Pop Culture Chronicles

Creative Talents: Roy Thomas

In this new category of posts I'll be blogging about some of my favorite creative talents in comics through the years. I'll begin with one of my favorite writers of all time.

Roy Thomas- I first began reading Thomas when he was writing The Invaders for Marvel back in the 70s. Having always been a fan of nostalgia, even as a child, the World War II setting intrigued me. Plus, I love Captain America and the Human Torch. As a fourth grader I picked up my first issue and wondered what Johnny Storm was doing back in World War II. Then I discovered that wasn't Johnny Storm at all, but that Storm was not the original Torch.  

Reading this comic sparked my interest in all things World War II. I am by no means an expert, but Thomas, by integrating his vast knowledge of war history with comic history, has inspired me to learn more about both. I plan to get the trade collections of this series soon.  

Thomas later did All-Star Squadron for DC, in which his knowledge of war history was brought to bear upon DC's Golden Age heroes. Add retroactive continuity to the mix as Thomas filled in the historical gaps of DC's history and I was hooked. Thomas solved such mysteries as why some JSAers dropped out for a time during the Golden Age and why the original members have aged at a much slower rate than normal. Thomas added narrative reasoning to what originally might have been publisher expediency. 

Infinity Inc. and Jonni Thunder were a couple of other Thomas titles that I loved in the 80s. He was also responsible for adapting Conan the Barbarian and Red Sonja for comics. He has written nearly every notable character for Marvel and DC including some classic story-lines like the Avengers' Kree-Skrull War. 

Most recently, I hear that Thomas has been adapting classic literature for the Marvel Illustrated series. He is also editor of the comic fanzine Alter Ego, from TwoMorrows Publishing which focuses on Golden and Silver Age comics. The May and June issues will be Earth-Two companions. Thomas will be writing volumes for TwoMorrow's new series "American Comic Book Chronicles." He is one of the major comic historians of our time.  

Interesting Stuff; Spring 2010

Here is some upcoming stuff that interests me.

Floppies

By "floppies" I mean monthly periodical comics:

Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne - I may actually purchase this six part series as it comes out, beginning in April. From the looks of the covers, it appears that Bruce Wayne makes his way forward from the beginning of time with some interesting historical stops along the way. This one is written by Grant Morrison, which could be great (i.e., All-Star Superman) or not-so-great (i. e., Final Crisis).

Legacies - A ten-part History of the DC Universe from the viewpoint of a man on the street. Now hasn't Marvel done something like that already? (i.e. Marvels)? But the retro appeal, including some Golden Age era stories, makes this right up my alley. This one begins in May.

The Twelve: Spearhead - A World War II era one-shot guest starring Captain America. This one just came out. Maybe there is still hope of Marvel concluding The Twelve limited series sometime. 

War of the Supermen - The series will launch with # 0 given away at Free Comic Book Day. Then I'll decide whether to purchase the series.

Trades & Hardcovers

Who's Who in the DC Universe- I could buy the 15 issue limited series that begins soon, but I choose to wait for the trade for a more encyclopedic feel. It's also easier to take a volume like this off the book shelf as a reference than it is to thumb through single issues in boxes.

The History of the DC Universe - I think this will be a one volume book updating the universe since the alterations brought about in the last few crises. 

Other Titles I May Read in Trades

Batman and Robin - A good series, but I just can't read everything.

Fantastic Four- With Dale Eaglesham having done art chores for this title, I cannot refuse.

Green Hornet - How can I ignore all of Dynamite's hype for this new series? It's got retro appeal too, but I'll wait for the trades.

Zorro- Another good title I haven't collected since the first couple of issues. I'll check out some of the trades.  

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.

 

Marvel's 70th Anniversary

Yes, 2009 is the 70th anniversary of Marvel Comics. It all began with Marvel Comics # 1 published by Timely Comics in 1939. The issue featured the first appearances of The original Human Torch and Sub-Mariner in Timely Comics. But prior to being purchased by Timely, the Sub-Mariner had first appeared in the extremely rare black-and-white Motion Picture Funnies Weekly, a promotional comic given away in movie theaters for eight issues. The first issue featured the Sub-Mariner (now worth about $30,000). 

The Sub-Mariner's first adventure was reprinted, expanded, and colored for the first issue of Marvel Comics which became Marvel Mystery Comics with the second issue. The story was later reprinted in 1977's The Invaders # 20. Marvel Mystery Comics was a super-hero anthology featuring the ongoing adventures of Sub-Mariner, Human Torch, and later the original Angel. (The first issue, Marvel Comics, is worth about $400,000). 

Of course we know that Timely Comics finally evolved into the company now known as Marvel Comics. So how are they celebrating their 70th year in business? Surely there will be hype and some "retro" products to remember the Golden Age. Yes, there will!

In May we have DeFalco and Burnham's Marvel Mystery Comics # 1 Anniversary Special with Sub-Mariner, Human Torch, and the Angel fighting Nazis during WW II. The back-up story will be a Golden Age reprint.  

And in June, Ed Brubaker is writing a series which finally tells the true definitive origin of the Marvel Universe. The epic will cover the Depression era through Pearl Harbor and include the aforementioned characters. It's an eight-issue series called The Marvels Project. While the ever-popular Marvels was more of a survey of Marvel's history from an onlooker's perspective,The Marvels Project will offer an insider's look on how the whole super-hero phenomena came about in the Marvel Universe. I'm sure it will be reprinted in trades, but I'm too excited to wait.  

I love revivals of Golden Age characters and especially when they are featured in a Golden Age setting. I loved The Invaders as a child and Marvels as an adult. The current Avengers / Invaders is also worth reading. I'm hopeful that these new projects will not disappoint.  

(Image from the The Comic Vine).            

Retro Revival

So much of what's coming out is a revival of bygone characters and concepts. Here is a list of soon-to-be-released stuff that interests me:

Science Fiction Heroes

- Flash Gordon (A new comic from a publisher called Ardden).

-Buck Rogers (reprints of the newspaper strips) 

- Star Trek Key Collection (trade reprints of Gold Key Star Trek series) (22.95 from Checker publishing).

Silver Age Heroes

- Final Crisis: Resist (features former JLA mascot, Snapper Carr) (October)

- Age of the Sentry - While this character has only been around since the beginning of this decade a Marvel publicity stunt preceded his first appearance. He was billed as a never-before-published Silver Age hero. This was a hoax, but the Sentry now has his own mini-series, set in the Silver Age era. The comic is appropriate for all ages. Kids will find it high adventure, but adults will love the campy satire of Marvel's Silver Age. 

Golden Age Heroes 

- Archie Super Heroes- DC will be publishing adventures of these heroes including the Shield, the Fly, the Black Hood, and others. Eighties and Nineties revivals by both Archie and DC (under the Impact banner) will be forgotten. The fresh start begins in Brave and the Bold after Michael J. Straczynski of The Twelve takes the helm, continuing his practice of reintroducing the heroes of old.

- Phantom Annual# 1 (with Mandrake) Moonstone's version of Lee Falk's creation. Perhaps the earliest Golden Age hero, pre-dating even Superman. The Phantom was the first to wear the cowl and the skin-tight costume. He also donned the non-pupil-revealing mask which has become such a standard of super hero fare. He began as a newspaper strip but has since been published by nearly every famous comic book publisher. (November)  

- The Phantom (Dynamite's version of Lee Falk's creation with covers by Alex Ross) (Jan 09)

- Project Super Powers Spin-offs - The Black Terror will be getting an ongoing series and Masquerade will be getting a mini-series. Death Defying Devil will get one or the other. I'm looking forward to seeing some of these heroes branch off into their own titles. The main title has had Golden Age super heroes coming out of the woodwork (or the urn) leaving little room for any serious character development. 

- Marvels: Eye of the Camera - Long awaited sequel retelling Marvel's Golden and Silver Age through the eyes of a photojournalist. This time without Alex Ross. Starts in December. 

- Justice Society of America - Three Kingdom Come one-shots in November.  

- Captain America: Theater of War: Operation Zero Point - World War II one-shot. 

Film and TV Heroes  

- Mr. T Graphic Novel - Return of a retro character appropriately published by Mohawk Media.

- Kolchak Tales Annual 1 - Based on the TV movies and short lived 70s horror series, Kolchak now hunts monsters in the comics. This annual features Kolchak and Barnabas Collins of Dark Shadows fame. The latter, to my knowledge, has not appeared in comics since the 70s. Both Dark Shadows and the original Kolchak movies were Dan Curtis productions. Both these shows terrified me as a child and I am pleased to see these characters returning. (November)

Collected Newspaper Strips (All in the Fall, probably October)

- Blondie: Bumstead Family History (29.99 from Nelson)

- Complete Little Orphan Annie (No mask, but still no pupils) (hc, v. 2, 39.99, IDW)

- Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace (1959-1960; hc, v. 5, $25)

- Milton Caniff's Steve Canyon (1955; 19.95, Checker)  

- Complete Chester Gould's Dick Tracy (hc, v. 5)

Literary Characters

A Christmas Carol Graphic Novel (19.95, Classical publishing)

Disney All-Ages Comics

Boom Studios has cut a deal to publish various comics based on Pixar characters including The Incredibles (illustrated by Darwyn Cooke), Wall E., Nemo, Cars, Monsters Inc., and the Toy Story toys. These will begin as mini-series and be reprinted as collected editions. While the characters aren't old enough to be retro, the concept is very retro: Disney comics for all ages. And these promise to be truly all ages, kid friendly, but not just for kids. 

So there you have a good list of some retro stuff coming out. I'm hyped!  

Collected Reprint Editions

Throughout the modern age of comics thus far, collected reprint editions have been popular. A collected edition might be in trade paperback format or it might be a hardcover archives edition.

Collected editions are basically comic book reprints in book form that bring together stories consisting of a particular series, character, or theme. Just as it doesn't take long for movies to get to DVD these days, nor does it take long for comics to be reprinted as collected editions. Once a title completes a story arc of several issues, those issues are soon reprinted either in paperback or hardcover. It's also common for Golden, Silver, and Bronze Age series to be reprinted in collections.

The good thing about all this is that it can make comics more affordable and easier to collect. Reprints of Golden Age material is far more affordable than the original comics. And the reprint editions are usually restored to pristine quality. And if a reader doesn't want to collect every issue in a current story arc, reading the story in small bits over several months, one can just wait for the run to be reprinted. Reprint editions can also be found in public libraries, providing access to the stories without having to buy them, or allowing readers to preview prior to purchase. So this is great news for comic fans.  

If there is a down side, it is the potential poor health of the back issue market. Who wants to do all the leg work of collecting back issues of a recent limited series when it's easier, and sometimes less expensive, to simply buy the trade? This could be bad news for dealers and collectors trying to move back issue stock--especially comics that are only several months old. 

I still buy an occasional back issue though. I recently cataloged my entire comic collection, discovering gaps in several runs--an issue or two missing here and there. Since I have some almost complete runs in comic book format it makes since to fill in the gaps with standard comics. On the other hand, I wanted to collect every JLA/JSA team-up. As opposed to hunting down all the back issues and spending hundreds of dollars, I'm collecting the trade series that reprints these stories--Crisis on Multiple Earths. Volume five is rumored to be in the works. 

That being said, I've recently noticed how the Dark Horse company is outdoing itself in regard to retro reprints. Here are some of the nostalgic reprint collections I am personally glad to see, all from Dark Horse: 

Golden Age Archives

Roy Rogers Archives reprints the King of the Cowboys first comic appearances, from Dell's Four Color series published in the 40s. Coming soon. The issues reprinted in this collection would cost thousands of dollars if one collected the back issues. Archive editions usually run around 50 bucks--or about $32 on Amazon.    

Green Lama Archives dedicates two volumes to this forgotten 40s hero who has recently made a comeback in Dynamite's Project Superpowers.

Shmoo Archives A character originating in Al Capp's Li'l Abner. This volume reprints all the Shmoo's comic book appearances from the 40s and 50s.

Harvey Collections

Remember when Disco Queen, Donna Summer, sang "Lookin' for some hot stuff, baby this evenin'. I want some hot stuff, baby tonight"? This may not be exactly what Ms. Summer meant, but now everyone can have Hot Stuff the Little Devil in a paperback collection in the Harvey Classics series. Now this is the original Hell Boy! Not really. More like Hell Baby. A devil in a diaper. How intimidating.

As a child, I recall reading many of the Harvey comics, but especially Hot Stuff and Richie Rich. Reprint volumes thus far include: Casper, Richie Rich, and Hot Stuff. Forthcoming volumes include Baby Huey and Harvey Girls (featuring Little Dot, Little Audrey, and Little Lotta). All for just around $20 each. 

Silver Age "Gold Key" Reprints

I still have fond memories of the now defunct Gold Key Comics. Most of those I read as a kid (and still own) consist of TV, movie, and cartoon characters. But Dark Horse is now reprinting the original material first published by Gold Key. 

Doctor Solar, Man of the Atom was Gold Key's first original hero (1962-69). Four volumes of his Archives have now been published.

Magnus, Robot Fighter, 4000 A.D. has now seen three Archive editions. Dark Horse has also revived this character in some recent comics.

M.A.R.S Patrol Total War Archives with art by the legendary Wally Wood, reprints stories from 1966-69. 

Boris Karloff, Tales of Mystery will be archived in 2009 complete with a forward by Sara Karloff, daughter of Boris.

Silver Age "American Comics" Reprints

MagicMan Archives reprints the adventures of this Vietnam War era sorcerer. His adventures ran in Forbidden Worlds 125-141. While the Archive edition is $60, a back issue would range from $40 to $100. Coming Soon.         

Nemesis Archives reprints the exploits of this hero from Adventures into the Unknown 154-170 (1965-67). An expensive Archive running about $60, but even one issue of the originals in near mint condition would cost you at least that much. Coming soon. 

I, for one, am happy to see the Golden and Silver Age comics being reprinted. This provides more all ages alternatives. The problem is that today's kids can't afford these, but there is always the library and retro parents who will buy and perhaps share them.     

I hope more Gold Key and Dell series will be archived but since so many of their characters were licensed to them by other companies (such as Disney and Hanna Barbera) it might require some legal red tape. 

I love reprint collections because I'm so retro. Of course the stories weren't usually too sophisticated by today's standards (a bit juvenile as opposed to being truly for "all" ages). But I love this stuff for the nostalgic flavor. I like them because of the retro appeal.           

Review: All Star Superman

Grant Morrison, author of Final Crisis, also writes the twelve part series, All- Star Superman. In contrast to Final Crisis, about which I've been less than enthusiastic, I really love All-Star Superman. Since the story takes place outside the mainstream DCU, anything can happen. So is Superman really dead? One more issue to go! I hear it comes out this month. 

I also hear that at the NYCC it was confirmed that this series will indeed be limited to twelve issues. The creative team is busy with other projects and, IMO, no other team will do on this one. I especially cannot imagine anyone but Frank Quitely doing the art. We may, however, see a couple of All-Star Superman one-shots in the future. I hope so.

And I also hope that the All-Star Universe will be a part of the larger DC multiverse. Why settle for 52 when we can have MULTIPLE EARTHS?        

Looking Ahead

I've been away for a while, but I'm back and planning to post on a much more frequent basis. I have tons of ideas for writing about comics and other aspects of pop culture. Keep checking in for more posts. 

Blogging is a great way to organize your thougths, so here is a reminder to myself, and whoever else is interested, regarding some upcoming events in DC Comics.

Countdown to Adventure (trade paperback). $17.99, release date July 23. Reprinting the recent mini series, this continues the adventures of Animal Man, Adam Strange, and Starfire, my favorite storyline in the 52 title.

Justice Society of America Annual 1 - release date July 31. I've mentioned several times the exciting return to Earth-2. I understand that the Batman of this earth will indeed be deceased. I'm still holding out hope that someday he can be brought back. In comics anything can happen. But this will be good anyway, with the return of Robin and the Huntress. And I've read that this will be the springboard for launching Power Girl in her own series. How cool is that!?!?

DC Universe: Last Will and Testament - This August release will appear between Final Crisis 3 & 4 as the DC heroes prepare for the battle of the millennium. How will each choose to spend what may prove to be the last day of their lives? 48 pages.

Final Crisis: Legion of Three Worlds - Three versions of the Legion of Superheroes including some really retro incarnations and the sole survivor of Earth Prime. This five issue mini-series begins in August.

Final Crisis: Superman Beyond- A two-parter in which, according to CSN, Superman teams up with his "multiple earth counterparts on a voyage to the edge of the DC Universe--and beyond.' So there is something beyond the 52 universes of the reestablished multiverse? I can't wait to see what!

Kingdom Come - Trade paperback. Not having read the complete series, which this reprints,  I'll either pick this up when finances allow or wait for it at the public library.

Brave and the Bold- J. Michael Straczynski, of Marvel's The Twelve will take over writing chores on this title later this year. His first story will team up Batman and the Jim Corrigan Spectre. Sounds pretty retro to me.

Well, I'm off to update my pull list.