This week, Friday means a new Fabulous Find, so digging through my fanzine collection, I pulled out The Collector # 26, published by fan publisher, Bill Wilson, from Pennsylvania. It is dated the Summer of 1972.
The Collector is a really excellent fanzine that lasted a whopping twenty-nine issues, plus a Special. It began as a small 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 fanzine in 1967 and published the final issue in the Summer of 1974 as a full size 8 1/2 x 11. In fact, Bill told me recently, that the Special, that was published in 1969, was a test of the full sized version. Obviously is was not only feasible, but successful at the larger size, as well. I do not own a complete run of this great fanzine, but what I do have are all top notch!
Back to issue # 26, which I’m writing about today. It features a really great wrap-around cover by none other than; Steve Ditko, featuring his character, Mr. A.! Take a look:
Collector # 26 front
Collector # 26 back
The highlight of the issue is this cover, as well as the original six (6) page Mr. A. strip which kicks off this issue! The rest of the fanzine contains other great articles and art, as well. Spot illustrations are provided by a who’s who of fandom at the time; Alan Hanley, Dave Cockrum, Robert Kline, William Black, Steve Fabian, and Dan Adkins.
Plus other great features like an article entitled; Batman Meets Cthulhu” by super-fan Tom Fagan. A Ken Barr biography, profusely illustrated by the artist himself (in runs six pages). A three (3) page Tarzan portfolio. Here is the Don Newton contribution:
The Collector # 26 Page 20 from the Tarzan Portfolio
Next up are eight pages, including a color centerfold entitled; “Oodles of Doodles” by fan supreme artist, John Fantucchio. There is also a short three (3) pager written by editor Wilson on Marvel Comics’ artist; Joe Sinnott, with lots of art by Joe. Following this is two pages of a continuing strip written and drawn by Alan Hanley featuring his character; Greenhorn! This is chapter 3, entitled; “The Greening of America!” It parodies both Marvel and DC Comics characters, such as Captain America, Thor, Batman and Robin.
Then we get a brief interview with the Big Red Cheese’s artist; C. C. Beck. Here is page forty (40) featuring Beck illustrating Captain Marvel:
The Collector # 26 Page 40
Then things are wrapped up with a ten (10) page strip written by Tom Fagan and pencilled by Bill Wilson with various and sundry artists providing the inking. This provides an interesting effect, but I think I would have prefered a single solitary inker, rather than six used. Well there are a couple pages devoted to letters a couple more pages devoted to ads for other fanzines. Altogether the fanzine weighs in at fifty-six (56) pages of near professional quality work. Definitely I recommend adding this beauty to your collection is you get the chance!
Well, I’m out of time, but please join me again next week for a new RETRO REVIEW and I’ll be back in two weeks with another Fabulous Find. Be seeing you …
Hello amigo 👋 and how are you? The purpose of this communication is to inquire some help regarding certain Fanzines. I am experiencing difficulties in searching for a nice copy of 1970 Champion Fanzine # 8, Steranko cover of I believe Capt. Paragon. Can you please provide any leads pro where there’s a possibility.
Respectfully,
George
Hola George, I am familiar with the fanzine you are attempting to locate. Unfortunately, I do not even own a copy of this particular fanzine in my own collection. It is a tough fanzine to find at a reasonable price because of that very Jim Steranko cover! Steranko collectors want it, even though they may not be fanzine collectors. Champion was a very nice fanzine put out by fan, Bob Cosgrove, with assistance by fellow fan, Martin Greim. Both Bob’s Champion and Marty’s Comic Crusader are wonderful examples of late sixties, early seventies fan publishing and well worth collecting.
Sorry I can’t assist you better in finding a copy. There is always eBay, though prices for these early fanzines continue to go up and up every year and because of that my wallet/bank account suffers!
Good luck, and good hunting, my friend.
I have a few of these fanzines.
Well Joshua, if you’re in the market to sell, please consider contacting us. We’d love to see if the store was interested or if you have enough to build an auction around, we could discuss that, as well. – greg
Yes always willing to sell. My number is [censored by editor, passed on to the Eval team] contact me anytime in reguards to my collection. I assure you I have many issues of intrest