I'm proud to be the first CFTD guest host! My duties have been sanctioned by the Daring Dew-d himself!

Without further ado, I bring you, Micronauts Annual #1



If you're about my age (36), then Marvel's Micronauts probably make you feel all warm and fuzzy!

There were two Micronauts annuals. Ditko drew covers and interiors for both.

"Your superior intellect is no match for our puny weapons."
-From The Simpsons, "Treehouse of Horror II"



*Edited by LB to clarify subject line
*added a fresh link--DD

Yes, probably my first exposure to Ditko's work (didn't know from early Spider-Man at that point) and at first, I admit, I didn't like it much. But it grew on me. I would love, Love to have a Ditko page from one of those annuals.

I've discovered that my first exposure to Ditko's work was actually Man-Bat #1! I didn't have that comic that long, and I didn't read the credits. I didn't even KNOW it was Ditko until years later!

I did have most issues of Ditko's "Starman" series (published in Adventure Comics). Beyond that, what I mostly remember from childhood is 1) reprints of his Silver Age Marvel work and 2) his Marvel work from the late 70's/early 80's: Those Micronauts annuals, a few Hulk stories, Machine Man, Captain Universe, etc.

I didn't like Ditko's art at first, either. I think it's the Spider-Man and Dr. Strange reprints that changed my mind. I always loved how Spider-Man was drawn with "after images" when he moved, and eventually, it dawned on me that Ditko was the first one to draw that effect! Of course, Ditko also first drew the spider-sense lines, the Peter Parker/Spider-Man "split face," the spider-like poses, and all that other such odd stuff that I loved! Likewise, it eventually occurred to me that everyone who drew Dr. Strange's odd gestures and heady dimensions was copying Ditko!

"Your superior intellect is no match for our puny weapons."
-From The Simpsons, "Treehouse of Horror II"

I cannot say what my first exposure to Ditko was. Likely a monster book, as I never really thrilled to Spider-Man. Unlike most, I adored Ditko from the start, but not with the endorsement of my older brother! He despised Ditko and Kirby during our adolescence. I think I might've been a Ditko fan despite what he thought, so in a weird way I'll thank him!
Nice job, Bobby Gee! Holler anytime if you have an idea for a CFTD!

DAD

Will do!

Thanks for letting me pick and post today's cover.

"Your superior intellect is no match for our puny weapons."
-From The Simpsons, "Treehouse of Horror II"