Ed Gosney's Blog, page 3
August 3, 2023
Ka-Zar, Conan, and Fire Power Keep Me Loving Comics!
Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection episode 410, where we look at various comic books I own (and in some cases ones that I let get away), both new and old, often with a nostalgic leaning for those feelings of yesteryear. I hope you have as much fun reading about them as I had writing about these cool comics!
For each of the comic books I include here, I list the current secondary market pricing according to the websites ComicBookRealm.com (CBR) and Zap-Kapow Comics (ZKC), using the comic book grading scale of 9.4 (if both sites have the same price, you’ll find just one price for that issue). Not all my comics meet that grade. Some are probably better, and many are certainly worse. But to simplify it, that’s the scale I use. And remember, a comic book is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. And for those who enjoy the additional fun of knowing some of the more important issues in your collection, I recognize each Cool Comic that is listed in Key Collector Comics.
If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, episode 410…
Cool Comics Stuff!
All three of these comics saw their limited series runs come to an end last week, and while I really like the Avengers in general, the title I’m going to miss the most is Hallows’ Eve.
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Conan the Barbarian versus Ka-Zar! What do you think would happen if they faced each other in a titanic tussle, and how do you see the winner achieving victory? Let us know in the comments section below.
Cool Comics Creations!
This episode of Cool Comics features a remarkable rendition of the Incredible Hulk by world renowned artist Robert A. Kraus! RAK has a distinctive style that meshes so well with the heroes, villains, and monsters we grew up loving. As the creator of Chakan, the forever man, RAK is known around the globe and is a great friend to Cool Comics — it’s always a pleasure to show off his amazing art!
You can have a piece of your art (or an original piece of art that you own) featured right here in Cool Comics Creations! Just send an electronic file in an email featuring one of your drawings, whether you’re a professional or amateur, (it can be just pencils, or inks too…or full color if you prefer) or a picture of a craft or sculpture that you’ve done, and if it’s family friendly (and not controversial…let’s try to keep this fun), you’ll be a part of an upcoming Cool Comics episode. We also want your name, an optional picture of yourself to go here, and any other background information you want to provide, such as a website or a way you can be contacted about your art (who knows, maybe someone will make you an offer for the original!). And then email it to
edgosney62@gmail.com
.
#2066 — Fire Power #25, Image, July 2023.
Cool Factor: One of my favorite comic book series is back after a break, and yes fans, the wait was worth it! Fire Power #25 reveals a secret that has, perhaps, long-lasting ramifications…that is, if the world can survive long enough for anything to be long-lasting! You see, there’s a dragon, and while Owen has the Fire Power ability, it’s not enough to save the world on his own, so he’s training others. But his world’s been shaken by the secret I mentioned, and I’m eagerly looking forward to the next issue of this exciting series!
Comic Book Credits: Robert Kirkman (creator/writer), Chris Samne (creator/artist), Matt Wilson (colorist), Rus Wooton (letterer), Andres Juarez (logo design), Richard Mercado (production), and Amanda LaFranco (editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Fire Power #25 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.
Facsimile Edition Cool Comics#2067 — Conan the Barbarian #1, Marvel, February 2022 (Original Cover Date: October 1970).
Cool Factor: Back in the Seventies, I paid absolutely no attention to Conan and his fellow barbarians. As a matter of fact, I didn’t much care about the exploits of Robert E. Howard’s creation until around six years ago. But as they say, better late then never, and now that I’ve been enjoying the exploits of the battling Cimmerian for a few years, I was more than happy to get my hands on his first foray into four-color entertainment by way of this Facsimile Edition, the price of which was much more reasonable than the current value of $1,000 for an original comic of his first issue.
Comic Book Credits: Roy Thomas (writer), Barry Smith (artist/cover pencils), Dan Adkins (embellisher), Sam Rosen (letterer/cover letters), Mimi Gold (colors), John Verpoorten (cover inks), Stan Lee (editor), and Robert E. Howard (character creator).
Price and Values: The cover price of Conan the Barbarian #1 Facsimile Edition is $3.99, while the current value is $4. The Key Collector Comics value is also $4.
Cool Comics Celebrates FCBD (Week 13 of 2023)#2068 — Seismic Stories, Seismic Press (Imprint of AfterShock Comics), May 2023.
Cool Factor: This Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) edition features two different stories, the first of which, Animosity, I’m vaguely familiar with from a previous FCBD offering. But it’s the second story, The Darkness We Brought Back, that kept me more entertained and offered thrills not unlike the Netflix show Stranger Things. The Darkness We Brought Back presents an intro to the original graphic novel, which is currently in the newest Previews catalogue of offerings coming out in October, so if you like to see teens struggling to survive when their world spins backwards, make sure to place your order!
Comic Book Credits: Cover – Joe Eisma with Manuel Puppo; Animosity: Mae – Marguerite Bennett (writer), Joe Phillips (artist), and Juancho! (colorist); The Darkness We Brought Back: Beginnings – Alex Segura & Rex Ogle (writers), Joe Eisma (artist), and Manuel Puppo (colorist); and also Charles Pritchett (lettering, logo & book design), Brian Cunningham (editor) & Teodoro Leo (editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Seismic Stories is free, while the current value is $1.
Cool Comics for the Young at Heart#2069 — Tiny Titans #1, DC, April 2008.
Cool Factor: If you like to search out titles for the younger readers in your life, and you want to go beyond Disney and Harvey comics and introduce them to superheroes, perhaps this older series of Tiny Titans would be a nice introduction. I was fortunate to find this first issue in a quarter box at a local comic shop, and though I’m just slightly older than the intended audience, I still enjoyed reading it. By the way, there are several separate little stories (which are good for shorter attention spans), and the titles for each can be found at the Grand Comics Database.
Comic Book Credits: Art Bartazar (script/art/cover), Franco Aureliani (script), Nick J. Napolitano (letterer), Stephanie Buscema (assistant editor), Jann Jones (editor), and Dan DiDio (executive editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Tiny Titans #1 is $2.25, while the current value is $3.
Cool Comics from the 20th Century#2070 — Ka-Zar #1, Marvel, January 1974.
Cool Factor: As a reader of Back Issue magazine, I appreciate how it embeds different comics and heroes in my head from the cool articles, and Ka-Zar just happened to be featured in a recent issue. So, on a comic shop trip a couple weeks ago, I decided to see what they had in stock, and I was excited to find this first issue of the 1974 series for just $4. Granted, it’s not going to get a high grade, but as I like to say, it’s good enough for Gosneys, so I grabbed it up and added this fun comic to my collection. And the story ends on such a cliff hanger that the next time I was in that store, I made sure to buy issue 2, which I’m pretty sure will make an appearance here someday.
Comic Book Credits: Mike Friedrich (writer), Paul Reinman (art breakdowns), Mike Royer (finished art/lettering), Stan Goldberg (colorist), John Buscema (cover art), and Roy Thomas (editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Ka-Zar #1 is 20¢, while the current value is $24. The Key Collector Comics value is also $20.
Cool Comics Reader Reviews!
Would you like to write a review of a comic book or graphic novel for all the Internet to read? Our
Cool Comics Reader Reviews
section is looking for fans just like you to submit your review, along with a cover image of the comic. Additionally, you may
provide a picture of yourself and any other biographical information you want published in Cool Comics. Send all this
to
edgosney62@gmail.com
. Please keep in mind that we reserve the right to decide what will and won’t go in the blog, so keep the language clean, pick out a comic that won’t cause controversy (we try to have fun here!), and start tapping away on your keyboard!
ComicBooks For Kids! (CB4K) is a charity that Cool Comics In My Collection is honored to be working with. CB4K provides comic books to kids in hospitals and cancer centers all across the United States. You can check their website and see if your local hospital is included and if not, you can work with them to get them included! If you like what you see, please help them out and follow/like their Facebook page. Their link is https://www.facebook.com/comicbooksforkids/
Now you can get notification of new episodes of Cool Comics in My Collection delivered directly to your email! Just click “Join My Newsletter” on my website (or click on the image of my No-Prize!), sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right? Just be sure to follow the instructions on the confirmation email so that you start receiving my newsletter. If you don’t see it, you may want to check your Spam or Junk Mail folders.
The 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 crowdfunding campaigns. Don’t miss out on all the inside scoops that might get revealed on our Facebook group. Be sure and join today!
Tired of seeing a blank image when you leave comments? Now you can have a picture or logo show up here at Cool Comics and other WordPress sites, absolutely free! Just click the link below to get started.
Hits: 50
August 1, 2023
THE MAGIC MOUNTAIN by Thomas Mann
Welcome to Page 23 of I Read That Book! On each Page, I’ll tell you a little about a book I read, often in a fun and informal manner, with the hope that you also may become interested enough to read it – or perhaps read it again if you’ve already enjoyed it once. The books I’ll be featuring come from a variety of genres at differing stages of my life, so whether you prefer history, literature, science fiction, or horror, there’s a good chance you’ll get some interesting ideas for your personal “To Be Read” list. Thank you for joining me on this journey as we flip through the pages of some of my favorite books. But before you start reading below, I invite you to grab a cup of your favorite beverage (coffee for me!) and find a comfortable place to sit, then turn to Page 23.
I started reading THE MAGIC MOUNTAIN one day in the very early Nineties, and at that time I didn’t realize it would be a year before I’d finished reading all 724 pages of my edition. Today, I’m a much more disciplined and focused reader, but thirty years ago, I wasn’t prepared for a novel that was so filled with philosophy…along with a healthy dose of French.
That’s right, French. My Franklin Library edition, while translated from the German by H. T. Lowe-Porter, still contains plenty of dialogue in a language I’m not skilled enough in (I took some French in both high school and college, which didn’t help as much as one would hope).
Why French? Because when the hero of this Bildungsroman, Hans Castorp, finally gets to speak with the Russian woman he desires, Clawdia Chauchat, the one language they both have in common is French. And I guess no one told H.T. Lowe-Porter that it would be a good idea to translate that conversation to English, also, because I’m probably not the only reader who struggled to get to this point and felt utter disappointment at not being able to interpret much of what was said. I can imagine that some readers gave up on the novel entirely. Regardless, I slowly forged ahead.
He had never seen Frau Chauchat’s face so close, so clear in all its details. He could have counted the tiny hairs that stood up from the braid she wore wreathed round her head—they were reddish-blond, with a metallic sheen. No more than a handsbreadth or so of space had been between his face and hers, whose outline and features, peculiar though they were, had been familiar to him as long as he could remember, and spoke to his very soul as nothing else could in all the world.
How does the hero meet Clawdia Chauchat? It certainly wasn’t in a bar or via a dating app. You see, before Hans is to begin his career as a shipbuilder, he decides to travel to a sanatorium in the Swiss Alps to visit his cousin, who is staying there due to tuberculosis. It’s no surprise to readers that Castorp ends up with symptoms of the disease and is persuaded by a doctor to stay for a while, leading to his meeting with a rich cast of characters representing differing philosophical and political views, including Settembrini (Humanism), Naphta (Radicalism), and Peeperkorn (The Dionysian principle). For a look at what the characters represent, the role of music, mysticism (Walpurgis Night), and more, be sure to visit THE MAGIC MOUNTAIN.
I’m still not sure, 30 years later, why I decided to read THE MAGIC MOUNTAIN at that point in my life, other than the fact that I had a nice copy as part of my Franklin Library and made a choice to climb that…mountain. And after finishing it, I didn’t read another classic for several years. Thankfully, the effect of THE MAGIC MOUNTAIN wore off and classic novels are a big part of my life.
Regardless of the difficulties in translation and the overly long philosophical discussions, I liked the book and may visit it again in the future. But first I’ll need to find a copy that’s completely in English.
I’d never heard that a movie was made based on THE MAGIC MOUNTAIN until I did a little digging around on the Internet for Page 23. It’s in German, so once again I won’t be able to understand it (unless I find a version with English subtitles), but it was fascinating for me to learn of it and to watch the trailer, which I’ve included below.
And don’t forget to join us here again when I flip to the next Page!
Note: The first 32 pages of I Read This Book! originally appeared on Substack.
Never Miss an Episode of I Read That Book!Now you can get notification of new pages of I Read That Book! delivered directly to your email! Just click Join My Newsletter on my website, 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.
Hits: 12
July 27, 2023
The Destructor Faces Deathgrip, Blade is Back, and a Super Facsimile Edition!
Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection episode 409, where we look at various comic books I own (and in some cases ones that I let get away), both new and old, often with a nostalgic leaning for those feelings of yesteryear. I hope you have as much fun reading about them as I had writing about these cool comics!
For each of the comic books I include here, I list the current secondary market pricing according to the websites ComicBookRealm.com (CBR) and Zap-Kapow Comics (ZKC), using the comic book grading scale of 9.4 (if both sites have the same price, you’ll find just one price for that issue). Not all my comics meet that grade. Some are probably better, and many are certainly worse. But to simplify it, that’s the scale I use. And remember, a comic book is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. And for those who enjoy the additional fun of knowing some of the more important issues in your collection, I recognize each Cool Comic that is listed in Key Collector Comics.
If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, episode 409…
Cool Comics Stuff!
This episode we’re taking a look at the COLLECTORZINE crew at a recent store signing. From left to right: Ed Gosney (yup, that’s me), Bobby Jenkins, Robert (RAK) Kraus, and Michael Savene.
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Blade 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 Creations!
In this episode, Cool Comics shows off Ed Griffie’s Dawn of Justice with Batman and Superman! Ed is a lifelong comic book fan who started drawing Kawaii and Chibi style versions of pop culture icons and superheroes about five years ago. Through Facebook, his work came to the attention of Daniel Hare, the owner of vintage toy and comic bookstore The Toys Time Forgot, who offered him a guest spot at Free Comic Book Day. Since then, Ed has been a regular at local conventions and comic bookstores, where he offers bookmarks, coloring pages, trading cards, and color prints featuring his unique artwork. You can check out his full catalog of work at toonist27.deviantart.com or contact him at edgriffiejr@gmail.com to commission an original piece of your very own.
You can have a piece of your art (or an original piece of art that you own) featured right here in Cool Comics Creations! Just send an electronic file in an email featuring one of your drawings, whether you’re a professional or amateur, (it can be just pencils, or inks too…or full color if you prefer) or a picture of a craft or sculpture that you’ve done, and if it’s family friendly (and not controversial…let’s try to keep this fun), you’ll be a part of an upcoming Cool Comics episode. We also want your name, an optional picture of yourself to go here, and any other background information you want to provide, such as a website or a way you can be contacted about your art (who knows, maybe someone will make you an offer for the original!). And then email it to
edgosney62@gmail.com
.
#2061 — Blade #1, Marvel, September 2023.
Cool Factor: While we may or may not be getting a new Blade movie in 2024, we did indeed get a new ongoing Blade comic book…which we all appreciate even more (I think I’m right, since you’re visiting a blog that focuses on comic books). Fresh off his appearance in the limited series featuring his daughter Brielle Brooks, Blade gets set-up, and now it seems that the bad guys will triumph…but I think the daywalker will find a way to save the day in future issues!
Comic Book Credits: Bryan Hill (writer), Elena Casagrande (artist/cover artist), Jordie Bellaire (color artist/cover artist), Joe Sabino (letterer), Carlos Lao (production), Michelle Marchese (assistant editor), Wil Moss (editor), and C.B. Cebulski (editor in chief).
Price and Values: The cover price of Blade #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5. The Key Collector Comics value is also $5.
Facsimile Edition Cool Comics#2062 — Superman #1, DC, December 2022 (Original Cover Date: June 1939).
Cool Factor: Want to own a copy of the 1939 edition of Superman #1, but don’t feel like plucking down a bunch of cash? And I mean a bunch, because for a nice copy, the current value runs from $1.1 million to $3.1 million. If that’s the case, welcome to Facsimile Edition comic books! Now you can get all the stories, all the art, and all the ads for a fraction of the cost. These early adventures of Clark Kent are a lot of fun for the historic-minded collector, so grab your copy now at your local comic shop, if you can still find it.
Comic Book Credits: Cover – Joe Shuster and Leo O’Mealia; Superman stories – Jerry Siegel (script) and Joe Shuster (pencils/inks/letters); for a listing of story titles, characters, and reprint information, please see the entry at the Grand Comics Database.
Price and Values: The cover price of Superman #1 Facsimile Edition is $6.99, while the current value is $7. The Key Collector Comics value is also $7.
Cool Comics Celebrates FCBD (Week 12 of 2023)#2063 — Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures/Avatar the Last Airbender, Dark Horse Comics, May 2023.
Cool Factor: This Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) edition is a dream come true for some, as it contains both a Star Wars story AND one from Avatar, the Last Airbender! And while most of you have probably seen at least one Star Wars movie (I know, some of you have seen every minute of every movie, TV show, and animated series in existence…not to mention you’ve read the books and the comics and play the video games), not as many have watched the Avatar series, which is well worth your time. Now go grab this FCBD issue if you can still find a copy (if you missed out last May)!
Comic Book Credits: Cover – Harvey Tolibao with Kevin Tolibao; Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures – Starlight Coda: Daniel José Older (script), Harvey Tolibao (pencils/inks), Michelle Madsen (colors), Jimmy Betancourt &Tyler Smith (lettering), and Robert Simpson (senior editor); and Avatar the Last Airbender – Amy Chu (script), Kelly Matthews & Nichole Matthews (art and colors), Richard Starkings & Jimmy Betancourt (lettering).
Price and Values: The cover price of Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures/Avatar the Last Airbender is free, while the current value is $1.
Cool Comics for the Young at Heart#2064 — Walt Disney’s Donald Duck Adventures #2, Disney Comics, July 1990.
Cool Factor: This issue of Walt Disney’s Donald Duck Adventures pays tribute to the old west, and as a reader of such great novels as Lonesome Dove and Blood Meridian (could you imagine a graphic novel of Blood Meridian featuring Disney characters? Who would you cast as the Kid or the Judge? Since this is a Duck-centric comic, I’m going with Donald as the Kid and Uncle Scrooge McDuck as the Judge – and if it ever happened, which it won’t, it sure wouldn’t be for kids!), I appreciate being invited on this trail ride.
Comic Book Credits: Cover – William Van Horn (pencils/inks) and Gail Bailey (colors); Rootin’ Tootin’ Duck – John Lustig (script), William Van Horn (pencils/inks), Jo Meugniot (colors), and John Clark (letters); Desperado Duck – Karl Dester (script) Bob Foster (U.S. script), Victor Arrigada Rios (pencils/inks), Jo Meugniot (colors), and John Clark (letters); The Limber W Guest Ranch – Carl Barks (script/pencils/inks/letters) and Jo Meugniot (colors); and Bob Foster (editor) and Len Wein (editor-in-chief).
Price and Values: The cover price of Walt Disney’s Donald Duck Adventures #2 is $1.50, while the current values are $3 on CBR and $4 on ZKC.
Cool Comics from the 20th Century#2065 — The Destructor #2, Atlas/Seaboard, April 1975.
Cool Factor: From the looks of this cover, our hero the Destructor appears to be on the verge of defeat! But the true defeat was his cancellation after just two more issues. And while four issues is considered a flop, this series made it longer than most of the Atlas titles. It’s really a shame that these comics that gave us some great creators and interesting characters came to such a quick end. As I read these Atlas/Seaboard comic books, I’ve been trying to space them out to make my collection last a bit longer, and I’ve really been enjoying this trek back to the Seventies.
Comic Book Credits: Archie Goodwin (script), Steve Ditko (pencils), Wally Wood (inks), Bhob Stewart (colors), Dave Hunt (letters). Larry Lieber (cover pencils/editor), Frank Giacoia (cover inks), and Gaspar Saladino (cover letters).
Price and Values: The cover price of The Destructor #2 is 25¢, while the current values are $16 on CBR and $8 on ZKC.
Cool Comics Reader Reviews!Marvel Feature #1By Matt VanAuken
I had the pleasure of meeting Roy Thomas, at Planet Comicon, in Kansas City, about two years ago. Admittedly, I’m a longtime DC guy, but I did bring along Marvel Feature #1 presents The Defenders. Roy said he always liked the Neal Adams cover, gladly signed it, and there was a good number of people behind me. Handing it back, he asked why I liked The Defenders. He wrote that issue (artwork from Ross Andru inside, inked by Bill Everett, and lettered by Sam Rosen).
I needed to let my comic idol know my answer and I honestly brought up a number of things, such as the diversity of characters (some of whom left The Defenders only to return a few issues later), good action sequences, plotlines, and that it was a unique series compared to the more well-known titles like the X-Men. He thanked me and I told Roy how much I appreciated his time.
Which brings me to The Day Of The Defenders (the title of this issue grabbed my attention), which begins in Greenwich Village when Dr. Strange receives a telepathic message from his enemy and mad scientist, Yandroth, who appears to be dying in the hospital that Strange’s astral form visits. Yandroth tells the astral Strange that if he dies, a weapon of immense power, called the Omegatron, will detonate all nuclear weapons, and obliterate Earth.
Yandroth ends up succumbing, and knowing he’s got very little time, Strange’s astral form returns to his body, and he goes to seek help. Flying to the coast, Strange informs Namor of the matters at hand. The Sub Mariner agrees to reluctantly get involved but does so mainly to prevent horrific damage to the oceans. Namor feels the Silver Surfer would assist both of them and Dr. Strange plucks him from outer space, but the Surfer is knocked out while flying through the atmosphere, due to his board hitting a barrier that cannot be seen.
Dr. Strange’s astral projection then seeks and finds the Hulk. Both do their best and explain the situation to a confused Hulk, then the three quickly head to an otherwise inconspicuous lighthouse at Point Promontory, at the “rocky New England shore” in Maine. The lighthouse was protected by magical and physical obstructions because the Omegatron was in the beginning stages of detonation, as Dr. Strange warned earlier, “if atomic fire lights the skies, before the sun may.”
The story quickly wraps up, while Hulk and Namor fight one another due to seeing hallucinations. The good Dr. Strange conjures the Fourth Dimension and slows time down so much for Omegatron that it basically ends up in suspended animation. The mighty heroes depart, wondering out loud whether, or not, they’ll meet up again. Hulk is the last to speak out loud and “doesn’t like it,” referring to his prior stint with The Avengers. And of course, they’ll meet up again…in the following issue!
This issue has a cover date of December 1971, and I bought it over 30 years ago from a local comic shop (that’s no longer in business) for about $6. I’m amazed how much it’s worth nowadays, because I just enjoyed reading it. The series had five Giant Sized issues, one Annual, and 152 regular issues (with an entirely different team and three X-Men). The finale was double-sized with a cover date of February 1986.
Matt was born in Texas, but his parents moved to Nebraska when he was three years old, and he’s lived there ever since. In elementary school, Matt had a speech impediment that caused him to dislike reading. His Mom, however, figured it was better to read something, rather than nothing, and turned to comic books. Most of his collection is from the late 1970’s through the early 1990’s, and he has great interest in JSA and their World War II adventures, plus other diverse characters like Jonah Hex & Swamp Thing, along with lots of Batman team-up issues from the original Brave and The Bold series. Some of Matt’s favorite Marvel series include Alpha Flight, The Defenders, Rom, and The Micronauts. Additionally, he enjoys Jon Sable, The Rocketeer, and American Flagg. Matt’s been married for 22 years and has a 21-year-old-son and a daughter who will soon be 19, along with two Pomeranian dogs, which happen to be brother & sister.
Would you like to write a review of a comic book or graphic novel for all the Internet to read? Our
Cool Comics Reader Reviews
section is looking for fans just like you to submit your review, along with a cover image of the comic. Additionally, you may
provide a picture of yourself and any other biographical information you want published in Cool Comics. Send all this
to
edgosney62@gmail.com
. Please keep in mind that we reserve the right to decide what will and won’t go in the blog, so keep the language clean, pick out a comic that won’t cause controversy (we try to have fun here!), and start tapping away on your keyboard!
ComicBooks For Kids! (CB4K) is a charity that Cool Comics In My Collection is honored to be working with. CB4K provides comic books to kids in hospitals and cancer centers all across the United States. You can check their website and see if your local hospital is included and if not, you can work with them to get them included! If you like what you see, please help them out and follow/like their Facebook page. Their link is https://www.facebook.com/comicbooksforkids/
Now you can get notification of new episodes of Cool Comics in My Collection delivered directly to your email! Just click “Join My Newsletter” on my website (or click on the image of my No-Prize!), sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right? Just be sure to follow the instructions on the confirmation email so that you start receiving my newsletter. If you don’t see it, you may want to check your Spam or Junk Mail folders.
The 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 crowdfunding campaigns. Don’t miss out on all the inside scoops that might get revealed on our Facebook group. Be sure and join today!
Tired of seeing a blank image when you leave comments? Now you can have a picture or logo show up here at Cool Comics and other WordPress sites, absolutely free! Just click the link below to get started.
Hits: 52
July 25, 2023
PETER PAN, THE STORY OF PETER AND WENDY by James M. Barrie
Welcome to Page 22 of I Read That Book! On each Page, I’ll tell you a little about a book I read, often in a fun and informal manner, with the hope that you also may become interested enough to read it – or perhaps read it again if you’ve already enjoyed it once. The books I’ll be featuring come from a variety of genres at differing stages of my life, so whether you prefer history, literature, science fiction, or horror, there’s a good chance you’ll get some interesting ideas for your personal “To Be Read” list. Thank you for joining me on this journey as we flip through the pages of some of my favorite books. But before you start reading below, I invite you to grab a cup of your favorite beverage (coffee for me!) and find a comfortable place to sit, then turn to Page 22.
All children, except one, grow up.
The story of Peter Pan holds a magical place in my heart, from the Mary Martin musical to Disney’s delightful, animated version, to a number of more modern movies, and, of course, the novel. The image below is a picture of my copy, and though the ends are frayed, and the dust jacket is long gone, this was my mother’s, making it all the more valuable in my heart.
This Grosset & Dunlap publication features a number of pictures from the photoplay, as explained on the right-side page in the image below.
The story of the boy who wouldn’t grow up has influenced many creators over the years, and you can find Peter Pan themes in various genres of fiction, along with movies and TV shows. And though it seems to me that kids often do want to grow up, —unlike Peter Pan—once we’ve been an adult for a while, we often feel wistful for those days of childhood that now seem so far away. Hence, this is a story that adults can enjoy every bit as much as children.
The melancholy song Never Never Land may make you sad, or perhaps it instills a sense of joy to your inner child; either way, it’s more than likely going to evoke an emotion in your heart and soul and take you away to a different time and place. If the song made you a little melancholy, perhaps you’re accusing me of bad form.
I appreciate it when film versions use “form,” as it’s found several times in the novel; whether good form or bad form, of course, it’s dependent upon the speaker’s perspective.
“Good form, Mr. Smee? Blast good form! Did Pan show good form when he did this to me?” ~ Captain James Hook
And even as he met his end, Hook stayed true to…form.
“Bad form,” he cried jeeringly, and went content to the crocodile.
There is a lot to love about the adventures of Peter and the Lost Boys, Wendy and her brothers, Tinker Bell, Tiger Lily, and even those rotten Pirates! And who doesn’t want to fly?
Of course Peter had been trifling with them, for no one can fly unless the fairy dust has been blown on him. Fortunately, as we have mentioned, one of his hands was messy with it, and he blew some on each of them, with the most superb results.
“Now just wriggle your shoulders this way,” he said, “and let go.”
They were all on their beds, and gallant Michael let go first. He did not quite mean to let go, but he did it, and immediately he was born across the room.
“I flewed!” he screamed while still in mid-air.
It’s been over a dozen years since I read James M. Barrie’s magical story of Peter and Wendy, and just like Pan refusing to grow up, the book captured my heart, refusing to let go.
And don’t forget to join us here again when I flip to the next Page!
Note: The first 32 pages of I Read This Book! originally appeared on Substack.
Never Miss an Episode of I Read That Book!Now you can get notification of new pages of I Read That Book! delivered directly to your email! Just click Join My Newsletter on my website, 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.
Hits: 17
July 20, 2023
What If…? Dark: Loki Brings Chilling Twist to Classic Thor Tale!
Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection episode 408, where we look at various comic books I own (and in some cases ones that I let get away), both new and old, often with a nostalgic leaning for those feelings of yesteryear. I hope you have as much fun reading about them as I had writing about these cool comics!
For each of the comic books I include here, I list the current secondary market pricing according to the websites ComicBookRealm.com (CBR) and Zap-Kapow Comics (ZKC), using the comic book grading scale of 9.4 (if both sites have the same price, you’ll find just one price for that issue). Not all my comics meet that grade. Some are probably better, and many are certainly worse. But to simplify it, that’s the scale I use. And remember, a comic book is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. And for those who enjoy the additional fun of knowing some of the more important issues in your collection, I recognize each Cool Comic that is listed in Key Collector Comics.
If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, episode 408…
Cool Comics Stuff!
If you’re local to the area, please stop in and meet the Collectorzine Crew!
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Loki versus Green Goblin! What do you think would happen if they faced each other in a titanic tussle, and how do you see the winner achieving victory? Let us know in the comments section below.
Cool Comics Creations!
In this episode of Cool Comics, we get to see Sydney Walton’s version of Russell Hodgkinson as Doc from Z Nation! His art is all hand-painted with acrylic paints. Syd is always taking commissions, so don’t hesitate to contact him for a cool cover or other fantastic creations. You can find him on Facebook at Syd’s Altruistic Art, or contact him via email at swaltoniii@aol.com.
You can have a piece of your art (or an original piece of art that you own) featured right here in Cool Comics Creations! Just send an electronic file in an email featuring one of your drawings, whether you’re a professional or amateur, (it can be just pencils, or inks too…or full color if you prefer) or a picture of a craft or sculpture that you’ve done, and if it’s family friendly (and not controversial…let’s try to keep this fun), you’ll be a part of an upcoming Cool Comics episode. We also want your name, an optional picture of yourself to go here, and any other background information you want to provide, such as a website or a way you can be contacted about your art (who knows, maybe someone will make you an offer for the original!). And then email it to
edgosney62@gmail.com
.
#2056 — What If…? Dark: Loki #1, Marvel, September 2023.
Cool Factor: I typically plan my lineup of Cool Comics for each episode a couple weeks in advance, but sometimes I switch things up a bit after I read some of the issues, and this one is a perfect example. I was all set with giving the spotlight to Moon Knight for his big 25th issue (and it was an extra-sized adventure that was pretty cool), but after reading this first issue of the newest iteration of What If?, I enjoyed it so much that I decided to bring it to your attention instead. What if Loki were to kill off his enemies and gain control of Mjolnir? What would this mean to the Marvel Universe? Grab this issue if you can still find a copy and read on, true believer!
Comic Book Credits: Walter Simonson (writer/cover artist), Scot Eaton (penciler), Cam Smith & Scott Hanna (inkers), Andrew Dalhouse (colorist), Travis Lanham (letterer), Laura Martin (cover artist), Stacie Zucker (production design), Michelle Marchese (assistant editor), Wil Moss (editor), and C.B. Cebulski (editor in chief).
Price and Values: The cover price of What If…? Dark: Loki #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.
Facsimile Edition Cool Comics#2057 — The Amazing Spider-Man #122, Marvel, August 2023 (Original Cover Date: July 1973).
Cool Factor: In episode 405, we brought you the Facsimile Edition of the shocking death of Peter Parker’s (aka Spider-Man!) girlfriend, Gwen Stacy, and now we’ve got the conclusion in another Facsimile Edition that I’ve been patiently waiting to get my hands on! I’ve never been able to find an affordable copy of the original issue (the current value is $700) of The Amazing Spider-Man #122, but this recent Facsimile Edition that features the final battle (turns out, it wasn’t) between Spider-Man and the Green Goblin is certainly the next best thing. The original story, the original ads, and as close to the original price as I’m going to get with this classic from the Seventies!
Comic Book Credits: Gerry Conway (script), Gil Kane (artist), John Romita (inks/cover pencils & inks), Tony Mortellaro (inks), Artie Simek (letterer), David Hunt (colors), Danny Crespi (cover letters), Gaspar Saladino (cover letters), and Roy Thomas (editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of The Amazing Spider-Man #122 Facsimile Edition is $3.99, while the current value is $4.
Cool Comics Celebrates FCBD (Week 11 of 2023)#2058 — RuneScape: Untold Tales of the God Wars, Titan Comics, June 2023.
Cool Factor: I don’t know the first thing about RuneScape, but this Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) edition leaves readers wanting to further explore this world. The actual story in this issue is only five pages, but you get lots of cool extras such as cover background information, a two-page map spread with details, character designs, sword stuff, and creator bios. If you’re a RuneScape fan, you’re going to want this FCBD issue!
Comic Book Credits: Ryan O’Sullivan (writer), Daniel Bayliss (art), Laurel Dundee (colors), Nathan Kempf (letters), Calum Collins (assistant editor), Ibraheem Kazi (editorial assistant), and Phoebe Hedges (editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of RuneScape: Untold Tales of the God Wars is free, while the current value is $1.
Cool Comics for the Young at Heart#2059 — Wendy, the Good Little Witch #90, Harvey Comics, October 1975.
Cool Factor: In 1975 I had no desire to read Harvey Comic, let alone Wendy, the Good Little Witch. But here it is, decades later, and I found myself enjoying this issue as much as anything else I read these days, because they have a way of launching me back in time. I love the simplicity of the stories, the fun characters, and the thought that kids across the country were enjoying these tales, once upon a time. I found this issue one day while digging around in discount bins at a local comic shop, which just goes to show that you can get some Cool Comics without breaking your budget.
Comic Book Credits: As is typical for these older kiddie comics, there are no known credits. Stories for this issue include The Thief from Bagdad, High Flying, The Mystery Deepens, Pulling the Rug, Which House is the Witch House?, and Scaring Comes in All Sizes.
Price and Values: The cover price of Wendy, the Good Little Witch #90 is 25¢, while the current values are $16 on CBR and $12 on ZKC.
Cool Comics from the 20th Century#2060 — Weird Worlds #9, DC, February 1974.
Cool Factor: Doesn’t it seem like there were an awful lot of sword and sorcery comics back in the Seventies? This Ironwolf adventure continues from issue #8, which I happen to own and included in Cool Comics episode 215. Back in 1974, I don’t think I was even aware of Weird Worlds, let alone the character Ironwolf, because I usually bought superhero titles with my pocket change. But nowadays, when I have extra time, I like to flip through quarter boxes and explore stories that I missed during my youth. The condition of these old unbagged back issues isn’t going to net you a 9.2 grade if you like to slab your comics, but these are great reader copies that allow you to discover fantastic fun at affordable prices.
Comic Book Credits: Howard Chaykin (plot/pencils/inks), Denny O’Neil (script/editor), Jean Simek (letters), Nick Cardy (cover pencils & inks), and Gaspar Saladino (cover letters).
Price and Values: The cover price of Weird Worlds #9 is 20¢, while the current values are $14 on CBR and $9 on ZKC.
Cool Comics Reader Reviews!
Would you like to write a review of a comic book or graphic novel for all the Internet to read? Our
Cool Comics Reader Reviews
section is looking for fans just like you to submit your review, along with a cover image of the comic. Additionally, you may
provide a picture of yourself and any other biographical information you want published in Cool Comics. Send all this
to
edgosney62@gmail.com
. Please keep in mind that we reserve the right to decide what will and won’t go in the blog, so keep the language clean, pick out a comic that won’t cause controversy (we try to have fun here!), and start tapping away on your keyboard!
ComicBooks For Kids! (CB4K) is a charity that Cool Comics In My Collection is honored to be working with. CB4K provides comic books to kids in hospitals and cancer centers all across the United States. You can check their website and see if your local hospital is included and if not, you can work with them to get them included! If you like what you see, please help them out and follow/like their Facebook page. Their link is https://www.facebook.com/comicbooksforkids/
Now you can get notification of new episodes of Cool Comics in My Collection delivered directly to your email! Just click “Join My Newsletter” on my website (or click on the image of my No-Prize!), sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right? Just be sure to follow the instructions on the confirmation email so that you start receiving my newsletter. If you don’t see it, you may want to check your Spam or Junk Mail folders.
The 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 crowdfunding campaigns. Don’t miss out on all the inside scoops that might get revealed on our Facebook group. Be sure and join today!
Tired of seeing a blank image when you leave comments? Now you can have a picture or logo show up here at Cool Comics and other WordPress sites, absolutely free! Just click the link below to get started.
Hits: 45
July 19, 2023
MAYFLOWER by Nathaniel Philbrick
Welcome to Page 21 of I Read That Book! On each Page, I’ll tell you a little about a book I read, often in a fun and informal manner, with the hope that you also may become interested enough to read it – or perhaps read it again if you’ve already enjoyed it once. The books I’ll be featuring come from a variety of genres at differing stages of my life, so whether you prefer history, literature, science fiction, or horror, there’s a good chance you’ll get some interesting ideas for your personal “To Be Read” list. Thank you for joining me on this journey as we flip through the pages of some of my favorite books. But before you start reading below, I invite you to grab a cup of your favorite beverage (coffee for me!) and find a comfortable place to sit, then turn to Page 21.
Many of us have seen movies, TV shows, children’s books, and cartoons that depict what happened when Miles Standish, William Bradford, Squanto, Massasoit, and dozens of others gathered together for the first Thanksgiving. And from various movies over the years centering on the voyage of the Mayflower, including one to help educate younger historians (The Mouse on the Mayflower), we’ve witnessed, thanks to Hollywood magic, the hardships the pilgrims faced in the year 1620. I thought I knew enough about this boat trip and subsequent Thanksgiving dinner until I cracked open Nathaniel Philbrick’s MAYFLOWER, a 2007 Pulitzer Prize finalist.
Subtitled A STORY of COURAGE, COMMUNITY, and WAR, MAYFLOWER opened my eyes to this era of history that heretofore was much unknown to me. It seems that Philbrick had the same mindset before he began his research on the book, as stated in his Preface.
We’ve all heard at least some version of the story: how in 1620 the Pilgrims sailed to the New World in search of religious freedom; how after drawing up the Mayflower Compact, they landed at Plymouth Rock and befriended the local Wampanoags, who taught them how to plant corn and whose leader or sachem, Massasoit, helped them celebrate the First Thanksgiving. From this inspiring inception came the United States.
Philbrick smartly uses the Preface to pull us in further if we aren’t convinced by now to march up to the checkout counter and purchase MAYFLOWER.
But, as I have since discovered, the story of the Pilgrims does not end with the First Thanksgiving. When we look to how the Pilgrims and their children maintained more than fifty years of peace with the Wampanoags and how that peace suddenly erupted into one of the deadliest wars ever fought on American soil, the history of Plymouth Colony becomes something altogether new, rich, troubling, and complex. Instead of the story we already know, it becomes the story we need to know.
Sold! Over the last couple decades, I’ve developed a fascination with American history that predates the American Revolution, and as concerns the Mayflower voyage and Plymouth Colony, this book is the crowning achievement—in my opinion—for those who yearn to learn more.
Philbrick made sure to bring this history to life by populating MAYFLOWER with fascinating illustrations, maps, and pictures of artifacts, as seen in the examples below.
MAYFLOWER is a fascinating look at a period of history I previously didn’t know as well as I thought I did. Before reading the book over a dozen years ago, I had never heard of King Philip’s War (1675-1678) and many of the events leading up to the first Thanksgiving. If you have any interest in this early epoch of North America, this book is for you. And maybe me, once again, as this is a book worth rereading.
In the spirit of giving, I’ve gifted you this trailer for The Mouse on the Mayflower. While the quality is lacking, there are several YouTube channels that have the entire animated film, if you should wish to bring back your childhood…or want to see it for the first time.
And don’t forget to join us here again when I flip to the next Page!
Note: The first 32 pages of I Read This Book! originally appeared on Substack.
Never Miss an Episode of I Read That Book!Now you can get notification of new pages of I Read That Book! delivered directly to your email! Just click Join My Newsletter on my website, 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.
Hits: 6
July 13, 2023
The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones Doesn’t Disappoint!
Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection episode 407, where we look at various comic books I own (and in some cases ones that I let get away), both new and old, often with a nostalgic leaning for those feelings of yesteryear. I hope you have as much fun reading about them as I had writing about these cool comics!
For each of the comic books I include here, I list the current secondary market pricing according to the websites ComicBookRealm.com (CBR) and Zap-Kapow Comics (ZKC), using the comic book grading scale of 9.4 (if both sites have the same price, you’ll find just one price for that issue). Not all my comics meet that grade. Some are probably better, and many are certainly worse. But to simplify it, that’s the scale I use. And remember, a comic book is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. And for those who enjoy the additional fun of knowing some of the more important issues in your collection, I recognize each Cool Comic that is listed in Key Collector Comics.
If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, episode 407…
Cool Comics Stuff!
A couple of recent comics that joined my collection include the 800th issue of The Flash and Punchline and the Vaude-Villains #2. Whether you’re a big fan of Wally West or just tend to be an occasional reader, it’s always cool to check out special anniversary editions. Punchline is part of the Hero Tomorrow Comics interconnected universe that includes Apama and Tap Dance Killer, and I’m a big fan of what Ted Sikora and the other creators have been doing with these characters.
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Poison Ivy versus Indiana Jones! What do you think would happen if they faced each other in a titanic tussle, and how do you see the winner achieving victory? Let us know in the comments section below.
Cool Comics Creations!
This episode of Cool Comics features a remarkable rendition of Captain America by world renowned artist Robert A. Kraus! RAK has a distinctive style that meshes so well with the heroes, villains, and monsters we grew up loving. As the creator of Chakan, the forever man, RAK is known around the globe and is a great friend to Cool Comics — it’s always a pleasure to show off his amazing art!
You can have a piece of your art (or an original piece of art that you own) featured right here in Cool Comics Creations! Just send an electronic file in an email featuring one of your drawings, whether you’re a professional or amateur, (it can be just pencils, or inks too…or full color if you prefer) or a picture of a craft or sculpture that you’ve done, and if it’s family friendly (and not controversial…let’s try to keep this fun), you’ll be a part of an upcoming Cool Comics episode. We also want your name, an optional picture of yourself to go here, and any other background information you want to provide, such as a website or a way you can be contacted about your art (who knows, maybe someone will make you an offer for the original!). And then email it to
edgosney62@gmail.com
.
#2051 — Captain America #750, Marvel, September 2023.
Cool Factor: Marvel packs plenty of punch in this big 750th issue of Captain America, chalk full of stories by some amazingly talented writers and artists (see the credits below). This extra-large edition gives us lots of cool stuff featuring both Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson, and if you’re a fan of either or both of the red, white, and blue decked Avengers, then this is an issue you probably can’t – and don’t – want to live without!
Comic Book Credits: Cover – Gary Frank (pencils/ink) and Brad Anderson (colors); A Cup of Tea – Tochi Onyebuchi (writer), R.B. Silva (artist), Jesus Aburtov (color artist), Joe Caramagna (letterer); Nothing But a Fight – Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly (writers), Carmen Carnero (artist), Nolan Woodard (color artist); Joe Caramagna lettered all of the following: Reflections – Stephanie Williams (writer), Rachael Stott (artist), and Matt Milla (color artist); The Hero – J.M. DeMatteis, Sara Pichelli (artist), and Matthew Wilson (color artist); Then & Now – Dan Jurgens (writer & penciler), Brett Breeding (inker), and Alex Sinclair (color artist); The Mantle – Cody Ziglar (writer) and Marcus Williams (artist); One Lucky Shot – Gail Simone (writer) and Daniel Acuña (artist); Kaitlyn Lindtvedt (assistant editor), Alanna Smith (editor), Tom Brevoort (executive editor), and C.B. Cebulski (editor in chief).
Price and Values: The cover price of Captain America #750 is $7.99, while the current value is $8.
Facsimile Edition Cool Comics#2052 — Batman #181, DC, July 2023 (Original Cover Date: June 1966).
Cool Factor: This fabulous Facsimile Edition gives you the opportunity to witness the first appearance of that itchiest of crime villains, Poison Ivy! If you can’t afford to plunk down $7,000 for an original, then why not grab one of these? They contain the same stories, the same ads, and the same amount of fun and adventure at an affordable price. I’m a big fan of Facsimile Editions and could kick myself for not jumping on them a little earlier, as some editions are now worth more than I care to pay.
Comic Book Credits: Cover – Carmine Infantino (pencils), Murphy Anderson (inks), and Ira Schnapp (letters); Beware of — Poison Ivy! – Robert Kanigher (script), Sheldon Moldoff (pencils), Joe Giella (inks), and Gaspar Saladino (letters); The Perfect Crime — Slightly Imperfect! – Gardner Fox (script), Sid Greene (inks), and Gaspar Saladino (letters); and Julius Schwartz (editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Batman #181 Facsimile Edition is $3.99, while the current value is $4.
Cool Comics Celebrates FCBD (Week 10 of 2023)#2053 — Clark & Lex and Fann Club: Batman Squad, DC, Jul 2023.
Cool Factor: This DC Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) issue gives us a taste of two different graphic novels that are aimed towards younger readers. This one is perfect for readers of any age, so if you picked up this freebie the first Saturday of May, you can confidently pass it on to younger readers in an effort to interest them in continuing to support our favorite hobby for decades to come. And if you like what you read, make sure to get the entire story by purchasing the graphic novels.
Comic Book Credits: Cover – Jerry Gaylord (pencils/inks), Jim Benton (pencils/inks/colors), and Penelope Gaylord (colors); Clark & Lex – Brendan Reichs (script), Jerry Gaylord (pencils/inks), and Penelope Gaylord (colors); and Time to Begin Fanning the Flames – Jim Benton (script/pencils/inks/colors/letters).
Price and Values: The cover price of Clark & Lex and Fann Club: Batman Squad is free, while the current value is $1.
Cool Comics for the Young at Heart#2054 — ALF #43, Marvel, July 1991.
Cool Factor: I tend to think of the ALF comics as being aimed towards younger readers, but this issue has a few items within the stories that would probably have greater appeal for older readers, and especially so if you’re old enough to remember watching ALF’s antics each week on TV. So perhaps the title is more appropriate for younger hearts that are a little more advanced, but not quite ready for the exploits of Wolverine or Green Lantern. Regardless, I’m always entertained when reading ALF’s adventures.
Comic Book Credits: Cover – Dave Manak (pencils/inks); Secure from General Quarter Pounders – Michael Gallagher (script), Dave Manak (pencils), Michael James (inks), George Roussos (colors), and Brad K. Joyce (letters); Son of ALF’s Sci-Fry Marathon! – Rusty Haller (script/pencils), Marie Severin (inks), George Roussos (colors), and Brad K. Joyce (letters); Only 45 Minute Steaks from Broadway! – Michael Gallagher (script), Rusty Haller (pencils), and Marie Severin (inks); and Fabian Nicieza (editor), Evan Skolnick (managing editor), and Tom DeFalco (editor in chief).
Price and Values: The cover price of Alf #43 is $1, while the current values are $4 on CBR and $3 on ZKC.
Cool Comics from the 20th Century#2055 — The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones #15, Marvel, March 1984.
Cool Factor: If you forked over your hard-earned cash for the newest Indiana Jones movie and walked out of the theater feeling a little disappointed (I haven’t seen it, but I’m basing this on some of the feedback I’ve seen and heard), maybe you’ll regain your enthusiasm for the character by grabbing this old issue of Indy’s Further Adventures. And I didn’t have to break my entertainment budget, either, as I found this and several other issues in a quarter box at a local comic shop. While a comic book isn’t a movie, the entertainment they provide can be just as exciting, because we “see” the action as the story unfolds on the pages and in our minds between the panels.
Comic Book Credits: David Michelinie (script), Herb Trimpe (pencils), Vince Colletta (inks), Rob Carosella (colors), Joe Rosen (letters), Herb Trimpe (cover pencils/cover inks), Eliot R. Brown (editor), and Jim Shooter (editor-in-chief).
Price and Values: The cover price of The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones #15 is 60¢, while the current values are $4 on CBR and $2,50 on ZKC.
Cool Comics Reader Reviews!
Would you like to write a review of a comic book or graphic novel for all the Internet to read? Our
Cool Comics Reader Reviews
section is looking for fans just like you to submit your review, along with a cover image of the comic. Additionally, you may
provide a picture of yourself and any other biographical information you want published in Cool Comics. Send all this
to
edgosney62@gmail.com
. Please keep in mind that we reserve the right to decide what will and won’t go in the blog, so keep the language clean, pick out a comic that won’t cause controversy (we try to have fun here!), and start tapping away on your keyboard!
ComicBooks For Kids! (CB4K) is a charity that Cool Comics In My Collection is honored to be working with. CB4K provides comic books to kids in hospitals and cancer centers all across the United States. You can check their website and see if your local hospital is included and if not, you can work with them to get them included! If you like what you see, please help them out and follow/like their Facebook page. Their link is https://www.facebook.com/comicbooksforkids/
Now you can get notification of new episodes of Cool Comics in My Collection delivered directly to your email! Just click “Join My Newsletter” on my website (or click on the image of my No-Prize!), sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right? Just be sure to follow the instructions on the confirmation email so that you start receiving my newsletter. If you don’t see it, you may want to check your Spam or Junk Mail folders.
The 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 crowdfunding campaigns. Don’t miss out on all the inside scoops that might get revealed on our Facebook group. Be sure and join today!
Tired of seeing a blank image when you leave comments? Now you can have a picture or logo show up here at Cool Comics and other WordPress sites, absolutely free! Just click the link below to get started.
Hits: 42
July 11, 2023
FORREST GUMP by Winston Groom
Welcome to Page 20 of I Read That Book! On each Page, I’ll tell you a little about a book I read, often in a fun and informal manner, with the hope that you also may become interested enough to read it – or perhaps read it again if you’ve already enjoyed it once. The books I’ll be featuring come from a variety of genres at differing stages of my life, so whether you prefer history, literature, science fiction, or horror, there’s a good chance you’ll get some interesting ideas for your personal “To Be Read” list. Thank you for joining me on this journey as we flip through the pages of some of my favorite books. But before you start reading below, I invite you to grab a cup of your favorite beverage (coffee for me!) and find a comfortable place to sit, then turn to Page 20.
LET ME SAY THIS: BEIN A IDIOT IS NO BOX OF CHOCOLATES. People laugh, lose patience, treat you shabby. Now they says folks sposed to be kind to the afflicted, but let me tell you—it ain’t always that way. Even so, I got no complaints, cause I reckon I done live a pretty interestin life, so to speak.
While the movie, which came out in 1994 and won an Academy Award for best picture (along with a slew of other awards in a variety of categories), is hard to avoid if you own a TV, the novel isn’t as well known. Up until the advent of the film, author Winston Groom (who passed away at age 77 in 2021) saw his book sell under 40,000 copies. But as usual when a book is made into a movie, it soon found itself back in stores, complete with an image of Tom Hanks on the cover, and it sold around a million copies. Yet I still haven’t met anyone who actually read it.
The book and movie are two entirely different stories. While the film builds on relationships (some whole, some broken, and several healing), with a powerful dash of emotion as characters search for their destinies, the novel is full of comedy and over-the-top adventures as we travel with Forrest across America, the globe, and even into outer space!
Wait a minute…outer space? No kidding. In the book, Forrest, along with an astronaut and a male orangutan named Sue, experiences a space oddity (ground control to major Gump!), which leads to disaster!
She start hollerin an bawlin again an in the meantime, Sue has done gone an started rippin out wires from the control panel. Major Fitch is screamin, “Stop him! Stop him!” but before you know it, sparks an stuff is flyin all aroun inside the spaceship an Sue is jumpin from ceilin to floor…
Things don’t look good, and when NASA decides to have Forrest come to the rescue, the outcome doesn’t give us the good feelings that the movie achieves.
The spaceship is weavin all aroun an goin end over end an me, Sue an Major Fitch is tossed aroun like corks. Can’t grap holt of nothin, can’t turn off nothin, can’t stan up or set down. The voice of groun control come over the radio again, say, “We is noticin some kine of minor stabilization trouble with your craft. Forrest, will you manually insert the D-six program into the starboard computer?”
No doubt, the book is a little…wild. And fun. Like the movie, Forrest goes to Vietnam, Forrest plays ping-pong, and Forrest ends up in the shrimp business. If you’ve never read it and love the film, just be prepared for a Forrest Gump that you’ve never met. I hope you can make your peace with it.
And don’t forget to join us here again when I flip to the next Page!
Note: The first 32 pages of I Read This Book! originally appeared on Substack.
Never Miss an Episode of I Read That Book!Now you can get notification of new pages of I Read That Book! delivered directly to your email! Just click Join My Newsletter on my website, 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.
Hits: 6
July 6, 2023
Charlton Horror Comic Goes Beyond the Grave!
Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection episode 406, where we look at various comic books I own (and in some cases ones that I let get away), both new and old, often with a nostalgic leaning for those feelings of yesteryear. I hope you have as much fun reading about them as I had writing about these cool comics!
For each of the comic books I include here, I list the current secondary market pricing according to the websites ComicBookRealm.com (CBR) and Zap-Kapow Comics (ZKC), using the comic book grading scale of 9.4 (if both sites have the same price, you’ll find just one price for that issue). Not all my comics meet that grade. Some are probably better, and many are certainly worse. But to simplify it, that’s the scale I use. And remember, a comic book is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. And for those who enjoy the additional fun of knowing some of the more important issues in your collection, I recognize each Cool Comic that is listed in Key Collector Comics.
If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, episode 406…
Cool Comics Stuff!
The two comics pictured above are a couple weeks old now (they appeared at your local comic shop June 21), but they are worth a mention…even though I have yet to read them (you see, I’m a bit behind on my reading because after my recent surgery, I have lots and lots of rehab going on!). Ultimate Invasion #1 makes me think back to the original run of the Ultimate line, and The Incredible Hulk #1 is supposed to take the character on a more terrifying path. If you’ve read either and have an opinion on which is best, please let us know in the comments section below!
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Starfire versus Storm! What do you think would happen if they faced each other in a titanic tussle, and how do you see the winner achieving victory? Let us know in the comments section below.
Cool Comics Creations!
In this episode, Cool Comics shows off Ed Griffie’s version of Uncle Sam (we hope you had an awesome Independence Day)! Ed is a lifelong comic book fan who started drawing Kawaii and Chibi style versions of pop culture icons and superheroes about five years ago. Through Facebook, his work came to the attention of Daniel Hare, the owner of vintage toy and comic bookstore The Toys Time Forgot, who offered him a guest spot at Free Comic Book Day. Since then, Ed has been a regular at local conventions and comic bookstores, where he offers bookmarks, coloring pages, trading cards, and color prints featuring his unique artwork. You can check out his full catalog of work at toonist27.deviantart.com or contact him at edgriffiejr@gmail.com to commission an original piece of your very own.
You can have a piece of your art (or an original piece of art that you own) featured right here in Cool Comics Creations! Just send an electronic file in an email featuring one of your drawings, whether you’re a professional or amateur, (it can be just pencils, or inks too…or full color if you prefer) or a picture of a craft or sculpture that you’ve done, and if it’s family friendly (and not controversial…let’s try to keep this fun), you’ll be a part of an upcoming Cool Comics episode. We also want your name, an optional picture of yourself to go here, and any other background information you want to provide, such as a website or a way you can be contacted about your art (who knows, maybe someone will make you an offer for the original!). And then email it to
edgosney62@gmail.com
.
#2046 — Titans #2, DC, August 2023.
Cool Factor: I originally had no intention of adding this new Titans series to my monthly reading list (I’m rather far behind in my comic book reading as it is), but after having picked up the first two issues off the rack, now it seems I’m contemplating adding it. And I guess that with no current Justice League series, it makes sense to collect this team book, as long as I keep finding it enjoyable. Besides, after the way this one ended with Tempest, I just have to know what happens next!
Comic Book Credits: Tom Taylor (writer), Nicola Scott (artist/cover artist), Annette Kwok (colorist/cover colorist), Wes Abbott (letterer), Christopher Rosa (associate editor), Brittany Holzherr (editor), and Paul Kaminski (group editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Titans #2 is $3.99, while the current value is $4. The Key Collector Comics value is also $4.
Facsimile Edition Cool Comics#2047 — X-Men #137, Marvel, September 2019 (Original Cover Date: September 1980).
Cool Factor: When the original edition of this episode’s Facsimile Edition was originally published, I still hadn’t bought an X-Men comic, even though I entered the world of capes and tights in 1973. Sure, I ran across mutants here and there in things like Marvel Team-up, but at that time in my life, I didn’t have any interest in Xavier’s children. And if I decided I wanted to add the original 1980 edition to my collection, it would set me back about $95. Which makes the $4.99 price I paid for this Facsimile Edition feel like a real bargain!
Comic Book Credits: John Byrne (plot/pencils/cover pencils), Chris Claremont (plot/script), Terry Austin (inks/cover inks), Glynis Oliver (colors), Tom Orzechowski (letters), Louise Simonson (editor), Jim Salicrup (editor), and Jim Shooter (editor-in-chief).
Price and Values: The cover price of X-Men #137 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.
Cool Comics Celebrates FCBD (Week 9 of 2023)#2048 — The Sacrificers #1, Image, May 2023.
Cool Factor: This Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) story reminded me a bit of the two species on the planet Rakhat in the novel The Sparrow, by Mary Doria Russell. The Sacrificers is both interesting and disturbing, and if you’re a fan of The Sparrow, you may want to try to find this FCBD issue or just grab the ongoing series (set to launch August 2) at your local comic shop.
Comic Book Credits: Rick Remender (writer), Max Fiumara (artist), Dave McCaig (colorist), Rus Wooton (letterer), Julian Totino Tedesco (cover art), Erika Schnatz (designer), and Gabe Dinger (production assistant).
Price and Values: The cover price of The Sacrificers #1 is free, while the current value is $1.
Cool Comics for the Young at Heart#2049 — Casper the Friendly Ghost #259, Harvey Comics, December 1990.
Cool Factor: If you collected Casper in the 70s and 80s, you may recognize some of the stories in this 90s Casper comic. I’ve been fortunate over the last few years because I’ve found many of these fun Harvey Comics when searching through discount boxes. And when I say discount boxes, I really mean it, because one shop local to me always has several long boxes loaded with four-color fun, priced at just a quarter each. So, whether you want them for yourself when you’re feeling nostalgic or to pass them on to some younger readers, it might be worth your time and effort to do a little finger flipping through sale boxes.
Comic Book Credits: As per usual with these comics for the Young At Heart, credits, if any, are rare. With this issue we get only Warren Kremer for cover pencils and cover inks. This issue contains reprint stories from the 70s and 80s, and details, along with story titles, can be found here at Grand Comics Database.
Price and Values: The cover price of Casper the Friendly Ghost #259 is $1, while the current value is $3.
Cool Comics from the 20th Century#2050 — Beyond the Grave #2, Charlton Comics, October 1975.
Cool Factor: Charlton Comics hold a special place in my heart. When I was a wee bit younger, my mother brought some home to me from a local store. The titles I best remember are The Phantom and Fightin’ Marines, and while Charlton Comics are typically not as nicely produced as Marvel, DC, and other brands from the Seventies, my memories of those good times allow me to forgive the cheap production quality. This is my first and only issue of Beyond the Grave, a frightful anthology comic, and I enjoyed reading these spinetingling stories. Hopefully, I can find a few more the next time I go quarter bin diving.
Comic Book Credits: Cover – Steve Ditko (pencils/inks); Die Laughing – Gary Petras (script) and Sanho Kim (pencils/inks/letters); Mr. Moody’s Amazing Hats – Jack Sparling (pencil/inks) and Charlotte Jetter (letters); A Grave Mistake – Joe Gill (script), Steve Ditko (pencils/inks) and Charlotte Jetter (letters); Bats! – Michael Pellowski (script) and Steve Stiles (pencils/inks); and George Wildman (editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Beyond the Grave #2 is 25¢, while the current values are $35 on CBR and $20 on ZKC.
Cool Comics Reader Reviews!
Would you like to write a review of a comic book or graphic novel for all the Internet to read? Our
Cool Comics Reader Reviews
section is looking for fans just like you to submit your review, along with a cover image of the comic. Additionally, you may
provide a picture of yourself and any other biographical information you want published in Cool Comics. Send all this
to
edgosney62@gmail.com
. Please keep in mind that we reserve the right to decide what will and won’t go in the blog, so keep the language clean, pick out a comic that won’t cause controversy (we try to have fun here!), and start tapping away on your keyboard!
ComicBooks For Kids! (CB4K) is a charity that Cool Comics In My Collection is honored to be working with. CB4K provides comic books to kids in hospitals and cancer centers all across the United States. You can check their website and see if your local hospital is included and if not, you can work with them to get them included! If you like what you see, please help them out and follow/like their Facebook page. Their link is https://www.facebook.com/comicbooksforkids/
Now you can get notification of new episodes of Cool Comics in My Collection delivered directly to your email! Just click “Join My Newsletter” on my website (or click on the image of my No-Prize!), sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right? Just be sure to follow the instructions on the confirmation email so that you start receiving my newsletter. If you don’t see it, you may want to check your Spam or Junk Mail folders.
The 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 crowdfunding campaigns. Don’t miss out on all the inside scoops that might get revealed on our Facebook group. Be sure and join today!
Tired of seeing a blank image when you leave comments? Now you can have a picture or logo show up here at Cool Comics and other WordPress sites, absolutely free! Just click the link below to get started.
Hits: 48
July 5, 2023
STAR QUARTERBACKS OF THE NFL by Bill Libby
Welcome to Page 19 of I Read That Book! On each Page, I’ll tell you a little about a book I read, often in a fun and informal manner, with the hope that you also may become interested enough to read it – or perhaps read it again if you’ve already enjoyed it once. The books I’ll be featuring come from a variety of genres at differing stages of my life, so whether you prefer history, literature, science fiction, or horror, there’s a good chance you’ll get some interesting ideas for your personal “To Be Read” list. Thank you for joining me on this journey as we flip through the pages of some of my favorite books. But before you start reading below, I invite you to grab a cup of your favorite beverage (coffee for me!) and find a comfortable place to sit, then turn to Page 19.
Sometimes the best books on our library shelves are the ones we received as gifts when we were young. In 1971, on Christmas morning, I found this amongst my pile of toys under the Christmas tree. The reason I know the date is because I wrote it inside the cover…and while I’m not a fan of defacing books, in many ways this makes it a little more special. And I guess I got some stickers in my stocking that year, because I went a little crazy with them on STAR QUARTERBACKS OF THE NFL (which probably meant that I really liked the book).
I was nine years old at the time, and though I loved baseball best, I’d been watching NFL games for a few years and wanted to know more, especially as I was collecting football cards with all the dimes and nickels I could scrounge up. And after I opened the cover and turned past a couple blank pages, I see this:
And I knew there was no way I could go to bed that night without reading some of STAR QUARTERBACKS OF THE NFL.
Flipping to the next page, nine-year-old me learns that:
In this book Bill Libby tells the stories of ten quarterbacks who dominate the NFL—how they overcame difficulties, developed their talents and skills, and finally helped lead their teams to victory.
It goes on to tell us who we get to read about, all listed nicely here on the table of contents.
The book is part of Random House’s Punt, Pass, and Kick Library, and the back cover lists all the current titles and authors, perfect for future wish lists!
And apparently, I wasn’t finished with my Seventies sticker fun…along with a couple of feet stamps!
I remember how much enjoyment I got out of this as a kid, and it was a lot of fun to learn so much more about these quarterbacks. At the time, I had a great aunt who absolutely loved Joe Namath, so in memory of her, I’m including this paragraph from his chapter:
Broadway Joe and his Jets whooped and hollered. They danced into the dressing room. In the winners’ quarters, the happy sounds were not just those of another team title. They represented the sudden discovery of a league’s equality. “I guess we lived up to my boasts,” Joe said, laughing.
I have many pleasant memories of being a football fan when I was young, along with playing the game with my neighborhood pals. Taking this book off my shelf and flipping through it on this cold November day (the original publication date of this blog on Substack was November 5, 2021) leaves me feeling both a little melancholy and quite fortunate.
If you want to get those fabulous football feelings back from yesteryear, this video is a great way to start.
And don’t forget to join us here again when I flip to the next Page!
Note: The first 32 pages of I Read This Book! originally appeared on Substack.
Never Miss an Episode of I Read That Book!Now you can get notification of new pages of I Read That Book! delivered directly to your email! Just click Join My Newsletter on my website, 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.
Hits: 8
