Ed Gosney's Blog, page 24

New Beginnings for Batman & Cool Comics Creations Debuts!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 225, 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). 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

Did you know that you can be a guest host for Cool Comics? It’s your chance to show off some of your favorite comics in your personal collection! Just pick any of your comics for inclusion (this blog is for all ages, so please keep that in mind), with a maximum of seven issues. Repeat guest hosts are permitted and encouraged. To submit your completed blog (or if you have any questions), write to edgosney62@gmail.com .

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!

If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, Episode 225…

Cool Comics News!

Don’t forget that you can have a piece of your art featured right here in Cool Comics Creations! This episode we’re featuring an awesome wreath that would look good in any comic book lover’s home. For details about submitting, see Cool Comics News! in episode 224.

There will also be other opportunities to have your fan art appear in a cool publication, because this March will see the first issue of an exciting new magazine, Collectorzine! A Pop Culture Collectibles Fanzine for Collectors. This will be a printed publication in Northeast Ohio, but also available for mail order for those who don’t want to spend all their comic book money on gasoline. I’ll provide more information about it in upcoming episodes, but for now I’m going to let you in on one little secret: Cool Comics In My Collection is going to be part of Collectorzine! You read that correctly, each issue will feature cool comics from my personal collection, exclusively for the magazine. I’m excited and honored that Collectorzine! invited Cool Comics to join in on the fun!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Archie versus Yosemite Sam! 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 “World’s Finest” wreath comes to us from Melissa’s Craft Corner (Melissa Gosney…yes, she’s both my wife and a very crafty lady!) and looks so super while hanging on your door! If you are interested in seeing more of her creations, they can be found for sale at Rubber City Comics in downtown Akron, Ohio. See the Cool Comics News section above if you would like to submit one of your creations!

Cool Comics In My Collection
Contemporary Cool Comics

#1142 — Batman #86, DC, March 2020.

In the last episode of Cool Comics, we featured Thor #1, which changed up the creative team. Now with Batman #86, we’re seeing the same thing, with James Tynion IV handling the writing chores and Tony S. Daniel on pencils. Tom King’s run was supposed to go longer, but things change quickly when it comes to the world of comics and publications in general. I’ve seen complaints (and you probably have, too) about some of the Batman stories as of late, and while I personally wasn’t complaining, I wasn’t all in with the plot, either. This new story written by Tynion was decent, and I liked the setup for future issues. Batman was my first superhero, way back in the dark ages of 1966, so I’m hoping that this new direction keeps me interested in Bruce Wayne and his crazy adventures. The cover price of Batman #86 is $3.99, while the current value is $4. The Key Collector Comics value is $4.

Cool Comics from the Quarter Bin

#1143 — Archie #285, DC, December 1978.

Sometimes when I’m digging around in quarter bins, I’m strictly business, looking for specific issues to help complete runs I’m working on (which isn’t always easy to do in a quarter box…but I’ve done it before!), and sometimes I’m pretty much looking for stuff that I think will be fun to read and then write about for Cool Comics. And you guessed it, this issue of Archie fits the bill when it comes to fun. In the Seventies I found myself on an Archie kick, which limited the amount of cape and tights comics I could afford, but at the time, I didn’t care, because I’d become quite familiar with the gang from Riverdale, and reading those comics brought warm feelings to much younger me. And you know what? They can still be fun to read, if you bring the right attitude. The first story in this issue features a teen superhero who’s trying to live a normal life, so his parents moved to Riverdale. Of course, Archie discovers his secret, and it’s a great little tale in the lives of teenagers. Speaking of quarter bins, my local shop, Kenmore Komics & Games, recently came into possession of hundreds…nay, thousands…of comics to put in their quarter long boxes, advertising on Facebook last week that they had 12 quarter boxes full of comic book treasures. I was able to stop by on Saturday for a while and filled lots of gaps! There are still many issues available, so if you’re local to the Akron, Ohio, area, what are you waiting for? The cover price of Archie #285 is 40¢, while the current value is $10.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 37)

#1144 — Lucy & Andy Neanderthal , Crown Publishers, May 2019.

If you’re fans of the Lucy & Andy Neanderthal graphic novels, then you’ll probably want to make sure you add this Free Comic Book Day issue to your collection, because it’s the first single comic that they’ve printed from what I’ve been able to gather (if I’m wrong, please let me know in the comment section below). This is completely new territory for me, as I’m not at all familiar with Jeffrey Brown’s black and white adventures with these kids that live in a distant past. This is certainly a comic aimed towards a younger audience, and while I wasn’t as enraptured with it as some readers may have been, it wasn’t half bad, and I can imagine that some younger readers would really have fun with these stories. You never know what you’re going to get when it comes to FCBD! The cover price of Lucy & Andy Neanderthal is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Kids

#1145 — Yosemite Sam #18 , Gold Key, December 1973.

Besides the fact that Bugs Bunny is cool and he has funny altercations with kooky old Yosemite Sam, and beyond the point I tend to make that these comics are anthology style and have a variety of stories within that makes them great for younger readers, and aside from the fact that we want younger generations to know and appreciate these classics from our childhood, this issue is packed with “extra fun,” by way of a “16-PAGE FUN CATALOG.” That’s right, folks, a huge part of the charm for this back-issue bonanza is the Kenner Catalog featuring SSP Smash-Up Derby, Baby Alive, Snoopy Power Toothbrush, See-Action Football, Spirograph, and more! And as usual, Looney Tunes characters are always entertaining. I was fortunate enough to find this one in a quarter bin (as usual, right?). The cover price is 20¢, while the current values are $20 on CBR and $10 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Classics

#1146 — All-Star Comics #70, DC, February 1978.

When I found out about the wonderful world of comic books as a wee lad in the small river city of Martins Ferry, Ohio, I pretty much went by the motto, “Make Mine Marvel!” There was a small snack/party shop a few blocks away from where I grew up (Slicks), and lucky for me they had a big wooden shelf with several rows of magazines and comic books. On the day new comic books arrived, I frequently got there faster than the owner could put them on display. But the elderly lady didn’t get distressed by my presence, because she knew I meant business and would be leaving her store with an armful of comic books, perhaps a Planet of the Apes magazine, and maybe an issue of Cracked. But no DC comics. Yet I did buy some in the Seventies at Super-X Drugs, where my father was a pharmacist. Their magazine section often contained those “100 Pages for only 60¢” issues that contained some classic reprints. I’m slowly working on completing that collection, but I’m not in a rush, because part of the fun is still having more to find. What does any of this have to do with All-Star Comics #70? I guess that when I see DC issues from the Seventies, it takes me back in time to those days when my dad was still alive, and he’d get me his employee discount on the comic books I picked out. And sometimes memories like that are what matter the most. By the way, I really enjoyed reading the issue. The cover price of All-Star Comics #70 is 35¢, while the current values are $42 on CBR and $20 on ZKC.

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.

Thor Soars to a New #1 Issue with New Creative Team!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 224, 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). 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

Did you know that you can be a guest host for Cool Comics? It’s your chance to show off some of your favorite comics in your personal collection! Just pick any of your comics for inclusion (this blog is for all ages, so please keep that in mind), with a maximum of seven issues. Repeat guest hosts are permitted and encouraged. To submit your completed blog (or if you have any questions), write to edgosney62@gmail.com .

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!

If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, Episode 224…

Cool Comics News!

We’re going to try something new here at Cool Comics by adding a section called Cool Comics Creations! Any of you are welcome to send me 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…and even colored if you want) 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 and any other background information you want to tell us about, and if you have a website or a way you can be contacted about your art (who knows, maybe someone might make you an offer for the original!), so please supply this all in an email to me at edgosney62@gmail.com, and I’ll do a write-up along with your creation!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Blue Beetle versus Power Man! 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 In My Collection
Contemporary Cool Comics

#1137 — Thor #1, Marvel, March 2020.

Thor #1 hit the comic shops…again. It used to be that when a new creative team took over, the issue numbering didn’t change. And sometimes it still doesn’t (Batman #86, for example, has changed writers, and they didn’t start all over with new numbering), but it seems these days that’s the norm. It can get a little confusing at times, but right now it seems that there’s no turning back. I mean, at least Marvel is using the legacy numbering, too. Anyway, Jason Aaron, after spending many years with the God of Thunder, has moved on, and Donny Cates is now providing the writing chores, with Nick Klein on pencils. And Cates came on like gangbusters, literally throwing Galactus into the mix. Good stuff, as an old friend of mine used to say. I think the story he is setting up is going to be an epic Thor adventure, and I’m excited for the next issue! Oh, one more thing…if you get this issue, don’t skip reading the one-page letter from Donny Cates at the end. I found it so encouraging that I took the time to send a fan letter to Marvel. The cover price of Thor #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5. The Key Collector Comics value is $5.

Cool Comics from the Quarter Bin

#1138 — Blue Beetle #11, DC, April 1987.

I’m not a big fan of the Blue Beetle. It’s not that I dislike him, but I just haven’t read enough comics featuring Ted Kord (or any iteration of the Blue Beetle, as far as that goes) to have much of an appreciation of him. So when I came across this issue while doing my duty of furiously flipping through comics in the quarter bin at Kenmore Komics, I decided that I needed it for my collection so that I could learn more about this hero. And I must admit that it was a good read, so if I come across other Blue Beetle comics at wickedly discounted prices, I’ll make sure to get them. This issue was written by Len Wein, a very familiar name to Bronze Age comic fans, with art by Paris Cullins. By the way, for those who like to keep track, the Blue Beetle was first published by Fox Comics in 1939, followed by Holyoke Publishing a few years later, then on to Charlton Comics, before being purchased by DC. There’s even more to the history, including AC Comics, so if you want to know the rest of the story, click HERE. The cover price of Blue Beetle #11 is 75¢, while the current values are $3.50 on CBR and $3 on ZKC.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 36)

#1139 — Little Lulu , Drawn & Quarterly, May 2019.

Little Lulu looks pretty good for a kid who’s turning 85 in February. That’s right, the creation of Marjorie Henderson Buell debuted in 1935 in The Saturday Evening Post, making her older than all your favorite superheroes. And she apparently hasn’t aged a day…which makes me wonder if she’s any relation to baby Yoda (not by a mile, but it was fun to say it!). At any rate, this offering on Free Comic Book Day came to you from Drawn & Quarterly. Anyone else get a copy? This is actually a fun read, and it’s definitely safe for the kids (although keep in mind that this character had her beginnings in a different day and age, so it may be a bit unusual from what you’re used to). We get five comic stories (some are as short as one page) and a two-page narrative, so there’s some variety to the comic. I’m not sure how easy it is to find some of these non-superhero freebies after FCBD, but if you have a sense of history and would like to find a copy of this, best wishes on your hunt! The cover price of Little Lulu is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Kids

#1140 — Donald Duck #103 , Gold Key, September 1965.

Duck comics usually bring a smile to my face, and this comic is no exception. Donald and his nephews always seem to get caught up in crazy adventures, and in the opening story, they end up traveling all the way to fictional “Aztec-Land,” no thanks to those evil Beagle Boys. Following this, we get a neat ad for Trix cereal comic book form, and the same with Cheerios, as we learn that they are Bullwinkle’s favorite cereal. Next up is Goofy in a fun story with a witch, then we end with another duck adventure with Donald, his three nephews, and Uncle Scrooge. And on the last page, we get another comic ad for Cocoa Puffs, because they knew decades ago that kids love cereal. I was fortunate enough to find this in a quarter bin, hard as it is to believe that you can find comics from the Sixties so cheap. Granted, the condition isn’t the best, but the price is certainly right, and if you’re looking for kid classics for your children, make sure to check out the discount boxes. The cover price of Donald Duck #103 is 12¢, while the current value is $48.

Cool Comics Classics

#1141 — Power Man #26, Marvel, August 1975.

If you liked Marvel’s monsters in the Seventies, this issue sort of gave you a vampire you may not be familiar with: The Night Shocker! Then again, you need to read this comic if you want to know the whole truth of the matter. The best part comes when said vampire tries to sink his teeth into our hero for hire, as you can imagine the result! Though I located this Cool Comics Classic in a quarter bin, I knew in my heart that it deserved to be categorized right here. This issue is written by Steve Englehart (Bill Mantlo took over the writing chores after this), while George Tuska handled the art (the next issue was penciled by George Pérez). Reading this transported me to my youth for the time it took me to read it. I’m sure most of you know that feeling when you read a comic from a meaningful period in your life. The cover price of Power Man #26 is 25¢, while the current value is $15.

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.

Marvel’s Incoming Plants Seeds for Superhero Line!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 223, 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). 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

Did you know that you can be a guest host for Cool Comics? It’s your chance to show off some of your favorite comics in your personal collection! Just pick any of your comics for inclusion (this blog is for all ages, so please keep that in mind), with a maximum of seven issues. Repeat guest hosts are permitted and encouraged. To submit your completed blog (or if you have any questions), write to edgosney62@gmail.com .

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!

If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, Episode 223…

Cool Comics News!

Welcome to 2020! To some of us, this feels more like a year out of science fiction. When I think back to what the world was like when I was buying and reading my first comic books in the Seventies, the technology we have today feels practically impossible. Although we did send men to the moon…so it wasn’t entirely the dark ages. Anyway, I hope all of you had a fun New Year’s celebration!

About 17 months ago here at Cool Comics (episode 155), I told you about a fun black and white comic titled The Führer and the Tramp in the aptly named section Recently Read Digital Comics. Since then, lots has happened, as there was a successful Kickstarter campaign for the graphic novel version, and then this zany adventure received an Eisner nomination (it got my vote!), and has since been picked up by Source Point Press for a full-color mini-series. One of the creators, Sean McArdle, was gracious enough to send me digital files of the first two issues so I could let all of you good comic fans out there know what I think…and if I liked it before, I love it now! The colors really zing, the action is exciting, and the story is a blast. Sean said there were a few updates made since the original version, but all for the better. How can you get your hands on it? It’s in the newest issue of Previews (for March orders) on page 344, so now you can’t miss your chance to read The Führer and the Tramp #1!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is the Devastator Decepticon versus The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! 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 In My Collection
Contemporary Cool Comics

#1132 — Incoming #1, Marvel, February 2020.

If you read Marvel Comics, specifically the Superhero titles, this is a fascinating dive into a mystery that encompasses just about all the current titles and characters, jam-packed into 90-something pages that has ramifications for 2020. It’s not easy on the wallet, but worth it if you are a fan. This thick read features many familiar writers and artists, including Al Ewing, Humberto Ramos, Chip Zdarsky, Kelly Thompson, Jason Aaron Matthew Rosenberg, Greg Pak, Joe Bennett, Ed Brisson, Donny Cates, Ryan Stegman, Tini Howard, Jim Cheung, Jonathan Hickman, R.B. Silva, Dan Slott…well, you get the idea. A dead body is found in a locked room, a mysterious message is found, the big brains of Marvel are needed to figure it out, and at the end…well, no spoilers here. The last few pages gives us 16 upcoming covers of affected titles and little hints about how this story will play out. The cover price of Incoming #1 is $9.99, while the current value is $10. The Key Collector Comics value is $10.

Cool Comics from the Quarter Bin

#1133 — The Transformers #10, Marvel, November 1985.

Remember how popular The Transformers were when they suddenly appeared on toy shelves, comic books, and cartoons in the Eighties? To be honest, I didn’t really notice the hype. I was in college, and my funny book days had seemingly come to an end. But later in life, blockbuster Transformer motion pictures started appearing at a theater near you, I found and sold some original Transformer toys on eBay for more money than I imagined they would go for, and I’m once again solidly entrenched in my favorite hobby. Though I’ve seen a couple of the movies, I’m far from being a Transformer expert…or even fan…part of that being where I was in life when they hit the scene. Regardless, I understand that they are a pretty big deal, so when I found this issue at Kenmore Komics and Games in the quarter bin, I decided it was time I actually experience the comic book universe of these robots in disguise from another world. And you know what? I decided this comic is pretty cool, as I enjoyed it more than I anticipated. By the way, this issue is the first appearance of Devastator and the Constructicons. The cover price of The Transformers #10 is 75¢, while the current values are $20 on CBR and $6 on ZKC. The Key Collector Comics value is $10.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 35)

#1134 — Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles , IDW, May 2019.

Looks like Cool Comics is covering some of the largest franchises to go to market in the Eighties, doesn’t it? But which is bigger, Transformers (they are pretty tall, after all) or Turtles? More than likely you can find out on the Internet which property has pulled in more dollars, but what really matters is how they make you feel on a personal level, and both are quite successful when it comes to the nostalgia factor. But with all this talk of money, I have to mention that this comic book was part of Free Comic Book Day 2019, and if you made your way to a comic shop the first Saturday of May, you possibly snagged a copy without breaking the bank! Again, I can’t claim to be a big fan of the Turtles….but, I have to admit, this was a fun issue to read, and I can imagine that some people got hooked from this free issue and immediately started buying this on a regular basis…perhaps even digging around for some back issues. And IDW was very helpful by providing a three-page reading guide in the back. The cover price of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Kids

#1135 — The Nine Lives of Felix the Cat #1 , Harvey, October 1991.

Did you know that Felix the Cat was “born” in 1919? Which makes him 101, now that we’re writing 2020 on our checks. Considering he’s that old, he’s probably surpassed his nine lives and is borrowing a few from others. Although, to be honest, I’m not sure how much traction this old cat has these days. I’m betting there are a fair number of people out there who aren’t even familiar with him. Like most of the comics we find here for Cool Comics Kids, this Harvey published classic is an anthology, with four complete adventures, perfect for younger attention spans that may not make it all the way through the comic in one sitting. Are you a Felix fan? I’ve seen a few cartoon shorts here and there, but I think this is the first comic book with this long-lived cat that I’ve ever read. While doing a little Internet searching about this comic, I saw that you can buy it on Amazon for $16.99, which is a pretty steep price considering that I found mine in a quarter bin. The cover price of The Nine Lives of Felix the Cat #1 is $1.25, while the current value is $3.

Cool Comics Classics

#1136 — The Brave and the Bold #132, DC, February 1977.

Can you believe a comic like this is now 43 years old? Was 1977 really that long ago? I guess I can’t deny it, but when you flip this one open and start reading the story featuring Richard Dragon, Kung-Fu Fighter, and Batman, you’ll be transported to a different time in your life (at least for those out there who were alive and reading comic books in the Seventies!). Written by Bob Haney, with art by Jim Aparo, this is actually my first story with Richard Dragon. I’d read about him in a copy of Back Issue magazine several months ago and was happy to discover this one in my file cabinet of unread comics. I bought this Bronze Age classic about a year-and-a-half ago for $1 at a great comic book sale in downtown Akron, and though it took me a while to finally read it, it was worth the wait. The cover price of The Brave and the Bold #132 is 30¢, while the cover price is $12.

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.

Star Wars Rules the Day, but Flash Gordon Captured My Heart!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 222, 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). 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

Did you know that you can be a guest host for Cool Comics? It’s your chance to show off some of your favorite comics in your personal collection! Just pick any of your comics for inclusion (this blog is for all ages, so please keep that in mind), with a maximum of seven issues. Repeat guest hosts are permitted and encouraged. To submit your completed blog (or if you have any questions), write to edgosney62@gmail.com .

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!

If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, Episode 222…

Cool Comics News!

As we prepare for 2020 and everything it may bring us in the world of comic books, I want to take a moment in this last episode of 2019 and wish you well for the coming year, along with hoping you have a safe and fun time of celebration on New Year’s Eve (which happens to be my wife’s birthday!), and a huge thank you of genuine gratitude from Cool Comics. There are seemingly infinite comic book blogs and sites on the Internet, and it’s humbling that some of you choose to read this one each week. Thank you for making Cool Comics a part of your Internet life.

PS: Did you get any Cool Comics stuff for Christmas? We’d love to hear about your comic book-related gifts, so feel free to share in the comments section below!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Han Solo versus Flash Gordon! 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 In My Collection
Contemporary Cool Comics

#1126 — Doomsday Clock #12, DC, February 2020.

Remember way back in those ancient days of 2018 when Doomsday Clock was solicited as a monthly 12 issue maxiseries? The first issue is cover-dated January 2018. But after three issues, it started getting later…and later. Issue 12 finally arrived last week, with a cover date of February 2020. Okay, so they fell behind for various reasons. It happens, right? You, as the reader, had the freedom to choose dropping the title because of this publishing inconsistency. But I’m betting that most of you, like myself, waited patiently for each late issue, because the story was fascinating enough to ignore this hiccup, as long as you eventually got to read them. DC’s decision to continue playing in the Watchman Universe isn’t without controversy. Some fans refuse to support it, while others are loving this infusion of two worlds. But that’s the great part for fans. We get a choice. If you read it, how about that last page? What happens next is anyone’s guess. The cover price of Doomsday Clock #12 is $5.99, while the current value is $6. The Key Collector Comics value is $6.

#1127 — Star Wars: Empire Ascendant #1, Marvel, February 2020.

I had absolutely no intention of buying this issue that acts as a bridge for the Star Wars comics from Marvel, as they move from stories that take place after A New Hope to adventures that follow The Empire Strikes Back. As a matter of fact, 2099 Omega #1 is the comic that was going to be featured as Cool Comic #1127…but somewhere along the way, I got interested in Star Wars again and decided to try Star Wars: Empire Ascendant #1 and after reading it, there was no doubt in my mind that it’s a cooler comic than the closing of the new 2099 saga. This issue contains four stories told by the following creative teams: “Star Wars: An Echo of Victory” by Charles Soule (writer) and Luke Ross (artist); “Darth Vader: In Service to the Empire”  by Greg Pak (w) and Roland Boschi (a); “Bounty Hunters: Two Sides to Every Sortie” by Ethan Sacks (w) and Paolo Villanelli (a); and “Doctor Aphra: Epilogue” by Simon Spurrier (w) and Caspar Wungaard (a). If you’re planning on reading the next waive of Star Wars comics from Marvel, you most definitely want to get your hands on this issue. The cover price of Star Wars: Empire Ascendant #1 is $5.99, while the current value is $6.

Cool Comics from the Quarter Bin

#1128 — Justice Machine #1, Comico, January 1987.

Several weeks back, as I was digging around in the quarter bins at Kenmore Komics, I found a number of Justice Machine issues from Comico (nine, to be exact), with the majority of them signed by Tony Isabella (who happens to reside in my neck of the woods). For 25 cents each. Yes, they came home with me, but there was no #1 issue in the bunch. But that was okay, because I remembered that I’d found the fabulous first issue a few months earlier. And while it may not be signed, one of the really cool aspects is that I’d recently had a conversation with the creator and artist for the series, Mike Gustovich, after discovering he had a table set up to sell his art at a craft show my wife was also involved with. I feel fortunate to live in an area that has so many talented comic writers and artists, and every once-in-a-while I find signed books in local quarter bins. Justice Machine is not a comic I’m familiar with (lots of stuff came out in the Eighties that I’m still discovering), but it was fun reading it, since I’ve met both Tony (on several occasions) and Mike, and I look forward to reading the other copies I’ve added to my collection. By the way, this issue contains a gatefold cover, which you can see in the additional image. The cover price of Justice Machine #1 is $1.50, while the current value is $3.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 34)

#1129 — Lumberjanes: The Shape of Friendship , BOOM! Box (an Imprint of BOOM Studios), May 2019.

If there’s one thing I know for certain each May when Free Comic Book Day rolls around, it’s that there are going to be titles not targeted towards the demographic I fall under. And that’s okay, because part of the fun of FCBD is discovering new things. And while some just aren’t for me, they might be just what you’ve been looking for, and Cool Comics aims to please. By now you’ve surely realized that Lumberjanes: The Shape of Friendship is not a comic I’m overly excited about (girls at scout camp just isn’t a setting in my wheelhouse), yet don’t despair if you’re a fan of it, because I understand. When I was young, I really enjoyed reading Dennis the Menace comics, but if I picked one up now, it wouldn’t hold the same magic for me. We grow and change over the years, and there is such variety in this hobby that we can often find something we do enjoy. And if this series is something you like, good for you. I didn’t dislike it, but I can’t say that I loved it, either. The cover price of Lumberjanes: The Shape of Friendship is free, while the current values are $0 on CBR and $1 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Kids

#1130 — Bugs Bunny #3 , DC, September 1990.

Cool Comics Kids has reached the end of this enjoyable Bugs Bunny 3 issue mini-series. Every other episode over the past 5 weeks we’ve featured the issues here, with the intention of keeping a little variety in between (and perhaps a little suspense…and to keep boredom from setting in…but then again, how can you get bored with Bugs and the Looney Tunes characters, right?). But looking forward, if I happen to have an entire limited series for a category in Cool Comics, should I go episode-by-episode instead? It’s kind of rare to find entire runs like this when fishing in quarter bins, but this isn’t the only time it’s happened, so let us know your thoughts on this. Anyway, this wild adventure even takes us off planet (just look at the cover!) in this issue, which again features an all-star cast of these crazy critters from Warner Brothers. Buy this one for the kids in your life, but read it for yourself, too, just for the fun of it. The cover price of Bugs Bunny #3 is $1, while the current values are $3 on CBR and $4 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Classics

#1131 — Flash Gordon #21, Whitman/Gold Key, January 1979.

When I was young, even before I started buying comic books, the Sunday funnies were mandatory reading for me. Flash Gordon took me out of this world and into the kind of adventures that many children dreamed about during my earlier years (yes, I was around when man first walked on the moon…and the memories are still there). I thought Flash was so cool that I convinced my mom to buy me some paperback books featuring the fearless space explorer, which I read between my sixth and seventh grade years. But my best recollections of Flash, Dale, and Zarkov battling Ming the Merciless come from watching the old movie serials on TV with my father. These were special father and son bonding moments, and I wouldn’t trade them for the world. So when I saw this issue in the quarter box, I knew I had to take it home with me, read it, and fondly think about my dad, who passed away in 2001. The cover price of Flash Gordon #21 is 35¢, while the current value is $12.

Recently Read Digital Comics

While doing a little research about that Star Wars: Empire Ascendant comic that’s featured as Cool Comic #1127 above, I noticed that a good many of the collected volumes that take place between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back are available via Amazon Prime Reading. And since I decided to give some of the new issues a try when they start coming out in 2020, it only made sense to get a taste of what Marvel’s been doing so far with the Star Wars franchise, so I downloaded Star Wars Vol. 1: Skywalker Strikes onto the Kindle app of my tablet and found myself pleasantly surprised at how much fun these stories are. This collection contains the first 6 issues of the regular Star Wars series (which concludes at issue 75), and I intend to read as many on Amazon Prime as I can, since they come as part of your Amazon Prime membership. By the way, the first three Amazing Spider-Man Masterworks are also currently on there, along with lots of other great stuff, and you can have up to 10 on your device at a time. If you are a Prime member, check it out!

I noticed on comiXology a couple days ago that they had a few Christmas comics for free, and free fits my budget nicely. Without having to think too long about this, I downloaded them and then decided to give the Marvel Holiday Special 2011 a read on Christmas Eve before going to sleep. And while I’ve read better holiday comic books, it was entertaining enough for the price. This one features Spider-Man, Wolverine and a few other assorted X-Men, Nick Fury on a bit of a touching adventure inside the dastardly halls of Hydra, and a story that shows us what we already, know: The Thing might just have the biggest heart of all. Though Christmas 2019 is over, you may want to check and see if this one is still free so that you can read it next year before Old Saint Nick pays you a visit.

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.

Cool Comics Christmas Spectacular 2019 Edition!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 221, 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). 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

Did you know that you can be a guest host for Cool Comics? It’s your chance to show off some of your favorite comics in your personal collection! Just pick any of your comics for inclusion (this blog is for all ages, so please keep that in mind), with a maximum of seven issues. Repeat guest hosts are permitted and encouraged. To submit your completed blog (or if you have any questions), write to edgosney62@gmail.com .

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!

If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, Episode 221…

Cool Comics News!

Since this is the last episode before Christmas, I thought it was fitting to include some comics that feature the treasured holiday. But if you don’t celebrate, Cool Comics has still brought you some awesome four-color adventures that you can enjoy. Regardless, we wish all you readers out there a very Merry Christmas! Stay safe, be good to each other, and read lots of comic books.

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is The Metal Men versus The Thing! 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 In My Collection
Contemporary Cool Comics

#1120 — The Tale of the Christmas Elf, RAK Graphics, December 2003.

If you’re not familiar with The Tale of the Christmas Elf, you’re missing out on a heartwarming story that, once read, you’ll treasure and lovingly take out of your comic storage box for rereads on an annual basis. Yes, Robert A. Kraus (aka RAK) not only writes and draws fantastic fights featuring everyone’s favorite grey warrior, Chakan, the forever man, but he also knows how to tug at your emotions in a completely different way…the mark of a great storyteller. While I have a printed copy, this Christmas story is also available in electronic format…free at his website! No kidding, folks, click here and read this fantastic illustrated holiday tale that the entire family can enjoy (my printed copy is signed by RAK, so there are certain advantages to paper!). The cover price of The Tale of the Christmas Elf is $10.

Akron Comicon Cool Comics

#1121 — The Big Book of Christmas Eve, Cool Yule Comics, August 2019.

Last year, at Akron Comicon 2018, I bought a Christmas comic book (Happy Holliday’s Christmas Dance Party) from George Broderick, Jr., part of his Cool Yule Comic line (episode 168). It was fun, obviously seasonal, and I liked it so much that I made sure to purchase something else from him this year, which turned out to be this very nice hardcover edition that collects his Christmas Eve stories. These adventures are not only fun for kids, but they are so witty that adults will enjoy reading them (at least I did). Christmas Eve is made by magic, has magical abilities, and will bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart. Perfect for the Christmas season. You can find this book on Amazon, if you don’t get it directly from George (and George was gracious enough to sign the copy I bought from him). The cover price of The Big Book of Christmas Eve is $29.95.

Cool Comics from the Quarter Bin

#1122 — DC Comics Presents #4, Whitman/DC, December 1978.

It’s truly amazing what you can find in quarter bins these days (I’ll preface that by adding that condition isn’t always as high as you may desire, but often good enough to read and claim as part of your collection), but you have to be willing to put in the time, the sweat, and the possibility of finger cramps as you flip through the offerings. And if you’re like me and want to find Bronze Age beauties, the top edge of the comics is often an indication when you see all white…or even some yellowing. If you prefer high grade comics, then you probably won’t have much luck (but sometimes you find some pretty good stuff that looks nearly perfect, like I did a couple weeks ago when I snagged a Flash #1 from 1987 that looks…to my uneducated eye…as just about perfect), but if you’re less picky, then invest in a few more storage boxes and have at thee! This copy of DC (or is it Whitman?) Comics Presents has some cover wrinkling, no tears, and pretty nice pages. But it’s a Whitman variant. And doggone it, I wanted the original DC version, right? But wait, as it turns out, the Whitman cover is rarer and therefore worth more than double the value. I’ve found lots of Whitman variants over the years and grab them whenever I see them. If you enjoy the Metal Men, then this is a comic you probably want to add to your personal collection. Len Wein is the writer, and the art is by Jose Luis Garza-Lopez. The cover price of DC Comics Presents #4 is 40¢, while the current value is $25 for the Whitman cover and $12 for the DC cover.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 33)

#1123 — Star Wars Adventures , IDW, May 2019.

With the new Star Wars movie launching this week (not to mention all the buzz around The Mandalorian…featuring…you knew it was coming…Baby Yoda! Wait, he’s not Yoda, just a 50-year-old baby from the same species. Yet, the kid has the Force…and the Clone Wars and all that technology came before this show, so could it really be Baby Yoda, the cloned version? Or Yoda’s child, perhaps?), I figured it was the right time to break out Star Wars Adventures as our Free Comic Book Day feature for this episode. This is a rousing tale starring your favorite Star Wars bad boy, Han Solo. Truth be told (here comes the hate…I can feel it vibrating through the ‘net…sort of like the Force), I’m not a Han Solo fan. He has his role in the stories, and I saw each of the original trilogy movies at the theater as they released. It’s just…I don’t like him much. Regardless, this is a fun comic book, and I hope you were fortunate enough to grab one last May. The cover price of Star Wars Adventures is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Kids

#1124 — Heathcliff #6 , Star Comics (an imprint of Marvel), February 1986.

Since starting this Cool Comics Kids section, I’ve come to have a lot of respect for this fluffy orange cat. Everyone talks about Garfield, but Heathcliff deserves plenty of catnip toys, too! His stories are not only fun for kids, but witty enough to keep adults entertained also (or maybe it’s just me…I may be slightly regressing, since these comics take me back to my childhood days). This Christmas issue contains three stories, the first of which makes up about half of the comic and it’s a worthy Christmas read, as Heathcliff gets into mischief while sitting on the roof of the house in a “Santa Lookout Station.” Following that, in keeping with the Yuletide Spirit, we get a revamping of “The Night Before Christmas,” Heathcliff style. The last story, while fun, is not holiday centric. And for those who like to know such things, I deftly grabbed this issue from the quarter bin. Comic book fans, if you’re building a junior level library, you can’t go wrong with this cat. The cover price of Heathcliff #6 is 65¢, while the current values are $5 on CBR and $3 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Classics

#1125 — The Thing #1, Marvel, July 1983.

As Cool Comics readers know, one of my favorite things is to diligently search quarter boxes whenever one is sighted. A few months ago, I found several issues of Benjamin Grimm’s solo series, The Thing, during one of my searches in quarter bins. And while issue #1 couldn’t be located so cheaply that day, lo and behold, a couple weeks later during a sale I was able to add this first fantastic comic to my collection for less than $6. Since the Bronze Age is my soft spot for the hobby, I see this as a valued addition to my collection. The Seventies may be my preferred era, but the entire Bronze Age is worthy in my mind. In many ways the Thing seems to be the heart and soul of the Fantastic Four, and the fact that he’s featured in Marvel-Two-In-One and this, his own titled series, is further proof. The cover price of The Thing #1 is 60¢, while the current values are $15 on CBR and $10 on ZKC. The Key Collector Comics value is $15.

Recently Read Digital Comics

If you yearn for those deliciously delightful Christmas comics of yesteryear, The Great Treasury of Christmas Comic Book Stories is a wonderful collection that will help bring those memories back. Though my copy is digital, which I purchased through Amazon and read on my comiXology app, you can also buy it in both trade paperback and hardcover. Released in October 2018, this heartwarming holiday anthology contains 176 pages of Christmas stories dating back to the forties. The art is fantastic, the tales are perfect for the holiday season, and the stories will take you back to your childhood, no matter how young you may be. Safe for all ages, you can get it through Amazon or IDW, who is credited as publisher, along with Yoe Books. Pricing varies, depending on format, but this is a fun one for kids and grandkids, so you may want to get yourself a print copy that you can share.

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 Unites 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.

The Super Reveal, Vampironica is Back, & More Super Villains!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 220, 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). 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

Did you know that you can be a guest host for Cool Comics? It’s your chance to show off some of your favorite comics in your personal collection! Just pick any of your comics for inclusion (this blog is for all ages, so please keep that in mind), with a maximum of seven issues. Repeat guest hosts are permitted and encouraged. To submit your completed blog (or if you have any questions), write to edgosney62@gmail.com .

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!

If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, Episode 220…

Cool Comics News!

You know what’s flying up faster than the Flash? Christmas! Time to make your comic book gift purchases before the stores run out. But if you don’t know what to buy for that certain collector in your life, gift certificates are always nice, too, and many comic book shops offer them. What kinds of comic book gifts do you like to give, and to receive? Tell us about it in the comments section below.

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Quasar versus Captain Comet! 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 In My Collection
Contemporary Cool Comics

#1113 Superman #18, DC, February 2020.

It’s no secret in the comic book universe that the granddaddy of all superheroes, Superman, spills the beans to the world that he’s also Clark Kent, mild mannered reporter. I’ve seen some online chatter that this is it, fans are going to quit buying comic books featuring the Man of Steel, and that this makes for a perfect jumping-off point. All before even having read the issue. Well, I’ve just read it (normally, when I blog about a new comic, it goes in my blog a week and a day after having hit the comic shops, but I decided that since this is hot news—and controversial to some readers—that I wouldn’t wait that long), and I’ll tell you that if you’re going to have a reveal party, writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Ivan Reis knocked it out of the solar system! They hit all the marks, with early warnings of what’s to come for certain characters (meaning that Clark, for example, tells Perry White who he is before making his big announcement to the world), do a nice job of capturing the emotions of those in Superman’s circle, and even give us a reaction from…well, you may figure out who, but I won’t take this any further. If you’re a “Super” fan, then don’t miss out on this issue. The cover price of Superman #18 is $3.99, while the current value is $4. The Key Collector Comics value is $4.

#1114 — Vampironica: New Blood #1, Archie, January 2020.

You can’t keep a good vampire down! It’s been proven time and time again in cinematic history, books, and even comic books. And when it comes to Riverdale and vampires, Vampironica rules…the undead. Fresh from her crossover with Jughead (the Hunger) in his werewolf form, Veronica finds herself back in her own Archieverse Riverdale…and because of a shared kiss with her lupine enemy (albeit in human form), she’s suddenly developing a crush on the guy with the goofy hat who can’t seem to stuff his face with enough hamburgers. This first issue is full of building blocks of what’s to come, so it doesn’t have as much action as some may want, yet the story has intrigue, suspense, and a few surprises. The cover price of Vampironica: New Blood #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

Akron Comicon Cool Comics

#1115 — Lab Rats #4, Empire Comics Lab, Spring 2019.

A while back (last episode, to be exact…okay, I’m just full of hyperbole with that statement), Cool Comics brought you a fun little ashcan-sized comic picked up at Akron Comicon 2019, and we’re pleased to tell you that we were able to get not only the 2018 Free Comic Book Day issue from Empire Comics Lab, but also the newest edition! This issue tells a story about a comic book shop owner, his wish for more customers, a food vendor, rude people, and the fate that just may await those who aren’t so nice. As mentioned in our last episode, I got this comic from Andy “Shaggy” Korty (a very nice guy), who did everything for this issue except the writing. To find out more about Empire Comics Lab, be sure to visit their website by clicking here. The cover price of Lab Rats #4 is free.

Cool Comics from the Quarter Bin

#1116 — Quasar #1, Marvel, October 1989.

If you’ve read some comics here and there that feature Quasar (the Wendell Vaughn version, that is…because there are a number of Quasars in Marvel history) and you’ve always wanted to know his origin, this is the issue to grab, comic book fans! And yes, I snatched this one straight from the jaws of the quarter bin. During my third phase of comic book collecting (1993-2003), I’d find various issues of Quasar in discount bins and buy them. Finally, a few years back, I decided to read what I had. And I really enjoyed the character and the stories. While Quasar doesn’t have a huge fan following, the late writer Mark Gruenwald did a nice job in finding ways to entertain his audience and make Wendell Vaughn’s title a comic worth coming back to. The cover price of Quasar #1 is $1, while the current value is $6. The Key Collector Comics value is $3.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 32)

#1117 — Grumble vs. The Goon , Albatross Funnybooks, May 2019.

This Free Comic Book Day issue is what it’s all about, a chance for readers to sample what else is out there that they may have never read before…or even seen. I’ve noticed The Goon in Previews (the monthly catalog for comic book orders) before, but if Grumble has been there, it hasn’t stuck in my mind. This was a rip-roaring adventure that features Tala (she’s the girl with elf ears on the cover) and Eddie (he’s the dog) on the run and jumping into another dimension, one that contains The Goon (the tough guy with the wrench!). Eddie talks, has a bit of a gambling problem, and steals the show in this FCBD bundle of fun. The cover price of Grumble vs. The Goon is free, while the current values are $0 on CBR and $1 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Kids

#1118 — Bugs Bunny #2 , DC, July 1990.

A couple episodes ago, Cool Comics brought issue #1 of this three-part miniseries to you, and because it was fun, I didn’t want to wait too long, so now we’re presenting issue #2! Though Bugs Bunny gets top billing, this series has so far featured an all-star cast of your favorite Looney Tunes characters, including such characters as Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, Speedy Gonzales, and Foghorn Leghorn. Bugs and Daffy are on a worldwide hunt for Head of Fudd statues (I’m not spilling too many beans here, so if you want to know why, pick up this series!) and keep running into opposition (they have to make it interesting, right?). While this series seems like a great edition for your Cool Comics Kids collection, there are a few things in the first couple issues that may offend some sensibilities (perhaps we are getting too sensitive these days…no one said the Looney Tunes are the guardians of polite culture), so if you plan on collecting these for a young person, you can always read them first to make sure they’re a good fit. The cover price of Bugs Bunny #2 is $1, while the current values are $3 on CBR and $4 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Classics

#1119 — The Secret Society of Super Villains #2, DC, August 1976.

Last week Cool Comics Classics brought you Super-Villain Team-Up from Marvel, and this week we delve into DC’s The Secret Society of Super Villains! And while it may seem like I’m turning to the dark side of the force, don’t worry, frantic fans, we still love our heroes best. But a fun comic book is a fun comic book, and when the opportunity strikes to purchase something a little different from that historical age of the Seventies (for just $1.75!), we take it! As I’ve said before, when I bought comic books during this epoch, Marvel was the company I always thought of first. And yet, whenever I visited my father’s place of employment (he was a pharmacist at SuperX Drugs), the magazine stand often had those DC 100-Pages for 60¢ issues, which my dad graciously bought for me, so I did have some knowledge of the DCU. And now that I’m a more experienced and wiser comic book reader, I enjoy buying and reading those DC comics I missed during that period. If you’re a fan of the Super Villains, this issue is chalk-full of badness, including Captain Comet (he can’t really be a villain, can he?), Mirror Master, Captain Cold, Gorilla Grodd, Mantis, and more! The cover price of The Secret Society of Super Villains is 30¢, while the current values are $14 on CBR and $10 on ZKC.

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 Unites 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.

Impulse, Bruce Lee, Lady Mechanika, & Super-Villains Take Over!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 219, 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). 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

Did you know that you can be a guest host for Cool Comics? It’s your chance to show off some of your favorite comics in your personal collection! Just pick any of your comics for inclusion (this blog is for all ages, so please keep that in mind), with a maximum of seven issues. Repeat guest hosts are permitted and encouraged. To submit your completed blog (or if you have any questions), write to edgosney62@gmail.com .

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!

If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, Episode 219…

Cool Comics News!

I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and long weekend! Can you believe that now we’re in the final stretch of 2019? What comic book-related items are on your Christmas list? Nothing yet? Then you better get your letter to Santa mailed soon, or you’re going to miss out.

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Bruce Lee versus The Red Skull! 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 In My Collection
Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#1107 — Impulse #45, Marvel, February 1999.

What? Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap? Wasn’t this category supposed to be finished? Well, I believe I did say that there was a slight possibility it could be resurrected for some one-offs, and such is the case with this issue of Impulse. And being that it’s the month of December and the cover of this comic fits in with the holiday season, well, it all makes sense now, doesn’t it? And yet it was also a mistake (sort of like last episode’s Fantastic Four entry). I’d moved this issue from my legendary longbox into my file cabinet of unread comics so that I wouldn’t miss it for Christmas … and then I completely forgot about it until now. As to the comic itself, Santa Claus doesn’t even appear inside, although Impulse’s mom travels from the future to visit Bart for the holidays, crazy stuff happens with some not-quite-super-villains, and all’s well that ends well. The cover price of Impulse #45 is $2.25, while the current value is $3.

Akron Comicon Cool Comics

#1108 — Lab Rats #3, Empire Comics Lab, Spring 2018.

Are you familiar with Empire Comics Lab? I’ve known about them for several months, because Dan Gorman, the awesome artist behind the Cool Comics logo, has been involved creatively with them in a comic titled Cemetery Plots, of which I purchased a couple from him. So when I saw that Empire Comics Lab had a table, I met Andy “Shaggy” Korty and got a couple issues of their free comic book day offerings, which are not distributed the same way as the ones you find in your comic book stores the first Saturday in May. Lab Rats is ashcan size, black and white, shorter in page-length than the typical comic, and best of all, entertains. The first and longest story, “That Ain’t Chicken Feed,” just may make you skip your next bucket! Seriously, this was funny stuff, and I’m really glad I stopped by his table and said hi. The cover price of Lab Rats #3 is free.

Cool Comics from the Quarter Bin

#1109 — Bruce Lee #5, Malibu, November 1994.

Back in the Nineties, during my third phase of comic book collecting, I saw this Bruce Lee series and bought issues 1 and 2 as they came out. I don’t remember the circumstances of why I stopped getting it (probably because I was buying too many comic books!), but when I found this issue in the quarter bin at Kenmore Komics & Games in Akron, Ohio, I knew I wanted to relive this memory…and better yet, it was an issue I hadn’t previously read. As it turns out, there were only six issues in this series, so who knows, maybe someday I’ll have the entire short run. Bruce Lee #5 is written by Mike Baron, with pencils by Val Mayerik, and while it’s a fairly entertaining story, it’s not easy to understand all that’s going on when there were four issues before this one. Regardless, it cost just a quarter, and it’s Bruce Lee! The cover price of Bruce Lee #5 is $2.95, while the current value is $5.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 31)

#1110 — Lady Mechanika , Benetiz Productions, May 2019.

The last time I read a Lady Mechanika comic book was…oh yeah, last year for Free Comic Book Day! This issue was written and drawn by Joe Benetiz, but I don’t know if all of the comics in this title are created by Joe himself. If anyone out there knows the answer and you want to tell the world (or at least those who read Cool Comics), you can spill the beans in the comments section below. From what I’ve read of these steampunk adventures, I would think this would be a pretty good comic to make a part of your regular comic consumption…but I’d want to start from the beginning so that I have a better feel for what’s going on. From what I can gather, Lady Mechanika can’t recall her past, is basically a cyborg, and is a detective. Fun stuff! The cover price of Lady Mechanika is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Kids

#1111 — Four Color #1047: Gyro Gearloose , Dell, January 1960.

Disney ducks are all the rage, what with Donald, his three nephews, Scrooge McDuck, and of course everyone’s favorite duck inventor, Gyro Gearloose! And when are we going to see Marvel’s Howard the Duck finding himself in the Mouse Universe? Those would be some interesting adventures, to say the least. I want to mention briefly that the title of this comic may prove a little confusing if you haven’t collected any of Dell’s Four Color comics in the past. The character or story focused on gets cover credit, but the series is part of Four Color. It seems a little strange, but you can find out more information here, if you are the curious type. You may have noticed that this is one of the oldest comic books (if not the oldest) I’ve ever had as part of Cool Comics Kids, and I’m proud to say that just like the others I typically talk about here, I found it in a quarter bin. Unfortunately, it’s missing a few pages…one in which we don’t get to see Gyro’s fate when he makes a big error in forgetting his location. But you know what? I still enjoyed this comic and channeled my inner child while reading it. The cover price of Four Color #1047 is 10¢, while the current value is $340.

Cool Comics Classics

#1112 — Super-Villain Team-Up #15, Marvel, November 1978.

Super-Villain Team-Up is a title I don’t remember ever seeing during phase one of my comic collecting life (and if I did happen to glance at the cover of any of the issues way back in the Seventies, they didn’t make a big enough impression on me to recall them). I found out about it by snooping around the back issues at my local comic shop, and I picked up a couple for decent prices. This one I snagged from a quarter bin, so I was really psyched to find a copy there. But the first thing I discovered when I flipped it open to read is that it’s not an original story, as it states, “Originally Presented in Astonishing Tales #4-5.” But since I don’t own either of those Astonishing Tales issues, it doesn’t really matter, because this story was new to me! Just the idea of Doctor Doom going up against The Red Skull makes me glad I’m a comic book reader. It’s a fun story with lots of posturing from these super baddies, and I’m glad to have it in my collection. The cover price of Super-Villain Team-Up #15 is 35¢, while the current values are $14 on CBR and $10 on ZKC.

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 Unites 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.

Cool Comics Celebrates Thanksgiving Day with Four-Color Fun!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 218, 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). 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

Did you know that you can be a guest host for Cool Comics? It’s your chance to show off some of your favorite comics in your personal collection! Just pick any of your comics for inclusion (this blog is for all ages, so please keep that in mind), with a maximum of seven issues. Repeat guest hosts are permitted and encouraged. To submit your completed blog (or if you have any questions), write to edgosney62@gmail.com .

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!

If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, Episode 218…

Cool Comics News!
Photo by Melissa Gosney

Happy Thanksgiving, comic book friends and fans! I hope you are able to take some time off of your busy schedules, enjoy a delicious meal with friends and family (plenty of turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, loads of gravy, candied yams, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, squash, and whatever else you and yours choose to eat on this day in which we give thanks), watch the parade, watch some football if you’re a fan, and be sure to read some comics! Oh, and Cool Comics In My Collection episode 218, too! Of course, if you’re reading this, you’re right on track! Do you have any special Thanksgiving memories or traditions you’d like to share? Be sure to tell us in the comments below.

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Doom 2099 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 In My Collection
Contemporary Cool Comics 

#1100 — 2099 Alpha #1, Marvel, January 2020.

Back in the ancient days of 1992, while one company was killing a popular hero, Marvel decided to look to the future—way into the future—with their 2099 imprint. I started up my third phase of comic collecting in 1993 and quickly became intrigued with 2099 but decided to find back issues to fill in holes rather than start reading the new issues I was buying. Obviously, even back then, this became expensive. And eventually I read some of them, but quit buying the current issues, concentrating on finding whatever I could in bargain bins. And I’ve done pretty well over the years, as I’m closing in on having a complete set of 2099 comics. And here we go again, as Marvel inundates us through the end of the year with special 2099 one-shots (even a Conan 2099 special is coming out, if you can fathom that) … and they know I’m a sucker for these. They saw me coming a mile away! Regardless, I’m looking forward to more of these following this special Alpha issue. If you’re not a fan, you have nothing to worry about, as temptation will stay away…so don’t look too closely at this beautiful Patrick Gleason cover. You’ve been warned. The cover price of 2099 Alpha #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5. The Key Collector Comics value is $5.

#1101 — Fantastic Four #564, Marvel, April 2009.

Because this episode of Cool Comics is publishing on Thanksgiving, I tried to be somewhat “thematic.” I searched the Internet for comics with Thanksgiving covers and jotted down my list so I’d be prepared the next time I went to my local comic book store. And a few weeks ago, I had an opportunity to search for a little while. I had about ten issues of different comics on my list and was able to find just one…that’s right, this one, which is always pictured amongst Thanksgiving comic books. But a funny thing about this issue…the story is actually about Christmas! I was completely fooled and felt…like a fool when I looked closer at the cover just before reading it and noticed the crackers, a Christmas tradition in Great Britain. As I lamented this sad affair to my wife, she said I should use it anyway, that it would be both a funny story and a gateway to the Christmas season. So there you go. Don’t trust everything on the Internet, right? Still, I got to read a Fantastic Four comic, and that’s never a bad thing. The cover price of Fantastic Four #564 is $2.99, while the current value is $3.

Akron Comicon Cool Comics

#1102 — Immanuel: God with Us #1, Beloved Witness Publications, August 2017.

One of my favorite things to do at Akron Comicon is to meet and talk a bit to independent creators. Not to discredit writers and artists who’ve been fortunate enough to work for companies like Marvel and DC, but independent comics are often published as a labor of love by people who hold full-time jobs and wear many hats when it comes to their comics. And a perfect example is Scott Zambelli, who not only wrote Immanuel: God with Us, but also did pencils, inks, colors, and was the letterer. For those wondering, Chris Scalf is credited as the cover artist. This comic tells the biblical account of Elizabeth and her husband Zacharias, a priest, and Elizabeth’s miraculous pregnancy (her baby was John the Baptist). We also learn of her cousin Mary, the mother of Jesus. The story ends with the birth of John, and Scott expects to eventually cover more of the gospel in comic book form. I saved this one until now, since it fits well as a Cool Comic on Thanksgiving Day! The cover price of Immanuel: God with Us #1 is $10.

Cool Comics from the Quarter Bin

#1103 — The Amazing Spider-Man: Aim Toothpaste Exclusive Collectors’ Edition, Marvel, 1980.

Last episode, after featuring a Radio Shack comic book giveaway with Superman and the TRS-80, I promised that I’d follow it up with more giveaway gold straight from the quarter bin, and by golly, here it is! Granted, both of these comics were freebies when they came out, but that was 39 years ago, and now you have to shell out some cash to get them (even if out of the quarter bin!). This Spider-Man special doesn’t use Aim Toothpaste to save the day, but a dentist is very much involved, and the Green Goblin is the villain, so that’s a win, right? Jolly J. Jonah Jameson brings his nephew to the offices of The Daily Bugle and puts poor Peter Parker in charge of the kid. And it just so happens that the kid has a dentist appointment, and while Peter is there with him, the Green Goblin kidnaps the dentist! This crazy story “aims” to entertain and was written by Marv Wolfman. The cover price of The Amazing Spider-Man: Aim Toothpaste Exclusive Collectors’ Edition is free, while the current values are $16 on CBR and $8 on ZKC.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 30)

#1104 — Robotech , Titan Comics, May 2019.

If I could understand what’s going on in this Robotech universe, I’d probably love this Free Comic Book Day issue. The art works for the story, and the writing is good, but I admit I was lost while reading it. Titan Comics provides a “The Story So Far…” intro, and also a paragraph below it that starts with “The Robotech Saga A Brief History,” but there seems to be so much history that I couldn’t appreciate this comic as much as others who’ve been reading the series. I’m not saying you shouldn’t read it if you haven’t been keeping up, I’m simply saying that I wish I had a better grasp on the plot, because I liked what I could follow. Any Robotech fans out there? Someday I’d like to try this series from the beginning. The cover price of Robotech is free, while the current values are $0 on CBR and $1 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Kids

#1105 — Bugs Bunny #1, DC, June 1990.

About 99 percent of the comics I feature in Cool Comics Kids come from the quarter bin. When I started buying comics in 2017 after a 14-year hiatus, I paid no attention to “juvenile” titles while flipping through extremely cheap moments of four-color greatness. But upon discovering the charity “ComicBooks For Kids,” it inspired me to create this new section of the blog and to keep an eye out for family friendly adventures. Fortunately for me, I keep finding delicious discount deals nearly every time I venture over to the quarter boxes at Kenmore Komics & Games, my local go-to shop. And this issue of Bugs Bunny is a perfect example. On the cover we are told that it’s “part one of a three-part mini-series.” And guess what? Bingo! I also found issues 2 and 3 during my search. This comic is very entertaining and appeals to adults as well as kids and features an all-star cast of Looney Tunes guest appearances. The cover price of Bugs Bunny #1 is $1, while the current values are $3 on CBR and $4 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Classics

#1106 — Treasure Chest Vol. 16, No. 16, George A. Pflaum, April 1961.

Many moons ago, I went to a special dollar sale and grabbed as many old comics as I could find. I did pretty well as I squeezed through the crowd and came up with about 50 comic books that I thought would be interesting to feature here in Cool Comics. I was familiar with many of the titles I bought that day, but there were a few, like this Treasure Chest comic, that I’d never seen or heard of before. But hey, if Abe Lincoln is on the cover, you better believe I’m buying it (yes, I’m a history junkie). Anyway, it turns out that this comic was produced in Dayton, Ohio, and published every two weeks during the school year, from 1946 until 1972. George A. Pflaum also put out the Young Catholic Messenger, Junior Catholic Messenger, and Our Little Messenger. I wonder if any readers out there who went to a Catholic school remember Treasure Chest or any of the other publications. Anyway, this comic has a story about Abe Lincoln (he proclaimed, in 1863, that the country would celebrate a national Thanksgiving Holiday, so the timing of this issue in the blog is perfect!), some puzzles, a continuing adventure tale, articles for a younger crowd, some comic shorts, information about snorkeling and then a comic featuring snorkeling, a short called “The Mass: The Consecration and Elevation,” and then a short comic about a Polish hero who also was also involved in the American Revolution. It’s jam-packed with stuff that kids probably enjoyed reading back then. I know I had fun with it. The cover price of Treasure Chest Vol. 16, No. 16 is 10¢, while the current values are $38 on CBR and $35 on ZKC.

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 Unites 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.

Morbius the Comic Book Vampire Takes a bite out of…Everyone!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 217, 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). 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

Did you know that you can be a guest host for Cool Comics? It’s your chance to show off some of your favorite comics in your personal collection! Just pick any of your comics for inclusion (this blog is for all ages, so please keep that in mind), with a maximum of seven issues. Repeat guest hosts are permitted and encouraged. To submit your completed blog (or if you have any questions), write to edgosney62@gmail.com .

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!

If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, Episode 217…

Cool Comics News!

Back on November 2, the first day of Akron Comicon 2019, I almost made the mistake of leaving without grabbing a copy of this poster and getting it signed by the creators, who are all local. Putting this beautiful piece of art together shows the fantastic support that Akron Comicon gives to the writers and artists living in the Akron area. So yes, as you can see from the picture (and if you can’t see it well, click on it, and the image will enlarge for you), I ended up getting all the signatures! Thanks to my wife, that is. She didn’t want us to leave without getting this signed and had plenty of patience as we hunted everyone down. The characters (and creators who signed) are Chakan (Robert Kraus), Knightglaive (Damion Kendrick), Tap Dance Killer (Ted Sikora), American Knight (Rick Lozano), and The Akron Knight (Dan Gorman…who is also the artist behind the Cool Comics logo!). This is a keeper that will remain hanging on my comic book wall of fame!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Morbius versus Flash! 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 In My Collection
Contemporary Cool Comics

#1093 — Fallen Angels #1, Marvel, January 2020.

This is it, fans, the last, first issue of this first group of Dawn of X titles. First group? Well, I did see that there is going to be a Wolverine series added, along with Moira MacTaggert (which may end up as a mini-series rather than an ongoing title), and who knows what other mutant madness may be thrust upon us! But for all I know, they could change the catchphrase of Dawn of X to something like Mid-Morning of X, or even Lunchtime of X. Aside from all this kidding around, I think Hickman has done a nice job architecting the launch of this current run. Fallen Angels is written by Bryan Hill, with art by Szymon Kudranski, and I think the creators have put out a story that will keep readers coming back for more. The issue features Psylocke, Captain Britain, Magneto, X-23, Mister Sinister, and Cable. While a little on the dark side, if you’re an X-fan, you won’t want to miss this one. The cover price is $4.99, while the current value is $5. The Key Collector Comics value is $5.

#1094 — Morbius #1, Marvel, January 2020.

I’ve never been a huge fan of Morbius, but due to his appearance in the Spider-Man cartoon that aired in the Nineties (and is now on Disney+) when I had just entered my third phase of collecting, there is now a nostalgic factor at work when I see or hear his name. And I think just about all collectors would love to have a copy of his first appearance in The Amazing Spider-Man #101 (no, I don’t have it, and doubt that I ever will because it’s out of my price range…and even beaten up, low grade copies are hard to come by, at least from my experience). And here we are, a new series about The Living Vampire, and I decided to give it a try. Morbius really isn’t a bad guy, right? He’s just trying to find a cure. Yet at the same time, he’s not really a good guy either. So not a supervillain and not a superhero…at least from my perspective. He’s more of a pitiful figure who can rip your lungs out, I guess! This was a good first issue, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what comes next. The cover price of Morbius #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4. The Key Collector Comics value is $4.

Akron Comicon Cool Comics

#1095 — Sentry Special #1, Innovation, 1991.

At the beginning of the month, while having a blast at Akron Comicon, I came upon Bob Ingersoll’s table and struck up a conversation about a certain Star Trek book I’d bought from him at the 2017 Akron Comicon. Bob has a friendly personality and is a great conversationalist, and if you ever get a chance to meet him, it’s worth your time. And my time spent with him was really worth it, because I enjoy adding Innovation comics to my collection and Bob, who wrote this issue, happened to be selling copies of Sentry Special #1 for just $1. And my copy, as you can see pictured, has a signature from Bob. So why Innovation? It was headquartered in Wheeling, West Virginia, which is right across the river from where I grew up, and even though it’s no longer in business, I’ve grown fond of this comic line that was produced from my stomping grounds. I didn’t know anything about Sentry coming into this comic, but for the uninitiated, there is a nice essay inside the cover, written by Innovation’s President and Publisher, David Campiti. The cover price of Sentry Special #1 is $2.75, while the current value is $3.

Cool Comics from the Quarter Bin

#1096 — Superman: Radio Shack Giveaways: 1980, DC, July 1980.

Anyone else out there in comicbook land get a kick out of advertising giveaways featuring big-time superheroes? I used to have a few more in my collection, but when I had a ginormous garage sale and sold thousands of comics at bargain bin prices, I cleared space by getting rid of most of them. Now, since I’ve been searching through quarter bins once more, I’ve struck advertisement giveaway gold all over again (and to prove it, I’ll have another in this same spot next episode!). Though Radio Shack is now, sadly, a thing of the past, we can remember everyone’s favorite electronics paradise through Stranger Things (you know, the hit show on Netflix), Trekkies (remember the guy who built his own Captain Pike chair and drove it to his local Radio Shack?), and this “Super” free comic that features your favorite computer from yesteryear, the TRS-80! The Man of Steel teams up with a couple youngsters and together they save the day! Do you have a favorite advertising freebie? Let us know in the comments. The cover price of Superman: Radio Shack Giveaways: 1980 is free, while the current values are $8 on CBR and $10 on ZKC.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 29)

#1097 — Malika: Fire & Frost , YouNeek Studios, May 2019.

Last year for Free Comic Book Day, YouNeek Studios gave us (yes, it was free, so they “gave us” … if you happened to grab yourself a copy) Malika: Creed & Fury, which was a pretty good story. And this year for FCBD, YouNeek Studios pulled through again with Malika: Fire & Frost, which I think I like even better. I can’t remember ever seeing copies of anything by YouNeek Studios in any of the comic book shops I’ve been in, but that doesn’t mean the company isn’t putting out a great product. These stories are fast paced, thrilling, and leave you wanting more. This is certainly a series that I’m keeping on my radar to pick up as a collection someday, whether trade paperback or digital. The cover price of Malika: Fire & Frost is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Kids

#1098 — Little Archie #148, Archie, November 1979.

Little Archie speaks to me of my childhood, with a big gang of kids, sometimes doing the right thing, and sometimes getting into trouble. But when they get in trouble, they learn their lessons, don’t they? This is a typical anthology style comic that so many of us remember growing up with, and it starts out showing us a crazy story featuring Archie, Reggie, Jughead, and…gold? Next up is a Li’l Jinx one-pager, followed by some fan art and games, and then Little Archie learns to appreciate Betty…in his own way. Wrapping it up, we get an adventure with Little Sabrina, but don’t worry about showing this one to the Cool Comics Kids in your life, because this is the friendly version of “That Cute Little Witch, Sabrina.” If you’re building a library of comics for kids, you can’t go wrong with Little Archie (and I snagged this one out of a quarter box, proving that you can find them on the cheap!). The cover price of Little Archie #148 is 40¢, while the current value is $9.

Cool Comics Classics

#1099 — The Flash #255, DC, November 1977.

While debates often rage on the Internet, inside comic shops, and sometimes across dining room tables about who has the best rogues’ gallery in all the four-color universes, I think the best part of it is that people are actually talking about comic books! More often than not, the final argument comes down to Batman’s villains versus Spider-Man’s, but it’s really a matter of personal taste. And why am I bringing this up? Because Flash has some of the greatest enemies, too! This particular issue, which I was able to attain for a mere quarter, features the Mirror Master, and it got me thinking about how many cool villains Flash has faced off against, whether it be either of the TV series or in the character’s long comic book history. And take your pick, from Jay Garrick to Barry Allen to Wally West, as each iteration provides great foils, and we can thank the many creators over the years for that. This issue was written by Cary Bates and penciled by Irving Novick and is a cool sample of the fun stuff put out during the Seventies. The cover price of The Flash #255 is 35¢, while the current value is $12.

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 Unites 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.

New Mutants and X-Force take on the Legion of Super-Heroes!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 216, 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). 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

Did you know that you can be a guest host for Cool Comics? It’s your chance to show off some of your favorite comics in your personal collection! Just pick any of your comics for inclusion (this blog is for all ages, so please keep that in mind), with a maximum of seven issues. Repeat guest hosts are permitted and encouraged. To submit your completed blog (or if you have any questions), write to edgosney62@gmail.com .

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!

If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, Episode 216…

Cool Comics News!

In our last episode, I mentioned that I’d start showing off some of the comics I picked up at Akron Comicon by episode 217 and for several episodes following, and that I’d also show off some cool other stuff I got from the con right here in Cool Comics News. This week I wanted to share an awesome print I bought by artist Rick Lozano. I wasn’t going to purchase it on first glance, but the more I looked at it, the more I decided it would look great in a frame, hanging on my wall. This is an awesome mix of classic heroes from both Marvel and DC, including H.E.R.B.I.E., the Fantastic Four robot!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is New Mutants and X-Force versus Legion of Super-Heroes! 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 In My Collection
Contemporary Cool Comics

#1086 — New Mutants #1, Marvel, January 2020.

While Marvel has been putting out one X-Title each week, somewhere along the way they decided to publish two new Dawn of X titles in one week (November 6), and since I’m committed to covering them all, now you know why I’ve got two in this episode. The plan going forward, starting in December (at least according to Previews), is to put out two a month of each title. Yet the indicia for this issue of New Mutants tells us it’s published monthly. You may have checked out the tiny print from time to time, so you know what I’m talking about. Often, titles are listed as monthly, with the added clause that goes something like, “except twice monthly in May, June, July, October, November, and December.” Sometimes they actually meet the schedule, depending on the company. But on comic book news websites, I’ve seen articles on some scheduling problems ahead for X-Men, and who knows if it will tumble down to any of the other titles or not. Personally, I prefer each title to come out once a month. It’s easier on the wallet and allows you to explore different series. But what about this comic, you ask? Written by both Ed Brisson and Jonathan Hickman, with art by Rod Reis, the New Mutants find themselves out of this world, on a rescue mission, hitching a ride from Corsair and the Starjammers. If you have a history with New Mutants, don’t let this one slip past you. The cover price of New Mutants #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5. The Key Collector Comics value is $5.

#1087 — X-Force #1, Marvel, January 2020.

The second Dawn of X title this week, X-Force, is probably familiar to you. And no, Hickman is not the writer on this one. The creative team behind X-Force consists of Benjamin Percy doing the writing, while Joshua Cassara is the artist. By the way, most of you know there are typically many more contributors on each comic book (colorist, letterer, etc.), but Cool Comics usually keeps it basic. If you want to know more, you can ask me in the comments or dig around on the Internet. There are plenty of sites that track all this information. This team is quite a bit different from the original X-Force comic that came out in the early Nineties, sporting a lineup of Beast, Wolverine, Kitty Pryde Jean Grey, Sage, Black Tom Cassidy, Domino, Healer, and Professor X. Each of the Dawn of X titles have differences, yet they are certainly linked by the events that took place in House of X and Powers of X. The cover price of X-Force #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5. The Key Collector Comics value is $5.

#1088 — Legion of Super-Heroes #1, DC, January 2020.

While I’m undoubtedly not on par with many Legion aficionados (and by this, I mean having read and/or owned lots of issues and series throughout their history), just the thought of this team brings great memories to mind. Back in 1982 during the second half of my freshman year in college, I started reading comics again (my second phase of collecting, as I typically refer to it), thanks to a wise roommate. During my first phase, I bought mostly Marvel. Yet this time around I decided to try new things (meaning DC comics) and began buying Legion of Super-Heroes at just the right time, as the Great Darkness Saga started to unfold. It was a fun period of learning about these heroes who were new to me, and now, because of this nostalgia factor, I tend to grab lots of Legion titles from quarter bins. I read a not so favorable review of this new iteration of the team at a comic book website, and while I agreed with some of their points, I felt we came at this comic from different perspectives. I had fun with it and have hopes that it will continue to grow and entertain us. The cover price of Legion of Super-Heroes #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4. The Key Collector Comics value is $4.

Cool Comics from the Quarter Bin

#1089 — Black Hood #1, Impact Comics, December 1991.

Maybe you know the Black Hood from MLJ Comics (which later became Archie Comics), or perhaps the character is familiar to you from the Riverdale TV series. Although you could be a fan because of the Impact Comics series (an imprint of DC), which takes us right to this week’s issue that was snagged straight out of the quarter bin. Many months ago, I took some time at my local comic shop to dig around in the quarter bins (they often have as many as four longboxes stuffed with comics for just 25 cents…hard to beat!) and found a treasure trove of Impact Comics titles. I bought each number one issue they had with thoughts of someday adding Cool Comics from the Quarter Bin to the blog and knowing that they’d fit right in with this new category. But be patient, rabid readers, as I’ll be spacing out the Impact titles and showing off a variety of quarter finds in this space each week. My question to you is, does this issue of the Black Hood bring back any memories? I wasn’t actively collecting when this line came out, so these old comics are new to me. But I’m sure there are those out there who were once-upon-a-time excited about the Black Hood from Impact! The cover price of Black Hood #1 is $1, while the current values are $4 on CBR and $3 on ZKC.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 28)

#1090 — Treasury of British Comics Presents Funny Pages , Rebellion, May 2019.

If you think a lot is going on with this zany Free Comic Book Day cover, you should see the interiors! I don’t have background on any of the stories in this comic, but there are lots of them, as they are short, most just one page long, many in color, some black and white or a different color (such as green) and white, and the stories are pretty goofy. The best part is that it’s an all ages book, so you can share this with the comic book kids in your life and not worry about the content. The center of the comic has a two-page spread that functions as a gameboard, with playing pieces at the bottom, but I sure wouldn’t cut these out. Yet it’s fun to look at all the monsters that are part of the game. This one takes a little while to read due to small print and lots of content, but it’s certainly worth the price you didn’t pay for it. The cover price of Treasury of British Comics Presents Funny Pages is free, while the current values are $0 on CBR and $1 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Kids

#1091 — The Pink Panther #20, Gold Key, July 1974.

In my geographical area of the comic book world, finding copies of Pink Panther comics in discount bins is a rare occurrence. As longtime readers know, I comb quarter boxes at every opportunity in my ever-constant quest to bring you appropriate titles for Cool Comics Kids. It turns out that with just a little work, you can build a nice library for little readers…for a little price. And as you’ve witnessed here, most of my selections range from the Sixties to the Nineties. Will kids be familiar with these characters? In some cases, the comics feature Disney stars like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck or Warner Brothers stalwarts such as Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, with a few Ninja Turtles tossed into the mix. But what about the Pink Panther and his buddy the inspector? Chances are, kids today haven’t seen the cartoon versions, but that’s no reason to surmise that they won’t enjoy the comics. And after they’ve read some issues featuring these unknown characters, you can always treat them to episodes on YouTube. Just be prepared for questions, because while the Pink Panther talks in the comics, he’s silent in the cartoons. The cover price of The Pink Panther #20 is 25¢, while the current values are $16 on CBR and $8 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Classics

#1092 — Marvel Two-In-One #15, Marvel, May 1976.

Morbius versus the Thing versus the Living Eraser! Can it get more Seventies than this issue of Marvel Two-In-One? Perhaps some of you out there are excited to see yet another appearance of The Living Vampire, because a new Morbius series just hit the streets yesterday (make sure to tune in to next week’s Cool Comics episode for coverage of Morbius #1!), and now that you’re big fans, you want more-bius (it’s okay, you can groan at that one). And who doesn’t? Well, maybe not the Ever-Lovin’ Blue-Eyed Thing, who happens to find Michael Morbius about to make a late-night snack out of Alicia Masters, Ben Grimm’s longtime girlfriend. After the Thing chases away Morbius, this story gets really whacky when the Living Eraser shows up and seemingly erases them both out of existence! This is a fun issue that you don’t want to miss out on if you love these crazy Seventies mashups. The cover price of Marvel Two-In-One #15 is 25¢, while the current value is $10.

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 Unites 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.