The Craptacular B-Sides #1 – 2002 is a delightfully unconventional and tongue-in-cheek entry from Marvel Comics that pokes fun at the world of superheroes while still delivering an engaging and surprisingly heartfelt narrative. Written by Brian David-Marshall with art by Brett Weldele, this debut issue introduces readers to a ragtag group of Z-list heroes looking to break into the big leagues — with varying levels of success, competence, and dignity.

In this debut, readers meet Jughandle the Wonder Lad, Murgatroyd the Friendly Mutant, The Ener-G, and Psion Ray, all gathered under the reluctant leadership of a washed-up talent agent hoping to cash in on the next superhero craze. Set against a backdrop of fame-chasing absurdity, the story serves up humour, satire, and a refreshing change of pace from Marvel’s usual high-stakes superhero drama. What makes this issue stand out is its self-awareness — it embraces comic book tropes only to spin them into a hilarious send-up of the genre.

The artwork by Weldele leans into a loose, expressive style that perfectly complements the chaotic, offbeat nature of the story, while the script is filled with snappy dialogue and sharp wit. It’s an underrated gem for fans of irreverent storytelling and a perfect example of Marvel experimenting outside its typical narrative boundaries during the early 2000s.

This issue is supplied by us — a professional UK-based online comic book store — and comes bagged and boarded using acid-free materials, and will be shipped to you in a sturdy book mailer to ensure it reaches you in excellent condition. You can count on fast shipping and secure packaging, giving collectors peace of mind when adding this quirky one-shot to their longbox.

Whether you're a Marvel completist, a fan of obscure titles, or simply appreciate comics that don’t take themselves too seriously, The Craptacular B-Sides #1 is an enjoyable and underappreciated read.