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July 26, 2012

Famous Fanmail #121 Don McGregor

Filed under: Famous Fanmail — Doorman @ 10:30 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”!

Don McGregor has written a lot of comics. He’s also written a lot of good comics (an important distinction). Two of his most well-regarded runs were the Killraven features from Amazing Adventures (loosely based on H.G. Wells’ the War of the Worlds) and the Black Panther: Panther’s Rage storyline from Jungle Action. His graphic novel, Sabre: Slow Fade of an Endangered Species was actually published months before Will Eisner’s A Contract With God (which is widely considered “the first graphic novel”) and went on to later become an ongoing series. McGregor also went on to write non-super-hero comics, which was a bold move, at the time. He got a letter published in Fantastic Four #33 (cover date – December 1964).

Fantastic Four letters page with Don McGregor

On Ebay: Fantastic Four | Don McGregor
On AtomicAvenue: Fantastic Four

July 25, 2012

Connecting Covers #30 Painkiller Jane

Filed under: Connecting Covers — Doorman @ 6:32 am

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.

Painkiller Jane debuted in the pages of 22 Brides and quickly moved on to her own series, published by Event Comics in 1997. In December 2005, SciFi adapted the character into a made-for-tv movie that led to a single-season television series. With the newly-acquired attention, Dynamite Comics launched a second Painkiller Jane comics series. By the time they followed that up with her third series, they had also acquired the rights to publish Terminator comics and both characters were thrown together in a crossover story. The story began in Painkiller Jane vol. III #4 but continued into this issue (and the Terminator, as well).

Painkiller Jane vol. III #5

On Ebay: Painkiller Jane | Terminator
On AtomicAvenue: Painkiller Jane | Terminator

July 24, 2012

Comic Book Cover Swipes Exposed #121 Superman

Filed under: Swiped: Comic Book Cover Swipes Exposed! — Doorman @ 7:54 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 rematch between Guy Gardner and Superman is a direct swipe of their first battle. Although, it should be mentioned that the first battle (in #688) was between Guy and the Eradicator (who was posing as Superman). At that time, Superman was “dead” but don’t you worry! He came back … with a mullet.

Action Comics #688
Action Comics #688
July 1993
Kerry Gammill
Action Comics #709
Action Comics #709
April 1995
Butch Guice

On Ebay: Action Comics | Superman
On AtomicAvenue: Action Comics | Superman

July 23, 2012

Guide to Marvel Two-In-One #18 the Thing & Scarecrow

Filed under: Guide to Marvel Two-In-One — Doorman @ 8:54 am

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!

Marvel Two-In-One #18Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Date: August 1976
Cover Price: 25¢
Writer: Bill Mantlo with Scott Edelman
Artist: Ron Wilson

WHO stars in this issue?

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.

Scarecrow – The Scarecrow is a magical entity that resides with a painting of a laughing scarecrow owned by Jess Duncan. He is the guardian of an interdimensional doorway that materializes through the afore-mentioned painting. His main purpose is to keep the demon, Kalumai, from corporealizing on Earth through the doorway. The scarecrow seems impervious to all harm (except for fire) and is silent (aside from his haunting laughter). In later years, he’s become known as the Straw Man, in an effort to differentiate him from the villain named Scarecrow.

WHAT happens?

The Thing accompanies his girlfriend, Alicia Masters, to a gallery opening hosted by Jess Ducan. At the event, Jess and his girlfriend, Harmony Maxwell, attempt to convince the Thing that a heroic Scarecrow watches over them (events seen in Dead of Night #11 and Marvel Spotlight #26). Despite all he’s seen in his life as a super-powered adventurer, Ben Grimm doesn’t buy their story of a vigilant spirit that emerges from a painting.



He doesn’t buy it, that is, until the Scarecrow emerges to take on a spirit sent to Earth by Kalumai. And, while the Scarecrow takes on Kalumai’s minion, Jess Duncan reveals to the Thing that the Scarecrow is a guardian, keeping the demon Kalumai from coming to Earth. The Thing acts upon this new knowledge and joins the Scarecrow in defeating the golden-skinned minion.

WHERE does the story take place?

This story takes place within Jess Duncan’s art gallery in SoHo.

WHEN does the villain next appear?

Kalumai is destroyed by the Scarecrow in a flashback sequence from Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme #31 & 32.

WHY is Scarecrow the guest-lead?

This Scarecrow debuted in the final issue of Dead of Night (#11; cover date: August 1975). His second appearance followed months later in Marvel Spotlight #26 (cover date: February 1976). These two stories were initially going to be issues #1 & 2 of a Scarecrow solo title that never got going. It seems that the character wasn’t popular enough to maintain his own feature so concluding his story in an issue of Marvel Two-In-One was an easy way for Marvel to finish his story and ensure that the book would sell.



HOW was it?

After a few lame issues, this one seems to put the title back on track. First off, we’re treated to several pages of the Thing being grumpy since he’s been dragged to an art exhibit. And, he only gets more ornery when Jess and Harmony try to convince him of the Scarecrow’s existence. I really like that even though he’s faced down many alien and scientific threats, the Thing still isn’t comfortable with supernatural entities or events. It kind of makes a strange bit of sense.

Seeing as how this issue serves to wrap up some loose plotlines from the previous two Scarecrow stories, I was impressed that the Thing’s involvement wasn’t minimalized. In fact, he got plenty of limelight in this issue. And, even better, it was “characterization” limelight – not just “clobberin’ time” limelight (which can be fun, too – don’t get me wrong). And, while it resolves some of the Scarecrow’s tale (which was left as “to be continued … someday” in Mavel Spotlight #26), it serves to advance it, as well. Unfortunately, the mysteries and questions raised of the Scarecrow mythos in this issue were never answered. BUT, that’s a problem for Scarecrow followers (of which there probably aren’t many anymore since the character has languished in obscurity) … not Marvel Two-In-One fans.



Note: This issue’s letters column features commentary on Marvel Two-In-One #15. Additionally, this comic includes Marvel Value Stamp [Series B] #3 (part of the Captain America puzzle).

On Ebay: Marvel Two-In-One | the Thing | Ka-Zar
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Two-In-One | Ka-Zar

July 20, 2012

Guide to Marvel Comics Presents #71

Filed under: Guide to Marvel Comics Presents — Doorman @ 8:06 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 #71
Cover Date: 1991 | Cover Price: $1.25 | Cover Artist: John Byrne


Wolverine in “Acts of Vengeance” conclusion
written by Howard Mackie
art by Mark Texeira

After Deathwatch finds out that Langley has commandeered his forces, he snaps the man’s neck – ridding himself of the dissension in his ranks. Now that that problem’s been solved – he’s still faced with Wolverine, Ghost Rider and Brass looking to save some innocent hostages. Deathwatch makes Ghost Rider an offer: kill Wolverine and Brass … and the innocents go free. Feigning compliance, Ghost Rider tosses Wolverine around through many walls until they find where the hostages are being kept. With their friends located, the group beats a hasty retreat before Deathwatch blows the building up.

Shanna in “The Bush of Ghosts” part 4
written by Gerard Jones
art by Paul Gulacy

Looking for Sir Guy Cross-Wallace, Shanna meets up with Dubose Wilson (he’s also after Cross-Wallace since the man took his money but failed to deliver the diamonds in their deal). Meanwhile, journalist Eric Heller is on the trail of black market diamond dealers, as well. So, he recruits a local named Jeremy to help him. Jeremy’s on the trail of poachers but, Heller convinces him that they may be searching for the same people. By the end of this issue, Shanna joins Jeremy on his search down-river.

Daredevil in “Redemption Song” part 3
written by Sandy Plunkett
art by Sandy Plunkett with Dwayne Turner

Daredevil breaks into the Octagon building to find out more about their involvement in the deaths of three of their scientists. And, after a quick battle with the security force, he comes face to face with Octagon’s President: Ms. Pinkwater. When he confronts her about Ellington and the other scientists, she reveals that Ellington is the mysterious DJ, Travis T. Hipp. He’s been using the radio and his powers to amass a following. A following that he’s urging to gather together tomorrow … but for what?

Warlock in “Warlock and the Fleshtones
written by Scott Lobdell
art by Scott McDaniels

F.B.I. agent, Patty Kurlychek, is injured in a car chase, trying to capture a trio of renegade scientists. Fortunately for her, Warlock is nearby and rescues her before her care explodes. She recruits him in her mission to find the scientists, but she fears they’ve already injected themselves with their illegal bio-toxins. She reveals that Doctors Mason, Moore and Most were conducting experiments that would give them complete control over their every molecule (kind of like Warlock!). And, it turns out her fears are not unfounded: they have, indeed, mutated and are now calling themselves the Fleshtones. He’s able to defeat them by luring them into some tar pits and then drying the tar around them quickly, keeping them from shapeshifting.

Although the Wolverine/Ghost Rider story took a neat turn at the end, it wasn’t enough to make it all that interesting. Although, Mark Texeira’s art was a nice treat. The Shanna story continues to come together as the Daredevil feature is primed for its conclusion. Scott Lobdell turns in an all-ages, fun Warlock tale that’s a little cheesy – but, since it’s Warlock, it really seems to work. He’s got the voice of the character down perfectly. I enjoyed this the most of the four features this issue.

This issue included the USPS Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation that revealed some interesting numbers:

Total Number of Copies Printed (net press run). Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months. 230,744 (down 18% from the previous year). Single issue nearest to filing date: 214,528 (down 12.5% from the previos year).

Paid Circulation:
1) Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors and counter sales: Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 131,788 (down 19% from the previous year). Single issue nearest to filing date: 124,100 (down 6% from the previous year).
2) Mail subscriptions: Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 413 (up 79.5% from the previous year). Single issue nearest to filing date: 500 (up 66.67% from the previous year).

Copies Not Distributed:
1) Office use, left-over, unaccounted, spoiled after printing: Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 600. Single issue nearest to filing date: 600.
2) Returns from News Agents: Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 97,843 (down 16.75% from the previous year). Single issue nearest to filing date: 89,228 (down 22% from the previous year).

On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Daredevil | Shanna | Warlock
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Wolverine | Daredevil | Shanna | Warlock

July 19, 2012

Famous Fanmail #120 Mike W. Barr

Filed under: Famous Fanmail — Doorman @ 8:46 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”!

Mike W. Barr‘s comic writing credits are quite varied but, I remember him best for his run on the Ultraverse’s Mantra. He got a letter printed in Astonishing Tales #3 (cover date – August 1970), praising the then-new title.

Astonishing Tales letters page with Mike W. Barr

On Ebay: Astonishing Tales | Mike W. Barr
On AtomicAvenue: Astonishing Tales

July 18, 2012

Connecting Covers #29 Batman

Filed under: Connecting Covers — Doorman @ 10:39 am

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.

After the events of Knightfall, Bruce Wayne handed the mantle of the Batman down to Dick Grayson in the Prodigal storyline. Brian Stelfreeze painted these covers for the Batman: Shadow of the Bat chapters of that crossover.

Batman: Shadow of the Bat #32 & 33

On Ebay: Batman
On AtomicAvenue: Batman

July 17, 2012

Comic Book Cover Swipes Exposed #120 Batman

Filed under: Swiped: Comic Book Cover Swipes Exposed! — Doorman @ 7:00 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 400th issue of Batman was illustrated by a host of great artists including Art Adams, Brian Bolland, John Byrne, Mike Grell, George Perez, Steve Rude and Bernie Wrightson. The cover featured a Bill Sienkiewicz piece and there was even a special introduction by Stephen King.

Batman #400
Batman #400
October 1986
Bill Sienkiewicz
Happy Birthday Gnatrat #1
Happy Birthday Gnatrat #1
1986
Mark Martin

On Ebay: Batman | Gnatrat
On AtomicAvenue: Batman | Gnatrat

July 16, 2012

Guide to Marvel Two-In-One interlude

Filed under: Guide to Marvel Two-In-One — Doorman @ 12:47 pm

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!

Marvel Team-Up #47Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Date: July 1976
Cover Price: 25¢
Writer: Bill Mantlo
Artist: Ron Wilson

WHO stars in this issue?

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.

Spider-Man – When Peter Parker was bitten by a radioactive spider, he gained super-strength and the ability to stick to wallls. Using his scientific background, he devised web-shooters that allow him to swing from tall buildings.

WHAT happens?

After raising a volcano in the middle of the Hudson River and knocking the Thing unconscious, the Basilisk is well on his way to taking over the world with the threat of his other strategically placed volcanoes. Fortunately, Spider-Man makes his way to the volcano and takes on the villain – buying the Thing enough time to revive. In the ensuing battle, the two heroes manage to wipe the floor with Basilisk. And, when his unconscious body meets with the volcano, his ability to focus his power flees his body – thus, the volcano and Basilisk implode leaving the world safe again!



WHERE does the story take place?

This story takes place in the Hudson River near New York City.

WHEN does the villain next appear?

The Basilisk manages to finally tunnel out of the ground (after the events of this story) in Fantastic Four #289. After his emergence, he was suddenly killed by Scourge in that issue.

WHY is the Thing the guest-lead?

Bill Mantlo (the writer of Marvel Two-In-One since September 1975) was also writing Marvel Team-Up (essentially the same concept as MTIO except Team-Up featured Spider-Man every month) since October 1975. So, a handful of months after he started his writing gig on both titles, it seemed like a great idea to initiate a crossover between the two series.



HOW was it?

About one quarter of this issue was a flashback to the Basilisk’s previous appearances in Marvel Team-Up and Marvel Two-In-One. After we’re caught up to speed, the rest of the story is just a big brawl between Basilisk, the Thing and Spider-Man. Not much at all in the way of characterization but, it fills in some gaps in the Basilisk’s history and it’s also revealed that the Basilisk’s extra powers came from the Omega Stone which was unearthed in Marvel Team-Up #16. His powers were enhanced by the stone off-panel after #17.

On Ebay: Marvel Two-In-One | the Thing | Spider-Man
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Two-In-One | Spider-Man

July 13, 2012

Retro-Read #52 Marvels: Eye of the Camera

Filed under: Retro-Read — Doorman @ 9:01 am

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: 6
First Issue: February 2009 ($3.99)
Last Issue: April 2010 ($3.99)
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Artist: Jay Anacleto

*Warning! Plot Spoilers Below*

Phil Sheldon is one of the top names in photo-journalism. For decades, his work introduced the people of the Marvel Universe to the super-heroes who exist within it. His book, Marvels, collected some of his most powerful photographs and intended to shed some positive light on these super-beings who are sometimes feared by normal, everyday people. Phil wanted the world to believe in these heroes – to trust them – and Marvels was his way of engendering those feelings.

But, the media tends to focus on negative events – after all, they’re more newsworthy. “Spider-Man: Murderer?!” sells more paper than “Do-Gooder Rescues Elderly Woman”. And, in this modern, cynical era, the public has begun to mistrust its heroes. Captain America & the Falcon fighting alongside the X-Men against S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents. Hulk – on a rampage. Captain America accused of murder. Mutants – living among us in secret. The world had grown frightened of the Marvels.

At this point, Phil Sheldon finds out that he’s got lung cancer – and only a short while to live. Faced with his mortality, Phil looks back upon his life and wonders if he’s truly accomplished anything. Many times, he’s missed out on time with his family to run off to photo opportunities. But, what has he accomplished? What has he done? In this dark hour, Phil feels as if he’s done nothing. He’s stood witness as others have done great things … but, he was only documenting the greatness. Not actually creating it.

After facing his fears and accepting the news of his impending death, Phil latches on to a new idea. An idea that drives his hopes up and, with his spirits lifted, staves off the ravaging effects of the disease – for a time. He’ll create a sequel to his book, Marvels. It will remind the public that they shouldn’t be scared of these super-powered heroes. This book will be part of his legacy – a way for people to remember him, long after he’s gone.

As he begins to contemplate the photos he’ll use in his next book, Phil can’t help but notice the newscasts on a daily basis. The Punisher – killing unconvicted criminals. Ghost Rider – an actual demon? Wolverine – a blood-thirsty Canadian super soldier. And now, Captain America – a neo-Nazi? Perhaps the Marvels had changed. Even the villains have changed: Molecule Man rescued the world from the Beyonder’s damage. The Hulk had earned a Presidential pardon. Galactus had saved Manhattan from a renegade alien. Phil decides to approach his new book with a different angle: showing the good with the bad. Illustrating that there might be a dark side to the heroes … but, at the same time, the villains had some light in them, as well.

Sadly, before Phil could finish his book, he had gotten extremely ill. Confined to a hospital room, he eagerly sorted through his photographs – pondering which to include and what to write alongside them. He enjoyed visits from his wife and two daughters – and one other guest: Maggie. In her younger years, Phil and his family had taken Maggie in. She was a mutant on the run and that act of kindness had a profound affect on the young woman. Now, years later, here she stood – a testament that Phil had, indeed, done something great with his life. At the time, he toook the chance of a mutant-hating mob finding out and destroying his home or hurting his family. But, he took the risk to help a young girl who didn’t deserve the fear that her physical deformities bred in the hearts of less-understanding people.

In the presence of his family (Maggie included), Phil passed on – the cancer had finally taken its toll. The memorial service was packed – a crowd filled with family, friends and co-workers – all attesting to his family how he’ll be missed. How influential his work had been. And, how great a guy Phil Sheldon was. With the help of some of those friends, Phil’s family intends to complete his book, leaving behind a legacy he’d be proud to have.

The Bad: none that I can find

The Good: Although Phil Sheldon, everyman, is certainly the focus of this story, the super-heroes of the Marvel Universe are truly an essential part. Even though they’re barely in the limelight here, they are the driving force behind Phil Sheldon. And, with that in mind, Kurt Busiek includes references to actual bits of continuity in every nook and cranny. Each news report, headline and street conversation about what Captain America’s doing or who the X-Men are fighting is taken from the story found within a Marvel Comic. That attention to detail was truly appreciated by a Marvel Zombie, like myself, who actually remembers reading almost all of those referenced stories. It’s amazing how each brief headline or news report byline triggered memories of the entire story being referenced. I am truly impressed by the amount of research Busiek had to do to create all those references – or, possibly even more impressive, he pulled them out of his head – having read (and remembered!) all the same stories that I had enjoyed.

I’d be remiss if I took the time to talk about this series without mentioning the stunning artwork. Jay Anacleto’s pencil work is just beautiful. The realistic art style he employs adds an important layer of sincerity to this heartfelt tale. He also took the time to get the costumes right for the stories that were being referenced. Again, a lot of research must have been done to make sure those details were right – and, as a Marvel Zombie, I really appreciated that. In fact, his artwork was so superb that a variant of each issue was also published showcasing just his artwork – unhindered by the coloring process that can sometimes hide or cover over the original art. I hope you won’t read into that statement too much because Brian Haberlin’s painstaking coloring job was phenomenal – a truly important part of crafting the mood and tones of the story.

The Verdict: Wow! After 15 years, the long-awaited sequel to Marvels has finally arrived. At times, I had given up hope on it ever being created – but now, after reading it, I can honestly say: it was worth the wait. Seriously! Kurt Busiek has crafted a heartfelt tale that rivals the original in emotion (but not quite scope. The first one showcased Galactus’ initial arrival on Earth, for Pete’s sake!).

I’ve never felt as upset about the death of a comic character as I did by Phil’s. Why? Because it was permanent. Because Phil was me. He was you. He was Kurt. He wasn’t some super-hero that would magically come back to life a few years later. He was just a normal, every day guy. An everyman who just happened to show us the greatness of the Marvels. And, this was the last we’d see of him.

I’ve already mentioned earlier at how much more you’ll appreciate this story if you’re a true Marvel Zombie. Busiek took the time to carefully reference dozens of events from actual Marvel continuity and Jay Anacleto lovingly rendered them the way they actually took place (with the right costumes, and all!). And, while the original series showcased Busiek’s own admiration for the Marvel super-heroes, it seems that this one was even a little more personal. Sure, it continued to display the wonder of the Marvels but, it’s easy to read into Phil’s questions and ponderings about life – and take them to be Busiek’s own. Is Busiek, himself, pondering his own self-worth? After all, like Phil, he’s “chronicled” great moments in the lives of the Marvel super-heroes. But, is he now pondering and weighing his own accomplishments? I hope you’ll allow this story to serve as a shining testament to the greatness of Kurt’s writing. His amazing ability to tell a story that, while it does features super-heroics, can truly affect the reader on an emotional level. Have no fear, Mr. Busiek, long after you have shuffled off this mortal coil, this story will serve to inspire future generations to believe in great things and look for the best in everything. What a wonderful legacy for you … and Phil.

On Ebay: Marvels | Kurt Busiek | Jay Anacleto
On AtomicAvenue: Marvels

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