While looking for another, similar book the other day, I came across this one that I never even knew existed:


To wit: Raymond Chandler's Marlowe: The Authorized Philip Marlowe Graphic Novel/A Trilogy of Crime
Here's the stock Amazon description:
"Three adaptations of Raymond Chandler's tales of the classic noir PI Philip Marlowe. Elegantly designed and packaged in a mix of full color and black and white comics, this trio of graphic novels includes Chandler's classic final Marlowe adventure, "The Pencil," adapted from the Raymond Chandler story by award-winning mystery novelist Jerome Charyn and Marvel/DC comics illustrator David Lloyd; "Goldfish," adapted by top British designer Ryan Hughes and "Trouble is My Business" illustrated by Lee Moyer, Alfredo Alcala in a style reminiscent of 30s illustrator J.C. Leyendecker."

My question is, does anybody here have this? If so, is it worth tracking down?

Agreed about issue #11. Ploog's full art in that issue is as good as that of the Severins, even if it is very different. (When he doesn't ink his own work, as happens in the next several issues, it's something else altogether).

That beautiful issue notwithstanding, Kull the Destroyer was a disappointment to me. While the Kull the Conqueror issues had one story apiece, Destroyer begins a continuing storyline in which Kull has lost his throne to Thulsa Doom and means to regain it. The general idea isn't bad, but a succession of writers kept changing the course of the series and that led to a lot of plot lines being abandoned. In particular, we are treated to several "prophecies" that describe Kull's return to power... and they are all apparently forgotten by whoever inherits the book next. Then we are shown how Atlantis has magically turned into a modern civilization rivalling Valusia; how did this happen? We will never know, because another writer decides to drop the subject and turn Atlantis back to a barbarian country (also without an explanation). Then after a few unimportant adventures that would have been better suited for Claw the Unconquered or Ironjaw, the series concludes in one issue with Kull back on his throne thanks to what amounts to a magical technicality.

The several Marvel Kull series have for the most part ranged from above average to outstanding, but Kull the Destroyer must content itself with a score of "O.K."

(For a proper final confrontation between Kull and Thulsa Doom, don't miss Marvel Preview #19. It's from a story by Lin Carter so don't expect a Howard-level tale, and the art by Sal Buscema and Tony DeZuniga doesn't compare to Marie and John Severin's, but at least Doom doesn't go down like a chump).

Probably not the only reason, but Rosario Dawson's character Claire in the Daredevil series was referred to as The Night Nurse in some of the press materials and that was during a time when any movie/tv appearance or announcement of an appearance sent buyers into a frenzy to pick up the books. That coupled with the general rise in Bronze Age prices as people realized these books were hitting 30-40+ years old and the market adjusted both contributed to the fast rise of prices on this series. There were other factors as well for sure, but those were 2 of the factors.

-M

I'll add to MRP's comments, which are pretty spot-on, but the likely low print run and the fact that finding them in decent condition (heck, finding them in ANY condition!) also contribute to the silly pricing of this run, much like the Vicki series from Atlas/Seaboard. I have a couple of issues, including #4, which appears to be the rarest, but I've had them for awhile, and I also balk at the current "value" that the market places on this title.

The story isn't really that bad, but despite what the initial intent may have been when #1 was released, it doesn't take long for it to take a hard left turn into pseudo-gothic mystery/romance.

If you want to actually read it, Marvel did a softcover trade compilation in 2015, which also includes the later Daredevil "appearances". Not expensive and can be found fairly easily.