“Back Issue” 32 delves into tech
“Back Issue” from Two Morrows is one of my favorite magazines. It typically delves into the comics of the 1970s and 1980s, which is the stuff I grew up with. I wasn’t sure the “tech, data and hardware” issue would be my cup of tea, but as I dug into the magazine, it’s got quite a bit of great stuff.
A “Green Lantern” interview with Joe Staton and Ethan Van Sciver covers essentially my two favorite eras of “Green Lantern” — the “Corps” era with Steve Englehart as a writer, and the modern Geoff Johns run.
Then, there’s a rundown of the “ROM” series, which I’ve only read parts of. From the article, it seems like it’s one of the high points of the career of writer Bill Mantlo, so at some point, I’d like to check it out. Rights issues may preclude a reprint, so the best way to read “ROM” continues to be haunting the back issue bins. There’s also an article about the career of Mantlo, and about the 1992 hit-and-run accident that left him in a coma for over a year. When Mantlo awoke, he had massive brain damage, and still requires around-the-clock care. Those who liked his work, and would like to send notes or donations, can send them to his brother, Michael Mantlo, 425 Riverside Dr., Apt 12-E, New York, NY 10025.
Floating World Comics in Oregon held a benefit auction for Mantlo, with art based on ROM. “Back Issue” #32 reprints several of these pieces.
The creators behind DC’s “Who’s Who” recap the genesis and execution of that project.
Prior to this issue, I had no idea that I wanted to read a 23-page interview with former Tom DeFalco assistant and technical illustrator Eliot R. Brown, but as I got into it, I found an engrossing portrait of Marvel in the early 1980s. I was also interested in the material about Mark Gruenwald, one of my all-time favorite creators, who had been a driving force behind the “Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe” series.
The magazine also shares a flashback to “Dial H for Hero” and an article about “Richie Rich’s Inventions,” both of which were informative. I have less interest in the ongoing fantasy comics history “Secret History of All-American Comics, Inc.,” though I appreciate the inventiveness. I only skimmed the report on fashion and superheroes from the show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art; I’m afraid my interest in superheroes doesn’t trump my lack of interest in fashion.
All-in-all, I find “Back Issue” to be well-worth the $6.95 on a bimonthly basis. It’s well-designed and edited, with lots of great art, in addition to the well-written articles. If you’re interested in the comics of the 1970s and 1980s, this is the place to look.
– Matt Price
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