Ed Gosney's Blog, page 29

Prizes for the First Cool Comics Facebook Group Drawing!

Cool Comics In My Collection Facebook Group

Great things are happening at the Cool Comics Facebook Group, including prizes for reaching 50 members. If you missed out entering this time around, we’ll be doing more prizes for reaching 100 members, so join and start recruiting!

…and the winners are:

Gold: Angus C.

Silver: Keith S.

Bronze: Josh P.

Prizes!

Angus gets first pick and gets to select one prize from three different categories, for a total of three prizes. After Angus has made his selections, then I’ll inform Keith, who will get to pick two prizes, and then Josh gets the final pick. There are five categories to choose from.

Category 1

A stack of 15 random comic books that are probably worthless, but plenty of fun. Please let me know your top three favorite companies, and I’ll see what I can do.

 

 

Category 2

A Cool Comics in My Collection 15 oz. mug. If you select this, it will come to your house directly from CafePress. You can select all white, or white with black trim, as pictured.

 

Category 3

The official Make Comic Book Collecting Fun Again Coloring Book featuring variant cover C, with the Cool Comics logo. This was drawn by Dan Gorman, recently ranked by Non-Sport Update Magazine as the third best sketch card artist in the world. The coloring book contains 48 pages filled with great art and is fun for all ages.

Category 4

Your choice of one of these two novels I wrote, and signed by me. You can find out more about Prometheus Stumbles and Transmutations by clicking their titles.

 

Category 5

You get to pick one of these 15 DC books that include role-playing games, sourcebooks, etc. Click on the different pictures below the list to see them closer. I’m sure you can find further information about them on the Internet. They are as follows:

The New Titans Sourcebook
Batman Role-Playing Game
The Atlas of the DC Universe Sourcebook
Justice League Sourcebook
DC Technical Manual
DC Heroes Role-Playing Game Third Edition
World In the Balance
Batman Sourcebook
Superman The Man of Steel Sourcebook
The Legion of Super-Heroes Sourcebook
The Apokolips Sourcebook
The Otherwhere Quest
The Law of Darkness
Hot Pursuit
Who’s Who In the DC Universe The Role-Playing Supplement (These are in a large three-ring binder designed by my wife, containing several hundred sheets – there are four pictures below of this so you can get an idea of what it is.)

 

Guardians, Blossoms, and Manhunters, Oh My!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 175, where we take a 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.

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 www.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 of my comics are 9.4. Some are probably better, and some are 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.

Have you considered being a guest host for Cool Comics? You can do a theme or 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. For any questions or to submit your completed blog, 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. 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 175…

Cool Comics News!

Our Cool Comics Facebook Group is growing by leaps and bounds, thanks to a couple intrepid members who helped recruit new members. To celebrate, Cool Comics is giving away three levels of prizes, but beware, fellow fans, because Super Bowl Sunday at noon ET (Not the Spielberg movie!) is the deadline for commenting on the special announcement post in the group if you want a chance for your illustrious name to be randomly drawn!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Guardians of the Galaxy versus Justice League of 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

#845 — Guardians of the Galaxy #1, Marvel, March 2019.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 5 started last week. Yup. A comic series that saw Volume 1 start in 1990 is already up to the 5th volume. When you read modern comics, you can’t help but notice a lot of series stops and starts. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, but I’m not saying it’s good, either. At least from a collector’s perspective of trying to keep track of all this. But Marvel helped us out a bit and included the “Legacy” numbering with it. Does that make everything all better? I’ll leave that for you to decide, because your opinion is your opinion. And while I’m at it, if grown-ups want to read comic books, they have every right to (or at least they do in—here it comes—my opinion). Okay, I’m playing around a little with something a supposed celebrity (well, he’s not a celebrity in my world of celebrities, so I can say that, can’t I?) said about comic books, but honestly, I could care less what he or anyone else thinks about my reading habits. Several studies can be found on the internet about how many books a year the average person reads, and the consensus seems to be about four. I usually read between 25 and 70 books a year, which often includes literary classics, science books, and some history. Along with reading several hundred comic books. Maybe his statements did bother me a little after all. Okay, back to the Guardians. This first issue (which is also issue #151 on some worlds) is an enjoyable read, and we see how a mostly new team gets pulled together after the events of the recent Infinity Wars. If you like your heroes cosmic and appreciate sci-fi comics, this might be the series you’ve been waiting for. And don’t worry, Star-Lord is still Star-Lord. The cover price of Guardians of the Galaxy #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.

#846 — Blossoms 666 #1, Archie, March 2019.

If you’re a viewer of the hit CW show Riverdale, then you already know that Cheryl Blossom usually finds a way to steal whatever scene she’s in. So when I saw in Previews a few months back that there was going to be a Blossoms 666 mini-series as part of their horror line in which either she or her brother Jason turns out to be the Anti-Christ, it was a no brainer. Afterlife With Archie, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Jughead the Hunger, Vamperonica, and now Blossoms 666. Archie Horror is going through a veritable renaissance of “light-hearted” scariness, and they’ve taken me along for the ride (but not against my will!). A few of the major cast members in this limited series are no longer amongst the living on the TV show Riverdale, but that’s part of the beauty with these Archieverse comics…like DC’s Elseworlds and Marvel’s What If?, the good people at Archie can twist and turn our favorite happy-go-lucky teens into whatever angst-ridden, gruesome shapes they want, then start all over again. After the first issue of Blossoms 666, written by Cullen Bunn and penciled by Laura Braga, there is no doubt I’m staying with them to the bloody bitter end! The cover price of Blossoms 666 #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 38)

#847 — Disney Princess, Joe Books LTD, May 2018.

When I started collecting new comic books again in mid-2017, I had no idea that I’d someday be reading a Disney Princess title. But it is part of the Free Comic Book Day offerings from 2018, and since I committed to talk about each one here at Cool Comics, I couldn’t back out. And actually, it’s really not that bad. The first thing you have to get used to here is the sideways pages. Just think of this as a “widescreen” comic. From what I can tell about other issues of the ongoing series, they all come in this comic strip style. There are a number of stories in this issue, some with a little length, but most of them are pretty short. They may remind you of reading the Sunday funnies section of your local newspaper. There are the usual Little Mermaid observations, like marveling at her feet, trying to figure out what different land-based items are that she and her under the sea buddies find, and hanging out with Sebastian (this guy is too crabby for my taste…had to do it). It’s a comic that would also fit in great with our Cool Comics Kids section, but I got it on FCBD, so here it stays. The cover price of Disney Princess is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Kids

#848 — Beep Beep the Road Runner #82, Gold Key, August 1979.

A while back, I believe as a Cool Comics Classics entry, I featured another issue of Beep Beep the Road Runner, published by Dell. I remember being surprised that the Road Runner and his brood of little road runners actually spoke—and in rhyme, even—and it’s still a little disconcerting to see it in this Gold Key version I recently read. Why, if they’re going to go that far, they might as well have the Pink Panther talk in comic books…oh yeah…he does. Really, even if you are a Road Runner purist, you’ll get used to it after a few pages. Then you can settle in and enjoy the four little stories contained here. These are fun tales for younger readers, especially if they’ve seen any of the classic cartoons and are familiar with the whole Road Runner/Coyote thing. I was fortunate to find this fun little gem in a quarter box at Kenmore Komics & Games, my go-to shop. The cover price of Beep Beep the Road Runner #82 is 40¢, while the current value is $10.

Cool Comics Classics

#849 — Justice League of America #140, DC, March 1977.

The delicious action-packed and colorful cover tells it all! Hal Jordan, otherwise known as The Green Lantern, is guilty of a horrible crime…in his own words, “I’m guilty of the most dreadful crime in the universe!” What, pray tell, did he do? And how could it truly be so bad that he’s willing to let that Manhunter take him away? I was fortunate to get this comic last summer at a giant $1 each sale at a comic book shop in downtown Akron, Ohio. Everything in back issue boxes was just $1, and this issue, along with the next one, Justice League of America #141, were bagged together, for just a buck! I really hit the jackpot, because this story, although in a “Giant” format, doesn’t conclude, but instead continues in the next issue, and I’ve got it just waiting for me in my file cabinet of unread comic books! Yes, lots of exclamation points here at Cool Comics Classics this week, and deservedly so when it comes to Seventies comic book fun. This story was a lot of fun, and I don’t have much of a background on Manhunters, so it was educational, to boot. It might be a while before I get to #141, but you can be sure that when I do, I’ll tell you about it right here! The cover price of Justice League of America #140 is 50¢, while the current value is $18.

ComicBooks For Kids!

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

Never Miss an Episode of Cool Comics!

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

Nightmares, Demons, Ghosts, & More!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 174, where we take a 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.

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 www.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 of my comics are 9.4. Some are probably better, and some are 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.

Have you considered being a guest host for Cool Comics? You can do a theme or 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. For any questions or to submit your completed blog, 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. 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 174…

Cool Comics News!

JOIN NOW! The Cool Comics In My Collection Facebook Group has planned giveaways (comic books and comic-related items) for when we hit certain membership numbers. The first drawing for prizes will be announced once we reach 50 members (don’t worry, all giveaways will ship internationally), so sign up today and get your comic book reading friends to join the group, and we can start giving away Cool Comics prizes!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Casper versus Lois Lane! 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

#840 — Marvel Comics Presents #1, Marvel, March 2019.

Many Cool Comics readers know that I have a special affinity for comic book anthologies of the Sixties and Seventies, ranging from such titles like Marvel Premiere to Boris Karloff Tales of Mystery. Yet it wasn’t always this way. When I first discovered the four-color world of entertainment in the Seventies, I mostly stayed away from anthology titles, and the same goes for my brief collecting foray in the Eighties. When I rediscovered my love of the artform in 1993, and I started collecting back issues, memories of seeing anthology titles on newsstands during my childhood flooded my heart and soul, and I fell in love with them. When I sold thousands of comics several years ago to make room in my house, I kept nearly all the anthology titles I’d been getting. Except for the few Marvel Comics Presents issues I’d bought. Since this comic started near the end of the Eighties, it wasn’t anything I was really interested in. But now that it’s back, I’m getting those nostalgic feelings once more, and I’m excited about the possibilities of the stories to be told. This first issue starts off with a Charles Soule Wolverine adventure set during World War 2, then Greg Pak gives us a previously untold tale with Namor at the end of the Second World War, while the last story, scribed by Ann Nocenti, features Captain America. While the second and third stories felt like one and done, the Wolverine adventure ends with those ominous words, “To Be Continued.” The cover price of Marvel Comics Presents #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.

#841 — Nightmare World Volume One: Thirteen Tales of Terror, Devil’s Due/1First Comics, September 2017.

When I was at Akron Comicon 2018, I bought two comics from Dirk Manning (he’s a good salesman!), and I mention this because you may remember I talked about Cosa Nostra #1 in Episode 166. It was my intention to just buy that comic, but now after reading Volume One of Nightmare World, I’m glad Dirk gently persuaded me that I’d enjoy it (and yes, he signed it for me). Just as it’s billed, there are thirteen tales packed inside, in short eight-page stories that keep you on the edge of your seat. Once you start reading, you don’t want to stop, and it seems so easy to “just read one more,” due to the length. When Dirk Manning & friends (it’s on the cover that way, Dirk is the writer, and there are many different artists) first created these tales, they were available online, and were later collected in four volumes (I need to get the other three). Now maybe you’ve heard this, and maybe you haven’t, but one of the stories in this volume bares similarities, according to Dirk Manning, to a recent episode of the show Black Mirror (it’s on Netflix). And the story in Nightmare World came out many years before. If you want to get Dirk’s scoop on how he was “Bandersnatched,” click here. By the way, this is my last comic from Akron Comicon. I had a great time reading the comics and talking about these talented creators. The cover price of Nightmare World Volume One: Thirteen Tales of Terror is $16.99, while the current value is $17.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 37)

#842 — Maxwell’s Demons #1, Vault Comics, May 2018.

The Free Comic Book Day edition of Maxwell’s Demons #1, listed as “All Ages,” would be a decent modern-day fit for our Cool Comics Kids category. I use the descriptor decent, rather than perfect, because there is a sense of innocence lost via abuse that permeates the story. Don’t worry, you’re not going to see abuse in this comic the way you may be thinking, but it’s there, hovering over Maxwell’s life, and we see how and why he does what he does. I’m not saying this comic couldn’t be read by a younger crowd, but rather than the light tone we may get in a Looney Tunes or Disney adventure, some readers may get a little uncomfortable. Still, this is an intriguing story that will fill your heart with empathy for Maxwell. The publisher is Vault Comics, and if you’ve never heard of them, I hadn’t either. That’s certainly part of the beauty of FCBD, discovering new characters, creators, and companies. The cover price of Maxwell’s Demons #1 is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Kids

#843 — Casper’s Ghostland #98, Harvey Comics, December 1979.

Harvey Comics were popular when I was a kid, but aside from a couple Richie Rich digests, I stayed away from them. And now that I’m older and a little wiser, I’m not exactly sure why I didn’t get more. I bought and read my share of Archie comics, and Dennis the Menace was a favorite, so why did I pretty much ignore the Harvey brand of classics? As an adult, I’ve come to appreciate their charm, and I think they would make fun editions to any sort of comic library you may be building for younger readers in your life. Casper’s Ghostland #98 contains seven shorts (a couple so short that they are one page each), featuring, of course, Casper, but we also get a Wendy, the Good Little Witch, story, and another featuring the Tuff Little Ghost, Spooky. Whatever your feelings are on ghosts and witches, the ones populating this comic are of the cute and fun variety. As it turns out, this is the last issue of the title. The cover price of Casper’s Ghostland #98 is 40¢, while the current value is $12.

Cool Comics Classics

#844 — Superman’s Girl Friend, Lois Lane #125, DC, August 1972.

Since I started back on the road to collecting both new and old comics a couple years ago, I’ve definitely taken a more historical perspective of the hobby, having developed a much deeper appreciation of comics from the past. I think about my father, and the fantastic comic books he had in his youth, and it fills me with a desire to learn more about the hobby, both before and after I started collecting in 1973. So this comic, Superman’s Girl Friend, Lois Lane #125, came out about a year before I bought my first issue of The Amazing Spider-Man. And there we go, fun stuff before I was even aware of such marvelous things. But the number one woman in Clark Kent’s life still had this title on the stands for a couple more years after this one came out, though I don’t ever remember having seen any issues. And I wouldn’t have bought them, anyway. With the exception of those wonderful “100-Pages for 60¢” issues and some Limited Collectors’ Edition titles (you know, the tabloid-sized beauties that all the kids loved to own!), I was strictly a Marvel kid. But now I enjoy sampling many different titles from a variety of companies, and besides, I got this issue from of a quarter box. The condition isn’t great, but now I finally have a Lois Lane comic in my collection, and it didn’t cost me an arm and a leg. If you’ve read some of these, then you may be familiar with Rose and Thorn, an ongoing back-up story, but this was my introduction. This comic makes me feel like I’ve stepped back in time, so it’s done its job. The cover price of Superman’s Girl Friend, Lois Lane #125 is 20¢, while the current value is $30.

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.

Silver Age Turok and the Return of Young Justice!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 173, where we take a 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.

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 www.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 of my comics are 9.4. Some are probably better, and some are 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.

Have you considered being a guest host for Cool Comics? You can do a theme or 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. For any questions or to submit your completed blog, 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. 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 173…

Cool Comics News!

Chances are if you are a comic book reader, you’ve also seen many of the comic book-based movies that always seem to be at the theater these days. When I was growing up, we were lucky to get TV movies that were loosely based on superheroes. The special effects were…not good, the characters weren’t the way we saw them on printed pages, and…well…they usually weren’t very good. Then came the 1978 Superman movie, and things started to look up (up and away—I had to do it!). Still, there was a lot of work to do. But now we live in a golden age, and comic book characters populate both the big and small screens, and several of the movies are bringing in seven figures, Aquaman being one of them. That’s right, the “fish” guy stars in a movie that’s made over $1 billion worldwide. Pretty impressive. I haven’t seen it yet but hope to soon. If you are a fan of Aquaman, then you need to get yourself #108 of Back Issue magazine. This year one of my reading goals is to catch up on magazines and books, with the idea of improving my comic book knowledge. I have just a few pages left in this Aquaman issue (which is good because #109 and #110 are eagerly awaiting), and now I’m more than ready to go to the movies!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Killraven versus Turok! 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

#835 — Young Justice #1, DC, March 2019.

Whether you like Brian Michael Bendis comics or not so much, the guy certainly is keeping busy at DC. Here’s what he’s currently writing: Action Comics; Superman; Batman in the 100-Page Giant (Walmart exclusive); Scarlet; Pearl; Cover; and now under the Wonder Comics imprint he started, Young Justice and Naomi. So I guess he’s doing something right…or write. Personally, I like what he’s doing with the Superman stories, and I’m hoping that someday there will be a collected edition of the Batman tales. But this is about Young Justice, right? If you are a fan of the former cartoon, which is now, once again, a current cartoon via the DC streaming channel, then you’ll probably want to give this title a try. Wonder Comics are meant to be appealing to a younger audience, and comics need kids to become interested in the medium if it is to survive. And this seems like a great way to accomplish it (Marvel is also putting out comics, via IDW Publishing, geared towards a younger audience), especially considering the popularity of the cartoon. Three more titles are scheduled from Wonder Comics, and while I’m unsure if I will read any of the others, Young Justice seems to be the flagship title, being that it’s a team book with a lot of characters that kids will most likely love. Patrick Gleason’s pencils are a good choice here, and Ale-Jandro Sanchez makes the colors pop on the page. Cool Comics recommends giving it a try. The cover price of Young Justice #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.

#836 — Marvel Graphic Novel #7: Killraven, Warrior of the Worlds, Marvel, April 1983.

Last March, in Episode 130, I featured, as a Cool Comics Classic, the only Amazing Adventures comic I own. I didn’t buy it when came out, but instead found it more recently in a back issue box, just waiting to come home with me. When I was a kid, Killraven intrigued me each time I saw him on a cover, but as I explained in Episode 130, I saved my comic book pocket change for contemporary superheroes, not futuristic fighters trying to save us from Martians. Anyway, as I’ve gotten older and wiser (I think…), I often long for the days when I could have reached out and grabbed these issues at such great prices. So when I was walking around the convention floor at Akron Comicon 2018 and noticed that P. Craig Russell had a copy of this at his table, I told him I just had to have it, plunked over my cash, had him sign it, and thanked him graciously. Inside, I was jumping up and down with joy, because Russell was an artist on some of the original issues of Killraven in Amazing Adventures. Yes, this is most certainly a cool comic! One quick note that whereas The Justice League #1 is fitting for all ages, this has some mature content in it. The cover price of Marvel Graphic Novel #7: Killraven, Warrior of the Worlds, is $5.95, while the current value is $9.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 36)

#837 — Riverdale, Archie, May 2018.

If you’ve been watching Riverdale on The CW, then you know it’s Archie for a more mature audience. Rival gangs, creepy characters, and tainted love affairs populate the landscape of America’s favorite teen on the small screen. And if you didn’t realize it, Archie Comics had published a companion title for the show, with antics that take place “between” episodes. This Free Comic Book Day edition is actually Riverdale #6, and they picked an interesting one to showcase to the public. “Chock ‘Lit Shoppe of Horrors” gives us a look at some of the strange goings on in Riverdale from the past, as seen through the eyes of Pop Tate, as he relates them to Betty for a class assignment. If you’re a fan of any of the Archie Horror comics, then this is an issue that should appeal to you. The cover price of Riverdale is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Kids

#838 — Walt Disney’s Comics and Stories #427, Gold Key, April 1976.

Looking back over past episodes of Cool Comics, this is the fifth time we’ve featured an issue of Walt Disney’s Comics and Stories (four from Gold Key and one from Dell). As readers know, most of the Cool Comics are of the superhero variety, but with the edition of Cool Comics Kids and the fact that this title is a classic, it’s no surprise that they keep popping up on here. Folks, if you’re looking for entertaining comics for the little ones in your life, you can’t go wrong with older Disney issues (probably many of the newer ones are great too, but you can usually snag these older ones at less expense in discount and back issue boxes, if you don’t mind lower condition grades). This issue contains four short comics (Donald and his nephews on a European trip; Scamp; Chip ‘N’ Dale; and an adventure with Mickey and Goofy) and a prose one-page short story featuring Daisy Duck. A couple years ago I never really cared much for Donald and his nephews, but the stories I’ve been reading lately have turned me around. Grab this issue if you can find it for a good deal. The cover price of Walt Disney’s Comics and Stories #427 is 25¢, while the current value is $24.

Cool Comics Classics

#839 — Turok, Son of Stone #19, Dell, March-May 1960.

Though Turok has been around since 1954, he’s not the most familiar comic book character on the market. When I discovered him via Valiant comics in the Nineties, he felt like a new character to me because I’d never read any of his adventures from Gold Key while growing up, let alone from Dell, which ended their run with him the year I was born. Other companies who have carried the license include Acclaim Comics (tied in with the reemergence of Valiant, for anyone who remembers), Dark Horse, and currently Dynamite Entertainment. As a matter of fact, while I was looking over the shelves at my local comic shop last week, I saw there was one more issue left of the new series. I picked it up, considered it for a few moments, then decided I couldn’t justify another series at this time. Besides, I work hard at finding great deals on back issues of Turok, so maybe someday I’ll scoop that one up at a discount, too. And I’m very happy with this issue from 1960. I got it for just $1 at a blowout sale last summer, and the bag it’s in has a $30 price tag on it. When you open the cover, just underneath the indicia on page one, it states, “Dell Comics Are Good Comics.” And they’re right. This is a fun adventure with Turok, cave men, and dinosaurs. What’s not to love? The cover price of Turok, Son of Stone #19 is 10¢, while the current value is $250.

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.

Fun Times With Conan the Barbarian and Winnie-the-Pooh!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 172, where we take a 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.

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 www.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 of my comics are 9.4. Some are probably better, and some are 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.

Have you considered being a guest host for Cool Comics? You can do a theme or 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. For any questions or to submit your completed blog, 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. 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 172…

Cool Comics News!

This past week I had to make a difficult decision. I was given the opportunity to contribute comic book reviews for an established website, and initially, I was excited and ready to start. But as I considered it more and more and pondered over the responsibilities and time constraints that would be involved, I ended up declining…for now. So my dedication is solely to you, dear reader of Cool Comics. I want to bring you a fun, fascinating, and exhilarating reading experience each week (okay, I’d settle for you saying, “nice job, Gosney”), without having other looming deadlines. If you enjoy what we do here at Cool Comics, please pass the word on and share the website with others. And consider signing up for my newsletter so that you never miss an episode.

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is young Franklin Richards versus Winnie-the-Pooh! 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

#830 — Conan the Barbarian #1, Marvel, March 2019.

I may have said it on here before, but when Marvel first licensed Conan the Barbarian, I paid no attention to the Cimmerian swordsman. This title ran from 1970 until the end of 1993, and his savage sword was featured in a variety of other titles and magazine format during this period, finally coming to an end in 2000. Then Dark Horse Comics acquired the rights, and now, once again, Marvel has them. This is the first Conan comic book I’ve ever bought as a new issue. Like I said, I never really paid any attention until the Nineties, when I’d sometimes find an interesting looking issue in a discount box and purchase it, only to leave them gathering dust and unread. Finally, several years ago, I had a large comic book culling and sold all my Conan comics (along with many other gems) in a huge, legendary garage sale. Yet over the last few years the itch for the character has returned, and I’ve found myself buying discount back issues of any of his titles from both Marvel and Dark Horse Comics. I think a large part of this new fascination has to do with a book I read that had a lengthy section about the creator, Robert E. Howard, and so now I harken back to those Hyborian days of the past with these spectacular old issues…and now new ones, too. Beware that this comic has “Parental Advisory” on the cover. After all, he is a barbarian, and blood flows in both the arena and on the battlefield, by Crom! As an added bonus, this issue contains part one of a 12-part prose novella at the end of the comic. The cover price of Conan the Barbarian #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.

#831 — Franklin Richards: A Fantastic Year #1, Marvel, November 2018.

While most of my purchases at Akron Comicon 2018 came from indie creators, I had to buy this Marvel compilation of stories (these originally came out in separate comics over 10 years ago) directly from writer Marc Sumerak. If you are a fan of the Fantastic Four, then you are familiar with the son of Mister Fantastic and the Invisible Woman. Over the years we’ve seen Franklin Richards at various stages of his life, sometimes with powers beyond imagining, and sometimes just as a little boy. The eleven delightful tales contained in this comic take a look at the lighter side of things from Franklin’s perspective, covering holidays, sports, and any sort of trouble a young boy might find himself in—especially if his dad is a genius and just happens to have cosmic gizmos in his lab, waiting to be discovered by his son. Creators Chris Eliopoulos and Marc Sumerak do such a great job that even an older reader like me was entertained from cover to cover. Although this comic book is part of my Akron Comicon coverage, it would also fit in well with Cool Comics Kids, so parents, take note! By the way, if you ever see Marc Sumerak at a convention, be sure to visit his table (and buy something cool from him and ask him to sign it…my copy is signed!), as he’s a terrific guy. The cover price of Franklin Richards: A Fantastic Year #1 is $7.99, while the current value is $8.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 35)

#832 — Malika: Creed & Fury, YouNeek Studios, May 2018.

Each week Cool Comics brings you an offering from Free Comic Book Day 2018, and we continually find ourselves entertained with comics, characters, and companies that were strangers to us before journeying on this adventure. This week we discovered YouNeek Studios, a company that publishes comic books focusing on African history and culture, with heroes in settings you’ve probably never read before. And while FCBD is a great way to let potential fans discover these stories, if you didn’t happen to pick this one up, their website offers 100+ pages of free comics, so make sure to pay it a visit! Malika: Creed & Fury, is a fun introduction and doesn’t end there, as graphic novels are available for purchase if you want to continue the adventure. Packed with action and intriguing content, this might just be the adventure you’re looking to discover in 2019! The cover price of Malika: Creed & Fury is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Kids

#833 — Walt Disney Winnie-the-Pooh #12, Whitman / Gold Key, April 1979.

When I think back to my more innocent childhood years, I realize that Winnie-the-Pooh was part of the magic, so when I saw this in a quarter box at my local comic shop, I knew there was no way it wasn’t coming home with me. Many of us have fond memories of Pooh, Piglet, Owl, Eeyore, Tigger, and others who reside in the Hundred Acre Wood via cartoon movies and Saturday morning episodes, not to mention the original source material that many of us spent countless hours reading. So yes, Winnie-the-Pooh comics would be a great edition to any young person’s comic book library. This is a Gold Key edition, under the Whitman branding, and this issue contains five delightful stories (I especially like the first one, “The Thing that Went Flap and Whir in the Night”) with no ads. That’s right, you get nothing but story, with the exception of the inside front cover and the back inside/outside cover (nice, but some of us love those old ads…). As an added bonus, this is a Disney property comic book. The cover price of Winnie-the-Pooh #12 is 40¢, while the current value is $16.

Cool Comics Classics

#834 — Batman #293, DC, November 1977.

Batman is one of those iconic titles that you don’t want to let go of when you find an older issue in a quarter box. With a cover date of 1977 and for less than the original selling price, it HAD to come home with me. Yes, the cover is kinda beaten up, but that’s no excuse for a reputable comic collector to leave this one behind. And the Jim Aparo cover is pretty cool, with Lex Luthor trying his devious best to kill both Batman and Superman. This issue is part of an ongoing story that involves a trial to determine just who killed Batman (wait, is he really dead?!) and features lots of villains like Two-Face, Ra’s Al Ghul…well, you get the idea. It’s a fun story, but I don’t have what came before or after, yet I got plenty of entertainment out of this issue. It was written by David V. Reed, with pencils by John Calnan. The cover price of Batman #293 is 35¢, while the current value is $25.

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.

Pink Panther, Green Lantern, and the Ever-Lovin’ Blue-Eyed Thing!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 171, where we take a 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.

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 www.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 of my comics are 9.4. Some are probably better, and some are 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.

Have you considered being a guest host for Cool Comics? You can do a theme or 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. For any questions or to submit your completed blog, 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. 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 171…

Cool Comics News!

Another new year is here, full of possibilities! What are some of your comic book goals and aspirations? Do you want to be a writer or artist? Perhaps you hope to make it to certain conventions so that you can meet some of your creator heroes. Whatever your wishes are, Cool Comics hopes this is the year you fulfill your dreams!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Invisible Woman versus Green Lantern! What do you think would happen if they faced each other in a titanic tussle, and how do you see the winner achieving victory? Let us know in the comments section below.

Cool Comics

#825 — Fantastic Four #5, Marvel, February 2019.

Comic book numbering is an imprecise science. While this is issue 5 of Fantastic Four, it’s also the 6th volume and 650th total issue, dating back to 1961. Meanwhile, The Amazing Spider-Man, which launched two years later in 1963, has published 813 issues to date. So why is Fantastic Four so far behind? I know it was cancelled for a while, and just came back, but currently The Amazing Spider-Man is putting out two titles per month. Action Comics has put out over 1,000 issues, and Detective Comics will hit that mark in a couple months, but they both started back in the Golden Age. Still…Action Comics was published weekly for a period of time, and Detective Comics currently publishes twice a month. Companies have the right to publish as they see fit, but as I said, it’s imprecise. Time to turn back to the issue at hand. If you are or have ever been a fan of the first family of Marvel, this is an issue you probably want in your collection, regardless of the cover price (made up for in page count). The idol of millions, the Ever-Lovin’ Blue-Eyed Thing, is finally tying the knot with long-time girlfriend Alicia Masters. This special issue pays tribute to the past and sets up a big story for the future, with plenty of fun shenanigans (straight out of Ben Grimm’s mouth) in between. Also, this is one of the Marvel Comics that pays tribute to the late Stan Lee, with the black stripe across the top, blank black pages inside, and a nice penciled image of him right before the story starts. If you haven’t already bought it (it came out December 26), make sure to get a copy before they’re gone. The cover price of Fantastic Four #5 is $7.99, while the current value is $8.

#826 — Day 165, Source Point Press, October 2018.

Tony Doug Wright, the writer of Day 165, was at the Source Point Press booth at Akron Comicon 2018, and it didn’t take him long to convince me I should buy this comic (and yes, I had him sign it for me!). Originally a web comic, Source Point Press published this beautiful paper edition (listed as a 2nd printing) that tells the story of a British paratrooper who uses comic books as a way of escape during World War II. There is a second story that takes place in a more modern war setting, and both are excellent stories. From what I gather, more are planned for future editions. There is a Twilight Zone feel here, and if you appreciate these kinds of tales, you should order it before it goes out of print by clicking Day 165. The cover price of Day 165 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 34)

#827 — The Legend of Korra / ARMS, Dark Horse Comics, May 2018.

I have to say that adding the FCBD (Free Comic Book Day) the Cool Comics Way section last spring has brought a lot of personal delight, presenting me the opportunity explore such a wide variety of comics, companies, and characters. This week, Dark Horse Comics gives us two tales, The Legend of Korra, which is part of Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender! Universe (this is a sequel to that popular series), and ARMS, based on the Nintendo Switch game (of which I know nothing, but the story was strangely entertaining). I really appreciate that companies like Dark Horse Comics publishes these licensed properties, and while I’m not the target audience for these two stories, maybe you are and didn’t realize these even existed. The cover price of The Legend of Korra / ARMS is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Kids

#828 — The Pink Panther #80, Whitman / Gold Key, September 1981.

You may have noticed that I have the company for this Pink Panther issue listed as Whitman / Gold Key, an issue that was available only as a prepack (I got mine out of a discount quarter box). There is an interesting history here concerning the events that started in 1979, and if you want to know more, you can find information easily enough on the Internet. And I’ll give you a starting point, so click HERE (the history of comic books is long and often complex, but fascinating). Some of you may remember watching The Pink Panther Show cartoon that aired from 1969 to 1978 (using a variety of title names throughout the years), and one of the key things was that the Pink Panther didn’t speak. Well, in the comic books, he does. And it’s a little disconcerting at first, but it grows on you. This brings to mind the Road Runner comics in which he talks, also. This issue, which is completely kid friendly, has four complete stories featuring the pink feline, and one featuring The Inspector, who shared some airtime in those halcyon cartoon days. The cover price of The Pink Panther #80 is 50¢, while the current value is $18.

Cool Comics Classics

#829 — Green Lantern #44, DC, April 1966.

There’s nothing like getting your hands on a beautiful looking comic from the Silver Age, and this Green Lantern issue fits the bill! I was fortunate enough to purchase it for only one dollar at an unbelievable sale in downtown Akron several months ago, and I’m very impressed with the condition, considering how little I paid. Part of the fun with these older comics is seeing the ads, and this one doesn’t disappoint, as the first one on the inside cover is for a Superman TV show, with a long list of stations across the country that were showing it. Oddly enough, as I search through the list, I can’t seem to find a Cleveland, Ohio, station…the Man of Steel’s birthplace is left out! But never fear, as the ad says to send in a request to your local station if they aren’t currently showing it. There are two stories inside, the first written by Gardner Fox, while John Broome handled the second adventure, and Gil Kane and Sid Greene handled the art for both. The stories aren’t the most exciting Green Lantern tales of all-time, but just having this gem from long ago adds to the entire experience. The cover price of Green Lantern #44 is 12¢, while the current value is $180.

Cool Comics Letters

And we aren’t quite done yet with Green Lantern #44. As I was perusing the letter column, I found an interesting one from none other than Mike Friedrich, who became a comic book writer. At least I’m thinking this THAT Mike Friedrich. If anyone can shed light one way or another, please let us know in the comments section below.

 

 

 

 

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.

Saying Goodbye to 2018 in Apocalyptic Proportions!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 170, where we take a 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.

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 www.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 of my comics are 9.4. Some are probably better, and some are 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.

Have you considered being a guest host for Cool Comics? You can do a theme or 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. For any questions or to submit your completed blog, 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. 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 170…

Cool Comics News!

I have four more days to hit my goal of reading 1,200 comics in one year, but I don’t need the extra time, as I’ve achieved it! It was a fun journey, but I’m not trying to repeat this feat for 2019. I’ve fallen too far behind in books and magazines, so it’s time to play catch-up. I have several comic book-related magazines I need to read, such as Back Issue and Alter Ego, and believe me, when I’m not reading comic books, it’s just as much fun to learn about the history through these publications. Do you have any comic book goals for 2019? Share them with us in the comments section below, or on our Cool Comics Facebook page.

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Doctor Doom versus Superman! 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

#819 — Fight Club 3 #1 Ashcan, Dark Horse Comics, November 2018.

If “You do not talk about fight club,” then I guess I’m breaking the rules. This preview ashcan edition is possibly the shortest comic book I own, as it weighs in at just 5 actual pages of story. From what I’ve seen, two per store were distributed, so I truly appreciate my local shop owner for passing this my way. But I must confess that I’ve never read a Fight Club comic book before this one. And here comes the biggest reveal of all: I’ve never seen the movie, nor read Chuck Palaniuk’s novel that started this cult classic. For those keeping score, Chuck himself is the writer of this little preview, as he has been the writer for the past Fight Club comics. “But did you like it?” you’re sitting there asking me. To be honest, I withhold all judgment since I haven’t the slightest idea of what’s going on, except to say that there are a lot of large flies involved. I don’t like flies, and you probably don’t either. But that doesn’t mean this wouldn’t be good if I had familiarity with the story. So maybe one of you can shed light on these flies and tell us if you are excited for part 3 of this series. The cover price of Fight Club 3 #1 Ashcan is free, while the current value is $4.

#820 — Batman: Rules of Engagement, DC, November 2007.

Several times throughout my periods of collecting comics I’ve taken breaks. Each time felt more like I was quitting, never to turn another brightly colored page again. I believe my actions were due to many different factors of where I was in my life at the time, which makes perfect sense to me. When I quit in mid-2003, it was difficult, because I’d been going strong for a decade, but financially I needed to get out of the hobby. And now that I’m back (for my fourth period of collecting), I realize it’s just about impossible to catch-up on all that I’ve missed. Searching through quarter boxes and digital sales on comiXology have been helpful, but thanks to Ollie’s Bargain Outlet stores, I’ve been able to get some hardcover and trade paperback collections at ridiculously low prices. This one, Batman: Rules of Engagement, is hardcover and came with a sticker sale price of…okay, it was either $3.99 or $2.99. I pulled the shrink wrap with the price off and threw it away. This collection contains the first 6 issues of Batman Confidential from 2007. Andy Diggle was the writer, while Whilce Portacio provided the pencils. More than likely I wouldn’t have bought the individual issues when they originally released, if I’d still been making weekly trips to the comic shop, but it was fun getting this for such a great price and being able to read six issues in a row. The cover price for Batman: Rules of Engagement is $24.99, while the current value is $25.

#821 — The Adventures of Cap’n Catnip #2, HooHa Comics, September 2017.

When I saw Craig Boldman’s booth at Akron Comicon 2018, the first thing that caught my eye was a sketch he had for sale of the Riverdale TV version of Jughead and the original comic version of Jughead. And I bought it for my office wall, because it’s Jughead, and it looks great! While Craig is often associated with Archie Comics, I wanted to get something a little different to add to my collection, so I decided to try The Adventures of Cap’n Catnip, issue #2. While the cover lets us know that this is a comic that younger readers would enjoy, I’m happy to report that it kept this older guy very entertained. It contains two stories featuring Cap’n Catnip and his sidekick Womble the Wonder Gerbil, and then a third story with Merle, the good rat, and Ratman, the bad rat. This was good stuff, and I would suggest that when you travel to your next convention you take some time to talk to creators you might not normally consider and try some of their comics. That was one of my goals for Akron Comicon, and it was well worth it, as I feel like I struck gold with Mr. Boldman. The cover price of The Adventures of Cap’n Catnip #2 is $5 (this is a variant cover I purchased from him), and it’s not currently listed at Comic Book Realm.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 33)

#822 — The Wormworld Saga, Cub House, an imprint of Lion Forge Comics, May 2018.

I had no idea when I read this that Cub House is an imprint of Lion Forge Comics for kids 8 and under. And since I enjoyed it so much, I guess I do have a little boy still living inside me. And really, is there anything wrong with that? The wonder of story, especially stories with pictures, launch us into other worlds that can be fun, exciting, scary, magical, or frightening. And any combination of those things. This Free Comic Book Day edition is a wonderful adventure into the unknown. Theo’s father paints “doorways” into alternate worlds, and when Theo tries to get the attention of a girl he likes (of course she is interested in a different boy), he breaks the trust of his father to show off for his crush. The story pulls us in, and we don’t want it to stop. Lucky for us readers, it doesn’t end here, as you can pick up the two trade paperbacks. If you have young kids and want to introduce them to the world of comics, this seems like a fun way to start. The cover price of The Wormworld Saga is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Kids

#823 — Spidey Super Stories #45, Marvel, March 1980.

When Spidey Super Stories, in conjunction with The Electric Company, hit the comic book scene in 1974, I was a little older than the target audience. Some of you who remember the show probably can recall Spider-Man having some appearances, and while I’d see bits and pieces as I flipped channels (back when we had to walk over to the television and actually turn a dial or push specific buttons for each of the channels from 2 to 13…along with a range of UHF channels), it wasn’t something I’d keep on very long, since I wasn’t a little kid anymore. I actually bought a couple issues of Spidey Super Stories way back when, and I’m not exactly sure why, but I will admit that I’m really glad I grabbed this issue out of a quarter box. If you try to collect these gentler super-hero stories today, and you want them in good condition, be prepared to pay more than you’d probably expect. This issue was a fun one with both Doctor Doom and the Silver Surfer, and if you can find them cheap, this is a great way to introduce kids to Spider-Man. The cover price of Spidey Super Stories #45 is 40¢, while the current value is $20.

Cool Comics Classics

#824 — World’s Finest Comics #154, DC, December 1965.

The older I get, the more I appreciate finding fun old comic books at low prices. I was able to get this DC classic from 1965 for just $1 at an unbelievable sale back in the summer, and if you think the cover looks a little goofy, you’re absolutely right. This is basically an Elseworlds story before the term even existed. It poses the question of what might happen if Superman and Batman married (Lois Lane and Kathy Kane, respectively) and each had sons (the lead story is titled, “The Sons of Batman and Superman”), and how the relationship between the kids might turn out. And here we are over 50 years later with this basic scenario being part of ongoing DC continuity. Also included here is a shorter tale billed as “The Greatest Green Arrow Story,” a reprint from 1959. The cover price of World’s Finest Comics #154 is 12¢, while the current value is $105.

Recently Read Digital Comics

Remember a couple episodes back when I featured the Preview issue from Cave Pictures Publishing in Cool Comics News? Well the good folks there happened to send a digital edition of Appalachian Apocalypse #1 to Cool Comics, and let me tell you, it was really chill on the cool comics meter! (See, I told you that when it comes to comic books, they make me feel younger.) Due to release in stores come mid-January, this story, written by Billy Tucci and illustrated by Ethan Nicolle, starts off with a bang during the Civil War, painting the scene for what’s to come. Then the story shifts scenes to modern day, so that we can witness the archaeological find of the century. So, what’s the big discovery? And what effect will it have on mankind? I’m not going to reveal anything, because you need to read it for yourself. If this is an indication of what’s to come from Cave Pictures Publishing, then you should start reserving issues now at your local comic shop. Really, do it now!

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.

Season’s Greetings, By Crom!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 169, where we take a 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.

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 www.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 of my comics are 9.4. Some are probably better, and some are 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.

Have you considered being a guest host for Cool Comics? You can do a theme or 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. For any questions or to submit your completed blog, 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. 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 169…

Cool Comics News!

You may have noticed last week that I slipped something new into the italicized section above (I added it late on Thursday, after having launched the episode in the morning, so you may have missed it). That’s right, there is now a Cool Comics In My Collection Facebook group. If you like to chat about your favorite heroes and villains, or if you are a creator and want to tell us about your new projects, consider joining this community of friendly people who have a passion for the blending of words and art.

And for those who celebrate it, Merry Christmas from Cool Comics In My Collection!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

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

#813 — The Batman Who Laughs #1, DC, February 2019.

Nearly a year-and-a-half ago when Dark Nights Metal #1 came out and I was just starting to buy new comic books again, I decided to purchase it, based on all the noise I was hearing about this new limited series from DC. I ended up getting all six issues; and because I hadn’t been reading new comic books since 2003, I was a little lost when it came to the story. OK, I was very lost. But I stayed the course and read on, regardless of having no background about what had previously been built. And now comes the first issue of a popular villain who emerged from the depths of Dark Nights Metal, The Batman Who Laughs. When I saw it solicited in DC Previews, I didn’t even consider reading this and being lost all over again. But I must be a glutton for punishment. Less than a week away from the launch, I contacted my local comic shop and asked them to pull the series for me. Yet this time, it was much easier navigating my way through the comic. We have just one hero to concentrate on, I’ve been reading new titles for a while now, and I’m back in the groove. I’m not going to pretend I understood everything going on, but it was intriguing, and I’m looking forward to the second issue. The cover price of The Batman Who Laughs #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.

#814 — World’s Greatest Super-Heroes Holiday Special #1, DC, December 2018.

The DC/Walmart comic book collaboration has once more brought us a standalone holiday special (the first was a Halloween issue that I covered back in Episode 160) that I couldn’t resist buying. You get a lot of bang for your bucks with these, although most of the materials used are reprints, so if you already have them, then you have to decide if the one new story, at 12 pages, is worth spending this much on. Oh…and the covers are pretty cool, so that makes for a stronger selling point. In this new edition, I’ve read a couple of these stories in the past, but I enjoy this time of year and it didn’t bother me to “see” a couple reruns. I mean, we watch It’s A Wonderful Life and A Christmas Story (or whatever your go-to movies are in December) annually, or pull Dickens off the shelf for another read of A Christmas Carol, so why not have comic book reruns? This 100-Page Comic Giant features seven stories containing some of your favorite spandex-donning heroes such as The Flash, Superman, Supergirl, Batman, Batwoman, Harley Quinn, and Green Lanterns Jessica Cruz and Simon Baz. You can probably still find it at your local Walmart if you need some additional yuletide reading. The cover price of World’s Greatest Super-Heroes Holiday Special #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.

#815 — Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol, Airwave Comics, December 2002.

When you read an adaptation to a musical, it certainly loses something along the way, but the comic book version of Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol isn’t meant to be a replacement for the original, especially considering they sold some versions with the DVD included. From what I’ve been able to find out, the cover on my edition is the one that came packaged with the DVD, but I bought this as a standalone at Akron Comicon in November from Chris Yambar  (you may know the name from Bongo Comics, featuring the Simpsons), who wrote a “Behind the Scenes” section that adds something to the story (George Broderick, Jr., who was in my Akron Comicon feature last episode, did the pencils for this part). If you are a big fan of Mr. Magoo and hold the tradition of watching Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol yearly, then you’d probably enjoy adding this comic to your collection. There is some background information on Mr. Magoo and the man who voiced the character, Jim Backus, along with a couple additional older Magoo stories, one being another Christmastime tale. My edition has signatures from Chris Yambar, George Broderick, Jr., and Ken Wheaton (inks). The cover price of Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol is $7.98 for the regular edition and Free for the limited edition that was packaged with the collector’s DVD, while the current value for the regular cover is $8, and the limited variant is listed at $20.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 32)

#816 — Adventure Time With Fionna and Cake, Kaboom!, May 2018.

Adventure Time, from what I’ve gathered over the last few years, is a popular cartoon among people are much younger than me. I’ve seen bits and pieces of the show when my kids have had it on, I know that some like to dress up like the characters for Halloween and at conventions, and I basically have no interest in it (I’ll take the cartoons from my childhood over these…Speed Racer, Super Friends, the Flintstones, Johnny Quest…okay, you get the idea). Yet I made a commitment to you readers that I would talk about every comic from Free Comic Book Day 2018 here at Cool Comics, so there was no getting out of this when I discovered it was next in line. Listed as an all ages comic from KaBOOM! (an imprint of BOOM! Studios), it was a nice little story that you can give to your kids and not worry about the content. There is a quest to deliver a bowl of punch, and that’s what our adventurers seek to do, yet several obstacles get in their way. The cover price of Adventure Time With Fionna and Cake is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Kids

#817 — Walt Disney’s Comics and Stories #340, Gold Key, January 1969.

This is the seventh week featuring our new Cool Comics Kids section, and a pattern has emerged that these are the kinds of issues that came out when I was a kid, or even a few years earlier. Are there decent comics for kids coming out today? You bet, including the FCBD issue above, a number of them from past weeks that have been covered in Cool Comics, and IDW is currently publishing comics featuring Marvel heroes for a younger generation. What you have to remember is that the comics I write about here are ones I actually own…hence, “Cool Comics In My Collection.” Perhaps a little corny, but corny works just fine when talking about this fun hobby. And most readers know that I really enjoying digging around in quarter boxes, and now that I’ve got this section of the blog in mind when searching, and since I often channel my inner child, I tend to gravitate to things that keep me entertained. But this particular issue didn’t come from the quarter box. I looked in the regular back issue section to find fun Christmas stuff for December, and with a Walt Disney comic, you can’t go wrong. I’ve read a handful of Duck stories over the last couple years that feature Donald’s three nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie, and as I’ve grown older, they’ve grown on me. The three young ducks feature, along with Donald and Uncle Scrooge, in the first story, as they wonder what they should get their rich uncle for Christmas. Next in this anthology title comes a tale with Scamp, another story with ducks, then part 2 of an ongoing thriller with Mickey and Goofy. These kinds of comics are very affordable in less than perfect condition and make a nice treat for the kids (and yourself!). The cover price of Walt Disney’s Comics and Stories #340 is 15¢, while the current value is $28.

Cool Comics Classics

#818 — Conan the Barbarian #31, Marvel, October 1973.

By Crom! Who wouldn’t want to celebrate the holidays with Conan the Barbarian? Well, probably most of us wouldn’t want to, if he were real, but via books, movies, and comics, we can experience the Hyborian age in the safety of our own homes. Conan stories at this time of year can bring out more red than you’ll find on Santa’s suit, so if you’re a fan of sword and sorcery epics, and you’ve never tried Conan, there are many back issues available from both Marvel and Dark Horse Comics. Marvel now has the license back for the character, and next month they will start publishing Conan comics once again. But if you can’t wait, why not try some of the comics from the past? I was fortunate to find this beauty written by Roy Thomas, with art by John Buscema, in a quarter box (I love to strike gold at discount prices!). And the Gil Kane cover is pulling you in, isn’t it? Maybe you should plan a trip to your local shop, and soon, to see if this issue is available. The cover price of Conan the Barbarian #31 is 20¢, while the current value is $15.

Recently Read Digital Comics

I think I’ve owned the Marvel Holiday Special 2007 digital comic for close to two years now, but was saving it up for Yuletide reading, and just didn’t manage to fit it in to my schedule last year. But I was finally able to flip the virtual pages of this comic and enjoyed the first story—which features Wolverine and Spider-Man—quite a bit. When two of Marvel’s most popular characters get together during this festive season, it’s usually a fun ride, and this comic is no exception. The last three stories included here are shorter, the next two being just okay, but the last one had some heart and soul in it. A writer for the Daily Bugle, Lester, gets one more chance to write a spectacular story or lose his job, and he turns to Reed Richards of the Fantastic Four, whom he met during a previous interview. He explains that he is writing a feature with the theme of “What’s the meaning of Christmas?” Does Reed come through for Lester? They don’t call him Mr. Fantastic for nothing!

Have you been reading Doomsday Clock? I know that many fans are divided when it comes to other creators at DC touching the Watchmen, and while I love the original, it is fun to see more stories with them, especially when they are running smack-dab into the likes of Batman and other DC heroes. The limited series started last year, at a time when I was just starting to read new issues again, but what I missed out on was Batman #21-22 and The Flash #21-22. These two titles had a little four issue crossover that helped set the stage for what is going on now, so during a recent sale of Batman titles via Amazon, I decided to purchase Batman/The Flash: The Button Deluxe Edition for just $4.99 (the regular price is $11.99). Though I started reading Batman regularly with issue #45, I haven’t been getting The Flash, but I know enough from the TV show that this made the purchase worthwhile. I liked Joshua Williamson’s writing, and I may just need to start paying more attention to the Scarlet Speedster. Needless to say, I read through these four collected issues in a…Flash!

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.

No-Holds-Barred Cool Comics Battle of the Week: Hoppy vs. Bugs Bunny!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 168, where we take a 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.

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 www.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 of my comics are 9.4. Some are probably better, and some are 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.

Have you considered being a guest host for Cool Comics? You can do a theme or 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. For any questions or to submit your completed blog, write to edgosney62@gmail.com .

  If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, Episode 168…

Cool Comics News!

If you look through the magazine Previews each month, then you know just how many different comic book companies are out there competing for your hard-earned dollars. And while many of us grew up with Marvel, DC, Charlton, Gold Key, and Archie, we also realize there were dozens more from the Golden Age to the Silver Age and beyond. The Eighties saw a wave of heroes, villains, and other kinds of four-color adventures (and black and white adventures) invade comic shops, and while many have come and gone, some have lasted and have found a place in our hearts. So why am I saying all this? Because another new company is on my radar after having read through a limited-edition sampler and solicitations in Previews. Cave Pictures Publishing looks to have some interesting comics on the horizon, starting next month with Appalachian Apocalypse, a six-issue series written by Billy Tucci (you might remember him as the creator of Shi, along with some work for both Marvel and DC). Stay tuned to Cool Comics for more on Cave Pictures Publishing.

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Hoppy the bunny from SHAZAM! versus Bugs Bunny! 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

#807 — SHAZAM! #1, DC, February 2019.

With a SHAZAM! movie coming in 2019, you knew it wouldn’t be long before DC gave the Big Red Cheese a title again, right? So was it worth the wait? I say yes, especially considering the last page of the first story in this oversized number 1 issue. An unexpected guest shows up (no spoilers here in case you haven’t read it yet), and it’s quite a surprise. With SHAZAM! we get a mix of fun and seriousness, looking at life in a way many of us never really consider. This is a character I really like, so I have high hopes for this series (I also have high hopes for the movie, starring Zachary Levi). This is a character my father read when he was a boy, and though I didn’t read the DC edition in the Seventies, I did watch the live-action Saturday morning show and bought many of the issues from The Power of SHAZAM! run in the Nineties. The cover price of SHAZAM! #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.

#808 — Generation X Holiday Special #1, Marvel, February 1999.

I read a lot of Marvel X-Titles in the Nineties, but I wasn’t a constant reader of Generation X. It wasn’t that there was anything wrong with them, but they were the younger generation, and I preferred to read about the more seasoned teams of heroes. Not to mention that I just couldn’t afford every comic book that came out. I still can’t, and it’s a darn shame, isn’t it? Anyway, I found this Christmas special while digging around in quarter boxes months and months ago and knew when I saw it that I’d use it for a little yuletide reading and blogging. And let me tell you, it provided lots of fun entertainment for the 25 cents I shelled out. Holiday stories aren’t for everyone. Some don’t like the time of year, some have bad memories, and some don’t celebrate them based on their beliefs. But if you do enjoy a fun Christmas story with your heroes, this one is pretty good. The cover price of Generation X Holiday Special #1 is $3.50, while the current value is $4.

#809 — Happy Holliday’s Christmas Dance Party, Cool Yule Comics, Winter 2018.

When I was a kid in the Seventies, it wasn’t Christmas until I’d read some Dennis the Menace holiday issues. Whether they were regular comic books or digests (which were even better since they had lots of pages!), they helped put me in the Christmas spirit. And after reading Happy Holliday’s Christmas Dance Party, written and drawn by George Broderick, Jr., there is no doubt that Cool Yule Comics would also have been a good fit for me, had they been available those many decades ago. This issue, along with the other Christmas comics at the Cool Yule site, are more expensive than the typical comic book, but also much thicker. If you have little ones in your life who love this time of year, go to the website and order some of these delightful holiday specials. Better yet, get some for yourself if you want to feel like a kid again! I met George at Akron Comicon 2018 when I bought this issue and had him sign it for me. He’s been doing these Christmas comics for over a decade and hopefully will continue for many years to come. The cover price of Happy Holliday’s Christmas Dance Party is $8.95 (not listed at comicbookrealm.com).

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 31)

#810 — Shadow Roads, Oni Press, May 2018.

If you enjoy nontraditional westerns with plenty of mystery and intrigue and a dash of the mystical thrown in, look no further than Shadow Roads from Oni Press. If you’re familiar with The Sixth Gun series (I admit that I’m not, but now, after reading this Free Comic Book Day edition, I’m very intrigued), Shadow Roads is a related series that takes place after an Apocalyptic event. Interested yet? Written by Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt, and illustrated by A.C. Zamudio, Shadow Roads gives you a Twilight Zone kind of feel. And as much as I’d like to read more, I realize that I need to go back and read The Sixth Gun series first (at least someday, via digital probably…my back-issue piles, both paper and digital, are stacked fairly high right now). Have any of you readers tried either of these series? I’d love to hear some feedback on them. The cover price of Shadow Roads FCBD edition is free, while the current value is $0.

Cool Comics Kids

#811 — Four Color #1064: Bugs Bunny’s Merry Christmas, Dell, December 1959.

This week for Cool Comics Kids we have another fun Christmas issue from Dell’s Four Color series. These comics can be a little confusing to track, since they have individual titles (like this one, “Bugs Bunny’s Merry Christmas”), but if you use something like Comic Book Realm, it makes things a little easier (plus, my local comic shop had a sticker on the bag that tells me it’s Four Color #1064). Even though this comic is from 1959, I didn’t break the bank in purchasing a copy. I bought mine for just $3.50. Is it in perfect condition? No, but it’s extremely readable and a fun piece of holiday comic history to have in my collection. Inside, we get a Christmas story with Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd, Porky Pig saves Christmas for a toy company, Daffy Duck looks to Yosemite Sam when he tries to win a prize, and Tweety once again foils Sylvester. These are fun ways to introduce budding comic book readers to classic stories and characters. The cover price of Four Color #1064 is 10¢, while the current value is $85.

Cool Comics Classics

#812 — Blue Ribbon Comics, Archie, February 1984.

I don’t know much about non-Archie Archie Comics, but when I saw Blue Ribbon Comics #5 in a discount box, I wanted to give it a try. Admittedly, I failed to notice Jack Kirby’s name at the bottom of the cover, and it wasn’t until I picked this up to read it that I found out the author is Joe Simon and the artists listed are Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, so that’s a cool plus. This issue introduces a hero called the Shield, and yes, if he brings to mind a combination of both Captain America and Bucky, I’m in complete agreement. Also, there’s a little Superman thrown in, as our hero, undergoing an experiment conducted by his father on him when he is a toddler, ends up becoming an orphan and is adopted by a family out in the country. The wife’s name just happens to be Martha, and she and her husband decide to raise this child they find. As far as I can tell, they didn’t contact any authorities. But our rules don’t apply to the four-color world, so I guess it’s okay. This is a fairly entertaining story, but I think that when most people see the Archie Comics name, the teenagers from Riverdale are really who readers have in mind. The cover price of Blue Ribbon Comics #5 is 75¢, while the current value is $6.

Recently Read Digital Comics

I really appreciate the Marvel Epic Collections, and like the others I’ve talked about here, I bought the digital version of Iron Man Epic Collection: Doom for the ridiculously low price of 99 cents. This collection contains Iron Man (1968) #245-257, Annual #10-11, and material from Captain America Annual #9. The story covers a period of time (1989 to 1990) in which Tony Stark has been shot and is wheelchair bound, seemingly for the rest of his life (spoiler…he ends up getting an experimental chip embedded in his spine, and now he can walk again, surprise, surprise), and finds solace as Iron Man, since the armor allows him complete movement. Then things get a little wacky when Merlin the magician brings Iron Man and Doctor Doom to the future (do you have the Huey Lewis song Back In Time playing through your head right now? Feel free to watch it via the link before you finish reading, because the oddball video sort of fits with this section of the Epic Collection). The annuals included here bring the Terminator to mind, which I’m sure was the point. This isn’t the best Epic Collection I’ve read, but then again, the price was right, and it’s always fun to take a look at comic book history.

Cool Comics Letters

After going many episodes with no Cool Comics Letters, we’ve recently hit a treasure trove by having two in a row! Last week Cool Comics found a letter by comic book writer Mike W. Barr, and this week, while reading The Fury of Firestorm #18 (with a cover date of November 1983), Cool Comics found a letter written by none other than Ed Brubaker, another comic book writer. Or at least we’re assuming it’s the same Ed Brubaker. In the letter, he states he’s, “…a lowly fan hoping to make it someday in the world of comic books.” And while we’re calling it his, and including it here, can anyone out there confirm this is from THE Ed Brubaker? (Psst!…no need to squint…just click on the letter for a close-up view!)

Don’t forget, comic book fans, that you can submit Cool Comics Letters like this one by sending me an email (see email address at the beginning of the blog) with a picture of the letter, along with a picture of the comic cover, and an explanation of who the letter writer is. If you’ve had a letter published (or even your uncle or cousin), you can submit those also!

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.

This Week: Black Lightning, Transformers, and even Little Lulu!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 167, where we take a 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.

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 www.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 of my comics are 9.4. Some are probably better, and some are 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.

Have you considered being a guest host for Cool Comics? You can do a theme or 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. For any questions or to submit your completed blog, write to edgosney62@gmail.com .

If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, Episode 167…

Cool Comics News!

It’s that time of year to make sure you are extra good, or else you won’t find a big pile of comic books under your tree (if you celebrate the season). Speaking of extra good, have you read anything you’d classify as extra good recently? If so, we’d love you share with us in the comments section below.

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Havok versus Black Lightning! 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

#801 — X-Tinction Agenda #1, Marvel, August 2015.

While I wasn’t actively collecting new comic books during this time period, thanks to the $4 four packs of comics at Five Below, I was able to add this title to my collection, the first of a four-issue series that is a tie-in to the larger Secret Wars crossover event that was taking place a few years back. Now doesn’t that statement sound as if I understand what was going on at that time? Well, it’s just not so. I’ve read some digital collections and individual comics that were published between mid-2003 and mid-2017 from Marvel, but I truly don’t have a good handle as to what was happening in their universe. Yet, regardless of not having that knowledge, often we can pick up a comic book and experience enjoyment, even if we realize we’re completely lost after we finish reading it. Marvel has done a nice job giving us background on the first page of this cool comic, and with a decent background of the world of the X-Men, I was able to follow along…mostly. When you have a team concept, and there are dozens of potential members, and the ranks are constantly being added to, it’s not always easy. I’ll pick up the final three issues if I run across them while flipping through quarter boxes. The cover price of X-Tinction Agenda #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

#802 — The Incredible Hulk #378, Marvel, February 1991.

It’s December, right? And with December comes comic books splashed with green and red, and this older issue of The Incredible Hulk I dug out of a quarter box at Kenmore Komics & Games starts off the month with a bang! But wait a minute…the Hulk isn’t green here, you’re probably thinking…this is the gray version. Okay, you’re right. But still, the lettering on the cover and the battle against Santa Claus gives us the colors of the season. Wait a minute. Hulk is fighting Santa Claus? Won’t this upset the children? Spoiler Alert! I’m going to reveal a secret about this Santa (and can it really be a spoiler if this was published over 25 years ago?): it’s really the Rhino. If you appreciate comics with a holiday setting, this issue, written by Peter David, is just the kind of fun—with a touch of holiday sentiment—you’re probably searching for. I’m glad I saved it until now to read, and even if you have to pay more than a quarter, if you’re a Hulk fan or just enjoy good storytelling, search this one out; it’s worth it. The cover price of The Incredible Hulk #378 is $1, while the current value is $3.

#803 — Boomtown Scabs #4, Boomtown Press, May 2014.

When I was a kid, and into my high school years, I loved to watch wrestling on TV, and it was even more fun when I watched with my friend Bill. But it was something I moved away from and never really looked back. I mention this because I’m far from being the target audience for Boomtown Scabs, published by Brett R. Pinson via his Boomtown Press imprint. Brett wore many hats for this issue, as he did the writing, coloring, and lettering. So why did I buy it? Because I met and talked with Brett a little at Akron Comicon 2018. Face-to-face contact can make all the difference in the world, besides the fact that I purposely wanted to try new things, especially from independent creators. Fans of both wrestling and super-heroes would probably enjoy this comic, so why not give it a try? Go to his website at https://www.brettpinson.com/ to check out this and other comics he has for sale. While there is no cover price, I believe I paid about $5 for a signed copy, and I’m glad it’s now one of my Cool Comics!

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 30)

#804 — Transformers: Unicron #0, IDW, May 2018.

Transformers makes the claim to be “more than meets the eye,” but I’ve never really given them a second look. To be honest, I was past the age these toys were aiming for, and I also wasn’t reading comic books when Marvel started publishing Transformers comics back in 1984. But kids in the Eighties loved these robots in disguise, along with the comic books, and many of yesterday’s fans are still fans today. I can imagine some of them are in awe with the movie franchise, while others aren’t happy with the film versions (par for the course, right?). So back to this Free Comic Book Day issue. Not being a Transformer junkie, I really didn’t know what to expect, but imagine my surprise when the familiar face of Rom: Spaceknight, showed up, and suddenly my memories were transported back to 1982 when I bought a few monthly issues of Rom. So, there was something for me after all in this FCBD edition, memories of a time I think back to with great fondness. By the way, Transformers fans, if you are interested in exploring the comics but never have, IDW has published dozens of series featuring these brave autoboots. The cover price of Transformers: Unicron #0 is free, while the current value is $0.

Cool Comics Kids

#805 — Little Lulu #230, Gold Key/Whitman, January 1976.

Kids today probably have no idea who Little Lulu is, yet she’s been around longer than Superman, starting off in a panel in the Saturday Evening Post in 1935. And much like the Man of Steel, she’s appeared in daily strips, cartoons, comic books, and animated films. This particular issue is from 1976, and I’m sure many people who grew up in the Seventies remember Little Lulu and some of her exploits. Like many comic books aimed for a younger audience, there are several complete stories within this issue, and as you’ve probably surmised with the snowman on the cover, Christmas is part of this comic book. If you want to introduce some of the young people in your life to this classic character, you’ll probably be able to find some Little Lulu comics at your local shop for decent prices. I got this issue from a quarter box and couldn’t be happier to find old treasures like this that take me back to my childhood days. The cover price of Little Lulu #230 is 25¢, while the current value is $12.

Cool Comics Classics

#806 — Black Lightning #9, DC, May 1978.

I started reading super-hero comic books in 1973, and Marvel was the company for me. Spider-Man and Captain America were at the top of my list, but I tried a number of different characters from the House of Ideas, even including the Master of Quack Foo, Howard the Duck. The only time I bought DC comics were when the 100-pages for 60 cent issues and some of the Limited Collectors’ Edition comics (also known as Treasury) showed up on the magazine rack at the pharmacy where my dad worked, along with a handful I picked up used for 10 cents each at The Paradox Bookstore in Wheeling, West Virginia. In other words, most of my experience with DC was reprints. There is nothing wrong with these issues, and today I have a special affinity for them, but I was missing out on some cool comics from and didn’t even realize it. I’ve been slowly finding different Seventies DC issues, and one of my favorites to look for is the original run of Black Lightning, written by Tony Isabella and penciled by Trevor Von Eeden (some of you readers may remember that I met both at Akron Comicon 2017 and got them to sign one of my issues). This story features a hostage situation, and the authorities are fortunate that Black Lightning happens to show up. It’s a fun comic to read, and it reminds me that I still need a few more issues to finish my collection. The cover price of Black Lightning #9 is 35¢, while the current value is $8.

Cool Comics Letters

It’s been a while since we’ve had a Cool Comics Letter, and this one comes to us from the letter page of the Cool Comics Classic above, Black Lightning #9. The letter writer? None other than Mike W. Barr, a fantastic comic book scribe who is local to Akron, while the comic book writer, Tony Isabella, is also local to the area. Now this is really cool! NOTE: If you are reading Cool Comics on a PC, click directly on the letter to get a close up view to avoid eye strain.

 

 

 

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.