Comics Buyer's Guide (1971) comic books

June 7, 1985. DC to add story pages to direct-sales comics; Sirius Comics - new comic-book company is formed; comic-book circulation figure roundup; Chester Gould, Theodore Sturgeon die; reviews of a slew of current comic books; a birthday surprise for Julius Schwartz; how comics stores can get free publicity; opinions on comics and the law. Also in this issue: Advertising Index; Dealer Directory; Freddy & Eddy; Kitz 'n' Katz; Oh, So?; Trufan Adventures; What, Where & When.

June 21, 1985. 'DNAgents' price cut in half - Volume 2 #1 (#25) is first issue to sell for 75 cents; The CBG Editors' Awards for Best of 1984; 1948 - boom year for comic-book censorship; Fred Hembeck interview; Bantam suspends Doc Savage books; beginning a series on comic-book covers; a penultimate look at Flash's trial. Also in this issue: Advertising Index; Comics Exchange; Comics Trader; Dealer Directory; Everett True; Fanzine Guide; Forgotten Funnies; Freddy & Eddy; Kitz 'n' Katz; Oh, So?; Rayguns, Elves; What, Where & When; Year of Jubilo.

Original cover price: $1.50. June 28, 1985. Marvel cancels two - Epic Illustrated and Moon Knight; coming from DC - M.A.S.K., Oz-Wonderland War, DC Challenge and 'Mazing Man; a look at Spider-Man's future; the comic-book crisis of 1948; British comic ends after 1500 issues; Mike Baron is looking for Larry; the record week for comics publishing; a light-hearted 'quiz' about super-heroes.

July 5, 1985. Eclipse adds titles - 'Johnny Nemo' in own book, Timothy Truman does 'Scout'; Will Eisner speaks at OSU comics exhibit; a trivia quiz on ignored topics; many reviews of comics, books, fanzines; a tribute to the late Chester Gould; advice on convention etiquette; a look at the 'Space Cadet' comic strip; plus ads, letters and more.

July 12, 1985. 'Miracleman' orders cut - Eclipse's first 75c title sells out before shipping, orders for #1 are reduced 20% across the board; a lawyer looks at Squadron Supreme; candid remarks by Charles M. Schulz on 'Doonesbury,' 'Bloom County,' and how completely 'Peanuts' is his; plus ads, letters and more.

July 19, 1985. 'Starslayer' on hiatus; 'Flaming Carrot' #1-6 sell out; comics censorship on the rise in 1949; cartoonists bare all (well, some) in new series; Jay Disbrow on the original comics heroes; publishers reveal why comics are delayed; readers tell of letter-column outrages; changes made in Marvel's British comics. Cover price $1.50.

July 26, 1985. 'Zot!' suspends publication - poor sales blamed, return of title is promised; 'Spirit' is monthly, black-and-white; Chester Gould wills strips to museum; 'Miracleman 3-D Special' due in October; Flaming Carrot - a hero for the '80s; a talk with Archie artist Dan DeCarlo; a new computer program for collectors; what comics to expect this summer; tips on investing in current comics. Cover price $1.50.

August 2, 1985. Marvel comics go to 75 cents - Canadian price drops 5 cents, Star line stays at 65 cents; 'Wonder Woman' canceled - #329, out in August, to be last issue; San Diego Comic Con - guest list includes Siegel, Kurtzman, Moore; Houston charity auction offers Alex Toth work; 'Steve Canyon' beats hijackers to press; a look at the animation of Bob Clampett; photos from the Chicago convention; Pat Boyette enters the Confessional; plenty of comics reviews. Cover price $1.50.

August 9, 1985. 'World's Finest' canceled - Superman and Batman part company amicably; Pre-Code horror in 3-D - Eclipse offers unpublished 1950s comics; the 100th Everett True installment (see page 20 of this issue for a list of who inked it); a look at upcoming summer comics; furor grows over bogus news releases; plus ads, letters and more.

August 16, 1985. WaRP: weekly color comic - mini-series features Dracula, Jack the Ripper; Greenberg the Vampire - 'Woody Allen meets the Hunger' in graphic novel; Jim Engel returns with a new Fandom Confidential; the very first CBG sports staff story; Jo Duffy on 'Star Wars,' other projects; Bob Ingersoll's farewell to The Flash; plus ads, letters and more.

August 23, 1985. 'THUNDER Agents' is 'public domain'; 'X-Factor' video offered; Trina Robbins' confession; Tony Isabella meets The Beyonder; August birth dates; Heidi MacDonald says we were all dumb once; plus ads, letters and more.

August 30, 1985. Wonder Woman - after 'Crisis,' a Trina Robbins mini-series will be followed by a new beginning, new series; John Byrne repudiates 'How to Draw Comics Comic'; unpublished cover art for Star Trek #22; Swamped - DC, Alan Moore, Swamp Thing, Bissette-Totleben win Kirby Awards; 'Mouse' trapped - customs seizes imported book; most disgusting comic-book covers of all time; legal boners in the trial of Mr. Mind; the man who saved Captain Marvel's life; a survey of the British comics scene; peeks at Punisher, Bozz Chronicles; Peter David on Spider-Man's future; Tim Truman leaves Grimjack; X-Men and Captain Victory to be published in Germany; plus ads, letters and more.

September 6, 1985. Happy 50th, DC! Features, columns include: a brief DC history; a list of all DC Comics; DC's upcoming comics; Jerry Siegel on Superman 1; footnote on DC's birth. Also: San Diego Con photos; Miracleman: 15% damaged - improperly wrapped for trans-Atlantic shipping; EC Classics - Cochran offers stories in color. Plus ads, letters and more.

September 13, 1985. Miracleman #1 - called three times hotter than 'Thor' #337; Mark Evanier on rivalry; a new direction for Iron Man; what's up for Alpha Flight; Squadron - no breakdancer; Spider-Man to travel; looks at Chicago, San Diego; coming: Thor the Frog; plus ads, letters and more.

September 20, 1985. DC comments on canceled titles - World's Finest 'team doesn't work,' Wonder Woman 'needs to be refreshed'; Joe Staton picked as 'American Flagg!' artist; First to reprint rare 'Nexus' issues; Rawhide Kid's guilty, Beyonder isn't; AC Comics finds an audience (see I Cover the Newsstand); listing of upcoming comics; Everett True congratulates TCJ; plus ads, letters and more.

September 27, 1985. 'Miracleman,' 'DNAgents' to be printed in North America, not Europe; a rare Superman find. Plus Jim Shooter: "We do the best comics we can do, and in the end, that will win. If you try to second-guess what the readers want, that's boring. I think what counts is sincerity of effort -- that's what works for us. That's why we're outselling everyone else by a huge margin. We're outselling DC three-to-one, and gaining all the time."

October 4, 1985. DC plans comic for Ethiopia; Star Comics jump to 75 cents in December; debate over 'Women and the Comics'; the 100th 'Rayguns' column; up-to-date list of comic comics; the only comic strip costumed super-hero; 'Mouse' to go on trial; Everett True's 'Fandom Confidential'; plus ads, letters and more.

October 11, 1985. Hunger - comic strips to share theme on Thanksgiving Day; WaRP publishes first daily comic as preview to first weekly comic; CBS goes hunting for scapegoats (see Editorial); Mars invades again!; Judge Adrian Chase goofs in a big way; an interview with an investor (hot tip: save 'Marvel Age'); too-clever covers cost sales; comic-strip lawyers defend vampires; plus ads, letters and more.

October 18, 1985. 'Tremendous success' - Marvel ships overruns on titles it expects to click; the confessions of Fred Fredericks; Jan Strnad on the Flexographic press; Ingersoll takes on Donald Duck; an interview with Mark Bode; a look at the Cutey Bunny Fan Club; Roger Stern - new Avenger, old enemies; DC cancels Omega Men and Best of DC; plus ads, letters and more.

October 25, 1985. John Byrne to revamp Superman - story begins all over again with Vol. 2 #1; Howard Chaykin - Shadow, Wolverine, more; 'Jonny Quest' - Comico schedules it for 1986; Steve Gerber to revive Spectre - character completely recreated for new series; radio stars recreate their roles; Judge Adrian Chase meets Prof. Kingsfield; a review of Macross on video; the 'Trufan Adventures' death bonanza; Lawrence Watt-Evans on comic book covers; a new column by Jean-Marc Lofficier; plus ads, letters and more.

November 1, 1985. ElfQuest returns - WaRP to publish annual 'sampler' for Christmas; 'Mouse' wins - obscenity trial decision is hailed; a Christmas shopping list - a list of the rest of 1985's comics; how theaters can help comics shops; Comico kills 'Next Man' with #5; plus ads, letters and more.

November 8, 1985. Mike Gold leaves First Comics - resigns as president, takes 'leave of absence'; cease and desist - Marvel objects to parodies in 'Megaton Man'; 'Dynamo Joe' gets own comic book, maybe TV show; 'Miracleman' #2 sold out - fewer than 70,000 ordered, sold before shipping; 'X-Factor' delayed a week; DC recovers some stolen artwork; Marvel to destroy 'Heroes for Hope' stock; Byrne, Miller head Mid-Ohio-Con guest list; Epic expands staff, prepares new titles; hefty chunk of comics reviews. Cover price $1.50.

November 15, 1985. Hobgoblin unmasked - 1986 to be year of mystery, clues, red herrings; First Comics to adapt Michael Moorcock novels; John Byrne's 'Superman' draws mail, phone response; DC characters greet President at U.N.; a look at comics censorship in Malaysia; a shopping list of upcoming comics; Canadian comics price guide is coming; British comics annuals cut back to 133; plus ads, letters and more.

November 22, 1985. The Activators - new Marvel title, 'Who' from CBS/Fox Video; the ultimate preview - serialization of a complete Dalgoda story; R.A. Jones reviews letter columns; Leonard Rifas on censorship of undergrounds; a lighthearted look at science in the comics; Tubby meets little men from Mars; plus ads, letters and more.

November 29, 1985. DC Comics reveals 1986 plans - new Superman, titles, mini-series, graphic novels; part 2 of a complete Dalgoda story; an overview of Marvel's Star Comics line; a shopping list of upcoming comics; Casper takes 'Ghostbusters' to court; a history of Harvey's Ghostly Trio; 'Zeppelin' cover art disappears; plus ads, letters and more.

December 6, 1985. ElfQuest optioned for TV - may be on Saturday mornings on CBS in 1986; conclusion of Dalgoda serialization; Everett True's Scum Stoppers Textbook; updates on Chaykin, Howell, Willingham; plans for Demon, Grendel, and Mage; a talk with Golden Age artist Dick Sprang; a visit to Tony Isabella's Cosmic Comics; plus ads, letters and more.

December 13, 1985. 'Dreadstar' goes to First beginning with issue #27; John Byrne to turn 'Hulk' over to Al Milgrom with #320; R. Crumb - Fantagraphics to print complete works; no sale - Marvel-Western talks cease; 'Bogyman' - censored 'Lulu' to be published; Roy Thomas offers a free comic book; Epic's plans for 1986; 'Dangermouse' gets U.S. TV syndication; art gallery honors 'Blood of Innocent'; tips on holiday merchandising; big number of comics reviews. Cover price $1.50.

December 20, 1985. Fantagraphics Books plans complete Milton Caniff 'Dickie Dare'; 'Axa' axed - SF strip is abruptly canceled; the world's oldest active cartoonist; an overview of Epic Comics; 'Myth Adventures' author makes tour; an update on Bruce Jones; new Captain Britain is a woman; behind the scenes of 'Law Is a Ass'; plus ads, letters and more.

December 27, 1985. 'Justice Machine,' 'Elementals' team up in Comico mini-series - 'Machine' then becomes regular series; court denies Groth motion to dismiss Light libel suit; Bill Scott dies - was the voice of Bullwinkle, Dudley Do-Right; 'Law is a Ass' rips up 'Web of Spider-Man'; preview of Marvel's 'Dakota North'; R. Crumb draws a movie poster; 'Masked Man' is canceled; 'Funny Business' TV show goes national; Byrne 'Superman' jackets sell out. Cover price $1.50.

January 3, 1986. Now in its 15th year of on-time publication. Mike Gold joins DC - former First Comics editor named Senior Editor; Denny O'Neil leaves Marvel, joins DC; Catalan announces 1986 publications; Paul Smith denies Lodestone ad claim; the CBG comic-book price guide; preview of DC's 'Mazing Man; comic strip adventurers of the '40s; large number of book reviews. Cover price $1.50.

January 10, 1986. Happy New Year! Denny O'Neil to take over 'Batman' and 'Detective Comics,' finishing 'Shadow' graphic novel for Marvel, to edit Alan Moore Batman graphic novel for DC; continuing your free 'Mazing Man story; a treasury of DC 'Ashcan' comic books; Golden Age artist Sam Gilman dies; Everett True solves the 'DC Challenge'; Dan Tyree looks back at 1985; how the French deal with comics continuity; plus ads, letters and more.

Original cover price: $1.50. January 17, 1986. Rick Oliver is appointed First Comics editorial director - replaces Mike Gold, now a senior editor at DC; a look at what's hot...and what's not; free 'Mazing Man sample concludes; a chat with 'Tandra' creator Hanther.

January 24, 1986. Lodestone expands to ten titles - includes 'Evangeline,' 'Next Man,' 'March Hare'; actors write mini-series for Marvel; Tom Tyler, the 'reel' Captain Marvel; retailer's lament: too many comics.

January 31, 1986. John Byrne leaves Marvel - 'Fantastic Four' #293 to be his last issue, fate of Invisible Woman mini-series is in doubt; Marvel readies New Universe - "new heroes, new villains, new worlds" to appear in 8 new monthly titles during July; 'Sun-Runners' gets third publisher; comics on radio - Evanier, Gerber, Kirby, miller to discuss creators' rights; galleries sell comic art; Superman's legal problems; Crisis hits CBG's comics; a satiric look into 1986. Cover price $1.50.

Original cover price: $1.50. February 7, 1986. Stan Lee to write Fantastic Four Anniversary issue; American Flagg! story runs in CBG; The Shadow knows - Howard Chaykin brings hero into 1986 in new miniseries; MAD in color, b&w - Russ Cochran to reprint complete comic-book run in two versions.

February 14, 1986. DC assigns editors; artist hurt - 'Bloom County' creator Berke Breathed in plane crash; computer coloring; actors Bill Mumy and Miguel Ferrer write for Marvel. Cover price $1.50.

February 21, 1986. Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli are leaving 'Daredevil'; free preview of a chapter from Renegade Press' Ms. Tree; DC Comics, Roy Thomas alter pact; most costly cartoon. Cover price $1.50.

February 28, 1986. Heroes Against Hunger - line-up of writers, artists is revealed; Wolverine - one-shot comic will reprint his debut; new 'Who' companion - wholesome companion is picked to quiet critics of Doctor Who TV series; Letters - "Oh, So?" covers some basics and some new ground, including Mile High Comics, fandom's size, Marvel zombies, and double covers; Bill the Cat's Crisis - what happened to comic strips during the Crisis on Infinite Earths?; Reviews - lots of reviews, from DC's 1986 Calendar to Wonder Man; Look at the Law - a lawyer hates Cloak and Dagger #3...a lot; More News - Mage reprint, Continuity update, Moebius showing, Marvel's Steelgrip Starkey, Craig Hamilton portfolio and Storm story, Sirius super-team title, anthology comic to raise money, DNAgents plans.

Original cover price: $1.50. March 7, 1986. Spider-Man to disappear, return minus red costume; Mr. Monster #5 preview; Phantom is 50 - interview with Phantom creator Lee Falk; First's '86 plans; Crossfire - title suspended for miniseries with Rainbow.

March 14, 1986. Walt Simonson - he's leaving 'Thor,' but not Marvel; flood - collector's nightmare comes true as water ruins irreplaceable items; Patrick L. Price to edit 'Amazing Stories' magazine. Also in this issue: Advertising Index; American Comic Strips; Comics Exchange; Comics Guide; Comics Trader; Editorial; Everett True; From Behind the Cash Register; The Law Is a Ass; Oh, So?; Retailer Directory; What, Where & When.

March 21, 1986. Now Comics' free sample - 16-page preview comic to appear only in CBG #650, with cover available by mail; Batman's beginnings - Miller/Mazzucchelli on Year One, Barr/Davis on Year Two mini-series; Steve Rude remains - artist will continue to draw Nexus for a long time; The Shadow goes - #1 sells out quickly.

March 28, 1986. Quality Comics - new publisher plans line of nine comic books on newsstands for 1986; promo illustration by John Byrne for Legends mini-series; new Steve Ditko titles - Renegade drops 'Revolver' for series of mini-series; Marvel cancels two - 'Star Wars,' 'Doctor Who' to end. Also in this issue: Advertising Index; American Comic Strips; Comics Exchange; Comics Guide; Comics Trader; Editorial; Everett True; Funnies in the '40s; Oh, So?; Price Guide; Retailer Directory; Steelgrip Starkey; What, Where & When.

April 4, 1986. Quality Comics to publish 'Judge Dredd,' '2000 A.D.' - work by Moore, Baikie, Gibbons, Dillon; 'Dark Knight' may be kept in print; Steelgrip Starkey - the conclusion of CBG's preview of Epic's new title; reviews of small press comics. Cover price $1.50.

April 11, 1986. New Universe - eight titles begin this summer, set on single, non-Marvel Earth; Crisis Census; The Man of Steel; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles poster; First Comics to be sold on newsstands; 'Dark Knight' - series to be collected in $39.95 hardcover book. Also in this issue: Advertising Index; American Comic Strips; Comics Exchange; Comics Guide; Comics Trader; Editorial; Everett True; Little Lulu; Near Mint; Off Panel; Oh, So?; Retailer Directory; 3-D Pete; Trufan Adventures; What, Where & When.

April 18, 1986. New Universe - Marvel backs concept with TV and print advertising campaigns; John Buscema to return to 'Fantastic Four'; DC puts brakes on new talent project. Also in this issue: Advertising Index; American Comic Strips; Angel Love; Comics Exchange; Comics Guide; Comics in Your Future; Comics Trader; Dan T's Inferno; Editorial; Everett True; The Law Is a Ass; Oh, So?; Retailer Directory; Trufan Adventures; What, Where & When. Cover price $1.50.

Original cover price: $1.50. April 25, 1986. Power Pack goes direct-sale only - 'X-Men massacre' story ending won't be on newsstands; Frank Miller appears at Lone Star to promote Dark Knight; Thou Art Only a Man - some second-thoughts on hot comics; Angel Love #1 comics preview conclusion; Watchmen #1 review. Cover price $1.50.

May 2, 1986. With Do-It-Yourself Comic Book - just pull out the centerfold; 'Dark Knight' returns to press; 2nd edition error - the second edition of 'Dark Knight' #2 has produced a problem for collectors; Chester Gould and Dick Tracy - a look at a classic cartoonist and his classic strip; Comico to hit newsstands in May; warehouse fire - 175,000 underground comix from Rip Off Press burn. Also in this issue: Advertising Index; Comics Exchange; Comics Guide; Comics in Your Future; Comics Trader; Cosmic Trips; Dan T's Inferno; Editorial; Everett True; Oh, So?; Retailer Directory; Shel Dorf; 3-D Pete; Trufan Adventures; What, Where & When. Cover price $1.50.