This was a reprint vehicle, from London Editions (aka Egmont), showcasing assorted classic strips (in black & white) from the DC COMICS archives.
The 'Showcase' approach meant each issue had a different emphasis, allowing a wide trawl of the back catalogue. Most of the reprints were self-contained and done-in-one. The line-up was varied but with an emphasis on DC's most bankable screen heroes: Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman.
Where the title really excelled was the editorial attention to detail. From the specially commissioned covers (which were usually also published on the back cover - usually prime advertising space - without the logo and cover text) through to the original feature pages... this felt altogether more classy than the cobbled together Marvel UK reprints.
The first volume ran for twelve issues. The second extended the run by another seven before the title was cancelled. LE were also publishing the British editions of the SUPERMAN POCKET BOOK and BATMAN POCKET BOOK (editions also appeared in other European markets thanks to switching out the black plates, with dialogue and captions, at the printers) around this time. They also published a number of annuals which also used British artists to provide new covers.
London Editions, latterly Fleetway Editions, renewed their association with DC later in the decade.
there was also a special edition version of this title which I found a while ago as I rummaged through some boxes. A very nice re-discovery.
ReplyDeletefor the record, it was called DC SUPERHEROES PRESENTS : SUPERMAN SPECTACULAR.
ReplyDeleteas seen here :
http://www.comicsreview.co.uk/nowreadthis/2013/06/19/dc-superheroes-presents-superman-spectacular-no-1/
and here :
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/SUPERMAN-SPECTACULAR-DC-SUPERHEROES-PRESENTS-BRITISH-MAGAZINE-/131623038097?hash=item1ea5582c91:g:IQ0AAOSwvc9WFouI
From memory there may have been a couple of these standalone specials. I think I have them somewhere filed away.
DeleteBut I think the second ditched the SUPER HEROES association. Probably because it was defunct at that point.
DeleteThis was a wonderful publication, full of examples of DC stories throughout its history. Naturally, there was a bias towards Superman and Batman.
ReplyDeleteThe editors were canny with their reprints of choice, with quite a few Neal Adams stories included.
It was still fondly-remembered in 1988, when London Editions started their Superman and Batman comics, with a couple of editorials referring to their older forebear, likely too old for some younger readers of the newer titles to even remember.
This mag was advertised during Tiswas. There's a video on Youtube somewhere.
ReplyDelete