Confessor
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Not Bucky O'Hare!
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Post by Confessor on Dec 24, 2018 14:01:54 GMT -5
Star Wars (Marvel, 1977–1986)  I'm sure that my #1 pick for this year's Classic Comics Christmas will come as absolutely no surprise at all to anyone who's been in the forum for any length of time. I was toing and froing about whether to just pick the Archie Goodwin/Al Williamson adaptation of The Empire Strikes Back, as others have done, but I eventually decided to just pick the whole damn run! All 107 American issues, the 3 annuals, the Return of the Jedi mini-series, the Marvel UK exclusive stories, and even the SW strip that appeared in Pizzazz magazine (OK, maybe not the Pizzazz issues). But, hell yeah...I love this run...all of it! Even the crap bits.  I really don't know what I can say about this series that I haven't said before. The three adaptations of the movies were all very solid re-tellings, with Goodwin and Williamson's ESB in particular being absolutely fantastic. But the original Star Wars adventures that Marvel published for 9 years, written by such comic greats as Roy Thomas, Archie Goodwin, David Michelinie, Jo Duffy, Chris Claremont and Alan Moore among others, and drawn by such artistic heavyweights as Howard Chaykin, Carmine Infantino, Walt Simonson, Tom Palmer, Ron Frenz, and the aforementioned Al Williamson, to name just a few, were – for the most part – hugely enjoyable. I've said it before and I'll doubtless say it again, although some knock this series for being childish, goofy, or not always in keeping with George Lucas's vision, I personally think that the comic managed to capture the joyful wonder and wide-eyed spectacle of the original trilogy far better than many of the supposedly more serious Star Wars comics that came later. In addition, at its best, the series featured some excellent stories, some incredible artwork, and examined some fairly mature themes and concepts. Perhaps more importantly than all of that though, it gave us young Star Wars fans of the '70s and '80s a monthly (or weekly, if you were in the UK) fix of adventures from that galaxy far, far away, while we waited for the next movie to come out. It's for all those reasons and more that I've picked this entire run as my #1 favourite comic book adaptation. -------------------------------------------------- Thanks, as always, to Cei-U! for hosting the Classic Comics Christmas event. This little annual tradition our community has is genuinely one of the highlights of my Christmas period. So thank you, Kurt, and I hope you start feeling better soon. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone at the CCF! Oh, and just for good measure, here's a gratuitous picture of Jaxxon, the 6ft tall, green, carnivorous space-bunny from Marvel's Star Wars comic that I'd like to personally dedicate to Icctrombone. May all his Christmases be green.  
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Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2018 14:06:14 GMT -5
I was honoured to be part of this event, especially with it being my first.
I only read a few Star Wars comics, specifically the UK reprints (purchased at a jumble sale when I was about 9). I'd love to read the US originals one day.
Did the comics have a letters page? What was it called? Let me guess, "Star Words" or something?
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Confessor
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Not Bucky O'Hare!
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Post by Confessor on Dec 24, 2018 14:09:18 GMT -5
I was honoured to be part of this event, especially with it being my first. I only read a few Star Wars comics, specifically the UK reprints (purchased at a jumble sale when I was about 9). I'd love to read the US originals one day. Did the comics have a letters page? What was it called? Let me guess, "Star Words" or something? In the UK, the letters page was called Cosmic Correspondence and was hosted by the editor droid C.Y.R.I.L. And in the U.S. comics, yes, the letters page was called Star Words. |
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Post by Roquefort Raider on Dec 24, 2018 14:18:41 GMT -5
Star Wars (Marvel, 1977–1986) I've said it before and I'll doubtless say it again, although some knock this series for being childish, goofy, or not always in keeping with George Lucas's vision, I personally think that the comic managed to capture the joyful wonder and wide-eyed spectacle of the original trilogy far better than many of the supposedly more serious Star Wars comics that came later. Heck, I’d even say that these comics captured the essence of the original trilogy better than the later movies did!!! Well, maybe not Rogue One. But that one was apparently a fluke. |
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shaxper
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Post by shaxper on Dec 24, 2018 14:21:07 GMT -5
I didn't realize Bucky O'Hare made a cameo in the Star Wars comics! |
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Post by Phil Maurice on Dec 24, 2018 14:27:42 GMT -5
1. EC adapts Ray Bradbury (1951-54) Like all good things, this Classic Comics Christmas must also draw to a close. Unsurprisingly situated at number one on my list are the adaptations of Ray Bradbury's work by EC Comics. Bradbury's short fiction was a great fit for the EC line and it elevated the already high level of quality exhibited by EC. Some of the most gifted artists ever to touch a sheet of paper beautifully illustrated the celebrated author's tales of horror and science-fiction vividly, faithfully and unforgettably. Among my favorites are Let's Play Poison, The Coffin, and The Black Ferris by Jack Davis; The One Who Waits and I, Rocket by Al Williamson and Frank Frazetta; The Flying Machine by Bernie Krigstein; The October Game by Jack Kamen; The Lake by Joe Orlando; and There Will Come Soft Rains by Wally Wood. Tight little thrillers with surprising twists all gorgeously rendered by my favorite artists make this final selection on my list a no-brainer.  This has been challenging, exhilarating and enlightening. Thanks to everyone who participated and for permitting me to join in. Of course, thanks also to Kurt for conceiving this joyous tradition. I look forward to joining you all (some time) in 2019. Happy holidays, CCF!
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Confessor
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Post by Confessor on Dec 24, 2018 14:30:24 GMT -5
#1- THE WIND IN THE WILLOWSAdapted and Drawn by: Michel Plessix  Kenneth Grahame's book is one of my all time favorites; from a kid to adult I pull it out every year and give it a read. The sprawling tales of Rat, Mole, Otter, Badger and Toad are stories of mysticism, adventure, morality and camaraderie, and celebrated for its evocation of the nature of the English countryside, particularly the Thames Valley. Lovable Mole gets fed up with spring cleaning and leaves his underground home and ends up at the river, he's never been before. There he meets Rat and their friendship begins. Tales of the river, the oafish but generous Mr Toad of Toad Hall and the Piper at the Gates of Dawn are woven within the novel. Pure whimsy, set between meals and the bounds of friendship. I too love Wind in the Willows. It's a magical tale and, since I live in the Thames Valley, the landscape of the story is very familiar to me. Nice to know that there's another fan in the forum. I think I might need to get this. |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2018 14:36:07 GMT -5
It's been a while since I've read The Wind in the Willows, or watched the BBC stop-motion series, so I'd like to read this one day.
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Post by Paste Pot Paul on Dec 24, 2018 14:38:27 GMT -5
Stainless Steel Rat 2000AD Kelvin Gosnell and Carlos Ezquerra 2000AD 140-151, 166-177, and 393-404. From Wikipedia as a brief intro... James Bolivar diGriz goes by many aliases, including "Slippery Jim" and "The Stainless Steel Rat". He is a futuristic con man, thief, and all-round rascal. He is charming and quick-witted. He is also a master of disguise and martial arts, an accomplished bank robber, a criminal mastermind, an expert on breaking and entering, and (perhaps most usefully) a skilled liar. Master of self-rationalization, the Rat frequently justifies his crimes by arguing that he is providing society with entertainment; and besides which, he only steals from institutions that have insurance coverage. He displays a strong sense of morality, albeit in a much more restricted sense than is traditional. For example, diGriz will steal without compunction, but deplores killing. The character was introduced in Harrison's short story "The Stainless Steel Rat", first published in 1957 in Astounding magazine. Sorry, the cut and paste was easier on my tablet as I lie here xmas morning with the house still aslumber. 2000AD was IMHO at its peak creatively when the Rat stories appeared (which in itself sounds contradictory, trying to balance creativity with plagiarism but they did tend to transcend their uncreative origins)and they already had a tradition of adapting or being heavily influenced by other stories. Some, including my Cursed Earth entry were mere guidelines. Then you had Dredd being a futuristic Dirty Harry combined with the Death Race 2000 movie or Alan Moore's Ballad of Halo Jones lifting Joe Haldemans Forever War, Harlems Heroes was Rollerball, Shako was Jaws, MACH 1 from The Six Million Dollar Man, or Robusters riffing on Thunderbirds. Even the appearance of Slippery Jim is an adaptation of sorts with James Coburn being the visual influence. I see these stories now as a kind of Oceans 11, smooth charismatic criminals with a conscience pulling off the impossible job and looking damn good doing it.   As with everyone else participating here I'd like to take a little time to wish Kurt a speedy recovery, and to extend my heartfelt thanks for the opportunity to play in his sandbox for the last 12 days. This IS the highlight of the year in many ways and the ability to participate in all our diversity, without rancor is a testament to the esteem in which he is held. God bless sir, be well, know you are in others thoughts. Happy holidays folks, be well, be safe, love your people's, God bless. |
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Post by EdoBosnar on Dec 24, 2018 15:08:51 GMT -5
(...) although some knock this series for being childish, goofy, or not always in keeping with George Lucas's vision, I personally think that the comic managed to capture the joyful wonder and wide-eyed spectacle of the original trilogy far better than many of the supposedly more serious Star Wars comics that came later. In addition, at its best, the series featured some excellent stories, some incredible artwork, and examined some fairly mature themes and concepts. I haven't read any of the later (post-Marvel) comics, but I have to say, I agree that the Marvel run was quite good - and you really couldn't go wrong with some of the talent involved (esp. Goodwin) as you noted. I didn't follow it regularly, but that had more to do with the fact that I really didn't like Infantino's art, but any time I did pick any issues up, I thought the stories were always solid at the very least, but usually quite good. Another personal favorite, besides issue #38 which was my no. 12 pick here, was the first annual. |
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Confessor
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Not Bucky O'Hare!
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Post by Confessor on Dec 24, 2018 15:19:04 GMT -5
(...) although some knock this series for being childish, goofy, or not always in keeping with George Lucas's vision, I personally think that the comic managed to capture the joyful wonder and wide-eyed spectacle of the original trilogy far better than many of the supposedly more serious Star Wars comics that came later. In addition, at its best, the series featured some excellent stories, some incredible artwork, and examined some fairly mature themes and concepts. I haven't read any of the later (post-Marvel) comics, but I have to say, I agree that the Marvel run was quite good - and you really couldn't go wrong with some of the talent involved (esp. Goodwin) as you noted. I didn't follow it regularly, but that had more to do with the fact that I really didn't like Infantino's art, but any time I did pick any issues up, I thought the stories were always solid at the very least, but usually quite good. Another personal favorite, besides issue #38 which was my no. 12 pick here, was the first annual. Yeah, Star Wars Annual #1 by Chris Claremont and Mike Vosburg is a really good story, although it's hugely problematic from an established continuity perspective. But nevertheless, it's by far the best of the three Marvel SW annuals. |
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Post by coke & comics on Dec 24, 2018 17:15:21 GMT -5
I didn't realize Bucky O'Hare made a cameo in the Star Wars comics! It's confusing, but that's actually not Bucky O'Hare. He's not even supposed to be green. That's a printer error. That's Space Usagi miscolored. |
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Post by coke & comics on Dec 24, 2018 17:16:16 GMT -5
I was honoured to be part of this event, especially with it being my first. I only read a few Star Wars comics, specifically the UK reprints (purchased at a jumble sale when I was about 9). I'd love to read the US originals one day. Did the comics have a letters page? What was it called? Let me guess, "Star Words" or something? Hope you enjoyed it and look back on it fondly when you reach your tenth. |
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Post by foxley on Dec 24, 2018 18:07:55 GMT -5
1. "The English Channeler Mystery: A Problem in Deduction" The Maze Agency #9 (Innovation, 1989) And so I end where I began, with a comic story by Mike W. Barr, guest-starring a literary detective. As I mentioned in my Day 12 post, Mike Barr is a mystery novelist as well as comics writer. And his favourite detective is Ellery Queen. He evn admits that the character of Gabe in The Maze Agency is based in part on Ellery. So with 1989 marking the 60th anniversary of Ellery Queen, Mike got permission from the Queen estate to pen the first new Ellery Queen story in 14 years. Old hands at 12 Days will know of my love for The Maze Agency. And, to my mind, this is the best issue of the series. Having the opportunity to write for his idol seems to bring out the best in Barr, and he pens an 'impossible crime' worthy of the Maestro himself. Adam Hughes' art has never looked better (that's right, kids. Adam Hughes used to do interior art!) And Rick Magyar's inks bring out the best in Hughes' pencils. So the best issue of my favourite series featuring one of favourite fictional detectives? Take this one to the bank. Merry Christmas to all, and to Cei-U a 'Get Well'!
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Post by Icctrombone on Dec 24, 2018 19:42:27 GMT -5
1. Not Brand Echh # 6Publisher - MarvelYear - 1968Writer- Gary FriedrichArtists- Tom Sutton This comic has 3 separate stories in with the theme of Love and kisses My pick is the story named “ Best Side Story.” Best Side Story is an adaptation of the classic Oscar winning movie West Side Story in which it chronicles 2 people from different cultures falling in love amidst a gang rivalry set in the late 50’s early 60’s. West Side story is the very first DVD i bought to own and I absolutely love the music and dancing. This parody has lyrics “ sung to the tune of” , in the manner of the famous Mad magazine parodies of musicals. Hey, I will admit to singing the songs from this story. The clever twist is that the two rival gangs are Marvel heroes and DC heroes. Instead of Tony and Maria , it’s Dr. Strange and Wonder Woman and it puts a smile on my face even after all these years. I know this pick as my number one has the potential to break the internet for today but this is my choice.  {One more scan} 
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