GIANT-SIZE X-MEN #1 FACSIMILE EDITION...

Copyright MARVEL COMICS

Here's yet another in the MARVEL facsimile editions series, Giant-Size X-MEN #1, and if you don't have the original, then this version will do as a nice stand-in until you win the Lottery or that rich uncle pops his clogs.  Once again, the COMICS CODE box has been omitted, which irks me slightly, as I prefer facsimiles to look as much like the originals as possible, and the Code box is integral to the feel of the period the mag was first published.

Anyway, if you've been buying any of the mags in this series, this is one you might like to consider adding to your collection.  Unlike the TRUE BELIEVERS version, it contains the back-up strips of the original, and is better than the MARVEL MILESTONES EDITION from the '90s.  'Nuff said.

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I see this ish is already up on eBay for ridiculous prices.  One seller is asking £15.99, another £19.99.  Crikey, it only just came out a few days ago.

LEO BAXENDALE'S SWEENY TODDLER...

Copyright REBELLION

Received a complimentary copy of LEO BAXENDALE's SWEENY TODDLER today, the latest release from the TREASURY Of BRITISH COMICS, and let me tell you - it's an absolute belter!  Containing 90-plus pages (not counting the full-colour endpapers and Leo's son MARTIN's introduction, etc.) of one of IPC's most popular strips from the '70s (and beyond), it belongs on the bookshelves of every true fan of UK comics.  Hardback, at only a paltry £14.99 (according to the back cover), it's available in better bookshops and also direct from REBELLION at this link.  (It's listed at £19.99 on the site, but I assume that includes p&p.)

First-ever Sweeny strip

My copy contained a special print (#83 of 100) of Sweeny at his menacing best, suitable for framing and turning my study/studio into a much more colourful and interesting place to be.  So thanks to those extremely nice people at Rebellion/Treasury Of British Comics for their generosity.  Incidentally, the quality of reproduction is first class - probably better than the strips' original printing in SHIVER & SHAKE and WHOOPEE! back in the day, so it really is a 'must have', especially if you're a Baxendale fan.  There appears to be a few strips by a fill-in artist(s), but it's mainly Leo's art at its hysterical best.