Thanks to Charlie Horse 47 and Killdumpster for their sponsorship of this post, via the magic of Patreon.
***
This is why it's possible to both remember you once owned a comic and to simultaneously not remember you once owned that comic.
The third edition of DC's 1st Issue Special is a perfect example of that. For decades, I was aware I'd first encountered the word, "Daguerreotype," in the pages of a comic which starred Metamorpho the element man.
And, yet, it somehow never struck me that that meant I must have once owned a comic which starred Metamorpho the element man.
It's a paradox to make Schrödinger himself quail.
Regardless, mere weeks ago, in my internettings, I stumbled across this very comic book cover and realised, more-or-less at once, that I'd seen it before.
That was because I'd once owned it but had, by some means, completely expunged it from my memory until then.
From what I recall, our hero has a challenge on his hands as he tries to hunt down a French phantom that's showing up in various parts of Washington, doing criminal damage and trying to get the government to buy its inventions.
It all has something to do with the American War of Independence and the US government's foolish refusal to buy the phantom's innovative contraptions, back when it was still a living man.
And, now, that phantom seeks revenge.
Beyond that, I could say nothing of the book's contents, other than an ancient daguerreotype photo of the Capitol Building proves to be the clue that allows Metamorpho to wrap up the case and get back to his primary job of canoodling with his girlfriend.
However, it would appear to feature the artwork of Ramona Fradon, an artist whose work I was previously convinced I'd never encountered during my youth.
But what other comics lie out there, in the wilds of reality, that I still have no recollection of ever having owned?
And will I ever stumble across them?
Steve, surely just about EVERY comic you've ever owned qualifies for that description? How many times now have you said "I don't remember what happened in this issue..." ? I'm going to try that, it seems to garner more comments. Cheers.
ReplyDeleteOooh - its the return of legendary SteveDoesComics feature The Most Forgettable Comics I Have Ever Owned.
ReplyDeleteI actually read this one back in the day too Steve, and (somewhat) recall it, but forgot it was in DC 1st Issue Special. Maybe I read it in one of those paperback DC reprints from the mid-70s, or Metamorpho just wasn't as memorable as classics like Lady Cop, or Dingbats.
Apologies for casting any doubt on your authoritativeness, but I'm pretty sure the French phantom was from the 1812 War between the Americans and the Brits.
-sean
Thinking about it, Sean, you're probably right about which war it was.
ReplyDeleteBut, Kid, it's not just a matter of not remembering what happened in a comic but of not even remembering it ever existed.
True, but the title of your post suggests one more than the other. After all, you seem to have forgotten the contents of practically every comic that's passed through your hands (and, to be fair to you, most of them probably weren't worth remembering), so perhaps 'The most forgettable comics I forgot I ever owned' might be more apt.
ReplyDeleteSteve, I have it on very good authority that you forgot you owned both Special 1st Editions #4 and #6. Therefore I would ask you to consider reviewing them! Please.
ReplyDeleteAlso, why was Metamorpho in a "1st Edition?" I thought this title was to try out brand, spanking new characters?
I don't know that you know that but if you do I'd like to know. That said, Sean seems to know a lot of history so perhaps, Sean can humor ole Charlie?
I can guarantee I never owned either of those issues, Charlie. Trust me, if I'd owned Lady Cop, I would never have forgotten it.
ReplyDeleteCharlie, I just read too many comics when I was younger.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, those do include 1st Issue Special #5 which was a new Manhunter by Kirby, and a later issue featuring Dr Fate, so I can only conclude that the comic's brief was to try out any ideas for a new mag, rather than only new ones.
Or maybe even just to use up any old sh*t they had lying around in inventory...
Steve - https://bronzeageofblogs.blogspot.com/2018/08/lady-cop.html
So you can review it at some point now... (;
-sean
Fear not, Steve! Most of us have forgotten those forgettable comics. Some of us have also forgotten some memorable books. I've even forgotten books I currently have, unwittingly buying a duplicate copy. At least those were inexpensive back issues; I'd remember a book I paid big money for.
ReplyDeleteCharlie- DCs "First issue Special " was like "Marvel Premiere ", but much less successful. But Marvel's book also "Premiered " veterans like Dr. Strange and Warlock...
Congratulations to you fellas in the U.K., on the birth of young Prince Archie.
ReplyDeleteHe's the first Brit to successfully exit anything in a long time.
M.P.
I can see a touch of Paul Grist on that cover. Particularly the posture of the villain and how he's holding the girl.
ReplyDeleteDW
DW, I'm totally unfamiliar with the work of Paul Grist, so can neither confirm nor deny his involvement.
ReplyDeleteMP, thanks. I must confess that your comment is the first I've heard about it.
Red, it is a mystery as to what the brain chooses to recall and what it chooses to forget.
Sean, thanks for the link. I shall see about reviewing the awesomeness of Lady Cop at some point.
Steve - Charlie requests that you contemplate a review of Kirby's Dingbats too in Special FIrst Edition #6! Maybe compare it to another Kirby work like Kamandi 1 or the coming of the Silver Surfer FF # 48 or Captain America # 1 from 1940?
ReplyDeleteThis would allow you to contemplate and then ruminate on the evolution of Kirby over the decades!
Promise you will contemplate that?
Steve - also the UK's very own Tom Jones will be 80 this coming Sunday!!! ANy chance you have a tribute blog planned? What's New Pussycat... Such a classic!!!
ReplyDeleteCharlie, I shall contemplate the Dingbats.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure Tom Jones' 80th birthday totally falls under the purview of this site but I'll see if I can give it a mention.
Both Metamorpho & Tom Jones rule on equal levels!!!
ReplyDeleteI still have Metamorpho's first appearance in my collection! In FN condition! Uhh.. not that anyone would care... tho.. but ya never know...
Was at a local comics shop a couple years ago, and was looking for older complications to read. Wasn't looking to spend more than $15 each for something like various Marvel Essentials.
All they had in stock was hardback deluxe editions of the stuff I wanted to read, and very pricey.
The kid at the shop pointed me to their clearance section, and I bought the DC Showcases of Batgirl & Metamorpho for $5 each!
Having limited reading experience of DC in the sixties, Batgirl was relatively refreshing, though kind of silly at times. Great to see some of my favorite artists, like Kane & Infantino, drawing a headlining female character. I was bummed out about the Don Heck issues. Guess there's no surprise there.
The 'Morpho book was a gas, though. Being a minor fan of the character as a kid, it was great to re-read the stories I remembered and the many I missed.
Agreement on his powers being stupid, but in a 7 year old mindset he could seem pretty cool. Plus you'd learn a little of chemical science.
Tom Jones was riding pretty high in the 60's. I'm sure you UK folks had his variety show available at that time. We had it on every week. I still have Tom's greatest hits in my CD collection.
I wasn't being serious about you reviewing Lady Cop Steve; really, I'm quite happy to leave it to you to decide what you cover.
ReplyDeleteM.P., that was a good one. By a funny coincidence, after nothing but coronavius in the news for months now, today Brexit started making a comeback (although your impressive American uprising is currently getting the headlines).
Apparently theres deadlock in negotiations with the EU, and the Brits say they definitely won't extend the deadline! Whoever expected that?
-sean
Meant "compilations", not "complications", but I'm sure you guys figured that out.
ReplyDeleteMy local comic shop opened up a couple weeks ago, and had a full spinner rack of "True Believers".
Bought a 1/2 dozen. Shout out to Charliehorse!
I'm glad you guys found the humor in that. I heard it on NPR, actually.
ReplyDeleteAnd yeah, Sean, things are pretty chaotic over here. We've had demonstrations even here in Sioux Falls. I'm a white guy, but I certainly understand the anger. I'm angry about it too. We've got a long ways to go.
On a much lighter, I've got a couple First Issue Specials. If memory serve, one is Dr. Fate and the other the Creeper. Old back issues I picked up in some comic store somewhere.
They're kinda fun. Custom made for light summertime reading in the shade with a beverage.
I just found out my grand-niece, who is nine, is officially a comic book nerd just like her great uncle. I have welcomed her into our illustrious ranks by sending her a few age-appropriate comics from time to time.
I'm hoping someday she might be able give me a cushy job, like as her chauffer or butler or something.
M.P.
I meant "much lighter note."
ReplyDeletePoor editorial skills!
M.P.
I have been having a minor riot buying those $1 true believers! As mentioned, I just grabbed the one which shows the Swordsman debut in the Avengers. It reprints Marvel Triple Action #13 which is a reprint of Avengers #18.
ReplyDeleteI have to say, that was smart of Marvel to move Marvel Triple Action away from Fantastic Four reprints to Avengers reprints.
Honestly, I think that Marvel could have started reprinting their big guns, from the beginning, every 3 years. That way the new readers could conceivable catch up on a bunch of past issues. Like you would have Spidey 1, 37, 73 (whatever) being reprinted the same month. Within 3 years, you could be totally caught up with Spidey.
Or, do it the UK Marvel way and burn through it, reprinting all in about 15 minutes. (Just kidding.)
Word on the street (not the ones on fire) is that DC has cancelled all its reprinting? It was doing the $1 and $4 reprints like Marvel. That said, there is very little of DC I could think of worth buying from the 60s and 70s? I mean, there are some great runs like Adams on Batman or Aparo on Spectre but o/wise not sure what they would reprint.
Just off the top of my head Charlie, how about Kirby's Fourth World, Kamandi and OMAC, the Wrightson (and Redondo) Swamp Thing, assorted short stories drawn by the mighty Alex Nino, war comics by Joe Kubert, Russ Heath, John Severin et al - Haunted Tank! - or Kaluta's Shadow?
ReplyDeleteDC did loads of great stuff back then that they could (and do) reprint. Even more if you include the 80s, when their best comics had it over Marvel.
Hey, M.P., the Ist Issue Special Dr Fate was a good one!
I couldn't see the point of the Creeper really, but to be fair the only comic I read as a kid with him in it was an issue of the Joker, which didn't really need a second character who just laughs a lot.
-sean
"Beware the Creeper", Sean.
ReplyDeleteHe's out there, lurking around somewhere.
M.P.
Charlie, I recently darkened the door of my local comics shop, sanitized my hands and took a look around. Marvel indeed seems to be reprinting some old classics. They had that Hulk issue with Hammer and Anvil. I dunno why I didn't buy it.
ReplyDeleteAlas, it's that slick new paper and sans the crazy ads from the '70's.
What 12-year-old boy wouldn't want a pair of X-ray specs. Or a race of super-intelligent sea creatures at his command.
M.P.
Bummer that DC is killing their reprint line. I much prefer the finer points of their format to Marvel’s .That slick, glossy paper is okay for their bare-bones $1 ‘True Believers’ books — I’ve bought a few — but at the $3.99 price-point, I prefer the matte paper, no bar-code on the cover, and all the ads. I have to admit I’ve only bought a few of the DC facsilmilies — first appearance of Batgirl, first Swamp Thing in HOUSE OF SECRETS — but I’ve bought NONE of the Marvel $3.99 reprints. Which, again, is a total bummer! There are LOTS of ‘key’ Marvel books that I’d love to have in that beautiful, cheap format — like that ‘First Wolverine’ Hulk — but that glossy paper is a deal-breaker.
ReplyDeleteA few years ago I was going through my long-boxes and realized I had almost all of those First Issue Specials, was missing only three or four. Obviously, this was intolerable! Fortunately my LCS had all the missing issues, and for dirt cheap, so I was able to complete the set in one fell swoop. Lady Cop was one of the ones I didn’t have, and it’s GREAT. Almost feels more like an Atlas comic, for some reason. Maybe it’s the Giordano cover. I really like the Vosburg/Royer Starman issue (I may be alone in that) and of course that insane Simonson Dr.Fate. I’ve never read the two Simon/Grandenetti books — I should at least give em a try one of these days....
-b.t.
Yeah, those First Issue Specials did seem a bit like Atlas Seaboard comics.
ReplyDeleteYou'd pick one up and think, "Well, I don't see myself spending very much money on this. A quarter is pushing it. I'm saving up for a hamburger later."
M.P.
Dunno about the Atlas comparison, as I don't recall much in the way of cannibalism in the 1st Issue Specials.
ReplyDeleteBut maybe I just didn't read enough of them...
-sean