Money on the table.
Continuing from Friday’s post, where I was going on about intercompany crossovers…well, once again I ran out the clock on my blogging time, so let’s see what I can cover at least briefly here. I did want to mention a couple more favorites of mine…though, oddly enough, I ended up putting a couple of them on sale here at the shop, like a big dummy, but I suppose I can replace them someday.
The first two Marvel/DC ones I wanted to point out as being particular notable, and the first tow have one thing in common: John Byrne. Now, Byrne seems to be most in his wheelhouse when playing in Jack Kirby’s playground, and that’s definitely the case with Darkseid Vs. Galactus: The Hunger:
It helps that Galactus is a character I’d liked since I was a kid, and that Byrne’s Galactus is the one that I was really into, so it was nice to see Byrne returning to him. And pitting two of Kirby’s big baddies from either side of the publishing aisle is hard to resist. Sadly, it’s been a while since I’ve read this, so I forget most of the details (again, wish I hadn’t given up this comic) but the conclusion, as I recall, is a pretty good and clever defining moment for each character.
The other Byrne-produced crossover was Batman/Captain America, presented as a period piece with both characters in the World War II-era incarnations. You’ve likely seen the much-scanned-and-posted sequence from this book where the Joker, discovering that his partner in crime, the Red Skull, is a Nazi, turns on him, declaring himself an all-American criminal (shades of The Rocketeer movie). It’s a good scene, and the comic overall is a lot of fun…Byrne gets to play with Kirby’s Cap, and I’ve always liked his version of Batman.
Of note, I had a copy of this in the shop recently, and posted a pic on the store Instagram. I received a lot of requests for it (not just on Instagram, but in email, via Twitter DMs, etc.). Alas, had but the one to sell, but it certainly demonstrated the demand for these things.
Another book I wanted to mention was Incredible Hulk Vs. Superman, featuring beautiful art by Steve Rude (and honestly, would you expect any less from The Dude?). As was noted in the comments to my last post, it’s a nice retro-presentation for both characters, with the early ’60s version of the Hulk and the Golden Age-esque style of Superman, which nicely matches Roger Stern’s story placing this encounter early in the careers of both.
It’s a common thought I have about comic works of notes, but it’s a real shame material like this is out of print and difficult to come by. A nice, permanent edition of this (or any of thse intercompany crossovers) would be perennial sellers. I realize there are economic reasons that make it difficult to keep these in print, but still, what a waste and what a shame.
Seems to me that a lot of good crossovers that aren’t Marvel/DC are getting forgotten: Some of the many I’ve enjoyed are; Batman-Hellboy-Starman, Archie vs. Predator, Tiny Titans/Little Archie, Batman vs. TMNT, Flaming Carrot vs. TMNT. I really want to put Tarzan vs. Predator at the Earths Core on there but they were both Dark Horse at the time.
Batman-Hellboy-Starman was collected in the Starman Omnibus series, volume 4 to be exact. That volume also includes the Power of Shazam issues of THAT crossover, so it’s a bit of an odd book.
I used to have a copy, acquired free as part of my job at the time. Got rid of it after said job ended, because I’m not actually much of a fan of Robinson’s Starman. I don’t actively hate it, and I can see how other people love it, but it’s just not for me.
“I realize there are economic reasons that make it difficult to keep these in print, but still, what a waste and what a shame.”
I agree it’s a shame, but I don’t entirely understand the economic reasons why this happens.
I mean, is it that difficult or costly to have an inter-company meeting to discuss splitting the costs and profits 50/50? It seems like something two lawyers could do via email.
And given how little profit both DC’s and Marvel’s comics divisions make for their respective owners, it seems like they would jump at any chance to reprint in-demand material.
The comics business confuses me sometimes.
Oh, man, that Superman/Hulk team-up is a thing of beauty.
Hey Mike – my apologies in advance for what may be a lengthy comment that’s unrelated to the post above.
I’m genuinely upset about the recent news regarding Warren Ellis and Cameron Stewart. I’m disturbed by the information shared by their victims, and deeply troubled by the shame and secrecy that allowed it to be perpetuated.
As an individual consumer, I don’t have much power or influence over what comes to market or who gets widely published. That said, I feel guilty for contributing to their careers by seeking out their work and purchasing their art. I bought the recent Catwoman special for no other reason than the Brubaker and Stewart story.
I am also troubled by people with previous knowledge of these actions calling them “widely known” or a “worst kept secret.” I appreciate and respect each individual’s privacy and by no means do I suggest a victim has an obligation to publicly share their pain. But I wouldn’t have supported their work if I had known what I know now. Secrets and shame gave Ellis and Stewart successful careers and opportunities that others have not.
I wish I would have known, so I could have exerted what little influence I have on the market. For other victims of them or others, please know that I do care. If someone says it doesn’t matter if you come forward, it does matter to me. And I suspect many many others as well.
“Galactus… Byrne”
he never finished that Last Galactus Story”, did he?
““widely known” or a “worst kept secret.””
I never heard NONE of this stuff before!