Blip

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

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#1

Feb 1983

Cover: $1.00

W: George Sullivan, Rick Parker, Roger Elwood, Ron Zalme, Steven Grant, Eliot Brown, Gary Brodsky · A: Bob Camp, Eliot Brown, Gary Brodsky, Roger Elwood, Ron Zalme

1st Appearance of Donkey Kong; 1st appearance of Mario; Video game magazine in comic-book format

1 copy for $109.95
#2 Newsstand Edition

Newsstand Edition

Mar 1983

Cover: $1.00

W: David Anthony Kraft, George Sullivan, Rob Fulop, Bob Harras · A: John Romita Sr.

Standard comic book format

1 copy for $40.00