Marvel Monday

In August we attended the Marvel Comics panel at Boston Comic Con. The talented panel included Humberto Ramos, Joe Quinones, Joshua Williamson, Frank Brunner, Erica Henderson, Frank Tieri, Phil Noto and Gerry Duggan. Take a listen to the writers and artists discuss their current projects, what's up next and killing puppies.

Breaking into Comics the Marvel Way

From L-R: Humberto Ramos, Joe Quinones, Joshua Williamson, Frank Brunner,
Erica Henderson, Frank Tieri.  Not shown: Phil Noto and Gerry Duggan

ComicConBox #5

We received our first ComicConBox today and the theme is Back to Old School. This month's box caught our interest because it was guaranteed to include a variant of Batman Adventures #12. What's so special about that? Glad you asked. This is the first comic appearance of Harley Quinn, first released September 1993. 

Now on to box. The first thing we pulled out was the Harley Quinn POP Vinyl. Would have preferred old-school Harley, like the theme of the box implies, but still it's a great addition.

DC Comics Funko POP Vinyl Figure Roller Derby Harley Quinn

Next we pulled out Street Fighter Pixel Bricks. The box contains insanely tiny Lego-like pieces and looks a bit daunting. A so-so inclusion but high on old-school points. 

Street Fighter Ken Pixel Bricks

Now the surprise highlight of the box: Pac-Man. A plushie tie-in to the 2013 game Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures. Definitely old-school and definitely a great inclusion. Between this and Street Fighter, don't you want to hit the arcade?

Pac-Man Mini Plush

Scribblenaut Mini Figure. Admittedly, we have no clue what this is. We're assuming it's just a collectible tie-in for the game. Point deduction for being Superman. Let's face it, out of all the characters out there, we hoped for someone more interesting (Deadman, Black Manta). 

Scribblenauts Unmasked Series 3

Who isn't a sucker for a free tee? This one's a super cool mashup of Gun 'n Rose with Predator. Who thought of this? It works brilliantly. You're sure to see one of us wearing it at the next con.

Gun 'n Muscles

Wonder Woman by Greg Horn

Finally getting down the the really good stuff. The artwork included with this month's box is gorgeous. 

The first one we pulled out is a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle piece by Rob Prior called Shell and Back (below). Rob has worked on Spawn, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Fun fact: he can paint with both hands at the same time. Check out more of his work at robprior.com.

Bonus art is courtesy of Greg Horn. He provides us with an absolutely stunning Wonder Woman (right). Greg is currently working with Disney on the Marvel: War of Heroes video game for iTunes. Check out more of his work at greghornart.com.

Shell and Back by Rob Prior

Lastly, what we've been waiting for. The reason we bought this month's box. Batman Adventures #12 from September 1993. 

Credits

The Batman Adventures #12 Variant Comic

Writer: Kelley Puckett

Penciller: Mike Parobeck

Inker: Rick Burchett

Colorist: Rick Taylor

Letterer: Tim Harkins

Variant Cover Artist: Rick Burchett

Editor: Scott Peterson

While she had already made her debut on Batman: The Animated Series, this is the first appearance of Harley Quinn in a printed comic book. After this, Harley wouldn't become a mainstream character in the DC universe until Paul Dini's Batman: Harley Quinn in 1999. 

At $29.99 for a one-month subscription (more like $35 as shipping is charged on top of that), it was a great first Comic Con Box. Since it's filled with so much, the really great outweighs the mediocre. 

Final verdict: would we buy one again? Absolutely.