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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: 20
First Issue: May 2004 ($2.25)
Last Issue: March 2005 ($2.25)
Writer: Daniel Quantz, Todd Dezago, Mike Raicht
Artist: Mark Brooks, Jonboy Meyers, Michael O’Hare, Patrick Scherberger, Logan Lubera, Valentine DeLandro, Derec Aucoin, Shane Davis, Jamal Igle, Gus Vasquez

I can’t imagine that anyone reading this post doesn’t know the story of Spider-Man … but, just in case, here goes: High school nerd and social outcast, Peter Parker, is bitten by a radioactive spider, giving him the ability to stick to walls, a “spider-sense” for danger, super-strength and speed. Using the lesson his Uncle Ben taught him “With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility” he dons a costume, invents web-shooters and fights crime in the city.

Vulture. Doctor Octopus. Sandman. the Lizard. Electro. Mysterio. Green Goblin. Kraven the Hunter. All classic villains that have stood the test of time … and we get to experience Spider-Man’s first encounters with them re-scripted with all-new artwork! Peter Parker has to juggle all these villains while maintaining the highest GPA in school and struggling to make money to help his Aunt May pay the mortgage and health care bills. But, things are looking up! He manages to get a job taking photographs of himself as Spider-Man for J. Jonah Jameson of the Daily Bugle newspaper. There’s even a cute secretary named Betty Brant there that, amazingly enough, seems to be developing a crush on Peter … and now Liz, at school, is talking to him, as well. But, it can’t be all good news … he’s still looked down on by many of his classmates, especially the jock, Flash Thompson who seems to be after Liz, himself. But, that’s the fun of Spider-Man – experiencing the highs and the lows with this relatable character.

The Bad: I’ve already experienced these stories from the first time around, so the “surprises” that a new reader would discover aren’t so surprising.

the Good: This series takes the original classics created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko and updates them for a new generation. The script is fresh and reflects the way people actually talk today. The artwork is superb and enhanced by it’s brilliant coloring! These issues completely adapt the original 21 issues of the Amazing Spider-Man, great reads that laid the foundation for one of the most enduring comic book characters.

The Verdict: This is a wonderful way to experience (or re-experience) the early adventures of Spider-Man. The stories capture the high energy and fun and are a perfect reminder of what has made Spider-Man such a beloved character.

On Ebay: Spider-Man | Marvel Age | Todd Dezago

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: 17
First Issue: October 1975 (25¢)
Last Issue: January 1978 (35¢)
Writer: Tony Isabella (#1-2, 5-7); Bill Mantlo (#3, 8-17); Chris Claremont (#4);
Artist: Don Heck (#1-2, 5); George Tuska (#3, 4, 6, 7, 17); Bob Hall (#8-10, 16); John Byrne (#11-15)

An assertive plan by Pluto to gain power over his brother, Zeus, culminated with the kidnapping of Hercules and Venus from the UCLA campus. Angel, Iceman, Black Widow and Ghost Rider, who just so happened to be on campus at the same time, journeyed to Olympus to battle alongside Hercules and Venus against the villainous Olympians.

Following their experience in Olympus, the five heroes (Venus stayed behind) decided to band together to lend aid to the “common man”. Utilizing his newly-inherited wealth, Warren Worthington III (aka the Angel) set the team up with their very own headquarters and flying vehicle (the Champscraft). During their official debut’s press-junket, they were attacked by Darkstar, the Griffin, the Titanium Man and the Crimson Dynamo. These super-powered Russians were seeking revenge against the Black Widow’s friend and mentor, Ivan … and it was up to the Champions to defend him.

After defeating the Russians, the not-so-villainous Darkstar remained behind and joined the team in an unofficial capacity, tagging along on every other future adventure. The team also took on another unofficial member as Black Goliath joined the party in issue #11 (mere months after his own solo title was cancelled). [On a curious side note, it was revealed in the letters pages that Black Goliath was originally slated to be a member of the team but, the powers-that-be said they didn’t want a member of the team who was already headlining his own book. So who did they add in his place? Ghost Rider! And, I’m sure we all realize that the Rider was already headlining his own book …. go figure!] Along with the size-altering hero came an unresolved plot from his short-lived series. The origins of the mysterious box that had been stolen from his Stark warehouse were unveiled in a cosmic adventure that involved Kamo Tharn (the Possessor) and the Stranger!

Finally, following battles against Swarm, Doctor Doom & Magneto, Sentinels and the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants (Blob, Lorelei, Unus the Untouchable and the Vanisher) the series came to an end with issue #17. However, the saga of the Champions did not end there. The letters pages promised that we would see them disband in a future issue of the Avengers. And, while that wasn’t exactly the case, the team’s end was shown in flashback in Peter Parker the Spectacular Spider-Man #17-18 (also written by Mantlo). Years later, the original team reunited and teamed up with X-Force (in a 1998 Annual) to fight Pluto, the Lord of Hades, yet again.

The Bad: As many letter-writers complained early on, this team’s existence was seemingly “pointless”. The X-Men were outcasts, the Fantastic Four were a family, the Avengers had the market cornered as “Earth’s Mightiest Heroes”, etc. Every super-team had a niche at the time … except the Champions. They just … were. Although, the writers tried to define them as the “team for the common man”, realistically, the team had no true purpose, which can be seen in all of their stories. Everything that goes on in the book happens to them. They don’t proactively embark on any of their adventures.

Another common complaint was the team’s line-up. The characters never really meshed well. Angel and Iceman were already friends (from their time in the X-Men) but none of the members seemed to form any real friendship besides the comraderie of battle. The only real ongoing characterizations were (1) Ghost Rider felt the other members were scared of him (this subplot began to build some steam just as the book was canceled) and (2) Iceman continually mused to himself that he would quit the super-hero business once the team got established.

In fact, some of the characterizations seem a bit off in this book. As mentioned previously, the fun-loving Iceman was not so fun-loving in this title. He wanted to “grow up” and quit the team and super-heroing altogether. And Hercules, known for his love of battle, ale and women was straight-laced and stern, here. Ghost Rider rarely got any spotlight (except to cry about the team being scared of him) and was even missing from some stories because he was doing other things in his own solo book, at the time.

The series seemed to come to an abrupt end but fortunately, Mantlo dedicated two issues of his Spider-Man title to sufficiently wrap everything up.

the Good: For a short-lived series, the Champions added some important bits to Marvel’s continuity. For starters, the Angel revealed his identity to the world and also got hold of his huuuuuuuge family inheritance. It also introduced the 1970s-recession-inspired villain, Rampage (who later appeared in the 1990s Wonder Man series) and Swarm (a slightly more prominent villain who’s since joined Spider-Man’s rogues gallery). It debuted some new costumes (albeit short-lived ones) for Angel and Iceman … and wrapped up a plotline that was left dangling from the Black Goliath series.

Some of John Byrne‘s earliest Marvel work can be found in the latter half of this series. It’s clearly the high-point of the book art-wise … and even storywise. At this point, Bill Mantlo had caught his stride and, with the additions of Darkstar and Black Goliath, the title was at its most fun and adventurous point.

The Verdict: Two ex-X-Men, a former Russian spy, a demigod and the spirit of vengeance. An unlikely team, to be sure. And, they certainly were! The Champions were a short-lived super-team that started out as a yawn-inducing read. Slowly but surely the book got more fun and interesting (mostly due to the creative team of Bill Mantlo and John Byrne) as the size of the team grew. But unfortunately, this strange mix of heroes just couldn’t compete with other team books at the time and the title was canceled, leaving the story to be completed elsewhere. I wouldn’t recommend sitting through the first half but #11-17 make for some fun Marvel super-hero stories.

On an interesting note, Eclipse Comics published a six issue mini-series called the Champions, based on an RPG in 1986. Marvel didn’t pursue them legally for two reasons: (A) It had been eight years since their own Champions title was published and (B) the Eclipse series was only a limited series. Well, that was a mistake on their part because the limited series paved the way for an ongoing series. Hero Comics published an ongoing series in 1987 and by that point, they’d gotten their foot in the door, legally. In 2007, when Marvel’s 50-State Initiative was in full force, they were going to reinstate the Champions as California’s official super-hero team and give them their own book. But, they quickly found out that Hero (now called Heroic Publishing) wouldn’t let them use the name … so they changed it to the Order (and it only lasted for 10 issues, anyway).

On Ebay: Marvel Comics | Champions

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: 5
First Issue: February 1976 (25¢)
Last Issue: November 1976 (30¢)
Writer: Tony Isabella (#1); Chris Claremont
Artist: George Tuska (#1-3) and others

After fifteen years away, Dr. William Barrett Foster moved back to his hometown of Los Angeles after accepting a job to head up a Californian Stark Industries facility. Unknown to Stark, or anyone else for that matter, Foster recently acquired Pym particles that allow him to grow to 15′, donned a costume and adopted the super-hero name of Black Goliath (see Power Man #24). But, it works out well for Stark, since Black Goliath has moved to L.A. just in time to stop Atom-Smasher from stealing a new supply of radium from the warehouse!

The book continues to follow Foster’s new career as a crime-fighter, as he learns the ropes … and even meets a nice lady named Celia Jackson who’s clearly attracted to his costumed alter-ego (even though she’s unaware of his secret identity). And, while attempting to disrupt a crime-spree by the Stilt-Man, Goliath along with Celia and her nephew are transported to a new world by the criminal’s Z-Ray! In the final issue, the trio meet a kindly alien named Derath who helps them escape the planet, Kirgar, to which they’ve been unwillingly trapped on.

The Bad: It’s obvious that Marvel gave this book little to no help to allow it to flourish. This results in a bunch of unresolved sub-plots: (1) How will Talia Kruma’s mysterious past affect her co-worker, Dr. Foster? (2) Who is the shadowed sniper who wounded Black Goliath? (3) Who is the shadowed boss-man who hired the sniper? [It appears to be the Kingpin] Aside from heightened racial conflicts in the 1970s, here are a few other noticeable things that led to the title’s early demise due to low sales:

• Creative Team Change – The book switched writers after only one issue! Fortunately, the series doesn’t suffer from a noticeable shift in tone but, it’s certainly a strange move to leave the book so early in its life.
• No Guest Stars – Marvel often includes mainstream guest-stars in the first few issues of a series to gather interest in a new hero. Occasionally, Tony Stark makes a cameo on a view screen to talk with Foster or his co-workers but his alter-ego, Iron Man, never makes an appearance – nor do any other big-name heroes.
• Lame Villains – If a series doesn’t include famous heroes, then often the other solution is to pit the new hero up against a well-known villain to gather some interest. In this case, Black Goliath is pitted up against new villains: Atom-Smasher and Vulcan. And, when he is given a “name-brand” villain it’s Stilt-Man. Stilt-Man! C’mon! It’s a guy on stilts … with a ray gun.

 
the Good: I’m often intrigued by characters that are or can grow to larger than life proportions. This guy’s no different and I was instantly drawn into his story and the great, dynamic art. It was fun to follow a new hero who has significant ties to existing Marvel characters (he first appeared in a very early issue of the Avengers; he uses an improved-upon Pym Particles formula; he made his costumed debut in Power Man). And, placing a super-hero on the West Coast was a novel idea for Marvel at a time when all of its heroes were based out of NYC. Continuing with my praise of “novel” premises: this is Marvel’s second series starring a black character. Certainly a noteworthy character in terms of diversifying the super-hero population.

The Verdict: Although I was quickly drawn into the series, the unresolved plot-lines left a poor taste in my mouth. No one wants to end a story with so many strings left hanging. If the series was able to come to a natural conclusion, I’d be able to recommend it more … alas, that was not the case! As an interesting note here, the alien that Claremont created in issue five belongs to the A’askvarii race. I think you’ll notice that it’s very close to the spelling of the Askani, which he later linked to the X-Men’s future.

On Ebay: Marvel Comics | Black Goliath

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: Image Comics
Number of Issues: 3
First Issue: May 1993 ($3.50)
Last Issue: August 1993 ($2.95)
Writer: Jim Valentino
Artist: Jim Valentino

A copycat vigilante calling himself Hawk’s Shadow has been spotted in the City, killing black males. However, our spine-breaking “hero”, Shadowhawk, isn’t happy with another murderer stalking the streets of his city. So, he tracks down the criminal right in the middle of another hate-crime. And, amid a hate-spewn speech, Shadowhawk reveals his true identity. A black man. (telling which one would just ruin the surprise!) He then proceeds to beat him bloody in a righteous rage.

Following these events, the police department contacts Chapel to hunt down Shadowhawk. He turns down the job but recommends that they hire Slaughter, instead. Unfortunately for them, Slaughter’s warrior code and respect for Shadowhawk messes up their plan.

The Bad: All the clues that would allow you to guess Shadowhawk’s secret identity are contained in the first series so if you’re reading this by itself, the reveal is not as significant. And, despite the revelation, the book shines much more light on action than on characterization.

The Good: The revelation of the secret identity is timed to provide a strong impact. And, a letter in issue two does a wonderful job of highlighting all the clues left in the first series. Valentino’s artwork has improved since the first series. Also, fans of enhanced covers will enjoy looking at every issue as they all have some type of gimmick.

The Verdict: Aside from the lure of finding out who Shadowhawk is, not much else goes on in this series. Readers who are looking for strong characterization are encouraged to quickly find the nearest exit. Fans of action, action, and more action … this one’s for you.

On Ebay: Shadowhawk | Jim Valentino

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: Image Comics
Number of Issues: 4
First Issue: August 1992 ($2.50)
Last Issue: March 1993 ($1.95)
Writer: Jim Valentino
Artist: Jim Valentino

An arsonist is loose in New York City, paid to set specific buildings on fire by Ms. Boldd (also known as Vendetta). At the same time, a monster attacking people on the streets, liquefying its victims as it feeds. The star of the book, Shadowhawk, stalks the very same city, breaking the spines of criminals he catches in the act. He even manages to catch Arson, blowing him up by throwing a shuriken into his explosive, gas-filled “backpack”. And, in the next issue, Shadowhawk hunts down the Liquefier and tears his heart out. This take-no-prisoners vigilante has the police worried so they call in the “big guns” to bring him in: the Savage Dragon! Treating us readers to a big brawl, the Dragon and Shadowhawk engage themselves in a grand fight in the city. Luckily for Shadowhawk, he’s rescued by Blakjak another of Vendetta’s minions. Vendetta offers Shadowhawk a position in her crime cartel alongside her, Vortex (a wind-powered female), a mutated Arson and Blakjak but he declines the offer. Now that he knows the cops don’t approve of him … and the criminals do … Shadowhawk’s got a lot of self-analyzing to do.

The Bad: The vigilante super-hero has been done many, many times before and the art in issue one is pretty bad, compared to other work I’ve seen by Valentino.

the Good: Plenty of action to be had here and an appearance by the Savage Dragon as well as a cameo by Spawn (in issue #2). Fans of enhanced covers will be happy: issue one has a silver-foiled, embossed cover; issue two has a silver shine on certain parts of it and issue three glows in the dark! The art starts off ill-formed in many spots but quickly progresses to the level of quality Jim Valentino is capable of. But, really, the best draw of this series is that there’s a mystery brewing over the identity of Shadowhawk. The book introduces many characters that could be the vigilante but, it does not reveal who it is!

The Verdict: It’s an action-oriented, fast read that presents the mystery of Shadowhawk’s true identity. However, the script, plot and art are somewhat rushed. It seems to try to fit too much into this one mini-series. But, with all that said, I’m curious to find out the secret ID of the vigilante … so I’ll be reading the next series.

On Ebay: Shadowhawk | Jim Valentino

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: IDW
Number of Issues: 5
First Issue: November 2008 ($3.99)
Last Issue: March 2009 ($3.99)
Writer: Peter David
Artist: Robin Riggs

Our hero, Apropos, doesn’t quite fit the “hero image”. He’s self-serving, lame of leg and has not a thing to his name. Wandering in the desert, he unearths a shiny gold cross that also doubles as a weapon. Soon after, a freak storm produces a tornado that sucks up Apropos and deposits him in a forest where he accidentally saves a young gypsy from a Wolfman! Not one to take such things for granted, the girl takes him back to her camp where he receives a hero’s welcome. He’s then brought to the nearby kingdom of Intravania, where he’s thought to be their prophesied savior. It’s his duty to transform the wispy young prince there into a threatening ruler before the neighboring kingdoms discover the Intravanians are ripe for the pickings. But, he’s certainly got his work cut out for him … and time is short!

The Bad: There’s not much I can pick on in this series but the art and the coloring have a bit of a dull, unpolished look.

the Good: Fun. Peter David always manages to infuse his work with a lot of fun and humor. A host of pop culture references are sprinkled throughout this series that brought me plenty of smirks. He’s created a hero here that lucks into his victories but his self-awareness of the limitations of his abilities lend him an endearing quality.

The Verdict: Even though I’ve never read the novels this character originated from, I didn’t feel left in the dark while reading through this series. It was a lot of fun and the story took us on quite a few adventures within these five issues. The characterization was superbly done as the caption boxes allows us to get inside the main character’s head. Even though it’s clearly a satirization/parody of Dark Tower, Dracula and more … it doesn’t have the empty feeling that many parody stories can have. I’d gladly read a second series.

On Ebay: Sir Apropos | Peter David | Robin Riggs

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: 8
First Issue: November 1994 ($2.95)
Last Issue: June 1995 ($1.50)
Writer: Eric Fein
Artist: Anthony Williams

Published in 1994 by Marvel Comics, this title only lasted eight issues and adapted the 1990s Iron Man cartoon. Eric Fein scripted the series pitting Iron Man (and his pals, Force Works – War Machine, Hawkeye, U.S. Agent, Scarlet Witch, Century, Spider-Woman) against the Mandarin and his minions (MODOK, Fin Fang Foom, Blizzard, Whiplash, Whirlwind, Grey Gargoyle and a new character named Hypnotia). Anthony Williams provided the very capable 90s-style artwork.

I found it interesting that the series maintained a sense of continuity within itself. It wasn’t a one-in-done type of series where the characters forgot everything that happened previously. The latter half of the series delved into the origins of Iron Man and the Mandarin. Curiously enough, Tony Stark suffered a back injury (not heart trouble) and, while captured in Vietnam, he created the Iron Man suit as a means of escape (not to heal his health conditions).

The Good: The first issue came polybagged with an animation cel from the cartoon that this is based on and the artwork was on par with the real Iron Man comics of the time (although, it’s inferior to the level of art that creators are capable of today).

The Bad: Unfortunately, with so many characters there’s very little room to develop character beyond Iron Man and the Mandarin, which is a shame because I like some of those other guys and gals …. But, what can I expect from an eight issue series, right?

The Verdict: In the end, I find this series a bit redundant. After all, this comic book series is an adaptation of a cartoon series that adapts a comic book. I’m kind of left wondering why Marvel didn’t suspect that fans of the cartoon would just go and buy the Iron Man and Force Works series that existed at the time, instead of these rehashes of the cartoon. Which, it seems, is exactly what happened since this series couldn’t even last a year. Skip this and go read some in-continuity Iron Man.

On Ebay: Iron Man | Marvel Action Hour

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: May 2008 ($2.99)
Last Issue: December 2008 ($2.99)
Writer: C.B. Cebulski
Artist: various

This is a mini-series comprised of four done-in-one stories. Each issue reimagines a classic fairy tale using characters from the Avengers.

Issue one tells the tale of Peter Pan (Captain America) as he brings two siblings (Quicksilver & Scarlet Witch) back to Neverland. When they’re attacked by Captain Hook (Klaw), they’re joined by Tinkerbell (Wasp) and the Lost Boys (other Avengers) to defeat the villain and his henchmen.

Next up is a re-imagining of Pinocchio with Hank Pym playing the role of Geppetto and the Vision as the son trying to find his humanity. Naturally, no Vision/Pym story would be complete without the Ultron and Jocasta. And we all know that a Pinocchio story needs a Jiminny Cricket … even if it’s filled by the Wasp!

The third issues follows Cassie Lang as she explores Wonderland, encountering the Caterpillar (Ant-Man), Chesire Cat (Tigra), and other familiar characters (filled by the Young Avengers).

Finally, the She-Hulk is joined by a scarecrow (Thor), a tin man (Iron Man) and a cowardly lion (Captain America) on a mission to reunite the Wizard of Oz (Magneto) with his estranged daughter (Scarlet Witch).

The Bad: The only thing I can pick on this series for is that each tale could easily have been fleshed out into a four issue mini series of its own.

the Good: The artwork in each story did a wonderful job of fulfilling that unique storybook quality. All four stories are familiar and embedded in our cultural fabric so seeing them reinvisioned is no sleight to the original. And, seeing them played by Avengers characters makes it even more fun. Besides, where else can you find the line “No More Munchkins“?

The Verdict: Fans of these stories are often curious to see them told in many different ways and styles. Well, here’s yet another way … told with Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Fans of the Avengers, who are familiar with these stories, will get a kick out of seeing how much thought was put into the “casting”.

On Ebay: Avengers | Fairy Tales | C.B. Cebulski

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: Entity Comics
Number of Issues: 6
First Issue: May 1996 ($2.75)
Last Issue: October 1996 ($2.75)
Writer: Bill Maus
Artist: Bill Maus

The Skunk is a muscle-bound super hero with super-strength and an ability to produce incredibly forceful flatulence! On patrol in New York City, he rescues a young woman named Macy from the Sticky-Boys. The two become quickly inseparable, and Macy dons a costume to join the Skunk as his sidekick (although she doesn’t have any powers). They manage to halt the Roll‘s plan to gain control of NYC’s toilet paper roll supply and then embark on trips to the country, the golf course, and other places where the Skunk unwittingly defeats thieves, aliens and other dastardly villains.

The Bad: Despite lasting for six issues, nothing really happens. There’s little to no character development and no real mysteries or questions are raised (except for the landlord with the x-ray vision).

the Good: Bill Maus‘ artwork is his strength. Macy’s got a sleek look to her and the Skunk has a cool, hulking physique. There’s plenty of silly action here to keep it light and fun!

The Verdict: If you’re looking for fun, high-energy action with very nice artwork (and a side of flatulence) … then this is the comic for you! However, if characterization is your cup of tea, then you should move along to another part of the comic store (perhaps towards the Waiting Place or Strangers in Paradise).

On Ebay: the Skunk | Bill Maus

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: 88MPH
Number of Issues: 4 (and a convention exclusive)
First Issue: February 2004 ($2.95)
Last Issue: May 2004 ($2.95)
Writer: Andrew Drabb
Artist: Steve Kurth

Twenty years after the first movie came out, 88MPH published this four issue mini series written by Andrew Dabb with art by Steve Kurth. Curiously enough, it’s set six months after the film and also in the year 2004. Therefore, it retcons the events of the movie so that they’ve happened in late 2003 or early 2004. Who knows where this places the events of the second movie, then!

With that being said, the Ghostbusters are now famous, having saved the world from Gozer (who was incarnated on Earth in the body of a giant Stay Puft Marshmallow Man … oh c’mon … you remember all this!) and Louis is cashing in on his connection to Ghostbusters fame as well as his brief time spent possessed by the Terror Dog, Vinz Clortho. The Ghostbusters have gained some credibility, although there are plenty of New Yorkers who still think they’re a hoax. Egon‘s continuing to study the paranormal beings they capture, Winston‘s still with the team, Peter is continuing to court Dana Barrett and Ray is wallowing in self-doubt, wondering if the things they’ve discovered will have the desired positive effect on the world. In other words, things are quite status quo for the Ghostbusters.

Status quo, that is, until they discover ghosts with lower-than-normal “brain activity” which leads Egon to believe they’re being controlled by something … or someone. Turns out, it’s someone. Michael Draverhaven, to be exact! “Who?!” you might ask … well, it turns out that Mike attended graduate school with Egon, Pete and Ray and assisted them in some of their earlier expirements with the paranormal. One such experiment led to a bad mishap which drove Michael into an insane asylum. It also granted him the ability to communicate with the ghosts.

Newly freed from the asylum and utilizing the symbiotic relationship he’s formed with the ghosts, Michael concerts a paranormal attack on New York City as well as the Ghostbusters. While the other three Ghostbusters are dealing with the havok the ghosts are creating, it’s Ray Stantz that takes down Michael and, with the leading mind behind their attack dispatched, the ghosts disperse and abandon their “mission”.

This series proudly carries on the traditions set forth in the first film with its great sense of adventure mixed with humor. The “voices” of the characters and their interactions are spot-on, specifically Venkman (played by Bill Murray) and Egon (played by Harold Ramis). The continuity is very tight with the first film, there’s a Slimer cameo and there’s even a fun poke at Egon’s silly hairstyle from the cartoon series (what more could a Ghostbusters fan ask for?). The art is incredibly slick and the coloring job makes it easily the best-looking Ghosbusters book … even to date! This book puts the more recent IDW series to shame.

It’s too bad that this publisher never put out the ongoing series that was advertised in the back of issue #4. Unfortunately, since this publisher was so small and the book was met with some delays while it was being published, these issues are very hard to find. And, for you trade fans, you’ve got even more work cut out for you. A trade paperback was indeed published … but it was only released in the United Kingdom. On the upside, fans of variant covers have 13 different covers to look for as well as a convention special that features an all-new solo story starring Winston.

On Ebay: Ghostbusters