The forge of ability to create & business that was Marvel Comics was a synchronic chord sounded by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko and all the writers and artists and inkers and colorists who worked there. It all started for the duration of the early 1960′s when the Fantastic Four and Spider-man and the X-men (The Uncanny X-Men) were formed from the imagination of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

X-men was a box office smash last summer. I’m sure you also do not forget the highly successful Hulk TV show.

The earliest X-men consisted of Jean (Marvel Girl) Grey (who later became the exceedingly ordinary Phoenix), Professor X (Xavier), Cyclops (Scott Summers), the intellectual Beast (Hank McCoy), and Iceman (Bobbie). Mutants born with special “super-mutant” abilities.

Later came the New Mutants with younger characters possessing mutant powers that occasionally seemed to possess them (the only type of comic book story I don’t like).

These characters from X-men including (Nightcrawler, Wolverine, Storm, Banshee, Kitty) evolved with the advent of the ability to create of John Byrne (starting in issue #108 of X-men) and Chris Claremont (Giant Sized X-men #1 and Uncanny X-men #94 now valued at $500. up in “mint” condition. The most popular reputation was the main star in the X-men film–Wolverine. There is sure to be a sequel for this box office smash.

X-men Comics taught kids that prejudice is evil. People who live in fear and thence greed try to demolish that which they don’t understand.

Interesting that both the most recent Star Wars film and X-men film took a hard look at politicians (Congress). If power corrupts perfectly is it possible our system is perfectly corrupt? The Senator in the X-men film learned his lesson a little late.

Spider-man–the new Marvel film in the works–is regarding a kid who with standard teenage angst (bullies beating him up, not getting any babes, acne and so forth is mild stuff equated to today’s school experiences–such as not getting shot & killed while going to or attending school or being seduced by a deadly drug or infected by a killer disease) is plainly bitten by a radioactive spider (radical stuff for the early 1960′s).

This gives Peter Parker super powers–insect powers–if amplified a man could lift a truck and carry it 20 miles as ants do. (Don’t get me started talking when it comes to Henry Pym the Antman who became Giant Man in the Marvel’s Avengers ((Capt. America, Thor the Thunder God etc.))). Add to that Peter Parker was likewise a brilliant student who was capable to formulate a web shooter and other great inventions. And Spider-man was born as a bi-product of the bi-product known as radioactive material (which Science still doesn’t know how to get rid of). (Try telling that to the Bush administration). Everything is energy! Remember Tesla coils.

But Marvel was not the only place parading superpowered characters.

D.C. Comics (Time Warner), too, applied mythology and stories of Biblical proportions to entrain, energize and excite generations of teenagers, kids and adults from the 1940′s to present.

Some characters such as Superman, Atom, Flash, Batman, Green Lantern, JLA and others & even D.C.’s version of Capt. Marvel may have been inspired by spiritual creative writing of recognized artisti value which told of Hindu Gods and Goddesses and even Biblical personages who could stand in fire etc.

Scripts & Wit

Super Heroes: originating through humane imagination and from literature, mythology, religion.

Though probably comic creators just made up their wondrous stories.

Once when I interviewed Gerry Conway for the Comics Journal he admitted to me that he had researched galore of the comics he wrote. Conway’s friend collaborator Roy Thomas no doubt researched Conan and Thor and other material while writer & editor at Marvel. They worked together on the outstanding animated Fire and Ice film. (Ralph Bakshi/Frank Frazetta).

And initially Thomas got the Conan property over to Marvel from Edgar Rice Burroughs in Tarzana, CA. (Tarzana–Tarzan…get it? Yep, it too is a comic.)

Older folk know and love the innumerable Films and TV shows and serials featuring these and other favored colorful characters: Buck Rogers, Flash Gordon, Commander Cody (which may have inspired the Rocketeer comic and film).

COMIC BOOKS — Born by the sheer exhurberance of the Universe itself through the vehicle of the Human Being!

The Comic Industry is a metaphor for life. A cosmic drama unfolding. But not to put old wine into new bottles: Many times in the past Marvel and D.C. have teamed to do specials that gains the play of creativity. I primary met Stan Lee while I was the manager of a Comic Book Store in Studio City, California in the 1970′s.

Or, more accurately, I met him through his works at Marvel Comics — his extraordinary scripts & wit in 1961.

Very clever fundamental interaction with the fans through clubs and letter columns in the good old days made one feel as even though one was a part of something. With Merry Marvel “we belonged.”

Stan Lee’s stories contained real life character’s, finish with dilemmas and the germ of outstanding new ideas and principles for living a good life.

As when Spider-man didn’t stop a Burglar — the same Burglar who later killed his kind Uncle–Peter Parker (Spider-man) got the message — serve mankind. With great power comes responsibility.

And obligation is the capacity to respond.

Exciting fictional stories full of adventure and excitement with morals. Illustrated profusely.

Marvel Super characters were at introductory looked on by society as bad guys. Even after saving humane butt thousands of times.

J. Jonah Jameson (cheap Editor of the Daily Bugle newspaper) has hated Spider-man for over 30 years. Jameson actually tried to destruct Spider-man by getting a super villain.

Daredevil (blind Attorney yet Batman-esque in abilities & physical strength and agility–but with intensified senses) the Man without fear was often branded a villain too at first.

As was the ever popular Incredible Hulk — primary immortalized as a comic book for the duration of the 1960′s. Who ranged from dull and stupid to near talent depending on the decade in which this enduring reputation is read.

What we fear we ofttimes regard as evil.

Comics have tried to instruct us that the means are as primary as the ends they produce.

What we do along the way determines the end result we will get. Comics are published because a word sounds good to the publisher. But galore of these new young independent publishers need to recognise more regarding the meaning within these words (and so do their customers). But more power to these entrepreneurial youngsters.

What is Yoga, Meditation, Tai Chi, Mantra? What is Zen? (One young upstart publisher of “Zen — intergalactic Ninja” had never heard of Alan Watts — great promoter of Zen until I told him Alan Watts was a famous and frequent theologian turned beatnik Philosopher & Author (one of many) responsible for introducing Eastern Religions to the spiritually starved West–often heard on KPFK radio. Alan Watts is perchance the foremost promoter of Zen. Watts’ book ” The Wisdom of Insecurity,” mentions, of all things, Comic Books. What are Chakras? The Tao means what? When kids grow up and learn with regards to Meditation will they be tainted by our stupidity and greed?

Buzz words normally lower consciousness and cause confusion. Of course when I use to publish stuff as a youngster I made up names that sounded good but had little or no meaning such as: Beyond Infinity, Eon the Magazine of Graphic Illusions. I recognise less now than I did then. What is craft, art, Love, Truth?

I held various autograph parties with Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in the 1970′s and 1980′s. I threw over 50 successful autograph parties with a great deal of wondrous comic book artists and writers. I’d host the event, provide refreshments, do all the advertising, graphic art, press releases, etc. It was an exhilarating experience. It was fun to interact with masters and fans. I gave away a lot of free promo stuff.

Ninth Nebula’s introductory autograph party was held with Stan Lee, publisher of Marvel Comics. For ten years my shop endured in North Hollywood, CA next door to the world’s oldest Science Fiction Club (a built in audience of friends and fans and computer fiends).

The Stan Lee event evoked long lines of Comic Book fans of all ages drooling for Stan’s signature on the splash page of their old and new comics. Nowadays pros sign comics on the cover of their title en mass which I don’t approve of. (But who listens to me).

Comics forms are oftentimes mistreated by aspiring young publishers who use various unnecessary full page splashes when the effect could be achieved in a tiny panel — waste of money, ink and paper if you ask me. Unlike the good old days when Steve Ditko gave us our money’s worth in the form of with regards to 6 panels per page — he in his way was like a Zen Master — the precision of his work rivaled the art of Chinese Calligraphy (see his distinctive style in old Atlas Comics from the 1950′s). Some of the recent experimentation’s by Frank Miller & other endowments have all done peculiarly originative work too.

Stan Lee’s arrival in a Limosine exemplified the style and pizzazz in which he lived his life. He was the spokesperson, promoter and Publisher of Marvel Comics at the time.

Stan has more energy than numerous men half his age. Did you catch the Hitchcock-like cameo in the aweinspiring recent splendid X-men film where he was a Hot Dog marketer (on the beach).

Ninth Nebula was a context for a heap of things but few recognise it was my 2nd book shop. My initial store was opened in 1978 in the Santa Monica area and was called Beyond Illusion: New Age Book and Comic Shop. But comic books remunerated the rent even back then.

From 1985 through most of 1986 I threw over 19 successful mini Comic book Conventions (the San Fernando Valley Comic Book Convention). This show permitted me to open Ninth Nebula–the Complete Comic Book Store. Small in size, yet packed with all the best stuff.

Jack Kirby appeared at one of my autograph events too. Kirby was Lee’s collaborator on all the essential Marvel titles in the early 1960′s when they were formed such as Fantastic Four, (Strange Tales) Nick Fury Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., Hulk, X-men, Daredevil, Avengers, Journey Into Mystery) Thor, (Tales to Astonish) Ant-Man, (Tales of Suspense) Iron-man, Capt. America, etc.

Around 1961 Amazing Fantasy #15 was issued which is the initial aspect of Amazing Spider-man and if in perfective shape could fetch $20,000 or more. Check your price guides.

Comics were severe business until the Death of Superman (and then it exploded further) which devised new difficulties and prospects as the comic industry begun new birth pangs in 1993.

I gave 100% service & attention to all my clients at all times. I had to become modern since often times the store became overflowing and I could not mention all the new titles. I’d push a button on my tape recorder when humans said “what is new.” Then the numerous fans and readers would get an audible list of each last detail of the new comics that had just come in. I was busy ringing sales with other clients so this made it possible for me to trade more comics. When shipments were bumped due to mail I’d say put my comics in galore coffins — I need ‘em now (Capital City never did). When I lived on the premises I had a buzzer so I was the basi 24 hour comic store that I know of.

As a kid I’m proud to have accumulated and owned various finish mint sets of each Marvel Comic Book (1961 to present).

In fact I feel the Lee, the Ditko and the Kirby are three awards the Comic Industry ought to fabricate (I said this loudly prior to 1984). Though as many times as I try to turn him into one of his characters (such as Doctor Strange the occult master of mystic arts) Stan remains a humane being — a man, down to Earth — courageous and kind. But I’m sure it was Stan’s business savvy that made and held Marvel such a colossal success for some years.

Long may Vishnu (Hindu God of preservation) bless the best that the “Comics Industry” has brought forth in originative inspiration down through the decades.

With comics you get to read and take pleasure in them over and over again and someday they will be worth something. Sure the overproduced over hyped stuff may be valueless, but if you buy what you receive pleasure from you can’t lose.

Comics have proven themselves over the last 60 years as a lawful American art form. Comic Book audiences are growing more quickly than in any other sideline form including electronic games & virtual reality. It isn’t over yet. In fact, one could say we are at the beginning.

(“He who knows, knows, they who say they know, don’t.” –Lao Tsu). Like Meditation, you won’t know what it is unless you undertake it.

There are a lot of Star Trek and Star Wars Comics from Marvel and D.C. that have been issued and I assembled in the past all of which are very popular. These use to be issued by Gold Key in the 1960′s. Shatner co-created TEK comics. Spielberg and Lucas were influenced by the Comic Book genre. Roger Corman is cashing in with his Cosmic Comics. Even Leonard Nimoy has a successful Comic out. Other comics sport logos from deceased Isaac Asimov & Gene Roddenberry.

In the 1960′s, Underground Comix & Fanzines made the scene. One could say this was the beginning of the Independent line of comics. Vaughn Bode’ (Cheech Wizard) kids have emulated this sadistic reputation through their Graphitti on the walls of washes in the past for years) Rick Griffin, George Metzger are but a few of dozens of innovative Philosopher/Artists whose work not only represents the 1960′s but whose originality rivals the Will Eisner’s (The Spirit), Harvey Kurtzman’s (MAD ), Milton Canniff (Steve Canyon), AL Capp (Lil Abner) of their day. Though sex and drugs were the order of the day, for the duration of the 1960′s, Underground’s did not and do not represent mainstream comics–which are clean and not commonly politically or spiritually sophisticated. Though political cartoonist Ron Cobb punched the unrightous right wing in their gut when necessary for the duration of the 1960′s.

If you know where to look one may find unbelievable literary treasures in this distinguishable American art form–The Comic Book, now international in acceptance, usual in each country (indeed, as a instructing tool one could learn other languages).

Fanzines and Underground’s incorporate a heap of of the earliest and most bizarre art by today’s severely outstanding Comic Creators.

A successful new film has been freed a few years ago with regards to the life of Robert Crumb creator of Fritz the Cat. Robert Crumb likewise developed Zap and Mr. Natural (I’ve seen original Mr. Natural art conspicuously displayed framed on my best friend’s Fathers’ wall. (A Psychiatrist by profession in the early 1970′s).

Gerber’s four volume Photo Journal Guide To Comics is a masterwork chronicling comics history with full color photos of the covers of old back issue comics from the 1940′s–1970′s loved by a lot of generations of people who wished their mother hadn’t thrown them away so they could retire in style today. I explain it is never too late to get started again as gems are published on a weekly basis and the selection is enormous.

Many Doctors, Lawyers, Film People, Teachers, Musicians, Computer Experts, Politicians, Artists & Authors persons from all walks of life still all read comics & or gather them. I’ve sold comics to Clint Eastwood and his son. Robin Williams once roller skated into my original Comic Store in 1978 and purchased Art Books & material related to the Comic Book genre. My friend reminds me that when I threw a mini comic con Leo DiCapprio worked for me briefly (I purchased Underground comics from his Dad George).

Social Relevance

Comics indeed, instruct art and story writing achievements by their very nature. And are used by storyboard artists in making films, doing animation and more.

At my suggestion Marvel and D.C. issued Hunger Awareness comics in the late 1970′s with proceeds going to charity. Various endowments offered their artistic achievements as a donation. Marvel and D.C. have done other promotional activenesses for charities protecting wildlife, anti-drug campaigns etc.

Other social issues Marvel has applied in their Comics: Scientist/Inventor Tony Stark wrestled with his own inner demons as an alcoholic with heart difficulties who is held alive by his suit as Iron Man (see the new film coming up).

The blind Daredevil fought the (Kingpin) Mafia & Crime with his supersenses. Radioactivity and a spider invented Spider-man.

A nuclear test devised the Hulk.

As I read Dr. Strange (one witnesses a 30 year battle with Dr. Strange that sadly and ultimately ends as the villain Baron Mordo dies of Cancer–fully forgiven by Dr. Strange all the evil rendered unto him.

World War two vet Nick Fury (Secret Agent) dies just after his creator Jack Kirby passes away.

I came across new worlds in micro dimensions and negative zones in the Fantastic Four (Human Torch lives) back in the early 1960′s.

Marvel Lee/Kirby even devised the Black Panther at the same time as Black Panther’s were active in America–and this tie in with history and comics is not an strange thing. This version of the Black Panther was a Chief from Africa with super powers of a sort.

In the 1980′s Aids Awareness comics were issued (Ninja high School). And a major reputation likewise passed from physical life from Aids in Marvel’s (Canadian Mutants) Alpha Flight.

Some Comic Books instruct Science or even other languages. Ms. Mystic by Neal Adams and Green Arrow by Mike Grell and Hawkmistress by yours genuinely (ask to see the script) ofttimes tackled environmental issues. Am I preaching to the converted.

Kids like to read & try their hand at creating comics. Classes (including Distance Learning internet classes on comics and other themes are available around the nation. In other words persons may get credit and training without leaving their homes.

Comics are a safe addiction for the whole family.

Big Little Books (short thick early one page comics, each other page just text–hardbound, from the beginning of this century) are a form of early comic books.

Violence in any form is wrong (physical, aroused etc. or versus Nature). Scape-goat-ism / facism of an economic, political, militaristic, religious, talk show, judicial, prison or from any source is wrong.

Other comics explored the murders of JFK, Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King. Most comics are not humorous. And History may effortlessly be learned, through the enjoyment of comics.

Capt. America and the Human Torch fought Hitler & fascism in Captain America comics for the duration of the 1940′s, for example.

Comics may be better than film or TV when done right. Though few have translated to the screen all that well so far except for X-men and a sleeper called Unbreakable (as of June/July 2001 it’s exceedingly hot at the video stores). (A great film! But it seems the comic industry is attacking itself? with this sort of material.)

There are comic books as high in vibrational quality as classical music. E.C. comics Weird Fantasy, Incredible Science Fiction, Weird Science & Weird Science Fantasy & others from the 1950′s (regarding art and story) & sure comics from Marvel & D.C. and other companies may on occasion be likened unto the much higher vibration of John Lennon or Vivaldi (quality wise). (See Dreyfus in Mr. Holland’s Opus to comprehend what I am saying or even Finding Forester with Sean Connery). Because of the level of story and rendering of art back in the 1950′s when issued. These were projects of love and survival.

The new way to trade comics is Ebay, Amazon.Com and Yahoo auctions. Among others. Ebay is the most successful so far.

Keeping track of your collection is a full time job. There is now inventory software for organizing Comic Collections.

I’ve enjoyed watching a few good “Electronic” or internet Comics at DC, stanlee.net and elsewhere. But animation is still better (as far as I am concerned). Beast Wars is a in truth well done 3-D cartoon originating from endowments in Canada. Beast Wars is probably the best animation being formulated these days.

Store owners didn’t mind the plethora of introductory issues until around 1996 when new people took over at Marvel and elsewhere. Comics are a viable art form no one must take vantage of. But merchants who sells goods at retail and fans feel they have been used. And we resent it.

One amusive footnote, Frederick Wertham, the much hated Psychiatrist blamed for the demise of E.C. Comics and other companies for the duration of the 1950′s paranoid Senate subcommittee hearings where he testified versus the “violence in Horror & Crime” Comics genuinely found something in Comics of value a little later in his life and started out publishing Comic Book Fanzines. Yes Wertham got into Comics Fanzines and self publishing!: Wertham complemented Fanzines as a good that came out of Comics.

Fanzines are of a great deal of types from Science Fiction to Comic Book from art-zines to zines that specialize completely in one genre: Dr. Who, Star Trek, mainstream Science Fiction books etc. There are pro-zines (published by masters in the comic industry) and zines that are “self published” by fans.

Censorship is faulty unless it is self imposed.

D.C.’s Elseworld’s stories are exceedingly originative and good and take comics to the next level. Putting Superman or Batman in a distinguishable setting in time and space isn’t a new idea but the way DC executes these tales with details is ordinarily modern and exciting.

Where does one classify the classic Cerebus the Aardvark by Dave Sim, Reed Fleming Milkman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or Hate Comics?

Classics Illustrated (classic creative writing of recognized artisti value illustrated) helped some people with time constraints pass a book report.

Black & white Warren Magazines (Vampirella, Creepy, Eerie) from the 1960′s often times contained some of the best art & story for any time. Some fans are reeling still from the talent of Richard Corben (Den, Nevermore), Mike Ploog (Frankenstein), Jim Starlin (Warlock, Dreadstar), P. Craig Russell (Night Music, Elric.) Great work concealed in Tower Comics (Wally Wood) and Charleton Comics (Ditko) too.

The unacknowledged older audience pray that Marvel and D.C. maintain as high a general of quality as possible.

New talent will have to not copy from other people’s work. Draw from life and photos. Regardless of what misinformation you may get.

Stan and Marvel in a literal sense saved the Comic Industry from extinction for the duration of the last 35 years I feel.

Eventually fans may focus on Silver Age and Golden Age comics from the 1940′s–1960′s. Or the E.C.’s from the 1950′s as I did at age 15 after acquiring each Marvel and D.C. issued for the duration of the 1960′s. But one in truth can’t outgrow comics. Once it is in your blood it will always be in your blood. New or now-agers would say I’m “too attached” to my possessions (comics). Possibly so. But a genuinely well written nicely illustrated comic is better than looking at Disney’s Fantasia/Fantasia 2000 in an Isolation float tank isn’t it.

Remember when I said one felt percentage of something with Marvel in the early days — “The Merry Marvel marching Society” etc. This is very true. People want to participate in an active way in their lives. This is one reason costuming is so successful at Comic and Science Fiction conventions. And one reason why Toys and Magic the Gathering and the internet comics, where you get to direct the outcome of the adventure, are so viable as hobbies. Because rather of watching TV one gets to enter in and play to be active and to participate.

Good art and stories are essential. Stan use to say “put it out there and see if somebody salutes.”

When we were kids, of course, comics cost just.10 cents to.12 cents each. The first.02 cent raise meant we had to cut back a sure number of comics. Today Action Comics #1 (where Superman basi appeared in 1938) goes for $175,000 in near mint in auctions but was onJy $400.00 when I was a 15 years old kid.

I was syndication Joe Kubert original Hawkman art to humans on Military bases back then and then buying more comics with the profits. (See how Comics taught business, indirectly).

When comics were freed I was the kid waiting to cut the plastic strip off the piles of new D.C. and Marvel comics before the manager got around to it back in 1961 at Thrifties so I could get the most recent releases before any individual & pull out the most pristine “mint” issue each and each Tues. and Thurs. year after year.

Actually I was just attempting to get the next issue to read and gather as soon as it was issued. Then in 1986 when I started Ninth Nebula I started air freighting the new comics to my shop and had 500 regular on a weekly basis customers. I likewise gave generous discounts.

We grew up, married, had kids, started our own comic stores.

More & more “readers and collectors” abhor this wanton greed and unfairness in the comic book marketplace to their pocketbooks and sense of right. They want quality not just quantity.

In a way this is where OLD Marvel in truth succeeded. Marvel taught it is readers to think for themselves.

Most real long term merchants who sells goods at retail find not one thing wrong with investors investing in Comics or Marvel Stock, and everyone made short term cash with D.C.’s two basi editions of the Death of Superman. Retailers made out rather well on Superman’s Death–especially the Black Bagged version. As did Newsstands who purchased them from merchants who sells goods at retail and resold them at higher amounts. Copies trade at around $25.00 now for the “black bagged edition.” The day this issue was freed copies sold from $5.00– $50.00 each. Reports went as high as $250.00 for a single issue. But there are so a lot of titles developed that since comics are not returnable to the distributor the amount of left over inventory with any “real store” will be vast and costly. Profits for shops are not as high as you may think.

Another super successful comic, Astro City by the author of Death of Superman and the Painted Marvel’s, Kurt Busiek, was published by Image Comics. Demand rivals that of the D.C.’s acclaimed winner The Watchmen (a story of numerous out of shape Super Heroes who try to prevent New York and the world from getting blown up, written by English Author Alan Moore). My bestloved comic not long back is the Spectre which started out in the 1940′s. I also love respective issues of Hellblazer and Swamp Thing. Tastes vary and so do types of comics. When one says Archie or Casper or Disney or Richie Rich that might be the only frame of reference a novice has in regards to what is available. Great or distinctive art draws me into reading the comic. Quality matters.

At Ninth Nebula our clients were 30-50 years old and expended $30.00 or more each week all year long. They’d get 30 comics all wholly dissimilar from all publishers. Most clients still focus on Marvel and D.C. but Independent publishers are here to stay.

Mad Magazine was in the first place a littler size E.C. Comic. At issue #24 Mad became an wholly black and white magazine in a larger format. The ever standard gifted humorous generous Sergio Aragones has been on TV’s Bloopers and Practical Jokes and other shows and is co-creator of Groo the Wanderer (with writer Mark Evanier) started with Mad a great deal of years ago. Their Groo the Wanderer at Marvel in a literal sense had me laughing hysterically on the floor after I fell off my chair.

If you are just exploring comics for the firstborn time be sure to check out stores that carry old and new issues.

Direct Market is strange now because there is only one real main stream distributor of comics today. Diamond. If you want to get started a shop don’t order randomly–find out what your clients will buy. Use their order form. There are little publishers too from whom you might be capable to order directly and internet subscription services.

Other material to check out when you get into Comics reading and collecting: Comics Values Monthly (think it still exists in a good deal of form), Wizard, The Comics Buyer’s Guide and The Comics Journal (Published by Fantagraphics. Opinionated Gary Groth is the editor). And of course the price guide Overstreet. Which must be applied as a guide but not as the bible. My widely known and esteemed saying remains: “Buy what you enjoy–if it goes up that is an added bonus.”

This “industry” will endure for all those with faith who work hard and make wise selections in ordering: Marvels, D.C.’s and Independents.

New is no longer so sacred a word. But together we may make it so when it again deserves it. We are moving in the rectify direction. Thanks Stan, you helped give the “Comic Book Generation” the capacity to think, better than schools ever could. And the desire to keep on learning.

Remember we’ve moved from a you or me world to a you and me world. These aren’t just words but lifestyles millions of humans cohere to now. And we are not the “fringe.”

I part this Truth as a service to the Comics Industry: “Wider is not better.” (Except for the car & luxuriousness industry). Give us quality and we will give you our money, time and attention.

As King Arthur and Stan Lee might say: “Excelsior! ” Or as I might say: “Where’s my Digel.”

Comic Book Bible Rob Suggs

ReviewThis new Bible story book has particular appeal for readers ages 7 to 12. The distinctive comic-style activity of formally presenting something provides an idealisti introduction to the great stories and themes from the Bible. The perfective gift that will affect young hearts and minds for years to come, adults will take delight in the art as well. The unusually bright and bright colors are a welcome contrast to the other comic-style Bible story books presently available. The Kid’s Picture Bible is perfective for young readers who take delight in a comic book format. — Midwest Book Review

From the Back Cover

Most helpful customer reviews

83 of 86 people found the following review helpful.
A not the comic book bible on Amazon.com
By A
The Comic Book Bible is actually a, not the, comic book Bible. There are two other word ballon type comic book Bibles on Amazon.com. I have bought all three and had many children compare them. The Picture Bible by Iva Hoth is overwhelming the most popular artistic style with children, also the cheapest per page, and per word. The artistic style of The Comic Book Bible is preferred with some teenage girls and is cheaper if The Picture Bible is out of your range. You can get a good idea of the artistic style of this and the other comic Bibles by looking at the picture of the cover on Amazon.com. The Comic Book Bible is done in the style of humorous cartoons and is less realistic than others. While I suggest Hoth’s you might also consider Heros of the Bible by Carolyn Larsen for teen and adult males. Tip, search for Heros of the Bible by author not title. Catholics may also like The Big Book of Martyrs, by John Wagner. One last point, comics have a powerful ability to grab an audience, children, teens, and adults. This makes them a great evangelical tool. If your children have reached the stage where they think picture bibles are to immature for them, but the real thing is to advanced a comic book Bible can be a very good buy.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful.
Interesting reading
By Party of Five
THe only thing I didn’t like about it is that the quoted verses are in King James. Kids wouldn’t read KJ text. Each page has about 4 dialogs and the top of each page has a KJ verse base on the dialogs on that page. Each story ends happily which I like. I like comics, and so I like this one. I didn’t find any errors with this one doctrinaly.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful.
Light and simple..
By D. Witt
Nice, basic book. Good for parents to read to their non-readers, and also good for early readers to read to themselves. Good starter Bible. If your kids are a tad older and can read well, I recommend the Picture Bible. It is an awesome, comprehensive product. It manages to show and tell all of the stories truthfully without being gruesome. We decided on the Picture Bible for our 6-9-yr-olds. It offers a whole lot more for not much more money on Amazon. If we had a 3-5-yr-old, though, this Comic Book Bible would be fun to read to them.

See all 12 customer reviews…

Comic Book Bible Rob Suggs Photo

Comic Book Bible Rob Suggs Picture

Comic Book Bible Rob Suggs Pic

Comic Book Bible Rob Suggs Photo

Comic Book Bible Rob Suggs Photo

Comic Book Bible Rob Suggs Picture