ITEM # 0022A Heavy Metal Magazine #1 – 292

Heavy Metal Magazine, first published in April 1977, stands as one of America’s most iconic science fantasy comics publications, celebrated for its daring fusion of dark fantasy, science fiction, erotica, and steampunk. Originally launched as the North American counterpart to the French magazine Métal Hurlant, it introduced American audiences to legendary European artists like Moebius and Philippe Druillet.

Over the years, Heavy Metal evolved from a translator of European works into a platform for original stories by American creators, pushing the boundaries of traditional comics with explicit themes and intense visuals—often beyond the reach of the Comics Code Authority. Figures like Kevin Eastman, co-creator of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, played a pivotal role in its legacy, owning the magazine for over two decades.

After a pause in December 2022 and a short-lived partnership with Whatnot Publishing, the brand returned in 2024 under new leadership. Now helmed by CEO Marshall Lees, with Frank Forte as Editor-in-Chief and Dave Kelly as Executive Editor, Heavy Metal plans a 2025 relaunch via a Kickstarter campaign. This new chapter aims to blend its print heritage with modern multimedia ventures like podcasts and video content.

Even after decades, Heavy Metal Magazine remains a cultural beacon for bold, visionary storytelling, continuing to inspire creators and readers who crave the unconventional.

ITEM # SOJOURN # 1 - 2

Sojourn is a science fiction and fantasy comic anthology published by White-Cliffs Press. The series is subtitled New Vistas in Narrative Art, and it aimed to showcase experimental, artistic, and diverse storytelling styles from a wide range of talented creators. The cover you shared belongs to issue number 2, released in the late 1970s.

This anthology features contributions from several well-known comic book artists and writers, including Dick Giordano, Lee Elias, Joe Kubert, Marie Severin, Stephen Bissette, Gray Morrow, Ken Kelley, and Sergio Aragonés, among others. Each issue of Sojourn offered a collection of short stories that blend science fiction, fantasy, and speculative themes, exploring new approaches to visual storytelling.

The art style in Sojourn varies by story, but the series as a whole is known for its richly detailed illustrations and experimental layouts. The content includes space exploration, alien encounters, dystopian futures, and other science fiction tropes, but always with a focus on artistic innovation and narrative experimentation.

The series was not widely distributed and remains relatively obscure today, making it a hidden gem among fans of vintage and underground science fiction comics. Its ambition to push the boundaries of comic art and storytelling made it stand out at a time when most mainstream comics followed more conventional formats.

Sojourn is appreciated today for its artistic variety and as a showcase of emerging and established talents experimenting beyond the boundaries of traditional comic books. It is a valuable piece of independent comic history, especially for readers interested in rare science fiction anthologies from the 1970s. 

ITEM # Cerebus #1 – 300

Cerebus is an influential independent comic book series created by Canadian cartoonist Dave Sim, running for 300 issues from December 1977 to March 2004. The series follows the adventures and misadventures of Cerebus, an anthropomorphic aardvark, who takes on various roles throughout the epic, including barbarian, prime minister, and pope. The comic is known for its evolution from a parody of sword and sorcery comics (especially Conan the Barbarian) into a complex, ambitious work exploring politics, religion, gender, and philosophy.

Structure and Evolution

Early Issues: Parody and Satire

- The first 13 issues are primarily one-shot stories, often parodying classic sword and sorcery tales and characters like Conan and Elric.

- Early on, Cerebus is depicted as a hard-drinking, amoral mercenary, encountering a cast of characters who are often satirical takes on pop culture and comic book archetypes, such as Elrod the Albino (a parody of Elric) and Lord Julius (modeled after Groucho Marx).

Transition to Political Satire and Drama

- With issue #14, the series begins to introduce more complex storylines and recurring characters, delving into political intrigue and broader world-building.

- By issue #26 (the start of the "High Society" arc), Cerebus becomes embroiled in the politics of the city-state Iest, eventually rising to the position of Prime Minister, manipulated by figures like Lord Julius and Astoria. The arc satirizes political machinations, bureaucracy, and the absurdities of high society

Ambitious Themes and Controversy

- The "Church & State" arcs (issues #52–111) see Cerebus manipulated into becoming Pope, wielding and abusing religious and political power, and exploring themes of authority, corruption, and prophecy.

- The comic increasingly serves as a platform for Sim's personal and often controversial views, especially regarding gender and religion, which became more pronounced in later volumes

- The series is also notable for its experimentation with form, dialogue, and visual storytelling, especially after artist Gerhard joined with issue #65, contributing detailed backgrounds and enhancing the visual sophistication of the comic

Notable Features

- Length and Ambition: At 6,000 pages, Cerebus is one of the longest-running self-published comic series, with Sim having announced early on that it would end with the death of the main character

- Character Evolution:Cerebus himself evolves from a comedic figure to a deeply flawed, tragic character, with the series chronicling his rise and fall in various spheres of influence.

- Supporting Cast:The comic features a large, memorable supporting cast, many of whom began as parodies but developed into complex characters in their own right

- Genre Shifts:The tone and genre of the series shift dramatically over time-from parody and comedy to political satire, drama, and finally, theological fiction

 Legacy

Cerebus is widely regarded as a landmark in independent comics for its scope, ambition, and the creative control exercised by its creator. While its later volumes are controversial and divisive due to Sim's personal beliefs, the series' influence on creator-owned comics and its technical achievements are significant

In summary, Cerebus began as a clever parody of fantasy comics but grew into a sprawling, challenging, and often provocative epic-one that pushed the boundaries of what comics as a medium could achieve

ITEM # Sgt. Rock (Collection) (1977-2009)

SGT. Franklin “Frank” John Rock is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Sgt. Rock first appeared in Our Army at War #83 (June 1959), and was created by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert. The character is a World War II veteran who served as an infantry non-commissioned officer.

ITEM # John Carter Warlord of Mars #1 – 28 + Annuals #1 – 3 (1977-1979)

John Carter, Warlord of Mars was a 1977-1979 Marvel series loosely based upon the Barsoom series of novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs. This 28 issue series takes place during chapter 27 of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ novel A Princess of Mars. The series was well received and won the 1978 “Favourite New Title Eagle Award” (a British comics award based on the voting of fans).

ITEM # Red Sonja Vol. 1 #1 – 15 (1977-1979)

The first ongoing Red Sonja series. The series was a continuation from the Marvel Feature series that starred Red Sonja as well.

ITEM # Unknown Soldier Vol. 1 #205 – 268 (1977-1982)

The Unknown Soldier is a character that first appeared back in 1966 in a series originally entitled Our Army At War which was basically Sgt. Rock’s personal volume for the latter portion of its run. However, he made his own lengthy run in DC’s Star Spangled War Stories, a volume that had began almost 15 years before the character’s first appearance though it was in the early 70’s that he took over it. After about a 50 issue run, in 1977 the series was renamed Unknown Soldier with issue 205 and so it remained until the series concluded with issue 268. Six years later a second volume was made, The Unknown Soldier which lasted for twelve issues. Many individuals however see this series as being non-canon as the Unknown Soldier is rather different from the original. This time the wait for another volume was eight years when Vertigo had Garth Ennis publish a four issue miniseries also entitled Unknown Soldier that focused upon a man trying to find out the truth about the Unknown Soldier. Most recently a fourth volume currently running came into print, Unknown Soldier, which focuses upon a new man fighting for Africa rather than America and during more recent years rather than World War II.

ITEM # The Complete Fantastic Four #1 – 37 (1977-1978) (Marvel UK)

Reprinting Marvel US’ Fantastic Four. Issue 37, cover dated June 7, 1978, was the final issue. A week later Complete Fantastic Four was merged into Mighty World of Marvel, as of that title’s #298.

ITEM # SUPERBOY & THE LEGION OF SUPERHEROES # 197 - 258

The Fatal Five Who Twisted Time (written by Cary Bates : reprinted in: DC Special Blue Ribbon Digest #8, Legion of Super-Heroes Archives #10)The Fatal Five travel in the past to Smallville, to alter the timeline so that the Legion of Super-Heroes would never exist. The Fatal Five are foiled by Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes and everything reverts back to the way things are supposed to be.2. Behind the Scenes at the DC Comic World 

ITEM # 1138 SCOOBY DOO # 1 - 9

 

ITEM # 0343 FEM FOREVER

 

ITEM # 0190 BIZARRE THRILLS

 

ITEM # 2364 Godzilla vol 1 # 1 - 24

Marvel Comics got the rights to publish comics of the famed Godzilla monster. Resulting in this series, where the famous monster is set firmly into the Marvel Universe and interacts with the Avengers, among others.

ITEM # 0110 Marvel Comics Super Special #1 – 41 (1977-1986)

Marvel in 1977 began publishing a full-color magazine series devoted to concepts thought to be deserving of special treatment, such as Kiss’ first comics appearance as headliners, new stories of Conan, Star-Lord and Weirdworld, and occasional movie adaptations. With issue #14, however, the magazine became an irregularly published vehicle for comics versions of new films. The series lasted 41 issues.

ITEM # 0047 Star Wars Insider # 23 – 232 (1977-2024)

Star Wars Insider is the official Star Wars magazine. It began in 1987 as the official magazine of The Lucasfilm Fan Club, and was renamed in 1994 to coincide with the release of Star Wars: TIE Fighter. Its contents include stories, articles relating to the Star Wars universe, letters, and the fan newsletter “Bantha Tracks”. In March 2008, Star Wars Insider reached one hundred issues.

ITEM # 0032 The Rampaging Hulk Magazine # 1 - 9 + The Hulk Magazine # 10 – 27(1977-1981)

THE RAMPAGING HULK was a black-and-white comic magazine Marvel produced with the intent that the stories presented within would bridge the gap between the sixth and final issue the the Hulk’s first series, and his later serial in TALES TO ASTONISH. However, so many inconsistencies were apparent in the stories that they were later written off as a fictional entertainment produced by the alien Bereet.

ITEM # 2937 MS MARVEL VOL. 1 # 1 - 25

Ms. Marvel’s first ongoing series. It follows the adventures of Carol Danvers after she gained superpowers and became a superhero. With issue 20, she changed costumes into the one that is most famous today. The series was cancelled with issue 23 in the middle of a story-line. Years later however, Marvel Super-Heroes issue 10 and 11 printed the (already finished) stories intended for issues 24 and 25 and its covers. This included the first appearance (supposedly) of the X-Men Rogue. 

ITEM # 2913 Men of War Vol. 1 #1 – 26 (1977-1980)

Writer David Michelinie and artist Ed Davis presented an atypical war hero in Ulysses Hazard. In the first issue of “Men of War”, Hazard enlisted in the army for front line duty during WWII. However, he often found himself assigned to digging ditches for fallen soldiers on the battlefield. This was not because of the polio he suffered as a child, but simply because he was black. Hazard went on to contest his treatment all the way to the Pentagon, where the Joint Chiefs of Staff, impressed by his determination,made him a classified one-man platoon in the European theater with the code name Gravedigger.

 

ITEM # 2457 Star Hunters #1 – 7

This series was designed as part of the DC marketing campaign known as the DC Explosion. It was canceled in 1978 in a company cancellation decision known colloquially as the DC Implosion.

 

ITEM # 2101 - Black Panther Vol. 1 # 1 – 15

The Black Panther (T’Challa) is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and penciller and co-plotter Jack Kirby, he first appeared in Fantastic Four #52 (July 1966). He is the first black superhero in mainstream American comics, debuting several years before such early African-American superheroes as Marvel Comics’ the Falcon and Luke Cage, and DC Comics’ Tyroc, Black Lightning, and Green Lantern John Stewart. The Black Panther was ranked the 79th greatest comic-book character by Wizard magazine. IGN ranked the character the 51st greatest comic-book hero. Chadwick Boseman will play the Black Panther in several scheduled films as a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.