This & That: Anniversaries (no, not the wedding kind)...

Redartz:  Welcome, everyone; and thanks for joining us today. Indeed, thanks for being a part of BitBA over this past year. Yes, today marks the first anniversary of "Back in the Bronze Age". It's hard to believe it's been that long; what is it they say about time flying when you're having fun? And it has indeed been fun; entertaining, and educational. Whether it's been putting together a post, working with my Esteemed Partner Marti (who is the hardest working, most diligent co-conspirator anyone could hope for), or reading all your kind comments, it's been a good ride. Challenging, at times, but always rewarding. Here at our one-year mark, it's a good time to look back, and to look forward (and fear not, our topic lies just ahead). 

I'll start by looking forward. It's been a great experience working with Marti here, and we still have much more to cover. It has been a close shave, at times, getting a post up in time (Karen and Doug- oh, now we understand...). Life does have a tendency to intrude, sometimes. With that in mind, Marti and I will be making a change to our posting schedule. As our 2nd. year begins, we will feature posts on Mondays, Tuesdays ( continuing our "Follow the Leader"), Thursdays and Saturdays. This will still put four posts out there weekly- and from time to time we may well insert additional posts as well. This adjustment will give us a little breathing space, and maybe time to read one of those Bronze age comics or two. And, it will give everyone another day to comment on topics- some subjects certainly deserve two days discussion! And fear not, you can look forward to more upcoming sessions of "This and That",  "Quarter Bin", "Retro Metro", and all the others. You may see a few new categories show up, as well. So keep your seat belts fastened, the ride is just beginning!

  Martinex1:  Likewise Red, it has been a blast working together this past year.  It is hard to believe we have made it through 365 posts of Bronze  Age topics.  Like you said, sometimes it was hectic and tough and at other times the ideas flowed quickly.  I am very thankful for the commentators, viewers, lurkers, and passer-bys that we have had. Their interaction is the fuel that keeps us going.  And thank you for jumping in whenever the going gets rough.

Anniversaries are often a time for retrospection, so I thought it might be interesting for the readers to know what post conversations we enjoyed the most.   One of my favorites was the guest post by our group of friends from overseas regarding the Marvel UK. That ranked very highly in terms of views and interaction.   Also, Doug from the BAB site suggested a topic around "Bands that Jump the Shark;" that too garnered a large amount of views and I had a lot of fun reading the comments.  His guest post on "DC's Imaginary Stories" also ranked highly among the readers.  I thought your column recently about Colorists was great and I slapped my head as to why we hadn't covered that before; it was excellent.  And I have also been enjoying the Follow the Leader topics. It is nice to be surprised once a week.

Redartz:  You're right Marti, that UK Marvel post was a definite highlight of the past year. It was quite entertaining, and immensely informative for those of us 'over here'. I also enjoyed Osvaldo's post and survey, and PFGavigan's artistic contributions. And Marti, I always am impressed by your Panel Discussions and Quarter Bins- your in-depth research never fails to amaze. Also, I too enjoy the Follow the Leader topics. Great variety of topics results, and always fun.  

And now, our topic today: appropriately, Anniversary Issues! Which were the best, most memorable ones? Which truly honored the history of the title they represent; which were best forgotten? Take a look at our cover selection below and see if any thoughts are triggered. My personal favorites are the JLA 200 issue ( truly spectacular cover, and the insides are excellent as well).  Also loved Batman 400, and Iron Man 150 (well worth the price if only for the cover).

Martinex1: My favorite anniversary covers are Avengers #200 (despite the horrible and even offensive storyline), Spider-Man  #100 which was extremely cool and different, and Daredevil #100 because it was nostalgic and kind of mimicked the early bronze age premiere issues (Iron Man, Sub-Mariner, and Captain Marvel).  

Redartz:  Good call on the Spider-Man 100 cover; a Romita masterpiece. And yes, Avengers 200 is a great cover and , well, a great cover. Now how about you all? Did I miss any classics? Let your voices be heard.

And speaking of your voices, many thanks to each of you, those who speak up and those who just follow along. Knowing you all are out there really helps keep us going. And kudos to you, Marti; thanks for everything! Can't wait to see what lies ahead for the old Bitba. 

Martinex1:  Cheers to you Red!  I look forward to another year. It may contain less posts but I believe the ongoing quality will be extraordinary.    

The Quarter Bin: The Big Five-Ohhhhh $1 Challenge!

Martinex1:  George Orwell is quoted (perhaps erroneously) as saying, "At 50, everyone has the face he deserves."   This is a statement that has stuck with me as I approach the age of fifty.   I have about six more months to change my ways if I want to change my face.  Maybe some surgery is in order - ha!

I feel that the sentiment may be applicable to comics as well.  By the time a book reaches its 50th issue, it has set its course and has for the most part defined its themes, style, and substance to the audience.   Often the tone is set early on, and rarely does a book take a substantial path of redirection after that point.   In some cases, the X-Men for example there is a real resurgence much later, but for most titles the path is clear. 

Let's take a look today at a variety of titles at their 50 issue mark.   What do you think about these books?  Are they at their best at that point or on a downward trajectory?  I tried to stay within the Bronze Age but found it difficult, so I did include handfuls of masterpieces from the Silver Age to round out the offerings. Some are blockbusters and some are head scratchers?

Keep in mind that some classic titles never reached that anniversary.   The Invaders, the original Moon Knight series,and the first run of What If? never made it.   Spider-Woman ended on its 50th issue. Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D never came close, but Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commandos blew past it.  Stan Lee's Silver Surfer did not have a chance, but Captain Marvel limped along and finally made the cut. The Atom never hit fifty, but Captain Atom did.   I had hoped Batman and the Outsiders would make the cut, but no such luck.

Which would you buy if you could only read four?   Yes - I know the Silver Age issues skew your methodology for choosing, but try to be adventurous today. Everybody is going to pick that Silver Surfer appearance, so assume that the value stamp is missing and I spilled corn flakes on it!

What do you think about the books that have reached that fifty-issue plateau? Is four years and a couple of months enough time to hit the proper stride? Or did the book peak early and run out of breath? Are these examples already mired in mediocrity or do they still have a spark of something special?  Is the 100th issue a more likely measure of success?  Or issue number 25?  Share your thoughts?   Make your suggestions?   Leave your dollar in your pocket - this is all for fun; we are celebrating after all!  Fifty is quite the milestone!  Cheers!