The Legacy of Bud Plant's Incredible Catalog

Long before the internet, Bud Plant’s Incredible Catalog served as the ultimate lifeline for comics and pop culture fans. For thousands of collectors, the mail-order powerhouse and its catalog are not just a storefront, but a gateway to a wonderful world of illustration, fantasy and comic art.

The catalog was, and still is, a masterclass in curation and pop culture preservation. During his years at the helm, Bud Plant used his platform to champion forgotten golden-age illustrators, European imports, and deep-dive art histories. The massive, beautifully detailed print issue is a valuable historical time capsule for the entire comic medium, spawning countless other promotional catalogs, including Diamond's PREVIEWS catalog.

By sustaining independent creators and small presses, the catalog has helped shape the artistic diversity of the modern comics industry. Bud Plant operated this direct-to-consumer treasure for an incredible 55 years before handing over the reins in 2026 to its new Editor, Marty Grosser. Its legacy remains a powerful testament to the enduring impact of deeply knowledgeable, passionate people showcasing the very best to the rest of fandom.