Pop Culture Chronicles

Superman of Earth 23

I enjoyed the return of the Earth-23 Superman in the latest Action Comics, vol. 2, # 9. He was introduced in the mini series Final Crisis 7 (2009) in which all the Supermen of the multiverse came together against a common threat.

On Earth-23, Superman is President of the United States and also black. In Action Comics we learn of a potential controversy surrounding his place of birth. This echoes the controversy involving Obama's birthplace which is nothing more than his political enemies grasping at straws. While some did not appreciate the parallel to the Obama controversy, I thought it was well done. Imagine the uproar if it were discovered that a President was born off planet.

The Earth-23 Superman's alter ego is Calvin Ellis. It took me a while to realize that this name is derived from Kal El. I'm slow like that sometimes.

It was good to see the return of Earth-23's Wonder Woman, who is also black, and Ellis' assistant, Courtney. I'm glad that not every concept introduced in Final Crisis was scrapped with the coming of the New 52. Once a new Multiverse was introduced in the 52 series, DC published a list of earths cataloged thus far. Earth-23 was not yet on the list, and was not yet named as such in Final Crisis. I look forward to a complete catalog of Earths in the new 52 universe and I suspect there will be 52 of them.

The multiversal take on this story was underscored by the appearance of the Lois Lane and Clark Kent of yet another parallel earth. We haven't met these folks before and the Kent of this planet is not Superman. I look forward to more back story on these characters. And it was great to see the use of the Superman robots on Earth-23 which caused me to reminisce about some old Silver Age stories. Overall, I was pleased with Action Comics # 9 and I hope the title can be a place to introduce even more Supermen of the multiverse.   

The New 52 Review

The rebooting of the DC universe has so far been a huge success. DC Comics released 52 new first issues in a massive relaunch last September. In a prior post I had mentioned my reservations along with some enthusiasm for the new direction.  Now that we're five months into the new 52, here are my reflections:

Superman - I've always thought of George Perez as an artist and he is one of the best. But this book proves that he can also be an awesome writer. I like the fact that there is a lot of dialog. It takes me longer to read this title than any other, so I feel I'm getting more than just a picture book. It's deep and not fluffy. With the Daily Planet being purchased by Morgan Edge and the Planet staff adjusting to the mass media market, including Lois' promotion, it strikes a chord of reality with so many that have to constantly change with the times in the workplace. Characters, like Lois, must make hard ethical decisions in this book. The Clark and Lois relationship is back to its traditional formula. Clark likes Lois, but he doesn't seem to be on her radar, except as a co-worker. The exceptional art also makes this book worthwhile.

Action Comics - While relaunching Superman, in some respects Grant Morrison actually returns the Man of Steel to his roots. A younger and less experienced Superman whose alter ego, Clark Kent, is working for the rival publisher of the Daily Planet while getting to know Lois and Jimmy. I'll keep the Superman titles.

Supergirl- They haven't ruined Kara after all. The stories are great and you can sympathize with the character. I do wish she had a more modest costume though, especially in light of this character being a minor.     

Batman - With at least four relaunched Bat books and at least that many more Batman-family titles, I had to be financially responsible about which titles made my pull list. I began with Batman, Batman and Robin, Detective Comics, and Batgirl. I have so far dropped Batman and Robin and Detective Comics. I found both titles too gratuitously violent. I dropped All-Star Western for the same reason after just one issue. I don't mind some action in my comics, but with people being hanged, skinned alive, and knifed in the first couple of issues I'd had enough. I felt that this was gore for the sake of gore. Agreeing with several online reviewers, I don't think it was just me. If more of us simply stop purchasing when the product isn't doing it for us, maybe DC will get the message. Comics are too expensive for us readers to purchase anything that is short of awesome. 

As for the Batman title, I have been enjoying it up to the fifth issue which I did not feel moved the plot forward at all. It was good, however, to see Robin show up at the end and find out that maybe the little cuss has a heart in there after all and is concerned with his senior partner. The different format for the panels on several pages was also a nice touch, helping us to experience Bruce's surrealism along with him. 

Batgirl - I still think that if they were going to take Barbara out of the wheel chair that they should have done a hard reboot of the entire universe, wiping the slate totally clean. But so far the stories have been really good. I look forward to each issue because I wonder what's going to happen. I actually care about the character. This is how comics should be written. I'd heard about the great writing Gail Simone does and I am convinced. The art by Ardian Syaf is very good. And Barbara Gordon actually has a personal life. I like that.

Justice League - I love almost everything about this book--especially the team of Geoff Johns and Jim Lee. The witty dialog, the humor, the way characters are drawn and introduced, the plot itself. This book has everything going for it. If I could only read one DC comic a month, this would be it. 

Pull List / Reviews July 2011

Here is what I'm reading these days:

DC

Flashpoint # 3- I'm behind on this, but just read the latest issue. I was determined to stay away from any more big events, but I learned that this series will be the transitional point into the altered DC Universe. Here is where (I think) the changes in the time-stream will be explained. This issue by Geoff Johns was (not surprisingly) well written with good characterization, suspense, action, and witty dialogue. It was well drawn by Andy Kubert and Sandra Hope. It seems that the Flash is working to undo some changes in the time-stream due to events that were altered by the Reverse Flash. So Flash is in some alternate reality with Thomas Wayne, who is Batman, who did not die at the hands of a mugger, and whose son never became Batman. The two team up with Cyborg to release the captive survivor of a doomed planet whose rocket-ship was never discovered by the Kents, but landed in Metropolis doing fatal damage. The survivor was then taken into custody by the government who is conducting a "Project: Superman." Okay, I'm hooked. 

Justice Society of America # 52 - So we still don't know how Mr. Terrific lost his intellect, but now we know whodunit. Two issues to go before Mr. Terrific's own series is launched and the Justice Society is cancelled. I understand that in the realigned universe, characters who made up the JSA will still exist. But there will be no JSA. Superman will again be the first super hero in this altered continuity, which in a sense goes back to DC's roots. But it seems that the Golden Age of heroes is being retconned out of existence. The JSA has so often got the shaft when it comes to these reboots, relaunches, or whatever you want to call them. Following the orginal "Crisis on Infinite Earths" Golden Age heroes who had modern doppelgangers were retconned out of existence. The remaining JSA was banished to another dimension. So what happens to the JSA now? Will the earlier careers of originals like Jay Garrick and Alan Scott never have existed? Will the original Flash and Green Lantern ever have existed? We'll see. 

One plot in the current JSA arc that intrigues me grows out of one of Jay and Alan's WWII adventures. Will a retro guy like me ever be able to accept a JSA without the Golden Age backstory? I do hope the multiverse will play more of a role in the altered universe. I'd love to see the "Justice Society Infinity" team from "Justice Society of America Annual" # 1 return, with Superman and Batman of Earth 2 alive and well. Maybe they could have annual team-ups with the new JLA. Who knows?  

I'll review what I'm reading from Marvel soon.     

Superman in the 90s

I collected most Superman and Batman titles throughout the 90s. I hardly read any of them since there just wasn't time during that phase in my life. So for the last two years I've been catching up on reading the Superman titles from that era. I got the first few issues of the second Superman series when it began in 1987, but then dropped it until Superman died in issue # 75. From that issue, dated January 1993, I collected the title until Spring of 1999. I've been able to fill most missing issues from bargain bins at comic shops.

Throughout most of the 90s fans could get weekly installments of Superman's adventures with cross-continuity across four regular titles including:

• Superman
• Adventures of Superman
• Action Comics
• Superman: The Man of Steel

Right now I'm up to 1995 in my reading. Having gone from 1993 to 1995 with these four Superman titles, I've been through the Funeral For a Friend, Reign of the Supermen, Resurrection, and Dead Again story arcs. I've just finished Superman # 100 which began the "Death of Clark Kent" storyline. The Superman titles were characterized by the following features at this time:

• The engagement of Clark and Lois
• Perry & Alice White's adoption of an African-American youth
• Metropolis P.D. officers Maggy Sawyer and Dan Turpin
• Superman's mullet phase
• Comics Code approved

The creative teams included Dan Jurgens who did both story and pencils for Superman until after issue # 100 when the pencils were handed to others. Brett Breeding's inks were a nice compliment to Jurgen's pencils making them one of my favorite 90s Superman teams. This was during Superman's long-hair (or mullet) phase which lasted until about 1997. Jurgens and Breeding didn't overdo the long flowing mane thing like some others did, which in retrospect looks so ridiculous and dated. 

By the mid-90s Adventures of Superman was written by Karl Kesel who did a decent job, but I was not overly impressed by the art of Immomen and Marzan. They were quite good with human anatomy, female facial features, and city scapes. But the way they drew Superman just didn't do it for me. The hair was too long and the face too weak (if that makes any sense). In the team-up issue 522, Martian Manhunter and Wonder Woman are done quite well.

Action Comics had the team of Michelinie, Guice, and Rodier. The writing was okay, but the art team for this title was some of the best for this era in Superman's history. Superman's hair was a bit wild though.

Louise Simonson did the writing for Superman: The Man of Steel. The art team was Bogdanove and Janke. This title includes some of my favorite writing and least favorite art from this era. 

DC will soon be paying homage to the Superman of the 90s with the series of DC Retroactive one-shots in September. One of the titles will be Superman-the 90s which reunites Simonson and Bogdanove. 

I'll write more about Superman in the 90s as I continue to read through it. I'll eventually get around to the Batman titles.  

DCU Relaunch or DCU Deconstruction?

Everybody is talking about it so I'm finally going to weigh in with my thoughts regarding the DC Universe relaunch set to take off in September. In case you've been in Limbo or some alternate universe, DC is relaunching its entire line in September with fifty-two new first issues. Even the old staples like Action Comics, Detective, Superman, and Batman will start the numbering over with issue number one.

As more information is released some of my initial assumptions have been proved innaccurate. I thought maybe the whole universe was going to be rebooted like after Crisis on Infinite Earths, but not so. I thought maybe the whole DC Universe history would start over again from the very beginnning with new origins and the whole bit. That was also incorrect. 

But some things are definately going to change. In addition to the relaunch of some titles, others will be cancelled, and some new ones will start. There will be changes to a number of characters. I'm thinking these changes might result from alterations in the timestream brought about by events in the Flashpoint limited series, which I have not been reading, but now wish I had been. After Final Crisis I was sick to death of universe-altering cross-over events. But now my curiosity has got the best of me thanks to yet another DC marketing ploy.

In regard to the changes occurring, Supergirl is described as an unpredictable teenager who does not share Superman's love for the people of earth. It sounds to me like they are ruining the Kara we all know and love. She was recently rebooted in a Superman/Batman story arc which returned her to her roots. I hate to see her messed up again.

Dick Grayson will be going back to being Nightwing with a new issue number 1. He made such a good Batman that I thought the new Batman, Inc. series would allow him to retain the cowl. Too bad that doesn't seem to be the case. Was this Bruce's idea and is Dick happy about it? Bruce will be the only Batman and Damian will remain Robin in a relaunched Batman And Robin # 1. This has some potential.

I hear that Barbara Gordon will return to her role as Batgirl with a new first issue. I'm not sure I like that since as Oracle she was DC's only disabled hero and a strong one at that. If they must do this, I almost hope the time-stream is altered so that she was never shot by the Joker as opposed to some miraculous healing or technology that allows her to swing above the streets of Gotham. I do wonder if the avatar design Bruce Wayne handed her in the one-shot Batman: The Return is some kind of clue. As to where this might leave Stephanie Brown, Bruce assigned her to finishing school in England, which makes me wonder if she might be the U.K. Batgirl when Batman, Inc. begins next year.

The Birds of Prey roster will undergo drastic revision including the absence of Oracle. A new number one issue is in store here as well. So it is with Catwoman who returns to her roots as a jewel thief with another new number one. I hate that. I'd rather see a progression of the Bruce/Selina relationship similar to the Elseworlds story, Justice League: The Nail.

As with Oracle, I wonder if the changes to Catwoman will result from an alteration to the universe or an alteration to her life in the current continuity. If an alteration to the universe, I would love to see a reboot of several other characters in which a lot of the tragedy never occured. I'd like to see a Hal Jordan who never became a killer and a Roy Harper who still has his arm. If DC really rebooted, why not a Barbara Gordon who was never shot, or a Selina who never reformed as opposed to some lame explanations for their changing back to how they were?       

Many of the heroes will have new or altered costumes, including Superman, Black Canary, Mr. Terrific, and Supergirl. I typically love Jim Lee's art, which I enjoyed in Batman: Hush and All-Star Batman and Robin. But as far as the new costume designs go, I'm debating as to which term more adequately describes my feelings: hate, despise, or loathe. It reminds me of those horrible redesigns of the 80s which now look so stupid and dated. But if it doesn't work, DC can always change things back.

A couple of other things make the relaunch less exciting. So many of these titles were just recently relaunched or re-relaunched, including Wonder Woman, Flash, Supergirl, Green Lantern, Justice League, Legion of Super-Heroes, Blue Beetle, Birds of Prey, and others. How many relaunches do we have to endure? 

Well, the debate with me is now about which new number ones to pick up. I've occasionally picked up the first issue of relaunches in the past just to check things out. But I cannot afford to buy fifty-two issues at once! I think DC is making a huge mistake releasing them all at once since so many fans are on limited budgets in this ailing economy, not to mention the fact that comics are already woefully overpriced. So which books do I want to check out? Here are my first through third tier options: 

First tier:

Justice League - The team of Geoff Johns and Jim Lee make this appealing. They are first tier creators even if the new costume designs stink. 

Batman; Detective Comics; Batman and Robin - Since Batman is my favorite fictional character and the one who got me into comics, I may be checking into these just to see where the character is going. I'll stick only to the titles that really grab me.

Batgirl - I'd like to see how they explain Barbara's return to this role and if it's too stupid I can drop it.  

Superman; Action Comics - I'd be crazy to pass up a first issue of Action Comics even though it will never be worth anything. With Grant Morrison writing one book and George Perez the other, I'm interested. I'm usually not a Morrison fan, but he did a great job with All-Star Superman. So I'd like to see how the Man of Tomorrow is relaunched. I'm curious to see if the marriage of Clark and Lois ever happened in this altered reality.

Second Tier:

Supergirl- Just how big a brat will she be, anyway?

All-Star Western - Jonah Hex lead story with other western back-up stories. The 3.99 price gives me pause, but the first issue has Hex in Gotham City, which I thought was on the Eastern Seaboard.

DC Universe Presents - Sounds like a relaunch of the latest Brave and the Bold.

Third Tier: 

Legion of Super Heroes - Another relaunch? How much more confusing could it be?   

Animal Man - I learned to love this character in 52 and Countdown to Adventure.

I won't be buying all of these, not even all the number ones. But these are my thoughts today. I do wonder if the Justice Society, Power Girl, or the multiverse will have any future in this altered universe.                    

Most Wanted Trades & Hardcovers

While browsing through lists of upcoming comics, I discovered that there just isn't much coming out these days that appeals to me. I don't see many World War II era stories coming out, but that could change with the release of the Captain America movie in May. And what happened to DC's multiverse? Sure there are series like First Wave which take place in some of these alternate realities, but I was hoping for some good crossovers. I haven't seen the Justice Society of Earth Two since Justice Society of America Annual 1 and that was nearly three years ago! Plus it's getting really pricey to collect comics. I hear DC will be drawing the line at 2.99, but even at that a comic had better be consistently good before I drop that kind of money.

My pull list is currently down to a couple of titles: DCU: Legacies and Justice Society of America. The first is a limited series that will soon end and I may drop the second due to DC's recent trend of inserting their bleeding-heart liberal agendas into the stories. So I may be done with JSA very soon.

But I haven't given up comics completely and I was most recently impressed by DC's hardcover one shot Superman: Earth One by J. Michael Straczynski. It was a masterpiece, reminiscent of all the best elements from previous Superman origin stories, all integrated into this one streamlined reimagining. The art by Shane Davis is some of the best I've seen. The dialog, especially between Perry, Lois, Clark, and Jimmy during Clark's "interview" was priceless.

So I think I'll start going the trade route in the near future. Then I can read a complete story in one sitting. Here is my most wanted reading list as of today:

1) Crisis on Multiple Earths, Volume 5 - More reprints of the JLA / JSA crossovers.

2) Invaders Classic, Volume 1 - In all there are four volumes of these 70s reprints by Roy Thomas.

3) Bat Lash: Guns and Roses - Western adventure reprinting the 6 issue series.

4) Batman: Earth One - by Geoff Johns, if it ever comes out.

5) Superman: Secret Origins - by Geoff Johns. I may wait for softcover since hardcover is so expensive.

6) Fantastic Four by Jonathan Hickman, vol. 1 - 3 vol.s with Eaglesham art in the first two.

7) Team ups of the Brave and the Bold by J. Michael Straczynski. Soon to be in paperback, August 2011.

8) Thor by Straczynski (3 volumes altogether)

9) Superman: Grounded, Volume 1 Straczynski hardcover due August 2011.

10) JSA vs. Kobra reprints 6 part mini-series.

11) Legion of Superheroes by Levitiz. Hardcover available in April 2011.

12) Dark Shadows, volume 1

13) Dark Shadows, volume 2

14) Spiderman: The Complete Clone Saga Epic, Book 1 (at least five volumes)

15) Simon and Kirby Superheroes

I think I'll head to the public library with this reading list. 

Books with Retro Appeal

Here is a listing of some books I'd like to eventually check out, especially if I could find them in a public library:

1000 Comic Books You Must Read by Tony Isabella

Should be interesting to see what makes his list and why. Amazon has it for 19.79.  

Alex Toth in Hollywood (Pure Imagination Publishing)

This late great 20th century artist spent some years working for Western Publishing (Dell & Gold Key) drawing comics based on TV series and movies. This volume includes stories from Roy Rogers, Sea Hunt, The Lennon Sisters, Disney's Zorro and Sugarfoot. Also included is an adaptation of the John Wayne film, The Wings of Eagles and James Stewart's film The F.B.I. Story.

Batman: Earth One by J. Michael Straczynski and Superman: Earth One by Geoff Johns

Two of the greatest writers take on two of DC's greatest heroes. These graphic novels retell the origins of these heroes outside the context of regular DC continuity. Anything can happen as we see yet another universe's version of these heroes. I'm thinking these should be out in the Spring.  

Casper the Friendly Ghost 60th Anniversary (hardcover).

I would look this one over for the sheer nostalgia, although I'm not a huge Casper fan. But these kind of old kid-friendly stories and art take me back to my childhood and celebrate the Golden Age (which I'n not old enough to remember, but only enjoy through reprints and back issues).

This one, published by Dark Horse, reprints Casper #1 from St.John Publishing (1949) and Casper # 61 from Harvey (1952). Amazon has it for only ten bucks. Back issue reprint collections are a great way to share a comic hobby with your kids without exposing them to all the graphic violence and language in some of today's comics. 

Crisis on Multiple Earths, vol. 5 (trade paperback) 

I've waited a very long time for the next volume in this series that reprints the annual JLA and JSA crossovers. This one should cover the late 70s and early 80s. It is scheduled for late April release. 

Jonah Hex: No Way Back (DC Comics)

An original graphic novel, scheduled for May release, just in time for the live action movie starring Josh Brolin.

Last Days of Animal Man (DC Comics)

This early March release collects the six issue mini-series of the character I grew to love in the 52 series. I'll read this one after I check out Countdown to Adventure which I believe to be a bridge from 52 to this series.  

Supermen: The First Wave of Heroes 1936-1941(Fantagraphics, paperback, 192 pages)

Reprints of early and rarely seen heroes drawn by the likes of Kirby, Wolverton, and others. Amazon has it for $23.07.  

Tarzan Archives. vol. 5, The Jesse Marsh Years (Dark Horse, hardcover)

Reprints Dell's rare issues 23-27. 

Was Superman a Spy? by Brian Cronin 

This one is dirt cheap on Amazon right now, listed as a bargain. Written by the author of the popular Comics Should be Good blog, this book deals with the urban myths and legends of the comic book industry. Divided into three sections; Marvel, DC, and other publishers, this volume either confirms or dispels many rumors. 

It purports to answr such burning questions as "Why did Ditko leave Spiderman?"; Why did a robot replace the Human Torch on the 70s Fantastic Four cartoon series?"; and "Was Elvis Presley's trademark hairstyle based on a comic character?" Sounds like some amusing light reading.  

Waiting for Some DC Collected Editions

Here are some recent, current, and upcoming comic book series which I either have skipped, or probably will skip, in favor of waiting for the reprints in either hardcover or trade paperback format. I can save a bundle if I wait for some of these to come to public libraries or by purchasing the collected editions from Amazon or other discount booksellers: 

DC

Bat Lash: Guns and Roses - Being a fan of the Old West, I loved the first issue of this limited series. I hope to read the trade through in a sitting or two and learn the gambler's origin.

Batgirl- The new Batgirl in town is not Barbara Gordon. I'm interested in checking out at least the first story arc of this new ongoing series once it appears as a collected edition. 

Brave and the Bold- Now that Straczynski's writing this one I'm anxious to see one of his story arcs.

Countdown to Adventure- reprint of the limited series starring Adam Strange, Animal Man, and Starfire--my favorite storyline in the 52 series.

First Wave- This offspring of the Batman/Doc Savage one-shot combines 30s pulp and sci-fi in an alternate universe of non-super-powered heroes. The one-shot was okay, but not outstanding. I am looking forward to seeing these guys co-exist with the Shadow, the Spirit, the Blackhawks, and Rima. The "floppies" haven't even begun, but I think I can wait for the trades.

JSA vs. Kobra- I usually get everything JSA, but I had the discipline to wait for the trade on this limited series. 

Red Robin - Tim Drake's new alter ego who refusing to believe that Bruce Wayne is dead launches his own investigation.

Superboy Greatest Team-Ups - I think this reprints Silver and perhaps Bronze age stories. Should be fun and make me feel like a kid again.

Superman: Red Son- An alternate reality in which the rocket ship containing baby Kal-El lands in the Soviet Union where Superman grows to be Russia's favorite son. I can't believe I still haven't read this.

Superman: Secret Origins- The fact that Geoff Johns is writing this series greatly appeals to me. It will be interesting to see such an outstanding writer's take on a classic character.

Trinity - After Countdown I wasn't about to fall for another weekly series. I hear this one was much better, but I simply could not afford it. I hope to see this story of the big three (Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman) in my local library.   

 

Looking Ahead: Cool Retro-Related Stuff

As I continue my lifelong celebration of vintage pop culture, I've taken note of some new publications that are also refreshingly retro.

Batman / Doc Savage

This one-shot comic, scheduled for November 11 release, will team the Dark Knight with the Man of Bronze. The story is set in New York of the 1930s. While DC's multiverse consists of 52 universes, author Brian Azzarello has identified the location of this adventure as being in DC's 53rd world. A Doc Savage series will follow and his "world" will be populated by the likes of the Blackhawks, the Spirit, Rima, the Avenger, and possibly the Shadow. I can't wait! And BTW, in this world there are no super powers. 

Superman: Secret Origins

This six issue series by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank will retell the beginnings of Clark Kent in Smallville. I'm going to wait for the trade on this one so I can read the whole story at once. So now I've made myself a note.

Golden Age Marvel Comics Omnibus, Volume 1

This will reprint Marvel Comics # 1 and Marvel Mystery Comics# 2-12. I was excited until I learned that the cover price of this hardcover is $125. I guess I'll wait until it either comes out in paperback or makes it to my public library. I thoroughly enjoyed the 70th Anniversary reprint of Marvel Comics# 1. While much of the Golden Age stuff was obviously directed at small children, other stories are surprisingly good even by today's standards. And some of the art is very realistic. But I'll even read the campier Golden Age stuff just for the retro appeal. 

American Comic Book Chronicles

Each volume of this new book series from TwoMorrows will highlight a different decade of comic book history. The 40s and 60s will be covered in two volumes each. The volumes will not be released in order. The first volume, covering the 80s, is scheduled for 2010 release. These books promise to be comprehensive.

 

Comic Collection Essentials, Part Four

I continue my posts on what I consider essential for a serious comic collection:

17) A few comics in which a Celebrity Appears as Him or Her Self. One of my favorites is Action Comics # 345 from 1967 in which Allen Funt catches Clark Kent on candid camera changing into his Superman attire. Another issue of interest is Avengers # 239 from 1984 in which the super-hero team appears on Late Night with David Letterman. These two are just too funny. 

18) Holiday Comics. While Christmas issues  have been plentiful in the past, the Justice Society actually celebrated Thanksgiving with the Justice League in JSA # 54. 

19) A good sampling of issues from some Favorite Writers and Artists. Some of my favorite writers include Stan Lee (of course), Denny O'Neil, Roy Thomas, and Geoff Johns. My favorite artists include George Perez, Alex Ross, and Dale Eaglesham. 

20) Marvel and DC Crossovers. As a child I recall the tabloid-sized one-shots of Superman vs. Spiderman and Batman vs. the Incredible Hulk (DC Special Series # 27). DC and Marvel together was a dream come true that up until then I could only experience by teaming up my Mego Men. Since these two milestones, the X-Men has met the Teen Titans, Superman has teamed up with the Fantastic Four, and Batman has appeared in one-shots with Spiderman, Daredevil, the Punisher, and Captain America. The real dream come true was the four part series from 2003 in which the JLA met the Avengers. Now if we could just have the Golden Age JSA team-up with the Invaders. Or how about Two-Gun Kid and Jonah Hex? The possibilities are endless. 

21) Some hardcover Archive or Masterworks editions. Experience the history of your favorite DC and Marvel characters. 

22) Collect some Action Figures of your favorite comic book heroes. Nowadays you can get just about anybody. While not comics, these items are comic-related. 

23) Other Comic-Related Collectibles include games, toys, movies, statues, and the list is never-ending. My comic-related items mainly consist of Batman items. Limiting myself to one character makes the collecting a bit more manageable--although I have a few other items I could not resist. 

24) Sports-Related Comics. My personal collection includes the series in which Sports Illustrated teamed up with Kellogg's cereal and DC Comics to produce the biographies of Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Ozzie Smith, and Nolan Ryan.  

25) Some Black-and-White comics. My collection includes Batman Black and White--of course. And these days a lot of Golden and Silver Age runs have been reprinted in black-and-white trades like DC's Showcase and Marvel's Essentials. It's a relatively inexpensive way to research your comic book history. AC Comics has also reprinted some Golden Age super heroes and westerns. 

So there you have it. My top 25 essentials to a comic collection in no particular order.