Cyberspace Comics market report, reviews and more

November 17, 2010

Glow in the Dark Comics #15 Children of the Voyager

Filed under: Glow in the Dark Comics — Doorman @ 3:12 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?

Children of the Voyager #1 glows in the darkPublisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Date: September 1993
Cover Price: $2.95

The Frontier line of comics was Marvel UK‘s last-ditch effort to stay relevant in the U.S. market. It was comprised of a few mini-series that ultimately went nowhere. To make these new series stand out from the crowded comic stands, each one featured a cover enhancement. The Children of the Voyager got the glow cover!

On Ebay: Children of the VoyagerG

November 16, 2010

Comic Book Cover Swipes Exposed #33 Avengers

Filed under: Swiped: Comic Book Cover Swipes Exposed! — Doorman @ 1:54 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.

Marvel’s MC2 Universe is set around 15-20 years beyond the current Marvel Universe. MC2’s version of the Avengers frequently enjoyed Avengers cover swipes.

Avengers #3
Avengers #3
January 1964
Jack Kirby
A-Next #3
A-Next #3
December 1998
Ron Frenz

On Ebay: Avengers | A-Next

November 15, 2010

One-Shot At Greatness #33 Marvels Comics: Daredevil

Filed under: One-Shot At Greatness — Doorman @ 8:36 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!

Marvels Comics: Daredevil #1Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Date: July 2000
Cover Price: $2.25
Writer: Tony Isabella
Artist: Eddy Newell

In 2000, Marvel published a series of one-shots that revealed what Marvel Comics would be like in the Marvel Universe.

*Warning! Plot Spoilers Below*

A supernatural vigilante stalks the night, searching for the crime boss know as the Warlord. Armed with ‘the Sight’ – the psychic power that allows the demon Cleombrontos to expose the true essence of any man – Daredevil questions shady characters looking for the crimelord. But, this is no ordinary demon that inhabits our hero. Certainly not! Cleombrontos caught a glimpse of heaven and at that moment, vowed to do whatever he could to earn a place there. So, using stuntman James Fyre as a host, the two have waged a war on crime in New York City.

In a bold move, the Warlord kidnaps one of Fyre’s friends – luring the hero right to his door. However, he and his forces weren’t expecting a two-pronged attack from Fyre and the demon. And, with ‘the Sight’ turned on him, the Warlord goes mad with the knowledge of where he will be spending eternity.

At the time this comic was released, Daredevil’s identity had yet to be leaked to the public. So, comic creators in the Marvel Universe had little knowledge of the urban vigilante, Daredevil and how he operated. So, embellishing on his acrobatic skills they assigned him a secret identity as a stuntman. They also expounded upon his unknown-to-them Catholic faith by incorporating a reformed demon into his war on crime.

The true fun of this concept is when it’s about a hero that the public in the Marvel Universe wouldn’t be able to know about – so the writers would then have to make up most of the story to fill in the missing blanks. This issue is a shining example of it. At its heart, you’ve got basically the same concept as the real Daredevil – an urban vigilante. But it’s neat to see the character approached from a whole new supernatural angle. I think I would have appreciated a more developed villain than a regular crime boss but, I suppose there’s only so much ground you can cover in one issue. This concept certainly has a lot more that could be done with it in the future but unfortunately, a re-visitation is quite unlikely – so don’t hold your breath.

On Ebay: Marvels Comics | Daredevil | Tony Isabella | Eddy Newell

November 12, 2010

Retro-Read #32 the Thing: Night Falls on Yancy Street

Filed under: Retro-Read — Doorman @ 11:06 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 Comics
Number of Issues: 4
First Issue: June 2003 ($3.50)
Last Issue: September 2003 ($3.50)
Writer: Evan Dorkin
Artist: Dean Haspiel

This mini-series was published under Marvel’s ill-fated Startling Stories banner which allowed indy creators to take on their mainstream super-heroes.

*Warning! Plot Spoilers Below*

In an out-of-continuity tale set in Marvel’s Bronze Age, the Thing gets in one of his mopey moods and heads down to his old stomping grounds – Yancy Street. He meets a girl there named Hazel Donovan and they strike up a quick friendship with some not-so-subtle romantic undertones. However, Hazel’s got some secrets … not the least of which is a super-villain ex-boyfriend. And, it’s an ex that wants her back.

Unfortunately for the Thing, when her ex does show up, it’s with three other villains. That’s right … he’s a member of the Frightful Four! They kidnap Hazel to force the Thing to bring them the Ultimate Nullifier – a weapon so powerful that even Galactus is wary of it! However, when he finally does get it to them, their team dynamic falls apart as each untrustworthy villain wants the weapon for himself. But, when the dust settles and the villains have been defeated, will the Thing be able to forgive Hazel for her other secrets?

The Bad: Dean Haspiel’s portrayal of these characters is rather ill-fitted. Especially his version of the Wizard.

The Good: Evan Dorkin (known for his brand of wackiness) shows off his emotional side.

The Verdict: Evan Dorkin’s crafted an emotional story starring everyone’s favorite rockpile superhero! While most recent Thing stories focus on his light-hearted and fun nature, this tale calls to mind older FF issues where the Thing was much less-comfortable in his own (mutated) skin. So, if you miss those classic FF stories with a grumpy Thing and big blow-out battles … this one’s for you!

On Ebay: Startling Stories | the Thing | Evan Dorkin | Dean Haspiel

November 11, 2010

Famous Fanmail #32 Beau Smith

Filed under: Famous Fanmail — Doorman @ 8:35 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”!

Beau Smith has written Guy Gardner, the Black Terror, Wynonna Earp and many other comics over the past twenty years. He also served as IDW’s vice president of sales and marketing. He got a letter printed in Thor #357 (cover date – July 1985), requesting a Roger Willis mini-series.

Thor letters page with Beau Smith

On Ebay: Thor | Beau Smith

November 10, 2010

Celebrity Cameos #4 Bill Clinton

Filed under: Celebrity Cameos — Doorman @ 8:24 am

Some of the best parts of movies like Old School and Zombieland are their unexpected celebrity cameos. The same thing happens in comics, every once in a while. Here’s a look at another Celebrity Cameo!

In 1996, DC Comics and Marvel Comics decided to merge their two universes into one to create Amalgam Comics. They released a set of twelve one-shots that focused on these new characters which were created by combining a Marvel character with one from DC. One of these new characters was Dark Claw (a merger between Wolverine and Batman). In his comic, the Hyena (an amalgam of the Joker and Sabretooth) fills Air Force One with poisonous gas in an attempt to kill the President of the United States of America. That President? Bill Clinton!

On Ebay: Bill Clinton

November 9, 2010

Comic Book Cover Swipes Exposed #32 Mad

Filed under: Swiped: Comic Book Cover Swipes Exposed! — Doorman @ 6:36 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.

Mad has been around for nearly 60 years now! Some of you might not know it but, the series was original published with comic book-sized dimensions before it moved to its current magazine size. The cover of issue 1 is certainly memorable and has been swiped a number of times. Marvel’s Not Brand Echh cover isn’t a direct swipe but it looks at a similar pose from a different angle. Check it out!

Mad Magazine #1
Mad #1
October 1952

Not Brand Echh #1
Not Brand Echh #1
August 1967

Mod #1
Mod #1
June 1981

It's Science With Dr. Radium #5
It’s Science With Dr. Radium #5
July 1987

Batman: Gotham Adventures #13
Batman: Gotham Adventures #13
June 1999
Rick Burchett

On Ebay: Mad Magazine

November 8, 2010

One-Shot At Greatness #32 Magneto and the Magnetic Men

Filed under: One-Shot At Greatness — Doorman @ 9:38 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!

Magneto and the Magnetic Men #1Publisher: Amalgam Comics
Cover Date: April 1996
Cover Price: $1.95
Writer: Gerard Jones
Artist: Jeff Matsuda

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.

*Warning! Plot Spoilers Below*

Erik Magnus and his brother Will Magnus have differing idealogies when it comes to mixing mutants with humans. Armed with magnetic mutants powers and operating under the name Magneto, Eric began to gather a team of mutants together. His brother, Will, took a different approach, creating Sentinels that would hunt down and exterminate all of mutantkind.

Will’s first batch of Sentinels slaughtered Magneto’s original Brotherhood of Mutants. Later, Magneto took some of his brother’s robots and enhanced them with his mutant powers to create the Magnetic Men! Now the war continues between the Magnetic Men (Antimony, Bismuth, Cobalt, Iron and Nickel) and Will’s most powerful Sentinel, Sinistron! And, the fate of thousands of mutants on the island nation of Genosha hangs in the balance.

X-Men fans have seen this battle hundreds of times before. Someone thinks mutants should mix with humans. Someone else thinks they shouldn’t. BAM! Instead battle! But, it’s always fun to see Magneto on the side of good (this was one of the appeals of the Age of Apocalypse). That story slant mixed with the fun of the Metal Men and Jeff Matsuda’s great, dynamic artwork made this an enjoyable read. I wouldn’t mind some more adventures of these magnetic men and their creator.

On Ebay: Amalgam | Gerard Jones | Jeff Matsuda | Magneto | Metal Men
On AtomicAvenue: Amalgam Comics

November 6, 2010

Minimate Spotlight #27 Ghostbusters

Filed under: Minimate Spotlight — Donny B @ 3:13 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.

Last week we took our first look at some of the Minimates that Art Asylum has released from their Ghostbusters line. As I said then, this line is extremely comprehensive, having spawned six boxed sets and four full waves. That’s quite a bit, considering every release has been based on two movies and one video game.
So for the next few weeks, we will be showcasing various Minimate incarnations of iconic Ghostbusters characters. This week’s feature is none other than the infamous Statue of Liberty, and her climactic walk through New York City:

Behind the Image:

I decided to take a break from my usual Photoshop-intensive approach with this week’s image. I wanted to see if I could pull off a believable portrayal of a giant Minimate Statue of Liberty walking through a city, using only a camera… this is the result. In the same tradition as the Picard and M. Bison images from previous articles, I placed the Minimate in front of an image of NYC and took the picture. No editing or special effects.

On Ebay: Ghostbusters
On AtomicAvenue: Ghostbusters

November 5, 2010

Retro-Read #31 Dark Reign: Lethal Legion

Filed under: Retro-Read — Doorman @ 6:45 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 Comics
Number of Issues: 3
First Issue: May 2009 ($2.99)
Last Issue: July 2009 ($2.99)
Writer: Frank Tieri
Artist: Mateus Santolouco
Cover Artist: Tommy Lee Edwards

*Warning! Plot Spoilers Below*

Not all of the super-criminals in the Marvel Universe were happy about Norman Osborn’s Dark Reign over the United States. With that in mind, the Grim Reaper assembled his Lethal Legion (along with Nektra, Tiger Shark, Mr. Hyde, the Absorbing Man, Grey Gargoyle and a surprise hero!) to take down Osborn and indeed, they even managed to capture him! But, a member of the team sold them out by releasing Osborn while they were distracted. The members of this Lethal Legion were then rounded up and imprisoned in the Raft where the Grim Reaper was lethally stabbed in the chest.

Now, a lawyer is investigating the crime … interviewing each of the Lethal Legion members. Analyzing how things went down and who was out to get who. Can you guess which member of the team sold ’em out? I sure couldn’t … but it was a cool reveal!

The Bad: Tommy Lee Edwards moody cover art wasn’t really to my liking.

The Good: This story was a great set up to provide wonderful insight into these characters as each team member got to tell their story.

The Verdict: Frank Tieri created a cool thriller here with very little action. The story was moved along quickly as each member told a different part of the flashback and set up the mystery as to who the sell out was. Lots of neat (and even fun) character moments here – one of which was the Grey Gargoyle proposing (in all seriousness) to be the Thor of the Dark Avengers. And, to top it off, the interior art was better-suited for the story than the covers were.

On Ebay: Lethal Legion | Dark Reign | Frank Tieri

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