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Today's electronic book Article
Comic Books History - Part III

In this final issue of comic books history we begin with the year 1933.

In 1933, "Detective Dan, Secret Op. 48" was the first comic, sold on the newsstands, with original material in it. It was written by Norman Marsh and published by Humor Publishers Corp. It had a 3 color cardboard cover and was done in black and white. It was 36 pages long, sold for 10 cents and was 10 by 13. The character was actually a Dick Tracy clone and today probably would have been sued for plagiarism. The comic didn't last very long.

In the 1930's free comics became popular mostly because of the depression. Nobody could afford to buy comics. Thousands of comics were given away for the sole purpose of advertising the products in them and to keep the presses running which would have been very costly to shut down and start back up again. Some of the most well known giveaways were Buck Rogers and Little Orphan Annie.

In 1933 a gentleman by the name of Harry Wildenberg came up with the idea of advertising the Gulf Oil Company through comic books and thus "Gulf Comic Weekly" was created on April 30th 1933. The entire comic was only 4 pages long and was 10 1/2 by 15. The comic was given away at Gulf gas stations. This comic series lasted until May 23, 1941.

Wildenberg also came up with an idea to do a full sized comic book which was called "Funnies On Parade" and came out in the spring of 1933. It was the first comic to use the standard 8 by 11 format that we use today. This comic was the start of the Eastern Color Group.

"Famous Funnies" was the second book done by ECG. It was printed in 1933, was 64 pages long and cost 10 cents. It was the first comic to be sold only through department stores.

In 1934 ECG and Dell Publishing formed a partnership and another issue of "Famous Funnies" was printed. It was 64 pages long and still sold for 10 cents. The comic lost lots of money and changes were made after, to reduce publishing costs including publishing just once a month instead of weekly.

It wasn't until 1936 that comic books really began to take off with the merging of The Chicago Tribune and Max Gaines. They created "Popular Comics" which included famous characters such as Dick Tracy, Terry & the Pirates, Gasoline Alley, Skippy, Mutt and Jeff, Tailspin Tommy, Little Orphan Annie and many more. "Popular Comics" lasted 145 issues and ended in 1948. This comic is what put Dell on the map and to this day they are one of the largest comic book publishers.

In 1936 another major player came along by the name of King Features. They created "King Comics" which featured some memorable characters such as Flash Gordon, Popeye, Mandrake the Magician, The Lone Ranger, The Phantom, Prince Valiant, Blondie and Little Lulu. "King Comics" lasted 159 issues until 1952.

It was during this time that the last major player of the era, "DC Comics" was created. They featured some popular characters such as Mr. Mystic, Federal Agent and of course what would turn out to be the most popular comic of all time, "Superman."

Yes, comics have had an amazing history. Today there are more titles than any one person could possibly keep up with. And to think it all started so humbly and so simply.

About the Author

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Comic Books

Recommended electronic book Items
The Adventures of Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark/ Temple of Doom/ Last Crusade) - Widescreen Edition

The Adventures of Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark/ Temple of Doom/ Last Crusade) - Widescreen Edition
As with Star Wars, the George Lucas-produced Indiana Jones trilogy was not just a plaything for kids but an act of nostalgic affection toward a lost phenomenon: the cliffhanging movie serials of the past. Episodic in structure and with fate hanging in the balance about every 10 minutes, the Jones features tapped into Lucas's extremely profitable Star Wars formula of modernizing the look and feel of an old, but popular, story model. Steven Spielberg directed all three films, which are set in the late 1930s and early '40s: the comic book-like Raiders of the Lost Ark, the spooky, Gunga Din-inspired Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and the cautious but entertaining Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Fans and critics disagree over the order of preference, some even finding the middle movie nearly repugnant in its violence. (Pro-Temple of Doom people, on the other hand, believe that film to be the most disarmingly creative and emotionally effective of the trio.) One thing's for sure: Harrison Ford's swaggering, two-fisted, self-effacing performance worked like a charm, and the art of cracking bullwhips was probably never quite the iconic activity it soon became after Raiders. Supporting players and costars were very much a part of the series, too--Karen Allen, Sean Connery (as Indy's dad), Kate Capshaw, Ke Huy Quan, Amrish Puri, Denholm Elliot, River Phoenix, and John Rhys-Davies among them. Years have passed since the last film (another is supposedly in the works), but emerging film buffs can have the same fun their predecessors did picking out numerous references to Hollywood classics and B-movies of the past. --Tom Keogh

Customer Review: A Must Own Collection

These films are no doubt part of American Cinema at it's best!

I grew up watching these movies and even today when I sit back and watch them, I appreciate them even more as if it's my first time tunning in.

The locations, the acting, the screenplay all work perfectly. I don't think there are words left to describe how amazing this collection is on DVD.



I heard George Lucas is set to release these films on it's own soon, but why bother? Why spend your money on the same thing, even if your going to get some new bonus features. It's not like your getting a brand new movie.



I would recommend to wait until the 4th installment hits DVD shelves, then maybe it would be worth a purchase if it gets released into the box set. Till then...this collection is timeless!

Customer Review: captions

At least on the set I'm watching, the captions on the extra disc are attempted but are NOT well done. It's apparent that they haven't been "cleaned up," so understanding can be iffy. I appreciate the effort, but it would be nice if the execution were better.

Rothco Vintage Paratrooper Messenger Bag - Khaki

Rothco Vintage Paratrooper Messenger Bag - Khaki
Rothco Khaki Vintage Paratrooper Bag / Messenger Bag is a great bag for work, travel and school. Has a large main compartment and adjustable strap for comfort. Specifications: 15" X 11" X 4", hang tags

Customer Review: Great product

This is a great bag for school. I use it everyday to carry books and other things in it. Also, the three compartments on the inside makes it very easy to organize everything.

The only thing I have against the bag is that the strap is a bit too thin and it doesn't provide a lot of support if you are carrying a very heavy load.

However, other than that this is a very useful bag. Very much worth the price.

Customer Review: Quality Purchase......

This puurchase was a very good one, if I needed another one I would purchase another one, also the service was great............THANKS....

Artisanal Ultimate Hot Chocolate Gift Basket Of Hot Cocoa, Fresh Marshmallows, The Hot Chocolate Book and more...

Artisanal Ultimate Hot Chocolate Gift Basket Of Hot Cocoa, Fresh Marshmallows, The Hot Chocolate Book and more...
The ulimate hot chocolate experience! Our hot chocolate is made with fresh ground, 62% dark hot chocolate and cocoa rouge (the best!). Fresh made marshmallows, chocolate straws and chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies and a chocolate Santa complete your party. Michael Turbeck's acclaimed book "Hot Chocolate" included. All masterfully arranged in a holiday gift basked.

Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (Widescreen Edition)

Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (Widescreen Edition)
Mr. Magorium (Dustin Hoffman) owns and runs the most magical store in the universe, where all of the toys for sale are alive. But, when the aging shopkeeper decides to retire and sell the business to his faithful cashier (Natalie Portman), he hires an uptight accountant (Jason Bateman) to get his affairs in order.

Customer Review: Great for the young 'uns (and not so young 'uns!)

This is a terrific family movie that is suitable for children of all ages. There are, to a degree, some parallels with Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory [HD DVD]. However, for the most part it is its own movie. It centers around a man (played by Dustin Hoffman) who wishes to leave the management / ownership of his magical toy store to his favorite employee (portrayed by Natalie Portman) as he can sense that his end is near. Unfortunately, Portman's character is apprehensive about taking over the toy store, mostly stemming from a lack of self-confidence.



To be sure, many will say that this film is predictable, and so it is. However, the people who criticize it on such grounds are, I believe, missing the point. Granted, there are no real "hooks" in the plot or plot-twists that will keep you guessing. So what? In a movie like this, it really doesn't matter. At base, to me the film is not so much about the story itself as it is about how we all used to look upon the world with such a sense of wonder when we were children. People who are only looking for surprises are not prone to "getting it" insofar as this DVD is concerned.



The casting is terrific with Hoffmann and Portman leading the way. Hoffmann gets his chance to play a sort of pseudo-Santa Clause, and it's evident that he enjoyed himself immensely. I've always like Portman, and it's nice to see a young woman who is both a fine actress as well as a great person. She is kind of the antipode to "bad girls" like Lindsay Lohan.



If you are the parent of small children, I'd highly recommend this film. If you're not a parent of small children but enjoy feeling like a kid again, this one is recommended to an equal degree.

Customer Review: My experience shows that kids love it and adults are less enthused

OK, I didn't quite know what to make of this movie. It has its charms. Unlike some folks, I didn't mind Dustin Hoffman's choice of hair and lisp for Mr. Magorium. The man is supposed to be more than two hundred years old, magical, and imbued with a childlike wonder of life. Yet, the story really isn't about him. The story is about Molly Mahoney, played by Natalie Portman (one of the actors I always enjoy). She was a child prodigy on the piano who, the story says, played the Rachmaninoff Second Piano Concerto. Yeah, right. No one who could actually play that concerto as a child would ever find there way behind the counter of a toy store. The sad history of prodigies does indicate a poor chance for her to progress into permanent pianistic stardom, but she would likely stay in music or head into some other intellectual profession. Oh, and the kind of music the movie has her "composing" and playing is just absurd. Portman's hands look as if they have had lessons and played the piano, but they are not hands strong enough or experienced enough for a big concerto. As the Master Thespian used to declare, "Acting!"



Magorium hires an accountant, a counting-mutant, to help him figure out what the store is worth since he has never even seen a receipt. The hiring of Henry Weston (played by Jason Bateman - whom I also always enjoy) is one of the more delightful scenes in the movie. Of course the store is in a state beyond disarray. Magorium isn't big on explaining why he wants the Mutant (as he is affectionately called). The other delightful character in the movie is Eric Applebaum (delightfully done by Zach Mills). Eric is a lonely boy with amazing creativity, a superb collection of hats, and zero friends. Given his personality that seems as impossible as Molly's playing Rachmaninoff.



The store Magorium runs is indeed magical, and we are given abundant evidence of it. However, it understands Magorium's secret, as do some of the toys, and none are happy about it. Magorium intends to give the store to Molly, who doesn't want it because she wants Magorium to stay. He can't or won't. The store turns entirely black after he goes and Molly intends to sell it. But Eric and the Mutant want her to keep it. The climax of the story, which is about the power of being aware of the magic that is your life and the power of believing in yourself, is whether or not Molly can bring the store to its former glory or whether she lets it slip away. Take a big guess.



So, some of the things in the story didn't work for me. I didn't like that no one has an actual complete family. Magorium's history is largely never discussed nor is how he lived to be a couple of hundred years old. We do learn about his delight in the kind of shoes wears. Molly is alone except for the store (no boyfriend, fiancé, mother, or father), Eric has a Mom but only because he is nine. She doesn't do much except fret. The Mutant is as alone and as detached Molly. And the issue surrounding Magorium's decision actually makes no sense and has nothing of the weight such events have in real life.



Yet, my opinion of the movie changed when my five year old granddaughter watched it. She was delighted and mesmerized and demanded to see it again immediately. And she has watched it twice more since. So, there is obviously something about the movie that is compelling to a small child that escapes me as an adult, deeply into the realities of life. Hmmmm... take that for what you will and I added a star because of my grandchild's enthusiasm. It is not a bad movie. The special effects are a bit much. However, it is successful for the kids. Go with them, I guess.



Reviewed by Craig Matteson, Ann Arbor, MI

Halo 2, Vol. 2

Halo 2, Vol. 2
Original Score Composed and Produced By Martin O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori. Album Produced by Nile Rodgers. Executive Producer Sandy Ting.

The Long Awaited Halo 2 Volume Two!!

Customer Review: Why wasn't this on the fist album?

It is curious that the Halo 2 soundtrack was broken into two separate CD's in the first place, instead of just the 4 songs from the major bands that weren't part of the game. If you are true fan and just have to have all the music, drop the 10-12 bucks (new). Otherwise, I much prefer the music from Halo I.

Customer Review: First one was better

I'm a huge fan of the first CD so bought the second... It has some great tracks but overall I thought that the first one was better.

The Body Ecology Diet: Recovering Your Health and Rebuilding Your Immunity (Paperback) - 9th Edition SAVE $5!! See below

The Body Ecology Diet: Recovering Your Health and Rebuilding Your Immunity (Paperback) - 9th Edition SAVE $5!! See below
What leading experts are saying about the Body Ecology Diet: "No one has ever put together all that we need to know about recovering and enhancing immunity - until now. I am making it a must reading for all my patients with candidiasis, immune disorders and food allergies."

Customer Review: Fantastic principles, down-to-earth tips

This is a must read for people who are really serious about healing naturally. Donna Gates has developed an outstanding technique in this book which has won the praise of many naturopathic experts today. You will love this book.

Customer Review: the newest edition of the healing system that saved my life!

When I was given this book for the first time, about 8 years ago when my health was at an all-time low that had been slowly declining for years. I was under 30 and had a list of chronic ailments longer than any senior citizen I knew; terrible heartburn every day all the time, gas, bloating, painful bowel movements (terribly painful), chronic vaginitis, chronic acute asthma so bad I was on 3 inhalers, pills, steroids AND I was still in the ER about once per month, weight gain, fatigue, major irritability and mood swings, depression, horrible lower back issues that always coincided with asthma flare ups (which of course, MDs told me were unrelated!), allergies to everything...I was a mess but it crept up so slowly over time I didn't even "get" how ridiculous it was. It seemed that everyone around me had similar issues and complaints (except maybe for the asthma) so I accepted it like the sleepwalking masses. I'd started to wake up and tried things like the Zone and Blood type diets. They were ok and I'd see some improvements but not anywhere near enough, no matter how disciplined I was. But when I went to see a chiropractor ( a really good one) who also practiced other wonderful forms of holistic healing, she handed me an older edition of this book and said that ALL of my issues were related to one underlying cause; Candidiasis.



I'd never heard of it but I was thrilled to see her react so matter of factly to my list of ailments and to be so confident about healing them, naturally. She said to take it home, read it, don't freak out if it seems overwhelming (which it did at first), then put it down and forget about it for a few days (letting the information filter into the subconscious) and then pick it up and reread it again. The second time I read it, everything clicked. It didn't seem intimidating and she and I even worked together to sort of mold it to my personal needs. We added the use of some wonderful supplements since I was so toxic; Paragone and Parazyme by Renew Life, and daily mega-doses of Metagenics probiotics (and later on, Dr. Ohhira's).



Luckily, the principles of the "diet" (which became a lifestyle for me) all invovled things I had experiment with before; acid/alkaline, yin/yang, blood type (taken with a grain of salt since it doesn't all work on my body), food combining...all things I had some knowledge of and that tend to overlap, really. A truly alkaline meal is usually properly food combined as it is (unless you're eating only protein, which is unbalanced), for example. So even though it was right around Christmas and my chiro said to wait until after, I was ready to heal! I jumped in, figured out a handful of recipes and easy meals on the plan and never looked back.



The first week was tough; I felt like I had the flu (sneexing, achey, tired, sore throat), but that's just a reaction to the toxic die off so I pushed on, knowing it was actually a good sign. Cleansing isn't always uncomfortable, but for someone as toxic as I was, I got off easy. Within 2 weeks, I felt better than I could remember and that was the tip of the iceberg. After a few months, I was a new woman; happy, energetic, excited, confident. After 6 months my entire life changed, on every level, in the most positive ways. Becoming truly healthy, in a way I never even knew was possible, changed my emotional and spiritual state as well. And I felt empowered because now I had the knowledge of how to allow my beautiful body to heal herself, which she had been trying to do all along.



BED is all about giving your body exactly what it needs and then getting the hell out of its way. ALL of my issues were gone after 6 months of doing it strictly. I hadn't been that healthy or radiant in my entire life. I found that I could go out and treat myself to something here and there without any ill effect, but I honestly didn't crave it much after the excess beasties were gone. A healthy body doesn't crave crap. And I then spent the next few years living on a modofied version; I LIKED the food! Millet with fresh carrots, ginger and dill....YUM! Broiled salmon with fresh spinach sauteed in coconut oil, garlic and fresh herbs...YUM! Quinoa flakes with stevia, cinnamon and nutmeg...YUM! Homemade ginger ale sweetened with stevia...awesome. You just find what you like, play with it, create about 10 dishes that are quick, easy and on the plan and you're set.



Yes, it takes some planning, shopping and prep but skipping Starbuck's and fast food actually frees up a lot of time and money. And after the initial cleansing phase, you'll have more energy than you'll know what to do with and making some veggies or salads won't seem like a hardship. I used to coach people through this process when I went to work for that wonderful chiropractor. It's a challenge and a learning experience, but the return is the gift of REAL LIFE! Radiance, vitality, energy, clarity, joy, beauty. Oh yeah, and I lost 40 pounds I'd wished I could lose all my life, and it wasn't even my focus anymore! It was a nice side effect.



So please, if you want some honest to G-d positive change in your life, true natural healing and to be empowered to control your own health and well being without drugs, find this book, anyway you can. (BTW, the cultured veggies are actually yummy and can be bought fresh at Whole Foods, the meals are really wonderful and satisfying and the rewards are priceless.)



Nothing short of life changing...but the question is, are you ready? Are you ready to put yourself and your well being first?

Ghosts of Onyx (Halo)

Ghosts of Onyx (Halo)
Continuing the saga of the award-winning XboxG game!The Spartan-II program has gone public. Tales of super-soldiers fending off thousands of Covenant attacks have become the stuff of legend. But just how many Spartans are left?While the Master Chief defends a besieged Earth, and the myriad factions of the Covenant continue their crusade to eliminate humanity, an ultrasecret cell of the Office of Naval Intelligence known as 'Section Three' devises a plan to buy the UNSC vital time. They're going to need hundreds of willing soldiers, though . . . and one more Spartan to get the job done.The planet Onyx is virtually abandoned and the perfect place to set this new plan in motion. But when the Master Chief destroys Halo, something is triggered deep within Onyx: Ancient Forerunner technology stirs, and fleets of UNSC and Covenant race to claim it to change the course of the Human-Covenant War.But this reawakened and ancient force may have plans of its own. . . This novel is based on a mature-rated game. Microsoft, the Microsoft Game Studios Logo, Bungie, the Bungie Logo, Halo, the Halo logo, Xbox, and the Xbox logos are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries and are used under license from owner.

Customer Review: Awsome Prequel to Halo 3

This book was done remarkably well, despite the absense of Master Chief. You really get to know the other Spartans better...almost to the point that you just about tear up when they get mortally wounded. It mentions the civil war going on between the Elites and the rest of the Convenant, but still keeps the Elites in the villian spotlight. The ending of the book was definately NOT what I was expecting, but, given the plots of the 3 games, you shouldn't be too suprised. All in all, it's probably the best book in the series.

Customer Review: Halo, Ghosts of Onix

After reading it twice over I realised it had a few to many cross over plots with the other books. It would have been good to be released with the other three box book set however because it wasnt there are constant references back to different plots. It also introduces a few things that arnt in the other books however should have been and reveals that its been written after and not along side the other series. Overall if you can look past unexplained differences between different technologies and times or if you read it without reading the other three then it has a good plot and delivery of material well timed.

The Game of Life Twists & Turns

The Game of Life Twists & Turns
A thousand ways to live your life - you choose! The classic board game of LIFE takes on a few new twists and turns in this all-new updated version. The Game of LIFE: Twists and Turns is for kids who enjoy the freedom of making their own choices in life. A special "lifepod" keeps track of your money and "life points" on your make-believe Visa card. Includes game board, game pieces and battery-operated lifepod. Requires 2 "AA" batteries, not included.

Customer Review: Fun for all ages

Santa delivered this for Christmas and we have enjoyed playing it with family and friends. You can decide how long the game will last by the amount of years/turns you play.

But, be careful with the electronic game keeper. We were on turn #19 out of 25 and the electronic device was accidently dropped. We lost the whole game. It turned off. Too bad. Perhaps the company could encase it with a material that has better grip. I'll send that suggestion to the company.

Good Luck in LIFE!

Customer Review: New Life

My daughter asked for this for her 11th birthday. She loves it! It's lots of fun, plenty of action. It does take a time or two to get all the rules down but the "cheat" cards help alot. Great fun for everyone!

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