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.
In 2009, Ape Entertainment released a comic series teaming up the Black Coat with Athena Voltaire.
On Ebay: Black Coat | Athena Voltaire
On AtomicAvenue: Black Coat | Athena Voltaire
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.
After the Vertigo series, Doom Patrol was relaunched in 2001 as a more straight-forward hero book. Well, straight-forward … for Doom Patrol, that is. The series was still very quirky and I was glad to see that it didn’t completely ignore what happened before. The last issue of this series swiped the first issue’s design.
 Doom Patrol vol. III #1 December 2001 Tan Eng Huat |
 Doom Patrol vol. III #22 September 2003 Tan Eng Huat |
On Ebay: Doom Patrol
On AtomicAvenue: Doom Patrol
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!Spoilers appear below – You’ve been warned!
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Date: November 1977
Cover Price: 30¢
Writer: Marv Wolfman
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.
Modred – Modred was ordered to becom the apprentice of the wizard, Merlin, but he refused – and later sought Merlin’s death. Using sorceries from the book of the Darkhold, Modred induced a great slumber upon himself – he was later awakened in the modern world.
Spider-Woman – As a child, Jessica Drew was lethally poisoned by radiation. To save her life, her father injected her with an experimental serum (devised from an irradiated spider’s blood) and then placed in a genetic accelerator by the High Evolutionary. When she emerged, she found that she had developed a number of super-powers including super-strength, speed, immunity to poisons and the ability to generated a “venom blast”.
Now that Alicia has been restored to normal, she wants to see Stonehenge before she and the Thing depart for home. When they arrive there, they found themselves attacked by the Brothers Four (Aero, Hydro, Fire, Mud). These four elemental-like beings have been summoned by Merlin to find Modred – but, in the meantime, they’ve been kidnapping every human they find. Luckily for the Thing, Spider-Woman followed him there and has decided to lend a hand. But, even still, they’re out-powered by the four monsters.
Not much later, Modred the Mystic shows up at the scene of the battle. And, as he keeps the elementals occupied, the Thing seeks to free the other humans that have been taken captive (included amongst them are Trevor and Chauncy, the thieves that were sucked into the mysterious treasure chest, last issue). Modred manages to destroy one of the elementals, Aero – he then sets Fire against Hydro, and they destroy each other. Finally, he reduces the earth elemental to dust.
After all has settled, Modred wipes the painful memories of the Thing‘s visit to London from his mind – and Alicia’s as well (that means that the Thing will not remember meeting Spider-Woman). Modred and Spider-Woman walk off into the sunset, as he explains that he’d like to help her learn about her mysterious past.
This issue continues the story based in London – Stonehenge, to be exact.
These specific four elementals summoned by Merlin from ages past are all destroyed in this issue. It doesn’t look like they’ll be popping up again.
Modred the Mystic had not been seen since his first two appearances in Marvel Chillers #1 & 2 (cover date: January 1976). Not much was done with him immediately after this issue, although he did appear in a few issues of the Avengers in 1979. So, I don’t see an ulterior motive for including him here – other than that Wolfman liked the concept of the character.
To be honest, battles against elemental beings is so over-done in comics that it’s not even funny. I understand that they fit well into the type of beings that Merlin might have summoned ages ago but they’re just such boring creatures. As for Modred, he’s shown to be extremely powerful here – but not much is revealed in terms of characterization for him. The Thing and Spider-Woman continue to reveal “woe-is-me” thoughts (Spider-Woman concerned about her perceived non-humanity; the Thing fretting over all the problems he drags Alicia into) and there just isn’t much room for fun or humor in this issue. All in all, it wasn’t that entertaining – and we still didn’t get an explanation about that mysterious treasure chest (although, we can assume it’s linked to Merlin somehow).
Note: No letters page this issue.
On Ebay: Marvel Two-In-One | the Thing | Spider-Woman | Modred
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Two-In-One | Spider-Woman | Modred
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 “Blood Hungry” part 4 written by Peter David art by Sam Kieth As Tyger Tiger and Cyber continue to negotiate the drug deal, Wolverine‘s healing factor works the hallucinagenic drug [that Cyber infect him with] out of his system. |
Beast in “Just Friends” part 4 written by Scott Lobdell art by Jae Lee Jennifer Nyles is kidnapped by the Red Ghost’s Super Apes and Commander Courage arrests their leader. Later, the Beast breaks into Belgium’s Ministry of Defense to interrogate the Red Ghost – in an attempt to find out where the apes have taken his friend. Kragoff reveals that he doesn’t know where they’ve taken her – and, that the apes are no longer under his control! |
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Solo in “Hero of the People“ written by Eric Fein art by Mark Runyan The Tarantula has been tracking down and killing perceived enemies of his nation of origin, Delvada. In response, Solo (“while he lives, terror dies”) tracks him down to put an end to his killing spree. But, he’s shocked the nation’s citizens come to the rescue of this terrorist! |
Volcana in “Shopping“ written by James Brock art by James Brock After the events of Secret Wars, Volcana is finding it hard to adjust to normal life, again. So, she sets out to be a super-heroine. Her first villain? The Wizard! Too bad she doesn’t realize he’s only intending to commit a minor theft. Everyone’s got to start somewhere, though … right? |
This issue we were treated to plenty of “dream action” from Sam Kieth – something he’s good at (it’s a chance to flex his creativity). I’m curious to see what the Super Apes are up to; they rarely act without being told what to do. The last two features were really digging at the bottom of the barrel but, I suppose even D-Listers need a chance to shine once in a while, too. Interestingly enough, Tarantula was more fun to read about than Solo. As for Volcana, it’s nice to see a full-figured super-heroine in action in the Marvel Universe [a rare sight, indeed].
On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Solo | Beast | Volcana
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Solo | Beast
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”!
After the success of Invincible and the Walking Dead, Robert Kirkman decided to launch his subsequent ongoing series, the Astounding Wolf-Man. He gave the first issue away for free in that year’s Free Comic Book Day Event. In the letters pages of the second issue (cover date – July 2007) , we get to see Joe Casey‘s reaction! You may know him from mainstream work like Uncanny X-Men, Superman and Wildcats but, you should really look into his creator-owned stuff like Automatic Kafka.
On Ebay: Astounding Wolf-Man | Joe Casey
On AtomicAvenue: Astounding Wolf-Man
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.
Dreamwave’s 2002 launch of Transformers: Generation One proved successful enough to warrant a second mini-series (and later, a third). As an incentive to buy both variants for each issue, each set combines into a larger issue. Here’s a look at vol. II #2.
On Ebay: Transformers
On AtomicAvenue: Transformers
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.
Simpsons Comics #4 utilized an “infinity cover” design by Matt Groening. Nine years later, they swiped their own cover!
 Simpsons Comics #4 May 1994 Matt Groening |
 Simpsons Comics #85 August 2003 Matt Groening |
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!Spoilers appear below – You’ve been warned!
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Date: October 1977
Cover Price: 30¢
Writer: Marv Wolfman
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.
Invisible Girl – Susan Storm was caught in the same accident that mutated Ben Grimm into the Thing. The cosmic rays gave her the ability to turn herself invisible and to project invisible force fields.
Spider-Woman – As a child, Jessica Drew was lethally poisoned by radiation. To save her life, her father injected her with an experimental serum (devised from an irradiated spider’s blood) and then placed in a genetic accelerator by the High Evolutionary. When she emerged, she found that she had developed a number of super-powers including super-strength, speed, immunity to poisons and the ability to generated a “venom blast”.
Caught in Alicia‘s web, the Thing finds himself being attacked by his girlfriend, who’s being controlled by Hydra via a device lodged on her forehead. Spider-Woman (freshly freed of Hydra’s control) swoops in for a daring rescue. She suspects that Alicia’s mutated body-chemistry is unstable and, if she’s not shocked into submission, her rapid metabolism could kill her. As Spider-Woman lures Alicia back towards Big Ben (and away from the crowd), the Thing makes a call to the Baxter Building for help.
Meanwhile, underneath Parliament, Trevor and Chauncy manage to open the mysterious treasure chest – only find themselves exposed to a brilliant light and then sucked inside of it! Back at the battle scene, the Thing manages to tear Hydra’s control device from Alicia’s forehead. Without guidance, the mutated Alicia goes even crazier! Fortunately, the Invisible Girl arrives on the scene just in time to help out. Sue encases Alicia’s head within a force field, denying her oxygen – which knocks her unconscious.
Our heroes bring Alicia to the Kensington Park home of Doctor Kort (the man who created the serum that mutated her), to enlist his aid in returning her to normal. While they’re there, Kort reveals that he’s saved Deathlok from dying (that was the original purpose that brought the Thing and Alicia to London back in issue #29, remember?)
This issue continues the story based in London.
In this issue, the Supreme Hydra puts Agent Eight in charge of Operation: Spider-Woman but I don’t know where that was followed up on (if ever) – nor do I know the group’s very next appearance. I do know that they showed up in Team America #1 (cover date: June 1982).
I really can’t figure out an ulterior motive for including the Invisible Girl into this story. It appears that Marv Wolfman just really wanted to write the character (he even managed to have her travel from NYC to London within mere moments [an hour, at best?]). And, a few months later, he began to write her regularly when he became the writer of the Fantastic Four with issue #195 (cover date: June 1978). As mentioned last issue, Spider-Woman’s appearance serves as a warm-up for readers who might want to check out her solo series, which debuted six months later.
This issue resolved a lot of concerns: (1) Bring Alicia back to normal (2) Establish Spider-Woman as a heroine (3) Restore Deathlok’s health. But, we’re not without unresolved plotlines here: (A) Just what is Operation: Spider-Woman? (B) What’s the deal with that mysterious treasure chest?
We’re treated to plenty of spotlight on the Thing here as he walks the fine line between subduing the woman he loves – and hurting her. He also thinks hard on whether his presence in her life is worthwhile (he does seem to get her into a lot of trouble, eh?). With these morose subjects in mind, the Thing’s moments of characterization don’t get to focus on how much fun the character can be to read about – but, it certainly cements the depth and heart of the character.
Note: This issue’s letters column features commentary on Marvel Two-In-One #28, and includes a letter from creator, Beppe Sabatini.
On Ebay: Marvel Two-In-One | the Thing | Spider-Woman | Fantastic Four
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Two-In-One | Spider-Woman | Fantastic Four
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 “Blood Hungry” part 3 written by Peter David art by Sam Kieth After his meeting with General Coy, Cyber has approached Tyger Tiger to seek out a counter offer for the powerful hallucinogenic drug he intends to begin dealing in Madripor. Meanwhile, Logan is bleeding out from the wound Cyber gave him last issue. He’s lost so much blood that he’s started hallucinating. Perhaps Cyber infected Wolverine with the drug when he sliced open his gut last issue? |
Firestar in “Life During War Time” conclusion written by Marie Javins with Marcus McLaurin art by Dwayne Turner As Bart Jones begins to heal from his lung transplant operation, he’s unaware that his daughter, Firestar, has joined forces with Mystique against the Arms of Salvation. With Spiral’s help they defeat the the Arms and Mystique helps Firestar fake her death to keep them from coming back after her. |
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Beast in “Just Friends” part 3 written by Scott Lobdell art by Rob Liefeld/Jae Lee The Beast has a long, drawn-out fight against the Constrictor. During the fight, he recognizes one of the hotel guests as Dr. Ivan Kragoff (you might know him better as the Red Ghost). The Beast takes note that Kragoff looks like he’s dying. Just before he’s defeated, the Constrictor reveals that the Red Ghost hired him to kill the Beast. Soon after, the Symposium on Mutant Research cocktail hour begins and the Beast is introduced to his old friend, Jennifer Nyles. That very moment, they’re attacked by the Red Ghost’s Super Apes. |
Shroud in “To Touch the Darkness“ written by Eric Fein art by Ron Wilson In Los Angeles, a gang is attacking senior citizens – and the Shroud wants to put a stop to it! |
Sam Kieth’s depiction of Tyger Tiger on page two is worth the price of admission, alone. Firestar’s story wraps up here and it’s plain to see this is intended as a prequel to New Warriors #1. I find it strange that they added in this plot point of faking her death. The Beast feature was a TON of fun – Beast is at the height of his quipping in his battle against the Constrictor. Shroud’s story was pretty basic – but I always enjoyed his story: becoming a crimelord in order to defeat crime. This short utilizes that plot point.
Note: this is Joe Madureira’s first published work!
On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Firestar | Beast | Shroud
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Firestar | Beast | Shroud
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”!
After the success of Invincible and the Walking Dead, Robert Kirkman decided to launch his subsequent ongoing series, the Astounding Wolf-Man. He gave the first issue away for free in that year’s Free Comic Book Day Event. In the letters pages of the second issue (cover date – July 2007) , we get to see Ed Brubaker‘s reaction! You know him … he’s the guy that wrote the death of Captain America!
On Ebay: Astounding Wolf-Man | Ed Brubaker
On AtomicAvenue: Astounding Wolf-Man
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