Two Questions: Desert Island Survival Kits and the Big Comic Book Collecting Miss!

Martinex1: Hey gang, I've got a couple of questions for you to ponder!  I'm curious what you have to say and how similar our answers may or may not be.  Your comments drive the discussion today so let's get started.

Question 1:  If you were stuck on a desert island and could only have one comic book series (in full), one television series (in full), one movie, one Greatest Hits music record, and one type of food - what would they be?  Five answers (or less) for this question.

Here is my response for Question #1:

1) Comic Series: The Avengers (of course)!  The Thunderbolts did leap to mind as a fun read and I considered Dr. Strange because I have really not read much of that series at all.  I also thought about the Doom Patrol, but I am an Avengers fan tried and true.
2) Television Series: St. Elsewhere.  I've been thinking about this series a lot lately; it was quite enjoyable and innovative back in the Bronze Age.  It was strange and twisting and had a lot of hidden television references.  It also featured many future stars like Denzel Washington.
3) Movie: I am going to go with Pi by Darren Aronofsky.  I just want something a little more challenging and flawed; I'd probably watch it a couple of times and turn on St. Elsewhere again.
4) Greatest Hits Record:  I am taking Roxy Music.  Not a popular choice I am sure, but lately I've been listening to them a lot as I drive and haven't gotten tired of the band yet.
5) Food: I am going to enjoy endless Thai Cuisine.  It is something I can eat every day, though the spices may eventually do me in.

Question 2:  What was your biggest miss in comic book collecting?  What special book could you have purchased, but you did not pull the trigger and spend the money?

My response is that I once skipped out on buying a battered copy of Avengers #4 (the return of Captain America) for four dollars.  Big mistake.  I was too young to know it was a steal and an important issue.

Now it is your turn.  Let's hear what you have to say! Cheers!

Follow the Leader: Episode 75: The Future of Marvel Films - Your Input!

Martinex1: Hey hey it is Tuesday!  And you know what that means...Follow the Leader!  First one here with a comment gets to start the ball rolling with a terrific topic and we all jump in with wisdom and input!  What can be more fun than a Tuesday at BitBA?

The Quarter Bin: The $1 Crazy Carnival Challenge!

Martinex1: Here in the great Midwest, we seem to have jumped right from Winter into the heat of the Summer.  A few weeks ago we were having some pretty chilly nights and had to run the furnace, and now it is 90 degrees Fahrenheit and climbing. 

When I was a kid, nothing seemed to excite me more in the Summer than a local carnival.  The Ferris wheel, bumper cars, fun house, and cherry snow cones brought joy and excitement.  Anticipation grew as the trucks rolled in and the pieces of the Tilt-O-Whirl were put into place.  Today I get ill just thinking about spinning like that, but back in the Bronze Age I could not wait to get the tickets. 

Carnivals and amusement parks seem to be a common setting for comic book action.  The bright lights and high speed rides are a great background.  And apparently the parks seem to be frequent hideouts for the villains and antagonists.  I am quite certain I have not found all examples of covers featuring amusement rides, but today let's look at a fairly vast collection.  From rickety contraptions to fun house mirrors, let's enjoy the ongoing fascination with the carnival theme on comic covers.

Roller coasters are the prize attraction by far.  Some characters are more prone to appear at the location; Daredevil, Ghost Rider, Archie's gang, and Hot Stuff make more than one appearance.  I am quite certain, there will be some covers from the Golden Age to the modern era that you have not seen before.

You know how we play the game...pick the four comics that would get your attention at the spinner rack and share your thoughts about the selection.  Also today, share some stories about your amusement park experiences.  We always like to remember the good old days, and this is a prime opportunity to opine about the rides, games, and food at your local amusement park.  And if you recall any other great covers that fit the theme, shout it out because I am sure that I missed dozens.

Stay cool. Spread the sunscreen liberally.  Grab a cold one.  And as always, cheers!

Redartz:  Hi gang, just had to add one more to Marti's incredible stack here. This Jughead issue is one I recall having 'way back when', and it came to mind upon seeing that "Archie and Me" cover above. Pretty similar...

Martinex1:  One last note: today of course is Memorial Day in the U.S.A.  Let's remember the great sacrifice from the many who helped win us the freedom and liberty to enjoy these simple things in life that we celebrate every day at BitBA.  Let us not forget.