Back Issue

Even if I hadn't come right out and said it in my last post, you might just get the impression as you read this blog that I harbor a certain fondness for the comics of the 1970's and 80s, the era often referred to as the Bronze Age.  If you share this particular affection--or should I say "affliction"-- I would recommend that you do two things:

1. Keep reading this blog.
2. Check out a magazine called Back Issue.

Back Issue is published by TwoMorrows Publishing, who put out a whole line of comics related magazines and books, with perhaps their best known being The Jack Kirby Collector, devoted entirely to the career of the King of Comics.  BI's particular niche happens to be the aforementioned Bronze Age,  and each issue is centered around a theme which unites most of the articles, although a couple of non-themed pieces are usually included.  For example, the latest issue, whose eye catching Joe Kubert drawn cover is shown here, focuses mainly on war comics, although that is rather broadly defined to include super-hero comics set during the second World War. Among the features are articles on Lynda Carter-era Wonder Woman comics, Mark Evanier and Dan Spiegle's early 80's revival of Blackhawk, the Unknown Soldier, Marvels WWII super team The Invaders, a little known Marvel war comic called Combat Kelly and the Deadly Dozen, and, of course, Sgt. Rock, as well as such non-thematic pieces as an essay on biographies of comics creators and a look at Marvel's short-lived line of religious themed comics. Other recent themes have included issue #34's  look at "cosmic" comics, which featured a Jim Starlin Warlock cover, and  the following issue's focus on super-villains, including an examination of the classic "Kraven's Last Hunt" storyline in the Spider-Man titles and an article on Kobra that inspired me to write my own. The tone of the articles is a mix of loving tribute and critical analysis.  Thankfully missing is the snarkiness too often found on many web-sites and blogs when Bronze Age comics are discussed.