World Devourer

Nice story. I could never understand the fascination with McFarlane, Liefeld, etc as it just didn't appeal. The Valiant titles were considerably better but most of that is now worth very little. The problem is the younger demographic in the right here and now - they live for the next Modern variant and Convention Funko Pop. Anything pre - 2000? Meh.

I agree completely. I purchased several rare Batman Funkos something like 5 years ago and they have appreciated significantly on account of the scarcity. Another very clever marketing tool is producing the same item in several colours - it creates the impression one has to have the whole set in order for it to be complete.

Who is the gold character between Daredevil and the Beast? Is that meant to be Black Bolt?

The highest grade on record is 9.4, with last sale being $300,000. With unlimited funds, it's a snap. Next stop, Action Comics #1 and Detective Comics #27!

Then this might interest you: https://www.ebay.com/itm/12-WONDER-WOMAN-MEGO-UNRELEASED-VERSION-SUPER-HEROES-W-BROWN-EYES-NO-LASHES/184047884412?hash=item2ada1bd87c:g:ZLEAAOSwv8Fd2G-F

Yes, overpricing is also a factor. There is one particular seller on Ebay who has listed highly overpriced items for years. That said, that is not the sole determining factor. It is nigh-impossible to have a decisive answer as much of the hobby is based on perception - hence the rise in what I call a "cover sport".

Well, I think the focus on variants speaks for itself. You only have to run an Ebay search on certain Spider-Man, Star Wars, Thanos etc. issues to see that. I have also noted many CGC 9.8's of old titles not moving. These days it really has to be a key issue - and usually in a good grade - to move. Another aspect of the hobby is also the strong emphasis on the cover - people don't buy a CGC comic to crack it open and read it. There are paper and e-versions for that.

In answer to the original question, I suspect the market for back issues will be considerably reduced. There seems to be far more emphasis on modern variants, with more and more older issues up for sale but withering on the vine (the Gold and Silver Age's days are numbered). That's only an opinion, and while there are some sales that occasionally defy this view, I believe we are seeing the start of a decline. The lack of interest in comic history is the beginning.

Well said. I am also a member over at gamefaqs, and have been since the early 2000s. I visit less and less, as many of the old posters have disappeared, and many of the new posters seem very young and unwilling/unable to discuss anything of weight at length. We had some really good times discussing games like Vagrant Story, Prince of Persia, Summoner etc. But, unless there is a movie or a revamped version for the PS5, the new arrivals aren't interested. The moral is nothing is forever. That said, a small amount of nostalgia from time to time is nice - a happy memory you can take out and polish like a fine gem.

I once had occasion to have a long talk with him about Batman. A very kind, charitable man. RIP. Sadly, many of the surviving greats will be passing on to the Heavenly Bullpen in the next few years. They too will be missed.

I used to read Blondie in the Sunday cartoon section. Good times.

Great to see this thread still going! Regarding the list, Zorro first appeared in 1919 in "The Curse of Capistrano". It was a serial with illustrations. The character did eventually reach comic form.

Possibly, but I'm also joining the continuity dots.

Many thanks. I'm not actually finished yet, and will collate all issues. Just rather time consuming!

Like Marvel Two-In-One, Marvel Team-Up was a grand experiment that while focusing mainly on one-shot stories, did occasionally ground itself in Marvel continuity and act as a firm reference point. * The title debuted in March 1972, and was initially published on a bi-monthly schedule - not moving to a monthly format until #8 was published in April 1973. * Of minor interest are the small images of the heroes in the top corners of the cover - all are previous images that have been "cut and pasted" from past covers of other titles to avoid any redrawing. #1-2 (March & May 1972) featured core title star Spider-Man and guest-star the Human Torch (the same character receiving cover billing for two consecutive issues only occurred four times during the entire run: the Human Torch in #1-2, the Hulk in #53-54; Iron Man in #48-49 and Captain Britain in #65-66). The story is unusual in that it has an intimate Christmas-style ending, giving the impression that this is in fact the end and there is no second part. #2 is a more typical "super hero" situation at Baxter Building (the Wizard of the Frightful Four discovered the Negative Zone, and then realized his error and it became a race to stop Annihilus escaping). A very minor character - a drunken sailor who speaks with the Human Torch - appears in #2 and re-appears in #13. #3 - 4 (July & September 1972) are significant for several reasons: * Gil Kane art * It is a DIRECT continuation of the storyline in Amazing Spider-Man #100 - 102 (September - November 1971), which was the first appearance of Morbius The Living Vampire. Although ingesting Morbius' blood cured Spider-Man of his extra four arms, it is slowly killing him. A cure is obtained in this story. The notion of the "shared universe" had always been a constant at Marvel, and this would be one of many instances in the title where Spider-Man or another character are "arriving or departing" from/to another story. * While #3 has the Human Torch as guest star once again, #4 features a rare post-cancellation appearance by the original X-Men (cameo by the Beast - see below). The last issue of the regular title was X-Men #66, in March 1970. Reprints commenced in December 1970, and the title was not reinvented until Giant Size X-Men #1 in May 1975. The Marvel Team-Up story is published in Sept. 1972. * The Beast only has a brief appearance in the story. This is due to the fact that the Beast has mutated into a stronger, grey-furred version of himself, and wishes to keep it a secret from the X-Men while investigating the Brand Corporation in Amazing Adventures #11, March 1972. The Beast's story continues until Amazing Adventures #17, March 1973. Again, this is one of the very few instances of the X-Men appearing during the cancellation period. #5 (November 1972) guest star Vision. The story has the minor distinction of being the first appearance of the Vision outside the Avengers title. The story is a consequence of the Kree-Skrull War storyline in Avengers #89 - 97 (June 1971 - March 1972). At the start of the story, the Vision is reflecting on the events of Avengers #105, and then after being assisted by Spider-Man rejoins the team in their search for Quicksilver in Avengers #106. #6 (January 1973) guest star the Thing, and the character's popularity would eventually culminate in Marvel Two-In-One #1 in January 1974. #7 (March 1973) guest star Thor, who makes mention of currently being banished from Asgard (from Thor #203 -213, Sept. 1972 - July 1973). Thor also learns that Peter Parker is Spider-Man when he observes Peter save a woman from a mugging. #8 (April 1973) guest star The Cat, saw the beginning of the monthly publishing schedule. The Cat had only debuted in the Marvel universe a few months prior in The Cat #1, Nov. 1973. This title was published on a bi-monthly schedule and unfortunately also short-lived - it concluded with #4 in June 1973. The Marvel Team-Up story occurs either before or after the events of #3. It is interesting to note that that this was an obvious attempt by Marvel to promote a new character (complete with a cover featuring The Cat uttering a pro-feminist cry at Spider-Man that reflected the times). This pattern would be repeated several times during a period when new writers for Marvel were experimenting with new characters. #9-11 (May - July 1973) are an excellent example of how it is a shared universe and characters can join a story at any time: Spider-Man allies with Iron Man, then the Human Torch, and then by association the Inhumans across the three issues to defeat Kang the Conqueror. Several heroes fighting the same villain across several issues would become a popular plot device. #12 (August 1973) guest star Werewolf By Night, who curiously is only referred to as "The Werewolf" on the cover. The issue repeats the promotional tactic of #8: Jack Russell, aka "Werewolf By Night", only debuted the year prior in "try-out" title Marvel Spotlight #2 (February 1972). The title began a monthly schedule in May 1972, with the character appearing in #3-4. The character would then appear in his own eponymous title that ran for 43 issues (September 1972 - March 1977). * The story places in San Francisco, and although the haunt of Werewolf by Night, Peter Parker was in fact sent by the Daily Bugle to interview Daredevil and the Black Widow. Peter is in mourning at this time: haunted by the recent death of Gwen Stacy (Amazing Spider-Man #121, June 1973). After the events of this story, Peter does interview the heroes in Daredevil #103 (September 1973). #13 (September 1973) guest star Captain America. The Grey Gargoyle seeks revenge against the Captain for being shot into space in Captain America #142 (October 1971). Also features a drunken sailor who gives advice to the still mourning Peter Parker (the same character who spoke with the Human Torch in Marvel Team-Up #2.) #14 (October 1973) guest star the Sub-Mariner. Spider-Man aids Namor in his quest to find Tiger Shark, the villain responsible for his father's death in Sub-Mariner #46 (February 1972). #15 (November 1973) guest star Ghost Rider. Ghost Rider was yet another character who had only recently appeared - debuting the year before in Marvel Spotlight #5 (August 1972). The character appeared in the title on a bi-monthly schedule until #11 (August 1973), before an eponymous title launched with #1 (September 1973). The title ran until #81 (June 1983). #16 - 17 (December 1973 - January 1974) is a two-part story that guest stars Captain Marvel (the character's only appearance in the title) and Mr. Fantastic respectively. The first issue features Jim Starlin art. Marvel Two-In-One also debuted in January 1974, featuring ongoing star the Thing and guest star Man-Thing. #18 (February 1974) was another Human Torch issue, with guest star the Hulk as they stop Blastaar. #19-20 (March - April 1974) is another two-part story, that guests stars first Ka-Zar in the Savage Land and then the Black Panther in New York respectively as they aid Spider-Man against Stegron. #21 (May 1974) guest star Doctor Strange. The story is a loose continuation of the events of Amazing Spider-Man Annual #2 (October 1965), as the same villain - Xandu - attempts to recover the Wand of Watoomb. #22 (June 1974) guest star Hawkeye, who enlists Spider-Man's aid to defeat villain Quasimodo. The story occurs during Hawkeye's rift with the Avengers, having left in Avengers #109 (March 1973). The character had fought alongside the Hulk in Incredible Hulk #166 (August 1973) and then followed him into the events of Defenders #7 (August 1973). Hawkeye remained with the team until Defenders #11 (December 1973). After the Marvel team-Up story, Hawkeye rejoined the Avengers in Giant-Size Avengers #2 (November 1974). #23 (July 1974) once again features the Human Torch as the star, although Spider-Man is mentioned. Ice Man guest stars. Continuity points: * This story actually occurs during the events of Giant-Size Spider-Man #1, published the same month. In that story, Spider-Man is on the way to the Baxter Building to borrow fast transport (seeking a vaccine from a doctor travelling by sea - in order to save his Aunt May). He sees the villain of the Marvel Team-Up story - Equinox - robbing a jewelry store and attempts to pursue but trips on a patch of ice. Spider-Man continues on his way and after meeting with the Human Torch, is given a one-man ship. Spider-Man has a tangential encounter with Dracula and eventually recovers the serum. In the Marvel Team-Up story, Spider-Man is seen briefly having the same conversation with the Human Torch, before the narrative then follows the Torch as he investigates. * The Torch meets three of the X-Men - Iceman, Cyclops and Marvel Girl - who are making another rare appearance during the cancellation period of the eponymous title. Cyclops mentions a "secret mission" that Iceman will need to return for shortly. This is a reference to the disastrous mission seen in flashback in Giant-Size X-Men #1. #24 (August 1974) guest star Brother Voodoo - another newly created character to be showcased in the title. Brother Voodoo first appeared in Strange Tales #168 (September 1973), and featured in the bi-monthly title until #173 (April 1974). #25 (September 1974) guest stars Daredevil. #26 (October 1974) once again featured the Human Torch as the main character, with guest star Thor. The story relates back Thor's second encounter with the Lava Men in Avengers #5 (May 1964). #27 (November 1974) guest stars the Hulk, who is coerced into freeing one of the Chameleon's old friends from prison. At the end of the story, the Hulk overhears news on the police radio about a battle between the Defenders and the Wrecking Crew. After being given directions by Spider-Man, he arrives at the location only minutes later, mentioning the help of "Bug Man" on arrival in Defenders #18 (December 1974). #28 guest stars Hercules; #29 featured title star the Human Torch and guest star Iron Man, while #30 guest stars the Falcon (December 1974 - February 1975). #31 (March 1975) guest stars Iron Fist. The character debuted the year prior in Marvel Premiere #15 (May 1974) and would feature in the title until #25 (October 1975) before continuing on the very next month to star in an eponymous series from #1 - 15 (November 1975 - September 1977). #32 (April 1975) guest stars Son of Satan, the last of the newly created characters to be promoted in Marvel Team-Up. The character first appeared in Ghost Rider #1 (V 2, September 1973) and then starred in Marvel Spotlight #12 - 24 (October 1973 - October 1975). #33 - 34 (May - June 1975) guest star Defenders Nighthawk and then Valkyrie respectively, aiding Spider-Man against Meteor Man. #35 (July 1975) was another Human Torch issue with guest star Doctor Strange and loosely continues the previous story. #36 - 37 (August - September 1975) guest star first Frankenstein's Monster (who technically first appeared in Atlas title Menace #7 (September 1953) and then Man-Wolf (first appearance Amazing Spider-Man #124, September 1973) in a strange off-beat adventure. #38 (October 1975) guest stars the Beast, who together with Spider-Man battles villain the Griffin. #39 - 40 (November - December 1975) guest stars the Human Torch and Sons of the Tiger. #41- 44 (January - April 1976) featured the first truly multi-issue story arc, as Spider-Man teams with first the Scarlet Witch, then Vision, Doctor Doom and finally Moondragon. All the characters featured throughout the entire story. At the conclusion of the story Spider-Man remained in the past momentarily, which then led into the next story arc. #45 - 46 (May - June 1976) guest star more recent additions to the Marvel Universe, being Killraven (first appearance Amazing Adventures #18, V 2, May 1973) and then Deathlok (first appearance Astonishing Tales #25, August 1974) respectively. Unable to prevent a past event, Spider-Man uses Doctor Doom's time device to travel to the future. However, a malfunction transports him into two different points in the future, fighting alongside each guest star in the individual issues. The next part of the adventure is in fact Marvel Two-In-One #17 (July 1976), as a returning Spider-Man teams with the Thing against old foe the Basilisk. The story continues in Marvel Team-Up #47, which was published the same month. #48 - 51 (August - November 1976) is another multi-issue arc. It has the unusual distinction of guest starring Iron Man for the first two issues, then Doctor Strange, and finally Iron Man once again, as they assist Spider-Man against villain the Wraith. #49 was also distinct for being the only Marvel Team-Up issue not to feature a letterbox image of the guest star (Iron Man) on the cover. #52 (December 1976) guest stars Captain America, who with Spider-Man deal with villain Batroc The Leaper and a demon from an alternate dimension. * The same month Marvel Team-Up Annual #1 was published, with guest stars the new X-Men. Aside from old allies Cyclops and Phoenix, Spider-Man met Nightcrawler previously (Amazing Spider-Man #161 - 162, October - November 1976). Given the frenetic pace of the multi-issue arcs in the bi-monthly X-Men title, this story could only have occurred in the X-Men's "downtime" between X-Men #109 - 111 (February - June 1978). #53-54 (January - February 1977) guest stars the Hulk, with the character given billing on both covers. The new X-Men feature briefly at the beginning of the story. * #55 (March 1977) guest stars Adam Warlock, and is key to Marvel chronology: * The Hulk features briefly on the first page, before Spider-Man travels into space to meet Adam Warlock. It is important to note that ideally the Hulk should have gone with Spider-Man, as this would then conclude the story line from Incredible Hulk #176-178 (June - August 1976). * This is the LAST story for Adam Warlock before the fateful events of Avengers Annual #7 (1977), which occurs soon afterwards. Aspects of the Marvel Team-Up story (the cosmic entity the Stranger and his use of a Soul Gem, Spider-Man and Adam Warlock's meeting) are referenced. #56 (April 1977) guest stars Daredevil. #57 (May 1977) guest stars Black Widow. The story details some events that Editorial announce will be resolved in the title Champions (debuted with #1 October 1975), but the title was cancelled - the last issue being #17 (January 1978). #58 (June 1977) guest stars Ghost Rider. #59-60 (July - August 1977) guest star Yellowjacket and Wasp, who assist against perennial Marvel Team-Up foe Equinox. The Wasp's powers are increased in the second issue. The story concludes in Baxter Building, the beginning setting for the next two-part story. #61-62 (September - October 1977) guest star the Human Torch and Ms. Marvel respectively, who assist Spider-Man against the revitalized Super-Skrull. #63-64 (November - December 1977) guest stars Iron Fist and Daughters of the Dragon. The story resolves plot threads with villain the Steel Dragon from the cancelled series Iron Fist. #65-66 (January - February 1978) guest stars Captain Britain (the last page has an appalling finish for the good Captain, as he is partially seen sitting silently in a car while Spider-Man converses with another character). #67 (March 1978) guest stars Tigra - who first teamed with Spider-Man prior to her transformation in #8. #68 (April 1978) guest stars Man-Thing. #69-70 (May - June 1978) guest star Havok and Thor respectively. Spider-Man teams with Havok in an unsuccessful attempt to stop the Living Pharaoh. Courtesy of Havok's powers, the villain becomes the Living Monolith. This two issue arc is significant as: * Writing and art were completed by the X-Men team of Chris Claremont, John Byrne and Dave Cockrum. * In X-Men #109 Moira MacTaggert tells Scott Summers (Cyclops) that brother Alex and Lorna Dane (Havok and Polaris respectively) are taking a sabbatical after their mind control by villain Eric the Red (which occurred in X-Men #97-98; 105). At the start of this story line, the pair are doing just that. * After Alex is kidnapped, Lorna unsuccessfully tries to contact the X-Men. She then calls Avengers Mansion and reaches the Beast, who is stationed there with Thor. This ties directly into Avengers #172, as the pair were directed by Iron Man to be on standby while the remainder of the team travel to New York Harbour to stop an attack by Tyrak (Iron Man himself is busy investigating the disappearance of several Avengers, revealed to be the work of the Collector in #173, and ultimately leading to the final battle with the combined Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy against Korvac in Avengers #177). The Beast leaves for the X-Men's mansion (staying with them from X-Men #111 - 114, and finally returning to the Avengers in #178), while Thor responds to a call concerning a "stone giant" (The Living Monolith) on a rampage. Interestingly, both the Beast and Thor were initially tied to the same story (and on the defeat of the Monolith, Thor returns Havok to Lorna on Muir Island). * While Thor is fighting the Living Monolith, Spider-Man is reminded of how obsolete he felt in the recent battle with Thanos (Avengers Annual #7, 1977). #71 (July 1978) guest stars the Falcon. Interestingly while Captain America also guest stars the character is used as the plot device as is only seen at the beginning and end of the story (poisoned by villain Plant Man). #72 (August 1978) guest stars Iron Man. The story continues on from the events of #48-51 as the heroes battle villain Whiplash and old foe the Wraith. #73 (September 1978) guest stars Daredevil. #74 (October 1978) guest stars "The Not Ready For Prime Time Players". In a bizarre edition to the series, real-life actors from the NBC television show Saturday Night Live appeared alongside Stan Lee - while his fictional creation Spider-Man attends the show as Peter Parker with girlfriend Mary Jane Watson. The villain is once again the Silver Samurai, who pried a strange ring from John Belushi and vanished. As with #57, the villain's motivation and end goal remained a mystery. #75 (November 1978) guest stars Power Man. #76 - 77 (December 1978 - January 1979) guest star Doctor Strange and Ms. Marvel as with Spider-Man they attempt to save the soul of Strange's apprentice Clea from mystical foe the Silver Dagger. A plot thread mentions a development for Doctor Strange, which is explored in #80. #78 (February 1979) guest stars Wonder Man. Villain the Griffin reappears, seeking revenge against the Beast for his defeat in #38. #79 (March 1979) guest stars Red Sonja, who courtesy of a mystical sword assumes control of host body Mary Jane Watson. Sonja and Spider-Man battle her old foe Kulan Gath. #80 - 81 (April - May 1979) guest stars Clea and Satanna respectively, as they assist Spider-Man in freeing Doctor Strange from the influence of a mystical creature. #82 - 85 (June - September 1977) is a multi-issue spy epic that guest stars Black Widow, then Nick Fury and finally Shang-Chi; before featuring all three characters together with Spider-Man in the final issue. Perennial foe the Silver Samurai returns, who together with Boomerang aids master criminal Viper. #86 (October 1979) guest stars the Guardians of the Galaxy (three of the team - Starhawk, Martinex and Nikki). #95 (July 1980) guest stars Mockingbird, who was unknown to many fans, having only featured in more obscure Marvel titles. A very different version of the character (that was a brunette and psychic) first appeared in Astonishing Tales #6 (June 1971) and continued in the bi-monthly title with star Ka-Zar until #20 (October 1973). The character then appeared in the bi-monthly Ka-Zar #3 - 5 (May 1974 - September 1974) and Savage Tales #8 (January 1975). #100 (December 1980) guest starred the entire Fantastic Four, and with Spider-Man they encounter the mutant Karma in her first appearance. The story is also notable for its dark overtones (as is the back-up feature with Storm and the Black Panther) and that fact that Chris Claremont and Frank Miller co-wrote the story (with Miller also completing art).

Very true. The Golden State 9.8 #1 and a #4 in 9.8 were both purchased for $5K in 2002. They have yet to see the light. By the by, some more additions made to our MTU master list.

Since you said it was a favourite, I jumped the queue and entered the information on the issue!

Almost! I am adding some WWBN information and other gems tonight. I just added a few more entries as there is some interesting trivia surrounding the early issues. A real work in progress but I think it will be a good read when finally complete.

I've made some additions and amendments to what is now becoming a mini-article, and may complete the remainder of the run.

Quite right. Notable as a rare non-reprint appearance of the original X-Men. It should be worth more.

Very well. I will spare your disease-ridden planet if you will become my Herald. I hunger.

No, this is the Thor that was seen in: Journey Into Mystery #109 - 169 (Thor humiliates Magneto, Absorbing Man, Super-Beast and the Super-Skrull, defeats Ego, High Evolutionary, Mangog and the Enchanters Three etc) Avengers #158 - 181 (check out #166 - via technology Count Nefaria has endowed himself with the combined powers of Living Laser, Power Man and Whizzer but a hundred-fold. Despite this Nefaria panics when confronted with Thor's power) Thor #300 (Thor lifts the Odinsword - a feat thought impossible - and throws it through Celestial Arishem) Thor #337 - 389 (Simonson run + a few gems) to name a few.

With a well-written story that takes into account all factors, I'd have to give it to Thor. Why? Thor is a GOD. His power levels are unbelievable - they HAVE to be to battle beings such as the Destroyer, Gladiator, the Heralds of Galactus, Mangog, Midgard Serpent, Surtur and Ulik. This is only addressed in the comics occasionally, but readers should always be reminded of this, especially when Thor is on Midgard and with the Avengers etc. Thor also wields a magical weapon with a wide array of abilities. Magic, of course, is one of Superman's few vulnerabilities. John Byrne once stated in a interview that the JLA/Avengers story was flawed, and that the Thor/Superman fight would be a case of "one really strong guy hitting another really strong guy with a sledgehammer". Thor is also capable of withstanding the fires of Muspelheim (Surtur) and the cold of Jotunheim (Ymir), which gives him immunity to two of Superman's major abilities (heat vision and cold breath). That said, there IS a way to placate everyone. A 3-part story line called "Meeting of Magicks". Due to manipulation by Loki and Mordru - who are not so much working together but attempting to fulfill separate goals - there is an accident at the cosmic crossroads and after some exploring by the separate heroes, a meeting, misunderstanding and eventually a battle. Thor wins the first fight as Superman simply can't cope with a being that can match him in strength and also attacks with blows from a magical weapon, magical lightning, energy blasts etc. A deflated Superman then puts his super-intellect to use and combats Thor's magical abilities with Kryptonian science - possibly in the form of a suit of armour - and manages to stun Thor and banish him to the Phantom Zone. Superman is later surprised to learn that courtesy of Mjolnir, Thor has returned - but with new-found respect for Superman's abilities. The pair then team-up and with an awesome display of power and subtle not-so-used abilities (eg. Superman's ventriloquism and Thor's molecular manipulation) defeat the villains.