The Amazing World of DC Comics (Prior revision dated Saturday 16 September 2023 03:20:55 -- @181)

The Amazing World of DC Comics was a self-produced fan magazine by DC Comics that ran for 17 issues from July/August 1974 to April 1978. This exclusive fanzine, available only through mail order, offered an in-depth exploration of DC characters, their creators, and the broader Bronze Age DC corporate and creative culture.

The magazine was conceived by DC production manager Sol Harrison. Bob Rozakis, who started his career through letters to comic book letter columns, was tasked to oversee its development. Rozakis not only edited the magazine but also contributed to its content and managed the letters page. He was supported by a team of young fans turned DC Comics editorial employees, fondly known as the "Junior Woodchucks". Carl Gafford, another key contributor, took on multiple roles including editing, writing, production work, and color separations. Each issue could be subscribed for $1.50.

The editorial team of the magazine saw a few changes during its run. Initially, the bulk of the issues were edited by Allan Asherman, followed by Paul Levitz and then Cary Burkett. Individual issues were edited by Carl Gafford, Bob Rozakis, and Neal Pozner. The list of contributors to the magazine includes names like Ramona Fradon, Jack C. Harris, Nestor Redondo, Steve Skeates, Michael Uslan, Wally Wood, and Mark Gruenwald.

The Amazing World of DC Comics not only provided text articles but occasionally also featured previously unpublished stories and artwork. Examples include Jack Kirby’s material intended for “In the Days of the Mob #2 Murder Inc”, Tony DeZuniga’s artwork for Jonah Hex, and John Rosenberger’s last penciled pages originally intended for Wonder Woman.

The inaugural issue of the magazine offered a diverse range of features, including an interview with Joe Kubert, a retrospective of the Superman television series, an overview of the comic creation process, and a decade-by-decade retrospective titled “Yesteryear”. Issue #7 promoted “The Legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table”, a four-part King Arthur treasury edition series that was never published. In a notable revelation, issue #14 stated that Clark Kent's hometown of Smallville was in Maryland, a location that was later supported in the actual comics with a map of Smallville and the surrounding area.

Throughout its tenure, The Amazing World of DC Comics served as a rich source of insight into the universe of DC Comics, its characters, and the individuals who brought them to life.{{Categories}}