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Because publishers want you to buy their product every month, comics are typically serial in nature. However, occasionally (and more often nowadays than ever before) publishers launch a comic title that is only meant to last for one issue. While ongoing series often have multiple chances to hook in new readers, the comics highlighted in this ongoing investigations only had One-Shot At Greatness!

Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Date: October 1994
Cover Price: $2.95
Writer: Andy Mangels
Artist: Gabe Alberola

In a curious blend of flashback and dream sequence, Mr. Gone transports Julie and the Maxx back to Victorian England where he’s been killing woman and been dubbed Jack the Ripper. Bouncing in and out of England and the Outback, the Maxx is teamed with the Victorian-Age Troll (who’s existed for centuries) as they try to stop Gone from murdering his next victim: Julie Winters. The villain beats a hasty retreat … but his killing spree has come to end.

Andy Mangels has woven a fun little time-travel/dream story that leaves you guessing whether Gone really was Jack the Ripper OR if this was all some elaborate lifelike fantasy he concocted. Unfortunately, the interior art by Gabe Alberola doesn’t quite live up to Chap Yaep‘s exquisitely detailed cover art but, it’s certainly not terrible. From the cover, I only expected a minor appearance by the Maxx but I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Maxx (as well as his mythos and supporting characters) was an extremely important part of this storyline. In fact, the title should have been named Troll/Maxx … and, had it included an indication of them fighting Jack the Ripper, I’m sure it would have sold even more on its release date.

On Ebay: Maxx | Troll | Andy Mangels

Because publishers want you to buy their product every month, comics are typically serial in nature. However, occasionally (and more often nowadays than ever before) publishers launch a comic title that is only meant to last for one issue. While ongoing series often have multiple chances to hook in new readers, the comics highlighted in this ongoing investigations only had One-Shot At Greatness!

Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Date: November 2009
Cover Price: $3.99
Writer: David Liss
Artist: Jason Armstrong
Cover Artist: Clint Langley

In 2009, Marvel Comics published 70th anniversary specials for ongoing titles they had released way back in 1939 when they were known as Timely Comics.

In an interview in the present time, the Phantom Reporter recalled his origin from 1939. Dick Jones had the best of luck! His wealthy parents encouraged him to follow his dream of being a reporter. His colleagues and boss allowed him to quickly work his way up the ranks and an important story quickly changed his life. He began to uncover a murder investigation that led to some very corrupt dealings by a wealthy and powerful businessman named Oswald Chancellor. Chancellor owned a pharmaceutical company and when a scientist discovered the secret to eternal life, he had the man killed and the formula stolen. He used the formula on himself, giving him five times the strength and density of a normal man. Jones, delving deeper and deeper into the investigation, donned a mask to protect his identity. Although, as powerful as Chancellor was, it was easy for him to uncover the Phantom Reporter’s true identity. Ultimately, the formula led to Chancellor’s death (in a roundabout way) but the event taught Jones about the important balance between his job as an ace reporter and his life as a vigilante.

David Liss‘ first comic story is a wonderful pulpish crime thriller. He adds plenty of depth to a one-dimensional golden-age character who hasn’t seen much limelight in the past 70 years. Liss also delves into the character’s origin and creates a story that makes it seem plausible how this man would go from a reporter to a masked vigilante. In contrast to the well-crafted story is Armstrong’s sketchy, unfinished style. I suppose some may feel that it goes well with the pulp story but, when I compare it to the excellent cover provided by Clint Langley, the interior artwork comes up short.

To round out this great comic book experience, they’ve included a pin-up, artist sketches and an afterward by Liss. There’s also a full-color reprint of the Phantom Reporter’s first appearance from Daring Mystery Comics #3, which was originally published in April 1940.

On Ebay: Phantom Reporter | David Liss | Jason Armstrong | 70th Anniversary Special