Great Covers – X-MEN #16

Here’s another excellent Jack Kirby cover to X-MEN. It’s a bit strange for a super hero cover in that we’re seeing almost all of the heroes from the back, where common wisdom would want at least one of them turned towards the camera, so as to engage the reader–nothing commands the attention of a viewer … Continue reading Great Covers – X-MEN #16

Great Covers – X-MEN #17

This X-MEN cover by Jack Kirby is a nice piece of art, but it’s really the coloring that kicks it into the stratosphere as a great cover. That strong monochromatic red will stand out like a beacon among other covers on the racks and gives the impression of danger, of heat. There are just enough … Continue reading Great Covers – X-MEN #17

BHOCOS: WHAT IF #27

What If #27 - July, 1981 WHAT IF #27 represents my first conscious experience with a late-shipping book. In the aftermath of the Earth-Shattering X-MEN #137, the X-Men had reached a level of popularity unrivaled during the period. Back issue prices had skyrocketed, with issues only a couple of months old selling for $5.00 or … Continue reading BHOCOS: WHAT IF #27

Life In A Four Color World column on X-MEN, 2003

Give the People What They Want I’ve been doing this column at ComiX-Fan, formerly X-Fan, for a while now. And yet, in all that time, I don’t think I’ve ever once mentioned the X-Men. And that’s the subject that most people around these parts are most interested in. Despite Eric’s efforts to expand the readership … Continue reading Life In A Four Color World column on X-MEN, 2003

BHOCOS: UNCANNY X-MEN #137

X-Men #137 - September, 1980 More has probably been said and written about X-MEN #137 than virtually any other comic book of the period. And every word of it is true. More than any other single issue, this story made X-MEN the unrelenting sales juggernaut it continues to be to this day. It’s never been … Continue reading BHOCOS: UNCANNY X-MEN #137