@@caprice28 maybe back then but I think today, if you hard target the right audience/demographic as is more possible with the internet, it might work. Also you charge more money, but also different tiers of releases for every budget. There are comic artists that are doing independent and using platforms like indie gogo, with $100 content tiers selling out before the lower $25 tier. There is definitely a customer out there that will pay for indie, and I guess by extension 'bespoke,' works.
I wish some editors I've worked with paid me that much to write. All the Best, James Heath Lantz Freelance Writer Staff Writer for BACK ISSUE magazine 2021 Eisner Award nominee, 2019 winner, "Best Comics-Related Periodical/Journalism"
7:00 That is a glorious parody of Image Comics there. Everything about it just spot-on perfect, from the awkward team posing to the uninspired character designs to the ludicrous names and catchphrases all meticulously trademarked, just flawless. And in fine Liefeldian fashion, we have no background and a grand total of four feet drawn for seven characters. If you hadn't told us it was a send-up I'd have thought it was one of Images short-lived 90's team books. The Team Supreme is getting an appearance in my next Sentinel Comics RPG session for sure. Way too awful to pass on using.
Thanks for covering a chapter of erotic comics, one of my favorite branches of fantasy, and doing it in a respectful way. It's easy to be sleazy and it's sad that a form of entertainment that should be fun and carefree can be overtaken by indulgence so fast and so destructive to the people involved.
When this was happening, I was working and hanging out with Tomm Coker and none of the artists involved on Penthouse Comix thought this would last long. They could smell in ineptitude of the management, but the pay was good and they felt kind of freed by being able to draw uncensored art.
I worked at an adult book store the first year of PC and got copies of the first 14 issues or so. Straight out of the delivery box, one to read and one to stay in the sealed bag. I really loved it.
I was fortunate enough to have work with some of the artists at Penthouse comics, and they told me this tragic story, and you were right. Some of the artists were getting rich off of those page rates and were bragging about it to other artists and I heard about it so it's all true.
Thank you for this. Have you ever thought of doing the history of Comico Comics? It seemed like they became the face of alternative comic publishing in the 80s with a real grab bag of high profile properties and creators. Then failed very quickly and vanished.
Good video. I was too young to purchase Penthouse comics in the 90’s but I do remember seeing some of the gorgeous covers. Thank you for highlighting an often overlooked publisher.
the 90’s were such a strange point in time the excess of the 80’s bleed into the mid 90’s and festered to some extend (When i started collecting comics in 1988 there were 2-3 places i could go as a kid and buy the books by 1992-1993 i swear to god there were a good 8-10 comic book stores within a 90 mile radius from my home (Its very much like the tech boom major over saturation it went from being this fun little hobby into this business with middle age men buying books (like a investment) everyone thought there was easy money to be made between Penthouse Magazine, Broadway comics, Valiant Comics which helped kick start the “major value” of comics of the early 90’s which also helped the chain reaction of the crash of the late 90’s…. There was so much talk/hype about Penthouse Comics but, none of my local comic book stores would sell them but, one Shady comic book shop the building was a dive had a odd smell in the air and the dude was also selling bootleg Godzilla & BBC VHS tapes so bizarre (Got my hands on the first 3 issues of Penthouse comics before i completely gave up on collecting as far as quality they were actually on such a higher quality all around they were the size of regular magazines so you’d get HQ art that looked better the covers themselves were simply outstanding! Penthouse magazine was infamous for being tied to organized crime so i can understand why there was high turn over the artist were getting payed crazy amounts more then likely for selfish reasons of the Publisher/owner to launder huge amounts of cash (Great video it made me remember so much of my teenage years hanging out with my older brother and going in and out of comic book stores 👍👍👍 (in the internet age i doubt you’ll ever come across the cast of charters you’ll find in a comic book shop in 1994/1995 in many ways it was like the film Clerks lol
I watched a documentary on R. Crumb a while ago and found him insufferable and frustrating to be around. For someone with such wild comics, he seemed to be very stuck-up when it came to things he perceived to be frivolous/useless, such as rap music, branded clothing, etc.
I had some of these from the Spanish edition. Erotism in comics is not as easy to make as one may think, not all artists, even good ones, are able to depict sex in an interesting and attractive way. It is a genre that has its own genuine masters. You are doing a great work with the channel, keep it up.
I don't think it's that hard ot believe. FIrst there's a tendency to try too hard, especially when it comes to the silly porny bodies, then there's stiff postures. Having people naturally interact is hard enough without trying to show them naturally intertwined.
I loved this magazine! It was awkward going into sex shops and seedy comic back rooms to find them, but dammit it was totally worth it to read Adam Hughes' adult art and stories!
Great show! I learned a lot I didn't know. It's a real shame it all fell apart the way it did. You identify the first four issues as being truly great. That Steranko art of He-row and Layla is fantastic! I read stories with art by Milo M. (and written by him too) in Heavy Metal Magazine.
This, also funnily enough my local comic shop didn't restrict sale of HeavyMetal to 18+ like they did with Penthouse and some other "adult" publications.
I was considering comic collecting a few years before this came out, and this title was a perfect alt series to collect, but within a year, Marvel had some alternate history crossovers, great stories, but so obvious that the many titles and metal covers were printed in the millions for "collectors", like Beany Babies, and I looked at my budget and decided not to. I knew collector scarcity and the glut of mid-90's comic were opposite things.
I use to follow famous writers. One claimed that Bob Guccione was a very difficult man ti get paid from. He did a free lance article for him and had to camp out on his desk to get paid, months late. Then refused to ever work for him again.
I think it’s funny how a magazine publisher paid higher page rates than anyone who was actually in the comics business because they didn’t realize how much you’re supposed to fuck over the artists when you publish comics
I have all of George's originals at my house, incl. The story bible for Penthouse Comix. His cousin is my best friend and I know the tragic story. He was an amazing writer with a lot of talent. It's our loss that he's gone.
8:13 Now I'm intrigued, but I guess the image used there says it all. You managed this subject with incredible care and taste, you continue to show how good you're at making this kind of content, amazing video as usual!
Fascinating. I knew and worked with George well prior to Penthouse but did get to go to the opening party for Penthouse Comix at the Guccione's 5th Ave mansion. I recall joking that the place had works hanging on the walls but the namesakes of the TMNT. I had never seen a Michelangelo or Donatello that was not under glassn - before or since! I also saw George chatting with Camille Paglia. Talk about surreal. You definitely managed to get a lot of the details which is very impressive but there are elements that are even more tragic that I was privy to. Rise and Fall is absolutely the correct title. Literally.
"According to Evanier, this trauma stayed with him, and he later also killed himself." Damn it, duuuuude! You scared me. I thought you meant that Mark Evanier killed himself, not the co-worker! x_X
Interesting subject, Chris. Thank you for dealing with the subject in a mature and respectful manner. I did not read these comics so I did not realize how many talented artists were involved. I was also unaware of the behind-the-scenes chaos and tragedy leading to its end. A very interesting watch!
tell you that man, I've under treatment for depression a couple of times, and the first one was exactly at the time I was 27-29... I felt a lot of pressure from college, add to it bad habits and a tendency towards disorganization and it becomes troublesome. it's not the same as being editor and writer of three comics in large circulation, but it was enough.
Thank you for this. I was never able to buy many of these books, but I loved them. There was also a title called Max, though I believe it was very short-lived, not to mention a preview in an issue of Penthouse magazine.
Wow! That took me back. I was in my 20s in the 90's and really into comics like Heavy Metal, Frank Frazetta Fantasy Illustrated, Omni Comics, and other comics aimed at adult readers including Penthouse Comix. I was always curious about why it ended and its drop in quality.
I wonder how many fans of these artists had no idea that these comics existed.
ปีที่แล้ว +1
Wish there were a new era of this type of thing, with more "awareness" controll and "ducation" behind and IN FORNT of the trend, both from the public and with the audience in mind. Regards from Tabasco, México [Land of The Olmecs]!
The footnote on the longer run in Spain made a lot of sense, as I rembember to see that comic in comicbook shelves when I was already a teenager. (I am Spanish)
Hey there, Chris 🙂... "THANK YOU" for doing this latest episode on Independent/Indy comics; personally,I've long ago gave up totally on Marvel and DC as their stories,etc. have just really whole live plain sucks. Thank God for Indy comics such as Penthouse.
Great episode (although depressing), I would like to see a video about Ken Penders. (Although you may not know a lot about Archie’s Sonic the Hedgehog comics).
I mean, there already is a pretty in-depth video on Ken Penders, I'm not sure there's a new one needed unless the previous video didnt mention something major.
Wow , with your personal past . Taking on this topic was a strong and brave step. You always do a great job on all of your projects. And thank you for doing so. Since I started watching your show over 3 years ago it has inspired me to broaden my reading scope. And through your enthusiasm and insight I have enjoyed many different titles that I would never have even gave a second thought about. So thank you again and yes keep reading comics.
Most correct and good speculations. Alas, I was not EIC, I was there but it was Dave Elliott who took that on. My memory is fuzzy but it is possible I got stuff out the door and a mistaken title was left in place, but Dave was there before George took his own life. The overall truth of the Penthouse story is complicated by a lot of people going through the same period of time but doing different things. To wit: I knocked off one night at 2AM and found at 8AM that there was fresh artwork on a table (yes I slept there and, as you said, George was asleep in his office). At the time, I thought George had picked stuff out of the flat files and put it out for later. Turns out he had contacted an artist at 2, asked if a huge sum of money could get him to do some art, drive it in and take a check within a very few hours. I found that out 4 years later when chatting with that artist. Strange times. George needs more recognition; when he was good he was very good. Alas, on occasion, he could be bad.
I have an episode suggestion. I just read Marvel Masterworks: Ka-zar Volume 1. The early Ka-zar stories are crazy. They are too short with extravagant Savage Land cultures and peoples that are not flushed out. Way to much detail and insane pacing. But it has incredible talent in the likes of Roy Thomas, Jack Kirby, Barry Windsor Smith, Len Wein, Gerry Conway and John Buscema. How about a Chris researched with your solid perspectives to explain the madness? Just a thought. Thanks for all your great work regardless if you use my suggestion.
90s was the best of time & the worst of times. There were sooo many new & different comics published.I had a few issues of PC but had to stop buying it due my budget limitations. I did not know it ran until 98. Hustler also had a comic magazine. maybe Hustler still does.
These remind me of my stash of Heavy Metal Magazines. I forgot about Droona and her sexcapades across the galaxy. Man, I got in so much trouble when my dad found those books lol.
Your brilliant presentation amazes me in the new in depth information, you have. I'm a collector of 50 years, and I'm looking into your forum for supporting your channel. All your be videos are great, Charming and provocative. Very special. Thanks again. Bravo!!!!!
I remember reading Penthouse Comix when it first came out. I only owned one issue myself, I was reading issues that belonged to my friends, whom I had joined in a studio in Toronto where we hoped to break into the then-exploding industry, After that fiasco with our borders, they released a tamer version of the comic, but it had lost most of its appeal.
As always, great work Chris. Appreciate the trigger warning up front, too. Sad to see and what a sad turn of events! But awfully decent of you to care for your viewers.
Seems strange to call that "early" work for Mark Texeira. By the time of Penthouse Comics, he already was an established artist from Ghost Rider, and his work on the Masters of the Universe mini-comics then was over 10 years old.
Back in those days I was a lot more interested in Omaha the Cat Dancer than this kind of thing. Omaha threaded the needle perfectly in being erotic without being sleazy. I wish someone would reprint it - a big Fantagraphics omnibus would be perfect.
Penthouse and Bob Guccione, Sr.’s downfall is a seriously wild ride. He intended to build a casino in Atlantic City AND a nuclear power generator. Pissed away tens of millions on nothing. Unlike Playboy, Penthouse never drew in top-tier journalists or fiction writers, although they were early publishing grounds for a couple that had notable careers, like T. C. Boyle. The magazine eventually alienated its readers by focusing on alternative medicine (Guccione’s partner of many years died from cancer) and other subject matter that wouldn’t appeal to its demographic
GREAT work as always Chris,especially on a little known title/magazine like this.I remember seeing these mags in the shoppettes and main pxs on base when I was in the army stationed at Ft Hood,Tx.Would look thru them and was shocked at the content,especially being sold at army bases.It wasn't my type of comic/mag,so I left it alone.
What an incredibly interesting episode. I never really realized there was a big segment of the industry for this. Really tragic story of the two creators whose lives ended sadly.
i worked in a studio that did some strips for hustler comics which was at a time comics were crashing and getting meaner - our crew ended up illustrating men's mags and doing pinups
Thank you for covering a topic like this. It was something that rarely gets talked about but is a part of comics history nontheless. I hadnt heard of anything in this video beforehand so it was really eye opening. Once again thank you and keep up the awesome content!
Excelent video. The second half of 80's and whole 90's was the best moment to be a comic reader. Magazines like these, Heavy Metal, Metal Hurlant and more mature and violent stories in DC, Marvel, Chaos, Image, etc is something that actual readers can't live, and that is a pity.
also hiring Adam Hughes and Kevin Nowlan is amazing choice butt at the same time....I can't quite imagine them hitting deadlines beyond early issues. I dont think they've worked on long term monthly books and I dont think they're that fast. not that it's bad, but I can see that them leaving the book was kind of inevitable.
Thanks for this pretty informative video sir. Back when the US version of Penthouse Comix was coming out no comic shop near me would carry it. I was in the rural deep south and after the incidents at stores like Friendly Franks all the LCS were scared of similar stuff happening. So to get copies of Penthouse Comix I would have to goto this one gas station one town over. Cause it was the only place I knew of that carried the comix. Of course it was kept behind the counter. So you had to to tell the clerk,who were usually older ladies "No I don't want Hustler leg Show I want Penthouse comix. No the one with superheroes on the cover." Thankfully I managed to get most of the first 2 years of the comix. Was great to finally see a none fax of a fax of a fax copy of Moebius Batman comic.
Really interesting and tragic story. I vaguely recall seeing Penthouse Comix on the shelves but never picked one up. Now I gotta find at least one issue and check it out...
Really intersting! Had no idea Penthouse Comix was a thing, but seems like the sort of thing you'd have found wrapped in plastic at a 90s comic store. Thanks for another great video.
This was a fascinating corner of comics history I'd have never delved into. Thank you for handling it so sensitively and tastefully. It's going to bug me that I'm certain I read the one with cavemen running from a dinosaur.
I'm in Canada and I have the first few issues and I remember that they became suddenly super hard to get and that there were distribution and censorship issues happening. I didn't realize that they continued to such a high number. I do remember tracking some later issues down and realizing that Nowlan and Hughes weren't really involved anymore which was a shame. I was LOVING the Scion story. But I had zero idea about any of the rest of this. Sorry to hear about the tragic backstory of George Caragonne. That's really tough. I also had no idea they paid so well! Thank you.
I started watching this video around when you released it but had to stop halfway through because I had do go out and do stuff. I come back a week later, assuming that George Coragonne would be another sad case of too much money leading to a binge resulting in death, but it was even sadder and darker, the poor guy. A really interesting video though, who knew porn comics could be so versatile lmao
The artist for Bethlehem Steel was the Spanish maestro Alfonso Azpiri. Maybe part of the reason the magazine remained popular over here.
$800 a page is still more than most illustrators earn, nearly 20 years later
I imagine it wasn't sustainable though.
Because It's insane.
@@caprice28 Insanely AWESOME!
@@caprice28 maybe back then but I think today, if you hard target the right audience/demographic as is more possible with the internet, it might work. Also you charge more money, but also different tiers of releases for every budget.
There are comic artists that are doing independent and using platforms like indie gogo, with $100 content tiers selling out before the lower $25 tier. There is definitely a customer out there that will pay for indie, and I guess by extension 'bespoke,' works.
I wish some editors I've worked with paid me that much to write.
All the Best,
James Heath Lantz
Freelance Writer
Staff Writer for BACK ISSUE magazine
2021 Eisner Award nominee, 2019 winner, "Best Comics-Related Periodical/Journalism"
This Channel is Soooooo Underrated! It Should have Millions of Subscribers!
One of the few channels that I've watched every video
7:00 That is a glorious parody of Image Comics there. Everything about it just spot-on perfect, from the awkward team posing to the uninspired character designs to the ludicrous names and catchphrases all meticulously trademarked, just flawless. And in fine Liefeldian fashion, we have no background and a grand total of four feet drawn for seven characters. If you hadn't told us it was a send-up I'd have thought it was one of Images short-lived 90's team books.
The Team Supreme is getting an appearance in my next Sentinel Comics RPG session for sure. Way too awful to pass on using.
A few more pouches and gigantic shoulder pads would have really sold it.
Thanks for covering a chapter of erotic comics, one of my favorite branches of fantasy, and doing it in a respectful way. It's easy to be sleazy and it's sad that a form of entertainment that should be fun and carefree can be overtaken by indulgence so fast and so destructive to the people involved.
When this was happening, I was working and hanging out with Tomm Coker and none of the artists involved on Penthouse Comix thought this would last long. They could smell in ineptitude of the management, but the pay was good and they felt kind of freed by being able to draw uncensored art.
The artists involved on this project is a real Dream Team of Comics. What a sad history of George Caragonne. Great video, Chris! :)
I worked at an adult book store the first year of PC and got copies of the first 14 issues or so. Straight out of the delivery box, one to read and one to stay in the sealed bag. I really loved it.
I was fortunate enough to have work with some of the artists at Penthouse comics, and they told me this tragic story, and you were right. Some of the artists were getting rich off of those page rates and were bragging about it to other artists and I heard about it so it's all true.
Man am I glad there wasn't an "Oh, hi, you caught me...." cold open skit on this one.
Thank you for this. Have you ever thought of doing the history of Comico Comics? It seemed like they became the face of alternative comic publishing in the 80s with a real grab bag of high profile properties and creators. Then failed very quickly and vanished.
The Elementals and Justice Machine team-up was the first independently published comic that I brought. Comico!!!
Good video. I was too young to purchase Penthouse comics in the 90’s but I do remember seeing some of the gorgeous covers. Thank you for highlighting an often overlooked publisher.
the 90’s were such a strange point in time the excess of the 80’s bleed into the mid 90’s and festered to some extend (When i started collecting comics in 1988 there were 2-3 places i could go as a kid and buy the books by 1992-1993 i swear to god there were a good 8-10 comic book stores within a 90 mile radius from my home (Its very much like the tech boom major over saturation it went from being this fun little hobby into this business with middle age men buying books (like a investment) everyone thought there was easy money to be made between Penthouse Magazine, Broadway comics, Valiant Comics which helped kick start the “major value” of comics of the early 90’s which also helped the chain reaction of the crash of the late 90’s…. There was so much talk/hype about Penthouse Comics but, none of my local comic book stores would sell them but, one Shady comic book shop the building was a dive had a odd smell in the air and the dude was also selling bootleg Godzilla & BBC VHS tapes so bizarre (Got my hands on the first 3 issues of Penthouse comics before i completely gave up on collecting as far as quality they were actually on such a higher quality all around they were the size of regular magazines so you’d get HQ art that looked better the covers themselves were simply outstanding! Penthouse magazine was infamous for being tied to organized crime so i can understand why there was high turn over the artist were getting payed crazy amounts more then likely for selfish reasons of the Publisher/owner to launder huge amounts of cash (Great video it made me remember so much of my teenage years hanging out with my older brother and going in and out of comic book stores 👍👍👍 (in the internet age i doubt you’ll ever come across the cast of charters you’ll find in a comic book shop in 1994/1995 in many ways it was like the film Clerks lol
Penthouse is back baby!!!!! Love the video! This is my type of content right here! Tragic story. Amazing job covering it.
I watched a documentary on R. Crumb a while ago and found him insufferable and frustrating to be around. For someone with such wild comics, he seemed to be very stuck-up when it came to things he perceived to be frivolous/useless, such as rap music, branded clothing, etc.
Totally. You should check out his opinion of Ralph Bakshi's adaptation of Fritz the Cat.
@@kendallmoore4826 Oh god I can only imagine.
I had some of these from the Spanish edition. Erotism in comics is not as easy to make as one may think, not all artists, even good ones, are able to depict sex in an interesting and attractive way. It is a genre that has its own genuine masters.
You are doing a great work with the channel, keep it up.
I don't think it's that hard ot believe. FIrst there's a tendency to try too hard, especially when it comes to the silly porny bodies, then there's stiff postures. Having people naturally interact is hard enough without trying to show them naturally intertwined.
First new Penthouse comic is out. Heavy Metal was going to start up again too, but it never got off the ground.
I loved this magazine! It was awkward going into sex shops and seedy comic back rooms to find them, but dammit it was totally worth it to read Adam Hughes' adult art and stories!
Why did you do that?
My L.C.S. sold them.
@@spencerwelchii573 Why do you think the rest of the world is exactly like where you live?
Great show! I learned a lot I didn't know. It's a real shame it all fell apart the way it did. You identify the first four issues as being truly great. That Steranko art of He-row and Layla is fantastic! I read stories with art by Milo M. (and written by him too) in Heavy Metal Magazine.
I used to read this and Heavy Metal. They had some really good stories.
This, also funnily enough my local comic shop didn't restrict sale of HeavyMetal to 18+ like they did with Penthouse and some other "adult" publications.
I've seen a couple of these Comix around but I didn't know they had such a complex and tragic history 💔
I was considering comic collecting a few years before this came out, and this title was a perfect alt series to collect, but within a year, Marvel had some alternate history crossovers, great stories, but so obvious that the many titles and metal covers were printed in the millions for "collectors", like Beany Babies, and I looked at my budget and decided not to. I knew collector scarcity and the glut of mid-90's comic were opposite things.
They need to bring this back.
Excellent job as always Chris! This was a publisher I had no idea existed or the history behind it, great job covering it.
Wow, you wern't kidding when you said "tragic"!
I know it's classified as a Magazine, a collection of short Sci-Fi Fantasy stories, but Heavy Metal fits into the category of an erotic comic.
I use to follow famous writers. One claimed that Bob Guccione was a very difficult man ti get paid from. He did a free lance article for him and had to camp out on his desk to get paid, months late. Then refused to ever work for him again.
I think it’s funny how a magazine publisher paid higher page rates than anyone who was actually in the comics business because they didn’t realize how much you’re supposed to fuck over the artists when you publish comics
I have all of George's originals at my house, incl. The story bible for Penthouse Comix. His cousin is my best friend and I know the tragic story. He was an amazing writer with a lot of talent.
It's our loss that he's gone.
So he was editor and wrote all of the stories?
I am suprised that he didn't burn out quicker.
I used to look forward to Wicked Wanda every month.
Big kudos to you for creating in depth comic retrospectives, that I personally have been watching for well over 6 years. Keep up the good work!
8:13 Now I'm intrigued, but I guess the image used there says it all.
You managed this subject with incredible care and taste, you continue to show how good you're at making this kind of content, amazing video as usual!
I have been looking all over the internet. I can’t figure out who replaced Nowlan on Scion. I’m so curious now!
Fascinating. I knew and worked with George well prior to Penthouse but did get to go to the opening party for Penthouse Comix at the Guccione's 5th Ave mansion. I recall joking that the place had works hanging on the walls but the namesakes of the TMNT. I had never seen a Michelangelo or Donatello that was not under glassn - before or since! I also saw George chatting with Camille Paglia. Talk about surreal. You definitely managed to get a lot of the details which is very impressive but there are elements that are even more tragic that I was privy to. Rise and Fall is absolutely the correct title. Literally.
It’s such a sad story.
I don't think I thought you were a prude or anything, but I'm still surpised that you did it
"According to Evanier, this trauma stayed with him, and he later also killed himself."
Damn it, duuuuude! You scared me. I thought you meant that Mark Evanier killed himself, not the co-worker! x_X
Great video. Thank you for your work and your bravery
Interesting subject, Chris. Thank you for dealing with the subject in a mature and respectful manner. I did not read these comics so I did not realize how many talented artists were involved. I was also unaware of the behind-the-scenes chaos and tragedy leading to its end.
A very interesting watch!
tell you that man, I've under treatment for depression a couple of times, and the first one was exactly at the time I was 27-29... I felt a lot of pressure from college, add to it bad habits and a tendency towards disorganization and it becomes troublesome. it's not the same as being editor and writer of three comics in large circulation, but it was enough.
This episode is necessary.
Comics (the best of them) can be colourful and they can be bleak.
And, no great art omits all shadows.
That was a really interesting look at the comics industry in the boom years indeed. And some absolutely gorgeous artwork too.
Thank you for this. I was never able to buy many of these books, but I loved them. There was also a title called Max, though I believe it was very short-lived, not to mention a preview in an issue of Penthouse magazine.
We need more substantive subjects like this every now and then. Great job.
Thank you for being a creator who can handle topics like this well, thoroughly, and with decorum.
Wow! That took me back. I was in my 20s in the 90's and really into comics like Heavy Metal, Frank Frazetta Fantasy Illustrated, Omni Comics, and other comics aimed at adult readers including Penthouse Comix. I was always curious about why it ended and its drop in quality.
I wonder how many fans of these artists had no idea that these comics existed.
Wish there were a new era of this type of thing, with more "awareness" controll and "ducation" behind and IN FORNT of the trend, both from the public and with the audience in mind.
Regards from Tabasco, México [Land of The Olmecs]!
The footnote on the longer run in Spain made a lot of sense, as I rembember to see that comic in comicbook shelves when I was already a teenager. (I am Spanish)
@13:05 -- *I own that piece of original art on the right.*
Hey there, Chris 🙂...
"THANK YOU" for doing this latest episode on Independent/Indy comics; personally,I've long ago gave up totally on Marvel and DC as their stories,etc. have just really whole live plain sucks. Thank God for Indy comics such as Penthouse.
Never a video I thought I would see, but I’m glad I did as this was an amazing episode Chris, great work
Thanks for not veering away from this kind of topic, Chris. It might not be "fun" but it's interesting, and, I think, important that we talk about it.
Great episode (although depressing), I would like to see a video about Ken Penders. (Although you may not know a lot about Archie’s Sonic the Hedgehog comics).
I still don't know a whole lot about Sonic but I actually have gone down the rabbit hole that is Ken Penders. It's a weird story, for sure.
@@ComicTropes what’s the link to your story about Penders?
I love Ken penders so much its unreal
I mean, there already is a pretty in-depth video on Ken Penders, I'm not sure there's a new one needed unless the previous video didnt mention something major.
Wow , with your personal past . Taking on this topic was a strong and brave step. You always do a great job on all of your projects. And thank you for doing so. Since I started watching your show over 3 years ago it has inspired me to broaden my reading scope. And through your enthusiasm and insight I have enjoyed many different titles that I would never have even gave a second thought about. So thank you again and yes keep reading comics.
Did he also try to jump off a roof or something?
@@ColonelMetus He has admitted to suffering from depression.
Most correct and good speculations. Alas, I was not EIC, I was there but it was Dave Elliott who took that on. My memory is fuzzy but it is possible I got stuff out the door and a mistaken title was left in place, but Dave was there before George took his own life. The overall truth of the Penthouse story is complicated by a lot of people going through the same period of time but doing different things. To wit: I knocked off one night at 2AM and found at 8AM that there was fresh artwork on a table (yes I slept there and, as you said, George was asleep in his office). At the time, I thought George had picked stuff out of the flat files and put it out for later. Turns out he had contacted an artist at 2, asked if a huge sum of money could get him to do some art, drive it in and take a check within a very few hours. I found that out 4 years later when chatting with that artist.
Strange times. George needs more recognition; when he was good he was very good. Alas, on occasion, he could be bad.
Chris, you look good with the Marine haircut. Badass.
800 a page? Had to have been laundering money or something
I still have a bunch of these and Omni Comics. I used to get them from Super City Comics in downtown Cleveland.
I have an episode suggestion. I just read Marvel Masterworks: Ka-zar Volume 1. The early Ka-zar stories are crazy. They are too short with extravagant Savage Land cultures and peoples that are not flushed out. Way to much detail and insane pacing. But it has incredible talent in the likes of Roy Thomas, Jack Kirby, Barry Windsor Smith, Len Wein, Gerry Conway and John Buscema.
How about a Chris researched with your solid perspectives to explain the madness? Just a thought.
Thanks for all your great work regardless if you use my suggestion.
The way he went out, it's very surprising it's not more well known. Truly wild, like something out of a movie.
The Spanish edition had a good number of erotic fare with art from some big comic-book names.
This was worth the wait. Great video, Chris!
90s was the best of time & the worst of times. There were sooo many new & different comics published.I had a few issues of PC but had to stop buying it due my budget limitations. I did not know it ran until 98. Hustler also had a comic magazine. maybe Hustler still does.
These remind me of my stash of Heavy Metal Magazines. I forgot about Droona and her sexcapades across the galaxy. Man, I got in so much trouble when my dad found those books lol.
Tragic story first time hearing it, a big comic lover who never knew it existed in the first place
Your brilliant presentation amazes me in the new in depth information, you have. I'm a collector of 50 years, and I'm looking into your forum for supporting your channel. All your be videos are great, Charming and provocative. Very special. Thanks again. Bravo!!!!!
I remember reading Penthouse Comix when it first came out. I only owned one issue myself, I was reading issues that belonged to my friends, whom I had joined in a studio in Toronto where we hoped to break into the then-exploding industry,
After that fiasco with our borders, they released a tamer version of the comic, but it had lost most of its appeal.
As always, great work Chris. Appreciate the trigger warning up front, too. Sad to see and what a sad turn of events! But awfully decent of you to care for your viewers.
You always find such interesting stories in unusual places.
Please do an episode on "Oh Wicked Wanda". I loved the satire and creativity of them.
That AH! image may have been the first thing I saw of his. What a ridiculous lineup of talent and an equally heartbreaking backstory.
A sad and compelling story. Thank you for shedding light on this bit of comics history.
Seems strange to call that "early" work for Mark Texeira. By the time of Penthouse Comics, he already was an established artist from Ghost Rider, and his work on the Masters of the Universe mini-comics then was over 10 years old.
Interesting stuff. I know amongst the comics I inherited on my Dad’s passing there are some if not all the N.A. run of Penthouse Comix
great video, thanks for covering this type of illustration - this and Playboy comics is damn good art.
The quality of art is just amazing !
Back in those days I was a lot more interested in Omaha the Cat Dancer than this kind of thing. Omaha threaded the needle perfectly in being erotic without being sleazy. I wish someone would reprint it - a big Fantagraphics omnibus would be perfect.
Excellent episode, Chris!
Penthouse and Bob Guccione, Sr.’s downfall is a seriously wild ride. He intended to build a casino in Atlantic City AND a nuclear power generator. Pissed away tens of millions on nothing. Unlike Playboy, Penthouse never drew in top-tier journalists or fiction writers, although they were early publishing grounds for a couple that had notable careers, like T. C. Boyle. The magazine eventually alienated its readers by focusing on alternative medicine (Guccione’s partner of many years died from cancer) and other subject matter that wouldn’t appeal to its demographic
GREAT work as always Chris,especially on a little known title/magazine like this.I remember seeing these mags in the shoppettes and main pxs on base when I was in the army stationed at Ft Hood,Tx.Would look thru them and was shocked at the content,especially being sold at army bases.It wasn't my type of comic/mag,so I left it alone.
no matter how beautiful illustrated girls are if they have chicken legs it's a huge turn off for me, most of these artists did a good job with that
What an incredibly interesting episode. I never really realized there was a big segment of the industry for this. Really tragic story of the two creators whose lives ended sadly.
i worked in a studio that did some strips for hustler comics which was at a time comics were crashing and getting meaner - our crew ended up illustrating men's mags and doing pinups
Great video, very very interesting and sad.
Thank you for covering a topic like this. It was something that rarely gets talked about but is a part of comics history nontheless. I hadnt heard of anything in this video beforehand so it was really eye opening. Once again thank you and keep up the awesome content!
Excelent video. The second half of 80's and whole 90's was the best moment to be a comic reader. Magazines like these, Heavy Metal, Metal Hurlant and more mature and violent stories in DC, Marvel, Chaos, Image, etc is something that actual readers can't live, and that is a pity.
also hiring Adam Hughes and Kevin Nowlan is amazing choice butt at the same time....I can't quite imagine them hitting deadlines beyond early issues. I dont think they've worked on long term monthly books and I dont think they're that fast. not that it's bad, but I can see that them leaving the book was kind of inevitable.
Great video, facinating story. Thanks for exploring the outer fields of the industry, really informative.
Thanks for this pretty informative video sir.
Back when the US version of Penthouse Comix was coming out no comic shop near me would carry it. I was in the rural deep south and after the incidents at stores like Friendly Franks all the LCS were scared of similar stuff happening.
So to get copies of Penthouse Comix I would have to goto this one gas station one town over. Cause it was the only place I knew of that carried the comix.
Of course it was kept behind the counter. So you had to to tell the clerk,who were usually older ladies "No I don't want Hustler leg Show I want Penthouse comix. No the one with superheroes on the cover."
Thankfully I managed to get most of the first 2 years of the comix. Was great to finally see a none fax of a fax of a fax copy of Moebius Batman comic.
...geez, the 90s were tougher on the comics industry than I realized...
Sad to hear this, but thank you for sharing the story.
I missed seeing Adam Huges work in these issues and thank you for the awesome coverage!
Really interesting and tragic story. I vaguely recall seeing Penthouse Comix on the shelves but never picked one up. Now I gotta find at least one issue and check it out...
Really intersting! Had no idea Penthouse Comix was a thing, but seems like the sort of thing you'd have found wrapped in plastic at a 90s comic store. Thanks for another great video.
Always happy to see a new video from you 💚 glad you're taking care of yourself
This was a fascinating corner of comics history I'd have never delved into. Thank you for handling it so sensitively and tastefully. It's going to bug me that I'm certain I read the one with cavemen running from a dinosaur.
Great segment!
I'm in Canada and I have the first few issues and I remember that they became suddenly super hard to get and that there were distribution and censorship issues happening. I didn't realize that they continued to such a high number. I do remember tracking some later issues down and realizing that Nowlan and Hughes weren't really involved anymore which was a shame. I was LOVING the Scion story. But I had zero idea about any of the rest of this. Sorry to hear about the tragic backstory of George Caragonne. That's really tough. I also had no idea they paid so well! Thank you.
I started watching this video around when you released it but had to stop halfway through because I had do go out and do stuff. I come back a week later, assuming that George Coragonne would be another sad case of too much money leading to a binge resulting in death, but it was even sadder and darker, the poor guy.
A really interesting video though, who knew porn comics could be so versatile lmao
This was really well done. Thanks for doing this.