NEW CASTEL CRIVENS ACQUISITIONS...

Copyright DC COMICS

I'm fortunate enough to own the original of the above facsimile of Batman #227, but I simply had to buy this new edition as well as it's a great story.  The Neal Adams cover pays homage to that of Detective Comics #31, which bears the signature of Bob Kane.  However, given Mr.Kane's reputation for being a bit of a bullsh*tter, you can't really rely on anything with his name on it as having been drawn by him.

Next, above, is a facsimile of DC Special #5, featuring Joe Kubert.  I've got the original of the first issue, so this makes a nice addition to my extremely limited number (four, I think) of this particular title.  A nice variety of stories inside, so if you're a Kubert fan, this one's for you.

Copyright MARVEL COMICS

Not a facsimile, but a brand-new one-shot publication, celebrating 50 years of Captain Britain.  Had a quick browse-through it and it looks like one worth having, especially if you'e a CB fan.  Even if you're not, would still be a nice addition to your comics collection.  I only received this one yesterday (Friday), having pre-ordered it a while back, yet I see it's already being sold on eBay for extortionate asking prices.  Grab one while you can!

THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE...

As I dozed fitfully in my scratcher in the early hours of this morning, a rather bizarre notion occurred to me, which many of you might prefer not to consider.  However, I'll lay out my stall anyway, and perhaps some of you may be intrigued (and bold) enough to ponder the proposition, which is this.  Ready?

Imagine that magic exists, and that a mystical being were to present itself to you with the following offer: you could have one wish, and that wish would be you could bring back to this plane of existence a departed relative, friend, or lover.  Only one, mind, and it wouldn't be in a 'monkey's paw'-type way, with a resucitated mouldering corpse chapping your front door.

No, it would be the person of your choice returned to life, with all the vim, vigour, and vitality of when they were at their best; and it would actually be that person, not a clone, simulacrum, android, or imitation of any kind, but the 'real deal' just as you'd known them in life.  (We're talking magic, remember.)

So here's the inevitable question you knew was coming.  Who would you choose for a second chance at life?  Parent, sibling, spouse, pet, favourite relative (aunt, uncle, etc.), or a famous figure from history?  Yeah, I know that kind of puts you on the spot, but have a think about it, then say who you'd choose - and why!

That should clear any cobwebs from your brain, as you're placed in the unenviable position of deciding who among your departed friends or relations you'd like to see again, out of every expired person you've ever known.  I suppose what I'm asking is who do you miss the most?  The comments section awaits.

TOYBOX TREASURES Of The PAST: KHONER's BUGS BUNNY JUMPKIN... (Updated)

Copyright relevant owner

When was it now?  Lemme see - late '60s perhaps, no later than 1970 while I was yet a primary school pupil.  On the way back from the town centre, my family stopped at what was called 'the old Westwood shops' and popped into a newsagent's so my father could buy some tobacco for his pipe.  Hanging high above the counter, affixed to a cord stretched between the top of the display cabinets on either side, I spied a Bugs Bunny toy and promptly bought it - or maybe 'twas my parents who made the purchase, can't quite recall.

It was known (and still is) as a Khoner's Jumpkin, and I spied one on eBay recently, still on its backing card, with an asking price of £150.  Worry ye not, Crivvies, I opted for a far, far, far less expensive one without the backing card, as I only had a dim recollection of it, likely having disposed of the card almost immediately (or not long after getting home).  To be honest, it's not much of a plaything, but in my constant quest to replace as many items from my childhood as I can, I just had to have it again - and now I do!

I didn't retain my original one for long, as, being rather limited in its playtime potential, I dismantled the toy and then put it back together again without the string, which, when pulled, had made Bugs' limbs go up and down as though he were jumping.  If I recall correctly, I glued the arms and legs in place, transforming it into a 'static' item, with even less entertainment value than it had possessed before my adventurous administrations as to its function reduced it to not much more than an ornament as opposed to a toy.  

There was also a Popeye one, I believe, though I don't think I've ever seen it, and it's more than likely there were others too.  It's strange to think it's been around 58-60 years since I owned my original Bugs, but the immense span between then and now melted away once its replacement arrived at Castel Crivens to take up residence.  Wish I had that length of time ahead of me to enjoy ownership, not just of Bugs, but also all my other 'clones' of childhood treasures, but I suppose I'll be lucky if I have half of that.

Lucky and grateful.  So here's a slightly weird question for you all that's only just occurred to me; if you could pick a number of how many years you might have left in life, what would be the minimum you'd go for?  Or would you rather not know when you were gonna go?  Comments?

JOE 90 (Speccy Four-Eyes) BADGES...

Copyright relevant owner

Time for some more badges, methinks, so here's a reissue from the Gerry Anderson Store of the half-dozen Joe 90 badges that were issued individually with breakfast cereal Sugar Smacks back in the '60s.  They're affixed to the card backing (though removeable), so the card text is a little out-of-focus as it sits behind the badges by a couple of millimetres, but I'm sure you won't mind that too much.  I'm hoping they do the Captain Scarlet ones next.

The SUPERHERO WOMEN (We Are Not Worthy)...

Copyright MARVEL COMICS

To be honest, I wasn't much impressed by The Superhero Women when I thumbed through it in a shop in Glasgow sometime back in 1977, which is why I didn't buy it.  Strange, though, as the John Romita Snr. cover should have swung it for me, especially as it featured Susan Storm (The Invisible Girl) in all her Magnificent Marvel Maidenhood, and you all know by now how much I fancied her.  In seeming contradiction to that sentiment, however, I confess I've seen sexier representations of Susie (wasn't too keen on her hairstyle here), but the other gals should've swayed me as I was a fickle little fecker when it came to comicbook cuties.

So, like I said, I didn't purchase it on that non-eventful day.  Also, as Stan Lee himself says in one of the tale's intros, it isn't really an 'origins' book on account of only around two (at a quick count) of the 11 tales actually qualifying as such, the others being 'generic' adventure stories of the featured characters.  Over the years, though, I began to regret my downbeat decision back then as it meant I was one book short in the series, so I recently took the plunge in rectifying the situation and purchased a decent condition copy via eBay, which arrived at Castel Crivens this morning.  This book can be quite costly, but I managed to secure one at a reasonable price.

So it only took 49 years to get my grubby mitts on the buggah, but now that I've got it, it somehow feels as though I've returned to 1977 for a spell, or brought part of 1977 into the present, which is more-or-less the same thing, wouldn't you say?  Regardless, any cavortin' Crivvies ever buy this book at the time (or later), and if so, what did you think of it?  Also, out of the seven superhero females featured here, which one is your favourite?  Comments encouraged.

DC's SWAMP THING #1 FACSIMILE EDITION...

Copyright DC COMICS

DC's new facsimile of Swamp Thing #1 is now available, so don't let it get away.  Glossy cover, newsprint paper; original ads, metal staples, and thingie-doo-dahs - what more could you wish for from this replica of a classic collectable?  How about The Wit and Wisdom of Kid Robson?  What's that - not enough reading material to keep you occupied for more than a few seconds?  And that's only if you read slowly?  Cheeky b*ggers!  I'll have you know I'm a well-known intylechsul, admired around the world for my huge brayne.  Anyway, enjoy some lovely art by Bernie Wrightson, presented just for you.

HOW TO BECOME A COMIC BOOK ARTIST...

All images copyright relevant and respective owners

I mentioned these three books previously, one of which I've owned for ages, the other two being recent acquisitions bought via eBay and delivered a couple or so days ago.  First up (above) Is How To Become A Comic Book Artist by Rich Buckler, one I've wanted to own for quite a while now, perhaps even as far back as 1986 when it was published - and now I've finally managed to obtain it (maniacal laughter).

The second Buckler book (below) I've owned possibly from as far back as 1986, when it was also published; if not, I don't think there'll be a huge gap between my ownership and its publication date.  Same author, same publisher, same artistic theme, yet a far smaller book than the one above as far as its height and width go.

I admit, I got the third one (below) because of the name of the artist and author, but there's nothing inside to really suggest that it's by the renowned Marvel and DC artist of the same name.  Who knows though, maybe it is?  Anyway, either way, still nice to have among my collection of 'How To...' publications currently putting a strain on my bookshelves.  All I need now is one called 'How To Find Time To Read All My How To Books And Apply Myself To Following Their Advice'.  Then I'll really be cooking with gas! 

Any Crivs got any of these books and have they enabled you to inch closer to becoming a comicbook legend, or merely languished in your personal library of literary possessions, gathering dust and fading and tanning in the sunlight streaming through your window?  (Unless you live in Scotland, obviously.)  What's your view on these kind of books - useful or useless?  Tell us all why!

ELECTRO - REPLACED By The SHOCKER! (Updated)

The issue used, copyright MARVEL COMICS

Many moons ago, I bought via auction a first edition softcover of Origins Of Marvel Comics and noticed that its three Doctor Strange strips weren't reprinted in their correct sequential order.  His origin story was presented before his debut story, which followed the intro to the subsequent story, which didn't appear until after the Epilogue instead of before.  In short, someone royally screwed up.  The proper sequence of strips and intros was corrected for the second printing onwards, so I guess that was the one I had as I don't recall ever noticing anything untoward about the Doctor Strange section of the book at the time.

For some reason, I didn't keep my earliest copies (gave them to friends perhaps), but bought a fourth edition from a bookshop in Glasgow circa the late '70s, which is the one that Stan Lee autographed for me (along with a passel of other books) when I met him in 1991.  He was 69 at the time (coming up for 70), which scares the hell out of me as that means he was only around a couple of years older than I am now.  (Where did my life go?!)  However, there was another error in the 1974 incarnation of Origins, which I just learned about after buying the 50th Anniversary deluxe edition only recently, and it's as follows.

In the Spidey section, the back-up, more contemporary strip, was supposed to be an Electro story, but one featuring The Shocker was used instead.  The title was "Rocked By The Shocker!", so presumably someone thought this was the intended Electro tale and this is the one that was published.  When the mistake was discovered (after printing), was the wrong tale removed for future editions and the correct one substituted?  No, the text of Stan's intro to the tale was rewritten (presumably by Stan) and the original intended strip appeared in a later Spidey reprint book in the Fireside series, devoted to individual heroes.

The 50th Anniversary deluxe edition corrects the running order of the Doctor Strange stories (mentioning it in the indicia), but not the introductory exposition to the Spidey story, retaining the reference to the non-utilised strip.  This decision confused me, as I thought I'd have noticed this glaring error before now, having re-read my '70s edition several times over the years, but when I checked, I saw that the text had been rewritten for the second edition and all subsequent ones.  Cop a gander at what the first printing said, just in case there are any Marvel malcontents or incredulous Crivvies out there who steadfastly refuse to believe me...

In the episode that follows, you'll meet his gorgeous, star-crossed girlfriend, Gwendolyn, as well as the bolt-hurling Electro---just one of the countless colorful supervillains our dauntless hero dares defy.  You'll also see the now-classic "Spidey in the Laundromat" episode, as well as some evidence of Marvel's typical nontoken treatment of its many black characters.

The amended version reads...

In the episode that follows, you'll meet his gorgeous, star-crossed girlfriend, Gwendolyn, as well as the anti-social Shocker---just one of the countless colorful supervillains our dauntless hero dares defy.  You'll also see the now classic "Jameson Loses His Cool" episode, as well as some evidence of Marvel's typically untypical exotically exaggerated action scenes.

Like I say, I was previously unaware of this change until recently, which just goes to show you're never too old to learn something new.

The issue that should've been used

Update: It sometimes takes my memory a while to warm up - could be hours, days, or weeks, but eventually, recollections pop to the surface, seemingly out of nowhere.  Upon reflection, I think I actually did have a 1st printing of Origins, which had an autographed photo of Stan Lee I'd affixed to the inside front cover, supplied by Marvel UK from a stash Stan had signed for them when he was over in Britain promoting the book.  I parted with it in part payment for a copy of J.I.M. #83, though I didn't have the comic for long as I inadvertently damaged it.  When I got around to ordering another copy of Origins, it was the 2nd printing I received, wherein the errors mentioned above had been amended.

CAPTAIN BRITAIN #1 - 50th ANNIVERSARY...

Copyright MARVEL COMICS

I worked in the warehouse of my local Boots The Chemist at the time, and I recall buying the 1st ish (and the next four, just before quitting my job) of Captain Britain on my way to work one morning.  I've a vivid impression it was a weekday, as I think I only worked Monday to Friday, not the weekend.  If my memory's correct, it's odd this title wasn't a Saturday comic, as, up until then, most (if not all) Marvel UK mags tended to come out on a Saturday.

I bought it in John Menzies (which became WH Smith years later, and, more recently, TG Jones) and whenever I look through my collection of CBs, 'tis JM and the Plaza Shopping Centre I mainly think of as they're indelibly linked with my teenage youth, being but a mere 17-years-old at the time.  An interesting fact is I eventually reclaimed my original issues when my pal Joe passed away last year (Oct 21st), as I gave them to him sometime in the late '70s.

That means I now have two sets, as I acquired replacements for all of them around 1983 or '84 and I'm loath to part with either set, as they each have their own collection of memories and associations.  So, 50 years gone by in a flash, but I take a measure of comfort from the fact Captain Britain reminds me of people and places that are no longer around, though they all live again as I browse through their pages and remind myself of halcyon days of yesteryear.

What about the rest of you Crivs?  Any memories of this particular title?  The comment section awaits your erudite, interesting, and entertaining observations.  Don't let me down now.      

The AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1000...

Copyright MARVEL COMICS

Good to see a Steve Ditko (and Dean White) Spidey illo on the cover of ASM #1000, though there are other artists to choose from with this ish as there are a number of variants.  (This one will do for me.)  Haven't read it all yet, only the first story, but I'm looking forward to getting into the rest of it before too long.  Why not treat yourself to this collectors' item classic before they sell-out and you have to pay through the nose for it as a back issue on eBay?!

ORIGINS Of MARVEL COMICS - 2024 50th ANNIVERSARY Deluxe Edition...

Copyright MARVEL COMICS

How did I miss this one?  Published back in 2024, I only found out about it in the last few days and promptly ordered a copy, which arrived today.  This is the 50th Anniversary deluxe edition of Origins Of Marvel Comics by Stan Lee, including everything the book contained back in 1974 - plus a whole lot more!  Loads of bonus features, like articles, artwork, ads, interviews, reminiscences, etc., this is the only incarnation of this iconic hardback volume you'll ever want or need.

I thought perhaps it would use new proofs of these classic stories, but no - they're exactly as they first appeared in OOMC five decades ago.  Closely examining the pages, I suspect they've either been scanned or photographed from an actual 1974 edition, but it's been done to such a high standard it's hard to be certain.  All I know is that any obvious 'reconstruction' and retouches in the original version are also present here, but instead of being a drawback, it simply adds to the book's authenticity.

It's available on eBay (and perhaps Amazon - dunno, I haven't checked), so if you haven't already bought this valiant (and surprisingly heavy) volume, track one down right away.  I'd be surprised - shocked - amazed if you were disappointed.  The dustjacket is by Alex Ross, and on the boards is the original cover by John Romita Snr.  I've only had a cursory browse through this terrific tome so far, but its magical spell is irresistable, as it took me right back to the sizzlin' '70s in a heartbeat.

I'm not suggesting, I'm not hinting, I'm not asking you to consider it; I'm telling you - buy this book now!  (And your world will never again be the same.)  Incidentally, it's the deluxe hardback edition I purchased, but softcover versions with no bonuses (same as the' 74 printing) are also available.  Excelsior!

MWOM #1 - 54th ANNIVERSARY...

Copyright MARVEL COMICS

Saturday 30th September 1972 was an eventful day for British fans of Marvel Comics, as that was the day The Mighty World Of Marvel - or MWOM - was launched.  A weekly comic with a mixture of b&w, full colour and spot colour pages (the full colour pages increased to 8 with # 5), the first 30 or so issues had a magical quality that later issues couldn't quite match - mainly due to there being something extra-special about those early adventure strips.

I was already familiar with the stories from the days of the '60s Odhams Power Comics, but they'd all been reprinted in b&w and in different dimensions to their original US presentations, so to see the tales closer to how they'd originally appeared was a treat to the 14-year-old me, and I'm sure other kids of a similar age felt the same.  It's a safe bet that many of today's Merry Marvel Maniacs became so with the inaugral issue of this gaily-coloured comic.

Anyway, today is 54 years since Marvel UK burst onto the scene, so what follows is a selection of images from that classic 1st issue from all those years ago.  Sure, you've seen 'em all before on Crivens, but I couldn't let the big day pass without celebrating.  So feel free to wax lyrical in the comments section if you were around back then - or even if you weren't.

            First up, the 'Green-Skinned Monster' T-Shirt Transfer

A page (7) was edited out of Spidey's debut, though Marvel later denied it when a reader sent in a letter

enquiring about it.  I assume the UK editor was unaware of it as the pages were prepared in the States

And below - The World's Greatest Free Gift Offer! - sent on receipt of 8 weekly coupons.

Yer actual unfolded poster, not an ad image

YOGI BEAR & FRED FLINTSTONE On The BIG SCREEN - And In Comics & LPs...

Copyright Relevant Owners

First of all, I should point out that these aren't 'book and record' sets, it's just the way I've laid them out.  The records are separate entities from the comicbooks, none of which were released as a pair.  Having said that, as they were manufactured a good many years before DVDs, you'd have thought (I'm tempted to type 'thunk') someone would've come up with the idea to release the LP soundtracks and their equivalent comics together, eh?  Sure seems like a good idea to me.

Speaking of DVDs, I've actually got both movies on disc, having seen Yogi's, not in the cinema, but on TV many years (decades probably) later.  Fred's film I saw in my local cinema (now a Bingo hall), either towards the end of 1972 or sometime in 1973, as the 'support act' for Living Free, the sequel to Born Free.  I went to see it (didn't bother with the main film after the first time) so often that when I took a chum, the manager (Bob Johnstone) let him in for free.

Anyway, I'm glad to have these two double examples of movie merchandise, so I thought I'd share them with you here.  Ain't that considerate of me?  Hello, anybody there?  (And perhaps I should mention that these two films were actually produced for release on the big screen back in the '60s, they weren't TV films pressed into service for a cinematic outing.)  Any of you Crivvies seen either of these two animated productions?  If so, what did you think of them at the time?  Do tell.

BADGE(S) Of DISTINCTION...

Don't blame me, 'twas McScotty who said he'd like to see some more of my badges.  I didn't bother photographing them, I merely placed them on my scanner screen and did it that way.  As I previously said, I don't wear badges, but I somehow find myself drawn to them and have collected quite a number of them over the years.  Most seen here are relatively recent 'retroactive' badges featuring old TV shows, only about 4 or 5 of them being original badges from way back when.  (And yes, that is a genuine Blue Peter Badge, one of two I own, not a replica.)

Like to see more?  Then let me know, Crivvies.

RECENT DC COMICS FACSIMILE EDITIONS...

Copyright DC COMICS

A couple of recent Facsimile Editions from DC Comics that you might be interested in, Crivs.  First up, above, V For Vendetta #1, written by Alan Moore and drawn by David Lloyd, and next, below, Superman #141, featuring classic tale 'Superman's Return To Krypton', written by Jerry Siegel and drawn by Wayne Boring.  Okay, you've had a heads up, now go out and buy them at the earliest opportunity.  You'd be a fool to miss them.