TCR also proved to be a launching pad for aspiring comic book creators, many of whom published work in the fanzine as amateurs.

[2] Spinning-off from Bails' other zine, Alter Ego (after appearing for three issues as a column within that publication), On the Drawing Board "was devoted to blurbs and news items pertaining to upcoming events in pro comics".

[3] Released in stand-alone form as "a single-page news-sheet", On the Drawing Board #4 (#1-3 being applied to the columns appearing in those issues of A/E) debuted on October 7, 1961.

While there was considerable interest in developments at DC (especially the revival of Hawkman), fans also closely followed the entrance of other companies into the costumed hero sweepstakes: Archie Comics, Gold Key, Charlton, and Marvel.

[5] The ACBFC board, however, voted to maintain TCR as a standalone publication, and in mid-1964 New Mexico-based comics enthusiast Glen Johnson stepped forward to take over editorial duties.

Under Levitz's editorship, TCR increased circulation (going monthly after a previous schedule of eight issues per year) and changed format, usually featuring an illustrated cover and typically 16 pages in length.

As the zine gained in popularity and influence, it was able to attract industry professionals, such as Jack Kirby,[9] Rich Buckler,[10] Walt Simonson,[11] and Howard Chaykin,[12] to illustrate the covers.

Under Street Enterprises' oversight, TCR changed format to digest size, giving it even more the impression of being "the TV Guide of the comics industry".