§ March 14th, 2005 § Filed under Uncategorized Comments Off on
Archie’s T.V. Laugh-Out #100 (April 1985) – art by Dan DeCarlo
Thought maybe you all would like to see Archie Comics’ tribute to the King of Pop – by whom I mean Michael Jackson, not Glenn Scarpelli (whom I’ll discuss in a moment). The lead story revolves around the Archie gang encountering “Jackie Maxon,” a Jackson-a-like who shares Jackson’s love for animals:
At any rate, as Jackie is thanking the Archies for performing as the opening band at his show, he accidentally drops and leaves behind what appears to be his private diary, which, apparently just like the real Michael Jackson, he carries with him everywhere. Eager to keep this journal from falling into the wrong hands (i.e. “Ed Sleaze,” a tabloid muckracker), the gang treks to Maxon’s spacious estate to return the book. After a series of misadventures, they finally reach Maxon…who reveals that it’s not a diary, but a book of “special food formulas for the different animals” in his zoo!
The second story stars Glenn Scarpelli, one of the stars of the sitcom One Day at a Time. If that seems like an odd person to be featured in an Archie comic, all becomes clear once you realize he’s the son of longtime Archie cartoonist Henry Scarpelli. And yes, Henry is responsible for this story, where Glenn’s car has broken down and he has to hitch a ride:
Fleeing from these girl groupies (uh…what?), Glenn finds himself lost in the forest, facing off against a bear, and finally, after hiking through the woods all night, happens upon a remote gas station. Unfortunately, the attendant doesn’t believe that this disheveled mess could
possibly be the real Glenn Scarpelli:
Poor Glenn is stuck in a nightmare, where no one recognizes him! Not the attendant, not the dad ‘n’ daughter who take pity on him and give him a ride, not even his faithful butler Otto whom he manages to call with the quarter the gas attendant gave him. Luckily, it turns out that it really
was a nightmare, as Glenn wakes in his own bed, back in a world where
everyone recognizes him as the famous Glenn Scarpelli.
Anyway, inspired by something pal JP mentioned to me as we were talking about this comic a couple days ago, I did a Google search on Mr. Scarpelli. Of course, there’s the inevitable Internet Movie Database entry, and here’s an article from last year about Mr. Scarpelli’s latest TV project.
§ March 14th, 2005 § Filed under Uncategorized Comments Off on
Thanks to everyone for the kind birthday wishes, both in my comments and via e-mail.
While I was at work today, I just happened to be sorting through some of our Amazing Spider-Man backstock and found another copy of #73. Like the one I posted earlier, this copy also had a “MAR 13” cover date stamp, but in a different typeface from the first. So, there we go…about as good as a confirmation as I’m going to get that this issue of Amazing Spider-Man did indeed come out on the day I was born. Cool. Now if I could only find some other comic released on my birthday….
A couple people have asked me why the printed cover dates are so far off from the actual release date…well, I have read a couple reasons why, and I thought I’d note them here. I’m no expert on this particular aspect of comicdom, so if someone has a better, or at least an additional, explanation, feel free to chime in.
1. To trick the retailer into keeping the comic on the stands longer. You know, March rolls around, it’s time to take the February issues off the stands, but this here copy of the True Bride-to-Be Romances comic has a cover date of June. Better keep that one on the rack! Well, I’m not sure how successful a tactic that was, though it must have caused some retailers a minor bit of confusion. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have copies of old comics now with the actual arrival dates written or stamped on the cover.
Nowadays, of course, that almost certainly doesn’t work on most comic store retailers, since, at least in our case, we keep very detailed cycle sheets tracking what came in when and how it’s selling. At the very least, you know to take the old one off the rack when the new issue comes in. For comics sold on newsstands, they still have the color-coded bars at the top of the pages which tell those retailers when to cycle out the books, bypassing the need for the cover dates entirely. (You can find more info on this here, under “3-17” near the bottom of the page.)
2. To create the psychological perception of “newness” to the reader. Well, it wasn’t worded exactly like that when I came across this explanation, but that’s the gist of it. It was felt that maybe a kid trying to choose which comic to spend his 15 cents on would lean toward the comic that was the “newer” issue. You know, passing up the September issue of Avengers for the October issue of Superman, even though both may have been released more or less at about the same time. I never really quite bought that idea, since a kid that likes the Avengers is going to buy the Avengers, regardless if there are newer books on the stands.
3. Stuff happens. You know, behind the scenes shenanigans, shipping skip weeks, missed deadlines or something ships ahead of time…and the next thing you know, issues cover dated November are coming out in August. Okay, that’s more likely today than in the ’50s or ’60s, but more along the lines of comics dated, say, November ’04 coming out in August ’05.
Anyway, whatever the reason, it hardly matters anymore. Once in a blue moon I have someone ask me for a comic by a specific month – “do you have the April Cable & Deadpool?” – as most people just go by the issue numbers (at least in the direct market).
Again, thank you for the birthday well-wishes…and be sure to think happy thoughts for my sister, whose birthday is the 14th!
§ March 10th, 2005 § Filed under Uncategorized Comments Off on
Okay, I’ve decided that I’ll do try to do this at least one more time next week (after doing it for the previous two weeks), since after that I’ll start getting back to titles I discussed when I started. I don’t want to start repeating myself (well, more) on titles that I don’t read on a regular basis.
So, like before…here’s a list of every comic book (not magazine, nor graphic novel, nor manga) that came in this week, ripped directly from our invoice and into your hearts. Due to distribution shenanigans, some indie titles may have arrived in your area and not in ours, and vice versa.
ACTION COMICS #825 – okay, I know this comic isn’t “good” in any kind of traditional sense, but by God, that logo says “Action” and that’s what this comic delivers. It’s sound, it’s fury, it’s signifying nothing, but it’s still a fun read (and I use the word “read” loosely).
ADAM STRANGE #6 – I’ve noted a minor Adam Strange backlash in various places online, from people who are irritated at the idea of this series leading into the Rann/Thanagar War mini. However, sales just keep going up, up, up on this series. And Dave Gibbons writing Rann/Thanagar War…can’t wait to see it.
AMAZING JOY BUZZARDS #3 – I know all those folks out there in comicsweblogosphereland were really into this comic, but, well, it just didn’t do anything for me. Keep in mind that I’m old and no longer hep to what you youngsters are into.
AQUAMAN #28 – You know, I read Aquaman for years and years…and then after Eric Larsen took over the series a few years back, I tried to hang with it, but just couldn’t. I tried again when Rick Veitch started writing this current series, but again, I think I’m just all Aquamaned out. Sorry…so I think I’ll defer to the expert in regards to this title!
ARMOR X #1 – Yet another variation on the “guy accidentally acquires superpowered armor” genre of super-comics. Not bad looking, but I wonder what else there is to say on this subject.
ATOMIKA #1 – We had a number of customers anticipating this title prior to its release, and now that I’ve seen it…what was it about this title that captured their attention? I’m not complaining, and I know how it sounds, but honestly, I’m not trying to slam this comic. What made this particular funnybook stand out, I wonder?
BATMAN LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #189 – We’re never going to see this version of the Riddler again after this storyline, are we?
BETTY #145 – That’s a swell ’60s Jack Kirby-esque pose the grocer is in on the cover (pictured to the right).
BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL #99 – Actually, I’m surprised Dark Horse is still publishing this in the monthly format.
BLOOD OF THE DEMON #1 – I’ve been a big Demon fan for quite a while, and even just picked up a Demon Heroclix from the latest set. This relaunch…well, so far so good. Surprisingly violent, given who’s drawin’ ‘n’ plottin’. And, hey, Will Pfeifer is scripting! It was pal Corey who mentioned that it looks like they’re turning Jason Blood into Angel, which I thought was an amusing observation.
BLOODHOUND #9 – I’ve yet to read an issue, even when it crossed over with Firestorm, I title I do read. I know pal Dorian likes it, but…I don’t know, just wasn’t compelled to give it a try.
BLUE MONDAY PAINTED MOON #4 – This is yet another comic that has a solid following…in the trade paperback form. The single issues sell, but people prefer the books. Even people who buy the singles get the trades as well.
BREACH #3 – Barely sells at all at our store.
BRIAN PULIDOS MEDIEVAL LADY DEATH #1 – Okay, when the Crossgen series started, all the Lady Death fans were pissed off because LD was no longer in the skimpy bikini costume. Now that Avatar has the series and has put her back in the costume people want…well, so far, the Avatar Lady Deaths have been hard-sells. We still have some die-hard fans picking it up, but rack sales have petered out.
BRIAN PULIDOS MEDIEVAL LADY DEATH INCENTIVE #1 – Have I mentioned that Lady Death has a strong following among our female customers? They’re the ones who didn’t like the Crossgen version.
BRIAN PULIDOS MEDIEVAL LADY DEATH PREMIUM CVR #1 – You gotta wonder if this excess of covers can damage sales by causing consumer confusion, when customers can’t tell which comic is which at first glance. It doesn’t take much for a potential reader to decide it isn’t worth the effort to figure out what variant of what comic goes with what series. (See also: the plethora of Doctor Octopus comics from Marvel last year…people couldn’t keep them straight.)
BRIAN PULIDOS MEDIEVAL LADY DEATH WRAPAROUND #1 – Don’t worry…we’re not overordering on this series. Lady Death sales sometimes can be cyclical…the fans will go away for a while, then return to pick up the back issues they missed.
BUGTOWN #3 – I do like Matt Howarth’s comics, in small doses…they can be an acquired taste.
CHICKASAW ADVENTURES #1 – a new adventure comic with a basis in Native American culture. Looks like fun, actually.
CLASSIC ILLUS JR #504 PIED PIPER – I like the fact that someone is reprinting these old Classics Illustrated Junior comics…no, they’re not setting sales records or anything, but it’s nice to have them around.
COMIC BOOK DIGEST FEB 05 #5 – We have yet to move a single issue of this series. It looks like a good deal, being a thick ol’ magazine with lotsa comics for cheap, but no one is biting.
CONCRETE HUMAN DILEMMA #3 – Jog dug up a Comics Journal interview with Paul Chadwick from several years ago where he discusses the storyline of this mini-series…complete with spoilers! Having Maureen and Concrete as a “couple” is…well, it’s darn strange, quite frankly. And Larry’s behavior just makes you smack your head.
CRYPTOZOO CREW #2 – Cute idea for a comic…people investigating mysterious animals. This issue: the Skunk Ape! Nicely cartooned, with a good sense of silliness.
DARKNESS & TOMB RAIDER #1 – Again?
DAWN THREE TIERS #5 – Another comic, like Lady Death, which has a strong female audience. Putting Dawn into an actual narrative doesn’t really do anything for me…I liked her better as the “Crypt Keeper” style host of short horror stories. Which reminds me of a story: when Cry for Dawn #1 originally came out, we blew through all of our (admittedly small) order immediately. We called to place a reorder, and were told that getting said reorder was unlikely unless our distributor received a certain minimum plateau (like 50 or 75 or thereabouts). Well, we said “what the heck” and ordered enough copies to reach that plateau…and when they arrived, we sold every gosh darn copy. Those were the days….
DILDO #8 – “Say, Dorian, can you hand me that pile of Dildos?” “Uh, what?”
DISTRICT X #11 – This comic is unusual in that it’s one of the very few post-Morrison X-titles that has garnered some positive acclaim. And, surprise surprise, someone else has found a way to use Bishop in an interesting fashion.
DOGWITCH #16 – It’s nicely drawn, but there’s a level of…ickiness to it that’s hard to explain. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as it seems to fit the mood of the comic.
DOROTHY #2 – I’m mentioned before that I have little-to-no patience for photofunnies (outside of National Lampoon), but this comic is so beautifully done it’s hard to resist. And did you notice that pal Dorian got a quote in the Dorothy Previews ad?
ECLIPSE AND VEGA THE BEDS WE MAKE #1 – Apparently the big sales pitch on this issue is that the gals that star in this comic kiss each other at some point. Lots of “gags” to that effect on the cover: “Yowza! The girls make out?” it questioningly declares.
FABLES #35 – Phew…this was a surprising story, with apparently permanent repurcussions given that this was a standalone story outside of the regular plots and subplots. I can’t say much else without being Mr. Spoily McSpoilerpants.
FURRLOUGH #145 – Have absolutely no interest these anthropomorphic comics, but I’m glad this anthology is still running after all this time.
GAMBIT #8 – I’m surprised Marvel hasn’t decided to combine this comic with their Rogue series into, I don’t know, The Mutant Misadventures of Gambit ‘n’ Rogue or something.
GIANT SHANDA ANIMAL #9 – Okay, I know the “Animal” part of the title is supposed to be a play on the word “Annual,” and it works, sort of, when you actually see it on the cover. But in cold, hard print, like on the invoice…well, the pun becomes more strained than even before.
GIRL + GIRL #2 – “Girl + girl = big laffs!” Well, maybe not.
GLOOMCOOKIE #23 – Another long-running “gothity-goth” comic…always a consistent seller for us.
GOTHAM CENTRAL #29 – This is a hard comic to figure out…sometimes it sells great, sometimes it just sits there on the rack, forlorn, lonely, looking back at me with its wide, teary eyes, driving wedges of guilt right into my heart.
GREEN ARROW #48 – Judd Winick is a blessed man, for one reason alone: bringing back the Duke of Oil.
JSA #71 – This issue’s cover has a nice callback to this cover, I thought.
MAJESTIC #3 – The previous mini-series did okay for us, but this one seems to have lost a bit of steam. I haven’t checked inside…it’s no longer in the DC Univese, is it?
MARVEL MUST HAVES NEW AVENGERS #1-3 – Hey, it’s the rare Marvel Must Haves that I can actually use.
MARY JANE HOMECOMING #1 – Are these Mary Jane titles actually selling anywhere? Maybe the digest reprints are selling enough to subsidize the comics.
MILK #45 – I always thought “Milk” was a slightly disturbing title for an adult comic. Now, had this been published by Fantagraphics’ Eros division, the title would probably be taken literally. Erg.
NEW THUNDERBOLTS #6 – I just rack this under “T” when I put it on the shelf. I’m a rebel. Oh, and this comic is darn good, by the way…very evocative of ’60s Marvel without necessarily imitating it. And any title that gets Tom Grummett to put a pen to paper is fine by me.
NIGHTMARES AND FAIRY TALES #12 – Another consistently selling “goth”-type comic. These types of comics sell quite well for us, though none as well as Johnny the Homicidal Maniac and Lenore.
NIGHTWING #105 – Yet another appearance of Jason Todd, the “dead Robin.” Is continually bringing up Batman’s deceased kid partner really a good idea? I mean, why Batman’s fellow JLA members haven’t dragged him in for child endangerment….
SAMURAI HEAVEN & EARTH #3 – Not much to say about this here funnybook, but it has anticipated by quite a few of our customers prior to release, and still sells moderately well for a new Dark Horse title.
SCOOBY DOO #94 – Kudos to DC for keeping this comic on the stands for so long. And it still sells well for us.
SEVEN SOLDIERS SHINING KNIGHT #1 – If I can’t have an ongoing monthly Grant Morrison Presents title, where the good Mr. Morrison can just go nuts with whatever DC property he wants…well, actually, Seven Soliders is basically it, isn’t it? This issue is beautifully illustrated, and filled with Morrison’s usual overflow of ideas. I had comic-nitpicker type questions like “well, what about the previous version of Shining Knight? Is he still around, or has he been supplanted by this new version?” but then I realized I don’t care one way or the other.
SPIDER GIRL #84 – More kudos, this time to Marvel, for keeping this title running…one of the few kid-friendly comics they publish that kids actually want to read, as opposed to all those Marvel Age Adventure titles.
SPIDER-MAN TEAM UP SPECIAL – Here’s a quote from Marvel.com’s description for this comic: “Just in time for Earth Day comes this magnificent Marvel masterpiece of a message!” What could I add to that?
STAN LEE’S ALEXA VOL 1 GN – Okay, it’s invoiced as a “graphic novel,” but it just looks like a prestige format comic to me. Anyway, even if he just did plot and not script, any Stan Lee comic that talks about things being passed via sexual transmission makes me exceedingly uncomfortable. “Grandpa, no!”
STARGATE SG1 DANIELS SONG GLOW IN DARK CVR #1 – Sweet holy mother…$19.95? Seems a little steep to me…but not only did I sell the copy we got in, but I had to order a second copy for someone else!
STOKERS DRACULA #4 – I hope Marvel collects this into a trade. No, I’m not being a smart aleck…this would probably do well as a single volume. It’s a handsomely illustrated series. Unfortunately, most of our copies arrived damaged. Well, rats.
STREET ANGEL #5 – Another wild tone shift, and another great issue of Street Angel. I don’t even want to say what happens…I just want you to be surprised when you look inside.
SUPERMAN #214 – Wake me when it’s over.
TALES OF THE THING #1 – This Marvel Age version of the Thing just isn’t doin’ it for me. Sorry.
TERRA OBSCURA VOL 2 #6 – I’m enjoying this revamp of this particular batch of Golden Age characters…though it’s a shame we seem to no longer have Black Terror and Tim, the “proto-Punishers.”
THE GRIMOIRE #1 – I hate when Diamond invoices titles under “The.” Anyway, this comic has some nice fantasy-style artwork.
THE PUNISHER #18 – Yes, Diamond invoices The Punisher under “T,” too. That drives me crazy. Anyway, I do enjoy this series, but this particular storyline, like too many Marvel storylines of late, has gone on an issue too long. Not saying it’s bad, mind you, just maybe a little padded. That’s okay, though, since Ennis’ story-padding is more palatable than that of other writers I could mention. And this version of Nick Fury just cracks me up every time I read it. So, so wrong.
ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR #16 – Always happy to see Annihilus, a character that should be a lot more creepy that he’s usually portrayed, but this comic does a good job with him. I also like some of Ellis’ ideas about the Negative Zone in this issue.
VIMANARAMA #2 – We’re two issues into a three issue mini-series, and already I want to see this as a regular series.
WESTERN TALES OF TERROR #3 – I’m beginning to get a slight upswell of interest in this title.
WITCHBLADE & TOMB RAIDER #1 – Oh, for the love of…is this like the tenth Witchblade/Tomb Raider comic?
WOLVERINE SOULTAKER #1 – Okay, the last thing in the world we need is yet another Wolvie mini-series…but this one actually doesn’t look too bad. Zombie ninjas!
X-MEN AGE OF APOCALYPSE #2 – Well, the one-shot and the first issue of this series sold like…like…something that sells really well, thankfully. I don’t know if this is still going to be selling as a back issue ten years down the road, like the original AoA stuff is, but at least it’s moving now.
X-MEN THE END HEROES AND MARTYRS #1 – Is this the second or third series? I’ve lost track. At any rate, I’m afraid this overkill will kill interest in Marvel’s “The End” line.
YENNY COMICS #1 – Not badly done girlie-toons, if that’s what you’re into.
***
Okay, one more time next week!
