Xuthl’s Wilderness Comics and Collectibles Comic Reviews

Back when I first started buying comics I did so as a reader.  I would go to the drugstore, the primary location for buying comics in those days, and look through the turntable comic rack searching for a cover that would capture my attention. 

In those days a cover was a sales tool.  It would tell you which characters were actively involved in the storyline, whether it be supporting cast or guest stars.  It would show you who the bad guys were.  And in most cases it would give you some insight as to what to expect from the plot.  Readers could peruse the comic rack and decide which books to buy without ever opening a book. 

Of course, most often I did anyway.  I had to shuffle through the pages to ensure there was actually some action in the pages.  At that age I really hated to plunk down my 25 cents and get one of those “character development” issues where the characters talk throughout the book while the bad guys run amok, setting the groundwork for the next issue. 

Some of the most memorable comic covers I have ever seen come from this simpler time.  The cover was less a work of art than it is today, but they stand out in my mind more than the offerings we currently have.

I remember one particular issue of Captain America.  Zaran and Machette lounge in the back ground while Batroc the Leaper lunges at Cap, apparently to kick his head off his shoulders.  Cap is saying something like, “All right Batroc.  A deal is a deal.  You can have one free shot.  Better make it a good one!”  And Batroc responds by saying something like, “One shot is all I shall need.  Good bye Captain America!”  I was not a Captain America reader back in those days, but there was no way I could have resisted buying that issue.  I picked it up immediately, and still own it to this day. 

How about the issue of Amazing Spider-man where Hobgoblin has been blackmailing millionaires like the Kingpin, Harry Osbourne, and JJ Jameson?  On the one cover the Spider-man logo in the top left corner has been replaced by an image of the Hobgoblin laughing and he says, “It’s great kids!  Steal it!”  A great line!  Very humorous, and uttered by one of my favorite villains of all time. 

Of course there are far too many great covers to make any sort of comprehensive list.  The Puma leaping off a building onto Spiderman, Hercules all alone against the Masters of Evil, Bane breaking Batman’s back, Captain America with Hawkeye’s bow and Hawk with Cap’s shield, Iron Man removing his armor as the Fixer hold Kazar hostage, Captain America blowing away terrorists with a machine gun, or She-Hulk in a skimpy bikini.  An official no-prize to anyone who can identify all these issues.

Covers today are art.  They inevitably feature the hero of the book in some dramatic pose.  They are often dark and unattractive.  They offer little or no information about the book itself.  If you want to decide if you should buy the comic, you will have to open the book and have a look inside.

I think the problem is that the artists want to be… well… artists.  They do not want to create an advertisement for the book, they want to create a work of art.  This is all well and good, but when you look at all the works of art being produced, it all becomes utterly forgettable.  That’s just my opinion.

The last word goes to Xuthl’s Wilderness Comics and Collectibles which has just made the move from EBay to Comic Collector Live.  Go to http://www.comiccollectorlive.com/LiveData/Seller.aspx?id=cc0608d3-03c2-4b73-81dd-40662b76b9c9 and check out the titles I am offering for sale.  Please remember to consider the cost of shipping as part of the total price.  You will find my prices are often the lowest available.  I have also come across some really nice 1970’s Mego Star Trek Action figures which I am listing on EBay.  If you go to EBay, and enter the community section, you can search for me under the user id xuthl69 and see the items I have for sale.

Also, if you collect current comics, I encourage you to consider ordering your books from me.  I charge cover price plus $3 shipping and handling for the first book and an additional $1 for each book after that anywhere within Canada.  This may sound expensive, but with the cost of gasoline continually rising you really can’t lose.  This is also ideal for readers living in cities and towns without a local comic shop. 

Lastly, if there is a book you are looking for but can’t find, drop me a line and I will see what I can find for you.  I have a good network of sellers and have had great success in the past.  Feel free to contact me at xuthl@yahoo.ca. 

 Again, if you have any comments, I would really love to hear them.  Please leave feedback!

Have a great week!