While some were hunting for Christmas presents on Friday, Dec. 16, others were hunting for clues in an uncommon scavenger hunt for a rare rocker comic at Galactic Comics and Games in Statesboro.
They did this while the world’s rock and comic loving fans also did at only 64 other respective, specially selected comic shops and record stores.
Also, these individuals probably did holiday shopping of their own for others, but they had a present for themselves (or perhaps to be gifted forward to somebody else) in mind that was more of a “nightmare before Christmas”.
Galactic Comics and Games one of few stores in world to host comic book scavenger hunt
Galactic Comics and Games had the distinction of being one of the few comic book and record stores selected worldwide to participate in this promotion. The scavenger hunt was for one comic from a limited print run of the Ozzy Osbourne and Todd McFarlane comic “Patient Number 9”, and the comic was signed by Ozzy Osbourne and Todd McFarlane themselves.
Keith Brown, owner of Galactic Comics and Games in Statesboro, said, “This beautiful comic is directly from Ozzy/McFarlane (arrived fresh via overnight mail) and is limited to just 40 comic shops and 25 record stores worldwide. (It was) originally available with Ozzy Osbourne's "Patient Number 9" Album/Comic Book bundle.”
Joe Ben Deal, employee of the store, said, “…the reason they sent out (limited) signed copies (of the comic) was to celebrate the album being nominated for four Grammys.”
“We are also having a raffle for one of the regular copies of the comic/CD this week (not signed) but still a $40 value,” Joe Ben said.
Comic Book Scavenger Hunt Has a Rare, Horrific Find from Legendary Creator
According to PreviewsWorld.com’s description of the signed comic in the scavenger hunt, “From the twisted minds of Todd McFarlane and Ozzy Osborne comes the bizarre tale of Patient Number 9. Trapped in an asylum with no way out. He is tortured by the Doctors, abused by the patients, and hunted by a horrific creature born from his shattered mind. The beautiful haunting interior pages are painted by artist Jonathan Glapion with a striking cover provided by Todd McFarlane himself.”
Next, Joe Ben said, “McFarlane had a legendary run on Spider-Man and co-created Venom. His original creation of Spawn has been featured in a live action movie, with another in development, and was an HBO animated series. In addition to comics, Todd McFarlane Toys produces one of the most popular lines of action figures.”
According to the Image Comics web-site, of which Todd McFarlane is the president, “…he and his companies have received nearly a hundred national and international awards, including two Emmys, a Grammy, and MTV Music Awards for his producer/director roles.”
Then, the web-site continues, “McFarlane became a true comic book superstar for his record setting work on Marvel Comics’ Spider-Man franchise, where he co-created the anti-hero Venom. The Sony Pictures’ Venom film starring Tom Hardy set an all-time record for largest film opening in (an) October and was #1 at the box office its first two weeks of release.”
Finally, the web-site elaborates, “McFarlane also co-founded in 1992—and serves as current President of—Image Comics. Image has been the third largest comic publisher in North America the past 26 years (behind Marvel and DC Comics). In 1994, McFarlane founded the international award-winning McFarlane Toys—now one of North America’s top action figure manufacturers, boasting over 150 licenses (including the recently announced Fortnite license) during that time.”
Osbourne and Glapion Also Connected to Rare Comic Book Scavenger Hunt
McFarlane is not the only well-known name attached to the project. Of course, Osbourne is an iconic heavy metal rocker who even had a reality show with his family for a number of years. (Though many know his credits, his IMDB.com bio. has been placed toward the end of this article.)
Next, according to DeviantArt.com, “…Glapion began his comics career in 1998 at Image, where he contributed inks to such titles as Curse of the Spawn, Sam and Twitch and Universe. After spending several years at Marvel inking Elektra: The Hand, Gravity and Ultimate X-Men, he shifted his focus to their distinguished competition.” He is now at D.C. Comics.
Galactic Comics and Games to Host Raffle In Addition to Comic Book Scavenger Hunt
Brown next said, “Along with the signed comic, we still have the limited edition Album/Comic bundle available, featuring (the) alternate album cover by Todd McFarlane. In addition to the scavenger hunt, we will be raffling off additional prizes including this four Grammy (nominated) album and comic bundle as well as other awesome swag.”
Brown added tickets for a raffle were available to purchase or earn via bonuses and product purchases. He also said that extra bonus raffle entries could be earned by visiting Cool Beanz Espresso Bar, buying a cup of coffee or other drink there, and letting them know the coffee of the day.
Cool Beanz Espresso Bar was contacted for comments but could not be reached.
Participants were also sent to the aforementioned coffee shop to get more information for the scavenger hunt itself.
What the Rare Comic Book Scavenger Hunt Entailed
Brown posted the scavenger hunt questions on the comic book shop’s Facebook page:
“1. If any author would have written the original novel “Diary of a Madman” it would surely be this master. We have a few 1st Printings of his works. Secured of course. How many copies were printed in 1959 of his featured book? __________________
2. Todd McFarlane is a comic master and this Marvel Comics Hardback is one of his top works at Marvel. Behind this Omnibus lies _________________________
3. Todd McFarlane’s greatest comic character is this guy. Near his collected volumes lies this album.
_____________________________
4. If there was ever a true genius Madman in DC comics it would definitely be this fine happy fellow. Below his collected books sits this Ozzy classic. __________________
5. Of course there are toys of Ozzy and other musicians. Behind this “Meat and Potatoes” fig sits this Ozzy album. _______________________
6. Bonus! “Coffee of the Day” _______"
Next, participants submitted their answers on forms which were similar to old-fashioned ballot pages.
Over 18 Participated in Galactic Comics and Games Rare Comic Book Scavenger Hunt
Last week, Galactic Comics and Games posted over 18 scavenger hunt participants' photos on their Facebook page. These included a couple, a young teen, and a frequent visitor to the store among others.
Photos Courtesy of Galactic Comics and Games
Later, a Facebook Live video of the drawing of entries happened:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=844504563429135 .
Spirit Connor had the winning entry for the scavenger hunt. She finally came to the store on Wednesday, Dec. 21 to pick up her prize and to be photographed.
Finally, for those perhaps few who may not know Ozzy Osbourne's background, according to IMDB.com, “One of the pioneers of heavy metal and one of its most commercially successful and iconic artists, Ozzy Osbourne was born in Birmingham, England, as John Michael Osbourne. After leaving school and having many odd jobs, he ended up in a band with Geezer Butler. This group then split, leading Ozzy and Geezer to join Tony Iommi and Bill Ward in a new band that went under several names (including Earth) that ended up being called Black Sabbath after a song of the same name that appeared on their first album (released 1969/70). He recorded several more albums with Sabbath despite the decline of his relationship with Tony Iommi, which after several break ups led to him leaving/being fired from the band in 1979.”
The bio. goes on to mention his solo career and a brief revival of Black Sabbath in the 90s. Geezer Butler eventually quit Black Sabbath and rejoined Ozzy.
