The Collector

The Collector Fanzine Series was published by Bill G. Wilson in Clairton, PA, USA between 1967 thru to 1974, running for 29 editions over this timeframe.

The Collector, a cornerstone of comic book fandom’s “Silver Age” of fanzines, was edited and published by Bill Wilson in Clairton, Pennsylvania, starting in 1967. Over its twenty-nine issue run, it evolved from a modest, mimeographed publication into a high-quality, professionally printed journal that set a new standard for amateur enthusiasts. While many fanzines of the era focused strictly on news and checklists, The Collector became famous for its sophisticated production values and its dedication to the history of both comic books and classic newspaper strips.

The series is particularly noted for its impressive roster of contributors, bridging the gap between fans and industry professionals. It featured early work and exclusive illustrations from burgeoning talents like Don Newton, John Byrne, and Bernie Wrightson, alongside articles and tributes to legends of the medium. The fanzine provided a serious platform for deep dives into specific characters and creators, often providing the type of historical analysis and high-fidelity art reproductions that were otherwise unavailable to the general public during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

By the time the series concluded in 1974, The Collector had earned a reputation as one of the most prestigious fanzines in the hobby. Its transition to slick paper and professional layouts allowed it to showcase intricate art portfolios that rivaled mainstream magazines.

The Phantom appeared in various editions of The Collector, both on the front cover and within.

The Collector #19

The Collector edition number 19 was published in 1970, containing 22 black and white pages. The front cover of this edition is illustrated by John G. Fantucchio, with the back cover illustrated by Steve Ditko. Both the front and back covers of this edition can be seen below.

Published within this edition is an image of a collage of comic book characters illustrated by Don Newton, a remarkable crossover piece that brings together several of the most iconic figures from the Golden and Silver Ages of comics across two pages.

Here are the characters identified in the image, roughly from left to right:

  • Superman: Flying in the upper left with his cape billowing.
  • Batman: In the lower-left foreground, lunging forward.
  • The Spectre: Just above Batman, identifiable by his signature hood and cloak.
  • Black Adam: The muscular figure with the pointed ears and widow’s peak, positioned above the Spectre.
  • The Flash (Barry Allen): His head and shoulders are visible just below Black Adam.
  • Sub-Mariner (Namor): Glaring toward the center, positioned between Black Adam and Captain America.
  • Captain America: Centrally located, seen from the back holding his iconic shield.
  • Green Lantern (Hal Jordan): Flying at the top center, pointing forward.
  • Iron Man: Soaring upward through the middle of the composition.
  • Thor: Raising Mjölnir aloft, which is emitting a bright burst of light.
  • The Human Torch (Johnny Storm): Represented as a figure of living flame just below Thor.
  • Captain Marvel (Shazam): Looking upward toward the light from Thor’s hammer.
  • Spider-Man: Crouched in the upper right corner with his arms spread.
  • The Phantom: “The Ghost Who Walks” is seated in the lower foreground, directly facing the young boy.
  • The Collector: The young boy on the right, wide-eyed and clutching a “Junk Comics” book, representing the fanzine’s namesake.

The Collector #20

The Collector edition number 20 was published in 1970, containing 22 black and white pages. The Phantom is found on the front cover, an illustration by Don Newton. Both the front and back cover of this edition can be seen below.

Aside from various articles and photographs, this edition also showcases the 1970 Comic Art Convention which was held at the Duffy’s Tavern in Boulsburg, PA, USA.