Ed Gosney's Blog, page 32

Which Comic Book Wedding Would You Attend?

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 146, 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 listings at 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 price 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. Send your completed blog to edgosney62@gmail.com.

If you have any questions or comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a reply.” I hope you enjoy seeing these as much as I do writing about them. And now, Episode 146…

Cool Comics News!
This Cool Comics Tote Bag is perfect for carrying around all your comic convention purchases!

If you find yourself looking back again at my Cool Comics official logo, I can’t blame you. Dan Gorman perfectly captured the nostalgic feeling I wanted it to invoke. And now you can drink your morning coffee in a Cool Comics mug! My new store has dozens of items featuring this gorgeous logo, including clothing, golf balls, a mousepad, a snazzy watch that comes in several colors, and even a baby bib. On the practical side, you may want to consider the Cool Comics Tote Bag in order to haul around your comic convention purchases. Everybody will want to know how to get one! (Well, maybe not, but I’m allowed to dream, right?) At any rate, I’m excited about the items! And while the coffee mugs are the best sellers so far, I think the Cool Comics hat might catch on pretty fast.

Comic fans, don’t worry, I’m not planning on inundating you with items from the Cool Comics store each week. I like to keep this blog focused on comic books, and you’ve probably noticed that I don’t have a bunch of advertisements to battle around in order to read about the cool comics. But if you are interested in seeing what the store has to offer, just click on the picture of the tote bag (and if you ever want to visit the store again but forget to bookmark it, you can get to it via my menu – Cool Comics Merchandise).

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is the X-Men Gold team versus the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers! What do you think would happen if they faced each other in a titanic tussle, and how do you see the winner achieving victory? Let us know in the comments section below.

Cool Comics in My Collection

#693 — Batman #50, DC Comics, September 2018.

DC and Marvel both took a few months to prepare comic book fans for summer wedding issues, with DC’s bride and groom—Catwoman and Batman—being the more well-known couple. Expectations and buzz have been strong at comic shops and on social media, and a few days before Batman #50 hit the stores, the New York Times ran an article that had fans screaming spoiler alert! I stayed far away from anything I felt might reveal the contents of the comic and managed to read it before any details leaked into my ears and eyes. And now, after reading the issue, I’m feeling underwhelmed. Yes, it’s still a cool comic, but some of the coolness reached the melting point. Or maybe it’s just tears that are leaking out of the pages. I’m not that picky when it comes to comics, but I thought…oh well, I don’t want to spoil it for you if you haven’t read it yet. I heard one person complaining that he’d managed to purchase all the variant covers, and now he wishes he’d saved his money. Have you read it yet? Maybe you have a different opinion, and if so, feel free to tell us in the comments section below. The cover price of Batman #50 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.

#694 — X-Men Gold #30, Marvel Comics, August 2018.

The other big wedding of the summer didn’t impress me much either, but at least we had something happen at the end to help resolve the issue that got in the way. X-Men Kitty Pryde and Colossus decided to tie the knot, and once again, I’m not going to spoil this for you if you didn’t read it, but the conclusion does lead to the big “X Classified” series that’s been solicited for the last few months in Marvel Previews. One of the differences between this comic and the Batman wedding is that this one is a more like a regular comic book issue, whereas Batman #50 played it up with big splash pages and inner thoughts of both the bride and groom. So basically X-Men Gold #30 was easier to read. X-Men fans will be glad to have this one, but again, it wasn’t my kind of story. This is not one of the regular titles that I read, but I thought it would be interesting to get it and compare the two wedding issues. And oh yeah, there’s a wedding crasher who stays hidden, someone who others have been hunting recently. The cover price of X-Men Gold #30 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.

#695 — The Man of Steel #6, DC Comics, September 2018.

It probably seems like I spend a lot of time blogging about first issues here at Cool Comics, and that wouldn’t be entirely wrong (although both of the comics above are not!). I talked a little about the first issue of this mini-series and feel justified in that decision since it was the start of Bendis’s run on Superman since leaving Marvel. But now as we wrap up The Man of Steel, there are a few things I feel are important to mention. One of the biggest things on fans’ minds concerned what Bendis might do to both Lois and the couple’s son, Jon, and the cover, as you can see, uses the word “FATE,” which tends to make people nervous. I don’t want to spoil anything in case you haven’t read it, but it’s probably not what you think. If you’ve been reading this series, the writing has been on the wall concerning their fate and should come as no surprise. Personally, I enjoyed this weekly series and I’m interested to see what else Bendis does with Superman. The cover price of The Man of Steel #6 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

#696 — Project Superpowers #0, Dynamite Entertainment, July 2018.

In the Recently Read Digital Comics section of Episode 139, I covered a couple Project Superpowers #0 issues that were free on comiXology, in anticipation of this third chapter in the story of these former Golden Age heroes. And as you’ll notice, this too is a #0 issue, but unlike the digital ones I got for free, I had to pay for this physical issue. And believe it or not, all I had to do was plunk down a dime! These day’s it’s hard to buy anything that cheap, but this comic book won’t break the bank. Obviously hoping that fans will take a chance at this fantastic price and at least buy issue 1, I think this was a great promotion, and my local comic shop will be pulling the entire series for me. If you didn’t see this at your store, you may want to ask if they have any copies left, because the story and art were certainly worth my ten cents. The cover price of Project Superpowers #0 is 10¢, while the current value is 10¢.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 10)

#697 — Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, BOOM! Studios, May 2018.

Free Comic Book Day may be history (can you believe it was over 2 months ago?), but here at Cool Comics, we are bringing you each of the issues that were offered this year. This week we feature Mighty Morphin Power Rangers in a story called Shattered Grid! I probably know less about the Power Rangers than just about anyone reading this. I think it’s because they debuted when I was too old to appreciate them, but because of FCBD, I did get to enjoy this short foray into the world of these heroes who’ve captured the hearts of so many people who aren’t me. From TV to movies to card games to video games to a live stage world tour, these heroes in Blue, Yellow, Red, Black, Pink, Green, and whatever other colors exist (I’m not even sure if the colors I named actually are Power Rangers), have helped bring in lots of money to the owners, so more “Power” to them. The cover price of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Classics

#698 — Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #3, Marvel Comics, August 1968.

I was all set for the Youngstown Comic Con this past weekend, having found this gorgeous Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD issue at an incredibly low price for the condition it’s in, anticipating getting it signed by Jim Steranko, who wrote it, drew it, colored it, and did the cover. That’s right, JIM STERANKO! But then my health decided not to cooperate, and I couldn’t make the trip. Man, was I crushed. But there’s always next year. At least that’s what I kept thinking in order to fight off the disappointment. Then I saw an announcement that due to problems with his flight, Mr. Steranko had to cancel. I truly feel bad for all who missed out on this opportunity, but word is that he’s going to try to make it next year, and I’m sure there are plenty of fans out there hoping it will happen. And so, I’ll carefully put away my Nick Fury issue now (if you like the Sherlock Holmes story “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” you’ll appreciate this adventure), hoping that I have reason to take it out of the box again next year. The cover price of Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #3 is 12¢, while the current value is $140.

Cool Comics Letters

This week we have another fan letter to feature here at Cool Comics, written by…well, it’s me! I’m a big fan of Apama the Undiscovered Animal and the newest title from Hero Tomorrow Comics, Tap Dance Killer. And because I like them so much, I wanted to let the creators know it, so I wrote in and lo and behold, I had a letter printed in Tap Dance Killer #2, which just became available this week (click on the letter for easier reading). Don’t forget, if you’ve ever had a letter published or run across a letter written by someone famous (or even your cousin that nobody knows), send it to me at edgosney62@gmail.com, along with some background information about the letter, and we’ll put it in an upcoming episode!

 

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, sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right? Just be sure to follow the instructions on the confirmation email so that you start getting my newsletter. If you don’t see it, you may want to check your Spam or Junk Mail folders.

The post Which Comic Book Wedding Would You Attend? appeared first on EdGosney.

First Look at a Walmart DC Exclusive & Cool Comics Gets a Logo!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 145, 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 listings at 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 price 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. Send your completed blog to edgosney62@gmail.com.

If you have any questions or comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a reply.” I hope you enjoy seeing these as much as I do writing about them. And now, Episode 145…

Cool Comics News!

At long last, Cool Comics In My Collection has its own logo! The artist, Dan Gorman, did a fantastic job in capturing the nostalgic feel I try to imbue into the blog, and I couldn’t be any happier with the results. If you’re a newsletter subscriber, you got a sneak peek at the inked version, but here it is in full color! (Hint, hint…another good reason to sign up for my newsletter.) The logo will now become a Cool Comics mainstay, probably replacing the picture of my Marvel No-Prize above, which may still pop up every now and then. If you have any thoughts on the logo, feel free to tell us in the comments section below (just be gentle if it’s not to your liking).

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

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

Cool Comics in My Collection

  #687 — Justice League Giant #1, DC Comics, July 2018.

If you follow comic book news on the Internet, then you’re probably aware that DC made a deal with Walmart to exclusively carry 100-Page Comic Giants! Longtime readers know that I love the old 100-page DC comics that cost just 60 cents back in the Seventies, so I was excited to give these a try. Consisting mostly of reprints and 12 pages of original material, these new editions are priced at $4.99, which isn’t bad considering the page count. The reprints in this issue consisted of three number ones from The New 52, circa 2011: Justice League, the Flash, and Aquaman. I hadn’t read any of these, and I really enjoyed getting the opportunity for the price. The new story features Wonder Woman, and starting a few months down the road, Brian Michael Bendis will be writing a 12-part Batman story for these exclusive comics. I also was able to snag a Batman Giant #1 (the one that will eventually have the Bendis story) but couldn’t find Superman Giant or Teen Titans Giant at either of the two Walmart stores I visited on Sunday. And some people don’t live close to a Walmart. The idea is to get more people interested in comics, and hopefully they will want to find a local comic shop to make additional purchases, but at the same time, I find myself frustrated that I wasn’t able to get all four (every title was supposed to be available on July 1, then they will be staggered with 2 titles coming out every two weeks starting in August). How do other fans feel about this? Feel free to tell us in the comments section below, but please keep it family friendly. The cover price of Justice League Giant #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $15.

#688 — Captain America #1, Marvel Comics, September 2018.

Poor Captain America and his friends can’t seem to get over the whole Secret Empire-Hydra ordeal, but if anyone can find a way, it will be the Star-Spangled Avenger, right? Launched to fans on July 4 (that is, if your shop decided to be open on Independence Day, which mine did, and seemed to be doing a bit of brisk business, as comic collectors are creatures of habit and come Wednesday, that’s where you’ll find us), Captain America #1 (with the Legacy numbering of 705) is the latest Marvel comic to get a do-over…or as Marvel is calling it, “Fresh Start.” Not another origin story, but a point in which they are hoping that collectors jump on the train and start reading the menu in the dining car, then decide the taste is to their liking and come back for more. None of this was really that necessary, but with Bendis leaving and DC shouting from the rooftops that they now had him, Marvel must have felt they needed to do something to get fans excited. So. More number one issues, and creative teams being jostled around. As for the story, there may be some potential here, but the new team is just starting, so we get more Hydra than we probably want. My guess is most fans want to get past it and on to something new, and maybe we’ll get there…eventually. The cover price of Captain America #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.

#689 — Sentry #1, Marvel Horse Comics, August 2018.

Way back in the year 2000, Marvel Comics introduced a new character in their Marvel Knights imprint named Sentry. Only he wasn’t new. Marvel history had forgotten him, or so we were told. So superhero Bob Reynolds got retconned into the universe in his own short series, along with a number of one-shots with other heroes such as Spider-Man, Hulk, Fantastic Four, and the X-Men. But Bob is far from being an ordinary hero, as there is also an aspect of him called the Void, which is very bad and powerful. Sentry is awesomely powerful also, but when part of you is good and part of you is bad, it creates issues. And now Sentry is back in his own title, chock full of adventures, and problems aplenty. If you enjoy comics with flawed heroes, you should give Sentry a try. The cover price of Sentry #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#690 — Toyboy #1, Continuity Comics, October 1986.

Before my massive comic book purge in the form of the most amazing garage sale ever, I owned a total of three issues of Continuity Comics titles, none of which were Toyboy. Yanked straight out of my mystical longbox (I know, for the last few months it’s been legendary, but mystical has a nice ring to it too, right?), Toyboy is a bit of an odd comic about a rich kid who invents a lot of machines and robots (it made me think of the old TV show Silverspoons…you know, the one with Ricky Schroder). For those of you who fondly remember Continuity Comics, Megalith makes an appearance in this issue, and perhaps the coolest aspect of this oldie from the Eighties is that Neal Adams wrote it, penciled it, and did the cover. The cover price of Toyboy #1 is $2, while the current value is $3.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 9)

#691 — The Tick, New England Comics, June 2018.

Though I’d started reading comic books again (my third phase of collecting) the year before, I wasn’t at all familiar with The Tick until the launch of his cartoon in September 1994. I was living in Atlanta with my wife, serving in the Army, and we were a little over a month away from having our lives change from being a couple to being parents, when the Tick and all his strange friends came on our TV one Saturday morning. It was entertaining, funny, and kind of charming in a weird way, but I didn’t rush out to find any Tick comic books. As a matter of fact, until this Free Comic Book Day issue fell into my lap, the only Tick comic I’ve ever owned is The Big Tick Halloween Special from 2001 (and I don’t think it’s in my current collection, not having survived the great comic book purge). Anyway, this freebie is okay, and maybe if you’re a big Tick fan, you loved it. I’ve never watched any of the iterations of the live TV show, but whenever I think of the Tick, the cartoon is what comes to mind, and that’s always been a good memory. The cover price of The Tick is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Classics

#692 — The New Adventures of Superboy #13, DC Comics, January 1981.

I love flipping through discount boxes to see what treasures I can find, and I consider myself fortunate that my local comic shop always has several longboxes full of comics priced at just a quarter each. My experience with pre-Crisis Superboy is quite limited, so when I saw this issue (which happens to be in great shape, especially considering it cost me just 25¢), it was a no-brainer to put it in my “to buy” pile. No doubt these stories weren’t overly complex, and the cover appears a little goofy when you see Superboy trying to wrangle a couple tigers, but it was fun and had a neat little surprise at the end after young Clark and his parents visit family members in Coast City. There are many entertaining and important comics out there worthier of being dubbed as a Cool Comics Classic, but if you can get as good a deal as I did on this issue, don’t let it slip through your fingers, and journey back to a simpler time when the Eighties were just getting their start. The cover price of The New Adventures of Superboy #13 is 50¢, while the current value is $3.

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, sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right?

The post First Look at a Walmart DC Exclusive & Cool Comics Gets a Logo! appeared first on EdGosney.

Tony Stark is Back & Cool Comics Remembers the Bicentennial!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 144, 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 listings at 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 price 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. Send your completed blog to edgosney62@gmail.com.

If you have any questions or comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a reply.” I hope you enjoy seeing these as much as I do writing about them. And now, Episode 144…

Cool Comics News!

Next Wednesday is Independence Day, so in honor of the USA celebrating another birthday, I’m giving you a look at one of my all-time favorite non-comic Marvel items! Yes, I still own this awesome calendar from the Bicentennial and it’s in great condition, considering its age. Each month has a beautiful piece of Marvel art featuring patriots and Marvel heroes, along with events listed for most days of the month, such as Sal Buscema’s birthday on January 26. From January through December, the calendar features the following: January – the Invaders; February – Hulk; March – Black Panther; April – Conan; May – Thor; June – Spider-Man; July – Captain America, of course; August – the Fantastic Four; September – Daredevil, Black Widow, Doctor Strange, Daimon Hellstrom, Luke Cage, Ghost Rider, and Shang Chi; October – Dracula, Man-Thing, Werewolf by Night; November – Adam Warlock, Silver Surfer, and Captain Marvel; and December – the Avengers.

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

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

Cool Comics in My Collection

#682 — Tony Stark: Iron Man #1, Marvel Comics, August 2018.

As many comic book fans know, the 2008 Iron Man movie starring Robert Downey Jr. is the film that jump-started the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which now makes money faster than Tony Stark does. And yet, as well as all the movies have done over the last decade, loyal comic book readers (the kind who get excited each Wednesday morning when the new issues magically appear at their local comic shop) still make up a slim percentage of our population. Granted, the average comic book sells for $3.99, but with all these movie fans, you’d think that if they wanted more, they’d turn to the source material. Tony Stark: Iron Man #1 is a great place for new readers to see if they like the comics, too. It’s a fun read, and I especially enjoyed the flashback of a young Tony showing his genius at work, allowing us to see the potential for what he eventually accomplishes. It’s a cool comic, and I recommend it. The cover price of Tony Stark: Iron Man #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.

#683 — Berger Books Sampler Ashcan #2, Dark Horse Comics, May 2018.

My local comic shop owner has given me a number of comic book ashcans (you know, those mini comics that give you a sampling of a comic that’s going to be released a few weeks later), most from Image Comics, so I was pleasantly surprised when he gave me this sampler from Dark Horse Comics. Though four different comics are shown on the cover, this issue actually contains five different samples (the one not pictured is called “LaGuardia”). And with that many, it’s kind of hard to get a true feel for any of the issues. I love the play on words for “Olivia Twist,” and “She Could Fly” looks to have potential. But this ashcan is not for all ages, so if you happen to find one in your possession, you’ll probably want to keep it away from any little ones in your living space. Though none of the comics contained here jumped out at me and said, “Buy me!” I appreciate the opportunity to give them a look. The cover price of Berger Books Sampler Ashcan #2 is free, while the current value is $3.

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#684 — Hawkworld #13, DC Comics, July 1991.

I love the eclectic mix of comics that live in my legendary longbox (for those of you who may not know, about a year-and-a-half ago my local comic shop owner offered me a longbox stuffed with 419 comic books for the bargain basement price of just $20). This week Hawkworld came soaring out after I opened the lid. I know there are a number of Hawkman fans out there who appreciate the character, and I had a great time reading this adventure from 1991. Often, comic books from the Nineties don’t get much love, but I feel a special fondness, as I came back to the hobby in 1993 after more than a decade away from it. The contrast in look and feel of comics from 1982 to 1993 is immediate, with the latter decade often featuring very little white space, if any, at the edges of the panel, very bright colors, and a decidedly higher price point. But that happens to everything, right? And at a cost to me of just mere pennies, this Cool Comic Done Dirt Cheap helps me feel like I really got my money’s worth! The cover price of Hawkworld #13 is $1.50, while the current value is $3.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 8)

#685 — The Ghost in the Shell: Global Neural Network, Kodansha Comics, May 2018.

The Ghost in the Shell: Global Neural Network is our special guest during week 8 of our look at every comic book that came out during Free Comic Book Day 2018. I remember when the first American comic series of Ghost in the Shell hit the shelves back in 1995, but I didn’t add it to my pull list, and to be honest, this is the first issue I’ve ever owned or read from the franchise. This manga series debuted in Japan in 1989, and since that time has appeared in animated and live action films, along with video games. I can safely say I won’t be rushing off to the store to purchase issues or trades of Ghost in the Shell. It’s not that it was bad, but it just didn’t do much for me. Though I realize that it’s a big hit with many fans, and some were probably very happy to get this one free back in May. The cover price of The Ghost in the Shell: Global Neural Network is free, while the current value is $0.

Cool Comics Classics

#686 — Dreadstar #1, Epic/Marvel Comics, November 1982.

If you are familiar with Jim Starlin’s Dreadstar, then you may already know the origin of the comic, how Vance first appeared in Epic Illustrated nearly 40 years ago, then under the title of Dreadstar, Marvel’s first comic under it’s Epic Comics imprint. Later, the title was published by First Comics and eventually Malibu, also. In other words, Dreadstar is a creator owned character and story, and when that happens, if you like what you read, you may end up having a variety of different companies in your character-owned collection. This is the only Epic issue I have of Dreadstar, but I own a handful of First Comics Dreadstar issues. Jim Starlin is a legend and is responsible for helping to bring some of the coolest Marvel characters to life (Gamora, Drax, Thanos, and Shang-Chi), along with writing iconic stories like The Infinity Gauntlet, The Infinity Wars, and The Infinity Crusade. So yes, I am more than happy to own this Cool Comics Classic. So how did I get my hands on this issue? A few months ago, while digging around in a quarter box, I found this hidden gem (yup, just 25 cents!) that’s in very nice condition. The cover price of Dreadstar #1 is $1.50, while the current value is $12.

Recently Read Digital Comics

It’s always fun to go with a theme in Cool Comics when it makes sense, and next Wednesday happens to be the Fourth of July, so I had to fit a Captain America comic in here somewhere. Captain America: A Little Help #1 is a short digital exclusive I picked up on comiXology a while back for free, but it appears that it’s no longer available. Seriously, you should sign up for an account and check out the free comics section every couple of weeks so that you don’t miss out! The character of Captain America has been an inspiration for thousands, perhaps even millions, of kids and grown-ups since his debut in 1941 (don’t worry, he’s NOT an agent of Hydra, no matter what some people say), and we see this firsthand in these few digital pages when someone decides life is no longer worth living. Though it didn’t choke me up as much as The Amazing Spider-Man #801 did when it recently came out (if you haven’t read it yet, make sure to get a copy as this issue is a great tribute to the spirit of Spider-Man), it still packs an emotional wallop worthy of your time…if you can find it.

  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, sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right?

The post Tony Stark is Back & Cool Comics Remembers the Bicentennial! appeared first on EdGosney.

Captain America Vs. Campus Protesters & Thor Takes Midgard by Storm!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 143, 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 listings at 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 price 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. Send your completed blog to edgosney62@gmail.com.

If you have any questions or comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a reply.” I hope you enjoy seeing these as much as I do writing about them. And now, Episode 143…

Cool Comics News!

Brynn, my 15-year-old daughter, showed me on her phone that Dark Horse Comics will be producing Stranger Things tie-in comics, starting with a mini-series this September. With all the Eighties nostalgia between the Netflix horror hit and ABC’s comedy The Goldbergs, I think Brynn is a little jealous that her mom and I actually experienced the era firsthand. Besides all the movies, toys, and gadgets they always have on these retro shows, the Eighties was also a great time for comic books, but you already knew that, didn’t you? Are you a fan of Stranger Things? Will your love for the hit show by the Duffer Brothers encourage you to give the comics a try? Cool Comics plans to take the plunge into the Upside Down, and you can be sure to read my impressions of Stranger Things #1 the week after it debuts.

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Superboy (Jonathan Kent) versus Robin (Damian Wayne)! What do you think would happen if they faced each other in a titanic tussle, and how do you see the winner achieving victory? Let us know in the comments section below.

Cool Comics in My Collection

#677 — Thor #1, Marvel Comics, August 2018.

Thor is one of my favorite heroes in the Marvel Universe, and I have lots of Thor comics in my collection. Probably second only to Spider-Man. At one point, my Superman comics were probably in second place behind Spider-Man comics (Superman used to have four different monthly titles), but when that horrific time in my life came in which I had to cull my collection, the Man of Steel didn’t make the grade, and most were sold at a garage sale. So now Thor is firmly entrenched as number two. I’ve been looking forward to seeing the Thor I grew up with back as the top dog in Asgard, but times have changed, and so has Thor. From my perspective, Thor #1 wasn’t as cool as I was hoping it would be, but I’m ever hopeful the creative team of Jason Aaron and Mike Del Mundo will have me singing their praises as I traverse the Bifrost to celebrate with the Warriors Three. There are two stories in this first issue, with the second showing us a future Thor as a grandfather with three granddaughters (they were in last month’s Mighty Thor: At the Gates of Valhalla #1, if you happened to pick it up). The best moment in the comic book occurred in this story. Yes, if you read it, it was kind of ridiculous, but at the same time, pretty darn cool, don’t you think? Don’t worry, no spoilers. The cover price of Thor #1 is $5.99, while the current value is $6.

#678 — Outpost Zero Ashcan #1, Image Comics, May 2018.

My local comic shop often gives me ashcans, and I’m not complaining. Free is always awesome, especially when you really enjoy the story. On a few occasions, there have been ashcans containing adult themes, and here at Cool Comics we always make sure to mention that, because we don’t want you purchasing something for yourself or your child, or even your grandmother, that isn’t appropriate. My preference is always a comic that I could hand to a twelve-year-old, or even twelve-year-old me, if I could only get my TARDIS working again. Which brings me back to Outpost Zero. This one is rated T for Teens, and I think your teens will really enjoy this cool science fiction story. The comic gives me a Lost in Space meets Stranger Things vibe, so if you are hoping to get your teen reading this summer, this might be something to consider getting when it hits comic shops on July 11. The cover price of Outpost Zero Ashcan #1 is free, while the current value is $4.

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#679 — Manhunter #5, DC Comics, November 1988.

This week from my legendary longbox we go back to the Eighties with Manhunter, a character I really didn’t know anything about, and still don’t. Back in 1994, I bought Manhunter #0, a comic book I no longer own. To be honest, I can’t remember if I bought it new or in a discount box (I was in Atlanta at the time, serving in the Army, and I had access to three different comic shops near me, so it was easy to find discounted entertainment). At any rate, this one that came in my longbox is just the second Manhunter comic I’ve ever owned. I took a look on Wikipedia to learn more about the character, only to find out the first appearance of Manhunter came in Police Comics #8 in March 1942. There have been different iterations through the years, and I’m sure some of you readers know quite a bit about the Manhunters. The comic was fairly entertaining, but my lack of knowledge probably hindered my reading experience. The cover price of Manhunter #5 is $1, while the current value is $3.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 7)

#680 — Crush, Yen Press, May 2018.

Crush takes place in a middle school, and I’m not ashamed to admit that I had lots of fun reading it. So much so that I had my wife read it, too. We both agreed that it partly made us think of My Bodyguard, a movie we’ve watched several times. I loved that this Free Comic Book Day edition had the bio of creator Svetlana Chmakova, who is also the creator of Awkward and Brave, both of which take place in the same setting, if I’m not mistaken. The regular run of Crush won’t come out until some time in the fall, and I suggest that if you picked this up in May but haven’t read it yet, now is the time, because you might just decide to wander back to your middle school days and have your local comic shop pull this title for you. The cover price of Crush is free, while the current value is $0.

Cool Comics Classics

#681 — Captain America #120, Marvel Comics, December 1969.

As much as I love comic books from the Seventies, when I can find issues from the Sixties that don’t break the bank, I’m a happy reader. This Captain America from 1969 cost me just $2.50! For that price, the condition is far from perfect, but it’s perfectly readable and a joy to have in my collection. In this adventure, Cap, using an alias, applies for a job at a college campus, and there just happens to be a big protest going on. Seems like a common theme we’ve seen before in titles from that period, doesn’t it? The problem is, the students who are protesting are being duped by our old big-headed buddy, MODOK. But never fear, because with the Star-Spangled Avenger on campus, the forces of evil don’t stand a chance! The cover price of Captain America #120 is 15¢, while the current value is $65.

Recently Read Digital Comics

Digital comics allow me to read more titles than I could afford if I bought them all via paper, and one of my favorites is the pairing of Damian Wayne and Jonathan Kent. Super Sons Vol. 2: Planet of the Capes, continues the zany adventures of these young crime fighters. It seems pretty obvious that writer Peter J. Tomasi is having a good time scripting these comics, and though the series has officially come to an end, Tomasi will be writing a 12-issue limited series that starts August 1. As much as I enjoy these comics, I’ll continue to get them in digital format, which seems almost fitting for these young heroes of tomorrow.

 

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The post Captain America Vs. Campus Protesters & Thor Takes Midgard by Storm! appeared first on EdGosney.

Which Do You Like Best: Cool Covers, Characters, or Creators?

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 142, 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 listings at 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 price 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. Send your completed blog to edgosney62@gmail.com.

If you have any questions or comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a reply.” I hope you enjoy seeing these as much as I do writing about them. And now, Episode 142…

Cool Comics News!

Last week, DC Comics distributed DC Nation #1, a free new monthly magazine containing previews of upcoming issues, interviews, and insider looks at creative teams and storylines. I enjoyed this first issue and hope that DC continues publishing it for free. I understand it’s all about marketing, but it’s certainly a nice way to thank loyal customers for keeping the comics rolling off the presses. While it doesn’t contain mini comics or strips at this point, as Image+ does, it’s still a nice addition to my comic book-related reading pile. If you missed out on this magazine, check with your local comic shop to see if they still have any left. Also, this week as I look over my cool comic selections, I started wondering what makes the comic collector and reader tick: cool covers, characters, or creators. Please tell us in the comments section below what makes you tick when it comes to comics!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Cyborg versus Doctor Strange, the quintessential match-up of technology versus magic. What do you think would happen if they faced each other in a titanic tussle, and how do you see the winner achieving victory? Let us know in the comments section below.

Cool Comics in My Collection

#671 — Doctor Strange #1, Marvel Comics, August 2018.

Marvel’s “Fresh Start” seems to be in high gear now, and throughout the summer we’ll continue to see titles starting over again with number 1 issues (although each, so far has retained Legacy numbering underneath), but not abandoning what came before, as far as continuity is concerned. Doctor Strange #1 gives us a powerless Sorcerer Supreme, so he turns to his friend Tony Stark for advice, who eventually gets around to sending Stephen off into space to see if he can find other sources of magic and basically recharge his magic battery. Personally, I think it’s odd to see him flying around the universe, rather than traveling through mystic realms. Does it work for you? I’ll need a few issues to see where the story is going before I decide if this was a good move or not. The cover price of Doctor Strange #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

#672 — Justice League #1, DC Comics, August 2018.

Every once in a while here at Cool Comics, I mention having to watch my budget, because on Wednesdays there are always so many comic books vying for my attention. I have a pull list of titles that my comic shop always holds for me, but then I look at the shelf of new titles, and it’s always so tempting to grab something I told myself I wasn’t going to buy. And that’s what happened with Justice League #1. I’d bought the last three issues of the previous volume of Justice League (issues 41-43), but now that it’s starting over with a number one issue and coming out twice a month (that’s always a budget killer), I decided to cut the strings. Not to mention that there are going to be two other related Justice League titles. But look at that cover. Superman, Batman, Flash, Wonder Woman, Cyborg, Aquaman, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Martian Manhunter. Sigh. Maybe the good news is that I skipped on the recent Justice League: No Justice mini-series, so I didn’t get all the references in this issue, thereby making it easier to simply say, “I won’t buy issue #2.” But look at that cover. The cover price of Justice League #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

#673 — Immortal Hulk #1, Marvel Comics, August 2018.

For anyone who thinks comic books are just for kids, read this issue of Immortal Hulk #1 and tell me you still feel the same way. The level of emotion that creative team Al Ewing (writer) and Joe Bennett (penciler…and I’m going to also give props to Ruy José – Inker, and Paul Mounts – Color Artist) are able to capture in the opening third of this comic should be able to change your mind. It’s real, it’s tragic, and the comic as a whole successfully punches you in the gut, knocking the wind out of you. Maybe you’re a longtime Hulk fan and you tried this and didn’t like it, and that’s okay. Not every comic is for every comic book fan. But wow, this one packs a wallop. Bruce Banner is back, and I’m interested in seeing how the story plays out. The cover price of Immortal Hulk #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#674 — Ivar, Timewalker #8, Valiant Entertainment, August 2015.

I decided it was time to pull another Valiant issue out of my legendary longbox. If you’ve been reading Cool Comics for a while, you know that I’m discovering that Valiant comics are cool comics, and now I try to pick up back issues at great prices whenever I can find them. Case in point, I recently raided my local comic shop’s quarter boxes and found 162 Valiant comics I didn’t have, the majority of them coming from the original runs in the Nineties. Sounds like a lot of money, but it was a great deal once you do the math. Anyway, I have Valiant on the mind, so I gave this more recent issue (which cost just $0.047…that’s right, just shy of a nickel, as the longbox cost $20, and it contained 419 comic books) a read, and it was cool. I grew up reading mostly Marvel, with a dash of DC, and the occasional Charlton, Gold Key, and Archie thrown in, but there is something fun about exploring the unknown, and Valiant is really doing it for me right now. I also have lots of old Ultraverse comics to read, and while they are fairly interesting, Valiant is my favorite company that won’t stay dead. The cover price of Ivar, Timewalker #8 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 6)

#675 — Barrier #1, Image Comics, May 2018.

Free Comic Book Day is a fun time to take the family out to discover the pleasures of reading comic books. I always see families, moms, dads, and kids, hoping to get some cool adventures without spending a dime (although many people help out their comic shops by making a few purchases). But sometimes moms and dads have to be discerning about the comic books their kids decide to try, and this is definitely the case with Barrier #1. In the white box on the front cover it states that this is rated M for Mature, but the message is easily lost in a sea of superhero books, so parents, make sure you take a look before your kids do. Savvy comic shop owners will make sure to tell mom and dad when the kids start grabbing mature titles, but sometimes mistakes happen. And Barrier contains a panel that kids shouldn’t see, along with some language that is definitely for mature audiences. The Image creators are certainly talented, but I wish Image hadn’t put this one out for Free Comic Book Day. The cover price of Barrier is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Classics

#676 — Steel, the Indestructible Man #1, DC Comics, March 1978.

Steel, the Indestructible Man (Hank Heywood), didn’t prove to be indestructible when it came to circulation, because this World War II hero who didn’t enter the scene until 1978 lasted just five issues. Written by Gerry Conway and penciled by Don Heck, the character might now be more well-known for his appearance on the television show Legends of Tomorrow (the grandfather of Nate Heywood). I don’t have much experience reading this character, as the last I saw of him was well over 30 years ago in some issues of All-Star Squadron from the Eighties. And let’s be honest here, I don’t recall those stories at all. But when I saw this comic in a quarter box, I knew I had to have it because 1) it’s from the Seventies, 2) the marked cover price is just 35¢ so it brings in the nostalgia factor even more, and 3) it’s a first issue. Hence, a comic book trifecta! The cover price of Steel, the Indestructible Man #1 is 35¢, while the current value is $14.

Recently Read Digital Comics

When it comes down to the Inhumans and X-Men, there is no doubt which Marvel team is the most popular. Though the Inhumans have been around since 1965 (the X-Men hit the comic book scene in 1963), outside of collector circles, they’ve been relatively unknown, although with the addition of Inhumans to the TV series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., along with the Inhumans mini-series on ABC last year, non-comic book readers (is there really such a thing as non-comic book readers?) might be able to name an Inhuman character or two. The Inhumans Vs. X-Men comic book limited series, consisting of issues #0-6, came out a few months before I started collecting again, but thanks to a great sale on digital comics, I was able to get the entire collection for just 99 cents (currently $12.99 on comiXology). It’s the story of what it means to be who you are in the face of death, and just what steps you are willing to take to survive as a species. Or something like that…along with a few lies sprinkled amongst all fighting between these two super groups. If you’re a fan of Hank McCoy, the Beast, you’ll really be feeling for him, because as a scientist he’s caught in the middle of these struggles. There are some new Inhumans on the block, and I did enjoy getting to learn about them. This wasn’t a great series, but it was entertaining for the price I paid.

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, sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right?

The post Which Do You Like Best: Cool Covers, Characters, or Creators? appeared first on EdGosney.

The Amazing Spider-Man Turns 800 & at DC Bendis “Steels” the Show!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 141, 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 listings at 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 price 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. Send your completed blog to edgosney62@gmail.com.

If you have any questions or comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a reply.” I hope you enjoy seeing these as much as I do writing about them. And now, Episode 141…

Cool Comics News!

Saturday, June 2, I attended River City Pop Culture Fest and was presented with yet another opportunity to tell comic book writer Ted Sikora just how much I love Apama The Undiscovered Animal and Tap Dance Killer. Then I made sure to purchase the movie that gave Apama his start, Hero Tomorrow, on Blu-ray, and Ted graciously signed it for me, along with posing for this picture my wife took. See that cool Apama shirt Ted is wearing? I need to get one, don’t you think?

Remember in Episode 137 when I mentioned getting a great deal on some old issues of Alter Ego magazine? While I love reading about those old comics from my father’s era, I also enjoy reading about the comics from my past, so I decided to start getting Back Issue, and I just finished reading #104 (May 2018) this week, a fun tribute to Jack Kirby’s Fourth World, only the magazine focused on the comics that came after Jack’s originals (and Fourth World characters and settings in DC animation!). While I haven’t read many of the comics discussed in this issue, I enjoyed it immensely and look forward to the June issue.

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Spider-Man 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 in My Collection

  #665 — The Amazing Spider-Man #800, Marvel Comics, July 2018.

Issue number 800 of The Amazing Spider-Man brings the four-part storyline, “Go Down Swinging” to its bittersweet conclusion. Why bittersweet? I’ll avoid spoilers here, but with the Red Goblin on the loose, death and destruction are certainly found within the 80 pages that wrap up this massive issue. I’ve been reading The Amazing Spider-Man off and on since I bought issue #125 in 1973 for just 20¢ from a little shop named Slicks in my small hometown of Martins Ferry, Ohio, and at that time I couldn’t begin to imagine that one day there would be an issue with $9.99 on the cover. Was it worth it? If you love Peter Parker and his universe of friends and villains, I think you’ll be more than happy to add this one to your collection. Although I’m still not happy about…oh yeah, no spoilers…so read it for yourself. The cover price of The Amazing Spider-Man #800 is $9.99, while the current value is $10.

#666 — The Man of Steel #1, DC Comics, July 2018.

What? Another “launch” of Superman? Rebirth did a nice job, in my opinion, of establishing the current mythos of the Man of Steel, and while this mini-series isn’t actually a starting over point, new DC writer Brian Michael Bendis is making some changes to what really happened to Krypton, along with introducing a fierce new adversary for Superman to deal with. When John Bryne wrote the six-issue The Man of Steel mini-series following Crisis on Infinite Earths, it was understandable from a character perspective to give the grandfather of superheroes special treatment. With this new series, though, it comes off more as a celebration of having Bendis on board at DC. I’ve run across a number of people (both on and offline) who don’t care much for his brand of storytelling, but I give this first issue my official stamp of coolness. At least so far. I’m looking forward to the rest of this weekly series, and then Bendis will get to start the Superman title over again with a number one issue, but Action Comics will be keeping its numbering, with #1001. The cover price of The Man of Steel #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

#667 — Stellar #1 Ashcan, Image Comics, April 2018.

If you enjoy tales of intergalactic wars chock-full of heroes, villains, and mystery (so fans of Star Wars, Star Trek, Babylon 5, Battlestar Galactica, Firefly, and The Expanse, take note…I could add more, but you get the gist), then you may want to consider picking up Stellar from Image Comics when it comes out June 13. The owner of my local comic shop slipped this ashcan into my stack of comics a few weeks ago, and it definitely caught my interest. Stellar was created by Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead) and Marc Silvestri (one of the original founders of Image Comics), and written by Joseph Keatinge, with art by Bret Blevins. I will give you a warning that on the back of the ashcan, it is rated M for Mature, but there was nothing in this ashcan issue that would prevent me from letting younger readers take a look. My guess is that the overall series is aimed towards a mature audience, so proceed with caution if that isn’t your thing. I love the art, and the story certainly peaked my interest. The cover price of Stellar #1 Ashcan is free (limited to one per store), while the current value is $5.

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#668 — True_Believers #4, Marvel Comics, December 2008.

In the words of Stan Lee, “Face front, true believers!” I had no idea Marvel started producing comic books based on Stan Lee quotes…and to be honest, this isn’t about Stan’s famous words. Last week I took this Marvel title out of my legendary longbox, having no idea what heroes and villains it would feature, let alone what kind of plot I’d be reading. The difficult part is that this is issue #4 of 5, and it’s the only one I have from this mini-series. You know what? It wasn’t half bad, from what I could understand of it. The characters were new to me, and as far as I know, created just for this series (I suppose I could look them up on the Internet, but since I probably will never read another issue of True_Believers, it’s not that important). That’s the problem you face when you purchase a longbox stuffed with comics sight unseen. The cover price of True_Believers #4 is $2.99, while the current value is $3.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 5)

#669 — Shadowman, Valiant Entertainment, May 2018.

Though this Free Comic Book Day issue from Valiant Entertainment is called Shadowman, we also get a preview of X-O Manowar #14 and Harbinger Wars 2: Prelude #1. The first segment covers a preview from Shadowman #1, which came out in March, and I certainly found it to be an intriguing read. I like what I’ve read of Valiant over the past few months, and if you are looking to read something different from the usual fare the Big2 provide, you may want to give Valiant a try. My personal favorites happen to be the Harbinger titles, but if you like comedy, be sure to check out Quantum & Woody. I often hear negativity when it comes to Free Comic Book Day, such as complaints that it really isn’t helping sales, but regardless, I love the concept, and the opportunity to read something different is always appealing. The cover price of Shadowman is free, while the current value is $0.

Cool Comics Classics

#670 — Men of War #1, DC Comics, August 1977.

The first war comic I ever owned came from a three-pack of Charlton Comics that my mother bought me back in the mid-Seventies. It was an issue of Fightin’ Marines, and I let it slip through my fingers at a garage sale. Today, as a veteran of the U.S. Army, I have a deeper appreciation for comics with a military setting, and I try to pick up old ones periodically. I purchased this number one issue (as a side note, this is a series I wouldn’t have given a second look at back in 1977…I had no interest in war/military comics) for just a quarter about a month ago at Kenmore Komics in Akron, Ohio, and if you live in the area, you should check out the huge selections of back issues and discount boxes they have. Men of War contains the first part of two different storylines, and I liked them both. The cover price of Men of War #1 is 35¢, while the current value is $30.

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, sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right?

The post The Amazing Spider-Man Turns 800 & at DC Bendis “Steels” the Show! appeared first on EdGosney.

Cool Comics Enters The Twilight Zone!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 140, 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 listings at 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 price 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. Send your completed blog to edgosney62@gmail.com.

If you have any questions or comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a reply.” I hope you enjoy seeing these as much as I do writing about them. And now, Episode 140…

Cool Comics News!

I’m on pace to read 1,200 comics in 2018. You read that right, I’m averaging over 100 comic books a month. I’ve read over 500 so far this year. That’s a lot of reading, and because of it, I’m not reading as many novels. But I’m having lots of fun! Do you have a comic book reading goal for 2018?

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Impulse versus The Twilight Zone! (I know, you thought it would be Batman vs. Iron Man, but we had that battle back in Episode 124.) What do you think would happen if the impetuous speedster found himself in Rod Serling’s backyard of bizarre? If you want to participate, have fun with this and tell us in the comments section below what would happen if Impulse found himself in the episode of your choice!

Cool Comics in My Collection

#660 — Invincible Iron Man #600, Marvel Comics, July 2018.

Invincible Iron Man #600 is the last Marvel comic book Brian Michael Bendis has written for the foreseeable future, now that he’s moved on to DC and will be taking on the writing chores for Superman. I was regularly reading comics when Bendis came on the scene 18 years ago, and after a break in the action for me from 2003 until 2017, I’m also here at the end of his Marvel run. Will you be gettng any of his DC work? I’ve been reading Superman comics for the last few months, so it will be interesting to see the direction he takes on such an iconic character. And while Iron Man doesn’t have the history that Superman does, the first Iron Man movie brought a lot of attention to Tony Stark, enlarging his fanbase. The last few issues have been building up to the moment we see Stark again, as he’s been missing, but another story between the covers unveils secrets about Tony’s parents. Don’t worry, since this is a new issue, and maybe you’re behind on your reading, I’m not looking to spoil things for you. But if you haven’t been reading Iron Man for a while and decided to purchase this 600th issue, you’ll be a little lost, and probably surprised at just how different things are, but change is inevitable. The cover price of Invincible Iron Man #600 is $5.99, while the current value is $6.

#661 — Detective Comics #981, DC Comics, July 2018.

Did I mention yet in this episode that change is inevitable? Just as it is in life, so it is in the world of comic books. James Tynion IV has been writing Detective Comics since issue #934, and I saw a tweet from him recently that #981 would be his last. He’s still writing comics, but this title is getting a new creative team. I haven’t been reading Detective Comics very long in this go-round of my comic reading life (this is my fifth issue), and I’ll be the first to admit that I haven’t been able to understand all the references…along with a good bit of the plot…in this Batman Eternal storyline. Regardless, it’s been interesting, and in some ways, the end of an era, though not of the same proportions as I spoke of with Bendis above. I’m looking forward to the next issue to see the direction it will go in, and it’s fun to be reading a comic that will soon hit issue #1000, just as Action Comics did recently. The cover price of Detective Comics #981 is $2.99, while the current value is $3.

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#662 — Impulse #44, DC Comics, January 1999.

This week I pulled issue #44 of Impulse out of my legendary longbox (or is it a magical longbox, or maybe even a mythical longbox? I guess it depends on what comic book I take out of it…but one thing is for sure, it seems like it’s never going to end!). I was an early adapter of this speedy kid, as my collection contains his first appearance (the Bart Allen version, not Kent Shakespeare) in Flash #92 (Vol. 2), along with the first eight issues of his solo title. My longbox contained a couple more, so now I have those added to my collection. Speed is a big part of the DC Universe, and when I started my third phase of collecting comics in the Nineties, Impulse, Flash, Max Mercury, and other speedsters could easily be found in the pages of DC Comics, and I loved Impulse from the get-go. Yet I discontinued the title after eight issues. Making decisions about what comics to keep buying and which ones to cancel is always a concern, due to the fact that my resources aren’t unlimited. Unfortunately, Impulse got the axe from me, but it was fun traveling through time back to the Nineties and reading this Halloween themed issue that cost just a mere $0.047 when I bought the longbox. The cover price of Impulse #44 is $2.25, while the current value is $3.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 4)

#663 — The Amazing Spider-Man/Guardians of the Galaxy #1, Marvel Comics, May 2018.

If you didn’t pick up this Free Comic Book Day issue that features Spider-Man, and you intend on reading The Amazing Spider-Man #1 when it comes out in July, you may want to see if you can find a copy. This issue gives you a little preview of what’s to come with the new creative team of Nick Spencer and Ryan Ottley. And though I’m a big fan of Peter Parker and his alter ego, I’m not about to say this is the coolest of my cool comics. The art style isn’t for me (but who knows, I may grow to like it), and I’m not sure if I’m aboard with the direction Marvel is taking one of my favorite heroes (he seems a little too young, in my opinion), but come on, it’s Spider-Man! The second part of this free issue contains art and information concerning the Guardians of the Galaxy and Infinity stuff, which is a big thing with Marvel these days (I finally saw Avengers: Infinity War over the weekend and helped push it to over $1.9 billion!), not only in the theater but in the comics, too, so fans won’t want to miss this nice little summation. The cover price of The Amazing Spider-Man/Guardians of the Galaxy #1 is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Classics

#664 — The Twilight Zone #57, Gold Key Comics, July 1974.

The original Twilight Zone TV show is one of the greatest anthology programs in the history of television. Do you agree? So, anything with the name The Twilight Zone that is not the show (even though it will stir up some nostalgic excitement in your brain) is probably going to fall short of the majesty that Rod Serling brought to us on the small screen. But that’s not to say that I didn’t enjoy the four short stories that were packed into this comic. It’s just that the original is almost impossible to live up to. And when I find old issues of The Twilight Zone in discount comic boxes, I’m going to buy them, even if they aren’t as good. Because even if the stories are just so-so, the source material evokes pleasant memories from my past that I enjoy recalling. Do you have a favorite episode you’d like to share with Cool Comics? Make sure to tell us in the comments section below. The cover price of The Twilight Zone #57 is 25¢, while the current value is $18.

Recently Read Digital Comics

I purchased Daredevil Epic Collection: Heart of Darkness via Amazon for just 99¢ during a terrific sale on digital Marvel titles (if you link your comiXology account with your Amazon account, you can keep and read all your titles through comiXology, which I recommend…after reading each issue, you can place them in an Archive section so that you don’t accidentally read them again…but you can still give them a re-read if you want to). This is a big collection, weighing in at 482 pages and covers Daredevil issues #271-282, Daredevil annuals #5 and 6, and parts of annuals from the following titles: Punisher; Incredible Hulk; and Silver Surfer, as they tie back to Daredevil. I’ve grown to appreciate Daredevil more and more as the years roll by, but this Epic Collection wasn’t for me. I didn’t hate it, but I had to force myself to pick up my tablet and continue with the story. If you’ve read it and loved it, great. To each his own. But I’m glad I was able to get it on sale, because the current price on comiXology is $19.99.

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, sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right?

The post Cool Comics Enters The Twilight Zone! appeared first on EdGosney.

Han Solo versus Flash Gordon for the Fate of the Universe!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 139, 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 listings at 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 price 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. Send your completed blog to edgosney62@gmail.com.

If you have any questions or comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a reply.” I hope you enjoy seeing these as much as I do writing about them. And now, Episode 139…

Cool Comics News!

I did a survey on the Internet this week in a couple different places, one being Twitter and the other a large Facebook comic book group. What was it about, you ask? Weddings. Specifically, if you could attend one comic book wedding, which would it be? The contenders were: Catwoman and Batman; Shadowcat and Colossus; and lastly, my completely made up wedding of Sweet Aunt Petunia and Bibbo Bibbowski. Catwoman and Batman are winning in a landslide, although not many votes have been cast. Maybe I’m not that good at doing surveys, or maybe not many people really cared. Still, I had fun putting together the survey, so I’ll probably do one again in the near future.

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

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

Cool Comics in My Collection

#655 — The Long Con: Advance Review Copy #1-3, Oni Press, 2018.

I saw The Long Con #1 featured in Previews and thought it sounded like a cool comic. On the cover of the Advance Review Copy I have it gives an elevator pitch for this new series as “Galaxy Quest Meets Mad Max,” and I can’t disagree. This Advance Review Copy includes the first three issues from Oni Press and includes the covers (Yes, I included issue #1 here, along with the review copy cover). I haven’t been to many cons in my life (a situation I’ve been rectifying over the last couple years), but if you’ve been to just one, or caught scenes of cons on TV, you should be able to appreciate this comic. The Long Con sort of gives me the same vibe that the novel Night of the Living Trekkies did (written by Kevin David Anderson and Sam Stall, this novel is pure delight, and I give it a very cool recommendation) when I read it a few years ago. If you love fandom and comic cons, you should seriously consider giving this one a try. The cover price of The Long Con Advance Review Copy #1-3 is free, while the current value is something I haven’t yet been able to find out.

  #656 — Quicksilver: No Surrender #1, Marvel Comics, July 2018.

When it comes to speedsters in comic books, I believe most readers would naturally think first of the Flash. Or at least one of the iterations of the character (Barry Allen, Wally West, or Jay Garrick…take your pick). DC seems to have a monopoly when it comes to speed, as there are many other heroes and villains who can run circles around us average Joes. Marvel Comics, on the other foot (yes, you see what I did there), doesn’t feature “fast” nearly as often, and doesn’t have fleet-footed characters with much name recognition beyond Quicksilver (although Yo-Yo and The Whizzer have both been featured on the small screen, via Marvels Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Jessica Jones). As a matter of fact, if you wanted to collect every Marvel Comic book in existence with Quicksilver in the title, it won’t take long, nor will it be hard on your wallet. With all this in mind, I had no intention of getting the new Quicksilver: No Surrender six issue series. Yet when I spotted it at my local comic shop last week, I decided to give it a try. And it turned out to be a good decision. Quicksilver: No Surrender contained the perfect amount of mystery, action, and comedy. So run…run fast…to your nearest comic shop and try this new cool comic! The cover price of Quicksilver: No Surrender #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#657 — Maverick #2, Marvel Comics, October 1997.

As I flipped through the hundreds of comics in my legendary longbox, great comic book memories flooded my mind as four-color covers from various decades called to me, saying, “Read me!” It’s always a difficult decision on which to pull out and read for Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap, but I decided to go Nineties again (the last episode featured a comic from October 1996, and this time I only jumped forward one year). Maverick is a character that’s certainly not a household name, and in his comic history, he’s had several different codenames. I remember seeing his character in the old X-Men cartoon from the same period, and that he, Wolverine, and Sabretooth went on some missions together. In this comic, he’s infected with the Legacy virus, which seems like such a long time ago. Many comic book critics tend to say not so many nice things about comics from the Nineties, but I enjoyed collecting and reading them at the time and remember being impressed with how rich and vibrant the colors often looked. Anyway, it’s more fun to have positive memories, isn’t it? The cover price of Maverick #2 is $1.99, while the current value is $3.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 3)

#658 — Star Wars Adventures, IDW Comics, May 2018.

It’s no secret that I’m not as crazy about Star Wars as most people seem to be (I like it okay…I saw all three of the original movies in theaters…at least I have that going for me), so it wasn’t any great thrill to discover that one of the Free Comic Book Day issues features Star Wars. But this little tale, written and drawn for all ages, is nice timing, considering the Han Solo movie (Solo: A Star Wars Story) that comes out this weekend. Seems like most people who are big fans of the franchise love the brash space pirate, but I’ve always preferred Luke (except when he gets all whiny…that I can do without). So, if you’re a fan and were fortunate enough to find a copy of this on FCBD, enjoy, because it was a decent little story (and the price is starting to go up!). I’ll admit that it has me thinking about going to the theater to see the new movie. The cover price of Star Wars Adventures is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Classics

#659 — Flash Gordon #1, DC Comics, June 1988.

My introduction to Flash Gordon came via the Sunday funnies. Eventually I started watching re-runs of the old black and white serials with my dad on weekend mornings. I cherish those memories to this day. Eventually I got some Flash Gordon novels to read, probably when I was in seventh or eighth grade. Yet by the time the Flash Gordon movie came out (1980)…the one with the Queen soundtrack…I was a senior in high school and didn’t give Flash a second thought, as I had no interest in the movie. Yet a few weeks ago, when I was flipping through some back-issue boxes at my local comic shop, I found this first issue from DC and decided to buy it since it was just 25 cents. Reading it transported me back to the days of watching Buster Crabbe as Flash on TV, enjoying it with my father, and for that memory alone it was certainly worthy of the quarter I dished out. The cover price of Flash Gordon #1 is $1.25, while the current value is $4.

Recently Read Digital Comics

Did you forget about my recently read digital comics? It’s been three weeks since I last said anything here, mostly because of other reading I’ve been doing, but also because I started a Daredevil Epic Collection and I’m having trouble staying with it. I love Daredevil, but these stories haven’t been my cup of tea, so far. Anyway, I decided to read these free issues of Project Superpowers #0 and Project Superpowers: Chapter 2 #0, to get a taste of what’s coming in July. Wait, you don’t know? Dynamite is launching yet another series with these golden age heroes, and I’m going to give the first issue a try, and you should too, because the price is ridiculously low. How low? Thanks for all the questions, as you’re making this so much easier for me. Ten cents. 10¢. $0.10. Crazy, right? How can you not afford to buy it? Honestly, after reading these two #0 series-launching issues, I’m excited to see more of these characters. Alex Ross did the art for the first issue, Project Superpowers #0, and the visuals are stunning. I’m betting it’s not too late to order the new 10 cent Project Superpowers #1 from your local comic shop, but if my word isn’t good enough for you to risk your pennies, then download these two digital comics from comiXology for free and give them a try.

Never Miss an Episode of Cool Comics!

Now you can get Cool Comics in My Collection delivered directly to your email! Just click on “Join My Newsletter” on my website, sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right?

The post Han Solo versus Flash Gordon for the Fate of the Universe! appeared first on EdGosney.

Cool Comics Letters and a Miracle!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 138, 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 listings at 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 price 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. Send your completed blog to edgosney62@gmail.com.

If you have any questions or comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a reply.” I hope you enjoy seeing these as much as I do writing about them. And now, Episode 138…

Cool Comics News!

In Episode 136 of Cool Comics, I included a fan letter I saw in an old issue of Batman (Cool Comics #643), penned by none other than comic book writer Tony Isabella! It’s always fun to see what people have to say about comics, especially when they go on to become creators themselves. Yet most of us who’ve sent out fan mail are just happy to see our names in print within the pages of some of our favorite comic books! I’ve been fortunate to have a couple letters published, but due to circumstances, I no longer have copies of those issues. A friend recently did me a huge favor and found one of the comics, took some pictures of my letter, and sent them to me. Which gave me the idea to start a new section called (of course) Cool Comics Letters. If you’ve ever had a letter printed in a comic book or comic-related magazine, snap a picture of the letter and the cover of the publication, and send them to me at my gmail address above. That’s all you need to do, but if you want to write up a little background about the situation or tell us about yourself and your involvement in reading comics, feel free to do so (I do reserve the right to edit as necessary, especially when it comes to keeping this blog family friendly). If you’ve never had a letter published, you can still participate by finding letters published by industry professionals or celebrities, or even your friends, so keep your eyes pealed when reading fan mail pages!

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

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

Cool Comics in My Collection

  #651 — Hunt For Wolverine: Adamantium Agenda #1, Marvel Comics, July 2018.

By now, it’s apparent that I’ll be getting all four of the Hunt For Wolverine mini-series. Like I said a few episodes back, it wasn’t my intention to get any of them, but my local comic shop added the titles to my pull list, and who am I to say “no” to comics that I enjoy? Granted, this one, Adamantium Agenda, is just the second out of four, but I’m now assuming I’ll like the next two, also. Wolverine is not my favorite Marvel character, and sometimes he drives me crazy, but I like the role-players on the search for him in this one, including Iron Man, Spider-Man, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage. When I first started collecting and reading comics back in the Seventies, I really liked Marvel Team-Up, and that’s the feeling these Hunt For Wolverine comics are giving me, and especially with this one, since it has Spider-Man. I know a lot of fans aren’t overly crazy about Marvel these days, but I enjoyed both of these so far. Here’s to hoping Marvel keeps putting out more good, fun stuff, like these. The cover price of Hunt For Wolverine: Adamantium Agenda is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#652 — Mister Miracle #7, DC Comics, October 1996.

About a year-and-a-half ago, I bought a long box of comic books from Kenmore Komics (my Local Comic Shop) for $20. It was one of those deals in which you buy it sight unseen, and just have fun with what’s inside. This box, which I now refer to here at Cool Comics as my “legendary longbox,” contained 419 comic books, which breaks down to $0.0477 per comic. That’s right, 419 comics for less than a nickel each. When you get comic books for that price, you don’t have much room to complain about them. And there it is, how the legendary longbox came to be. This week I pulled out Mister Miracle #7, from the short-lived Mister Miracle series in 1996 that lasted until issue #…7. That’s right, this one is the end of the line. Fans of Mister Miracle (Scott Free) could tell you that his first appearance was in 1971 and that he was created by Jack Kirby, as part of his “Fourth World” storyline. From what I see on the web, there are a number of people who love Mister Miracle, and especially his current 12-issue limited series. Did you hear about the upcoming New Gods movie? With Mister Miracle headed towards the big screen, and a fairly limited number of comic book titles baring his name, maybe it’s time to check him out now, before my Cool Comic Done Dirt Cheap issue quadruples in value! The cover price of Mister Miracle #7 is $1.95, while the current value is $3.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 2)

#653 — DC SuperHero Girls, DC Comics, March 2018.

If you’re looking for comic books that are safe for a younger crowd, DC’s lone Free Comic Book Day offering fits the bill, with DC SuperHero Girls, which features a chapter from their Date With Disaster graphic novel. While this isn’t something I’d buy for myself (this particular issue was free, so why not?), it gives you a nice look at the art and type of story that DC is publishing with their SuperHero Girls. And actually, it wasn’t a bad read, even for this old guy. The bright colors and happy faces of the heroes help make this more appealing, and if you have some young readers and you want to introduce them to comic books, why not pick up one of the graphic novels? When I was young, most of the girls in the neighborhood didn’t care much for the superhero crowd, but Harvey Comics like Richie Rich and Casper, along with Archie and Dennis the Menace comics, filled the bill. And they were typically just a quarter each. Those were the days. At any rate, FCBD is a nice chance to see what else is out there, and maybe to get some gift ideas. The cover price of DC SuperHero Girls is Free, while the current value is $0 (by the way, last week’s FCBD issue is now up to $1).

Cool Comics Classics

#654 — Black Goliath #4, Marvel Comics, August 1976.

Way back in Episode 11 (December 10, 2015), I lamented the fact that I no longer owned Black Goliath #1 (see Cool Comic #77 – One That Got Away! by clicking “Episode 11 above). Remember how it used to be a thing here at Cool Comics that I’d include an issue I no longer own? I haven’t done it in a long time…probably because it makes me too sad! Anyway, Black Goliath, for some reason, really takes me back to my favorite period of collecting, in the Seventies. I bought issues #1 and 2, but didn’t continue getting anymore (and who knew it would only make it to five issues?). And then in college, I sold those two issues. If only I could travel back in time and convince myself not to do it! Well, it’s apparent that we can’t turn back the clock, but I was able to find a couple issues at reasonable prices, so I’m a happy camper. Just look at that cover and imagine the titanic battle between Bill Foster (Black Goliath for the uninitiated) and Stilt Man! Do you feel the temptation to go to your local comic shop and search for it? I can’t blame you one bit. The cover price of Black Goliath #4 is 25¢, while the current value is $16.

Cool Comics Letters

I’m starting off this new column by including a letter I had published 20 years ago in Spider-Man #93, cover dated July 1998. My letter didn’t fit on one column, so to make the pictures more readable, I broke them up into three parts, including the response from Marvel (click each one for a larger view). You’ll notice that they mention my No-Prize is on the way, and you can see it near the top of my blog, as I include it each week here at Cool Comics. Twenty years is a long time in a person’s life, and I know I’m not as critical today as I was when I wrote this, having gone through many different experiences. So what I’m saying is, I don’t necessarily care much for my tone, yet it did garner me that empty envelope, coveted by millions!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Never Miss an Episode of Cool Comics!

Now you can get Cool Comics in My Collection delivered directly to your email! Just click on “Join My Newsletter” on my website, sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right?

The post Cool Comics Letters and a Miracle! appeared first on EdGosney.

Avengers #1 and Harbinger Wars 2, Plus DC Nation is Just 25 Cents!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 137, where we take a look at 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 listings at 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 price 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. Send your completed blog to edgosney62@gmail.com.

If you have any questions or comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a reply.” I hope you enjoy seeing these as much as I do writing about them. And now, Episode 137…

Cool Comics News!

Way back in the Nineties, when I started reading new comics again after a decade away, I started picking up the occasional comic book magazine so that I could keep up with what was going on. Wizard was very popular at the time, along with the short-lived Hero Illustrated (which was the place I first read about a new TV show that would be starting up, called The X-Files). These magazines—and others like them—had articles about artists, writers, and things happening in the world of comics, along with price guides. Sometimes I would find magazines that stepped back in time and talked about the good old days of comics, and special collections and creators from the past. And now that I’m buying new comics again, I get Previews each month. I see cool magazines being offered like Back Issue! and Alter Ego, and fall in love with the nostalgic covers. I’ve never been sure if I’d really read these if I ever bought a copy, since I already read lots of comics, magazines, and books, but I recently found out, as last Thursday, just a couple days before Free Comic Book Day (did you go? Did you get some fun stuff? Tell us in the comments section below!), I stopped in my local comic shop and found a box full of discounted Alter Ego magazines, along with some other fun and interesting comic magazines. The shop owner made me a deal, and now I’m having to pry myself away from the earliest issue of Alter Ego in my collection, issue 19, from way back in 2002. If you have an interest in or appreciation of Golden and Silver Age comics and creators, Alter Ego is the magazine for you. I can’t say enough good things about it as I’m working my way through this first issue, which has two beautiful covers, as the magazine, at least in this earlier one, flips upside-down for the second half. Very cool.

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

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

Cool Comics in My Collection

#644 — Avengers #1, Marvel Comics, July 2018.

I wasn’t overly excited to see that Marvel decided to have a “fresh start.” Seriously, they just ran their Legacy thing in the fall, and now this? Renumbering and all that? And yet Avengers #1 is a great read. Marvel didn’t change the past, have a crisis, or do any sort of Heroes Reborn or Rebirth thing. Instead, they mixed up some of the creative teams and started with number one issues (and underneath the “1” is the Legacy numbering…LGY#691 for this issue, for those who like that sort of thing). Undoubtedly this will help sales by providing clean jumping on points for people who see the movie and want more, or collectors who haven’t read Marvel in a while and decide to give it another try. But why do this now? Um, Bendis left, so that is part of it, but comic sales aren’t what they use to be. Anyway, back in the fall, did you read that Marvel Legacy one-shot? Yeah, that one with the heroes from a million years ago. It was different, that’s for sure, and at the time, I didn’t much care for the concept. But they’re back, and now I’m smitten. That’s right, the first few pages show us the earliest heroes of Earth (and Asgard), and they really are pretty cool. I hope they continue doing this each issue. As for the main story, it ties in to something that happened long ago, and I’m eagerly looking forward to issue #2. In other words, Avengers #1 rates extremely high on my Cool Meter, so try to get a copy if you still can. The cover price for Avengers #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.

#645 — Harbinger Wars 2: Prelude #1, Valiant Entertainment, May 2018.

At the end of January, in Episode 122, two of my Cool Comics were Valiant Entertainment titles, Harbinger and Harbinger Renegade. One I found in a discount box, and the other was in my legendary long box. I ended up really loving those two comics, so when I saw in Previews a couple months ago that a Harbinger Wars 2 mini-series would be starting, I couldn’t add it to my pull list fast enough! Granted, I don’t know much about this series or the characters in this Prelude issue, but I wanted to make sure that any fans don’t miss out if they didn’t know about Harbinger Wars 2 (I guess if this is news to you, you aren’t a Psiot). I’m looking forward to issue 1, releasing at the end of May, and hoping we get to see Peter Stanchek and his nemesis, Toyo Harada. If you are a Harbinger fan, let me know in the comments section below! The cover price of Harbinger Wars 2: Prelude #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

#646 — DC Nation #0, DC Comics, July 2018.

If you participated in this year’s Free Comic Book Day and wondered why DC had just one offering, and it was a reprint to boot, maybe you forgave them when considering this quarter comic that came out on Wednesday last week. That’s right, just 25¢, right there on the cover, like so many of us grew up with. And if that’s too steep for your budget, you can get it free on comiXology for your digital collection. DC Nation #0 gives us three stories to prepare us for a few things coming down the road. There is a Batman wedding preview story that features the Joker, Brian Michael Bendis gives us a glimpse of his version of Superman, leading into The Man of Steel weekly 6 issue series that starts May 30, and we also get a prelude for the Justice League series No Justice. If you didn’t grab this off the shelf last week, perhaps you’ve found a quarter in some lonely parking lot, waiting to be exchanged for some four-color fun. The cover price of DC Nation #0 is 25¢, while the current value is 25¢.

#647 — Hunt For Wolverine: Weapon Lost #1, Marvel Comics, July 2018.

I should be embarrassed about this comic, because just last week in Episode 136 I said I would not be getting any of the Hunt For Wolverine mini-series (although I did admit that a couple of them intrigued me, due to the characters included, and Daredevil was one I mentioned). So why are you finding this here in Cool Comics? Because it got put in my pull box by accident…but are there really any accidents? I wasn’t disappointed with the art or writing (and I like Charles Soule’s writing), which made the experience even more painful because now I’ll have to get issues 2 through 4. And my guess is that Wolverine won’t be found in any of the four separate mini-series, but it’s really about the journey, right? The cover price of Hunt For Wolverine: Weapon Lost #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#648 — Wrath of the Eternal Warrior #2, Valiant Entertainment, December 2015.

I’m giving Valiant Entertainment extra love this week here at Cool Comics, as I decided to pull this one from my legendary longbox and give it a read. The fact that Harbinger Wars 2 has started (see Cool Comic #646 above) certainly helped influence my decision, but it wasn’t the only reason I decided to read this one. So why? Because like many of you, most of my comic book past is littered with many Marvel and DC titles, and sometimes we like to delve into something a little different. When I entered my third phase of comic book collecting (1993-2003), I experimented with lots of different titles and companies. I had a nice collection of Valiant back issues, as they were pretty easy to find in discount boxes, but I sold them—unread—at a garage sale a few years ago. Now I kind of regret it, as I’ve discovered just how much fun the Valiant universe is. As for this issue, I really didn’t know much of what was going on, since I don’t have a reading history with the Eternal Warrior, but I had fun with it anyway. The cover price of Wrath of the Eternal Warrior #2 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 1)

#649 — Avengers/Captain America #1, Marvel Comics, May 2018.

This is it, fearless friends, the first Free Comic Book Day the Cool Comics Way selection! So, while I’ll maintain my regular Cool Comic numbering here, I’m going to sequentially number the week of each FCBD comic. And Cool Comics isn’t missing a beat, or an issue, because we’ll be bringing you all 50 offerings from this year, plus two bonuses, to give you a full year of coverage (and if we have any guest hosts this year, Cool Comics will double down the following week so that we stay on schedule). Sometimes the FCBD issues are reprints or have nothing to do with the ongoing stories, but for Marvel fans, you’ll want to get your hands on this issue, especially with the launch of Avengers #1 (see #644 above). If the direction writer Jason Aaron is taking this team is intriguing you, don’t miss this one (don’t worry, no spoilers here!). I wasn’t as enthusiastic about the second half of this freebie, which is the Captain America story, but the Avengers section gives you every reason to try to find a copy, if you still can. The cover price of FCBD: Avengers/Captain America #1 is Free, while the current value is $0 (it will be interesting as the year goes on to see if any of these freebies start to gain value).

Cool Comics Classics

#650 — Star Brand #1, Marvel Comics, October 1986.

While Star Brand could end up being my most controversial Cool Comics Classic since the category began, there’s no denying its place in comic book history. Under the direction of editor-in-chief Jim Shooter, Marvel introduced comic readers to the New Universe with eight titles that were not part of the world of Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, and all your other favorite heroes. It lasted until 1989. Yet the characters and concepts refused to stay dead, and Marvel creators worked them into the world you know so well. (for more details on the New Universe, its resurrection, and controversies surrounding it, you can just Google it…but you might want to start here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Universe). I’ve run across people who admit that the New Universe is their guilty pleasure, and you know what? That’s cool, because this great hobby of comic books is big enough to allow for variety, and we like what we like, right? Star Brand and his New Universe buddies came out at a time I was pretty far removed from comic books, so when I got back into reading and buying them, I would occasionally pick up a title or two when I saw them in discount boxes. But much like my Valiant comics, I sold them without having read them (yes, at my infamous garage sale). I got this copy at my local comic shop for just a quarter, and that’s hard to beat. After reading it, I don’t feel like I need to rush out and find more New Universe issues, but if I stumble upon some good deals, it might be fun to take another look. If you’re a fan and this brought back some fun memories, please tell us in the comment section below. The cover price of Star Brand #1 is 75¢, while the current value is $3.

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