Comics and the Bible | Limited Collectors' Edition C-36

In the 1970s, DC Comics published a number of titles in an over-sized "treasury" format, with pages measuring 10 x 14 inches.  One of the titles was "Limited Collectors' Edition."  Issue C-36 was published June/July 1975 and it was to be the first in a series of books featuring stories from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.  Indeed, the first page reads "Stories From the Bible... Book One."  However, this was the only Bible issue published in the series. 

Sheldon Mayer is credited as the writer and Nestor Redondo as the penciller.  Joe Kubert is listed as Editor and Graphic Designer.  Special thanks are given to E. Nelson Bridwell, DC's "Resident Biblical Scholar."  

A three-page modern-day framing sequence featuring a grandfather and his biblically-named grandchildren David and Hannah introduces stories from the book of Genesis.  First, of course, is "The Creation" story from Genesis 1:1-2:7.  It is followed by the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:8-3:24), Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1-15), The Generations of Adam (Genesis 4:16-6:5), Noah and the Flood (Genesis 6:6-9:17), The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9), and The Story of Abraham (Genesis 11:26-13:18), and Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 14:1-19:26).  

In addition, there are single-page Bible Features (a la Ripley's Believe It or Not!) focused on "Digging into the Past," "School Days in Bible Times," "The Ziggurat," and "Soldiers in the Time of Abraham."  These are illustrated by Joe Kubert.

Had the series continued, it would likely have included the story of Moses, who is shown on the cover, but who does not appear inside except for a black and white title illustration.

The treasury format is ideal for the larger-than-life stories of Genesis.  Two double-page spreads showcase key moments--the animals emerging from the ark in the Noah story and the construction of the ziggurat in the Tower of Babel story.  The illustrations are typical of the time period and medium--white men with super-hero physiques and beautiful women.

If you're interested in picking up a copy of Limited Collectors' Edition C-36, it is readily available on e-Bay.  It was also reprinted in a deluxe hardcover edition in 2012, which is available from Amazon.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The Secret Origin of... PETER CANNON - THUNDERBOLT

Comics and the Bible | The Seraph in "Echo of Evil!" | Super Friends #46

Introducing... Dr. Eggslap