The Marvel Age in a fridge magnet

Y'know what that is? It's a refrigerator magnet, dudes. It's a magnet with the cover of The Amazing Spider-Man #1. And it's freakin' mine. University had a presentation on their archive of comic books (mostly silver age, some golden, some underground comix), and they had goodies to give away! I was maybe one student of 2 who attended, most of the attendees being library nerds. It was all good, and I'm very glad I went.

I love this thing way too much. I kept taking it out of my pocket on the way home, looking at it just to make sure it existed. Feeling it in my hands. Thinking of the artist, and how the title might never have been, if Stan hadn't taken that chance in Amazing Fantasy #15. The magnet's a little memento, a post-it note. It reminds me why I got into comics in the first place, and it's like I'm reading my first comic book again, even if I wasn't even born until 30 years later.

A lot of times, we lose sight of why we read comics. We get bogged in the regular tedium of weekly titles, and we start to berate the industry. We say that we're tired of the revolving door of death, and the impermanence of stories. We complain about the price jumps and the solicitation reneges and the editorial decisions. That stuff's the easy stuff.

The hard stuff is remembering to appreciate the comics. To remember the history and where it all came from. To regain the perspective that comics are an evolving form of media, and have been for quite a while. I'm glad I have this magnet to help me, and a little ashamed that I need it just to appreciate comics. Yes, I'm tired of picking up titles that never go anywhere. Yes, I'm appalled at the 3.99 price jump. Yes, I'm always thinking about how every other medium has a much higher value per dollar than comic books. But man, that Amazing Spider-Man comic sure is a hell of a comic.

So that's why I'd like to ask you guys: do you have any memorabilia/merchandise that reminds you why you love comics? That gets you feeling all warm and nostalgic? It doesn't have to be as offbeat as a fridge magnet. Feel free to put it up in the comments section. I'd love to hear from you, and have a good weekend!

Say Billy, what do YOU want for Christmas?

Um, okay. You didn't have to shout.

from Amazing #600 :

. . . and suddenly I have this urge to move to the East Coast! Strange. Which is why I'll be in Boston from the 16th until Christmas. Some posts will be out. Take care and stay warm!

Spidey and the Tentacle Monster

Another Mighty
Marvel Masterpiece from Stan and Steve!

Spidey meets an all-new, all-horrible foe!

Greater than the Lizard's scales! More terrible than Doc Ock's shades!

Not even we know how to get outta this one, webheads!

Wouldja believe -- tentacle attack? Quick! Use your spidey-sense!

Hurl your body into the blazing fire!

From Amazing Spider-Man #37, by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.

The JLA'S number 1 enemy. . .

. . .is of course, without a doubt. . .

tooth decay. On this dread evening of all hallows, sweet tooths and skanky costumes, please be safe! And have a frightful, fruitful, Halloween guys!

From DC's 52, by several wonderful people. This is volume three.

Well that's new to me.

I didn't know that being Canadian was a superpower!

QUESTION:

What happens when you BOSH Spider-Man in the noggin?

ANSWER:

Clearly, little white stars emanate from his head. Ouch. From Peter Parker, Spider-Man, by the brilliant team of Paul Jenkins and Mark Buckingham.

Common criminals. . . defeated by a single whim!

Hahaha.

Note, Spidey says "ha'g" instead of "hang," because of his allergies. What other superhero has to fend those off while fighting a gang of robbers! This's why I love Amazing so much.

best sound effect ever?

I was looking through my old posts, and well, I just realized. . .
. . . it is a great day to be named Kevin Tam. I love it.

Marvel Adventures: The Avengers. . .

. . . truly a classic, under the brilliant hand of Jeff Parker!

Just what exactly is August Blue's favorite color?

No way! You're kidding me, random guy from Darwyn Cooke's The Spirit #6.

A friendly neighborhood message from August Blue, pianist prodigy:

Oh snap! Taken from the sixth issue of The Spirit, the brilliant reboot from Darwyn Cooke. July 4th weekend means I didn't have a chance to do a trade review today =(.

I'm beginning to sense a theme here.

All from Green Arrow/Black Canary: For Better or for Worse.

QUESTION:

What happens when you klump Wolverine with a dumbbell?

. . . Clearly, cute yellow stars emanate from his forehead.

Just how awesome IS Victor Von Doom?

SO awesome. . .

. . . that he even has his own brand of mouse trap.

Criminals: a superstitious, cowardly lot. . .

. . . they are also Lakers fans.

Andy Kubert's cover for Detective Comics #853 proves it!

one more week!

If you haven't noticed the supercool banner to the left, now is the time guys!

Because it is just one more week to Free Comic Book Day. Yay!

It's an event so exciting, it's even garnered the likes of Hugh Jackman:

The more you know, kids. The more you know.

Check for the nearest comic store near you! Enter your zip code at Free Comic Book Day's site. Easy schmeasy.

Question:

What happens when Emma Frost whacks you in the face?

Clearly, cute yellow stars evaporate from your face. Um, you might bleed too.

from Matt Fraction/Terry Dodson's Uncanny X-Men #507.

Watch out terrorism! There's a new brand of justice!

And her name is Lois Lane. Dig?

Awww yeah, you feel me. Fine lady Miss Lane here, with the aid of Superman, takes down an attempt to nuke America. From Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale's Superman: For All Seasons, review right here.

I'm beginning to sense a theme here.

Heh.

They sure have a good time, those Thunderbolts. Even the pumpkin is smiling! From assorted issues of Thunderbolts, from Warren Ellis/Mike Deodato's run to Christos Gage/Fernando Blanco's.