MORE DETAILS about RAPTOR CON 2021!

RAPTOR CON, the Tri-State's largest comic con type event in 2021 is taking place at the Vanderburgh County 4H Center August 21-22, 2021.  Early Bird Tickets are still on sale, but won't last much longer.  

Buying your tickets online, you get entered into our Lifetime Pass Competition:  One lucky guest who pre-purchases their ticket will win a LIFETIME pass to all Raptor Con Conventions. (Name will be drawn LIVE at the Convention)

AND...You will automatically get an awesome Limited Edition LANYARD PASS rather than the paper wristbands that at door guest will get.  

Visit www.TheRaptorCon.com now to buy your tickets!

CONVENTION FLOOR HOURS:

Saturday, August 21, 2021: 10 am to 7 pm

Sunday, August 22, 2021: 10 am to 6 pm

AFTER HOURS EVENTS!!

-Saturday Outdoor Movie Night (featuring "Jurassic Park")

-Sunday Live Hypnosis and Comedy Show

PANELS!

 Featuring: Indie Film Directors, Dreamwork Employees, Comic Experts, Voiceover artist, and more!

TWO MASSIVE VENDOR FLOORS

Featuring Vendors from Across the Country with everything from Comics, Horror memorabilia, Pop Figures, Nerdy Collectables, Talented Artist, Handmade Art, and SO SO MUCH MORE! 

Here's a list of the vendors coming to the show:

• COMICS UNLIMITED*
• GreenByrd Comics
• Crown Jewel Comics
• Comic Wreck
• Baby Boomer Rebellion
• TCNKAL Properties
• AP Collectables 
• Anime Palace
• Usborne Books & More
• Concealed Realms
• Realm Locke Legends
• Twisted Wire
• Zombie Earth
• Sewer Lair Toys
• PopHeadz Toys
• Red5Toy
• Whats Your HP?
• lifa Tree
• Midnight Cards
• Cards Xtcetera
• Snookumchuck Minatures 
• Willowshire
• Concrete Monkey
• Wibbly Wobbly Crafts
• Rainy Crafts
• Terri Lynn Crafts
• Krafts By Kim
• Traci Morris TR Morris Crafts
•  Sweet Southern Craft Co.
• Rainydaykraftsbyash
• Sewn By Jenn
• NerdyByLadySween
• Tactile Sundries (Brittani Scheller)
• R&J Chakra Jewelry
• Our Zen Place
• Fandom Soaps
• Sienar Customs
• Oller Oddities
• Olivers Odd Creations
• Kate’s StickerShop
• Hustle Arts
• Art of Candice Comelleri
• Cartoons By Andie
• Art by Landon
• Atomic Monster Art
• Jenn Lantrip Illustrations
• Lemonthunder Illustration
• Dreaded Dinosaur
• Studio Hubris
• Vinroe Mixed Media
• The_BB_XP
• Bubbles and Brushes
• PixelatedPop
• Fill Your Cup Creative
• Remi and Lola
• Cool Dojo
• After Midnight Designs
• Belle Bunni Designs
• Paige Godsey
• Indra Ellis
• Sara Mulryan
• Stevie Chandler
• Baylee Long
• Ron Braun
• Tim Heerdink
• Sharon Wilz
• Andrew Tibbs
• Lisa Goeppner
• Tony Trip
• CM Bars
• Scentsy
• Color Street
• AT&T
• Avon
• Red Skelton Museum

COMICS UNLIMITED celebrates 25 years in business at RAPTOR CON!

*At RAPTOR CON 2021, COMICS UNLIMITED will be stationed at the left side as you enter the Exposition Hall of The Activities Center building to the 4-H Center located on the premises at 201 E Boonville-New Harmony Rd, Evansville, IN 47725.

FOOD TRUCKS: Rock-A-Burger, Kool Shack, Bruce LI, and Taco Bar

MEDIA GUESTS:

SEAN KANAN (Actor) Best known for his role in Karate Kid 3, as Mike Barnes "The Bad Boy Of Karate" and as AJ Quartermaine on General Hospital, and as Deacon Sharpe On The Bold and the Beautiful as well has his numerous other roles over the years.

MARTIN KLEBBA (Actor, Stuntman, Philanthropist) Klebba is known for his work on The Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise, Project X, Jurassic World, Scrubs, Star Wars Last Jedi, and so much more.

LESLIE EASTERBROOK (Actor) Featuring roles in over 100 films/TV shows, Some of her most well known roles have been in Police Academy, Devils Rejects, and Halloween.

ROB MELLO (Actor) Meet the Happy Death Day Killer Himself at Raptor Con 2021. You know him best from his roles in Happy Death Day, Happy Death Day 2 and Fear The Walking Dead.

JONNI SHANDOR (Child Actor) An up and coming young actress who already has acquired quite a list of accomplishments. Known for her roles in films like The Embalmers, Parallels, and He Knows.

NOTE: All guest appearances are subject to change/cancellation without notice.

COSPLAY CONTEST!!

Make sure you are getting those cosplay outfits together. Come and compete with other guest in a variety of categories, for your chance to grab OVER $500 in prizes!

-OVERALL BEST IN SHOW

-Peoples Choice

-Best Mash Up

-Best Couple/Pair

-BEST KID COSPLAY (12 and Under)

-*Special (Suicide Squad Cosplay)

HOTEL INFORMATION:

The official Raptor Con Hotel is Hampton Inn Evansville/Airport. The hotel is only minutes away from the convention location and is conveniently located right off the highway. They have graciously offered the convention and all its attendees a discounted rate which you can take advantage of by using THIS LINK, or calling the hotel and using the group code "Raptor Con".

Looking for other options besides a hotel for the convention weekend?  Did you know that Vanderburgh 4-H Center has RV and camping directly on site?  Thats right you can stay on the convention grounds and make sure you don’t miss a moment of fun!  Visit their website or reach out by phone for more info!

https://www.bookyoursite.com/vanderburgh-4-h-center/availability

SPONSORS:

Linz Entertainment

Smooth On

High Score Saloon

Total Boat

Keep Up to Date with all the details at:

https://www.facebook.com/RaptorConEvansville

#theraptorcon #raptorcon #4hcenter #comicsforsale #comicconvention #comicbooks #comics #comicon #evansville #evansvilleindiana #actionfigures #art #crafts #cosplay

WHERE TO FIND COMICS UNLIMITED at RAPTOR CON 2021!

 

 COMICS UNLIMITED will be located inside the Activities Center's Exposition Hall at the 4-H Center, Evansville, Indiana for the Raptor Con pop-culture and comic book convention, being held August 21 & 22, 2021. The show encompasses both the 4-H Auditorium building, in addition to the Exposition Center.  COMICS UNLIMITED is positioned to the left as you enter the Exposition Hall, so be sure to look for the booths in that area!

 

You can find more information on this awesome event at the FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE (Click Here) for the COMICS UNLIMITED booths at the show! 

 

TICKETS CAN BE ORDERED BY CLICKING HERE!

 

RAPTOR CON 2021 - AUGUST 21 & 22, 4-H CENTER in EVANSVILLE, INDIANA

 RAPTOR CON 2021 

When:

Saturday, August 21, 2021 (10 am - 7 pm)

Sunday, August 22, 2021 (10 am - 6 pm)

Where: 

At the 4-H Center, 201 E Boonville-New Harmony Rd, Evansville, IN 47725. 

Tickets are available NOW!

SHOW INFORMATION:

Raptor Con is being produced in conjunction with a national entertainment agency and being organized by Evansville residents. 

Our mission is to provide the best exhibition of comic books, magazines, toys, games, movies, records, wrestling, antique market, television, anime, manga, cosplay, artwork, sketches, apparel, and more, in the Tri-State area. 

The organizers are long-time fans, themselves, and plan on bringing to the Tri-State a unique event to bring community together, while also helping out local organizations.

PANELS! VENDORS! MEDIA GUESTS! DEMOS! MOVIES! COSPLAY CONTEST! MORE!

MEDIA GUESTS:

SEAN KANAN (Actor) Best known for his role in Karate Kid 3, as Mike Barnes "The Bad Boy Of Karate" and as AJ Quartermaine on "General Hospital", and as Deacon Sharpe on "The Bold and the Beautiful" as well has his numerous other roles over the years. See Sean's Raptor Con video HERE!

MARTIN KLEBBA (Actor, Stuntman, Philanthropist) Klebba is known for his work on The Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise, Project X, Jurassic World, Scrubs, Star Wars Last Jedi, and so much more.

LESLIE EASTERBROOK (Actor) Featuring roles in over 100 films/TV shows, Some of her most well known roles have been in Police Academy, Devils Rejects, and Halloween.

ROB MELLO (Actor) Meet the Happy Death Day Killer Himself at Raptor Con 2021. You know him best from his roles in Happy Death Day, Happy Death Day 2 and Fear The Walking Dead.

JONNI SHANDOR (Child Actor) An up and coming young actress who already has acquired quite a list of accomplishments. Known for her roles in films like The Embalmers, Parallels, and He Knows.


NOTE: All guest appearances are subject to change/cancellation without notice.

MOVIE NIGHT at RAPTOR CON!!

Saturday Night (August 21, 2021) after the vendor floor closes, attend a special Movie Night under the stars! Movies will be announced soon! This awesome event comes FREE with your Convention Pass!

MAGICIAN-HYPNOTIST PERFORMANCE!!

And there's even more excitement after hours at Raptor Con: Magician-Hypnotist Matt Grisham's 8-time award-winning National Touring Comedy Hypnosis Show to Raptor Con 2021.  The best part is there is NO ADDITIONAL COST FOR RAPTOR CON PASS HOLDERS -- IT'S FREE WITH YOUR PURCHASE OF A RAPTOR CON TICKET!  Join us for a night of magical hilarity where YOU can become the star of the show!  Matt has been featured on television shows like "Chrisley Knows Best" and "America's Got Talent", and his show currently travels the country each year performing for sold-out audiences nationwide.  Get up close in personal with one of the best hypnosis shows on the planet at Evansville Raptor Con.

COSPLAY CONTEST!!

Make sure you are getting those cosplay outfits together. Come and compete with other guest in a variety of categories, for your chance to grab OVER $500 in prizes!

-OVERALL BEST IN SHOW

-Peoples Choice

-Best Mash Up

-Best Couple/Pair

-BEST KID COSPLAY (12 and Under)

-*Special (Suicide Squad Cosplay)

RAPTOR CON WANTS TO GIVE AWAY A TON OF BEARS!!!!

Get those stuffed animals ready! This year be part of something special and help Raptor Con donate teddy bears to children.  Raptor Con will match all bears entered at the show with new bears that will be donated to local charities. Help the Tri-state, plus win some cool stuff while doing so. Don't miss your chance to show off your creative side with this unique challenge!

What is a teddy bear Cosplay? Simply put, you decorate a stuffed animal (any animal) just as you would for a Cosplay contest. Then we will have our Best Overall which will be voted on by attendees.

Medals will be awards as well as a cash prize for the Best Overall.

​VENDORS & ARTISTS*:

Comics Unlimited

Green Byrd Comics

Comic Wreck

Crown Jewel Comics

TCNKAL Properties

Usborne Books & More

AP Collectables

PopHeadz Toys

Sewer Lair Toys

Red5 Toys

Snookumchuck Minatures

Sienar Customs

Whats Your HP?

Cards Xtcertera

Midnight Cards

Animie Palace

Jenn Lantrip Illistrations

Art of Candice Comelleri

Toon It Up - The Art of Ron Braun

Cartoons By Andie

Art by Landon

Bubbles and Brushes

The_BB_XP

Vinroe Mixed Media

Studio Hubris

Lemonthunder Illustration

Atomic Monster Art

Concrete Monkey Studios

Hustle Arts

PixelatedPop

After Midnight Designs

Belle Bunni Designs 

Remi and Lola

Tony Trip

Lisa Goeppner

Paige Godsey

Indra Ellis

Andrew Tibbs

Sara Mulryan

Stevie Chandler

Tim Heerdink

Bruce LI

Matthew Hooper

Sharon Wilz

Baylee Long

Willowshire

Sewn By Jenn

Terri Lynn Crafts

Rainy Crafts

Krafts By Kim

Rainy Day Krafts by Ash

Wibbly Wobbly Crafts

Sweet Southern Craft Co. 

Traci Morris - TR Morris Crafts

Tactile Sundries (Brittani Scheller)

R&J Chakra Jewelry

Baby Boomer Rebelion

Zombie Earth and Beyond by Stephen O'Pry

Kate’s StickerShop

Concealed Realms

Realm Locke Legends

Olivers Odd Creations

Oller Oddities

Twisted Wire

Fill Your Cup Creative

NerdyByLadySween

Chris Deyss  (Acrylic Cases)

Fandom Soaps

Color Street

Our Zen Place

Dreaded Dinosaur

CM Bars 

Lifa Tree

Cool Dojo

Scentsy

Avon

Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy

*Vendors and artists attendance is subject to change. More vendors are still being added, too! Changes will be updated.

Food Trucks:

Rock-A-Burger Food Truck
Taco Bar
Bruce Li food truck
Kool Shack

TICKET PASSES INFORMATION:

EARLY BIRD KIDS TICKET for Ages 5-11 ($10.00):  This is the Kids Ticket for ages 5-11 (Kids Under 5 are FREE). This will get kids into TWO days of the convention, as well as all of the convention's regular demonstrations, panels, vendors room, and entry into the cosplay contest (if you choose). NOTE: ALL CHILDREN MUST HAVE AN ADULT CHAPERONE!

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION 2-DAY PASS ($25.00):  This is the EARLY BIRD standard 2 Day Event Ticket (Special Discounted pricing for Regular Door Pricing. ) This will get you into both days at the convention, as well as all of our regular demonstrations, panels, vendors room, and entry into the cosplay contest (if you choose).

EARLY BIRD SATURDAY-ONLY TICKET ($18.00):  This is the EARLY BIRD standard 1-Day SATURDAY-ONLY Event Ticket. (Special Discounted pricing for Regular Door Pricing. ) This will get you into ONE day of the convention as well as all of our regular demonstrations, panels, vendor room, and entry into the cosplay contest (if you choose).
       
EARLY BIRD SUNDAY-ONLY TICKET ($15.00):  This is the EARLY BIRD standard 1-Day SUNDAY-ONLY Event Ticket. (Special Discounted pricing for Regular Door Pricing. ) This will get you into ONE day of the convention, as well as all of our regular demonstrations, panels, vendor room, and entry into the cosplay contest (if you choose).

VIP TICKET 2-DAY PASS (LEVEL 1/$55.00): This will get you into BOTH days at the convention as well as all of the following:

1. ENTRY INTO OUR Special VIP-ONLY Room

2. Special Edition VIP Lanyard Entry Pass

3. Front of the Access to Meet Celebrities and Guest (Skip the Line)

4. Gets you into Raptor Con 30 minutes EARLY

5. Access to ALL panels, discussions, demos, vendor room, and entry into the cosplay contest (if you choose).

6. One Ticket to YOUR CHOICE of certain LinZ Entertainment Sponsored Special Experiences (Escape Room, Special Photo Op, Etc)

7. Special VIP Only Commemorative Bag

LIMITED TO 100 PEOPLE!


VIP TICKET 2-DAY PASS (ULTIMATE/$100.00):  This will get you into both days at the convention as well as all of the following:

1. ENTRY INTO OUR Special VIP-ONLY Room

2. Get in to Raptor Con 30 minutes EARLY

3. Front of the Access to Meet Celebrities and Guest (Skip the Line)

4. Special Limited Edition Con T-Shirt

5. Special VIP Badge

6. Access to ALL panels, discussions, demos, vendor room, and entry into the Cosplay Contest (If You Choose)

7. One Pass to ALL of LinZ Entertainment Sponsored Special Experiences (Escape Room, Special Photo Op, etc)

8. Plus possible extras added closer to the event.

LIMITED TO ONLY 50 PEOPLE


FAMILY PACK ($65.00): The Raptor Con FAMILY PACK includes 4 tickets (two adults and two children) This is our standard 2-Day Event Ticket. This will get you into both days at the convention as well as all of our regular demonstrations, panels, vendor room, and entry into the cosplay contest (if you choose).

Don't forget BUY YOUR TICKETS EARLY ONLINE AND SAVE.  A portion of all online ticket sales will be donated to Isaiah 117 House.

HOTEL INFORMATION:

The official Raptor Con Hotel is Hampton Inn Evansville/Airport. The hotel is only minutes away from the convention location and is conveniently located right off the highway. They have graciously offered the convention and all its attendees a discounted rate which you can take advantage of by using this special link, or calling the hotel and using the group code "Raptor Con".

SPONSORS:

Linz Entertainment

Smooth On

High Score Saloon

Total Boat

See more info at the pages below:

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.TheRaptorCon.com  (Tickets can be ordered from this site!)

FACEBOOK: Evansville's RAPTOR CON

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE! LIKE! FOLLOW! SHARE!

RAPTOR CON EMAIL: TheRaptorCon@yahoo.com

#evansvillenerd #Evansville #Movienight #Drivein #Comiccon #raptorcon2021 #EVV #shoplocal #Indiana #Movietheater #popcorn #vanderburgh4h #comics #comicbooks

MANOS: THE HANDS OF FATE (The Happy Show Edit)

The 1966 cult classic and a film regarded as possibly the worst film of all-time (and certainly a strong contender, if nothing else) gets a re-edit courtesy of "The Happy Show!" This version edited and produced by Matthew Hawes, MBH Productions. It takes all those dreadfully long, tedious scenes and edits and makes the film move at a brisker pace. Whether it makes the film "better" is naturally a matter of opinion, but at least the pain won't last as long with this version. Enjoy! Yayy!!! The original version of the film is believed to be in the public domain with copyright notice, so it's usage here is considered fair use. #Manosthehandsoffate​ #Manos​ #TheHappyShow​ #TheHappyShowEdit​ #horror​ #cultclassic​ #cultmovie​ #cultfilm​ #MST3k​ #Rifftrax

 

My WITH GREAT POWER Story!

 I see that "With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story" is available to watch on YouTube (Free, with ads) at the time of this post. I have mixed feelings whenever I think of that film. On the one hand, it's a great documentary about Stan and his wife Joan, and awesome that I was involved with its making and have a credit on the only full-length feature film about Stan Lee during his lifetime. But, on the other hand, the producers made promises to me that -- Surprise!! -- they didn't keep. 

I often say about this experience that I have been used by Hollywood without even having visited the West Coast. LOL!

Here's a summary of my story about "With Great Power":

In late 2006 I edited a video using audio from a 1960s' Marvel Comics fan club recording by Stan Lee and the Marvel Bullpen. Both my video and the fan club recording were titled, "The Voices of Marvel." I culled images of the various Marvel staffers that were mentioned or took part in the audio recording, and edited them into my video. I dedicated the video to the original Marvel Bullpen, never really expecting that any surviving member would see my YouTube video. But... one did: 

Stan Lee, himself!

I was contacted sometime in 2007 by POW Entertainment, Stan Lee's company, by a representative on Stan's behalf. I was told Stan saw they video and enjoyed it, and was curious where I got all the old pictures of him and his old crew. I explained how I found many in the comics and publications, as well as online, and asked others on a message board I frequented to help find more. I told the rep that if Stan wanted, I could send him the image files I had of the Bullpen. The rep said Stan would like that and provided me an email address.

Not long after that, I received a very cool photograph of Stan Lee and Spider-Man that Stan had personalized to me, with him and Spidey speaking in captions, as thanks for sending the pictures.

Now, I am not clear on how Stan Lee was made aware of my video. Thinking on the matter, in later years, I had assumed that maybe Stan found out about it from TV and comic books writer Mark Evanier (a former assistant to Jack Kirby, by the way), who I had recalled found a video of mine and featured it in an entry to his online blog. I had mistakenly recalled the video he share as having been the "Voices of Marvel" video, but apparently it was another I had uploaded around the time time, "The Merry Marvel Marching Society". Not only was I misremembering the video Evanier posted, but his blog was in 2008, and I was actually contacted before that by a woman named Nikki Frakes. 

Mark Evanier's :News From ME" Blog Entry (2008)

Ms. Frakes told me Stan had spoken with her about the video, and that she was a producer on a documentary being made about his life. She asked if I would mind if they used my video. She was aware I was a comic shop owner and also wanted to know if I'd be willing to help provide scans of comic books Stan gad worked on for use in the film. She pointed out that while Marvel was working with them, it could take a long time for the publsiher to send photos and such. She and her associates wanted a network of other comic book people to help provide resources to use in the film. I agreed and helped in whatever way I could.

The documentary was initially titled "True Believer", but would eventually become "With Great Power". For about a couple of years I was in contact with Ms. Frakes about this documentary. To a lesser degree I also was in contact with her co-producer and director William Hess. I was told more than once by them that this was a "passion project", which was their way of telling me there was no money in this for my involvement. Fair enough, but I was promised more than once that I would receive multiple copies of the film once it was released on DVD. 

I was sent promotional materials from time to time, even a couple more items that Stan signed, though not personalized. I was being kept abreast on the progress for most of the time. After it was completed, there was a period of it being screened at film festivals across the country, and eventually it was distributed by Epix and shown online and on TV. 

Finally, a DVD release was scheduled. I never got a single copy for the filmmakers. In fact, I had to order my first copy from Diamond Comic Distributors, for myself through my comics shop.

Towards the end of my contact with the film's producers, as the documentary being screened, I had heard less and less from them. For a time, I was "friends" on Facebook with Will Hess, the director/co-producer, but he eventually unfriended me for inquiring about my complimentary DVDs that never came my way. 

Oh well. 

At least, I still got my credit on the film. I can't help but check whenever I see it online to make sure they didn't remove that. In a way, I was actually credited TWICE!! My shop's name ("Comics Unlimited") appears ahead of my own name, as if we were two different contributors! LOL! I wonder why the shop name wasn't in parenthesis as was done with Chuck Rozanski of Mile High Comics?

I still am happy to have the experience and have been involved in the documentary. Despite the broken promises of the producers, I do think they did a fine job with the telling of Stan's life. 

No, my actual YouTube video does not appear in the final cut, but they took snippets of that fan club audio I had used and did a fancier and more animated version of what I had done in my video. Knowing that I am somehow in small part linked to something about Stan Lee and his life's story is a very cool thing, no matter the more disappointing aspects of working with the producers.

Will Hess, Nikki Frakes, and "With Great Power" associates at San Diego Comiccon 2009 screening.

Stan Lee and Michael Uslan ("Batman" movie producer), 2009

Stan Lee and Mark Evanier, 2009

Terry Douglas, Will Hess, Stan Lee, Nikki Frake, San Diego Comicon 2009

San Diego Comicon 2009, displaying "Stan on A Stick"s!

Stan Lee at San Diego Comicon 2009 screening with Michael Uslan.

San Diego Comicon 2009, standing: Mark Evanier, Stan Lee, Nikki Frakes, unidentified, Terry Douglas, and Michael Uslan; kneeling: Will Hess and Paul Levitz.

#StanLee #WithGreatPower #Marvel #marvelcomics #TrueBeliever

 THE IMAGINARY GIANT-SIZE FANTASTIC FOUR #1

Circa 1973, comics legend John Byrne was an aspiring young talent looking to break into the industry as a professional artist. to this end, he produced a 30-page try-out story to showcase his abilities featuring the Marvel Comics characters, the FANTASTIC FOUR. The pages featured full pencils done in a style mimicking that of Jack Kirby, as that was the approach being taken by the then-current artist for the title, Rich Buckler. 

“ If that’s what they want,” Byrne noted, “I can give it to them.”

The story was never finished in terms of being inked, lettered, and colored. Over a decade later in 1985, fanzine COMICS INTERVIEW published the pages along with an interview with Byrne in its 25th issue.

in 2004, on the Network 54 website’s message board dedicated to the artist, which Byrne himself frequented, the try-out pages were posted and discussed. board member and Byrne fan Matthew Hawes suggested a challenge to the other artistic fans of the forum, with Byrne’s blessing: 

Take the pencils and plot and finish the story. 

The inking, coloring, and lettering would be divided up among several board members, but one person was chosen to script the entire tale to make a consistent narrative. Mike O’Brien volunteered to do the scripting chore, and fellow board members Stephen Bertrand, Bill Dowling, Matthew Hawes, Aaron Leach, F. Ron Miller, James Pipik, James Stewart, Darren Taylor, James C. Taylor, and Bill Wiist handled finishing the artwork. 

Early 2005 the project was completed and given the artificial designation of (The imaginary) GIANT-SIZE FANTASTIC FOUR #1. (The first Fantastic Four Giant that Marvel published was actually titled GIANT-SIZE SUPER-STARS #1. It was renamed to GIANT-SIZE FANTASTIC FOUR with its second issue, meaning that no GIANT-SIZE FANTASTIC FOUR #1 was ever actually published.) 

Since super-stars was actually published in May of 1974 and featured the same Fantastic Four lineup as shown in Byrne’s try-out tale, this fit perfectly within the era.

On the subject of that lineup, in 1973’s fantastic four comics, Susan Richards, the Invisible Woman, took leave from the team and was replaced by the Inhuman known as Medusa for the next year or so of stories. during this same period, Susan’s brother, Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, had taken to wearing a new outfit with the colors red and yellow. This is the way they are presented in the imaginary GIANT-SIZED FANTASTIC FOUR #1.

The completed version was posted on byrnerobotics.com, the new forum for John Byrne fans which had just recently been launched in late 2004.

Byrne’s synopsis:

“...Altho the High Evolutionary prevented super powers happening on Counter-Earth, he did not interfere with the basic genetics, so the strain that produced Medusa and Crystal as Inhumans produced them as mere mortals. 

"...There is also a duplicate Johnny Storm, who meets and falls in love with Crystal there.

"...Reed has determined that the female Torch is too volatile to be allowed to remain on Earth, so he decides to duplicate what happened on Counter-earth, when (Crystal’s) father launched her into space in suspended animation. Reed swears he will do what he can to find a cure, but offers little real hope. A dejected Johnny (our Johnny) wanders off as Ben observes Johnny is 'the only guy ever to have lost the same girl twice -- on two different worlds!"

The 2004 version of the imaginary GIANT-SIZE FANTASTIC FOUR #1 was a fun project and came out fine, but unfortunately, due to upload and image restrictions on the Byrne Robotics site, the images were never presented in high resolution. Being fan-fiction, there was never any plan to actually publish the finished comic. Also, with so many contributors involved, and so much time having passed since the completion of the story, it is no longer really possible to get all the pages in higher resolution. This has been disappointing, but the only way for there to be a higher resolution of a finished version would be for someone to go back and ink, letter, and color the entire comic again. So... I did that.

I decided I would use Mike O'Briens script, but make some changes here and there. I set about inking the entire thing, even re-inking the three pages I have contributed before in 2004. I re-lettered and colored the story, and even drew a new cover for this 2021 version. Below is the results of these labors, and after those newer pages I also share the original pages from the message board collaboration for posterity. 

Enjoy!