Something simple this week. Back in 1983 and 1984 DC put out three sampler specials that were full of ads promoting the latest and, in some cases, greatest new stories that were coming down the pike. I wrote, “in some cases” because in other cases the stories were not great.

Case in point, World’s Finest Comics circa 1983 to 1984.

I’m sure these issues have their fans. But I just didn’t like them.

No matter how you feel about the stories themselves, the ads are interesting to look at. The first one is text heavy and relies more on mystery than anything else. The focus is on the people producing the stories and the friendship between Superman and Batman. The second one has a lot more personality, but Superman and Batman are more of an afterthought.

Again, I’m sure these issues have readers that loved them for a variety of reasons, but it was such an uneven era. The fact that DC was trying to sell the book on the new characters rather than Superman and Batman says a lot.

Still…the ads are fun.

Very, VERY eighties, but fun.

More to follow…