The First "Alternate" Comic

Posted: Monday, October 5, 2009
Posted By: Kevin Powers

Moonstone Books and Captain Action Enterprises, LLC, are pleased to announce an industry first: an “Alternate Issue” of Captain Action.

This comic will present an alternate point-of-view to the Captain Action story presented in Captain Action Comics #3, and have the unique distinction of being numbered as issue #3.5.

“We wanted to produce something fresh and different, but provide real value to the readers. We asked ourselves ‘What can we create beyond an alternate cover?’…and realized the answer was an entire alternate comic! ” said Joe Gentile, Publisher of Moonstone Books.

Both versions are based on the series outline and plot developed by Fabian Nicieza, focusing on the supposed death of the classic 1960’s Captain Action, and his son’s odyssey as he reluctantly assumes the mantle of Captain Action. The regular issue of Captain Action #3‘s lead story was scripted by Marv Wolfman and illustrated by Marlin Shoop. Prolific author (and insightful columnist) Steven Grant scripts the alternate issue, which is illustrated by series regular Mark Sparacio.

“Beyond just being a fresh, fun idea, the Captain Action alternate comic will also provide a jumping on point for new readers. We’ll be pricing this alternate below regular cost – at just $1.99. It will be packed with story summaries and character secret files, “said Ed Catto, Retropreneur at Captain Action Enterprises.

Steven Grant, Captain Action series writer, has long championed this type of concept. "The idea has always fascinated me, having the same story conceptfleshed out by different writer/artist teams to watch the different directions their imaginations go. At Marvel I tried to convince different editors to pursue that in What If? but no go, so, though it wasn't entirely intentional, I'm pleased to have a hand in this special Captain Action event. I think people will find the results very interesting and entertaining."

“This way, our alternate issue, #3.5, will also serve as a primer”, said Joe Ahearn of Captain Action Enterprises. “We just hope our friends at the Price Guide don’t get too angry about this innovation.”

The industry’s first “Alternate Comic”, Captain Action #3.5, will be on sale the second week of October.

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