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
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  NotesWriterArtist
#1 Variation A

November, 2003
Cover Price: $2.95
1 copy available for $0.99 		Brian AugustynJeremy Tiongson
#1 Variation B

November, 2003
Cover Price: $2.95
1 copy available for $2.64 		Brian AugustynJeremy Tiongson
#1 Variation F (Holofoil Cover F)

4-Oct-2004
Cover Price: $2.95
6 copies available from $15.35 		  
#2

December, 2003
Cover Price: $2.95
4 copies available from $0.45 		Brian AugustynJeremy Tiongson
#3

January, 2004
Cover Price: $2.95
4 copies available from $1.75 		Brian AugustynJeremy Tiongson
#4

April, 2004
Cover Price: $2.95
3 copies available from $0.50 		Brian AugustynJeremy Tiongson
#5

May, 2004
Cover Price: $2.95
3 copies available from $0.99 		Brian AugustynJeremy Tiongson
#6

4-Jun-2004
Cover Price: $2.95
4 copies available from $0.99 		Brian AugustynJeremy Tiongson
#7

4-Jul-2004
Cover Price: $2.95
7 copies available from $0.99 		Brian AugustynJeremy Tiongson
#8

4-Sep-2004
Cover Price: $2.95
4 copies available from $1.92 		Brian AugustynJeremy Tiongson
Free Comic Book Day #1

July, 2004
Cover Price: $0.00
4 copies available from $0.75 		Brian AugustynJeremy Tiongson