It seems that I have been focused on Golden Age reprints, lately. Of course, with the cost of Golden Age comics being sky high, reprints are about the only way to enjoy the comics of old. While a lot of the “key” material has been reprinted many times, there’s still a bunch of Golden Age goodness yet to see the light of day since its original publication many years ago.
So, as I was perusing the August Previews catalog, I was delighted to see three Golden Age reprint books featuring stories that have rarely, if ever been reprinted.
DC Classics Library - Shazam! - The Monster Society of Evil
First up is one of the classics, Shazam in his fight against the Monster Society of Evil. As far as I know, this series of stories has only been reprinted once in the past and is almost impossible to find (and expensive when you do). DC is going to give all of us Golden Age Shazam fans a Christmas present when on December 23, 2009, they offer the DC Classics Library – Shazam! – The Monster Society of Evil hardcover. This book will feature the entire run of the Monster Society of Evil saga from Captain Marvel Adventures 22-46, published between 1943 and 1945. This 272 page book will have a retail price of $39.99 and will be a “must have” for all true Golden Age fans!
Robin Archives, Volume 2
Next up, DC is finally getting around to releasing the Robin Archives, volume 2. This book will continue reprinting the Robin stories (a few with Batman) from the pages of Star Spangled Comics. Volume 1 was published in 2005 and reprinted the Robin stories from Star Spangled Comics 65-85. This new volume will feature the stories from Star Spangled Comics 86-105 (November 1948 through June 1950). This 256 page volume will have a retail price of $59.99. Most of these stories have never before been reprinted. You will be able to pick up a copy when it hits the stores on March 31, 2010 (A very long time to wait!).
Atlas Era Masterworks Jungle Adventure, Volume 1
Last, but not least, in January of 2010, Marvel will offer some rare Atlas Era reprints with the Marvel Masterworks Atlas Era Jungle Adventures, volume 1. This book will feature reprints of Lorna, The Jungle Queen 1-5 and Lorna, The Jungle Girl 6-9. These stories were originally published between 1953 and 1955. The series ended with issue 26 in 1957, so it will be interesting to see if Marvel publishes additional volumes to complete the entire run of this title. This 248 page book will have a retail price of $59.99.
All in all, it appears that we will have some great Golden Age reprints to look forward to. I just wish we didn’t have to wait 7 months for the Robin volume!
