As I recall, the agreement was that NPP would publish eight ongoing titles, and any number of reprints or specials. That was why we had Tales of Suspense and Tales to Astonish - get the most product, even with two titles to a book.

Or perhaps that was only super hero books, and the westerns and romance books were unlimited. I don't remember at this late date.

But it COULD have been that titles with corner boxes were limited. It's all very complicated at this late date. Anyone who can supplement (or correct ;) ) this memory would be most appreciated. But I recall that the cornerboxes and the limit on titles published were related.

Hey JB... bumping-up this still-open thread for a question that only just dawned on me this evening, looking through some 1984-era Marvel Comics:

Maybe this has been asked before, but did you draw this Spidey head for the direct market edition covers?  Looking at one tonight, it seems to have a rather distinct JB furrowed-brow, and a solid JB-style jawline.  Your work, perhaps?

If not, does anyone know who did?  It was so ubiquitous, for so many years, I don't think I ever gave much thought as to who the actual artist was.  To my eyes, it's a Byrne!

(Ron Frenz was gonna be my next guess, Vinny, given the year and character!)

This was definitely JB!

Makes sense to use it, though, since that was the first ever on-panel appearance of the costume, and they changed the corner box the same month it came out - so it's not like there were many other images to go with.