Ed Gosney's Blog, page 17
May 20, 2021
The Avengers Fall while Speed Racer Memories Abound!
Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 295, where we look at various comic books I own (and in some cases ones that I let get away), both new and old, often with a nostalgic leaning for those feelings of yesteryear. I hope you have as much fun reading about them as I had writing about these cool comics!
For each of the comic books I include here, I list the current secondary market pricing (except for of digital issues, which don’t have collectible value). This is according to the websites ComicBookRealm.com (CBR) and Zap-Kapow Comics (ZKC), using the comic book grading scale of 9.4 (if both sites have the same price, you’ll find just one price for that issue), along with the 50th Edition of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide (OPG) using their 9.2 NM scale. Not all my comics meet that grade. Some are probably better, and some are certainly worse. But to simplify it, that’s the scale I use here. And remember, a comic book is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. And for those who enjoy the additional fun of knowing some of the more important issues in your collection, I recognize each Cool Comic that is listed in Key Collector Comics.
If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, Episode 295…
Cool Comics Stuff!If you noticed a difference in the title, you’re an astute observer and should pat yourself on the back. Though I somewhat fancy the word “colloquialisms,” I’ve never been all that comfortable in using it here. For quite a while, this section was named “Cool Comics News,” but that didn’t always seem to fit, so a change was made in episode 284 and it was renamed “Cool Comics Colloquialisms.” It survived just eleven episodes. And while I’ve given too much thought about what to name this section, I decided to keep it simple.
Some of the notable new issues that came out last week include Giant-Size Amazing Spider-Man: King’s Ransom #1, X-Corp #1, Guardians of the Galaxy #14, and Superman #31. I have an affinity for comics with “Giant-Size” in the title, as they take me back in time to the Seventies when I was much younger, and it always seemed exciting when aptly named giant-sized comics adorned the shelves of the little mom and pop store I frequented. X-Corp is yet another of the many X-Men titles currently populating comic shops. When you combine Doctor Doom with the Guardians of the Galaxy, Doom says you have no choice but to add it to your collection. Lastly, you may take Superman for granted, but as Jonathan Kent is learning the ropes from his father, treachery is afoot in the form of the Shadowbreed!
The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Katana versus the Scarlet Witch! What do you think would happen if they faced each other in a titanic tussle, and how do you see the winner achieving victory? Let us know in the comments section below.
Cool Comics Creations!
This episode’s creation comes to us from Robert A. Kraus (aka RAK), creator of Chakan and many other fantastic works of art, along with cool games he’s developed. This is the awesome image used on the Chakan Sega Genesis video game. Have you played it? To learn more about RAK, be sure to visit his website at http://www.rakgraphics.com/.
You can have a piece of your art featured right here in Cool Comics Creations! Just send an electronic file in an email featuring one of your drawings, whether you’re a professional or amateur, (it can be just pencils, or inks too…or full color if you prefer) or a picture of a craft or sculpture that you’ve done, and if it’s family friendly (and not controversial…let’s try to keep this fun), you’ll be a part of an upcoming Cool Comics episode. We also want your name, an optional picture of yourself to go here, and any other background information you want to provide, such as a website or a way you can be contacted about your art (who knows, maybe someone will make you an offer for the original!). And then email it to edgosney62@gmail.com .
Cool Comics In My CollectionModern-Day Cool Comics#1491 — DC Festival of Heroes: The Asian Superhero Celebration #1, DC, July 2021.
As longtime readers know, I love anthology comics. Whether they center around a holiday or contain a mix of shorter, complete stories, they are typically fun to read. May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, so DC decided to celebrate it big this year with a 100-page comic that includes tales featuring fan favorites such as Tatsu Yamashiro (Katana), Connor Hawke (Green Arrow), Ryan Choi (Atom), and Kong Kenan (New Super-Man), and introduces a new character, the Monkey Prince. Just be prepared for the sticker shock of this hefty comic book. The issue contains eleven stories with various lengths, some of which I liked better than others (but you can’t please everyone all the time, can you?). Many creators were involved in putting this comic together, and if you want to see who they are, simply click HERE. The cover price of DC Festival of Heroes: The Asian Superhero Celebration #1 is $9.99, while the current value is $10. The Key Collector Comics value is also $10.
#1492 — Speed Racer #4, NOW Comics, November 1987.
When I was young, the Speed Racer cartoon was one of the most important parts of my life. I loved the 1966 Batman television show, the Marvel cartoons steered me to comic books, and Kimba the White Lion had me singing his theme song, but Speed Racer captured my heart. The animated show (it ran from 1967-1968) had thrills, mysteries, and taught the importance of family and friendships. I think part of the reason I gravitated towards the cartoon so much was that the lead character, Speed Racer, was voiced by Peter Fernandez, and I liked his voice. And though I didn’t realize it at the time, he was also the voice for the English-speaking version of one of my favorite movies when I was a kid, Alakazam the Great (1960). Perhaps the reason I don’t often see Speed Racer comics in discount bins is because fans of a certain age don’t want to shed these priceless relics that remind them of their childhood. Fortunately, I got this one for just a quarter. Having the experience of sitting in front of the TV and watching Speed Racer all those years ago certainly helps bring the comic books alive today. Len Strazewski wrote this issue, Gary Thomas Washington did the pencils, and Brian Augustyn served as editor. The cover price of Speed Racer #4 is $1.75, while the current value is $3. The OPG value is also $3.
#1493 — Bibi & Miyu/The Fox & Little Tanuki , Tokyopop, August 2020.
While there aren’t any manga titles on my pull list, I do read a few each year. And you got it right if you thought to yourself that 99 percent of them are Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) issues. I’ve picked up a few here and there in quarter bins, but that’s a rare occurrence. To be honest, I rarely look forward to reading any of these, but more often than not, I find myself surprised that I actually enjoy most of them. No doubt these are aimed towards a younger audience (much younger, some of you might be saying!), but sometimes they take me back to my childhood days of watching Alakazam the Great (my second mention of it in this episode…I loved it so much as a kid that I can’t help myself), and who doesn’t love that nostalgic feeling of childhood? This issue comes with two stories, the first of which, Bibi & Miyu, is illustrated by Hirara Natsume and written by Olivia Vieweg, while Mi Tagawa handled both story and art for The Fox & Little Tanuki. The cover price of Bibi & Miyu/The Fox & Little Tanuki is free, while the current value is $1.
#1494 — Mickey Mouse #10, IDW Publishing, March 2016.
IDW does a really nice job with their Disney comics. The covers and pages both feel just a little thicker (which is great for kids, not to mention me too!), the colors are vibrant, and we get to see great tales translated from other languages. This issue contains the following stories: Shadow of the Colossus (Part 1 of 2) written by Andrea Castellan (with translations by Jonathan H. Gray), with art by Giorgio Cavazzano; Statuesque Scholar by writer Jan Kruse (with translations by David Gerstein) and art by Maximino Tortajada Aguilar; No Good Deed…written by Lars Jensen with dialogue by Lars Jensen and David Gerstein; and Have Brain, Will Travel written by Bill Walsh, with art by Manuel Gonzales. We really get an international feel for Mickey stories, from Italy to the Netherlands to Germany. The last story is from a 1950 Sunday comic strip. By the way, the cover art is courtesy of Giorgio Cavazzano. If you’re a fan, regardless of age, these comics are worth it. The cover price of Mickey Mouse #10 is $3.99, while the current value is $4. The OPG value is also $4.
#1495 — The Avengers #157, Marvel, March 1977.
With the popularity of The Avengers on the big screen, along with the streaming series WandaVision, this cover (mine is the Whitman variant, you may have noticed) could give ulcers to mighty Marvel fans. Is the powerful team down and out, or merely just down for the moment? And who is the mysterious Ghost of Stone? The drama, the intrigue, the big battles, and the advertisements contained in these Seventies comics keep me coming back for more! Rescued from a quarter bin and given a good home, comic books like this one can transport you back to specific periods of time, allowing us to escape, for a brief moment, the concerns of today. Gerry Conway is the writer of this adventure, and Don Heck is listed as the guest artist, while Pablo Marcos did the inking. The cover price of The Avengers #157 is 30¢, while the current value is $15. The OPG value is also $15.
Would you like to write a review of a comic book or graphic novel for all the Internet to read? Our Cool Comics Reader Reviews section is looking for fans just like you to submit your review, along with a cover image of the comic. Additionally, you may provide a picture of yourself and any other biographical information you want published in Cool Comics. Send all this to edgosney62@gmail.com . Please keep in mind that we reserve the right to decide what will and won’t go in the blog, so keep the language clean, pick out a comic that won’t cause controversy (we try to have fun here!), and start tapping away on your keyboard!
ComicBooks For Kids!
ComicBooks For Kids! (CB4K) is a charity that Cool Comics In My Collection is honored to be working with. CB4K provides comic books to kids in hospitals and cancer centers all across the United States. You can check their website and see if your local hospital is included and if not, you can work with them to get them included! If you like what you see, please help them out and follow/like their Facebook page. Their link is https://www.facebook.com/comicbooksforkids/
Now you can get Cool Comics in My Collection delivered directly to your email! Just click “Join My Newsletter” on my website (or click on the image of my No-Prize!), sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right? Just be sure to follow the instructions on the confirmation email so that you start receiving my newsletter. If you don’t see it, you may want to check your Spam or Junk Mail folders.
The Cool Comics In My Collection Facebook Group is a place where you can discuss the comics you love, your favorite titles, and the characters that keep you coming back for more. Also, creators are welcome to share news about what you are working on, including Kickstarter campaigns. Don’t miss out on all the inside scoops that might get revealed on our Facebook group. Be sure and join today!
Tired of seeing a blank image when you leave comments? Now you can have a picture or logo show up here at Cool Comics and other WordPress sites, absolutely free! Just click the link below to get started.
Hits: 57
May 13, 2021
Black Lightning and Superman Join Forces to Save Metropolis!
Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 294, where we look at various comic books I own (and in some cases ones that I let get away), both new and old, often with a nostalgic leaning for those feelings of yesteryear. I hope you have as much fun reading about them as I had writing about these cool comics!
For each of the comic books I include here, I list the current secondary market pricing (except for of digital issues, which don’t have collectible value). This is according to the websites ComicBookRealm.com (CBR) and Zap-Kapow Comics (ZKC), using the comic book grading scale of 9.4 (if both sites have the same price, you’ll find just one price for that issue), along with the 50th Edition of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide (OPG) using their 9.2 NM scale. Not all my comics meet that grade. Some are probably better, and some are certainly worse. But to simplify it, that’s the scale I use here. And remember, a comic book is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. And for those who enjoy the additional fun of knowing some of the more important issues in your collection, I recognize each Cool Comic that is listed in Key Collector Comics.
If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, Episode 294…
Cool Comics Colloquialisms!
Guess what? Star Wars is kind of a big thing. Wait, you already knew that! From decades worth of movies, toys, novels, comic books, and so much other merchandise, it’s a surprise to no one. And since this blog tends to focus on Cool Comics, we’d be remiss not to mention that Marvel’s Star Wars line of comics is doing a five-month long crossover so big that there’s probably no chance you didn’t already know. But just in case you didn’t, we wanted to be sure to call your attention to it. War of the Bounty Hunters is so ambitious that it’s getting its own limited series and also being featured in the ongoing Star Wars, Darth Vader, Doctor Aphra, and Bounty Hunters titles…along with a few one-shots, starting in July and running through October. But the opener has already begun, with the Prelude running through May, starting with Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters Alpha (pictured), and on into all the previously mentioned titles. If you want the entire run, grab this issue, along with Star Wars #13, which came out yesterday, and then each week there will be one or two others that include this storyline. All told, it’s a half-year of Boba Fett fun. Don’t blame me if you miss any of it!
Last week saw the publication of the third Man-Thing special, which is part of the celebration of 50 years with this swampy delight of a creature. If you’re a fan, you most likely grabbed all three issues. The comic pictured features the X-Men, bringing the story to a close…or does it?
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Dino versus Fonzie! What do you think would happen if they faced each other in a titanic tussle, and how do you see the winner achieving victory? Let us know in the comments section below.
Cool Comics Creations!
This week our Cool Comics Creation comes to you from Sydney Walton! If you ever feel like everything is falling apart, perhaps you can gain solace in realizing that we don’t live in The Road Warrior world alongside Mad Max…yet. The art is all hand-painted with acrylic paints. Syd said he’s been painting covers for a few years now and likes to think that he was one of the first to do so. Syd is always taking commissions, so don’t hesitate to contact him for a cool cover or other fantastic creations. You can find him on Facebook at Syd’s Altruistic Art, or contact him via email at swaltoniii@aol.com.
You can have a piece of your art featured right here in Cool Comics Creations! Just send an electronic file in an email featuring one of your drawings, whether you’re a professional or amateur, (it can be just pencils, or inks too…or full color if you prefer) or a picture of a craft or sculpture that you’ve done, and if it’s family friendly (and not controversial…let’s try to keep this fun), you’ll be a part of an upcoming Cool Comics episode. We also want your name, an optional picture of yourself to go here, and any other background information you want to provide, such as a website or a way you can be contacted about your art (who knows, maybe someone will make you an offer for the original!). And then email it to edgosney62@gmail.com .
Cool Comics In My CollectionModern-Day Cool Comics#1486 — Heroes Reborn #1, Marvel, July 2021.
[image error]Back in the Nineties, Marvel decided to shake things up in a corner of their universe with a new storyline they dubbed Heroes Reborn, which led to several titles being replaced and produced by the studios of Jim Lee and Rob Liefeld. Some hated it, but others were curious enough to jump onboard and see where that train would take them. It’s probably no surprise to readers of Cool Comics that I faithfully followed them each week, as you’ve seen here plenty of times that I’m willing to give different comic book ideas a try. At the end, we were all happy when things got back to…well, whatever is considered normal in a four-color world. So, with the announcement of yet another Heroes Reborn series, like many, I was skeptical. But it’s only for a couple months, and this time, we’re told, it may have the same name, but it’s going to be different. And when I saw Jason Aaron listed as the writer for this first issue (Ed McGuinness did the dazzling pencils!), I felt enough trust to make my purchase. After reading it, I don’t regret it, and look forward to what’s coming next…and the wait isn’t long as we get the ongoing limited series title each week, along with some specials, such as Peter Parker, The Amazing Shutterbug. Wait a minute…don’t they mean The Amazing Spider-Man? Well, it seems they got it right, because in this series, Peter Parker doesn’t have spectacular—or even sensational—powers. He’s just a photographer. And if you think something funny is going on here, then perhaps you’ll want to talk to Blade about this, because he seems to be the only one who can tell something is off. But there are no Avengers to confer with. Instead, the super-powered team is the Squadron Supreme. ‘Nuff said to make you curious? The cover price of Heroes Reborn #1 is $5.99, while the current value is $6. The Key Collector Comics value is also $6.
Dynamically Discounted Cool Comics#1487 — DC Comics Presents #16, DC, December 1979.
While DC Comics Presents may not get as much love as other capes & tights buddy titles like The Brave and the Bold and Marvel Team-Up, the name alone fills me with nostalgic pangs for my early college years at Ohio State, where a new friend (also named Ed) introduced me back into the wonderful world of comics. Unfortunately, like those days that are now so far in my past, so are those issues (including DC Comics Presents #47, the comic book debut of He-Man), which I sold at a garage sale. Hence, when I go quarter bin diving and see issues of DC Comics Presents, they typically come home with me. This adventure, written by Denny O’Neil and penciled by Joe Staton, pairs Superman with Black Lightning. Beyond the story, I love the ads for the Saturday morning cartoons (by 1979, I was no longer watching them, but seeing what I missed out on makes me wish I could go back in time…for just one day…and watch some of these while munching on a bowl of Freakies) and several other DC comics. Those were the days! The cover price of DC Comics Presents #16 is 40¢, while the current value is $6. The OPG value is also $6.
#1488 — Stranger Things & Minecraft, Dark Horse Comics, May 2020.
I like the streaming series Stranger Things and did read the first limited series published by Dark Horse Comics, but my video gaming days are decades in the past (remember Intellivision?), so the Minecraft story in this Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) issue didn’t give me reason to want to read it. However, I’m completely familiar with Minecraft, and years ago my son would sometimes show me what he’d been building in that world. And that was all the background I needed to enjoy Changes, the name of the Minecraft story by Stephen McCranie, who handled the writing, art, and lettering for this story. The Stranger Things tale, Erica’s Quest, is written by Greg Pak, with art by Gabriella Antali. This story is much easier to follow if you’ve been keeping up with the show. It’s a fun little edition to the universe, which helps give it a feeling of realism…despite the existence of other dimensions, monsters, mad scientists, superpowers, and Russian facilities underneath an American shopping mall (a little bit of a spoiler, but you’ve probably seen it by now…and if not, maybe I gave you a reason to check it out). The cover price of Stranger Things & Minecraft is free, while the current value is $1.
#1489 — Dino #18, Charlton Comics, September 1976.
While I loved watching The Flintstones in my childhood, I’ve never been much of a Dino fan. I understand that he’s the equivalent of the family dog, but he’s no Lassie (I think I was a bit jealous of that Timmy Martin kid, since he seemed to own the greatest dog in the country). Yet Charlton Comics saw fit to give Dino his own title, and since I found this in a quarter box, I figured it might be a little fun to travel back once more to my youth. While Dino just makes noise in the cartoons, which is supposed to be like a dog barking, in this we get thought bubbles. The comic would be a fast read and boring otherwise, especially since the stories are from his perspective. We get five complete comic book tales, along with a two-page prose story about Dino that has a few illustrations. Like most of the cartoon comic books of the time, these smaller, complete stories are perfect for young readers. And even though I’m not the biggest fan, as I started reading, I came to realize that I felt much younger than my actual years. The cover price of Dino #18 is 30¢, while the current values are $12 on CBR and $6 on ZKC. The OPG value is $12.
#1490 — Happy Days #5, Gold Key, November 1979.
I grew up watching the television show Happy Days (1974-1984), and maybe you did, too. The show started off via a short segment on the anthology series Love, American Style (which had a great theme song…just click the link and check it out!), and ended up outlasting it…and outlasted many other shows throughout broadcast history. In doing a little research, I discovered some interesting tidbits regarding both Love, American Style and Happy Days, which you may want to read about, if you’re the curious type. The cover art on this issue gives us a much better representation of the actors than the interiors, but I didn’t let that get in the way while reading stories about Fonzie and his big heart, Chachi’s bid for fame, and how a crystal ball seems to have a spell over one of the guys. Unfortunately, creator credits are slim for this issue, in which Art Saaf gets cover credits, but nothing on any of the stories. Though a little on the rough side, I was able to purchase this comic for just $1.50. The cover price of Happy Days #5 is 40¢, while the current value is $15. The OPG value is also $15.
I’m Steven “Atom” Baum and I write comic reviews that nobody ever asked for! I find the “value” of comics in the enjoyment of them, rather than how much they are “worth” to collectors.
If you like what you see here, then join me on a journey through the forgotten depths of those boxes full of dollar back issues in your local comic shop and visit my blog, LONGBOX JUNK, where you’ll discover HUNDREDS of reviews you never even knew you wanted to read!
And now an exclusive “Short but Sweet” Longbox Junk Comic Review for the Cool Comics Crowd!
STAR WARSFORCES OF DESTINY – LEIA
SCRIPT: Elsa Charretier & Pierrick Colinet
PENCILS: Elsa Charretier
COVER: Elsa Charretier
THE STORY:
After a malfunction puts the shield generator of the Rebellion’s new base on Hoth out of commission, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Hera Syndulla go into the snowy wilderness on a search for a downed ship that has the equipment necessary for repairs.
Leia discovers that the hostile environment and a stubborn tauntaun aren’t the only things standing in her way when she is separated from her team and finds herself face to face with a fearsome Wampa!
Following a narrow escape from the snow monster and being buried in an avalanche, Leia finally returns to the base with the needed equipment, bringing back a spark of hope to the weary Rebels.
THE REVIEW:
This is a comic that was obviously written for younger readers, but guess what? I’m not anywhere close to young and this story brought a smile to my face. It’s basically a commentary on the strength needed to keep standing up and going forward after getting repeatedly knocked down, told through Leia pushing her way past multiple obstacles blocking her from the goal. It’s a great lesson for younger readers and it’s told in a very entertaining way.
As for the art, it really catches the eye. It’s a simplistic, yet detailed and interesting “animated” style, with sparse backgrounds and splashes of bright color that bring more focus to the action. Overall, it perfectly fits the lighthearted nature of the story.
CONCLUSION
This is a short, simple, fun story set in the Star Wars universe. It’s meant for younger readers, but there’s a lot of appeal for the young at heart as well. Not every Star Wars story has to be about massive galaxy-spanning conflict and the struggle between the Light and Dark side of the Force.
This entertaining tale of a Rebel Princess showing her personal strength through adversity is a perfect example of how Star Wars can be FUN. And really, don’t you just want to read a fun story now and then?
Until next time, remember that comics are worth more than money!
Would you like to write a review of a comic book or graphic novel for all the Internet to read? Our Cool Comics Reader Reviews section is looking for fans just like you to submit your review, along with a cover image of the comic. Additionally, you may provide a picture of yourself and any other biographical information you want published in Cool Comics. Send all this to edgosney62@gmail.com . Please keep in mind that we reserve the right to decide what will and won’t go in the blog, so keep the language clean, pick out a comic that won’t cause controversy (we try to have fun here!), and start tapping away on your keyboard!
ComicBooks For Kids!ComicBooks For Kids! (CB4K) is a charity that Cool Comics In My Collection is honored to be working with. CB4K provides comic books to kids in hospitals and cancer centers all across the United States. You can check their website and see if your local hospital is included and if not, you can work with them to get them included! If you like what you see, please help them out and follow/like their Facebook page. Their link is https://www.facebook.com/comicbooksforkids/
Now you can get Cool Comics in My Collection delivered directly to your email! Just click “Join My Newsletter” on my website (or click on the image of my No-Prize!), sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right? Just be sure to follow the instructions on the confirmation email so that you start receiving my newsletter. If you don’t see it, you may want to check your Spam or Junk Mail folders.
The Cool Comics In My Collection Facebook Group is a place where you can discuss the comics you love, your favorite titles, and the characters that keep you coming back for more. Also, creators are welcome to share news about what you are working on, including Kickstarter campaigns. Don’t miss out on all the inside scoops that might get revealed on our Facebook group. Be sure and join today!
Tired of seeing a blank image when you leave comments? Now you can have a picture or logo show up here at Cool Comics and other WordPress sites, absolutely free! Just click the link below to get started.
Hits: 53
May 6, 2021
Bob Hope Joins Cool Comics while Collectorzine Debuts!
Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 293, where we look at various comic books I own (and in some cases ones that I let get away), both new and old, often with a nostalgic leaning for those feelings of yesteryear. I hope you have as much fun reading about them as I had writing about these cool comics!
For each of the comic books I include here, I list the current secondary market pricing (except for of digital issues, which don’t have collectible value). This is according to the websites ComicBookRealm.com (CBR) and Zap-Kapow Comics (ZKC), using the comic book grading scale of 9.4 (if both sites have the same price, you’ll find just one price for that issue), along with the 50th Edition of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide (OPG) using their 9.2 NM scale. Not all my comics meet that grade. Some are probably better, and some are certainly worse. But to simplify it, that’s the scale I use here. And remember, a comic book is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. And for those who enjoy the additional fun of knowing some of the more important issues in your collection, I recognize each Cool Comic that is listed in Key Collector Comics.
If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, Episode 293…
Cool Comics Colloquialisms!
If you love comic books, toys, exciting fiction, creator interviews, and all different kinds of collectibles, then Collectorzine just might be right up your alley. Billed as “A Pop Culture Collectibles Fanzine,” this new comic book-sized, full color quarterly is now available for purchase (and it comes complete an exclusive Cool Comics column!). If you live in the Northeast Ohio area, be sure to check with your local comic book shop to see if they are carrying it. If they don’t have any copies, never fear, because the publishers want to make sure you don’t miss out, and have provided the following:
HOW TO ORDER COLLECTORZINE BY MAIL
Contact Collectorzine@gmail.com with your name, address, and the quantity of your request. You will then be invoiced via PayPal. Each issue is $3, along with the shipping prices as indicated below.
1 or 2 copies will ship at a flat rate of $5.00 (First class mail well protected).
3 – 10 copies ship priority mail at a flat rate of $7.45
Orders over ten issues will be sent at a rate of priority (medium) boxed rate USP or, a less expensive rate if applicable.
For further questions contact Bob at email Collectorzine@gmail.com
If you’ve already gotten your copy, let us know what you think in our comments section near the bottom of this episode of Cool Comics!
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Vulture versus The Falcon! What do you think would happen if they faced each other in a titanic tussle, and how do you see the winner achieving victory? Let us know in the comments section below.
Cool Comics Creations!
[image error]Tuesday of this week we celebrated Star Wars Day (May 4), so our Cool Comics Creations had to have a tie-in, so this week our feature is sketch cards from a Star Wars trading card series, courtesy of illustrator Dan Gorman, a member of the National Cartoonists Society and one of the top sketch card artists on the planet. For more about Dan and his art, please visit www.dangormanart.com. Additionally, Dan is the artist of the Cool Comics logo!
You can have a piece of your art featured right here in Cool Comics Creations! Just send an electronic file in an email featuring one of your drawings, whether you’re a professional or amateur, (it can be just pencils, or inks too…or full color if you prefer) or a picture of a craft or sculpture that you’ve done, and if it’s family friendly (and not controversial…let’s try to keep this fun), you’ll be a part of an upcoming Cool Comics episode. We also want your name, an optional picture of yourself to go here, and any other background information you want to provide, such as a website or a way you can be contacted about your art (who knows, maybe someone will make you an offer for the original!). And then email it to edgosney62@gmail.com .
Cool Comics In My CollectionModern-Day Cool Comics#1481 — The Marvels #1, Marvel, June 2021.
It’s hard to believe that the limited series Marvels was published 27 years ago. Seen through the eyes of photographer Phil Sheldon, these original four issues captured the wonder of what a world with super-heroes might be like. Starting off in 1939 and ending in 1974, this was one of the highlights of Nineties comic books and alerted many of us to the genius of painter Alex Ross. This new, ongoing series, done in the same spirit and covering the full scope of the Marvel Universe, is once again written by Kurt Busiek, with interior pencils by Yildiray Cinar and colors courtesy of Richard Isanove. But fear not, fanatics of Alex Ross, as he is creating the regular covers for the series. I enjoyed the first issue and don’t regret my purchase one iota and recommend that fans give this a try. The cover price of The Marvels #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5. The Key Collector Comics value is $4.
#1482 — Captain America #204, Marvel, December 1976.
If you’re a fan of Jack Kirby—and even if you aren’t—you are probably well aware that he’s the co-creator and original artist of Captain America. Back in the early days (The Golden Age) when Marvel was a company named Timely, writer Joe Simon and artist Jack Kirby gave the world the star-spangled hero in 1941, several months before the USA entered World War II. And now, when you think about it, how neat is it that Kirby was writing, drawing, and editing Captain America during our Bicentennial? This issue, featuring the villain Agron, puts us in the middle of a story that certainly makes more sense if you’ve been reading this title sequentially, but if you happen to run across this issue, don’t let that stop you from buying it…especially if you run across it in a quarter bin, like I did. I was getting Captain America every month for a while in the mid-Seventies, and during part of 1976, but for some crazy reason I stopped for a while and missed out on this issue. But that’s been rectified now, and much to my delight, because reading this was a blast! I’m excited for you to read it, too, because the Falcon is…okay, hold on, wait just a minute…I’m not going to spoil this comic for you, even though it’s nearly 45 years old. The cover price of Captain America #204 is 30¢, while the current value is $14. The OPG value is also $14.
#1483 — Only a Matter of Space-Time, RH Graphic, August 2020.
Do UFOs exist? I’ve seen things in the sky that I couldn’t identify, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t originate on Earth. Comics books have been giving us stories for decades about flying saucers, aliens, alien invasions, and aliens who have superpowers. This episode’s look at Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) involves a reality with not only aliens, but kids from our planet get an opportunity to train for outer space missions with friendly aliens. Only a Matter of Space-Time is geared towards younger readers, and this free issue is a great way to see if they like it enough to purchase more adventures featuring Jide and Petra. If you’re looking for some fun adventure stories for any kids in your life, give this black and white adventure a try. The cover price of Only a Matter of Space-Time is free, while the current value is $1.
#1484 — Donald Duck #147, Gold Key, January 1973.
My copy of Donald Duck #147 isn’t going to win any prizes for the condition it’s in, but that’s just fine with me. Typically when I’m looking through quarter boxes, I won’t pull out any issues that are noticeably torn or badly chipped on the cover, but this one slipped past my notice, because the damage is at the bottom. However, I bought it, so I decided to read it for this episode, and the poor condition didn’t interfere with the story at all, and it turned out to be a worthy entry to my growing collection of Disney Duck comics. This issue comes with three complete stories and includes guests such as Chip ‘N’ Dale, Daisy, and Uncle Scrooge. Creators for this fabulously fun issue include Carl Barks, Dick Moores, and Phil De Lara (although the credit to him is in question). The cover price of Donald Duck #147 is 15¢, while the current value is $26. The OPG value is also $26.
#1485 — The Adventures of Bob Hope #96, DC, December 1965-January 1966.
While some readers may have a vague idea of who Bob Hope was, I grew up watching him on television, entertaining the masses, and sometimes entertaining the troops overseas…not to mention all the movies he starred in. And while I think it’s both cool and fun that DC published this ongoing series from 1950 to 1968, it won’t be long before this title means very little to the collector community. This is the only issue in my collection (which I purchased for just $3.50), but I wouldn’t mind getting a few more. And while I didn’t like it as much as the issues that I’ve read of DC’s The Adventures of Jerry Lewis, I still enjoyed the experience of seeing Bob Hope in a comic book, along with a character named Super-Hip (if you grew up or studied this time period, it makes a little more sense!). As a fan of classic monsters, I certainly like this cover done by Robert Oksner, who also penciled the interiors, while Arnold Drake is the writer. The cover price of The Adventures of Bob Hope #96 is 12¢, while the current value is $80. The OPG value is $95.
Would you like to write a review of a comic book or graphic novel for all the Internet to see? Our Cool Comics Reader Reviews section is looking for fans just like you to submit your review, along with a cover image of the comic. Additionally, you may provide a picture of yourself and any other biographical information you want published in Cool Comics. Send all this to edgosney62@gmail.com . Please keep in mind that we reserve the right to decide what will and won’t go in the blog, so keep the language clean, pick out a comic that won’t cause controversy (we try to have fun here!), and start tapping away on your keyboard!
ComicBooks For Kids!ComicBooks For Kids! (CB4K) is a charity that Cool Comics In My Collection is honored to be working with. CB4K provides comic books to kids in hospitals and cancer centers all across the United States. You can check their website and see if your local hospital is included and if not, you can work with them to get them included! If you like what you see, please help them out and follow/like their Facebook page. Their link is https://www.facebook.com/comicbooksforkids/
Now you can get Cool Comics in My Collection delivered directly to your email! Just click “Join My Newsletter” on my website (or click on the image of my No-Prize!), sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right? Just be sure to follow the instructions on the confirmation email so that you start receiving my newsletter. If you don’t see it, you may want to check your Spam or Junk Mail folders.
The Cool Comics In My Collection Facebook Group is a place where you can discuss the comics you love, your favorite titles, and the characters that keep you coming back for more. Also, creators are welcome to share news about what you are working on, including Kickstarter campaigns. Don’t miss out on all the inside scoops that might get revealed on our Facebook group. Be sure and join today!
Tired of seeing a blank image when you leave comments? Now you can have a picture or logo show up here at Cool Comics and other WordPress sites, absolutely free! Just click the link below to get started.
Hits: 54
April 29, 2021
The Thing and Thor Take on Seth, Lord of the Unliving!
Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 292, where we look at various comic books I own (and in some cases ones that I let get away), both new and old, often with a nostalgic leaning for those feelings of yesteryear. I hope you have as much fun reading about them as I had writing about these cool comics!
For each of the comic books I include here, I list the current secondary market pricing (except for of digital issues, which don’t have collectible value). This is according to the websites ComicBookRealm.com (CBR) and Zap-Kapow Comics (ZKC), using the comic book grading scale of 9.4 (if both sites have the same price, you’ll find just one price for that issue), along with the 50th Edition of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide (OPG) using their 9.2 NM scale. Not all my comics meet that grade. Some are probably better, and some are certainly worse. But to simplify it, that’s the scale I use here. And remember, a comic book is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. And for those who enjoy the additional fun of knowing some of the more important issues in your collection, I recognize each Cool Comic that is listed in Key Collector Comics.
If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, Episode 292…
Cool Comics Colloquialisms!Last week, Way of X #1 came to a comic shop near you, yet another X-Related title. The story, while somewhat intriguing, didn’t grab me enough to elevate it to Cool Comic status, but if you’ve been following the X stories since they relaunched under the auspices of Jonathan Hickman, then most likely you dutifully added it to your pull list. It seems like every few months we get another title, yet I keep expecting more from the stories. It’s not that they aren’t interesting, but there’s almost a coldness to them that feels quite different from X-Men stories from back in the 20th Century. And now that they can resurrect mutants under most circumstances, well, dying doesn’t seem to matter, which changes everything.
I never meant to read Black Knight: Curse of the Ebony Blade, but after deciding to give the first issue a try, I couldn’t NOT get this second issue. It’s proven to be more fun than I expected, and now I’ll probably finish this limited series.
I don’t play video games, but I do occasionally grab a hot comic off the shelves, and Batman / Fortnite: Zero Point #1 is selling on eBay for several times the cover price. The issue contains codes for a game, and so will the rest of the issues in this limited series. I read that it’s going to have several iterations of printings due to demand, and they, too, will contain the codes. My copy is still in the sealed plastic bag it came in, and I’m not sure at this point what I intend to do with it.
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Black Adam versus Thor! What do you think would happen if they faced each other in a titanic tussle, and how do you see the winner achieving victory? Let us know in the comments section below.
Cool Comics Creations!
Sweet Christmas, Ed Griffie gives us an awesome look at Luke Cage! Ed is a lifelong comic book fan who started drawing Kawaii and Chibi style versions of pop culture icons and superheroes about five years ago. Through Facebook, his work came to the attention of Daniel Hare, the owner of vintage toy and comic bookstore The Toys Time Forgot, who offered him a guest spot at Free Comic Book Day. Since then, Ed has been a regular at local conventions and comic bookstores, where he offers bookmarks, coloring pages, trading cards, and color prints featuring his unique artwork. You can check out his full catalog of work at toonist27.deviantart.com or contact him at edgriffiejr@gmail.com to commission an original piece of your very own.
You can have a piece of your art featured right here in Cool Comics Creations! Just send an electronic file in an email featuring one of your drawings, whether you’re a professional or amateur, (it can be just pencils, or inks too…or full color if you prefer) or a picture of a craft or sculpture that you’ve done, and if it’s family friendly (and not controversial…let’s try to keep this fun), you’ll be a part of an upcoming Cool Comics episode. We also want your name, an optional picture of yourself to go here, and any other background information you want to provide, such as a website or a way you can be contacted about your art (who knows, maybe someone will make you an offer for the original!). And then email it to edgosney62@gmail.com .
Cool Comics In My CollectionModern-Day Cool Comics#1476 — Justice League #60, DC, June 2021.
There’s a new X title out, Way of X #1, yet I found a Justice League featuring Superman and Black Adam going toe-to-toe on the cover more appealing. Inside, we don’t really get the big fight seemingly promised to us, but still, tensions mount, and Superman starts pushing the rest of the league to accept Black Adam as a member. Really? Yes, really. Brian Michael Bendis, the writer who decided that Clark Kent would reveal to the world that he’s really Superman (and is making his creation Naomi a big part of this story), is shaking things up a bit, now that he’s writing Justice League. Artist David Marquez does a nice job with this issue, and is joined by Tamra Bonvillain, who handles the colors. Now in Justice League, we also get a back-up story featuring Justice League Dark (at a higher price point, of course), written by Ram V, art by Xermanico, and the colorist is Romulo Fajardo Jr. Without spoiling much, grab this issue if you’re a fan of Ragman. The cover price of Justice League #60 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.
#1477 — Naza #3, Dell, July-September 1964.
Do you remember the Saturday morning live-action TV show Korg: 70,000 B.C. from the mid-Seventies? I don’t often see any mention of it, but I remember liking it. Burgess Meredith was the narrator, and since I loved Planet of the Apes, I naturally gravitated to shows like this one. When Charlton Comics put out a comic book of Korg, I made sure to get the first issue. So, when I saw a few issues of Naza in a quarter bin, a comic I didn’t even know existed, I grabbed them and felt as if I’d slipped back in time to a Saturday morning long ago, watching the exploits of Korg and his friends. And while there are differences between the two, my first reading experience of Naza was worth every penny of that quarter I spent. When we think life is hard in the 21st Century, comic books like this are a good reminder that most of us are extremely fortunate. There were only nine issues of this series, and I was able to get four of them. This issue of Naza is written by Paul S. Newman, with pencils and inks by Jack Sparling. The cover price of Naza #3 is 12¢, while the current value is $50. The OPG value is $55.
#1478 — Zoo Patrol Squad, Penguin Workshop, August 2020.
Zoo Patrol Squad by Brett Bean is a nice Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) edition for the younger crowd. Penny the Pig is the star of the story, and runs into adventures that should keep little ones turning the pages…at least until they get to the part that has those dreaded words, “TO BE CONTINUED…” How can we find out what happens? For readers who want to know, the entirety of this story, and more, can be found in the hard cover edition of Kingdom Caper. But for those who want even more Zoo Patrol Squad, volume 2, Run, Monster, Run! is also available. This FCBD edition tells us right on the cover that it’s “ALL AGES,” so even though the alligators on the cover look like they want to have a late afternoon snack, you can rest assured that nothing bad is going to happen. The cover price of Zoo Patrol Squad is free, while the current value is $1.
#1479 — Looney Tunes #13, DC, April 1995.
When you really think about it, you don’t have to consider yourself as someone who is young at heart to enjoy Looney Tunes, whether it be between the covers of a comic book or on your television. They are classic characters and stories that are appreciated by people of all generations. But if you start reading this comic, try as you might to remain a mature individual, there’s a good chance you’ll soon be feeling like you’re a kid again when you see some of your favorite characters. First up is a Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote adventure by writer Jack Enyart and penciller Neal Sternecky; then Bugs Bunny and Taz are up to their antics, written by Bobbi JG Weiss with pencils by Horacio Saavedra; and finally, Foghorn Leghorn attempts to show just who rules the roost, which is brought to us by writer Brett Koth, with art by George Wildman. The cover price of Looney Tunes #13 is $1.50, while the current value is $3. The OPG value is also $3.
#1480 — Marvel Two-in-One #22, Marvel, December 1976.
I didn’t buy this issue when it came out, but if I could go back in time, I certainly would now! Marvel Two-in-One was the company’s way of getting the Thing in front of more readers. He’s not the smartest member of the Fantastic Four, nor the best-looking, but his fierce loyalty (along with being the sympathetic subject of some great stories) makes him an obvious fan favorite. And when you toss in a powerhouse like Thor, and present Seth, Lord of the Unliving, on the cover (with plenty of skeletons), many kids in the Seventies were probably scrambling through their homes, searching under couch cushions and in every crack and crevice throughout their dwellings to come up with the needed change to purchase this blockbuster! Lucky for me I ran across it in a quarter bin, spending less than cover price on this beauty. The ads in this issue are a lot of fun to look at, too, so take your time with it if you find a copy. This wonderful piece of comic book history was brought to us by writer Bill Mantlo, with Ron Wilson on art, Pablo Marcos inked it, and Archie Goodwin handled the editing chores. The cover price of Marvel Two-in-One #22 is 30¢, while the current value is $8. The OPG value is also $8.
Would you like to write a review of a comic book or graphic novel for all the Internet to see? Our Cool Comics Reader Reviews section is looking for fans just like you to submit your review, along with a cover image of the comic. Additionally, you may provide a picture of yourself and any other biographical information you want published in Cool Comics. Send all this to edgosney62@gmail.com . Please keep in mind that we reserve the right to decide what will and won’t go in the blog, so keep the language clean, pick out a comic that won’t cause controversy (we try to have fun here!), and start tapping away on your keyboard!
ComicBooks For Kids!ComicBooks For Kids! (CB4K) is a charity that Cool Comics In My Collection is honored to be working with. CB4K provides comic books to kids in hospitals and cancer centers all across the United States. You can check their website and see if your local hospital is included and if not, you can work with them to get them included! If you like what you see, please help them out and follow/like their Facebook page. Their link is https://www.facebook.com/comicbooksforkids/
Now you can get Cool Comics in My Collection delivered directly to your email! Just click “Join My Newsletter” on my website (or click on the image of my No-Prize!), sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right? Just be sure to follow the instructions on the confirmation email so that you start receiving my newsletter. If you don’t see it, you may want to check your Spam or Junk Mail folders.
The Cool Comics In My Collection Facebook Group is a place where you can discuss the comics you love, your favorite titles, and the characters that keep you coming back for more. Also, creators are welcome to share news about what you are working on, including Kickstarter campaigns. Don’t miss out on all the inside scoops that might get revealed on our Facebook group. Be sure and join today!
Tired of seeing a blank image when you leave comments? Now you can have a picture or logo show up here at Cool Comics and other WordPress sites, absolutely free! Just click the link below to get started.
Hits: 45
April 22, 2021
Justice League Synchronicity Abounds & Peanuts go to Scotland!
Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 291, where we look at various comic books I own (and in some cases ones that I let get away), both new and old, often with a nostalgic leaning for those feelings of yesteryear. I hope you have as much fun reading about them as I had writing about these cool comics!
For each of the comic books I include here, I list the current secondary market pricing (except for of digital issues, which don’t have collectible value). This is according to the websites ComicBookRealm.com (CBR) and Zap-Kapow Comics (ZKC), using the comic book grading scale of 9.4 (if both sites have the same price, you’ll find just one price for that issue), along with the 50th Edition of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide (OPG) using their 9.2 NM scale. Not all my comics meet that grade. Some are probably better, and some are certainly worse. But to simplify it, that’s the scale I use here. And remember, a comic book is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. And for those who enjoy the additional fun of knowing some of the more important issues in your collection, I recognize each Cool Comic that is listed in Key Collector Comics.
If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, Episode 291…
Cool Comics Colloquialisms!While I enjoyed our pick for Modern-Day Cool Comics this week, there were several other issues that also stood out and could have just as easily been chosen.
Readers of Daredevil may be a bit frustrated about Matt’s incarceration, but the story and action have kept my interest, and Daredevil #29 is no exception. If you haven’t picked this title up in a while, you may want to give it a try.
In comic books, change is constant. While many people feel comfortable with status quo in stories, stagnation can often lead to boredom, and over the last few years Guardians of the Galaxy has been mixing things up quite a bit, especially when you toss certain characters into the mix. The end of issue #13 promises that things are about to get even more interesting for Star-Lord and his friends.
I’m a big fan of Marvel’s What If? line, and when I saw the initial description of Spider-Man: Spider’s Shadow #1, I didn’t see mention of it being part of the What If? universe of stories, and it didn’t cross my mind. But when I saw it on the racks last week, I noticed the tiny “What If” contained within a question mark, and knew I had to give this one a try. If you like these kinds of alternative stories, get this one, as it’s part 1 of 4. And apparently, we’ll be seeing more multi-part What If? stories in the future.
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Archie versus The Peanuts Gang! What do you think would happen if they faced each other in a titanic tussle, and how do you see the winner achieving victory? Let us know in the comments section below.
Cool Comics Creations!
This episode’s creation comes to us from Robert A. Kraus (aka RAK), creator of Chakan and many other fantastic works of art, along with cool games he’s developed. This is an iconic piece of Chakan art that you won’t soon forget! To learn more about RAK, be sure to visit his website at http://www.rakgraphics.com/.
You can have a piece of your art featured right here in Cool Comics Creations! Just send an electronic file in an email featuring one of your drawings, whether you’re a professional or amateur, (it can be just pencils, or inks too…or full color if you prefer) or a picture of a craft or sculpture that you’ve done, and if it’s family friendly (and not controversial…let’s try to keep this fun), you’ll be a part of an upcoming Cool Comics episode. We also want your name, an optional picture of yourself to go here, and any other background information you want to provide, such as a website or a way you can be contacted about your art (who knows, maybe someone will make you an offer for the original!). And then email it to edgosney62@gmail.com .
Cool Comics In My CollectionModern-Day Cool Comics#1471 — Darkhawk: Heart of the Hawk #1, Marvel, June 2021.
I don’t have much of a history with Darkhawk, but he’s an intriguing hero, and after reading this one-shot, I’m looking forward to what Marvel has in store in the future for this character. At the end of the issue, on the last page, we’re told, “Coming later this year…Darkhawk soars again!” This sounds promising for Darkhawk fans. I was first introduced to Chris Powell in the pages of another Nineties series, The New Warriors (and a couple months ago I finally completed my run). But he only shows up in a handful of issues, and since I haven’t read The New Warriors for a number of years, it’s easy to forget what I learned about him. But I’ve also been finding some Darkhawk issues from his solo title here and there, including the fabulous first issue, so I’ll be sure to do my homework. This issue is a 30-year tribute to Darkhawk, and we get three stories. “Cry of the City” is written by Danny Fingeroth, with art by Mike Manley, and Chris Sotomayor is the colorist; “Long Way From Home” is written by Dan Abnett, with pencils by Andrea Di Vito, inks by Le Beau Underwood, and Sabastian Cheng is the colorist; and “Last Flight” is written by Kyle Higgins, with art by Juanan Ramirez, and Erick Arciniega is the colorist. I really enjoyed all three stories and look forward to what they have planned next for Darkhawk. The cover price of Darkhawk: Heart of the Hawk #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5. The Key Collector Comics value is $5.
#1472 — Archie #264, Archie, August 1977.
It was a nice trip back in time when I found this Archie comic in a quarter box a few weeks ago. There was a period in the Seventies when I was buying more Archie titles than superhero comics, though I’m not exactly sure why. But if I had to put my finger on it, I think the friendships the Riverdale gang maintained was a major part of the attraction. Yet it wasn’t for a lack of friendships in my own life. The neighborhood I grew up in had plenty of kids, and we had lots of fun playing games like kick the can, our own form of baseball (hitting them off some of the neighboring roofs were home runs!), riding skateboards, shooting hoops, touch football, riding bikes all over town, and of course, reading comic books. I guess I enjoyed the adventures of the Riverdale gang because they reminded me of my friends. This issue contains seven complete stories, a couple of which are just a half-page each, with many creators involved, including Dan DeCarlo Jr., Frank Doyle, George Gladir, Joe Edwards, Bob Montana, and Jim Ruth. Click the Grand Comics Database to see the credits for each story. The cover price of Archie #264 is 35¢, while the current value is $10. The OPG value is also $10.
#1473 — The Resistance, Artists Writers & Artisans, May 2020.
While It’s been said that “resistance is futile,” if feels like no matter how much I try to resist this this comic book series, it always ends up here at Cool Comics. Last week, in our newer Colloquialisms segment, I talked a little about the sequel to the original series, which is entitled The Resistance: Uprising, and here we are back once more with the first issue. Why? Because it ended up being part of Free Comic Book Day (FCBD), and Cool Comics is committed to featuring all FCBD issues each year…whether we like the comic book or not. The Resistance is written by J. Michael Straczynski, art by Mike Deodato Jr., and Frank Martin serves as colorist. This issue also gives us a snippet of a couple other titles, those being Byte-Sized by Cullen Bunn and Nelson Blake II, and Kaare Andrews’ E-Ratic. The cover price of The Resistance is free, while the current value is $1.
#1474 — Peanuts: Scotland Bound, Charlie Brown, KaBOOM! , April 2021.
It’s a rarity when I include graphic novels as cool comics (I used to do it a little more often when I featured Recently Read Digital Comics here on the blog), but Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang have been a part of my life for…practically my entire life. Also, I have Scottish blood on both sides of my family, which meant that I just had to buy this original graphic novel. In case you aren’t familiar with the publisher, KaBOOM! is a division of Boom Entertainment, and there’s a good chance you’ve read some comic books put out by BOOM! Studios. This is an adaptation from a story by Charles M. Schulz and Bill Melendez, originally meant to be an animated special, but it never came to be, and the storyboards (which are included in the book) were found in the archives at Schulz Studio. If you’re a Peanuts fan, you won’t be disappointed with this fun story featuring many of your favorite characters. The story was written by Jason Cooper, with art by Robert Pope. Additionally, Hannah White did the colors, with assistance from Jewel Jackson. The cover price of Peanuts: Scotland Bound, Charlie Brown is $9.99, while the current value is $10.
#1475 — Justice League of America #169, DC, August 1979.
Sometimes life is like a box of quarter comics…with lots of synchronicity involved. When you’re flipping through several hundred discounted treasures, often you just grab titles that you like, and worry about doubles later. In this case, I discovered a bit of a connection that I never realized I had in my collection until I was reading Justice League of America #169. It turns out that a certain character named Ultraa is a cause for concern in this issue, as well as in Justice League of America #158 that was a Cool Comic back in 2019 in episode 209. And while it’s not really that big of a deal, I appreciated that I had some context for the story. When you buy and read a title sequentially, everything (usually) makes sense. But when you purchase and read back issues willy-nilly (or perhaps you prefer the word “haphazardly”), you often read them out of order, and frequently don’t know who a particular new character is. So, when I made this discovery, it just added another layer of enjoyment to the experience. The creative team for this issue includes Jerry Conway (writer), Dick Dillin and Frank McLaughlin (artists), Jerry Serpe (colorist), and Ross Andru (editor). The cover price of Justice League of America #169 is 40¢, while the current value is $8. The OPG value is also $8.
Would you like to write a review of a comic book or graphic novel for all the Internet to see? Our Cool Comics Reader Reviews section is looking for fans just like you to submit your review, along with a cover image of the comic. Additionally, you may provide a picture of yourself and any other biographical information you want published in Cool Comics. Send all this to edgosney62@gmail.com . Please keep in mind that we reserve the right to decide what will and won’t go in the blog, so keep the language clean, pick out a comic that won’t cause controversy (we try to have fun here!), and start tapping away on your keyboard!
ComicBooks For Kids!ComicBooks For Kids! (CB4K) is a charity that Cool Comics In My Collection is honored to be working with. CB4K provides comic books to kids in hospitals and cancer centers all across the United States. You can check their website and see if your local hospital is included and if not, you can work with them to get them included! If you like what you see, please help them out and follow/like their Facebook page. Their link is https://www.facebook.com/comicbooksforkids/
Now you can get Cool Comics in My Collection delivered directly to your email! Just click “Join My Newsletter” on my website (or click on the image of my No-Prize!), sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right? Just be sure to follow the instructions on the confirmation email so that you start receiving my newsletter. If you don’t see it, you may want to check your Spam or Junk Mail folders.
The Cool Comics In My Collection Facebook Group is a place where you can discuss the comics you love, your favorite titles, and the characters that keep you coming back for more. Also, creators are welcome to share news about what you are working on, including Kickstarter campaigns. And don’t forget the prizes. Yes, Cool Comics gives away cool prizes. Be sure and join today!
Tired of seeing a blank image when you leave comments? Now you can have a picture or logo show up here at Cool Comics and other WordPress sites, absolutely free! Just click the link below to get started.
Hits: 51
April 15, 2021
At Cool Comics, Godzilla Crushes the Competition!
Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 290, where we look at various comic books I own (and in some cases ones that I let get away), both new and old, often with a nostalgic leaning for those feelings of yesteryear. I hope you have as much fun reading about them as I had writing about these cool comics!
For each of the comic books I include here, I list the current secondary market pricing (except for of digital issues, which don’t have collectible value). This is according to the websites ComicBookRealm.com (CBR) and Zap-Kapow Comics (ZKC), using the comic book grading scale of 9.4 (if both sites have the same price, you’ll find just one price for that issue), along with the 50th Edition of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide (OPG) using their 9.2 NM scale. Not all my comics meet that grade. Some are probably better, and some are certainly worse. But to simplify it, that’s the scale I use here. And remember, a comic book is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. And for those who enjoy the additional fun of knowing some of the more important issues in your collection, I recognize each Cool Comic that is listed in Key Collector Comics.
If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, Episode 290…
Cool Comics Colloquialisms!Last week saw some cool new number one issues hit the comic book shops, and though I don’t have the time or resources to put them all under the Modern-Day Cool Comics umbrella, this section of the blog is a complete freeform in which I can at least give them shout-outs and cover shots.
First up is Bloom #1 from Hero Tomorrow Comics. I’m a big fan of creator Ted Sikora and never miss an issue of his comics. This one was also available as a Kickstarter. Bloom goes deeper into the world of Apama mythology, going back in time several decades to the year 1969, showing us the origin of the character Regina. Please note that Bloom has mature content.
Next, we get the start of a new Magic the Gathering comic book series from BOOM! Studios, with the simple title of Magic. Fans of the card game, books, and previous comics will probably want to grab a copy of this.
Spawning out of Future State, DC is giving Batman fans a deeper dive into The Next Batman: Second Son, written once more by novelist and screenwriter John Ridley. This is the first of a four-issue series, and Bat-Fans should certainly give this well-done story a try.
Do you remember the comic book series last year featuring a worldwide pandemic that was deadly, yet resulted in some of the remaining population gaining powers? You’d almost think the creators could see the future, but there are vast differences as to what happened in real life…at least as far as I know. Regardless, writer J. Michael Straczynski gives us more stories in this universe from AWA (Artists Writers & Artisans) and is joined this time by illustrator C.P. Smith for a six-issue run of The Resistance: Uprising.
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Arion versus Godzilla! What do you think would happen if they faced each other in a titanic tussle, and how do you see the winner achieving victory? Let us know in the comments section below.
Cool Comics Creations!
This week our Cool Comics Creation comes to you from Sydney Walton! Morbius, the Living Vampire, first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #101 and in 2022 Sony will be bringing him to the big screen! The art is all hand-painted with acrylic paints. Syd said he’s been painting covers for a few years now and likes to think that he was one of the first to do so. Syd is always taking commissions, so don’t hesitate to contact him for a cool cover or other fantastic creations. You can find him on Facebook at Syd’s Altruistic Art, or contact him via email at swaltoniii@aol.com.
You can have a piece of your art featured right here in Cool Comics Creations! Just send an electronic file in an email featuring one of your drawings, whether you’re a professional or amateur, (it can be just pencils, or inks too…or full color if you prefer) or a picture of a craft or sculpture that you’ve done, and if it’s family friendly (and not controversial…let’s try to keep this fun), you’ll be a part of an upcoming Cool Comics episode. We also want your name, an optional picture of yourself to go here, and any other background information you want to provide, such as a website or a way you can be contacted about your art (who knows, maybe someone will make you an offer for the original!). And then email it to edgosney62@gmail.com .
Cool Comics In My CollectionModern-Day Cool Comics#1466 — Geiger #1, Image, April 2021.
What happens when you’ve put in all the hard work of building your own fallout shelter, but your neighbors suddenly decide (at gunpoint) that it belongs to them after the bombs start falling? While Tariq Geiger seemingly makes the ultimate sacrifice for his wife and child, it turns out to be far from the rest of the story. Thanks to the creative talents of Geoff Johns and Gary Frank, this first issue is an intriguing view of a future no sane person wants, giving us a disturbing—yet fascinating—look at the lengths people go to when survival is in question. For some, Geiger becomes part myth and part legend in the aftermath of the nuclear war, while for others, they find out he’s all too real when they mess with the wrong guy. Image continues to produce exciting worlds of adventure for comic book lovers who want more than just capes and tights. While I’m a big fan of Blast from the Past, another story with a fallout shelter, there’s nothing funny about Geiger, a tale of the struggle to survive in a radioactive future America. The cover price of Geiger #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4. The Key Collector Comics value is $10.
#1467 — Arion, Lord of Atlantis #10, DC, August 1983.
Back in the Eighties (I suspiciously sound like the beginning of a weekly sitcom…), I bought the first two or three issues of Arion, Lord of Atlantis, but they didn’t outlast the great garage sale purge from ten or so years ago. But now, thanks to a trip to the local Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, I scored this issue from one of their 10-pack bags of comics for a measly $5.99. In 2018, Back Issue magazine #108 focused on Aquaman, but it also contained information about Arion, which took me back to my college days of reading the comic, so when I pulled this issue out of my discount bag, it brought a smile to my face. I count on old comic books to inject me with waves of nostalgia, and this one did the trick, thanks to writer Doug Moench, artist Jan Duursema, inker Tom Mandrake, letterer Andy Kubert, colorist Bob LeRose, and editor Joe Kubert. The cover price of Arion, Lord of Atlantis #10 is 60¢, while the current values are $3 on CBR and $2.50 on ZKC. The OPG value is $3.
#1468 — Critical Role/Norse Mythology, Dark Horse Comics, May 2020.
Quite often, Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) issues contain more than one story, and Dark Horse Comics gives us a taste of a couple properties with this issue, which I have labeled above as week 39 of our celebration of FCBD 2020. By the way, in case you haven’t yet seen the announcement, FCBD 2021 will take place August 14, and you can view the lineup by clicking HERE. Critical Role: Vox Machina – Origins, is brought to us by Jody Houser and Hunter Severn Bonyun and will appeal to those who are always searching for fantasy worlds to explore, while Norse Mythology gives us story and words by Neil Gaiman and script and art by P. Craig Russell. I attended a talk by Neil Gaiman a couple years ago, but he didn’t do any personal signings that day, so I didn’t get to actually meet him. But I have met P. Craig Russell a couple times at Akron Comicon and have some signed comics from this wonderful artist. If you enjoy mythology, be sure to check this out and to look for the ongoing series. The cover price of Critical Role/Norse Mythology is free, while the current value is $1.
#1469 — Casper’s Ghostland #80, Harvey Comics, September 1974.
Collectors must feel a special affinity for Casper’s Ghostland (and all his friends) comic books, because out of 98 published issues from 1958 to 1979, I’ve found just three issues in discount bins. And I can’t say I blame these fans one bit. This anthology comic has four complete adventures with some of Harvey’s most popular characters, so most likely original purchasers enjoyed it so much that they want the convenience of going back to it to read again sometime in the future in order to dream of days long past. Though I’ve looked in several sources, it’s unfortunate that I can’t find any creator credits for this issue, which I don’t think is unusual for Harvey Comics from the past. You may have noticed that starting with this episode, I’m making a greater effort to give credit to those who have brought joy to our lives through these beloved comic books. This is something I’ve done on occasion, especially when the creators tend to be famous or someone I’ve met in person, but in a recent email sent to Cool Comics, comic book writer extraordinaire Tony Isabella suggested that I give creator credit where it is due, to help the cause of keeping these wonderful people from being erased by history. Thanks to Tony, Cool Comics is now doing its part to honor those who have created these stories that mean so much to us. The cover price of Casper’s Ghostland #80 is 25¢, while the current value is $12. The OPG value is also $12.
#1470 — Godzilla #5, Marvel, December 1977.
Did you see Godzilla vs. Kong yet? Unfortunately, I haven’t gotten around to it yet, but I did see the 1962 film King Kong vs. Godzilla one late Saturday night in the Seventies when I was a kid. According to the website Box Office Mojo, the new version has pulled in nearly $340 million, which seems pretty good considering COVID-19 is still with us. But I don’t even need to go to the theater, because it’s also showing on HBO Max (which I have), so I really need to commit to watching it soon! In the meantime, I pulled out this classic issue of Godzilla from my file cabinet of unexplored comic book adventures. This issue is kind of special because it contains a fan letter from John Buntin, Jr., the owner of local comic shop Kenmore Komics & Games, a store that still has quarter bins! If you’ve never read any of these old Godzilla issues from the Seventies, you might be surprised to find out that S.H.I.E.L.D. is involved, with Dum Dum Dugan heading up the Godzilla Squad. These comics are a lot of fun! This issue of giant monster goodness is brought to us by Doug Moench (writer), Tom Sutton (artist), Klaus Janson (inker), J. Costanza (letterer), Phil Rache (colorist), and Archie Goodwin (editor). The cover price of Godzilla #5 is 35¢, while the current value is $16. The OPG value is also $16.
Would you like to write a review of a comic book or graphic novel for all the Internet to see? Our Cool Comics Reader Reviews section is looking for fans just like you to submit your review, along with a cover image of the comic. Additionally, you may provide a picture of yourself and any other biographical information you want published in Cool Comics. Send all this to edgosney62@gmail.com . Please keep in mind that we reserve the right to decide what will and won’t go in the blog, so keep the language clean, pick out a comic that won’t cause controversy (we try to have fun here!), and start tapping away on your keyboard!
ComicBooks For Kids!ComicBooks For Kids! (CB4K) is a charity that Cool Comics In My Collection is honored to be working with. CB4K provides comic books to kids in hospitals and cancer centers all across the United States. You can check their website and see if your local hospital is included and if not, you can work with them to get them included! If you like what you see, please help them out and follow/like their Facebook page. Their link is https://www.facebook.com/comicbooksforkids/
Now you can get Cool Comics in My Collection delivered directly to your email! Just click “Join My Newsletter” on my website (or click on the image of my No-Prize!), sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right? Just be sure to follow the instructions on the confirmation email so that you start receiving my newsletter. If you don’t see it, you may want to check your Spam or Junk Mail folders.
The Cool Comics In My Collection Facebook Group is a place where you can discuss the comics you love, your favorite titles, and the characters that keep you coming back for more. Also, creators are welcome to share news about what you are working on, including Kickstarter campaigns. And don’t forget the prizes. Yes, Cool Comics gives away cool prizes. Be sure and join today!
Tired of seeing a blank image when you leave comments? Now you can have a picture or logo show up here at Cool Comics and other WordPress sites, absolutely free! Just click the link below to get started.
Hits: 48
April 8, 2021
Yesterday’s Comics Bring Back Magical Memories!
Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 289, where we look at various comic books I own (and in some cases ones that I let get away), both new and old, often with a nostalgic leaning for those feelings of yesteryear. I hope you have as much fun reading about them as I had writing about these cool comics!
For each of the comic books I include here, I list the current secondary market pricing (except for of digital issues, which don’t have collectible value). This is according to the websites ComicBookRealm.com (CBR) and Zap-Kapow Comics (ZKC), using the comic book grading scale of 9.4 (if both sites have the same price, you’ll find just one price for that issue), along with the 50th Edition of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide (OPG) using their 9.2 NM scale. Not all my comics meet that grade. Some are probably better, and some are certainly worse. But to simplify it, that’s the scale I use here. And remember, a comic book is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. And for those who enjoy the additional fun of knowing some of the more important issues in your collection, I recognize each Cool Comic that is listed in Key Collector Comics.
If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, Episode 289…
Cool Comics Colloquialisms!
Comic book memories of the Seventies.When I was a kid buying my weekly comic books at the mom-and-pop shop a couple blocks from home, I never thought much about their potential values. In my neighborhood, most of my friends liked comic books enough to at least buy an occasional issue or ask to borrow some of mine. And that was just fine with me. Sometimes they’d come back a little worse for wear, but that wasn’t a concern. Instead, my friends and I would talk about the great story we’d now experienced. When I started buying comics in my third phase, Superman had just died the year before (my father found and bought me an issue of Superman #75 in the black bag…and that’s what injected me once again with the comic book bug), and I discovered the joy of not only reading comics, but also reading about them in publications like Wizard Magazine and Hero Illustrated. And it was the first time I ever really paid attention to price guides. Nowadays there are websites, apps, and all kinds of books about grading, values, and record-shattering sales. It’s a part of the hobby, like it or not. And obviously Cool Comics lists prices and values each episode. But there was something magical back in the Seventies about being young and having no concern about spine conditions, folded corners, or small tears. The story was the name of the game.
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Beta Ray Bill versus Mister Miracle! What do you think would happen if they faced each other in a titanic tussle, and how do you see the winner achieving victory? Let us know in the comments section below.
Cool Comics Creations!
[image error]This episode’s awesome creation features sketch cards from an Alien trading card series, courtesy of illustrator Dan Gorman, a member of the National Cartoonists Society and one of the top sketch card artists on the planet. For more about Dan and his art, please visit www.dangormanart.com. Additionally, Dan is the artist of the Cool Comics logo!
You can have a piece of your art featured right here in Cool Comics Creations! Just send an electronic file in an email featuring one of your drawings, whether you’re a professional or amateur, (it can be just pencils, or inks too…or full color if you prefer) or a picture of a craft or sculpture that you’ve done, and if it’s family friendly (and not controversial…let’s try to keep this fun), you’ll be a part of an upcoming Cool Comics episode. We also want your name, an optional picture of yourself to go here, and any other background information you want to provide, such as a website or a way you can be contacted about your art (who knows, maybe someone will make you an offer for the original!). And then email it to edgosney62@gmail.com .
Cool Comics In My CollectionModern-Day Cool Comics#1461 — Beta Ray Bill #1, Marvel, May 2021.
Fan favorite Beta Ray Bill doesn’t often feature in his own title, so there was no way we weren’t going to showcase the almost-equine hero who wields Asgardian weapons with nearly the skill of Thor himself! This is the first of a five issue limited series, written and drawn by Daniel Warren Johnson, and I truly appreciate the creative parallel Johnson uses with the movie Hook. If you haven’t read this story yet, I don’t want to spoil anything for you, but if you have, and you’re familiar with the movie that stars the late Robin Williams as Peter Pan, you know exactly what I’m talking about. If you’ve never seen the movie, that’s what some of those lines coming from Bill’s TV are in reference to, reminding us of a particular character in the movie. Are we to assume, based on what Bill later tells Thor, that Bill associates with said character? If you’ve never seen Hook, you may want to give it a watch before reading this issue, if you can find it easily enough. For me, it enriched the experience. The cover price of Beta Ray Bill #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5. The Key Collector Comics value is $4.
#1462 — DC Comics Presents #12, DC, August 1979.
I’m a big fan of anthology style titles and team-ups, and when I find them in discount bins, they typically end up coming home with me. The best part is when I get them out of quarter boxes (again, I really appreciate that there are still quarter boxes available at some stores, and I know exactly how fortunate I am to have such easy access), because low prices tend to equal more volume bought, which makes the shop owner happy, as well as myself. The first time I ever purchased issues of DC Comics Presents was in 1982, during my freshman year at Ohio State. And yes, I did buy the issue that featured the first appearance of He-Man, but alas, I no longer own it. This issue, which gives us Superman and Mister Miracle in typical hero-versus-hero fashion, came out earlier in the run, but I rarely bought DC titles during this timeframe, so it was a treat to get to read this adventure after all these years. The cover price of DC Comics Presents #12 is 40¢, while the current value is $6. The OPG value is also $6.
#1463 — InvestiGators, First Second, August 2020.
This Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) issue by creator John Patrick Green dares us to “Take the Plunge” into this sneak peek of his InvestiGators graphic novel. I appreciate the clever use of a plunger and magnifying glass as tools of choice of his two InvestiGators on the cover, giving us a bit of an idea that Green intends this to be a fun adventure, regardless of the age of the reader. Obviously, a younger audience is more apt to be interested in the capers of these two intelligent, crime-solving alligators, but it proved to be a fun adventure for someone like myself, whose sweet-spot of comic books resides in the Seventies. But the beauty of FCBD is that it allows us to sample something different at no cost. And if you like it, there’s more adventure waiting for you. The cover price of InvestiGators is free, while the current value is $1.
#1464 — Four Color (Goofy) #1053, Dell, November/January 1959.
If you’re a Disney fan—even a casual one—you absolutely know who Goofy is, and possibly enjoy his silliness and often very positive outlook on life. Yet I’m a bit of a late bloomer when it comes to Goofy. It seems, when I think back to my younger days, that I was a bit annoyed by him when I’d see him in cartoons. Yet today, after having read a number of Disney comics over the last couple years, I’ve come to appreciate both the humor and humanity imbued in the character. Perhaps if I’d read Disney comics during my formative years, I would have embraced him earlier on, but when I discovered super-heroes on television, and later found out that their adventures were available for a mere twenty cents, that’s where my pocket change went. Nowadays, as a more mature reader and connoisseur of comic books, I look forward to reading stories featuring Mickey’s good buddy. Additionally, finding issues from Dell’s Four Color series in quarter bins is always a pleasure for those who want to read more stories from our favorite hobby’s rich history. The cover price of Four Color #1053 is 10¢, while the current value is $85. The OPG value is $95.
#1465 — Ironjaw #1, Atlas/Seaboard, January 1975.
A couple years ago, as I learned more about Atlas/Seaboard comics, I decided I needed to have as many as I could find become part of my collection. During my third phase of comic book collecting (1993-2003) I’d find some in discount boxes and bought a few issues, but I never got around to reading them by the time they ended up in a garage sale. They had no real meaning to me on a personal level since I didn’t buy any of them when they first appeared on comic racks back in the Seventies. I do recall seeing comics from the Atlas line as I searched the shelves for Spider-Man, Captain America, and Thor comics, but I wasn’t about to spend my grass-cutting or newspaper delivery (or Grit salesman) money on them. Yet the nostalgia bug (an often-perilous malady!) bit me, and now most of the Atlas/Seaboard issues reside in my home. Just 14 more comics, not including the ever-elusive four issues of Vicki (which I can live without, if I never find them for a good price), and I’ll be finished. But the real joy comes in the reading of them. I had no expectations when I cracked open Ironjaw #1 and ended up enjoying this story that takes place somewhere in our future. It’s a far cry from things you’ll see in modern comic books, and may offend some readers today, but hey, it was the Seventies. The cover price of Ironjaw #1 is 25¢, while the current values are $25 on CBR and $20 on ZKC. The OPG value is $28. The Key Collector Comics value is $10.
Would you like to write a review of a comic book or graphic novel for all the Internet to see? Our Cool Comics Reader Reviews section is looking for fans just like you to submit your review, along with a cover image of the comic. Additionally, you may provide a picture of yourself and any other biographical information you want published in Cool Comics. Send all this to edgosney62@gmail.com . Please keep in mind that we reserve the right to decide what will and won’t go in the blog, so keep the language clean, pick out a comic that won’t cause controversy (we try to have fun here!), and start tapping away on your keyboard!
ComicBooks For Kids!ComicBooks For Kids! (CB4K) is a charity that Cool Comics In My Collection is honored to be working with. CB4K provides comic books to kids in hospitals and cancer centers all across the United States. You can check their website and see if your local hospital is included and if not, you can work with them to get them included! If you like what you see, please help them out and follow/like their Facebook page. Their link is https://www.facebook.com/comicbooksforkids/
Now you can get Cool Comics in My Collection delivered directly to your email! Just click “Join My Newsletter” on my website (or click on the image of my No-Prize!), sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right? Just be sure to follow the instructions on the confirmation email so that you start receiving my newsletter. If you don’t see it, you may want to check your Spam or Junk Mail folders.
The Cool Comics In My Collection Facebook Group is a place where you can discuss the comics you love, your favorite titles, and the characters that keep you coming back for more. Also, creators are welcome to share news about what you are working on, including Kickstarter campaigns. And don’t forget the prizes. Yes, Cool Comics gives away cool prizes. Be sure and join today!
Tired of seeing a blank image when you leave comments? Now you can have a picture or logo show up here at Cool Comics and other WordPress sites, absolutely free! Just click the link below to get started.
Hits: 49
April 1, 2021
Another Academy Comic, Thor Travels to Troy, & Who is Blue Devil?
Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 288, where we look at various comic books I own (and in some cases ones that I let get away), both new and old, often with a nostalgic leaning for those feelings of yesteryear. I hope you have as much fun reading about them as I had writing about these cool comics!
For each of the comic books I include here, I list the current secondary market pricing (except for of digital issues, which don’t have collectible value). This is according to the websites ComicBookRealm.com (CBR) and Zap-Kapow Comics (ZKC), using the comic book grading scale of 9.4 (if both sites have the same price, you’ll find just one price for that issue), along with the 50th Edition of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide (OPG) using their 9.2 NM scale. Not all my comics meet that grade. Some are probably better, and some are certainly worse. But to simplify it, that’s the scale I use here. And remember, a comic book is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. And for those who enjoy the additional fun of knowing some of the more important issues in your collection, I recognize each Cool Comic that is listed in Key Collector Comics.
If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, Episode 288…
Cool Comics Colloquialisms!Sometimes picking the Contemporary Cool Comic of the week is easy, and sometimes it’s downright difficult. Detective Comics #1034 had a “WOW” ending to it that left me excited to see what comes next, while The Amazing Spider-Man #62 was just plain fun…until near the end when Robbie Robertson is shocked after seeing some pictures in a folder of his son, Randy (who happens to be one of Peter Parker’s roommates), and another scene shows the reader that Randy is a target in a deadly game. And by the way, Alien #1 came out, too, and completely exceeded my expectations. But I went in another direction; still, these were all worthy comic adventures.
By the way, when you look below to find the Contemporary Cool Comics category, you’ll notice that it’s missing. As a matter of fact, each of the five regular categories have been slightly altered. And no, this isn’t an April Fools’ Day joke. It was just time to make a change. The new lineup, for those who care about such things, is as follows:
Contemporary Cool Comics is now Modern-Day Cool Comics (comics with a 21st Century cover date).Cool Comics from the Quarter Bin is now Dynamically Discounted Cool Comics (comics in my collection ranging from free to any price tag, as long as it was a good deal).FCBD the Cool Comics Way is now Cool Comics Celebrates FCBD (just a change in the title of our category in which we look at the Free Comic Book Day issues released each year).Cool Comics Kids is now Cool Comics for the Young at Heart (there are plenty of adults who collect these all-age comics, and now the category title better reflects what this is about).Cool Comics Classics is now Twentieth Century Cool Comics (not all comic books from the last century are classics, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t cool—at least to some of us—so any comic with a cover date before the year 2000 could show up here).Cool Comics Battle of the Week!The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Nightwing versus Blue Devil! What do you think would happen if they faced each other in a titanic tussle, and how do you see the winner achieving victory? Let us know in the comments section below.
Cool Comics Creations!
Ed Griffie has the coolest art, and with impeccable timing we present his very own version of the Teen Titans! Ed is a lifelong comic book fan who started drawing Kawaii and Chibi style versions of pop culture icons and superheroes about five years ago. Through Facebook, his work came to the attention of Daniel Hare, the owner of vintage toy and comic bookstore The Toys Time Forgot, who offered him a guest spot at Free Comic Book Day. Since then, Ed has been a regular at local conventions and comic bookstores, where he offers bookmarks, coloring pages, trading cards, and color prints featuring his unique artwork. You can check out his full catalog of work at toonist27.deviantart.com or contact him at edgriffiejr@gmail.com to commission an original piece of your very own.
You can have a piece of your art featured right here in Cool Comics Creations! Just send an electronic file in an email featuring one of your drawings, whether you’re a professional or amateur, (it can be just pencils, or inks too…or full color if you prefer) or a picture of a craft or sculpture that you’ve done, and if it’s family friendly (and not controversial…let’s try to keep this fun), you’ll be a part of an upcoming Cool Comics episode. We also want your name, an optional picture of yourself to go here, and any other background information you want to provide, such as a website or a way you can be contacted about your art (who knows, maybe someone will make you an offer for the original!). And then email it to edgosney62@gmail.com .
Cool Comics In My CollectionModern-Day Cool Comics#1456 — Teen Titans Academy #1, DC, May 2021.
I like Marvel’s Strange Academy and bought this title in hopes that DC’s Teen Titans Academy would be just as much fun. And after the first issue, the jury is still out. These kids are a little older, and therefore a little more on the snarky side, I guess. As I continue to advance in years, I find myself liking snarky things less and less. But that’s just me. Perhaps you love it, and this is the greatest comic book you’ve ever read. We all have our own opinions on what we do and don’t like, for various reasons. But the predominant personal factor of collecting comes down to deciding what I, as a consumer, decide to spend my cash on. In Strange Academy, I enjoy the scenes with the students, whereas with Teen Titans Academy, I didn’t particularly care much for the students in this first issue. The scenes with the regular Teen Titans were fine, but if I don’t like the students, what’s the point of continuing to buy the series? But like any work of fiction, sometimes a story takes a while to click with certain readers, and I guess with this comic, I’m a certain reader. I see lots of potential and have hopes that the creative team pulls it off. The cover price of Teen Titans Academy #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4. The Key Collector Comics value is also $4.
#1457 — Thor Annual #8, Marvel, 1979.
I’m excited that I’ve made a bit of a change to this Cool Comics category, because I have a couple short boxes full of comics that were given to me for free, along with lots of other comics that I obtained for more than a quarter that were still great purchases. Yet there’s no denying that this featured comic comes to us right out of a quarter bin, one in which I’d been recently digging (in other words, just a few short weeks ago!). Thor is one of my favorite heroes, and when this annual that had never found its way into my collection appeared before my eyes in that bargain box, well…it had me at THOR! Roy Thomas and John Buscema give us this rousing tale aptly titled THUNDER OVER TROY, an issue not to be missed by fans of Homer’s classics The Iliad and The Odyssey (sorry Simpson’s fans, but it wasn’t THAT Homer). The course is set in this Homeric tale by the machinations of that rascal Loki, but would we have it any other way? Verily, this comic book be worthy! The cover price of Thor Annual #8 is 75¢, while the current value is $12. The OPG value is $14.
#1458 — Super Mercado Mix Tape, Oni Press, May 2020.
Creator Yehudi Mercado is passionate about doing comics, and while these stories aren’t aimed towards me, I appreciate the enthusiasm. This Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) issue contains a couple introductions to longer stories to get you interested, a one-page “Finish the rhyme” in a panel, and a two-page “Comics Chat” interview with Yehudi. I’ve said this before, and it bears repeating: FCBD is a great way to learn about other comics, creators, and companies. Older kids to teens are probably the target audience for this one, but it didn’t bother me to spend some time reading it, checking out the art, and learning a little about the creator and his desire to entertain. The cover price of Super Mercado Mix Tape is free, while the current value is $1.
#1459 — Walt Disney’s Spring Fever #1, Disney Comics, Spring 1991.
I thought I had an Easter themed comic in my box of Cool Comics for the Young at Heart, but I was wrong. Although I did have one that would have been perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, which now must wait until next year. Still, it’s Spring, Easter is right around the corner, and things are fresh and new, the temperatures are getting warmer, and this Disney Comic hit the spot. The cover and back form one great picture, and I made sure to give you the full view here. This thick anthology gives us ten fun stories featuring some of our favorites, such as Donald Duck, his nephews, Li’l Bad Wolf, Goofy, Chip ‘N’ Dale, Bambi, and of course, Mickey Mouse. I’m not sure how easy it is to find this issue today (it’s 30 years old!), but if you don’t have it and you love Disney, it’s a nice one to put in your collection. I was fortunate that someone let me have it for free. The cover price of Walt Disney’s Spring Fever #1 is $2.95, while the current value is $3.
#1460 — Blue Devil #7, DC, December 1984.
I don’t know much about Blue Devil, having owned just two issues of his comic book (the first was #17, which I no longer have, and I’m not even sure if I read it before selling it at a garage sale), along with the 16-page insert contained in The Fury of Firestorm #24, which introduces the world to Dan Cassidy, aka Blue Devil. The series lasted from 1984 to 1986 and produced 31 issues, along with an annual in 1985. I wasn’t reading comics during this period, but that doesn’t mean I’m not interested in reading them now, and since this issue was looking lonely in a quarter bin, it came home with me. By the way, this issue features Gil Kane as guest artist. There are other comics in my collection that have Blue Devil in them, and I’ll get to that in a moment. The point is that of his short-lived solo title, where we usually learn the most about our costumed heroes, my collection isn’t much of a collection. A little snooping around on the website Comic Vine shows us that Blue Devil has appeared in comic books 366 times, which is way less than many characters, but revealed to me that I’ve run across him more than I initially remembered. A few of those appearances that I know I own include Crisis on Infinite Earths, Kingdom Come, War of the Gods, and The Fury of Firestorm. And there are more, but that’s enough of a sample to see that while he’s not unfamiliar to me, I still don’t know him all that well. And that’s why I continue to search through quarter boxes. The cover price of Blue Devil #7 is 75¢, while the current value is $3. The OPG value is also $3.
Would you like to write a review of a comic book or graphic novel for all the Internet to see? Our Cool Comics Reader Reviews section is looking for fans just like you to submit your review, along with a cover image of the comic. Additionally, you may provide a picture of yourself and any other biographical information you want published in Cool Comics. Send all this to edgosney62@gmail.com . Please keep in mind that we reserve the right to decide what will and won’t go in the blog, so keep the language clean, pick out a comic that won’t cause controversy (we try to have fun here!), and start tapping away on your keyboard!
ComicBooks For Kids!ComicBooks For Kids! (CB4K) is a charity that Cool Comics In My Collection is honored to be working with. CB4K provides comic books to kids in hospitals and cancer centers all across the United States. You can check their website and see if your local hospital is included and if not, you can work with them to get them included! If you like what you see, please help them out and follow/like their Facebook page. Their link is https://www.facebook.com/comicbooksforkids/
Now you can get Cool Comics in My Collection delivered directly to your email! Just click “Join My Newsletter” on my website (or click on the image of my No-Prize!), sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right? Just be sure to follow the instructions on the confirmation email so that you start receiving my newsletter. If you don’t see it, you may want to check your Spam or Junk Mail folders.
The Cool Comics In My Collection Facebook Group is a place where you can discuss the comics you love, your favorite titles, and the characters that keep you coming back for more. Also, creators are welcome to share news about what you are working on, including Kickstarter campaigns. And don’t forget the prizes. Yes, Cool Comics gives away cool prizes. Be sure and join today!
Tired of seeing a blank image when you leave comments? Now you can have a picture or logo show up here at Cool Comics and other WordPress sites, absolutely free! Just click the link below to get started.
Hits: 57
March 25, 2021
The Cover’s Abominable, Yeti Paid Just a Quarter!
Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 287, where we look at various comic books I own (and in some cases ones that I let get away), both new and old, often with a nostalgic leaning for those feelings of yesteryear. I hope you have as much fun reading about them as I had writing about these cool comics!
For each of the comic books I include here, I list the current secondary market pricing (except for of digital issues, which don’t have collectible value). This is according to the websites ComicBookRealm.com (CBR) and Zap-Kapow Comics (ZKC), using the comic book grading scale of 9.4 (if both sites have the same price, you’ll find just one price for that issue), along with the 50th Edition of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide (OPG) using their 9.2 NM scale. Not all my comics meet that grade. Some are probably better, and some are certainly worse. But to simplify it, that’s the scale I use here. And remember, a comic book is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. And for those who enjoy the additional fun of knowing some of the more important issues in your collection, I recognize each Cool Comic that is listed in Key Collector Comics.
If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, Episode 287…
Cool Comics Colloquialisms!
I like to read about comic book history, and while I’m not finished with it yet, I’m really enjoying Comic Book Fever, A Celebration of Comics 1976 to 1986. Written by George Khoury and published by Twomorrows Publishing (you can’t go wrong with anything from Twomorrows!), the book covers the last few years of my first phase of comic collecting and the entirety of phase two (which, sadly, only lasted a little over six months in 1982). There is lots to like about this book if you read comics during these years, from the major players (Marvel and DC) to independents to the fun ads of the time. Comic Book Fever was published in 2016, and when I first became aware of it in 2020 and had some trouble finding a copy that wouldn’t break my budget, someone in a Facebook group (and I’m thinking it may have been the author himself, but I can’t recall now) sent me a link to an online comic shop that had a used copy for sale. I quickly purchased it, and it was a wise decision, as it’s provided hours of entertainment, taking me back to times I fondly remember.
Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Ultraman versus Hawkman! What do you think would happen if they faced each other in a titanic tussle, and how do you see the winner achieving victory? Let us know in the comments section below.
Cool Comics Creations!
This episode’s creation comes to us from Robert A. Kraus (aka RAK), creator of Chakan and many other fantastic works of art, along with cool games he’s developed. I’m a big fan of Adam Warlock and love seeing him on the page in RAK’s indomitable style! To learn more about RAK, be sure to visit his website at http://www.rakgraphics.com/.
You can have a piece of your art featured right here in Cool Comics Creations! Just send an electronic file in an email featuring one of your drawings, whether you’re a professional or amateur, (it can be just pencils, or inks too…or full color if you prefer) or a picture of a craft or sculpture that you’ve done, and if it’s family friendly (and not controversial…let’s try to keep this fun), you’ll be a part of an upcoming Cool Comics episode. We also want your name, an optional picture of yourself to go here, and any other background information you want to provide, such as a website or a way you can be contacted about your art (who knows, maybe someone will make you an offer for the original!). And then email it to edgosney62@gmail.com .
Cool Comics In My CollectionContemporary Cool Comics#1451 — The Trials of Ultraman #1, Marvel, May 2021.
If you’re of a certain age, the name Ultraman might just take you back to a time and place that you think about with affectionate remembrance. As I said back in September when I featured The Rise of Ultraman #1 in our 5th Anniversary episode, I didn’t watch Ultraman on TV…but my wife did, and she has some fun memories of watching the show. So, in my reading of this second recent limited series, I’m fairly dependent on what’s happening in the story via the art and words on the pages to gain a connection to this universe from the past. And I really like the way Kyle Higgins and Mat Groom pay tribute to that meaningful past in the plot. Additionally, I’ll throw in that Francesco Manna’s art feels just right for this story that’s told on an “ultra” scale. If you’re interested in giving this series a try, I recommend that you first read the five-issue series The Rise of Ultraman before starting this one. The cover price of The Trials of Ultraman #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5. The Key Collector Comics value is also $5.
#1452 — The Brave & the Bold #139, DC, February 1978.
While it’s sometimes fun to dig though quarter bins to find comics that came out during periods when I wasn’t collecting, there are still lots of issues I don’t have that appeared on the magazine racks of drugstores and mom and pop shops during my first phase of collecting, those long-ago years when I ventured out with a pocket full of change and a desire to be entertained by those who would defend the innocent with their very lives! If you grew up reading comics in the Seventies, you might just feel the same way. I didn’t buy much from DC back then, so when I find cool stuff now from that famed decade that can be had for just 25 cents, it’s hard to walk away from them. In this issue of The Brave & the Bold, Commissioner Gordon finds himself being targeted for death, and Batman, along with Hawkman, attempt to solve the mystery while keeping Gordon alive. Fun stuff brought to us by Bob Haney and Jim Aparo. This series always entertains. The cover price of The Brave & the Bold #139 is 35¢, while the current value is $12. The OPG value is also $12.
#1453 — Disney Masters: Donald Duck, Fantagraphics Books, May 2020.
While I enjoy getting to sample so many different comics, creators, and companies during Free Comic Book Day (FCBD), it’s always a pleasure to read stories featuring familiar friends. Over the last couple years, I’ve become a fan of Donald, his nephews, and his rich, eccentric uncle, so the experience of reading this comic was a little more enjoyable than the usual FCBD issues. Often in his stories, Donald comes across as successful at whatever job he currently holds, then disaster strikes. This time, our favorite Disney duck is working in pest removal, and things seem to be going quite well. But when artist Roger Lotsagall hires Donald to take care of the bats in his belfry, will our heroic duck at last prove his worth? This issue comes with three fun stories, including the comic book debut of Donald’s cousin, Fethry Duck. It’s a great issue for any age! The cover price of Disney Masters: Donald Duck is free, while the current value is $1. The Key Collector Comics value is $4.
#1454 — The Powerpuff Girls: Bureau of Bad #1, IDW, November 2017.
If you’re a fan of the Powerpuff Girls, you possibly already have this issue (and the entire series) in your collection. And I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a fan of The Powerpuff Girls, and aside from Free Comic Book Day, this is the only issue I ever bought, which I didn’t even know I’d purchased because it was part of a 10-pack of sealed comics that I bought at an Ollie’s Bargain Outlet store for just $5.99. When I opened the package and started flipping through the comics and found this one, I could have just as easily put it in my box of comics that I’m willing to part with; you know, comics you sell at your annual garage sales. But immediately I thought it would be a nice edition for Cool Comics Kids, because obviously these are aimed towards much younger readers, and what’s wrong with me spending a few minutes reading it and putting it here in Cool Comics where someone might just see this and think to themselves, “That’s just the kind of comics I want for my kids!” As I always say, there’s something out there in the four-color world for everyone. The cover price of The Powerpuff Girls: Bureau of Bad #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4. The OPG value is also $4.
#1455 — Journey into Mystery #13, Marvel, October 1974.
Don’t tell anyone, but the Cool Comics guy posted a picture of his issue of Journey into Mystery #13, and, well, I guess 13 really is bad luck in this case. I mean, no disrespect, but when you click on the picture and see it up close, you can really tell what a mess this comic is. Still, the thing is, I heard that he just paid a quarter for it. That’s right, he snatched it out of a quarter bin, and even though the condition is…well…awful (which should probably be a level when it comes to comic book grading), it’s just the cover price for a 1974 comic. Now I’ve seen lots of comic books from 1974 that look much better than this, and sometimes they sell for only a quarter, too, but this one, well, it has four fun stories, and the headliner features an ABOMINABLE SNOWMAN! I guess when all things are considered, it isn’t such a bad deal after all. It’s still a blast to read these reprints, and I heard the Cool Comics guy doesn’t plan on selling it anyway. The cover price of Journey into Mystery #13 is 25¢, while the current values are $30 on CBR and $18 on ZKC. The OPG value is $30.
Would you like to write a review of a comic book or graphic novel for all the Internet to see? Our Cool Comics Reader Reviews section is looking for fans just like you to submit your review, along with a cover image of the comic. Additionally, you may provide a picture of yourself and any other biographical information you want published in Cool Comics. Send all this to edgosney62@gmail.com . Please keep in mind that we reserve the right to decide what will and won’t go in the blog, so keep the language clean, pick out a comic that won’t cause controversy (we try to have fun here!), and start tapping away on your keyboard!
ComicBooks For Kids!ComicBooks For Kids! (CB4K) is a charity that Cool Comics In My Collection is honored to be working with. CB4K provides comic books to kids in hospitals and cancer centers all across the United States. You can check their website and see if your local hospital is included and if not, you can work with them to get them included! If you like what you see, please help them out and follow/like their Facebook page. Their link is https://www.facebook.com/comicbooksforkids/
Now you can get Cool Comics in My Collection delivered directly to your email! Just click “Join My Newsletter” on my website (or click on the image of my No-Prize!), sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right? Just be sure to follow the instructions on the confirmation email so that you start receiving my newsletter. If you don’t see it, you may want to check your Spam or Junk Mail folders.
The Cool Comics In My Collection Facebook Group is a place where you can discuss the comics you love, your favorite titles, and the characters that keep you coming back for more. Also, creators are welcome to share news about what you are working on, including Kickstarter campaigns. And don’t forget the prizes. Yes, Cool Comics gives away cool prizes. Be sure and join today!
Tired of seeing a blank image when you leave comments? Now you can have a picture or logo show up here at Cool Comics and other WordPress sites, absolutely free! Just click the link below to get started.
Hits: 53
March 18, 2021
Better Late Than Never: Discovering Infinity, Inc!
Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 286, where we look at various comic books I own (and in some cases ones that I let get away), both new and old, often with a nostalgic leaning for those feelings of yesteryear. I hope you have as much fun reading about them as I had writing about these cool comics!
For each of the comic books I include here, I list the current secondary market pricing (except for of digital issues, which don’t have collectible value). This is according to the websites ComicBookRealm.com (CBR) and Zap-Kapow Comics (ZKC), using the comic book grading scale of 9.4 (if both sites have the same price, you’ll find just one price for that issue), along with the 50th Edition of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide (OPG) using their 9.2 NM scale. Not all my comics meet that grade. Some are probably better, and some are certainly worse. But to simplify it, that’s the scale I use here. And remember, a comic book is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. And for those who enjoy the additional fun of knowing some of the more important issues in your collection, I recognize each Cool Comic that is listed in Key Collector Comics.
If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, Episode 286…
Cool Comics Colloquialisms!Last Wednesday (March 10) saw a number of new titles hit comic shop shelves, and out of the ones I picked up, I had to decide which I’d talk about here under the Contemporary Cool Comics section. It wasn’t an easy decision, especially when a new X title came out (Children of the Atom #1), a fan favorite villain grabbed headlines (The Joker #1), and your friendly neighborhood Wall-Crawler once more added another monthly (Non-Stop Spider-Man #1). 
And even though it feels like we get flooded with comics about the Caped Crusader, Batman’s new anthology title seemed like the right choice. Did you venture out to try any of these new comics, or did you stick to your tried-and-true favorites?
Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Bucky Barnes versus Beetle Bailey! What do you think would happen if they faced each other in a titanic tussle, and how do you see the winner achieving victory? Let us know in the comments section below.
Cool Comics Creations!
This week our Cool Comics Creation comes to you from Sydney Walton! The Joker #1 hit comic shops March 10, so the Clown Prince of Crime is probably on your mind! The art is all hand-painted with acrylic paints. Syd said he’s been painting covers for a few years now and likes to think that he was one of the first to do so. Syd is always taking commissions, so don’t hesitate to contact him for a cool cover or other fantastic creations. You can find him on Facebook at Syd’s Altruistic Art, or contact him via email at swaltoniii@aol.com.
You can have a piece of your art featured right here in Cool Comics Creations! Just send an electronic file in an email featuring one of your drawings, whether you’re a professional or amateur, (it can be just pencils, or inks too…or full color if you prefer) or a picture of a craft or sculpture that you’ve done, and if it’s family friendly (and not controversial…let’s try to keep this fun), you’ll be a part of an upcoming Cool Comics episode. We also want your name, an optional picture of yourself to go here, and any other background information you want to provide, such as a website or a way you can be contacted about your art (who knows, maybe someone will make you an offer for the original!). And then email it to edgosney62@gmail.com .
Cool Comics In My CollectionContemporary Cool Comics#1446 — Batman: Urban Legends #1, DC, May 2021.
As a fan of anthology titles, I was more than happy to give Batman: Urban Legends a try. And while not every story was for me, I love the idea and will continue to support it for as long as I enjoy it. Anyone who is vaguely aware of comic books knows that Batman is extremely popular and has a large supporting cast, so this comic makes perfect sense for those who want to continually explore these characters. As it is, there are already plenty of titles that take place in the greater Batverse, and new ones on the way (a few of these titles include Nightwing, Harley Quinn, Joker, and Robin), so the powers that be at DC must have figured there’s always room for more. This first issue gives us four stories, three of which will continue for several more issues, and one that leads to a new title, Harley Quinn and Batman. Yes, this issue contains more pages than your average comic book, and therefore the price is steeper. If you’re on a budget, you may want to carefully consider what you may need to give up in exchange for trying this one—a not uncommon dilemma comic book fans have faced since the Golden Age. The cover price of Batman: Urban Legends #1 is $7.99, while the current value is $8.
#1447 — All-New Invaders #4, Marvel, June 2014.
I’m not sure why I never tried to collect the Invaders run from the Seventies (I have one issue, but now it’s harder to find any from this series in bargain bins…and I’m thinking that at the time when they originally came out, I didn’t care for the setting…but my mindset is most assuredly different now than it was so long ago), yet now the nostalgia bug has directed me to keep my eye out for them. A few weeks ago, I found a few issues from this more modern run instead and decided that since I have so few comics from this period that it may be worth picking these up for a measly quarter each. And while I did enjoy this comic, it’s not set in the same years as the original Invaders. Though we get characters not often seen, like Jim Hammond (the original Human Torch), this issue takes place mostly in outer space…at the Kree homeworld. Umm, not quite the same…right, Roy Thomas? Still, I enjoyed it, and how can you complain about quarter comics? The cover price of All-New Invaders #4 is $3.99, while the current value is $4. The OPG value is also $4.
#1448 — Owly: The Way Home, Graphix, May 2020.
If you have younger kids, this story of a lonely owl may be a good comic for them, especially considering it doesn’t have a lot of words, and the typeset is large. The publisher, Graphix, is an imprint of Scholastic, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who isn’t familiar with them. This Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) issue isn’t the complete story, but the beginning of a longer tale that can be purchased as a graphic novel. Owly comics have been around for a while, but this is my first experience, and while I’m lightyears outside of the target market, it’s not a bad little story. The back of the issue tells us that creator Andy Runton won an Eisner Award for Best Publication for a Younger Audience, so this FCBD issue may sound a little more enticing after learning that news! The cover price of Owly: The Way Home is free, while the current value is $1.
#1449 — Beetle Bailey #117, Charlton Comics, July 1976.
There are seven complete shorts in this issue, along with a two-page written story that has a few illustrations. Judging by the length, I’m guessing that all of these (with the exception of the non-comic story) appeared in newspapers across the country before being collected in this comic book. Maybe all the Beetle Bailey issues contain nothing new, just Sunday Funny reprints, but I don’t know for sure (if you have the answer, we’d be happy to read about it in our comments section at the end of the blog). Regardless, I started reading the strips each week as a kid, so it’s fun to get these comics when I find them in quarter bins. And if you’re worried about whether Sarge catches that cake, your guess is as good as mine, because there is nothing about it inside the issue. The stories are simple and goofy, and some kids of a certain age may get a kick out of them like I did. By the way, if your name is Mark, this may be the comic your mom tossed in the garbage that you’ve been searching for (see the top of the cover image). The cover price of Beetle Bailey #117 is 30¢, while the current value is $10. The OPG value is also $10.
#1450 — Infinity, Inc. #8, DC, November 1984.
I’ve yet to find a comic book written by Roy Thomas (and if I remember correctly, Roy spells them as “comicbooks,” one word) that I didn’t enjoy. And now, with that out of the way, comes my shameful admission: this is the only issue of Infinity, Inc., that I’ve ever owned [UPDATE: Yesterday I was able to get the first seven issues during my Wednesday comic shop visit!]. The series ran from 1984 to 1988, a period in which I didn’t buy any comic books. And for some reason, I’d never bought any out of discount boxes until I picked up this one many months ago. Well, I finally decided to read it, and now I’m looking forward to finding more issues from this series! Most of you probably already know that this title focuses on the children, nieces, and nephews of the original Justice Society of America members, but I hadn’t a clue what Infinity, Inc., was about until I started reading this comic and doing a little poking around on the internet. With 53 issues, 2 Annuals, and a special issue, it sounds like I’ll be having fun trying to put this run together! The cover price of Infinity, Inc. #8 is $1.25, while the current value is $3. The OPG value is also $3.
Would you like to write a review of a comic book or graphic novel for all the Internet to see? Our Cool Comics Reader Reviews section is looking for fans just like you to submit your review, along with a cover image of the comic. Additionally, you may provide a picture of yourself and any other biographical information you want published in Cool Comics. Send all this to edgosney62@gmail.com . Please keep in mind that we reserve the right to decide what will and won’t go in the blog, so keep the language clean, pick out a comic that won’t cause controversy (we try to have fun here!), and start tapping away on your keyboard!
ComicBooks For Kids!ComicBooks For Kids! (CB4K) is a charity that Cool Comics In My Collection is honored to be working with. CB4K provides comic books to kids in hospitals and cancer centers all across the United States. You can check their website and see if your local hospital is included and if not, you can work with them to get them included! If you like what you see, please help them out and follow/like their Facebook page. Their link is https://www.facebook.com/comicbooksforkids/
Now you can get Cool Comics in My Collection delivered directly to your email! Just click “Join My Newsletter” on my website (or click on the image of my No-Prize!), sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right? Just be sure to follow the instructions on the confirmation email so that you start receiving my newsletter. If you don’t see it, you may want to check your Spam or Junk Mail folders.
The Cool Comics In My Collection Facebook Group is a place where you can discuss the comics you love, your favorite titles, and the characters that keep you coming back for more. Also, creators are welcome to share news about what you are working on, including Kickstarter campaigns. And don’t forget the prizes. Yes, Cool Comics gives away cool prizes. Be sure and join today!
Tired of seeing a blank image when you leave comments? Now you can have a picture or logo show up here at Cool Comics and other WordPress sites, absolutely free! Just click the link below to get started.
Hits: 55
![[image error]](https://edgosney.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Heroes-Reborn-1.jpg){kind=link}
![[image error]](https://edgosney.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Dan-Pic-2019.jpg){kind=link}