Ironman

Stan Lee, along with Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, created a comic book universe filled with superheroes endowed with incredible powers.

Marvel Comics' Peter Parker was given incredible spider powers when bitten by a radioactive spider. Donald Blake found a cane in a cave when pursued by alien invaders. He struck the cane and became the Mighty Thor. The X-Men were born with incredible powers that manifested themselves at puberty.

Frail and weak Steve Rogers became a super-soldier after being injected with a serum and bombarded by energy rays. Matt Murdock gained super-senses when he was struck by a barrel filled with radioactive waste. He lost his sight but his other senses were super-elevated.

Doctor Stephen Strange’s hands were mangled in an accident. He searched for a cure and became The Master Of The Mystic Arts: Doctor Strange. Hank Pym invented a serum that shrinks things. He used it to became Antman.

Doctor Bruce Banner was bombarded by Gamma rays and became the Green Goliath: The Incredible Hulk. Reed Richards, Susan Storm, Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm were given super-human abilities when their spaceship was bombarded by cosmic rays.

All of the aforementioned Marvel characters gained super powers and used them to fight evil. All faced challenges, tragedies and trials.

But, Stan Lee wanted a character that would be the most unlikely of heroes.

So, he introduced billionaire, playboy and military industrialist Tony Stark who supplied advanced weapons to the US military.

While on tour in Vietnam his party was attacked. Tony’s heart was severely injured by an explosion and he was captured by the Viet Cong.

While there he and another captured scientist were forced to make weapons for the Viet Cong.

The other scientist assisted Tony in creating a device that kept Tony’s heart functioning. They also secretly built a suit of mechanized armor in order to escape. The other scientist sacrificed his life in order for Tony to have enough time to make the armor functional.

Then and there Tony decided to use his armor to fight evil. Later he would abandon making weapons and instead concentrate on more useful devices.

In Titan Comics Ironman The First 60 Years, part of Titan’s Comics/Creator/Allies/Enemies/Culture series of hardback books, the complete Iron’s/Tony Stark’s run of comics is covered.

Full-color interior and cover art spanning every decade along with complete with bottom-of-pages visual timelines look at every aspect of ol’ Shellhead’s existence.

Inside the book you’ll discover the origin of Ironman, his cast of characters and the story-lines that shaped and evolved the character.

Readers will witness his early struggles with a damaged heart, Tony Stark’s alcohol addiction, the may suits of Ironman armor and Tony giving up the mantle of Ironman and passing it on and reclaiming it.

Watch as Ironman/Tony Stark faces all sorts of foes both superhuman, corporate and government.

See those that have followed in Tony’s footsteps donning their own armor-both friend and foe.

Witness his membership in The Avengers, an alternate version of Ironman in the Ultimate Universe, his clashes with fellow heroes, his heartbreaks, triumphs, trials and best of all the gallery of artists who have made Ironman the hero that he is.

Very concise and highly informative text lead you along culminating to a full-gallery of Tony Stark’s variations of his Ironman armor-both updated and/or designed for specific purposes.

It is remarkable that so much information and art about Ironman is contained in this compact hardback book.

Psalms 28:7 - The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

The Comics Journal Library Jack Kirby

There can only be one king and Jack Kirby is the undisputed king of comic books.

Jack began his comic book career in his late teens.  He held steady work from the 1940s until his death in the 1990s.

Jack, along with his one-time partners Joe Simon and Marvel Editor-in-Chief Stan Lee created some of the most iconic and famous figures in comic books.

Jack’s influence can be seen throughout comic book history.  He is responsible for the birth of the Marvel Universe, The Fourth World for DC Comics, the creation of literally hundreds of characters and their costumes, romance comics, as a pioneer in horror and science fiction comic books and even as a storyboard artist on various animated series.

What makes the Fantagraphic's The Comics Journal Library Jack Kirby so interesting is the chronology and an interview with Kirby.

What started out as a conversation with the creative mind who loved working in the comic book field slowly degraded into an interview with a bitter man who felt the comic book industry was against him-particularly Marvel Comics.

In his last interview Kirby takes credit for entire creation of Marvel Comics-stories, characters and all.  He bad-mouthed Stan Lee calling basically him a no talent crybaby who never created one thing for Marvel Comics.

Sadly Kirby’s wife Roz supported his allegations. It’s sad to see a man slowly succumbing to his bitterness and rage and justifying his behavior by ‘facts’ that can easily be verified as  errors by other comic book creators and staff.

Still, Kirby deserves accolades.  He changed the face of comic books and influenced generations of young artists.  His talent for creating characters, costumes, equipment, settings and the like were second to none.

The publication showcases his work over the decades and also includes a full-color gallery and some World War II sketches he drew on the battlefield.

Despite his decline and eventually irrelevancy Kirby was and is The King of Comics!

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

JLA Liberty And Justice

Writer/artist extraordinaire Alex Ross takes DC Comics’ first Silver Age super team: The Justice League of America, on a fantastic journey. 

Talk about a timely story!

The Justice League faces a threat like none they’ve ever faced before.

A worldwide epidemic threatens to destroy mankind and the JLA must combine their considerable skills and powers to squelch the epidemic.

But, were they the ones responsible for bringing it to earth from outer space?  Some people seem to think so and this sets off a panic, mistrust of the JLA and finger pointing.

It also escalates into a worldwide paranoia with nation threatening nation.

Can the JLA stop the spread of the disease and set things right?

In JLA Liberty And Justice it’s a different type of JLA story where the heroes are treated like villains.

Alex Ross is primarily known as a cover artist when it comes to comic books.  The majority of his cover work has been for DC Comics, followed by Marvel Comics, Independents and finally to magazine and special projects.

When he has the opportunity to draw an entire comic book issue it demonstrates just how multi-talented Alex is.

The page layout, illustrations and color application in this JLA special is astounding.  Is there nothing Mr. Ross can’t draw and draw it well?

Alex did a series of DC oversize specials in the early 2000s.  I recommend buying them all.

John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Superman Vs. The Amazing Spider-Man

Webhead versus the Man of Steel?!  How is that even possible?  What if Spider-Man acquired powers similar to Superman's?

When the fists fly Superman is surprised by Spider-Man’s new powers that rival his own.

Why have the heroes of DC Comics and Marvel Comics got into a slugfest?

Doctor Octopus, Lex Luthor, Mary Jane Watson and Lois Lane make their appearances.

What is it with super villains and their giant rampaging machines?

Superman gets called to action when a giant robot rampages through the streets of metropolis.  Superman manages to stop the machine but not before its pilot Lex Luthor escapes, travels to some frozen wastelands and activates another monster machine.

This time Superman destroys the machine and saves Lex from drowning.  Off to prison he goes!

Meanwhile Spider-Man goes one-on-one with Doc Ock’s giant mechanical octopus and then a giant blimp.

Like Lex Luthor Doc Ock finds himself about to drown and Spider-Man saves him.  He too goes to prison.

It just so happens both baddies are in the same jail.  Lex Luthor activates some hidden electronics on his person and breaks out Doc Ock too.  

They conspire to stop both Superman and Spider-Man.

As expected they manage to get Supes and Spidey fighting each other to distract them away from their own nefarious plans.  You can guess the outcome.

The new larger format of the publication allowed artist Ross Andru to kick things up a notch with huge vistas and lots of details in Superman Vs. The Amazing Spider-Man.  It’s a classic!

Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Daredevil The First 60 Years

I’m giving away my age but when I was 11 years old in 1964 Daredevil premiered. Being a Marvel Zombie I (of course) bought the first issue.

I read it and wasn’t really sure what I thought of it. A blind superhero? How? Why? Would it work?

As I continued buying the series I came to realize just how special Daredevil was/is.

This is a guy who as a young man saved a pedestrian from a runaway delivery truck. Inside the truck were barrels of radioactive waste. 

Struck by the truck young Matt Murdock was bathed in the liquid from the barrels and goes blind. Later he discovered that although blind that all of his other senses had been magnified to unbelievable levels.

He developed a radar sense-his senses were so attuned that he could even hear heartbeats. Smell, taste, touch and hearing were all heightened.

As an adult he became a lawyer and decided to use his abilities to fight crime as Daredevil. Donning a black, red and yellow outfit (later all red) Matt fought crime on the street level and back alleys. He honed his physical body and using his athletic and acrobatic skills and along with his heightened senses fights crime.

At first he came off as second tier Spider-Man complete with quips and gyrating gymnastics. But, as the character matured I began to see a more complicated character-one with a unique set of problems, abilities and interesting cast of characters.

Titan Comics/Magazines presents the ultimate guide to the history of Daredevil complete with character bios, key events, comics, creators, allies, enemies and culture in its Daredevil: TheFirst 60 Years hardback book/magazine.

Brimming with incredible art, a chronological time line and all sorts of Daredevil trivia and facts it is a must-have for any comic book fan.

Artwork from different decades are spotlighted from the likes of Gene Colan, Frank Miller and many more. Don’t miss it!

Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Wolverine The First 50 Years

It all started with The Incredible Hulk #180 culminating in issue #182 during the Bronze Age of comic books.

Artist Herb Trimpe and writer Len Wein turned out what was just another Incredible Hulk tale for Marvel Comics.

When the Hulk and Wendigo come face-to-face in Canada the Canadian government sent in one of its’ most fierce agents to take them down. That agent, part of the Weapon X program, was Wolverine.

Originally Wolverine was a young man with razor sharp claws in his gloves. He was basically a throw away character with a costume designed by John Romita.

It wasn’t until Wolverine became part of The New X-Men team some time later that his popularity began to take off. When artist John Byrne took over the art chores for the X-Men Wolverine’s popularity exploded-due in part because, like Wolverine, John Byrne was Canadian.

As the decades passed Wolverine became the most popular member of The New X-Men, earned his own mini-series, then series and guest-star spots in almost (if not all) of Marvel Comics other comic book titles.

When The X-Men movie premiered in the year 2000 Wolverine emerged as the top draw and would go on to star in several solo films.

The feisty, 5 foot, 4 inch tall, with adamantium bones and claws, fast-healing ability and berzerker rage Wolverine continues to be one of Marvel Comics’ top characters going head-to-head with Spider-Man as #1,

In Titan Comics/Magazines’ Wolverine The First 50 Years book/magazine everyone’s favorite canucklehead’s comics, creators, allies, enemies and culture are examined accompanied by gorgeous full-color artwork by many of the comic book industry’s top talent such as Dave Cockrum, John Byrne, Jim Lee and many others.

Lots of facts and information about Wolverine are included along with comic book covers and interior art and so much more broken down by the decades.

Wolverine is by far my favorite Marvel Comics’ character. The only complaint I have is that I wish Marvel had never revealed his origin. I preferred not knowing. A little mystery makes the character even more interesting.

Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Superman/Fantastic Four

DC Comics’ Son of Krypton teams up with Marvel Comics’ premiere quartet super team.

Could it be true?  Could Galactus be responsible for the accelerated destruction of Superman’s home planet Krypton?

Follow Superman as he travels to the Marvel Universe in search of Galactus to learn the truth.

Unfortunately Cyborg Superman is not far behind and he has his own plans for Galactus.

Superman contacts the Fantastic Four after they incapacitate Cyborg Superman.

Coincidentally Cyborg Superman’s creation is similar to The Fantastic Four’s.

Cyborg Superman was a member of a spaceship crew who was exposed to unknown radiation.  But instead of granting the crew superhuman powers it mutated them and eventually killed all of them except Cyborg Superman.

His body was dying.  His newfound power enabled him to transferred his consciousness to machines and eventually a cyborg body consisting of machines and the partially biological fragment taken from Superman’s DNA.

Instead of using his power to benefit mankind his twisted mind turned to crime and plans for world domination.

When Galactus is confronted by Fantastic Four, Superman and Cyborg Superman he transforms Superman into his new herald using a long ago mental implant given to Superman as a baby when his spaceship escaped Krypton’s destruction.

Can the power of The FF, Superman and Cyborg Superman possibly stop Galactus and his plan to destroy earth to satiate his hunger?

DC and Marvel Comics presents Superman/Fantastic Four and oversize, magazine format comic book adventure by Dan Jurgens. 

Psalms 31:24 - Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Superman Vs. Muhammad Ali

The greatest boxer of all time trades blows with the Man of Steel!  Forced to fight each other by an intergalactic fight manager Superman has his powers stripped and faces Muhammad Ali as a normal human.  The fight is not pretty.

This special oversize one-shot Superman Vs. Muhammad Ali, from DC Comics, lets Neal Adams art really shine.  The two page opening street scene is worth the price of admission.

No one does the human anatomy better than Neal Adams and his talent for drawing clothing, settings, vehicles, figures, etc. is really spotlighted in this special oversize publication. 

The fight choreograph is amazing, as are the alien ship armada sequences.

This oversize issue really lets Neal Adams’ art shine.  The cover features a huge montage of famous people at the time of its publication.

Adams was a master at capturing peoples’ likenesses.

Inside he lets loose with huge detailed packed vistas, incredible aliens and spacecraft and some of the best fight scenes ever seen in comic books.

Sadly, he passed away at the age of eighty. His work stayed as dynamic and dazzling as it was when he first started in the business.

It’s a classic oversize issue that is much loved by comic book fans.

Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Barry Windsor-Smith Storyteller #1

From the same man who brought you Marvel Comics’ Conan The Barbarian and Weapon X now brings you his own creations in Barry Windsor-Smith Storyteller #1.

I look at the series as if what if Barry Windsor-Smith continued to draw Conan in addition to Thor.

Few people realize just how revolutionary this series was.  Not only did Smith write and draw the series but he colored it as well and it features some of the most striking and original uses of a color palette imaginable.

Three features make up the first issue of Dark Horse Comics’ Barry Windsor-Smith Storyteller: Freebooters, the Paradoxman and Young Gods.

In the first story Barry pulls out all the stops and presents a two page spread of an entire ancient city.  Wow!

From there he illustrates a sword and sorcery tale with lots of muscle, loincloths, weapons, attire and paraphernalia.  No one does it better than Barry.

The second tale takes a completely different approach with incredible futuristic technology, amazing visual effects, dinosaurs and aliens.  The third tale combines the best of both of the previous tales.

Is there anything Barry Windsor-Smith can’t draw?  Amazing.

The oversize format really lets his art shine and the color pop off the pages.

Be sure to pick up a copy and discover what a true master of sequential arts can do.

3 John 1:2 - Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

Batman Vs. The Incredible Hulk

What happens when DC Comics’ Dark Knight tackles Marvel Comics’ Green Goliath?  Find out in Batman Vs. The Incredible Hulk.

Throw in the Joker and a certain nasty space alien and sparks are sure to fly.

Somehow Batman holds his own against the Hulk.  It’s a true battle between brains and brawn.

The Joker breaks into a government compound to steal a piece of equipment.

What he didn’t count on is that scientist Bruce Banner is employed there in hopes of using the device to stop his transformation into the Hulk.

When The Joker unleashes his laugh gas Banner dons a radiation suit with its own air supply.  But, when a scuffle occurs the suits helmet is shattered and the resulting shock turns Banner into the Hulk.

Batman tracks The Joker and winds up tackling the Hulk.  Somehow he manages to survive.

What exactly is going on and what does The Maker of Worlds have to do with it?

The Joker warps reality, the Hulk and Batman face their greatest fears and it seems everything, everywhere has turned topsy turvy.

That is until Batman and the Hulk combine their brain and brawn to take down the bad guys.

Writer Len Wein turns in one the strangest stories of his career and artist Jose Garcia Lopez proves that he is one of the best comic book artists around.

It’s brawn and brains versus insanity in the ultimate DC and Marvel Comics team-up.

Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

TV Guide October 16-22, 1999

In October of 1999 TV Guide Magazine celebrated “TV’s 50 Greatest Characters Ever!”

Years ago TV Guide Magazine with a small tabloid publication that would list the TV shows airing on the major networks.  Eventually it included cable shows, etc.  There were no streaming series listed-that Internet function did not exist.

In order to draw in more readers TV Guide began producing ‘special’ issues with various covers-sometimes a great deal of various covers for single issues.

In the late 1990s the writing was on the wall when it came to print publications.  Indications were that the Internet (then in its infancy) would eventually replace print (or most of it).

Magazine sales were lagging, as were other forms of print.

In this particular issue as mentioned above TV Guide decided to celebrate TV.  It discovered that special issues tended to sell more copies-so why not cater to what the public wanted and at the same time whet the appetite of collectors?

While the October 16-22, 1999 issue primarily consisted of TV show listings it did feature a significant photo and text gallery of the top TV characters as decided by the public.  Of course it also spotlighted the shows they were on-two for one!

Sadly TV Guide has shrunk (at least in content) and has transformed into a regular size magazine-most of which consists of fluff and celebrity stories.

Still, here was a time where practically every household that had a TV also bought TV Guide every week.  Circulation numbers were in the millions.  Not so today.

Philippians 3:13

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

Superman Peace On Earth

If Superman is as powerful as people claim shouldn’t he be able to end hunger, poverty and crime all over the world?

That’s just what Superman sets out to do. Easier said than done and what do the nations and rulers of the world have to say about it?

This special release lets readers see the more compassionate human side of Superman.

After a short recap of the origin of Superman the oversize graphic novel by Paul Dini and Alex Ross shows Superman performing a few ‘super’ feats.

Standing with his father at their Smallville farm Superman comes to the conclusion he can do more for humanity.

The first thing to do is to feed the hungry people around the world and then on to more problems.

Try as he might he can only do so much.

He comes to realize as powerful as he is he is only one man.

Governments and people around the world must work together to solve its problems.

When one person takes it upon themselves to solve all the world’s problems it only causes more problems.  Nations rise against nations and nationalities against nationalities in a bid to gain more power and to deny others thier needs.

Until petty differences can be put aside, prejudices curtailed and power brought under control there will never be peace.

In the end Superman realizes his mistakes and although he did manage to save a number of people it takes an army of caring individuals to spread peace.

Superman Peace On Earth from DC Comics successfully tackles the premise that Superman, as powerful as he is, is no more responsible or capable than the next man to bring about peace.

John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Big Guy And Rusty The Boy Robot #1

Only writer Frank Miller and artist Geof Darrow could bring you the tale of a giant mechanical man and a little boy robot.

Japanese scientists have succeeded in creating the primal ooze that all life came from (if you believe that sort of thing).

Unfortunately for them the ooze gets out of control and continues to grow.

From the primal sludge an ancient evil has taken it over and is delighted that finally after so many millennia it has a host that is capable of holding its immense power.

Rusty The Boy Robot is activated to destroy the monster but finds himself inadequately prepared to handle it.  In one last desperate attempt the government activates Big Guy.

If you’ve never had the opportunity to see Geof Darrow’s artwork then you are missing a visual treat.

The man packs more detail into each page than most comic book artists put into an entire comic book issue.

Every tiny detail is included.  Your eyes will strain from taking in all the visual goodies.

Big Guy and Rusty team up and manage to hold the monster at bay as it kills then absorbs humans and transforms them into smaller monsters.

Battered, bruised and damaged the powerful mechanical team manages to take out the monster and his hoards with an atomic bomb and cows?

The illustrations are astounding-especially the monster carnage scenes.

What a great story!  The script is funny and fast-paced, the artwork is amazing packed with incredible vistas.  Combine the two and Big Guy And Rusty The Boy Robot #1 from Dark Horse Comics delivers a one-two punch!

Psalms 31:24 - Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

All-New, All-Different Free Previews Marvel

Ok, hold on to your socks!  Are you ready for the true first appearances of some of the hottest Marvel Comics characters?

Here’s a glimpse of the first appearances of:

• Invincible Iron Man
• Sam Wilson, Captain America
• The Totally Awesome Hulk
• The Might Thor (Jane Foster)
• Ms. Marvel 
• A-Force

To make the deal even better the All-New, All-Different Free Previews Marvel magazine was free at local comic book shops. 

It featured The Invincible Iron Man on its cover.

Inside the various new Marvel Comic Book series included cover and interior art and production sketches.

A plethora of two-page posters was included along with the full-page color cover art. Also included were cover art of the Battleworld tie-ins. 

Some titles have come and gone but the ones that remain (including first appearances) still make for great reading.

1 Corinthians 16:13 - Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Diamond Previews, July 2025

Psalms 127:3 - Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

Diamond Previews, June 2025

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

X-Men Wizard Special Edition

Wizard magazine celebrated Marvel’s misfit mutants with a very X-Men Wizard Special Edition dedicated to them.

At one time Wizard Magazine was part of a huge Wizard publishing empire.  Everywhere you looked Wizard Publications published pop culture/collectible magazines, special comic books, sponsored toys, trading card inserts and the like.  

It seems it had its toes dipped into every conceivable collectible outlet.

But, with the popularity and growth of the Internet Wizard magazine sales began to dwindle until it was no longer profitable to publish.  Ad revenue dried up and collectors surfed the Web obtaining up to the minute collectible news instead of waiting month to month for magazine publication releases.

When Wizard was at its height of popularity it published a number of ‘special’ issues dedicated to certain comic book characters-the X-Men being one of them.

In the Wizard X-Men Turn Thirty Collector’s Edition Wizard provided a guide to the comics up until that point in time.  This would have been 1993 in the burgeoning comic book speculation period. 

The book delves heavily into the origin and past of the X-Men and proceeds to follow the decades since spotlighting key events and character premieres. 

The magazine also spotlights and speculates on the future of mutantkind in Marvel Comics and delves into each character's origin and background.

A special poster insert is included along with a timeline, X-Men movie and TV appearances and a creator gallery.

For some real ‘X’citement and an ‘X’cellent X-Men resource be sure to search for a copy.

Psalms 37:4 - Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Diamond Previews, May 2025

 

Hebrews 10:25 - Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Comics Collector #1

Bet you can’t guess what Comics Collector magazine is about.  Wizard magazine is often credited with being the premiere magazine about comic book collecting.  It began publishing in the early 1990s.

But, Comics Collector came out a good ten years before Wizard.

A Curt Swan Superman drawing graces the first issue of Comics Collector (Vol. 1, No. 1 Spring 1983).

Celebrate Superman’s 45th year, delve into the mini-series market, learn about the men behind the Man of Steel, rediscover the greatest comic strip studio of all time and get ready for the return of The Mighty Crusaders.

Witness the evolution of Superman (in full-color), take part in the X-Men Revolution, see how many Kryptonian Kollectibles you have, visit the scene of Kelly Green, Let’s Go Collecting!, reconnect with the T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents and check out the Photo Grading Guide.

You’ll be amazed at the 1983 Price Guide and be sure to check out the advertising section--so retro!

Proverbs 30:5 - Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Diamond Previews, March 2025

Proverbs 30:5 - Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.