Blip

    (Marvel, 1983)
™ and ©1983 Marvel Comics

In the early 1980s before video games were able to portray realistic figures in vibrant three-dimensional color, games that relied on a maze-type layout like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong were the peak in arcade entertainment. The comparatively simple graphics and sound effects (by modern standards) made a name like Blip appropriate for a comic dealing with video games. Their incredible popularity did not bode well for the comic industry. It became apparent that much of the money that kids used to set aside for comics was now spent on video games. So with a “If you can’t beat ‘em…” attitude, Marvel published this title which profiled popular teen television stars and the video games they liked. In addition to the celebrity features, Blip also gave readers tips on strategy to help them perfect their technique.

— George Haberberger

		Notes	Writer	Artist
	#1 Date:  2/1/1983 Cover Price:  $1.00 NM Guide:  $23.00 3 copies available from $15.00	1st Appearance of Donkey Kong; 1st appearance of Mario; Video game magazine in comic-book format	George Sullivan, Rick Parker, Roger Elwood, Ron Zalme, Steven Grant, Eliot Brown, Gary Brodsky	Bob Camp, Eliot Brown, Gary Brodsky, Roger Elwood, Ron Zalme
	#2 Date:  Cover Price:  $1.00 NM Guide:  $8.00 9 copies available from $7.50		David Kraft, George Sullivan, Rob Fulop, Bob Harras	John Romita
	#3 Date:  4/1/1983 Cover Price:  $1.00 NM Guide:  $7.00 4 copies available from $5.75
	#4 Date:  5/1/1983 Cover Price:  $1.00 NM Guide:  $9.00 4 copies available from $8.00
	#5 Date:  6/1/1983 Cover Price:  $1.00 NM Guide:  $13.50 1 copy available for $6.99
	#6 Date:  7/1/1983 Cover Price:  $1.00 NM Guide:  $33.00 2 copies available from $6.99
	#7 Date:  8/1/1983 Cover Price:  $1.00 NM Guide:  $5.75 No copies available