wife has been caught sucking blood from their infant and she’s also attacked her step-son, Jack Ferguson. Desperate for assistance, Ferguson believes that Holmes will figure out a way to cure her presumed vampirism. Naturally, it’s no issue at all for the world’s greatest detective to solve this problem … but, can you?

Warren Ellis has adapted a wonderful short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, here. There’s more going on here than what appears on the surface but our hero clearly sees that. The story does a great job of slowly pacing through everything and allowing Holmes to come up with clever and insightful deductions. This is the first Sherlock Holmes story that I’ve read and it’s set the bar extremely high. The only thing I can pick on it for is Gilmore’s dreadful artwork. I suppose it may fit the tone of the story but there are plenty of other moody artists that would have been much more capable. But, don’t let the art keep you from reading this one. It’s a keeper!

On Ebay: Sherlock Holmes | Arthur Conan Doyle | Warren Ellis | Craig Gilmore | vampires

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