I thought it would be nice to talk about a special day in the comic book industry, Free Comic Book Day! It’s known to be an annual celebration to attract new readers because no matter what, there’s a strong chance a book can appeal to a person. It’s quite possibly the biggest event for the community that unites young, old, new, and returning readers. But what’s the best place for you to take part in FCBD? Your local comic shop! For me, that is The Dragon’s Lair in Fayetteville, NC. If you are from around the area, or not, give them a visit. The atmosphere at the Lair is so welcoming and caring. I'm very reserved in public places, but the comic shop makes me comfortable. I truly love every visit because they are all a fantastic group. The work they do in the comic community and outside deserves praise, as well. For FCBD, The Dragon’s Lair had vendors, food, drinks, raffles, sales, cosplay contests, door prizes, local artists, and most importantly, comics! Unfortunately, this year I wasn’t able to make it at 11 am when it started, but I found time in the afternoon before it ended. It was still a fun time. I’m already looking forward to next year’s Free Comic Book Day. Today, I’ll talk about the comics I bought during the day. I haven’t any read yet, so I’ll list them out. I’ll add why I bought them, and if it’s a key issue, I’ll give their significance. Well, comic folks, let’s get into it!
Captain Marvel #60 (Jan 1979) Vol 1
“Moon-Traps and Paradise”
Writer - Doug Moench Penciler - Pat Broderick Inker - Bruce Patterson Colorists - George Roussos Letterers - Gaspar Saladino & Annette Kawecki Editor - Roger Stern Editor-in-Chief - Jim Shooter
Captain Marvel #61 (Mar 1979) Vol 1
“Chaos and The Pit!”
Writer - Doug Moench Penciler - Pat Broderick Inker - Bruce Patterson Colorists - Bob Sharen Letterers - Jim Novak Editor - Roger Stern Editor-in-Chief - Jim Shooter
Captain Marvel #62 (Jan 1979) Vol 1
“Earth Skirmish”
Writer - Doug Moench Penciler - Pat Broderick Inker - Bruce Patterson Colorists - Nel Yomtov Letterers - John Costanza Editor - Roger Stern Editor-in-Chief - Jim Shooter
I was surprised to see Vol 1 issues at the shop, so I had to buy all three. If you read my first Comic Spotlight about Captain Mar-vell then you’ll know I’ve been trying to collect all issues in volume one. I checked off three issues Saturday, so I was a happy camper.
Issue #61 is a key issue because it is the first full appearance of Elysius.
Ms. Marvel #17 (May 1978) Vol 1
“Shadow of the Gun!”
Writer - Chris Claremont Penciler - Jim Mooney Inker - Tony DeZuniga Colorists - Janice Cohen Letterers - John Costanza Editor - Archie Goodwin Editor-in-Chief - Jim Shooter
Recently, I’ve been getting really into Ms. Marvel because of Captain Marvel. Another reason I got this issue was because of a sale at the shop. Buy one get one free. There is another big key issue in this list and I bought it so I could get this one for free! Is that wonderful?
This is a key issue because it is the second cameo appearance of Raven Darkholme, later known as Mystique, disguised as Nick Fury and the Contessa
The Avengers #297 (Nov 1988) Vol 1
“Futures Imperfect!”
Writer - Walter Simonson Penciler - John Buscema Inker - Tom Palmer Colorists - Paul Becton Letterers - Bill Oakley Editor - Mark Gruenwald & Greg Wright Editor-in-Chief - Tom DeFalco
The Avengers #309 (Nov 1989) Vol 1
“To Find Olympia!”
Writer - John Byrne Penciler - Paul Ryan Inker - Tom Palmer Colorists - Christie Scheele Letterers - Rick Parker Editor - Howard Mackie Editor-in-Chief - Tom DeFalco
I like reading the old Avengers run, so I decided to pick out some for the buy one get one free. I do love the cover of issue #297 because of She-Hulk and Kang-Nebula! It looks so interesting. Issue #301 had “into the negative zone” on the cover so that intrigued me, so I had to buy it.
Marvel Age #101 (June 1991) Vol 1
Writer & Penciler - Fred Hembeck
This one is pretty simple. I liked the cover, so I got it!
Marvel Tales #57 (Feb 1975) Vol 2
“The Lizard Lives!” - reprint of The Amazing Spider-Man #76
Writer - Stan Lee Penciler - John Buscema Inker - Jim Mooney Letterers - Sam Rosen
If it has Spider-Man, there is an 85% chance I’ll buy it right then and there. This isn’t a new story since it is a reprint of The Amazing Spider-Man #76. It’s never a bad thing to cop an issue for a cheap price with your favorite character!
Moon Knight #12 Hellfire Gala Variant Cover 2022
“The Killing Time Part 2”
Writer - Jed MacKay Penciler - Alessandro Cappuccino Inker - Alessandro Cappuccino Colorists - Rachelle Rosenberg Letterers - Cory Petit Editor - Martin Biro, Annalise Bissa, & Tom Brevoort Editor-in-Chief - C.B. Cebulski
I already have issue #12 of this Moon Knight, but I have never seen this variant cover before. It’s the Scarlet Witch cover. It looks pretty rad, so I had to get it.
Spider-Man #4 (Nov 1990) Vol 1
“Torment: Part 4”
Writer, Penciler, Inker, & Colorists - Todd MacFarlane Letterers - Rick Parker Editor - Jim Salicrup Editor-in-Chief - Tom DeFalco
Spider-Man #5 (Dec 1990) Vol 1
“Torment: Part 5”
Writer, Penciler, & Inker - Todd MacFarlane Colorists - Gregory Wright Letterers - Rick Parker Editor - Jim Salicrup Editor-in-Chief - Tom DeFalco
Spider-Man #7 (Feb 1991) Vol 1
“Masques, Part 2”
Writer, Penciler, & Inker - Todd MacFarlane Colorists - Gregory Wright Letterers - Jim Novak Editor - Jim Salicrup Editor-in-Chief - Tom DeFalco
Spider-Man #9 (April 1991) Vol 1
“Perceptions, Part 2”
Writer, Penciler, & Inker - Todd MacFarlane Colorists - Gregory Wright Letterers - Rick Parker Editor - Jim Salicrup Editor-in-Chief - Tom DeFalco
Spider-Man #12 (July 1991) Vol 1
“Perceptions, Part 5”
Writer, Penciler, & Inker - Todd MacFarlane Colorists - Gregory Wright Letterers - Rick Parker Editor - Jim Salicrup Editor-in-Chief - Tom DeFalco
Spider-Man #14 (Sep 1991) Vol 1
“Sub-City, Part 2”
Writer, Penciler, & Inker - Todd MacFarlane Colorists - Gregory Wright Letterers - Rick Parker Editor - Jim Salicrup Editor-in-Chief - Tom DeFalco
Like I said before, if it has Spider-Man on it then I’ll most likely buy it. There are so many Spidey titles, and I have a few. I have a couple of issues from this run, and you already know Todd MacFarlane doesn't miss often. I had to fill in issues that I was missing, so I could continue reading this run. As an artist, Todd is just spectacular. I love his art so much. Issue #14 has one of the best covers I have seen in a while.
The Amazing Spider-Man #124 (Sep 1973) Vol 1
“The Mark of the Man-Wolf”
Writer - Gerry Conway Penciler - Gil Kane Inker - John Romita, Sr & Tony Mortellaro Colorists - David Hunt Letterers - Artie Simek Editor - Roy Thomas Editor-in-Chief - Roy Thomas
This was the issue I bought that allowed me to get issue #17 of Ms. Marvel for free. The comic comes after one of the best Spider-Man stories of all time. I read this mag online, so it is nice to physically have it now. I can’t tell you how long this book had been on the wall at the comic shop, and I’ve been eyeing it ever since then. The price went down, so I didn’t hesitate to buy it. I always love it when I’m able to add more issues to my Amazing Spider-Man collection!
This is a key issue because it is the first full appearance of Man-Wolf, the son of J. Jonah Jameson discovered an amulet that turned him into a werewolf.
Andddddd that is all the issues I bought on Free Comic Book Day! I’ve very excited to start reading these mags. I got more interested while researching all these titles. Little time, but so many books. I wish I had unlimited time to catch up on these comic books. I miss reading as much as I used to. It happens sometimes, but I hope to read more so I can talk more about it with you all. Here’s to next year!
Hello there! I’m happy you took the time out of your day to read my post. Remember, if you have any questions or want to have a discussion, leave a comment! The following newsletter will be a Comic Spotlight or a Comic Reading for the Week. Stay tuned! Happy days and take care!