Action Philosophers

    (Evil Twin, 2005–2007)
™ and © 2002-2005 Fred Van Lente and Ryan Dunlavey

As the inside cover says, Action Philosophers is neither parody nor satire. However, it is funny. This first issue gives brief overviews of the lives and times of three highly influential philosophers: Plato, a contemporary of Socrates and a founding father of modern-day academia; Bodhidharma, a Buddhist reformer who emphasized meditation and physical training; and Friedrich Nietzsche, whose concept of the über mensch was perverted by such notorious nincompoops as Leopold & Loeb and Adolf Hitler.

What makes Action Philosophers such a gas is the purposeful anachronisms placed throughout the issue at just the right moments. Movie theaters, videogames, and other modern trappings help illustrate the historical figures’ philosophies in an amusing and even educational manner. And, to give the subject matter a comic book bent, the philosophers are portrayed dramatically on the cover: Plato as a wrestler (which he really was); Bodhidharma as a master of kung-fu (he invented the art form); and Nietzsche as a super-man (complete with cape and tights).

— Brett Weiss

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   NotesWriterArtist

#1

  4/1/2005
  $2.95
  $5.25
No copies available 		  Fred Van LenteRyan Dunlavey

#1 - 2nd printing

  4/1/2005
  $2.95
  $2.25
No copies available 		    

#1 - 3rd printing

  10/1/2014
  $1.00
  $3.50
2 copies available from $0.99 		 1 for $1 reprint; Published by Dark HorseFred Van LenteRyan Dunlavey

#2

  6/1/2005
  $2.95
  $2.75
No copies available 		  Fred Van LenteRyan Dunlavey

#3

  9/1/2005
  $2.95
  $3.50
1 copy available for $3.00 		 B&WFred Van LenteRyan Dunlavey

#4

  12/1/2005
  $2.95
  $2.25
2 copies available from $1.50 		 World Domination Handbook; B&WFred Van LenteRyan Dunlavey

#5

  4/1/2006
  $2.95
  $18.00
4 copies available from $1.95 		 Hate the French!; B&WFred Van LenteRyan Dunlavey

#6

  6/1/2006
  $2.95
  $3.25
1 copy available for $2.95 		 The People’s Choice; B&WFred Van LenteRyan Dunlavey

#7

  10/1/2006
  $2.95
  $4.25
3 copies available from $1.50 		 B&WFred Van LenteRyan Dunlavey

#8

  2/1/2007
  $2.95
  $3.50
No copies available 		 Senseless Violence Spectacular; B&WFred Van LenteRyan Dunlavey

#9

  7/1/2007
  $2.95
  $3.50
1 copy available for $7.99 		 Final Issue; Indicia reads title as Action Philosophers: The Lightning Round; B&WFred Van LenteRyan Dunlavey

Book #1

  6/1/2006
  $6.95
  $8.00
1 copy available for $8.00 		 Collects Action Philosophers #1–3; B&WFred Van LenteRyan Dunlavey

Book #2

  12/1/2006
  $8.95
  $8.00
1 copy available for $8.00 		 Collects Action Philosophers #4–6; B&WFred Van LenteRyan Dunlavey

Book #3

  11/1/2007
  $8.95
  $8.00
1 copy available for $8.00 		 Collects Action Philosophers #7–9; B&WFred Van LenteRyan Dunlavey

Deluxe Set #1

 
  $24.99
  $24.99
No copies available 		 More Than Complete Action Philosophers; Collects Action Philosophers #1-9 and 4 new storiesFred Van LenteRyan Dunlavey

Deluxe Set #1 Hardcover

 
  $29.99
  $29.99
No copies available 		 Collects Action Philosophers #1-9 and 4 new stories; More Than Complete Action Philosophers; Published by Dark HorseLente Fred VanRyan Dunlavey