Comic Book Plus Forum
About The Comic Books We Have => Wanted Comics => Topic started by: DOC on July 19, 2009, 04:15:30 PM
-
Looking for:
Blue Fire: 1940, Wham #2, (Centaur). From an explosion,
scientist Jack Knapp gets the power to turn himself into
a blue flaming human.
and
Blue Flame: 1947, Captain Flight #11 (Four Stars). Another
Human Torch riff, we don't get an origin or name. When not
on fire, he sorta looks like a grown up Toro with a mustache,
clad only in trunks and boots.
I just need the actual stories or panels of how they were drwn.
Thanks,
-
I have wham 2 in fiche but no scanner that will scan it. It also has the world's worst superhero concept The Buzzard. Even worse that The Key from Key Comics #1
-
Narf,
Assuming you have the tech still, can you pull the fiche up in your reader and snap digicam shots of it? We have some off-the-fiche-reader pictures of other comics and they're a lot better than no shots at all.
Also, would you be willing to send the fiche out -- like JVJ is doing with his comics -- to be scanned?
Personally, I WOULD KILL TO SEE THE STORIES IN THIS ONE!!! Wham #2 has been on my list for years, and I know that I'm not alone....
Just some thoughts.
DHFH
-
Wham #2 would be greatly appreciated, I've been wanting to see artwork of Buzzard and Ermine for a long time.
-
Would love to send to anyone wllng to scan
-
Hey Narf, LoftyPilot has mentioned in the past he would scan your fiche if you wanted to send them to him.
-Yoc
-
Wow! Didn't think there were other fans. Buzzard? Ermine? Sounds like 5th banana heroes. How do you scan fiche files??
-
It's a very tricky process Doc.
The fiche has to be cut into strips and cardboard frames added to slide them inside the slide scanner area on the lid of most modern scanners.
Focus and colour are the main problems. There are a lot of variables involved and if you scanner isn't able to get 4800 dpi resolution don't even try.
-Yoc
-
Hmm I should pratice on some old fiche strips Jerry sent me years ago.
-
Has anybody experimented with film/photography-oriented scanners? The one I bought a long while back isn't anything impressive when it's dealing in normal scans, but there's a kind of jig that sets it into "negative mode." There, it scans (you guessed it) pictures from the negative strips you get from developing pictures.
I wonder if such a thing would work for microfiche, with the added assumption that you have to de-invert the colors.
(I'd experiment, myself, but I'm not sure I still have the drivers available.)
-
Has anybody experimented with film/photography-oriented scanners? The one I bought a long while back isn't anything impressive when it's dealing in normal scans, but there's a kind of jig that sets it into "negative mode." There, it scans (you guessed it) pictures from the negative strips you get from developing pictures.
I wonder if such a thing would work for microfiche, with the added assumption that you have to de-invert the colors.
(I'd experiment, myself, but I'm not sure I still have the drivers available.)
I actually scanned a few illustrations that ended up in my Kinstler book using such a rig, John. A couple were from film negatives, a couple from slides and one from a color negative. Don't know how they would work on fiche. I think the biggest problem you might encounter is the lack of "depth" of information - i.e. the amount of actual pixel information that was "recorded" at the time of "capture." Without that information, one is always trying to recreate data out of less than whole cloth. It's tricky enough with slides, which are pretty rich in information. No one ever anticipated such "reconstructions" with fiche, so the info was never that rich.
Peace, Jim (|:{>
-
I'll append a text file Rolster created on how he scans fiche. It's quite detailed. If that doesn't scare DOC away maybe he can give his own fiche a try.
Bottom line Jim is correct. The fiche images are quite small when put beside the image of a normal slide. Even if focus and colour degeneration aren't an issue (and they always are!) the lack of size makes getting anything of detail from a fiche scan almost impossible.
-Yoc
-
I'll append a text file Rolster created on how he scans fiche. It's quite detailed. If that doesn't scare him away maybe he can give his own fiche a try.
Actually, that's pretty much what I was suggesting, though I wasn't familiar with the focal differences. It's not the same model scanner, but it's definitely the same approach.
Upshot: Ignore me, because the state of the art is pretty far ahead of where I am.
-
Rolster got to be quite good with fiche but he also mentioned that a lot depends on the condition of the original fiche. Not all were equal so there's a LOT of variables involved in producing a good fiche scan.
And after making the actual scan you need something like Photoshop to massage the results.
-
You can put me down as one that would like to see the issue and characters. It's amazing how many I know about mainly just by hearsay. I keep hoping to see the Green Giant comic pop up some where. Of course, I have a lot of comics to go through here. I just discovered that all of Will O' the Wisp's adventures are here as is Lady Fairplay, two characters I only knew what I had read about them.
Despite many years of scanning, not much advice I can give on fiche. While many high end flatbeds do have negative/transparency adapters, the last time I experimented on fiche years ago, the results were less than desirable for what I wanted (although in keeping with what I've seen of fiche scans I've since seen on the Web, but this was in the day of getting on the Web meant choosing between CompuServe and AOL unless you were a .net type of guy).
-
I'll append a text file Rolster created on how he scans fiche. It's quite detailed. If that doesn't scare DOC away maybe he can give his own fiche a try.
Bottom line Jim is correct. The fiche images are quite small when put beside the image of a normal slide. Even if focus and colour degeneration aren't an issue (and they always are!) the lack of size makes getting anything of detail from a fiche scan almost impossible.
-Yoc
That sounds great Yoc, what do I need to do??
-
Hi Doc,
Look back on page one here - http://goldenagecomics.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,1453.msg14963.html#msg14963 (http://goldenagecomics.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,1453.msg14963.html#msg14963)
At the bottom I appended a text file with Rolster's method. It tells you everything he did to scan fiche.
Results may vary.
-Yoc
-
The other aspect of fiche scanning that is crucial, guys,
is the maximum scan resolution of your HARDWARE. A lot of scanners advertise that they can scan 4800 ppi, but if you look closely, only 600 or 1200 of those are native hardware resolution and the rest is software extrapolation - i.e. the software makes up the extra resolution by adding extra pixels that it calculates from the ones it actually captured. So you can have a high resolution scan with no more real "information" than you'd get from a low rez scanner. If I were to attempt to scan a microfiche, I'd be STARTING at 2400 to 3600 ppi. What are you folks (like darkmark?) doing for fiche scans?
Just curious...
(|:{>
-
I think that text file mentions that as well Jim. If you are below 4800 ppi in native mode you might as well forget about it or resign yourself that it will not be a very sharp book without massive amounts of PhotoShop work and even then it'll be like mud when beside an actual paper scan of the same page.
But as we've repeatedly said - a little fiche is better than no fiche and as paper comes in the fiche can be removed to make room.
-Yoc
-
Ok I got the text, I don't have an Epson, but maybe I can tinker with the one I have. So if Narf would like to send me fiche I can see about scanning and maybe get the copies we need.
So it's two pieces of posterboard to get mm measurement, fiche then glass, is that about right?
-
I think that text file mentions that as well Jim.
-Yoc
I am extremely sleep-deprived at the moment, Yoc, and couldn't locate the text file you said you appended to the thread. Where would that be?
Sorry for the extra hassle... (|:{>
-
Right click on this link and save-as Jim.
http://tinyurl.com/mg7olr
-Yoc
-
Ok I got the text, I don't have an Epson, but maybe I can tinker with the one I have. So if Narf would like to send me fiche I can see about scanning and maybe get the copies we need.
So it's two pieces of posterboard to get mm measurement, fiche then glass, is that about right?
Doc- So you are attempting a first time scan of a fiche file? That's worthy of an applaud.
Any success yet?
-
Thanks Rez. I plan to try tomorrow, wish me luck.
-
You got some to scan?
Good luck for sure Doc!
:)
-
Thanks Yoc, will let you know.
-
Sorry, between visiting my kids and going to CCC last Sunday (which was weird in itself) I haven't had time to scan but hope so tomorrow.
-
Sorry, between visiting my kids and going to CCC last Sunday (which was weird in itself) I haven't had time to scan but hope so tomorrow.
What's CCC?
-
Sorry, between visiting my kids and going to CCC last Sunday (which was weird in itself) I haven't had time to scan but hope so tomorrow.
What's CCC?
The Chicago-Comic Con was this past weekend. DOC attended and appeared to have enjoyed himself from other posts I've seen.
I attended CCC as a guest back in the late 1990s (back when I was doing things in the comics industry that would have qualified me as 'guest worthy') and had so much fun -- I mean serious fun!!! ;D Not quite "what happens in vega" level fun, but fun nonetheless.
B. ;D
-
What's CCC?
The Chicago-Comic Con was this past weekend. DOC attended and appeared to have enjoyed himself from other posts I've seen.
I attended CCC as a guest back in the late 1990s (back when I was doing things in the comics industry that would have qualified me as 'guest worthy') and had so much fun -- I mean serious fun!!! ;D Not quite "what happens in vega" level fun, but fun nonetheless.
B. ;D
I recall now. Thanks.
A while back a buddy and I were discussing the possibility of going seeing the distance around a mere 350 miles but nothing panned out of the conversation.
Ah, it's great being young.
-
I did enjoy myseld but I did hear some disturbing stuff like the local strip joint (Admiral Theater) having a booth. I'm not a prude but kids go to these things.
I am hoping to see how it goes next year. Artist Alley was fun and they made a lot more sale due to the big publishers not being there.
Lotta of GA stuff for sale.
-
I did enjoy myseld but I did hear some disturbing stuff like the local strip joint (Admiral Theater) having a booth. I'm not a prude but kids go to these things.
I am hoping to see how it goes next year. Artist Alley was fun and they made a lot more sale due to the big publishers not being there.
Lotta of GA stuff for sale.
Buddy and I've been kicking around the idea of going to the Oklahoma Show ifthey have one this fall. Here's a link to a show last year. Heard it was directed more towards Golden/Silver Ages without the modern media hype stuff.
http://oafcon2008.blogspot.com/
Cheers
-
Yep, I have them in my favorites, some Houston Retailers I know go to it. Wish I could go too. I think Bill Schelly is going.
-
Tried to scan those fiche I had but no luck. Still woulf like ti get a scan of that comoc, I'll pay to have it done.
-
Tried to scan those fiche I had but no luck. Still woulf like ti get a scan of that comoc, I'll pay to have it done.
I didn't make it to the show either. Hope they post pics on the site like they did last year.
Copying fiche files is a world of it's own, aye?
-
So does this mean that we might see the "FABLED" Wham comics #2 soon?
Cause frankly I was beginning to think it was a myth (LOL).
I would really LOVE to see this particular issue!
I want to see the Blue Fire and Solarman stories (and curious about the Buzzard one, plus whatever other Detectives/Goverment Agents/Reporters they may have in it).
Anyone have a status for ARROW # 2? I have #1 & #3
Speaking of that... Are all the Arrow stuff reprints from the Funny Pages stuff? (Does that apply also with the Fantom stuff in Fantoman?).
I am also seeking the last pages of Dinosaur Island (From AMC #7)... mine just abruptly ends (So I think it may have been lost or missing).
Great subject on the scanning techniques used for fiche... I know that in the Archives department of Michigan State in Lansing, MI they have fishe machines that can do printouts of the images... but they are horribly grainy and in Black and White (Which is how I originally got most of my initial introduction to most of the AMC issues).
Thanks!
G7
-
Eventually JVJ (Jim) will have his Centaur books back and our JVJ Project Scanners can start requesting them.
No ETA on when that will start to happen though.
AMC #7 fiche scans are on the site here - http://tinyurl.com/yz8b9ds
-Yoc
-
Eventually JVJ (Jim) will have his Centaur books back and our JVJ Project Scanners can start requesting them.
No ETA on when that will start to happen though.
AMC #7 fiche scans are on the site here - http://tinyurl.com/yz8b9ds
-Yoc
At some point, Yoc,
I really have to find out when I might get the books back. It's been several months now, and I don't want to push, but it would be nice to have them available for scanning.
(|:{>
-
No problem on our part Jim.
Just give a shout in the JVJ Lounge when they are available.
:)
-
I seriously am just all excited about eventually getting my hands on the Blue Fire and Solarman stories (I'll probably be bitterly disappointed... LOL). Waiting a bit longer is not a huge deal... just nice to know someone actually has it.
G7
-
Sorry the scanning experiment didn't work with my scanner. Can anyone describe the character for me as I am doing an GA mural and would like him in it.
(http://www.inter-fan.org/Art/Goldenagemural09sml3.jpg)
Just in penciling stage.
-
I'm guessing you want to see Blue Fire
http://pdsh.wikia.com/wiki/Blue_Fire
-
So does someone have WHAM #2 avalible now? Even if you can't scan it... can you take a digital photo of Blue Fire, Buzzard and Solar Man... so we can have a better look at them?
If it is going to take even a bit longer to transfer them... would it be okay to ask if maybe you could do a synopsis of the stories involving them (along with the foes).
I have a couple of pics of Solarman... like the one that is my Avatar and I have a semi-clear colored full body one as well (Though I can't remember for the life of me where I got it from. Some other forum I think).
Anyhow. I don't want to be a pain with all the questions and requests. I just figure it can't hurt to ask.
Thanks irregardless.
G7/Les
-
I have a couple of pics of Solarman... like the one that is my Avatar and I have a semi-clear colored full body one as well (Though I can't remember for the life of me where I got it from. Some other forum I think).
The CentaurUniverse Yahoo Group has both pictures of Solarman you're referring to.
-
The Blue Fire pict is cropped from an image of the cover of Wham #2. You can see at the Grand Comic Database.
-
I believe that Blue Fire may have looked slightly different in the actual story than he did on the cover. Of course, we can't confirm that until the story actually gets scanned. I'm still reeling from the fact that Man of War was miscolored in all of his cover appearances!
-comicsnorth
-
Seems to me like in the Man of War stories there were a quite a few problems with being consistant with his looks as well as the coloring.
God knows try to map out the costume for TNT Todd. Great looking chara... but his costume can be a jumbled mess to figure out. I finally sat down and did a template of it and figured it out. Though his lack of a head and face make him difficult to put into all kind of positions... it is doable.
G7
-
Hey G7,
If you want to see the variety of costumes many GA heroes wore in one place check out this great site!
http://www.geocities.com/copperagecomics/index.html
It works best in MS Explorer - put your mouse over the image to see the name of the character. Doesn't work in Firefox.
-Yoc
-
If you want to see the variety of costumes many GA heroes wore in one place check out this great site!
http://www.geocities.com/copperagecomics/index.html
To any and all: If you have a geocities site, or frequently visit one, or were planning to check one out, do it soon. Yahoo is shutting-down all the GeoCities sites on October 26.
-
thanks for the heads up. BTW can anyone believe that a thread with this title has gone on this far?
-
Yoc and Bchat
I went and looked at that Micro Heroes thing.
Though I don't usually care for the whole overly cartoonish representation of the chara... they are certainly accurate and colorful. So I pulled all of them and the template stuff to finish the Centaur line myself.
ANYONE who wants images/information from the Geocities sites had better go in and pull it... cause it is about to go away.
G7
-
I'm guessing you want to see Blue Fire
http://pdsh.wikia.com/wiki/Blue_Fire
So Blue Fire just has a flaming glow aroung him, not "on fire" like The Human Torch.
-
Yes, but Four Star's Blue Flame was a blue Human Torch.
http://pdsh.wikia.com/wiki/Blue_Flame
-
If you want to see the variety of costumes many GA heroes wore in one place check out this great site!
http://www.geocities.com/copperagecomics/index.html
To any and all: If you have a geocities site, or frequently visit one, or were planning to check one out, do it soon. Yahoo is shutting-down all the GeoCities sites on October 26.
Hmm, that site is still up though others are gone. Strange.
-
I have wham 2 in fiche but no scanner that will scan it. It also has the world's worst superhero concept The Buzzard. Even worse that The Key from Key Comics #1
So can you tell me if the Blue Flame looks like Torch or how is he different?
-
I have wham 2 in fiche but no scanner that will scan it. It also has the world's worst superhero concept The Buzzard. Even worse that The Key from Key Comics #1
So can you tell me if the Blue Flame looks like Torch or how is he different?
Here's a link to the Blue Flame:
http://pdsh.wikia.com/wiki/Blue_Flame
and Blue Fire:
http://pdsh.wikia.com/wiki/Blue_Fire
-
For those looking for a really obscure hero to resurrect how about Black Orchid from Topps Comics? Also from Topps is Jack of Spades really cool looking character on the cover
-
I liked Black Orchids habit of losing her clothes.... !!! :P
-Nigel
-
For those looking for a really obscure hero to resurrect how about Black Orchid from Topps Comics? Also from Topps is Jack of Spades really cool looking character on the cover
Du-ude, I was thinking the same thing. She could be a kick-ass martial artist type. Who also, and I can't stress this enough, loses her clothes. It's win-win.
-
Roy gets some karma for reading so many minds.
;)
-
My choosing her was based solely on her super heroing :)
-
Yes, but Four Star's Blue Flame was a blue Human Torch.
http://pdsh.wikia.com/wiki/Blue_Flame
Great pic now at least I was heading in the right direction drawing him.
-
Pity there doesn't seem to be any possibility of getting either a Blue Fire or Blue Flame story.
-
Pity there doesn't seem to be any possibility of getting either a Blue Fire or Blue Flame story.
In case you didn't know:
http://goldenagecomics.co.uk/index.php?dlid=12294