DC Special Series #27 Batman vs. the Incredible Hulk

In 1975, DC and Marvel both attempted to gain the rights to publish a comic adaptation of the Wizard of Oz, eventually deciding to co-publish the project. The result was the tabloid-sized "MGM's Marvelous Wizard of Oz". DC and Marvel quickly agreed to another co-publishing venture, and in early 1976 "Superman vs. Spider-Man" was released as a one-shot tabloid. Five years later DC and Marvel revisited the Superman and Spider-Man team-up in Marvel Treasury Edition #28, and later that same year DC took their turn at an inter-company crossover in the final issue of DC Special Series. DC Special Series was an umbrella title for one-shots and special issues published by DC Comics since 1977. Each issue featured a different character and varied in format, published as either Dollar Comics, 48 page giants, digests, or treasury editions. 

DC Special Series #27, released September 24, 1981, is a comic book of 64 tabloid-sized pages (25 cm x 33 cm), with a cover price of $2.50. Neither the umbrella title nor the numbering system appear on the cover, the title "DC Special Series" appearing only in the indicia, with the cover banner reading “DC and Marvel Present: Batman vs. the Incredible Hulk”. DC Special Series #27 features cover and interior artwork by Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez & Dick Giordano (Inker), with a story, “The Monster and the Madman", by the legendary Len Wein. When a story features Bruce Banner working at a division of Wayne Research, assisting in the development of a gamma-gun designed to cure diseases, and the Joker is intent on stealing that selfsame gamma-gun, well, you know serious mayhem is going to follow! This epic tale was the last tabloid-sized comic published by DC for almost twenty years.

Conversion of Assets V

With the recent popularity of the Avengers movie and the Iron Man films, there is a growing nostalgia for the Silver Age and Bronze Age Iron Man! With that in mind, the panelology department set their sights on acquiring a nice copy of ‘Iron Man #47’. But in order to acquire the necessary funds the following books were sold: first, ‘Batman #251’, published by DC Comics September, 1973. This issue is the bronze-age debut of the Joker, profoundly revised by writer Denny O'Neil and artist Neal Adams. Graded around F (6.0), the cover gloss on this issue still has moderate reflectivity, although there is some minor cover wear, with some minor to moderate creasing; second, ‘Batman #386’, published by DC Comics August, 1985. This issue contains the first appearance of the villain Black Mask. Graded around VF/NM (9.0), this is a sharp copy with no creases, and still has outstanding eye appeal. Issue #251 was sold for $49.96 CAD and issue #386 for $45.79 CAD - a total of $95.75.

These funds were then used to purchase a CGC graded 9.0 (VF/NM) copy of ‘Iron Man #47’ for a total of $92.64 CAD. Published by Marvel Comics in June, 1972, this issue retells the origin of Iron Man, written by Roy Thomas with art by the incomparable Barry Windsor Smith. This is the first detailed retelling of the golden Avenger’s origin since his debut in ‘Tales of Suspense #39’, a decade earlier. The cover itself, an iconic Iron Man image if ever there was one, is by the legendary Gil Kane. As the Iron man movie franchise has grossed over one-billion dollars worldwide, there will be lots of fans for generations to come that will be interested in key issues of his eponymous comic book series!

Planet of the Apes 50th Anniversary

2013 marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of Pierre Boulle’s science-fiction classic La Planète des singes, also known in English as Planet of the Apes. The novel was published in France in 1963 by René Julliard, with the first English language version, translated by Xan Fielding, published in the United States by Vanguard Press in June 1963. The first paperback edition was published in the US in March 1964 by Signet / New American Library. The novel has inspired a media franchise comprising several films, two television series (one animated), comic books, toys, etc. The small collection gathered here is comprised of the following items:

 

Planet of the Apes 35th anniversary DVD - Released 2004 by 20th Century Fox. 2 DVDs. 1968/color/112 min. Anamorphic, Color, Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS Surround Sound, NTSC, Widescreen.

 

 

Dr. Zaius Mego figure - By 1973 a total of five Ape films had been released, and while it might have seemed like the end of the Ape dynasty, it was actually the beginning of the short-lived phenomenon referred to as Ape-Mania. In 1973, 20th Century Fox advertising challenged America to “Go Ape!” They began showing the first two Ape films on TV and all five Ape films in back to back marathons in movie theatres. As luck would have it, Mego President Marty Abrams attended a screening with his son, not even knowing what Planet of the Apes was, but saw fathers and sons enjoying the films together. The next day he was reportedly on the phone with 20th Century Fox executives securing the rights to produce figures based on the Planet of the Apes property. This figure, an early issue Dr. Zaius with the simpler black hero boot, was released in the summer of 1974.

 

 

Addar Cornelius Hobby Kit - The original Planet of the Apes model series was produced by Addar between 1973 and 1975. The kit was sold as a snap-together kit (no glue needed), so no paint or glue was included with the kits. Addar was out of business by 1976, but Cornelius, Dr. Zaius, Dr. Zira and General Ursus were reissued by Polar Lights under the Aurora logo in the 1990s.

 

Adventures on the Planet of the Apes #1 - Comic Book published by Marvel Comics group in 1975. Cover art is by Jim Starlin ; interior art by Ploog and Tuska. This adaptation of the movie by Doug Moench reprints material from Marvel’s Planet of the Apes magazine, but for the first time in color.

 

 

Rubber Gorilla Soldier - Copyright 1973 APJAC Productions and 20th Century Fox; Manufacturer unknown.

 

Planet of the Apes by Pierre Boulle - First US paperback edition published in March 1964 by Signet / New American Library.

 

Planet of the Apes by Pierre Boulle - Signet, 18th printing 451-Q5646, circa 1973.

 

Planet of the Apes by Pierre Boulle - Ballantine Books edition, 1st thus, May 2001.

 

Beneath the Planet of the Apes by Michael Avallone - Bantam Books S5674, first printing, July 1970.

 

Escape from the Planet of the Apes by Jerry Pournelle - Award Books, first printing, 1973.

 

Conquest of the Planet of the Apes by John Jakes - Award Books, first printing, 1973.

 

Battle for the Planet of the Apes by David Gerrold - Award Books, first printing, 1973.

 

Assorted Topps trading cards - From a set for the short-lived Planet of the Apes TV show released in 1975.

 

Pierre Boulle’s Planet of the Apes, a science-fiction classic, was the beginning of a long lasting  series of interpretations of his fantastic vision. Generations have grown up on his ideas, written books with subjects as diverse as 'Planet of the Apes and Philosophy' and 'Planet of the Apes as American Myth: Race and Politics in the Films and Television', and made their own films capturing Boulle’s vision. There have been toys, and games, movies, and books, and a myriad of other products. Truly, the last fifty years have been the Age of the Apes! In the words of the Lawgiver from Battle for the Planet of the Apes: "The promise is yours to keep. Yours to pass on to your children for them to keep." 

Thor 160

Thor issue 160, by Stan (the man) Lee and Jack (king) Kirby, was published by Marvel Comics with a cover date of January 1969. Jack Kirby (August 28, 1917 – February 6, 1994), born Jacob Kurtzberg, was an American comic book artist, writer and editor, and one of the most influential creators in the comic book medium. Teaming up with writer/editor Stan Lee on The Fantastic Four in 1961, the series became a hit that revolutionized the industry. The same creative team, joined by scripter Larry Lieber (Stan's brother), debuted Thor in Journey into Mystery 83 (August 1962), an anthology which was retitled Thor with issue 126 (March 1966). With Thor, Kirby continued to expand the medium's boundaries, working with photo-collage and developing new drawing techniques such as the method for depicting energy fields now known as "Kirby Krackle", and other experiments.

Galactus first appeared on the scene in Fantastic Four 48 “The Coming of Galactus!”, and after he left he wasn’t supposed to return for a very long time. Needless to say, Galactus became an immediate hit with the readers and Lee, ever in touch with the fan base, prompted Kirby to bring Galactus back in not only Fantastic Four, but Thor as well. Issue 160 brings us the first part of Galactus vs. Ego! Planet eater vs. living planet - with the colonizers of Rigel, the Recorder, and Thor in the middle! This copy is estimated to be in a very collectible VF+ condition, with nice cover gloss, creamy/white pages, and a tight centerfold. The main critique of its condition is a small 1/3 inch crease on the bottom right-hand corner of the cover. Acquired some years ago for only $10 CDN, the book is both a great work of art and a great investment.

Spawn Promotional Poster

Spawn is a fictional comic book character, created by writer/artist Todd McFarlane, who first appeared in Malibu Sun #13 (May 1992), and afterward in a monthly comic book published by Image Comics. This promotional poster measures 28 cm by 40.5 cm when fully open, and features a full color image of McFarlane's Spawn. When folded, the poster features two additional black-and-white images by McFarlane. Designed for advertising use, the poster came pre-folded, and is therefore in its original condition. As an advertising piece, this poster pre-dates the release of Spawn #1, and although the popularity of Spawn has faded over time, the launch of Image Comics is still considered a milestone event that rocked the Comic book industry.

Todd McFarlane, born March 16, 1961, is a Canadian cartoonist, artist, writer, toy designer and entrepreneur, best known for his work in comic books. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, McFarlane became a comic book superstar due to his work on Marvel Comics' Spider-Man franchise. After Spider-Man #16 (Nov. 1991), McFarlane left the book due to creative differences with new editor Danny Fingeroth, and helped form Image Comics, pulling the occult anti-hero Spawn from his high school portfolio, and updating him for the 1990s. Spawn was a popular hero in the 1990s, and encouraged a trend in creator-owned comic book properties.

Conversion of assets II

Who says lightning dosen't strike twice? Another "conversion of assets" was recently made: a set of ‘Night Nurse’ was sold for a total of $123 CAD.'Night Nurse' was published by Marvel Comics Group and lasted only four issues, cover-dated November 1972 to May 1973. The medical drama series focused on the adventures of three female roommates who worked the night shift at a fictional hospital in New York City.

The cash was used to purchase a CGC graded 9.0 (VF/NM) copy of ‘Amazing Spider-Man #96'. Published by Marvel Comics Group dated May 1971, this issue features an appearance by the Green Goblin, and is notable for being the first main stream American comic book to be published without the seal of the Comics Code Authority, a de facto censor for the U.S. comic book industry.

Conversion of assets

A lesson was learned a long time ago about the empty feeling that lingers after a collectible is sold for cold cash. The money is alright at first, but quickly that high fades away. Trading, or converting, however, is a different prospect altogether! Just recently, one such "conversion of assets" was made: a NM copy of ‘Batman: Vengeance of Bane’ was sold for a total of $58 CAD, and the cash used to purchase a CGC graded 9.0 (VF/NM) copy of ‘Marvel Team-up #3’.

‘Marvel Team-up #3’, published by Marvel Comics Group dated July 1972, features an early appearance by Morbius, the Living Vampire. The CGC grading is a guarantee of quality when purchasing books sight-unseen, and allows for easier conversion at a later date. ‘Batman: Vengeance of Bane’ was published by DC Comics dated January 1993, and features the origin & first appearance of Batman's adversary Bane. Interest in this book has spiked recently due to the character's appearance in the upcoming Batman movie.

Amazing Spider-man 40

Amazing Spiderman issue 40 was published by Marvel Comics with a cover date of September 1966. The story, as always, by Stan Lee, was illustrated by John Romita Sr., and told the origin of the Green Goblin. This copy is estimated to be in a very collectible F+ condition. Most of the criticism of the condition is due to minor edge wear and stress marks along the spine. The pages are still supple with a creamy color, and the centerfold shows no signs of undue wear.

Marvel Comics Group started in 1939 as Timely Publications, and by the early 1950s had generally become known as Atlas Comics. Marvel's incarnation dates from 1961, with the company launching Fantastic Four. The Amazing Spider-Man began publication in 1963 as a monthly periodical and was published continuously until a re-launch in 1999 with a new numbering order. This copy of issue 40 was acquired some years ago for $25 CDN, a shrewd buy then, an even better investment now.

Marvel Superheroes Poster

Arguably released at the height of his career, this poster by John Buscema is his take on the superhero montage familiar to most comic book fans. In 1978, small-press publisher Sal Quartuccio released 'The Art of John Buscema', a retrospective that included an interview, previously unpublished sketches and drawings, and a cover that was released contemporarily as this 56cm by 40cm poster.

John Buscema was one of the preeminent comic book artists of the late 20th century, and one of the mainstays of Marvel Comics during its 60s and 70s ascendancy into an industry leader. He is perhaps best known for his work on the Savage Sword of Conan, which was one of the most popular comic series in the 1970s and is now considered a cult classic.