MARVEL SWIMSUIT SPECIAL #1
Ever since 1991 when Marvel published it’s very first Swimsuit Special (Marvel Illustrated The Swimsuit Issue), generations of comic readers have gotten to see their favorite heroes and villians Abiti succinti. Along with some humor and the idea that super-heroes are regular people, they have always been a good read. And this current issue continues the tradition. Whether it be a wet Beast being annoyed by his X-Men friends or a butch of Hulks trying to releave stress on an island paradise, this is a very entertaining comic. And, of course, there are the pin-ups. 8 out of 10 Grahams.
SILENT NIGHT DEADLY NIGHT DARK WINTER #1
The slightly twisted folks at American Mythology have managed to find more story for Billy Chapman. And since Christmas in July has becoming a thing, why not? And writers S.A. Check and James Kuhoric have come up with an interesting way to incorporate a lot of the movies’ best scenes into the story. Billy ends up bouncing from past to present in an attempt to redeem himself. But can the Savage St. Nick really straighten himself out. Psrt one seems to think not. Best part, even though it’s not Linnea Quigley, is that we get another antler scene. Interesting, thought provoking, and definitely made for fans of the franchise. 9 out of 10 Grahams.
TEAM AMERICA RACING #1 CSN PRESS
Whoa! Where did this one come from? Originally, one of those out of left field concepts that Marvel was famous for in the 1980’s, the original series first showed up in Captain America #269. Remember those days when any old cameo might expand into a new title at the drop of a hat? Ah, the good old days! But they were not exactly a Marvel creation but a property and toy line from Ideal. Which explains why CSN has the concept now. straight out of their appearances in five issues of Comic Shop News. But even more fascinating is the history of Team America featured here. An amazing rabbit hole for comic and toy fans alike. And a great rememberance of all the motorcycle characters based in the 1980’s. This one had me in nostalgia joy for hours. 10 out of 10 Grahams.
MADAME TARANTULA #1 VON HOFFMAN PUBLISHING
This is hands down a labor of love for Mike Hoffman! Mike wrote (with help from Barry Buchanan) the stories, did the art, did the cover, and by the look of it produced the magazine himself. Now that’s commitment. This first issue was dipped into the charm of 1970’s black and white horror/sci-fi magazines. And did anyone else get a slight Tura Satana vibe from our heroine’s pose on the cover? A mixture of 1980’s and 1990’s post apocalyptic future world mixed in with a mysterious plains traveller much like The Rook magazine wets the appetite for more. Hints are dropped through the short stories and the helpful bios of what the future has to bring but the bigger stories remain a mystery. It’s this type of horror/sci-fi that starts the old creativity flowing. Certainly worth checking out. 9 out of 10 Grahams.