Ed Gosney's Blog, page 34

Five Below 4-Pack for Just $4!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 128, 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 128…

 

Cool Comics News!

Did you know that Five Below had discount comic packs? I say had, because I have no idea if they still have them, as I picked up a few before the end of the year, and just recently opened one (I have lots of patience and was waiting until I wanted to use a pack for Cool Comics). So this week, all four Cool Comics issues are from a Marvel 4-Pack that cost just $4. Not bad, considering that two of the issues had variant covers, so their values are a little higher (note: I’m not a variant cover chaser, regardless of the fact that I’ve talked about them on here before…I just like to point them out when I have them, since some people do take a big interest in them). And by they way, DC fans, Five Below also carried DC discount packs.

 

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

With a slight change of title to this section, this week Cool Comics is asking you what would happen should Laura Kinney (X-23) face off against Danny Rand, the Iron Fist! Who wins, and if you want to take this a little further, how do they pull off the victory?

 

Cool Comics in My Collection

  #608 — Ghost Rider #34, Marvel Comics, Jun 2009.

What? I thought this was a Ghost Rider comic? It says so on the cover, yet there’s a drawing of Wolverine. After a little checking on the Internet, I found out that in 2009 there was a Wolverine Art Appreciation month, and this is certainly one of those covers. So, what do you readers think? Do you like it when your comic book has an image of a different hero on the cover? It’s fun that this cover gives it a higher value (at least among collectors who appreciate this sort of thing…I was tempted to use the word “gimmick,” but to each his own…I try not to be too negative, because as the old adage goes, “One mans trash is another man’s treasure”), yet it looks kind of awkward, doesn’t it? You buy an issue of Ghost Rider, and instead of a flaming skull, you get Logan’s Flock of Seagulls haircut. But not to worry, the inside does indeed contain a Ghost Rider story, and an action-packed one at that. The cover price of Ghost Rider #34 is $2.99, while the current value of this variant cover is $12.

 

#609 — The Immortal Iron Fist #27, Marvel Comics, August 2009.

Many moons ago, back in Episode 70, which came out in January 2017, I covered The Immortal Iron Fist Vol. 1 in Recently Read Digital Comics. Because comiXology had a free giveaway. Can’t pass up free, can we? This collection contained issues #1-6, and I figured that I’d read the rest of the collections someday. And while I haven’t gotten to them yet, my Five Below 4-Pack contained this, the last issue in that series. Sort of stinks, doesn’t it, that they stuck in the last one? The good news is that by the time I finally get around to reading issues #7-27 via digital, I’ll no longer remember anything about this issue. As a matter of fact, I can’t recall now what’s in it, and I just read it last week. Maybe if I flipped through the pages I’d remember, but I’ve been reading a lot of comic books this year, and not all of them stay in my memories. By the way, you’re right. This is another variant cover. The cover price of The Immortal Iron Fist #27 is $3.99, while the current value of this variant cover is $5.

 

#610 — Death of Wolverine: The Logan Legacy #2, Marvel Comics, December 2014.

I don’t believe this title, do you? Death of Wolverine my foot. The May issue of Marvel Previews has four different mini-series featuring the return of Logan, and we’ve been getting peeks at him here and there since February, not to mention in the one-shot Marvel Legacy comic that came out last fall (by the way, Legacy is yesterday’s news, as Marvel is now promoting A Fresh Start…let’s give longtime fans original numbering so we can make thicker centennial issues, charging them more, then once that well has run dry, let’s start with number one issues again, because everyone will think the number ones will be worth millions of dollars someday…I’m not trying to be cynical, and as I said in #608 above, but I wish they’d decide one way or the other and stick too it). Okay, back to this issue. If features X-23, Laura Kinney, who is a clone of Wolverine, and she’s found out he’s dead (which we now know to be a lie). Who does she hang with? Younger versions of the X-Men, who’ve come back to the future, or something like that. X-23 is in some of the current comics, so this helped me get a better feel for her character, since I hadn’t read new issues from mid-2003 until this past August. The cover price of Death of Wolverine: The Logan Legacy #2 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

 

#611 — All-New X-Men #40, Marvel Comics, June 2015.

All-New X-Men? Really, they’re all-new? This is a title that ran while I wasn’t actively collecting, but all I had to do was flip to the first page inside the cover to see that this title is deceiving. Why do I say that? Because the characters listed are Jean Grey, Cyclops, Iceman, Angel, and Beast. The team that first appeared in the Sixties, clear back to the start of the mutant comic book. Oh, I guess there’s a twist. These are younger versions that have been brought forward in time. Why? Who really knows what Marvel was thinking. Maybe the recent X-Men movies that look at the past influenced them, but it feels like we’ve been down this road before in comic books. Time travel seems to have a way of inserting itself into stories…not that I don’t appreciate time travel, but I still have a problem with the title of the comic book. At any rate, the art isn’t my flavor, but it’s hard to complain when this came in a 4-Pack that cost a total of $4. The cover price of All-New X-Men #40 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

 

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?

A Couple Cool Comics from the Eighties!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 127, 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 127…

 

Cool Comics News!

This week I’m taking a last look at a couple of titles that have come to the end of the line, Luke Cage and the Defenders. I’ve enjoyed both titles and I’m sorry to see them go. Also, Marvel started advertising “A Fresh Start,” so expect more cancellations and perhaps some new titles.

 

Cool Comics Cool Battles!

This week, take a shot at who you’d think would win in a battle between Marvel’s Defenders and DC’s Outsiders, both based on the heroes from the two issues below. You can give your version of this in the comments section, or via the forum you use to read Cool Comics.

 

Cool Comics in My Collection

#604 — Luke Cage #170, Marvel Comics, April 2018.

Writer David F. Walker capped the final issue of Luke Cage (well, at least the final issue for this run, because in the comic book world, you never know who or what will be resurrected) with a personal story, one that aims to touch the hearts of readers in a way that busting down walls and flattening criminals can’t accomplish. I wasn’t too sure if I liked it or not when I finished, but once I’d read Walker’s personal message to fans on the last page, the idea behind this plot clicked, and I understood. Still, that doesn’t mean I liked it, and it doesn’t mean that I didn’t. I just better understood why he wrote the story. I’ve seen a lot of change in the four-color world of comics in my five decades of reading them, and while I like some of the change, often it just makes me feel old, such as Luke having a wife and child. Again, it doesn’t mean I don’t like the idea, but it doesn’t mean I approve. It’s just different. My memories and ideals of comics from the Seventies are skewed. I romanticize the decade and tell myself there was no better period, yet I still read old comics with 25¢ price points on the cover and can’t always convince myself that the story was definitely better than any recent comics in my collection. But the twelve-year-old me could never be convinced there would ever be a better time for reading comics than the here and now when I actually lived it. Yet we continually try to recapture those “perfect” feelings in life, and in some ways, that’s what David F. Walker seemed to be trying to do with this issue. The cover price of Luke Cage #10 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

 

#605 — Defenders #10, Marvel Comics, April 2018.

Why are we saying goodbye to the Defenders comic book? Seems like a lot of people enjoyed the show on Netflix, so you’d think the comic circulation would have enjoyed some of that popularity, yet issue #10 is the end (and like Luke Cage above, we may see the Defenders back again someday). Is it because Brian Michael Bendis “broke up” with Marvel and now will be writing for DC? Did the powers that be at the House of Ideas have no ideas for what to do once Bendis finished up his run? I liked this comic and looked forward to it each month. It contained some really cool characters in the Marvel Universe (Daredevil, Iron Fist, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and several others), and I enjoyed the interactions. But maybe sales weren’t so great and that’s why there won’t be a Defenders #11. There have been shorter runs in comic books over the decades, but in my opinion, this one concluded way too soon. The cover price of Defenders #10 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

 

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#606 — Adventures of the Outsiders #33, DC Comics, May 1986.

Of all the decades in which I’ve been collecting comics, I feel like the Eighties is my most unexplored era. Which makes me doubly glad that my $20 longbox (you read that right, I paid $20 for a longbox stuffed with 419 comic books, not knowing a single issue contained in it…some have been great, others not so much, but regardless, they truly fit the bill of “Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap”) contains some issues from this period of time. Adventures of the Outsiders #33 is the first issue of this title, which was previously Batman and the Outsiders, only starting with this issue, the team is without the Dark Knight. So now is the time to prove themselves as capable heroes in their own right, I guess you could say. Another reason I’m excited about this issue is that it’s written by Mike W. Barr, an outstanding comic book writer who I’ve actually gotten to know just a little bit. I started attending a monthly gathering of comic book enthusiasts, and Mike is part of the group. So whenever I look through boxes of my collection and spy his name on a cover, it means even more to me. And when it comes to this hobby, connections—in so many different ways and forms—mean an awful lot. The cover price of Adventures of the Outsiders #33 is 75¢, while the current value is $3.

 

Cool Comics Classics

#607 — G.I. Combat #226, DC Comics, February 1981.

I pulled this comic out of a quarter box at Kenmore Komics & Games a couple weeks ago, immediately recognizing a future Cool Comics Classic. This military anthology from DC gives us just what the cover promises, 6 stories and no ads (although when it comes to older comics, I think that many of us enjoy seeing the ads, as they guide our memories to a simpler time and place). As far as war and military comics go, I think I once owned a couple Fightin’ Marines from Charlton Comics and a Sgt. Rock comic from DC, and that’s about it. I no longer have those issues, but since I started my blog a little over two years ago, I’ve bought a few in this genre. As a matter of fact, for Cool Comics in My Collection week 32, I did a special episode, saluting all who have served. The older I get, the more this Army veteran appreciates these military comics. The cover price of G.I. Combat #226 is $1, while the current value is $20.

 

Recently Read Digital Comics

I read Jessica Jones: Alias Vol. 1 (it collects Alias #1-9) for free, via Amazon Prime Reading (they have a decent number of both collections and individual comics you can borrow and read for free if you’re a prime member, which is another nice perk), and for the most part enjoyed it. So when the subsequent collections in the series were on sale, I had Amazon credit and bought up the rest of the series. I’m hopeful, after reading Vol. 2 (collecting Alias #11-15; for some reason, issue #10 is in Vol. 3, just in case you were wondering), that the other volumes are more interesting to me than this one. And before I get any further, please keep in mind that the Alias comic was for mature readers. For the most part, I like my comics to be for all ages, but sometimes I’ll make some exceptions (and often, like in this case, wish I hadn’t made an exception). I’m sure there are thousands of readers out there who loved this storyline, but it wasn’t one that grabbed me. We all have different tastes, don’t we?

 

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?

Spider-Man Will Soon Be Seeing Red!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 126, 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 126…

 

Cool Comics News!

Next month sees the debut of Robert Kirkman’s (The Walking Dead) new comic, Oblivion Song, and thanks to my local comic shop owner (Kenmore Komics and Games), I was able to borrow and read an advance edition containing issues 1 through 4. It’s an interesting tale that shows us how life has changed over the last decade for a large percentage of people in the Philadelphia area, who somehow get transferred into an alternate dimension. And one man, with the help of a scientific discovery, is able to travel back and forth between the two realities, in a desperate search for his brother. Along the way, he continually rescues others as he comes upon them, but eventually learns that some people may not want to go back to life the way it was. I liked this sneak peak and look forward to reading the continuing story. Look for it at your local comic shop in March.

 

Cool Comics Cool Battles!

For this week, the battle I’m picking is Jean Grey (X-Men Red #1) versus Superman (The Superman Family #167). Can Jean’s mighty mental prowess overcome the sheer strength and speed of the Man of Steel? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

 

Cool Comics in My Collection

#599 — X-Men Red #1, Marvel Comics, April 2018.

In episode 125 last week, I mentioned in Cool Comics in My Collection #595 (Jean Grey) that I’m not much of a fan of Jean Grey (aka Marvel Girl, Phoenix, Dark Phoenix, etc.), and regardless of how much I enjoyed X-Men Red #1, that statement still holds true. Yet I may end up softening up a bit on my stance, if this comic continues to put out good stories the way this first issue did. Written by Tom Taylor with art by Mahmud Asrar, X-Men Red kept me more than entertained throughout, and I think the excitement will continue to build in this title. The team X-Men Red is composed of Gentle, Namor, Nightcrawler, Jean Grey, Trinary, Honey Badger (not the football player), and Wolverine (not Logan). Several of these characters are not household names and were somewhat new to me, but the Internet has plenty of information about them if you’re in the same boat. Namor is the main reason I made the decision to give this comic a try, and now that we’ve been told that Gambit joins X-Men Red in issue #3, this title will definitely be high on my cool meter for the indefinite future. The cover price of X-Men Red is $4.99, while the current value is $5.

 

#600 — The Amazing Spider-Man #795, Marvel Comics, April 2018.

The Amazing Spider-Man is a title I always buy when I’m actively collecting comic books (I’ve stopped and restarted four different times since the Seventies), and I’m sure that has a lot to do with issue #125 being the first comic book I ever plunked down my money for (20¢ plus tax!). My favorite period in Spider-Man’s life takes place from 1973 to 1977, which is no surprise, considering my age at the time. The character has gone through a lot of change since then, but some things remain constant in Peter Parker’s life, one of which is always having to fight bad guys who want to kill him. One of his greatest foes is the Green Goblin, and whether it’s Norman Osborn or Harry Osborn donning the mask, the villain typically provides great drama. I haven’t read any ASM issues with the Green Goblin since I started reading again last summer, but I’m giving you a spoiler free hint that there’s more than just Loki (you know, Thor’s evil step-brother) in this issue, which is already going up in the secondary market since its release this month. If you can still find an issue, you may want to grab it now! The cover price of The Amazing Spider-Man #795 is $3.99, while the current value is $12.

 

#601 — Infinity Countdown: Adam Warlock #1, Marvel, April 2018.

The strictly Marvel Movie fans may not be familiar with Adam Warlock, but when it comes to the word Infinity (Gems, War, Watch, Gauntlet, Crusade, etc.), I’m betting that comic book readers think of Adam Warlock (yeah, Thanos too, but not quite as much as the artificial construct originally known as “Him”). This one-shot is an interesting look at Adam Warlock through time and is a good place to begin for the uninitiated. While Michael Allred’s art style isn’t for me, I got used to it while reading this comic, and it sort of fit the story (although I don’t think I’d care for his style in an ongoing comic…it’s nothing against him and his talent, mind you). Anyhoo, I’ve always liked Adam Warlock, and look forward to seeing further adventures of him once more in the Marvel Universe. The cover price of Infinity Countdown: Adam Warlock #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.

 

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#602 — Gen13: Going West, WildStorm Productions, June 1999.

It’s been a really long time since I’ve read a Gen13 comic, and I’m pretty sure it was still being printed by Image Comics at the time. This one-shot by WildStorm Productions is an imprint of DC Comics. If any of this confuses you, just read about the publication history at Wikipedia. Unfortunately, I couldn’t recall much about the characters or the comic book, which doesn’t make the reading quite as enjoyable, but this story had its moments. And like I always say about Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap, the comic was part of longbox I bought, completely stuffed with comics, and the average price per issue comes out to around $0.047 each. That’s a great price for any comic, like it or hate it. Now I have to decide if this issue is going to stay in my collection or go in the garage sale box. The cover price of Gen13: Going West is $2.50, while the current value is $3.

 

Cool Comics Classics

#603 — The Superman Family #167, DC Comics, November 1974.

If you’ve been reading Cool Comics for a while now, then you know one of my favorite forms of comics are the “100 PAGES FOR ONLY 60¢” that DC put out in the mid-Seventies. They take me back to a time of sitting at the Gosney kitchen table and eating a bowl of Freakies cereal while reading one of these big issues. This typically took place in the evenings, as I liked to snack on some sugary goodness a few hours after dinner, settled in my chair, and reading story after story featuring characters like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. These days, I’m trying to collect more of those monster-sized issues, and this copy of The Superman Family is one I bought just last year. If you think these stories look a little goofy, based on the cover (“Lois Lane, Fugitive Mermaid!” and “Superbaby Turns Titanic Tot” are every bit as silly as you can imagine, but that’s half the fun when your memories take you back to your childhood), then you win the Golden Ticket! And I’m perfectly okay with that. The cover price of The Superman Family #167 is 60¢, while the current value is $38.

 

Recently Read Digital Comics

In last week’s episode, my Recently Read Digital Comics featured Green Arrow: Hunter’s Moon, the first volume in a collection that covers the Green Arrow run that started in 1988. This week, I recently read on my trusty tablet Green Arrow, Vol. 1: The Death and Life of Oliver Queen, which contains Green Arrow: Rebirth and issues 1-5 of the current ongoing series, written by Benjamin Percy and drawn by Otto Schmidt. So which version of Green Arrow did I prefer? Hunter’s Moon, hands down. I’ve probably read less Eighties comics than any other era from the Seventies to the present, and I’m continually impressed with the quality of the stories from that period. I’ve liked most of DC’s Rebirth titles (I’m slowly reading digital versions and love it when Amazon has sales on them, an affordable way to read even more comics), but this version of Green Arrow didn’t leave me wanting to read more.

Here Prowls the Black Panther!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 125, 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 125…

 

Cool Comics News!

The Black Panther opens this week, giving us another dose of Marvel fun on the big screen!

 

Cool Comics Cool Battles!

While the obvious battle to put up for this week is the Black Panther versus Jean Grey, I’m taking a sillier route, in which I’m asking, “What would happen if Quantum and Woody faced off against Tweety and Sylvester?” Have fun with this one. And one last thing to keep in mind: the Goat is not allowed to participate.

 

Cool Comics in My Collection

#594 — Black Panther: Start Here #1, Marvel Comics, March 2018.

The Black Panther movie opens this weekend, and last week Marvel had a giveaway comic that covers several pages and panels from recent comics/graphic novels. Obviously this was a nice gesture (who doesn’t like free?), but no doubt this was a smart marketing move, getting comic fans ready for the movie along with enticing them to buy more Black Panther stories. This comic gives you an opportunity to sample a variety of writers and artists and makes sure to let you know what graphic novel (or collection, by some definitions) to purchase once you decide to continue with certain stories. Also, be on the lookout for the newest edition of Marvel Comics Digest (issue #5, which came out February 14), as it contains Avengers stories featuring the Black Panther. I’m looking forward to the movie, but I usually wait a couple weeks before I make my way to the theater, so no spoilers! The cover price of Black Panther: Start Here is free, while the current value is $1.

 

#595 — Jean Grey #11, Marvel Comics, March 2018.

Did you know that the Marvel Universe has been featuring a younger version of Jean Grey, because the older version is supposedly dead? This last issue of Jean Grey comes on the heels of Phoenix Resurrection: The Return of Jean Grey, trying to set things to order after the five-issue mini-series. I hadn’t bought any of the previous ten Jean Grey comics, and the only reason I bought this one is because it’s a direct tie-in. Admittedly, Jean has never been a character I’ve cared that much about (little things sometimes get under my skin, and I think it all started back during X-Men: The Animated Series…Scott: “Jean!”; Jean: “Scott!”; Wolverine: “Jean!”; and it seemed like this happened every episode!), but sometimes when you invest in a run of comics, you want to get a fuller picture of what’s going on. All-in-all, it was a pretty entertaining read, and the story of Jean hasn’t yet ended. The cover price of Jean Grey #11 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.

 

#596 — Quantum and Woody #1, Valiant Entertainment, December 2017.

The digital collection I read a couple weeks ago, Must Read Valiant: Greatest Hits #1 (see Episode 123 of Cool Comics), was my first exposure to Quantum and Woody, a super duo with lots of baggage. I must say I liked it, and any comic that has a goat in it is worth taking a look at. Lately I’ve become fascinated with the Valiant Universe, both the original and the new. And while Harbinger is what I’m most interested in, Quantum and Woody has a nice blend of humor and action that is often missing in today’s world of grim and gritty. A couple of weeks ago I saw the last copy of issue #2 on my local comic shop’s shelves, and once I looked at some back issues and spotted #1, I decided both issues would be leaving the store with me. They were fun reads, and worth taking a look at. The cover price of Quantum and Woody #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

 

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#597 — EVE: Valkyrie #3, Dark Horse Comics, December 2015.

If it weren’t for the Internet, I’d have no idea that this comic book was based on a video game. Seriously, I have no idea what’s going on in the world of gaming. Well, I did, once upon a long time ago, when I was a seriously good Intellivision player (made by Mattel, it came out in 1979, and I didn’t even have the real thing…my parents got me the Sears Super Video Arcade, which was the same basic game system). I had Donkey Kong, Burger Time, Astrosmash, Dungeons and Dragons, and all the sports games like hockey, football, baseball. And I even had the Intellivoice add on (I loved the way it said “Bomb Squad”). I had many more games than this, and spent countless hours honing my skills. I realize this has nothing to do with EVE: Valkyrie or comic books. My son is majoring in video game design in college, and he plays lots of games, especially on his Xbox One, and I can’t master any of those games (though I’ve barely tried). But when it came to Intellivision, I was pretty good. And by now, you probably realize that this comic book rates pretty low on my cool comics meter, because just like the video games of today, I didn’t know what was going on. But it came from my $20 longbox, so it cost me less than a nickel. The cover price of EVE: Valkyrie is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

 

Cool Comics Classics

#598 — Tweety and Sylvester #31, Whitman, July 1973.

This week my Cool Comics Classic is the much-coveted Whitman reprint of the Gold Key Tweety and Sylvester comic, issue #31 (it’s probably not coveted at all, but it makes it sound more appealing!). I’ve seen countless cartoons of Sylvester attempt to eat Tweety, but over and over he fails, or fate deals him a bad hand. Sometimes he actually gets that bird in his mouth, but then a dog threatens Sylvester and he spits it out; or the owners come home, and he surrenders to his guilt, hacking up Tweety; or some other lame excuse. Call me cold-hearted, but just once I’d like to see that smug bird become Sylvester’s mid-afternoon snack (and don’t even get me started on the never-ending battle between the Roadrunner and the Coyote!). If you’ve never read any of these kinds of comics, they typically contain a handful of short adventures, all leading to nothing but frustration if you side with the cat. The cover price of Tweety and Sylvester #31 is 20¢, while the current value is $15.

 

Recently Read Digital Comics

Upon recommendation from a friend, I purchased Green Arrow Vol. 1: Hunters Moon from Amazon in digital format, which can then be stored and read in comiXology, if you combine your accounts (comiXology is owned by Amazon, in case you didn’t know). This collection contains the first 6 issues from the Green Arrow series that launched in February 1988 (can you believe it’s been 30 years?), so if you missed it the first time around, and don’t want to search through back issue boxes (not to mention getting the collection much cheaper), you can always go digital. The writing by Mike Grell and art by Dick Giordano and Ed Hannigan will immediately pull you into these fast-paced, exciting adventures of Oliver Queen. If your only experience with the Green Arrow is via The CW on the small screen, I strongly recommend giving this collection a try.

Is this the End of Walmart DC Special 3-Packs?

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 124, 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 124…

 

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?

 

Cool Comics News!

This week we’re taking a look at the last Walmart DC Special 3-Pack I have in my collection. I bought all eight packs (just $5 each for three sealed comics) quite a few months ago, and though I keep looking whenever I go to my local Walmart, I haven’t seen a new series come out.

 

Cool Comics Cool Battles!

Last week, in my inaugural Cool Comics Cool Battles, the consensus was that with the backing of Skynet, the Terminator wins over Brother Voodoo. I post my blog in various forums around the web, so I tend to get a variety of feedback, and perhaps the best was someone commenting that when he gets Terminator comics for 25 cents, he wins!

This week we’re having Batman go head-to-head with Iron Man, a battle in which the contestants have several parallels (whenever I do this, it will always be characters or teams that are featured in the current episode). And now it’s your turn! Tell us who wins in the comments below, and feel free to expound on that and give us some reasons why you picked one over the other.

 

Cool Comics in My Collection

#589 — Injustice: Harley Quinn #1, DC Comics, July 2017.

I believe this was my third series of these Walmart DC Special 3-Packs, giving me a total of 24 of the variant covers. The focus in each set of eight has been on DC’s Rebirth, with 6 of the 8 comics that you can see through the plastic wrap being Rebirth titles. They’ve also included one Injustice comic in each of the last three series of these packs, and this one, Injustice: Harley Quinn #1, is the first that was actually published during the Rebirth era. But notice that it doesn’t have “Rebirth” written on the cover. Of course, this is the Walmart variant, but even the original didn’t have it, because the Injustice comics fall outside the regular DC continuity. Injustice comics are based on a video game, but don’t think that means the quality isn’t as good. These comics are exciting, with a plot very different from your typical Superman or Batman comic. I enjoyed the first one I read from one of these Walmart 3-Packs so much that I picked up the digital collection covering the beginnings, and I have every intention of eventually catching up. And just for those who are keeping score, this comic was originally published a few months earlier, in February 2017, and is called Injustice: Ground Zero #1. The cover price of Injustice: Ground Zero #1 is $2.99, while this Walmart variant is currently valued at $5.

 

#590 — The New 52: Futures End #20, DC Comics, November 2014.

Will it someday be possible for a human to travel through time? Going backwards would provide fantastic opportunities for any number of professions, such as historians, archaeologists, and ancient astronaut theorists. And the ability to travel into the future could possibly help avert war, starvation, or even the formation of Skynet (for some reason, I just had to squeeze it in one more time). In fiction, including movies, stories, and comic books, some fans love time travel, while others hate it. The second issue I found in the sealed Walmart DC Special 3-Pack is The New 52: Futures End. It’s not a time travel story, but we do get a look into a possible future of the DC Universe. Of the few issues I’ve read of this title, I find the series fascinating and wouldn’t mind reading more. The cover price of The New 52: Futures End #20 is $2.99, while the current value is $3.

 

#591 — Batman Eternal #15, DC Comics, September 2014.

This series, from what I’ve been able to gather, takes place in the near future, so while Batman and his friends don’t need to beware of Morlocks (have you ever read the H.G. Wells short novel The Time Machine? Or seen the movie version?), there are plenty of other rogues in Gotham City. Batman Eternal is a title that’s popped up in a number of the Walmart DC Special 3-Packs, albeit never in any particular order. Batman is a familiar and popular name, so I guess that’s reason enough to include this series. These Walmart specials are an attempt to sell to people who don’t normally go to their local comic shop once a week, and they are priced at a nice discount, but you aren’t necessarily going to get return customers when the additional comics could be anything, and you don’t get complete story arcs out of any of these. There’s a chance that this will be the last Walmart 3-Pack we see in quite some time. The cover price of Batman Eternal #15 is $2.99, while the current value is $3.

 

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#592 — Captain Confederacy #2, Epic Comics, December 1991.

I can’t recall ever hearing of Captain Confederacy before finding this issue in my cheaply purchased longbox. Given the choice, I wouldn’t buy this comic on its own, but did happen to find the concept interesting and decently done. Fans of alternate history, on the other hand, may like it more than I did. And to be fair, this is issue #2, so I missed out on the foundation of what’s going on here. Captain Confederacy is written by author Will Shetterly for Epic Comics, a creator-owned imprint that Marvel Comics published a few decades ago. The comic has a map inside the front cover, showing us how the United States is now divided into 8 different countries, along with twelve various heroes. If you decide to look for this series, make sure you get the first issue. And it probably makes even more sense if you’ve read the first volume of 12 issues, which was published by SteelDragon Press. The cover price of Captain Confederacy is $1.95, while the current value is $2.25.

 

Cool Comics Classics

#593 — Iron Man #19, Marvel Comics, November 1969.

Iron Man is caught in the very grip of death! As the cover asks us, “What Price Life?” This old issue from the late Sixties is a lot of fun, with Tony Stark just as involved in what’s going on as Iron Man himself. The cover is awesome, and when you can get your hands on old Marvel comics in decent condition, I recommend giving them a try. From the interior ads to the Bullpen Bulletins to the letters page to the checklist of new comics on the newsstands, they are time capsules, slinging you to a past you may have lived through or only dreamed of. But don’t pick one of these to read if you are in a hurry. They aren’t like today’s comic books that you can read in ten or fifteen minutes. These take a little longer, and believe me, you’ll want to soak in all the nostalgia you can to enhance the experience. The cover price of Iron Man #19 is 15¢, while the current value is $75.

 

Recently Read Digital Comics

Not only were comic books in the Golden Age much cheaper, they also contained more pages per issue than today’s average comic, often filled with stories featuring other characters, such as the Angel (not Warren Worthington III) in this Sub-Mariner: Golden Age Masterworks Vol. 1 title. The Marvel Masterworks series gives you the opportunity to read these old issues without breaking the bank. But they don’t come cheap, either, often starting at $50 or more for hardcover editions. So what’s a comic fan to do if he wants to see what Namor was like back in 1941? Go digital. There’s a lot of resistance among some collectors, but the reality is, you can read these comics at great prices, and if you don’t care for them, you aren’t out much money. For instance, this digital issue retails for $6.99. At the time of my writing this, it’s on sale via comiXology for $4.99. And on Amazon, you’d spend $3.50. I bought it for just $1.40 when Amazon was having a big sale on Marvel digital comics. At that price, it was worth every penny. Imagine that, 285 pages for $1.40. He’s not the Namor you know from the Marvel Age that started in 1961, but if you appreciate the history of the medium and want to dip into some of these Golden Age stories, give Namor a try via digital comics.

Brother Voodoo vs. the Terminator! Who Wins?

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 123, 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 123…

 

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?

 

Cool Comics News!

I read 100 comic books last month. Yes, that’s what I said, I read 100 individual comic books (paper, not digital) during January 2018. That’s a lot of reading, but I have a big back issue collection, and when I decided to start climbing that mountain, and I saw that 100 was feasible, I made it my mission to get there. February will most certainly see a slowdown, but I enjoyed meeting and beating my challenge.

 

Cool Comics Cool Battles!

This week I have both a Terminator comic and an issue of Strange Tales featuring Brother Voodoo. If they battled each other (let’s make it the Arnold version of the Terminator, for argument’s sake), who would win, and why do you think so? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below!

 

Cool Comics in My Collection

#585 — The Unsound #1, BOOM! Studios, June 2017.

I wasn’t familiar with this title, which appears to be just six issues in all, but the cover looked interesting, and when I saw it in a discount box at Kenmore Komics & Gaming, I decided to give it a try. Sometimes we need to stretch our imaginations; not just away from our favorite types of comic books (superhero for me), but also exploring different companies and what they bring to the table. I had no idea what the comic would be like, but the cover indicated that either magic, the supernatural, or both may be present in the story. And I think that’s the case. However, the first issue is a set-up for what’s to come, and there’s also the possibility that nothing is as it appears to be. I liked the story enough to look for other issues in the discount box when I visited last week, and I successfully found #5. But I’m not going to read it yet. I want to see if I can find issues 2-4, because I liked the direction this comic seems to be going in. The cover price of The Unsound #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

 

#586 — Terminator 2: Infinity #1, Dynamite, August 2007.

I’ve always enjoyed the Terminator franchise, and have owned several different Terminator comic books, such as Terminator 3: Before the Rise (put out by Beckett…I must admit I didn’t remember Beckett ever did comics),T2: Nuclear Twilight (Malibu), and T2: Cybernetic Dawn. I also thought The Sarah Connor Chronicles was a quality TV show, and I read a Terminator trilogy of novels. So when I found this Terminator comic from Dynamite in a discount box (I think it was in the 25 cent box!), I immediately understood that I wasn’t leaving the store without it. The problem is, it’s issue #1, and I now need the final six to complete the series. Who wants to read a Terminator comic without knowing the ending? But is there ever an ending in the Terminator universe? When you think about it, it’s dark and depressing, with little to no hope for long-term human survival. But when humanity gains a small victory, it makes the story worth it. The cover price of Terminator 2: Infinity #1 is $3.50, while the current value is $3.50.

 

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#587 — Torchwood #1, Titan Comics, August 2016.

I think I watched one episode of Torchwood, and if I hadn’t watched a number of Doctor Who episodes, I’d probably have no idea what this comic was about. And to be honest, after reading it, I still have no idea what this comic was about. It’s a number 1 issue, but the second series for Torchwood, a BBC TV show that tied in directly with the Doctor. You know, Daleks and Cybermen and all that. Time traveling around the universe in a phone booth that’s bigger on the inside. I enjoy Doctor Who when I see it, but Torchwood is a different show, and obviously a different comic book. It was written by siblings John Barrowman (who starred in the show and had a number of appearances in Doctor Who, not to mention Arrow) and Carole Barrowman, but since I don’t watch, I was pretty lost as far as the plot was concerned. But like other comics from the $20 longbox I bought, when you pay just under a nickel a comic, experimenting with other comics doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg. The cover price of Torchwood #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

 

Cool Comics Classics

#588 — Strange Tales #172, Marvel Comics, February 1974.

A few months back I bought some old comics with Cool Comics Classics in mind, and was quite pleased to pick up a couple Strange Tales featuring Brother Voodoo (known today as Doctor Voodoo). The character was one I didn’t know much about, and as a kid, maybe he was in a Marvel Team-Up issue that I read, and maybe not. It’s hard to remember them all, especially considering I read 100 comics in the month of January (112 if you count digital comics)! Anyhow, Seventies comics are always considered classics in my mind, and because I stayed away from anything horror or supernatural related in comics during those years, I get them now when the price is right. Back in Episode 103 (clear back on September 14), Strange Tales #171 was my Cool Comics Classic issue, and now that I’ve finally gotten around to reading the next issue, I’m kicking myself for not getting #173, as the story continues. Then again, they almost always continue, don’t they? The cover price of Strange Tales #172 is 20¢, while the current value is $30.

 

Recently Read Digital Comics

Last week I told you how much I enjoyed reading the two Valiant Entertainment Harbinger comics, so I went exploring on Amazon Prime Reading and found Must Read Valiant: Greatest Hits #1. The great thing about Amazon Prime Reading is that as long as you are a Prime member, everything included in that particular library is free. Plus, you can have up to ten items downloaded at once. What a great way for me to further explore the Valiant universe! The digital edition contains X-O Manowar #5, Quantum and Woody #1, Harbinger #1, Harbinger Wars #2, and Shadowman #0. I definitely enjoyed the two Harbinger comics the best, but I liked Quantum and Woody enough to buy the first two issues of their newest series this week at my comic shop. It’s really nice having the option of getting comics you simply want to read via digital. Free is great, but if I want to explore more Valiant comics, I’ll probably end up buying some digital collections.

A Kung Fu Classic!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 122, 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 122…

 

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?

 

Cool Comics News!

Because I bombarded you with solo heroes in last week’s episode, this week I’m tossing in some teams. The first two titles are more comics that I picked up in bargain boxes at my local comic shop. Seriously, if you’re on a strict budget but love the hobby, you can get some good reading if you know where to look.

 

Cool Comics in My Collection

#581 — Q-Unit #1, Harris Comics, December 1993.

I remember seeing Q-Unit when it came out way back in 1993. It looked pretty cool to me, but I resisted the temptation of getting it then, as my monthly list continued to expand. Grabbing this copy out of a discount box (I can’t remember if I paid 25 or 50 cents) saved me about $2.50. Which is always a good thing. And believe it or not, it was still in the original bag it came in, along with a collector card. Some people would’ve left it sealed shut, but I bought Q-Unit so I could include it here in Cool Comics. And honestly, it hasn’t increased in value in nearly 25 years, so why not open and read it? Unfortunately, the story rated low on my Cool Meter. When you have a team book with multiple characters, alien beings, and a story that jumps right into the fray, it’s easy to both lose and confuse readers. Is that why only one issue ever came out? This reminded me of some of the early Image stuff. It was fun to get this for such a low price, but it’s more than likely headed for my garage sale box. The cover price of Q-Unit #1 is $2.95, while the current value is $3.

 

#582 — Harbinger Renegade #8, Valiant Entertainment, October 2017.

When I see the name Valiant, I’ll always think of the Nineties, a period in which I started getting back into comics again. I was hungry to learn about other companies, and Valiant was one of them, so I began collecting titles when I’d find them in quarter boxes. I had a nice little stack of Valiant comics, but ended up selling them at my garage sale from about five years ago without ever having read them (except for Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, of which I bought and read the first ten issues…and I also read the Valiant-Image crossover Deathmate…remember that series?). Why am I telling you all this? Because when I went diving for cheap comic books a few weeks back, I saw this Harbinger Renegade issue, and decided to get my Nineties groove on again. And I liked it. I mean, I really liked it. Peter Stanchek is the kind of character I love to read about. Another I like is Faith Herbert. When I finished reading this and realized how much I enjoyed it, I looked it up to see how many issues were available. Eight. And this was issue #8. And the cover date was October 2017. I’ll be on the lookout for the previous seven. And to think that I had seven issues of Harbinger from the Nineties that I sold without ever having read. The cover price of Harbinger Renegade is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

 

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#583 — Harbinger #5, Valiant Entertainment, October 2012.

After having enjoyed the above Valiant comic book so much, I remembered that there were some Valiant comics in my cheap longbox. I have them arranged by company, so it wasn’t hard at all to find the few Valiant comics in there. And what a stroke of luck that one of the issues is a Harbinger comic from 2012. Yes, Peter Stanchek, one of my new favorite characters, is in this issue, along with Faith, who we see using her powers for the first time! Why did it take me so long to finally read a Valiant comic book? Were the Harbinger comics of the Nineties as good as these two I’ve recently read? One thing I know for sure is that the next time I’m searching through discount boxes, I’m buying all the Valiant comics that I find. The writing is good and easy to understand, and the art is attractive. In Q-Unit I couldn’t always tell what was going on, and it was a number one issue. With these Harbinger comics, even though they were issues #8 and 5, they both made sense. By the way, for those who keep score, the cover I got in my cheap box is a variant David Aja Character Design Cover. The cover price of Harbinger #5 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

 

Cool Comics Classics

#584 — Master of Kung Fu #19, Marvel Comics, August 1974.

Do you like that cover? I sure do! Throughout the Seventies, I never bought any Master of Kung Fu comics (nor Man-Thing), but finally wised up once I went away to college and purchased a few in 1982. When this issue came out in 1974, my limited comic book money was used to purchase things like Spider-Man and Captain America. I didn’t stretch the limits of my imagination much. But now I hunger for titles from the Seventies that I didn’t experience as a kid. The company makes no difference, although my heart holds a special place for Marvel Comics. Today, collectors have to pay many more times the original value to finally get their hands on these beauties. This one cost me $7, which doesn’t seem bad at all, considering it’s nearly 44 years old. And it’s in very nice condition (not an official grade, mind you, just a comment from me!), too! There are many people out there who can’t understand why people read and spend money on comic books, but if you’re reading this, then you probably get it. And all it takes is one look at this cover to know why. The cover price of Master of Kung Fu #19 is 25¢, while the current value is $35.

Cool Comic Heroes From the Past!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 121, 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 121…

 

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?

 

Cool Comics News!

This must be solo hero week at Cool Comics, because each title below features singular heroes. Granted, sometimes they have support from others, but there are no team books. How do you prefer your heroes and superheroes when it comes to comics? Do you like them to work on their own, or are you more of a team person, like Justice League or the Avengers? My guess is that most fans like a little of both, but there may be some of you out there who would rather read The Astonishing X-Men than Batman. What’s your preference?

 

Cool Comics in My Collection

#576 — Ragman #1, DC Comics, December 2017.

Although I was reading comic books in 1976 when Ragman #1 hit the shelves with his first appearance, most of my purchases were Marvel titles. If I even saw the comic book, it didn’t leave an impression on me to recall it these many years later. So when the character showed up on the TV show Arrow, I did a little digging to find out who he is. Seems pretty cool, and I wouldn’t at all mind owning that first issue from 1976. But for now, I picked up the first issue of a limited series featuring Ragman for just 50 cents at my local comic shop. Not bad for a title that came out just a few months ago for $2.99. The writer is Ray Fawkes, while the artist is Inaki Miranda, for those who know current creative teams and are keeping score. As for me, I’d been away from new comics for so long that many of these names are unfamiliar, but they always say it helps to remember things by writing them down, so here’s my due diligence. The story is decent, and I believe issue #2 was also in that box. I should see if it’s still there the next time I stop in. The cover price of Ragman #1 is $2.99, while the current value is $3.

 

#577 — Doc Savage #3, DC Comics, Winter 1988.

Remember getting those Scholastic flyers in grade school, and how exciting it was to look them over and pick out a few titles, most of which were under a dollar (that shows my age, doesn’t it?)? I distinctly remember picking out a Doc Savage book one time. To this day I can’t tell you why, because I didn’t know anything about The Man of Bronze, a hero from the Pulp Age. But it looked cool, was cheap, and my mom was willing to fork over the change. And I’ve never read it. I think I still have it on a bookshelf somewhere, and I’ve noticed that my interests often revert to things from my past, so it may get read in the near future. I liked what I could follow in this comic book (which cost me just a quarter!), but again, it’s issue #3, and I have no background on Doc Savage. I’ve never seen a movie or read any of his stories, which seems odd when considering how long the character has been around. My curiosity is piqued, so pardon me while I go look for that Scholastic paperback. The cover price of Doc Savage #3 is $1.75, while the current value is $4.

 

#578 — Mack Bolan: The Executioner #1, Innovation Publishing, July 1993.

Mack Bolan may not have as long a history as Doc Savage, but since his first novel by Don Pendleton in 1969 (War Against the Mafia), 452 Executioner books have been published. Pendleton wrote 37 of them, and publisher Gold Eagle took over the series in 1981, using a gaggle of ghostwriters. Mack Bolan fought in Vietnam and when he came home, waged war against organized crime. Sound familiar?  If this is a series of books you’ve been considering reading, you better start soon. Or you can always find the three issues put out by Innovation Publishing and save yourself lots of time and money. I grabbed this one out of my comic shop’s quarter box! Innovation Publishing (Alas, no longer with us…it was headquartered in Wheeling, West Virginia, across the river from where I grew up) put out some very cool licensed property comics (Quantum Leap, Dark Shadows, Lost in Space, etc.) that are fun and well done. Check them out. The cover price of Mack Bolan: The Executioner #1 is $3.50, while the current value is $4.

 

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#579 — The Shadow #2, Dark Horse Comics, July 1994.

I will admit that part 2 of this movie adaptation of The Shadow was more enjoyable than part 1, but it still won’t go down as one of my favorite comics. All in all, my first experience with The Shadow (last week I covered issue one here) didn’t exactly endear me to the character, but it won’t keep me from away from him if I should happen to get another opportunity to read a Shadow comic. And come on, this came from my cheap long box, in which each comic cost me $0.047 each. Yes, less than a nickel is a sweet price. If I were to read more, I wouldn’t mind a collection that contains stories from several decades ago, perhaps even from his very beginnings. Could it be that I’m just spoiled, a veritable product of my age, only liking costumed heroes with superpowers? That excuse doesn’t hold up, based on the two previous solo characters of Doc Savage and Mack Bolan. I just think this story wasn’t that good, and therefore I haven’t seen The Shadow at his best. The cover price of The Shadow #2 is $2.50, while the current value is $4.

 

Cool Comics Classics

#580 — Tarzan #220, DC Comics, June 1973.

I finish off this week’s solo heroes with Tarzan #220, which I pulled from the quarter box at Kenmore Komics & Games. When you can get Seventies stuff for that price and in decent condition, you’ve got a Cool Comics Classic! Yet another literary hero, Tarzan’s fame spread further on both the big screen and Sunday comic strips. And the books sold pretty well, too. A number of different comic companies have given us further adventures of Lord Greystoke. I had several Marvel issues from the Seventies, but sold them at my infamous garage sale (I sold thousands of comics at rock bottom prices when my house was being taken over by white boxes). I especially like the idea that this issue is from the early Seventies, because I have fond memories of watching Tarzan movies on Saturday afternoons with my father. Great memories and a great character. The cover price of Tarzan #220 is 20¢, while the current value is $25.

Memory Inducing Discount Comics!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 120, 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 120…

 

Cool Comics News!

I saw a conversation in a Facebook Comic Book group about the lack of dollar boxes these days. The person who started it mentioned that he’d driven to many different comic shops during 2017, and discounted back issues seemed to be a thing of the past. What’s it like where you live? I’m fortunate, because my local comic shop always has some fantastic deals (such as Darkhawk #1 in last week’s episode). I’m continuing to show off a couple of my discounted comics today, which took me back to the Saturday mornings of my youth.

 

Cool Comics in My Collection

#571 — Astonishing X-Men #7, Marvel Comics, March 2018.

It’s been a few weeks since the last Marvel Legacy “first” issue of any title has come out (at least of the ones I’ve been getting), and this one caught me by surprise. I didn’t notice that Astonishing X-Men had “Legacy” written across the top, but when I discovered a Marvel Value Stamp inside (Captain America!), I had to take a second look at the cover. I’m not sure why they took so long for this comic, but my guess is that Marvel wanted to wait until the end of the first story arc. At any rate, I’m glad I started getting Astonishing X-Men, because within the pages, we’ve been seeing Charles Xavier. Or at least his mind, trapped within the realm of the Shadow King. But things change in this issue, and if you’ve a fan of the mutants, I suggest you give this title a try. The cover price of Astonishing X-Men #7 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

 

#572 — Dastardly & Muttley #1, DC Comics, November 2017.

Did you watch Dastardly & Muttley In Their Flying Machines on Saturday mornings as a kid? Okay, probably most of you aren’t as old as I am, but maybe you saw them in syndication, reruns, or DVDs. At any rate, I remember them trying catch the pigeon when I was a kid, and seeing this comic book at my local shop in a 50-cent box (yes, some places still have value boxes, and I’ll be reporting on more of my recent acquisitions in upcoming episodes!) brought a flood of memories, so I had to get it. Readers know that I love comic book nostalgia, but you don’t always have to purchase old comic books to relive the memories. But don’t expect a repeat of the cartoon. DC puts its own spin on this title, and they did a pretty clever job. I hope DC made enough money on this limited series to continue this trend. I’ll have to see if I can find some more issues from this series. The cover price of Dastardly & Muttley #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

 

#573 — Wacky Raceland #2, DC Comics, September 2016.

Look! I hit Saturday morning nostalgia pay dirt again! Wacky Raceland was born from the cartoon Wacky Racers (which in turn spawned from the 1965 comedy movie The Great Race), another memory from my childhood. I’m telling you, it pays to go through discount boxes at your local comic book shop when you have the time, because I also snagged this comic for just 50 cents. Again, we have Dastardly & Muttley as participants, but this is not your father’s Wacky Racers. This time it’s Wacky Raceland, as we see drivers navigating a post-apocalyptic scenario that certainly wouldn’t have aired for kids on Saturday mornings in the Sixties. This title, along with Dastardly & Muttley above, are targeting us folks who fondly remember munching away on a bowl of Super Sugar Crisp, trying not to knock over our TV trays, while enjoy the best part of the week. Except now that we are adults, these stories are edgier and darker, appealing to the cynicism that starts oozing from our cerebral cortexes once we begin paying our own electric bills. Nah, I just made that up. These comics appeal to us because they’re fun and remind us of our carefree childhood days. The cover price of Wacky Raceland #2 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

 

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#574 — The Shadow #1, Dark Horse Comics, June 1994.

Does anyone else have Will Eisner’s The Spirit come to mind when they hear The Shadow? Maybe it’s because I’m not that familiar with either character, and I associate them with the past. Both have had not-so-successful movies made, and while The Spirit started in comics, The Shadow had his beginnings in the pulps. And of course The Shadow radio program was a big hit. Why? Who knows? “The Shadow knows.” Okay. I had to do that. Frankly, this comic, the first of a two-parter based on a 1994 movie, didn’t move me much. And I honestly can’t remember if I ever saw the movie. Anyone out there recommend it? The comic rated low on my “Cool Meter,” but for $0.047 (you read that right), it’s hard to complain. Both parts came in that $20 long box I keep mentioning, so the second issue will show up here next week (maybe I’ll like the closing scene better than the opening). However, I’ve started taking more of an interest in comics before my time, and while the character is much older than me, this comic book is a movie tie-in from 1994, so it doesn’t fall into that category. The cover price of The Shadow #1 is $2.50, while the current value is $4.

 

Cool Comics Classics

#575 — Black Lightning #6, DC Comics, January 1978.

When you can pick up Seventies comics for decent prices (I got this one at my local shop for just $2), it’s a good thing. I’ve had a few Black Lightning comics featured here over the last few months, especially considering that Tony Isabella and Trevor von Eeden were at the Akron Comicon and I had a chance to grab some autographs from them and have a couple quick conversations. So why have another Black Lightning? Because next Tuesday, January 16, this superhero will be starring in his own TV show on The CW! Will the small screen help the comics to go up in value? Perhaps, but the intention of comic books is for them to be read, so if the TV show gets you interested, by all means seek out some Black Lightning titles and learn about the character. By the way, Mr. Isabella is in the middle of writing a Black Lightning 6 issue series, and while it’s good, my heart goes out more to the original series from the Seventies, because…nostalgia…and childhood memories. Some of you know exactly what I mean. The cover price of Black Lightning #6 is 35¢, while the current value is $10.

 

Recently Read Digital Comics

When Marvel announced its Legacy initiative, I decided to give new comic books a try once again. During my youth, Spider-Man always seemed to be the character I gravitated to the most. So it was a no-brainer I’d be jumping back on the Spider-Man bandwagon, and started buying The Amazing Spider-Man with issue #789, where Legacy began for that title. It was kind of strange the way Legacy numbering ran on many titles. The Amazing Spider-Man issue #32 came out one month, and the next, it was #789. The titles all had a page explaining the new (old) numbering system. Unfortunately (at least for me), this was Volume 4 of The Amazing Spider-Man. Why all the starts and stops? I guess the philosophy is (or was) that number ones sell. People want to start from the beginning. Yet the Legacy concept is sort of taking a step back, as far as this idea is concerned. Legacy began with the “Fall of Parker” storyline. Peter Parker finally made it big and had his own company, but now it was crashing in on him. Issue #789 didn’t give me much background on what Peter’s life had been like while rich, and I’d read just a few digital comics during this period to give me a real feel for what Peter Parker was like in the 21st Century. When Amazon had a big sale on some Marvel collections, I bought Amazing Spider-Man: Worldwide Vol. 1 (as it turned out, I bought through Volume 6, which took me two issues short of where Legacy launches). In some ways, it was nice seeing Peter Parker have money for a change. Yet fundamentally (at least for me), this wasn’t Peter Parker. His world is certainly different in these first five issues that make up the collection. Mary Jane is gone (she’s in Iron Man’s world now), replaced by Mockingbird. S.H.I.E.L.D. is now part of Parker’s Universe. And Spider-Man is his bodyguard (Hobie Brown, the Prowler, lends Peter a hand with this). Most people don’t like change, but sometimes we have to give it a chance. Did it work for Marvel? Perhaps for some people, but Marvel saw the need for Legacy, and I’m good with that.

Starting Off 2018 With An Old Classic!

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 119, 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 119…

 

Cool Comics News!

Welcome to 2018! I hope all of you had a fantastic New Year’s weekend, with plenty of comic books and superhero movies to keep you company. Is there anything comic book related you’re looking forward to over the next twelve months? Feel free to share in the comments section below.

 

Cool Comics in My Collection

#567 — Phoenix Resurrection: The Return of Jean Grey #1, Marvel Comics, February 2018.

Jean Grey’s been missing from the Marvel Universe for a number of years (which I didn’t know), then she’s a younger girl and back in the Marvel Universe. Or something like that, with her own title. To be honest, I have no real idea what’s gone on with her since I quit reading new comics in 2003, but now, at the end of 2017 and the beginning of 2018, Marvel is bringing her back in a five-issue mini-series. To get to the bottom of all this, I did some searching on the Internet, which further confused me. Jean was killed, then regenerated by the Phoenix Force. Then she begged Wolverine to kill her. Whew! I don’t know what’s been going on. When Previews came out showing December solicitations, I decided I wasn’t going to get this mini-series. Then January confirmed it for me, as each week a new “Phoenix Resurrection” issue is coming out. Yet when I saw that the line-up of team members for X-Men Red (starting in February) will have Namor, and is being led by Jean Grey, I decided to jump on that bandwagon (Namor taking orders from Jean Grey should prove an interesting read). And then curiosity got the better of me and I decided, last week at my comic shop, to pick up this issue, Phoenix Resurrection: The Return of Jean Grey #1, and I’m glad I did, as it had some fun moments in it, sparking memories of when I first started reading the X-Men long ago when I was in college. And for me, the memories are what makes this hobby worth it. The cover price of Phoenix Resurrection: The Return of Jean Grey #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.

 

#568 — Darkhawk #51, Marvel Comics, January 2018.

I don’t have much history with Darkhawk. Just three back issues and an annual I picked up in the Nineties, along with some appearances in The New Warriors. So he’s a bit of a stranger to me. When I saw he’d be having a one-shot as part of Marvel’s Legacy (and listed as issue 51, since his original series ended with #50), I passed on the title, because like so many other comic fans, I need to maintain a budget. But last week, I went to Kenmore Komics & Games (my local comic shop!), dug around in some sale boxes (ranging from 25 cents each up to a dollar…hard to beat deals like that), and found this comic for just $1 (plus the store was having a 20 percent off sale!). It was fate, right? I pulled the issue of Darkhawk carefully from the dollar box, as if it were some sort of secret amulet…okay, Darkhawk fans get it. For first time readers, the issue does a nice job of giving us some backstory. I don’t know if there will be more Darkhawk in the future, but it was fun getting a chance to read this one-shot at a discounted price. The cover price of Darkhawk #51 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.

 

Cool Comics Done Dirt Cheap

#569 — Alpha Centurion Special #1, 1996.

Does anyone out there know what month this comic book came out in 1996? Typically, the indicia will tell the month (often two months ahead of the actual month you can purchase it) and year, but the Alpha Centurion Special just lists 1996. I searched it out online and found one source that had January, and another had June. Not that it really matters, but for those who like to pinpoint dates, this comic, based on a hero introduced during DC’s Zero Hour (I remember him, but no specifics), may prove difficult to pin down. By the way, I was at a bookstore over the weekend and looked this up in the new Overstreet Guide, and it just had 1996. Strange. (Wait, fearless readers, this might be solved! I just found out that, according to the website “Mike’s Amazing World of Comics,” it came out on July 31, 1996. Mike seems to have a reliable website, so I’m thinking this date may be the real deal.) Anyway, this is the story of a hero out of time, a Roman representative to an alien race. The story rated “Okay” on my Cool Comics Meter (I don’t really have a Cool Comics Meter…should I develop one for 2018?), and considering it’s from my long box collection in which each comic cost me about $0.047, I can’t complain. The cover price of Alpha Centurion Special #1 is $2.95, while the current value is $3.

 

Cool Comics Classics

#570 — The Avengers #38, Marvel Comics, March 1967.

On January 10, this comic book turns 51 years old. Think about how many things have come and gone in that time; yet you can still go to your local comic book shop and buy new Avengers comics. I realize that there are much older titles and characters, but when you hold a piece of history like this in your hands, it gets you to thinking…and that’s where my thoughts went. To me, it’s rather impressive that despite all the highs and lows the comic industry has seen, there are still fans out there keeping this fun hobby alive. This is the oldest issue of The Avengers that I’ve ever bought or owned. I was just a wee lad when this issue originally came out, and I had no idea of the existence of most superheroes. This particular copy isn’t pristine, but I bought it to read. It’s got Hercules in it, whom I like, and the price for this back-issue classic was right ($5). I Iove being able to read long runs of titles, but sometimes you need to treat yourself to individual issues that have meaning to you. Whether you go to conventions or local comic shops, back issues are easy enough to find, but deciding what is right for you—within budget—is where the fun comes in. I love flipping through old issues at my local store, finding great deals, then enjoy spending time in the past. Sure, I read a lot of digital comics these days, and you can get some killer deals, but there is something special about buying and reading a comic book that is 30, 40, or even 50 years old. Who owned this issue before I did? Why do they no longer have it? What kind of meaning did it have for them? Wondering is part of the fun. If you’ve never done this, I strongly recommend giving it a try. The cover price of The Avengers #38 is 12¢, while the current value is $140.

 

Recently Read Digital Comics

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These days, most of my DC Comics reading happens digitally. I’ll never catch up with everything that’s out there (due to time and expense!), but when DC has nice sales around the holidays, it’s a great opportunity to pick up some new collections. Titans Vol. 1: The Return of Wally West, contains Titans Rebirth and Titans issues 1-6. Although this is a Titans title, the Wally West version of the Flash is definitely the star of the show. A villain has trapped Wally in the Speed Force, but it backfired on him. Yet somehow, after years have gone by, the Flash escapes. Unfortunately, the villain awakens, and he’s out for revenge. The first issue shows us a world in which the Flash is a stranger to the other Titans, but one-by-one he is able to jolt them back to awareness. This was a fun collection to read, and I enjoy the characters, but I don’t rank it as high on my list as Super Sons, as far as Rebirth comics go. With that said, however, I will probably buy Volume 2 at some point in the future because I like the team chemistry. The writing and art were appealing to me also. If you’re a Titan’s fan and you’ve been away from them for a while, this is a good place to start over.