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Duel Masters

    (Dreamwave, 2003-2004)
™ and ©2003 Dreamwave Productions

Producing the comic book before the cartoon, merchandise, or even the collectible card game it all originates from seems a risky proposition, but the prospect of launching something that’s even half as successful as Yu-Gi-Oh! must be irresistible.

The biggest difference between the two games is that Duel Masters, at least, isn’t entirely about kids playing cards, the titular game actually being a gateway to a world where all its cool monsters are real.

Its hero, Shobu, is a typical pluck-and-luck hero touched by destiny, differing from Yugi only in that he has an even more deadly looking hairdo. The real innovation here is the art, which tries for an animation (if not exactly anime) look by using computer-generated backgrounds—so it’s a pity that the effect is not unlike Colorforms. The polybagged contents includes a Japanese Duel Masters card, which could appeal to its intended audience—if 10-year-olds can get their hands on it.

— S.A. Bennett
Jump to issue:
  • 1/A
    #1 Variation A
    Nov 2003
    Cover: $2.95
    W: Brian Augustyn  ·  A: Jeremy Tiongson
    Face in background (green hair), monster-like figures in foreground; Polybagged with trading card
    1 copy for $1.25
  • 1/B
    #1 Variation B
    Nov 2003
    Cover: $2.95
    W: Brian Augustyn  ·  A: Jeremy Tiongson
    Polybagged with trading card
    1 copy for $2.64
  • 1/F
    #1 Variation F
    Holofoil Cover F
    Oct 2004
    Cover: $2.95
    6 copies from $11.98
  • 2
    #2
    Dec 2003
    Cover: $2.95
    W: Brian Augustyn  ·  A: Jeremy Tiongson
    4 copies from $0.45
  • 3
    #3
    Jan 2004
    Cover: $2.95
    W: Brian Augustyn  ·  A: Jeremy Tiongson
    4 copies from $1.99
  • 4
    #4
    Apr 2004
    Cover: $2.95
    W: Brian Augustyn  ·  A: Jeremy Tiongson
    3 copies from $1.25
  • 5
    #5
    May 2004
    Cover: $2.95
    W: Brian Augustyn  ·  A: Jeremy Tiongson
    3 copies from $1.25
  • 6
    #6
    Jun 2004
    Cover: $2.95
    W: Brian Augustyn  ·  A: Jeremy Tiongson
    4 copies from $1.25
  • 7
    #7
    Jul 2004
    Cover: $2.95
    W: Brian Augustyn  ·  A: Jeremy Tiongson
    7 copies from $1.25
  • 8
    #8
    Sep 2004
    Cover: $2.95
    W: Brian Augustyn  ·  A: Jeremy Tiongson
    4 copies from $1.92
  • FCBD 1
    Free Comic Book Day #1
    Jul 2004
    W: Brian Augustyn  ·  A: Jeremy Tiongson
    Free Comic Book Day 2014
    11 copies from $0.75