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.
The 10th Muse follows the modern-day daughter of the Greek god Zeus. Initially, photo variants were printed with Rena Mero in cosplay as the title character. She was later replaced by Cindy Margolis.
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.
DC Comics allowed Mark Waid to create a new jumping on point for the Legion of Super-Heroes with their fifth series in 2005.
 Legion of Super-Heroes vol. V #1 February 2005 Barry Kitson |
 Legion of Super-Heroes vol. V #7 August 2005 Barry Kitson |
On Ebay: Legion of Super-Heroes
On AtomicAvenue: Legion of Super-Heroes
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!
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Date: 1976
Cover Price: 50¢
Writer: Roy Thomas
Artist: John Buscema
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. At this point in Marvel Continuity, Ben Grimm was reverted back to human form but he operated an exo-skeleton armor created by Reed Richards that was made to look exactly like the Thing.
Fantastic Four – Four adventurers who were mutated by cosmic rays. Mr. Fantastic: his elastic body allows him to stretch it any way he wants. The Invisible Woman can create invisible force fields and turn herself invisible. The Human Torch can fly and generate flames. The fourth member is the Thing: super-strength.
Invaders – a super-team that fought for the Allies in World War II. Members include Captain America and Bucky, Namor the Sub-Mariner, the original Human Torch and his sidekick, Toro.
The Fantastic Four have some money problems and the Thing wants to use their time machine to travel back to California, two weeks before the Gold Rush of 1849, to cash in. But, in the room where the device is kept, he finds a squad of Nazi soldiers! They’re quickly subdued by the Fantastic Four and Reed Richards checks his time machine to discover that they Nazis came from London in the year … 1946?! We all know that the Nazis were defeated in 1945 – so what gives?
Reed Richards surmises that a hunk of vibranium (that has since gone missing) may have fallen onto the time machine during Luke Cage’s attack (in Fantastic Four #169). Later, the time machine may have been accidentally activated, sending the vibranium back in time where the Nazis got hold of it. They must have used the vibranium to develop better weapons early, giving them a distinct advantage that allowed them to win World War II. Now, the Fantastic Four must travel back in time to when the vibranium was sent and retrieve it before it can fall into the wrong hands.
The Fantastic Four materialize in early 1942 inside the Invaders‘ bunker. The “golden-age” super-team springs into action, thinking the Fantastic Four are Nazi invaders. After a brief heroes vs heroes battle, both teams figure out they’re on the same side. The nine heroes hop into the Sub-Mariner’s aircraft and fly to Castle Cherbelle – the base of Nazi leader, Baron Zemo – in the hopes of recovering the vibranium.
The heroes split into teams of three. Mr. Fantastic, the Invisible Woman and Namor the Sub-Mariner fight through squads of Nazis. Captain America, Bucky and the Human Torch (Johnny Storm) take on Baron Zemo, himself (although he beats a hasty retreat). The original Human Torch, Toro and the Thing encounter the Nazi Colonel who has a handful of vibranium-enhanced rockets primed for an attack on England. The Torch and Toro manage to destroy all but one rocket before they can be launched. Using some quick reflexes, the Thing grabs hold of the missile as it takes off. He manages to reroute the guidance system and send the missile back to Castle Cherbelle!
When the Thing wakes up from the blast, he’s greeted by the Fantastic Four and they explain that they’re back in the year 1976. The remainder of the vibranium was taken back with them (Reed assumes the other half was used in those rockets from earlier) and the Nazi Castle was destroyed (but not before the Invaders managed to escape to safety). As the team leaves to unwind for the night, the Thing stays behind in the time machine’s room. Suddenly, the Watcher appears – his presence suggests that there’s something that remains to be fixed with the timeline and the Thing decides to finish the job, even if he has to go back to 1942 by himself.
The story starts in the Fantastic Four’s headquarters, the Baxter Building, in Manhattan, New York. But, the big battle against the Nazis takes place in Castle Cherbelle – located in Nazi-occupied France.
The Baron Zemo of this alternate time-line hasn’t been seen since – but, then again, neither has this timeline.
At this time, Roy Thomas was writing the Fantastic Four and his book, the Invaders, had launched the year before. It seemed like a neat idea to have a crossover between Marvel’s First Family and their 1940s WWII heroes. It was also a great way to introduce regular Fantastic Four readers to the Invaders and a fun way to celebrate America’s Bicentennial by looking back to the era that spawned its “greatest generation”.
This was truly a fun, time-traveling story complete with the creation of an alternate timeline. I know it’s cliched to have the heroes fight each other but, I would have liked to see that battle go on for longer than it did. I found it strange that, at the end, the Thing seems to think he’ll have to fix everything on his own – it’s not like the rest of the Fantastic Four were out of the state or country (or even, planet!) – they were just going back to their rooms to shower off and relax after the big battle they just had. I’m sure they’d quickly jump back into action, if need be. We’ll see how this story plays out since it’s continued in Marvel Two-In-One Annual #1.
On Ebay: Marvel Two-In-One | the Thing | Fantastic Four | Invaders
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Two-In-One | Fantastic Four | Invaders
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 “Weapon X” part 1 written by Barry Windsor-Smith art by Barry Windsor-Smith We’re witness to a recently shaved man in a lab tank. To the surprise of the lab assistants, the man’s body hair is beginning to grow back. We hear the voices of two onlookers, the Professor and Doctor Cornelius, as the subject’s body is injected with adamantium. As the process continues, the onlookers are amazed at Logan‘s healing factor. |
Shanna in “The Bush of Ghosts” part 6 written by Gerard Jones art by Paul Gulacy After a long search, Shanna and her companions (Jeremy, Dubose and Mchele) discover the African village that Sir Guy Cross-Wallace appears to be in charge of. It appears that he is up to much more than smuggling and killing. From this citadel he’s forged, he intends to create a new religion and spread its power and influence across the continent. |
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Sub-Mariner in “The Sea Enemy“ written by John Morelli art by Jim Mooney While enjoying being amongst the sea creatures on a coral reef, the Sub-Mariner is sucked up into a Soviet fishing vessel that is violating the American Coastline’s fishing limits. After a brief tussle with the crew, the captain realizes they will not be able to best the Sub-Mariner so they surrender to his orders to abandon the ship. He sinks their ship with the intention that it’s hull will form the basis for the coral reef (that was destroyed by their powerful vacuum) to reform upon. |
Black Knight in “Sands Of Time“ written by Jason Balgobis art by Russell Lyman Doctor Strange brings a weapon to Dane Whitman, hoping he’ll be able to identify. The Black Knight, in his secret identity, quickly recognizes it – the sword of the man who led the Muslim armies to victory against the Crusaders during the Holy War. It’s a war that Whitman took part in while his consciousness resided in his ancestor, Eobar Garrington. He recounts the tale of the Third Crusade to Stephen Strange. In the year 1191 AD, King Richard Lionheart commissioned the Black Knight to kill the enemy’s leader, Saladin. It had already come to pass that Saladin had led his forces to victory over the Crusaders at Daron. So, lest history be forever altered, Dane Whitman can only hope that his ancestor fails in his mission. |
This issue marks he first appearance of Doctor Abraham Cornelius one of the scientific geniuses behind Weapon X’s adamantium-bonding process. Not much happens in Shanna’s story – although, we get a sense that Cross-Wallace has more in mind than drug-dealing and murder. The Black Knight tale was a strange one indeed – to have the hero rooting for defeat. This Sub-Mariner short reminds me the Captain Planet cartoon. A bit preachy – but a neat premise.
On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Sub-Mariner | Shanna | Black Knight
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Sub-Mariner | Shanna | Black Knight
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”!
Writer and editor, Bob Rozakis, is known as DC’s “Answer Man” but, in the 1970s he was reading at least one Marvel Comic that we know of. He got a letter printed in Astonishing Tales #7 (cover date – August 1971), complaining about the letdown that was plugged as the big battle between Doctor Doom and Red Skull.
On Ebay: Astonishing Tales | Bob Rozakis
On AtomicAvenue: Astonishing Tales
Here’s a look back at the previous month in online comic sales.
Number of listings in eBay’s “comics” section: 1,481,102 (-7.22% from last month; -5.42% from last year)
Number of those that are Cyberspace Comics listings: 7,743 (-5.16%; +25.19%)
My “market share” of comic listings on eBay: 0.52279% (+2.22%; +31.74%)
Number of eBay comic listings that are auctions: 78,431 (-20.22%; -8.00%)
Percentage of eBay comic listings up for auction: 5.30% (-14.03%; -3.19%)
My current eBay feedback (unique): 16,940
My current eBay feedback (total): 32,935
My positive eBay feedback score: 99.9%
| Position | Dollar Sales | # of Current Listings |
| First | Marvel Comics | TPBs (1,323 listings) |
| Second | Wholesale | Marvel Comics (1,152 listings) |
| Third | TPBs | Bad Girls (639 listings) |
| Fourth | Marvel (Bronze Age) | Image Comics (583 listings) |
| Fifth | Underground | Underground (553 listings) |
Number of listings on Atomic Avenue: 1,368,677 (-8.26%; -3.91%)
Number of those that are in the Cyberspace Comics Store on Atomic Avenue: 48,077 (+2.84%; +24.62%)
My “market share” of comic listings on AtomicAvenue: 3.5127% (+12.10%; +29.70%)
My estimated “market share” of AtomicAvenue orders: 5.04% (+19.71%; -22.94%)
Number of members on ComicCollectorLive: 87,223 (+0.63%)
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.
This Hawk and Dove cover is paying homage to Copperhead’s first appearance in the Brave and the Bold #78.
 the Brave and the Bold #78 July 1968 Bob Brown |
 Hawk and Dove vol. III #9 February 1990 Greg Guler |
On Ebay: Brave and the Bold | Hawk and Dove
On AtomicAvenue: Brave and the Bold | Hawk and Dove
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!
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Date: September 1976
Cover Price: 30¢
Writer: Bill Mantlo
Artist: Sal Buscema
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.
Tigra – Greer Grant underwent an experimental process to gain superhuman strength. Soon after, she found herself dying from exposure to radiation. The Cat People offered her a chance at survival through a combination of science and sorcery. She was transformed into Tigra – a human/cat hybrid.
Tigra seeks out the Thing‘s help in defeating the Cougar – a villain who has gained control of the Null-Bands. But, before she can even fill him in on the details, they’re attacked by the Cougar’s goons. The Cougar is a renegade member of the Cat People – they’ve sent Tigra to hunt him down before he uses the bands to win domination over them. After they defeat the Cougar’s thugs, Tigra and the Thing find one of Reed Richards’ devices that allows them to home in on the energy released by the Null-Bands.
Tigra and the Thing track down the Cougar using Reed’s device but, he’s ready for them – he subdues them with knockout gas. When they come to, they discover that Tigra has been chained to the wall. Additionally, the Thing has been placed within some complicated machinery that will allow the Cougar to drain his power. But, before the transfer can take place, the Thing bursts free and releases Tigra, as well. In the ensuing battle, the two heroes find it difficult to defeat the villain since he’s armed with the Null-Bands. He is ultimately defeated but, not by the Thing or Tigra. Sheila Conklin (the fiancée of Curt Ranklin – the Cougar’s secret identity) shoots him when she discovers her villainous husband-to-be has gone mad with power.
This story jumps around New York City from the Baxter Building to Conklin Industries’ lab.
This is the Cougar‘s first … and last … appearance.
Tigra took over the lead feature of Marvel Chillers with issue #3 (cover date: March 1976). This issue of MTIO was probably intended to give her a boost in sales with a little added attention but it appears it was too late. Marvel Chillers was cancelled with issue #7, which was published just one month after this issue.
This was a very straight-forward “recruit the Thing” for help team-up story. Lots of action but low on characterization. On the plus side, it tied into both heroes: the villain was one of the Cat People and the Null-Bands he used were taken from a Fantastic Four villain named Tomazooma. Keen eyes will notice that occasionally the Cougar slips up and refers to the Null-Bands as Nega-Bands. Man is he off! Marvel Zombies know the Nega-Bands allow Rick Jones to summon forth Captain Marvel.
Note: This issue’s letters column features commentary on Marvel Two-In-One #16.
On Ebay: Marvel Two-In-One | the Thing | Tigra
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Two-In-One | Tigra
As a totally biased comic fan, I can say that comic books are usually at the front lines of everything that’s great and cool. It pains me to say this but every once in a great while … they’re not…
Fin Fang Foom is a giant, green dragon … with purple pants. But, don’t be misled – that’s not my concern here. After all, it’s common knowledge that green monsters have to wear purple pants. In fact, two purple-pantsed green monsters squared off in a one-shot from the 2000s. Check it out!
So, I’m fine with a giant dragon wearing pants. We can’t have Marvel artists drawing ginormous dangling dragon bits, can we? Kids read these things! … right?
Nope – that’s not my issue. My concern is an appearance of Fin Fang Foom in Astonishing Tales #24. Now, you’ve got to remember that this book came out in 1974. At the time, Kung Fu (starring David Carradine), was all the rage. Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon had premiered the year before and martial arts were cool in America. At this time, comics weren’t on the front lines of all that’s awesome. In fact, they often followed trends … and the Kung Fu trend hit hard. Marvel launched three kung fu titles in 1974: Iron Fist, the black and white magazine Deadly Hands of Kung Fu, and Shang Chi, Master of Kung Fu. But that wasn’t enough! The writer of Astonishing Tales, Tony Isabella, decided that Fin Fang Foom was also a martial arts expert. Take a look:
So, we’re to believe that this ancient, slumbering dragon took the time to study martial arts? I don’t buy it. Plus, Foom’s 32′ tall! For real – I’ve measured! What does a giant dragon need a martial arts fighting strategy for? When you’re that big (and equipped with “fire breath”, no less) it’s just all about smash! smash! smash!
But, I guess we’ll let this one slide. After all, this storyline was only his second appearance since he debuted in Strange Tales #89 (October 1961) so the character hadn’t been fleshed out much by this time. However – let’s keep Foom as a dragon … not a “karate killer”!
On Ebay: Fin Fang Foom
On AtomicAvenue: Fin Fang Foom
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 “Weapon X” prologue written by Barry Windsor-Smith art by Barry Windsor-Smith Logan’s holed up in a sketchy hotel called the Prophecy. His night of hard drinking is calling up some painful memories of being experimented on in a laboratory. |
Shanna in “The Bush of Ghosts” part 5 written by Gerard Jones art by Paul Gulacy Jeremy‘s after poachers. Dubose is after diamond smugglers. And, Shanna‘s after the zoo animal slaughterers. She suspects that they’re all looking for the same person: Sir Guy Cross-Wallace. Her suspicion is that he is having animals captured alive and stuffing diamonds into their throats. Then, when they’re exported overseas, they’re slaughtered and the diamonds are sold. The three of them head down the river together towards their target, led by their guide, Mchele. On the way, they discover a Tanzanian border patrol that has been slaughtered. Further down the river, a tribe of Africans lay dead in their village. |
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Daredevil in “Redemption Song” conclusion written by Sandy Plunkett art by Sandy Plunkett with Dwayne Turner DJ Travis T. Hipp (aka Ellington) promised something wild and explosive at dawn. Before the sun begins to break, Daredevil discovers the wild dogs who had invaded the city have all died. He suspects they were killed by the experimental intelligence-boosting drugs they were injected with. And, if the drugs eventually killed the dogs – it’s safe to assume they’ll do the same thing to Ellington, soon. Out in the harbor, Ella Pinkwater, the President of Octagon, is searching for Ellington and she’s joined by Daredevil. They finally find his boat as the first rays of sunlight begin to hit the city. Ellington’s voice travels the radio-waves, summoning the New Yorkers out of their apartments – inviting them to unite hands as they extend around the island of Manhattan. Back at Ellington’s boat, Daredevil breaks in and discovers the radio transmitter is playing a tape of Ellington’s voice – a note is attached begging Daredevil not to stop the tape. On cue, with hands clasped, the New Yorkers raised their voices together in song – creating a blanket of peace that had long evaded the city worn down by the recent heatwave. This was to be Ellington’s legacy. |
Red Wolf in “Flesh of my Flesh“ written by Fabian Nicieza art by Javier Saltares William Talltrees, the Cheyenne super hero known as Red Wolf, weeps for the death of his companion, Lobo at the hands of Bengal. Now, Red Wolf uses Lobo’s hide as his “costume”. He and his wolf-brother are forever bonded in this symbolic outfit. Nearby, some rednecks have gone out shooting at a mother wolf and her cubs. The shots catch Red Wolf‘s attention and he arrives on the scene to avenge the deaths of the wolves. Only one wolf cub remains alive – it seems that will be Lobo’s replacement at Red Wolf’s side. |
This issue begins the investigation into how Logan was turned into Wolverine. Shanna’s story has a clear, central focal point now and the Daredevil feature ended on an inspirational note. It appears the death of Lobo happened “off-screen” as it’s only mentioned here in a flashback. With that in mind, this issue is important for Red Wolf fans – he finds his new “Lobo”.
On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Daredevil | Shanna | Red Wolf
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Daredevil | Shanna | Red Wolf
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