Dazzler Fans: Essential Dazzler Vol. 1 TPB!!

[Beast]

Good News Everyone!!

It seems that Essential Dazzler is finally back on the schedule. With an August release date.

From Amazon.Ca:
Essential Dazzler Volume 1 TPB (Paperback)
by Marv Wolfman (Artist), Tom DeFalco (Artist), Danny Fingeroth (Artist), John Byrne (Artist, Author), Keith Pollard (Artist), Mike Esposito (Artist), John Romita Jr. (Artist), Walt Simonson (Artist), Chris Claremont (Author), Alan Kupperberg (Author), Frank Springer (Author), Vince Colletta (Author)

Disco may be dead, but Marvel's dynamic diva never says "die!" Beginning as a co-star with the X-Men and Spider-Man, Alison Blaire moved into a world of villains new and old, facing gangsters, gods and Galactus without skipping a beat! Plus: the Inhumans, the Hellfire Club and Project: PEGASUS! World saving, space travel, intrigue and romance in the ultimate disco mix! Guest-starring most of Marvel's heroes, including Spider-Woman and She-Hulk! Collects Dazzler #1-21, Uncanny X-Men #130-131 and Amazing Spider-Man #203

Paperback: 552 pages
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Aug 22 2007)

[Indigo Al]

Looks like I'm gonna have to be man enough to buy this....my girlfriend already laughed at me for owning Dazzler: The Movie Marvel Graphic Novel!

[rilokyle]

That's swesome news!!! I can't believe they're releasing it!

I wonder if there are big plans for Alison next year.......... I mean why else would they release it? Maybe this will spark the return of the fabulous Dazzler, and she'll *finally* grow out her hair and go blonde again. One can only hope.

I'm kinda bummed its an Essential format though........... I really don't like those black and white pages. Dazzler's so fabulous partly due to all those pretty colors! Black and white would totally negate that. Hmmmm.

I bet Ben will be happy though!!

[Affinity]

TOTAL FAB. Sounds cool! I agree, rilokyle, the Essential format kind of puts me of. Wasn't it printed in color originally, though?

[Frodo-X]

Dazzler? HA! Who would buy that crap?!
*runs away*

I KID THE DAZZLER FANS!

:evilsmile

[The Lucky One]

TOTAL FAB. Sounds cool! I agree, rilokyle, the Essential format kind of puts me of. Wasn't it printed in color originally, though?

Yes, but the Essential format reprints in black and white to save costs, which they pass on to you by giving you an ungodly number of issues for minimal price.

They're pretty much God's second greatest gift to us, right after sex.


Anyway, I'll probably pick this up because I'm basically a drunken sorority girl for Essentials, but come on... Essential Dazzler before Essential New Mutants?
:rolleyes:

-D

[Beast]

They already said that they can't really Essentialize New Mutants, due to the artists style.

That's why it and Excalibur are getting 'Classics' volumes instead. :)

[Metallurgique]

Erm...

Dazz's back issues of her solo series are cheap-cheap-cheap, and so are Classic X-men reprints. Other than the Spidey, there's nothing you can't get here in original form for very little money...and no waiting.

There's also alot more to Dazz's early life than what's in this book.

"Essentials" might be a good series for newbies trying to catch up on favorite character's history, but this one in particular seems...well...not really worth it. Although I am glad that Marvel has taken such an interest in Dazzler lately.

[The Lucky One]

They already said that they can't really Essentialize New Mutants, due to the artists style.

They could easily do a volume 1 at least. Seinkiewicz didn't take over until issue 17. Marvel Team-Up #150 (first Karma), the Magik miniseries, New Mutants graphic novel, UXM #167 (continued from NM #2, first X-Men/New Mutants meeting), and NM #1-16 could definitely fill one volume; pad it out with their OHOTMU entries if necessary.

-D

[Novaya Havoc]

HOLY NUTSACKS I JUST HAD THIS IMed TO ME AND CAME HERE ASAP!!!

I am so excited I'm about to poop all over the streets of Chicago.

This. rocks. so. hard. I. cannot. contain. myself.

... although I could do without the cheesy Disco framing, but this IS ESSENTIAL DAZZLER. The only thing that could make it better is the TPB, but this is AWWWWEEESOMEEEE!!!!

[Novaya Havoc]

Erm...

Dazz's back issues of her solo series are cheap-cheap-cheap, and so are Classic X-men reprints. Other than the Spidey, there's nothing you can't get here in original form for very little money...and no waiting.

There's also alot more to Dazz's early life than what's in this book.

"Essentials" might be a good series for newbies trying to catch up on favorite character's history, but this one in particular seems...well...not really worth it. Although I am glad that Marvel has taken such an interest in Dazzler lately.

DAZZLER is a very difficult series to find unless you're specifically looking for it. When I was a kid, I'd ask my local comic shops for "Dazzler" and they'd cock their brows and go... "Oh, you want some X-Men comics?"

A lot of comic stores in smaller areas don't carry back issues, so you need to look online. Which is fine for die-hard fans, but this essential puts the series in the hands of a larger, mass market. Like I just borrowed Essential Moon Knight, but I would neeeever take the time to track down all the back issues.

It's not so much a cost thing as an availability thing. So I -- naturally -- am suuuuper stoked!

[Young Avenger]

Couldn't they collect a better series for an Essential? I'm not going anywhere near it.

[Novaya Havoc]

Couldn't they collect a better series for an Essential? I'm not going anywhere near it.

Right now, I'm lighting your face on fire.

... in my mind.

[twilight]

Couldn't they collect a better series for an Essential? I'm not going anywhere near it.

Why post in the thread if you don't like it?

I'm not trying to stir some shit,it's a legitimate question.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

Okay, Dazzler fans.

Considering the raised eyebrows and likely ridicule I would get from the staff of my local comic book store, taking this book to the till, give me three reasons why I should brave that, regardless. Sell this book to me.

[Editor]

Okay, Dazzler fans.

Considering the raised eyebrows and likely ridicule I would get from the staff of my local comic book store, taking this book to the till, give me three reasons why I should brave that, regardless. Sell this book to me.

I bought a few back issues recently, just out of curiosity and I actually enjoyed them quite a bit.

I think the majority of people who are judging the series in a negative way have probably never taken the time to read a batch of issues.

Or else they just don't want to read a comic about a *gasp* girl. THAT ain't very macho is it?

[The Sword Is Drawn]

I bought a few back issues recently, just out of curiosity and I actually enjoyed them quite a bit.

I think the majority of people who are judging the series in a negative way have probably never taken the time to read a batch of issues.

Or else they just don't want to read a comic about a *gasp* girl. THAT ain't very macho is it?

I have no problem buying books about female characters. I regularly buy She-Hulk, occasionally Witchblade, and I bought all of the recent Spider-woman mini.

My question was simply to give me three serious selling points for picking up this Essential Vol.

[Mikl C]

I'm buying it for Novaya and D_S. :D

[Editor]

I have no problem buying books about female characters. I regularly buy She-Hulk, occasionally Witchblade, and I bought all of the recent Spider-woman mini.

My question was simply to give me three serious selling points for picking up this Essential Vol.

1) It's pretty good

2) It will be better than you probably expect it to be.

3) He who dares, wins.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

1) It's pretty good

2) It will be better than you probably expect it to be.

3) He who dares, wins.

Shamed to admit, but some years ago, I ended up winning an eBay auction of bootlegged comics, when trying to track down some obscure back issues, or other. I'm pretty sure the full run of Dazzler's ongoing was on that.

[Indigo Al]

Okay, Dazzler fans.

Considering the raised eyebrows and likely ridicule I would get from the staff of my local comic book store, taking this book to the till, give me three reasons why I should brave that, regardless. Sell this book to me.

I'll have to wear sunglasses and a hat to avoid recognition at my LCS....

But regardless -

1. Disco. Manhattan in the early 80's, where you could still get mugged (even by Spider Man foes). Was Alison Blaire a Marvel mutant Holly Golightly?

2. Dazzler vs Galactus and Terrax. Oh yes!

3. Ummm. Hmmm. Having a hard time coming up with a third. Dazzler's Carnegie Hall debut?

I wonder if they'll reprint that Classic X-Men back up that shows her eating at a diner with her new-wave friends as they discuss her being Styx's lighting manager?!

[Metallurgique]

DAZZLER is a very difficult series to find unless you're specifically looking for it. When I was a kid, I'd ask my local comic shops for "Dazzler" and they'd cock their brows and go... "Oh, you want some X-Men comics?"

I suppose that this is the benefit of living in a city like New York. I can go down today to the Time Machine on 14th street and buy every issue of Dazzler if I want, and probably spend less than $30 on the whole series. It helps that this is a very good store for back issues.

There's a certain cheauvinism about the series too. I think that because some of the issues were centered on Dazzler's romantic life, or because this was often a slice-of-life book, or because of the Disco connection (it's hard to really put into words how reviled Disco was in the 80's - despite the fact that dance music was still extremely popular*), and because most comic book fans are men, the series was taken less seriously than it would've been if it came out today. There's definitely still something of an anti-Dazzler bias out there about the solo series.

People forget, too - only Wolverine and Cable have lasted longer as solo-series among the X-spinoffs.

*Maybe they didn't call it Disco, but New Order, Madonna, and many others were cashing in on dance music back then. "Blue Monday" became the biggest selling record of all time in 1983. The style of Dazz's outfits and such had her a bit behind the the times in 1983 - but Danny Fingeroth and such weren't exactly club-goers, were they?

[Ryan K]

I bought all but like 5 issues of Dazzler for a nickel apiece a couple years ago. Found the others for a quarter.

I still felt ripped off.

[Sentinel K]

I bought all but like 5 issues of Dazzler for a nickel apiece a couple years ago. Found the others for a quarter.

I still felt ripped off.

At least your opinion is informed.

I've read a few and thought they were alright. Not amazing but in no way bad.

[Ryan K]

At least your opinion is informed.

If you're a Dazzler fan, I imagine this is pretty cool news. Of course if you're a Dazzler fan, you probably own all the issues. There's little reason why you shouldn't. They're cheap as dirt and about as common.

But for the average comic reader, even the average X-men only comic reader, there are literally countless other books to spend your $17 on before you need even think of buying Essential Dazzler.

[Novaya Havoc]

DAZZLER is a very difficult series to find unless you're specifically looking for it. When I was a kid, I'd ask my local comic shops for "Dazzler" and they'd cock their brows and go... "Oh, you want some X-Men comics?"

I suppose that this is the benefit of living in a city like New York. I can go down today to the Time Machine on 14th street and buy every issue of Dazzler if I want, and probably spend less than $30 on the whole series. It helps that this is a very good store for back issues.

There's a certain cheauvinism about the series too. I think that because some of the issues were centered on Dazzler's romantic life, or because this was often a slice-of-life book, or because of the Disco connection (it's hard to really put into words how reviled Disco was in the 80's - despite the fact that dance music was still extremely popular*), and because most comic book fans are men, the series was taken less seriously than it would've been if it came out today. There's definitely still something of an anti-Dazzler bias out there about the solo series.

People forget, too - only Wolverine and Cable have lasted longer as solo-series among the X-spinoffs.

*Maybe they didn't call it Disco, but New Order, Madonna, and many others were cashing in on dance music back then. "Blue Monday" became the biggest selling record of all time in 1983. The style of Dazz's outfits and such had her a bit behind the the times in 1983 - but Danny Fingeroth and such weren't exactly club-goers, were they?

Right on the money, Metal. Here in Chicago, Graham Crackers Comics keeps oodles and oodles of Dazzler back issues. They know them, have even highlighted Dazzler #1 as "Back Issue of the Month," and keep copies of the Dazzler Graphic Novel in with the TPBs.

But smaller, more local comic shops rarely keep them. A lot of comic shops really only keep collectable back-issues; ones that sell for a decent price, that are popular, that are "worth having." So I'll be jazzed to see this hanging out at a few Barnes and Nobles. ;)

Yeah, there's no arguing that the series ker-plutz for many reasons (although initially, it did very well). But that was more when the comic spun off in crazy directions in the late 20s and schizophrenic 30s issues. I think this will be a great TPB, because issues 1-21 deal a lot with the gal and her back story, and were really the best "run" of the series.

EDIT: On the costume, John Romita Jr. said it was based on something a girlfriend of his wore in discos. He actually really researched it and wanted to make it authentic when the book was a multi-party disco cash-in.

Great observations, though! :D

[The Lucky One]

I bought all but like 5 issues of Dazzler for a nickel apiece a couple years ago. Found the others for a quarter.

I still felt ripped off.

So will this be testing your "Buy every Essential at all costs" mantra to the very threshhold, Ryan?

Maybe it's just not something straight guys can understand. We'll see... I'm at least curious, if nothing else.

-D

[Ryan K]

So will this be testing your "Buy every Essential at all costs" mantra to the very threshhold, Ryan?

Yeah, I'm not gonna buy it, but I don't buy any of the X-related Essentials (except the Classic/Uncanny volumes) because I own it all already. I haven't picked up a handful of others like Punisher or the OHMU.

I sort of look forward to the ones I don't have to buy. Saves me some money. Helps me get caught up.

[Hi-Fi]

Are the Rogue issues in this colection?

[Novaya Havoc]

Okay, Dazzler fans.

Considering the raised eyebrows and likely ridicule I would get from the staff of my local comic book store, taking this book to the till, give me three reasons why I should brave that, regardless. Sell this book to me.

1. You'll better understand where critics of Dazzler in NEX are coming from.

2. You'll actually learn a lot about the character and her backstory. And most of the issues are a lot of fun, with some of Marvel's biggest characters (for the 1980s).

3. Frank Springer's -- and JRjr's -- hot pencils. ;)

And I don't see anything embarrassing about buying an Essentail Dazzler trade. I mean -- really? It's not like you're buying the Millie the Model anthology. It's a fun superhero book.

[Sentinel K]

If you're a Dazzler fan, I imagine this is pretty cool news. Of course if you're a Dazzler fan, you probably own all the issues. There's little reason why you shouldn't. They're cheap as dirt and about as common.

But for the average comic reader, even the average X-men only comic reader, there are literally countless other books to spend your $17 on before you need even think of buying Essential Dazzler.

Of course.

I just like to take a risk occasionally though. What's the worst that could happen?

I don't like it. Give it to someone else or sell it on, problem solved.

Saying that, I probably won't be buying (yet, anyway) as (as you said) there i thinks i want more.

If someone were to give it to me though i would definitely read it.

[Novaya Havoc]

Are the Rogue issues in this colection?

No. :( Rogue and the Sisterhood appear frequently between issues #22-28.

[Mikl C]

Does Dazzler... become Galactus' herald :S ?!

[Hi-Fi]

No. :( Rogue and the Sisterhood appear frequently between issues #22-28.

Aw. I already read the Rogue issues and they were big fun! I'd like to own them now. Rogue was such a bitch in those!!!

Anyway, this still sounds fun.

[Novaya Havoc]

Does Dazzler... become Galactus' herald :S ?!

No, but she is chosen by him for a specific mission to get Terrax and receives the power cosmic. Great stuff.

She actually becomes his herald in What If? #33. ;)

</DDM moment>

[Mikl C]

Bold your issue numbers! BOLD THEEEMMMM

[Metallurgique]

EDIT: On the costume, John Romita Jr. said it was based on something a girlfriend of his wore in discos. He actually really researched it and wanted to make it authentic when the book was a multi-party disco cash-in.

When she was designed in maybe 1978, it was the height of fashion. But remember she was also supposed to look like Grace Jones when the costume was first layed out. It could still pass in 1981. But by '83 people were on to the Madonna/Cyndi Lauper look. If they'd given her a more New Wave/Punk Souxsie Sioux look - like they did for Storm, I think maybe the book would've held up better to non-fan judgement.

Storm's vintage-1975 Go-Go boots weren't lookin' too hip either in 1982.

Now I'm not saying these weren't good costumes, just that they weren't keeping pace with contemporary fashion. Although Storm certainly made up for that after the Mohawk and the Yukio-inspired costume. In fact, when that same costume popped up on Surge in New X-men, I thought it still looked great!

[flapjaxx]

"Blue Monday" became the biggest selling record of all time in 1983.

You mean the best-selling 12-inch.

[Madrox84]

Yay :D

I'll have to put that on my list of tpbs to order from my LCS.

[Novaya Havoc]

For anyone who's interested in what Marvel Universe heores/villains have big roles in the varying Dazzler issues, here's a break-down:

#1 - #2:
The Enchantress, Spider-Man, X-Men, Fantastic Four, Iron Man, and the Avengers.

#3 - #4:
Fantastic Four, Nightmare, and Dr. Doom.

#6 - #7:
The Hulk

#9:
Quasar and Klaw.

#10 - #11:
Galactus and Terrax.

#13:
The Grapplers (including Screaming Mimi/Songbird)

#14:
She-Hulk

#15:
Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew)

#16:
The Enchantress and Odin.

#17:
Angel and Dr. Octopus

#18:
The Fantastic Four and the Absorbing Man.

#19:
The Absorbing Man, Angel, and the Inhumans.

#20:
The Angel.

#21:
The Angel, the Avengers, She-Hulk, the Fantastic Four, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and Daredevil.

:D

[Metallurgique]

It is true, I suppose, that these are the "essentials."

After that, the title gets a bit wacky. In Dazz #35, she gets into a fight with a bunch of roller derby girls at a bar. Unable to get a job anywhere else thanks to the movie (which is totally unbelievable in these D-list-celebrity laden days) she had to take a job at that bar (presumably a Lesbian bar, actually, since there are only women in it) and ends up getting fired because of the fight.

Future collector hopes center only on Dazz #38, where the faces Wolverine and Colossus as a no-holds-barred excercise in helping her get a little more defense training. I know, that seems unbelievable after she had a similar record to Squirrel Girl when up against heavies like Doom, Terrax, and Doc Ock.

[fishtaco]

Pimptastic. I'm really looking forward to this. I have Uncanny X-Men #'s 130-131, Dazzler #1 and Marvel Tales #230 (reprints Amazing Spider-Man #203), though.

[Beast]

It is true, I suppose, that these are the "essentials."
Well, the header of "Essential" doesn't really mean the books are essential. Marvel has said it's just a catchy name for the collections. Nothing more, nothing less. :)

[xgeek52]

hi guys, shygirl here. hey how do you get the avatars next to your name?:confused:

[Affinity]

When I was a kid, I'd ask my local comic shops for "Dazzler" and they'd cock their brows and go... "Oh, you want some X-Men comics?"

HAHAH, the imagery!

Edit:

Ooh, thanks for the cameo listing, Ben. I was wondering what issues She-Hulk appeared in.

[Novaya Havoc]

Pimptastic. I'm really looking forward to this. I have Uncanny X-Men #'s 130-131, Dazzler #1 and Marvel Tales #230 (reprints Amazing Spider-Man #203), though.

Does it really? I always thought Marvel Tales #230 reprinted she and Spidey's Marvel Team-Up. It's the one Dazz issue I don't own (and I still need to get it for the cover).

[Novaya Havoc]

After that, the title gets a bit wacky. In Dazz #35, she gets into a fight with a bunch of roller derby girls at a bar. Unable to get a job anywhere else thanks to the movie (which is totally unbelievable in these D-list-celebrity laden days) she had to take a job at that bar (presumably a Lesbian bar, actually, since there are only women in it) and ends up getting fired because of the fight.

Actually, Dazzler #35 was one of the only issues in the 30s I really liked. Mostly because of its sociological undertones of a mutant trying to find work. And she found it in this lesbian bar.

It's "Chiller" and the Millie the Model issues that make that area of the run a giant WTF? And Dazzler having a different apartment in every issue. I swear she had like 342587 places in California.

[fishtaco]

Does it really? I always thought Marvel Tales #230 reprinted she and Spidey's Marvel Team-Up. It's the one Dazz issue I don't own (and I still need to get it for the cover).Really? Hmm. I'll check.

EDIT: Nope. It says, "Originally presented in AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #203." Anyway, Dazzler is possessed by Lightmaster, and Spidey saves her. It's written by Marv Wolfman and pencilled by Keith Pollard. That's ASM 203, right? :)

[Novaya Havoc]

Really? Hmm. I'll check.

EDIT: Nope. It says, "Originally presented in AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #203." Anyway, Dazzler is possessed by Lightmaster, and Spidey saves her. It's written by Marv Wolfman and pencilled by Keith Pollard. That's ASM 203, right? :)

Si si! It is. That's such a hilarious issue, because none of the writers of Dazz's debut appearances (like CC) knew anything about Dazzler's personality or powersets aside as they hadn't finalized her yet. All they knew was she was a singer with light powers. The light blast through the disco ball is pure cheese. :D

[tangentman]

Poor Dazzler! :( Ali certainly suffered under some atrocious writers! "Chiller", BAAAAD Spider-Woman team-up (a word I should NEVER use alongside SW), "Women In Prison" cliche issue--I'm looking at YOU! At least Alison seemed better handled during the Post-Mutant Massacre, Outback years.

[fishtaco]

Si si! It is. That's such a hilarious issue, because none of the writers of Dazz's debut appearances (like CC) knew anything about Dazzler's personality or powersets aside as they hadn't finalized her yet. All they knew was she was a singer with light powers. The light blast through the disco ball is pure cheese. :DI thought the disco ball was awful, too. It was just silly. Is this the only issue where she has that thing? Remembering the disco ball, not to mention Dazzler in New Excalibur makes me more excited for this book. :p

Which issue number of Marvel Team-Up has Dazzler and Spider-Man?

[Novaya Havoc]

Poor Dazzler! :( Ali certainly suffered under some atrocious writers! "Chiller", BAAAAD Spider-Woman team-up (a word I should NEVER use alongside SW), "Women In Prison" cliche issue--I'm looking at YOU! At least Alison seemed better handled during the Post-Mutant Massacre, Outback years.

? I give you Chiller. But the Jessie Drew "team-up" was done well, I think, and fit in the overarching storyline of Dazzler's mom. And while "women in prison" was a cliched way to insert a fight into the story, the actual story -- dealing with the fallout of her "murdering" Klaw -- was good.

[Novaya Havoc]

I thought the disco ball was awful, too. It was just silly. Is this the only issue where she has that thing? Remembering the disco ball, not to mention Dazzler in New Excalibur makes me more excited for this book. :p

Which issue number of Marvel Team-Up has Dazzler and Spider-Man?

Yeah, it was awful. But it was because the writers had no power specifics. They didn't even have a "real name" for her, which is why she's never called Alison Blaire until the Dazzler series. Professor X just calls her "Dazzler" (whereas the other "neo mutant" is always "Kitty Pryde"). That little "trick" never appeared again.


The team-up was issue #109.

http://loloracaud.free.fr/vo/marvelteamupv1/109.jpg

[Mariah]

Yeah, it was awful. But it was because the writers had no power specifics. They didn't even have a "real name" for her, which is why she's never called Alison Blaire until the Dazzler series. Professor X just calls her "Dazzler" (whereas the other "neo mutant" is always "Kitty Pryde"). That little "trick" never appeared again.


The team-up was issue #109.

http://loloracaud.free.fr/vo/marvelteamupv1/109.jpg
Yum...:( Too bad I own everything except the Spider-Man issues. Oh well, gotta buy it to show my Dazzler love!

[tangentman]

? I give you Chiller. But the Jessie Drew "team-up" was done well, I think, and fit in the overarching storyline of Dazzler's mom. And while "women in prison" was a cliched way to insert a fight into the story, the actual story -- dealing with the fallout of her "murdering" Klaw -- was good.

No, no, no, NO. The Jessica Drew written by Chris Claremont during that time wouldn't have ridden Ali's ass that way. Yes, she would've forthrightly told Dazzler the possible outcome of a missing persons investigation. Jessica would certainly advise Ali against taking the case on herself, and taking the risks Dazzler took in that story. However, she wouldn't act so condescending about it! That issue led to the sorry scene in Avengers at Jan's recruitment party.

Thankfully, Natasha was around to keep the peace! :cool:

The prison story? UGH. All that hack needed was Poundcakes & Titania trying to shove Alison's head between their legs. :rolleyes:

[Mariah]

The prison story? UGH. All that hack needed was Poundcakes & Titania trying to shove Alison's head between their legs. :rolleyes:
If I were a lesbian, I'd have to say yum. Since I am not *barf!!!*

[Indigo Al]

The prison story? UGH. All that hack needed was Poundcakes & Titania trying to shove Alison's head between their legs. :rolleyes:

But ... but... that's exactly WHY that issue of Chained Mutant Heat was ESSENTIAL in a Dazzler run!!!!

And also, I can't say I hated the Spider Woman team up and their adverse reaction to each other....

[fishtaco]

Yeah, it was awful. But it was because the writers had no power specifics. They didn't even have a "real name" for her, which is why she's never called Alison Blaire until the Dazzler series. Professor X just calls her "Dazzler" (whereas the other "neo mutant" is always "Kitty Pryde"). That little "trick" never appeared again.


The team-up was issue #109.

http://loloracaud.free.fr/vo/marvelteamupv1/109.jpgLooks cool. I'll add it to my looooooooong list.

[The Lucky One]

No, no, no, NO. The Jessica Drew written by Chris Claremont during that time wouldn't have ridden Ali's ass that way.

Wait, no, I'm pretty sure I read that story... the XXX-Men Erotica Archive, right? Loved that one.

-D

[tangentman]

But ... but... that's exactly WHY that issue of Chained Mutant Heat was ESSENTIAL in a Dazzler run!!!!

It was done better when Malice-possessed Polaris whipped Dazzler with a leather belt before sodomizing her with a billy club*!

*For those of you who actually saw China Blue ;)

And also, I can't say I hated the Spider Woman team up and their adverse reaction to each other....

I didn't mind them disliking each other; however, it was handled in a very clumsy way. The entire story read like a daily of Mary Worth or Apartment 3-B or whatever they called that tedious strip.

[Indigo Al]

I didn't mind them disliking each other; however, it was handled in a very clumsy way. The entire story read like a daily of Mary Worth or Apartment 3-B or whatever they called that tedious strip.

Yeah, but you know you'd spend hundreds of dollars on ebay for a bootleg version of Spider Woman's "I've Got You Under My Skin"!

[Indigo Al]

double friggin post

[Tilt]

Since I own all but the Spider Man issues I won't be getting this but I'm glad it's out there. This was a great book, and it doesn't get the respect it deserves from the fanboys imo.

I really enjoyed the Spider Woman team up, and the plot it brought up with Dazz's Mom. I like how Jessica advised her not to do it herself and she did anyway, which is pretty much something most people in her situation would have done.

I hope what's left of her family is brought up in NE someday. Would also like to see her old band again, and maybe a few of the ex-boyfriends.

[jester1436]

I really don't need this in the slightest because I have all the issues, but it sounds sooo tempting...

Dazzler was placed at such a central position in the Marvel Universe in her book, knowing almost every major hero and villain, were she could go in almost any direction, but then she went to Cali and all was lost. I really wish she could get a shot at being an Avenger or be mainstreamed again, at least into a major X-Men team.

[Metallurgique]

What I'd really like to know is why Claremont decided to dump her after UXM #260. Longshot I might've understood - he wasn't with the X-men for long and he wasn't really part of their world. But Dazzler'd been an X-friend for a long time by then, and had been a major part of the team. All the other Outback X-men came back while Claremont was still writing within a year or two of when they went through the siege or were otherwise dispersed. But after Eric Beale, I don't think he ever planned to use her again - and then Fabian dumped her in the Mojoverse for a decade.

Instead we got Gambit. And pardon me, I know he's been developed alot in the last ten years, but for the first few years of his existence he was one-dimensional and annoying.

[Mariah]

I really don't need this in the slightest because I have all the issues, but it sounds sooo tempting...

Dazzler was placed at such a central position in the Marvel Universe in her book, knowing almost every major hero and villain, were she could go in almost any direction, but then she went to Cali and all was lost. I really wish she could get a shot at being an Avenger or be mainstreamed again, at least into a major X-Men team.
I liked that she wasn't central to just New York, and it makes sense to move to Cali, as that's where the music scene was headed. True, she tried her hand at acting, but it was more or less character growth, and look at how many pop stars have now gone into acting.

[fishtaco]

What I'd really like to know is why Claremont decided to dump her after UXM #260. Longshot I might've understood - he wasn't with the X-men for long and he wasn't really part of their world. But Dazzler'd been an X-friend for a long time by then, and had been a major part of the team. All the other Outback X-men came back while Claremont was still writing within a year or two of when they went through the siege or were otherwise dispersed. But after Eric Beale, I don't think he ever planned to use her again - and then Fabian dumped her in the Mojoverse for a decade.

Instead we got Gambit. And pardon me, I know he's been developed alot in the last ten years, but for the first few years of his existence he was one-dimensional and annoying.He didn't want to use her anymore. I'm glad, because he didn't write her very well. Also, it made sense. Ali went through the Siege Perilous. She got what she wanted. She never wanted to be an X-Man. She hated that life. I know that Claremont had no plans for her after Uncanny X-Men #260, but had he stayed on the books, I'm sure we would have seen her again occasionally. Originally, in Uncanny X-Men #'s 246-247, Dazzler was going to die. Would you rather see that? :p

Also, Gambit didn't really replace Dazzler. And in my opinion, the first couple years of his existence were the only years when he was a good character. I think the character went downhill with X-Men (2nd Series) #8.

And Longshot was exited from the book in Uncanny X-Men #248 because Ann Nocenti asked Chris to. She and Art Adams were going to do another mini. Unfortunately, it never saw print. Damn.

[Novaya Havoc]

In honor of the Dazzler TPB, I'll do a brief rundown of each issue and what it contains. EVERYONE should pick up this TPB once it's released!

So, without further rambling, here we go!

Uncanny X-Men #130
Dazzler's First Appearace!
Chris Claremont/John Byrne

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/uncanny/uncanny130.jpg

Dazzler's debut! Although Dazzler was a "Marvel Comics" heroine rather than an "X-Men ally," the powers that be wanted the character to be a mutant, because they thought mutants were the next hot thing. So Jim Shooter had the CC/Byrne team place her in the middle of the "Dark Phoenix Saga," where they only intended to debut Kitty Pryde.

Anyone who's read the saga knows: Dark Phoenix is a-comin'. The Hellfire Club is out for "new mutants" for their ranks. And Dazzler is caught in the middle! She saves the X-Men! Huzzah!

Uncanny X-Men #131
Chris Claremont/John Byrne

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/uncanny/uncanny131.jpg

The following month, Dazz continued her debut in X-Men, Spider-Man, and the Fantastic Four. As the X-Men rush to save Kitty Pryde and their teammates, Dazzler tags along for the ride! She'll show the Hellfire Club a true Disco Inferno!


Amazing Spider-Man #203
Dazz and Spidey become BFF!
Marv Wolfman/Keith Pollard

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/aspider/aspider203.jpg

As with X-Men, Dazzler makes her debut amongst the other Marvel bigwigs! Possessed by the banished Lightmaster, Spidey has to chime in to save the day! Will he be undone by a super-Dazz, or will he save the damsel?

Hilarious issue, because poor Marv (and CC) knew little about Dazzler at this time; she was still in the works with Casablanca Records. Check out the mirrored-ball blast with oh-so-necessary early-80's exposition, and the attack of the solid-light flyswatter! Lightmaster keeps it real while Dazz is shakin' her groove thang!


DAZZLER 1 - 3 up next!

[Novaya Havoc]

Dazzler #1
A True Debut for a True Diva!
Tom DeFalco/John Romita Jr.

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/dazzler/dazzler1.jpg

After a full year, the Dazzler debuts in her own mag! This issue (and #2) follow the commissioned storyline set forth by Casablanca before they bailed on our shining superstar! Everyone in the MU guest-stars in this 2-part extravaganza -- and this issue was originally ONLY sold in comic specialty shops! No newsstands for you, club kids!

Here, we meet Alison Blaire, a dynomite singer on her last dollar (and last box of Ritz Crackers)! She just can't catch a break, until a furry mutant fellow named Beast helps her land a hot gig! But the Asgardian Enchantress has more in mind for the glitzy stage than our delectable diva! Guest starring Spider-Man, the Avengers, the X-Men, and more! Also introducing Dazzler's father, her grandmother, and Dazzler's own coming out story!


Dazzler #2
Tom DeFalco/John Romita Jr.

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/dazzler/dazzler2.jpg

The conclusion to our tale! As the Dazzler displays her powerhouse vocals amongst her superheroic friends, the Enchantress and her Asgardian goons crash the party! Will our heroine prevail, or will she go down like Funkytown? Plus, our heroes help Dazzler land a contract with a big-name agent, who will stand with her through thick and thin!


Dazzler #3
Finally! Marvel Comics' actual DAZZLER!
Tom DeFalco/John Romita Jr.

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/dazzler/dazzler3.jpg

Now that the old story from Casablanca is behind us, and all of the marketing tie-ins can wash away like a bad tie-dye, Dazz is ready to shine!

With her new manager leading the way, Dazzler headlines a charity gig at the United Nations for PR (and we meet her weenie of a stage manager, Lance)! But the glorious relics on display just aren't any baubles -- they're the Jewels of Doom! Dr. Doom seeks them out to obtain ultimate power, but only Dazzler is there to stop him. Will she succeed, or will she be pounded into a pile of glittery ashes? Only the next sensational issue will tell!
Guest starring the Fantastic Four.

[Beast]

Dazzler #1

She just can't catch a break, until a furry mutant fellow named Beast helps her land a hot gig!
You had me at Beast. Sold! :D

[Novaya Havoc]

Dazzler #4
The debut of Mr. Frankie S, King of Dazzler pencils!
Tom DeFalco/Frank Springer

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/dazzler/dazzler4.jpg

As JRjr -- designer of the Dazzler -- slips away onto grander (but less fabulous) projects, the series gets a solid penciler in Frank Springer to conclude our Doom tale!

Transported to the nefarious nightmare realm, our heroine must face her inner demons to do Dr. Doom's bidding. Will she retrieve the Jewel of Doom? Will Dr. Doom spare her life? Will that hunkalicious Jonny Storm show her some great balls of fire? You have to buy the TPB to find out!


Dazzler #5
Tom DeFalco/Frank Springer

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/dazzler/dazzler5.jpg

Dazzler survives her battle in the nightmare realm, but a new nightmare begins! An elderly hospital mate cries out for the love of her estranged son, and our dynamic diva works it like Beyonce to bring them together! But what happens when her son turns out to be the Blue Shield -- agent of justice -- and he has a dramatic hit on him? It's up to Mix Master Ali B to rock it out!


Dazzler #6
Tom DeFalco/Frank Springer

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/dazzler/dazzler6.jpg

Luckily for Dazz, she's finally back in action and ready to sing! But -- she's signed to sing some country tunes for the folks at Pennsylvania U*! Western? But she's the Dazzler!
A friendly guy named Bruce helps Ali and her new band set up their stage, but missing his medications turns ol' Brucie into the monstrous HULK! Skippin' the next Dolly Parton cover, Ali needs to save the campus -- and the day -- from the Hulk's unstoppable rage! Will she do it?

*It's not Pennsylvania U, but what other state in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic would YOU pick to have someone as hot as the DAZZLER sing effin country? Only in Pennsylvania, people.

[Novaya Havoc]

Dazzler #7
Tom DeFalco/Frank Springer

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/dazzler/dazzler7.jpg

Dazzler is just trashed by the Unstoppable Hulk! Her light blast can't do anything -- but is there another way? Watch Dazz put that college education to work as she outsmarts the green giant and saves the day! By the way, you still owe our glamorous gal, Brucie B! Get a plane ticket to London, and stat!


Dazzler #8
Danny Fingeroth now takes over the Dazz title! We'll miss you, Tom!
Fingeroth and DeFalco/Frank Springer

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/dazzler/dazzler8.jpg

Dazz's manager starts to sniff out our superstar's secret like a suburban mother when she finds her son's secret collection of "Teen Beat!" What's up with that "light show" girl? Technological secret? It's about as technological as gay.com in our internet browser's history!

As a hit goes out on Dazzler's manager Harry Osgood, Ali needs to dazzle out the suckers trying to kill the source of her paychecks! First appearance of the strobe blast!


Dazzler #9
Fingeroth and DeFalco/Frank Springer

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/dazzler/dazzler9.jpg

The shady fellows that have followed our roller-skating rockstar for the past few issues get their grubby mits on her! Watch the suit, boys -- it's custom silver lamé!

Dazz is hauled off to Project: PEGASUS where they want to test her super-abilities: turning sound into light is a lot cleaner -- and a lot cooler -- than nuclear power after all! Think of all the 12" vinyls that can be run on Dazzler Batteries! But as Dazzler grows tired of the multiple tests, she learns to sympathize with the villanous Klaw, resulting in the ultimate showdown between sound vs. light! One of the BEST Dazzler issues!
Guest starring Quasar!


Dazzler #10
Fingeroth and DeFalco/Frank Springer

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/dazzler/dazzler10.jpg

Dazzler's massive power surge picks up the notice of the cosmic entity GALACTUS! He has big plans in store for Dazzler -- and doesn't care of what our diva has to say, even if she hits that high A! Dazzler receives the power cosmic, and is unveiled as our first Omega mutant for an epic space adventure! Don't miss it!

[Novaya Havoc]

Dazzler #11
Fingeroth and DeFalco/Frank Springer

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/dazzler/dazzler11.jpg

Dazzler and Terrax in the ultimate showdown! Hiding in a black hole, Terrax thought her could outsmart Galactus -- but unfortunately for him, Galactus has the help of Ms. Ali B! Will light prevail, or will Dazzler be left to the dark, crushing depths of a cosmic vortex?
PLUS her boyfriend the Republican Doctor, her band, her manager, and her dad (now caring about his daughter) go frantic being unable to reach her for days! What happens to our fabulous femme fatale, and how will her loved ones react while she's in the depths of space?


Dazzler #12
Welcome aboard, Dan! Love your run!
Danny Fingeroth/Frank Springer

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/dazzler/dazzler12.jpg

Our poor Ali B is just too liberal for the Dr. Jansen. As a date goes by the way of Carrie Bradshaw (fabulous Minolo Blahniks, Gucci purse, and all), Dazz's love life looks like it's on some serious ice! But that's not the end -- her manager is attacked again by his nefarious adversay: the techmaster! He's gunning for Ali's "technoloical secret," but doesn't know it's a mutant power! Our Dazzler is left to her own vices and resources to defeat this technological beast: namely, her Gucci purse! Genuine Italian leather does wonders, girl!


Dazzler #13
Danny Fingeroth/Frank Springer

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/dazzler/dazzler13.jpg

Dazzler visits her dad and finds an old brooch of mom's -- but it has not only her dad's photo in it, but someone else who's a hunka-hunka burnin' love! As dad gets mad, Ali thinks about some answers. Who is her mom, anyway?

Our tax dollars are well at work as the state of New York tries to convict Dazzler for MURDER! Why? Because she absorbed -- and killed -- Klaw (issue #9, folks)! Our broke-as-hell heroine gains a little credit by flirting with her lawyer, and battles the nefarious GRAPPLERS on Ryker's Island before her trial! Showing a little cleavage and a little style, Dazzler shows Poundcakes, Titania, and the Screaming Mimi who's boss!
Guest starring Quasar!


Dazzler #14
Danny Fingeroth/Frank Springer

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/dazzler/dazzler14.jpg

Now in the clear, our sensational singer lands her first big gig: a warm-up act for rocker Bruce Harris on a west coast tour! As Ali flies out to LA, she rocks the hizzouse -- but will Brucie feel a little competiton?
It means little, as Dazzler has a run-in with the sensational She-Hulk! One Hulk down, one to go, babygirl. Rock it! Shulkie and Dazzler may have a heart-to-heart about law school and overbearing fathers, but will that completely cool the tempers? Find out in this invigorating installment!

[Novaya Havoc]

Dazzler #15
Danny Fingeroth/Frank Springer

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/dazzler/dazzler15.jpg

Dazzler grooves her way to San Francisco -- home of the gays! Natually, her hot cleavage, sleek and silver figure, and rollerskates receive a welcome only lovers of Dorothy could provide! But that primadonna Bruce Harris just can't get out that gay vote, and dumps Ali from the tour!
While in San Fran, Ali sees a van with the same emblem as her mother's brooch! Could Katharine Blaire be in Nancy Pelosi's district? Ali hires Jessica Drew -- the Spider-Woman -- to investigate! As Ali grows restless, she searches herself, running into Spider-Woman for a dynomite team-up! Ali doesn't know she's Spider-Woman! Jess doesn't know she's a super-mutant! And crazy battles ensue!

Cover by Bill Sienkiewicz.


Dazzler #16
Danny Fingeroth/Frank Springer

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/dazzler/dazzler16.jpg

Dazzler's boy-toy and former lawyer Ken catch a plane back to New York. On the way, the Enchantress starts some trouble! Still upset that she lost to the dynomite diva, she transports Ali to Asgrad for a battle royal! Odin -- lord of Asgard -- presides, giving his prophetic judgement on our shining superstar! Can a mere disco diva prevail over a bewitching goddess?

Cover by Bill Sienkiewicz.


Dazzler #17
Danny Fingeroth/Frank Springer

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/dazzler/dazzler17.jpg

Ali is targeted yet again when she returns to the Big Apple -- this time by millionarie playboy Warren Worthington III: the Angel! As our glam gal points out: there are some things money just can't buy! But as the Angel doesn't give up, he follows Dazzler. Meanwhile, Dr. Octobus breaks out of police custody, leaving the Avenging Angel and the Diva Dazzler to subdue the madman!


Dazzler #18
Danny Fingeroth/Frank Springer

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/dazzler/dazzler18.jpg

Ali returns to her first love: SINGING! Mr. Fantastic provides her with a gizmo to enhance her stage performance, but it goes haywire! Unfortunately for Ali, the Absorbing Man realizes she is his link to the Fantastic Four and is out to get her! Our Dazzler needs more sound to fight this villanous foe, but her light turns the Absorbing Man into a mega-being! What does she do? What can she do?! Find out in Dazzler #19!

Cover by Bill Sienkiewicz.

[Novaya Havoc]

Dazzler #19
Danny Fingeroth/Frank Springer

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/dazzler/dazzler19.jpg

Powered by the Dazzler, the Absorbing Man goes after his adversaries, the Fantastic Four! Ali frantically searches for help from the Avengers to no avail, and results to breaking into the Fantastic Four tower to aid the help of the Inhumans! The Black Bolt joins Dazzler to help defeat the unstoppable Creel!
Also, Dazzler juggles too many men, as her boyfriend Ken and sexy superhero Angel meet! What more drama could possibly happen?


Dazzler #20
Danny Fingeroth/Frank Springer

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/dazzler/dazzler20.jpg

All work and no play makes Dazzler a dull diva! As Ali's friend Vanessa gets lessons from a mysterious "vocal coach" with an odd Dazzler obsession, our shining superstar shares some downtime with the members of her rockin' band! But for once the focus isn't on Dazz, as old bandmates are out to get Ali's friends! Can Ali's mysterious powers save the day? Will her bandmates shun her as a mutant? Only this issue tells all!

Cover by John Romita, Jr -- returning to the Dazzler groove!


Dazzler #21
Danny Fingeroth/Frank Springer

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/dazzler/dazzler21.jpg

A Dazzler double-sized super-special! Dazzler finally gets the gig of her dreams: a headline at NYC's Carnegie Hall! But drama is abound: Dazzler's father goes off the deep-end, and tells Ali the shameful secret of her mother! Angel and Dazz's grandma do their best to cool the situation, as Ali preps for her grand show. But will Ali's mom show up to her concert? Will the family fall apart for good? Or will the healing begin? Don't miss this benchmark of the Dazzler series! Featuring the Avengers, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, the Fantastic Four, Daredevil, Spider-Man, and more!




And that concludes the run-down of the Dazzler Vol 1 TPB. Go out and get it! You know you want to! ;)

[jester1436]

Gotta love that photo cover. Yep.

[The Lucky One]

I know all the friends of Dorothy here (and Mariah) will hate me and all, but... at what point does she lose the lame costume and get the good, blue one? Later in her solo series, or after?

-D

[Beast]

I know all the friends of Dorothy here (and Mariah) will hate me and all, but... at what point does she lose the lame costume and get the good, blue one? Later in her solo series, or after?

-D
Trust me, as a gay man... the silver disco outfit still makes me want to gouge my eyes out. ;)

[streator]

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/5486/oraclesm3.th.jpg (http://img141.imageshack.us/my.php?image=oraclesm3.jpg)

what's really going to bake your noodle later on is when i said 'dazzler', 'fans' and 'essential' all in the same sentence.



(there is no spoon)

[Nyssane]

Oh my GOD, I never read the Dazzler series, but HOLY CRAP. She goes up against big name villains like Dr. Doom, Enchantress, and FUGGIN' GALACTUS? Lmao...

Dazzler's like the Squirrel Girl of the 80's. Even more proof we need a Squirrel Girl comic. Anyhoot, I'm totally buying it, not only because my chicks Enchantress and the Grapplers (okay, the only one of them I really like is Poundcakes) make appearances, but because DAZZLER fuggin' ROCKS, and you've totally convinced me Benjamin.

[d newton]

I was okay with your rundown but did you have say "You know you want to" at the end? :(

[Novaya Havoc]

I know all the friends of Dorothy here (and Mariah) will hate me and all, but... at what point does she lose the lame costume and get the good, blue one? Later in her solo series, or after?

-D

When you read the series, the costume doesn't seem lame at all. Frank Springer draws an AWESOME Dazz. You don't even think about it. That costume is the definitive Dazzler costume.

Blue doesn't debut until Dazzler #38, if you insist on being a dirty breeder. And these were far worse issues by comparison. The character of Dazzler will suck you in, irrespective of the silver. It just needs a modern update, but keep the color. Like the AoA anniversary outfit with a bit of street flair.

[Beast]

Or the X-Men: The End look. Which was also quite fabulous. :)

[Novaya Havoc]

Or the X-Men: The End look. Which was also quite fabulous. :)

Agreed. That was VERY hot.

[rilokyle]

I really would like to read this series, being a Dazzler fan and all, but I'm still not sure how I feel about black and white pages. I mean, I DO read lots of manga, so I don't know why its a problem, but I dunno. I'll definitely parouse it at the store though.

I might try tracking down the issues- I own issue #1, which is oh so fabulous.

Oh how I miss fabulous Dazzler.

[Hi-Fi]

Dazzler #15

http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/dazzler/dazzler15.jpg



That's a HOT cover!!!

[Mikl C]

I'm rally quite interested in the galactus issues. Is this TPB seperate from Essential dazzler or not?
Also: THE GRAPPLERS! Squee! Screaming Mimi + Titania = awesome. And absorbing man next issue. So getting it.

[The Lucky One]

That's a HOT cover!!!

What, just because the female lead is soaking wet, on her hands and knees with her boobs falling out?

Psssh... I guess.

-D

[Mariah]

My favorite issues:
http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/dazzler/dazzler28.jpg

[Mariah]

My favorite issues:
http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/dazzler/dazzler28.jpg
http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/dazzler/dazzler29.jpg
http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/dazzler/dazzler30.jpg
http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/dazzler/dazzler31.jpg

[Mariah]

Some more:
http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/dazzler/dazzler32.jpg
http://www.uncannyxmen.net/covers/dazzler/dazzler33.jpg
I personally loved when Dazz went to Cali, it made her seem like her own hero, and continued her "real world" feel, by having her expand her music career into the film career. And you could tell Shooter had a real love for her, and I think wrote her the best.

[DDM]

I know all the friends of Dorothy here (and Mariah) will hate me and all, but... at what point does she lose the lame costume and get the good, blue one? Later in her solo series, or after?

-D

Dazzler gets her familar blue costume in Dazzler #38 after Archie Goodwin takes over the book. Xavier made the costume to help Dazzler control her powers better.

[tangentman]

I loved Bill Sienkewicz' Dazzler! Now, I'm all nostalgic for the "Gladiators" story arc from The New Mutants! :D

[Evan Lanctot]

The only Dazzler issue I ever bought was the already-mentioned #38, because of the X-Men connection. It was actually a decent issue, written by Archie Goodwin(which probably helped).

[MartinRedmond]

I got the whole series for free and couldn't read past a few issues. The Sienkiewicz covers are the only good thing about it.

[Mariah]

The only Dazzler issue I ever bought was the already-mentioned #38, because of the X-Men connection. It was actually a decent issue, written by Archie Goodwin(which probably helped).
I thought Goodwin still kept the real world feel while adding some more super heroics into the series wonderfully. I wish he would have had a longer run on the series, but sigh, whatchagonnado?

[DDM]

I thought Goodwin still kept the real world feel while adding some more super heroics into the series wonderfully. I wish he would have had a longer run on the series, but sigh, whatchagonnado?

When Goodwin took over the book, it was already set for cancellation.

[Novaya Havoc]

When Goodwin took over the book, it was already set for cancellation.

Was it? I know that at that time, nobody wanted to do it after all the fill-in writers. So Goodwin signed up.

Paul Chadwick didn't say it was slated for cancellation when he started. But he did say that there was a different cover for Dazzler #42, until they wanted Beast shoe-horned into it and had Sienkiewicz re-draw it:
http://moviepoopshoot.com/movie/98.html

[Mariah]

When Goodwin took over the book, it was already set for cancellation.
Where did you read that? With what he was setting up, it didnt' feel like it was scheduled to be cancelled.

[Novaya Havoc]

Where did you read that? With what he was setting up, it didnt' feel like it was scheduled to be cancelled.

Yeah. That's a long time "for cancellation," considering Dazz was bi-monthly, and it was 8 months.

[Mariah]

Yeah. That's a long time "for cancellation," considering Dazz was bi-monthly, and it was 8 months.
I know, right. Let's put a whole brand new creative team, and new direction cause we're just gonna kill the book!

[DDM]

I know, right. Let's put a whole brand new creative team, and new direction cause we're just gonna kill the book!

It's been done before for another book called...X-Men when Roy Thomas teamed-up with this new guy, Neal Adams between X-Men #56-63. Of course, Adams stayed for another issue X-Men #65 with writer Denny O'Neil inbetween the debut of Sunfire in X-Men #64 (Thomas wanted Sunfire to join the X-Men, but editor Stan Lee rejected the idea) & the last issue in which the X-Men fought the Hulk in X-Men #66.

[Novaya Havoc]

It's been done before for another book called...X-Men when Roy Thomas teamed-up with this new guy, Neal Adams between X-Men #56-63. Of course, Adams stayed for another issue X-Men #65 with writer Denny O'Neil inbetween the debut of Sunfire in X-Men #64 (Thomas wanted Sunfire to join the X-Men, but editor Stan Lee rejected the idea) & the last issue in which the X-Men fought the Hulk in X-Men #66.

I understand, DDM. But Mariah and I are asking where you heard that Dazzler was slated to be cancel even at Issue #38? The interview with Paul Chadwick indicates otherwise.

[kel25]

My first experience with Dazzler is the first few pages of her series. I’ve disliked the character ever since. Although this Essential doesn’t interest me for use even as toilet paper it does make me happy to see that Marvel has done this.

First of all it’s a nice treat for those that do like the character and secondly it can be seen as a sign that Marvel may be willing to try Essentials for other titles and characters that they haven’t done yet.

[spoon_jenkins]

It's been done before for another book called...X-Men when Roy Thomas teamed-up with this new guy, Neal Adams between X-Men #56-63. Of course, Adams stayed for another issue X-Men #65 with writer Denny O'Neil inbetween the debut of Sunfire in X-Men #64 (Thomas wanted Sunfire to join the X-Men, but editor Stan Lee rejected the idea) & the last issue in which the X-Men fought the Hulk in X-Men #66.
Are you saying that the decision to cancel X-Men before the Thomas/Adams team started on the book? If you are, I think you're wrong. The Thomas/Adams was a last ditch attempt to save a flagging book from cancellation. They weren't just finished off the last few issues of a series Marvel had definitely decided to cancel.

I'm not too familiar with the history of Dazzler (so I might be mistaken), but I thought it was the same sort of thing - a last attempt to prevent cancellation.

[Dazzler]

i am buying several copies to give to my skeptic friends who don't realize why i love dazzler so. plus, i'm color copying Dazz 38 to throw in with it so they can see two things that i love come into being: Dazzler's best costume make its debut and Dazzler kicking Wolverine and Colossus' butts.

Life is good with Dazzler in the world.

--Dazz

ps. The disco ball incident from Amazing Spider-Man 203 rocks so hard i can't even tell you. so bad it's good.

[DDM]

Are you saying that the decision to cancel X-Men before the Thomas/Adams team started on the book? If you are, I think you're wrong. The Thomas/Adams was a last ditch attempt to save a flagging book from cancellation. They weren't just finished off the last few issues of a series Marvel had definitely decided to cancel.

I'm not too familiar with the history of Dazzler (so I might be mistaken), but I thought it was the same sort of thing - a last attempt to prevent cancellation.

Nope, X-Men was already set for cancellation, despite the slight increase in the audience with the Roy Thmoas/Neal Adams stories. It's why Adams did not stay on for the book after X-Men #65 (Denny O'Neil wrote this story too instead of Thomas because X-Men was not a priority).

[spoon_jenkins]

Nope, X-Men was already set for cancellation, despite the slight increase in the audience with the Roy Thmoas/Neal Adams stories. It's why Adams did not stay on for the book after X-Men #65 (Denny O'Neil wrote this story too instead of Thomas because X-Men was not a priority).
Okay, I think we were saying two different things. I thought you meant that the cancellation of X-Men was a fait accompli when Adams first joined the book. I didn't really think of O'Neil as a new direction on an already cancelled book because it was just one issue (followed by Thomas again).

[Beast]

Good News Everyone!!

It seems that Essential Dazzler is finally back on the schedule. With an August release date. :)

From Amazon.Ca:
Essential Dazzler Volume 1 TPB (Paperback)

by Marv Wolfman (Artist), Tom DeFalco (Artist), Danny Fingeroth (Artist), John Byrne (Artist, Author), Keith Pollard (Artist), Mike Esposito (Artist), John Romita Jr. (Artist), Walt Simonson (Artist), Chris Claremont (Author), Alan Kupperberg (Author), Frank Springer (Author), Vince Colletta (Author)

Disco may be dead, but Marvel's dynamic diva never says "die!" Beginning as a co-star with the X-Men and Spider-Man, Alison Blaire moved into a world of villains new and old, facing gangsters, gods and Galactus without skipping a beat! Plus: the Inhumans, the Hellfire Club and Project: PEGASUS! World saving, space travel, intrigue and romance in the ultimate disco mix! Guest-starring most of Marvel's heroes, including Spider-Woman and She-Hulk! Collects Dazzler #1-21, Uncanny X-Men #130-131 and Amazing Spider-Man #203

Paperback: 552 pages
Publisher: Marvel Comics (Aug 22 2007)

[Novaya Havoc]

Good News Everyone!!

It seems that Essential Dazzler is finally back on the schedule. With an August release date. :)

From Amazon.Ca:

Yes.... Yes... YES!!!! 8/22/07! As Dazzler once said, "Oh Beast -- you fabulous furry freak! I could kiss you!"

[The Lucky One]

My birthday's on a Friday this year?

SWEET!!! I think I'll get loaded till I think Dazzler's naked on every page.

-D