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.
Markosia acquired the license to Starship Troopers in 2006. The variant covers of issue four connect to form one image.
On Ebay: Starship Troopers
On AtomicAvenue: Starship Troopers
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.
Joss Whedon’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer aired seven seasons from 1997 until 2003. A few years later, Whedon launched season eight as a comic series, published by Dark Horse Comics. That “season” concluded with issue #40, and was followed by Season Nine #1.
 Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season Eight #1 March 2007 Jo Chen |
 Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season Eight #40 January 2011 Jo Chen |
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: December 1977
Cover Price: 35¢
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.
Nighthawk – Kyle Richmond is a wealthy man who’s dedicated his life to helping people. In addition to keeping his body in superb fighting condition, from dusk until dawn he acquires mild super-strength. He also utilizes a costume that gives him the ability to fly.
Kyle Richmond has been summoned to his company’s London headquarters for an important meeting. His employees reveal that they’ve discovered a rock in the Himalayas – one that contains some type of bizarre creature. Meanwhile, back at Doctor Kort’s lab, the Thing stands witness as Deathlok is finally brought back to consciousness and is then taken away by Nick Fury to S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters. Moments later, Kyle Richmond summons Doctor Kort (along with the Thing) to help with analyzing the previously mentioned rock.
Doctor Kort manages to free the creature from the rock but, when it is finally loose, it emits a gas that knocks unconscious all those present, including the Thing. The beast is aware (it can think thoughts to itself) but it cannot formulate a means of communication. It doesn’t seem to be on the attack – but, its actions could be perceived that way (mostly because of the way it looks). So, it takes off for the countryside.
The “monster” comes across a hospital that has caught fight and decides to try to save the children trapped inside. The Thing and Nighthawk also drop in to lend a hand but onlookers, frightened by the beast’s looks, determine that it is intending to do harm to the children. So, the heroic yet misunderstood beast is rewarded for his good deeds with deadly gunfire.
This issue continues the story based in London.
There is no villain in this issue and the alien creature doesn’t live beyond its first appearance here.
I don’t see much of an ulterior motive to get Nighthawk (of the Defenders) involved in this storyline. Marv Wolfman never wrote that title – so it’s clear he wasn’t cross-promoting his own work.
This was easily the most heart-breaking issue of Marvel Two-In-One. Wolfman did a wonderful job of creating a “monster” that you truly feel for – and Ron Wilson created a truly frightening looking beast. What a dichotomy!
Note: This issue’s letters column features commentary on Marvel Two-In-One #29.
On Ebay: Marvel Two-In-One | the Thing | Nighthawk
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Two-In-One | Nighthawk
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 5 written by Peter David art by Sam Kieth After her meeting with Cyber, Tiger Tyger sets out to find Wolverine – he’s gone missing ever since Cyber infected him with a hallucinagenic drug. As he comes to – she reveals that she did, in fact, make a deal with Cyber for the drug shipments – even though she really didn’t want to. Afterwards, we see Cyber making a deal with General Coy – Tiger Tyger is sure to disapprove when she finds out. |
Beast in “Just Friends” part 5 written by Scott Lobdell art by Jae Lee The Beast seeks out the Constrictor and reveals that he thinks he was set up. After all, why would the Red Ghost hire him to kill the Beast? The Red Ghost is typically a Fantastic Four villain – and hasn’t encountered the Beast. Constrictor confirms that he never actually met with the Red Ghost – just that he was told that’s who was paying for the hit. So, the Beast convinces the Constrictor to join him in his quest for answers. The two of them then have to fight their way through a squad of Were-Borgs in to the Belgian Ministry of Defense (that’s where the Red Ghost is being kept – in ill health). After they dispatch those goons, they split up. The Beast finds Jennifer Nyles – and she pulls a gun on him! |
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Spitfire in “Young Blood“ written by Dan Slott art by Rita Fagiani After receiving a second transfusion of blood from the original Human Torch (in Namor the Sub-Mariner #12), Spitfire‘s body has reverted biologically back 48 years! It’s a strange mutant power – to have regenerative blood that is triggered by the addition of synthetic blood. Blood that Selene (the Black Queen) wants! After all, Selene is an “energy vampire” – she has to kill others to maintain her youth. To that end, she’s kidnapped Spitfire‘s son in an effort to gain access to her body. She intends to vivisect the heroine in order to duplicate the process – a far simpler task than having to kill someone every time, I suppose. Naturally, Spitfire doesn’t want that to happen so she figures out a way to defeat Selene and rescue her son. |
Mojo in “What’s Wrong With This Picture?!“ written by Dan Slott art by Joe Madureira Mojo’s media empire’s ratings have plummeted – a competitor has been luring away the audience with documentaries. Minor Domo suggests that they create a documentary to stay relevant (and, more importantly, in business). So, Mojor sets out to capture the X-Men in their natural habitat. Turns out, it’s pretty boring watching them live a normal day. When they get back, they realize that the camera was facing the wrong way – the X-Men were never even filmed. But, what it did capture saves the day – it becomes a hit show! |
Lots of good stuff here, folks. A Sam Kieth cover and very early work by Joe Madureira (and Dan Slott, too). I’m curious to see how this double-deal Cyber’s planning unfolds. The Beast story is really fun! I certainly did not see a Beast/Constrictor team-up coming … but I like it! Spitfire was this issue’s low point but the Mojo story was silly and fun (in that special Mojo-way).
On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Spitfire | Beast | Mojo
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Spitfire | 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 the Luna Brothers reaction! You may know them from their creator-owned titles: Ultra, Girls and the Sword. They also provided the artwork for Marvel’s Spider-Woman: Origin mini series.
On Ebay: Astounding Wolf-Man | Luna
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.
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
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