1993 Wizard: The Guide to Comics #20 (Direct Edition) - EX

Catalog a milestone 1990s comic industry publication key issue for your archival inventory: Wizard: The Guide to Comics #20! Published by Wizard Entertainment, this unbagged direct newsstand/store edition features fierce, full-bleed cover artwork by Sam Kieth (signed "S. KIETH" in the lower right background field), depicting Sam Kieth's flagship Image Comics creation, The Maxx, snarling with feather-adorned headgear against a dark, cosmic, star-studded background backdrop. The layout is set beneath bold blue-to-white gradient WIZARD title typography, top header feature callouts ("INSIDE IMAGE: THE NEW CREW", "THE F.F. ON FILM: HEROES IN HOLLYWOOD", "COMIC GUIDE: SILVER AGE TO PRESENT"), and the white issue indicator box "No. 20".

The back cover features a full-page promotional house advertisement from Marvel Comics announcing their upcoming "1993 MARVEL ANNUALS" crossover event ("THE FUTURE OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE IS IN THE CARDS... ANNUALS WITH ATTITUDE!"). The ad lists the release schedule by month from March through August (featuring titles such as Amazing Spider-Man Annual #27, Uncanny X-Men Annual #17, and X-Force Annual #2) set against a stylized pink-and-white splash graphic backdrop. A crucial centerpiece entry for 1990s comic industry archivists, Image Comics launch historians, Sam Kieth cover art collectors, and Marvel 1990s Annual completionists!

Structural & Visual Inspection

• Cover & Spine Condition - NEAR MINT (NM): Original high-gloss cover retains rich blue-to-white title typography, deep cosmic black and purple background tones, and razor-sharp line definition across Sam Kieth's The Maxx illustration with zero surface scuffs or color breaks. Spine is flat, square, and tight with precise staple positioning and minimal stress; corners remain sharp and intact.

• Interior & Back Cover Integrity: Interior high-grade newsprint pages remain clean, flat, and un-marred. The back cover featuring the Marvel Comics 1993 Annuals promo ad maintains bright, vibrant royal blue background fields, crisp white and yellow headline lettering, and pristine edge margins with no creasing, surface wear, or foxing.

Item Specific Details