Official Tick Appreciation Thread 7 7

[vsndesigns]

The Tick Comic Book No. 3 Night of a Million-Zillion Ninja (1st Edition December 1988)

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Issue 3

"Night of a Million-Zillion Ninja"

Released December 1988

Ben Edlund, Writer & Penciller; Max Banks, Inker; Bob Polio, Art Director; George Suarez, Editor & Publisher

A young ninja woman, Oedipus, is pursued by other ninjas who desire to recover, from her, the Thorn of Oblivion. Seeking to escape them, she climbs to the top of a building where she encounters the Tick. He easily defeats the ninjas pursuing her and Oedipus demands of one of the defeated, without success, the whereabouts of Shing. The remaining ninjas retreat to the headquarters of the District Manager with the news of this encounter and he orders them to surround Oedipus's house which they do, disguised as a hedge. While trying to sneak into her house, Oedipus is nearly captured by the ninjas, but is saved by the Tick only to find that they are now trapped in the house. Oedipus relates her ninja background: how Shing, the leader of ninjas in America was ousted by the District Manager who made the ninjas into a tourist attraction. Shing recruited and trained Oedipus to infiltrate the ninjas and steal the Thorn of Oblivion, the source of the ninjas power. Oedipus decides that she and the Tick should disguise themselves as guests at the party being thrown by her stepmother that night and thus, escape.

The character of Oedipus is a parody of Elektra Natchios, the popular ninja assassin from Marvel Comics Daredevil series. The costume worn by Oedipus is basically a yellow version of Elektra's classic red costume, and, like Elektra, Oedipus carries the sai as her primary weapon. While Elektra is of Greek descent and has dark hair, Oedipus appears to be caucasian and has brown hair. Also, when The Tick is inquiring about her name, one of his guesses is "Elektra?" In Freudian psychology, the Oedipus and Elektra complexes are used to describe incestuous longings for a parent in boys/girls and girls, respectively.

Second edition released November 1989. Third edition released April 1990. Fourth edition released July 1991. Fifth edition released August 1993. Sixth edition released January 1995. Seventh, 10th anniversary edition, released August 1996. Eighth edition released March 1998.

[vsndesigns]

The Tick Comic Magazine No. 4 A Big Fight (1st Edition April 1989)

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Issue 4

"A Big Fight"

Released April 1989

Ben Edlund, Writer & Penciller; Max Banks, Inker; Bob Polio, Art Director; George Suarez, Editor & Publisher

Oedipus and The Tick, dressed in a tuxedo, proceed to Amanda Steven's party, but the Tick is completely intimidated by Amanda and passes out. Meanwhile the ninjas finally get orders from the District Manager to attack the house and the District Manager gets a call from Sagin, the worldwide leader of ninjas in Japan, that he will be visiting to inspect the American operation. Ninja enemy, Paul the Samurai, tapping into the phone lines, becomes aware of Sagin's travel plans. The Tick fends off the initial ninja attack while Oedipus stashes the Thorn of Oblivion in the trunk of a car parked outside the house, but is then stabbed by one of the attacking ninjas (Earl). The Tick vanquishes the ninjas and starts off for help with Oedipus in his arms, but soon relinquishes her to a passing ambulance. Arthur appears and retrieves the Thorn from the trunk of the car. Meanwhile, Sagin and Paul the Samurai make their way to the City and the Tick, despondent over his inability to protect Oedipus, decides to and does destroy Ninja World. While about this task, he encounters Shing, who he is inclined to kill as responsible for Oedipus's injury, but Arthur shows up to inform the Tick that "Superheroes never kill....ever." Arthur reveals that he has been following the Tick and gives the Thorn to him. Shing demands that it be destroyed, but the Tick runs off with it as Sagin and the District manger arrive. Meanwhile, Paul follows the Tick to the hospital.

Second edition released December 1989. Third edition released with special "scarce red" test cover, June 1991. Fourth edition released with 5th anniversary ad on inside cover and 500 printings, October 1991. Fifth edition released March 1992. Sixth edition released January 1995. Seventh, 10th anniversary edition, released August 1996. Eighth edition released March 1998.

[vsndesigns]

The Tick Comic Magazine No. 5 Early Morning of a Million Zillion Ninjas (1st Edition August 1989)

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Issue 5

"Early Morning of a Million Zillion Ninjas"

Released August 1989

Ben Edlund, Writer; Max Banks, Artist; Bob Polio, Art Director; George Suarez, Editor & Publisher

The District Manager, his ninjas and Sagin view the ruins of Ninja land. The District Manager is distraught, but Sagin declares that if the Tick hadn't destroyed it he would have. He vows to retrieve the Thorn of Oblivion himself. The Tick watches over Oedipus in her hospital room when her father and stepmother arrive and the resulting encounter ends with Amanda leaving Reginald. Just then, Paul the Samurai shows up, seeking the Tick, and Arthur arrives. The three heroes meet on the roof to discuss their plans. Sagin shows up in Oedipus's room and brings her to the roof, threatening to shoot her unless the Tick gives him the Thorn of Oblivion. The Tick calls his bluff by threatening to drop the Thorn from the roof unless he releases Oedipus. But the Tick accidentally fumbles the Thorn and it does plummet to the ground, with Sagin, in a last-ditch attempt to save it, plummeting after. Neither survive. After, Paul decides to stay in the City and start a detective agency, while the Tick and Arthur decide that Arthur will become the Tick's sidekick.

Second edition released March 1992. Third edition released January 1995. Fourth, 10th anniversary edition released August 1996. Fifth edition released February 1998.

[vsndesigns]

The Tick comic magazine No. 6 Villains, Inc. (1st Edition November 1989)

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Issue 6

"Villains, Inc."

Released November 1989

Ben Edlund, Writer & Penciller; Dave Garcia, Inker; Bob Polio, Art Director; George Suarez, Editor & Publisher

Villains, Inc. is an outfit that sets up superheroes against fake supervillains in order to give the heroes more exposure, complete with prearranged news coverage. The Running Guy signs a contract with the president of Villains, Inc., Morton Spivey, to fight—and defeat—supervillain, the Red Scare. Meanwhile, Arthur invites the Tick to stay at his apartment, which he thinks is a secret headquarters, destroying much of Arthur's possessions. Later, on the way home from a bar, the Tick and Arthur encounter the Red Scare. The Tick, overjoyed to encounter a supervillain, engages him. Meanwhile, the Running Guy, arriving with his news crew, is outraged to find the Tick fighting his reserved villain. A pre-determined time limit passes, and the Red Scare falls to the ground declaring that he has been beaten by the mighty Running Guy. The Tick and Arthur walk off decrying the pathetic spectacle they have witnessed.

Second edition released August 1991. Third edition released March 1992. Fourth edition released September 1995. Fifth, 10th anniversary edition released August 1996. Sixth edition released February 1998.

[vsndesigns]

The Tick Comic Book Magazine No. 7 Spoon! (1st Edition February 1990)

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Issue 7

"Spoon"

Released February 1990

Ben Edlund, Writer & Penciller; Dave Garcia, Inker; Bob Polio, Art Director; George Suarez, Editor & Publisher

Angus MacGuire, a private detective, is following Boris Saint Vladmirovich, knowing he is involved in something involving a major crime figure, although Angus is unsure of the details. Meanwhile the Tick and Arthur are eating dinner, and the Tick decides that his battle cry will be "Spoon!". He also decides that dinner needs Pez candy, which he leaves to obtain. He and Angus end up in the same store, where Angus, recognizing the Tick as a powerful ally, deputizes him. The Tick and Angus, dressed as waiters, infiltrate a cocktail party of villains where Angus learns that the true villain he has been following is Chairface Chippendale. Their cover is soon blown and they are captured by Chairface, who reveals his plan to write his name on the moon with a giant laser. He lowers the Tick and Angus into a pit of man-eating alligators and cows where they discover that the alligators have eaten all of the cows, except one. Chairface manages to write a "Cha" on the moon before the Tick and Angus, after their escape, show up to apprehend him and his henchmen.

Angus MacGuire is a Tracy parody (and has his own version of the two-way wrist radio). By extension, the villains are likely following the concept of Tracy having grotesque villains.

Among the characters Chairface invites include a villain based on Boris Badenov, a villain based on Mr. Peanut, and a villain based on Mac Tonight.

Second edition released November 1991. Third edition released September 1995. Fourth, 10th anniversary edition released August 1996. Fifth edition released February 1998.

 

Edited May 27, 2016 by vsndesigns

[vsndesigns]

The Tick Comic Book Magazine No. 8 A Matter of Cosmic Import...and other stories... (1st Edition July 1990)

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Issue 8

"a matter of cosmic import....and other stories....."

Released July 1990

Ben Edlund, Writer & Penciller; Dave Garcia, Inker; Bob Polio, Art Director; George Suarez, Editor & Publisher

After Chairface Chippendale's defeat, the Man-Eating Cow roams the city. Meanwhile the Tick returns to Arthur's apartment and takes him to the roof to show him what has happened to the Moon. While there, the Tick is struck in the head by a meteor. They take the meteor to a scientist friend of Arthur's who reveals that the rock came from Utah. That night Arthur's sister, Dot, arrives to cook dinner for the two of them. During dinner, the Tick is shot at by two Triggermen, henchmen of Chairface, from an apartment across the street. During their battle they are defeated by the Man-Eating Cow, who eats them; an incident that Arthur witnesses, but which Dot cannot believe. She counsels Arthur to seek professional help, but he reveals that he and the Tick are leaving for New York City. The Tick recognizes the Man-Eating Cow as a kindred spirit and leaves her in charge of protecting the City in his absence.

This issue was published with a special insert, Red Eye, a mini-comic about a hitch-hiker who spreads death wherever he goes. On page 13, the Tick finds a free copy of this same comic blowing down the street and later, reads it in Arthur's apartment.

Second edition released March 1992. Third edition released September 1995. Fourth, 10th anniversary edition August 1996. Fifth edition released February 1998.

[vsndesigns]

The Tick Comic Book Magazine No. 9 Enter: The Chainsaw Vigilante "Road Trip" (1st Edition March 1991)

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Issue 9

"Road Trip"

Released March 1991

Ben Edlund, Writer & Penciller; Dave Garcia, Inker & Panelist; Bob Polio, Letterer & Multiplexer; George Suarez, Editor & Enabler; Larry Boyd, Assistant Editor & Scribe

The Tick and Arthur are readying to leave for New York City when they encounter the Mystic Order of Arachnid Vigilance, a group of mental patients who escaped from the Evanston Asylum when the Tick provided an exit during his escape. The order promises to flourish in their icon's absence. The two superheroes then proceed to get lost trying to find the road to New York. Meanwhile, the Civic-Minded Five are in a battle with the Chainsaw Vigilante, who is dedicated to vanquishing superheroes, who he believes are dangerous meddlers. He easily vanquishes them and then confronts Arthur at a local gas station.

A short throwaway comic appears at the beginning of this issue where the Tick is alarmed by a dream wherein he had disappeared for eight months, an allusion to the fact that the Tick comics were being published on a very irregular basis. There are also letters from Ben Edlund and George Suarez apologizing for the lateness of the issue.

Second edition released September 1995. Third, 10th anniversary edition released August 1996. Fourth edition released January 1998.

[vsndesigns]

The Tick Comic Book Magazine No. 10 Some Obstacles and a Partial Resolution (1st Edition October 1991)

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Issue 10

"Some Obstacles and a Partial Resolution"

Released October 1991

Ben Edlund, Writer & Penciller; Dave Garcia, Inker; Bob Polio, Letterer & Production; George Suarez, Editor; Larry Boyd, Assistant Editor & Proofer

Arthur is attacked by the Chainsaw Vigilante but is saved by the Tick, who proves immune to chainsaw attacks and proceeds to vanquish the Vigilante by throwing him through their car's windshield. Later, in their hotel room, the Tick is awakened by Ricardo, an inhabitant of the planet Belfadore 38 who now resides on the meteor that struck the Tick, and who demands an assortment of cheeses or condiments. After dining the Tick and Arthur are back on the road. The Tick sleeps while Arthur picks up a hitchhiker: the Red Eye. The Tick is apprehensive, but they manage to make it to the next town, Monolith, Kentucky, without losing their lives. Needing gas, but with none to be found, they are invited to a local resident's house. The residents, Jacob and his wife, attempt to drug the two (successfully in Arthur's case). Then they show the Tick their town's mysterious monolith and particle accelerator and reveal that they want to perform experiments on the two travelers. They manage to subdue the Tick and start to perform the experiments on him. His nigh-invulnerability causes the experiments to fail and results in the destruction of the monolith which breaks the spell on the two superheroes.

Second edition released April 1996. Third, 10th anniversary edition released August 1996. Fourth edition released January 1998.

[vsndesigns]

The Tick Comic Book Magazine No. 11 Two Strange Warm Men and the City of Their Dreams (1st Edition August 1992)

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Issue 11

"Two Strange Warm Men and the City of Their Dreams"

Released August 1992

Ben Edlund, Writer & Penciller; Jeff Whiting, Inker; Bob Polio, Art Director; George Suarez, Editor & Publisher

The Tick and Arthur finally arrive in New York City where they encounter a glut of superheroes. After watching the Might Agrippa defeat Thrakkorzog, they are invited to the Comet Club, a hangout for superheroes. The Tick meets many superheroes in the club while Arthur meets many sidekicks in the Sidekick Lounge—where he is forced to stay—many named Johnny. The Tick is confronted by Barry Hubris, who also calls himself the Tick. They fight over the name and the Tick (the blue one) prevails.

Second edition released September 1995. Third, 10th anniversary edition released August 1996. Fourth edition released January 1998.

[vsndesigns]

The Tick Comic Book Magazine No. 12 One Man's Treasure...is Also Another Man's Treasure (1st Edition May 1993)

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Issue 12

"One Man's Treasure......is Also Another Man's Treasure"

Released May 1993

Ben Edlund, Writer & Penciller; Jeff Whiting, Inker; Bob Polio, Letterer; Richard Edlund, Cover Colorist; George Suarez, Editor

Barry returns to his castle, upset that the Tick has usurped his name. Meanwhile, the Tri-State Superhero Congress has decreed that since the Tick defeated Barry, he stands to inherit all of Barry's superhero paraphernalia. Barry accedes to the Congress's wishes, allowing the Tick and Arthur to move into his castle, but the loss drives him over the edge and he refuses to wear clothes. Barry devises a plan to get his stuff back by contacting his arch-enemies, the Evileers, led by the Terror and goads them to attack the Tick.

This is the last issue that Ben Edlund was directly involved in. After this, he left to oversee the animated version of the Tick.

Four different variant covers were released with this issue. Each came with a no-logo front cover with a gold foil Tick emblem. The back covers came with four limited variations: Rockets On (1000 copies), released at Capital City Sales Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Dinnertime (1000 copies), released at the Diamond Tenth Seminar in Atlanta, Georgia; Frrd! (1000 copies), released Summer, 1993; Tick Society Coat of Arms (2000 copies).

Second edition released September 1995. Third, 10th anniversary edition released August 1996. Fourth edition released January 1998.

 

 

[vsndesigns]

Well, that's it. That's the TWELVE original comic books by Ben Edlund that started it all. Any other suggestions?

[vsndesigns]

Nutz! I can't believe I missed this one! For $49.00 with free shipping I definitely would have bought this...even if it wasn't a 9.8! Where the heck is Mr. 9.8 anyways?

 

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Tick-2-CGC-9-4-NM-White-Pages-New-England-Comics-Ben-Edlund-Wrap-Cover-/191874886610?hash=item2caca26bd2:g:cGMAAOSwZetXO22b

[vsndesigns]

I'm gonna see if I can Flash Bid on the following item next Tuesday. I think its legit. I contacted the seller to ask a little more about the product and I got the following response.

 

"New message from: fox2thom (534Purple Star)

They came from FOX to promote their kids shows. The slicks are glossy paper with (what I assume is standard) black offset printing. Ad slicks were things that people could cut up or reproduce parts of them to use in ads to promote the shows. The photos are actual photographic prints, not ink jets. Not sure where the comic book came from. That help?"

 

I'm always weary when it comes to publicity photos and what not, since they are easy to forge and reproduce, but starting bid is at $5.00 and so far one other person who usually bids on these types has already bidded, unless that other person IS the seller...it should be interesting.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/322131168504?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

 

[vsndesigns]

I made the back board for this unopened item just because I thought it would be cool to display like this. Surprisingly, it was one of the harder one's for me to find.

 

 

Carl's Jr. Cool combos for kids meals - Speak Squirter - From The Tick animation series

 

Carl's Jr. Cool combos for kids meals - Speak Squirter - From The Tick animation series. PULL SQUEAKS TAIL TO FILL WITH WATER, PUSH TO SQUIRT - 1 OF 4 WATER SQUIRTING TOYS INCLUDED IN CARL'S JR. COOL COMBOS FOR KIDS MEALS IN 1997. THE BAG THE MEALS CAME IN FEATURED THE TICK AND ARTHUR ON THE FRONT AND A GAME ON THE BACK. THE ANSWERS TO THE BACK. Speak is The Tick's pet capybara on the Tick animated series. The Tick found him in the jungles of Mexico after he bumped his head, which made him hallucinate the animal speaking. He thought it was a dog until he took it to the veterinarian, who told him it was in actuality a capybara. The Tick was initially heartbroken at this, but eventually came to accept Speak's "alternative lifestyle" (as he called it in one episode). As the Capybara is the largest living species of rodent, the Tick once affectionately referred to him as "the world's biggest rat." Speak became the focus of several peculiar ideas for the Tick who still believed the animal could speak and that he was even exceptionally intelligent.

 

In his own right Speak's appearance was unusual for a capybara in that he appeared to lack any kind of neck and his head was much larger in comparison to his body than is true for a capybara. Although described as "moist" he was rarely seen in the water, but this likely came from the constraints of living in the characters' apartment. Unrelated to his "capybara-ness" he also had a kind of eczema and a runny nose.

 

Speak generally lived in the cupboard beneath the sink in Arthur's kitchen. He appears to have been completely terrified of the Tick. The Tick was, of course, completely oblivious to this.

 

 

 

[vsndesigns]

Reminds me of my dad who used to put bumper stickers on his cars all the time. Used to drive me crazy, since I would be the one cleaning off all the gook that came with it.

 

 

The Tick Bumper Sticker - Honk If You Love Justice!

 

GIVEN THE POPULARITY OF THE TICK THIS ONE IS SURE TO HAVE YOU DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AMID A CACOPHONY OF BEEPING HORNS!

 

 

 

[vsndesigns]

Always a classic!

 

 

The Tick Bumper Sticker - Spoon!

 

The Tick Bumper Sticker - Spoon!

The first ever bumper sticker made by NEC Press.

 

[vsndesigns]

 

The Tick Bumper Sticker - Arthur - Life isn't a comic book you know!

 

The Tick Bumper Sticker - Arthur - Life isn't a comic book you know! Measures 3" x 11"

[vsndesigns]

I think this is going to be my motto for the day!

 

 

The Tick Bumper Sticker - Seize The Day!

 

 

The Tick Bumper Sticker - Seize The Day!

 

[vsndesigns]

I'm thinking about customizing a bunch of action figures I've had since I was a kid and then illustrating them for concept ideas. Any thoughts?

[MetalPSI]

I don't understand what you are getting at....