No comments about The Amazing Spider-Man #545 : One More Day Part Four (Marko Djurdjevic Variant Cover - Marvel Comics).

No comments about All-Star Batman And Robin The Boy Wonder #6 : Episode Six (DC Comics).

5 comments about The Official Overstreet Comic Book Grading Guide.

1. If you sell on EBAY or just want to track the condition/current value of your personal collection, this is the quintisential book to have.Every major player in the world of comics bases their grading on this book.A wonderful guide with picture representation to ensure accurate grading of individual comics.From the beginners to the experts,a true comic collectors "Must Have!"



2. Bottom line: Comic book grading is THE most difficult component of the comics collecting business side of the equation. Subjective interpretation lends disparity between any 2 people's grades, but the more experience that you have, the better equiped that you are to make qualified decisions about a book's grade. This book was much-updated from its previous version, so is an improvement. Bashing the book for not giving a "Cliff-notes" version of how to wave a magic wand, and "poof!" get a grade is a poor position to take. Yes, the book needs work in terms of pictures of defects and corresponding adjustments. One should also keep in mind that there is a functional aspect of grading that allows for a given defect to be (somewhat) offset by a strong characteristic in another are (e.g. stress marks bring book to FN, but stunning colors and/or supple white pages might boost it back to VF-, as a potential example). Given that there is NOT a lot of documented information on this subject, this book is helpful as a reference ONLY, and should be used in conjunction with other references (ComicBase, Wizard, Overstreet Guide), to make a good determination of a grade. Certainly times are better now than they were, say, 10 years ago, when only pros in the business for years could make an accurate estimate. Be thankful for that. CGC info, by design, is not going to be released - it's a Trade Secret for their business model, and if they gave it all away, they would not be in business. Does Proctor and Gamble give away its recipe for its products, or DuPont? - of course not. The discerning investigative researcher uses multiple sources. One such source (if you had bothered to read the Overstreet 33rd Edition) is that Metropolis Comics helped CGC develop the standards that they use. Also, many of the MAJOR comic dealers contribute heavily to the Advisory Board for CGC, so if you look at the sources, you could glean more information as well. Stop whining, and start learning ! This book is a valuable tool to be used with the other resources available to comics collectors, but it is not the de facto "guide" for grading. There will never be such a guide, so get over it.



3. This 2nd edition is an improvement over the 1992 edition and bolsters the viewpoint that Overstreet standards must be recognized as the primary source for grading decisions. While this guide does not provide specific CGC guidelines - which CGC refuses to publish - there is an overview of CGC by CGC Primary Grader Steve Borock and there are several examples of CGC-graded comics in various grades pictured. This, of course, merely provides examples of CGC grading and does not address the issue of CGC's well-documented inconsistencies. ***UPDATE: August, 2003 - CGC has announced that it will has adopted Overstreet grading standards as its own! This is a shrewd move by CGC and will help unify overall grading standards.***

   In this guide, you will find advertising by some of the largest retailers in the nation, along with several interesting articles whose topics range from comic book history to restoration to shipping comics. Each grade has a fairly comprehensive one-page description of necessary qualities inherent to the grade, along with a full checklist of 21 grading considerations like spine roll, cover creases and staples. The pages following are filled with clear and illustrative examples of covers of books fitting the grade, with appropriate annotation of defects.

   While there is still room for improvement in future editions, such as addressing the topic of grade "qualifiers" - a defect impacting the grade of a comic whose appearance would suggest a better grade if not for the defect - it is the premier guide to comic book grading and is a must-have for any serious collector or dealer.




4. Sometimes I wonder how major glaring issues get published with something that purports to be a definitive guide. Of course i'm talking about the size of the photos, many labelled flaws are simply undectable and pressing ones face right up to the book to see flaws is well silly and unnecessary. Its sad to see a total compromise of someones product presumably to sell more copies to WaldenBooks or whomever, it shows a lack of integrity and a lack of dedication to ones customers.
   Other than that major disappointment, I'd have to say the only other problem with the book are that the written articles are a bit muddled, the basics of grading seem a bit sparse while some aspects of minutae seem to be overemphasised.
   All the information you need to make grading judgements in todays CGC environment is here though. Most probably wont be too happy to learn that most comics they bought as NM/VF in the 80's/early 90's are probably a 7.5 at best in today's market. But thats not Overstreets fault.
   The part of the book where they take an Atom comic through the grades is very informative and probably the best visual representation of grading to date.
   Theres promise here and the information is factual but presented in a flawed manner, if you need a handy reference guide for comic grading this is it. Surely they cant help but address the basic flaws with their product in later editions?



5. The problem I find with this book, as with all books on the subject of grading, is that it is getting too complex.
   As a collector of coins and stamps, along with comics, I understand the importance of grading when it comes to the determining the value of your collection; however, when I look at a book, I now find myself trying to determine what this stress line or that OWL interior really does to the grade. How many points deducted? Added?
   Of course, Overstreet is the definiitve book on the subject but there comes a time when a decision has to be made as far as trying to figure out what grade to give it, i.e., VF- or F+, for example, and sometimes there is not enough details on exactly what it is that makes that determination. This is particularly true when it comes to Golden Age or early Silver Age.
   A Goldie is much harder to grade because, given its age, and scarcity, one must decide how much a particular defect will compromise a grade in relation to a modern book. A Goldie with spine stress lines should not be held to the same standards as a modern with the same defect. if you take away one point for that, you then should have the option of adding one point due to its rarity.
   Overstreet, while mentioning this problem, does not give enough information on it to make it clear and decisive.
   The bottom line is that the Overstreet Guide is the 'Bible' of comic collecting and is highly recommended as the definiitve guide to grading BUT......it is still the old axiom of 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder.'

5 comments about Marvel Universe.

1. "Marvel Universe" is the companion volume to "Marvel: Five Fabulous Decades of the World's Greatest Comics," but I did not read that volume so I am looking at the volume introducing the superheroes and supervillains of Marvel Comics. Unlike the other volume, which looked at the history of Marvel Comics decade by decade, author Peter Sanderson takes a more thematic approach, although there is a semblance of chronology involved in the order, beginning with the Fantastic Four, the comic book that effectively created Marvel Comics, and ending with the X-Men, the most popular series of today (comics like "Conan the Barbarian" therefore fall outside the scope of the "Mravel Universe"). Specifically the eight chapters divide the Marvel Universe as follows:

   1. The Fantastic Four: Marvel's First Family, begins with the working relationship of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, relates the origin of the FF, focuses on the compelling character drama of the Thing, and the group's main villain Dr. Doom. After covering some of the FF's epic adventures, including the first confrontation with Galactus and the Silver Surfer, the chapter looks at some of the heroes that were created in the comic such as the Black Panther and the Inhumans.

   2. The Antiheroes: Human Torch, Sub-Mariner, and Hulk looks at how two Silver Age heroes were updated for the modern era but focuses primarily on old Greenskin, including the pivotal issue #140 written by Harlan Ellison.

   3. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man looks at Marvel's most popular superhero, drawn originally by Steve Ditko. This chapter covers the problems of a teenage superhero, his remorse over Uncle Ben's death, and the supporting cast, as well as the darker vision of Spider-Man brought to the comic by Todd McFarlane. Special consideration is given to the "Kraven's Last Hunt" storyline and "The Death of Aunt May" issue.

   4. Avengers Assemble! covers not only Marvel's answer to the Justice League of America as a group, but the individual comic books of Captain America, Henry Pym and the Wasp, Iron Man, Hawkeye and the Black Widow, the Mighty Thor, the Vision, Wonder Man, and even the Black Knight (so you know they have covered pretty much everybody).

   5. Strange Tales: Heroes of the Supernatural covers a lot of ground as well with Doctor Strange, Dracula, The Man-Thing, Howard the Duck, Ghost Rider, and other Marvel monsters.

   6. Protectors of the Universe is mostly about aliens such as Captain Mar-vel, the Silver Surfer, Adam Warlock, and Nova. Also covered are such diverse comics as "Power Pack," Don McGregor and P. Craig Russell's "Killraven," and Jack Kirby's last comic creations.

   7. Vigilantes and Lawmen starts with Daredevil and the Electra Saga, continues with Nick Fury (both with his Holwing Commandos and as an Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.), and ends with the Punisher.

   8. Mutantis Mutandis: The X-Men begins with the original X-Men and Magneto, through the Second Genesis and the Dark Phoenix saga, the ascendancy of Wolverine, to the proliferation of mutants in Alpha Flight, Excalibur, X-Force, and Generation X. Artists Neal Adams, Bill Sienkiewicz, and Rob Liefeld are featured in this section.

   My test case for evaluating this volume was the section of ýTomb of Draculaý (146-48) a minor cult hit all things considered but one of the best comic books I have ever read. Sanderson agrees with the verdict, praising writer Marv Wolfman, penciller Gene Colan, and inker Tom Palmer for their skilled delineation of character. After a concise description of the cast of characters and their complex relationships, there is a description of the choice story line where a character (purporting to be) Dracula, removed his vampire powers. I would have liked to have seen a reference of Dr. Sun, and the comicýs wonderful sense of pacing, but this was a decent synopsis.

   The key thing to remember her is that Sanderson is juggling a lot of balls. He needs to not only describe the history of each comic book along with the key characters and villains, but also try to work in an appreciation of great artists from Jack Kirby and Jim Steranko to John Byrne and Todd McFarlane, along with some of the key issues and storylines. So I was quite impressed when Sanderson worked in ýDays of Future Pastý from X-Men #141 and the Silver Dagger story line in ýDoctor Strange.ý

   For that matter, I was also impressed that Sanderson worked in some of the most memorable PANELS from these comics: Jack Kirby showing Doctor Doom stripping the Silver Surferýs powers from FF#57, Steve Ditkoýs Spider-Man struggling free in ASM#33, and John Byrneýs shot of Mangeto from X-Men #111. Yes, you can quibble over the details in terms of what was included and omitted, and certainly there is a better way to reproduce comic art than photocopying it or whatever, but Sanderson gets credit for covering a lot of ground and for showing a clear sense of appreciation and affection for these comic books. That is what tips the scales for me in the end.

   The bottom line would be that ýMarvel Universeý constitutes a nice walk down memory lane for those who remember buying 10 cent copies of these comic books when they were called Marvel Pop Art as well as a nice history lesson for those who have come to the game when Marvel launched Volume 2 for all of its major titles.




2. Sanderson provides great coverage of the essential Marvel characters and themes. The book does not go into depth on any team or character, but touches lightly on each, reviewing storylines, artists and writers who have contributed to weaving the wonderful tales surrounding the Marvel Universe. The book is a treat to read for any Marvel fan or someone curious about the Marvel Universe.



3. As an acknowledgement of reaching 50 reviews of warning YOU not to buy the worst things ever, I thought a change of pace was needed - so, five reviews then, urging you to buy some of the best things ever. Part four of five, then...
   
   Whilst this sort of book, a run through of the Marvel Universe, would have been essential 10 years ago, with the onslaught of the internet it seems a little pointless. Yeah, it's always nice to have these things actually in your hand, but there are countless internet sites that have all this information, and those are updated, with new pics and facts and histories... another nail in the coffin for the humble book, I'm afraid.
   
   But I'm not here to actually talk about THIS book per se. I'm here to talk about Marvel in particular, and why it's one of the five things that makes The Curmudgeon's world go round. I'd like to think of myself as a big comic book fan, but in reality I haven't even scratched the surface of a lot of work and titles out there. I suppose it's a bit like a Pop Idol fan - fairly ignorant except for what's put in front of them. Hell, I'd like to read more comics from outside the "mainstream", as it were, but it's all about the Benjamins, baby. I just can't afford it. Anyone wants to recommend a title The Curmudgeon really SHOULD take a look at, drop me a line.
   
   Saying that, I think I'm pretty well versed on the Marvel Universe. And what a Universe it is; these characters are so rich, so varied and nowadays have such brilliant writers its impossible not to get sucked into it all. When you read just some of the genre defining characters that the likes of Stan Lee and Steve Ditko created, it boggles the mind..
   
   The Hulk, Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, Punisher, Daredevil, Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, Howard The Duck..
   
   Ahem. Well, maybe not the last one. But seriously, the stories in the Marvel comics have given me so much enjoyment over the years its hard to put into words. DC are OK, and have a fair share of great characters (arguably more famous than Marvel's) but they lack the depth and style that Marvel have (really though, how BORING is Superman?)
   
   As a side note, anyone wanting to maybe introduce themselves to the Marvel Universe but find themselves a bit swamped with all the history etc, try the Ultimate Marvel comics (especially Spider-Man). They take the characters back to square one, but give their origins etc a modern spin. The writing in these comics is some of the finest you'll see in ANY form.
   
   The Curmudgeon THANKS you, Marvel. Excelsior!
   
   Keep your eye out for the continuation of the limited series of positive Curmudgeon reviews!
   
   The_Curmudgeon_Hates_You@yahoo.co.uk



4. Ultimate handbook for the Marvel Universe. Short biographies which list milestone issues allows new readers to pick up in mid-stream.



5. Thoroughly enjoyed this, the art work was amazing and the information great as I am not a big comic reader and only know most from cartoons or movies so this filled in allot of holes for me.

2 comments about The Sensational Spider-Man #41 : One More Day Part Three (Joe Quesada Cover - Marvel Comics).

1. I think that the decision to reveal to the world that Peter Parker is Spider-Man is a major mistake. In the wake of what happened in Marvel's seismic Civil War shakeup I expect there to be some interesting stories in the short run, but in the long term this is going to hurt the character, more so than the black costume and way more than all that nonsense with the clone. This move was an editorial decision rather than a creative decision, and it has been interesting in this brave new Marvel universe to see what J. Michael Straczynski has come up with in response to this turn of events. "The Sensational Spider-Man" #41 offers Part 3 (of 4) of his "One More Day" storyline, which began in "The Amazing Spider-Man" #544, continued in "Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man" #24, and ends back in "The Amazing Spider-Man" #545. Straczynski is the scripter for just the main Spider-Man title, but "One More Day" is his attempt from a creative perspective to do something about this devastating turn of events, and he is scripting all four parts. This means that what happens at the end of "One More Day" is going to have a significant impact on the character of Peter Parker and his family, which means on Spider-Man as well.
   
   Remember that Marvel's "Civil War" happened as things were gearing up for the release of "Spider-Man 3," which forced all of the Spider-Man titles to put our hero "Back in Black." Straczynski's initial reaction to Spider-Man revealing he was Peter Parker and then turning against Tony Stark's side in the Civil War was that this situation was going to get somebody killed. Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin, wanted Peter Parker to be the one who was killed, but in "The Amazing Spider-Man" #538 the bullet hit Aunt May instead. By the time we get to the start of "One More Day," Aunt May's condition is critical and she is dying in a charity ward. In Part 1, Peter confronts Tony Stark, who refuses to compromise his position and help, but feels guilty enough to have Jarvis take care of the financial problems concerning Aunt May. However, Aunt May is still dying. In Part 2, Peter turns to Doctor Strange and the mystic arts, but this backfires and Strange can only urge Peter to be by his aunt's side when she passes away. Then Spider-Man meets a strange little red-headed girl who says she has the answer.
   
   In Part 3, the little red-headed girl, who strikes us as looking like a very young Mary Jane, leads Spider-Man to a computer nerd who looks like Roger Ebert with Peter Parker hair. Then there is a rich guy in a limo. As the cover says: "Who are they? What DEADLY SECRET do they share?" Well, they all lead to the mysterious lady in red and the revelation of the big, huge, monumental roll of the dice that Straczynski has come up with for our hero. We also find out the meaning of "One More Day"; if you thought that Spider-Man was living that particular time period in these stories, then you will be surprised to find that the day in question has not begun yet. That is saved for Part 4 and what happens next depends on the monumental decision Peter Parker has to make. I do not want to spoil it for anybody, but, WOW. This is a biggie and I think he has to do it: not so much because how can he not, but also because I think it gets the character and the comic books yet to come out of the corner they have been painted into by the Civil War. Plus what is happening here has pathos up the wazoo.
   
   The cover proudly proclaims that this comic book is "Still only 399 cents," which is a clear sign that the price is about to go up, given what we have seen in the past. In addition to the main story there is a six-page profile on the revealed mystery character (the mysterious lady in red referred to on the cover), and a reprint of part (pages 8-20) of a relevant story from a totally different comic book written by Stan Lee and illustrated by John Buscema. If I mention the character that is profiled or the specific issue we get the partial reprint of, then that gives away too much of what happens in "The Sensational Spider-Man" #41. When the trade paperback collection comes out down the road we can deal with the revelation and the long-term implications of what Straczynski has come up with for the web-head. For now let us just anticipate the final part of the story and debate the "will he or won't he?" question in our own minds.



2. This four-part storyline is designed to erase 20 years of continuity and to erase the married existence of Peter Parker, as if he never existed. It is an insult to any long-term fan. The characters do not behave like themselves, they walk around like they're in a dream, and everything they do (here and for the last year's worth of stories) has been directed by Marvel's editor-in-chief Joe Quesada in order to fulfill his dream of erasing Peter Parker's marriage to Mary Jane. The whole storyline is an insult to any long-term fan who has been committed to the Spider-man continuity.
   
   Don't blame Straczynski, though. He even posted online recently disavowing the way the storyline ends and wishing he could have dropped his name off the book. It's 100% Quesada. And it's offensive.

1 comments about Sandman Mystery Theater: Sleep of Reason.

1. A new version of this, it seems, and rather different to the old, this particular story being set pretty much in current times, or at least from the late 90s onwards, anyway.
   
   Wesley Dodds is actually one of the few heroes that has aged, so being active in the 30s now makes him an old man indeed, and one whose wife has a terminal illness.
   
   However, he is mostly a guest star in this, as the story surrounds a war in the middle east, a journalist, a crazy man affected by war as a kid, and a conflict that is carried out in real life with bombs and guns and gas, but also in dreams.
   
   The murky art may make it hard to follow who is hwo at times.

No comments about Captain America - The Chosen #5 : The Crucible (Marvel Comics).

No comments about Captain America - The Chosen #1 : Now You See Me, Now You Don't (Marvel Comics).

No comments about Spawn Blood Feud #2 (Image Comics).

No comments about Spawn Blood Feud #3 (Image Comics).