"Emerald City ComiCon 2015"

         Yesterday, I attended this year's Emerald City ComiCon with the usual intent of making contacts for selling my classic comic book collection, but I was also there for autographs, shopping, and all-around fun!

         I had hoped to get the autograph of the great Stan (The Man) Lee, but there was just too many fans ahead of me during both signing sessions. I did get the privilege of getting the signatures of 2 great TV actors---Jewel Staite ("Firefly"; "Stargate Atlantis"; "The Killing; and more); and John Wesley Shipp ("The Flash-classic & current versions; and more). Both were very gracious and genuine with their fans (neither of them were conceited or aloof). Special Note: Although I wasn't able to get his autograph, I was very impressed with Anthony Daniels (C3PO, of "Star Wars" fame) Those lined up for his autograph line were treated to his warmth and humor, as he got up from his chair to personally greet them and shake their hands.

      I also had the privilege of getting signatures of some excellent comic book artists while I was there, including---Bruce Timm ("Batman: The Animated Series"); Humberto Ramos ("Superior Spider-Man", "Amazing Spider-Man"); and Dan Parent ("Archie"). Note: Dan was very pleasant to chat briefly with.

     Of course while I was there, I had to spend some money on collectibles!!! I hit my annual rare DVD stand "Media Collectibles", and purchased 3 of them. As usual, I found several fantastic graphic novels & trade paperbacks (at bargain prices, of course) to purchase, from various high-quality vendors.

    All-in-all, another spectacular, eventful experience!!!

"Leonard Nimoy Tribute"

This is just a short tribute to the late Leonard Nimoy. This past month, we lost a fine actor, director, writer,singer, poet and humanitarian (among other titles).

           His biggest acting legacy will always be his iconic role as "Mr.Spock" in 3 seasons of Star Trek; 8 Star Trek movies (2 of which he directed!); and a 2-part episode of Star Trek, The Next Generation. Spock has also been immortalized in comic books, magazines, novels, toys, posters and so much more!

           Other notable roles in the Sci Fi / Fantasy / Adventure realm have included---"Mission Impossible"(TV); "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (Movie, 1978 version); and "Fringe" (TV). Leonard was the narrator of "In Search Of", during the 70's. His rich, unique voice made him ideal for the job.

           Leonard also proved he could direct a comedy with the 'hit' " 3 Men and a Baby" (1987), and drama with "The Good Mother" (1988).

          R.I.P. Leonard! Your presence will be missed and not forgotten!

"Confessions of a Graphic Novel / Trade Paperback Junkie!!!"

I have not actively collected regular comic books for several decades; in fact I've been gradually selling off my classic collection of 50's, 60's & 70's comics (mostly DC & Marvel). Apparently, I still haven't totally gotten over the enjoyment I had reading and collecting them, but now it has channeled into a more expensive (but very related) hobby: Graphic Novels & Trade Paperbacks!!!

        It started out innocently enough. I found out where I could get 3 inexpensive paperback volumes of my favorite artist's (Neal Adams) classic stories of my favorite superhero (Batman), so I purchased them. My research for this blog also opened up my curiosity for some of the more modern Batman masterworks by writers and artists like--- Frank Miller; Jim Lee; Scott Snyder / Greg Cappulo; Jeph Loeb / Tim Sale; Grant Morrison; Tony S. Daniel; and so many more. I found reasonable prices on them at my local bookstore or on-line, so I began to acquire some of them.
       I then began to find classic Spider-Man (another favorite) books such as---"Death of the Stacys"; "The Original Clone Saga" "The Wedding"; "Kraven's Last Hunt"; and "Spider-Man Blue". I also found the modern "Superior Spider-Man" (Doc Ock as Peter Parker / Spider-Man, by mind-swap) intriguing and fun to read!

     If that wasn't bad enough; I discovered the "Marvel Essentials" books, featuring B&W reprints of classic Stan Lee masterworks, such as---Fantastic Four (Jack Kirby art); Spider-Man (John Romita Sr.art); Iron Man (Gene Colan art); The Avengers (Don Heck art); and others! I also began to acquire some of DC's counterpart B&W reprint books, "Showcase Presents---", featuring 60's & 70's classics like---Batman; Green Lantern; Hawkman; JLA; and others. These books struck a nostalgic cord, because I used to own many of the original comics that these are reprinted here.

   I also hunt for rare graphic novels, TPB's & some hardbacks in collector's shops and used book stores. I've found some real treasures, such as "Sword of the Atom" (pictured above, top); "Ultimate Spider-Man: The Death of Spider-Man"; "Watchmen"; "Captain America: The Winter Soldier"; and many others (all at very reasonable prices).

   I'm still collecting occasional graphic novel / TPB treasures. Hey, I'm the first to admit that I'm a total addict, but I'm having a blast!!! Come join the fun!


 

  

"Varied Worlds of Spider-man" (Amazing..; Ultimate..; Superior..!)

The Amazing Spider-Man (Peter Parker) was created in "Amazing Fantasy"#15 (Aug. 1962), by the amazing team of Stan Lee (writer) & Steve Ditko (artist). Ever since that fateful day that high-schooler Peter Parker was bitten by a radioactive spider and became Spider-Man; he has undergone many changes in his life. There have also been several alternate takes on the saga of Spidey. I wish to discuss the top 3 ("Amazing Spider-Man"; "Ultimate Spider-Man"; & "Superior Spider-Man").


"The Amazing Spider-Man" (#1-700 & Annuals) & (#1- Current : new series)

               The 60's introduced most of the super-villains that we know and hate to this day, including---Doctor Octopus; Green Goblin; The Lizard; Kraven. The Hunter; Electro; Mysterio; The Vulture; The Rhino; The Kingpin; & countless others. Love interests were also introduced at this time, which include---Betty Brant; Gwen Stacy (Peter's tragic first true love); and of course, Mary Jane Watson (the true love Peter would eventually marry). Peter also graduated during this time and began working for the "Daily Bugle", with J. Jonah Jameson as his boss. Peter's Aunt May went through many health issues.

              The 70's were loaded with many life-changing events, including---The death of Captain Stacy (Gwen's father); The death of Gwen Stacy; The apparent death of the Green Goblin (who killed Gwen); Spider-Man's temporary growth of extra arms; Intro. of Morbius, the Living Vampire; The Man-Wolf; The Jackal; The Punisher; & The Black Cat (Felicia Hardy,who became a temporary love interest for Spider-Man). This era also introduced the original 'Clone Saga', which featured a Gwen Stacy 'clone', as well as a Spider-Man 'clone', who was thought dead, until he re-surfaced in the 90's.

             The 80's were also quite eventful, which includes---Return and death of the burglar who killed Peter's Uncle Ben; Re-intro of Mary Jane, who admits to knowing that Peter is Spider-Man; Spider-Man wears black costume (#232-300, where he returned to original); Intro. & eventual death of Captain Jean DeWolff; The wedding of Peter and Mary Jane ("Amazing Spider-Man Annual"#21); as well as the death of Kraven, The Hunter; Intro of Venom.

           The 90's were notable for the 'New Clone Saga'; which brought back Spider-Man's clone, who took on the name of Ben Reilly, and became a superhero called "Scarlet Spider". He eventually sacrificed his life saving Spider-Man from the Green Goblin.

          The 2000's-Present Era has brought many changes, including---Strange revelations about Gwen Stacy's past; Peter & Mary Jane split-up; and the "Dying Wish" storyline in which a dying Doctor Octopus is able to body-swap with Peter Parker / Spider-Man, allowing Peter to die in his ravaged body!!! This set the scene for the "Superior Spider-Man" series, which I will discuss later.


"Ultimate Spider-Man"          (200 issues plus Annuals)

          (Re-) Created by Brian Bendis (writer) & Mark Bagley (artist); this series is an alternate take and re-inventing of the Spider-Man legend.In this series, Peter is a high-schooler, who is bitten by a spider that was exposed to a drug called OZ. Mary Jane Watson is his next-door-neighbor girlfriend. The characters in the 'Ultimate Spider-Man Universe' are a slight, or sometimes major variation of the original 'mainstream' ones.
     This series was very teen-friendly, with a boyish looking version of Peter Parker / Spider-Man. The series was very well-written and drawn.
     This version ended with the death of Peter Parker / Spider-Man, while saving his loved ones from the Green Goblin!!! The Spider-Man role is then taken up by Miles Morales (a 13 year old part black / part hispanic boy, who had also been bitten by an infected spider.).


"Superior Spider-Man"         (#1-31 plus Annuals & 2 more issues to explain a storyline)  ("Superior Spider-Man Team-Up" series)

        Created by Dan Slott (writer) and Ryan Stegman & Humberto Ramos (artists). This series transpires after the "Dying Wish" storyline, in which Otto Octavius (Doctor Octopus) had somehow swapped bodies with Peter Parker / Spider-Man, leaving Peter to die in his deteriorating body!!! Otto takes on the task of continuing Spider-Man's heroic career, while leaving his villainous ways behind!?! He is determined to become the 'superior' Spider-Man in every way. Otto is harder on criminals than Peter was, sometimes killing or maiming them. Peter's consciousness still remains in Otto's mind, trying to restrain him somewhat, but Otto finds a way to wipe Peter out of his mind temporarily! Those around Otto as P.P. / S-M, begin to notice the changes in him (notably Mary Jane, who is no longer with Peter, but keeps in contact; and The Avengers, with whom Spider-Man is a member). Otto / Peter also develops a love interest between he and Anna Maria Marconi (A dwarf-sized tutor of Peter's). He also starts a laboratory with a team of researchers.
     His crime-fighting career continues until the city is taken over by the Goblin King & his Goblin Nation, who kidnap Anna Maria. Otto (as Spider-Man) realizes he can't defeat the Goblin or get Anna Maria back, so he decides to allow Peter's consciousness to return to his own body. As Otto's consciousness fades away, he proclaims Peter to be the 'superior' Spider-Man, and the one who can defeat the Goblin King.
     Peter s back as the Amazing Spider-Man, and with the help of the Avengers & Spider-Man 2099, he defeats the Goblin King and saves Anna Maria. Peter explains to others (Mary Jane, Avengers) that Otto was in control until recently. Mary Jane tells Peter that she cannot be with him, because of the danger he faces daily. "Superior Spider-Man" was a well written, well drawn, (and fun!) series.    Thus began the new "Amazing Spider-Man" series, with Peter back at the helm.

I know I am old-school, but my favorite will always be the 60's Stan Lee / John Romita Sr. "Amazing Spider-Man" run. That was truly classic Spider-Man!!!

"75 Years of the Bat---Happy Birthday, Batman!!!"

My favorite superhero just turned 75 this year, and he's looking fitter than ever!!! Batman / Bruce Wayne was created by Bob Kane (artist) and Bill Finger (writer) for "Detective Comics"#27 (1939).

Young Bruce Wayne watched helplessly as his parents were coldly gunned down by a robber (Joe Chill), on the dark streets of Gotham City. As the years went by, Bruce trained and honed his body for fighting crime. While deciding how to disguise himself, a bat flew through his window, and the rest is history!!! Thus was born a dark avenger of the night: THE BATMAN!!! Being a millionaire, Bruce was able to equip himself with many tools to aid him in his crusade over the years with such things like his Bat-Cave / Crime Lab; Bat-Mobile; Bat-Plane; Bat-Cycle; Utility Belt (loaded with scientific gadgets), and so much more!

Batman has gone through many changes over the last 7 and a half decades.
            30's & 40's Era---Dark avenger of the night & World War II patriot; intro of Robin the Boy Wonder / Dick Grayson.
            50's Era---Science fiction & Bat-partners (Batwoman; Bat-Girl; Ace, the Bat-Hound; Bat-Mite) era.
            60's Era---Campier humor and colorful super-villains; intro Batgirl / Barbara Gordon.

            70's Era---Return to Batman's darker, more gothic roots; bringing fear back to criminals. Death of Earth 2's Batman.

            80's Era---Robin becomes Nightwing; intro 2nd Robin (Jason Todd,who is later killed by the Joker, until resurrected as The Red Hood); intro 3rd Robin (Tim Drake); Batman has back broken by Bane; Frank Miller's "The Dark Knight Returns" futuristic series is released.

           90's, 2000's to Present Eras---Batman / Bruce Wayne has son, Damian (who becomes the next Robin,but is later killed), with Talia (Ras al Ghul's daughter); Batgirl /Barbara Gordon loses the ability to walk after she is shot by Joker (although later able to walk and fight crime again, after operation); Gotham is destroyed by earthquake in "No Man's Land" series. Batman is thought to be dead after battle with Darkseid; Dick Grayson becomes Batman until Bruce Wayne returns (he was only thought to be dead, while trapped travelling through time.) "The New 52" era begins as all of DC Comics (including Batman, of course) are re-vamped and started anew.

Commissioner James Gordon has been Batman's 'on & off' ally,
 over the decades.

Who could forget Batman's Enemies from over the years---The Joker; Catwoman;Penguin; The Riddler; Two-Face; Mr. Freeze; Poison Ivy; Scarecrow; Ras al Ghul; Man-Bat (who later became an ally); Bane; Harley Quinn; and so many more.

And how about Batman / Bruce Wayne's love interests---Julie Madison; Vicki Vale; Catwoman (Selina Kyle); Silver St. Cloud (my personal favorite); Talia al Ghul (daughter of Ras al Ghul and the mother of Batman's son, Damian); and Jezebel Jet (who later turned out to be evil); to mention a few.

Batman has been part of several groups including---Justice League of America; The Outsiders; and Batman Incorporated. Batman of Earth 2 has been part of "Batmen of All Nations" & Justice Society of America.


Batman has had and has many fantastic artists, including (but not limited to)---Bob Kane; Jerry Robinson; Dick Sprang; Sheldon Moldoff; Carmine Infantino; Irv Novick; Bob Brown; Neal Adams (my all-time favorite); Marshall Rogers; Jim Aparo; Frank Miller; Tim Sale; Jim Lee (a current personal favorite); Tony S. Daniel; Greg Cappullo.

Batman also has had and has many creative writers, including (but not limited to)---Bill Finger; Gardner Fox; John Broome; Bob Haney; Dennis O'Neil; Frank Robbins (who has also drawn Batman); Len Wein; Steve Englehart; Frank Miller (who has also drawn Batman); Paul Dini (who co-created "Batman: The Animated Series"); Geoff Johns; Grant Morrison; Jeph Loeb; Scott Snyder.


Batman has also been the subject of two 40's Movie Serials; a classic 60's TV show (starring Adam West & Burt Ward); many classic animated series' (including the Emmy Award winning "Batman: The Animated Series" from the 90's); "Warner Premiere" animated movies; 10 major motion pictures (which includes one from the 60's, one animated movie, and one computer-generated one-"The Lego Movie", with a Lego version of Batman). 2015 will bring us another live-action movie: "Batman vs Superman" (with Ben Affleck playing Batman).There is also a new TV show coming in a few days (Sept. 22) to FOX, called "Gotham", which deals with a young Bruce Wayne (11 years old), right after his parents are killed; his raising by family butler, Alfred; and his protection and dealings with a young detective named Jim Gordon. The show also shows the rising of many of the criminals we will come to know later (as Batman's enemies). I'm looking forward to it.

Batman has also appeared in countless graphic novels, TPB's & other books. He has also had endless toys and 'action figures' made in his image, as well as a vast array of other merchandise (including VHS tapes, DVD's & Blu-Ray discs.).

The character of  Batman / Bruce Wayne should endure for many more decades to come. He has always been my favorite!

Irv Novick-"Irv's Batman & Flash Masterworks From the 70's"

Irv Novick (4/11/1916-10/15/2004) began his career as a comic book artist in the late 30's, which lasted until the 90's, covering a fantastic, innovative body of work. I am shining the spotlight on his amazing Batman & Flash works for DC Comics!

Irv began drawing Batman in 1968 ("Batman"#204) and continued very steadily to 1981. He was one of the artists responsible for bringing a daring, modern, more mysterious look to Batman. Most of the story-lines took on a more gothic, suspenseful flavor by the 70's.Teamed with fantastic writers like Frank Robbins (also a great artist) & Denny O'Neil, Irv's artwork dazzled (with dark mysteries and lovely ladies)!!! My favorite Batman story of the 'Novick Era' is clearly "The Demon of Gothos Mansion" ("Batman"#227)!!! The fabulous Denny O'Neil story featured excellent Novick art (in my opinion, some of his best), laced with spooky mystery, and a haunting tinge of the supernatural,as Batman strives to save Daphne Pennyworth (his butler Alfred's niece) from sacrifice by a satanic cult. If you haven't read it; hunt it down! You'll like it!!!

Irv began drawing The Flash in 1970 (with issue #200), after the great Carmine Infantino (co-creator) stepped down as artist of the series. Irv admirably stepped into Infantino's shoes and created his own special style. His Flash work blazed through the 70's with his popular, highly identifiable interpretation. The stories were loaded with The Flash's gallery of super-villains, such as---The Mirror Master; Gorilla Grodd; The Top; The Trickster; Prof. Zoom (The Reverse-Flash); Captain Cold (pictured above); and so many others that defined the series.

Irv has amassed a vast body of excellent artwork, featuring many other famous DC superheroes, but his work on Batman & The Flash will always be his best (in my humble opinion)!

If you haven't discovered Irv Novick yet; check out his fabulous artwork. Irv stands tall in DC comics history!!!

"Obscure DC Superheroes #1"---Automan

Automan (Robot #32198) made his very first appearances in "Tales of the Unexpected"#91,94 & 97 (1965-66). He was created by Lee Elias for DC Comics.

Automan was constructed in the year 2065 by Prof. Miller Sterling, out of nearly indestructible "meteorite manganese", which was bullet-proof, as well as fire-proof. His abilities included---Super-strength,speed,stamina,agility, & intelligence; Internal functions (Laser-beam eyes, film recorder, electro-magnet, and a built-in parachute)!!! After his graduation from Robot Tech, Automan became a robot-for-hire, as well as a bodyguard for a pretty actress. He was sometimes accompanied by Prof. Sterling and his lovely daughter, Stella.

Automan didn't re-surface until "DC Comics Presents"#33 (1978). In this adventure, Automan met Star Hawkins, Intergalactic Detective, and his female robot assistant, Ilda (who both originated back in "Strange Adventures"#114-Mar. 1960). Automan fell in love with Ilda, whom he married (so-to-speak), as she became his "life-partner". Hawkins also pursued Stella Sterling, during that time.

Automan made a brief cameo appearance, as part of a display, in a 30th Century museum (during the time of the Legion of Super-Heroes) in "Legionnaires"#68-Feb. 1999.

Automan will always hold a special place in my comic-collecting memories. "Tales of the Unexpected"#97 (pictured above) was my very 1st comic book, as a kid!!! NOTE:  I would love find a TPB, which contains reprints of his 3 "Tales of the Unexpected" adventures!