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Vintage Weekly Reader Assorted (1977–82) Sweet Pickles 13 Hardcover Books 1983 Marvel BLIP #1 Video Game Magazine 1st Mario Donkey Kong Comic Appearance Description
Most importantly for comic and Nintendo collectors, BLIP #1 is recognized as the first comic-book story appearance of Mario and Donkey Kong. CGC labeling and multiple comic references identify this issue as their first comic-book appearances, decades before video-game characters became commonplace in American comics.
The issue includes an original 6-page “Donkey Kong” comic story in which Mario—still described as the carpenter—attempts to rescue Pauline from Donkey Kong, while being interviewed by BLIP character Vic Video. The story was written by Steven Grant, with pencils and inks by Bob Camp, colors by veteran Marvel colorist George Roussos, and lettering by Rick Parker.
Featured Contents
Donkey Kong Comic – Mario, Pauline & Donkey Kong
An original Marvel comic adaptation inspired by Nintendo’s landmark arcade game, featuring Mario battling his way toward Pauline while the barrel-throwing Donkey Kong stands in his path. This six-page feature is the major historical attraction of the issue and is considered the first comic-book appearance of both Mario and Donkey Kong. Written by Steven Grant with artwork by Bob Camp.
BLIP Tips – Missile Command
Strategy and gameplay advice designed to help players survive Atari’s frantic Missile Command, including methods for getting the upper hand against incoming missile attacks. The feature was written by George Sullivan, with artwork credited to Eliot R. Brown.
BLIP Tips – Centipede
Tips and techniques for improving scores in Atari’s hugely popular Centipede, focusing on dealing with the rapidly descending centipede and other enemies.
Video Games of the Stars
A fun period celebrity feature interviewing television and film personalities about the video games they played, including Matthew Laborteaux, Bruce Boxleitner, Grant Cramer, Randall Brooks, David Wallace and Nicholas Hammond.
Player’s Choice
A look at then-current arcade and home-video-game releases and hardware, including such early gaming names as Pitfall!, Dig Dug and the Arcadia 2001.
Also included are Video Hall of Fame, gaming clubs and reader correspondence, video-game humor, gaming news, a design-your-own-video-game contest, and the BLIP reader survey. The magazine was edited by Joe Claro.
Classic Photo Cover
The fantastic period cover features TV star Matthew Laborteaux standing at an arcade machine with joystick in hand, surrounded by the unmistakable early-1980s arcade imagery. Laborteaux was a recognizable television actor of the period, and CGC specifically identifies this as the Matthew Laborteaux photo cover. The cover prominently advertises “How to beat CENTIPEDE,” “MISSILE COMMAND,” a game prize and the starburst “NEW FROM MARVEL COMICS!”—making it an excellent display piece representing the very beginning of dedicated mainstream video-game magazine
Condition
Comic Book is considered to be in very strict (Fine C7) condition bagged & boarded with spine ticks, back cover (bottom right corner) bend/crease, no markings, no severe bends or creases, and no ripped or torn pages whatsoever as photos depict the actual items. All items come from a pet‑free and smoke‑free, environmentally controlled facility.
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