A publisher's in-house mock-up of a proposed new title. Usually consistingof a black and white cover stapled to an existing book; a half-sized (4" x 5"), typically black and white, promotionalcopy of a comic book. Originally, ashcans were produced to claim trademarks.Today, ashcans are produced more as a promotion than to gain guardianshipof intellectual property.

A publisher's inhouse facsimile of a proposed new title. Most ashcans have black and white covers stapled to an existing coverless comic on the inside. Other ashcans are totally black and white.

A prepublication issue of a comic book usually used to show potential advertisers. Black and White ashcans are common.

Detention center for important German war crimes suspects

a bin that holds rubbish until it is collected.