Godzilla (1977) posted by RyukyuPito

[CSJournals-migration]

My First Bronze Age Set...

 

Godzilla debuted on film in 1954, becoming a colossal hit for Toho Production studios (Japan); the following year, the film was released in America under an altered title, "Godzilla: King of the Monsters." Marvel Comics acquired the rights to this film icon in 1977, beginning a two-year run (written by Doug Moench and drawn by Herb Trimpe), under the same title. In the first issue, Godzilla bursts out of an iceberg, a story line very similar to the 1963 film, "King Kong vs. Godzilla." Starting from the second issue, the bane of Godzilla's existence was S.H.I.E.L.D. -- taking on a role that "G-Force" performed in Godzilla films of the eighties. Godzilla met several other established Marvel characters during the series run, including the Champions, the Devil Dinosaur, the Fantastic Four and the Avengers. Marvel lost the rights to the character and the series ended production (rather abruptly) in 1979, with issue #24.

 

I vividly recall Toho's Godzilla films and similar Japanese monster folklore (kaiju), regularly airing on weekend broadcast television during the early-1980s; this introduction to a very specialized genre of Japanese entertainment (tokusatsu), spawned a later interest that included [but was not limited to] the Ultraman series - in which similarly, not only positively affected my early cultural development, but remains a major driving force for my current, collective interest in Marvel's "Godzilla: King of the Monsters" graded books. The Godzilla (1977) set will remain my first Bronze Age target for completion. Additionally, with story lines that entertainingly illustrate the Fantastic Four and the Avengers failing to defeat the creature, Godzilla, in my opinion, remains a truly formidable and iconic character of the Marvel Universe.

 

I recently acquired from e-Bay a Godzilla (1977) #23 Signature CGC 9.8 WP; issue includes an appearance by the Avengers (Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, Yellowjacket, Wasp, Scarlet Witch and Vision). The book (06/79) is signed by Avengers co-creator, Stan Lee, and the comic's lead artist, Herb Trimpe. I really enjoy this issue's writing and vibrant cover art; this early addition to my first Bronze Age collector set, truly makes me happy, but the strike out of the newsstand bar code always puzzles me?!

 

Additionally, this set's last issue (#24) included at the end, a cameo (teaser) role by the ASM. I would like to eventually find a high grade copy of same. I have yet to attend a comic convention within the States, and I would love to introduce my young son to this high-energy, cultural event, while having the opportunity to meet and ask for Stan's signature on this specific book.

 

And the hunt continues...

 

See more journals by RyukyuPito

[joeypost]

I have a copy of Godzilla #24 in 9.8 signed by herb trimpe if you are interested.

[RyukyuPito]

joeypost,

 

It's like the clouds opened up and rays of sunshine are pounding on my face. I just sent you a PM. Pretty impressive variety of sets you have under your CGC profile, I might add. Thanks for responding; this collecting is becoming a true enjoyment. Just wish I would of started decades ago.

 

RyukyuPito

[Lost]

A great story, and very informative! I never got the barcode strikeout either....

[joeypost]

joeypost,

 

It's like the clouds opened up and rays of sunshine are pounding on my face. I just sent you a PM. Pretty impressive variety of sets you have under your CGC profile, I might add. Thanks for responding; this collecting is becoming a true enjoyment. Just wish I would of started decades ago.

 

RyukyuPito

 

I have the whole run at CGC now. I expect to be taking advantage of AARP before I see those books.

[bagofleas]

A crossed out barcode means the comic is a Direct Edition. This was before the application of an image in place of the barcode, which came later, beginning with the #1 issue of the Dazzler series.

 

In a nutshell, there are two “types” of editions: Direct and Newsstand. A Direct Edition is sent to the comic book store and sold there. A Newsstand Edition is something which a newsstand would carry. However, this is not just exclusive to newsstands, as malls, convenience stores and drugstores could also get Newsstand Editions.

 

A Direct Edition comic is crossed out due to a variety of things. One is because it tracks sales, while another reason is to stop the store owner from returning the comics they didn’t sell, as the barcode could not be scanned.

 

Obviously, that means the Newsstand Editions could be returned back to the publisher.

 

Arguably, Direct Edition comics are more sought-after because they would have been treated more carefully, as they wouldn’t have been placed in spinner racks. They were also bought at a lower price – giving another reason to why they were unable to return them.

 

Direct Edition carriers were not able to scan the comics. The funny thing about that is most Direct Edition carriers did not even have scanners for the barcodes at the time. The technology simply wasn’t there yet.

[RyukyuPito]

bagofleas,

 

Thanks for taking the time to explain the strike out; very informative.

 

RyukyuPito

[worldsbestcomics]

I enjoyed reading your post and look forward to seeing your run develop. The Godzilla movies and bronze-age comics are both a passion of mine and I have often considered pursuing a run of this series. Meeting Joey is good fortune. He and I have discussed this run in the past and I believe that he will be able to help you on your quest.

 

Steve

[BlowUpTheMoon]

Is this a Godzilla #23 appreciation thread?

 

[arnould1]

STUNNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[joeypost]

I now have the books in my posession.

 

All in 9.8 SS

 

Godzilla

 

4

5

13

15

20

23

24 last issue.