Buying Stuff


Q: Where's a good place to purchase issues of Heavy Metal Magazine?

A: Everyone's shopping experience is different, depending on where you go. But here are some places that sell Heavy Metal, along with store opinions I've heard from other people, together with my own experiences. These are listed from best to worst, however all are at least recommended:

1) - Your local comic shop - There's no shipping time, and you get to examine the quality of the magazine before you buy it. The main downside is that their inventory may be limited. Customer service and price varies per store.

2) - Your local variety or book store - There's no shipping time, and you get to examine the quality of the magazine before you buy it. The main downside is finding a store that carries it. Customer service varies per store, but it should normally be the cover price.

3) - eBay - Their selection is excellent and easy to order. However because it's sold from different individuals, the condition, shipping, and prices may vary. Also use standard eBay caution.

4) - HeavyMetal.com - As of March 2026, the store is going through growing pains, but are getting better. Their selection is excellent and is easy to order. The price can range from moderate to high. The biggest problem is they don't list the condition of the issues, so what you receive can widely vary from Near Mint to Poor, especially the older the magazines get. Their packaging is good now, but before 2025, the packaging was often poor, and would often damage the product. From around 2021 to 2025, the company was going through serious problems, and would take orders, take money, but often not ship any product. HM are working to correct these past orders.

5) - Subscription - As of March 2026, the subscriptions are going through growing pains, and issues often arrive months late and damaged, requiring contacting their support. They are working on this. But when it works, it's delivered right to you, it's supposed to be before it hits the newsstand, and a lot cheaper then the cover price.

6) - Mile High Comics - Their selection is excellent, and they list the issues by their grade, so you know exactly the quality you're getting. Their shipping is well packaged and quick. The price can range from moderate to high. Ordering from their site can be a bit confusing. If you do need to contact them for any reason, I'd recommend calling them instead of emailing, as you might not get a reply through email. If you're ordering a new issue, I don't recommend their N.I.C.E. ordering department. It may take them a few months to get new issues after they come out, which by then they're added to the back issue department anyway. Also the N.I.C.E. department's accuracy on shipping you the correct item is not the best. Just stick with their regular back issue department.

7) - MyComicShop

8) - Advanced Book Exchange - Their selection is excellent and easy to order. However because it's sold from different stores, the condition, shipping, and prices may vary.

9) - If you still can't find that issue you're looking for, there are many other on-line stores such as Amazon.com that have a few issues.


Q: I'm fairly new to Heavy Metal and I'd like to check it out. What issues would you recommend I start with?

A: That's a hard question to answer as people have different tastes as to what they like in a story. And even when people's tastes are the same, their opinions can also vary quite a bit from person to person. It's like trying to recommend music to someone. Everyone's different. For some more information, some offsite reviews can be found in my Links section, or you can also read my article, "What Is Heavy Metal?". Although the easiest way to get an issue is to just grab the latest one out there. Or if you're really serious about possibly starting a collection, maybe get one or two from each era. One from late '70's/early '80's. One from mid to late '80's. One from mid '90's. One from the '10's. One from the last few years.


Q: Where can I buy the "Taarna On Bird" statue?

A: Unfortunately it's no longer for sale and I'm not sure where you could get one. You could try searching eBay.


Q: Where can I buy the Ranxerox t-shirt?

A: Unfortunately it's no longer for sale and I'm not sure where you could get one. You could try searching eBay, but I've never actually seen it there yet.


Q: Where can I buy the "Heavy Metal" logo belt buckle?

A: Unfortunately it's no longer for sale and I'm not sure where you could get one. You could try searching eBay.


Q: Where can I buy the 20 Years Of Heavy Metal CD-ROM collection?

A: Even though this was put together by CD Technologies and advertised for sale in late 1997 and early 1998, the project was quickly stopped, due to controversial electronic copyright reprinting laws. Although before it was stopped, there were a little over 50 copies that were sold. Caution when buying, as fake bootleg imitations do exist. For more information on why the CD-ROMs were cancelled, see the answer in the Miscellaneous FAQ.


Q: I can't seem to find the Epic Illustrated special that was supposed to have the conclusion to "The Last Galactus Story". Where can I find it?

A: Unfortunately even though this was advertised for sale in the last Epic issue, John Byrne went on to do other things and no longer had control over the Galactus story so the issue and story were never made. Since then, many other things have happened in the Marvel universe that would cause continuity problems, so there may never be an ending to this story. But from an interview in 2000 by Comic Book Resources, here's how John said he originally planned to conclude this story:

• "Galactus battles the Watcher who showed up at the end of the last published chapter. This turns out to be the same Watcher who witnessed the "birth" of Galactus - yes, that was not Uatu - and who has been driven insane by his guilt over all the deaths that have happened because, as he sees it, he did not snuff out the nascent Galactus when he had the chance. As the two battle, over millennia, the universe basically dies around them. The stars burn out. No "Big Crunch" of everything collapsing back onto itself to be born again. Entropy wins over all. As the universe verges on flickering out of existence, Galactus draws into himself the last shreds of energy, giving him just enough of an edge to defeat the rogue Watcher. But then Galactus and Nova are alone in an empty, endless void. The universe as we know it is gone. Galactus finally understands what it's all about. What he's been doing all these billions of years. He cracks the seals on his armor, and all the energy he has absorbed spews out of him. He becomes, effectively, the Big Bang of the next universe. Nova survives - and herself becomes the "Galactus" of that universe, the cycle beginning once again."

Selling Your Issues


Q: How much is my Heavy Metal Magazine collection worth?

A: This is a complicated answer. There are some sites that offer information, such as ComicsPriceGuide.com, Key Collector Comics, Overstreet Access, CovrPrice, or download ComicBase. However most of the information on these sites is locked behind signing up, or starting a paid subscription. When you do get access, the information is often just an educated guess, or better if it's based on past sales. There's no real exact amount for what an issue is worth, because it's only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. You can look at eBay to get an idea of what an issue is worth, although those prices are only what they're being offered at, and not necessarily what people are buying them for. As a basic guide, I'd say a magazine that is in Very Fine (8.0) condition often goes for what the current magazine price is at. A Near Mint (9.0 or better) condition could ask for a little higher, especially the older the issue is. Once you get down to Very Good (5.0) condition, they get a little harder to sell without a steep discount. Some key issues may also sell for more. The first issue, April 1977, usually goes for a little more. September 1981 can go for a little higher due to it's iconic cover. November 1999 variant was Heavy Metal's first variant, limited to 5000, can sell for about 5x more. September 2011 was the second variant and can sell for 20x or more, due to it's lack of availability. #291D, limited to 500, can sell for about 5x more. #298A, Platinum Edition can go for a lot more due to it's lack of availability (I've never seen it available anytime recently). #312C can sell for about 5x more due to it's lack of availability. #314B & #316B, metal cover SDCC variants, each limited to 100, can go for about 10x the price. #318, #319, & #320 can sell for about 5x more due to their availability. #321 black & white metal cover, limited to 25, never available for retail, can sell for 60x the price due to its lack of availability.


Q: How do I grade the condition and quality of my magazines?

A: Great guides can be found at Overstreet or CGC.


Q: Where should I sell my Heavy Metal Magazine collection?

A: You might want to try the classifieds in your newspaper, or a comic book store, but the best place is usually eBay.


About My Site


Q: Are you missing some Special Editions such as "Psychorock" in your magazine list?

A: All the Special Editions are in the magazine list, including Hardcover versions. Anything else, such as "Heavy Metal Presents..." issues or graphic novels by Heavy Metal, can only be found mentioned on my Collectors List page. There is no real answer to when Special Editions officially started. From 1977 to 1992 it's a grey area, and there was no real categorizing the book they would release. In the first year Heavy Metal started in 1977, it printed 3 "Heavy Metal Presents" books. These books were just one story, or at least one artist, and they felt like their own separate thing, away from the magazine. Over the next few years, Heavy Metal released many more books. When it released "Heavy Metal Presents Moebius" in 1981, it now had a new UPC, which introduced the series code 38340, which would be on every Special Edition until 1997. 1982 released "The Best Of Heavy Metal" which definitely felt like the magazine. 1983 released "Even Heavier Metal" which was advertised as "a thirteenth issue", and definitely felt in the spirit of a Special Edition. A couple more issues like this came out in 1984 & 1985. Book releases would slow down at this time. "The Best Of Heavy Metal #2" came out in 1987. "The Venus Interface" came out in 1989, which didn't quite feel like a Special Edition. Then in 1992, Special Editions started coming out that were more clearly marked as such. There were a lot of graphic novels printed over the years, and before 1992, it's mostly just educated guesses on what's considered a true Special Edition. There is no official answer. So for now I'll consider "Psychorock" only as a graphic novel and not as a true Special Edition.


Q: Why do you have "The Venus Interface" in your magazine list? I didn't think it was an official Special Edition, but instead just a graphic novel.

A: There is a bit of a grey area when it comes to what's considered a true Special Edition before 1992, and more so with "The Venus Interface" issue from 1989. Before 1992 there wasn't any clearly labeled Special Editions. There were a lot of graphic novels printed and it's mostly just educated guesses on what's considered a true Special Edition, and so there is no real answer as to what is a real Special Edition before 1992. With "The Venus Interface" it has everything going against it being a true Special Edition. It's just one story (although different artists); it was advertised as "The first Graphic Novel in 10 Years"; the cover HM logo is very small compared to usual issues; it has a different UPC series code from the rest of the Special Editions; and where most Special Editions feel like an extension of the regular issues, this felt totally independent. However inside the issue, it actually lists it as the Volume 5, Number 4, Special Edition, which is pretty big evidence that it's a true Special Edition. So even though it doesn't look or feel like a true Special Edition; because it's printed in the fine print, for now I'll consider it an official Special Edition.


Q: Why do you have "Moebius" in your magazine list? I didn't think it was an official Special Edition, but instead just a graphic novel.

A: There is a bit of a grey area when it comes to what's considered a true Special Edition before 1992, and more so with the "Moebius" issue from 1981. Before 1992 there wasn't any clearly labeled Special Editions. There were a lot of graphic novels printed and it's mostly just educated guesses on what's considered a true Special Edition, and that there is no real answer as to what is a real Special Edition before 1992. With "Moebius" it has everything going against it being a true Special Edition. It's just one artist (although different stories); it's the last of the "Heavy Metal Presents" series of graphic novels (although separated by a couple years); the cover HM logo is very small compared to usual issues; and where most Special Editions feel like an extension of the regular issues, this felt totally independent. However this is the first special to have a UPC, and introduces the series code 38340, which would be on every Special Edition until 1997. It also lists it as the first issue in this series, 01. The next Special, "The Best Of Heavy Metal", clearly lists it as the second issue in this series, "No. 2". This is pretty big evidence that "Moebius" is a true Special Edition. So even though it doesn't look or feel like a true Special Edition; because it's listed in the UPC, for now I'll consider it an official Special Edition.


Q: Should the October 1980 issue be listed in the Special Editions section?

A: It's true that the "Special Rock Issue" of October 1980 is technically the first Special/Theme issue. However it was also considered a regular issue together with the regular monthly subscription of issues at that time.


Q: Were there more variants of #300, then just the 4; A, B, C, & D?

A: There was supposed to be an E variant with the pinball backglass illustration on the cover. It was supposed to be included with every Heavy Metal pinball machine. This variant was delayed, and was then supposed to be shipped out separate. But eventually this fell through, and it was never made. There are no more variants beyond the 4. Although a year later there was a second printing of #300, including a prototype glossy version of the D sketch cover, limited to 25 copies. Inside, it doesn't list if it's first or second printing, but the copyright does change from 2020 to 2021. My magazine list doesn't include 2nd printings.


Miscellaneous


Q: How should I store my magazine collection?

A: This depends on how much protection you want, convenience, looks, and how much you're willing to spend. Choose what suits your situation. Often you get what you pay for:
Location - Ideally at a consistent temperature between 60°F and 70°F with humidity between 40% and 50%. It should be in a dark environment, or at least out of direct sunlight.
Things To Avoid - Fluctuating temperatures accelerate deterioration. Dampness or high humidity will cause warping or mold growth. Concrete floors may wick up moisture. Direct sunlight (and other UV light) will fade and degrade the ink. Stacking flat in a pile will damage spines and cause excessive flattening. Reading or handling your issues without clean hands may cause oil stains, discoloration, etc.
Brands - E Gerber offers the highest possible quality storage products, although they can also be the most expensive. BCW is one of the more popular manufacturers offering high quality products for mid-range prices. Bill Cole Enterprises, Comic Pro Line, and many other companies should be fine too in varying degrees. You really want archival, acid-free materials. Also, over the years, bags and boards may need to be changed, as they absorb the acids and become yellow or cloudy. Higher quality products will last a lot longer and may never need changed.
Container - Storage to hold multiple issues. All of these options are best when full to support each other, as empty space may make the magazines slump over and bend. However, they shouldn't be packed too tightly either, as this could cause pressure damage, imprint damage, and is just harder to flip through and remove. If you need extra room or want them placed more evenly, you could try packing them front-to-front and back-to-back. Containers made from cardboard are not as expensive, but don't offer as much protection, and can easily be worn over time. Plastic offers more durability, and can be made to be stackable:
--Not Recommended: The older white Heavy Metal binder. Very easy to flip through, but does not offer good protection, and is very easy to damage the issues over time
--Cheap: 3-Ring Binder. Requires 3-ring Sheet Protectors to hold the magazines. Easy to find in stores. Very easy to flip through. May not fit on some shelving units with doors. Some, but little protection.
--Good: Slipcase, such as the black Heavy Metal one. Because they're covered on all but one side, they can't be flipped through. Although the one side is completely open, displaying the full issue spine. Often these are not made to fit with bags.
--Great: Magazine files. Easy to find in stores. Because they're short, only holding a dozen or so issues, they can be hard to flip through. Although with one shorter side, it displays half of the issue spine.
--Excellent: Bin. Because they're long, they're slightly easier to flip through. Also, because it's bigger, it may be harder to fit into some locations, like shelf widths, and is heavier to move around. Not as aesthetically pleasing on a shelf.
Bag - To hold and protect 1 issue. This is the material touching your magazine. Pre-1986 issues are approximately 8 3/16" wide, 11" tall, and 1/8" thick. After 1985, issues are 8" wide, 10 7/8" tall, and 3/16" thick. Some issues, especially since #321 are 5/16" thick. A bag width that is 8¾" is ideal. 9" leaves a slight bit of extra room, although the magazine is slightly loose. 9½" is too wide and the magazine will be too loose, and may not fit well in containers:
--Not Recommended: 4mil bags. These are a little too stiff and are too tight for the magazines, especially the thicker the magazine gets. This could cause damage over time. Although they work ok for the thinner pre-1986 issues that are stapled.
--Cheap: Sheet Protectors. These are often not made for magazines in mind, but they're better than nothing. Often easy to find in local office supply stores. No top protection; easy for the magazine to slip out, and allows some magazine acid off-gassing to escape. Look for archival safe material.
--Great: Polypropylene bags. May need replacing after many years of use.
--Excellent: 2mil Mylar polyester bags. Best of both worlds; thick enough for good protection, but thin enough to be flexible and not squeeze the magazine. May never need replacing.
Backing Board - To put inside the bag to keep the magazine flat, rigid, and can absorb and neutralize the acid from the magazine. This is the other material that will be touching your magazine. These are usually made of a fiber material, but it could be plastic too. Usually just one is needed, but if you want extra protection, you could use one on each side of the magazine. Some common sizes for thickness are 24pt, 35pt, or 42pt; the thicker, the more rigid protection, but it costs more and takes up more space. A board should be approximately ¼" less wide then the bag, about the same height as the bag (excluding flap), and always bigger then the magazine size. Companies will often have bags and boards that pair with each other:
--Not Recommended: Nothing. Just the storage container, other magazines, and bag to hold it together. You have to be a little more careful, but it's doable. However, if it's contained in a bag or something that doesn't let the magazine breathe, then the acid off-gassing can't escape and will degrade the magazine faster.
--Not Recommended (by themselves): Plastic backing boards, often more rigid then fiber options. Sometimes offered as a clear option so you can still see the back cover. These don't absorb the magazine's acid off-gassing. However, if used with other fiber boards, or with MicroChamber Interleaving paper, this is a great option.
--OK (by themselves): MicroChamber Interleaving paper. A few of these very thin sheets put inside the magazine will help absorb the acid off-gassing from your magazine. But it does not offer any solid magazine support. However, using these together with another stiff backing board is a great option for going above and beyond.
--Great: Treated on one side. There is a glossy and matte side. The glossy side is the side that has been treated and should be the side that's touching the magazine, unless told otherwise. If it's a low quality brand, there's a risk of it sticking to the magazine after years.
--Excellent: Treated throughout. Both sides should look the same, and it won't matter which side is touching the magazine.
Tape - To hold down the bag top flap, which keeps it tidy, and less chance for the magazine to move around or fall out. One piece in the middle is ok, but it could cause folded "dog-ears" on either side of the flap. It's better to put two pieces of tape, one about an inch from each side. And if put on a 45° angle, it may prevent it from ripping, and be easier to peel off. Some people fold the end of the tape over to make a tab to easily grab on to. However, as this causes the tape to be twice as thick, so be careful if storing your issues too tightly, as it may cause a slight dent in the magazine next to it. Also be careful not to rub the magazine against the tape, when taking it out, as it could stick and damage it. This is very easy to do, even when being careful, so maybe completely removing the tape is the best practice. Look for a low-tack tape, so it's easy to pull off and not stick to the bag (and a little safer if it does get stuck to the magazine). It doesn't have to be acid free, but it helps if it is, especially if stored in a closed bin or box:
--Cheap: Nothing. You could try creasing the flap or tucking it in.
--Good: A tape that is meant to be removable without leaving residue, such as painters tape, artist tape, or Scotch removable tape. Although if using a thicker tape, like painters tape, be careful if storing your issues too tightly, as it may cause a slight dent in the magazine next to it.
--Great: Acid free archival tape made for this sort of thing.
--Excellent: Some bags offer a self adhesive on the bag itself (better when it's not located on the flap).
What I Use - Again, my needs may not be the same as your needs. For years, I put the magazines in sheet protectors inside 3 ring binders, as when I started I wanted convenience over protection. The magazines seemed to be ok decades later. But after I chose to protect them more, doing research, and a lot of trial and error, I found what worked for me. I store them in a climate controlled finished basement, in a BCW plastic Magazine bin, on a shelf. I have 8 bins to store the whole collection, including variant covers, but not including hardcovers. One bin takes up 60% width of each shelf, so the size is not ideal. The bin is also not as nice looking as other options, but my shelves have doors to hide them. I store the magazines in E Gerber's Mylites2 Standard Magazine Size (9" x 11½") with E Gerber's 42mil Standard Magazine Full Backs (8 5/8" x 11½"). I use acid-free Scotch Wall Safe tape with Post-It technology.


Q: Here's my work. Can you print me in your magazine?

A: I don't have a magazine. I run the Heavy Metal Magazine Fan Page, and am not affiliated with Heavy Metal whatsoever. If you're looking to submit your work to them, then contact Heavy Metal.


Q: On the Heavy Metal 2000 promotional HyperCD how come it brings me to an unrelated page?

A: Unfortunately HyperCD Technology relies on the Internet to view the full content, and that online content has since been removed, so it can no longer be viewed. However you can still open the "content" folder on the CD (Windows may hide this folder) and view some of the videos. You don't need to install the HyperCD to view these.


Q: Are there different versions of the Heavy Metal 2000 promotional HyperCD?

A: The CD that comes with the F.A.K.K.² game and the CD Special Summer 2000 issue are the same. However they slightly differ from the CD included with the limited edition Heavy Metal 2000 soundtrack. They're mainly the same, but the one included with the game and magazine has a couple more video interviews with Kevin Eastman and other small changes.


Q: I used to own an issue with a great story in it. I no longer have that issue, but I want to read that story again. Can you scan that story for me so I can read it again?

A: No. This would be like stealing. If you wish to see an issue, please buy it.


Q: What's the story behind the 20 Years Of Heavy Metal CD-ROM collection being cancelled?

A: In late 1997 and early 1998, Heavy Metal advertised a CD-ROM collection that included every issue of the first 20 years. However in February 1998, after only a little over 50 copies had been sold, Heavy Metal stopped the selling of the CD-ROMs, due to controversial copyright reprinting laws. To understand why this happened, let's first go back to 1976 when the Copyright Act was created. When this Copyright Act was created, it gave the publisher the right to archive material, as long as the material is shown as it originally was, in full, without editing. The publisher would not have to notify the artist, nor give them any compensation. However, because that law was put into place in 1976, it doesn't clear up how to deal with today's technology and the fact that new mediums can be very valuable. Fast forward to December 1993 when a group of writers under the National Writers Union sued The New York Times, Newsday, Sport Illustrated, Lexis/Nexis, and the UMI Company. This case was called "Tasini Vs. The New York Times". These companies were using the Copyright Act of 1976 to archive material using new electronic mediums such as on-line databases and CD-ROMs. The writers felt that their rights had been violated and that they should have control over secondary uses of their work and be compensated. A few years later in August 1997, there was finally a ruling in which the Judge favored the publishers, and the writers lost. This is where Heavy Metal comes in. Around this time, the company CD Technologies suggested to Heavy Metal that they put together a CD-ROM of all the magazines to date. Heavy Metal thought that the CD-ROM would be a great searchable medium to archive the magazine's material. Heavy Metal lawyers figured there shouldn't be any legal issues especially considering the recent outcome of the Tasini case. So, CD Technologies went to work manufacturing the Heavy Metal CD-ROMs. None of the Heavy Metal contributors were contacted. This collection was advertised for sale in late 1997 and early 1998. One such ad was in an issue of Previews, which was seen by Heavy Metal contributor Rick Veitch. Veitch passed the word onto another Heavy Metal contributor Steve Bissette. Bissette then passed the word onto other Heavy Metal contributors, including Jean-Marc Lofficier. Many Heavy Metal contributors were displeased with the situation, because they weren't contacted or being compensated for their material being sold on the CD-ROMs. Although many contributors never took any action to stop Heavy Metal, there were a few who tried. Lofficier and Starwatcher Graphics (a company owned by Lofficier and Mœbius) legally went after Heavy Metal to resolve this issue. Veitch and Bissette also contacted Heavy Metal trying to resolve the issue. The artists noted that this issue may be complicated by other legalities, such as many of the artists live outside North America, where copyright laws were different. Shortly after, in February 1998, the Tasini case was appealed. So with this fact, and with all the complaints, Kevin Eastman and Howard Jurofsky agreed in good faith (and to possibly save them from any future legal problems) to put the CD-ROM on hold. There had only been a little over 50 copies sold through Diamond Distribution. They first wanted to see what would happen with the Tasini appeal case. Then they would either continue to sell them, but change their approach that would be friendlier towards the artists, or Jurofsky thought it wouldn't be worth the hassle, no matter what the legalities would be. The outcome is that the CD-ROMs haven't been sold since. In September 1999, the Second Circuit Court Of Appeals revised the previous courts decision on the Tasini case, and favored the writer's rights. In June 2001, the Supreme Court upheld the ruling, with a 7-2 majority in favor of the writers. It seemed that's where the law stood. Around the same time there were 2 similar cases, Greenverg Vs. National Geographic and Faulkner Vs. National Geographic. In March 2005, the Second Circuit Court Of Appeals upheld a decision in favor of the publisher allowing National Geographic the legal rights to produce and sell their CD-ROM. In June 2008, the Eleventh Circuit upheld a decision in favor of Nation Geographic. Since then, many other popular magazines have put out archived CD-ROMs and DVDs. Between 2021 and 2022, Heavy Metal sold thousands of digital Humble Bundles which included many past issues of Heavy Metal in digital form. Authors were neither contacted nor compensated. Was this legal? In the US, probably. Different international laws make this answer a little more difficult though. In any case, some authors were not happy to see their work treated this way.


Q: I loved reading Æon Flux in Heavy Metal, but I forget which issues it was in; do you know?

A: Although there are Æon Flux comics and such out there, they were never in or published by Heavy Metal. Although there was an interview with the creator, Peter Chung, in the March 1997 issue. His illustration style is also influenced by Mœbius, among others.