Ed Gosney's Blog, page 25

Welcome to the Age of Cool Comics from the Quarter Bin!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 215, 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 215…

Cool Comics News!

This past weekend my wife and I had a fantastic time at Akron Comicon, which is now under new ownership, and the new guys did a fantastic job of continuing this great tradition. Over on our Cool Comics In My Collection Facebook Group we gave away two 1-day passes to the con, courtesy of the owners (you really should consider joining the group, because we have lots of giveaways and you can get some cool free stuff!), and Cool Comics gives a huge shout-out to Dan and Jason! Starting in Episode 217 and continuing each week until I run out, I’ll include one comic each week that I got at Akron Comicon. But like all cons, comics aren’t the only offerings to consumers, and I’ll be giving you looks at a few other items I picked up, like these awesome RAK Graphics (Robert A. Kraus, creator of Chakan) monster cards!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Batman versus Gambit! 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

#1080 — Batman Annual #4, DC, December 2019.

When a character is 80 years old, what do you do with him that hasn’t already been done? I suppose that’s a loaded question, because I’m sure many of you have your own ideas of the sort of adventures or lifestyle changes that you’d like to see Bruce Wayne and his alter ego go through (that’s what the comment section below is for, in case you want to show your creative side…or just suggestions as a fan). Some of you have probably read hundreds, if not thousands, of comics featuring the Caped Crusader, and have a respect and admiration of this crime-fighting character who has to do it all with his human will and his wits. Okay, enough build up. The Batman Annual this year gives us a fascinating view of the everyday life of Batman. It’s a little different kind of story, but if you’re a fan, you’ll enjoy this one. The cover price of Batman Annual #4 is $4.99. while the current value is $5.

#1081 — Excalibur #1, Marvel, December 2019.

Here we are, another week and another Dawn of X first issue (yes, this is a trend that will continue as each first issue makes its debut…I was a huge X-Fan back in the Nineties and early turn of the century, so that’s my excuse). I’m sure most of you out there are familiar with Excalibur teams from the past, and though this one doesn’t have the exact lineup, this first issue proved intriguing. And who is in the new lineup? Betsy Braddock, Rogue, Gambit, Jubilee, Apocalypse (if you haven’t been keeping up with this new X-Run, which started with House of X and Powers of X, then you may be a bit surprised with this inclusion), Trinary, and Brian Braddock are all down for fun and games in the new X-Universe, written by Trini Howard, with art by Marcus To. If you love those Merry Mutants, don’t miss the start of this new series. The cover price of Excalibur #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5. The Key Collector Comics value is $5.

Cool Comics from the Quarter Bin

#1082 — Weird Worlds #8, DC, December 1973.

This is it, comic book aficionados, the newest category of the internet’s favorite weekly comic book blog! Cool Comics from the Quarter Bin will bring you some of the very best, very worst, and very strangest comics that I’ve found in quarter bins, regardless of decade, collectability, and value. Some episodes might contain one of your favorites, and other episodes may feature a comic book that you’ve never heard of or seen before. And just to prove how weird this category can potentially be, our first selection is Weird Worlds #8, from a series that lasted just ten measly issues. Creators never know for sure what will appeal to the purchasing public, and this swashbuckling adventure tale certainly isn’t lacking in pedigree, as the script is by Denny O’Neil, and was created, plotted, and drawn by Howard Chaykin. Do you have any issues of Weird Worlds in your collection? The cover price of Weird Worlds #8 is 20¢, while the current values are $14 on CBR and $9 on ZKC. The Key Collector Comics value is $10.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 27)

#1083 — H1 Ignition , Humanoids, May 2019.

This year, Humanoids put out a Free Comic Book Day issue that proves to be a very nicely packaged introduction to their new creator-infused imprint, H1. Not only do we get some cool preview pages of these new titles (three ongoing series and several graphic novels), but we also get some background on both the titles and the creators. You may be familiar with several of the writers and artists who are a part of this new comic world, but the one most familiar to me is Mark Waid, who also holds the role of Director of Creative Development. Mark’s been a major player in comics for a few decades now, and chances are that if you’ve read any comics from the mid-eighties to the present, you’ve read something he’s written. If you enjoy exploring comics that don’t have Marvel or DC on the cover, give this one a try. The cover price of H1 Ignition is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Kids

#1084 — Daffy Duck #126, Gold Key, December 1979.

While Cool Comics Kids tends to see a lot of duck comics, what’s not to love about them? They’re often funny, sometimes irascible, and occasionally downright miserly. In the Disney universe, we see ducks intermingling with other animals, but when it comes to Looney Tunes, we also get a variety of humans thrown into the mix, such as Daffy’s pal Elmer Fudd, who co-stars in a couple of adventures in this kid-friendly anthology. Like so many of these comics aimed towards a younger audience, there are several complete stories, which is perfect for young ones with shorter attention spans. But this issue is just as much fun for adults who want to travel back to simpler times, when Sea-Monkeys dominated the ads (“Enter the Wonderful World of Amazing Live Sea-Monkeys…only $1.25 plus postage”) and Hostess Fruit Pies, with their comic style ads (this one features Richie Rich), gave them a run for their money! The cover price of Daffy Duck #126 is 40¢, while the current value is $10.

Cool Comics Classics

#1085 — Sergeant Preston of the Yukon #14, Dell, April 1955.

Doesn’t it feel great when someone gifts you a Golden Age comic? I don’t have many issues from that opening era of four-color fun, so when I get one, I truly appreciate it. Such was the case with this adventure comic, Sergeant Preston of the Yukon, which my brother-in-law, Dan, bought for me while vacationing in Colorado. A gift comic always has special meaning, and when it’s over 64 years old and in great reading condition, that really makes it a cool comic! This issue comes with three complete stories over the 32 pages, and perhaps the most interesting part for me is that the last two pages of story are on the inside back cover, which is in black and white (the other pages are all in color), and the back cover, which is in color. The tales are cleaver and I would gladly read more in this series. The cover price of Sergeant Preston of the Yukon #14 is 10¢, while the current values are $80 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 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.

It’s Monster Mash Time at Cool Comics In My Collection!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 214, 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 214…

Cool Comics News!

For those of you who don’t care for scary or monster comics, take heart, because today is Halloween, which means that October draws to a close and Cool Comics won’t be featuring as many horror titles until…next October! And if you aren’t a fan of the frightening, I still hope you enjoy the other comics featured in this issue that aren’t so scary. By the way, if you’re going to Akron Comicon this Saturday, you may see me wondering around in a Cool Comics In My Collection shirt, so make sure to say hi.

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Casper versus Scooby-Doo! 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

#1074 — Marauders #1, Marvel, December 2019.

If you’re an X-fan, then you’ll appreciate that my coverage of Dawn of X didn’t end with last episode’s X-Men #1…but if you’re not a fan of Marvel’s Merry Mutants, just remember that there are other cool issues covered in each edition of the Internet’s favorite weekly comic site (it’s okay to dream, right?). This is the first issue of the X-Revamping by architect Jonathan Hickman that is written by someone else, with that writer being Gerry Duggan (and art by Matteo Lolli). If you are a fan of Kitty Pryde and Lockheed, not to mention Storm, Nightcrawler, Iceman, Wolverine, Emma Frost, Bishop, and Pyro, then give this series a try. It’s a bit different from what’s gone on so far, with the catalyst being that for some reason, Kitty Pryde is unable to traverse Krakoa’s portals. And if that sounds confusing, then start with House of X and Powers of X when the collection is published. The cover price of Marauders #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5. The Key Collector Comics value is $5.

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#1075 — Simon Dark #10, DC, September 2008.

This is it, fearless readers, the last issue ever (probably…but one never knows these things for certain, right?) of Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap! Next week Cool Comics introduces a new category, so we bid a fond farewell to this part of Cool Comics that’s been with us for many months. And since it’s Halloween, I wanted to get something a little on the spooky side out of my legendary longbox (over a year ago, I bought a longbox that was stuffed with 419 comic books for just $20; hence, Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap), and when I saw “THE DEMON PLAGUE!” scrawled across the top of this comic, that was good enough for me. Going into this comic, I’ll be the first to admit that the name Simon Dark is not one I’m familiar with. It came out five years after I’d quit my third phase of comic collecting, and I’ve never seen anything about it anywhere else. Perhaps you’re a fan and were sorry it didn’t last. I’ll say this, it’s sort of creepy, which made it a good pick for Halloween week. The cover price of Simon Dark #10 is $2.99, while the current value is $3.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 26)

#1076 — Casper’s Spooksville #1 , American Mythology Productions, May 2019.

Each May when I get my set of Free Comic Book Day issues, I check them out to see if there are any that fit well for certain times of the year. And there are always several that work well for October. And while I could have used something spookier in this episode, such as Vampirella, which I used in last week’s episode, Halloween doesn’t have to be just horror. If you’ve had the experience of Trick or Treating as a kid, you possibly started at a pretty young age. And during those more innocent years, we often preferred our spooks to be a little less lethal, and Casper fits the bill nicely. If you’re old enough, you may remember watching cartoons about the Friendly Ghost, and if that’s the case, I hope this FCBD issue brings you some great memories. I appreciate companies such as American Mythology Productions that remind us that comics are for both kids and adults. The cover price of Casper’s Spooksville is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Kids

#1077 — Scooby-Doo 50th Anniversary Giant #1, DC, November 2019.

My favorite Halloween memories are of when I was young and when my kids were young. Sure, it’s fun to be older and less afraid to watch scary movies, but the magic of dressing up like someone or something else and getting free candy for minimal work is hard to beat. And with that line of thinking, it makes perfect sense to feature this special 50th edition of Scooby-Doo for our Cool Comics Kids Halloween entry. If you bought this issue at your local comic shop, you have a different cover, because I grabbed mine at Walmart. From what I can tell, that’s the only difference in the comics, but I haven’t really kept up with what’s going on in the world of DC 100-Page Giant Walmart exclusive editions that are now also selling at comic shops…so maybe the only thing exclusive are the covers. This comic is perfect for younger readers during October, as it contains nine stories, with the first three being completely new (and you guessed it, the last six stories are reprints…but since I’m not a regular reader, they were all new to me). This was a fun read that you may just want to get for the kids in your life (or yourself). The cover price of Scooby-Doo 50th Anniversary Giant #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.

Cool Comics Classics

#1078 — Supernatural Thrillers #1, Marvel, December 1972.

A few weeks ago, I decided to flip through some back issues of horror titles at my local comic shop. It was early October, and while I have plenty of good scary stuff I can use during the month, I found the first issue of Supernatural Thrillers at a great price and couldn’t resist. The story, by Roy Thomas, is adapted from a piece of short fiction by Theodore Sturgeon, a name familiar to many readers of Science Fiction, Horror, and Fantasy, and features a swamp creature. Again. At last count, I’ve had four swamp creatures in Cool Comics since episode 159: Swamp Thing, Man-Thing, the Lurker of the Swamp from The Occult Files of Dr. Spektor, and now It (“The Thing That Couldn’t Die!” according to the cover). So the question for the day is, has anyone ever dressed up like a swamp creature for Halloween? If you have, please let us know in the comments! The cover price of Supernatural Thrillers #1 is 20¢, while the current values are $45 on CBR and $30 on ZKC.

#1079 — Frankenstein #1, Marvel, January 1973.

This is a comic I’d wanted to get for a while now. First issues are always cool to have (especially when it’s a series you really like), and having read the collected digital edition of Frankenstein, I wanted to have the original #1. But at a good price. I’d seen it for around $100, but I didn’t want to go that high. Then, at a small show this past Summer, I found a fairly nice copy for just $18, and faster than you could shout, “It’s alive!” it was mine, and I knew I’d use it for this Halloween episode. For some reason, Marvel, in the indicia (the fine print that tells you about the issue and publisher), calls this comic “Frankenstein.” Yet on the cover it’s listed as “The Monster of Frankenstein.” Which is more technically correct, as far as the story goes. Later, the cover listed it as “The Frankenstein Monster.” Go figure. But Frankenstein is all you need to call it, according to the fine print. More important is that this feels like a continuation of Mary Shelly’s novel, and if you like the original, you may find that you love this comic as much as I do. This first issue is written by Gary Friedrich and drawn by Mike Ploog, but for its mere 18 issues, Frankenstein ended up with several different creators. The cover price of Frankenstein #1 is 20¢, while the current values are $125 on CBR and $60 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.

X-Men, Vampires, Werewolves, and Ghosts Invade Cool Comics!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 213, 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.

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 213…

Cool Comics News!

I enjoy comics for the stories, but I also like to know if my comics have any secondary market value. Another aspect of collecting is trying to get key issues such as first appearances by a character, deaths, first team-ups, etc. It’s nice to know if you have any, and it’s helpful to know what exists out there. I’m sure some of you are already aware of it, but there is a website and app that focuses on this part of the hobby, called Key Collector Comics. I’ve had it on my phone for quite a while now, but just this week I really started exploring all the bells and whistles, and I like it so much that I’ve decided to identify issues that appear here as Cool Comics if they happen to be listed in Key Collector Comics, along with the easily accessible high price that’s listed (you have lots of grading options if you add it to your collection). And guess what? Two of the issues below happen to be Key Collector Comics. I recommend that you click the link for the website and check it out!

There are just a few days left to win a pair of one-day passes to The Akron Comicon, so enter now before you forget. First, you need to join the Cool Comics In My Collection Facebook Group, because that’s where the contest is taking place. Then look for it in the announcements (and note that the deadline to enter is Saturday, October 26, noon EST). Once there, all you have to do is write one little sentence in the comments, and you’ll be entered in the drawing! Cool Comics wants to give a big thanks to the owners of The Akron Comicon for this awesome prize!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Werewolf By Night versus Dracula! 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

#1068 — X-Men #1, Marvel, December 2019.

Now that House of X and Powers of X have concluded, we’ve entered the age of Dawn of X, with X-Men #1 being the first title (with a lot more to come). If you’ve been following the series since Jonathan Hickman was brought onboard to write and shape this new beginning for Marvel mutants, then it should come as no surprise that he’s also writing this flagship title (with Leinil Francis Yu doing the pencils). If you skipped the two previously mentioned series and now wish you had picked them up, I heard on a podcast that there will be a collection coming out in the near future. Which will certainly be the less expensive way to read them, because some of the individual issues quickly moved into the double-digit price range. I’ve really enjoyed Hickman’s vision so far, and I recommend House and Powers. Now that Dawn is upon us, I’m excited to see where not only this series is heading, but also several of the other titles releasing over the next few months. The cover price of X-Men #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5. The Key Collector Comics value is $5.

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#1069 — Primal Force #1, DC, November 1994.

While Primal Force #1 can’t really be put into the horror category of comics, the cover does state, “Journey to the Dark Corners…”, so I guess it fits the October comic book mood. Although I was collecting comics when this series came out, I’d never bought or read any of the issues. If not for my legendary longbox (over a year ago, I bought a longbox that was stuffed with 419 comic books for just $20; hence, Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap), I wouldn’t have any recollection of it. Five issues were packed into that longbox, but this is probably the only issue that will ever see the Cool Comics light of day. And I’m not saying that to complain about the title, it’s just that I have so many other comics to put in the blog that one and done is a good enough representation for this title I didn’t even remember. Except for the Red Tornado (you can see him at the top right on the cover), I didn’t know any of the other characters. Do any of you remember this one? The cover price of Primal Force #1 is $1.95, while the current value is $3.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 25)

#1070 — Vampirella #0 , Dynamite, May 2019.

When I was a kid, I remember seeing Warren Publishing’s magazine sized Vampirella comics. As I’ve mentioned before, I didn’t read horror comics in those early years, although I would sometimes get some monster magazines and watch Chiller Theater out of Pittsburgh on the weekend. But I also knew that I was too young to flip through any of the issues of this scantily clad vampire, and frankly, I wasn’t even interested. Now those early issues pull in some hefty prices on the secondary market, but I’m just not a fan of the character. This Free Comic Book Day issue is not intended for the youngsters, and is rated Teen+, so keep that in mind. I could have done without the first of the two stories in this FCBD issue, but the second one, presented to us by Kurt Busiek and Arthur Adams, was pretty good. If you’re a Vampirella completist and you somehow missed out on this, best wishes in finding a copy. The cover price of Vampirella #0 is free, while the current values are $3 on CBR and $5 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Kids

#1071 — Mickey Mouse #220, Gladstone, November 1986.

This week Cool Comics Kids takes a look back at a ghostly tale featuring the mouse himself, Mickey, and his pals Goofy and Donald. Gladstone did a lot of reprints from the old Sunday funnies, with this one originally running from September 14 through October 24, 1936. This is chapter 2, and unfortunately, I don’t have chapter 1…nor do I have chapter 3, in which this fun story is concluded…I may just have to look for both of those, because I thoroughly enjoy these opportunities to look back at stories from so long ago. There are also a couple other shorts in here from the papers, but neither are continuing stories like “Mickey Mouse and the Seven Ghosts.” If you have younger readers and you don’t think Mickey, Goofy, and Donald investigating a possible haunted house will scare them too much, this is a fun October comic. I found this one in a quarter bin, just waiting to go home with me! The cover price of Mickey Mouse #220 is 75¢, while the current value is $10.

Cool Comics Classics

#1072 — Werewolf By Night #12, Marvel, December 1973.

How can you go wrong with a comic about a werewolf when the writer’s name is Marv Wolfman? I don’t think you can. Werewolf By Night always had a certain attraction about it when I was young, yet I never bought any issues. In the Seventies, I always liked movies featuring lupine creatures of the night and I thought Man-Wolf in The Amazing Spider-Man was really cool, yet Jack Russell never got any pocket change from me. But times have changed, and every once in a while, especially when the moon is full, I buy a back issue or two. This issue, which I’ve read before as part of a digital collection, features the villain the Hangman, and he tries his best to live up to his name, but Werewolf By Night doesn’t go down that easy, as he finds out. Gil Kane’s pencils do a nice job setting the tone for this October read, and now having read it a second time, I still question why I didn’t buy some of these when I could have gotten them for two lousy dimes. The cover price is 20¢, while the current value is $38.

#1073 — Tomb of Dracula #45, Marvel, June 1976.

If you’ve read any comics with Blade (and he’s currently been in the Avengers, not to mention Strikeforce, which I’m sure you remember from Cool Comics episode 210), then you know he’s a pretty tough guy, being part vampire and having Daywalker abilities. But back in 1976, when pitted against vampire Hannibal King (who’s never killed a human for blood), Eric “Blade” Brooks fights about as tough as Peter Parker’s Aunt May (the really old Seventies version who seemed to have a heart attack every other issue). And King isn’t really trying to hurt him, as he knows they’re on the same side. Just like Werewolf By Night above, this one is written by Marv Wolfman, and Wolfman gives us a creepy story that’s just perfect for October, as Dracula searches out the local Satanist Tribunal, who just happen to be preparing a bride for the Devil, so when the old vampire shows up at the ceremony they seem to think he’s the dark lord and couldn’t be any happier. The tagline for the next issue is “The Marriage of Dracula!” I’ll certainly be on the lookout for it while digging through the back-issue bins. Also, if you’re into key issues, this contains the first full appearance of Deacon Frost, the vampire who caused Blade to be born with his abilities. The cover price of The Tomb of Dracula is 25¢, while the current value is $55. The Key Collector Comics value is $65.

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.

Houses both Sinister & Haunted, Spawn, & the Dread Count Duckula!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 212, 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 (with the exception 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.

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 212…

Cool Comics News!

In case you missed this from last week’s episode:

Want to win a pair of one-day passes to The Akron Comicon? Who wouldn’t, right? So how do you enter? First, you need to join the Cool Comics In My Collection Facebook Group, because that’s where the contest is taking place. Then look for it in the announcements (and note that the deadline to enter is Saturday, October 26, noon EST). Once there, all you have to do is write one little sentence in the comments, and you’ll be entered in the drawing! Cool Comics wants to give a big thanks to the owners of The Akron Comicon for this awesome prize!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Spawn versus zombified Deadpool! 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

#1061 — Secrets of Sinister House #1, DC, December 2019.

One of the secrets of Cool Comics…oops, sorry, this is supposed to be about the Secrets of Sinister House, not the boring aspects of how I go about writing my blog each week. But while we’re on the subject, I’ll just mention that I plan out a couple episodes ahead, or at least to the extent that I can until I see what contemporary comics are being released over the next couple of Wednesdays. And the gist of this? Secrets of Sinister House #1 was not on my pull list at my local comic shop and was a last-minute decision to buy and use here. I love these October-themed issues, but this one comes with a hefty price tag. Yet after thinking it over, I decided to grab this one, because I typically love these anthology comics. And while some of the stories were far better than others, it was worth it. We get tales with a vampiric Batman, the Atom, Harley Quinn, Zatanna, Martian Manhunter, John Constantine, and more. But my favorite was one in which a family moves into a spooky old house in a cryptic story called, “House of the Dead.” This one felt just right for the season, and I’m not going to reveal any more about it in case you haven’t read this comic yet…if you were fortunate enough to find a copy. The cover price of Secrets of Sinister House #1 is $9.99, while the current value is $10.

#1062 — Spawn #301, Image, October 2019.

Sometime in 1993, when I entered my third phase of comic book collecting, I found out about Image Comics. I decided I needed to see for myself what this upstart comic book company was all about, so I bought a lot of the early issues of many of the titles, but I stuck with Spawn the longest. I had to search comic shops in the Atlanta area to find the first several issues, since it had started publishing in 1992, but I eventually did, and I read the title up through # 34. I no longer have those issues, and Spawn hasn’t been on my radar for long time. Yet I knew issue #300 had released, and that the next one, #301, would be a record-breaker for a creator-owned title. I still didn’t think I’d pick it up, and when I went to my comic shop last week, they didn’t have any on the shelves. But the day after, I was in another comic shop in downtown Akron, Ohio, because my wife now has some crafts selling at the shop, and we were dropping them off, when one lone Spawn #301 (with a variant cover…there were lots of variant covers) happened to catch my eye. I decided that since it was the only one left, I’d purchase it just to revisit Todd McFarlane’s creation, with no intention of putting it in Cool Comics. Yet after reading it, I knew it belonged, especially so since we’re in the month of October. Spawn is still very much a popular character, and this record-breaking issue is further proof of why. The cover price of Spawn #301 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.

#1063 — Marvel Zombies 3 #1, Marvel, December 2008.

I missed out on Marvel Zombies 1 and Marvel Zombies 2…and also this third series (and let us not forget MZ4, MZ5, and in 2015, what amounts to MZ6), as these were published during one of my comic book sabbaticals. But quarter bin diving has its rewards, and I found this lone copy while searching through hundreds of deeply discounted comic books. Also pretty cool is that I snagged one with a variant edition cover. When I think of Marvel Zombies, I think of Simon Garth, and my knowledge of him is extremely limited. I remember seeing publications featuring him during the Seventies (particularly those old Curtis black and white magazine-sized comics), but back then I didn’t have any interest in zombies. Speaking of which, does anyone remember the old Kolchak: The Night Stalker episode that featured a zombie? It was episode 2, airing on September 20, 1974 (I used the Internet…my memory isn’t that good!), and I was less then a month away from turning twelve. It was creepy, but not Night of the Living Dead or The Walking Dead creepy. But do you know what’s really creepy? A zombified Deadpool. Or any infected heroes and villains. This was a fun October read, and I’ll be keeping my eyes opened (as long as I can keep the ghouls at bay!) for more Marvel Zombies issues when I go digging into the world of old and used comic books. The cover price of Marvel Zombies 3 #1 is $3.99, while the current value for the variant cover issue is $5.

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#1064 — Ultimate X #3, Marvel, August 2010.

Are you a fan of Marvel’s Ultimate line? I was when it first started, back at the turn of the century, but since then I sold my collection. As it turns out, a few showed up in my legendary longbox (over a year ago, I bought a longbox that was stuffed with 419 comic books for just $20; hence, Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap), including this issue of Ultimate X. I decided to select this one for this episode because the cover is kind of creepy, which matches the rest of our Halloween décor, but to be honest, it’s not really a horror comic, and I’m running out of scary themes in the longbox. The story is pretty good from what I could tell (keep in mind that I didn’t read the first two issues in this series, and have no idea what was going on in the Ultimate line during 2010), which should come as no surprise since Jeph Loeb is the writer. And speaking of my legendary longbox, I’m very close to ending this weekly section of my blog (you know, the whole “Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap” bit). I have one picked out for next week’s episode, but after that, I might start my new category earlier than I anticipated. It just feels like this category has run it’s course, and I’m excited to start the new one. The cover price of Ultimate X #3 is $3.99, while the current values are $4 on CBR and $5 on ZKC.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 24)

#1065 — Our Favorite Thing is My Favorite Thing is Monsters , Fantagraphics Books, May 2019.

This has to be one of the longest titles for a comic book out there, doesn’t it? I’m sure there are some longer ones, but still…This Free Comic Book Day issue is a new chapter of Emil Ferris’s My Favorite Thing Is Monsters graphic novel, so if you’ve read it or own it, this is a FCBD offering that you don’t want to miss. I have not read the aforementioned graphic novel, but still enjoyed this strange look at life through the eyes of 10-year-old Karen Reyes, a monster fan. And a funny happenstance from real life somewhat relates to this, as last month my wife and I, while visiting our son at Ohio University, decided to take a quick side trip to Point Pleasant, West Virginia, where the legendary Mothman was first sighted. They have a statue and a little museum, and we had some extra time on our hands. And it turns out that it was the Mothman festival weekend, and the place was packed with true believers. Which absolutely makes for a better story. Anyway, Karen Reyes seems to really dig the Mothman in this comic, so that made it all the more fun for me. Keep in mind that this comic is rated M for Mature. The cover price of Our Favorite Thing is My Favorite Thing is Monsters is free, while the current values are $2 on CBR and $1 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Kids

#1066 — Count Duckula #2, Marvel, January 1989.

I’m guessing there are a handful of you out there who are familiar with Count Duckula, and while I’d heard of it, I’ve never seen it. Or, in this case, read it (it started off as a cartoon). Yet while digging around in quarter bins a couple months ago, I struck Count Duckula gold and came away with a handful of issues, this one being the earliest in the series. And really, it’s not bad to start with #2 in a series like this. As loyal Cool Comics readers know, I’m turning into quite the Disney Duck guy, and I like Daffy too (and I guess I should throw in a good word for Howard!). But would I like Count Duckula? I mean, it’s aimed towards kids, right? That’s why it’s part of Cool Comics Kids. The first story is called, “Mayhem on the Disorient Express,” and as soon as I saw the title, I figured it would be at least kind of fun, since it was parodying Agatha Christie. And frankly, I got way more than I bargained for, as this was smart, funny, and just plain entertaining, even to an adult. If you’re looking to build a comic book library for the kids in your life, this is most certainly one to consider. The cover price of Count Duckula #2 is $1, while the current values are $5 on CBR and $4 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Classics

#1067 — Secrets of Haunted House #1, DC, May 1975.

Being in the right place at the right time helps when you love to find classic comics that only set you back some pocket change. Such was the case with this first issue of the DC horror title Secrets of Haunted House, which I found a few weeks ago while rooting around in a quarter bin at my local comic shop. To be honest, it’s not in good condition, but it’s good enough for me. The comic has hosts (or guides, if you will) named Cain, Abel, Eve, and Destiny (you may be familiar with them), who we see at the beginning and end, with their own little adventure. Sandwiched in between are two scary stories, with the second getting a one panel intro by Cain. And just before we join them again at the end, we are treated to a one-pager called Witch’s Tails by Sergio Aragonés. The stories were fun in a nostalgic sense of recapturing that childhood period in my life during the mid-Seventies, while the ads helped provide further evidence that the Bronze Age has the most meaning to me. The cover price of Secrets of Haunted House #1 is 25¢, while the current values are $80 on CBR and $85 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.

October Brings a Dead Girl, Ghost Riders, a Swamp Lurker & More!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 211, 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 (with the exception 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.

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 211…

Cool Comics News!

Want to win a pair of one-day passes to The Akron Comicon? Who wouldn’t, right? So how do you enter? First, you need to join the Cool Comics In My Collection Facebook Group, because that’s where the contest is taking place. Then look for it in the announcements (and note that the deadline to enter is Saturday, October 26, noon EST). Once there, all you have to do is write one little sentence in the comments, and you’ll be entered in the drawing! Cool Comics wants to give a big thanks to the owners of The Akron Comicon for this awesome prize!

As we get a little deeper into October, we ratchet up the scares this week with some devilishly delicious comics! Flaming skulls, a dead girl, a vampire slayer, and a lurker in the swamp are just part of the fun here at Cool Comics In My Collection.

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Buffy the Vampire Slayer versus Wendy the Good Little Witch! What do you think would happen if they faced each other in a titanic tussle, and how do you see the winner achieving victory? Let us know in the comments section below.

Cool Comics In My Collection
Contemporary Cool Comics

#1055 — Ghost Rider #1, Marvel, December 2019.

Does it seem like I get every first issue of all new comics that come out? Sometimes it feels like it, but I really don’t. As a matter of fact, I’d probably have to sell one of my cars to afford all the number one issues that are published in a year. But here I am again, this time with Ghost Rider #1. Was it worth it? If you’re a Ghost Rider fan, regardless of the period you started collecting, you’re more than likely going to love this comic. To be honest, I’ve been spotty with my Ghost Rider collecting over the years. Yet when I read about this new ongoing series, I wanted to give it a try, and plan on staying with it for at least a half dozen issues. We’re given a nice dose of both Johnny Blaze and Danny Ketch, and a whole lot of demons. If you don’t like horror and monster comics, you’ll probably not want to venture here (it’s rated T+), but if you don’t mind going up against the penance stare, then head to your local comic shop before it sells out! The cover price of Ghost Rider #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.

#1056 — Rejected: Dead Girl One-Shot, Source Point Press, October 2019.

Dan Gorman, the cover artist for this awesome one-shot, is also the same fantastic artist who brought the Cool Comics logo to life, so there was no way I was going to miss out on this ghoulish October read, especially considering that the writer, David C. Hayes, was coming to my neck of the woods and would be signing the issue at Rubber City Comics in downtown Akron, Ohio. And as it turns out, I made the very first retail store purchase of this comic, which I think is very cool! I had both Dan and David sign it, and I proudly added it to my ever-growing collection. You might be familiar with The Rejected from an earlier Source Point Press comic (along with The Rejected: The Unwilling), and if so, you’ll certainly want to get your hands on this issue to find out what Dead Girl is all about! The cover price of Rejected: Dead Girl is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#1057 — Justice League Dark #16, DC, March 2013.

Justice League Dark, whether the New 52 version (which this belongs to) or the current series, is an intriguing title for those who consider themselves monster lovers. I have three other issues from the New 52 run that came in Walmart 3-packs, but this frightening issue came straight from my legendary longbox (over a year ago, I bought a longbox that was stuffed with 419 comic books for just $20; hence, Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap). And when it’s October, we want scary comics with covers that give us a fright, right? Madame Xanadu is rapidly aging, Deadman is…dead, and Frankenstein is fighting for survival. And what’s up with Tim Hunter? I guess you’ll just have to read it to find out for yourself. The cover price of Justice League Dark #16 is $2.99, while the current value is $3.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 23)

#1058 — BOOM! Studios: Free Comic Book Day 2019 , BOOM! Studios, May 2019.

If you’re part of the huge contingent of fans who feel that the Firefly TV show ended way too soon, BOOM! Studios has you covered (and actually, Dark Horse Comics before it). Free Comic Book Day gave you a chance to revisit your favorite show, right? But wait a minute, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, too? What! That’s right superfans, it’s a Joss Whedon lovefest. This FCBD issue gives you a Firefly story called “Boss Moon: Birth of a Unificator” written by Greg Pak and illustrated by Ethan Young; a Buffy story entitled “Frenemies” written by Jordie Bellaire and illustrated by Dan Mora & Serg Acuña; and a bonus Preview of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer #1,” written by Jordie Bellaire and illustrated by Dan Mora. You really get a lot for nothing with this FCBD issue. Did you happen to pick this one up in May? I don’t collect either of the ongoing comics in this issue, but this was a fun one to read, especially in October! The cover price of BOOM! Studios: Free Comic Book Day 2019 is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Kids

#1059 — Wendy Witch World #48, Harvey Comics, April 1973.

Young readers like to have fun just as much as the big kids do when it comes to Halloween and all the monstrous trappings that come with it, only they don’t want their scares to be at the same level. And that’s why Wendy Witch World is a much better comic to pass to little hands then some of the more ghoulish comics that even some grown-ups make sure to stay clear of. Wendy is the Good Little Witch, and while the meaner Witch Sisters see that as a character flaw, sometimes it proves to be just what the doctor ordered. This Harvey issue has several complete stories inside, including everyone’s favorite Friendly Ghost, Casper. This 1973 comic book that I dug out of a quarter box will transport you back to simpler times, not only with the stories, but also the ads. The cover price of Wendy Witch World #48 is 20¢, while the current values are $16 on CBR and $10 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Classics

#1060 — The Occult Files of Dr. Spektor #21, Whitman/Gold Key, August 1976.

If you live in the world of comics, stay away from swamps! Last week Man-Thing was our Cool Comics Classic, and everyone knows who Swamp Thing is, but have you ever met the Lurker of the Swamp? Like the previous two “Things,” the Lurker has a bit of a sad origin tale, yet…he wasn’t exactly an upstanding citizen. And he wouldn’t have become the Lurker at all if it weren’t for those witches back in 1740. Yep, witches placed a curse hundreds of years before, and that’s never a good thing, right? This was the first Dr. Spektor comic I’ve ever had the pleasure to read, and I’m looking forward to finding more in those infamous quarter bins I’m often known to dig around in…and let’s just hope I don’t find any real lurkers while pulling out some comic books! As an aside, you may have noticed that this is one of those Gold Key comics that has the Whitman prepack logo. If you like to read spooky and mysterious comics in October, you can’t go wrong with this issue, and I suspect the rest of the series is just as fun. The cover price of The Occult Files of Dr. Spektor #21 is 25¢, while the current values are $20 on CBR and $8 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.

Can Blade and His New Crew Save the World?

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 210, 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 (with the exception 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.

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 210…

Cool Comics News!

This past weekend, the Cool Comics In My Collection Facebook Group celebrated another milestone and gave away some very cool comic books, such as Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars #8 from 1984 and the Star Wars: Return of the Jedi mini-series issues 1-4 from 1983-1984. If you want a chance to win some comics when we have our next drawing, be sure to join today!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Blade versus Man-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

#1049 — Strikeforce #1, Marvel, November 2019.

Cool Comics readers know that I really enjoy the old horror comics like Tomb of Dracula and House of Secrets, especially during the month of October! So I’m really excited to start off the month with this new series from Marvel that features Blade, Hellstrom, Angela, Spectrum, The Winter Soldier, Spider-Woman, and Wiccan in what looks to be an Avengers style comic with a supernatural twist. Tini Howard is penning this new, scary comic, with art by Germán Peralta, and if the first issue is any indication, readers are in for quite the ride. The story starts off with shades of Stephen King’s The Stand, and the action ramps up from there as the Avengers enter the fray, stumbling upon a group of heroes who have no idea how they got into a hidden research compound. After being sequestered in Avengers Mountain, Blade teleports this confused group of heroes to the rainforests of Indonesia, and Strikeforce is born. Issue #2 can’t arrive soon enough! The cover price of Strikeforce #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

#1050 — Hotshot #1, Freestyle Komics, August 2017.

At the Cleveland Comic & Toy Show a few weeks ago, I was able to meet creator Michael Watson of Freestyle Komics and picked up Hotshot #1. Michael and the others on the team have published several issues in this series, along with other ongoing books via Freestyle Komics. To put out independent comics you have to wear many hats, and conventions are a must in order to get the word out. I was curious to learn more, so I visited their Facebook page and found lots of cool photos from a wide range of conventions they’ve attended, so there is no doubt they are putting in the work. The story was fun and intriguing, and like any good serial, ends on a cliff-hanger that has you wanting to find out what happens next! The cover price of Hotshot #1 is $4.99.

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#1051 — R.E.B.E.L.S. #3, DC, January 1995.

In looking over my all-time comic book list (I keep a lot of lists for all sorts of things…one being every comic book I’ve ever owned, even if I’ve later parted with it…unfortunately I used to delete them from the list once they were gone, but I’ve added back what I can remember, along with starting a newer list containing just my current comic collection), it looks like I bought the first issue of this series and no longer have it, but there were a handful of issues stuffed into my legendary longbox (over a year ago, I bought a longbox that was stuffed with 419 comic books for just $20; hence, Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap), so I guess I get to revisit this series that I don’t really remember. One of the tough choices in life is deciding whether or not to retain comics that came in the legendary longbox. I suppose the deciding factors include: Did I enjoy them? Is the condition decent? and are they worth anything? I didn’t really know many of the characters in this issue, but Vril Dox is involved, and he always proves interesting to me, and Lobo makes an appearance, too. I think I’ll hang on to it for a while. The cover price of R.E.B.E.L.S. #3 is $1.95, while the current value is $3.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 22)

#1052 — Deadly Class: Killer Set, Image, May 2019.

Admittedly, I don’t know much, if anything, about a good many of the Free Comic Book Day issues that come out the first Saturday of May each year. In the past, I would simply choose several of the titles I’m familiar with, but starting in 2018, Cool Comics now has access to every free issue that comes out. It’s fun to get a look at comics and companies I wouldn’t ordinarily read. Deadly Class, published by Image, is a comic I’ve never read, nor have I watched any of the episodes of the television series on SyFy. Hence, I can’t make any comparisons, so I don’t know which is better, the comic or the show. Over on IMDB, Deadly Class has a 7.8 rating, so it must be pleasing those watching it. This FCBD issue brought to mind The Kingsman movies and The Umbrella Academy Netflix series, both of which have their roots in comic books, but I’ve never read them. If this FCBD issue or the series in general sounds interesting, please keep in mind that this comic is rated M for Mature. The cover price of Deadly Class: Killer Set is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Kids

#1053 — Woody Woodpecker #161, Whitman/Gold Key, October 1977.

Did your childhood include The Woody Woodpecker Show? I looked on YouTube for the opening theme, and found several foreign language intros, along with newer iterations (well, relatively newer, compared to the original!), but couldn’t find the one I remember watching in the Sixties and early Seventies. But that’s okay, because I can replay it in my mind whenever I want, and this 1977 comic book helped boost those fun memories. This issue, which is a nice introduction to the character for younger readers who may not be familiar with him, contains three complete stories, along with a one-page comic ad for Twinkies featuring The Incredible Hulk, and who doesn’t like that kind of fun thrown in? As per my usual modus operandi, I snagged this one out of a quarter box. Sometimes you just need to be in the right place at the right time. By the way, this is one of those Gold Key comics that has Whitman on the cover, as it was part of a multi-bagged special. The cover price of Woody Woodpecker #161 is 30¢, while the current values are $9 on CBR and $8 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Classics

#1054 — Man-Thing #3, Marvel, March 1980.

We opened this first October episode with a horror comic, and we’re going to close with a monster. When Man-Thing’s first series debuted in 1973, I paid no attention to this strange-looking creature. This was the year I started buying comic books for myself, and I was spending my precious dimes on Spider-Man and Captain America, along with a few other costumed heroes. I had no extra change for monsters. And by the time 1979 rolled around and the second series started, which this issue is from, I’d abandoned the world of four-color fun. But now that I’m older and wiser, I realize my mistakes of the past. So whilst digging around in quarter boxes, I found this fabulous issue from 1980, which contains hairy Snowmen of the Himalayas. How could I not get it? The cover price of Man-Thing #3 is 40¢, while the current value is $6.

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.

J.J. Abrams and Son Give Spider-Man New, Diabolical Villain!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 209, 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 (with the exception 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.

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 209…

Cool Comics News!

The Founder and President of the charitable organization ComicBooks For Kids!, contacted Cool Comics this week so that we could let readers know about this special coloring book (there will be at least two volumes, with the first coming out with two different covers) that will be going out to hospitalized children across the nation. But you also have an opportunity to help the cause by purchasing your own copy. An abridged version of the details follow (any errors in the information are my fault):

Available now in very limited quantities on eBay, ComicBooks For Kids! will be releasing the first coloring book of its kind, including content from Eisner award winning and nominated artists, professional illustrators, Emmy award winning animators and those in toy design. The book will include both an index and brief biographies of the artists. Additionally, new talent will be spotlighted, giving artistic voice to those who have aspirations of working in the comic book industry. Entitled Legends Vol 1, this volume includes—in some cases—unseen or new art from John Bolton, Gary Gianni, Aaron Lopresti, Art Baltazar, Val Mayerik, Steve Rude, Shawn McManus, Stan Sakai, William Stout, Dan Parent, Rich Tommaso, the late Mike Wieringo, Topper Helmers, Jerry Bingham and many others. A total of 34 artists donated their time and talents toward helping the kids in this first volume. Copyrighted material outside of the artist’s own creation was prohibited. What you are seeing here are the depth and breadth of these creators.

ComicBooks For Kids! and all of the participating artists wanted to share their love of this industry with the kiddos in the hospital. They prepared this 56-page coloring book for kids of all ages, as there is art included for all skill levels, including adults. The paper quality is top of the line and all pages are perforated for easy removal.

The coloring book will come with a 4-pack of Crayola crayons, and these limited for sale copies will be available for $10.00. If you’d like to be a part, order yours by clicking the link below:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/123910985138

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Spider-Man versus Green Lantern! 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

#1043 — Spider-Man #1, Marvel, November 2019.

When it was announced that J.J. Abrams (yes, the famous one who is associated with Lost, Star Trek, Star Wars and a bunch of other movies and TV shows that you probably like) and his son, Henry, were going to be writing a Spider-Man mini-series, some controversy ensued. And some of the controversy made sense. Many comic book writers have poured their blood, sweat, and tears into every word they’ve written, hoping to get an opportunity to someday do a story for one of the most iconic comic book characters of all-time. Then along comes a Hollywood guy and his son, and they get this fantastic gig out of thin air. But what we need to remember is that comics are a business, and the companies make decisions they believe will be profitable. And with so many people predicting that doom and gloom isn’t far from ending the comic book industry, why not give it a kick-start with someone who has a built-in audience? I’m not saying that J.J. Abrams fans are rushing to comic shops across the country to purchase Spider-Man, but the potential is there. But that wasn’t the end of the controversy. Once this issue was released and readers saw something that happened, there was an outcry from some corners of the globe. If I say more, I’ll be spoiling it, but I had no problem with what the writers and artist (Sara Pichelli) did. I will say that I had fun reading it, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series and seeing what happens with this new, diabolical villain that you’re going to love to hate. The cover price of Spider-Man #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.

#1044 — Armored Forces #1, Rugged Cross Comics, 2015.

Often when I attend conventions, I try to get some comic books from independent artists and writers. They work hard not only at their craft, but they also must do all of the promotion and marketing that goes into a business. The writer and artist of Armored Forces, Archie Cunningham, worked hard to meet and great convention attendees at the recent Cleveland Comic & Toy Show, as I heard him talking to so many people over that weekend. I was happy to hear him talk a little about his Christian-themed superhero comic that takes place in downtown Pittsburgh, PA, a fun story done in black and white, with a nicely colored cover (you can see where he signed it on the top left). I grew up in Ohio, but less than an hour from Pittsburgh, so it was fun seeing some familiar scenery. But it wasn’t until later that I discovered that Archie is also a part of our Cool Comics In My Collection Facebook Group. If you see Archie at a convention, make sure to stop by and pay him a visit! The cover price for Armored Forces #1 is $5.

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#1045 — Deathblow/Wolverine #2, Image Comics, February 1997.

This is a really short crossover mini-series, lasting just two issues, springing forth from my legendary longbox (over a year ago, I bought a longbox that was stuffed with 419 comic books for just $20; hence, Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap). Back in the Nineties, I bought a couple issues of Deathblow, but don’t really remember much about the character. On the other hand, it seems as if Wolverine made appearances in a dozen comics a week during that time, due to his popularity. When you start reading a new comic and don’t start at the beginning, it can take a while to understand what’s going on, just who the characters are, and what they are trying to accomplish. And with this being the second issue of just two, I missed all of that, because Wolverine and Deathblow are in the middle of trying to fix everything that’s wrong, right from the start of this comic. It seems like this was probably a decent story, but I was a bit lost. I’m sure fans of these two characters wouldn’t mind having this in their collection. The cover price of Deathblow/Wolverine #2 is $2.50, while the current value is $3.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 21)

#1046 — Ghost Hog #1, Oni Press, May 2019.

Ghost Hog? The title makes me think of a combination of Ghost Rider and Peter Porker, the Spectacular Spider-Ham! Yet this Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) offering from Oni Press, written and illustrated by Joey Weiser, will not only entertain the little ones in your dwelling place, but you, too. A graphic novel of Ghost Hog and her friends was published shortly after this came out, so this was a good way to market the more expensive book to potential buyers. Did this get in the right hands? Often on FCBD, everyone is busy looking for comics by Marvel, DC, and Image, and readers may not take notice of fun stories like this one. Near the back of the comic, we also get several preview pages of another graphic novel, Pilu of the Wood, by Mai K. Nguyen. I didn’t like it as well, but the sample was enjoyable enough for me. The cover price of Ghost Hog #1 is free, while the current values are $0 on CBR and $1 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Kids

#1047 — The Beagle Boys Versus Uncle Scrooge #4, Gold Key, June 1979.

A couple weeks ago I really hit the jackpot in the quarter boxes at Kenmore Komics & Games, my local shop. My supply of Cool Comics Kids issues was starting to dwindle, and I was hoping I’d be able to pick up a few on the cheap while in the store, and I came away with enough to keep me in business for 81 more episodes (if Cool Comics lasts that long, that is). It’s always fun to find comics you just know you’re going to like, and I was able to get a few issues from this short-lived series, The Beagle Boys Versus Uncle Scrooge. Over the last year or so of reading lots of comics primarily aimed at kids, I’ve discovered that I like the Disney ducks quite a bit, including the irascible Uncle Scrooge McDuck. In this issue we get a couple stories, “The Great Gift Grab” and “The Rare Stamp Episode,” which will probably make you cringe a bit with worry if you’ve ever collected anything (and more than likely, if you’re reading this, you’ve collected comic books at some point!). As usual with these Seventies comics, the ads are as much fun as the stories, and we get extras like “The Adventures of Gritboy” and a Slim Jim ad that has a couple scary looking kids chomping away! The cover price of The Beagle Boys Versus Uncle Scrooge #4 is 40¢, while the current value is $8.

Cool Comics Classics

#1048 — Justice League of America #158, DC/Whitman, September 1978.

If you’re a fan of superhero teams, you can’t go wrong with the original Justice League of America series. Just look at the heavy hitters on this cover! Green Lantern, Superman, Wonder Woman, and the Flash should have no problem keeping you entertained with some comic book fun and heroism, right? But they’ve really got their hands full in this one, not only because they’re facing The Injustice Gang, but because Ultraa is, well, rendering our heroes powerless. And with that, trouble ensues, and we have to keep turning pages to find out if they can even survive! Gerry Conway wrote this Seventies classic, while Dick Dillon did pencils. You may have noticed that this issue has a Whitman cover, and if you’d like some background as to why, just click here. Guess where I found this issue? In a quarter bin, of course! Who says you can’t get great entertainment on the cheap? The cover price of Justice League of America #158 is…well, the regular DC cover price is 50¢, while the current value is $18.

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 4 Years with Monsters and the Forever Man!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 208, 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 (with the exception 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.

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 208…

Cool Comics News!

Guess what? This is episode 208, so when we do a little math (believe me, I’m not a fan of math, but it comes in handy sometimes, doesn’t it?) and divide 52 (the number of weeks in a year) into 208, and we come up with…four…four years of publishing Cool Comics! Break out the cake, candles, and comics, celebrate along with us, and have yourself a fantastic weekend!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Loki the All-Butcher versus Chakan the Forever 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

#1037 — Gotham City Monsters #1, DC, November 2019.

As many of you know, I wasn’t a monster comic book reader in my youth. I’d see books on the store shelves like House of Mystery and Werewolf By Night (and believe me, in the Seventies, there were way more than these two titles), but my money ended up getting spent on Spider-Man and other superheroes. I did appreciate scary movies, and purchased some monster magazines on occasion, but that was about it. These days, I have a yearning to get in on what I missed in my youth, so I grab horror and monster titles from the past, but I also keep my eye out for new titles that I may have an interest in. And when you see a comic called “Gotham City Monsters” and find out that Frankenstein is in it, it’s a no-brainer that it’s getting added to my pull list. Gotham City Monsters is a 6-issue mini-series, and if the first issue is any indication, I’m going to be sad when it’s all over. I don’t have as much history with DC titles as I do Marvel, so some of these monsters aren’t as familiar, such as Andrew Bennett, vampire. As I read his section, I had trouble recalling what else I’d seen him in, but I know I’ve meet him before, at one point or another. And Frankenstein is a DC character I have a certain fondness for, even though I’ve not read much with him in it. Typically, Dr. Frankenstein’s creation is referred to as the monster, but in DC, I guess they look at him as if he’s an offspring of the doctor, which I have no problem with. By the way, I looked the character up and learned that Frankenstein has been a part of DC Comics since 1948, which is really cool. Do you get the picture that I like this series so far? The cover price of Gotham City Monsters #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

#1038 — King Thor #1, Marvel, November 2019.

Jason Aaron has been writing Thor stories for a long, long time! The cover of this new mini-series states that this is the conclusion to a story “Seven Years In The Making!” While I’ve missed out on most of it (I was on a comic book sabbatical from 2003 until 2017), I’ve enjoyed what I’ve read, and this first issue of the end is pretty cool. I’ve seen other stories set in a far-flung future, complete with Thor looking as old as Odin and his three granddaughters having adventures of their own, but now things are much more serious. Why, you ask? Okay, I’ll tell you…but just a little…it’s because now this ancient Thor has to go up against Loki the All-Butcher. He’s the same Loki, but yet not the same Loki. What’s new? The Trickster is joined with an ancient force called the All-Black. If you want to know more, you can buy it (it’s billed as being a 4-issue mini) or try to find spoilers on the Internet. My recommendation is to buy it. The cover price of King Thor #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#1039 — X-Force #13, Marvel, August 1992.

In Cool Comics #1038 (it’s directly above, but I wanted to sound a little fancy on my four-year anniversary!), I brought up the sad fact that I had a comic book sabbatical. And during this break, I thought the relationship was over for good. Part of the problem was white boxes were taking over my house, so not only did I quit, but I had a garage sale that you really wish you had attended. I sold about 8,000 comics at that sale for just a quarter each. And amongst those comics was pretty much my entire “X” collection, and I had a pretty sizable collection. So it didn’t hurt my feelings one bit when I found this X-Force title in my legendary longbox (over a year ago, I bought a longbox that was stuffed with 419 comic books for just $20; hence, Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap). Reading it brought back lots of memories of characters like Cannonball, G.W. Bridge, Rictor, and many, many more. These days, to keep a little sanity and space in my home, I sometimes read a legendary longbox comic and then put it in a garage sale box. But with the memories this issue invoked, I may just keep this one around for a while. The cover price of X-Force #13 is $1.25, while the current values are $3 on CBR and $4 on ZKC.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 20)

#1040 — Dragonfly & Dragonflyman #1, Ahoy Comics, May 2019.

If you read the six-issue series The Last Earth that launched in 2018 from Ahoy Comics, then you’re already familiar with Dragonfly and Dragonflyman. But if you missed out, you can really catch the flavor of these two heroes from two different Earths with this Free Comic Book Day issue. Did you take a chance on it and read it yet? Most stores that participate in FCBD limit customers on just how many free comic books they can take (which makes sense, because the stores pay for these issues…so a great way to help support FCBD is by making some additional purchases, even if you just get some comic supplies like bags, backing boards, and boxes), so you often have to make decisions on just what comics to try. This was a very entertaining story, written by Tom Peyer, with art by Russ Braun. The issue also contains a Captain Ginger story by Stuart Moore, and a couple of other shorts. It’s well worth the current back issue price if you missed out on this one. The cover price of Dragonfly & Dragonflyman #1 is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Kids

#1041 — Bugs Bunny #242, Whitman, May 1983.

While I can imagine a number of Cool Comics readers don’t particularly care much about Cool Comics Kids, it’s a really fun part of my week. When I started donating to ComicBooks For Kids (see information below if you’ve never heard of them, and don’t miss out on their new coloring book!), I wanted to do something beyond just giving money, so in the spirit of the charitable organization, I’ve dedicated this section of Cool Comics to issues that are safe and fun for younger readers. Many of us started reading comic books when we were kids and have terrific memories of reading fun stuff that wasn’t about superheroes (I was a big reader of Dennis the Menace…especially the digests), and therefore this section is to help you discover comics you can get for the young ones in your life, or just for yourself, because it should be about fun, right? Anyway, this Bugs Bunny issue has four stories that are sure to put a smile on your face. The cover price is 60¢, while the current value is $16.

Cool Comics Classics

#1042 — Chakan, the Forever Man #1, RAK Graphics, December 1993.

I’m new to the world of Chakan, the Forever man, but better late than never, right? I’m not a gamer, so I wasn’t familiar with that aspect of the character either (if you don’t know, there is a Sega Chakan game that came out in the Nineties). But it just so happens that the creator of Chakan, Robert A. Kraus (RAK), lives in the same area as I do, so I’ve gotten to know him a bit from a monthly gathering of comic book aficionados, along with talking to him at local cons. At the Cleveland Comic & Toy show earlier this month, I knew it was time to give Chakan a try, so it was fortunate for me that RAK was set up there, and I came away with some of the most fantastic Chakan comics and novellas a comic lover could ever imagine. Chakan’s really a tragic character who you can’t help but root for, and I can’t recommend these stories enough. Published in black and white, the art perfectly captures the mood and tone of these tales. But RAK didn’t create these like typical comic books. Though the stories contain dialogue, the writing doesn’t appear in speech balloons. You quickly grow accustomed to the style, and this method really allows the art to talk on the page. If you ever get a chance to meet RAK or read Chakan, I strongly recommend doing both. The cover price of Chakan, the Forever Man #1 is $5, while the current value is $5

Recently Read Digital Comics

The other day I finely made my way through the interviews at the back of Marvel Graphic Novel #5: X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills. When reading lots of digital text on a tablet, you usually have to do the old finger maneuver to spread the page wide to enlarge the text, and the entire process adds some extra eye strain. But I never want to skip out on these pieces because it’s always interesting to get some background on these important stories. At the time it came out, this was considered one of the best and most important X-Men stories ever told, and it is still a story read and talked about today. It was also influential in the making of the movie X2: X-Men United. This one-shot typically sells on comiXology for $3.99, but I was able to get it on Amazon for just 99 cents during a big sale on Marvel digital titles. If you’re an X-Fan and have never read it, it’s a part of history you don’t want to miss out on.

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.

Legion is Back, Archie vs. The Predator Round 2, and…The Human Fly?

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 207, 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 (with the exception 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.

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 207…

Cool Comics News!

I went quarter comic fishing the other day and came away with some whoppers! Most of what I bought were perfect for Cool Comics Kids, but I also found some old Marvel Conan comics and a Marvel Premiere issue that you are bound to see here one day in Cool Comics Classics. My best purchase was a Whitman Mickey Mouse that is valued at $85…and I got it for just a quarter. Do you like to do bargain bin comic shopping? Tell us about some of your best finds in the comment section below.

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is The Predator 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

#1031 — Legion of Super-Heroes: Millennium #1, DC, October 2019.

The Legion of Super-Heroes is back in DC Comics! If you are a fan, then there’s a good chance you picked up this first of a 2-issue mini-series, which is leading to an ongoing regular series. Some of the characters have gone through changes to modernize it, but at this point I’m just glad we’re finally going to see this team in the post-Rebirth era. If you’ve been reading Superman, then you already got a quick look at some of the Legion members at the end of the last issue, which was a pretty awesome introduction. After reading this first issue, I appreciate the way the creative team is putting this all together and I’m looking forward to what comes next. The cover price of Legion of Super-Heroes: Millennium #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.

#1032 — Archie vs. Predator II #1, DC, September 2019.

Regular readers of Cool Comics know that I tend to enjoy the offbeat Archie adventures, including zombies, witches, werewolves, and vampires. But when Archie vs. Predator came out from Dark Horse Comics in 2015, I was on a comic book break and didn’t think I’d be coming back to the hobby. Yet common sense prevailed, and now Archie Comics decided it was time for the teens from Riverdale to once more face the wrath of the Predator. Most of this first issue is a setup for what’s to come in this mini-series, and they do a good job of providing a spooky scenario for the Archie Gang. Are you familiar with the cover I have pictured here? This awesome piece of art by Robert A. Kraus (RAK) was limited to just 250 issues, and I’m thrilled to have an autographed copy in my collection. RAK was recently at the Cleveland Comic and Toy Show, and I came away with some fantastic Chakan comics (don’t miss next week’s episode!), along with this super-limited cover version of a cool Archie-Predator crossover comic. There is no cover price on this issue, and RAK was selling them for $12.

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#1033 — Professor Xavier and the X-Men #11, Marvel, September 1996.

This week my legendary longbox (over a year ago, I bought a longbox that was stuffed with 419 comic books for just $20; hence, Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap) takes us on an adventure to The Savage Land! Back in the Nineties, Marvel tried giving younger readers a less expensive way to get involved with the hobby, presenting older stories told in a new way, from a different perspective. Hence, we get the “classic” X-Men team, but with a modernized storytelling method. I remember back when this series originally came out (alas, it lasted just 18 issues) and thought it was a great idea, but not enough people got onboard. Still, you can find these in discount bins if you want to collect them for yourself or perhaps for some of the comic-loving kids in your life. The cover price of Professor Xavier and the X-Men #11 is 99¢, while the current value is $3.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 19)

#1034 — Go Fish!, Arcana Studio, May 2019.

Last year on Free Comic Book Day (FCBD), Arcana Studio brought us a young Howard Lovecraft comic that tied in to an animated movie (voices included Mark Hamill and Christopher Plummer), and this year we get another spectacular offering that was originally a screenplay and sold to Lionsgate to be turned into an animated movie. This is a fun little story that will have you thinking of other tales that take place under the sea, but don’t assume it’s just another saltwater knockoff. It’s a clever tale that kids are bound to love, and adults will appreciate it, too. If you didn’t get this one back in May, you might want to try to locate a copy before the movie comes out. The cover price of Go Fish! is free, while the current values are $0 on CBR and $1 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Kids

#1035 — Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures #12, Archie, July 1990.

If I had been a kid back when these were coming out, I would have saved all my money each month to get these Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Adventures comics. Alas, I was much older—and perhaps a little jaded—when these were new, and never gave them a second look. Now, in my older and more mellow years (along with a much less negative attitude…I now consider myself as a “Glass Half Full Fellow!”), I appreciate how much fun these must be to kids who are crazy about those turtles. In this issue we get some interesting characters I’m seeing for the first time in the comics (I knew them by the action figures, way back when), such as Wingnut, Screwloose, and Leatherhead. I grabbed this one out of a quarter box, and maybe someday I’ll pass it down to smaller hands. Cool Comics Kids is a section that aims to give you some fun ideas when getting comics for the little ones in your life, but there’s no reason you can’t enjoy them, too! The cover price of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures #12 is $1, while the current values are $5 on CBR and $3 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Classics

#1036 — The Human Fly #1, Marvel, September 1977.

Spider-Man is one of the most popular characters in comics, the Blue Beetle is a fan favorite (even when someone else takes over the mantle), and Ant-Man has starred in a couple motion pictures that have raked in millions of dollars…so why did the Human Fly get swatted smack-dab out of the Bronze Age? I remember seeing this comic on the stands back in 1977, but I had no interest in it. Actually, I was nearing the end of my first phase of comic collecting, and there was no way I was going to drop 30 coins on someone called The Human Fly. At this point, I even quit getting Omega the Unknown (how was I to know that it would live for just two more issues?). But somehow, The Human Fly outpaced the mysterious Omega, 19 issues to 10, so the creative team was doing something right. Several months ago, I found a really nice copy of The Human Fly #1 in a quarter box, so I decided it was time to give it a chance. The story was fairly entertaining, and we even get a surprise appearance from Spider-Man (not a bad way to start off a new character). I’ll probably never read issues #2 through #19, but you never know, because the Bronze Age is my favorite, and I never mind dipping my toe into that pond. If you have some love for The Human Fly, feel free to tell us why you like him in the comment section below. The cover price of The Human Fly #1 is 30¢, while the current values are $20 on CBR and $8 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.

Marvel Celebrates 80 Years with Special Tribute Issue!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 206, 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 (with the exception 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.

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 206…

Cool Comics News!

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Then why not spend some time at the Cleveland Comic & Toy Convention at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds? My wife and I will be at a table in the Artist Alley & Publishers building selling cool crafts and a couple books I wrote, both Saturday and Sunday. Hope to see you there!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is The Batman Who Laughs versus Spawn! 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

#1025 — Marvel Comics #1000, Marvel, October 2019.

If you’re fan of Marvel, you don’t want to miss out on this cool walk through its history, chalk full of 1-page stories featuring writers (with a lot by Al Ewing, who does a great job giving us an interesting plot thread running front to back) and artists galore. Marvel gives us such varied creators as Adam F. Goldberg, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Neil Gaiman, and George Perez. And that’s just a small sampling. The back cover gives you a complete list, but I’m not going to count them all (it appears to contain over 130 names). That’s a big team to work with, isn’t it? I’ve seen a lot of people online complaining that Marvel doesn’t have any titles that are at 1000 issues, but this is a tribute to the first comic from the company, and how it would be at #1000 now if it had continued publishing. Are they doing this just because DC has had a couple long-running titles hit that magical number? Maybe, but does it really matter? If you like Marvel and don’t mind the steep price, you’ll get it. If you’re just a casual Marvel reader or completely stay away from them, then why worry about it? Comics are meant to entertain us, and this one certainly did that for me. The cover price of Marvel Comics #1000 is $9.99, while the current value is $10.

#1026 — Batman/Superman #1, DC, October 2019.

I mentioned here before that I’m not quite sure why I decided to read The Batman Who Laughs mini-series (I’m usually not much into dark and odd stuff, but every once in a while, something will catch with me and I’ll stick it out as long as I’m enjoying it), yet now that it’s finished and spilling over into this new Batman/Superman series, I’m once more signed up for Nth Metal Madness! If you read my entry for Cool Comic #1025 above, it should come as no surprise to you that I’m more of a Marvel reader…however, I also have a long history with DC, the Batman ’66 TV series being my first exposure to the superhero genre. Also, I have great memories of going to the theater and seeing the 1978 Superman movie with my father, who happened to have an awesome comic collection when he was young (but like so many others from the Golden Age, it ceased to exist…his in a battle in the South Pacific during WWII). So this pairing of historic DC icons against a more current villain that chills you to the bone makes perfect sense for me to add to my collection. Another favorite character of my father’s was Fawcett’s Captain Marvel and his family…which is a little clue to the stunning conclusion of this first issue. The cover price of Batman/Superman #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#1027 — Cyberella #1, Helix, September 1996.

Does anyone remember the short-lived Helix imprint from DC? From what I’ve read online, the original name was going to be Matrix (and even had some promotional material come out with this name) but DC changed it due to the upcoming movie of the same name. Focusing on Science Fiction and Fantasy, the titles didn’t end up becoming smash hits the way The Matrix movie did, although this one, Cyberella, did end up with 12 issues published. To be honest, I don’t remember even seeing these titles when they came out, but no doubt I did, as I read through Previews each month during this period. But thanks to my legendary longbox (over a year ago, I bought a longbox that was stuffed with 419 comic books for just $20; hence, Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap), I now get to experience this forgotten little period of comic book history. And if I remember correctly, I have another Helix issue you may be seeing in a future episode. Creators Howard Chaykin and Don Cameron present us with a rather odd story that was kept interesting by comments from the “Lone Gunman InfoLine” throughout, and while I won’t be searching for issues 2 through 12, I’m sure there were some disappointed fans out there when it came to an end. The cover price of Cyberella #1 is $2.25, while the current values are $2.50 on CBR and $3 on ZKC.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 18)

#1028 — Spawn #1, Image, May 2019.

Remember all the excitement the early Image comic books generated back in the last Century? I started my third phase of comic book collecting in 1993, and Spawn had already been lighting up the cash registers at comic shops across the country. When I got back into the hobby, I had to learn about Image and the creators who’d left the established ranks to start their own creator-owned company. Of course I had to see what it was all about, and I ended up finding all the back issues of Spawn (and a few other Image titles), along with having it as a monthly pull. But after reading thirty-something issues, I decided it really wasn’t my kind of comic, and the main reason I was getting it was all the hype. So I quit getting it. But obviously there is a huge fanbase for Todd McFarlane’s character, evidenced by the 300th issue that just came out (the longest running American independent title, by the way, is now Spawn and Cerebus at 300 issues each…but Cerebus is no longer publishing, so Spawn will set the record when 301 hits the comic shops). On Free Comic Book Day, Todd decided to give us a refresher course on his creation by putting out this reprint of #1, and I’m sure also hoping to get many more sales for #300. The cover price of Spawn #1 (the FCBD version) is free, while the current values are $1 on CBR and $4 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Kids

#1029 — Walt Disney’s Comics and Stories #487, Whitman, June 1981.

This title is a great one to collect for the younger comic book readers in your life, or even for yourself. And what’s wrong with that? Absolutely nothing, I proclaim, regardless of what some people may say. Whether you collected them when you were younger and want to fill in some holes, or just love the nostalgia factor, these Disney characters always manage to bring a smile to your face, don’t they? Like so many of the other kid comics I’ve written about in past episodes, I managed to snag this one out of a quarter box. Usually when I get awesome finds like this, they are still in pretty nice condition, but this one obviously functioned as someone’s color palette for their oil painting endeavors, as evidenced from this picture of the back. But that didn’t stop me from dropping 25 pennies on it. In fact, it gives it a bit of character. The comic contains four stories with some of our favorite characters, including Donald Duck and his nephews, and Mickey and Goofy. The cover price of Walt Disney’s Comics and Stories #487 is 50¢, while the current values are $20 on CBR and $18 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Classics

#1030 — Scorpion #1, Atlas/Seaboard, February 1975.

If you’ve kept up with Cool Comics, then you know that I’ve grown an affinity towards Atlas/Seaboard this year. I can remember seeing a few of the titles when they first came out, although I never bought any, saving most of my money for Marvel. But this year I started feeling nostalgic towards the little company that gave it a go (and failed), so I’ve been purchasing them when I can get good deals. Scorpion is one of those titles that I often see others talk about online, and when I went searching at my local comic shop several months back, I hit the jackpot and found them all (okay, there were just 3 issues, but what’s not to celebrate?)! Howard Chaykin provided the art and story (that’s right, he’s also listed above for Cyberella) along with the concept of this action hero you don’t want to miss out on…if you enjoy Seventies comics, that is. Will this be one of the titles that gets made into a major motion picture? The cover price of Scorpion #1 is 25¢, while the current values are $24 on CBR and $25 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.