The Quarter Bin: Just Plain Fun Covers!

Redartz:  Hello gang! It's been quite a year so far, and we're only at the halfway mark. With that in mind, it seemed a good idea to bring back one of Marti's pet posts. Specifically, to look over a selection of Just Plain Fun covers! Some old, some new.  Some probably familiar to you, some revealed to your eyes for the first time (I certainly disovered many new ones while researching this post, and only barely scratched the surface). So take your dollar and pick your fave four. Or sneak an extra buck and grab a few more; hey, we're easy here.  The main thing is just to have a bit of fun, and maybe evoke a smile or two. By the way, I absolutely love that Strange Adventures snowman cover. I was considering buying a copy off ebay for the cover alone, until I saw the prices. Cheers!

Adventures in Comics: The Pinnacle of your Comics Fandom Career!

Redartz: Hello again crew! To start with, given my fondness for alliteration, I was tempted to title this week's discussion " The Climax of Your Comics Fandom Career", but as 'climax' has certain other connotations, "pinnacle" was my choice. Granted, some of us may have a bit of experience with those rather 'adult' underground comix, so that other connotation might be relevant in some cases, but we'll keep this family friendly!

Anyway, onward. Over the course of several decades of comic fandom, I've had quite a few excellent experiences ;

Meeting some favorite professionals: especially William Messner-Loebs, whom I met at a convention in Dayton, Ohio. We had a great conversation, and I purchased a fine pen/ink drawing from him- he was the originator of one of my favorite "indie" comics of the 80's, "Journey". 

Acquiring long sought-after treasures: for instance, finally locating a copy of the first comic I ever owned- an issue of "Casper's Ghostland" from 1967. The hard part was actually identifying the particular issue, then finding one. Not an expensive book, but some of those old humor books are tough to locate.

Discovering a book that really rocks you to the core: Upon reading Art Speigelman's "Maus", I was never the same again.

But if I had to name one event that was the ultimate best time I've had in comics, it would probably be taking my two sons to their first comic convention. Both of them had grown up knowing of my interest in comics, and that interest awakened in them as well. This culminated in the three of us piling into the car one Sunday morning in 2006 and driving to Chicago for Wizard World. They were both new collectors, and I was returning to collecting after a decade away. So it was an invigorating road trip: all of us discussing what we'd look to add to our collections, what pro's we'd meet, and just talking about comics in general. The 3 hour drive was a blast in itself, and when we got to the show, it just got exponentially better.

We accomplished all the things we'd discussed, among the highlights was meeting Todd McFarlane- who my older son absolutely idolized. We each came home with a stack of cool back issues, which we eagerly compared and ogled.  And simply seeing their reaction to the gargantuan convention floor filled with everything comics- more than worth the price of admission. 

That day remains one of the best days we all ever had together, and stands as the 'pinnacle' of my comics career. So you know what's coming next- it's your turn to consider, then discuss, the various high points of your years in the hobby. Can't wait to hear your stories...

Follow the Leader: Now vs. Then- Life, the Internet and Everything Else...

Redartz:  Hello all! For awhile now I've monopolized the conversation selection here, so today we put the subject matter back in your ever capable hands. So while I work up a (hopefully) titanic topic for next week, this week you're back in the driver's seat. You remember the routine: he (or she) who pops in first gets to name the discussion subject. It's been an eventful few months, so perhaps there's something on your mind; something  you have been waiting to bring up to this assembled band of Bronze agers. Now's your opportunity, and the podium is yours!

Panel Discussion: Spotlight on Neal Adams!

Redartz:  This week we're discussing, and looking at, one of the Bronze age's most noted artists (actually, one of the greatest figures in the comics industry): Neal Adams. Phenomenal artist, talented writer, creator's rights activist- Neal has been quite busy over the last several decades. Few comic companies over that time span have missed out on presenting at least a few examples of Neal Adams work. And few comic fans there are who don't admire his fine pencils and inks. 

Now most of the discussing is going to be up to you all. Neal is providing the visual inspiration, and I will set the stage. Some of these will be familiar to you, a couple perhaps less so. Enjoy...

 Neal Adams inks over John Buscema pencils

 

Conan the Barbarian  #44

         Painted cover by Neal Adams

Emergency! #1

          Neal Adams inks over Gil Kane pencils

Savage Tales #4

     Neal Adams pencils and inks 

Strange Adventures 215

       Neal Adams inks over Michael Golden pencils

Micronauts #7

      Neal Adams pencils and inks

House of Mystery #190

     Neal Adams pencils, Dick Giordano inks

Detective Comics #404

                                                                                     Neal Adams pencils and inks

Tower of Shadows Special #1

                                                                             Neal Adams pencils and inks

Ms. Mystic #1

                                                                         Neal Adams pencils, Tom Palmer inks

Avengers #93

 And finally, here's something many of you may not have seen . This is an example of Neal's work , early in his career, at Archie comics. This page dates from 1959. I wondered for years what his Archie work looked like, and I recently broke down and picked up this book off ebay, just to satisfy my curiosity.

Laugh Comics #107

Hope you found these images interesting. Neal has a pretty large body of work, including many classic runs: Green Lantern/Green Arrow, Avengers, X-Men, Batman, and so on. What are your favorite Adams books? Which pencillers do you think he complements best? What inkers are most appealing over Neal's pencils?  Time for you to chime in with all your thoughts about one of comicdom's greats.

Chew the Fat: Fandom in All its Forms...

Redartz: Welcome, gang, to this week's discussion! A discussion originating with a comment from our pal HB in the previous post; hence the "Follow the Leader" header above to honor him for service above and beyond the call of duty!

In his comment, HB referenced theatre fans, and other types of fandom in general. And that seemed like a good place to start. As in, "what actually constitutes fandom?". What differences, and what similarities, exist between various types? In  fact, what other areas of society and culture generate sufficient popularity to evolve a fandom? What other areas of fandom do you consider yourself a participant in? 

I have some thoughts, but will hold them for now to let you all have your say. And HB, as our 'Leader', if you have any thoughts on the basis or direction this topic should take, by all means take the baton!