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! 

Marvel's Joe Quesada's Idlechatter Christmas Collection!

Marvel Comics released a series of Christmas songs on the internet for its fans during the years 2002 to 2007. These songs were written and sang by Marvel's Joe Quesada, at the time in his position as Editor-In-Chief, and recorded with his band, Idlechatter. The band's name is alternately spelled "Idle Chatter" depending on the source, but an official release from Marvel used the one-word version, so that's what I will go with here in this blog entry.

MARVEL COMICS FOR CHRISTMAS (2002)

The first song released in 2002 mentions several of the mostly current Marvel artists, writers, and staffers, and featured Joe Quesada on vocals, guitar, and keyboards; Tommy Dean on guitar, saxaphone and supporting vocals; Mike Ferrara on bass; Bobby Ventura on drums/percussion, and supporting vocals; and NOT Bill Jemas on sleigh bells, but an incredible simulation. Jerry Farley served as engineer, and it was recorded at Fastlane Studios, in Brooklyn, New York.

Lyrics:

MARVEL COMICS FOR CHRISTMAS

Words and music Joe Quesada, 2002

It wasn't long ago at the ol' North pole

The Elves got together so the story is told

They called a Union Rep on Christmas night

So, Santa went cryin' down to Mama Claus

Sorry Mr. Santa but we're going on strike

That's when Santa grinned just as sly as a fox

She said, "stop the crap, Nick, just show them whose boss."

Kevin Smith and JMS on Spider-Man

He went into his attic and got his comic box, yeah!

Santa Claus gives Marvel Comics for Christmas.

No wonder DC Comics does nothing but bitch

Bagley, Bendis, Austen and some Morri-san

Loeb and Sale, Jimenez, Johns and Bryan Hitch

Milligan, Allred, Ennis, Dillon and Jones

Santa Claus gives Marvel Comics for Christmas.

The Kuberts and Quitely, Ramos and Vaughan

Maleeve and Robertson and Mark Millar

Little Paul was wishing for a rubber band ball

And lets not forget the great J.R. JR.

Santa checked his list just as fast as he can

But just like Marky Sunshine he got nothin' but coal

Bobby W. was waiting and he got all depressed

AND MARVEL DON"T GO BACK TO PRESS!

'Cause Santa's out of comics

So many people that we value there's no question I forgot a few:

He almost forgot Rucka, Waid and Ron Zimmerman While Billy and Joey wondered what had gone wrong

But Santa don't give comics when you're bad all year long!

Santa Claus gives Marvel Comics for Christmas.

Middleton, Simone and Way, Jae Lee,

Finch and Cassaday,

Jurgens, Jenkins, Isanove, Palmer,

Mounts lets sound them off!

Bachalo, Kordey and Chen, Janson,

Udon, Severin, Wells and Ross, Ringo too.

Davis, Farmer and Andrews,

Comicraft, Larroca, Tieri, Kolins,

Ryan, Lai's and Fahbry, Mandrake,

Avalon and Manco, Claremont,

Young and Tom DeFalco,

Miki, Winick, Cross and Grant,

Fagredo, Corben, Ribic, Frank,

Asamiya and Tim Townsend,

Williamson, Lucas, Dodson,

Ranson, Hana, Soto, Loughridge,

Starlin, Milgrom, Bill Sienkiewicz,

Immomen and Deadato. Thibert,

Garney, Choi and Bongo,

Hairsine, Krueger, Oliffe, Priest,

Villarrubia, Bright and Kieth,

Baker, Cooke, Morales, Cho,

Pratt, Horn, Buccellatto, Braithwaite,

Bollers. Reis and Holtz, Bradstreet,

Frenz, and Michael Gaydos, Hollingsworth,

Pope and Copiel, Winslade, Gaiman,

Haspiel, Studio F. Fernandez, Jeanty,

Dorkin, Kesel, Bennet, Chukry.

There's no rhyme Eliopoulous

except that Marvel Fans are the best!

WEDNESDAY'S CHRISTMAS AT MY COMIC SHOPPE (2003)

"Wednesday's Christmas At My Comic Shoppe" is debatably the most accessible of these songs to the general public. This is because all of these songs feature a degree of "in-joke" references -- Some more topical than others -- that would be lost on those not familiar with things such as specific comic book titles, comics creators, and the like.

For instance, the lyrics to this particular tune mentions such books as "X-Statix", and "1602", which are no longer published by Marvel, and uses abbreviations for characters that are more familiar to fans, such as "FF" for "Fantastic Four", or "DD" for "Daredevil". There's also a reference to Marvel competitor DC Comics as "Brand Echh". 

Comparatively speaking, though, it's lighter on such references than the others in the catalogue. Wednesday is the day that comic books are traditionally released at comic shops each week. The original recording features an audio cameo of sorts by Stan Lee at the end, but that part is edited from the video version embedded above. You can hear the complete version here.

Joe Quesada: All vocals and acoustic guitar; Tommy Dean - Guitars; Mike Ferrar - Bass; Bobby Ventura - Drums and percussions; Special thanks to Stan (The Man) Lee; Engineered and mixed by Mike Ferrara; Final mix by Jerry Farley; Recorded at Fast Lane Studios, Brooklyn, NY

Lyrics:

WEDNESDAY’S CHRISTMAS AT MY COMIC SHOPPE Words and music by Joe Quesada, 2003 Mistletoe and sugarplums Candy canes, I don't want none Just need my X-Men by my side. Mother says, "Look Santa's here!" But I know who's behind that beard Ain’t no way Stan "The Man" can hide. Yeah And then he looks at me Says, "Son, can you keep my secret please! See, Santa called, he was feeling down. So I took his sleigh and I'm making his rounds." Then out of his bag there came a gift I said, "Save it for someone who needs the lift." ‘Cause like it or not Wednesday’s Christmas at my Comic Shoppe. Graphic novels, trade paperbacks Toys and statues, the comics rack It’s enough to make this grown man sway (I love to shop there everyday.) Sorry, Stan, it might seem unfair But Christmas today just doesn’t compare When every week’s a holiday (Isn’t Stan Jewish anyway?) That’s why When Wednesday comes, I don’t walk I run! Got to get there before the frenzy’s begun For Spider-Man, Hulk, X-Statix too Ultimates, FF and 1602. And though I don’t mean to brag Compared to this, Christmas’s one big drag. Yeah, like it or not Wednesday’s Christmas at my Comic Shoppe. Suffering daily from holiday blues Leaving me wondering what’s there to do Until the day I read those famous words from you: "Excelsior, true believer!" Silver Surfer, Avengers, DD Supreme Power, Punisher, Thor and Wolvie Iron Man and that Parker Schlub Come on, sing along, Stan you made most of them up! Stan’s eyes lit up as he heard the word Said, "This Kringle stuff is for the birds! ‘Cause like it or not Wednesday’s Christmas at my Comic Shoppe. Nothing says "humbug" more Than that stack of Brand Echhs piling up in the store, And I’m feeling great and I’m feeling fine ‘Cause I’m always makin’ Marvel mine!

ALTERNATE COVER (2004)

For the third outing, Quesada puts on an Elvis Presley impersonation and sings about the collecting of variant or alternate covers. These covers first started being published by the comic book companies in the 1980s and dominated the market in the early 1990s. For a period, the practice of slapping alternate covers on comics subsided, but over the past decade have returned and, in some ways, seem more prevalent than ever before.

Lyrics:

ALTERNATE COVER Words and music Joe Quesada, 2004 performed and produced by Idlechatter It’s Christmas time baby And I sure do love you I hope you remember That there was only one thing I need for Christmas Here’s a holiday story, a cautionary tale About a night when love couldn’t prevail The Christmas tree was lit so bright Stacked high with gifts, it was quite a sight With each I opened I grew so low I held my breath there was one more to go That’s when I left my girl standing by the tree ‘Cause when I opened that last box I didn’t receive my Gold inlayed, leather bound, chromium, foil enhanced Holographic, U.V. plastic, pencil sketch, photographed One in ten, nine point nine, personally autographed, Alternate Cover A Rolex watch, a facial buff A nose hair trimmer, I couldn’t thank her enough But there’s only one sign of what true love could be It’s the one friggin’ gift that she didn’t get me, I want my Gold inlayed, leather bound, chromium, foil enhanced Holographic, U.V. plastic, pencil sketch, photographed One in ten, nine point nine, personally autographed, Alternate Cover And so it ends I sure do miss my girlfriend But I know that my local comic book retailer He sure loves me! Spot varnished, untarnished, barely been circulated Full embossed, latex glossed, personally dedicated Jewel encrusted, price guide trusted, completely orchestrated, Alternate Cover Gold inlayed, leather bound, chromium, foil enhanced Holographic, U.V. plastic, pencil sketch, photographed One in ten, nine point nine, personally autographed, Alternate Cover Surround sound, by the pound, highly collectable Guaranteed, sugar free, mildly delectable First edition, mint condition, girlfriend rejectable, Alternate Cover Glow’n the dark, snap on parts, highly regarded Sun roof, fire proof, media bombarded Kevlar mesh, human flesh, completely retarded, Alternate Cover Blood in ink, the kitchen sink, totally unreadable Cajun spiced, overpriced, cash unretrievable Decompressed, permanent press, the end’s unforeseeable for Alternate covers

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS (2005)

To better understand the lyrics to this song, you must know that it alludes to the outcome of the "House of M" storyline from 2005. The result of incidents that occurred  at its conclusion left many Marvel mutants without their powers. So, basically, this tune is sang from the perspective of one of those mutants wishing for their power to return for Christmas.

Joe Quesada and Idlechatter decided to do a riff on The Beatles "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" era Beatles and mashed it up with the Merry Marvel Marching Society theme from the 1960s Marvel fan club flex-discs.

Lyrics:

All I Want for Christmas by Idlechatter, Author: Joe Quesada, 2005 You belong You belong You belong Come along With the Merry Marvel marching Society You belong You belong You belong Sing Along With the Merry Marvel Marching Society We're the Merry Marvel Marching Society We're the Merry Marvel Marching Society Woke up feeling funny today I was startled by a white flash of light Then I stumbled to the mirror And that's when things got much clearer As I was struck by a horrible sight. Now I'm not a real trusting guy But I must admit it's given me pause Never believed in Easter bunnies Or Tooth Faeries and their money But I'm praying there's a real Santa Claus 'cause all I want for Christmas All I'll ever need All I want for Christmas Come on, give it on back, give it on back Give my mutant power back to me. Jubilation has lost all her spark (Fred has lost his center of gravity) Erik's not magnetic (Pietro's turned pathetic) And Jono has no chest cavity Now all I want for Christmas All I'll ever need All I want for Christmas Come on, give it on back, give it on back Give my mutant power back to me. (He's always checking who's done right or wrong) I'm a bit concerned about the review (Have you been a good boy all year long) I might have done an evil deed or two (So how'd you do on Christmas day) Well I have to say I'm feeling quite blue (Come on, tell us we're a quiver) Well, Santa didn't deliver Seems the reindeers are mutants too Now all I want for Christmas All I'll ever need All I want for Christmas Come on, give it on back, give it on back Give my mutant power back to me.

THIS SONG IS TWO WEEKS LATE (2006/2007)

Official Press Release Jan 09, 2007: 

"Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Marvel! Don't check your calendar. Don't think some wild, Dr. Doom-engineered time vortex has opened up and Christmas has returned. Nothing is out of the ordinary.

"It's just that Joe Quesada (along with his band Idlechatter) has released the annual Marvel Christmas song. And yes, as the song's title states, "This Song is Two Weeks Late." Like I was saying, nothing out of the ordinary here.

"It was a massive undertaking that saw late nights, frantic edits and some of the most ridiculous rapping in music history, but it's here! We should have a snazzy video to go along with the song here on Marvel.com, but for now enjoy the song."

As far as I know, there never was an official Marvel video for the song. The one embedded in this blog is one I made for it. 

This would be the last Christmas song by Idlechatter for Marvel, though Quesada said in an interview with CBR.com that he had actually written one more song for Christmas 2007:

(Joe Quesada, January 04, 2008) "...I actually had one written and I was prepared to record it. Unfortunately, I was so exhausted after OMD ("One More Day") and had spent so little time with my family during that time, that I just couldn't do it and live with myself. Those Christmas recordings take several days and incredibly long hours; I had to be smart about it."

Vocals/Guitar/Keyboards: Joe Quesada; Lead Guitar: Tommy Dean; Drums: Andy Guida; Bass: Mike Ferrara; Engineered and mastered by Mike Ferrara at Mach 1 Studios, Brooklyn, New York.

Marvel Rappers (and we use the term loosely) in order of appearance:

John Dokes, Tom Brevoort, Mark Paniccia, Nick Lowe, Jen Grunwald, Daniel Ketchum, Molly Lazer, Mike Short, Andy Schmidt, John Barber, Ralph Macchio (in spirit), Axel Alonso, Steve Wacker, and Aubrey Sitterson

Lyrics:

THIS SONG IS 2 WEEKS LATE Words and Music Joe Quesada, 2007 and The Merry Marvel Marching Society I've been trying to find the words to express my remorse 'cause I work here at Marvel, so it's par for the course This song is two weeks late for Christmas. It's been a busy year, so many books to produce Aw, who am I kidding, it's a lame excuse This song is two weeks late for Christmas. Maybe I should'a had my "stuff" together Maybe I should'a read all those angry letters? Maybe I should'a have listened to the internetters? 'cause let's face it, who on earth could possibly know any better I could've had it done but somehow let it linger I should've thought of using "fill in" singer This songs is two weeks late for Christmas Would ya believe my dog ate my notes? Would ya believe that I've got strep throat? Would you believe anything I wrote? 'cause you no I'm so shameless when I try to promote Yeah, let's take 'em back- Uh huh House of Ideas 2 Thousand Seven Yeah, This to Stan, Jack, Steve, and Flo SCREAM FOOM!!!

OH T-VOORT YOU LOOK WEIRD, WHAT THE HELL'S INSIDE THAT BEARD

Civil War's runnin' late, yeah, don't gimme no lip 'Cause you're backed up in line when that bad boy done ships I don't wanna be hearin' how your heroes been wrecked Show Mark Miller and Mista McNiven RESPECT!

GO ROSE!

Yeah, fanboyz, don't be up in my grill or illin', I'll throw lead in yo *** if you call Tony Stark a villain! Just wave yo hands in the air, I spit rhymes like Aubrey grows hair!

They call me Panic but I'm California mellow Can I interest you in some MASTERMIND EXCELLO I edit Hulk and Modok's big head And Agents of Atlas, the best book you NEVER READ

So I was sittin' 'round with Andy and Sean, TESTIFY! I called my Runaways boy Brian Vaughan, LOWE-FI! I know you're leavin' for LOST and I'll try not to sulk, So get ya' boy Lindelof to finish WOLVERINE/HULK

I WORK AT MARVEL, I WORK AT MARVEL, I WORK AT MARVEL FANBOY

My name is Daniel Ketchum and I edit BLACK PANTHER, Wanna know 'bout Wakanda, well baby I got your answers.

Molly is my name, but you can call me "Beam." Playing here on Marvel's edit team

Wireless Mike with respect for Special Projects

I'm Andy Schmidt, all those books you love, yeah I Ed-it

Hey I'm the Barber, Johnny, everybody say "YO!" Let's get this party kickin' with Ralph Macchio

Axe-Man is in the house.

You know I'm a genius. A poet. A menace. Got straighter teeth than Brubaker, and tons more hair than Bendis. Continuity? CLICK-BOOM! I slay it in an instant. You want an apology? Go speak to my assistant.

So tell me, True Believer. What really makes me wack? Was it making Rawhide Kid gay? Or Captain America black? OH SNAP

I got hit on the head, that's the last I remember

THIS BOY IS WACKER-ER! Woke up at Marvel, 'round the end of September

I'm a mad edit bomb. Blow up the drawing and WRITIN'. Then I chew up Thunder and I spit out THOR'S LIGHTININ! I'm the new Spidey-Man… so if you liked it BACK THEN. In month number one: GOODBYE M.J AND HELLO ***

Nobody can touch our books, their cast reads like a list Of the world's greatest heroes! It sounds like this: TELL 'EM! Cap the Falcon, Iron Man, Sentry, Luke Cage, DAMN YOU'RE GOOD! Fantastic Four and T-Bolts are jumping off the page.

DON'T GO THERE, AUBREY

Dr. Strange, She-Hulk and Ant-Man (new and old).

DON'T GO THERE, AUBREY

And our Distinguished Competition?

Who the *BLEEP* is Booster Gold?

HE WENT THERE! I work at Marvel

YEAH OUR BOOKS ARE SICK!

I work at Marvel

THE ADS MAKE THEM THICK!

I work at Marvel

SO WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY!

I work at Marvel Fanboy

HAPPY BELATED HOLIDAYS Maybe I should'a had my "stuff" together Maybe I should'a read all those angry letters? Maybe I should'a have listened to the internetters? If only I could find a way to make Hawkeye deader I guess I should've planned it way ahead But if I did you'd be listening to Bendis instead This song is two weeks late for Christmas This song is two weeks late for Christmas Sorry to make you wait This Christmas So, if you ever heard Millar sing a tune You'd understand why he doesn't give up writing soon And while Cassaday may be pop star dreamy I'd still have to sing it 'cause he'd lip-syncing Now JMS croons like a nightingale And Loeb has a voice best heard in e-mail When Salva sings you wouldn't understand a word Jenkins has the fakest accent you've ever heard But the one thing that makes everybody grin Is when Stan "The Man" played us like a violin

Since the days of Joe Quesada's tenure as Marvel's Editor-In-Chief, he has went on to become the executive vice president and creative director for Marvel Entertainment. These days he appears to have little time to devote to the seasonal Christmas songs, and in the intervening years, nobody else at the company has risen to take his place in that capacity. So, these five songs remain an interesting and entertaining artifact from a bygone era of Marvel Comics. 

Thankfully, I was able to save and share the songs, lyrics, and what information was made available about the recordings. Over the years, it's become harder to do that, as many of the sites where the songs were first uploaded and shared have taken down the associated pages, or some sites have become defunct.

So, enjoy and have a HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!!!

Critic's Choice Files Looks at the X-Men

"Critic's Choice Files Looks at the X-Men" volumes one & two, 1987. I have a personal connection to both of these publications in that I was the interior artist for each one. If you will indulge me, I will give some background about them and how the experience relates not only me, but possibly a legal matter between "Comics Feature" magazine and Marvel Comics Group.

These magazines, and other various "Files," "Spotight On...", and "Critic's Choice" publications from the 1980s were put out by Heroes Publishing, Inc., which was a company owned by Hal Shuster, whose other company, NMP/New Media published the fanzine "Comics Feature" from 1980-1987.

In 1986, I was a high school student who wanted to work in comics. I regularly picked up "Comics Feature" each month. As many of you know, before "Wizard" magazine and the internet, it was publications such as "Comics Feature" and "Comics Scene", and others, as well as fan-published periodicals that we fans depended on for our industry news.  When I read in CF that there had been a change in the art directors, I figured I'd send in my submission and see what happened. I didn't receive an actual rejection, but a letter which informed me that they were looking for a more cartoony style than I had sent in. So, since I didn't get a direct "no", I whipped up some more samples, sent them in, and got hired to do illustrations for the magazine, mostly for the "Fun & Profit" articles by writer Mike Benton.

After most of a year sending in my art for the magazine, and a couple of other publications by Shuster, I was given the assignment to draw the interior illustrations for the first "Critic's Choice Files Looks at the X-Men". The cover for that one was by art director Jim Keegan. At this point, while the X-Men were one of my very favorite titles I bought, I hadn't yet acquired or read the earliest "new" X-Men comics. This was back when the only reprints of those comics was just being published, "Classic X-Men", and when I got this assignment, it had yet to reprint many of the stories in "Critic's Choice Files". 

So, when I was asked to draw Nightcrawler being carried away by leprechauns, or Phoenix flying through a star gate, I didn't have any reference to draw upon! Therefore, I winged it. That first volume was also drawn close to its deadline, in the middle of the night, with me a bleary-eyed teen in high school trying to desperately finish it before shipping it in the mail the next morning. So, if you have the book, or see it in the future, please keep that in mind. LOL!

After that project, I was assigned again to the second volume. I was even more excited to do this than the previous one. Not only would I make sure I didn't procrastinate and have to rush it like the first volume, but this volume would be all John Byrne stories covered in it! Since these two books featured my artwork on every interior page, unlike "Comics Feature," where I only did a few pages each month, and this one was exclusively Byrne era X-Men stories that I was basing my art on, I couldn't wait to get my comp copies. However, I never did get my comp copies of volume two from the publisher. :-(

Now, I don't know for certain the whole deal, but as I recall it, Jim Keegan, the art director, told me that the second volume was not published due to legal action taken by Marvel. As I understand, it had to do with the use of original artwork (mine??) that Marvel had taken issue with. Hal Shuster was apparently told he had to use official Marvel art for the books. I never had any more confirmation on this matter, as Hal ceased publication of "Comics Feature" and his other publications at that point. Was there a correlation between those cancellations and Marvel's legal action? I can't say for certain.

Flash forward over a decade later... I am attending a convention in Indianapolis with my friend. I look at some books on a dealer's table and see the cover to  "Critic's Choice Files" volume two, but it didn't register immediately what the publication was that I was looking at. What had caught my attention was that John Byrne art on the cover, which I recognized as being a colored version of the piece in "The Art of John Byrne." When I realized what the title read on the cover, I thought, "Omigawd!! That's MY book!!" I asked the dealer if I could pop it open, and then I checked and verified that, YES, it was the supposedly unpublished second volume!

I don't know if Keegan was simply mistaken when he told me it was not published, or if that was what he was led to believe by Shuster, but there it was in my hands. After a quick transaction, I then owned a copy at long last.

Was THIS second volume really the publication that brought down "Comics Feature"? Was the use of my artwork in place of Marvel licensed art then thing that caused the problems? Obviously, the magazine was published and distributed nationally, but Shuster's publications did fold not long afterwards. 

I never spoke with Shuster, and never had any direct communication with him about anything. My only contacts with the editorial (or anyone at "Comics Feature") was with Keegan and co-art director Ruth Kennedy by mail and phone calls. I lived in Indiana, and they were out in California. I was able to keep touch with Keegan and Kennedy for but a short period after the magazines folded, and I was not brash enough at that age to press the matter on what happened exactly.

Anyway... For you Byrne completists out there,  that second volume has that cover with his art. I hope anyone who reads this will enjoy the background behind the books. :-)

BELOW: The interior art from "Critic's Choice Files Looks at the X-Men" volume one, including editorial instructions and preliminary sketches of unused art:

BELOW: The interior art from "Critic's Choice Files Looks at the X-Men" volume two, including editorial instructions and preliminary sketches of unused art:

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--And The Art of Matthew Hawes!!