Secret Origins of DC Ashcans - Zero Hr, Batman/Grendel, etc. 2 2

[LikeEmScanned]

So I've done my research on the Zero Hour ashcan, the one that says "TOP SECRET" on it - seems like that was sent to retailers but also given away at the DC Zero Hour panel at SDCC in 1994. But I can't find any information regarding how the rarer Gold version of the ashcan and how that was distributed. Looking for clues... any help would be appreciated.

Regarding the Batman / Grendel ashcan, these boards are a superior resource. I understand that the Platinum was awarded to the winners of a contest. But I am still confused over the red and gold ashcans. Were both included with Hero Magazine or did readers have to mail in a coupon to receive those? And who got Red and who got Gold?

Finally, the Kingdom Come Preview. One per retailer? Given to retailers at a convention? Given to the general public at a convention?

 

 

[Cpt Kirk]

Here's what I know about this stuff (and I will check with the king of promos, Jerome Wenker) to see what he says.

1.  Zero hour:   It looks to me like there were actually 3 ashcans made, according to the databases I have in my possession.  There's a Zero Hour Ashcan, 1994 SDCC version, and Gold version.  It looks like all three exist.  Perhaps the guy at RecalledComics.com might know more about it.  I can also ask the king of DC promos (Jerome Wenker) what he remembers.

2.  Batman/Grendel -- According to my data, 3 ashcans exist.  Here's all I got:  Ascan Red, Ashcan Silver (25 copies printed), and Ashcan Gold.   Again, Jerome or RecalledComics might know something.

3. Kingdom Come -- According to my data, it was made in 1996.   Figures are facing forward in preview.   I can ask Jerome.  

The other thought is that @RockMyAmadeus might know something.  It seems like he also has everything imaginable.

 

 

 

 

 

[onlyweaknesskryptonite]

I really wish I could remember where the Gold Zero Hour came from as well. I know they had the regular version Ashcan as well as a preview in the Sales Promotional Kits sent to Retailers. 

Full kit contents 

Spoiler

 

This is the only one on the census currently,  although I do have another off to get graded

wish I could help more, but definitely interested in what information come to light.

[LikeEmScanned]

Thanks fellas. I'm going to answer my own question below about the Batman/Grendel ashcans.

The Platinum was awarded to 25 winners of a contest. The Red version of the ashcan was included with Hero Magazine #1. The Gold version of the ashcan was distributed one per every 25 Hero price guides ordered by retailers.

I know together that we can solve these other two mysteries!

[onlyweaknesskryptonite]

36 minutes ago, LikeEmScanned said:

Thanks fellas. I'm going to answer my own question below about the Batman/Grendel ashcans.

The Platinum was awarded to 25 winners of a contest. The Red version of the ashcan was included with Hero Magazine #1. The Gold version of the ashcan was distributed one per every 25 Hero price guides ordered by retailers.

I know together that we can solve these other two mysteries!

I have a question.  Do you have one of the Batman Grendel Platinum? I know they were sealed with a Hero Certificate # on them if you do what number is yours?

[LikeEmScanned]

No, unfortunately, I don't have a copy. Honestly, not really looking for one, just interested in the origins of some of these things.

[onlyweaknesskryptonite]

Completely understand.  Curiosity just got to me. There are two on Ebay still sealed and here is the numbers from the back. If there were only 25 released  . I am wondering how they numbered and if like some one these low numbered manufactured rarities that they made more and some of those other may have made it out.  One example is Superman 75 platinum that was numbered on the back which at least one has surfaced that does not have a number.  Good luck on your quest for the information!

Edited July 13, 2020 by onlyweaknesskryptonite

[Jsmeadows]

There is also a Batman Dark Joker Wild ashcan. Three versions exist. Purple foil - in all retail copies. Green - limited and platinum - approx 25 copies exist also. I sold one on ebay this year. No idea how I got it unfortunately. I was a retailer at the time, so that's likely how it found its way to me. 

 

Info on all three available below. 

https://comicbookrealm.com/series/2857/39942/dc-comics-batman-dark-joker-the-wild-issue-ashcan-a

[archivist]

so, which one is this ? The green one ?