Amazing Heros Issue #03- Table of Contents: pg.6

Amazing Heros Issue #03- Table of Contents: pg.6

Periodical
Comic Strip
Index

The Table of Contents page of issue 3 of Amazing Heroes is split into three sections horizontally: the main title, issue, and date in the first section, the second section is the contents, and the third section holds the staff positions, copyright information, and a list of advertisers with the corresponding page number. Starting with the first section, the title is on the left and the text “No. 3,” and “August 1981” are to the far right side of the page. The Table of Contents section is in list format with the page number on the left side of the page and each are in individual boxes reading as follows: “Death and Reality” editorial by Michael Catron; “Star Wars,” Archie Goodwin and Al Williamson; “Comics Report,” Michael Catron; “Coming Distractions” no named author; “The Justice Society of America,” Rich Morrissey; “The JSA Index,” Michael Catron; “Tom DeFalco Gets Spidey Back in the Swing,” Michael Catron; “Star Hawks,” Archie Goodwin and Gil Kane; “Spider-Man and the Green Goblin,” inside back cover illustration by Jordan Faris. There are sketches of characters on the right side of the page that include Leah and Luke from Star Wars, Green Lantern, Spiderman swinging down from one of the lines on the page and reaching outward, and a mutant alient is on the bottom. The third section is split further into three sections vertically starting with staff, then copyright, then advertisers.

The birth of the superhero originated from the coming of modernity as well as a response to the fear modern technology brings. As a team of superheroes presented in the index, all of the heroes shown are the pinnacle of hope for the world in 1981 and act as a slight distraction from the world as well. The index of Amazing Heroes contains a couple of articles about the Justice Society of America along with two content pieces on Spiderman. These hero stories mold and shapes the moral tone of the world; Spiderman, in particular, does so in a non-judgemental way. He stands for hope and justice even in unconventional ways by America’s stance, like when Spidey/Peter Parker helps his friend after the friend turns to drugs. Spiderman is a safe and judgment-free figure. The Justice Society (along with the multiple articles presented) are a team of heroes that American can rely on for justice. Superman released a comic issue three years after this issue was printed posing the question of what life on Earth would be life without Superman and superheroes alike. It showed the distress the world would be an, a perfect example of why this issue highlights the importance of superheroes as essential icons.
In heavy political and societal discourse, it is appropriate for the comic industry to provide release and distraction for its readers. This issue was published between the movie releases of Star Wars Episode V (May 21, 1980) and Episode VI (May 25, 1983). The continuation of Star Wars via a comic story is a good reminder for the audience that this pop-culture phenomenon is still active. The story also keeps the audience engaged within multiple mediums (comics, film, and fan fiction). To further the point of distraction, there is an entire section entitled “Coming Distractions.” The Star Wars bit and the distractions keep the audience buying more as the comic itself engages with the political narratives with the superheroes, but includes multiple stories as to keep an array of audience members to retain and keep the comics circulating.

Executive Editor: J. Michael Catron
Art Director: Peppy White
Editorial Assistant: Laura K. Beal
Cover: Joe Staton
Contributing Writer: Richard Morrissey
Contributing Artists: Bill Anderson, Rich Buckler, Willie Blyberg, Sam DeLaRosa, Fred Hembeck, Gary Kwapsz, Mike O'Neal, Carl Taylor

MSU Special Collection Comic Art, PN6725.47

Zam, Inc.
Characters: DC Comics Inc., Marvel Comics Group, Candence Industries

August 1982

Tiffany McIntyre

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8-1/2 & 11 in.

English

Periodical

1982-1991