Back Issue #54, December

TwoMorrows Publishing presents the 54th issue of its Back Issue magazine that looks back at some of the best comic books and characters from the past. Included are interviews and articles about the creators that made them.

In issue #54 the theme of the book theme is Liberated Ladies and who better to star on the cover than DC Comics’ Big Barda?

First up is a retrospective of Big Barda, her appearances and black and white and color art from the many artists who have drawn her over the years. They include Jack Kirby, Michael Golden, John Byrne and others.


Valkyrie was an instant hit when she first appeared in Marvel Comics. Her appearance in the Hulk and especially The Avengers titles made her a fan favorite. When she teamed with the Lady Liberators her popularity grew. She is still a popular character today recently appearing (in altered form) in Marvels’ Ultimates title.


Ms. Marvel was Marvel’s female version of Captain Marvel. Her Kree spawned powers pitted her against various interstellar villains. Mystique stole her powers and Ms. Marvel was temporarily absent from comic books until her reappearance in the avengers.


Other female superstars are the woman who both write and draw comic books. Back Issue looks back over the stellar careers of Barbara Kesel, Gail Simone and Jill Thompson. Examples of their work are shown throughout the magazine.


A favorite non-super-powered heroine is Starfire. Her short, but pivotal run of issue is examined accompanied with art from various artists.


Without a doubt Marvel Girl/Phoenix/Dark Phoenix is one of the most powerful and popular female characters ever created for comic books. Since her first appearance in The Uncanny X-Men, Marvel Girl (Jean Grey) has been killed and brought back form death more than most other comic book characters in the history of the medium.


Art by jack Kirby, Dave Cockrum, John Byrne complement the extensive article.


Last, but never last, comes She-Hulk. Introduced in the Bronze Age, She-Hulk is almost as popular as her male counterpart, the Hulk. Read why the Emerald Giantess is still so popular with fans.