FIFTH WEEK: SCARY HOLIDAY


Happy Halloween from KC Carlson

Happy Halloween from KC Carlson


A KC COLUMN by KC Carlson

Hey, it’s Halloween today! Boo!

Comic books and Halloween have a special linked history going back to the 1960s and Rutland, Vermont. Due to the efforts of Rutland’s Tom Fagan (a comic book fan), the Annual Rutland Halloween Parade has had, since 1960, strong superhero themes, which led to comic book professionals also getting involved with the parade. Some of these comics pros included Marv Wolfman, Len Wein, Gerry Conway, Roy Thomas, Steve Engleheart, Wendy and Richard Pini, Bernie Wrightson, Dave Cockrum, Alan Weiss, and Dennis O’Neil.

The first appearance of the Rutland Halloween Parade in comics from Avengers #83

The first appearance of the Rutland Halloween Parade in comics from Avengers #83


Many of these creators (and more) ended up going back to their studios after Halloween and created actual comic book stories about the parade, which were cleverly disguised as actual comic book stories starring Batman, Doctor Strange, and others. I always thought that this would make for a great trade paperback collection or two — but it would a huge headache to figure out rights between the companies.

Many people (both professional and normal) attended the parade in superhero costume, so it was never a shock to see Captain America, Black Panther, Scarlet Witch and the Vision, Black Widow, the Wasp, or even Batman!

Tom Fagan (who just happened to have a 24-room mansion near Rutland) used to open his house to the comic book guests — and there must have been some very interesting parties there! Fagan was active in the parade until the mid 2000s and was also a guest in 2006 and 2007.

Sadly, Tom Fagan passed away in 2008, just several days shy of the Annual Parade. But the parade has carried on, celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2009. This year, the parade took place last Saturday (October 27, 2018), and I hope everybody had a terrific time!

THERE’S AT LEAST ONE HALLOWEEN BOOK THIS WEEK!

Avengers Halloween Special

Avengers Halloween Special


The Avengers Halloween Special is on sale today! It’s offering up spooky stories about Iron Man, Captain America, Daredevil, the Punisher, and the X-Men. Also, Jay Baruchel (The Goon, This is the End), will be making his Marvel Comics writing debut. Writers Gerry Duggan (Despicable Deadpool, Infinity Wars) and Jen and Sylvia Soska (American Mary, See No Evil 2), will also be contributing to stories. And, geez, it’s got a spooky cover by Geoff Shaw!

BATMAN SECRET FILES

Batman Secret Files

Batman Secret Files


I’m always happy to see the DC Secret Files concept returning for more updates and new information to add to the legend. The original Secret Files concept (a new retelling of the Secret Origin of the character, combined with fact-filled Who’s Who-type information) is something that I came up with way back in the 1990s, during one of my multiple stints at DC (in between Westfield tenures). It certainly doesn’t hurt that this new Batman Secret Files origin story is by Tom King and Mikel Janin. Plus, a spotlight on Scarecrow’s toxins and an unforgettable team-up of the Dark Knight Detective with Detective Chimp by Tom Taylor and Brad Walker.

DC/HANNA BARBERA CROSSOVERS (SKIP WEEK FAVORITES!)

Out today are more DC/Hanna Barbera character crossovers to help fill in that fifth Wednesday of the month.

Deathstroke/Yogi Bear Special #1

Deathstroke/Yogi Bear Special #1


Deathstroke/Yogi Bear Special #1 — Something odd is happening to the animals of Jellystone; they’re becoming evil! Yogi decides it’s time to call in help — Slade Wilson, a.k.a. Deathstroke — to get to the bottom of this! (This sounds gross! But then, Deathstroke brings certain expectations. What an odd team-up.)

Green Lantern/Huckleberry Hound Special #1

Green Lantern/Huckleberry Hound Special #1


Green Lantern/Huckleberry Hound Special #1 — In the 1970s (really?), Huckleberry’s comments against the Vietnam War have left him a celebrity outcast, and a visit back home to Mississippi puts him face-to-face with the Civil Rights movement. Meanwhile, Vietnam vet John Stewart has recently become a Green Lantern and has to decide how he can serve. (A story for all ages!)

Nightwing/Magilla Gorilla Special #1

Nightwing/Magilla Gorilla Special #1


Nightwing/Magilla Gorilla Special #1A famous Hollywood agent is brutally murdered and evidence seems to point at Oscar-winning actor Magilla Gorilla. Dick Grayson is also in town, investigating. (I sense a theme here. Cartoon characters not for kids!)

Superman/Top Cat Special #1

Superman/Top Cat Special #1


Superman/Top Cat Special #1 — Bennie the Ball is missing, and TC discovers a dietary danger that threatens both mankind and catkind! Somehow, Superman gets involved. (Does Bendis know about this?)

All of the above issues feature a new and different chapter of a four-part Secret Squirrel story, written by J.M. DeMatteis, who apparently speaks HB among his many other super-secret talents!

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KC CARLSON: Going on Week Three of Cold/Flu… Why can’t I find a good comic book doctor around here!!!

WESTFIELD COMICS is not responsible for the stupid things that KC says. Especially that thing that really irritated you. For those of you looking for more oddball Halloween Fun (and with access to the WWE Network), check out House Hardy Halloween (a new WWE Original Special) starring Broken Matt, Brother Nero, and King Maxel.