Ed Gosney's Blog, page 26

How Many Cans of Spinach Should Popeye Eat Before Facing Apocalypse?

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 205, 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 205…

Cool Comics News!

Powers of X #3 is a Cool Comic in this episode, and just yesterday House of X #3 came out! If you’ve been reading the series, you probably want to get your hands on each issue as fast as you can. Meanwhile, Shazam #7 seems to be months behind, and I heard a rumor that Doomsday Clock #11 is finally going to hit stores next Wednesday. On a closely related note, I’ve seen some online articles about comic books that aren’t being solicited for November (Previews came out yesterday), which is sure to disappoint some fans. Throughout your collecting years, what comic book cancellation hit you the hardest? Let us know in the Comments section below.

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Apocalypse versus Popeye! 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

#1020 — Powers of X #3, Marvel, October 2019.

A few weeks back in Episode 201, I raved a bit about House of X #1, the start of writer Jonathan Hickman’s relaunch of the X franchise, and I’m here to tell you that the story is still going strong and really keeping my attention. Hickman is currently putting out two titles a month, each a week apart. Powers of X and House of X are like X-twins, and you really need to be reading both to get the full story. But the full story is also somewhat elusive, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself occasionally saying, “What The?” (which is a whole other Marvel thing, but fitting, I think). Or maybe it’s just me. Regardless, I’ve really enjoyed the handful of issues that have come out so far of these two series and starting in October (some won’t appear until November), six ongoing titles will replace the Powers of X and House of X limited series. If you haven’t heard or seen, the titles are: X-Men, Marauders, Excalibur, New Mutants, Fallen Angels, and X-Force, so start saving your pocket change, kids! The cover price of Powers of X #3 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#1021 — Number of the Beast #1, WildStorm, June 2008.

As the cover states, “First there was Armageddon, then came Revelations…Now the End Begins!” But when it comes 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 don’t always get to start at the beginning. Or even the middle. Yep, you got it, I know absolutely nothing about Armageddon or Revelations, as far as these WildStorm comics are concerned. But I didn’t let that lack of knowledge keep me from enjoying The Number of the Beast. Billed as #1 of an 8 issue limited series, I wouldn’t hesitate to read more of this series. I wonder if there is an omnibus that contains all three of these series? The cover price of Number of the Beast #1 is $2.99, while the current value is $3.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 17)

#1022 — Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You & Pokémon Adventures, Viz, May 2019.

Once again, Viz gave Pokémon fans what they wanted on Free Comic Book Day: more Pokémon! As everyone knows, FCBD is the first Saturday in May, and the movie Pokémon Detective Pikachu premiered just a few days later, launching Pokémon fans into a rabid frenzy as they stormed the gates of comic book shops all over creation, fighting tooth and nail to get more comics for their collections, constantly bumping into each other while trying to squeeze into the overcrowded stores as they busily worked their fingers to the bone in their attempt to collect them all on their favorite phone app. Okay, maybe that didn’t really happen, but please make sure to support your local comic shop. And truth be told, I’m not a Pokémon fan, but I don’t mind reading one of their comics once a year in support of FCBD. The cover price of Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You & Pokémon Adventures is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Kids

#1023 — Popeye the Sailor #152, Gold Key, November 1979.

When I was a kid, Popeye cartoons were fairly easy to find on TV, and I always enjoyed watching the spinach-eating sailorman. And who can forget the supporting roles? Olive Oyl, Bluto, Whimpy, Pappy, Brutus, and Swee’Pea, just to name a few. By the way, did you know that in his earlier comic strip adventures, Popeye rubbed the hairs of a magical Whiffle hen to get his strength? Don’t believe me? Click this link and see #11 for the evidence! I was fortunate enough to find this Gold Key classic in a quarter bin, and since I’m always on the lookout for titles that make a good fit for Cool Comics Kids, I pulled it out of the box faster than you can…can…open a can of spinach! This issue contains just one story, which is a little unusual for most of the comics I put in this section, but it was entertaining. There are some great ads inside for Saturday morning cartoons, along with the obligatory Sea-Monkeys information and order form on the back cover. The cover price of Popeye the Sailor #152 is 40¢, while the current values are $12 on CBR and $10 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Classics

#1024 — The Flash #240, DC, March 1976.

Over the last couple years I’ve spent a lot of time quarter bin diving, and now I’m at a point in which I’ve had to slow down due to space constraints. But when you spot Pre-Crisis Barry Allen Flash issues for a paltry 25 cents, common sense dictates that you scoop them up…in a flash! I like the cover to this one, and Flash in his red and yellow really stands out behind the black shade of the building. Cary Bates wrote this story titled, “Collision Course with Disaster!” and like so many from this time period, you get a complete tale. As a matter of fact, we even get a backup Green Lantern short (“The Floods Will Come!”), courtesy of Denny O’Neil, Mike Grell, and Tex Blaisdell. Part of the fun in this comic is checking out the ads, and one of them advertises DC’s 1976 calendar that I wish I owned! The cover price of The Flash #240 is 30¢, 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.

Doctor Solar Saves the Day While Mickey’s Beans Prove Fruitful!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 204, 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 204…

Cool Comics News!

What is your favorite decade of comic books? What are your favorite titles? How about superheroes and supervillains? Cool Comics would like to hear more about what makes you tick when it comes to our favorite hobby, so sound off in the comments section below!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Nightwing versus U.S. Agent! 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

#1015 — Nightwing #16, DC, March 2013.

This is a pretty creepy cover for a superhero comic book, and looking at it, there is no doubt that the Joker’s involved. However, in my opinion, the piece of advertising at the top for Arrow takes something away from it. As many readers of Cool Comics know, I was out of the hobby during The New 52 run, so I like to grab some out of quarter bins on occasion (when I’m having trouble finding stuff I want from the Seventies and Eighties, that is). Then I have to decide if I want to wait and see if I can find more, so that the story makes sense, or just dig in. And often I just dig in and read. Turns out this is part of a larger “Death of the Family” story titled “Curtain Call.” At this point, I can’t remember if I read any of the Death of the Family series or not, but no big deal, as I just take this for what it is, which turns out to be a fairly brutal comic. And while I may have missed out on a lot, this was certainly worth the 25 cents I spilled for it. The cover price of Nightwing #16 is $2.99, while the current values are $4 on CBR and $3 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#1016 — Force Works #12, Marvel, June 1995.

In 1995 I was going full force in my third phase of comic collecting, and Force Works was a regular read for several consecutive months. What I can’t remember is if I got up to this issue or not, because I sold what I had of the series at a garage sale a while back. No matter, 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) had several issues of Force Works, so when I pulled this one out to read, I somewhat wondered if my memories would travel back in time to the Nineties, the days when I was a soldier in the Army, but that didn’t happen. Instead I was too busy trying to remember who some of these characters were, such as Century. Perhaps the most interesting note for this issue is the flip book on the back, “War Machine: Brothers in Arms.” This issue contains part one, War Machine #15 has part 2, and it concludes in Iron Man #317, so you have to do a little work to collect the entire story. The cover price of Force Works #12 is $2.50, while the current values are $4 on CBR and $3 on ZKC.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 16)

#1017 — Doctor Who, Titan Comics, May 2019.

Several years ago, I caught Doctor Who fever and watched several seasons via Netflix, starting with the Ninth Doctor. I enjoyed learning all about the universe of this fascinating show, the aliens, and the companions, and I liked Christopher Eccleston. Then his run finished, and we got David Tennant. He’s really the Doctor, isn’t he? Well, you may not agree, and that’s peachy keen, because to each his own (I’m pretty sure that’s the only time I’ve ever written “peachy keen,”). What about Matt Smith, you ask? I haven’t finished his run yet. But the real problem is that I haven’t watched it for about three years now. I didn’t dislike him, but David Tennant spoiled me. This Free Comic Book Day issue covers the Thirteenth Doctor, and I’m way behind now. But you know, it’s Doctor Who, and there are always some things that are the same, or at least vaguely familiar. If you’re a fan of the show, this is a can’t miss FCBD issue. If you haven’t gotten it yet, you better start your search soon…unless you happen to have a TARDIS and can transport yourself back to May 4, 2019. The cover price of Doctor Who is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Kids

#1018 — Walt Disney’s Mickey and Donald #16, Gladstone, December 1989.

For those who enjoy the classic “Beanstalk” stories, here’s another issue you may want to add to your ever-growing pile of comics for little ones (or for yourself if you are young at heart). Astute Cool Comics readers will remember that back in June, our Cool Comics Kids section featured a Muppet Babies issue that also covered Beanstalk mythology (is that a thing, or did I just make it up?). This tale is an adaptation from the cartoon “Fun and Fancy Free,” from 1947, and I’m sure there are a few of you out there who remember watching it. Want more memories? Click the words “Fee fi fo fum” and be transported! There are also a few one-pagers with Donald Duck and his nephews stuffed into this Gladstone Giant comic, but the beanstalk adventures of Mickey and Donald carry this issue and it’s worth another trip above the clouds. The cover price of Walt Disney’s Mickey and Donald #16 is $1.50, while the current value is $5.

Cool Comics Classics

#1019 — Doctor Solar, Man of the Atom #7, Gold Key, March 1964.

I was able to grab this classic Doctor Solar issue for just a dollar last year, and I’ve finally gotten around to reading it. While many of you, like myself, may be familiar with the character because of Valiant, this is the only Gold Key issue I own. According to the bag it was in at the comic store, it’s part of the Landis Collection (I have no idea what the Landis Collection is, but several of the comics I bought that day for just a dollar came with a sticker indicating this on the bag…the price listed on this bag is $30, so I got a terrific deal), which is more than likely a collection of older titles once owned by someone named…Landis. You never know for sure what you’ll see in an old comic, and the inside cover has a special “Keys of Knowledge” section that just happens to be about Atomic Energy and Radioactive Decay. The story itself is entertaining and completely contained in this issue, along with a second story about a Professor Harbinger (that sounds like Valiant, doesn’t it?). And then guess what? Another Doctor Solar story! You got a lot for your dime and two pennies in those days. The inside back cover again presents us with “Keys of Knowledge,” this time focusing on Wild Animals of North America, the Arctic Fox. This comic is full of cool stuff! The cover price of Doctor Solar, Man of the Atom #7 is 12¢, while the current values are $80 on CBR and $70 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.

Super Friends No More? Meanwhile, Absolute Carnage Reigns at Marvel!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 203, 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 203…

Cool Comics News!

Ever feel like you’ll never catch up on your “To Be Read” pile? I’ve felt like that for decades as far as regular books are concerned, and now the same goes for my comic book collection. I keep up weekly with the new stuff that comes out, but back issue acquisitions will have me reading for a long time. Same goes with magazines. When I can find discount back issues of…well…Back Issue, Alter Ego, and other comic periodicals, I grab them, promising to get them read…someday. But when will I ever catch up? Over the last few months, I’ve maintained a mandatory daily reading schedule. So many pages of several different kinds of books each day, along with magazines. And it’s working. Sort of. The problem is, I still keep finding great deals that I can’t resist, and the piles keep growing and growing!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Carnage versus Superboy! 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

#1010 — Absolute Carnage #1, Marvel, October 2019.

As I mentioned last episode in the FCBD section, I’m not a fan of the Marvel Symbiotes. However, I’m unabashedly admitting that I enjoyed this extra-thick start to the mega-Absolute Carnage crossover event. For those who are fans of Knull and all the craziness associated with him, Venom, Carnage, and others, you’re probably trying to reconfigure your budget, because if the spin-offs, one-offs, mini-series, main series, and other related titles involved in this storyline that runs into November are half as good as the opening, you’re in for quite the comic book ride. Donny Cates (writer) and Ryan Stegman (penciler) did a great job in this opener to attract someone like me who doesn’t care much for these characters, but I’d be remiss without mentioning color artist Frank Martin, who knocked it out of the park in setting the right tone for this comic. If you plunked down your money for this and didn’t like it, I feel for you, because it’s not a cheap issue. But my guess is it’s the rare reader who doesn’t have fun with this wild ride. The cover price of Absolute Carnage #1 is $7.99, while the current value is $8.

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#1011 — Superboy and the Ravers #18, DC, February 1998.

I started my third phase of comic book collecting in 1993, just after the Death of Superman story, and in time to get the early issues of the new Superboy who mysteriously shows up as a Superman replacement. Eventually I quit getting the title and didn’t really notice when this Superboy and the Ravers series came around in 1996. This issue wasn’t an easy read, though, because while I was familiar with this cloned version of Superboy, I have no background with the Ravers. And as it turns out, this was the next-to-last issue published. 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) also contains issue 19, but unlike some series in which the last few issues see an increase in value, this wasn’t the case. The cover price of Superboy and the Ravers #18 is $1.95, while the current values are $3 on CBR and $2 on ZKC.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 15)

#1012 — Gillbert, Papercutz, May 2019.

I’m not very familiar with Papercutz, the company that published this issue, and if it weren’t for Free Comic Book Day (FCBD), I wouldn’t have any of their titles in my collection. Last year for FCBD they included The Only Living Boy (see episode 163), which measured taller than standard comics and probably caused a few other collectors some storage grief. But it was entertaining, so I guess that’s what counts. This year as I flipped open the cover to their FCBD issue, Gillbert, I spied a familiar name. Jim Salicrup is the editor-in-chief for Papercutz, but I recognized his name because of Marvel, along with Topps Comics (anyone remember those? Jim edited The X-Files, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Zorro, and a few others), which I did read back in the Nineties. What about Gillbert? It might make you think a little about that other undersea character aimed at a younger crowd…you know, the absorbent yellow guy…but these characters also have a certain charm. The cover price of Gillbert is free, while the current values are $0 on CBR and $1 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Kids

#1013 — Tweety and Sylvester #60, Whitman/Gold Key, August 1976.

I wasn’t a big fan of Tweety and Sylvester cartoons when I was a kid, but I’d still watch (and feel a little sympathy for Sylvester). Like most of these older Gold Key (mine has the Whitman logo, but it’s still basically a Gold Key comic of the period…you can find out why if you Google it) kid comics, there are several stories in each issue, perfect for short attention spans. Looney Tunes characters often borrow stories and ideas from pop culture, and this one has a dickens of a story called “A Tale-of Two Kitties!!” And as I read this and others in the issue, I found myself enjoying it, especially since Tweety, while playing a bit of a mean trick on Sylvester in a story titled “Claws!” doesn’t have things go as smoothly as he’d hoped. If you are looking to build a comic library for the little ones in your life, this is a fun issue to toss on the pile. I was fortunate to find my copy while digging around in a quarter box. The cover price of Tweety and Sylvester #60 is 25¢, while the current values are $10 on CBR and $5 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Classics

#1014 — World’s Finest Comics #180, DC, Nov 1968.

I just love a cover with a price-tag of “12¢” printed on it. And when you can grab one of these for a measly buck, why not, right? The condition isn’t great but owning these small pieces of comic book history are part of the fun of the hobby. And how can you resist reading it to find out what happens to poor Batman? Looks like Superman woke up on the wrong side of the bed or something, because he’s not acting like a Super Friend should! Written by Cary Bates with art by Ross Andru, “Superman’s Perfect Crime” will have you wondering how in the world the Caped Crusader made it into the 21st Century! A backup story from 1955 is included, “The Batmen of All Nations.” Originally published in Detective Comics #215, this story, written by Edmund Hamilton and penciled by Sheldon Moldoff, has us doubting Batman’s abilities for a while, but of course he comes through in the end. The cover price of World’s Finest Comics #180 is 12¢, while the current values are $60 on CBR and $45 on ZKC.

Recently Read Digital Comics

I’d been reading this digital title for a while and at long last wrapped up the lycanthropic collection. With all the other comics, books, and magazines I read, I’ve neglected Jack Russell and his lupine alter ego for a while now…not to mention taking a break from it to get through the digital editions of All-Star Superman. I’ve mentioned here at Cool Comics before that I skipped buying monster comics when I started collecting in the Seventies. Not because I was scared, but because I tended to like my comics to be of the superhero variety. I was a big fan of Bill “Chilly Billy” Cardille, the weekend horror host of Chiller Theatre out of Pittsburgh, and I segregated my comic stuff from my horror collections (I had a small collection of monster magazines during that time…and still have them, along with some awesome Aurora monster models). Nowadays, when I think back to those childhood years spent looking over all the new comics on the shelf at the little shop I frequented, I wish I’d bought some of the Werewolf By Night and Tomb of Dracula issues I ignored. On a few occasions over the last couple decades, I’ve bought some back issues of these titles, but this digital version is great, because it gives me everything I need. Werewolf By Night: The Complete Collection Vol. 1 includes Marvel Spotlight (1971) #2-4, Werewolf By Night (1972) #1-15, Marvel Team-Up (1972) #12, and Tomb of Dracula (1972) #18. I also own Volume 2 in the digital edition, and Volume 3 is available. Best of all, I got this on a terrific sale and spent just 99¢ for 434 digital pages of Seventies Marvel monster love.

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.

Hulk & Thing Head Back to the Dance Floor!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 202, 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 202…

Cool Comics News!

City of Bane, Absolute Carnage, Dawn of X, Year of the Villain…these and other events are taking place in the two biggest comic book sandboxes, so what’s a fanboy to do when there just isn’t enough cash to go around? Besides picking and choosing which titles you can’t live without and which need to be scratched off your pull list (and this always leads to lots of anxiety, right?), there are other options. Recently I gave a talk at my monthly comic book gathering about digital comics and how to get started. So fear not, comic book friends! If you need to read more than you can afford, DC Universe and Marvel Unlimited may just have the answers to your anguish (along with solving storage dilemmas). But they aren’t the only companies with digital comics. If you haven’t explored digital comics, start with comiXology, create a free account, then download some of their free issues and see if you like the experience.

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Batman Who Laughs versus Reed Richards! 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

#1004 — The Batman Who Laughs #7, DC, September 2019.

When I think about my first experience with Batman (the Batman ’66 TV series) and then place it next to The Batman Who Laughs and all the insanity that is packed in the pages of this mini-series, it’s pretty jarring. Which most people can probably state, regardless of when they started reading the adventures of the caped crusader. This series is now at the end after reaching the seventh issue. But wait a minute, it seems to me that when I initially ordered it from the best comic shop around, it was listed as a six-issue series. I don’t know if DC decided that sales were too good to not throw another issue out there, or Scott Snyder realized a little too late that the story couldn’t be wrapped up in six. And yet, even though I’m telling you it’s over, the new Batman/Superman series that is scheduled to start this month is a continuation of this series, an ongoing story about the craziness of the loony Batman from the Dark Multiverse. You probably should keep this series and that one away from the little kiddos who just love Batman but aren’t ready to see him like this. These kinds of comics aren’t what I typically read, but yet I keep doing so. The cover price of The Batman Who Laughs #7 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.

#1005 — Fantastic Four #12, Marvel, September 2019.

Because of all the craziness that constantly happens in the Marvel Universe, Ben Grimm and his new bride Alicia had to put off their honeymoon for a while, but now they are finally going to get that peaceful getaway they’ve been dreaming of. Only some big, green, hulk of a monster has to go and spoil all their fun. And in a twisted way, that means more fun for us readers! Who doesn’t like a good Hulk/Thing brawl? Yet something beyond the pale is at the root cause and is the very catalyst of the Hulk’s rage. What could it be? And just when things seem “grim(m),” old orange brick Ben (you know, “the ever-lovin’, blue-eyed Thing”) puts up his dukes and is finally ready to go toe-to-toe (even though he’s already taken a bit of a beating). “It’s clobberin’ time!” right? But it’s not. The story ends. What? This is a thicker issue, so I was really counting on more of this cool battle when instead it closes early, and we get a little Future Foundation story. Although I enjoyed the Power Pack comic that was part of Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap recently, the Future Foundation preview didn’t do much for me. I understand why they did this, because issue number 1 released just one week after this issue, but when you’re counting on Hulk vs. the Thing, you don’t want interruptions. The cover price of Fantastic Four #12 is $4.99 while the current value is $5.

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#1006 — Fate #1, DC, November 1994.

Parts of the DC Universe are still somewhat of a mystery to me, including Doctor Fate. I’ve read a smattering of comics in which he’s included, but certainly not enough to have a good handle on the character. And back in 1994, it seems that DC tried to “Lobo up” the character. Just look at the cover if you don’t understand what I’m talking about (and if Lobo is an unfamiliar character to you, it’s time to Google). For those of you who’ve read it, I wonder what you think of this interpretation? Not the Doctor Fate you grew up with or wanted? A cool new Nineties twist to the character? I’m sure there are varied opinions. It was sort of fun to read, but I usually prefer my characters to remain more traditional. Part of the fun 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) is getting to explore comics I wouldn’t ordinarily read. The cover price of Fate #1 is $1.95, while the current values are $2.50 on CBR and $2 on ZKC.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 14)

#1007 — Spider-Man/Venom, Marvel, May 2019.

With the start of Absolute Carnage (the first issue came out yesterday…look for it here next week!), I just had to include this Free Comic Book Day issue for episode 202. For Venom and Carnage fans, you’ll want to get your hands on this comic as soon as possible if you haven’t already, since it’s a direct tie-in (it ends with the words, “TO BE CONTINUED IN ABSOLUTE CARNAGE!” so there’s your proof), and who knows what effect this will have on the speculator market. To be honest, while I love Spider-Man, I’m not the biggest fan of the symbiotes, but to each his own. The second story in this freebie gives us a fun little tale with both Spider-Man and Spider-Man getting ready to square off over…pizza? “Friendly Neighborhood Rivalry” is a story more to my liking, and after troubles with the Shocker subside, Miles Morales and Peter Parker get together at the end for even more pizza! The cover price of Spider-Man/Venom is free, while the current values are $4 on CBR and $6 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Kids

#1008 — Muppet Babies #21, Marvel, September 1988.

For those of you who want to introduce your younger kids to comics, Muppet Babies might be just what you are looking for. This is the second issue we’ve featured here for Cool Comics Kids, and once again there are no disappointments. The first tale, “The Weirdest Show on Earth,” has a familiar penciler for those who pay attention to creators. It’s none other than Marie Severin, a Marvel legend. The story starts off with some basic Muppet goofiness, but once it gets moving, you’ll find yourself fairly entertained, regardless of your age. “Do You Sea What I Sea?” (also penciled by Severin) has our furry friends taking an imaginary trip that includes pirates, so batten down the hatches and watch out for Miss Piggy! The cover price of Muppet Babies #21 is $1, while the current values are $5 on CBR and $3 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Classics

#1009 — Four Color #1072 (Marge’s Blythe), Dell, April 1960.

How often have you found a 1960 comic book in a quarter bin? Seriously, when you find comics with a cover price of 20¢ or less, pull them out of the box and put them in your purchase pile! From what I’ve seen online, it’s the rare store that even has quarter discount boxes these days. Seems like most discount bins are a dollar. This Dell title that I was fortunate enough to find is part of their Four Color series, which is difficult to distinguish, because it says “Marge’s Blythe” on the cover, and the same at the indicia inside. But with a little online digging, most decent comic book sites will help you find the answers you are seeking. Marge’s Blythe is a teenage girl you might as easily find in an Archie comic from the same period, and features her adventures with friends and potential beaus, along with a little parental involvement. As it turns out, this issue is missing the center page, containing possibly 4 pages of comics (there certainly could be an ad page on any of them), so one story came to an end that I missed out on and in the next story I missed the beginning. And this may be why I found it in the quarter bin. Still, this anthology of teenage fun was worth every penny I spent, even with the missing pages. The cover price of Four Color #1072 is 10¢, while the current value is $80.

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.

House of X Delivers, Jane Foster Fights on, & Freak Force is Fun!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 201, 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 201…

Cool Comics News!

Did you grab your copy of Previews yesterday at your favorite comic shop? There are some awesome things coming out in October, so make sure not to miss your chance to order them!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Valkyrie versus Wonder Woman! 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

#998 — House of X #1, Marvel, September 2019.

During Phase III (1993-2003) of my comic collecting ventures, the X-Men family of comics were hugely popular, and it seemed like everyone was reading all gazillion titles that came out each month, me included. So when I started Phase IV in 2017, it surprised me that the X-Men didn’t seem like such a big deal any longer (maybe it had something to do with the movie rights). Titles were out there, such as X-Men Gold; Blue; Red; Astonishing; Uncanny came back, and X-Force started hitting shelves. Then Jonathan Hickman signed on with Marvel to relaunch the franchise and suddenly it seems like everyone has X-Fever! Social media is abuzz with people raving about this first issue and others asking if it’s time to jump back onboard the Blackbird and go for an X-ride. And I say yes, if you’ve ever liked the X-Men, this feels like it’s going to be good stuff. I wasn’t around for all the other tales woven by Hickman, but I’m excited to see where all this is going. The cover price of House of X #1 is $5.99, while the current value is $6.

#999 — Valkyrie: Jane Foster #1, Marvel, September 2019.

Much like Loki #1, Lois Lane #1, and Aero #1 over the last few episodes, I don’t have Valkyrie: Jane Foster on my LCS pull list. If there was a copy on the shelf when I walked in the store, I figured I’d purchase the first issue. And like Loki, I ended up buying a variant cover. Typically, I just get the regular cover edition, but since I’m not going to continue with this series, it seems cool to own the variant. Jane Foster has been put through the ringer over the last few years, having battled cancer during her time as Thor, basically dying, coming back, then getting to fight once more during the War of the Realms. And now she has become a Valkyrie. The issue was entertaining, which wasn’t surprising, considering the writers for the series are Jason Aaron and Al Ewing, and the artist is CAFU (Carlos Alberto Fernandez Urbano), for those who like to know these things. It’s interesting how Marvel seems to be building on their Asgardian characters with the addition of Loki and Valkyrie to their monthly titles. The cover price of Valkyrie: Jane Foster #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#1000 — Freak Force #6, Image, June 1994.

At one point in the mid-Nineties I was able to find the first six issues of Freak Force in discount boxes, but eventually ended up selling them at a big garage sale a few summers ago when I thought I was through with comic books. I’m pretty sure I hadn’t read any of them before I sold the small collection, because I didn’t recognize anything about the series while reading this issue 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). I’m not sure what others who’ve read this series think about it, but I’ll admit that this issue was kind of a fun read. It turns out that just before a hero died, his powers ended up accidentally getting passed to a female nurse, who changed into Mighty Man. For a while she isn’t sure how to change back so that she could resume her own life. I wouldn’t mind reading more from this series. The cover price of Freak Force #6 is $1.95, while the current value is $3.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 13)

#1001 — The Dark Age/Afterburn, Red 5 Comics, May 2019.

Are you familiar with Red 5 Comics? I can’t say I remembered seeing the company listed in Previews, but as I wrote this entry, I grabbed a nearby copy and bingo, there it is. This is why I appreciate Free Comic Book Day, because I can discover comics I’ve missed along the way. The first story, The Dark Age, takes place in a near future in which all forms of metal have pretty much turned to dust. So it’s sort of like starting all over again for humanity, and you just know everyone is going to be all about staying calm and helping each other exist in this harsher environment…only you know I’m kidding, because what would be the fun in that? In Afterburn, much of the world has been scorched by a solar flare, radiation ran rampant, and lots of living things either died or mutated. Fun times, once more. Both of these stories held my interest and I certainly wouldn’t mind reading more of either. The cover price of The Dark Age/Afterburn is free, while the current values are $1 on CBR and $5 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Kids

#1002 — Heathcliff #12, Star Comics, November 1986.

This is the second Heathcliff issue I’ve read for Cool Comics Kids, and while many of you out there wouldn’t dream of adding any of these comics into your collection, I have to admit that I’ve had fun reading them. In the first story, “Spaced-Out Cat,” Heathcliff’s antics of digging in garbage cans nearly leads to an alien invasion, but the clever feline ends up saving all of humanity in the end! The second story also shows us just how resourceful this fluffy orange cat can be in “The Kitnap Kaper,” when a resident’s prize-winning cat comes up missing. And to close it out, we get a one-page tale (or tail, right?) in which Heathcliff shows some mice who the boss is in “Knight Life.” Like most of my comics in this kid category, I was able to snag this issue out of a quarter box. I think the younger readers in your life will appreciate this issue. The cover price of Heathcliff #12 is 75¢, while the current values are $4 on CBR and $3 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Classics

#1003 — Wonder Woman #287, DC, January 1982.

I’ve read a few dozen issues of Wonder Woman comics over the years, but when I needed to sell thousands of comic books in order to regain living space, I gave my small collection featuring Diana Prince to my oldest daughter. But a few months ago while digging around in a discount box at Kenmore Komics & Games, I found this issue that guest-stars The New Teen Titans and couldn’t resist plunking down my quarter. This issue was published just a month or so before I began Phase II of comic collecting, and includes The New Teen Titans, so just seeing the cover had my brain flooding with memories from those days. Don Heck did the art, while Marv Wolfman wrote the story. But what I ended up really liking was the backup story in this issue, featuring the pre-Crisis Huntress. A few weeks ago, in Cool Comics Episode 196, I featured the post-Crisis first issue of The Huntress, my choice having been influenced by Back Issue magazine #113. So now I got to read a tale with Helena Wayne, and I really enjoyed experiencing the first version of the character. The Huntress tale credits the storytellers as Paul Levitz and Joe Staton. The cover price of Wonder Woman #287 is 60¢, while the current value is $7.

Recently Read Digital Comics

And finally, I’ve finished the last two issues of All-Star Superman. Thanks again to J.C., writer of The Review Basement, for convincing me to read it.

In All-Star Superman #11, Lex Luthor goes to the electric chair. No kidding, he’s sitting on it, strapped in, the lever is lowered, and the electricity surges! What happens next? That would be telling!

 

 

 

 

In All-Star Superman #12, the Man of Steel is nearing the end, but still has a mission to accomplish when a super-powered baddie enters the scene. This was certainly a fun series that you should give a try if you haven’t already.

 

 

 

 

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 200th Episode!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 200, 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 200…

Cool Comics News!

Cool Comics In My Collection is celebrating 200 episodes with this edition, and I want to thank all of you readers and supporters out there for everything you’ve done, from your encouraging comments to your continued support of the blog. I’d have no reason to do this every week without you, so thanks for giving purpose to my passion!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Batman versus Captain America! 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 

#992 — Batman #75, DC, September 2019.

If you follow your favorite comic heroes at various places on the web, then you probably have seen the news that Tom King’s Batman run has been cut short for various reasons. I’m not going to rehash all of that, because it’s easy enough to find if you do an Internet search. Putting all that behind us, issue #75, which is a little larger than the normal comic, starts the City of Bane storyline. If you haven’t been reading and just pick this one up, you may have some trouble following what’s going on, but I’m betting that you can find websites that will gladly give you the scoop of what’s been going on in Bruce Wayne’s life over the past several months. And if you decide you’re just going to tackle it as is, I’m betting you’ll have plenty of questions when you finish, and maybe some puzzled looks on your face along the way! But don’t let any of that keep you from jumping onboard because when it gets down to it, this is Batman, a legendary character, and it’s time to have some fun seeing what happens in City of Bane, right? The cover price of Batman #75 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.

#993 — Loki #1, Marvel, September 2019.

Thanks to the success of The Avengers and Thor movies, Loki’s popularity seems to be at an all-time high. Sometimes he’s portrayed as bad, and sometimes good, but if you’re smart, you won’t put too much trust in this Trickster. If you read War of the Realms, then you know that he was eaten by his true father, King Laufey of the Frost Giants. Yet here he is in his own title. You can’t keep a good comic book character down, right? And don’t worry, I’m not going to reveal how any of that took place in case you haven’t read it yet. You might be asking yourself if Loki is truly worthy of having his own title, so let us not forget that he’s the reason the Avengers formed in the first place! I had fun reading this comic, but I’m probably one and done with it for now (if I had unlimited funds, I’d certainly go further with the series). It wasn’t on my pull list at my comic shop, and I bought it on a whim when I saw there was a Carnage-ized cover still available. I’m not a big fan of Carnage, nor of variant covers, but sometimes it’s fun to add things like this to your collection. The cover price of Loki #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#994 — Power Pack #22, Marvel, May 1986.

Power Pack. Yup. When I explored 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 saw that there were four issues of Power Pack, I was none too thrilled. The series came out during a time I was between collecting phases, and if one thing is consistent when it comes to discount bins, Power Pack issues are sure to be found in them. And I had no interest in them at all. I knew Franklin Richards appeared in the comics, along with Alex Power and his siblings, but I knew nothing about the Power family, their actual powers, and why they even existed in the Marvel Universe. After having said all that, I’m not afraid to admit that I had fun reading this issue! My legendary longbox has opened my eyes to other titles and characters that I’ve ignored, and fun is what comic book reading and collecting is all about for me. Now I’m looking forward to reading the other three issues in that box. The cover price of Power Pack #22 is 75¢, while the current value is $3.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 12)

#995 — Captain Canuck, Chapterhouse, May 2019.

Last year I read my first Captain Canuck comic, as it was part of the Free Comic Book Day offerings. And the folks at Chapterhouse have done it again. Captain Canuck is by no means a new character, having found his way to sales racks in 1975. Was it offered in other countries, or just Canada? That’s something I don’t know, but if any of you readers out there have the scoop, let us know in the comments section below. For the life of me, I can’t remember seeing the title on racks as a kid, college student, or adult. As you can see from the cover, there is a new Captain Canuck, and it looks like a bunch of other heroes I know nothing about are converging to find out who it is. The cover price of Captain Canuck is free, while the current value is $0.

Cool Comics Kids

#996 — Donald Duck #278, Gladstone, March 1990.

This Gladstone issue of Donald Duck that I found in a quarter bin looks back 40 years (69 years from our perspective) to a 1950 tale from Duckmeister Carl Barks, “Land of the Totem Poles.” While reading this first story (there are several more in this “Special Double-Sized Issue!”), I couldn’t help but think that some of the depictions of Native Americans wouldn’t fly today, and later discovered on the inside back cover that this already contained some editorial changes. Gladstone tells us, “What seemed harmless enough in 1950 skates close to objectionable ethnic humor these days, so at the request of the Walt Disney Company, we’ve cleaned up the Indians’ dialogue.” I wonder if more changes would be made for today’s comic book audience. And since this comic is aimed towards a younger audience, I don’t have a problem with Disney wanting to reshape it a bit. Some critics today continually apologize or cast aspersions towards comic books of the past, but changes in attitude don’t happen overnight. Sometimes it’s okay to look at things from the historical perspective in which they were produced. Okay, now that we have that behind us, I’ll close with mentioning that there are a handful of stories here that kids will probably enjoy (and you can always read “Land of the Totem Poles” with them and have a meaningful conversation about it). The cover price of Donald Duck #278 is $1.95, while the current value is $9.

Cool Comics Classics

#997 — Avengers #69, Marvel, October 1969.

A while back I decided I wanted to find a decent copy of Avengers #69 for my collection. There are other comics I’d rather have (Amazing Spider-Man #122 and #129, Fantastic Four #48-50, and many others that are somewhat of a realistic possibility…unlike Action Comics #1, which will never happen for me…yet I can always dream…), but I felt that this one was within my budget. Lo and behold, a few weeks ago there was a small con in Akron, Ohio, and I was able to purchase a copy for $25! It’s far from perfect, but it looks very nice and I’m now a proud owner of the first appearances of the Grandmaster (En Dwi Gast) and the Squadron Sinister, consisting of Nighthawk, Dr. Spectrum, Hyperion, and Whizzer. The story, written by Roy Thomas, with art by Sal Buscema, was a lot fun to read, and just finding a copy gave me a great sense of accomplishment. As soon as I bought it, I knew I had to use it for a special episode, and being that this is my 200th, I felt the timing was perfect. The cover price of Avengers #69 is 15¢, while the current value is $150.

Recently Read Digital Comics

It’s been taking me a while to finish up All-Star Superman, but I’m still pushing through. It’s not that I haven’t been enjoying the series, but instead the fact that I read a lot of different things each day, and there are only so many hours that I can dedicate to reading. Hopefully I’ll get the final two issues read for episode 201.

In All-Star Superman #9, we get a surprise visit from these two yellow and purple draped characters as seen on the cover. Is Superman taking the knee in fealty, or did he just get socked in the nose? They male is sort of mean looking, isn’t he?

 

 

 

 

The cover for All-Star Superman #10 makes it look like he’s got the whole world in his hands, but looks can be deceiving. The Man of Steel’s future actually seems to be in doubt, and he’s trying to prepare the world for life without him. Two more issues to go, and I’m excited to see what happens next!

 

 

 

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.

“Welcome Back” John Carter, Mars Was Your Ticket Out!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 199, 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 199…

Cool Comics News!

While I consider myself a comic book commentator and influencer, I’m a far cry from being able to claim the mantle of “Comic Book Historian.” Rather, I’m more of a student of comic book history. I gain my education via magazines such as Back Issue and Alter Ego, books on comic book history, and I’ve also added podcasts to my curriculum, such as Into the Weird. If you click on the name and listen to Episode 10, the podcast team reads an email I sent to them.

And speaking of Alter Ego, a few weeks back I found a big batch of back issues of it and Back Issue magazine at my local comic shop. I recently finished reading issue 154, which had a great feature on Golden Age artist Allen Bellman along with some fun early Seventies Marvel comics staring female heroes. If you want to know more about the creators and characters of your hobby of choice, these two magazines are excellent.

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Deathstroke versus Shang-Chi, the Master of Kung Fu! 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

#985 — The Amazing Spider-Man #25, Marvel, September 2019.

I’ve read lots of Spider-Man comic books (Amazing, Spectacular, Peter Parker, Marvel Team-Up, no adjective, and Ben Reilly/Scarlet Spider/Clone Spider-Man) during my life, going back to the early Seventies. And some periods I’ve enjoyed more than others. When you’ve taken a break from the hobby, sometimes it’s painful when you return because things aren’t the way you remember them as being, and you aren’t happy with the changes. I enjoyed the last few months of The Amazing Spider-Man before it got renumbered to the current run, but I’ve just been lukewarm with The Hunt storyline. Not that it was bad, but it didn’t do much for me. I think most comic book readers know what I’m talking about…not necessarily with this run of Spider-Man, but at some point in your reading, one of your favorite titles suddenly doesn’t feel the same any longer. So we come to this giant 25th issue, and I was hoping that it would give me back that Spider-Man feeling that I remember so well. And for the most part, it did. Thanks to Mary Jane Watson. Anyone who’s read this issue knows all about what she did at the theater, and her interactions made this big issue worth it. The cover price of The Amazing Spider-Man #25 is $7.99, while the current value is $8.

#986 — Superman #13, DC, September 2019.

Initially, Superman #13 wasn’t going to be a part of Cool Comics. I decide on the comics a couple weeks in advance and start reading what’s scheduled to go in the episode about a week-and-a-half before publication. Yet after reading this issue, the first “Year of the Villain” title I’ve gotten, I knew it belonged as part of Cool Comics. Superman and his father (Jor-El…if you haven’t been keeping up, he’s still alive) are in space, traveling to where Krypton used to be located to find out once and for all what really caused the destruction of the planet. But we also get an in-depth view of Jor-El before the devastation, including clandestine meetings with galactic leaders, his efforts to find out information concerning Rogol Zaar, and the drama he and his wife faced concerning young Kal and life and death. There are those who don’t like the current writer of the Superman comics, Brian Michael Bendis, but I’ve been having lots of fun reading them over the last year. The cover price of Superman #13 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

#987 — Deathstroke #19, DC, July 2017.

Remember “The Judas Contract” way back in 1984? It was a story appearing in Tales of the Teen Titans #42 through 44, and Tales of the Teen Titans Annual #3. I wasn’t actively reading or collecting when these came out, but picked up both issue #44 and the annual in back-issue bins sometime during the Nineties, so when I started reading this Deathstroke issue that is part 3 of “The Lazarus Contract,” it immediately brought “The Judas Contract” to mind, and by golly, even though many changes have take place in DC comics since 1984, there were some parallels, making it fun for anyone who remembers that blast from the past. This storyline takes place in Titans #11, Teen Titans #8, then this issue of Deathstroke, and finishes up in Teen Titans Annual #1. For those who fondly remember “The Judas Contract” and want to read this new take, you can also purchase Titans: The Lazarus Contract in hardcover, trade paperback, and digitally. The cover price of Deathstroke #19 is $2.99, while the current values are $9 on CBR and $8 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#988 — Deadly Hands of Kung Fu #2, Marvel, August 2014.

During my first phase of comic book collecting (1973 to 1978), I was not at all caught up in the Kung Fu craze, so when Master of Kung Fu started appearing on the shelves at Slick’s in Martins Ferry, Ohio, I barely gave it a sideways glance. Though I wish I could hop in my DeLorean and tell my younger self what comics to buy, it’s probably not going to happen. Yet we can dream, can’t we? Meanwhile, I do feel like a kid again when I find Seventies gems at discounted prices. But during a long absence from comic book collecting (mid-2003 to mid-2017), I missed out on lots of other cool stuff, including Shang-Chi, the Master of Kung Fu himself, in this miniseries. Fortunately for me, 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) helped me discover a number of cool comics that I’d missed out on. But this is issue 2 of 4, so I need to keep my eyes out for the other three issues. The hunt is never-ending, right? The cover price of Deadly Hands of Kung Fu #2 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 11)

#989 — Bob’s Burgers, Dynamite, May 2019.

Last August in episode 152, I had my first experience in any way, shape, or form with Bob’s Burgers. I didn’t like the first story in the issue, enjoyed the second, and didn’t really commit one way or the other on the third tale. This year I thought the first story, “The Ride,” was very entertaining and brought to mind elements of my short story Counterclockwise (which can be found as a solo Kindle story and additionally as a paperback and via Kindle in Ha!Ha!Ha! a Supervillain anthology). In my opinion, The Ride makes it worth searching out this Free Comic Book Day issue, if you like offbeat stories. Up next, Bob’s Burgers gives us a cautionary tale in a wacky way that I’m guessing will entertain most of you. Last, we get a bit of a bizarre space-faring adventure that takes enough odd twists and turns to keep you reading to the end. The cover price of Bob’s Burgers is free, while the current values are $0 on CBR and $1 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Kids

#990 — Porky Pig #73, Whitman/Gold Key, March 1977.

This issue of Porky Pig came out in the Gold Key era, but has the Whitman Pre-Pack logo on the cover, for those completists out there who are wondering about the image. When I was a kid, I didn’t care much for Porky Pig, but as I’ve matured, I now must admit that I sort of like him. With that in mind, I don’t know how today’s youth feel about Porky (and do kids today even know much at all about Looney Tunes?), but I still recommend this comic for your growing Cool Comics Kids collection that you can safely give to the youngsters in your life. Like most of the other titles in this category, the issue has several complete stories that are perfect for young attention spans. If you do some digging you can find comics like this in discount bins from time to time, and I grabbed this one for just a quarter. The cover price of Porky Pig #73 is 30¢, while the current values are $10 on CBR and $5 on ZKC.

Cool Comics Classics

#991 — John Carter, Warlord of Mars #1, Marvel, June 1977.

During my third phase of comic collecting (1993 to 2003), I was able to find all but three issues of this series in back issue bins. I hadn’t gotten around to reading any of them, and then when I ended up selling the majority of my collection because my house was overrun with white boxes, all my issues of John Carter ended up in the sale. So, this first issue is a replacement. It’s in far better condition than the previous number one I owned, and I paid $9 for it. But it’s a piece of Bronze Age beauty that I really wanted in my collection, and I’m happy to have it back. I’m not sure if I’ll ever get all the other issues I had from this short series, but this is the one I really wanted. If you’ve seen the underrated movie, you’ll recognize parts of this story. I’ve yet to read the original novel, A Princess of Mars, so I can’t tell you how this comic book matches up to it, but maybe some of you readers out there can let us know in the comments section below. Written by Marv Wolfman, with art by Gil Kane and Dave Cockrum, this comic isn’t for everyone, but for those who appreciate Edgar Rice Burroughs and licensed comics, this is a visual feast not only of the story itself, but the experience of going back to 1977 and enjoying the ads on the pages, too. So welcome back, Carter! The cover price of John Carter, Warlord of Mars #1 is 30¢, while the current value is $35.

Recently Read Digital Comics

I’m still making my way through the digital issues of All-Star Superman, but this week things were a little busier, so I was only able to read issues 7 and 8 of the series. Both had a lot of Bizarro World interaction, which can get a little annoying at times, if you know what I mean—”Me am fan of Bizarro talk”—not so much. Still, Bizarro has long been a part of Superman comics, so I’m not complaining. By the way, I’ve been reading All-Star Superman with the DC Universe app, and the mechanics of it have been working just as well as comiXology, which is usually the app I use for my digital reading. It gives you the option of reading frame by frame, but I have noticed that the art is a little fuzzy this way. I’m not sure if these issues look the same or better in comiXology, or if just this particular comic series has this happening or all comics via the app suffer from this. Regardless, I like the availability of so many titles to choose from. It seems like most people got the DC Universe app (at least from what I’ve seen on social media) in order to stream shows and movies, but don’t discount the vast collection of DC back issues available to you.

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.

Lois Lane Sizzles In Her Solo Series!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 198, 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 198…

Cool Comics News!

I’m on my second week with Zap-Kapow Comics, and I really like it. If an entry doesn’t have pricing, or there’s a missing issue or title, you can click “Report Error” for the comic, or if the comic just isn’t there, you can select “Contact” at the bottom of the page to send them an email, and they’ll get on it faster than you’d imagine. Some updates are made in minutes, while others get updated a few hours later (which is to be expected). If a title is missing, they let you know that it will be included in the next edition of the price guide, which comes out at the beginning of the month. If you go with the least expensive plan (Bronze Age), you pay just $4.99, a one-time fee. But if you want updated pricing and new issues to show up, you must pay 99¢ per update. Silver Age is a one-time fee of $19.99, and Golden Age, which comes with all the bells and whistles, costs $24.99. With those two plans you get the updated pricing for free at the beginning of each month. The only drawback is that for the new comics you purchase in July, you’ll have to keep track to add them in August…although with the Golden Age membership, you can create pull lists, so this, I’m assuming, adds them for you automatically. Although if you ended up getting a cover variant or something a little different, you’ll probably need to go to the comic and make sure you update it the way you want it listed. Visit the FAQ at the site for the lowdown on this. By the way, it works very well on my phone just using the browser and looks great. I think I’m spending too much time on it…

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Aero 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

#979 — Lois Lane #1, DC, September 2019.

Lois Lane is one of the oldest characters in the history of comic books. She appears in the first issue of Action Comics (you know, the one that introduced Superman to the world back in 1938) and has been one of the most important supporting cast members ever since. And now, at long last (it’s been 45 years since the end of Superman’s Girlfriend, Lois Lane), we get a 12-Issue Maxi-Series of the this iconic character. Written by Greg Rucka, with art by Mike Perkins, Lois Lane will appeal to readers who appreciate intrepid news reporters (I had to say it), secrets, espionage, and anyone who is part of Superman’s world. If you don’t mind politics in your comics (and politics that bleed from today’s real headlines into the fictional world of the Daily Planet), you may want to try this out. Although I realize that politics have long been a part of comic books, I don’t care much for it. Comic books are a way to escape reality for short periods of time, giving us moments in which we don’t have to worry what’s being said or done in not only your home country, but the world at large. And that’s about as political as I’ll get with all of you. The series is just heating up (don’t believe me? just look at the cover…and things also heat up a little too much when Clark visits Lois and…I’ll leave it at that), but I’m one and done with it. It’s not on my pull list, and the main reason I grabbed this first issue is because I think that it’s a historically important comic (not in the sense that it’s going to balloon in price, but because it’s Lois Lane). The cover price of Lois Lane #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

#980 — Aero #1, Marvel, September 2019.

If I hadn’t read the War of the Realms: Agents of Atlas mini-series, Aero wouldn’t be on my radar at all. First appearing via online comics for a Chinese audience, Aero now has the attention of many more readers thanks to the big company crossover. And Wave, another superhero who made her debut in War of the Realms, also appears with Aero in a second story in this same issue. In the first story, “Protector of the City,” the art style reminds me of Japanese manga, while the second adventure, “Aero & Wave: Origins & Destinies,” seems to be more in the typical superhero style I’ve seen over the years. Much like the Lois Lane comic above, this title isn’t on my pull list, and I bought it to try something a little different. And while the stories were decent, I’ll possibly never read another issue of Aero. The cover price of Aero #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#981 — Gen13: Bootleg #17, Image Comics, March 1998.

One of the original Image Comics I liked back in the Nineties was Gen13, written by Jim Lee and Brandon Choi, with art by  J. Scott Campbell. I guess it reminded me of the X-Men, and I became a huge X-Men reader during that period. But I only bought a handful of Gen13 issues (there were lots of titles out then that I was trying, and if something didn’t resonate with me, I moved on to another), and ended up selling them all at a huge garage sale one summer weekend. But when I came into possession of my legendary longbox (I bought a longbox that was stuffed with 419 comic books for just $20 a while ago; hence, Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap), once more I stumbled upon this group of heroes. This series has different creators and even a slightly different title, but it was fun paying this team a visit once more. The cover price of Gen13: Bootleg #17 is $2.50, while the current value is $3.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 10)

#982 — My Hero Academia & The Promised Neverland, Viz Media, May 2019.

For some of us who’ve been involved with comic books for decades, it’s not the easiest thing to read manga in the correct panel order. It shouldn’t be that hard, but sometimes we’re just so used to how we’ve always read comics that we need to really pay attention to what we’re doing! Okay, maybe it’s just me. Free Comic Book Day once more brings us another story from My Hero Academia, and in this story, there is a fight that takes place throughout and continues, it tells us at the end, into Volume 14. Because I don’t read this comic, I had no idea of what was going on, but I know there are fans out there who probably were on the edge of their seats. The second story in this FCBD issue is called The Promised Neverland, and it really captured my attention. The series has been around for a while, getting its start in 2016 in the anthology Weekly Shōnen Jump. The short piece I read in here was intriguing, and obviously others thought so because it was turned into an anime series. If you’ve seen it or read the series, tell us what you think of it in the comments below. The cover price of My Hero Academia & The Promised Neverland is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Kids

#983 — Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures #10, Archie, May 1990.

Most of the comic books I’ve put in this Cool Comics Kids category have been Disney or Warner Brothers-related, with a few Harvey titles thrown in for good measure. And if you remember, a few episodes back (Episode 190, for those who like to know these things), we had our first look at Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for the younger crowd, via Archie. TMNT first came on the scene in 1984, and while Big Brother may have been watching (or reading, if you will), I wasn’t. These were college years for me, and although I flirted with some Marvel and DC titles in 1982, that was about it. And the next thing you know there’s a cartoon, action figures galore, and this comic series for the younger crowd that couldn’t get enough on Saturday mornings. I was too busy graduating and getting married to even notice, but soon enough the wife and I got into the TMNT action figure craze. This comic probably has a lot of sentimental value for some of you out there, so grab these issues when you can find them (I found this one for just a quarter!) and relive those simpler times. The cover price of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures #10 is $1, while the current values are $5 at CBR and $3 at ZKC.

Cool Comics Classics

#984 — Tragg and the Sky Gods #9, Whitman, May 1982.

You never know what you’re going to find when you start flipping through quarter bins. Sometimes you find the same stuff you always seem to find and either don’t want it or need it, and sometimes you find something older and really different. Is it any surprise that I love to snag the “older and really different” comics? I’d never set eyes on Tragg and the Sky Gods before, but a little Internet searching helped me find out that Gold Key published issues 1-8, and then several years later, Whitman (Gold Key and Whitman both fell under Western Publishing) put out issue #9, although it seems to be a reprint of the first issue. The cover is almost an exact copy, and the tale we are given is an origin story. As some of you know, Western later stopped putting out comics under the Gold Key name and just used Whitman for their pre-packs (plastic bags of comics that typically were in three packs for a little less than the cover price), and they probably figured they’d capture a new audience with the Whitman Tragg. If any of you are Erich Von Däniken Chariots of the Gods? fans and/or conspiracy theorists, then you need to check out Tragg. Aliens come to our planet, take some females into their ship, and next thing you know, little Tragg and Lorn are born and are smarter and more powerful than the others in their tribe…who, of course, aren’t happy about this and basically try to kill our cute little alien DNA-privileged couple. This is a fun read, comic fans, and if I can find some of the Gold Key issues at decent prices, I’ll have to add them to my collection! The cover price of Tragg and the Sky Gods #9 is 60¢, while the current values are $9 at CBR and $6 at ZKC.

Recently Read Digital Comics

Continuing from our last edition of Cool Comics In My Collection, I’m still catching up on these digital editions of All-Star Superman, as recommended by my buddy J.C. who writes the awesome blog, The Review Basement!

In All-Star Superman #3, the Man of Steel plays favorites and gives Lois Lane superpowers. No, he doesn’t sacrifice his own to bestow upon her, but instead gives her this strange yellow tube filled with a glowing liquid. Superman tells her that it’s a formula that will give her superpowers for a day. She drinks it and gets to see how the other half lives.

 

 

In All-Star Superman #4, Jimmy Olsen thinks he’s pretty cool and causes some problems, but things have a way of working themselves out by the end. A sort of fun issue that includes a Turtle Boy poster in a panel.

 

 

In All-Star Superman #5, Clark Kent goes to prison to interview Lex Luthor before his execution. For some reason, Luthor isn’t overly worried about his upcoming date with death, Clark is more bumbling than ever, and the Parasite nearly ruins everything.

 

 

In All-Star Superman #6, we get our most poignant moments of the series thus far, as a young Clark meets members of The Superman Squad, from a far distant future. But there is more than meets the eye with one of the members, and by the end, you might find yourself wiping a tear from your eye.

 

 

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.

Sgt. Rock, G.I. Joe, & Unsung Hero Help Celebrate Our Independence!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 197, 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 197…

Cool Comics News!

You’ll notice that starting in this episode, I’ve added pricing from an additional source, Zap-Kapow Comics. When secondary value is the same, the entry will look as it always does, but when there is a difference, I’m using the initials CBR and ZKC. While many of you read and collect comics just for the fun of it, it’s still interesting to know what some people are paying for our treasures, right? And with this in mind, Cool Comics now gives you two price sources (to get pricing at ZKC, you have to subscribe to one of three levels of service…it’s a really cool website, and so far, I’m having fun with it). In a later edition of Cool Comics, I’ll give you more of my impressions of Zap-Kapow Comics.

Late last week I finished reading Tony Isabella’s 1000 Comic Books You Must Read. This is a fun look at a wide variety of comics that starts with Action Comics #1 in 1938 and takes us through the years (up to the end of 2008) with snapshots of covers and snippets of information such as date, publisher, issue number, and a short comment from the author. Tony makes no claim that these are the greatest one thousand comics of all time, but they are comics he likes for one reason or another and recommends that fans should give them a try. This is a fun coffee table book that most comic fans would probably enjoy having in their collection.

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is The Punisher versus Sgt. Rock! 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

#973 — War of the Realms #6, Marvel, August 2019.

Can you believe we went four consecutive weeks at Cool Comics without a word about War of the Realms? “So why bring it up now?” Because it’s officially over…at least until the special July Omega issue comes out. I still haven’t decided if it’s going to make an appearance here or not. And since I live in the U.S.A. and today is Independence Day, the War of the Realms is a good fit as it’s an all-out battle for freedom. All in all, I enjoyed this huge crossover event. We met some new characters in War of the Realms: Agents of Atlas, saw some awesome battles, and witnessed comic book bravery (just making sure that you know that I know that none of this is real…but it’s fun, right?). If you’ve been keeping up with at least some of the story, you really need to get this issue. If you like Thor, this comic gives you more Thor than you can shake an enchanted uru mallet at. And the end is pretty interesting, to say the least. Don’t worry, no spoilers here! The cover price of War of the Realms #6 is $5.99, while the current value is $6.

#974 — G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #175, IDW Publishing, February 2012.

How can we not include G.I. Joe in this Fourth of July edition of Cool Comics? Seriously, this fictional character is a Real American Hero (this sentence presents a bit of a conundrum, doesn’t it? Is he real or fictional? In the end, it doesn’t matter, because it’s G.I. Joe!). I know I’ve mentioned on here before that I sort of fell in between the two big G.I. Joe phases: the 12-inch figures from the Sixties and the 3.75-inch toys that appeared in 1982. I was too old and sophisticated for the toys and cartoons in the Eighties (or so I thought), which is rather unfortunate, because as an Army veteran, I now have an appreciation for this franchise. These days, when I’m digging away in quarter boxes at my favorite comic shop, I always grab G.I. Joe comics when I find them (which is how I got this issue). Chalk full of action, these comics don’t disappoint. The cover I got with this issue is a variant and brings The Terminator to mind! The cover price of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #175 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

#975 — American Splendor: Unsung Hero #1, Dark Horse Comics, August 2001.

For those of you who are familiar with and appreciate Harvey Pekar, I’m going to apologize upfront for being unfamiliar with his work. Or at least I was, until I read American Splendor: Unsung Hero #1. Though Pekar was born, lived, and passed away just a little north of where I’ve spent most of my life, my comic book reading typically veers toward the superhero variety. Yet as life continues, I’ve found my reading habits branching out in different directions, with growing appreciation towards other genres of this fascinating hobby. This comic is the first of three issues that brings us the story of Marine Lance Corporal Robert L. McNeill and his journey from Camp Pendleton to his time served in Vietnam. The interiors are done in black and white, and the art style reminds me of Primitivism, which works well for this biographical story. Though the conflict in Vietnam is often laced with negative connotations, that doesn’t take away from the bravery and sacrifice that members of our armed forces displayed there. The cover price of American Splendor: Unsung Hero #1 is #3.99, while the current value is $4.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 9)

#976 — Stranger Things & Black Hammer, Dark Horse Comics, May 2019.

Thanks for taking a break from streaming Stranger Things Season 3 on Netflix to come read the newest episode of Cool Comics. We really appreciate it. And since you’ve made this great sacrifice, we made sure to include the Free Comic Book Day Stranger Things issue on launch day. And Black Hammer too, for all you Black Hammer fans out there who are trying to compete with those kids from Hawkins, Indiana. The Stranger Things story takes place just a few weeks after season one, giving us a picture of some of the fallout the characters went through. If you are a fan of the show and you don’t have this comic, you’ll probably want to find yourself a copy. Next week the Dark Horse/DC company crossover Black Hammer/Justice League: Hammer of Justice #1 of 5 comes out, so our timing at Cool Comics is, once more, hard to beat. I don’t know much about Black Hammer, and this half issue didn’t make me feel any better prepared to talk about it here, but fans of Jeff Lemire probably already have this FCBD issue in their collection. The cover price of Stranger Things & Black Hammer is free, while the current values are $0 at CBR and $1 at ZKC.

Cool Comics Kids

#977 — Looney Tunes #46, Whitman, March 1984.

When picking out a library of comic books that are both safe and entertaining for the little ones in your life (or even for those of us who are kids at heart), and considering that today is Independence Day, our Cool Comics Kids selection this week is that all-American favorite, Looney Tunes! Many of you readers grew up watching these great characters on TV every Saturday morning, and I’m betting that some of you out there bought some of these Looney Tunes comic books. No doubt, these stories will put a smile on your face. This particular issue was next to last in the run that started out as Gold Key and ended up under the Whitman banner at Western Publishing, and I was fortunate enough to find it while scrounging around in a quarter bin. Why was I fortunate? Because this comic came only in a pre-pack with other comics, and they are a little more difficult to find, hence the higher collectible price. Cool Comics loves those quarter boxes! The cover price of Looney Tunes #46 is 60¢, while the current value is $26.

Cool Comics Classics

#978 — Sgt. Rock #377, DC, June 1983.

As hard as this may be to believe, this is just the third issue of Sgt. Rock I’ve ever owned. He’s never much been on my radar, but I do have a lot of respect for the character, and I plan on adding more in the future. Military comics were never a priority for me, even when I was reading comics while serving in the U.S. Army. I guess I wanted to separate working life from my comic book reading. Regardless, today I have a deep appreciation for the genre, and when I saw this issue hiding out in a quarter bin, I immediately knew it was coming home with me. While we tend to want our soldiers to be brave, this is the story of “The Worry-Wart,” a kid who feels he’s never prepared enough for battle and spends his time going over checklists in his mind, not to mention the fact that he’s afraid he’ll let Sgt. Rock and Easy Company down. And he wants to be transferred to another unit. What happens when combat can’t be avoided? Read this one to find out, fellow fans! The cover price of Sgt. Rock #377 is 60¢, while the current values are $9 at CBR and $6 at ZKC.

Recently Read Digital Comics

J.C., one of the awesome members of the Cool Comics In My Collection Facebook Group, recently read All-Star Superman and posted a link to his review (another great reason to become part of the Facebook community is the quality reviews and stirring conversations that result from these gems!). Several group members who’ve also read it provided positive comments on the post, and I found myself reading the first couple issues of this Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely adventure in digital format that same night. While I understand that many people don’t like digital comics, I had access to these issues at no additional cost and didn’t have to make a special trip to a store or wait for a collection to arrive in the mail. Without giving too much away (although the story has been around for over a decade in print form), some of the things I liked about the first issue include the short origin story (we’ve seen Superman’s origin retold a lot…and it’s being retold yet again, isn’t it?) and the fact that now the Man of Steel actually has a physical problem to worry about…really worry about! Getting curious? In the second issue, I liked the bit about the key to the Fortress of Solitude, the fact that Lois is having a hard time believing something Superman told her, and the way she never stops snooping around. Will I enjoy the remaining ten issues just as much? Let’s hope so!

ComicBooks For Kids!

ComicBooks For Kids! (CB4K) is a charity that Cool Comics In My Collection is honored to be working with. CB4K provides comic books to kids in hospitals and cancer centers all across the Unites States. You can check their website and see if your local hospital is included and if not, you can work with them to get them included! If you like what you see, please help them out and follow/like their Facebook page. Their link is https://www.facebook.com/comicbooksforkids/

Never Miss an Episode of Cool Comics!

Now you can get Cool Comics in My Collection delivered directly to your email! Just click “Join My Newsletter” on my website (or click on the image of my No-Prize!), sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right? Just be sure to follow the instructions on the confirmation email so that you start receiving my newsletter. If you don’t see it, you may want to check your Spam or Junk Mail folders.

The Huntress, Grim Ghost, Nomad, & More Fun Cool Comics!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 196, 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 in this blog (except for digital issues), I list the current secondary market value. This is according to the website comicbookrealm.com . They list out the near mint prices, which are on the comic book grading scale of 9.4. If you go to the website to look up any in your collection, you can click on the price and see the value at different grades. Not all my comics are 9.4. Some are probably better, and some are certainly worse. But to simplify it, that’s the grading 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 196…

Cool Comics News!

I was able to attend my first show of the season on Sunday, the Akron-Canton Comic Con. After making some great purchases (some of which you’ll see here in future episodes!), I had lunch at Hamburger Station in Akron, Ohio, with some other like-minded comic book aficionados. What shows have you gone to this year? Tell us about it in the comments section below!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Nomad versus The Huntress! 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

#967 — Uncanny X-Men #22, Marvel, August 2019.

In the Seventies I paid no attention at all to the X-Men. Then, in 1982 when I started my Second Phase of comic book reading and collecting, a friend recommended The Uncanny X-Men, and for the short time I got comic books that year, I started to understand why people loved them. After that, it took me a little over ten years to come back to comics, and when I did, I went X-Men crazy and started reading not only Uncanny, but also X-Factor, X-Force, Excalibur, Generation X, and just plain old X-Men. And let us not forget all the Age of Apocalypse twisted X-Men titles. I had boxes upon boxes of X-Men. When I thought I was finished with the hobby once and for all in 2010, I sold nearly every X title I had. The year 2017 saw me start buying new comics again, but this time I stayed away from X-titles…for a while. Nowadays it seems the thing for Marvel to do is to keep on killing mutants, along with putting a bunch of them in alternate realities or whatever it’s supposed to be (there were too many titles and I’m not reading them). Now the current run on Uncanny X-Men is coming to a close, and Jonathan Hickman, a writer I’m unfamiliar with due to my absence from comics from 2003 until 2017, is back and taking over everything X. Will that bring an end to all the deaths? Will those who were thought dead spring back to life (how shocking that a comic book would do such a thing!)? I’ll be interested to see what happens. Meanwhile, in current continuity, being a mutant is a very dangerous thing. The cover price of Uncanny X-Men #20 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#968 — Nomad #4, Marvel, February 1991.

When you look up Nomad on Wikipedia, it’s a little disconcerting to see just how many Marvel characters have gone by that codename over the decades. The Nomad from this comic, Jack Monroe, is considered to be the most familiar of the five, but for me, when I hear the name Nomad, I always think of the time Steve Rogers tossed aside his role as Captain America and became the hero known as Nomad. By the way, the Captain America to Nomad story took place during my favorite comic era, the Seventies, and that’s reason enough that he’s the Nomad who pops into my mind. This particular issue, #4, came by way of my legendary longbox (I bought a longbox that was stuffed with 419 comic books for just $20 a while ago; hence, Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap), and of course it’s the last of a short 4-issue run, so I was pretty lost as to what was going on. And yes, as the cover shows us, Captain America pops in for a quick cup of coffee with his pal who took over his old name. The cover price of Nomad #4 is $1.50, while the current value is $3.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 8)

#969 — Striker Force 7, Graphic India Pte, May 2019.

Cristiano Ronaldo is a superhero! While there may be thousands…nay, millions, around the world who get excited over this prospect, I guess I’m not one of them. Why? Because I don’t watch soccer. Yes, this is a soccer player who fights crime. In a comic book, not real life. The inside cover tells us that Cristiano was a co-creator of this concept for Striker Force 7, and aside from this Free Comic Book Day issue, I’ll probably never read another panel of a Striker Force 7 comic. I’m not saying this to be mean or that the comic was bad, but it’s not my thing. Which makes me wonder how many soccer fans actually like comic books. Because if every soccer fan on the face of the planet were to buy a regular issue of this title (I don’t think an ongoing series or graphic novel exists, yet), the company would be living large. If you are a fan of this soccer superstar, you’ll probably want to get a copy of this FCBD issue just to have it. The cover price of Striker Force 7 is free, while the current value is $0.

Cool Comics Kids

#970 — Walt Disney’s Comics and Stories #437, Gold Key/Whitman, February 1977.

This is another Gold Key (but my copy is under the “Whitman” banner) anthology classic featuring Disney. And when it comes to getting comic books for little ones, it’s hard to go wrong with Disney. The only complaint kids today might have is a lack of interest and/or knowledge of some of these characters. Sure, they know those ice girls, that cool kid Coco, and even the beast and his friend, beauty, but do they know Scamp? And just how familiar are they with Donald Duck and his Uncle Scrooge? Oh yeah, Thumper and Chip ‘N’ Dale also have a story in this comic book. And it finishes up with Goofy and Mickey, and surely kids today know those two…I hope. But whether they do or don’t know these older creations, this funnybook presents a great opportunity to show them off to a younger generation. I found my copy in a quarter bin, which made it cheaper than the cover price! Good luck finding one to add to your growing Cool Comics Kids collection. The cover price of Walt Disney’s Comics and Stories #437 is 30¢, while the current value is $14.

Cool Comics Classics

#971 — The Huntress #1, DC, April 1989.

The July edition of Back Issue magazine (No. 113), paid special tribute to the 30th Anniversary of Tim Burton’s Batman movie. When they do that, most articles link back to the theme, and as I read Flashback: Bat-Legacy: The Huntress, it brought to mind that I happened to have a copy of The Huntress #1 in my magical filing cabinet of unread comic books. Did I have any other choice than to put it on my priority read list? I think not, and I’m sure the majority of you agree that the timing was fitting. Though this series started between comic book collecting phases for me, I was fortunate enough to snag it out of a quarter box several months ago (I’ve found absolute gold in quarter boxes over the years, and look forward to showing you more here in the future). Written by Joey Cavalieri and with pencils by Joe Staton, I know I enjoyed this issue so much more after having read the article in Back Issue. I loved this introduction to the Helena Bertinelli version of the Huntress, and if you are a fan, this is a great issue to have in your collection. The cover price of The Huntress #1 is $1, while the current value is $12.

#972 — The Grim Ghost #1, Atlas/Seaboard, January 1975.

As constant Cool Comics readers are well aware, back in March I started becoming infatuated with the old Atlas/Seaboard comics from the mid-Seventies. I never bought any at the time but do remember seeing some on the shelves at the stores of my childhood comic haunts. And a couple weeks ago, two different Facebook groups posted this YouTube video (click it and watch…I promise we’ll still be here when you come back) of The Grim Ghost, and since I was able to snag a copy of this issue, I knew it was time to read it. There are some out there who don’t think much of Atlas Comics, and that’s okay. We like what we like, right? But now that I’ve read three of them, I have to say that I’ve enjoyed the experience so far. After an intro to the title character, we travel back to 1743 and witness a highwayman who takes what he wants, when he wants, including the lives of innocent citizens. Though he thinks himself quite clever, he ends up getting caught in a trap, and Mr. Dunsinane is executed and soon finds himself face-to-face with Satan! Though I rarely include panels here at Cool Comics, I just had to show you this big moment when reality hits home for the highwayman (click the image for a larger view). The cover price of The Grim Ghost is 25¢, while the current value is $20.

Recently Read Digital Comics

Aquaman: A Celebration of 75 Years contains 20 issues that swim through the decades with the king of the seas. Last December both Amazon and comiXology (Amazon is the parent company of the two) ran some downright “can’t beat” sales on these ultra-thick DC anniversary specials. The regular price of this 394-page Aquaman beauty is $29.99, and I paid just $4.99. You read that correctly, I paid just $4.99. I know that many of you out there prefer to hold the actual comic books in your hands, providing you with tactile and olfactory experiences that are hard to beat. Yet I was able to purchase a boatload of these anniversary titles in digital for the price of less than two of the hardcovers. Reading on my tablet allows for lots of flexibility, both when traveling and wherever and however I sit or rest in my bed when reading. The issues making up this collection are from Adventure Comics, Justice League of America, and of course, Aquaman titles. If you’re a fan, there’s a chance you already have many of the these in your collection, but you still may want to relive the memories with this giant tribute to Aquaman.

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.