Cyberspace Comics market report, reviews and more

July 15, 2011

Guide to Marvel Comics Presents #17

Filed under: Guide to Marvel Comics Presents — Doorman @ 8:17 am

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!


Marvel Comics Presents #17
Cover Date: Late April 1989 | Cover Price: $1.25 | Cover Artist: Rich Buckler with Bob McLeod


Colossus in “God’s Country” conclusion
written by Ann Nocenti
art by Rick Leonardi

 
Colossus rushes back to Bruce and his family. Now that the Cold Warriors have relented their attack, the family has an opportunity to speak with the press. But, Colossus knows that none of this will ever make the papers because the government doesn’t want it to get out.

Black Panther in “Panther’s Quest” part 5
written by Don McGregor
art by Gene Colan

 
Percy Boraine, one of two approaching soldiers, has his gun aimed right for the Black Panther and his new-found friend, Zanti Chikane. The responsibility of soldier life weighs heavily upon him – he’d rather be almost anywhere – and certainly would prefer to be with his beloved Cynthia. In a swift move, the Panther unarms both men and hijacks their army vehicle.

the Watcher in “Do You See What I See?
written by Scott Lobdell
art by Tom Sutton

 
A cosmic being calling himself one of the Three Wise Men intends to capture the Earth and use it as a birthday gift for another powerful entity. But, before he has a chance to remove Earth from its orbit (destroying mankind), the Watcher breaks his solemn oath and interferes. He bids the Wise Man to pause and allow for the opportunity for the Watcher to show him why humanity should be spared.

Cyclops in “the Retribution Affair” part 1
written by Bob Harras
art by Ron Lim

 
An old friend, Banshee, summons Cyclops to Muir Island where he’s attacked by a mechanized firing squad. He sees Moira walking by, as if in a daze, and then he’s knocked out by a sonic blast. Later, after coming to, he meets with Sean and Moira who claim to know nothing of the prior events. He tells them of the attack but when they go back to look at the destruction from last night’s battle, they find no evidence. Everything is back to the way it had been!

This entire Colossus story was later collected into a prestige format one-shot. It’s an interesting story that’s much more than just your average super-hero story. Beneath the steel skin and bullet-dodging, there’s an interesting comparison between Russia’s government and ours. The story illustrates that Russian’s know how much control their government has but in America, we feel that we’re very free – even though the government actually has more control than we’d like to think. It’s much more thought-provoking than it is entertaining. But, that’s a good thing!
Longshot’s dreamwalking story was pretty bland but the Ka-Zar short had a little more bite with its social commentary. The prim and proper Lemurians wanted to kill the child while the low-society Swamp Men welcomed it with open arms.

The Watcher’s tale is told in a rhyme invoking the style of ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas. It would make for a fun Christmas story to share with your children.

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Colossus | Black Panther | the Watcher | Cyclops
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Colossus | Black Panther | Cyclops

July 14, 2011

Famous Fanmail #67 Michael Heisler

Filed under: Famous Fanmail — Doorman @ 12:47 pm

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”!

In the early 1990s, Evan Skolnick was an editor at Marvel who presided over books including Ghost Rider 2099, Alf and the video game-inspired Double Dragon. A weird mix of titles, eh? He was also a colorist who worked on licensed titles such as Bill & Ted, Kid ‘n Play, Ren & Stimpy, etc. Others may remember him as the writer for William Shatner’s Tekworld or the later issues of New Warriors. Quite a talented guy! He and fellow colorist, Brad K. Joyce, got a letter published in Mighty Mouse#10 (cover date – July 1991).

X-Factor letters page with Michael Heisler

On Ebay: X-Factor | Mike Heisler
On AtomicAvenue: X-Factor

July 13, 2011

Celebrity Cameos #20 Bruce Springsteen

Filed under: Celebrity Cameos — Doorman @ 7:44 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!

The cover of the Transformers #14 features a guitarist that looks like the Boss and a saxophonist that sure looks like Clarence Clemons. Now, inside the book, it turns out to be Brick Springhorn and the Tenth Avenue Band … but we know who they really are!

On Ebay: Transformers
On AtomicAvenue: Transformers

July 12, 2011

Comic Book Cover Swipes Exposed #67 Avengers

Filed under: Swiped: Comic Book Cover Swipes Exposed! — Doorman @ 8:16 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.

The Secret Invasion tie-ins were filled with classic cover swipes. This one pays homage to the team membership drive that resulted in new additions: She-Hulk and Hawkeye.

Avengers #221
Avengers #221
July 1982
Ed Hannigan
New Avengers #42
New Avengers #42
August 2008
Aleksi Briclot

On Ebay: Avengers | Secret Invasion
On AtomicAvenue: Avengers | Secret Invasion

July 11, 2011

One-Shot At Greatness #67 Kid Colt

Filed under: One-Shot At Greatness — Doorman @ 6:33 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!

Kid Colt #1Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Date: September 2009
Cover Price: $3.99
Writer: Tom DeFalco
Artist: Rick Burchett

*Warning! Plot Spoilers Below*

Blaine Cole is a teenager on the run from the law. Sheriff McGreeley claims the young boy, nicknamed Kid Colt, murdered an innocent farmer. And, the Sheriff has hired Sherman Wilks, the deadliest bounty killer, to find Kid Colt. However, U.S. Marshal Samuel Gemmell might have a problem with that because he wants to see the Kid questioned and offered a fair trial – not killed!

While Kid Colt and his drifter companion, Everett Hawkmore, are out looking for an eye witness that can clear him of the murder charges, they come under attack by Sherman Wilks and his posse. And, after some fancy shooting by the Kid, the duo makes a break for it. They come across a burned down house and make their camp there. After hours have passed, Wilks and his bounty hunters catch up to the Kid & Hawkmore … and then they all find themselves set upon by raiding Scavengers! So, an unlikely truce is formed as our heroes team up with the men who were sent to kill them.

After the smoke clears, it’s just Kid Colt and Everett Hawkmore left … with Wilks aiming his shotgun at them both. The men swap stories – Kid Colt explains the circumstances behid his murder charge and Wilks reveals how and why he became a bounty hunter. Eventually, the two agree to a shoot out in order to determine their fate. After all, every good Western story should have a shoot out, right?

This story is pretty much a modern re-telling of Kid Colt’s beginnings. The interesting thing about his origin is that Colt is, indeed, a killer! He killed his father’s murderer in a fair fight, though, and in the “wild west” stories, this would have been a pardonable offense. However, the man he killed happens to be the Sheriff’s brother – with that in mind, you can bet that the Sheriff is out to get the Kid. So, while looking for a witness to clear his name, the Kid gets involved in other heroic adventures. Adventures like this one. And, it’s certainly good Western fun. I don’t know how long the concept could continue before it grew old but, it makes for a fine and dandy one-shot!

On Ebay: Kid Colt | Tom DeFalco
On AtomicAvenue: Kid Colt

July 9, 2011

Minimate Spotlight #60 Hydra

Filed under: Minimate Spotlight — Donny B @ 9:58 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.

The loyal minions of super-villains such as the Red Skull and Baron von Strucker, HYDRA Agents are bent on world domination through terrorist attacks and dangerous experimental technologies… What better characters could you ask f0r when making Minimate army builders? And the really cool part about these particular ‘mates is that they’re designed with two distinct looks. Depending on which accessories you use, you can either have an old school HYDRA Agent, or a more modern version!

Behind the Image:

No photoshopping on this image – just some straight up photos with fun lighting 🙂

On Ebay: HYDRA

July 8, 2011

Guide to Marvel Comics Presents #16

Filed under: Guide to Marvel Comics Presents — Doorman @ 7:28 am

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!


Marvel Comics Presents #16
Cover Date: Early April 1989 | Cover Price: $1.25 | Cover Artist: Kevin Nowlan


Colossus in “God’s Country” part 7
written by Ann Nocenti
art by Rick Leonardi

 
In Bruce’s homestead, Nina struggles to break free from the chains she’s been placed in. Meanwhile, Colossus continues to fight through the Cold Warriors to get to their leader. And, once he gets to the top, the leader reveals to him that America isn’t as “free” as we’d like to believe. He alleges that the CIA has moved from an information gathering branch of the government to an active, militant, shadowy organization that controls the media.

Black Panther in “Panther’s Quest” part 4
written by Don McGregor
art by Gene Colan

 
This issue introduces us to Zanti Chikane, a South African gold miner. As his day begins, he gladly soaks in the sun’s rays. Nearby, those same rays fall upon the badly beaten Black Panther, who is not as welcoming for the rays (and the dehydration they will bring) as Zanti. When Zanti spots the Panther strewn out on the African landscape, he runs to assist him – the good samaritan acts in kindness, knowing full well, that if he’s caught, he will be punished by the authorities. Zanti agrees to help lead the weakened Panther to his Sonar Glider … but, they’re soon spotted by soldiers.

Longshot in “Dreamwalk
written by Ann Nocenti
art by Larry Dixon

 
While the X-Men leave their headquarters for a night on the town in Australia, Longshot stays home to journey into the Dreamstate. While dreamwalking, he comes across a mischievous creature who wants to play. The two of them leap about headquarters making an absolute mess of everything. But, it’s OK … it’s just a dream … right?

Ka-Zar in “This Is A Savage Land
written by Dwight Jon Zimmerman
art by Jim Mooney

 
Following the events of Uncanny X-Men Annual #12, there is an uneasy peace in the Savage Land. However, that fragile peace is now threatened – the Swamp Men have captured Queen Leanne of the Lemurians. But, our hero, Ka-Zar has rescued the Queen! On their journey home, he discovers she’s pregnant and when her countrymen learn of it, they threaten to kill her – for she has disgraced her people by breeding with a Swamp Man. And, as the advancing Swamp Men have happened upon the scene, searching for their lost captive, the two groups of Savage Land Dwellers come to blows. Can Ka-Zar save the Queen and her child before they’re torn apart by two worlds?

Here’s another ill-proportioned Colossus cover … but this one I really dig!

Longshot’s dreamwalking story was pretty bland but the Ka-Zar short had a little more bite with its social commentary. The prim and proper Lemurians wanted to kill the child while the low-society Swamp Men welcomed it with open arms.

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Colossus | Black Panther | Longshot | Ka-Zar
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Colossus | Black Panther | Longshot | Ka-Zar

July 7, 2011

Famous Fanmail #66 Evan Skolnick

Filed under: Famous Fanmail — Doorman @ 8:33 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”!

In the early 1990s, Evan Skolnick was an editor at Marvel who presided over books including Ghost Rider 2099, Alf and the video game-inspired Double Dragon. A weird mix of titles, eh? He was also a colorist who worked on licensed titles such as Bill & Ted, Kid ‘n Play, Ren & Stimpy, etc. Others may remember him as the writer for William Shatner’s Tekworld or the later issues of New Warriors. Quite a talented guy! He and fellow colorist, Brad K. Joyce, got a letter published in Mighty Mouse#10 (cover date – July 1991).

Mighty Mouse letters page with Evan Skolnick

On Ebay: Mighty Mouse | Evan Skolnick
On AtomicAvenue: Mighty Mouse

July 6, 2011

Cyberspace Comics Market Report #11 July 2011

Filed under: Cyberspace Comics Market Report — Doorman @ 7:13 am

Here’s a look back at the previous month in online comic sales.

Number of listings in eBay’s “comics” section: 1,558,602 (4.42% increase from last month)
Number of those that are Cyberspace Comics listings: 6,579 (8.69% decrease)
My “market share” of comic listings on eBay: .42211% (12.56% decrease)

Number of eBay comic listings that are auctions: 83,135
Percentage of eBay comic listings up for auction: 5.33%

My current eBay feedback (unique): 12,235
My current eBay feedback (total): 25,551
My positive eBay feedback score: 100%

Position Dollar Sales # of Current Listings
First Underground Bad Girls (741 listings)
Second Bad Girls Underground (697 listings)
Third TPBs Marvel Comics (633 listings)
Fourth Other Indies (↑) Image Comics (542 listings)
Fifth DC Comics (↑) Other Indies (450 listings)

 
Number of listings on Atomic Avenue: 1,414,368 (1.3661% increase from last month)
Number of those that are in the Cyberspace Comics Store on Atomic Avenue: 38,666 (10.57% increase)
My “market share” of comic listings on AtomicAvenue: 2.7338% (9.07% increase)
My estimated “market share” of AtomicAvenue orders: 8.08%

July 5, 2011

Comic Book Cover Swipes Exposed #66 Avengers

Filed under: Swiped: Comic Book Cover Swipes Exposed! — Doorman @ 7:18 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.

The Secret Invasion tie-ins were filled with classic cover swipes. This one pays homage to the first Spider-Man/Avengers crossover.

Avengers #11
Avengers #11
February 1964
Jack Kirby
New Avengers #41
New Avengers #41
July 2008
Aleksi Briclot

On Ebay: Avengers | Spider-Man | Secret Invasion
On AtomicAvenue: Avengers | Secret Invasion

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