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— CH. 1 · THE MAGAZINE THAT REPLACED A RIVAL —

Back Issue!

~2 min read · Ch. 1 of 5
5 sections

  • TwoMorrows Publishing opened its doors in Raleigh, North Carolina, to launch Back Issue! in 2003. This new periodical arrived just as Jon B. Cooke departed the company with his own title, Comic Book Artist. Cooke took that publication to a different publishing house, leaving a gap in the market for long-form comic book history. The founders needed a fresh voice to fill the void left by Cooke's exit. They chose to create a magazine dedicated to articles and art spanning from the 1970s through today. The goal was to document the medium without the constraints of Cooke's previous editorial direction.

  • Former comics writer and editor Michael Eury stepped into the role of primary editor for the series. His background in writing and editing shaped the content strategy for every issue released since 2003. Eury ensured the magazine maintained a focus on historical depth rather than current news cycles. He guided the selection of topics to cover decades of comic book evolution. Under his leadership, the publication became a trusted source for industry historians and fans alike. The editorial team worked to preserve the legacy of creators who might otherwise be forgotten.

  • Back Issue! has been issued eight times annually since its inception in 2003. This frequent schedule allows the editors to cover a wide range of eras within the comic book field. Readers receive new material about the 1970s, 1980s, and modern era with each monthly release. The high volume of output ensures that niche stories find space alongside major headlines. Each edition serves as a snapshot of ongoing research into the history of American comics. The consistent pace keeps the archive relevant for collectors and scholars year after year.

  • Writers for the series include Mark Arnold, Michael Aushenker, Glenn Greenberg, George Khoury, Andy Mangels, and Richard A. Scott. These contributors provide regular articles and commentary that define the magazine's unique perspective. Each writer brings their own area of expertise to the table when discussing specific characters or publishers. Their collective work creates a diverse tapestry of voices exploring the medium's past. The roster changes slightly over time, but the core group remains dedicated to historical accuracy. Their bylines appear on pages covering everything from obscure titles to mainstream blockbusters.

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2003 establishments in North CarolinaComics magazines published in the United StatesComics zines published in the United StatesEight times annually magazines published in the United StatesMagazines about comicsMagazines established in 2003Magazines published in North CarolinaMass media in Raleigh, North Carolina

Common questions

When did TwoMorrows Publishing open Back Issue! in Raleigh, North Carolina?

TwoMorrows Publishing opened its doors to launch Back Issue! in 2003. The magazine arrived just as Jon B. Cooke departed the company with his own title Comic Book Artist.

Who serves as the primary editor for Back Issue! since 2003?

Former comics writer and editor Michael Eury stepped into the role of primary editor for the series. His background in writing and editing shaped the content strategy for every issue released since 2003.

How many times annually has Back Issue! been issued since its inception?

Back Issue! has been issued eight times annually since its inception in 2003. This frequent schedule allows the editors to cover a wide range of eras within the comic book field.

Which writers contribute regular articles to Back Issue?

Writers for the series include Mark Arnold, Michael Aushenker, Glenn Greenberg, George Khoury, Andy Mangels, and Richard A. Scott. These contributors provide regular articles and commentary that define the magazine's unique perspective.

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