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
Here’s a look back at the previous month in online comic sales.
Number of listings in eBay’s “comics” section: 2,001,541 (+7.85% from last month; +32.49% from last year)
Number of those that are Cyberspace Comics listings: 9,562 (-7.70%; +16.04%)
Cyberspace Comics “market share” of comic listings on eBay: 0.47773% (-14.42%; -12.42%)
Number of eBay comic listings that are auctions: 179,043 (+51.29%; +147.65%)
Percentage of eBay comic listings up for auction: 8.95% (+40.21%; +86.75%)
My current eBay feedback (unique): 18,165
My current eBay feedback (total): 34,778
My positive eBay feedback score: 99.9%
| Position | Dollar Sales | # of Current Listings |
| First | Marvel Comics | Clearance (2,246 listings) |
| Second | TPBs | Marvel Comics (1,332 listings) |
| Third | DC Comics (↑) | TPBs (1,032 listings) |
| Fourth | Marvel (Bronze Age) | Bad Girls (923 listings) |
| Fifth | Image Comics (↑) | Image Comics (809 listings) |
eBay sellers have increased their listings dramatically, hoping to capitalize on Christmas shopping. This month, I created a new store category (Clearance) for older items who haven’t sold in over a year. Those items have been marked down significantly. In a few months, Clearance will be the top-selling store category.
Number of listings on Atomic Avenue: 1,446,723 (-0.74%; -2.08%)
Number of those that are in the Cyberspace Comics Store on Atomic Avenue: 52,416 (+2.40%; +16.10%)
Cyberspace Comics “market share” of comic listings on AtomicAvenue: 3.62308% (+3.16%; +18.57%)
Cyberspace Comics estimated “market share” of AtomicAvenue orders: 4.73% (-2.07%; -26.89%)
Number of members on ComicCollectorLive: 88,730 (+0.55%); +7.68%)
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 DeMatteis/Giffen/Maguire era of Justice League stories is a lot of fun. Early on, the story was building up towards a confrontation between Guy Gardner (at the height of his jerk-ishness) and Batman (who wasn’t going to tolerate Guy’s behavior). It culminated in issue #5 … famously! Around that same time, another confrontation was building in the pages of the Doom Patrol … less famously. This one was between Negative Man and Negative Woman. Going off of that similarity, Erik Larsen decided to pay homage to Kevin Maguire‘s cover.
 Justice League #5 September 1987 Kevin Maguire |
 the Doom Patrol vol. II #13 October 1988 Erik Larsen |
On Ebay: Justice League | Doom Patrol
On AtomicAvenue: Justice League | 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: September 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.
Mystery Menace – A mutated Alicia Masters (girlfriend of the Thing; step-daughter of the Puppet Master)! Complete with fangs, web-spinners and eight new spidery legs.
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”.
The explosion cleared Spider-Woman‘s head of Hydra’s control but, unfortunately for the Thing, she cannot recall where Alicia Masters was hidden away. Hoping to make up for previous injustices, she offers her help in finding the Hydra base where Alicia’s been taken to. Those bombers, Chauncy and Trevor, made off with the fifth and final piece of their map. With the map complete, they’re able to locate the treasure of Heinrich Buerer – which was buried long ago under the House of Parliament.
Meanwhile, Hydra has their hands on the formula that Kort created to duplicate the process that created Spider-Woman – and they intend to use it on their first test subject: Alicia Masters. Hours later, on the Victoria Embankment, the Thing and Spider-Woman are attacked by the mutated Alicia. The Thing is now faced with a hard battle … against the woman he loves!
And, back at the House of Parliament, Chauncy and Trevor have unearthed their long-sought-after treasure chest. But, what’s in it?
This issue continues the story based in London.
The villainous group, Hydra, appears in the very next issue as their plans continue.
Spider-Woman debuted in the penultimate issue of Marvel Spotlight (February 1977) and then subsequently appeared in the previous two issues of Marvel Two-In-One. Her story continued into this issue and will continue into the next issue, as well – all, it seems, as a way to grab attention for her own series (also written by Marv Wolfman), which debuted in April 1978. It went on to last for 50 issues! At the time, she was the first Marvel heroine to have a solo series last that long. (That record was later broken by She-Hulk [60 issues] and Spider-Girl [100 issues]).
Now that Spider-Woman’s been freed form Hydra’s influence, she gets a lot more limelight in this issue. There’s also a lot of attention drawn to the Thing’s tough decision on how to do battle with the mutated Alicia. She’s being controlled by Hydra to kill him while he’s trying to detain her without hurting her. There’s a lot of good emotion going on here. To top it off, we’ve still go the mystery of what’s in the treasure chest that Trevor and Chauncy have been working hard to locate.
Note: This issue’s letters column features commentary on Marvel Two-In-One #27.
On Ebay: Marvel Two-In-One | the Thing | Spider-Woman
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Two-In-One | Spider-Woman
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 2 written by Peter David art by Sam Kieth Cyber is brought to meet with General Coy, personally. At Tyger Tiger‘s request, Wolverine is spying in on the meeting – although, Cyber catches on to him quickly and launches into an attack. When the two come face to face, it’s clear that they know each other – there’s a shared history, here. Cyber slices open Wolverine’s gut but Logan manages to escape. |
Firestar in “Life During War Time” part 5 written by Marie Javins with Marcus McLaurin art by Dwayne Turner Firestar delivers Mystique to the Arms of Salvation in exchange for the donor lung for her father. Before she leaves, Cross invites the young mutant to join his organization. Meanwhile, Freedom Force decides to use their tracking device to locate their leader, Mystique. Back at the Arms of Salvation’s base, Firestar turns the offer down – in response, Cross has her electrocuted and knocked out. Before he can do any further damage, Freedom Force breaks into their base! Firestar comes to and tries to find her way out of the base but stumbles upon their organ harvesting program. Sick with guilt for bringing someone into their program, she frees Mystique – just in time, as they’re cornered by Cross. |
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Beast in “Just Friends” part 2 written by Scott Lobdell art by Rob Liefeld/Jae Lee As the Beast flies to Brussels, he manages to recall fond memories of his youth spent with Jennifer Nyles. When he arrives at the hotel, he’s pleased to discover that his childhood friend is going to be the keynote speaker at the Symposium on Mutant Research. Soon after that revelation, he’s attacked by the Constrictor (it’s becoming painfully obvious that someone doesn’t want him going to that symposium, isn’t it?). |
Paladin in “Take Me Out To The Bomb Game“ written by Eric Fein art by J. Adam Walters Paladin has been hired to protect Metro Stadium from a bomb threat that’s been called in. Rather than pay the bomber the $20 million he was asking for, the owners of the stadium hired protection. Paladin stops the bomb from going off – AND he discovers the identity of the bomber! |
Not a very admirable way to end a battle in the Wolverine story – but it goes to show how powerful Cyber is. The forced alliance between Firestar and Mystique could prove to be an interesting twist. The artwork in the Beast’s feature is extremely eye-catching and Lobdell has an excellent knack for crafting the Beast’s dialogue. Paladin was the snoozer, this issue.
Note: the inside back cover features a full-page Weapon X pin-up by Sam Kieth. I love his artwork!
On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Firestar | Beast | Paladin
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Firestar | 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”!
John Layman is a comics writer who’s created fun titles like Bay City Jive and Puffed. He’s also worked on other licensed properties like Left Behind, Army of Darkness, Thundercats and Xena the Warrior Princess. Aside from all that, he’s also known for creating a little something called Chew. He got a letter printed in the Micronauts #48 (cover date – December 1982), recommending that the creative team get rid of some characters that he finds uninteresting.
On Ebay: Micronauts | John Layman
On AtomicAvenue: Micronauts
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