Back Issue Magazine (2003 TwoMorrows) comic books 2003-2005

Back Issue celebrates comic books of the 1970s, 1980s, and today through a variety of recurring (and rotating) departments. #1's theme is "DC vs. Marvel," featuring: A "Pro2Pro" dialogue between Marv Wolfman and George P?rez on the pros and cons of working for Marvel and DC in the 70s and 80s accompanied by rare P?rez artwork! A "Greatest Stories Never Told" examination of the original JLA/Avengers crossover, featuring unpublished George Perez pages, plus a spotlight on the new JLA/Avengers miniseries! A "Rough Stuff" look at 70s and 80s DC and Marvel penciled artwork by the "King" himself, Jack Kirby! A "Beyond Capes" evaluation of DC's and Marvel's Tarzan series, with interviews with and artwork by Joe Kubert, John Buscema, and Roy Thomas! An "Off My Chest" guest editorial by former DC editorial director Carmine Infantino, recalling DC's 1970s battle plan to challenge Marvel's market dominance! PLUS: A "Back Talk" letters column featuring commentary from pros and fans who aren't afraid to choose sides in the DC vs. Marvel war, and a dynamic "Batman vs. Captain America" cover by George P?rez! (TwoMorrows Publishing) Magazine, 100pg, b&w$5.95 Cover price $5.95.

This issue spotlights the decade of techno-pop, breakdancing, and comics' new wave in their "Totally '80s" Issue! Editor Michael Eury dons his Members Only jacket for a profile of Comico the Comic Company, including two "Pro 2 Pro" Interviews: Adam Hughes and Mike W. Barr relive their collaboration on The MAZE Agency ? the coolest crime comic before crime comics were cool ? spotlighting rare artwork by Hughes and Alan Davis. Also, Matt Wagner and Diana Schutz recall the early days of Grendel, with artwork by Wagner, Tim Sale, the Pander Bros., and John K. Snyder III! Then, "Greatest Stories Never Told" gets the scoop behind the aborted Space Ghost II special ? co- starring the Herculoids! ? featuring commentary from and rare art by Steve Rude! "Rough Stuff!" shows early penciled artwork from Adam Hughes, including Justice League America! "Beyond Capes!" explores Bruce Jones' gruesome Twisted Tales and astonishing Alien Worlds series from Pacific Comics, with interviews with and rare art by Dave Stevens, Bo Hampton, Mike Hoffman, and Val Mayerick! And just to prove they aren't totally stuck in the '80s, there's "Off My Chest!" Mike W. Barr's personal view of 1978's DC Implosion and Cancelled Comics Cavalcade in his guest editorial, featuring unpublished DC Comics art by Steve Ditko, Jim Aparo, and Joe Kubert! All this, plus a totally tubular cover by awesome Adam Hughes! (TwoMorrows Publishing) Magazine, 100pg, b&w$5.95 Cover price $5.95.

This April's Fools Day, editor Michael Eury is grinning ear-to-ear over the "Laughing Matters" issue, featuring: "Bring On The Bad Guys," a scintillating look at The Joker's journey from clown to killer through interviews with and art by Denny O'Neil, Neal Adams, Steve Englehart, Marshall Rogers, Jim Starlin, and Brian Bolland, plus other Bat- artists; "Pro2Pro Interview": Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis, and Kevin Maguire bust their guts about their 1980s Justice League series, and the 2003 follow-up (with art by Maguire and Giffen); "The Greatest Stories Never Told," a look at the two Plastic Man movies that faced meltdown ? plus, Arnold Schwarzenegger as Sgt. Rock?!; "Rough Stuff", with pencil artwork and rare sketches by a dozen cartoonists, including Sergio Aragonés, Mike Manley, Ramona Fradon, Jack Kirby, and others ? with a look at Kyle Baker's new Plastic Man series thrown in for fun!; "What The--?!", a spotlight on the strangest stage show ever, Bugs Bunny Meets The Super-Heroes, with interviews and ultra-rare photos; Mark Evanier supplies this month's "Off My Chest" as he tells you why writing "funny" books is harder than it looks! All this and more, under a brand-new Joker cover by Brian Bolland! (Twomorrows Publishing) Magazine, 100pg, b&w$5.95 Cover price $5.95.

This "Marvel Milestones" issue commemorates Wolverine turning 30. Interviews with Chris Claremont and John Byrne recall his appearances in their legendary 1980s X-Men collaboration in a scintillating dialogue moderated by Marvel Universe author Peter Sanderson. Also, Len Wein fills us in on the Wolverine you didn't see. Plus, penciled artwork of Logan by John Buscema, Jim Lee, Adam Hughes, Rob Liefeld, Marc Silvestri, and others. This issue also looks at the 20th anniversary of Thor #337, and Adventures of Superman writer Joey Casey interviews Walter Simonson about his landmark run on the title, with the two comparing nots on the Man of Steel for fun. Other special features include the Punisher's 30th birthday and the 20th anniversary of Secret Wars! (TwoMorrows Publishing) Magazine, 100pg, b&w$5.95 Cover price $5.95.

This issue salutes the TV super-heroes of the 1970s and '80s in our "Comics in Hollywood" issue! Wonder Woman: Andy Mangels provides an in-depth look at the Wonder Woman TV series, with a new Lynda Carter interview and anecdotes from show personnel, plus a TV Wonder Woman art gallery, with pin-ups by George Pérez, Dick Giordano, Phil Jimenez, Paul Guinan, and others! Marvel On TV: A photo-filled look at Marvel's TV versions of The Incredible Hulk, The Amazing Spider-Man, Captain America, and Dr. Strange, including Dan Johnson's all-new interview with TV-Hulk Lou Ferrigno! Greatest Stories Never Told: Animator Darrell McNeil's inside scoop on the super-hero cartoons you didn't see, including The New Teen Titans, The Flash, Metamorpho, and more! Rough Stuff: Pencil artwork from the one-and-only Jerry Ordway! Beyond Capes: An examination of Marvel's and DC's Star Trek series ? by a writer who contributed to both, Mike W. Barr ? with art by Dave Cockrum, Tom Sutton, and others! Off My Chest: Legendary artist John Romita Sr. gives his impressions of Marvel's cinematic adaptations! Plus: an extensive guide to comic-book cinema on DVD, and other surprises! With special flip covers of Lynda Carter as Wonder Woman by Alex Ross and Adam Hughes! Edited by Michael Eury. (TwoMorrows Publishing) Magazine, 8x11, 100pg, b&w$5.95 Cover price $5.95.

Featuring a dynamic Gene Colan Dracula cover! Wanna see something really scary? Back Issue's Halloween issue celebrates comic-book monsters and the macabre ? 1970s and '80s style! Bring on the Bad Guys digs up the dirt on Marvel's ground- (and grave-) breaking Tomb of Dracula series, with insider commentary and artwork from Marv Wolfman and Gene Colan! Plus, interviews with Swamp Thing creators Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson discuss the character's roots, while Steve Bissette and Rick Veitch spill their guts over their 1980s work on the series, with art by Wrightson and Bissette! In "Greatest Stories Never Told," it's "Swamp Thing and Man-Thing: Who the Muck Came First?" featuring interviews and art by Wein, Wrightson, Gerry Conway, Roy Thomas, Val Mayerick, and John Byrne! Rough stuff: creepy pencil artwork from a cadre of killer artists, including Frank Brunner, Paul Smith, Carl Potts, Mike Ploog, and David Ross and others! In "Off my chest," guest editorialist Roy Thomas reveals what drove the stake through the heart of his Dracula adaptation at Marvel, with rare Dick Giordano artwork and a surprise announcement! Then, in "Beyond Capes" is a look at Marvel's Godzilla series, with Herb Trimpe artwork, and a behind-the-scenes study of Charlton comics' 1970s' horror line, with rare art by Steve Ditko, Tom Sutton, Mike Zeck, Joe Staton, and Don Newton! Finally, in "What the??!" there's a different kind of fright night: go on the presidential campaign trail with Howard the Duck, Prez, Captain America, and others. Edited by Michael Eury. (TwoMorrows Publishing) Magazine, 100pg, b&w$5.95 Cover price $5.95.

It's all for one, and one for all in Back Issue #7, the "Super Teams" issue! "Flashback ? The Brave And The Bold": The history of the popular Batman team-up title, including a Jim Aparo interview and a tribute to writer Bob Haney! "Pro2pro Roundtable ? Fantastic Four": Past and present contributors from Stan Lee to Mark Waid share their unique insights into Marvel's fab four! "Pro2pro ? DNAgents": Mark Evanier and Will Meugniot discuss their fondly remembered 1980s series, featuring a stunning gallery of Meugniot's artwork! "Greatest Stories Never Told": DC's Teen Titans Swingin' Elsewords and Super-Sons, and Marvel's Santa Claus, with art by Jay Stephens, Nick Cardy, Kieron Dwyer, and John Romita, Sr. "Rough Stuff": Super team pencil pages by Alex Ross, Alex Toth, Rick Leonardi, Dave Cockrum, Don Heck, June Brigman, Frank Robbins, Kerry Gammill, Don Newton, Carmine Infantino, and John Byrne (his FF tryout)! Plus, Denny O'Neil's "Off My Chest" editorial on super teams, a guided tour of Metropolis, Illinois (the "home" of Superman), the conclusion of our "Comics to Film to DVD" list, and art and contributions by Dick Giordano, Ramona Fradon, Mike W. Barr, Neal Adams, Nick Cardy, Jack C. Harris, Cary Burkett, Bob Brown, Walt Simonson, Tom Defalco, Roger Stern, Terry Austin, Bill Sienkiewicz, Steve Rude, Moebius, George Pérez, and others. With a decades-spanning Superman and Batman cover (penciled in 1984 and inked in 2004) by Curt Swan and Murphy Anderson! (Twomorrows Publishing) Magazine, 96pgs, B&W$5.95 Cover price $5.95.

Just in time for Black History Month, Back-Issue #8 salutes the 1970s and 1980s black super-heroes, from superbad Luke Cage to superteen Cyborg! Writer Denny O'Neil and Justice League Unlimited voice actor Phil Lamarr discuss Green Lantern veteran John Stewart in a "pro2pro" interview. Also, Neal Adams shares his insights ? and art ? in a sidebar interview. Additionally, Storm's 30th birthday is celebrated in an in-depth history. Plus, say 'Happy 30th' to the New X-Men in the "Rough Stuff" pencil art showcase, featuring Neal Adams, Arthur Adams, Larry Stroman, Bob Mcleod, David Mazzucchelli, Alan Davis, Jim Lee, Adam Hughes, and more! Black Lightning is the subject of Tony Isabella's "Off My Chest" guest editorial, accompanied by an all-new interview with Trevor Von Eeden, complete with rarely seen Black Lightning costume designs! Fleshing things out, Darrell Mcneil's "Backstage Pass" column looks at animated TV's black heroes, from Black Vulcan to The Brown Hornet, with art by Alex Toth and others! Readers will also flip over an exclusive interview with writer Dwayne Mcduffie, a history of African Americans in comics, and commentary from and/or incredible art by Marv Wolfman, Denys Cowan, John Romita Sr., Dave Cockrum, Chris Claremont, John Byrne, Terry Austin, Billy Graham, M.d. Bright, Gene Colan, Steve Englehart, George Pérez, Mike Zeck, and more! Features an eye-popping Storm cover by Eisner Award-winning artist Kyle Baker. (Twomorrows Publishing) (CAUT: 4) Magazine, 100pgs, B&WSRP: $5.95 Cover price $5.95.

Blast off into the world of 1970s and 1980s sci-fi comics in Back Issue #9. In this "Cosmic Issue," writer Mike Baron and artist Steve Rude re-visit their landmark Nexus series in a "Pro2Pro" interview, with tons of rare art by "the Dude!" Also going "Pro2Pro," Jim Starlin and Mike Mignola look back at Cosmic Odyssey, featuring amazing art by Mignola and Starlin's unpublished cover to Cosmic Odyssey #1! "Beyond Capes" examines Marvel Comics' long-running Star Wars series, with art and interviews of stars including Howard Chaykin, Al Williamson, Walt Simonson, Tom Palmer, Ron Frenz, Roy Thomas, Carmine Infantino, and more! Also, the late, great Gil Kane is the subject of a "Rough Stuff" pencil art gallery, with covers and interior pages featuring Green Lantern, the Micronauts, Conan, Spider-Man, Superman, and a few surprises! Plus: Timothy Truman and John Ostrander's Grimjack, then and now; an "Off My Chest" guest editorial by Mike Gold; a villain history of Thanos; Time Warp revisited; and a "Greatest Stories Never Told" exposé of DC's unrealized Crisis on Infinite Earths sequel Crisis of the Soul, with art and commentary by Jerry Ordway! All this wrapped in an all-new Steve Rude cover painting, recreating the original cover art to Nexus #1! (Twomorrows Publishing) (CAUT: 4) Magazine, 8x11, 100pgs, B&WSRP: $5.95 Cover price $5.95.

Gemstone/Diamond's Scoop e-newsletter selected Back-Issue as the #1 "Best Publication About Comics for 2004!" And here's your chance to discover why, in Back-Issue #10, our Pulp Fiction Issue! "Bring on the Bad Guys" explores the history of Batman foe, Ra's al Ghul, with commentary by Neal Adams and Denny O'Neil (and rare art by Adams)! O'Neil returns to join artist Mike Kaluta for a "Pro2Pro" interview about The Shadow, and Roger Stern and Ron Frenz go "Pro2Pro" about their much-loved story, "The Kid Who Collected Spider-Man." Plus: Mike Grell's Jon Sable, Freelance (including a "Backstage Pass" look at the Sable TV show); a Howard Chaykin interview; Mike W. Barr's examination of Doc Savage in comics; a spotlight on The Human Target; a speculative look at why DC bypassed the black-and-white boom of the 1970s; a Batman "Rough Stuff" art gallery, featuring Bill Sienkiewicz, Walter Simonson, Paul Smith, Brian Bolland, Ed Hannigan, David Mazzucchelli, and others; and a "New in Print" look at Batman: Dark Detective, reuniting Steve Englehart, Marshall Rogers, and Terry Austin! With an eye-popping Ra's al Ghul cover by Neal Adams! Edited by Michael Eury. (Twomorrows Publishing) Magazine, 8x11, 100pgs, B&WSRP: $5.95 Cover price $5.95.

"Gods and Warriors" muscle their way into Back Issue! And who better to headline this months issue than Conan? Roy Thomas, Kurt Busiek, and Joe Jusko spill their guts in a meaty retrospective of Marvel's Conan the Barbarian series. Heavy Metal artist extraordinaire Arthur Suydam shares his insights and illustrations in an exclusive interview. Plus a striking painted Conan cover by Joe Jusko, recreating John Buscema's frontispiece to Savage Sword of Conan #17. (Twomorrows Publishing) Magazine, 8x11, 100pgs, B&WSRP: $5.95 Cover price $5.95.

This "Extreme Makeovers" issue examines comics revamps of the '70s and '80s. Pulitzer Prize-winner Michael Chabon, Dave Gibbons, Roy Thomas, Kurt Busiek, and other insiders explore the history of the postmodern super-hero ? from Squadron Supreme, to Watchmen, to today ? with rare Gibbons Watchmen art. With an all-new Spider-Man cover by Ron Frenz and Joe Rubinstein. (Twomorrows Publishing) Magazine, 100pgs, B&WSRP: $5.95 Cover price $5.95.

Nick Cardy relives his days as the DC Comics cover artist in an exclusive art-packed interview. Steve Englehart and Doug Moench kick back for a look at kung-fu comics, and Joe Staton and Nick Cuti go 'Pro2Pro' about Charlton's super-hero E-Man! Cover by Nick Cardy & Scott Hanna. Cover price $5.95.