Ed Gosney's Blog, page 19

Appropriate Titles Close out 2020 & We Say Goodbye to the Doctor!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 275, 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 275…

Cool Comics News!

I’m a list kind of person. I make lists to keep track of all sorts of things, sometimes driving myself crazy with them. But one of my favorite lists is writing down all the comic books I read throughout each year. In 2018, I wanted to see if I could average 100 comics read every month, and I made it, as I read 1,203 comics that year. In 2019 I took it easy and read “just” 858 comic books. No records were intended to be broken in 2020 either, but when COVID-19 hit, the world changed, and suddenly we couldn’t participate in many of the activities we normally enjoy doing with others, especially in a public setting. And once again I noticed that my comic book reading was on a pace to break my 2018 record. As of this writing, I’ve read 1,232 comics – another record. And while I obviously love reading comic books, I’m hopeful that 2021 will see fewer comic books read, and more time spent with friends and family (and attending comic book conventions).

Also, today is my wife’s birthday. Happy Birthday, Melissa!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Conan versus Robotman! 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!

Cool Comics proudly shows off the awesome art of John R. Smith! This arresting rendition of Star Wars rogues and villains reminds us how much fun can be found in this galaxy that’s far, far away. If you’d like to see more of John’s creations, be sure to visit his Facebook page at Smittys Art Stuff…especially if you want to acquire some of his awesome art! Additionally, his eBay page contains some cool collectibles you may want to add to your personal collection, along with some of his original creations.

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 as long as 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 Collection
Contemporary Cool Comics

#1391 — King-Size Conan #1, Marvel, February 2021.

No doubt, 2020 has been a barbaric year in many ways, so perhaps it’s fitting that we close out this strange, sad, trip around the sun with King-Size Conan #1 as our last Contemporary Cool Comic, with the hope that a brighter 2021 is in our future. And while all that sounds bitter and disappointing, I believe that many of us also had great things happen in 2020, such as the decision to purchase this amazingly awesome anthology celebrating 50 years of Conan comics. By Crom, if you don’t believe me, click on the cover for a larger image and feast your eyes on some of the creators, such as Roy Thomas, Kevin Eastman, Chris Claremont, and Kurt Busiek! For those who know their Conan well, you’ll really appreciate what Roy Thomas has done with his story, which is the opening tale. Whether you’re a dedicated Conan reader or just enjoy an occasional trip to the Hyborian age, this is a worthy King-Size comic book. The cover price of King-Size Conan #1 is $6.99, while the current value is $7. The Key Collector Comics value is also $7.

Cool Comics from the Quarter Bin

#1392 — The Guardian #1, Spectrum Comics, March 1984.

Spectrum Comics? I’d never heard of them before I reached deep down in the quarter bin at my local LCS and raised this one from the trenches. As it turns out, this short-lived company from the Eighties produced way less comics than Atlas did in the mid-Seventies. From what I can find, they published seven total issues for three different titles, plus a special preview edition. Now that’s rare! So does that make this number one issue of The Guardian that much more valuable? Not hardly (although it’s worth more than the quarter I plunked down for it). Supply and demand are fickle friends, and there wasn’t much demand when Spectrum Comics came on the scene, and there still doesn’t seem to be. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t fun to read this issue and learn a little about the hopes and dreams of the creators involved. Often when I’m flipping over discounted comics, I keep an eye out for companies and titles I’m not familiar with. It keeps both my reading and knowledge fresh, even when the titles are decades old, allowing me a peek back at what was going on in different eras. The cover price of The Guardian is $1, while the current value is $2.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 24)

#1393 — Blade Runner 2019 #00, Titan Comics, August 2020.

Just the thought of the movie Blade Runner being set in 2019 seems so…1984. And while we can never accurately predict the future, we should be glad that we don’t live in either of those dystopic worlds. Although as far as years go, perhaps we could jump in a time machine and travel back to 2019 with the knowledge we have now and lay out a course for a better 2020. If you don’t think that reading comic books can stir up creative thoughts and conversations, then perhaps you need to vary your pull list! So far, we’ve mentioned the film version of Philip K. Dick’s novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, George Orwell’s chilling, futuristic nightmare 1984, and the aforementioned The Time Machine, inspired via the book by H. G. Wells. All this because of Free Comic Book Day (FCBD). If you’re a fan of the movie Blade Runner (this comic book is related to the film rather than the book), you may just enjoy (I did!) this comic book that features a Blade Runner other than Rick Deckard. The cover price of Blade Runner 2019 #00 is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Kids

#1394 — Looney Tunes #7, DC, October 1994.

Over the last couple of years, I’ve acquired a variety of comics aimed towards kids, and I always know I’m going to enjoy myself when I pull out an issue of Looney Tunes. I grew up with them on the Saturday mornings of my youth, so the pull of nostalgia, the wit of the creators, and the fact that I got to see Mel Blanc perform live are all top factors in my love of these comics. When I was looking in my Cool Comics Kids box of unread adventures, my eyes immediately gravitated to the Looney Tunes title, associating it with what 2020 has turned out to be. Even more apropos is that when I then pulled it from my reading stack, I discovered that it’s a Halloween issue. My first thought was to put it back in the box and save it for October 2021. But then I realized this was no accident…and really enjoyed my time spent with it, even though this holiday was now a couple months in the past, yet in some ways, with us throughout the year. The cover price of Looney Tunes #7 is $1.50, while the current values are $4 on CBR and $3 on ZKC. The OPG value is $4.

Cool Comics Classics

#1395 — Showcase #94, DC, September 1977.

While the title of this comic is “Showcase,” is it not fitting that my last comic book here for the year features the Doom Patrol? As many of you know, I’m a big fan of anthology titles, especially those from the Seventies, and though I don’t own as many DC comics from that era, when I’m able to find them for reasonable prices I can’t resist. And the price was certainly right for this one, which I found in a quarter bin. I made sure to use an image of the one I bought so you could see the condition and writing on the cover. Like any collector, I’d rather have a copy free of creases and ink, but I love that I can find old comics and add them to my collection without spending a small fortune. Written by Paul Kupperberg, with art by Joe Staton, we get introduced to The New Doom Patrol in an aptly titled story, “The Doom Patrol Lives Forever!” A fascinating tidbit about this issue is that it was the first Showcase comic published by DC in seven years (#93 is dated September 1970), and unlike today, they kept the same numbering system. The cover price of Showcase #94 is 35¢, while the current value is $25. The OPG value is also $25. The Key Collector Comics value is $18.

Cool Moments in Graphic Lit with Dr. Omnibus

In December 2019 I decided to take on a writing gig for a blog. My hope was that writing about what I read would help me with my reading retention, because I often forget what a book is about within days of having read it. At that time, I committed to doing 52 posts. Well, things didn’t work out at that blog when the admin kind of disappeared for a couple months. So I reached out to Ed, having remembered that at some point he invited readers to submit reviews. He was kind enough to agree to let me do my thing for the rest of the year. Well, this crazy year has come to an end, and I have decided to reconcentrate my efforts on my fiction and graphic novel writing, so my weekly contributions to CCIMC end here. 

  It has been an honor to work with Ed on CCIMC each week. I had no previous experience in non-fiction writing and to try my hand at it was a great experience. So, to all of you who bothered to read my contributions, thank you! And Ed, thanks for the opportunity. From time to time, in the event that I read something that just has to be shared, I will certainly send over an article for you all.

  We now return to our regularly scheduled broadcast…

Stray Bullets Uber Alles Edition

I saw Stray Bullets Uber Alles Edition by David Lapham on sale for half off cover price during a BOGO sale, so I grabbed it. Well, when I grabbed it, I was mid brain fart, apparently, because my intention was to buy 100 Bullets by Brian Azzerello. Oops…well, I own it now, so I may as well give it a read, right? And this comic is absolutely a game changer.

Over the past eleven or so months, if you have read my contributions with any regularity, then you know I love comics that rip your heart out and stomp on it. This is that kind of book.

It tells the tales of a wide variety of characters with seemingly few similarities, whose lives are connected by super thin threads. Each issue focuses on one character for the most part and are laid out in what may be no logical order at all. One issue may take place in 1986, the next issue about that character may take place in 1978, or 1994-it’s all over the place. This makes it a bit hard to remember who is who. But that doesn’t stop the reader from being able to feel the gravity of each one-shot issue (full disclosure, I have not read the entire book yet; after a dozen issues or so I decided I need a break because some themes were just too heavy to take in large doses).

One issue in particular is called “How I Spent My Summer Vacation.”

*****spoilers ahead******

The main character of this issue is Amy, and she meets God, who explains to her that he was responsible for the creation of humanity, but beyond that he takes a hands-off approach with his humans. Having met God and processing what he told her, she decided she would never speak again. This made life for her mother very difficult. Mom had no idea why Amy just stopped speaking one day. She called in doctors from all over the world to try and help figure out what was wrong with her. After a couple years she reached out to a particular doctor who had created a machine that could broadcast her memories onto a television. They hooked her up to this machine and saw her exchange with God. Understanding the gravity of the situation and what this becoming common knowledge could lead to, the scientists quickly conspire to kill Amy. But these efforts are thwarted when Amy’s mother, who is now livid to find out that Amy could speak and just chose not to, assaulted Amy, ultimately leading to Amy defending herself and killing her mother and the scientists. She then goes on the run and spends several years robbing banks to survive.

Eventually her luck runs out and she is captured. During her very publicized trial she is hooked up again to the machine that started this trouble, and the result is that the whole world found out that God is not actively participating in their lives and there is no hope of an afterlife. This sends the world into turmoil.

With utter chaos abounding the world over, the President offers a pardon to Amy in exchange for her convincing the world that what they saw was in fact a fabrication. More happens after that, but I am done talking about it, I spoiled enough, now go read it and find out for yourself how that goes down.

So, why do I love this issue so much?

It has so much that I love. Sci-fi technology, a good crime story, a terrible relationship between child and parent, conspiracy to commit absurd atrocities, the government twisting information and letting a criminal off for crimes they did commit in order to achieve their own goals, and getting people to question their own spirituality.

I think I have shared before that I was, at one time, an agnostic. During that period of my life, I asked a pastor who was also a co-worker of mine, “If you found out that God did not exist, would you still strive to be a good person?” His response shocked me when he said, “Absolutely not!.” Regardless of one’s personal belief system, we are all faced with opportunities to either try and do what is right, or to not. Heaven or no Heaven, God or no God, there is opportunity to make the world a better place for those with whom you come in contact with. One’s desire to do good in this world should not, in my opinion, be contingent upon a chance at rewards in this life or the next. So to quote everyone who ever sang “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” (I know Christmas was last week, but the quote fits), “Be good for goodness sake.”

Damian Starr is a graphic literature enthusiast and comic author.

A quick word from the “Ed” itor: Damian, it’s been a pleasure having you as part of Cool Comics. You will be greatly missed, and we look forward to reading your future endeavors, both here as a Reader Review and in the pages of comic books!

Cool Comics Reader Reviews!

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/

Never Miss an Episode of Cool Comics!

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.

Join our Facebook Group!

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!

Create a Gravatar!

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Christmas with Alan Moore, Disney, Superman, and the Misers!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 274, 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 274…

Cool Comics News!

We at Cool Comics In My Collection wish each of you a Merry Christmas!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Little Lulu versus Donald Duck! 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!

It’s not Christmas until Snow Miser and Heat Miser battle it out in a dance off, and thanks to superb artist Ed Griffie, we get a great look at these two in action! Ed, thanks for submitting this image that takes so many of us back to Christmases past. 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 as long as 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 Collection
Contemporary Cool Comics

#1386 — The Christ, Volume 1 – Incarnation, Kingstone Comics, 2020.

Some time shortly after much of the United States was put on hold due to the global pandemic, I saw an ad about Kingstone Comics and decided to buy a couple of bundle deals. One of them consisted of a 12-volume set (for just $19.99) named The Christ, and whether you are a believer or searching for answers or just like comic books, this first issue impressed me with the art and storytelling. What’s it about? The first Christmas, of course! The reason we celebrate is revealed in this issue, and the creators of the comic do a nice job with it, keeping readers entertained whether they know this story or not (along with taking a few liberties of what might have been said by people such as Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, and others, but still keeping it all in the context of what’s revealed in Scripture). As much fun as I have reading typical superhero Christmas issues, this comic IS Christmas. The cover price of The Christ, Volume 1 – Incarnation is $3.99.

Cool Comics from the Quarter Bin

#1387 — Top Ten #6, America’s Best Comics, February 2000.

I have way too many comics that I bought for just a quarter…but they were only a quarter! How great it would be to go back in time to when new issues were just 25 cents, and our wallets loaded with 2020 dollars. Now that’s a Christmas wish all comic book readers would love to have come true…but unfortunately, Santa Claus doesn’t work that way. This episode, our Cool Comic from the Quarter Bin comes to us from creators Alan Moore and Gene Ha. I’m sure many of you are quite familiar with Alan Moore’s work, from Watchman to V for Vendetta to The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. When Top Ten #1 hit the comic shops in 1999, I bought a copy…but it’s no longer a part of my collection. Then a while back I saw this issue in a quarter bin, and that great nostalgia bug bit me once more, and probably twice, since it’s apparent from the cover that this comic includes some Christmas. Was this another Watchman? Not hardly, but you can’t beat the deal I got on it. The cover price of Top Ten #6 is $2.95, while the current value is $3. The OPG value is also $3.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 23)

#1388 — Little Lulu, Drawn & Quarterly, August 2020.

We don’t have a Christmas comic for our Free Comic Book Day section, and that might cause a little celebration amongst the Scrooge-type personalities (no offense if you are like Scrooge—before the three ghostly visitors—as this is all in fun) out there in comic book land. Still, this FCBD issue features Marge’s Little Lulu, and for the few I’ve read, they’ve proven to be entertaining. We get four complete Little Lulu adventures in this freebie, starting off with a space adventure (of sorts), a soap box derby race, a scary picnic with a witch, and a sandwich board tale. And what do we learn? Little Lulu and the boys have some growing up to do! But if they were mature and honest, what would be the fun in that? The cover price of Little Lulu is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Kids

#1389 — Walt Disney’s Holiday Parade #1, Disney Comics, Winter 1990-1991.

If you collect holiday comics, this is one you most certainly want in your collection, along with the fact that it’s also a perfect addition for your library for little ones. Kids (and many adults) love Disney, and when you have a comic that celebrates holidays along with Donald Duck and his nephews, Pluto, Uncle Scrooge, Goofy, Mickey Mouse and his nephews, Chip ‘N’ Dale, and more, then you’ve got a winner on your hands. This comic (along with many others) was gifted to me by a very nice lady who needed someone to look over and assess her comic collection (it featured issues that came out from 1990-1993), and as I worked through her many boxes, I put some aside that I had every intention of buying from her. But once I was finished and made her an offer, she surprised me by giving them to me as a gift for sorting through all her comics and separating the comics that had higher value. And here we are now, in the season of gifts, a time to show how much we care for others, but also a time to reflect upon the ultimate gift offered to all mankind. Pick this comic up if you can find a copy and give it to someone you love. The cover price of Walt Disney’s Holiday Parade #1 is $2.95, while the current values are $5 on CBR and $3 on ZKC. The OPG value is $5.

Cool Comics Classics

#1390 — Marvel Two-in-One #8, Marvel, March 1975.

This Marvel classic takes us back not only to the mid-Seventies, but seemingly 2000 years into the past…or at least that’s what appears to be the case when Johnny Blaze, the Ghost Rider, runs into some apparent wise men in the Arizona desert. After a brief conversation with the camel jockeys, Ghost Rider continues his journey over the sands, confused, yet heading towards a bright star in the night sky. Back in New York, Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic) and Ben Grimm (The Thing) are putting the final touches on a special telescope that Reed is hoping will reveal the secret behind the bright new star in the sky. From there, it gets even weirder, but I’m not going to reveal any more in case you’ve never read this crazy Christmas tale. After all, you’ve only had 45 years since it came out, and we at Cool Comics don’t like to be accused of spoiling your fun (if you can’t find it at a comic shop, grab a digital edition)! Probably the least surprising thing I will tell you is that it’s written by Steve Gerber (who excelled in weird, strange, and wonderful stories), with pencils by Sal Buscema. The cover price of Marvel Two-in-One #8 is 25¢, while the current value is $28. The OPG value is $32.

Cool Moments in Graphic Lit with Dr. Omnibus

Adventures of Superman #462 – “Homeless for the Holidays”

Written by Roger Stern

I first read this issue last year and it is easily in the top 3 of the most moving comics I have read. It is about a woman who works at the Daily Planet and recently found herself homeless. She has been living inside the daily planet offices ever since. There is a bit more to it than that, but the truly impactful part of the story—for me—was an editorial published in the Daily Planet written by Perry White. Despite some out-of-date references and without knowing the legitimacy of these possibly fictional charities, when I read this, I was motivated to be a better person. I hope that it has the same impact on some of you (not that you aren’t already good people).

For a few weeks every December we all seem to go a little crazy. Or perhaps it’s the rest of the year we are crazy, and this is the season we regain our sanity. Whatever the case, we act as if we’ve suddenly found something good in all of us. We want to laugh and sing and celebrate our wonderful discovery.

Then, come the first of year, celebrations end and we abruptly go back to grousing about our jobs and our taxes and what a rotten deal we’ve got.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little effort, we can hang onto this feeling of good will. With a little thought, we might realize how lucky most of us are. Look around and you’ll see that some of us are not so well off. Some have no jobs to grouse about. Some do not have enough food to eat. Others sleep huddled in doorways or over gratings, using copies of this paper to stay warm. These unfortunates are our brothers and sisters. But all too often we look away as they pass.

It’s about time we stopped doing that. It’s about time that we remind ourselves that the shabbily dressed stranger shuffling by is another human being. Maybe he’s not a “worthless bum”…maybe he’s just had a run of bad luck. But we’ll never know unless we make an effort to find out.

Every day, our newspapers and television bring us news of suffering around the world, and it often seems too much to take. Perhaps that is why we try to ignore the misery closer to home. Perhaps we look away out of guilt or embarrassment or anger. And perhaps some of us look away out of fear… That little more than a single paycheck keeps us from joining the ranks of the homeless. But whatever our reasons, we cannot continue this way. Precious lives are being wasted, and it diminishes us all to allow such a thing. This is our problem, and we must not run away from it.

A frightening, growing number of our city’s homeless are families, often single-parent families. Imagine what it is like to be that child. Imagine what it is like to have no home for your child at Christmas. What hope is there for these new homeless? By now many of you are probably throwing up your hands in despair. “I’m not Superman!” you cry, “What can I do??”

The answer is simply: Whatever you can!

No one is asking you to save the world, and it’s not necessary that you be able to fly. People like yourselves are already working with a score of organizations — From the Metropolis Human Services Coalition to the Salvation Army. These organizations do as well as they can, but they could do better with your help.

The kitchens and the missions work with the most needy, providing food, shelter, and warm clothing. Your donations of clothing can give Christmas to those who would have missed it. Your donations of food can help give the homeless people the strength to go on another day.

And your donations of time will keep these organizations running, as will your donations of money. Whatever you can give, whatever you can do, will help. But please don’t think you can just write a check and forget about the homeless for another year. This is a problem that will not be solved overnight…not even with Superman’s help.

Some of our city’s homeless are tormented by mental problems…it will take an extra effort to win their trust. Others cannot turn their backs on drugs or alcohol…for them, we may be able to offer little more than our prayers.

Metropolis is a prosperous city, but with each passing year good, hard-working men and women find it more difficult to find affordable housing here. Every year there are more luxury condos and fewer row homes. This, too, is part of the problem we must not forget when January arrives. There are many ways we can attack the problem. We can petition our city council to create incentives for the construction of more low- and middle-income housing. We can donate time and labor to organizations such as Habitat for Humanity or Backerline Neighborhood Housing Service. But we must do something…

Damian Starr is a graphic literature enthusiast and comic author.

Cool Comics Reader Reviews!

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/

Never Miss an Episode of Cool Comics!

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.

Join our Facebook Group!

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!

Create a Gravatar!

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.

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Hits: 72

Zany Holiday Stories from Zombies to Menaces!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 272, 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 272…

Cool Comics News!

As promised in Cool Comics episode 268, we have a prize winner for Chakan the Forever Man in The Toad King & the Insect Prince, signed by the creator, Robert A. Kraus (RAK)! Congratulations to Karen Pearman (pictured below with the Amazing Spider-Man!), who should be receiving her prize by the end of the week. Happy reading!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Bizarro versus Sludge! 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. In his inimitable style, RAK gives us Thanos, the Mad Titan, who looks ready to barrage us with more 2020 badness…yet we are hopeful with 2021 just around the corner! 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 as long as 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 Collection
Contemporary Cool Comics

#1381 — DC’s Very Merry Multiverse #1, DC, February 2021.

This big holiday “80-Page Giant” from DC is a mixed bag, in my opinion. While it’s got a few decent stories, several of them left a lump of coal in my throat (and by saying this I possibly risk getting a lump of coal in my stocking!). As readers of Cool Comics know, I always try to find the silver lining in a comic book if I add it to the membership rolls, so DC fans need not get up in arms, as I did say there are a few decent stories. DC’s Very Merry Multiverse #1 contains “Ten Tales of Heroic Holiday Hijinks!” and the ones I cared for the most were Harley Quinn in “It’s a Horrible Life,” Batman Beyond in “Holidays Beyond,” The League of Shadows in “Night of the Magi,” and Booster Gold in “’Twas the Night.” Of the remaining six, a couple were okay, while the rest I could have done without. Maybe you read it and loved them all, and if that’s you, awesome, because this issue wasn’t cheap. And you know what? I’ll still buy DC’s holiday special next season because I try to be ever-hopeful. The cover price of DC’s Very Merry Multiverse #1 is $9.99, while the current value is $10. The Key Collector Comics value is $18.

Cool Comics from the Quarter Bin

#1382 — Generation X #4, Marvel, February 1995.

It’s not often that I find holiday comics in quarter boxes, but when I was trying to figure out if I had any for this episode, the proverbial light bulb that hangs over my head suddenly came on, guiding me to a box full of comics I’d purchased for just 25 cents each. This Generation X issue has “Holiday Spectacular” slapped on the cover, and somehow, out of the thousands in my collection, I remembered it. Back in 1995 I bought this comic fresh from my LCS in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, but I ended up selling my Generation X collection in a garage sale several years back. One day a year or so ago while I was flipping through quarter boxes in Akron, Ohio, I came upon a number of Generation X comics and couldn’t resist the price. This issue, written by Scott Lobell and drawn by Chris Bachalo, came with some sealed ’95 Fleer Ultra X-Men trading cards, and this deeply discounted issue still has them! To be honest, I didn’t remember any of this story (it’s been 25 years and thousands of comics in between), but I enjoyed it and had fun revisiting this Nineties title. The cover price of Generation X #4 is $1.95, while the current values are $4 on CBR and $3 on ZKC. The OPG value is $4.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 22)

#1383 — We Are Humanoids, Featuring the Incal, Humanoids Publishing, September 2020.

The only time I read comics from Humanoids is if they have a Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) issue, such as this one from 2020. They seem like decent comics, and perhaps I’d try more if my budget allowed. Mark Waid, a very familiar name to comic readers, wrote this FCBD issue, and he also serves as Publisher of the company. And the Incal were created by Alejandro Jodorowsky and Moebius, another couple of names known by many. The opening story (which contains a mature panel, so keep this away from little eyes) lets us know at the end that more is coming, and the remainder is akin to a long trailer for the upcoming titles Count, Swine, and MPLS Sound, in which we get some background information, then preview pages of the titles. Are any of you fans of Humanoid titles? If so, what recommendations do you have in case anyone wants to test the waters? The cover price of We Are Humanoids, Featuring the Incal is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Kids

#1384 — Dennis the Menace Bonus Magazine Series #122, Fawcett, October 1972.

Before I started reading superhero comics, Dennis the Menace was my go-to four-color entertainment. I have a variety of Dennis comics, including some digests, but the Christmas specials have always been my favorites. I can’t exactly lay my finger on why I like these so much, but back when they were new to me, the excitement of the holiday and gifts from Santa were greatly anticipated and seeing Dennis and his friends (and parents and neighbors) during this special time of year provided lots of fun and excitement. This issue sees Dennis and his pals staying with the Wilsons during a family emergency, and our favorite menace receives a book about the Pennsylvania Dutch. This greatly influences the gang and leads to them finding ways to give back to the Wilsons, who have no children or grandchildren. It’s actually pretty touching, and after the kids return to their parents, that old curmudgeon Mr. Wilson actually misses them. It was certainly worth digging this out of a box and reading it again, for old times’ sake. The cover price of Dennis the Menace Bonus Magazine Series #122 is 35¢, while the current value is $12. The OPG value is also $12.

Cool Comics Classics

#1385 — Sludge: Red X-Mas #1, Malibu/Ultraverse, December 1994.

Sludge isn’t exactly a household name…although it’s probably an oft-used household descriptor when you peer down the drain of your bathroom sink…okay, yuck. Still, for those of us who enjoyed the short-lived Ultraverse (do you ever wonder how much longer it would have lasted if Marvel hadn’t bought it?), he certainly brings back memories. I recall the excitement of exploring this new comic universe launched by Malibu back in the Nineties, along with the agony of deciding what comics I’d have to cut out of my monthly pulls in order to feed this new obsession. Sludge isn’t unlike other characters who get turned into a slimy or swampy kind of creature and reading his comic can get a bit frustrating at times, as he says the wrong words over and over, correcting himself—you guessed it—over and over. Still, I’ve kept all my Ultraverse issues, even after a great garage sale purge of many other titles, and I still actively look to fill in missing issues. This Christmas special (written by Steve Gerber, with pencils by Mike Ploog) isn’t quite up there with It’s a Wonderful Life, but still, it’s sort of fun. The cover price of Sludge: Red X-Mas #1 is $2.50, while the current values are $4 on CBR and $3 on ZKC. The OPG value is $4.

Cool Moments in Graphic Lit with Dr. Omnibus
Marvel Zombies Christmas Carol

Another Dickens adaptation? You betcha.

I am also a big fan of horror troupes, so this Christmas classic with zombies inserted into it is just for me.

This one is a more direct adaptation compared to Batman: Noël, which I wrote about in episode 271. Despite being a Marvel book, it has no connection to any previously known Marvel Universe.

I read the oversized hardcover (OHC) version of this book. Coming in at right around 100 pages, this is surely the smallest OHC I own.

It was adapted by Jim McCann. For the most part, this is a very straightforward adaptation. The main variations are that the main plight of the world is not so much financial hardship, but rather a lack of food. The food is people who aren’t zombies. Aside from that, the biggest variation is just what is seen during the trip to the past.

All in all, I very much enjoyed this story and its variations from the source material.

There are three issues drawn by two different art teams. Honestly, I didn’t even notice the transitions from one art team to the other.

I loved the art throughout the book. The characters all had exaggerated features and a somewhat cartoony look.

The ghosts always seemed to be drawn with a greater level of detail than everyone else was. The art really helps this book transcend the Christmas niche and tap into horror as well.

I geeked out a bit after reading this. It was just really well done and combined two of my favorite things, Zombies and Christmas. Overall, I don’t think this one will be an annual December re-read, but I’ll certainly mix it in every few years.

Damian Starr is a graphic literature enthusiast and comic author.

Cool Comics Reader Reviews!

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/

Never Miss an Episode of Cool Comics!

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.

Join our Facebook Group!

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!

Create a Gravatar!

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Hits: 50

Great New Stories and Old Classics Make For Fun December Reading!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 272, 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 272…

Cool Comics News!

Marvel and DC are trying to make your holiday season even brighter with some cool crossovers, like King in Black (craziness with Knull and armies of symbiotes!) and Endless Winter (beware The Frost King!). While Marvel is continuing their story into the new year, DC is going with a December event, and then January and February will bring about Future State! In this episode, we take a look at the beginnings of both King in Black and Endless Winter, so grab a hot cup of your favorite beverage (black coffee for me, please), sit back, and enjoy another thrilling episode of Cool Comics In My Collection!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is The Frost King versus Knull! 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! This cover of Heroes In Crisis #1 featuring Two-Face (Harvey Dent) even includes the villain’s infamous two-headed coin! 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 as long as 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 Collection
Contemporary Cool Comics

#1376 — Justice League: Endless Winter #1, DC, February 2021.

I admit I wasn’t overly excited about this short December event, but it turned out to exceed my expectations, which is all you can really ask for. Andy Lanning and Ron Marz handled the writing chores, while Howard Porter is the artist, with colors by Hi-Fi (I really like the coloring in this issue, but I’m clueless as to this Hi-Fi person…or conglomerate). The Justice League is up to their usual business of taking down some bad guys, and while they’re in the middle of it, Barry Allen, The Flash, starts asking other members how they handle family and the whole work-life balance thing, all while saving the world. He seems to think others may have a better grip on it then him, and he even pays a visit to Jefferson Pierce (Black Lightning), who gives some good advice while he and his daughters trim their Christmas tree (so yes, this is officially a Christmas comic). Meanwhile, things happen (what things? Buy the issue and find out!), and a guy called The Frost King, who seems to have absorbed some Kryptonian crystals left behind when the fortress of solitude was destroyed by Rogol Zaar (don’t worry, he has a new one), is now a major threat. This series started off fun and I expect the excitement to build in the coming weeks. The cover price of Justice League: Endless Winter #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5. The Key Collector Comics value is also $5.

#1377 — King in Black #1, Marvel, February 2021.

Last year, despite not caring much for Marvel’s symbiotes, I decided to give Absolute Carnage a try, and I’ve been a fan of Donny Cates ever since. Thor and Venom are both fantastic reads, along with his new series from Image, Crossover. Therefore, my expectations for King in Black were pretty high, and like a champ, Cates really came through with this first explosive issue. The action is fast and furious, yet the tempo doesn’t get out of control, slowing down just enough when we need to see the situation for what it is…which also allows us to glimpse small glimmers of hope while at the same time being extremely worried for the entire Marvel Universe. Are the stakes high? You bet! Unfortunately, one heavy hitter for the good guys can’t be found, and a surprise appearance by another doesn’t go as planned. This storyline is going to cross over into several regular Marvel titles and a few related limited series, but if you’re more budget minded, just grabbing the King in Black title will provide plenty of entertainment over the next few months. The cover price of King in Black #1 is $5.99, while the current value is $6. The Key Collector Comics value is also $6.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 21)

#1378 — Manhwa: Contemporary Korean Comics, Drawn & Quarterly, July 2020.

Does anyone know if these samples of Contemporary Korean Comics are representative of the popular/typical comics that are published each month in Korea? Or are they only representative of the kinds of comics that the company Drawn & Quarterly publishes? I just wondered, as there aren’t any superhero stories in this Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) edition; although I’m not surprised, either. And while these stories (which do contain some adult themes) aren’t of the type I usually read, I can understand how they might be fascinating to some people. Manhwa starts with a full page from the editor, who gives readers some background, along with an additional page of information from the translator. The stories are all black and white. The cover price of Manhwa: Contemporary Korean Comics is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Kids

#1379 — Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures #14, Archie, September 1990.

The older I get, the more I appreciate comics that are aimed at a younger audience. And while the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles may not satisfy the same crowd that reads Looney Tunes or Disney comics, I remember how turtle crazy little kids were in the late Eighties and early Nineties. There were cartoons, action figures, and all kinds of products with the TMNT characters slapped on them. And while I won’t be spending cash on new issues, I tend to find these older ones in quarter boxes, which is the perfect price, especially when building a comic book library for little ones. This fun issue gives us a flying, sentient cow head (Cuddly the Cowlick for those who want to know more) and an adventure in a tropical rainforest featuring Jagwar! Fans shouldn’t miss out on this one. The cover price of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures #14 is $1, while the current values are $5 on CBR and $3 on ZKC. The OPG value is $5.

Cool Comics Classics

#1380 — The Cougar #1, Atlas/Seaboard, April 1975.

When I pulled this comic out of one of my storage boxes, I didn’t think much of it at first glance. But when I sat down to read it, I noticed the words “Night Stalker” and “Vampire” at the bottom of the cover, and it gave me hope. It turns out that this is a fun read (at least for me) and did indeed make a vague reference to The Night Stalker movie…the first one, when Carl Kolchak goes up against vampire Janos Skorzeny. Our hero, the Cougar, is a professional stuntman, and while working on a vampire movie, a real vampire just happens to show up…thanks to a common error someone on the film crew makes…and which we’ve seen before in other vampire movies. Unfortunately, only two issues of The Cougar were published, but I also have the second one, which I’m sure will show up someday in another episode of Cool Comics. The cover price of The Cougar #1 is 25¢, while the current values are $20 on CBR and $15 on ZKC. The OPG value is $20. The Key Collector Comics value is $4.

Cool Moments in Graphic Lit with Dr. Omnibus
Klaus: How Santa Claus Began

There is so much to love about this story-it is surely one of the more thought-provoking Christmas comics I have read. Specifically, the change from being greedy and complacent in the midst of economic blight into actually caring for your fellow man appealed to me. It almost has a V for Vendetta (one of the greatest pieces of graphic literature ever) feel in some ways.

This book was published by BOOM! Studios. I read the trade paperback (TPB), but oversized hardcovers of this material do exist.

Generally, there isn’t much to say about the physical construction of a TPB. But this one is noteworthy because it smells so darn good. I’m one of those book smelling weirdos. This book is in the top 1 percentile of books I’ve read regarding quality of smell. This smell originates from the high-quality paper used. It also has a matte sheen on the cover, which reduces glare and feels better in your hand than a typical TPB cover.

If you’re not familiar with Grant Morrison’s writing, you should know this going into your first Morrison read: stuff is going to get crazy.

What grabbed my interest most was the incorporation of so many Santa-isms and having them feel natural and unforced. Things like how the toys are made or going down chimneys. Tying in these little bits of commonly speculated upon lore really helped the overall depth of this story.

Like all good Christmas stories, it teaches a lesson. I would hate to spoil this amazing story, so I’ll let you discover the lessons on your own, but I will say they are expertly laid out for you in this book.

I always like when an artist colors his own drawings. I feel like you are likely to get what was intended this way. Too many hands in the pot and it turns into a game of telephone where the message gets murky, then no one is happy. Dan Mora killed it on all fronts. The pencils are consistent. The inks are simple, yet still enhance the images. The colors set the dark tone of this story perfectly.

I can’t wait until my son is old enough to read this. It’s pretty graphic, so that is a ways off. This book is darn near perfect, but Morrison is an acquired taste. He puts some weird stuff in his stories and there is a weird one in this story, which seems unnecessarily over the top. But if you have never read Morrison, or have and weren’t turned off by his zaniness, then you should read this book.

Damian Starr is a graphic literature enthusiast and comic author.

Cool Comics Reader Reviews!

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/

Never Miss an Episode of Cool Comics!

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.

Join our Facebook Group!

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!

Create a Gravatar!

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.

https://learnwp.ca/gravatar/

Hits: 50

X of Swords Concludes and a Double Dose of Batman!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 271, 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 271…

Cool Comics News!

December came to Northeast Ohio with a lot of snow, not wanting us to get too comfortable with the mild weather we’d been experiencing this fall. Fortunately, the roads were clear enough to go pick up new comics this week, and I’m looking forward to diving in and escaping the snow piled outside my door. But aside from that blanket of whiteness, December means that Cool Comics will start bringing you some holiday cheer in the form of Christmas-themed comics. Though I don’t have any to talk about this week, Dr. Omnibus gets us started off on the right note.

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Usagi Yojimbo versus Tom and Jerry! 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!

Cool Comics proudly shows off the awesome art of John R. Smith! This beautiful piece of some classic X-Men is the perfect complement to our Contemporary Cool Comics selection for this episode! If you’d like to see more of John’s creations, be sure to visit his Facebook page at Smittys Art Stuff…especially if you want to acquire some of his awesome art! Additionally, his eBay page contains some cool collectibles you may want to add to your personal collection, along with some of his original creations.

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 as long as 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 Collection
Contemporary Cool Comics

#1371 — X of Swords: Destruction #1, Marvel, January 2021.

Marvel recently finished off their big mutant crossover event, X of Swords, with this special X of Swords: Destruction issue written by Jonathan Hickman and Tini Howard, while Pepe Larraz handled the penciling duties. This series is no lightweight comic tale, as it contains 22 parts and encompasses every current X-title in the Marvel Universe (X-Men, X-Factor, X-Force, Excalibur, Marauders, Wolverine, Hellions, Cable, three special editions: X of Swords: Creation; Stasis; Destruction, and a supplemental handbook). I admit that I wasn’t enjoying it much at the start, but the moment Wolverine took matters into his own hands…or claws…the story took a turn for the better and I finally cared to find out what was going to happen. I’m not saying it all turned out great, but it was interesting for sure. Beyond this, I do want to see what’s next for this line of titles, but I can’t shake the feeling that everything feels so different from the X-stories I’ve enjoyed in the past. In the current run, Charles Xavier seems a bit cold and distant. I’m not saying that’s good or bad, but I plan on sticking around long enough to see why. The cover price of X of Swords: Destruction #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5. The Key Collector Comics value is $7.

Cool Comics from the Quarter Bin

#1372 — Warriors of Plasm #1, Defiant Comics, August 1993.

When selecting a comic for this segment—which starts with pulling comics out of quarter boxes—nostalgia often rules the day. My third phase of comic collecting started 1993, while I was serving in the U.S. Army and stationed at Fort McPherson in Atlanta, GA, and surrounded by a fair share of comic book shops. I’d gone back to my happy place of four-color fun and was astounded by the shear amount of titles and companies. And this time around I wanted to try some newer companies, because, well, let’s face it: speculation was running rampant in the Nineties, and perhaps some unheard of company would produce the next Action Comics #1. I didn’t honestly think I’d get rich, but I did want to get a better feeling for what was on the comic shop shelves. Leave it to Jim Shooter to come up with the name Defiant Comics after working at both Marvel and Valiant. He’s also the writer of this issue, with David Lapham doing the pencils. I bought this when it originally came out, sold it at a mega garage sale, and when I saw it in a quarter box many months ago that old nostalgia magnet pulled me in. I’m not a fan of this series, but in a way, it was fun reading it over again 27 years later. The cover price of Warriors of Plasm #1 is $2.95, while the current values are $4 on CBR and $3 on ZKC. The OPG value is $4.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 20)

#1373 — Usagi Yojimbo, IDW, May 2020.

I had no idea who this samurai rabbit was when my wife and I bought the Playmates action figure many moons ago, and I still don’t know much about him. Yes, I did read this Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) issue, but one issue and action figure aren’t enough to tell the whole story. Therefore, I can’t really claim to be a fan, but I can say that I did enjoy the comic. Still, I won’t be searching out back issues or patiently waiting for new adventures to come out. Just because we like something doesn’t mean we’re suddenly fanatics. Maybe if I’d been born at a different time, this rōnin rabbit would mean something more to me; but alas, this adventure was plenty as far as I’m concerned. No offense to those who love him, though. I get it. We like what we like. The cover price of Usagi Yojimbo is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Kids

#1374 — Tom and Jerry #321, Gold Key, August 1979.

I can remember watching a lot of Tom and Jerry cartoons as a kid. It wasn’t because I was a big fan, but it just seems like they were on TV a lot back then. They weren’t my favorites, but they were certainly entertaining. And I certainly got my fill…but when I’m fortunate enough to find some of their comics in quarter bins, I can’t resist the pull to go back to my childhood. This issue contains three feature-length stories and a one-page filler. The stories were enjoyable but would probably be more fun to much younger readers. What did I like about the issue? The advertisements. I always get a big kick out of the ads in these old comics, and this one took me down memory lane with Hostess Cup Cakes and Twinkies (complete with baseball cards you could cut off the boxes!), Flipit…FLY IT, TOSS IT FLIPIT LANDS ON ITS FEET, Sea-Monkeys, toy soldiers, and much more! So yes, add it to your Cool Comics Kids collection. The cover price of Tom and Jerry #321 is 40¢, while the current value is $10. The OPG value is also $10.

Cool Comics Classics

#1375 — Batman #329, DC, November 1980.

It’s bad enough that Batman’s on trial, but to have to suffer with Two-Face as the judge is just too much! And as if that’s not bad enough, the cover tells us that “…IN TWO-FACE’S COURT, THERE’S ONLY ONE SENTENCE–DEATH!” Way back in Cool Comics episode 165 we took a look at Batman #328, and now we get the stunning conclusion in TWICE DIES THE BATMAN!, brought to us by Marv Wolfman, Irv Novick, and Frank McLaughlin. And if you have enough nerve to continue reading after finishing this story, we get yet another Batman bonanza in THE CASE OF THE HIJACKED HEART!, presented by the creative talents of Mike W. Barr, Richard F. Buckler, and Frank McLaughlin. These are a couple of classic tales that you don’t want to miss! The cover price of Batman #329 is 50¢, while the current value is $15. The OPG value is also $15.

Cool Moments in Graphic Lit with Dr. Omnibus
Batman: Noël

This is a reimagining of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” starring Bruce Wayne/Batman as Scrooge.

With guest appearances from Cat Woman as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Superman as the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Joker as the Ghost of Christmases Yet to Come.

I read this digitally, so I have no notes on the physical construction of this book. But I have ordered the OHC since I love this story so much.

This awesome tale was written by Lee Bermejo (adapted from Dickens). I can’t imagine it was easy for Lee to figure out how to incorporate certain aspects of Dickens’ tale into a Batman story. But he did so beautifully. Although, there were times I struggled to connect the dots concerning Scrooge giving Bob (Tiny Tim’s dad) the day off. Thinking back on it, it is actually quite genius, but in the moment, it was hard to digest. All the ghost visits were well done, but lacked the emotion of the source material.

Noel features some wonderful pencils covered with some of the best coloring I have ever seen. The only time the art distracted me from the story was when I had to stop to admire its greatness.

If you love Batman and/or are a fan of the Dickens classic, then this is a must read. This definitely makes the cut to be an annual re-read each December.

Damian Starr is a graphic literature enthusiast and comic author.

Cool Comics Reader Reviews!

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/

Never Miss an Episode of Cool Comics!

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.

Join our Facebook Group!

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!

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Teen Titan Memories Transport Fans Decades into the Past!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 270, 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 270…

Cool Comics News!

While 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone (some much worse than others), we can always find bright spots and reasons to be thankful. And isn’t that what Thanksgiving is about, recognizing the things we are thankful for? Whether it’s family and friends, a job to put food on the table and a roof over your head (and cool comics for your collection), good health during a worldwide pandemic, religious freedom, and many other reasons that are personal to you, this is a special day. We at Cool Comics are thankful for all the creative talent out there, because you continue to make us smile and bring a certain kind of joy to our lives. One such person who does this is John R. Smith (aka “Smitty”). You may recognize the name, because Smitty has been featured here several times in our Cool Comics Creations segment. But recently he went above and beyond and sent me a copy of the comic that features his first published cover (The Crew #2). Yet he took it a step (or two or three!) further and included an original drawing (or remarque) on that very cover, putting his own stamp on Cool Comics In My Collection! This is the picture Smitty sent to me after finishing it, and all I can say is how thankful I am and how COOL it looks! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

Something else to be thankful for: as announced in Cool Comics episode 268, don’t forget that you can WIN a free copy of Chakan the Forever Man in The Toad King & the Insect Prince, signed by RAK (and the editor will sign it also, if you want him to!) and mailed directly to your home. All you have to do (there’s always a catch, isn’t there?) is join the Cool Comics newsletter. Simple, right? We’re giving everyone a few weeks to get signed up, but don’t wait too long, because once December rolls around the deadline to sign up closes. After that, keep an eye on your email so that you can enter the contest and WIN!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is the New Teen Titans versus the Fantastic Four! 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!

The special creation for this episode is Ohio State’s mascot, Brutus Buckeye, by artist Ed Griffie. Being an OSU Alum and a fan of Ed’s art, I’m proud to serve up this image for our Thanksgiving edition! 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 as long as 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 Collection
Contemporary Cool Comics

#1366 — Marvel Voices: Indigenous Voices #1, Marvel, January 2021.

When I saw this comic solicited in Previews for a November delivery, I thought it would be appropriate, seeing as how it’s Native American History month, plus we had a Cool Comics episode landing right on Thanksgiving Day. If you’re a fan of history (which I happen to be) and want to learn more about the first Thanksgiving celebration in America (plus a lot of other early American history), then I suggest you read Nathan Philbrick’s 2006 book Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War. But Marvel Voices: Indigenous Voices does not center around Thanksgiving. Think of it more as a tribute to Native American heroes. The issue has a variety of characters and settings, along with creators, all of whom have Native American bloodlines. Tales revolve around Echo (Maya Lopez), Mirage (Dani Moonstar), and Silver Fox. Near the beginning of the comic there is a big circle, or wheel, that offers a little information about 16 different Native American Marvel characters, leaving 13 more stories to tell in this series, and I hope that turns out to be the case. The cover price of Marvel Voices: Indigenous Voices #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5. The Key Collector Comics value is $6.

Cool Comics from the Quarter Bin

#1367 — Tales of the Teen Titans #47, DC, October 1984.

Once again, my magazine reading habits have influenced me! Back Issue number 122 features the New Teen Titans, and after reading several articles that took me back to my freshman year at Ohio State when a roommate strongly suggested I give the comic a try, I dug around in one of my jam-packed quarter boxes and decided to give this one a read. While I no longer own the New Teen Titan comics I collected as a college student (my son has them now), I’ll sometimes grab a few when I find them in quarter bins. And what an inexpensive way to jettison back nearly 40 years in time (at least in my mind). All that, PLUS it was written by Marv Wolfman and drawn by George Pérez. The magazine Back Issue seems almost priceless, as so often it’s led me to comics and memories that remind me again why I love being a comic book reader and collector. The cover price of Tales of the Teen Titans #47 is 75¢, while the current value is $4. The OPG value is also $4.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 19)

#1368 — The Loud House, Papercutz, May 2020.

I preface this by stating that I know absolutely nothing about The Loud House…and that includes after I finished reading this Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) issue. It wasn’t that the stories between the covers were bad, but it didn’t strike much of a cord with me. It’s an animated series on Nickelodeon, and since I no longer have little kids, I’ve never seen even a snippet of it. I was fine with reading it, and I’m sure it has lots of fans, but I can’t imagine reading a comic in this series again, unless they produce another FCBD issue, in which case we’ll do this all over again…and I probably won’t even remember having read this issue. I’m not trying to be negative here, because I didn’t see anything in the comic that bothered me. It’s just not for me, and that’s okay, as there are plenty of other comics out there in the big world. The cover price of The Loud House is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Kids

#1369 — Walt Disney’s Uncle Scrooge Adventures #10, Gladstone, December 1988.

This issue features a couple reprints of stories from Carl Barks, the Disney Duckmaster himself! Land of the Pygmy Indians and The Windy Story will take you back to a different time in Disney lore. The cover image (along with the interior art) may seem to be heading in the opposite direction of Marvel Voices: Indigenous Voices up in our Contemporary category, but this is a much older tale and certainly of another time and way of thinking. Today it seems like many people are quick to judge without much context, and for this one, I recommend reading the story before casting any stones. Heroes are sometimes villains, and vice versa, if you get what I’m saying here. And actually, since this is in our Cool Comics Kids section, it may not be a bad idea to have a discussion with your little ones if you happen to give them a copy of this issue. There’s a lot to be learned from the story. The cover price of Walt Disney’s Uncle Scrooge Adventures #10 is 95¢, while the current value is $3. The OPG value is also $3.

Cool Comics Classics

#1370 — Fantastic Four #186, Marvel, September 1977.

Anyone reading the current Fantastic Four series? While I’m really enjoying it, there’s nothing like reaching into the archives of Marvel history and pulling out one of their older adventures. This fun issue takes us back to 1977, and while some things are different, many things are still the same. Written by Len Wein and illustrated by George Pérez (that’s his second issue in this episode of Cool Comics…that Back Issue magazine reading really must have influenced me more than I realized, as there is a nice article focusing on George!), the issue focuses on the nursemaid of Franklin Richards, Agatha Harkness, who happens to be a witch. A man named Nicholas Scratch, powered by his Satan-Staff, is more than ready to publicly execute Agatha, but as we so often see, things don’t always go as planned. We get daring escapes, battles, and most of all, a bit of a shocking reveal in the last panel! The cover price of Fantastic Four #186 is 30¢, while the current value is $12. The OPG value is also $12. The Key Collector Comics value is $5.

Cool Moments in Graphic Lit with Dr. Omnibus
An X-Factor Christmas (very minor spoilers)

So yesterday I jumped back into my Marvel Mutants chronological read-through. I cracked open my Inferno Prelude OHC and the first comic therein was X-Factor 27. I had this single issue for ages and never paid much attention to the Christmas tree in the background. I mention this because I love comics about Christmas and never realized that this comic had some serious Christmas themes in it. I’ll be talking more about Christmas comics for a few weeks.

Some background to set the scene a bit: X-Factor battled Apocalypse and his horsemen in Manhattan in what is known as The Fall of the Mutants. Manhattan sustained serious damage, leaving many homeless and hospitalized. It also resulted in X-Factor being outed, so now the whole world knows that X-Factor and the Exterminators are one and the same. X-Factor also lost their HQ. Well, many New Yorkers now consider X-Factor to be heroes and recognize that they lost a lot in the recent battle, so these kind folks decided to give X-Factor a Christmas they would never forget. The members of X-Factor, including the various teens and children they have helped in the previous 26 issues, received massive piles of donated Christmas gifts.

Now we get to the good part…

Leech, a young man who has never experienced Christmas before due to having been brought up in the sewers as a Morlock, gets emotional, because he received so much, but knows that many who were hurt or made homeless by the recent battle would receive little or nothing. So, it was decided—after some debate—that the gifts would be donated to children in the local hospital.

The kids gather up all the gifts, create a makeshift sleigh, and go on their way to deliver the gifts to the hospitalized children. The kids decided to go it alone since the full-fledged members were either gone or catching up on some much-needed rest in the wake of the battle. It turns out not all New Yorkers are as generous as these youngsters. This is evidenced by the muggers who attempt to steal the gifts, which are now intended for the hospital. Fortunately, the senior members of X-Factor had come to realize that the kids were gone and went looking for them. They come to the rescue in the nick of time.

They expect to be in pretty big trouble for leaving without permission. But Leech doesn’t care. He has this to say:

This gesture would hit me the right way in almost any circumstance, but this one is especially touching knowing that Leech is a young man who has never been accepted by most of the world and has never known a single luxury in his life. He has the opportunity to have more than he has ever had before. But instead he decides to use that figurative wealth to enrich the lives of the very people who had shunned him in the past. Obviously, these aren’t literally the people who shunned him, but surface people in general did. But Leech doesn’t care about that, or that he is facing trouble from the X-Factor crew; he just knows it was the right thing to do, so he stands by it.

Damian Starr is a graphic literature enthusiast and comic author.

Cool Comics Reader Reviews!

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/

Never Miss an Episode of Cool Comics!

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.

Join our Facebook Group!

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!

Create a Gravatar!

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.

https://learnwp.ca/gravatar/

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The Most Unexpected Team-Up in Cool Comics History!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 269, 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 269…

Cool Comics News!

Do you have a favorite comic book company? Dark Horse, Vault, Image, IDW, DC, Archie, or Marvel, perhaps? Or maybe your favorite went out of business years ago, but you still yearn for the days of Gold Key, Charlton, and Harvey. While the excitement of new stories every Wednesday is a strong call for current collectors, there’s no doubt that nostalgia plays a role in keeping this hobby alive. We’d love to read what you have to say in the comments section below.

And as announced in Cool Comics episode 268, don’t forget that you can WIN a free copy of Chakan the Forever Man in The Toad King & the Insect Prince, signed by RAK (and the editor will sign it also, if you want him to!) and mailed directly to your home. All you have to do (there’s always a catch, isn’t there?) is join the Cool Comics newsletter. Simple, right? We’re giving everyone a few weeks to get signed up, but don’t wait too long, because once December rolls around the deadline to sign up closes. After that, keep an eye on your email so that you can enter the contest and WIN!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Punchline versus Judge Dredd! 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. In this image, Chakan, the forever man, leans on his sword, waiting to take on his next foe! 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 as long as 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 Collection
Contemporary Cool Comics

#1361 — Punchline #1, DC, January 2021.

Our Cool Comics Contemporary selection this episode came down to a battle of two baddies: Punchline and Taskmaster. I didn’t originally intend to get the Taskmaster mini-series, but grabbed the first issue on impulse, mostly because Jed Mackay is the writer, and he’s entertained me in the past. While the comic wasn’t bad, I probably won’t continue with it. And before I mention the obvious winner (Punchline), the weird thing with Taskmaster is that while the store date is November, and most websites have the cover date as January 2021 (because that’s what all other Marvel comics this month are listed as), the indicia has a date of June 2020. But COVID-19 pushed some titles back a bit (if not completely off their publishing schedule), and obviously this was already printed. Anyway, I have it listed as June 2020, because years from now, when you open it up and look at the fine print, that’s what you’ll see, and not many will remember it was delayed several months. Anyway, I picked Punchline for this slot, so I need to say a few words about it. As it turns out, it wasn’t anything like my preconceived notions of what this one-shot was going to be about. Written by James Tynion IV and Sam Johns, it goes much deeper into the character of Punchline and how some in society view her: as criminal, accomplice, or victim. At the end, we’re told this story is going to continue in 2021, so if you’re a fan, make sure to get this one and be on the lookout for whatever’s coming next! The cover price of Punchline #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5. The Key Collector Comics value is $6.

Cool Comics from the Quarter Bin

#1362 — Thor #269, Marvel, March 1978.

This Bronze Age Thor is a recent addition to my collection after spending some time digging through quarter bins. These days, it’s rare that I find any issues of the mighty wielder of Mjolnir for so low a price, but sometimes my devoted attention to boxes of hidden treasures pays off! I have many issues of the original run of Thor, and usually when I find some older issues in discount boxes, I already own them. But nay, I had this one not, which is cause to celebrate with the Warriors Three, Hogun, Fandral, and Volstagg! As you can see from the action-packed cover, Thor is battling an enhanced Stilt-Man, and having trouble bringing the big villain down! Written by Len Wein and illustrated by Walt Simonson, this story certainly falls into my comfort zone, as the Seventies are my favorite period of comics (yes, that’s when I first started collecting, and nostalgia reigns supreme when it comes to this hobby). The cover price of Thor #269 is 35¢, while the current values are $10 on CBR and $6 on ZKC. The OPG value is $10.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 18)

#1363 — Best of 2000 AD #0, Rebellion, May 2020.

Since watching the 2012 Judge Dredd movie several months ago with my son (I’m a bit behind on many things, but I eventually get there), I’ve become a bit of a fan. I really don’t know that much about the character, having only seen that move and reading just a handful of comics, but when I find Judge Dredd comics in quarter boxes (which I did just yesterday!), they leave the store with me. And while 2020 hasn’t been the greatest of years for many of us (earlier this week, our electricity was out for nearly 30 hours, and we had to jump through many hoops to save our frozen food, since we have a big freezer in our basement…not to mention packing up and moving in with my sister-in-law and her husband, only to find out an hour after getting there that the power was back on…and yes, we are blessed to have them in our lives!), Free Comic Book Day (which, as we know, became a bit of a weekly thing for several months since the day ended up getting canceled) provided some much needed Judge Dredd! This free issue contains four stories, and I really enjoyed diving a little deeper into this strange, terrifying world. The cover price of Best of 2000 AD #0 is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Kids

#1364 — Richie Rich & Casper #3, Harvey Comics, December 1974.

Who knew that there was a Richie Rich & Casper comic book, two of the most fun and iconic Harvey characters! Well, many of you probably knew, but since I’m still rather a novice to the world of comics created for the younger set (I did read the occasional Dennis the Menace issue or digest when I was a kid), it’s fun for me to discover these, since they are new to me! And how, you may ask, did I find out about this cool title? By searching through the quarter boxes at a local comic shop! I can almost always find good stuff when I take the time to look, and when I spot Harvey Comics they immediately go in my “to buy” stack. As a matter of fact, I was fortunate enough to find three issues of this title, so I’ll be featuring the other two issues sometime in future episodes. This comic is great for both kids and adults alike (well, I enjoy them because they make me think of my childhood, especially with the ads of toys from the period) and contains several shorts, which is perfect for little ones with attention spans that may not make it through an entire issue in one sitting. The cover price of Richie Rich & Casper #3 is 25¢, while the current value is $22. The OPG value is also $22.

Cool Comics Classics

#1365 — Super-Team Family #15, DC, April 1978.

Super-Team Family didn’t last long, and the only copy I have is the last issue of the series. I was fortunate to find this one in a quarter box (yes, you get it already, I spend a lot of time searching through those deeply discounted bins!) and excited to see that it was written by Gerry Conway, who helped hook me on comics just a few years earlier. Arvell Jones did the pencils and really captured the cosmic craziness of this story in which we discover a giant Orion unconscious and floating in space! It’s aptly entitled “Gulliver Effect!” The story is a lot of fun and includes the Flash, several of the New Gods, and even, of course, Darkseid (the super-villain got two mentions last week, so we had to sneak him in again, as he’s proven to be hard to get rid of!). This is a thicker issue with a higher price than most from the time period, so maybe that’s part of the reason it didn’t last long. The cover price of Super-Team Family #15 is 60¢, while the current values are $26 on CBR and $18 on ZKC. The OPG value is $26.

Cool Moments in Graphic Lit with Dr. Omnibus
White Donkey: Terminal Lance

Last week we celebrated Veterans Day, so I figured it was time to finally write about White Donkey: Terminal Lance. I have always been fascinated by veterans. They have life experiences that I never will, and therefore are a group of people I cannot fully empathize with. I have found, in most regards, I can relate to most people’s experiences in some way, but my understanding of what veterans experience is just too little to say, “I can relate with that.” While in my endless thirst for knowledge and better understanding, I do desire to be able to have that relation; I am also thankful that I don’t have it, as I know not all military experiences are great. So, I would like to thank any veterans reading this, for doing what I did not, choosing the path you did, and shielding me and many others from more than we will ever know.

White Donkey: Terminal Lance is a story written by a veteran, which tells the tale of a man who enlists. It documents his time in service, and after. My focus will be on his time after.

So, our main character comes home and struggles adjusting to life after service. This results in a significant bout of depression and some heavy drinking. As a recovering alcoholic, I could relate with at least part of what this man was going through. The prison of active alcohol abuse was depicted in a very special way in this book. I consider this to be some of the most powerful imagery I have ever seen in graphic literature.

This image alone may not tell much of a story, but when this exact same image is printed into the book several times in succession it tells a bit more….

This 2-page spread was included four times. To me, this implies that our main character spent a long time like this. I can relate to that…turning to the bottle to escape reality. I’ve been there.

Aside from this single moment, there are many other very emotional scenes in the book.

This book was given to me by a friend who is a veteran. I once recommended the book to another veteran, and he later informed me that it was difficult for him to read as it hit too close to home. These two facts leave me conflicted about if I should recommend this book or not. I loved the book, from start to finish. It allowed me to peek behind the curtain I mentioned at the beginning of this article. But I hate the idea of being partly responsible for having someone relive something they wouldn’t choose to. Therefore, if you are a veteran and thinking about reading this book based on information learned here, please proceed with caution. This graphic novel addresses so much more than just the single image shown above: suicide, Jody, and a slew of other psychological issues. Additionally, if you are veteran struggling with depression, consider reaching out for help. It is said that 22 veterans per day commit suicide; that is 8,030 per year. That means that veterans make up approximately 20 percent of all suicides in America, whereas they are only 7 percent of the population. These stats say to me that veterans are three times more likely to commit to suicide than civilians. I don’t know how to fix that, but I know that I will make it a point to reach out to a veteran more often. And not just on Veterans Day.

Damian Starr is a graphic literature enthusiast and comic author. 

Cool Comics Reader Reviews!

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/

Never Miss an Episode of Cool Comics!

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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!

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Special Crossover Edition & How You Can Win Newest Chakan Story!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 268, 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 268…

Cool Comics News!

Chakan the Forever Man in The Toad King & the Insect Prince is the first published Chakan graphic novella in which I’m listed as editor, and when I learned that author and creator Robert A. Kraus (RAK – and yes, that’s him holding up the copy YOU can win) was going to be appearing at Pandemicon 2020 with newly printed copies in hand, even a pandemic couldn’t hold me back! The combination of story and art (by Aaron Archer) make this an epic in the annals of Chakan, and I highly recommend it, even for those of you who are unfamiliar with the character. And RAK would love for you to learn about Chakan so much that he gave me an extra copy of this new story with the express purpose of awarding it to a Cool Comics reader! That’s right, you can WIN a free copy, signed by RAK (and the editor will sign it also, if you want him to!) and mailed directly to your home. All you have to do (there’s always a catch, isn’t there?) is join the Cool Comics newsletter. Simple, right? We’re giving everyone a few weeks to get signed up, but don’t wait too long, because once December rolls around the deadline to sign up closes. After that, keep an eye on your email so that you can enter the contest and WIN!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Sinestro versus Asterix! 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! It’s no joke when the Joker’s in town, and Sydney does a great job of capturing the craziness of this dreaded Batman villain. 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 as long as 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 Collection
Contemporary Cool Comics

#1356 — Crossover #1, Image, November 2020.

I decided to give Crossover a try because I’m enjoying the storytelling of Donny Cates so much in both Thor and Venom…plus the concept sounded fascinating. It’s basically our world with the sudden appearance of…comic book characters. Imagine how you’d feel if you looked out your window one day and Darkseid and Thanos were out taking a stroll together! In Crossover, every fictional comic book character imaginable shows up, and chaos reigns. It seems like this is going to be a fun series, and it has potential to be talked about years from now. I’m not saying it’s the next Watchmen, but I think readers are going to ponder over the implications for a while. With all that said, there were a few things I wasn’t all that keen on, including some stereotypes that have grown old, in my opinion. But grab a copy before they’re all gone and judge for yourself. The cover price of Crossover #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

Cool Comics from the Quarter Bin

#1357 — Secret Society of Super-Villains #5, DC, February 1977.

As longtime readers know, I didn’t collect much in the way of DC during the Seventies, so it’s always fun to find cool issues in quarter bins. And besides seeing Sinestro up to no good on the cover, when we flip it over to page 1, who do we lay eyes on? None other than Darkseid (that’s our second reference to the ruler of Apocalypse this episode…I think the guy owes me a favor or two at this point)! What more can you ask for in a comic book that focuses on super-villains? While I realize that not everyone has a comic shop within easy driving distance of their house, let alone one that typically has thousands of old comics for just a quarter each, it is possible to find great reads for less than today’s typical cover prices. Sometimes it just takes a little extra work, such as hitting local garage and estate sales, consignment shops, and online deals. But for me, my local comic shop has been providing great entertainment at shockingly low prices for years, and I believe that’s always the best place to start. The cover price of Secret Society of Super-Villains #5 is 30¢, while the current values are $14 on CBR and $10 on ZKC. The OPG value is $14.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 17)

#1358 — Asterix, Papercutz, May 2020.

Are you a fan of Asterix, or are you like me and this Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) issue introduced you to these characters as if it were their first appearance? When you flip the comic open, you’ll find (on the inside cover) a short informational article about the comic, the characters, and the creators. It turns out that this series has been around for a long time, created by a couple guys from France, and Papercutz is helping to bring these older stories to a wider audience. By the way, the editor-in-chief of Papercutz is Jim Salicrup, a name familiar to many of you readers out there. And what is Asterix, exactly? He’s an enhanced guy (thanks to a magic potion from a druid…who apparently gave this potion to many people) from a Gaulish village, who, along with his buddy Obelix, is the mightiest warrior. It takes place in 50 BC, and our heroes must continually drive back the Romans. It’s kind of goofy and fun, so if you like humor books, this might be just what you’ve been searching for. The cover price of Asterix is free, while the current values are $0 on CBR and $1 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Kids

#1359 — Donald Duck #10, IDW, February 2016.

Last week our Cool Comics Kids entry (Toyetica) came from Ollie’s Bargain Outlet as part of a 10-pack of comics, and adoring fans across the globe clamored and raved so much about it that we decided to reach inside that polybag once more and came out with this devilishly delightful issue of Donald Duck! Okay, there’s no doubt I told a few tall “tails” in the preceding sentence, but it came across as rather exciting, didn’t it? Anyway, this IDW published comic contains the first USA publications of a couple fun stories in the Duckverse of Donald, the first having been published in Denmark in 2013, while the latter story sprang from Dutch Donald Duck published in 2008. These IDW editions are so much nicer than the old comics from my childhood, with slick, sturdy pages, vibrant colors, and easy to read lettering. But the drawback is the price. Another thing I appreciate is IDW giving us the legacy issue number on the cover (377). And while this segment is about comics for kids, and most kids reading Donald Duck won’t care, we older collectors always enjoy a bit of history and continuity. The cover price of Donald Duck #10 is $3.99, while the current value is $4. The OPG value is also $4.

Cool Comics Classics

#1360 — Elfquest #1, Epic Comics/Marvel, August 1985.

I’ve probably had this comic in my magical filing cabinet of unread adventures for close to two years now and wasn’t sure when to include it in Cool Comics. Admittedly, it’s the first (and at this point the only) Elfquest comic I’ve read, although I know the series has been around for decades. And while I’m typically a reader of fantasy, I don’t care for it that much in my comic books. So why now? Because of TwoMorrows. Specifically, the Summer 2020 issue of Comic Book Creator (#23 for those with inquiring minds), which focuses mostly on Wendy Pini (although Richard Pini is certainly not left out). When you read such a magazine, you can’t help but want to explore some of the material generated by these gifted creators, and once I finished (and I read my magazines cover to cover), I knew I’d have to get out my single copy of Elfquest, and soon! It may not be an original number one issue, but my Epic edition (you probably know about Marvel’s Epic imprint, but if you don’t, HERE is a summation for your further education) came straight out of a quarter bin, convincing me that it would be worth 25 cents to see what this elf universe is all about. But the best thing of all was that I enjoyed the story. The cover price of Elfquest #1 is 75¢, while the current values are $5 on CBR and $3 on ZKC. The OPG value is $5.

Cool Moments in Graphic Lit with Dr. Omnibus
Superman For All Seasons by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale

I don’t often read Superman; in fact, it is highly unusual. I have always felt that Superman was too powerful to be interesting—perhaps that is why the only Superman-centric story I recall reading in the recent past is The Death of Superman. But I heard good things about For All Seasons, so I picked up the OHC (oversized hardcover) and let it sit on my shelf for a couple years. This past weekend, I needed a break from my current Marvel reading, so I dusted this off and gave it a shot.

Off the bat, I had a bad impression due to the way Superman was drawn on the cover. I opened it up and saw some amazing art, though. The backgrounds and every character other than Clark/Superman looked fantastic. I am not sure why, perhaps it was a metaphor of sorts in reference to Superman’s larger than life reputation…I don’t know. But Clark/Superman was just drawn to be 40 percent larger than everyone else. He towered over everyone. It was weird.

Now, onto the good. Early on we come to find out this is a coming-of-age story, and I love coming-of-age stories. If you have read my portions of this blog over the past year, you know why…because they are full of strong emotions.

We see a young man grappling with his purpose in life and not understanding what it is he is supposed to be. This makes the bulletproof man scared. It humanizes Superman. That is what my perception of the character had been missing all these years. Sure, he can’t be injured, but he can still feel. And just like any person, he needs to come to terms with what he is.

Once he knows what he must do, he moves to Metropolis, where he may be of maximum service to humanity. There just aren’t enough people in Smallville for him to be the hero he thinks this world needs.

While in Metropolis, he saves a young boy, and during their brief exchange, Superman shows that he is still just a momma’s boy. This is touching. Maybe it’s silly, but a grown man taking pride in his mother’s craftsmanship just feels right with Superman.

Once Clark has been in Metropolis for a while, he grows homesick and is still unsure of himself. If these types of exchanges had been with any other character, I would think little of it. But to see the vulnerability of he who is invulnerable is just what I needed to care for Superman.

My only other note on this story is that at first Clark seemed very cold towards Lex, despite them not having a tremendous amount of history. This felt unwarranted at first, but the more I thought on it the more fitting it was. Superman is supposed to be the pinnacle of purity, the embodiment of all that is good, so how can he show so much outward disdain for someone he hardly knows? Well, You don’t always have to know someone all that well to be able to determine the calibration of their moral compass, and it just didn’t take Clark long to figure out that Lex’s motivation was always Lex, whereas Clark’s motivation was always humanity. Clark is just standing his ground against someone who he thinks should be doing better.

Damian Starr is a graphic literature enthusiast and comic author. His current project can be previewed  here .

Cool Comics Reader Reviews!

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/

Never Miss an Episode of Cool Comics!

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.

Join our Facebook Group!

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!

Create a Gravatar!

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.

https://learnwp.ca/gravatar/

 

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November 5th Brings Alan Moore’s V for Vendetta!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 267, 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 267…

Cool Comics News!

What comics are you really enjoying right now, and what are you looking forward to? I’m invested in a few Kickstarter projects that are currently active, such as our own Damian Starr’s The Smallest Stone and Ted Sikora’s Punchline & The Vaude-Villains. And let’s not forget that Robert A. Kraus (RAK) is still working on his upcoming Chakan Kickstarter. What about you? Feel free to share in the comment section below!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Black Widow versus Captain Cold! 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 piece is by Jason Christner, who’s from Alliance, Ohio. Jason is mostly known for semi-realistic sketches of all kinds of pop culture characters from movies and comics.

Recently he’s had worked published for Singularity Studios “Along a Burning River,” as well as being a sketch card artist for Cryptozoic Entertainment. Look out for his work in the upcoming sets for “Crisis on Infinite Earths” and “Middle Earth: Lord of the Rings.”

If you’d like to see more of Jason’s art, be sure to visit his sites at both Facebook and Instagram.

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 as long as 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 Collection
Contemporary Cool Comics

#1351 — Dune: House Atreides #1, BOOM! Studios, October 2020.

As a big fan of the Duniverse, I read the novel Dune: House Atreides when it came out way back in 1999, so I was excited to get my hands on the first issue of this promised 12-issue series, especially since I’ve read many other books and comics over the last 20 years and can’t remember a lot of what happened in this Dune prequel. But as I turned the cover and began reading, some of it started coming back to me, and once more I became enmeshed in the world of Arrakis, spice, worms, and that darn Baron Harkonnen! This comic is well-constructed, with a sturdy cover, along with the writing and art to match. Written by the same team that gave us the additional books in the Dune series (Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson), you can have confidence that they know the source material! Additionally, the art by Dev Pramanik is so good you may forget you’re reading and instead feel like you’re watching a movie. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t give some praise to colorist Alex Guimarães, who helps complete that almost movie-like feeling. If you’re a fan of Dune, grab this one as soon as you find it (if you still can)! The cover price of Dune: House Atreides #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.

#1352 — Black Widow: Widow’s Sting #1, Marvel, December 2020.

The Black Widow movie isn’t coming out until (insert date, because your guess is as good as mine at this point!), but that doesn’t have to stop fans from enjoying her exploits on the printed four-color page. While there’s another series going on currently featuring Natasha Romanoff, I opted for this one-shot because…I admittedly buy too many comic books and have to find ways to draw the line. And there’s another reason for buying this one: it’s written by longtime comic book scribe Ralph Macchio. And no, he’s not the actor who starred as the Karate Kid, but it would have been kind of neat if he’d written a story or two for DC’s Karate Kid series…okay, enough of that nonsense. Simone Buonfantino did the pencils for this story, for those who like to know. The villain in this one-shot is Silvermane, a familiar name to many of you, I’m sure. If you’re a fan of the Black Widow, I recommend adding it to your collection. The cover price of Black Widow: Widow’s Sting #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 16)

#1353 — Horizon Zero Dawn #0, Titan Comics, May 2020.

More often then not, I find surprisingly interesting comics out of my Free Comic Book Day box, and Horizon Zero Dawn ended up being a perfect example of this. Have you ever played the PS4 game? I haven’t, as I don’t own a game system, and truth be told I never knew this was a game until I finished reading it and saw an ad on the back cover. But if I were a gamer, I might want to play this one, as I enjoyed the story, along with the detailed descriptions of a couple characters, tribes, and machines in the back of the comic. At the end of this story it tells us it’s to be continued, and Titan Comics wasn’t kidding around, as issue 1 had something like 22 different variant covers (not to mention a second printing), and several variant covers for issues 2, 3, and 4. The plot is that age-old story of man versus machine, but I’m sure some gamers could give a lot more details about what’s going on here…I just know it was fun to read. The cover price of Horizon Zero Dawn #0 is free, while the current value is $1. The Key Collector Comics value is $3.

Cool Comics Kids

#1354 — Toyetica #2, Action Lab, September 2017.

A few weeks ago, I braved the pandemic and went to my local Ollie’s Bargain Outlet and came home with a few 10-packs of comics. I think they were around $5.99 a pack, and you could easily see the first comic in each cellophane bag. I grabbed some that had Disney comics, thinking it would be nice to get a few modern issues for our Cool Comics Kids section, but when you do that, you never know what’s going to be in the stack. And that’s how I ended up with an issue of Toyetica. I was certainly in no rush to read it, but finally decided to select it for this week, because sometimes I’m surprised at just how entertaining kid comics can sometimes be, and this one is no exception. These little students, who are about six inches tall, attend Dollington Academy in order to gain fame so that their action figures achieve top sales…or something like that. Some students are friends, some are enemies, and when their parents send them their accessories (every action figure has to have accessories, right?), there is both jubilation and disappointment. This isn’t a comic I would go searching for, but I can imagine younger readers really enjoying it. The cover price of Toyetica #2 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

Cool Comics Classics

#1355 — The Adventures of Jerry Lewis #112, DC, June 1969.

After the zaniness of the elections this year (not to mention that we’re still experiencing a worldwide pandemic), I think we all need a little levity, and Jerry Lewis and his goofy four-color adventures seem like the right medicine for Cool Comics. A couple of years ago, I found out that Jerry Lewis had his own comic book (although it used to be a team-up with former partner Dean Martin), and I decided I had to add a few to my collection. After a short trip to my local comic shop, I was home with three issues (two of which appeared in previous episodes of Cool Comics). I specifically picked this one up because I liked the idea of the crossover with both the Flash and Captain Cold, and when I read it, I also discovered a few other villains in the mix. For the most part, I don’t care much for Renfrew, Jerry’s obnoxious nephew, yet he stole the show in this adventure in which Jerry suddenly finds himself running a dry-cleaning business for bad guys. The cover price of The Adventures of Jerry Lewis #112 is 12¢, while the current values are $105 on CBR and $65 on ZKC. The OPG value is $105.

Cool Moments in Graphic Lit with Dr. Omnibus
Remember, Remember, The Fifth of November…V for Vendetta

Today being November 5th, it seems only fitting that I highlight V for Vendetta, which is certainly one of my top 5 favorite graphic novels of all-time. V for Vendetta was also adapted as a major film, which I also love.

One note before we get into the story: I own and read the Absolute edition of this. Despite stretching the spine a few times before reading, this book is falling apart. I do not recommend that anyone buy the Absolute. The binding is among the worst I have ever seen. There are deluxe formats available for which this is not a problem.

What it’s about…

In the wake of a nuclear war in the 1980’s, the British government has come to be led by a tyrant who has stripped many liberties from the people of Britain. Not only that, but in this government’s adolescence, it engaged in some not so ethical medical testing that had a particularly significant impact on one person in particular. This individual, henceforth known as V, went on to try to enlighten and liberate the people from the oppressive heel of the government, which was not treating its people very well.

The film is criticized by some for taking some liberty with this adaptation and Americanizing it. As an American born after the graphic novel was written, I appreciate these changes because I know nothing of 1980’s British politics. But one of the great things about the story is that in many regards, it is timeless. I don’t need to be familiar with Margaret Thatcher and her policies to understand the loss of liberty, distrust of the government, and a desire for true freedom.

Without getting into all the specifics and spoiling every aspect of this story, I will simply say that regardless of whether you read the graphic novel or watch the film, you will be hard pressed not to see some of the stunning allegories  between this fictional work and reality.

Aside from its political implications, there is also a story of personal growth with which I identify.

Evey, the main female lead in this story, is taken prisoner by V. During her time with V, she begins to grow emotionally and spiritually. Some may argue that this is the result of a combination of manipulation and something along the lines of Stockholm syndrome, but regardless of the cause, the effect is beautiful. I have my own personal belief of what God is, and those beliefs have changed a lot over the years. I remember vividly when my current conception of God began to form and the feelings I had in those moments. I don’t know that I will ever see a more apt representation of that moment in my life than I did at the formative climax of Evey’s character. I personally feel this scene was done far better in the film; that level of emotion deserves to be viewed in video as opposed to being relegated to a few panels, but both are powerful, nonetheless.

To close, I would like to say that I do realize V’s methods were rather extreme and unorthodox, and I am no anarchist, but he is a man who stood for what he believed in and fought for what he thought was right. I think the world could use more of that type of behavior, perhaps without the murder and kidnapping, though. Coincidently, the Kickstarter campaign for my latest comic project, The Smallest Stone, went live yesterday. The three stories told in The Smallest Stone address different situations in which the characters question “what is the right thing to do” in certain situations. They make their choices and live with the consequences. Do things work out for them like they did for the characters in V for Vendetta? There’s only one way to find out! You can back the project here.

Damian Starr is a graphic literature enthusiast and comic author. His current project can be previewed  here .

Cool Comics Reader Reviews!

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/

Never Miss an Episode of Cool Comics!

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.

Join our Facebook Group!

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!

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Hair-Raising Horrors with Conway and Ploog!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 266, 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 266…

Cool Comics News!

It’s Halloween week, so Cool Comics is coming at you full force with holiday fright, just the way it should be! From a Child Eater to Madam Satan to Werewolf by Night…and even Hot Stuff, Cool Comics strives to sizzle your Samhain!

Kickstarter alert! Cool Comics readers, writer extraordinaire Ted Sikora is back at it again with another Kickstarter, this time featuring  Punchline and the Vaude-Villains, familiar to all fans of Apama and Tap Dance Killer, so be sure to click the link and consider supporting it!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Madam Satan versus Werewolf by Night! 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 we show off the cool art of John R. Smith! This fantastic piece feature’s Spider-Man’s Rogues Gallery, a timely piece to make your Halloween a little scarier! If you want to see more of John’s awesome creations, be sure to visit his Facebook page at Smittys Art Stuff…especially if you want to acquire some of his awesome art! Additionally, his eBay page contains some cool collectibles you may want to add to your personal collection, along with some of his original creations.

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 as long as 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 Collection
Contemporary Cool Comics

#1346 — Stranger Things Halloween Special, Dark Horse Comics, October 2020.

The great thing about Stranger Things is the way the series connected with so many different generations of fans. For older viewers, like myself, there is so much Eighties nostalgia, along with giving us the perspective from the lives of some of the grown-ups in the show. And teens aren’t left out either, as some of the characters could have just as easily been cast in 90210, Saved by the Bell, The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis (okay, I realize I’m dipping way into the deep end of the pool now), and countless other sitcoms featuring those awkward high school years. But the heart and soul of the show is the group of four, Mike, Will, Lucas, and Dustin, all around that magical age of 12. Later they are joined by Eleven, then Max. For anyone who disliked high school student Steve Harrington in season one, you’ll be hard pressed to continue to dislike him in season two. Anyway, if you’re a fan, you can’t live without this Halloween Special that delves into the secret of the Child Eater of Hawkins! It takes place shortly before the very first episode, and if you like the show, you’ll certainly get a kick out of this comic book. The cover price of Stranger Things Halloween Special is $3.99, while the current value is $4. The Key Collector Comics value is also $4.

#1347 — Madam Satan #1, Archie, December 2020.

Things get a little scarier as we move to the world of Archie. Until just a few years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined writing that sentence, but now we have a whole big world of Archie Horror with werewolves, zombies, and other demonic entities that do much more than go bump in the night. And yet, when doing a little research on Madam Satan, I found out much to my surprise that her first appearance was in 1941! While many fans today prefer the more innocent fun and frolic Riverdale stories from their childhood, MLJ (which later transitioned to Archie) has a dark past! I’ve read several of the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina comics a few years ago, but I’ve only seen the first episode of the streaming series, so I don’t have a lot of background on the character, but for what it is, the story was pretty interesting, and certainly on the spooky side for those who like their Halloween with a little more fright in it. The cover price of Madam Satan #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4. The Key Collector Comics value is also $4.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 15)

#1348 — The Richard Fairgray Monster Showcase, Golden Apple Comics, July 2020.

I sort of remember that I liked Blastosaurus last year when I read the Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) issue from Golden Apple Comics, and this year’s offering was probably even more fun…at least as far as I can remember! The first story features Blastosaurus in “There’s No Such Thing as Monsters,” in which other members of the community, who just happen to be monsters, have grievances against our dino hero. But then things take a turn for the better, and at the end, for the outright weird, and I had a blast(osaurus!) reading it. It’s followed by a tale called “Black Sand Beach” that doesn’t take much time to read…but don’t rush it, as the art is fun to really look at. Then the last couple pages have some shorts that are cool, too. Monsters and Halloween…a great pairing for Cool Comic October nights. The cover price of The Richard Fairgray Monster Showcase is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Kids

#1349 — Hot Stuff, the Little Devil #129, Harvey Comics, July 1975.

While some parents may be concerned about their kids reading comic books with a devil in them…especially in October…Hot Stuff stories shouldn’t give you cause to worry. I can understand and respect that some just wouldn’t want their young readers to think this Little Harvey character is okay, and if that’s the case, just don’t purchase it. But for those who have good memories of Hot Stuff from their childhood, this issue is a fun read, and I recommend it for your Cool Comics Kids library. We get four stories featuring Hot Stuff (one story is just a one-pager, but that’s okay for those who aren’t used to reading for long periods of time yet), a couple facing pages with two prose stories, and it finishes up with an adventure featuring Stumbo the Giant. There are still lots of Harvey fans out there, so grab this one if you can find it! The cover price of Hot Stuff, the Little Devil #129 is 25¢, while the current values are $9 on CBR and $6 on ZKC. The OPG value is $9.

Cool Comics Classics

#1350 — Werewolf by Night #1, Marvel, September 1972.

I was fortunate to pick up this copy of Werewolf by Night #1 sometime in the early days of the pandemic for just $12. Wisely, I refrained from opening it the day I brought it home and stored it in my filing cabinet of unread comic book adventures, waiting until a late October day. But the story wasn’t new to me. I’d read the digital version last year. But this was special because now I owned this comic book that I’d long desired but didn’t want to pay too much to make it mine. And I’m super happy about the condition, considering the low price I paid. So, when I finally read it, I made sure my hands were extra clean, and I carefully flipped each page, enjoying this trip back to the early Seventies. I’ve always had an affinity for werewolves in movies and literature, and writer Gerry Conway and penciller Mike Ploog did a great job bringing Jack Russell, the Werewolf by Night, alive on the pages! The cover price of Werewolf by Night #1 is 20¢, while the current value is $275. The OPG value is $285. The Key Collector Comics value is $280.

Cool Moments in Graphic Lit with Dr. Omnibus
Doc Macabre by Steve Niles and Bernie Wrightson

I was partaking in a BOGO sale at a nearby pop-culture store a couple months ago and happened to see the name Wrightson on the spine of this book, so I grabbed it and decided to give it a shot, despite having never heard of it. For a net price of $4, I had little to lose, and that is a small price to pay to see some Wrightson art I was not aware of.

This is possibly the “campiest” book I have ever read. Overall, the story is not very original and is little more than a vessel to pay homage to as many classic horror tropes as possible. It starts off with a clear homage to Night of the Living Dead.

From there we meet the main character, who seems to be a mash-up of a modern-day Van Helsing mixed with the Brothers Grimm. If you are unfamiliar with those two properties, it means he is a monster hunter who uses fancy gadgets to overcome the monster of the day and charges a handsome fee for his work.

The gadgets he uses effectively fold in a more significant sci-fi element into this horror story than one would normally expect.

The main character, Doc Macabre, also shares many parallels with Sherlock Holmes, an eccentric genius with all sorts of weird quirks and an ego beyond that of a mere mortal.

Overall, this feels like a sloppy attempt to make something fun, but it just blends too many elements to be effectively pulled off. It even integrates some Scooby-Doo themes.

Additionally, Wrightson’s art was subpar compared to his earlier works; the extreme detail just wasn’t there. Most of the time I could barely tell it was Wrightson. It makes me wonder if the colorist covered more detail than he should or if Wrightson just wasn’t feeling it and phoned this one in, so to speak. There were a few panels, though, in which you could see a glimmer of the greatness I had come to expect from Bernie.

If you do decide to pick this up, do so knowing that this is not a true horror book.

Damian Starr is a graphic literature enthusiast and comic author. His current project can be previewed  here .

Cool Comics Reader Reviews!

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/

Never Miss an Episode of Cool Comics!

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.

Join our Facebook Group!

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!

Create a Gravatar!

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.

https://learnwp.ca/gravatar/

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