Cyberspace Comics market report, reviews and more

August 9, 2011

Comic Book Cover Swipes Exposed #71 Avengers

Filed under: Swiped: Comic Book Cover Swipes Exposed! — Doorman @ 6:38 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 cover swiped Romita’s cover to the famous collection of villain origin stories.

Bring on the Bad Guys #1
Bring on the Bad Guys
1976
John Romita 		New Avengers #46
New Avengers #46
December 2008
Aleksi Briclot

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

August 8, 2011

One-Shot At Greatness #71 Captain America & Batroc

Filed under: One-Shot At Greatness — Doorman @ 7:21 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!

Captain America and Batroc the Leaper #1Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Date: May 2011
Cover Price: $3.99
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artist: Renato Arlem

*Warning! Plot Spoilers Below*

Batroc accepts a job in Paris to run interference for a heist. From the hefty price offered him, he assumes that Captain America will be involved. And, it turns out that Batroc knows his business well! Captain America does show up to stop the heist and Batroc fills his role as distractor perfectly. But, when he’s got Cap on the ropes, the Leaper lets his pride get the best of him. He can’t resist the urge to defeat the star-spangled hero …. even if it is just the replacement Cap (aka Bucky). And, we all know that Captain America is near-impossible to beat … especially if you’re just Batroc the Leaper.

This was a real fun “character piece”. It’s told completely from Batroc’s side and Gillen really gets into his mind. It’s a nice treat to see a story from this angle and I really enjoyed how much Batroc “knows his role”. He knows he’s just there to run interference. He knows he’s never going to defeat Cap. Yet, something inside him makes him try … try again. And, it’s not the money!

As bonus material, this issue reprints a classic silver age Batroc story from Tales of Suspense #85 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

On Ebay: Captain America | Kieron Gillen | Batroc
On AtomicAvenue: Strong Guy | Captain America

August 5, 2011

Guide to Marvel Comics Presents #20

Filed under: Guide to Marvel Comics Presents — Doorman @ 6:32 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 #20
Cover Date: May 1989 | Cover Price: $1.25 | Cover Artist: Mike Mignola


Cyclops in “the Retribution Affair” part 4
written by Bob Harras
art by Ron Lim

 
With Banshee and Mary Campbell in their possession, Master Mold and Conscience (a cybernetic being created from the engrams of Steven Lang) decided they want to capture Cyclops and Moira next. Back on Muir Island, Moira reveals that Cyclops and Callisto have contracted the Retribution Virus. And, soon after hearing the bad news, they’re assaulted by Conscience and the Servitors.

Black Panther in “Panther’s Quest” part 8
written by Don McGregor
art by Gene Colan

 
The Black Panther fights through the tear gas to take down a militia pickup armed with a swivel gun. But, even the Panther cannot have eyes everywhere … and is taken down by a bullet!

Dr. Strange in “Nightmare in Suburbia” conclusion
written by Fabian Nicieza
art by Mark Badger

 
Doctor Strange completes his extermination of the Windhart’s demon infestation by using the Eye of Agamotto, which sees only the light of innocence and hope. But, the family’s renewed safety comes with a steep price.

Clea in “At The Bottom Of My Garden”
written by Peter Gillis
art by Ron Lim

 
Clea‘s new role as the ruler of the Dark Dimension has begun to wear on her so she goes for a walk to clear her mind. Her mind-clearing leads her to discover parts of the Dark Dimension that she’s never seen before! In the new garden she finds, she is attacked by the area’s guardian. It was created by Dormammu (the previous ruler of the Dark Dimension) to defeat everyone … even himself! However, Clea manages to defeat the guardian by using Light Magic taught her by Doctor Strange. And, with the guardian gone – the prize is hers to claim. But, what treasure could be so valued or feared that Dormammu had to hide it behind a near-indestructible guardian? [Answer: A beautiful flower!]

Mike Mignola, the creator of Hellboy, drew this issue’s haunting Master Mold cover. And, Dormammu doesn’t make an appearance in the Clea story – but that doesn’t stop it from providing an interesting look into his character.

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Cyclops | Black Panther | Doctor Strange
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Cyclops | Black Panther | Doctor Strange

August 4, 2011

Famous Fanmail #70 Mark Gruenwald

Filed under: Famous Fanmail — Doorman @ 7:12 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”!

Mark Gruenwald was Marvel’s keeper of continuity in the 1980s. He played an important role in the development of the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe. As a writer, he’s best known for the original Squadron Supreme series and the 60-issue Quasar series. Stephen Colbert is now in posession of Gruenwald’s Captain America shield and, when he died, Gruenwald’s ashes were mixed into the ink used in the first printing of the Squadron TPB. He got a letter published in Fantastic Four #20 (cover date – November 1963) at the age of 11.

Fantastic Four letters page with Mark Gruenwald

On Ebay: Fantastic Four | Mark Gruenwald
On AtomicAvenue: Fantastic Four

Cyberspace Comics Market Report #12 August 2011

Filed under: Cyberspace Comics Market Report — Doorman @ 7:12 am

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

Number of listings in eBay’s “comics” section: 1,565,987 (.47% increase from last month)
Number of those that are Cyberspace Comics listings: 6,185 (5.99% decrease)
My “market share” of comic listings on eBay: .39683% (6.00% decrease)

Number of eBay comic listings that are auctions: 85,249
Percentage of eBay comic listings up for auction: 5.47%

My current eBay feedback (unique): 12,535
My current eBay feedback (total): 26,089
My positive eBay feedback score: 99.9%

Position Dollar Sales # of Current Listings
First Underground Bad Girls (719 listings)
Second Bad Girls Marvel Comics (603 listings)
Third Last Gasp (↑) Underground (585 listings)
Fourth DC Comics (↑) Image Comics (522 listings)
Fifth Other Indies (↓) Other Indies (436 listings)

 
Number of listings on Atomic Avenue: 1,424,381 (.7079% increase from last month)
Number of those that are in the Cyberspace Comics Store on Atomic Avenue: 38,578 (.23% decrease)
My “market share” of comic listings on AtomicAvenue: 2.7084% (.93% decrease)
My estimated “market share” of AtomicAvenue orders: 6.54%

August 2, 2011

Comic Book Cover Swipes Exposed #70 Avengers

Filed under: Swiped: Comic Book Cover Swipes Exposed! — Doorman @ 7:46 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 cover paid homage to the first issue of the reality-warping House of M.

House of M #1
House of M #1
August 2005
Essad Ribic 		New Avengers #45
New Avengers #45
November 2008
Aleksi Briclot

On Ebay: Avengers | Secret Invasion | House of M
On AtomicAvenue: Avengers | Secret Invasion | House Of M

August 1, 2011

One-Shot At Greatness #70 Strong Guy Reborn

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!

Strong Guy Reborn #1Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Date: September 1997
Cover Price: $2.99
Writer: Tod Dezago
Artist: Andy Smith

*Warning! Plot Spoilers Below*

The Jorken and the Kront are two alien races that have been feuding over the virgin moon, Yordel, for six thousand years (picture the Middle East … in spaaaaaaaace!). The Jorken have devised a plan to kidnap teleporter, Lila Cheney, and force her to ‘port a bomb into the Kront’s governing palace. Unfortunately for the Jorken, they quickly discover that you can kidnap a teleporter … but it’s near-impossible to keep one. So, their next big idea? Kidnap her huge, strong guy friend and force her into doing their dirty deeds for them.

Oh! Did you think they’d kidnap Strong Guy? Well, so did they. But, looks like they nabbed Lila’s newest bodyguards, Kree-Tor (every intergalactic pop music star needs a gaggle of guards), instead! So, it’s up to Lila and Strong Guy to rescue their pal. But, in the process, they manage to end the millennia-old Jorken/Kront war. Sounds good, right? Wrong! Now, the two races, devoid of their sole purpose in life have joined forces against their newest enemy … Lila & Strong Guy!

Strong Guy was one of the main players that made Peter David’s original X-Factor work so well. Later writers came on board and kicked him out of the book by putting him in a coma. But, you can’t keep this strong guy down … and happily he recovered (better than ever thanks to Forge). But, X-Factor had changed drastically by then and taken on a more conspiratorial direction. This shady, paranoia-laden direction was cool but certainly no place for Strong Guy. Fortunately for us SG fans, Marvel deemed our hero worthy of a one-shot book and boy! … is it fun! The art is awesome, slick, bombastic and dynamic. The story is whacky, light-hearted (despite dealing with an enormous space war) and very wacky. Both of those aspects are what a great, fun Strong Guy story is made of … and this fits the bill. Enjoy!

On Ebay: Strong Guy | Todd Dezago | Andy Smith
On AtomicAvenue: Strong Guy | X-Factor

July 29, 2011

Guide to Marvel Comics Presents #19

Filed under: Guide to Marvel Comics Presents — Doorman @ 9:30 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 #19
Cover Date: May 1989 | Cover Price: $1.25 | Cover Artist: Rob Liefeld


Cyclops in “the Retribution Affair” part 3
written by Bob Harras
art by Ron Lim

 
Master Mold reveals to his hypnotized captive, Moira Mactaggert, that he is actually Stephen Lang – a human mind trapped within the Sentinel robot, after Cyclops destroyed his mortal body. His companion computer, Conscience, discovers that Sean Cassidy has contracted the mutant-killing Retribution Virus that Master Mold made Moira create. Late in the night, Master Mold dispatches his Servitors to capture the virus-stricken Sean Cassidy (aka Banshee) and Mary Campbell (a young telekinetic). Their large numbers are too many for even Cyclops to stop them all!

Black Panther in “Panther’s Quest” part 7
written by Don McGregor
art by Gene Colan

 
In this issue, we’re introduced to Sarah Slade, wife of Patrick Slade (the informant that lured Black Panther to South Africa on promises of news about his mother). The Black Panther ventures to the Slades’ artifact shop after thanking Zanti for his help and setting him loose from any obligation he might feel to continue helping. But, on his way home, Zanti discovers a militia man on the lookout and can’t keep himself from getting involved on the Panther’s behalf. And, while the Panther converses with Sarah Slade, the militia unleashes tear gas upon the area.

Dr. Strange in “Nightmare in Suburbia” part 1
written by Fabian Nicieza
art by Mark Badger

 
Doctor Strange travels to Minerva, Ohio to rid Mary Windhart’s home of the demon infestation that she is somehow unaware of. And, after defeating her infested son, Bobby – the husband arrives home … and he’s not looking too healthy, either.

Damage Control in “Overture”
written by Dwayne McDuffie
art by Ernie Colon

 
After the super-heroes and villains destroy the city during their battles … who cleans up the mess? Why, Damage Control does! Rival super-clean-up broker, John Porter, is looking to horn in on their business, though. His latest stop is Josie’s Bar, where Daredevil and Turk are battling it out. After the bar gets leveled by a grenade, Damage Control steps in and replaces it near-instantly! Mrs. Hoag catches up with the ambitious Porter and offers him a job with Damage Control as Account Executive. Needless to say, his story is continued in the first Damage Control mini series (issue #1 also a cover date of May 1989).

This is it! The first appearance of Damage Control. Now, it’s not a mainstay title but, they’ve had four mini series over the years so they do have some importance in the Marvel Universe. Topping off this issue is a cover by Rob Liefeld (who had not yet exploded due to the Image boom).

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Cyclops | Black Panther | Doctor Strange | Damage Control
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Cyclops | Black Panther | Doctor Strange | Damage Control

July 28, 2011

Famous Fanmail #69 Steve Gerber

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”!

Steve Gerber was an important addition to the comics community. Not only did he create Howard the Duck (and many other characers including Omega the Unknown and Sludge) but he was an early champion for creator’s rights – they eventually revolutionized the industry. He got a letter published in Fantastic Four #19 (cover date – October 1963).

Fantastic Four letters page with Steve Gerber

On Ebay: Fantastic Four | Steve Gerber
On AtomicAvenue: Fantastic Four

July 27, 2011

Comic Book Easter Eggs #2 Kaboom

Filed under: Comic Book Easter Eggs — Doorman @ 10:07 am

With any medium, the more you know about it, the more you can appreciate it. Naturally, the same is true of comic books and now that fans who grew up reading comics are working in the industry, we’re treated to more in-jokes and nods more than ever. Here’s a look at another, cool Comic Book ‘Easter Egg’!

Marvel’s X-Factor title underwent a lot of changes. Initially it featured the original five X-Men reunited again. Then, beginning with issue #71, it followed a government-sponsored team of mutants. That concept evolved into Howard Mackie’s paranoia-infused run, some of which featured excellent artwork by Jeff Matsuda. One such issue was #132 (cover date: March 1997). Matsuda slipped a little plug for his upcoming creator-owned series, Kaboom. It launched mere months later with a cover date of September 1997.

X-Factor #132 with Kaboom plug

On Ebay: X-Factor | Kaboom
On AtomicAvenue: X-Factor | Kaboom

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