Amazing High Adventure

Back in the mid-eighties, Marvel Comics published a five-issue series that gathered some of the best talent the industry has ever seen. Huge talents such as Mike Baron, Steve Englehart, Mike Mignola, John and Marie Severin, Val Mayerik, Mark Wheatley, Al Williamson, Bill Mantlo, Steve Bissette and John Bolton collaborated on this project, aptly entitled Amazing High Adventure. This was a project that, I believe, would be considered a major undertaking in comics today, yet almost never seems sought out or reviewed by anyone. Why is that? Well, let's look at some reasons why it should be sought out.

Diversity of subject material. Stories from Napoleonic times, 19th-century American West, and the American Revolution share page-space with tales of early paleontology, modern-day Indonesia, and Genghis Kahn's unification of Mongolia. Diversity of art-styles. I could just put a "see above" indicator here, but it's worth pointing out again that the cream of the artistic crop is represented within these pages. From the beautiful,finely-painted style of Bolton to the sketchy, yet very detailed pencil/ink work of Alan Weiss, as well as the highly-expressive and "spooky" work of Steve (Swamp Thing) Bissette, the series is an eye-popping cornucopia of wonderful art. Amazing High Adventure is highly-recommended for readers of all ages who love great stories, beautiful artwork and..., well..., high adventure. Find it at your nearest comic shop, comic conventions, or online auctions. Can't find a shop near you? Call 1-888- comicbook.

Amazing High Adventure, published by Marvel Comics, 48 pages, $2.00. MINI-REVIEW: Hey, Wait... by Jason, published by Fantagraphics Books, 68 pages, $9.95. A vast departure from most comic fare, Hey, Wait chronicles the life of a child-to- manhood character and the depressing turns it takes. Simplistic in art-style and storytelling, the book also communicates a very simple message; life can stink. This is not an overly-entertaining work, in my opinion, nor a good example of what heights the medium can reach. It is not recommended for children due to profanity and nudity. Reviews by Mark Allen.

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