Michael D Hamersky On Comics Thinks About...     Marvel Bullpen Bulletins!

TODAY'S FEATURE IS BLOG #3881 -    I was asked if I had ever been mentioned in a Marvel Bullpen Bulletins page.  Like being named as one of the M.M.M.S. members.

Well... I don't remember being named in one, although I was on a letters page at least once.

The Marvel Bullpen Bulletins page actually started off as a 'Letters Page' in the Fantastic Four comic book.

What was really cool about the letters / Bullpen Bulletins page was that it was all done in a fun style!

The pages were in a format that the reader felt that they were part of a special club, which actually was started later.

The first letters page that I remember was in Fantastic Four #3.  Which consisted of just one page of letters.  But a few months later the 'Letter Page' was expanded to two pages.

Then there was a yellow colored box that contained 'Special Announcements', and that was followed by a 'Mighty Marvel Checklist', also colored in yellow.

The club I was thinking of was the M.M.M.S. - Merry Marvel Marching Society, that I blogged about most recently at this blog post.   That usually took a full or half page of the comic book.

Plus there were pages for Marvel merchandise...

What happened next was these were all combined into a 'Marvel Bullpen Bulletins' page, as seen at the top right of this blog post.  I believe the first one was printed cover dated December of 1965.  The one at the top is from Fantastic Four #45, that was cover dated December of 1965.

From there, the Marvel Bullpen Bulletins page evolved.  It continued for many years and added some additional features, such as Stan's Soapbox in June of 1967. (Photo of Stan Lee in 1968 at the top left of this blog post.)

Stan, although he was older, came across as a 'hip' kind of guy, instead of the stodgy older guys over at National / DC Comics. He was 'Stan' while they were 'Dear Editor' during this time period.

Irving Forbush also became widely known because of this page.  And he went on to star in 'Not Brand Echh' comics!

I enjoyed seeing what was coming out soon, in the Mighty Marvel Checklist.  Quite often a special section of the Bullpen Bulletins page would show a visual of the comic book title, such as for Conan the Barbarian in comics with the cover date of September 1970.

The Marvel Bullpen Bulletins page met its demise in 2001.  It is a shame that such a page was let go... But blogs, websites, and social media sites have kind of taken over what the page once did.

I for one kind of miss it... And look fondly back on it in my memories.

~ Michael

NOTE FROM Michael D Hamersky On Comics:  My thanks again to all of YOU reading this blog and our archived blog posts, now at 3,881 total posts in number!   I do appreciate your continued reading and support of this Blog!

BTW, You can 'follow' this blog by clicking the 'Follow' Button at this NetworkedBlogs app link!   Thanks to ALL of YOU that have already clicked that button!  And for those of YOU that haven't yet... I would appreciate it if YOU would!!!

Note:  My online 'Local' Comic Book Shop (LCBS), carries many different genres of comics, magazines, graphic novels, and comic con promotional items. Possibly even copies of the item(s) that was mentioned here today...!  If I have it, you'll find under the BIG TOP of Comics, at Comic Books Circus.com!     

Web Page Note:  This blog post is written per the IE Browser standards.  Chrome, Safari, Netscape, Firefox and the other browsers serve the page up slightly differently, sorry about that!  The screen display resolution is best seen at the setting of 1024 x 768 on your laptop or desktop computer.  Note:  Your computer's resoulution may be set differently, but the above resolution is the most commonly used resolution at the time of this blog post. 

NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.

Comics Creators: If you are breaking into, or already work in the comic book industry or other pop culture productions, you are welcome to email or mail us press releases, news items, and updates that you feel would be of interest to our blog readers. Including YOUR own works! To mail printed items to us for possible review, send to:  Make It So Marketing Inc., PO Box 130653, Carlsbad, CA 92013

 Also, if you are a Facebook member, I would have liked you to send me a 'Friend Request'. However, I have reached the maximum limit of 5,000 Facebook Friends and Fan pages already, so I've added a New 'Facebook Fan Page' so that even more of YOU can 'Like' what I am doing, and be interactive with me and others there.  Here is the link to that 'Facebook Fan Page': Michael D Hamersky On Comics! Please click the 'Like' button on that page!

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In Addition, I started a YouTube Channel just before the 2011 Comic-Con International, where I am slowly uploading videos from conventions or other events that we attend that are also pop culture related.  You are invited to 'subscribe' to that channel also!  As found at 'HamerskyOnComics'!

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Michael D Hamersky On Comics Mentions    Celebrating Superman's 75th Birthday In Elkhart, Indiana!

TODAY'S FEATURE IS BLOG #3880 -    I wanted to mention this event that is taking place THIS SATURDAY at 58005 County Road 105,  Elkhart, Indiana 46517.  That is the location of the 'Hall of Heroes Super Hero Museum'.

The owner of the museum, Allen  Stewart, sent me a Facebook event invite.  Unfortunately I'm on the West Coast, so won't be able to attend this event.

However, if YOU are near Elkhart, Indiana... Then this could be a fun day for YOU!

Here is what is happening at this event:

Come join us for the biggest event of the summer here at Hall of Heroes. We will be celebrating Superman's 75th Anniversary and Hall of Heroes 6th Anniversary with lots of great guests and fun. First off we will be joined by guest of honor himself Superman who will be joined by his fellow Heroes Batman, Wonder Woman and Supergirl will all be on hand for photo's with fans. Some of our other special guests will include The famous Scott Rosema artist and animator for DC, Marvel, Cartoon Network, and Walt Disney. Scott will be doing original sketches for fans and will have an exclusive limited Superman 75th Anniversary print available. We will be having an Art Gallery Show which will include Dennis Anderson Rock and Roll artist and Hall of Heroes alumni, Jimm Showman the famous Robot Artist and Tim The Balloonatic the Guinness World Record Holder for Balloon Art. WOW and if that is not enough we will be having a Superman cake and an amateur art contest to be judged by Scott Rosema himself this is your chance to get your work looked at by famous professional in the industry!!!

To keep up with what else is being planned at this event, I suggest you see the Facebook Event Page for this event, at this link.

If you go... Let me know how it went for you, via my Facebook Fan Page, where a link to this blog will be posted!

Oh... And talking about Facebook Fan Pages... Here's the link to the DC Comics Facebook Fan Page.  Which owns the Superman brand!

~ Michael

NOTE FROM Michael D Hamersky On Comics:  My thanks again to all of YOU reading this blog and our archived blog posts, now at 3,880 total posts in number!   I do appreciate your continued reading and support of this Blog!

BTW, You can 'follow' this blog by clicking the 'Follow' Button at this NetworkedBlogs app link!   Thanks to ALL of YOU that have already clicked that button!  And for those of YOU that haven't yet... I would appreciate it if YOU would!!!

Note:  My online 'Local' Comic Book Shop (LCBS), carries many different genres of comics, magazines, graphic novels, and comic con promotional items. Possibly even copies of the item(s) that was mentioned here today...!  If I have it, you'll find under the BIG TOP of Comics, at Comic Books Circus.com!     

Web Page Note:  This blog post is written per the IE Browser standards.  Chrome, Safari, Netscape, Firefox and the other browsers serve the page up slightly differently, sorry about that!  The screen display resolution is best seen at the setting of 1024 x 768 on your laptop or desktop computer.  Note:  Your computer's resoulution may be set differently, but the above resolution is the most commonly used resolution at the time of this blog post. 

NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.

Comics Creators: If you are breaking into, or already work in the comic book industry or other pop culture productions, you are welcome to email or mail us press releases, news items, and updates that you feel would be of interest to our blog readers. Including YOUR own works! To mail printed items to us for possible review, send to:  Make It So Marketing Inc., PO Box 130653, Carlsbad, CA 92013

 Also, if you are a Facebook member, I would have liked you to send me a 'Friend Request'. However, I have reached the maximum limit of 5,000 Facebook Friends and Fan pages already, so I've added a New 'Facebook Fan Page' so that even more of YOU can 'Like' what I am doing, and be interactive with me and others there.  Here is the link to that 'Facebook Fan Page': Michael D Hamersky On Comics! Please click the 'Like' button on that page!

---------------            

      

In Addition, I started a YouTube Channel just before the 2011 Comic-Con International, where I am slowly uploading videos from conventions or other events that we attend that are also pop culture related.  You are invited to 'subscribe' to that channel also!  As found at 'HamerskyOnComics'!

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Michael D Hamersky On Comics Posts His Take On...       Stranger Than... Fiction Comics no. 1

TODAY'S FEATURE IS BLOG #3879 -    I have recently received this comic book in the mail from Robert W. Cox, publisher.   He is a Facebook Friend of mine, and asked if I would be willing to take a look at his comic book, Stranger Than... Fiction Comics #1.  So I did...

This comic book is an anthology.  With several different contributors.  Here's what the publisher says about this first issue:

"We have been working on a new Underground Comic Publishing Company called BootLeg COMIX. Our first title is Stranger Than .... F I C T I O N COMICS featuring Skip Williamson (Cover) R. Crumb, Jay Lynch, Robert W. Cox, Gene Gallatin, Monte Wolverton, Tiina Birgitta Raissen and Pat Moriarty.    

We will publish a small first edition of Artists'Proof and Distribution Company copies. These will go to the contributors and selected Distribution outlets for our type of market. Some will be available for sale, some we will sell through our shop locally."

Here's 'My Take' on the first issue:

Front Cover  -  I like the header / logo of the title 'Stranger Than... Fiction Comics'.  That looks good.  The publisher's logo 'Bootleg Comix' kind of indicates what genre this comic book will be in.  The illustration by Skip Williamson definitely sets the pace for the comic book, with 'Jesus Is Back... and he's packing heat!!'.   There is a $15 price tag published on the front cover, which I will cover near end of this blog post.

Inside Front Cover  - Which is the Table of Contents page.  Shows there are 32 interior pages, and covers what are on the front, back, and inside covers.  Then the bottom is the publishing info.

Pages 1 -4 presents 'A Rock And Roll Classic' by the publisher Bob Cox.  A story from 1984 and renewed copyrighted in 2012.  Not bad to start off an anthology... Start off with one of your own stories.

Pages 5 -8 is 'Jesus People USA Interview R. Crumb' by R. Crumb.  A nice little story by R. Crumb from 1984.  If you are a fan of Crumb... This would be for you.

Pages 9 -11  presents 'Child Martyr' by Jay Lynch.  A really good three page story!  I liked the art!

Page 12 is 'Punishment Comics' by Monte Wolverton. Copyrighted 1979. Interesting page.

Page 13 - 15 presents 'The Final Exorcism of Prince Charles' by Tiina Raisanen. I am familar with Tiina's work, being a Facebook Friend with Tiina. 

Page 16 has 'Snappy Sammy Smoot Speculates' by Skip Williamson.

Pages 17 -18 is 'Aw Heck!' by John Prine and Skip Williamson. Copyright 1971 by John Prine.

Page 19  is 'Spacehawk' by Basil Wolverton & Gene Gallatin. Strange little one page story.

Page 20 shows 'Higher Education' by Skip Williamson. A lot of verbage in one page!

Pages 21 - 26 is 'Bastard Sons of Harvey Kurtzman' by Gene Gallatin. Interesting storyline.

Pages 27 - 32 has 'Dear Mr. Spiegelman' by John Kinhart.

Page 33 shows 'Pigheaded: The Life of Skip Williamson' by John Kinhart. A pin-up page for the documentary film about Underground Comix Pioneer Skip Williamson.

The Back Cover is 'The Story of Mineshaft Magazine' by Pat Moriarty.

There are no ads or other commercial interuptions in this comic book.

So What's My Take on this comic book?

Well... I'm kind of partial to underground comix, and have bought and sold them over the years. 

The printed presentation of this comic book is that it is printed on very slick paper, which I'm not used to seeing on underground comix.   That is the reason for the $15 cover price.  However... When ordering from the publisher, the $15 also covers the shipping & handling costs.  So that's a plus for those that are not local where the publisher's shop is located.

I found the front cover to be in line with the contents of this comic book.  It shows that it is 'underground comix' although the title shows 'Comics'.

The Table of Contents page is very helpful when opening to the interior.  Too many anthologies are just thrown together in presentation.   This one is not.  It is well organized and actually preserved on better than usual paper. 

I found the process of reading this comic book was a 'fun read'.   There were classics from well known creators as well as those that are not as well known.

The 'mix' of stories presented in this anthology comic book were pretty well chosen.  For the most part I found the stories to be interesting to read, and thought provoking.  None of the stories presented were too far out from the other stories, which was good.

I'm looking forward to issue no. 2, which is in the works as this blog is being written.

The comic book grade for this number 1 issue is a Very Fine / Near Mint (VF/NM) 9.0 out of a possible 10.0 comic book grading scale.

You can obtain a copy of this comic book by sending a $15 check or money order to:.

RWC Graphics Inc
4701 Crystal Drive
Columbia, SC 29206-1012

My thanks to Robert for sending this issue to me for review!

~ Michael

NOTE FROM Michael D Hamersky On Comics:  My thanks again to all of YOU reading this blog and our archived blog posts, now at 3,879 total posts in number!   I do appreciate your continued reading and support of this Blog!

BTW, You can 'follow' this blog by clicking the 'Follow' Button at this NetworkedBlogs app link!   Thanks to ALL of YOU that have already clicked that button!  And for those of YOU that haven't yet... I would appreciate it if YOU would!!!

Note:  My online 'Local' Comic Book Shop (LCBS), carries many different genres of comics, magazines, graphic novels, and comic con promotional items. Possibly even copies of the item(s) that was mentioned here today...!  If I have it, you'll find under the BIG TOP of Comics, at Comic Books Circus.com!     

Web Page Note:  This blog post is written per the IE Browser standards.  Chrome, Safari, Netscape, Firefox and the other browsers serve the page up slightly differently, sorry about that!  The screen display resolution is best seen at the setting of 1024 x 768 on your laptop or desktop computer.  Note:  Your computer's resoulution may be set differently, but the above resolution is the most commonly used resolution at the time of this blog post. 

NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.

Comics Creators: If you are breaking into, or already work in the comic book industry or other pop culture productions, you are welcome to email or mail us press releases, news items, and updates that you feel would be of interest to our blog readers. Including YOUR own works! To mail printed items to us for possible review, send to:  Make It So Marketing Inc., PO Box 130653, Carlsbad, CA 92013

 Also, if you are a Facebook member, I would have liked you to send me a 'Friend Request'. However, I have reached the maximum limit of 5,000 Facebook Friends and Fan pages already, so I've added a New 'Facebook Fan Page' so that even more of YOU can 'Like' what I am doing, and be interactive with me and others there.  Here is the link to that 'Facebook Fan Page': Michael D Hamersky On Comics! Please click the 'Like' button on that page!

---------------            

      

In Addition, I started a YouTube Channel just before the 2011 Comic-Con International, where I am slowly uploading videos from conventions or other events that we attend that are also pop culture related.  You are invited to 'subscribe' to that channel also!  As found at 'HamerskyOnComics'!

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Michael D Hamersky On Comics Mentions That It Was The...     Secrets Behind the Comics! As Told by Stan Lee!      TODAY'S FEATURE IS BLOG #3878 -    I received an email from a potential buyer about whether or not I still had a copy of the book titled: 'Secrets Behind the Comics', by Stan Lee.   The potential buyer had seen an earlier blog I had posted several years ago on that topic.   The blog was from the old eBay blogs format, so it doesn't appear as well in this Tripod blogs format.  So I'm going to repost what it said:   It Was The "Secrets Behind The Comics"! And You Could Have Had Them For Only $1.00 ! Which Was The Cover Price...Of Stan Lee's booklet when it was first printed in 1947! Back then, Stan came up with the idea of selling the behind the scenes story of what it took to create, print, and publish a comic book. And he should have known, as he had been involved in comics by then for about six years! The booklet was published by Famous Enterprises, Inc., in a paperback edition, and today can be found for sale at times around $150.00... there was a 'signed' copy for sale at $300.00 earlier this year on eBay! Additionally, there was a reprint edition of this booklet: 'Secrets Behind the Comics' (Limited Edition) by Stan Lee, with Ken Dale (illustrator). Published by Marvel Limited in 1994. Currently OOP.. Out of Print. First print was a LIMITED edition (700 copies) of the 1947 edition. This reprint had a silver embossed cover. With 100 pages. It was a Hard Cover Black and White 6" x 9" (15cm x 23cm) with a Dust Jacket.    Good luck to you if you are searching this book out.  There is currently one of each on eBay.                     Want to see what was inside these two covers? Then click on this link to be taken to my Facebook Fan Page's photo album for pics.

NOTE FROM Michael D Hamersky On Comics:  My thanks again to all of YOU reading this blog and our archived blog posts, now at 3,878 total posts in number!   I do appreciate your continued reading and support of this Blog!

BTW, You can 'follow' this blog by clicking the 'Follow' Button at this NetworkedBlogs app link!   Thanks to ALL of YOU that have already clicked that button!  And for those of YOU that haven't yet... I would appreciate it if YOU would!!!

Note:  My online 'Local' Comic Book Shop (LCBS), carries many different genres of comics, magazines, graphic novels, and comic con promotional items. Possibly even copies of the item(s) that was mentioned here today...!  If I have it, you'll find under the BIG TOP of Comics, at Comic Books Circus.com!     

Web Page Note:  This blog post is written per the IE Browser standards.  Chrome, Safari, Netscape, Firefox and the other browsers serve the page up slightly differently, sorry about that!  The screen display resolution is best seen at the setting of 1024 x 768 on your laptop or desktop computer.  Note:  Your computer's resoulution may be set differently, but the above resolution is the most commonly used resolution at the time of this blog post. 

NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.

Comics Creators: If you are breaking into, or already work in the comic book industry or other pop culture productions, you are welcome to email or mail us press releases, news items, and updates that you feel would be of interest to our blog readers. Including YOUR own works! To mail printed items to us for possible review, send to:  Make It So Marketing Inc., PO Box 130653, Carlsbad, CA 92013

 Also, if you are a Facebook member, I would have liked you to send me a 'Friend Request'. However, I have reached the maximum limit of 5,000 Facebook Friends and Fan pages already, so I've added a New 'Facebook Fan Page' so that even more of YOU can 'Like' what I am doing, and be interactive with me and others there.  Here is the link to that 'Facebook Fan Page': Michael D Hamersky On Comics! Please click the 'Like' button on that page!

---------------            

      

In Addition, I started a YouTube Channel just before the 2011 Comic-Con International, where I am slowly uploading videos from conventions or other events that we attend that are also pop culture related.  You are invited to 'subscribe' to that channel also!  As found at 'HamerskyOnComics'!

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Michael D Hamersky On Comics Mentions The...     KickStarter Campaign For DitkoMania #91!      TODAY'S FEATURE IS BLOG #3877 -    This KickStarter Campaign was brought to my attention by Jackie Estrada, who posted it at her Facebook page.   I have previously review blogged DitkoMania back on June 21st of 2009 on issue #73. (See photo to the top right for that issue's cover.)    I wasn't aware of this KickStarter Campaign so there are only a few days left before it is over!   This is what the campaign is about:   This is for the new issue of the fanzine devoted to comics artist Steve Ditko. This issue focuses on Speedball and other bouncing Ditko heroes! The print copy of DITKOMANIA #91 will be at least 32 B&W pages (possibly more depending on the contents) and will focus on Speedball and other bouncing characters of Steve Ditko (such as his obscure Mr. Quiver, who has only appeared in two stories). The issue will also have a long letters section from readers reacting to the previous issue of Ditkomania (#90, "Ron Frantz Remembers"), including a letter by Cerebus creator Dave Sim. The fanzine is printed on a photocopier, and hand-folded and stapled by me. I number each issue individually (with a red ballpoint pen) on the front inside cover. The covers are printed on cardstock paper. If this Kickstarter campaign is successful, I will have a COLOR cover on the printed copies of Ditkomania, which would be the first time I've done that before.  The front cover was drawn by Javier Hernandez and colored by Fester Faceplant.  The back cover (featuring Speedball) was drawn by Tom Ahearn and colored by Mort Todd. Depending on this Kickstarter response, I may consider using a print-on-demand type printer (instead of a photocopier) to print the issue, if pledges are significantly higher than my goal amount.   Thanks for reading the above.  I am suggesting that you take a close look at this KickStarter Campaign and then contribute!    BTW, Ditkomania also has a Facebook Fan Page!   ~Michael

NOTE FROM Michael D Hamersky On Comics:  My thanks again to all of YOU reading this blog and our archived blog posts, now at 3,877 total posts in number!   I do appreciate your continued reading and support of this Blog!

BTW, You can 'follow' this blog by clicking the 'Follow' Button at this NetworkedBlogs app link!   Thanks to ALL of YOU that have already clicked that button!  And for those of YOU that haven't yet... I would appreciate it if YOU would!!!

Note:  My online 'Local' Comic Book Shop (LCBS), carries many different genres of comics, magazines, graphic novels, and comic con promotional items. Possibly even copies of the item(s) that was mentioned here today...!  If I have it, you'll find under the BIG TOP of Comics, at Comic Books Circus.com!     

Web Page Note:  This blog post is written per the IE Browser standards.  Chrome, Safari, Netscape, Firefox and the other browsers serve the page up slightly differently, sorry about that!  The screen display resolution is best seen at the setting of 1024 x 768 on your laptop or desktop computer.  Note:  Your computer's resoulution may be set differently, but the above resolution is the most commonly used resolution at the time of this blog post. 

NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.

Comics Creators: If you are breaking into, or already work in the comic book industry or other pop culture productions, you are welcome to email or mail us press releases, news items, and updates that you feel would be of interest to our blog readers. Including YOUR own works! To mail printed items to us for possible review, send to:  Make It So Marketing Inc., PO Box 130653, Carlsbad, CA 92013

 Also, if you are a Facebook member, I would have liked you to send me a 'Friend Request'. However, I have reached the maximum limit of 5,000 Facebook Friends and Fan pages already, so I've added a New 'Facebook Fan Page' so that even more of YOU can 'Like' what I am doing, and be interactive with me and others there.  Here is the link to that 'Facebook Fan Page': Michael D Hamersky On Comics! Please click the 'Like' button on that page!

---------------            

      

In Addition, I started a YouTube Channel just before the 2011 Comic-Con International, where I am slowly uploading videos from conventions or other events that we attend that are also pop culture related.  You are invited to 'subscribe' to that channel also!  As found at 'HamerskyOnComics'!

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