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Post by coke & comics on Dec 29, 2014 11:48:10 GMT -5
1. Avengers annual 7 "The Final Threat" by Jim Starlin and Joe Rubinstein 1977 (Marvel)  I feel like my favorite comics come in pairs. There's something from the '90s which was my first exposure to something. And then there's an original comic the '90s story draws from which is more original and often better in many ways. I love Ultimate Spider-Man and the Lee/Ditko Spider-Man. I loved Kevin Smith's Daredevil long before I read and loved Born Again. I loved the Harras/Epting Avengers before I loved the Thomas/Buscema Avengers. And I loved Infinity Gauntlet long before I ever read the original Thanos Saga, and this, its climactic chapter. I appreciate Starlin's Captain Marvel work but find it rough around the edges. He still seemed to be figuring a few things out. It's Warlock that I really think nailed it. The Magus Saga is just one of those great things, with a great ending, a bizarre cosmic suicide. And then there's this, in some sense the definitive superhero epic. Highest of stakes, toughest of villains. Earth's mightiest heroes united against Thanos, who has turned the soul/infinity gems into a weapon capable of destroying stars. From the dramatic foreboding of the opening pages to the epic cosmic battle, all finally punctuated by bringing Warlock's strange death full circle. As brilliant as the original death was, seeing it from the other side is a powerful experience. Is this my favorite single issue ever? Almost, but not quite. There's Amazing Fantasy #15 and Astro City #1/2 and Usagi Yojimbo #93. But none of those were eligible for this particular competition. So this wins. For those who want to read the original Thanos Saga, a guide: The main saga: Iron Man #55 Captain Marvel #25-34 Strange Tales #178-181 Warlock #9-15 Avengers annual 7 Marvel Two-In-One annual 2 Death of Captain Marvel Tie-ins of varying importance. Marvel Feature #12, Avengers #125 (tie-ins to Captain Marvel story) Daredevil #105-107 (origin of Moondragon, ties in to Captain Marvel story) Logan's Run #6 (Unimportant Drax/Thanos story, takes place between the Captain Marvel and Strange Tales bits) Marvel Team-Up #55 (fills in, somewhat stupidly, one plot gap between Warlock #15 and Avengers annual 7) Marvel Spotlight #1-2 (takes place prior to Death of Captain Marvel) This has never been put well into trade. Trades recently in print which collectively capture the saga, but with a lot of duplication, a bizarre order, and head-scratching omissions: Warlock by Jim Starlin Avengers vs. Thanos Death of Captain Marvel Merry Christmas all! I'd include all the issues from the Starlin Warlock series. Even though the earlier issues focus on the Magus, it makes Thanos's eventual (re)appearance more meaningful when you read it all as one big story. I still wish that Starlin had been allowed to finish that story in the pages of Warlock. Not that I think it was substantially changed, but I fear that being forced by the cancellation of that solo Warlock series to finish it in the pages of other series - Marvel Two-in-One and The Avengers - might have shifted more emphasis onto characters like Spider-Man than would have otherwise been the case. I'm also not a fan of Joe Rubenstein's inks. But those are quibbles, relatively speaking. I rank the entire Starlin Warlock/Thanos story, whatever issues you think it's comprised of, right up there with my favourite comics of all time. Great pick. The issues I listed include all of Starlin's Warlock and the entire Magus Saga. |
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Post by berkley on Dec 29, 2014 12:29:09 GMT -5
I'd include all the issues from the Starlin Warlock series. Even though the earlier issues focus on the Magus, it makes Thanos's eventual (re)appearance more meaningful when you read it all as one big story. I still wish that Starlin had been allowed to finish that story in the pages of Warlock. Not that I think it was substantially changed, but I fear that being forced by the cancellation of that solo Warlock series to finish it in the pages of other series - Marvel Two-in-One and The Avengers - might have shifted more emphasis onto characters like Spider-Man than would have otherwise been the case. I'm also not a fan of Joe Rubenstein's inks. But those are quibbles, relatively speaking. I rank the entire Starlin Warlock/Thanos story, whatever issues you think it's comprised of, right up there with my favourite comics of all time. Great pick. The issues I listed include all of Starlin's Warlock and the entire Magus Saga. So you did, didn't you. I forgot that Starlin's run didn't start until Warlock #9 until I looked at the online series gallery. |
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Polar Bear
Full Member
Married, father of six
Posts: 107 
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Post by Polar Bear on Dec 29, 2014 13:34:58 GMT -5
12 days of Classic Christmas #1
Avengers Annual #2
Roy Thomas
Don Heck
Werner roth
Vinnie Colletta
1968
 This is the one. Oof. This is my first real woulda-coulda-shoulda. This comic DEFINITELY should have been on my top 12 somewhere. I goofed. Good job, ICTrombone, in getting it up here somewhere ... and in a good position, too! |
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Post by MWGallaher on Dec 29, 2014 13:36:01 GMT -5
#1. Brave & Bold #124 by Bob Haney and Jim Aparo As a self-professed #1 fan, how could I not love beyond all measure this legendary issue, with my man Jim Aparo cover-featured, and playing a major part in the whacked-out story?! Jim himself didn't care much for this one, but I think that was just because he was such a modest man. He really deserved to share the spotlight with Batman, as one of the Bravest and Boldest guest-stars in that comic's glorious history. I just wish he'd gotten a headline logo alongside Rock's, but then I guess we'd have to include Bob Haney and Murray Boltinoff, too...
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Polar Bear
Full Member
Married, father of six
Posts: 107
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Post by Polar Bear on Dec 29, 2014 13:43:59 GMT -5
Day Twelve Batman Annual #7, anthology issue, various creators (but a lot of Dick Sprang artwork), 1964 Ace, the Bat-Hound? Bat-Mite? The original Batgirl and Batwoman? Batman II and Robin II? All origin stories?? What a treasure this issue is, with delicious Dick Sprang artwork throughout! Coverless you may be, but you're beautiful, baby! Food for the imagination! This was one of the earliest comics I got, probably paying all of $1 for it at some science fiction convention somewhere around 1976, and that money was well spent! Hurrah!
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Post by Calamas on Dec 29, 2014 17:06:26 GMT -5
#1. Brave & Bold #124 by Bob Haney and Jim AparoAs a self-professed #1 fan, how could I not love beyond all measure this legendary issue, with my man Jim Aparo cover-featured, and playing a major part in the whacked-out story?! Jim himself didn't care much for this one, but I think that was just because he was such a modest man. He really deserved to share the spotlight with Batman, as one of the Bravest and Boldest guest-stars in that comic's glorious history. I just wish he'd gotten a headline logo alongside Rock's, but then I guess we'd have to include Bob Haney and Murray Boltinoff, too... One of my favorite covers of all time. Only Aparo could produce two great covers in one effort |
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Post by foxley on Dec 29, 2014 17:13:28 GMT -5
#1. Brave & Bold #124 by Bob Haney and Jim AparoAs a self-professed #1 fan, how could I not love beyond all measure this legendary issue, with my man Jim Aparo cover-featured, and playing a major part in the whacked-out story?! Jim himself didn't care much for this one, but I think that was just because he was such a modest man. He really deserved to share the spotlight with Batman, as one of the Bravest and Boldest guest-stars in that comic's glorious history. I just wish he'd gotten a headline logo alongside Rock's, but then I guess we'd have to include Bob Haney and Murray Boltinoff, too... Another near-miss from my list. In a Top 20, it would have made it. |
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Post by hondobrode on Dec 29, 2014 18:16:46 GMT -5
Sorry for taking so long to post this final entry, but a driver update to my video card still has my computer down and we've been on the run out of town. Though Justice League of America # 115 is very near and dear to my heart, and my pick for the Tenth Day of Christmas, as well as my first comic purchase, this issue, while not a comic book per say, but instead a fanzine, became my number one pick because it was my gateway issue to fandom, the history of comics, the business of comics, and the people behind the stories and characters we love.  Sorry for the oversize image. I couldn't get it to adjust down. Nonetheless, what does this issue hold ? A young and upcoming interview with young turk Frank Miller and multiple articles reviewing and dissecting his work and Daredevil. The passing of one of comics' greatest, though I was barely familiar with his work at the time : Wally Wood. Bhob Stewart's article explored so much of his life, from comics to comix, advertising, Mad magazine, hard drinking and going blind and more. It really amazed me with the depth of the article and the passion and breadth of it. At the front was also Newswatch, with industry news, like Marvel's new royalty program, and upcoming releases from Aardvark-Vanaheim, Charlton, DC, Fantaco, Heavy Metal, Kitchen Sink, Last Gasp, Marvel, New Media, Pacific, Raw Books, Redbeard, Starlog, Street Enterprises, Warren, WaRP Graphics, and Whitman, as well as upcoming Fantagraphics' reprint of Gil Kane's early graphic novel His Name Is... Savage, the Elfquest Gartherum, The X-Men Companion Volumes I & II, something new called Love & Rockets, and Jack Jackson's Los Tejanos. Besides the great articles, there were ads. We all love some of those old comic book ads, but these ads were for some really cutting edge non-kid stuff aimed at a more sophisticated reader, like Pacific Comics Distributors offerings including limited edition illustrated books with works by Bernie Wrightson, William Stout, Virgil Finlay, Robert E. Howard, Michael W. Kaluta, Robert Weinberg, Alex Nino, Richard Lupoff, Steve Leialoha, and the Pini's. Pacific also ran a full page ad for the Marvel Indexes for the 70's covering the Fantastic Four and Silver Surfer (Steranko cover), Thor (Tim Conrad cover), Dr Strange and Warlock (another Conrad cover), the Hulk (Ken Steacy cover), Sub-Mariner (Bill Everett cover), Captain America (another Steranko cover), Iron Man (Steacy again), Daredevil (Miller / Rubinstein), and the X-Men (Brent Anderson). John Iavarone in Albany ran a typewritten ad selling comic books with highlights including Howard the Duck # 1 @ $ 10.50, Hulk # 180 @ $ 8, Iron Man # 1 @ $ 22.50, Micronauts # 1 @ $ 4.50, Silver Surfer # 1 VG @ $ 20, Spider-Man # 1 Fair-Good @ $ 100, # 2 Fn @ $ 120, # 3 VF @ $ 65, # 121 @ $ 12, X-Men # 114 @ $ 7, # 137 @ $ 5, Green Lantern # 2 @ $ 27.50, Justice League # 17 @ $ 5, All Star # 5 VG + first Hawkgirl $ 160, Batman # 6 Fn $ 120 and more of course. Indiana University offers a course "The Comic Book in America" by Michael Uslan "who is currently producting a feature length film on Batman". Wow ! and I could get high school credit for this (probably not in MY school). Dimension Conventions announces March 27-28, the return of EC Comics, with guests William Gaines, Harvey Kurtzman, Will Elder, Al Feldstein and Jack Kamen at the NY Statler Hotel. Special Marvel guest Stan Lee. Special DC guests Marv Wolfman and Mike W. Barr, and special Golden Age guest L.B. Cole. Expected attendance of 4,000 fans ! Even though I didn't know half those guys at the time, I would've given anything to have gone to that. Reviews of Star-Lord, Bizarre Adventures, The Price, Nexus, Wonder Woman, Starslayer, Shock SuspenStories, Thunderdogs, Reid Fleming, Alien Encounters, Zodiac, Mod, Comical Funnies, and looks at competing 'zines Comics Scene and Amazing Heroes. Classic Wally Wood back cover reprint from Two-Fisted Tales # 33, that, pardon the pun, blew me away.  I guess to some it's kind of weird picking this out as my number 1 pick, but it's lead to hundreds of fanzines and books on comic books, comic strips and comix and an even greater love of the people, from production workers to executives to retailers, fans and more, that contribute to this fascination / obsession I'll never outlive. Some may have noticed I've "liked" just about every posting for this 12 Days of Christmas event. That's because I truly have liked them all and really love the thought and time that everyone contributes, most especially Mr. Kurt Mitchell. I really loved the boards over at CBR and still think Shaxper has helped to elevate it to the next level. Thanks Shaxper and thanks everyone for another great Christmas thread. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all of you ! |
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Post by Pól Rua on Dec 29, 2014 22:14:29 GMT -5
#1. Brave & Bold #124 by Bob Haney and Jim AparoAs a self-professed #1 fan, how could I not love beyond all measure this legendary issue, with my man Jim Aparo cover-featured, and playing a major part in the whacked-out story?! Jim himself didn't care much for this one, but I think that was just because he was such a modest man. He really deserved to share the spotlight with Batman, as one of the Bravest and Boldest guest-stars in that comic's glorious history. I just wish he'd gotten a headline logo alongside Rock's, but then I guess we'd have to include Bob Haney and Murray Boltinoff, too... I'm a huge fan of the Haney/Aparo Brave and the Bold run, and this is just a perfect example of the kind of wild, bravura, seat-of-his-pants storytelling that Haney did so damn well. He had a real gift for writing stories that were so crazy improbable, but you didn't care because they were just so damn fun to read. I mean, seriously, who can get hung up on the fact that Thomas and Martha Wayne's ashes are in an urn despite them being buried when BATMAN AND AQUAMAN ARE FIGHTING GHOST PIRATES!!! or why are you getting hung up on alternate Earth cosmology when BATMAN AND WILDCAT ARE IN A BARE-KNUCKLE BRAWL TO THE DEATH!!! And Aparo's art is glorious, because hey, it's Jim Freakin' Aparo. |
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Post by JKCarrier on Dec 29, 2014 22:28:04 GMT -5
 12) Eightball #22 - 2001 This issue is a collection of short vignettes, focusing on various characters in the town of "Ice Haven". Each one stands alone, but together they form a bigger tapestry. There's a nominal plot, involving the kidnapping of a young boy, but ultimately that's just another element of stress and uncertainty pressing down on the quietly desperate townspeople. It's not all grim and serious; there are a couple of surreal sequences involving a flashback to 100,000 BC, and another where a child's toy bunny comes to life and goes on a shooting spree. Even the obligatory advertisement in the back is narrated "in character" by one of the townspeople. Although it feels like things are going to boil over at any second, they never really do. The missing child turns up alive. Some characters come to important decisions about their lives, while other remain stuck in their unhappy ruts. And that seems to be the ultimate message of "Ice Haven" -- life might be sad, and frustrating, and ridiculous, but the one thing you can say about life is that it keeps going on, regardless. Whether that's a hopeful message or a depressing one is a matter of perspective. |
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Post by Pól Rua on Dec 29, 2014 22:32:34 GMT -5
As we wrap up this year's CCF of Xmas 2014, I send it off with this classic... Number 1LOVE AND ROCKETS #1 Year of Publication: September 1982 Written and Drawn by: Gilbert Hernandez and Jaime Hernandez I was a latecomer to L&R with the more recent Fantagraphics trade collections, and was just unutterably blown away. But yeah, it's ridiculously hard to know where to begin on it. |
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Post by Pól Rua on Dec 29, 2014 22:33:13 GMT -5
12) Eightball #22 - 2001 This issue is a collection of short vignettes, focusing on various characters in the town of "Ice Haven". Each one stands alone, but together they form a bigger tapestry. There's a nominal plot, involving the kidnapping of a young boy, but ultimately that's just another element of stress and uncertainty pressing down on the quietly desperate townspeople. It's not all grim and serious; there are a couple of surreal sequences involving a flashback to 100,000 BC, and another where a child's toy bunny comes to life and goes on a shooting spree. Even the obligatory advertisement in the back is narrated "in character" by one of the townspeople. Although it feels like things are going to boil over at any second, they never really do. The missing child turns up alive. Some characters come to important decisions about their lives, while other remain stuck in their unhappy ruts. And that seems to be the ultimate message of "Ice Haven" -- life might be sad, and frustrating, and ridiculous, but the one thing you can say about life is that it keeps going on, regardless. Whether that's a hopeful message or a depressing one is a matter of perspective. Great call! This is a fabulously well-layered and nuanced story. |
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Post by Reptisaurus! on Dec 29, 2014 23:02:44 GMT -5
That was ALMOST my Eightball pick! I love the oversize, cheaper original "comic" comic way more than the squashugly hardcover reprint. Great pick!
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Post by hondobrode on Dec 30, 2014 2:48:14 GMT -5
Actually, since its the physical artifact we're tallying and Pol used the Australian reprint, JLA #144 has *not* been named a #1 pick twice. I do, however, agree that story is pretty damn awesome. Cei-U! I summon the technicality! Fine. Who would have thought that the story "The Origin of the Justice League--Minus One!" that originally appeared in Justice League of America #144 would appear in a comic at the top of two lists in this year's Classic Comics Christmas? That was an early issue for me and I loved everything about it especially that great Dick Dillin cover. |
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Post by Reptisaurus! on Dec 30, 2014 18:44:22 GMT -5
Reptisaurus # 4, April 1962.  It's a tale as old as time. Giant Red Monster meets girl, Giant Red Monster eats some soldiers, Giant Red Monster defeats a UFO piloted by a Martian named Harold with germs, Giant Red Monster goes courting, Giant Red Monsters.. has if not graphic at least obvious sex, on panel. Yep, it's "Reptisaurus Meets His Mate" aka the giant monster lurrrrv issue aka how exactly DID they get this past the comic code? Unsurpsisingly, Reptisaurus is one of my favorite comics. The whole series is great, from it's first issue ( # 3 ) to it's last (Special # 1.) (Ah, gotta love that funky, funky, Charlton numbering.) But what makes this issue really work for me is the sense of F-U-N that permeates the whole book. Joe Sinnott loves drawing giant monsters. Joe Gill loves writing crazy, over-the-top breathless pulp dialog. And everyone involved loved seein' what they could get away with writing working for Charlton. And the answer was pretty much anything! Actually, all of the Joe Gill penned Charlton monster comics (Konga and Gorgo being the other two) are uniformly.... Well, I hesitate to use the word great, but consistently entertaining and distinguished by a cock-eyed sense of humor and an "Ah screw it, let's have fun with this" attitude on that makes these some of the most enjoyable comics I've ever read. Throw some dinodragon nookie on top of that, and you got my favorite comic of all time.
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