Greetings from '86

For comic book enthusiasts, the year 1986 is held in high regard. Perhaps the two greatest graphic novels published, Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons's Watchmen and Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns, were both released by DC. That same year Marvel put out a personal favorite, Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli's Daredevil: Born Again, as well as the gorgeous and innovative Elektra: Assassin by the dream team of Frank Miller and artist Bill Sienkiewicz. It was a kick in the pants for the industry, and began a trend toward realism and grit that continues two decades later.

While poking around in the bargain bins today at Classic City Comics (1063-B Baxter St., Athens), I came across a 1986 issue of Comics Interview, #34, that features a cover image of Elektra and an interview with the aforementioned Bill Sienkiewicz. That got me to pick up the book, but what got me to buy it ($.33, mind you) were the ridiculous images inside. The '80s were clearly awesome. Por ejemplo:

This is totally sweet.

Obviously the inspiration for Commander Codpiece.

I don't care if it's a file photo. It's Stan Lee with KISS. 'Nuff said!

What do you think of all this, Mighty Thor?

Right on, Thunder God. Right on.