Marvel Comics

Marvel Fanfare #3, 1982. “Into the Land of Death”

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There are lots of names that pop into my head when I think of this title, but the first arc (4 issues), definitely stands out in my head. Why? Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum, that’s why! Just look at this awesome cover, and the interior art is just as incredible. The story by Claremont is also one for the ages, but don’t take my word for it, get out there and either buy the single issues or the trade paperback! The X-Men, Spider-Man, Ka-Zar, and Sauron, all fighting it out in the Savage Land! Enjoy!

Marvel Two-In-One #22, 1976. “Touch Not The Hand of Seth”

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I love comic books with skeletons! Maybe it’s my passion for Ray Harryhausen movies? Anyway, this is not just a cool cover, it has a great story by Bill Mantlo, pencils by Ron Wilson, inks by Pablo Marcos, Don Warfield on colors, Karen Mantlo doing the letters, and Archie Goodwin editing! Thor and Thing must battle Seth, Egyptian god of the underworld! Enjoy!

Marvel Tales #225, 1989. “The Death of Captain Stacy”

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This fabulous reprint title ran for nearly three-hundred issues, and contained some of Spidey’s best stories! In this reprint of Amazing Spider-Man #90 (1970), we see the untimely demise of Captain Stacy, but also, that he knew Peter was Spider-Man for some time. Quite an emotional issue, and really put a strain on the relationship between Peter and Gwen for some time. The issue boasts a revamped cover by Todd McFarlane, interior pencils by Gil Kane, inks by “Jazzy” Johnny Romita, and story by Stan “The Man” Lee! Enjoy!

Thor #251, 1976. “To Hela and Back”

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OK, first things first. I have no idea who “Norman Davis” is, but he was nice enough to sign the front cover, inside cover, and the first page, in blue marker. Thank you, Norman. Alright, that is a downer, but for fifty cents, I couldn’t pass up this fantastic issue starring the Thunder god, Hela, and others. Story by Len Wein, art by “Big” John Buscema & Tony DeZuniga, and colors by Glynis Wein. Cover by Jack “King” Kirby, Joe Sinnott, and Dan Crespi! Enjoy!

Fantastic Four #157, 1975. “And Now…The Endgame Cometh”

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No, your eyes do not deceive you! That is one awesome FF cover, that is signed by the artist, Rich Buckler! I had the pleasure of meeting him for a few seconds ay NYCC 2013, and he was gracious enough to sign my oldest copy of this wonderful title! Written/edited by Roy Thomas, Pencils by Rich Buckler, inks by Joe Sinnott, Colors by Petra Goldberg, and letters by Joe Rosen! Enjoy!

Rom Spaceknight #1, 1979. “Arrival”

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The few issues I own of this title are enough to make me want to hunt down the rest, for sure. Not only that, but also hunt down any other offerings from Bill Mantlo. This guy is so underrated, it’s comical. Just dig into his works, and you’ll see exactly what I mean. Look at this awesome cover by Frank Miller and Josef Rubinstein! The interiors by Sal Buscema are quite impressive as well, so don’t think this is just a cool cover and fluff on the inside! Merry Christmas! Enjoy!

Marvel Team-Up #1, 1972. “Have Yourself a Sandman Little Christmas”

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Well, here we are on Christmas Eve! I must post a story that coincides with the impending holiday, right? So, here you go! A milestone issue from 1972, that showcases Spider-Man and his buddy, the Human Torch, as they battle the sinister Sandman! Written by Roy “the boy” Thomas, pencils by the late Ross Andru, inks by Mike Esposito, and letters by Artie Simek! As is that wasn’t enough of a crew, you also get a phenomenal cover by Gil Kane and Frank Giacoia! Enjoy!

Marvel Premiere #27, 1975. “Deathcry”

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Does anything scream 1970’s more than Marvel Horror? Probably not, and that’s why I chose this wild cover for today! Meet the sister of Damon Hellstrom, Satana! In this issue, we see Satana, as she walks the mortal plane, in search of…who knows what? Anyway, she kills some people, fights off a demon, and looks rather sexy doing it, I might add. Written by Chris Claremont, pencils & inks by The Tribe, Marcos on letters, and Cohen on colors (Marv Wolfman-editor). Cover by Gil Kane! Enjoy!

Doctor Strange #15, 1976. “Where There’s Smoke…”

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In honor of my son’s birthday, today brings a double-dose of comic book action! I let him pick out the book I’d post for today’s second installment, and he blind picked this gem! Written by Steve Englehart, Pencils by Gene “The Dean” Colan, inks & color by Tom Palmer, letters by John Costanza, and edited by Marv Wolfman! This tale brings Clea back to her mentor and lover, a strange man at the door that attempts suicide, and the minions of Hades itself! Cover by Colan, Palmer, and Crespi! Enjoy!

Tales of Suspense #92, 1967. “Before My Eyes…Nick Fury Died”

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Alright, so, the tag line of this book might be slightly misleading, but it certainly doesn’t diminish the pure awesomeness of the issue! The first story (Stan Lee & the late, great, Gene Colan) is a Vietnam story with ‘ol Shellhead. The second story features Captain America (by Stan Lee & Jack ‘King’ Kirby), as he and Nick Fury battle it out with A.I.M.! Cover by Jack ‘King’ Kirby & Frank Giacoia! Enjoy!