Sunday Special: Memorial Day Weekend!

Martinex1: We are in the midst of Memorial Day weekend here in the U.S.A., so we want to say thank you to all of those that have served and sacrificed for our country and our freedom.

This week we will have plenty of new topics in store for you, but enjoy the weekend and time with your families and friends.   Cheers!

Chew the Fat: The Evolution of the Avengers through the Bronze Age!

Martinex1:  A couple of weeks ago we discussed the span of the Bronze Age (starting with the first 15 cent issues on sale in May of 1969 and ending 16 years later in May of 1985).   Those are the BitBA parameters for these ongoing discussions about Bronze Age comics and the evolution of those special books.   Last time we looked at the first Marvel super team, The Fantastic Four, and this time around we will look at their premiere team The Avengers.

 I think there is more variety in this sampling with many corner boxes, some subtle (and not so subtle) logo changes, an array of team lineups, and some fantastic artists.

The team's 66th issue is a wonderful way to kick off the run, with John Buscema's cover art and Iron Man's swoop nicely matching the curve in the logo.  It has the corner characters designed by Gene Colan who just finished his run, and interior art by Barry Windsor Smith with a story by Roy Thomas.   In 1985, the final issue shown also has a cover by John Buscema, this time with Tom Palmer instead of Sam Grainger inking, so we make a full circle on the art even though Roger Stern would be the writer by that time. Note the appearance of Spidey in his black garb; somehow that seems appropriate for the end of an era.  In between there is quite a bit to take in - take a look.

Avengers #66; On Sale May 1969 for 15 cents

 Avengers on sale May 1970, 1971 and 1972.

  Avengers on sale May 1973, 1974, and 1975.

  Avengers on sale 1976, 1977, and 1978.

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  Avengers on sale may 1979, 1980, and 1981.

   Avengers on sale May 1982, 1983, and 1984.

Avengers #258; on sale May 1985 for 65 cents.

So what do you think about the mighty mainstays of the Marvel milieu?  How did they fare along the Bronze way?  Did they improve or devolve?   What are your takeaways from this little experiment?

Next time around we will tackle a solo character with a storied career!   Cheers and have a great long weekend!

Short Cuts: Cosplay, or "Who Would I Be...?"

Redartz:  Okay, time for a little fun flight of fantasy today. For anyone who has attended a comic convention (or watched the news around Comic Con time), a big part of the appeal is the amazing assemblage of costumed fans. Cosplay, as it is known, has become a big enterprise. Conventions have costume contests, seminars on performance, panels about costume creation. and much much more. There are dealers selling weapons, accessories, and costume parts. And it's a very democratic activity: you'll see kids, teens, young adults, older adults, whole families dressed up. And having a blast all the while.
Sooo, today it's your turn. No matter your size, shape, fitness or lack of same, there is a costume perfect for you. You get to satisfy your inner actor, your personal performance artist. What character will you choose? No limits here. You could be someone from comics, from film, television, or literature. All necessary accessories are provided. My choice is Dr. Strange (a fact known to some; I may yet take the leap and give it a try). What's yours?

Our own David_b sent some photos of his cosplay experience. And here they  are; very well done, David!

And here are some other folks indulging their imaginations...


 
 

Two Questions: Old Comics and Old Music!

Redartz:  Hi folks!  We have a quick double-shot for you today, two easy questions which may cause you to have some fun looking into the answers.

 

QUESTION 1: What is the oldest comic book you have in your collection (or, if you no longer have that collection , what WAS the oldest comic you ever owned?)






 



QUESTION 2:  What is the oldest song, or piece of music, that anyone might find in your collection, Ipod, phone, or whatever?   Does your musical interest begin in the 70's?  The 50's?  Or even earlier?  Dust off those old 78 rpm's and let us know.




 To start with, here's my answers: 

1. The oldest comic in my collection is an issue of New Funnies featuring Woody Woodpecker from 1949.   My oldest Archie:  Laugh 61, 1954.  Oldest DC: World's Finest 88, 1957.  Oldest Marvel: Fantastic Four 21, 1963.

Laugh 61, Feb. 1954

New Funnies 154, Dec. 1949

World's Finest 88, June 1957

Fantastic Four 21, Dec. 1963

2.  The oldest piece of music in my collection is a Gregorian Chant, composed most likely in the 15th century. In terms of more 'popular music,' I have the recording of "Rum and Coca Cola" by the Andrews Sisters from 1945.  And yes, eclectic is my middle name (Red Eclectic Artz?).

And now it's your turn.  Reach waaaaaay back into the back of your longbox, and the bottom of your record stack, and give us your answers!