Ghost Rider: The complete Federal Comics cover gallery

Here's a cover gallery of my complete run of Federal Comics' Ghost Rider:

Ghost Rider #1, c.June 1984 

Ghost Rider #2, c.September 1984 

Ghost Rider #3, c.January 1985 

Ghost Rider #4, c.January 1985 

Ghost Rider #5, c.March 1985 

Ghost Rider #6, c.June 1985

The dates are based on the data to hand. Surprisingly, two issues - Ghost Rider #'s 3 and 4 - appear to have been published in the same month. This may be unlikely, and I don't recall this phenomenon in any other Federal series, but given that's what my data suggests, I'm running with it pending further information.

The Federal Comics series follows the Yaffa/Page Publications Ghost Rider series published in Australia 1977-1982. Ghost Rider also appeared briefly as a backup feature in Newton Comics' Dr Strange series.

Super Powers: The complete Federal Comics cover gallery

Here's a cover gallery of my complete run of Federal Comics' Super Powers:

 Super Powers #[1/NN], c.November 1984 

 Super Powers #2, c.January 1985 

 Super Powers #3, c.March 1985 

 Super Powers #4, c.June 1985 

 Super Powers #5, c.July 1985 

Super Powers #6, c.September 1985 

This series of Australian editions are closely aligned with the 1984 DC Comics editions in terms of issue numbers, covers and main feature contents. The exceptions are the first issue which is unnumbered and #6 which is based on the first issue of the 1985 series.

Unlike the random selection of backup features in Vigilante each issue contains an Aquaman backup story, originally published in Adventure Comics and Action Comics c.1980/81.

I'm confident the dates ascribed are accurate, give or take a month.

According to my records I first acquired an issue of this series in 2008 as part of a job lot of some dozen comics. The issue which completed the run turned up over 10 years later - not because these issues are especially scarce, but simply because I deemed them Polyfilla. 

Vigilante: The complete Federal Comics cover gallery

Here's a cover gallery of my complete run of Federal Comics' Vigilante:

 Vigilante #1, c.August 1984

 Vigilante #2, c.November 1984

 Vigilante #3, c.January 1985

 Vigilante #4, c.February 1985

 Vigilante #5, c.May 1985

 Vigilante #6, c.June 1985

 Vigilante #7, c.August 1985

 Vigilante #8, c.December 1985

 Vigilante #9, c.January 1986

Vigilante #10, c.March 1986

Vigilante #1 is an 84-page black and white issue, and the rest are 36-page full-colour issues.

I'm pretty sure the dates above are accurate - at least within a month, give or take - but are open to correction pending further data.

I mentioned in passing a couple of days ago my surprise at finding a Jim Steranko Superman feature lurking as a backup feature in Vigilante #4. It turns out each of these issues includes an unexpected non-Vigilante related feature. There's some fillers from New Talent Showcase; a Mr. and Mrs. Superman instalment which didn't make the cut for the Murray compilation; and, maybe most interestingly, three instalments of the Whatever Happened to... JSA series from DC Comics Presents featuring The Crimson Avenger, The Sandman, and Sandy, The Golden Boy. It's a shame these were relegated to such obscurity rather than being repurposed for a dedicated JSA-themed Murray issue c.1982... but I digress...

Federal Comics' A Salute to Superman: FCO

Federal Comics' A Salute to Superman was published c.November 1984:

The cover and contents originally appeared in DC comics' Superman #400:

Superman #400 is fondly regarded by fans. If you Google it you'll find a number of blog posts and reviews extolling its virtues. Even Brian Michael Bendis ("This is literally one of the greatest comic books that has ever been made...") and Dan Jurgens vouch for it. And if all that doesn't convince you I'd suggest a cursory glance at the credits on the cover will likely reassure you of the attractions in this issue.

I find the muted tones on the Federal Comics cover more appealing than the original edition - the yellows are deep and rich rather than popping luridly. That's just me. Unfortunately that's the only case I can make for the Australian edition.

Superman #400 contains a 7-part Superman saga titled The Living Legends of Superman, written by Elliott S! Maggin, with each chapter illustrated by a different artist, and each chapter is separated by single-page pinup illustrations by various artists. The issue also contains a 10-page story titled The Exile at the End of Eternity, written and illustrated by Jim Steranko in a series of five two-page spreads. The issue also begins with an introduction by Ray Bradbury titled A Salute to Superman.

The title of the Federal Comics edition is lifted from this essay, but there's nothing else in terms of added value. Indeed, the 32-page issue is entirely comprised of the main feature The Living Legends of Superman, which omits the Mike Kaluta chapter, and also omits some of the opening chapter by Joe Orlando. Needless to say none of the pinups are included, nor is the Steranko piece.

I wasn't aware of the background to this issue when I first read it back in the mid-1980's. I picked it up on a whim from a secondhand bookshop in the city to read on the bus on my way to La Trobe University. I enjoyed it on its merits, especially the bit in which Frank Miller draws the George Reeves Superman. But now that I know better...

Some of the other features from Superman #400 were published elsewhere by Federal Comics. If you're looking for The Exile at the End of Eternity it's lurking as the backup feature in Vigilante #4, and it is thankfully reprinted not only complete but the two-page spreads are intact and in colour (a black and white edition might have been nice but it would be churlish to complain all things considered). I'm also sure I've seen some of the pinups in other Federal editions. In my mind's eye I can see a black and white print of the Moebius pinup for one, but I will need to go excavating to find this and any others.

So I reckon this Federal Comics edition is only worth chasing if you like the cover, otherwise I'd file under For Completists Only.