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{{Short description|American magazine}}
{{Infobox Magazine
{{Infobox magazine
| title = Comics Buyer's Guide
| title = Comics Buyer's Guide
| image_file = Cbg1600.png
| image_file = Cbg1600.png
| image_size =
| image_size =
| image_caption = ''Comics Buyer's Guide'' #1600 (January 2005)
| image_caption = ''Comics Buyer's Guide'' #1600 (January 2005)
| editor = [[Maggie Thompson]]
| editor = [[Brent Frankenhoff]] (2006–2013)
| editor_title = [[Senior Editor]]
| editor_title = [[Editor]]
| editor2 = [[Maggie Thompson]] (from 2006)
| previous_editor =
| editor_title2 = [[Senior Editor]]
| frequency = {{plainlist|monthly (February 1971 – August 1972)<br>twice-monthly (August 1972 – July 1975)<br>weekly (July 1975 – June 2004)<br>monthly (June 2004 – March 2013)}}
| previous_editor = [[Alan Light (comics)|Alan Light]] (1971–1983)<br />[[Maggie Thompson]] (1983–2006)
| editor3 = [[John Jackson Miller]] (from 1998)
| editor_title3 = Managing Editor
| editor4 = [[Brent Frankenhoff]] (1998–2006)
| editor_title4 = Project Editor
| staff_writer = [[Murray Bishoff]], [[Peter David]], [[Shel Dorf]], [[Mark Evanier]], [[Martin L. Greim]], [[Tony Isabella]], [[Heidi MacDonald]], [[Catherine Yronwode]]
| frequency = {{plainlist|monthly (Feb. 1971 – Aug. 1972)<br>twice-monthly (Aug. 1972 – July 1975)<br>weekly (July 1975 – June 2004)<br>monthly (June 2004 – Mar. 2013)}}
| category = [[comic books]] news and criticism
| category = [[comic books]] news and criticism
| total_circulation =
| total_circulation = 20,000
| circulation_year =
| circulation_year = late 1980s
| company =
| company = [[F+W Media]] (2002–2013)
| publisher = [[F+W Media]]
| publisher = Alan Light (1971–1983)<br />[[Krause Publications]] (1983–2013)
| founder = Alan Light
| founder = [[Alan Light (comics)|Alan Light]]
| firstdate = March 1971
| firstdate = March 1971
| lastdate = March 2013
| lastdate = March 2013
| finalnumber = 1699
| finalnumber = 1,699
| country = [[United States]]<!--no flag WP:ICONDECORATION-->
| country = United States<!--no flag WP:ICONDECORATION-->
| based = [[Iola, Wisconsin]]
| based = [[Iola, Wisconsin]] (from 1983)
| language = [[English language|English]]
| language = English
| website = {{URL|http://www.cbgxtra.com}}
| website = {{URL|http://www.cbgxtra.com}}{{dead|date=July 2022}}
| issn = 0745-4570
| issn = 0745-4570
}}
}}
'''''Comics Buyer's Guide''''' ('''''CBG'''''; {{ISSN|0745-4570}}), established in 1971, was the longest-running English-language [[periodical]] reporting on the American [[comic book]] industry. It awarded its annual Comics Buyer's Guide Fan Awards from 1982 to circa 2010. The publication ceased with the March 2013 issue.<ref name="cbgxtra_20130109">Frankenhoff, Brent (January 9, 2013). [http://www.cbgxtra.com/comics-news-and-notes/fw-announces-closure-of-comics-buyers-guide "F+W Announces Closure of Comics Buyer’s Guide"]. ''Comics Buyer’s Guide''</ref><ref name="comichron_20130109">Miller, John Jackson (January 9, 2013). [http://blog.comichron.com/2013/01/end-of-era-comics-buyers-guide-1971-2013.html "End of an era: Comics Buyer's Guide, 1971–2013"]. ''The Comichron''</ref> The magazine was headquartered in [[Iola, Wisconsin]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Brent Frankenhoff|title=The Greatest Comic Book Covers of All Time|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=StfJreNds4AC&pg=PA1|accessdate=February 17, 2016|date=December 14, 2012|publisher=Krause Publications Craft|isbn=978-1-4402-3499-6|page=1}}</ref>
'''''Comics Buyer's Guide''''' ('''''CBG'''''; {{ISSN|0745-4570}}), established in 1971, was the longest-running English-language [[periodical]] reporting on the American [[comic book]] industry. It awarded its annual [[Comics Buyer's Guide Fan Awards]] from 1983 to circa 2010. The publication ceased with the March 2013 issue.<ref name="cbgxtra_20130109">Frankenhoff, Brent (January 9, 2013). [http://www.cbgxtra.com/comics-news-and-notes/fw-announces-closure-of-comics-buyers-guide "F+W Announces Closure of Comics Buyer’s Guide"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002220256/http://www.cbgxtra.com/comics-news-and-notes/fw-announces-closure-of-comics-buyers-guide |date=2015-10-02 }}. ''Comics Buyer’s Guide''</ref><ref name="comichron_20130109">Miller, John Jackson (January 9, 2013). [http://blog.comichron.com/2013/01/end-of-era-comics-buyers-guide-1971-2013.html "End of an era: Comics Buyer's Guide, 1971–2013"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130111215820/http://blog.comichron.com/2013/01/end-of-era-comics-buyers-guide-1971-2013.html |date=2013-01-11 }}. ''The Comichron''</ref> The magazine was headquartered in [[Iola, Wisconsin]],<ref>{{cite book|author=Brent Frankenhoff|title=The Greatest Comic Book Covers of All Time|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=StfJreNds4AC&pg=PA1|access-date=February 17, 2016|date=December 14, 2012|publisher=Krause Publications Craft|isbn=978-1-4402-3499-6|page=1}}{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> after originally being published in the [[Quad Cities]] region.


==History==
==History==
{{TOC left|limit=3}}
{{TOC left|limit=3}}
===1971–1983===
[[File:Alan Light 1975.jpg|thumb|left|Alan Light in his first office, in his parents' basement, in 1975]]
''CBG'' was founded in February 1971 by Alan Light under the title '''''The Buyer's Guide to Comics Fandom''''' ('''''TBG''''') as a monthly newspaper in a [[tabloid (newspaper format)|tabloid]] format. ''TBG'' began primarily as an [[advertising]] venue – known in comics fandom as an "adzine", i.e. a [[fanzine]] devoted to ads. Ron Frantz, in his book ''Fandom: Confidential,'' traces the lineage of Light's endeavor to ''Stan's Weekly Express'', (aka ''WE'') a pioneering adzine published from 1969 to 1973, whose bare-bones approach was inspired by an "obscure journal of flower advertising known as ''Joe's Bulletin''".<ref name="Frantz">Ron Frantz. ''Fandom: Confidential''. Mena, Arkansas: Midguard Publishing, 2000, p.53</ref> Frantz also provides background on Light's interaction with the [[WE Seal of approval program]], with which he cooperated in order to help combat mail fraud. Frantz in addition describes the infamous long-running feud between Light and ''[[Comics Journal]]'' founder [[Gary Groth]].<ref>Ron Frantz. ''Fandom: Confidential''. Mena, Arkansas: Midguard Publishing, 2000.</ref>


===Alan Light years: 1971–1983===
''TBG''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s frequency was changed to twice-monthly with issue #18 (August 1, 1972). Besides occasional [[letter column]]s, beginning with issue #19 (Aug. 15, 1972), prominent fans Don and [[Maggie Thompson]] began a monthly column, "Beautiful Balloons." A news column, "What Now?" by [[Murray Bishoff]], was added with #26 (Dec. 1, 1972). These provided the editorial content required by the [[United States Postal Service]] to qualify for [[mail#First-class|second class mail]] (along with paid subscriptions being instituted with issue #27, January 1, 1973).<ref>Groth, Gary. [http://archives.tcj.com/235/nostedit.html "Editorial",] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100531152151/http://archives.tcj.com/235/nostedit.html |date=2010-05-31 }} ''Nostalgia Journal'' #27 (July 1976).</ref>
''CBG'' was founded in February 1971 by [[Alan Light (comics)|Alan Light]] under the title '''''The Buyer's Guide for Comic Fandom''''' ('''''TBG''''') as a monthly newspaper in a [[tabloid (newspaper format)|tabloid]] format. ''TBG'' began primarily as an advertising venue – known in comics fandom as an "adzine", i.e. a [[fanzine]] devoted to ads. Ron Frantz, in his book ''Fandom: Confidential'', traces the lineage of Light's endeavor to ''Stan's Weekly Express'' (aka ''WE''), a pioneering adzine published from 1969 to 1973, whose bare-bones approach was inspired by an "obscure journal of flower advertising known as ''Joe's Bulletin''".<ref name="Frantz">Ron Frantz. ''Fandom: Confidential''. Mena, Arkansas: Midguard Publishing, 2000, p. 53.</ref> Frantz also provides background on Light's interaction with the [[WE Seal of approval program]], with which he cooperated in order to help combat mail fraud. Frantz in addition describes the infamous long-running feud between Light and ''[[Comics Journal]]'' founder [[Gary Groth]].<ref>Ron Frantz. ''Fandom: Confidential''. Mena, Arkansas: Midguard Publishing, 2000.</ref>


''TBG''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s frequency was changed to twice-monthly with issue #18 (August 1, 1972). Besides occasional [[letter column]]s, beginning with issue #19 (Aug. 15, 1972), prominent fans Don and [[Maggie Thompson]] began a monthly column, "Beautiful Balloons." A news column, "What Now?" by [[Murray Bishoff]], was added with #26 (Dec. 1, 1972). These provided the editorial content required by the [[United States Postal Service]] to qualify for [[mail#First-Class|second class mail]] (along with paid subscriptions being instituted with issue #27, January 1, 1973).<ref>Groth, Gary. [http://archives.tcj.com/235/nostedit.html "Editorial"], {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100531152151/http://archives.tcj.com/235/nostedit.html |date=2010-05-31 }} ''Nostalgia Journal'' #27 (July 1976).</ref> At this time, ''TBG''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s circulation was about 3,600 copies.<ref name=Miller />
''TBG'' went weekly with issue #86 (July 18, 1975). [[Cat Yronwode]] succeeded Bishoff as news reporter with issue #329 (March 7, 1980), renaming the column "Fit to Print".


''TBG'' went weekly with issue #86 (July 18, 1975). In 1977, ''TBG''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s circulation topped 10,000.<ref name=Miller /> [[Cat Yronwode]] succeeded Bishoff as news reporter with issue #329 (March 7, 1980), renaming the column "Fit to Print".
=== 1983–2002===

In 1983, ''The Buyer's Guide'' was purchased by [[Krause Publications]].<ref>"Light Sells ''Buyer's Guide'' to Krause Publications", ''The Comics Journal'' #80 (March 1983), p. 22.</ref> Columnists Don and Maggie Thompson were hired as editors. Krause changed the name with their first issue #482 (February 11, 1983) to ''Comics Buyer's Guide''. At that time Krause instituted the controversial<ref>"''Comics Buyer's Guide'' Advertisement Criteria Draw Fire from Advertisers", ''The Comics Journal'' #91 (July 1984), pp. 8–10.</ref><ref>"''CBG'' Censors Ad Addressing Glenwood Distributors Accounts", ''The Comics Journal'' #115 (April 1987), p. 26.</ref><ref>"Comics Buyer's Guide Rejects Trident Ad", ''The Comics Journal'' #131 (September 1989), pp. 11–12.</ref> CBG Customer Service Award, the display of which signifies an advertiser had a "clean bill of health".
=== Krause Publications years: 1983–2002===
In 1983, ''The Buyer's Guide'' was purchased by [[Krause Publications]].<ref>"Light Sells ''Buyer's Guide'' to Krause Publications", ''The Comics Journal'' #80 (March 1983), p. 22.</ref> Columnists Don and Maggie Thompson were hired as editors. Krause changed the name with their first issue #482 (February 11, 1983) to '''''Comics Buyer's Guide'''''. At that time Krause instituted the controversial<ref>"''Comics Buyer's Guide'' Advertisement Criteria Draw Fire from Advertisers", ''The Comics Journal'' #91 (July 1984), pp. 8–10.</ref><ref>"''CBG'' Censors Ad Addressing Glenwood Distributors Accounts", ''The Comics Journal'' #115 (April 1987), p. 26.</ref><ref>"Comics Buyer's Guide Rejects Trident Ad", ''The Comics Journal'' #131 (September 1989), pp. 11–12.</ref> CBG Customer Service Award, the display of which signifies an advertiser had a "clean bill of health". By the late 1980s, the publication had more than 20,000 subscribers.<ref name=Miller />


Writer [[Peter David]]'s column, "But I Digress...", joined the publication in 1990.<ref>Greenberger, Robert (January 10, 2013). [http://www.comicmix.com/news/2013/01/10/the-comics-buyers-guide-1971-2013/ "The Comics Buyer’s Guide: 1971–2013"]. [[ComicMix]].</ref> The magazine added [[Mark Evanier]]'s column "P.O.V." in late 1994.
Writer [[Peter David]]'s column, "But I Digress...", joined the publication in 1990.<ref>Greenberger, Robert (January 10, 2013). [http://www.comicmix.com/news/2013/01/10/the-comics-buyers-guide-1971-2013/ "The Comics Buyer’s Guide: 1971–2013"]. [[ComicMix]].</ref> The magazine added [[Mark Evanier]]'s column "P.O.V." in late 1994.


In 1992, the magazine spun off its distributor and retailer news into a separate periodical, ''[[Comics & Games Retailer]]'' (which ceased publication in 2007).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foliomag.com/2007/f-w-shutters-multiple-hobbyist-magazines |title=F+W Shutters Multiple Magazines |accessdate=2008-01-24 |format=Folio |date=2007-12-19 }}</ref> Co-editor Don Thompson died in May 23, 1994.<ref>Butler, Don (July 1994). "CGB Co-Editor Don Thompson Dead at 58". ''[[Hero Illustrated]]''. pp. 16.</ref> In 1998, Krause brought on [[John Jackson Miller]] as managing editor and [[Brent Frankenhoff]] as projects editor, with Maggie Thompson remaining as editor.<ref>"News Watch: Krause Publications Names Editors", ''The Comics Journal'' #203 (April 1998), p. 30.</ref> Frankenhoff was promoted to ''CBG'' Editor in 2006, with Maggie Thompson assuming the title of Senior Editor.
In 1992, the magazine spun off its distributor and retailer news into a separate periodical, ''[[Comics & Games Retailer]]'' (which ceased publication in 2007).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foliomag.com/2007/f-w-shutters-multiple-hobbyist-magazines |title=F+W Shutters Multiple Magazines |access-date=2008-01-24 |format=Folio |date=2007-12-19 }}</ref> Co-editor Don Thompson died on May 23, 1994.<ref>Butler, Don (July 1994). "CGB Co-Editor Don Thompson Dead at 58". ''[[Hero Illustrated]]''. pp. 16.</ref> In 1998, Krause brought on [[John Jackson Miller]] as managing editor and [[Brent Frankenhoff]] as projects editor, with Maggie Thompson remaining as editor.<ref>"News Watch: Krause Publications Names Editors", ''The Comics Journal'' #203 (April 1998), p. 30.</ref>

''CBG'' was named Best Comics Publication in the 1985 [[Kirby Awards]], and was given the [[Eisner Award]] for Best Comics-Related Periodical/Publication in 1992 and 1993.


In July 2002, Krause was acquired by [[F+W Publications]].
In July 2002, Krause was acquired by [[F+W Publications]].


===2002–2013===
===F+W Publications years: 2002–2013===
With issue #1595 (June 2004), ''CBG'' changed its format from a weekly tabloid to a monthly [[perfect bound]] magazine. In addition, in hopes of enhancing [[newsstand]] sales, ''CBG'' added a [[price guide]] for contemporary comics as well as other new features intended to make the magazine more appealing to those with an avid interest in comic books as an investment. This marketing strategy was also tied to the yearly publication of the ''[[Standard Catalog of Comic Books]]'', produced in conjunction with Human Computing, the makers of the comic collectors’ software [[ComicBase]].
With issue #1595 (June 2004), ''CBG'' changed its format from a weekly tabloid to a monthly [[perfect bound]] magazine. In addition, in hopes of enhancing [[newsstand]] sales, ''CBG'' added a [[price guide]] for contemporary comics as well as other new features intended to make the magazine more appealing to those with an avid interest in comic books as an investment. This marketing strategy was also tied to the yearly publication of the ''[[Standard Catalog of Comic Books]]'', produced in conjunction with Human Computing, the makers of the comic collectors’ software [[ComicBase]].


In July 2005, the magazine began archiving past features at its CBGXtra.com service. In late 2009, ''CBG''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s page count was reduced, the perfect binding ended, and some of the features changed, including the removal of the price guide listings.
In July 2005, the magazine began archiving past features at its CBGXtra.com service. Brett Frankenhoff was promoted to ''CBG'' Editor in 2006, with Maggie Thompson assuming the title of Senior Editor. In late 2009, ''CBG''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s page count was reduced, the perfect binding ended, and some of the features changed, including the removal of the price guide listings.


==== Cancelation and legacy ====
On January 9, 2013, Krause Publications announced the cancellation of ''Comics Buyer’s Guide'' effective with issue #1699 (March 2013). The website CBGXtra and its Facebook page continued as archived resources for a time but are no longer online, replaced by the web site of the new owner ''[[Antique Trader]]''.<ref name="cbgxtra_20130109" /><ref name="comichron_20130109" /> ''[[Alter Ego (magazine)|Alter Ego]]'' #122 (Jan. 2014) is a tribute issue devoted to ''Comics Buyer's Guide'' with features regarding what would have made the 1700th CBG issue if the magazine had continued.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://twomorrows.com/blog/tnt/alter-ego-bids-farewell-to-comics-buyers-guide-in-a-special-tribute-issue/ |title=Alter Ego bids farewell to Comics Buyer's Guide in a special tribute issue |author=Mr. Morrow |date=2013-12-05 |publisher=[[TwoMorrows Publishing]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007081320/http://twomorrows.com/blog/tnt/alter-ego-bids-farewell-to-comics-buyers-guide-in-a-special-tribute-issue/ |archive-date=October 7, 2014 |url-status=live |accessdate=January 14, 2014 }}</ref>
On January 9, 2013, Krause Publications announced the cancellation of ''Comics Buyer’s Guide'' effective with issue #1699 (March 2013).<ref>McMillan, Graeme. [https://comicsalliance.com/comic-buyers-guide-canceled-42-years/ "Krause Cancels ‘Comic Buyer’s Guide’ After 42 Years,"] ''Comics Alliance'' (January 9, 2013).</ref> The website CBGXtra and its Facebook page continued as archived resources for a time but are no longer online, replaced by the website of the new owner ''[[Antique Trader]]''.<ref name="cbgxtra_20130109" /><ref name="comichron_20130109" />


''[[Alter Ego (magazine)|Alter Ego]]'' #122 (Jan. 2014) was a tribute issue devoted to ''Comics Buyer's Guide'', with features regarding what would have made the 1700th ''CBG'' issue if the magazine had continued.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://twomorrows.com/blog/tnt/alter-ego-bids-farewell-to-comics-buyers-guide-in-a-special-tribute-issue/ |title=Alter Ego bids farewell to Comics Buyer's Guide in a special tribute issue |author=Mr. Morrow |date=2013-12-05 |publisher=[[TwoMorrows Publishing]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007081320/http://twomorrows.com/blog/tnt/alter-ego-bids-farewell-to-comics-buyers-guide-in-a-special-tribute-issue/ |archive-date=October 7, 2014 |url-status=live |access-date=January 14, 2014 }}</ref>
A complete collection of ''CBG'' and its predecessor is held by the [[Michigan State University Libraries#Comic Art Collection|Michigan State University Comic Art Collection]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.lib.msu.edu/comics/rri/brri/bux.htm |title=Michigan State University Libraries Comic Art Collection: "Buxadé" to "Büyük Mavi" |access-date=2008-11-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080706024923/http://www.lib.msu.edu/comics/rri/brri/bux.htm |archive-date=2008-07-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.lib.msu.edu/comics/rri/crri/comicsb.htm |title=Michigan State University Libraries Comic Art Collection: "Comics Ban" to "Comics Express" |access-date=2008-11-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709000148/http://www.lib.msu.edu/comics/rri/crri/comicsb.htm |archive-date=2008-07-09 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

A complete collection of ''TBG''/''CBG'' is held by the [[Michigan State University Libraries#Comic Art Collection|Michigan State University Comic Art Collection]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.lib.msu.edu/comics/rri/brri/bux.htm |title=Michigan State University Libraries Comic Art Collection: "Buxadé" to "Büyük Mavi" |access-date=2008-11-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080706024923/http://www.lib.msu.edu/comics/rri/brri/bux.htm |archive-date=2008-07-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.lib.msu.edu/comics/rri/crri/comicsb.htm |title=Michigan State University Libraries Comic Art Collection: "Comics Ban" to "Comics Express" |access-date=2008-11-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709000148/http://www.lib.msu.edu/comics/rri/crri/comicsb.htm |archive-date=2008-07-09 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


== Columnists ==
== Columnists ==
''CBG'' hosted many columns over the years in addition to Don and Maggie Thompson's "Beautiful Balloons", Murray Bishoff's "What Now?", and Cat Yronwode's "Fit to Print".<ref name=AT>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbgxtra.com/cbg-index/1972-issues/cbg-index-26|title=Comics Buyer's Guide – Antique Trader|work=Antique Trader|accessdate=19 April 2016}}</ref> With issue #25 (Nov. 15, 1972) [[Martin L. Greim]], publisher of the fanzine ''The Comic Crusader'', began to contribute an occasional column initially titled "M. L. G. on Comics", that later would be known as "Crusader Comments".<ref name=AT /> With issue #162 in 1976 [[Shel Dorf]] began an occasional series "Shel Dorf and the Fantasy Makers" interviewing creators in comics, television and film.<ref>[http://archives.tcj.com/messboard/viewtopic.php?t=7089&highlight=&sid=6d5ed704a675994a5b8a4ac288480f36 Russ Maheras list of "Shel Dorf and the Fantasy Makers" interviewees] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309160125/http://archives.tcj.com/messboard/viewtopic.php?t=7089&highlight=&sid=6d5ed704a675994a5b8a4ac288480f36 |date=March 9, 2012 }}</ref> Another columnist in the 1970s was [[David Scroggy]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sheldorftribute.com/2009/11/29/hal-scroggys-watercolor-portrait-of-shel/|title=Hal Scroggy's Watercolor Portrait of Shel|publisher=|accessdate=19 April 2016}}</ref>
''CBG'' hosted many columns over the years in addition to Don and Maggie Thompson's "Beautiful Balloons", Murray Bishoff's "What Now?", and Cat Yronwode's "Fit to Print".<ref name=AT>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbgxtra.com/cbg-index/1972-issues/cbg-index-26|title=Comics Buyer's Guide – Antique Trader|work=Antique Trader|access-date=19 April 2016|archive-date=23 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923201019/http://www.cbgxtra.com/cbg-index/1972-issues/cbg-index-26|url-status=dead}}</ref> With issue #25 (Nov. 15, 1972) [[Martin L. Greim]], publisher of the fanzine ''The Comic Crusader'', began to contribute an occasional column initially titled "M. L. G. on Comics", that later would be known as "Crusader Comments".<ref name=AT /> With issue #162 in 1976 [[Shel Dorf]] began an occasional series "Shel Dorf and the Fantasy Makers" interviewing creators in comics, television and film.<ref>[http://archives.tcj.com/messboard/viewtopic.php?t=7089&highlight=&sid=6d5ed704a675994a5b8a4ac288480f36 Russ Maheras list of "Shel Dorf and the Fantasy Makers" interviewees] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309160125/http://archives.tcj.com/messboard/viewtopic.php?t=7089&highlight=&sid=6d5ed704a675994a5b8a4ac288480f36 |date=March 9, 2012 }}</ref> Another columnist in the 1970s was [[David Scroggy]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sheldorftribute.com/2009/11/29/hal-scroggys-watercolor-portrait-of-shel/|title=Hal Scroggy's Watercolor Portrait of Shel|access-date=19 April 2016}}</ref>


Another column was Robert Ingersoll's "The Law is A{{sic}} Ass!". The column dealt with how comics writers erred in their depiction of the law, and what Ingersoll thought they should have done. It also dealt with procedural errors.<ref>Ingersoll, Bob. [http://www.worldfamouscomics.com/law/ "The Law Is an Ass"]. World Famous Comics. Retrieved May 3, 2014.</ref>
Another column was Robert Ingersoll's "The Law is A{{sic}} Ass!". The column dealt with how comics writers erred in their depiction of the law, and what Ingersoll thought they should have done. It also dealt with procedural errors.<ref>Ingersoll, Bob. [http://www.worldfamouscomics.com/law/ "The Law Is an Ass"]. World Famous Comics. Retrieved May 3, 2014.</ref>


In the ''CBG'' era, the magazine has been noted for its letter column "Oh, So?", as well as columns by [[Peter David]], [[Tony Isabella]], [[Catherine Yronwode]], Rick Norwood, [[Mark Evanier]], [[John Jackson Miller]], [[Bob Ingersoll]], [[Heidi MacDonald]], [[Chuck Rozanski]], Craig Shutt, [[Beau Smith]], Andrew Smith, and others. As part of the June 2004 switch to monthly publication, Maggie Thompson revived the "Beautiful Balloons" column.
In the ''CBG'' era, the magazine has been noted for its letter column "Oh, So?", as well as columns by [[Peter David]], [[Tony Isabella]], [[Catherine Yronwode]], Rick Norwood, [[Mark Evanier]], [[John Jackson Miller]], [[Bob Ingersoll]], [[Heidi MacDonald]], [[Rik Offenberger]], [[Chuck Rozanski]], Craig Shutt, [[Beau Smith]], Andrew Smith, and others. As part of the June 2004 switch to monthly publication, Maggie Thompson revived the "Beautiful Balloons" column.


== Cartoons and strips ==
== Cartoons and strips ==
Cartoonists whose work appeared in ''CBG'' include [[Marc Hansen]], Chuck Fiala, Jim Engel, [[Dan Vebber]], [[Fred Hembeck]], Mark Engblom, Brian Douglas Ahern, Chris Smigliano, [[Mark Martin (cartoonist)|Mark Martin]], [[Batton Lash]], Brian Hayes, and others. For some years ''CBG'' reprinted installments of [[The Spirit]] comic strip by [[Will Eisner]]. The panel cartoon "Last Kiss" by [[John Lustig]] was also among the longtime fixtures. Professional comic book artists such as [[Jack Kirby]], [[C.C. Beck]] and [[Alex Toth]], as well as otherwise-unknown fan artists, regularly contributed covers along with headers and spot illustrations to the "Beautiful Balloons" and "Fit to Print" columns.
Cartoonists whose work appeared in ''CBG'' include [[Marc Hansen (cartoonist)|Marc Hansen]], Chuck Fiala, Jim Engel, [[Dan Vebber]], [[Fred Hembeck]], Mark Engblom, Brian Douglas Ahern, Chris Smigliano, [[Mark Martin (cartoonist)|Mark Martin]], [[Batton Lash]], Brian Hayes, and others. For some years ''CBG'' reprinted installments of [[Spirit (comics character)|The Spirit]] comic strip by [[Will Eisner]]. The panel cartoon "Last Kiss" by [[John Lustig]] was also among the longtime fixtures. Professional comic book artists such as [[Jack Kirby]], [[C.C. Beck]] and [[Alex Toth]], as well as otherwise-unknown fan artists, regularly contributed covers along with headers and spot illustrations to the "Beautiful Balloons" and "Fit to Print" columns.


== Comics Buyer's Guide Fan Awards ==
== Comics Buyer's Guide Fan Awards ==
''CBG'' administered the annual [[Comics Buyer's Guide Fan Awards]] from 1983 to circa 2010, with the first awards announced in issue #500 (June 17, 1983).
{{Infobox award
| name = Comics Buyer's Guide Fan Awards
| current_awards =
| former name = CBG Award
| sponsor = [[Comic Buyer's Guide]]
| caption =
| description = Fan-voted awards for comic book creators, titles, and characters
| host = [[Chicago Comicon]] (c. 1983–1996)
| country = U.S.
| location =
| year = 1983
| year2 = {{circa}} 2010
| website =
| previous = [[Inkpot Award]]
| next= [[Kirby Award]]
}}
Upon taking over as editors in 1983, Don and Maggie Thompson aspired to bring back a series of comic book fan awards like the [[Goethe Awards]], which they administered in the first half of the 1970s. (The Goethe Award — later known as the Comic Fan Art Award — originated with the [[fanzine]] ''Newfangles'' and then shared close ties with ''The Buyer's Guide to Comics Fandom''.)<ref name=Miller /><ref name=fanawards6170>Thompson, Maggie. [http://www.cbgxtra.com/knowledge-base/for-your-reference/comics-fan-awards-1961-1970 "Comics Fan Awards 1961-1970"] ''Comics Buyer's Guide'' (August 19, 2005). {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914191950/http://www.cbgxtra.com/knowledge-base/for-your-reference/comics-fan-awards-1961-1970 |date=September 14, 2015 }}</ref>


Upon taking over as ''CBG'' editors, Don and Maggie Thompson aspired to bring back a series of comic book fan awards like the [[Goethe Awards]], which they had administered in the first half of the 1970s. (The Goethe Award — later known as the Comic Fan Art Award — originated with the Thompsons' [[fanzine]] ''Newfangles'' and then shared close ties with ''The Buyer's Guide to Comics Fandom''.<ref name=Miller /><ref name=fanawards6170>Thompson, Maggie. [http://www.cbgxtra.com/knowledge-base/for-your-reference/comics-fan-awards-1961-1970 "Comics Fan Awards 1961-1970"] ''Comics Buyer's Guide'' (August 19, 2005). {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914191950/http://www.cbgxtra.com/knowledge-base/for-your-reference/comics-fan-awards-1961-1970 |date=September 14, 2015 }}</ref> Perhaps not coincidentally, ''TBG'' was given the Goethe Award for Favorite Fanzine in 1972.)<ref name=Goethe>Miller, John Jackson. [http://www.cbgxtra.com/knowledge-base/for-your-reference/goethecomic-fan-art-award-winners-1971-74 "GOETHE/COMIC FAN ART AWARD WINNERS, 1971-74,"] ''Comics Buyer's Guide'' (July 19, 2005). {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100920035152/http://www.cbgxtra.com/knowledge-base/for-your-reference/goethecomic-fan-art-award-winners-1971-74 |date=September 20, 2010 }}</ref>
''CBG'' administered the annual Comics Buyer's Guide Fan Awards from 1982 to circa 2010, with the first awards announced in issue #500 (June 17, 1983). The format and balloting of the Fan Awards were in many ways derived from the Goethe Award/Comic Fan Art Award. The awards were initially voted on by ''CBG'' subscribers; the voting was later opened up to everyone. The awards were often presented at the annual [[Chicago Comicon]]<ref name=Miller>Miller, John Jackson. [https://www.comichron.com/faq/comicsbuyersguidehistory.html "Comics Buyer's Guide: A Look Back: Launched as The Buyer's Guide for Comic Fandom, how a publication started by a teenager ran for nearly 1,700 issues,"] ''Comichron''. Accessed Jan. 22, 2020.</ref> until 1996 (when the [[Wizard Fan Awards]] moved in); from that point forward the CBG Award results were simply published in the magazine.


The format and balloting of the CBG Fan Awards were in many ways derived from the Goethe Award/Comic Fan Art Award. The awards were initially voted on by ''CBG'' subscribers; the voting was later opened up to everyone. As many as 5,000 votes were cast per year during the 1990s.<ref name=Miller />
=== Categories ===
As of 2006, awards were presented in 12 categories for works published in 2005:<ref>[http://www.hahnlibrary.net/comics/awards/cbg03.php "22nd Annual Comics Buyers Guide Fan Awards (2004),"] Hahn Library. Accessed Jan. 22, 2020.</ref>
* Favorite Publisher — created in 1997
* Favorite Editor
* Favorite Writer
* Favorite Penciller — changed from "Favorite Artist" in 1986
* Favorite Inker — created in 1986
* Favorite Letterer — created in 1986
* Favorite Colorist — created in 1986
* Favorite Comic Book
* Favorite Character
* Favorite Cover Artist — created in 1985
* Favorite Original Graphic Album — created as "Favorite Book" in 1984; renamed "Favorite Graphic Novel" in 1986; split in 1987 into Original and Reprint
* Favorite Comic Book Story


The awards were often presented at the annual [[Chicago Comicon]]<ref name=Miller>Miller, John Jackson. [https://www.comichron.com/faq/comicsbuyersguidehistory.html "Comics Buyer's Guide: A Look Back: Launched as The Buyer's Guide for Comic Fandom, how a publication started by a teenager ran for nearly 1,700 issues,"] ''Comichron''. Accessed Jan. 22, 2020.</ref> until 1996 (when the [[Wizard Fan Awards]] moved in); from that point forward the CBG Award results were simply published in the magazine.
Past awards:
* Favorite Fan Artist — created in 1982; retired in 1984?
* Favorite Reprint Graphic Album — created in 1987; retired in 2001
* Favorite Limited Series — created 1985; retired in 2001
* Favorite Painter — created in 1991; retired in 2001
* Favorite Direct-Sales Book Only Title (Phil Seuling Award)
* Favorite Publication About Comics — retired in 1995

=== Past winners ===
Dates for awards are slightly confusing, as explained by the Hahn Library:
{{blockquote|The awards are for work done in the listed year; the results are published the following year. (Note that prior to approximately 1997, CBG referred to the current year's awards by the year the work was done, but around 1997, CBG started referring to the current year's awards by the year the award was given – though they continued referring to awards prior to the switchover date by the year the work was done. For consistency, the years on this site either refer to the year the work was done, or include the context necessary to determine which meaning is indicated.)<ref name=HahnCBG>[http://www.hahnlibrary.net/comics/awards/cbg.php Comic Buyers Guide Fan Awards,] Hahn Library. Accessed Jan. 22, 2020.</ref>}}

[[Alex Ross]] won the CBG Award for Favorite Painter seven years in a row,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.hahnlibrary.net/comics/awards/cbgsum.php|title= Comics Buyers Guide Fan Awards|date= n.d.|publisher= Comic Book Awards Almanac|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20130925203743/http://www.hahnlibrary.net/comics/awards/cbgsum.php|archivedate= September 25, 2013|url-status = live|df=mdy-all|accessdate= February 1, 2014}}</ref> resulting in that publication's retirement of that in 2001. ''Comics Buyer's Guide'' Senior Editor [[Maggie Thompson]] later commented in regard to this, "Ross may simply be the field's Favorite Painter, period. That's despite the fact that many outstanding painters are at work in today's comic books."<ref name=Thompson>[[Thompson, Maggie]]. "Super-power to the people!" ''Comics Buyer's Guide''. #1663 (March 2010), Page 16.</ref>

The following are past winners (where the information is available):<ref name=HahnCBG />

==== Favorite Publisher ====
* 1997 [[DC Comics]]
* 1998 DC
* 1999 DC
* 2000 DC
* 2001 DC
* 2002 DC
* 2003 DC
* 2004 DC
* 2005 DC
* 2006 [[Marvel Comics]]
* 2008 DC

==== Favorite Editor ====
* 1982 (tie)
** [[Al Milgrom]]
** [[Len Wein]]
* 1983 [[Mike Gold (comics)|Mike Gold]]
* 1984 [[Jim Shooter]]
* 1985 [[Marv Wolfman]]
* 1986 [[Dennis O'Neil]]
* 1987 [[Mark Gruenwald]]
* 1988 Dennis O'Neil
* 1989 Dennis O'Neil
* 1990 [[Bob Harras]]
* 1991 Bob Harras
* 1992 [[Karen Berger]]
* 1993 [[Mike Carlin]]
* 1994 Mike Carlin
* 1995 Bob Harras
* 1996 (tie)
** Mark Gruenwald
** Dennis O'Neil
* 1997 [[Archie Goodwin (comics)|Archie Goodwin]]
* 1998 [[Tom Brevoort]]
* 1999 Dennis O'Neil
* 2000 [[Joe Quesada]]
* 2001 Joe Quesada
* 2002 [[Axel Alonso]]
* 2003 Axel Alonso
* 2004 Tom Brevoort
* 2005 [[Dan DiDio]]
* 2006 Joe Quesada

==== Favorite Writer ====
* 1982 [[Frank Miller (comics)|Frank Miller]]
* 1983 (tie)
** [[Chris Claremont]]
** [[Dave Sim]]
* 1984 Chris Claremont
* 1985 [[Alan Moore]]
* 1986 Alan Moore
* 1987 Alan Moore
* 1988 Chris Claremont
* 1989 Chris Claremont
* 1990 Chris Claremont
* 1991 [[Neil Gaiman]]
* 1992 Neil Gaiman
* 1993 Neil Gaiman
* 1994 [[Peter David]]
* 1995 [[Carl Barks]]
* 1996 [[Mark Waid]]
* 1997 [[Kurt Busiek]]
* 1998 Kurt Busiek
* 1999 Alan Moore
* 2000 Alan Moore
* 2001 [[Brian Michael Bendis]]
* 2002 Brian Michael Bendis
* 2003 Brian Michael Bendis
* 2004 [[Geoff Johns]]
* 2005 Geoff Johns
* 2006 [[Stan Lee]]
* 2007 Geoff Johns
* 2008 Geoff Johns

==== Favorite Artist/Penciller ====
* 1982 [[Frank Miller (comics)|Frank Miller]]
* 1983 [[George Pérez]]
* 1984 [[John Byrne (comics)|John Byrne]]
* 1985 George Pérez
* 1986 John Byrne
* 1987 George Pérez
* 1988 [[Todd McFarlane]]
* 1989 Todd McFarlane
* 1990 [[Jim Lee]]
* 1991 Jim Lee
* 1992 Todd McFarlane
* 1993 Todd McFarlane
* 1994 Todd McFarlane
* 1995 [[William Van Horn]]
* 1996 John Byrne
* 1997 George Pérez
* 1998 George Pérez
* 1999 George Pérez
* 2000 George Pérez
* 2001 [[John Romita Jr.]]
* 2002 George Pérez
* 2003 George Pérez
* 2004 Jim Lee
* 2005 George Pérez
* 2006 George Pérez
* 2008 George Pérez

==== Favorite Fan Artist ====
* 1982 [[Fred Hembeck]]<ref name=WhosWho>[http://www.bailsprojects.com/bio.aspx?Name=HEMBECK%2c+FRED Hembeck entry], ''Who's Who of American Comic Books, 1928–1999''. Accessed Feb. 4, 2016.</ref>
* 1983 Fred Hembeck
* 1984 Fred Hembeck

==== Favorite Inker ====
* 1986 [[Terry Austin (comics)|Terry Austin]]
* 1987 Terry Austin
* 1988 Terry Austin
* 1989 Terry Austin
* 1990 [[Scott Williams (comics)|Scott Williams]]
* 1991 Scott Williams
* 1992 Scott Williams
* 1993 Scott Williams
* 1994 Scott Williams
* 1995 [[Pat Block]]
* 1996 Terry Austin
* 1997 Terry Austin
* 1998 [[Al Vey]]
* 1999 Al Vey
* 2000 Al Vey
* 2001 [[Tom Palmer (comics)|Tom Palmer]]
* 2002 [[Jimmy Palmiotti]]
* 2003 Scott Williams
* 2004 Scott Williams
* 2005 Terry Austin
* 2006 Scott Williams

==== Favorite Letterer ====
* 1986 [[John Costanza]]
* 1987 John Costanza
* 1988 [[Tom Orzechowski]]
* 1989 [[Rick Parker (artist)|Rick Parker]]
* 1990 Rick Parker
* 1991 Tom Orzechowski
* 1992 Tom Orzechowski
* 1993 Tom Orzechowski
* 1994 [[Todd Klein]]
* 1995 [[William Van Horn]]
* 1996 [[Richard Starkings]] and [[Comicraft]]
* 1997 Richard Starkings and Comicraft
* 1998 Richard Starkings and Comicraft
* 1999 Todd Klein
* 2000 Todd Klein
* 2001 Todd Klein
* 2002 (tie)
** Todd Klein
** Richard Starkings and Comicraft (tie)
* 2003 Richard Starkings and Comicraft
* 2004 Richard Starkings and Comicraft
* 2005 [[John Workman]]
* 2006 [[Jeff Eckleberry]]
* 2009 Todd Klein
* 2010 Todd Klein

==== Favorite Colorist ====
* 1986 [[Lynn Varley]]
* 1987 [[Glynis Oliver]]
* 1988 Glynis Oliver
* 1989 Glynis Oliver
* 1990 [[Gregory Wright (comics)|Gregory Wright]]
* 1991 [[Joe Rosas]]
* 1992 [[Steve Oliff]]
* 1993 Steve Oliff & [[Olyoptics]]
* 1994 Steve Oliff & Olyoptics
* 1995 [[Tom McCraw (comics)|Tom McCraw]]
* 1996 Gregory Wright
* 1997 [[Lovern Kindzierski]]
* 1998 Lynn Varley
* 1999 Lynn Varley
* 2000 [[Laura Depuy]]
* 2001 Laura Depuy
* 2002 Laura Depuy Martin
* 2003 Laura Depuy Martin
* 2004 Laura Depuy Martin
* 2005 Laura Martin
* 2006 [[Eva Hopkins]]

==== Favorite Comic Book ====
* 1982 ''[[The Uncanny X-Men]]'' ([[Marvel Comics|Marvel]])
* 1983 ''[[American Flagg!]]'' ([[First Comics|First]])
* 1984 ''The Uncanny X-Men'' (Marvel)
* 1985 ''[[Swamp Thing (comic book)|Swamp Thing]]'' ([[DC Comics|DC]])
* 1986 ''Swamp Thing'' (DC)
* 1987 ''[[Justice League International]]'' (DC)
* 1988 ''The Uncanny X-Men'' (Marvel)
* 1989 ''The Uncanny X-Men'' (Marvel)
* 1990 ''The Uncanny X-Men'' (Marvel)
* 1991 ''[[X-Men (comic book)|X-Men]]'' (Marvel)
* 1992 ''[[The Sandman (Vertigo)|The Sandman]]'' (DC)
* 1993 ''The Sandman'' ([[DC/Vertigo]])
* 1994 ''The Sandman'' (DC/Vertigo)
* 1995 ''[[Uncle Scrooge Adventures]]'' ([[Gladstone Publishing|Gladstone]])
* 1996 ''[[Kurt Busiek's Astro City]]'' ([[Homage Comics|Homage]])
* 1997 ''Kurt Busiek's Astro City'' (Homage)
* 1998 ''[[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]]'' (Marvel)
* 1999 ''[[Avengers Forever]]'' (Marvel)
* 2000 ''[[Starman (comics)|Starman]]'' (DC)
* 2001 ''[[JSA (comic book)|JSA]]'' (DC)
* 2002 ''JSA'' (DC)
* 2003 ''JSA'' (DC)
* 2004 ''JSA'' (DC)
* 2005 ''[[Infinite Crisis]]'' (DC)
* 2006 ''[[The Amazing Spider-Man]]'' (Marvel)

==== Favorite Original Graphic Novel/Album ====
* 1984 ''[[Dazzler (comics)|Dazzler]]: The Movie'' ([[Marvel Graphic Novel]] #12) ([[Marvel Comics|Marvel]])
* 1985 ''[[The Comic Book Price Guide]]'' #15 (Overstreet)
* 1986 ''[[Daredevil (Marvel Comics character)|Daredevil]]: Love and War'' (Marvel Graphic Novel #24) (Marvel)
* 1987 ''[[Batman: Son of the Demon]]'' ([[DC Comics|DC]])
* 1988 ''[[Batman: The Killing Joke]]'' (DC)
* 1989 ''[[Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth|Batman: Arkham Asylum]]'' (DC)
* 1990 ''[[Elektra Lives Again]]'' (Marvel)
* 1991 ''[[Batman/Judge Dredd: Judgment on Gotham]]'' (DC & [[Egmont Publishing|Egmont]] [[Fleetway Publications|Fleetway]])
* 1992 ''[[Star Trek (DC Comics)|Star Trek]]: Debt of Honor'' (DC)
* 1993 ''[[Superman: Speeding Bullets]]'' (DC)
* 1994 ''[[The Power of Shazam!]]'' (DC)
* 1995 ''[[Sandman Midnight Theatre]]'' ([[DC/Vertigo]])
* 1996 ''Batman/Captain America'' (DC/Marvel)
* 1997 ''[[Sin City]]: Family Values'' ([[Dark Horse Comics|Dark Horse]])
* 1998 ''The New Adventures of Abraham Lincoln'' ([[Image Comics|Image]])
* 1999 ''[[Batman: War on Crime]]'' (DC)
* 2000 ''[[Shazam! Power of Hope]]'' (DC)
* 2001 ''[[Wonder Woman: Spirit of Truth]]'' (DC)
* 2002 ''JLA/JSA: Family Values'' (DC)
* 2003 ''[[The Sandman: Endless Nights]]'' (DC/Vertigo)
* 2004 ''[[The Originals (comics)|The Originals]]'' (DC/Vertigo)
* 2005 ''[[Top 10: The Forty-Niners]]'' (DC/ABC)
* 2006 ''[[The Dreamland Chronicles]]'' (Blue Dream Studios)
* 2009 ''Tales of the Starlight Drive-In'' (Image)<ref>Official Press Release. [https://www.cbr.com/tales-of-the-starlight-drive-in-wins-best-graphic-novel-in-2009-comic-buyers-guide-fan-awards/ "'Tales of the Starlight Drive-In' Wins 'Best Graphic Novel' in 2009 Comic Buyer's Guide Fan Awards,"] ''CBR'' (Aug 15, 2009).</ref>

==== Favorite Reprint Graphic Novel/Album ====
* 1987 ''[[Watchmen]]'' ([[DC Comics|DC]])
* 1988 ''[[Batman: Year One]]'' (DC)
* 1989 ''X-Men: [[Days of Future Past]]'' ([[Marvel Comics|Marvel]])
* 1990 ''Batman Archives'' Vol. 1 (DC)
* 1991 ''[[The Sandman: Preludes & Nocturnes]]'' (DC)
* 1992 ''[[Sin City]]'' ([[Dark Horse Comics|Dark Horse]])
* 1993 ''[[The Death of Superman]]'' (DC)
* 1994 ''[[Marvels]]'' (Marvel)
* 1995 ''[[Carl Barks Library]]'' ([[Gladstone Publishing|Gladstone]])
* 1996 ''[[Kurt Busiek's Astro City]]: Life in the Big City'' ([[Image Comics|Image]]/[[WildStorm]]/[[Homage Comics|Homage]])
* 1997 ''[[Kingdom Come (comics)|Kingdom Come]]'' (DC)
* 1998 ''[[Plastic Man]] Archives'', vol. 1 (DC)
* 1999 (tie)
** ''[[Manhunter (comics)|Manhunter]]: The Special Edition'' (DC)
** ''[[300 (comics)|300]]'' (Dark Horse) (tie)
* 1999 ''[[From Hell]]'' ([[Eddie Campbell]]) (tie)
* 2000 ''[[Spirit (comics character)|Spirit]] Archives'' (DC)

==== Favorite Limited Series ====
* 1985 [[Crisis on Infinite Earths]], by [[Marv Wolfman]] ([[DC Comics|DC]])
* 1986 ''[[Batman: The Dark Knight]]'', by [[Frank Miller (comics)|Frank Miller]] (DC)
* 1987 ''[[Watchmen]]'', by [[Alan Moore]] (DC)
* 1988 ''[[Batman: The Cult]]'' (DC)
* 1989 ''[[Hawkworld]]'' (DC)
* 1990 ''[[Lobo (DC Comics)|Lobo]]'' (DC)
* 1991 ''[[The Infinity Gauntlet]]'' ([[Marvel Comics|Marvel]])
* 1992 [[Wildcats (comics)|WildC.A.T.S.]] ([[Image Comics|Image]])
* 1993 (tie)
** ''[[Daredevil: Man Without Fear]]'' (Marvel)
** ''[[Death: The High Cost of Living]]'' (DC/Vertigo) (tie)
* 1994 ''[[Marvels]]'' (Marvel)
* 1995 ''[[Sin City]]: The Big Fat Kill'' (Dark Horse)
* 1996 ''[[Kingdom Come (comics)|Kingdom Come]]'' (DC)
* 1997 ''[[Batman: The Long Halloween]]'' (DC)
* 1998 ''[[Superman for All Seasons]]'' (DC)
* 1999 ''[[Avengers Forever]]'' (Marvel)
* 2000 ''[[Punisher]]'' (Marvel)

==== Favorite Painter ====
* 1991 [[Simon Bisley]]
* 1992 [[Joe Jusko]]
* 1993 Joe Jusko
* 1994 [[Alex Ross]]
* 1995 Alex Ross
* 1996 Alex Ross
* 1997 Alex Ross
* 1998 Alex Ross
* 1999 Alex Ross
* 2000 Alex Ross

==== Favorite Character ====
* 1982 [[Wolverine (character)|Wolverine]]
* 1983 (tie)
** [[Batman]]
** [[Cerebus the Aardvark|Cerebus]]
** [[American Flagg!#Characters|Reuben Flagg]]
* 1984 Wolverine
* 1985 Batman
* 1986 Batman
* 1987 Batman
* 1988 Batman
* 1989 [[Spider-Man]]
* 1990 Spider-Man
* 1991 Spider-Man
* 1992 [[Spawn (comics)|Spawn]]
* 1993 Batman
* 1994 Batman
* 1995 Donald's Nephews ([[Huey, Dewey, and Louie]])
* 1996 Batman
* 1997 Batman
* 1998 Batman
* 1999 Batman
* 2000 Batman
* 2001 Spider-Man
* 2002 Batman
* 2003 Batman
* 2004 Batman
* 2005 Batman
* 2006 (tie)
** Batman
** Spider-Man (tie)
* 2008 Batman

==== Favorite Cover Artist ====
* 1985 [[George Pérez]]
* 1986 George Pérez
* 1987 George Pérez
* 1988 [[Todd McFarlane]]
* 1989 Todd McFarlane
* 1990 Todd McFarlane
* 1991 [[Jim Lee]]
* 1992 [[Brian Bolland]]
* 1993 Brian Bolland
* 1994 Brian Bolland
* 1995 [[Alex Ross]]
* 1996 Alex Ross
* 1997 Alex Ross
* 1998 Alex Ross
* 1999 Alex Ross
* 2000 Alex Ross
* 2001 Alex Ross
* 2002 Alex Ross
* 2003 Alex Ross
* 2004 Alex Ross
* 2005 Alex Ross
* 2006 [[Scott Christian Sava]]

==== Favorite Comic-Book Story ====
* 1982 "Last Hand", ''[[Daredevil (Marvel Comics series)|Daredevil]]'' #181 ([[Marvel Comics|Marvel]])
* 1983 (tie)
** "Doom!", ''[[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]]'' #337 (Marvel)
** "Hard Times", ''[[American Flagg!]]'' #1-3 ([[First Comics|First]])
* 1984 "[[The Judas Contract]]", ''[[Tales of the Teen Titans]]'' #42-44 ([[DC Comics|DC]])
* 1985 "Beyond the Silent Night", ''[[Crisis on Infinite Earths]]'' #7 (DC)
* 1986 "[[Batman: The Dark Knight]]", ''Batman: The Dark Knight'' #1-4 (DC)
* 1987 ''[[Watchmen]]'' (DC)
* 1988 "[[A Death in the Family (Batman story arc)|A Death in the Family]]", ''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]'' #426-429 (DC)
* 1989 "A Lonely Place of Dying", ''Batman'' #440-442 & ''The New Titans'' #60-61 (DC)
* 1990 "[[X-Tinction Agenda]]", the [[X-Men]] titles (Marvel)
* 1991 "[[Season of Mists]]", ''[[The Sandman (Vertigo)|The Sandman]]'' #21-28 (DC)
* 1992 "[[The Death of Superman]]", the [[Superman]] titles (DC)
* 1993 "[[Reign of the Supermen]]", the Superman titles (DC)
* 1994 "[[The Sandman: The Kindly Ones|The Kindly Ones]]", ''The Sandman'' #57-69 (DC)
* 1995 "[[Horsing Around with History]]", ''[[Uncle Scrooge Adventures]]'' #33 ([[Gladstone Publishing|Gladstone]])
* 1996 "Kingdom Come", ''[[Kingdom Come (comics)|Kingdom Come]]'' #1-4 (DC)
* 1997 "Confession", ''[[Kurt Busiek's Astro City]]'' #5-9 (Image)
* 1998 "Superman for All Seasons", ''[[Superman for All Seasons]]'' #1-4 (DC)
* 1999 "No Man's Land", Batman titles (DC)
* 2000 "Grand Guignol", ''[[Starman (comics)|Starman]]'' #62-72 (DC)
* 2001 ''[[Amazing Spider-Man]]'' #36 (Marvel)
* 2002 (tie)
** "Super-Human", ''[[Ultimates]]'' #1-6 (Marvel)
** ''[[The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen]]'' Vol. 2 #1-3 (DC/ABC) (tie)
* 2003 "[[Batman: Hush|Hush]]", ''Batman'' #609-619 (DC)
* 2004 "Identity Crisis", ''[[Identity Crisis (DC Comics)|Identity Crisis]]'' #1-5 (DC)
* 2005 "Infinite Crisis", ''[[Infinite Crisis]]'' #1 (DC)
* 2006 "Happily Ever After", ''[[Fables (comics)|Fables]]'' #50 (DC)

==== Favorite Direct-Sales Only Title ([[Phil Seuling]] Award) ====
* 198? [book title?], by [[Marv Wolfman]]
* 1986 ''[[Watchmen]]'', by [[Alan Moore]]

==== Favorite Publication About Comics ====
* 1982 ''[[The Comic Reader]]'' ([[Street Enterprises|Street]])
* 1983 ''The Comic Reader'' (Street)
* 1984 ''[[Amazing Heroes]]'' ([[Fantagraphics Books|Fantagraphics]])
* 1985 ''Amazing Heroes'' (Fantagraphics)
* 1986 ''Amazing Heroes'' (Fantagraphics)
* 1987 ''Amazing Heroes'' (Fantagraphics)
* 1988 ''[[Marvel Age]]'' ([[Marvel Comics|Marvel]])
* 1989 ''Marvel Age'' (Marvel)
* 1990 ''Marvel Age'' (Marvel)
* 1991 ''[[Wizard (magazine)|Wizard]]'' ([[Wizard Entertainment|Wizard]])
* 1992 ''Wizard'' (Wizard)
* 1993 ''Wizard'' (Wizard)
* 1994 ''Wizard'' (Wizard)

== See also ==
* ''[[Rocket's Blast Comicollector]]''
* ''[[Wizard (magazine)|Wizard]]''


==References==
==References==
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{{American Comic Book Industry Awards}}
{{American Comic Book Industry Awards}}


[[Category:American monthly magazines]]
[[Category:Bimonthly magazines published in the United States]]
[[Category:Book review magazines]]
[[Category:Comics awards]]
[[Category:Comic book collecting]]
[[Category:Comic book collecting]]
[[Category:Defunct magazines of the United States]]
[[Category:Defunct magazines published in the United States]]
[[Category:Eisner Award winners for Best Comics-Related Periodical/Journalism]]
[[Category:Eisner Award winners for Best Comics-Related Periodical/Journalism]]
[[Category:Magazines about comics]]
[[Category:Magazines established in 1971]]
[[Category:Magazines established in 1971]]
[[Category:Magazines disestablished in 2013]]
[[Category:Magazines disestablished in 2013]]
[[Category:Magazines about comics]]
[[Category:American bimonthly magazines]]
[[Category:American weekly magazines]]
[[Category:Magazines published in Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Magazines published in Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Book review magazines]]
[[Category:Monthly magazines published in the United States]]
[[Category:Comics awards]]
[[Category:Weekly magazines published in the United States]]

Revision as of 21:12, 22 April 2024

Comics Buyer's Guide
Comics Buyer's Guide #1600 (January 2005)
EditorBrent Frankenhoff (2006–2013)
Senior EditorMaggie Thompson (from 2006)
Managing EditorJohn Jackson Miller (from 1998)
Project EditorBrent Frankenhoff (1998–2006)
Former editorsAlan Light (1971–1983)
Maggie Thompson (1983–2006)
Staff writersMurray Bishoff, Peter David, Shel Dorf, Mark Evanier, Martin L. Greim, Tony Isabella, Heidi MacDonald, Catherine Yronwode
Categoriescomic books news and criticism
Frequency
monthly (Feb. 1971 – Aug. 1972)
twice-monthly (Aug. 1972 – July 1975)
weekly (July 1975 – June 2004)
monthly (June 2004 – Mar. 2013)
PublisherAlan Light (1971–1983)
Krause Publications (1983–2013)
Total circulation
(late 1980s)		20,000
FounderAlan Light
First issueMarch 1971
Final issue
Number		March 2013
1,699
CompanyF+W Media (2002–2013)
CountryUnited States
Based inIola, Wisconsin (from 1983)
LanguageEnglish
Websitewww.cbgxtra.com[dead link]
ISSN0745-4570

Comics Buyer's Guide (CBG; ISSN 0745-4570), established in 1971, was the longest-running English-language periodical reporting on the American comic book industry. It awarded its annual Comics Buyer's Guide Fan Awards from 1983 to circa 2010. The publication ceased with the March 2013 issue.[1][2] The magazine was headquartered in Iola, Wisconsin,[3] after originally being published in the Quad Cities region.

History

Alan Light years: 1971–1983

CBG was founded in February 1971 by Alan Light under the title The Buyer's Guide for Comic Fandom (TBG) as a monthly newspaper in a tabloid format. TBG began primarily as an advertising venue – known in comics fandom as an "adzine", i.e. a fanzine devoted to ads. Ron Frantz, in his book Fandom: Confidential, traces the lineage of Light's endeavor to Stan's Weekly Express (aka WE), a pioneering adzine published from 1969 to 1973, whose bare-bones approach was inspired by an "obscure journal of flower advertising known as Joe's Bulletin".[4] Frantz also provides background on Light's interaction with the WE Seal of approval program, with which he cooperated in order to help combat mail fraud. Frantz in addition describes the infamous long-running feud between Light and Comics Journal founder Gary Groth.[5]

TBG's frequency was changed to twice-monthly with issue #18 (August 1, 1972). Besides occasional letter columns, beginning with issue #19 (Aug. 15, 1972), prominent fans Don and Maggie Thompson began a monthly column, "Beautiful Balloons." A news column, "What Now?" by Murray Bishoff, was added with #26 (Dec. 1, 1972). These provided the editorial content required by the United States Postal Service to qualify for second class mail (along with paid subscriptions being instituted with issue #27, January 1, 1973).[6] At this time, TBG's circulation was about 3,600 copies.[7]

TBG went weekly with issue #86 (July 18, 1975). In 1977, TBG's circulation topped 10,000.[7] Cat Yronwode succeeded Bishoff as news reporter with issue #329 (March 7, 1980), renaming the column "Fit to Print".

Krause Publications years: 1983–2002

In 1983, The Buyer's Guide was purchased by Krause Publications.[8] Columnists Don and Maggie Thompson were hired as editors. Krause changed the name with their first issue #482 (February 11, 1983) to Comics Buyer's Guide. At that time Krause instituted the controversial[9][10][11] CBG Customer Service Award, the display of which signifies an advertiser had a "clean bill of health". By the late 1980s, the publication had more than 20,000 subscribers.[7]

Writer Peter David's column, "But I Digress...", joined the publication in 1990.[12] The magazine added Mark Evanier's column "P.O.V." in late 1994.

In 1992, the magazine spun off its distributor and retailer news into a separate periodical, Comics & Games Retailer (which ceased publication in 2007).[13] Co-editor Don Thompson died on May 23, 1994.[14] In 1998, Krause brought on John Jackson Miller as managing editor and Brent Frankenhoff as projects editor, with Maggie Thompson remaining as editor.[15]

CBG was named Best Comics Publication in the 1985 Kirby Awards, and was given the Eisner Award for Best Comics-Related Periodical/Publication in 1992 and 1993.

In July 2002, Krause was acquired by F+W Publications.

F+W Publications years: 2002–2013

With issue #1595 (June 2004), CBG changed its format from a weekly tabloid to a monthly perfect bound magazine. In addition, in hopes of enhancing newsstand sales, CBG added a price guide for contemporary comics as well as other new features intended to make the magazine more appealing to those with an avid interest in comic books as an investment. This marketing strategy was also tied to the yearly publication of the Standard Catalog of Comic Books, produced in conjunction with Human Computing, the makers of the comic collectors’ software ComicBase.

In July 2005, the magazine began archiving past features at its CBGXtra.com service. Brett Frankenhoff was promoted to CBG Editor in 2006, with Maggie Thompson assuming the title of Senior Editor. In late 2009, CBG's page count was reduced, the perfect binding ended, and some of the features changed, including the removal of the price guide listings.

Cancelation and legacy

On January 9, 2013, Krause Publications announced the cancellation of Comics Buyer’s Guide effective with issue #1699 (March 2013).[16] The website CBGXtra and its Facebook page continued as archived resources for a time but are no longer online, replaced by the website of the new owner Antique Trader.[1][2]

Alter Ego #122 (Jan. 2014) was a tribute issue devoted to Comics Buyer's Guide, with features regarding what would have made the 1700th CBG issue if the magazine had continued.[17]

A complete collection of TBG/CBG is held by the Michigan State University Comic Art Collection.[18][19]

Columnists

CBG hosted many columns over the years in addition to Don and Maggie Thompson's "Beautiful Balloons", Murray Bishoff's "What Now?", and Cat Yronwode's "Fit to Print".[20] With issue #25 (Nov. 15, 1972) Martin L. Greim, publisher of the fanzine The Comic Crusader, began to contribute an occasional column initially titled "M. L. G. on Comics", that later would be known as "Crusader Comments".[20] With issue #162 in 1976 Shel Dorf began an occasional series "Shel Dorf and the Fantasy Makers" interviewing creators in comics, television and film.[21] Another columnist in the 1970s was David Scroggy.[22]

Another column was Robert Ingersoll's "The Law is A [sic] Ass!". The column dealt with how comics writers erred in their depiction of the law, and what Ingersoll thought they should have done. It also dealt with procedural errors.[23]

In the CBG era, the magazine has been noted for its letter column "Oh, So?", as well as columns by Peter David, Tony Isabella, Catherine Yronwode, Rick Norwood, Mark Evanier, John Jackson Miller, Bob Ingersoll, Heidi MacDonald, Rik Offenberger, Chuck Rozanski, Craig Shutt, Beau Smith, Andrew Smith, and others. As part of the June 2004 switch to monthly publication, Maggie Thompson revived the "Beautiful Balloons" column.

Cartoons and strips

Cartoonists whose work appeared in CBG include Marc Hansen, Chuck Fiala, Jim Engel, Dan Vebber, Fred Hembeck, Mark Engblom, Brian Douglas Ahern, Chris Smigliano, Mark Martin, Batton Lash, Brian Hayes, and others. For some years CBG reprinted installments of The Spirit comic strip by Will Eisner. The panel cartoon "Last Kiss" by John Lustig was also among the longtime fixtures. Professional comic book artists such as Jack Kirby, C.C. Beck and Alex Toth, as well as otherwise-unknown fan artists, regularly contributed covers along with headers and spot illustrations to the "Beautiful Balloons" and "Fit to Print" columns.

Comics Buyer's Guide Fan Awards

CBG administered the annual Comics Buyer's Guide Fan Awards from 1983 to circa 2010, with the first awards announced in issue #500 (June 17, 1983).

Upon taking over as CBG editors, Don and Maggie Thompson aspired to bring back a series of comic book fan awards like the Goethe Awards, which they had administered in the first half of the 1970s. (The Goethe Award — later known as the Comic Fan Art Award — originated with the Thompsons' fanzine Newfangles and then shared close ties with The Buyer's Guide to Comics Fandom.[7][24] Perhaps not coincidentally, TBG was given the Goethe Award for Favorite Fanzine in 1972.)[25]

The format and balloting of the CBG Fan Awards were in many ways derived from the Goethe Award/Comic Fan Art Award. The awards were initially voted on by CBG subscribers; the voting was later opened up to everyone. As many as 5,000 votes were cast per year during the 1990s.[7]

The awards were often presented at the annual Chicago Comicon[7] until 1996 (when the Wizard Fan Awards moved in); from that point forward the CBG Award results were simply published in the magazine.

References

  1. ^ a b Frankenhoff, Brent (January 9, 2013). "F+W Announces Closure of Comics Buyer’s Guide" Archived 2015-10-02 at the Wayback Machine. Comics Buyer’s Guide
  2. ^ a b Miller, John Jackson (January 9, 2013). "End of an era: Comics Buyer's Guide, 1971–2013" Archived 2013-01-11 at the Wayback Machine. The Comichron
  3. ^ Brent Frankenhoff (December 14, 2012). The Greatest Comic Book Covers of All Time. Krause Publications Craft. p. 1. ISBN 978-1-4402-3499-6. Retrieved February 17, 2016.[permanent dead link]
  4. ^ Ron Frantz. Fandom: Confidential. Mena, Arkansas: Midguard Publishing, 2000, p. 53.
  5. ^ Ron Frantz. Fandom: Confidential. Mena, Arkansas: Midguard Publishing, 2000.
  6. ^ Groth, Gary. "Editorial", Archived 2010-05-31 at the Wayback Machine Nostalgia Journal #27 (July 1976).
  7. ^ a b c d e f Miller, John Jackson. "Comics Buyer's Guide: A Look Back: Launched as The Buyer's Guide for Comic Fandom, how a publication started by a teenager ran for nearly 1,700 issues," Comichron. Accessed Jan. 22, 2020.
  8. ^ "Light Sells Buyer's Guide to Krause Publications", The Comics Journal #80 (March 1983), p. 22.
  9. ^ "Comics Buyer's Guide Advertisement Criteria Draw Fire from Advertisers", The Comics Journal #91 (July 1984), pp. 8–10.
  10. ^ "CBG Censors Ad Addressing Glenwood Distributors Accounts", The Comics Journal #115 (April 1987), p. 26.
  11. ^ "Comics Buyer's Guide Rejects Trident Ad", The Comics Journal #131 (September 1989), pp. 11–12.
  12. ^ Greenberger, Robert (January 10, 2013). "The Comics Buyer’s Guide: 1971–2013". ComicMix.
  13. ^ "F+W Shutters Multiple Magazines" (Folio). 2007-12-19. Retrieved 2008-01-24.
  14. ^ Butler, Don (July 1994). "CGB Co-Editor Don Thompson Dead at 58". Hero Illustrated. pp. 16.
  15. ^ "News Watch: Krause Publications Names Editors", The Comics Journal #203 (April 1998), p. 30.
  16. ^ McMillan, Graeme. "Krause Cancels ‘Comic Buyer’s Guide’ After 42 Years," Comics Alliance (January 9, 2013).
  17. ^ Mr. Morrow (2013-12-05). "Alter Ego bids farewell to Comics Buyer's Guide in a special tribute issue". TwoMorrows Publishing. Archived from the original on October 7, 2014. Retrieved January 14, 2014.
  18. ^ "Michigan State University Libraries Comic Art Collection: "Buxadé" to "Büyük Mavi"". Archived from the original on 2008-07-06. Retrieved 2008-11-26.
  19. ^ "Michigan State University Libraries Comic Art Collection: "Comics Ban" to "Comics Express"". Archived from the original on 2008-07-09. Retrieved 2008-11-26.
  20. ^ a b "Comics Buyer's Guide – Antique Trader". Antique Trader. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
  21. ^ Russ Maheras list of "Shel Dorf and the Fantasy Makers" interviewees Archived March 9, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  22. ^ "Hal Scroggy's Watercolor Portrait of Shel". Retrieved 19 April 2016.
  23. ^ Ingersoll, Bob. "The Law Is an Ass". World Famous Comics. Retrieved May 3, 2014.
  24. ^ Thompson, Maggie. "Comics Fan Awards 1961-1970" Comics Buyer's Guide (August 19, 2005). Archived September 14, 2015, at the Wayback Machine
  25. ^ Miller, John Jackson. "GOETHE/COMIC FAN ART AWARD WINNERS, 1971-74," Comics Buyer's Guide (July 19, 2005). Archived September 20, 2010, at the Wayback Machine

Further reading

  • John Jackson Miller, Maggie Thompson and Brent Frankenhoff. "Weeks of Wonder: The TBG Years. A Guide to The Buyer's Guide for Comic Fandom 1971–1983". Comics Buyer's Guide 1997 Annual, pp. 59–101.

External links

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