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Friday, November 29, 2019

Dreadstar and Will-O’-The-Wisp


Collecting comic books, like any other collecting, requires more than knee-jerk reactions to ‘what’s hot’ and ‘value’.

True collectors are aware of both but are primarily guided by the significance of the various objects in their respective collections.

Collecting comic books is much more than running after the latest hot issue and purchasing solely for profit.

It takes a discerning eye to identify issues that are more than printed entertainment.

Two examples of comic books (this time from Marvel) that represent key moments are The Amazing Spider-Man #234 and Epic Comics’ Dreadstar #1.

Two important things occur in The Amazing Spider-Man #234.

A character guest stars who is rumored to play an important part in future Spider-Man continuity: Will-O’-The-Wisp and the Tarantula is transformed into a human spider.

A special feature is also included: The Marvel Comics Guide To Collecting Comics!

Artist/writer Jim Starlin in his early career really shook things up with his art and writing of Captain Marvel and Warlock.  He introduced the characters Thanos, Gamorra and Drax the Destroyer-among others.

His galaxy/cosmic stories shook not only the Marvel Universe but DC Comics as well with characters like Mongul.

When Marvel created its Epic line of creator-owned comic book line it was a perfect fit for Starlin.

Unrestrained by Marvel continuity Starlin created his own cosmic saga dubbed Dreadstar.




Starlin pulled out all the stops in this stellar epic and pioneered mainstream comics attempt to pull in talent that would produce successful series for both the parent comic book publishers and the creators themselves.

It’s a very important issue that radically changed the direction of the mainstream comic book publishing community.


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