In 1984 Marvel Comics started their new young readers imprint STAR COMICS! At the time Gold Key, Harvey and other children's publishers had shut down production of their young readers lines so Marvel started up this new imprint to grab those beginning readers.
The first STAR COMICS book to reach the stands was an adaptation of the movie, The Muppets Take Manhattan in November of 1984. Marvel saw how popular the book could be and decided to not only publish licensed books, but also to create their own new characters in the mold of the old Harvey comics. This led to the creation of Royal Roy, Planet Terry and Wally The Wizard.
Wally The Wizard and Planet Terry would both last 12 issues, while Royal Roy only lasted 6 issues. This was due to a lawsuit by Harvey Comics claiming the character infringed on their creation...Richie Rich! These Marvel made characters were a nice try by the company to start a new universe, but it would be their licensed comics that would leave the biggest impression.
They had some of the best characters that the 80s had to offer all in glorious four color beauty! If you were a kid during this time, chances are they had a title for you. Thundercats, Masters of the Universe, Strawberry Shortcake and so many more! This line holds a very special place in my heart, because...
The first comic I ever remember owning was Heathcliff #16. This was STAR COMICS longest running series at 56 issues. I loved this comic and read it over and over. These comics were great! Unfortunately the STAR COMICS imprint was discontinued in December of 1988. A few of the titles were continued under the Marvel banner, but most were done and never seen again. It was a short run, but damn was it AWESOME!
Heathcliff is the inverse of fellow mute cartoon stars Pink Panther, Road Runner, and Tom & Jerry in that the latter group were silent in their animated forms, but had the gift of speech in their respective comic books. Heathcliff, on the other hand, remained mum in print, but had voiceover superstar Mel Blanc providing his articulation in TV cartoons.
ReplyDeleteExcellent observation! I did not realize that. Mel Blanc was a genius!!!
DeleteWally the Wizard and Planet Terry were some of my favorites from Star. An all grown up Terry has been popping up in the recent Asgardians of the Galaxy series.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds AMAZING! I never read those titles as a kid, but I am now looking to build my STAR COMICS collection and will pick them up if I can find them for a decent price.
DeleteDang,there was a Star title,not pictured in your post that I used to collect.I cant for the life of me remember what it was.
ReplyDeleteWas it Animax maybe Top Dog?
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