Re: Elfquest, Marvel and CCA

On 30 Aug 2003 03:59:19 GMT, Marty Kuhn
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

>Wolfsong <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in news:4cevkvs26u12tcrlu4kbphrugb2dcalpg1@
>4ax.com:
>
>> I've got a question and was hoping some die-hard would be kind to
>> answer it;
>> 
>> Elfquest has been published by Marvel and for so far I know the whole
>> series is published without a CCA code (version 1) and the whole
>> series is published WITH CCA code (version 2). Am I correct in this?!!
>
>Well, that's true, as far as it goes-- the entire series of Marvel EQ 
>reprints was printed both with and without a CCA seal-of-approval.
>However, there's nothing "sneaky" or "sinister" going on there, as
>some might think.  
>
>Y'see, Marvel publishes books for both newsstand and direct-market 
>distribution.  For whatever reason (perhaps to prevent improper
>redistribution of books from dealers), Marvel printed slightly different
>covers for the "newsstand" books than they did for the "direct-market",
>even if the book in question was being sold through both channels.
>The newsstand books had a UPC barcode and a CCA seal.  The direct-market
>books had a small black-and-white image substituted for the UPC barcode
>(usually a picture of Spider-Man) and no CCA seal.  As far as I know,
>*ALL* Marvel-published code-approved books from that era (at least
>those that were sold in both distribution channels) were like that.
>There is no difference in the actual content of the books, and there 
>is nothing "special" about the presence or lack of a CCA seal-- the only
>difference is the way the cover is marked.  Yes, every issue of the
>Marvel EQ reprints was CCA approved.  [CCA approval was (and may still
>be; I don't know) almost a requirement for any comic sold via newsstand
>distributors]
>
>I have no idea if Marvel still identifies their comics in some manner
>like this.
>
>By the way, I believe _Elfquest_ and _Groo_ were among the first of 
>Marvel's Epic line that were also made available via newsstand
>distribution.  [I think most Epic comics were direct-market only]
>
>Hope that helps!
>
>             --Marty
>
>
>[Please remove the name of the manufacturer of everyone's favorite 
> luncheon meat, and replace null with com to email.]

Thanks!

Wolfsong