Ed Gosney's Blog, page 5
May 25, 2023
The Losers are Winners, Avengers Begin Again, & Free Turtles!
Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection episode 400, where we look at various comic books I own (and in some cases ones that I let get away), both new and old, often with a nostalgic leaning for those feelings of yesteryear. I hope you have as much fun reading about them as I had writing about these cool comics!
For each of the comic books I include here, I list the current secondary market pricing according to the websites ComicBookRealm.com (CBR) and Zap-Kapow Comics (ZKC), using the comic book grading scale of 9.4 (if both sites have the same price, you’ll find just one price for that issue). Not all my comics meet that grade. Some are probably better, and many are certainly worse. But to simplify it, that’s the scale I use. And remember, a comic book is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. And for those who enjoy the additional fun of knowing some of the more important issues in your collection, I recognize each Cool Comic that is listed in Key Collector Comics.
If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, episode 400…
Cool Comics Stuff!We’ve reached 400 episodes of Cool Comics In My Collection, and it wouldn’t be possible without the awesome readership and friendship so many of you have consistently provided me with for over seven years. Each of you is important to the continuation of Cool Comics, and I purposely make sure to mention that when I respond to your comments. I try my best to keep things fun, positive, and entertaining, and always want to include any of you who have a desire to either show off your art (Cool Comics Creations!) or your writing (Cool Comics Reader Reviews!). Additionally, some of you have your own blogs and YouTube channels, and I have included some of them on my website so that others can discover just how talented you are (Sonic Theory, Longbox Junk, Josh’s Geek Cave, Super Hero 101, Bookpilled, and Benjamin McEvoy – if you want to be part of this, please let me know by sending an email with your website link and a cover image to edgosney62@gmail.com). I want to give a BIG THANKS to all of you for taking time out of your busy lives and choosing to spend a couple minutes each week reading Cool Comics In My Collection.
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Black Panther versus She-Hulk! What do you think would happen if they faced each other in a titanic tussle, and how do you see the winner achieving victory? Let us know in the comments section below.
Cool Comics Creations!
In this episode, Cool Comics shows off Ed Griffie’s version of The Six Million Dollar Man, Season Six, Issue 1! Ed is a lifelong comic book fan who started drawing Kawaii and Chibi style versions of pop culture icons and superheroes about five years ago. Through Facebook, his work came to the attention of Daniel Hare, the owner of vintage toy and comic bookstore The Toys Time Forgot, who offered him a guest spot at Free Comic Book Day. Since then, Ed has been a regular at local conventions and comic bookstores, where he offers bookmarks, coloring pages, trading cards, and color prints featuring his unique artwork. You can check out his full catalog of work at toonist27.deviantart.com or contact him at edgriffiejr@gmail.com to commission an original piece of your very own.
You can have a piece of your art (or an original piece of art that you own) featured right here in Cool Comics Creations! Just send an electronic file in an email featuring one of your drawings, whether you’re a professional or amateur, (it can be just pencils, or inks too…or full color if you prefer) or a picture of a craft or sculpture that you’ve done, and if it’s family friendly (and not controversial…let’s try to keep this fun), you’ll be a part of an upcoming Cool Comics episode. We also want your name, an optional picture of yourself to go here, and any other background information you want to provide, such as a website or a way you can be contacted about your art (who knows, maybe someone will make you an offer for the original!). And then email it to
edgosney62@gmail.com
.
#2016 — Avengers #1, Marvel, July 2023.
Cool Factor: The Avengers are entering a new era with an all-new creative team…and yes, this has been done many, many times before. And perhaps just a bit ironic is the fact that a Facsimile Edition of the very first Avengers comic book from 1963 came out the same day that this issue did. When I saw some advanced ads for this new series, I wasn’t all that thrilled about it. Perhaps this would have been a good excuse to remove it from my pull list…but as it turns out, it was a pretty good story. Jed MacKay rarely writes something I don’t like, so I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. Still, if he’d left Thor off the team, I may just have skipped this series.
Comic Book Credits: Jed MacKay (writer), C.F. Villa (artist), Federico Blee (color artist), Cory Petit (letterer), Stuart Immonen (cover artist), Carlos Lao (designer), Martin Biro (assistant editor), Annalise Bissa (associate editor), and Tom Brevoort (editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Avengers #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.
Facsimile Edition Cool Comics#2017 — Savage She-Hulk #1, Marvel, February 2023 (Original Cover Date: February 1980).
Cool Factor: First off, I’m a bit surprised that I’ve been enjoying the current She-Hulk series as much as I have. In my opinion, it’s one of the most interesting comics that Marvel is publishing, and it doesn’t hurt a bit that Jack of Hearts has been heavily involved. And I’m figuring that a lot of newer She-Hulk fans, whether of the current comic or the Disney + show (no, I haven’t seen it), would want to get their hands on this fun Facsimile Edition, rather than paying $125 for an original. If you’re a fan of comic books and origin stories, this is a comic that should be in your collection.
Comic Book Credits: Stan Lee (creator/writer), John Buscema (layouts/cover pencils/cover inks), Chic Stone (finished art/inks), Joe Rosen (letters), Irv Watanabe (cover letters), and Jim Shooter (editor)
Price and Values: The cover price of Savage She-Hulk #1 Facsimile Edition is $3.99, while the current value is $4. The Key Collector Comics value is also $4.
Cool Comics Celebrates FCBD (Week 3 of 2023)#2018 — Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, IDW Publishing, May 2023.
Cool Factor: The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) came out too late for me to revere them as sacred toys and cartoons, but I know people who do. And although I wasn’t a TMNT comic book reader, cartoon, or movie fan, my wife and I started collecting the toys when they first appeared, getting the earliest versions, and later selling most of them for a very nice profit. I’m sure if I’d been a bit younger, the TMNTs would hold greater meaning to me, but I still had fun reading this Free Comic Book Day edition.
Comic Book Credits: TMNT: Saturday Morning Adventures #1 – Erik Burnham (story), Tim Lattie (art), Sarah Myer (colors), Shawn Lee (letters), Nicolas Niño (editorial assistant), and Charles Beacham (editor); Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Matthew K. Manning (writer), Chad Thomas (art), Heather Breckel (colors), Shawn Lee (letters), Megan Brown (assistant edits), and Bobby Curnow (editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is free, while the current value is $1.
Cool Comics for the Young at Heart#2019 — Donald Duck Adventures #24, Disney Comics, May 1992.
Cool Factor: Stories involving time have always interested me, and the first story in this Donald Duck anthology comic features a fun adventure with On Stolen Time. That story alone is enough to recommend this issue, which can be found at reasonable prices (I found mine in a quarter bin). But having control over time doesn’t always give you the results you want, as the Beagle Boys find out!
Comic Book Credits: Cover – Jim Mitchell (pencils), Larry Mayer (inks), and Cris Palomino (colors); On Stolen Time – Don Rosa (script/art), Teresa Davidson (letters), and Tom Luth (colors); Dawn Chorus – Daniel Branca (art), Gary Gabner (dialogue), Bucky O’Neill (letters), and Sue Daigle-Leach (colors); The Perfect Place – Daniel Branca (art), Gary Gabner (dialogue), Bucky O’Neill (letters), and Mike McCormick (colors); and Bob Foster (editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Donald Duck Adventures #24 is $1.50, while the current value is $4.
Cool Comics from the 20th Century#2020 — Our Fighting Forces #156, Marvel, June 1975.
Cool Factor: With Memorial Day just around the corner, it’s fitting that Cool Comics features an issue of Our Fighting Forces. And while it’s a day to remember and reflect on those who gave their lives while serving, I think it goes without saying that it’s also an opportunity to spend quality time with those you love. And perhaps to even read a few military focused comics, appreciating the freedoms we have, thanks to the sacrifice of others.
Comic Book Credits: Jack Kirby (script/pencils/cover pencils/editor), Mike Royer (inks/letters/cover inks), Jerry Serpe (colors), and Steve Sherman (assistant editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Our Fighting Forces #156 is 25¢, while the current values are $38 on CBR and $20 on ZKC.
Cool Comics Reader Reviews!
Would you like to write a review of a comic book or graphic novel for all the Internet to read? Our
Cool Comics Reader Reviews
section is looking for fans just like you to submit your review, along with a cover image of the comic. Additionally, you may
provide a picture of yourself and any other biographical information you want published in Cool Comics. Send all this
to
edgosney62@gmail.com
. Please keep in mind that we reserve the right to decide what will and won’t go in the blog, so keep the language clean, pick out a comic that won’t cause controversy (we try to have fun here!), and start tapping away on your keyboard!
ComicBooks For Kids! (CB4K) is a charity that Cool Comics In My Collection is honored to be working with. CB4K provides comic books to kids in hospitals and cancer centers all across the United States. You can check their website and see if your local hospital is included and if not, you can work with them to get them included! If you like what you see, please help them out and follow/like their Facebook page. Their link is https://www.facebook.com/comicbooksforkids/
Now you can get notification of new episodes of Cool Comics in My Collection delivered directly to your email! Just click “Join My Newsletter” on my website (or click on the image of my No-Prize!), sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right? Just be sure to follow the instructions on the confirmation email so that you start receiving my newsletter. If you don’t see it, you may want to check your Spam or Junk Mail folders.
The Cool Comics In My Collection Facebook Group is a place where you can discuss the comics you love, your favorite titles, and the characters that keep you coming back for more. Also, creators are welcome to share news about what you are working on, including crowdfunding campaigns. Don’t miss out on all the inside scoops that might get revealed on our Facebook group. Be sure and join today!
Tired of seeing a blank image when you leave comments? Now you can have a picture or logo show up here at Cool Comics and other WordPress sites, absolutely free! Just click the link below to get started.
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May 24, 2023
THE GREATEST BATTLES IN HISTORY edited by Jack Watkins
Welcome to Page 13 of I Read That Book! On each Page, I’ll tell you a little about a book I read, often in a fun and informal manner, with the hope that you also may become interested enough to read it – or perhaps read it again if you’ve already enjoyed it once. The books I’ll be featuring come from a variety of genres at differing stages of my life, so whether you prefer history, literature, science fiction, or horror, there’s a good chance you’ll get some interesting ideas for your personal “To Be Read” list. Thank you for joining me on this journey as we flip through the pages of some of my favorite books. But before you start reading below, I invite you to grab a cup of your favorite beverage (coffee for me!) and find a comfortable place to sit, then turn to Page 13.
Do you have some coffee table books in your home? You know what I mean, the oversized hardcovers (and sometimes large trade paperbacks) that you display in your living room. Sometimes you may pick one of yours up and flip through it, or perhaps a guest has looked it over and commented on it (especially if you rotate them seasonally, making sure you set out certain ones for holidays, or perhaps when spring rolls around). But do you ever read them?
While the idea of having lots of books in your home is appealing to most book lovers, many of us worry that we’ll never get them all read before our expiration date. I’m one of those sorts of people. And yes, coffee table books are included in this worrisome aspect of book collecting.
THE GREATEST BATTLES IN HISTORY, edited by Jack Watkins, is a fascinating look at past civilizations from the perspective of battle. In fact, the cover refers to it as An Encyclopedia of Classic Warfare from Megiddo to Waterloo. Before I started reading it, I thought I knew a bit about history, but this book quickly proved me wrong.
My youngest daughter gave this to me for Christmas a few years ago, and I appreciate the fact that she knows many of my interests. But I was in the middle of reading another coffee table book, so this one had to wait until April (each day, I read two facing pages of these kinds of books, so it takes a while to go cover to cover, but at the same time, I’m also reading other books and magazines, which…means I read a lot). But the wait was worth it, as this trip through time filled my head with far more facts than I’ll ever retain.
The book is filled with great illustrations, maps with detailed battle maneuvers, key facts, settings/campaigns, and just enough description to inform readers of what went right for the winners, and what went wrong for the losers. The only unfortunate aspect to THE GREATEST BATTLES IN HISTORY is that there are several errors, most often concerning dates. Astute readers will notice the misprints, because most of the time the error occurs on a page that also has the correct information. It’s hard to find any kind of printed document that doesn’t have a few mistakes, but this had more than I expected. Aside from that, I was pleased with the overall look and feel of the book, and its readability, including this summation concerning Napoleon Bonaparte’s defeat at Waterloo:
The Foot Guards fired a volley and charged with their bayonets, forcing the French Guard back. It took 15 minutes for Wellington to appear on the skyline and wave his hat, giving the signal for the all-out pursuit of the retreating French, and a mêlée of Allied forces quickly attacked. The French retreat became a rout. Three battalions of the Old Guard hung on to enable the Emperor to escape. He made no attempt to stay and rally his soldiers or conduct their retreat, but rode for his life. The Battle of Waterloo was over.
And don’t forget to join us here again when I flip to the next Page!
Note: The first 32 pages of I Read This Book! originally appeared on Substack.
Never Miss an Episode of I Read That Book!Now you can get notification of new pages of I Read That Book! delivered directly to your email! Just click Join My Newsletter on my website, sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right? Just be sure to follow the instructions on the confirmation email so that you start receiving my newsletter. If you don’t see it, you may want to check your Spam or Junk Mail folders.
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May 18, 2023
Tarzan Takes a Leap, Superman’s First Appearance, and Machine Man Goes Online!
Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection episode 399, where we look at various comic books I own (and in some cases ones that I let get away), both new and old, often with a nostalgic leaning for those feelings of yesteryear. I hope you have as much fun reading about them as I had writing about these cool comics!
For each of the comic books I include here, I list the current secondary market pricing according to the websites ComicBookRealm.com (CBR) and Zap-Kapow Comics (ZKC), using the comic book grading scale of 9.4 (if both sites have the same price, you’ll find just one price for that issue). Not all my comics meet that grade. Some are probably better, and many are certainly worse. But to simplify it, that’s the scale I use. And remember, a comic book is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. And for those who enjoy the additional fun of knowing some of the more important issues in your collection, I recognize each Cool Comic that is listed in Key Collector Comics.
If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, episode 399…
Cool Comics Stuff!
A couple additional Cool Comics from last week include The Amazing Spider-Man #25 and Kong: The Great War #1, which happens to be the first King Kong comic book I’ve ever owned or read. The Spider-Man issue answers the question as to what was going on with Mary Jane while Peter was multiverses away from her, where the kids came from, and why she won’t kiss our hero when he finally finds her once again. Is this truly the end for the two of them? As for King Kong, while I enjoyed it, I’m not sure if I’ll be getting any further issues from the series. Not that it was bad, but I already read a lot of comics, and these days I sometimes have trouble finding the time to read all my current pulls.
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Tarzan versus Machine Man! What do you think would happen if they faced each other in a titanic tussle, and how do you see the winner achieving victory? Let us know in the comments section below.
Cool Comics Creations!
This episode’s Cool Comics Creation by artist Sydney Walton features Spidey villains Venom and Morbius! The art is all hand-painted with acrylic paints. Syd is always taking commissions, so don’t hesitate to contact him for a cool cover or other fantastic creations. You can find him on Facebook at Syd’s Altruistic Art, or contact him via email at swaltoniii@aol.com.
You can have a piece of your art (or an original piece of art that you own) featured right here in Cool Comics Creations! Just send an electronic file in an email featuring one of your drawings, whether you’re a professional or amateur, (it can be just pencils, or inks too…or full color if you prefer) or a picture of a craft or sculpture that you’ve done, and if it’s family friendly (and not controversial…let’s try to keep this fun), you’ll be a part of an upcoming Cool Comics episode. We also want your name, an optional picture of yourself to go here, and any other background information you want to provide, such as a website or a way you can be contacted about your art (who knows, maybe someone will make you an offer for the original!). And then email it to
edgosney62@gmail.com
.
#2011 — Lord of the Jungle #5, Dynamite, May 2023.
Cool Factor: I’ve always been a fan of Tarzan, and especially so when I think about my childhood and watching Tarzan movies with my dad on weekend afternoons. But when it comes to the comics, I admit I haven’t read many. I started getting this series from the start, and appreciate the story of an older Tarzan, with plenty of flashbacks to show us the “why” and the “how” in this story. The creators have been doing a fantastic job, and I give many kudos to Benito Gallego, who I first noticed when I started reading Apama from the Hero Tomorrow Comics universe. Benito makes Tarzan come to life, and I’m so happy that I’ve been able to get the first five issues of this wonderful series.
Comic Book Credits: Dan Jurgens (writer), Benito Gallego (artist), Francesco Segala (colorist), Carlos M. Mangual (letterer), Agnes Pozza (coloring assist), Philip Tan (cover art), Sebastian Cheng (cover colors), and Matt Idelson (editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Lord of the Jungle #5 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.
Facsimile Edition Cool Comics#2012 — Action Comics #1, DC, November 2022 (Original Cover Date: June 1938).
Cool Factor: Action Comics #1 is THE comic that every collector wants to own. The only problem is the price tag, which is currently valued around $6,000,000. But once again, a Facsimile Edition has come to the rescue, and now this awesome “almost” issue can and should be a part of your collection. What may surprise some of you is the amazing number of different stories that fill the pages, which are named in the credits section below. Whether you’re a Superman fan or not, get this comic for your collection while you can still find a copy!
Comic Book Credits: Cover – Joe Shuster (pencils/inks) and Jack Adler (colors); The Coming of Superman – Jerry Siegel (script) and Joe Shuster (pencils/inks); The A-G Gang – Homer Fleming (pencils/inks); The Mystery of the Freight Train Robberies – Fred Guardineer (script/pencils/inks); South Sea Strategy (Part 1) – Vin Sullivan (script); Sticky-Mitt Stimson – Russell Cole (script/pencils/inks); The Adventures of Marco Polo – Sven Elven (pencils/inks); The Light Heavyweight Championship – Fred Guardineer (pencils/letters); The International Jewel Thief – Bill Ely (pencils/inks); Murder in England – Bernard Baily (pencils/inks); Fred Astaire, Constance Bennett, Charles Boyer, Wheeler and Woolsey; and Lou Gehrig, Lee Grissom, and Babe Ruth – Sheldon Moldoff (pencils/inks). There are many other details that go with this historic facsimile, which can be seen HERE.
Price and Values: The cover price of Action Comics #1 Facsimile Edition is $6.99, while the current value is $7. The Key Collector Comics value is $8.
Cool Comics Celebrates FCBD (Week 2 of 2023)#2013 — Shadowman – Darque Legacy, Valiant Entertainment, May 2023.
Cool Factor: Longtime readers of Cool Comics may remember that I have a fascination with several different four-color universes besides the Big2, with Valiant certainly near the top. And while my favorites are from the original run that started in the early Nineties, I still have fun taking a peek at what’s being done today, and this Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) issue featuring Shadowman and X-O Manowar is no exception.
Comic Book Credits: Cover – Bob Hall (pencils/inks); Darque Legacy – Darque Legacy (script/pencils/inks), Andrew Dalhouse (colors), and Dave Sharp (letters); X-O Manowar –
Michael W. Conrad (script), Liam Sharp (pencils/inks/colors), and Troy Peteri (letters); and Lysa Hawkins (senior editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Shadowman – Darque Legacy is free, while the current value is $1.
Cool Comics for the Young at Heart#2014 — Little Lulu #225, Gold Key, May 1975.
Cool Factor: The first fun story with Little Lulu is titled Battling Butlers, and regardless of your age, these sorts of shenanigans are sure to help crack a smile on your face. Next up is Witch Hazel and the Little Scarecrow Boy in Fashion Plate, followed by another Little Lulu tale named Problem Children. And finally Gold Key wraps this issue up with Little Lulu in The Best Man. These stories certainly aren’t the same as Superman fighting Doomsday, but they are more than welcome in my comic collection.
Comic Book Credits: As per usual with these Gold Key issues, no creator credits are given for Little Lulu.
Price and Values: The cover price of Little Lulu #225 is 25¢, while the current values are $12 on CBR and $10 on ZKC.
Cool Comics from the 20th Century#2015 — Machine Man #1, Marvel, April 1978.
Cool Factor: Machine Man is a bit of an odd character and was born from a bit of an odd comic book series, 2001: A Space Odyssey. Jack Kirby created the character of Aaron Stack in issue #8, and eventually he spun off into his own series. And while the 2001 series died many decades ago, Machine Man is a fixture in the Marvel Universe. I’ve found a few from this original series in quarter bins over the years but bought this first issue straight out of the back issue boxes for a whopping $4.50. I like the concept and am glad I grabbed this copy when I did, because I think many of the Seventies era Marvels will continue to go up in value and being that this is my favorite period of comic books, I need to get them while they’re affordable.
Comic Book Credits: Jack Kirby (script/pencils/cover pencils/editor), Mike Royer (inks/letters), Petra Goldberg (colors), Frank Giacoia (cover inks), Gaspar Saladino (letters), and Archie Goodwin (consulting editor)
Price and Values: The cover price of Machine Man #1 is 35¢, while the current values are $40 on CBR and $20 on ZKC. The Key Collector Comics value is $25.
Cool Comics Reader Reviews!
Would you like to write a review of a comic book or graphic novel for all the Internet to read? Our
Cool Comics Reader Reviews
section is looking for fans just like you to submit your review, along with a cover image of the comic. Additionally, you may
provide a picture of yourself and any other biographical information you want published in Cool Comics. Send all this
to
edgosney62@gmail.com
. Please keep in mind that we reserve the right to decide what will and won’t go in the blog, so keep the language clean, pick out a comic that won’t cause controversy (we try to have fun here!), and start tapping away on your keyboard!
ComicBooks For Kids! (CB4K) is a charity that Cool Comics In My Collection is honored to be working with. CB4K provides comic books to kids in hospitals and cancer centers all across the United States. You can check their website and see if your local hospital is included and if not, you can work with them to get them included! If you like what you see, please help them out and follow/like their Facebook page. Their link is https://www.facebook.com/comicbooksforkids/
Now you can get notification of new episodes of Cool Comics in My Collection delivered directly to your email! Just click “Join My Newsletter” on my website (or click on the image of my No-Prize!), sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right? Just be sure to follow the instructions on the confirmation email so that you start receiving my newsletter. If you don’t see it, you may want to check your Spam or Junk Mail folders.
The Cool Comics In My Collection Facebook Group is a place where you can discuss the comics you love, your favorite titles, and the characters that keep you coming back for more. Also, creators are welcome to share news about what you are working on, including crowdfunding campaigns. Don’t miss out on all the inside scoops that might get revealed on our Facebook group. Be sure and join today!
Tired of seeing a blank image when you leave comments? Now you can have a picture or logo show up here at Cool Comics and other WordPress sites, absolutely free! Just click the link below to get started.
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May 16, 2023
PLANET OF THE APES by Pierre Boulle
Welcome to Page 12 of I Read That Book! On each Page, I’ll tell you a little about a book I read, often in a fun and informal manner, with the hope that you also may become interested enough to read it – or perhaps read it again if you’ve already enjoyed it once. The books I’ll be featuring come from a variety of genres at differing stages of my life, so whether you prefer history, literature, science fiction, or horror, there’s a good chance you’ll get some interesting ideas for your personal “To Be Read” list. Thank you for joining me on this journey as we flip through the pages of some of my favorite books. But before you start reading below, I invite you to grab a cup of your favorite beverage (coffee for me!) and find a comfortable place to sit, then turn to Page 12.
One evening, sometime in the early Seventies, I watched the movie Planet of the Apes (the 1968 version starring Charlton Heston and Roddy McDowall), and it changed everything!
Perhaps I’m injecting a little too much hyperbole, but the film showed me things of which I’d never before dreamt. I’d seen Star Trek and other science fiction shows, but a future Earth ruled by Apes staggered my young mind and had me wanting to know more, eventually leading me to reading the source material.
Pierre Boulle’s novel La Planète des singes (PLANET OF THE APES) was published in 1963, and just five years later, Hollywood produced a movie that bears scant resemblance to the book. As a kid, I was excited to read this, but as I turned page after page, I felt disappointment. I suppose what I expected from the novel would be more accurately described as a media tie-in version. Yet I knew that the novel came first…so why all the changes? The apes had modern technology in Boulle’s book, yet in the movie, they seemed to live more like Fred Flintstone.
I don’t know if 20th Century Fox envisioned the property as a franchise when the screenplay (by Michael Wilson, Rod Serling, and John T. Kelley) was written, but by the time I’d seen the next movie, Beneath the Planet of the Apes, I understood, to the extent I could at my young age, that the changes made it easier for the studio to make more money.
It seems that every few decades we get a reboot of these intelligent, talking apes, aimed towards a new, more sophisticated audience, I guess. But regardless of the advances in special effects, the original (along with the four movie sequels, the short-lived TV series from 1974, and the brief Saturday morning cartoon) still holds my heart captive.
As a kid, I had Mego Planet of the Apes action figures and accessories; I carefully watched the newsstands each month for the next issue of Planet of the Apes magazine, which was packed full of behind-the-scenes articles and great comic book stories; and my friends and I would talk about the movies and reenact our favorite moments. This thin volume (my paperback is 128 pages) by Boulle (who also wrote THE BRIDGE OVER THE RIVER KWAI…the movie version is The Bridge on the River Kwai) is the catalyst that…well…made me go APE over Science Fiction. And while I no longer have the Mego action figures, I do have some Funko POP! boxed items, as seen below.
Have you read THE PLANET OF THE APES? If not, and you’re a fan of the franchise, you may want to give it a try. While it doesn’t pack the same emotional punch that the movie does when Taylor makes his startling discovery on the beach, the book still gives us a bit of a surprise at the conclusion. To give you a taste of the writing (which is translated by Xan Fielding), here is a paragraph that comes early in the novel, when a captured astronaut discovers the startling truth.
It was a gorilla, I tell you! From his shirt collar emerged a hideous head, its top shaped like a sugar loaf and covered with black hair, with a flattened nose and jutting jaws. There he stood, leaning slightly forward, in the posture of a hunter on the lookout, grasping a rifle in his long hands. He was facing me, on the other side of a large gap cut out of the jungle at right angles to the direction of the drive.
Despite all the differences, readers will recognize several of the characters and scenarios from the movie…and if you consider yourself a fan of everything POTA, isn’t it about time you read that book?
And don’t forget to join us here again when I flip to the next Page!
Note: The first 32 pages of I Read This Book! originally appeared on Substack.
Never Miss an Episode of I Read That Book!Now you can get notification of new pages of I Read That Book! delivered directly to your email! Just click Join My Newsletter on my website, sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right? Just be sure to follow the instructions on the confirmation email so that you start receiving my newsletter. If you don’t see it, you may want to check your Spam or Junk Mail folders.
Hits: 26
May 11, 2023
SHAZAM! Sees Great Start While Flash & Superman Race to Save a Life!
Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection episode 398, where we look at various comic books I own (and in some cases ones that I let get away), both new and old, often with a nostalgic leaning for those feelings of yesteryear. I hope you have as much fun reading about them as I had writing about these cool comics!
For each of the comic books I include here, I list the current secondary market pricing according to the websites ComicBookRealm.com (CBR) and Zap-Kapow Comics (ZKC), using the comic book grading scale of 9.4 (if both sites have the same price, you’ll find just one price for that issue). Not all my comics meet that grade. Some are probably better, and many are certainly worse. But to simplify it, that’s the scale I use. And remember, a comic book is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. And for those who enjoy the additional fun of knowing some of the more important issues in your collection, I recognize each Cool Comic that is listed in Key Collector Comics.
If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, episode 398…
Cool Comics Stuff!
Some additional Cool Comics from last week’s releases include Batman #135 and Avengers: War Across Time #5. The Batman issue is Legacy #900, and part of the fun is seeing various versions of Batman, a real treat for any Batfan. Paul Levitz, who spent decades with DC, crossed party lines and gave us a cool retro Avengers tale.
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Shazam versus Ultimate Thor! What do you think would happen if they faced each other in a titanic tussle, and how do you see the winner achieving victory? Let us know in the comments section below.
Cool Comics Creations!
This episode of Cool Comics features Flash and his Rogues gallery by Robert A. Kraus! RAK has a distinctive style that meshes so well with the heroes, villains, and monsters we grew up loving. As the creator of Chakan, the forever man, RAK is known around the globe and is a great friend to Cool Comics — it’s always a pleasure to show off his amazing art!
You can have a piece of your art (or an original piece of art that you own) featured right here in Cool Comics Creations! Just send an electronic file in an email featuring one of your drawings, whether you’re a professional or amateur, (it can be just pencils, or inks too…or full color if you prefer) or a picture of a craft or sculpture that you’ve done, and if it’s family friendly (and not controversial…let’s try to keep this fun), you’ll be a part of an upcoming Cool Comics episode. We also want your name, an optional picture of yourself to go here, and any other background information you want to provide, such as a website or a way you can be contacted about your art (who knows, maybe someone will make you an offer for the original!). And then email it to
edgosney62@gmail.com
.
#2006 — Shazam #1, DC, July 2023.
Cool Factor: I’m a longtime fan of Shazam, and while I really loved what Geoff Johns did for Billy Batson and his extended family, it looks like Mark Waid is going to have a Cool Comics kind of run himself. Also, I understand that some people may not particularly like Tawky Tawny, the talking Tiger, but for my money, the scene with him in this opening issue is one of my favorite parts of the story. Hopefully the series will stick around for a while.
Comic Book Credits: Mark Waid (script), Dan Mora (pencils/inks/cover art), Alejandro Sánchez (colors), Troy Peteri (letters), Rebecca Bohanan (assistant editor), and Paul Kaminski (editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Shazam #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.
Facsimile Edition Cool Comics#2007 — Ultimate Fallout #4, Marvel, November 2021 (Original Cover Date: October 2011).
Cool Factor: If you’re a newcomer to Miles Morales, there’s a good chance you don’t want to dish out the dollars for his first appearance (the current value is around $550). And I know that reprints, whether in the Facsimile tradition or not, aren’t as coveted as sacred first editions may be, but they sure are friendly to us budget-minded collectors. It took me a while to care about Facsimile comics, but ever since I started buying them a couple years ago, I’m now addicted to getting an opportunity to enjoy what I missed the first time around, in a very cool way.
Comic Book Credits: Script – Brian Michael Bendis (pages 1-7), Jonathan Hickman (pages 8-15), and Nick Spencer (pages 16-20); Pencils – Sara Pichelli (pages 1-7), Salvador Larroca (pages 8-15), and Clayton Crain (pages 16-20); Inks – Sara Pichelli (pages 1-7); Salvador Larroca (pages 8-15); Clayton Crain (pages 16-20); Colors – Justin Ponsor (pages 1-7), Frank D’Armata (pages 8-15), and Clayton Crain (pages 16-20); Letters – Cory Petit and Clayton Cowles; Cover – Mark Bagley (pencils), Andy Lanning (inks), and Justin Ponsor (colors); Sana Amanat (assistant editor); and Mark Paniccia (senior editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Ultimate Fallout #4 Facsimile Edition is $3.99, while the current values are $12 on CBR and $4 on ZKC. The Key Collector Comics value is $5.
Cool Comics Celebrates FCBD (Week 1 of 2023)#2008 — Conan the Barbarian, Titan Comics, May 2023.
Cool Factor: While I’m a bit disappointed about Conan leaving The Savage Avengers (one of the most fun “guilty pleasure” comics I’ve read in my lifetime), this Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) issue from Titan Comics gives me a good feeling that the franchise is going to continue churning out plenty of Cimmerian adventures for the most discerning barbarians among us. I hope you were able to get out for FCBD and grabbed a copy of this before they vanished!
Comic Book Credits: Jim Zub (writer), Rob De La Torre (artist/cover artist), José Villarrubia (color artist), Richard Starkings (letterer), and Matt. Murray (editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Conan the Barbarian is free, while the current value is $1.
Cool Comics for the Young at Heart#2009 — Beetle Bailey #106, Charlton Comics, July 1974.
Cool Factor: If you never served in the military and you figure that the antics of Beetle Bailey and the goofiness of Gomer Pyle are nothing but fiction, well, as an Army veteran, I’m here to tell you that…sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. During my time in service, I really did know a few guys who had several aspects of our good pal Beetle, which always kept things interesting. Aside from that, reading this comic took me back to a younger version of myself, sitting on the floor on Sunday afternoon and reading the Sunday Funnies, and that was certainly worth the quarter I paid for this comic.
Comic Book Credits: Mort Walker (cover pencils/cover inks) is the only person credited on the Grand Comics Database for this issue.
Price and Values: The cover price of Beetle Bailey #106 is 25¢, while the current value is $10.
Cool Comics from the 20th Century#2010 — Flash #53, DC, August 1991.
ool Factor: I know the 90s don’t get much love when it comes to comic books, but I have lots of great memories from those years, including sensationalistic word bubbles like on this cover that says, “IT’S A RACE AGAINST TIME—WITH JIMMY OLSEN’S LIFE AT STAKE!” I really loved this Flash series with Wally West, but I know that for many fans, Barry Allen is their favorite Flash. Do you have a preference? We’d love to know what DC speedster, whether named Flash or not, is closest to your heart, in the comments section below.
Comic Book Credits: William Messner-Loebs (script), Greg LaRocque (pencils), José Marzán Jr. (inks/cover inks), Glenn Whitmore (colors), Tim Harkins (letters), Dan Jurgens (cover pencils), Todd Klein (cover letters), and Brian Augustyn (editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Flash #53 is $1, while the current is $4.
Cool Comics Reader Reviews!
Would you like to write a review of a comic book or graphic novel for all the Internet to read? Our
Cool Comics Reader Reviews
section is looking for fans just like you to submit your review, along with a cover image of the comic. Additionally, you may
provide a picture of yourself and any other biographical information you want published in Cool Comics. Send all this
to
edgosney62@gmail.com
. Please keep in mind that we reserve the right to decide what will and won’t go in the blog, so keep the language clean, pick out a comic that won’t cause controversy (we try to have fun here!), and start tapping away on your keyboard!
ComicBooks For Kids! (CB4K) is a charity that Cool Comics In My Collection is honored to be working with. CB4K provides comic books to kids in hospitals and cancer centers all across the United States. You can check their website and see if your local hospital is included and if not, you can work with them to get them included! If you like what you see, please help them out and follow/like their Facebook page. Their link is https://www.facebook.com/comicbooksforkids/
Now you can get notification of new episodes of Cool Comics in My Collection delivered directly to your email! Just click “Join My Newsletter” on my website (or click on the image of my No-Prize!), sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right? Just be sure to follow the instructions on the confirmation email so that you start receiving my newsletter. If you don’t see it, you may want to check your Spam or Junk Mail folders.
The Cool Comics In My Collection Facebook Group is a place where you can discuss the comics you love, your favorite titles, and the characters that keep you coming back for more. Also, creators are welcome to share news about what you are working on, including crowdfunding campaigns. Don’t miss out on all the inside scoops that might get revealed on our Facebook group. Be sure and join today!
Tired of seeing a blank image when you leave comments? Now you can have a picture or logo show up here at Cool Comics and other WordPress sites, absolutely free! Just click the link below to get started.
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May 7, 2023
GRIFT SENSE by James Swain
Welcome to Page 11 of I Read That Book! On each Page, I’ll tell you a little about a book I read, often in a fun and informal manner, with the hope that you also may become interested enough to read it – or perhaps read it again if you’ve already enjoyed it once. The books I’ll be featuring come from a variety of genres at differing stages of my life, so whether you prefer history, literature, science fiction, or horror, there’s a good chance you’ll get some interesting ideas for your personal “To Be Read” list. Thank you for joining me on this journey as we flip through the pages of some of my favorite books. But before you start reading below, I invite you to grab a cup of your favorite beverage (coffee for me!) and find a comfortable place to sit, then turn to Page 11.
Not long after we entered the 21st Century, I developed quite an interest in mystery books and stories. These included locked room mysteries, crime, detective fiction, and crazy crime and mystery adventures that take place in Florida (of which there are more than you can imagine). Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine has always published great short fiction, along with some reviews, but I also started reading other magazines that helped me find the kind of books I wanted to read, including The Strand Magazine, Mystery Scene Magazine, and Firsts: The Book Collector’s Magazine. And it was through one of these publications that I discovered James Swain’s Tony Valentine novels.
I wish I could pinpoint which magazine contained the article about this entertaining series, of which GRIFT SENSE is the first, but it was too long ago, and I no longer have most of the periodicals (…along with the time it would take to do all the research!). What I do remember is (and I think it may have been an interview with James Swain, but again, this was a long time ago) that after reading about these books, I soon made my way to a local bookstore to purchase GRIFT SENSE. And believe me, with an opening paragraph like this, it was a hard book to put down.
It was February, cold, and Al “Little Hands” Scarpi was pumping iron outside his double-wide on the outskirts of Las Vegas. Raising the bar over his head, he watched a ponytailed kid on a Harley roar up in a swirl of dust. Parting his leather jacket, the kid removed an airline ticket and spun it like a Frisbee, nailing Little Hands squarely in the chest.
Perhaps the most surprising thing is that I really don’t have much of an interest in gambling. And yet after reading the aforementioned article, I desired to learn more about the character and, basically, to see what is so special about him. The back of the paperback edition tells us that:
While some people have a sixth sense, Tony has a grift sense—and he needs it now to separate a grifter from a scam that’s worse than anyone’s wildest dreams….
The inside back cover tells us that James Swain, the author, is:
…a gambling expert…considered one of the best card handlers in the world.
He’s also an excellent writer and storyteller.
If you like the lights, colors, sounds, and fast-paced gambling action of Las Vegas, along with a fun, well-written story about a man gifted with an ability to sense when those dice are loaded, give GRIFT SENSE a try.
And don’t forget to join us here again when I flip to the next Page!
Note: The first 32 pages of I Read This Book! originally appeared on Substack.
Never Miss an Episode of I Read That Book!Now you can get notification of new pages of I Read That Book! delivered directly to your email! Just click Join My Newsletter on my website, sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right? Just be sure to follow the instructions on the confirmation email so that you start receiving my newsletter. If you don’t see it, you may want to check your Spam or Junk Mail folders.
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May 4, 2023
Cool Comics Blasts Off for Star Wars Day!
Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection episode 397, where we look at various comic books I own (and in some cases ones that I let get away), both new and old, often with a nostalgic leaning for those feelings of yesteryear. I hope you have as much fun reading about them as I had writing about these cool comics!
For each of the comic books I include here, I list the current secondary market pricing according to the websites ComicBookRealm.com (CBR) and Zap-Kapow Comics (ZKC), using the comic book grading scale of 9.4 (if both sites have the same price, you’ll find just one price for that issue). Not all my comics meet that grade. Some are probably better, and many are certainly worse. But to simplify it, that’s the scale I use. And remember, a comic book is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. And for those who enjoy the additional fun of knowing some of the more important issues in your collection, I recognize each Cool Comic that is listed in Key Collector Comics.
If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, episode 397…
Cool Comics Stuff!
A couple additional cool comics this week included the finale (for now) of the Strange Academy saga (which continued from Strange Academy to Strange Academy: Finals) and Guardians of the Galaxy: Bane of Blastaar!
Free Comic Book Day reminder! That’s right, this Saturday, May 6, is the day you can go to your local (participating) comic shop and get some free comic books. Please remember to help support the store by making some purchases, too!
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Goliath versus Casper! What do you think would happen if they faced each other in a titanic tussle, and how do you see the winner achieving victory? Let us know in the comments section below.
Cool Comics Creations!
In this episode, Cool Comics shows off Ed Griffie’s version of Asoka from the Star Wars franchise! Ed is a lifelong comic book fan who started drawing Kawaii and Chibi style versions of pop culture icons and superheroes about five years ago. Through Facebook, his work came to the attention of Daniel Hare, the owner of vintage toy and comic bookstore The Toys Time Forgot, who offered him a guest spot at Free Comic Book Day. Since then, Ed has been a regular at local conventions and comic bookstores, where he offers bookmarks, coloring pages, trading cards, and color prints featuring his unique artwork. You can check out his full catalog of work at toonist27.deviantart.com or contact him at edgriffiejr@gmail.com to commission an original piece of your very own.
You can have a piece of your art (or an original piece of art that you own) featured right here in Cool Comics Creations! Just send an electronic file in an email featuring one of your drawings, whether you’re a professional or amateur, (it can be just pencils, or inks too…or full color if you prefer) or a picture of a craft or sculpture that you’ve done, and if it’s family friendly (and not controversial…let’s try to keep this fun), you’ll be a part of an upcoming Cool Comics episode. We also want your name, an optional picture of yourself to go here, and any other background information you want to provide, such as a website or a way you can be contacted about your art (who knows, maybe someone will make you an offer for the original!). And then email it to edgosney62@gmail.com .
Cool Comics In My CollectionCool Comics from the 21st Century#2001 — Green Arrow #1, DC, June 2023.
Cool Factor: If you’re not a regular Green Arrow comic book reader but you watched the TV series Arrow, this comic (the first of a five issue limited series) seems like something you’d be familiar enough with to enjoy. As for me, I’ve read Green Arrow comics here and there, but I’m far from being an expert. And I did watch the TV series – and with that in mind, I really liked the start of this short arc and I’m super glad I bought it.
Comic Book Credits: Joshua Williamson (writer), Sean Izaakse (artist/cover artist), Romulo Fajardo Jr. (colorist/cover colorist), Troy Peteri (letterer), and Ben Abernathy (editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Green Arrow #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4. The Key Collector Comics value is also $4.
Facsimile Edition Cool Comics#2002 — Gargoyles #1, Dynamite, February 2023 (Original Cover Date: February 1995).
Cool Factor: The Gargoyles animated series released just a few days before my first child was born, so that’s my excuse for not watching it. And while I do remember seeing advertising for it, I wasn’t really interested at the time. To be honest, I’m not all that interested in the franchise now, either, but I did enjoy this Facsimile Edition from the first comic book, which at the time was published by Marvel. I think what really makes me appreciate this comic is that it gave me an opportunity to revisit a very cool time in my life. Currently, the value of an original will run you about $20 according to CBR, and even up to $125 if you go by ZKC pricing. Meanwhile, Key Collector Comics has it listed at $115.
Comic Book Credits: Martin Pasko (writer), Amanda Conner (pencils), Alberto Saichann (inks), Gregory Wright (colors), John Costanza (letters), Joe Madureira (cover pencils), Jimmy Palmiotti (cover inks), Lisa Zampella (assistant editor), and Hildy Mesnik (editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Gargoyles #1 Facsimile Edition is $3.99, while the current value is $4.
Cool Comics Celebrates FCBD (Leftover from 2021)#2003 — The Overstreet Guide to Collecting Comics, Gemstone Publishing, August 2021.
Cool Factor: This is the last week for traveling back to Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) 2021, and since I enjoyed reading The Overstreet Guide to Collecting Comics 2022, I decided to go with the same title for 2021. Makes sense, right? But wouldn’t you know it, the same stories were in it. That’s right, it’s basically the same thing! But if you liked it well enough, you may not mind the reruns.
Comic Book Credits: This FCBD issue contains a number of fun little stories about the world of collecting comics, and listed are the main contributors, along with this link in which you can see contributions by story: J.C. Vaughn (writer), Brendon & Brian Fraim (illustrators), Chris Summers (colorist), Mindy Lopkin (letterer), Marshall Dillon (letterer), and Amanda Sheriff & Mark Huesman (editors).
Price and Values: The cover price of The Overstreet Guide to Collecting Comics 2021 is free, while the current value is $1.
Cool Comics for the Young at Heart#2004 — Richie Rich & Casper #36, Harvey Comics, November 1980.
Cool Factor: If you’re a fan of The Brave and the Bold, or perhaps Marvel Team-Up, then don’t miss out on the Harvey Comics duo to beat them all, Richie Rich & Casper! Okay, so it’s not quite the same…and some may say it’s not even as entertaining as their solo adventures, but I think (especially when you want to feel young at heart) it’s a blast seeing what creators can do when putting these fun characters in the same stories!
Comic Book Credits: I was unable to find any creator credits for this issue. The stories included are: The Sooper Book of Records; The Friendly Ghost Casper; Into the Act; It’s a Record; and Act Your Machine Age.
Price and Values: The cover price of Richie Rich & Casper #36 is 50¢, while the current value is $6.
Cool Comics from the 20th Century#2005 — Star Wars #3, Marvel/Whitman, September 1977.
Cool Factor: This issue of Star Wars from “a long time ago” is a Whitman reprint that came in a prepack (and you might even notice the word “Reprint” next to Luke in the little cover box below the price – click the cover image to get a closer view), which I was fortunate enough to find in a quarter box a few years ago. Every so often, I’ll run across old Star Wars issues in discount bins from the original run and it’s a blast adding them to my collection.
Comic Book Credits: George Lucas (original story), Roy Thomas (writer/editor), Howard Chaykin (pencils), Steve Leialoha (inks), Carl Gafford (colors), and Tom Orzechowski (letters).
Price and Values: The cover price of Star Wars #3 (Whitman reprint edition) is 35¢, while the current value is $10. The Key Collector Comics value is $30.
Cool Comics Reader Reviews!
Would you like to write a review of a comic book or graphic novel for all the Internet to read? Our
Cool Comics Reader Reviews
section is looking for fans just like you to submit your review, along with a cover image of the comic. Additionally, you may
provide a picture of yourself and any other biographical information you want published in Cool Comics. Send all this
to
edgosney62@gmail.com
. Please keep in mind that we reserve the right to decide what will and won’t go in the blog, so keep the language clean, pick out a comic that won’t cause controversy (we try to have fun here!), and start tapping away on your keyboard!
ComicBooks For Kids! (CB4K) is a charity that Cool Comics In My Collection is honored to be working with. CB4K provides comic books to kids in hospitals and cancer centers all across the United States. You can check their website and see if your local hospital is included and if not, you can work with them to get them included! If you like what you see, please help them out and follow/like their Facebook page. Their link is https://www.facebook.com/comicbooksforkids/
Now you can get notification of new episodes of Cool Comics in My Collection delivered directly to your email! Just click “Join My Newsletter” on my website (or click on the image of my No-Prize!), sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right? Just be sure to follow the instructions on the confirmation email so that you start receiving my newsletter. If you don’t see it, you may want to check your Spam or Junk Mail folders.
The Cool Comics In My Collection Facebook Group is a place where you can discuss the comics you love, your favorite titles, and the characters that keep you coming back for more. Also, creators are welcome to share news about what you are working on, including crowdfunding campaigns. Don’t miss out on all the inside scoops that might get revealed on our Facebook group. Be sure and join today!
Tired of seeing a blank image when you leave comments? Now you can have a picture or logo show up here at Cool Comics and other WordPress sites, absolutely free! Just click the link below to get started.
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May 3, 2023
HENDERSON THE RAIN KING by Saul Bellow
Welcome to Page 10 of I Read That Book! On each Page, I’ll tell you a little about a book I read, often in a fun and informal manner, with the hope that you also may become interested enough to read it – or perhaps read it again if you’ve already enjoyed it once. The books I’ll be featuring come from a variety of genres at differing stages of my life, so whether you prefer history, literature, science fiction, or horror, there’s a good chance you’ll get some interesting ideas for your personal “To Be Read” list. Thank you for joining me on this journey as we flip through the pages of some of my favorite books. But before you start reading below, I invite you to grab a cup of your favorite beverage (coffee for me!) and find a comfortable place to sit, then turn to Page 10.
I read HENDERSON THE RAIN KING while attending Ohio State in the mid-Eighties. After four years, I’d changed my major and found myself taking a 20th Century American Literature course, and this was required reading. Though I was familiar with many of the other books and authors we read for that class, Saul Bellow was new to me.
Like everything in life, there’s a story behind changing my major, and to keep it short, I’ll just mention that I took a fiction writing course while I was a Buckeye, and I fell completely in love with the sample short stories we had to read. I’d always been a bit of a reader, but through the process of closely examining the stories we, as students, wrote for the class, and being exposed to great literature via the sample stories, everything changed for me. At that moment, I wanted nothing more than to teach high school English.
Yet Saul Bellow and HENDERSON THE RAIN KING – complete strangers – had to be dealt with first. It didn’t take me long to fall in love with this book. Probably a couple of chapters was all it took, but this was long ago, and I don’t recall the details. What I do remember is that this is the novel that confirmed in my mind that I’d made the right decision about changing my major. The African adventures that Henderson experiences opened new ways of viewing life to my impressionable young mind and taught me the value of literature and why it is so important in shaping critical thinking skills.
The back of the book (it’s old, dirty, and worn…I bought it used and the condition obviously hasn’t improved over the years) gives you a nice description of the plot, and I’ve provided a snapshot of it in case you’re curious to learn more.
Would I enjoy this story just as much today, nearly 40 years after I read it? I really don’t know. Is it madness to even speculate on this? Speaking of which, Henderson touches a bit on madness:
Of course, in an age of madness, to expect to be untouched by madness is a form of madness. But the pursuit of sanity can be a form of madness, too.
The quote above is far from my favorite in HENDERSON THE RAIN KING, but it gives you a small taste of some of the wackiness you come across while reading it. What lines do I like best, you ask? Since you’ve been so polite up to this point, I’m more than happy to share them with you.
Laps and laps I galloped around the shining and riveted body of the plane, behind the fuel trucks. Dark faces were looking from within. The great, beautiful propellers were still, all four of them. I guess I felt it was my turn now to move, and so went running—leaping, leaping, pounding, and tingling over the pure white lining of the grey Arctic silence.
Several decades later, and with many more of his books on my shelves, the lines above are compelling evidence (to me, at least – if you haven’t read it, you have no context for the words) that the late Saul Bellow was one of America’s most gifted writers.
And don’t forget to join us here again when I flip to the next Page!
Note: The first 32 pages of I Read This Book! originally appeared on Substack.
Never Miss an Episode of I Read That Book!Now you can get notification of new pages of I Read That Book! delivered directly to your email! Just click Join My Newsletter on my website, sign up, and that’s it. Pretty easy, right? Just be sure to follow the instructions on the confirmation email so that you start receiving my newsletter. If you don’t see it, you may want to check your Spam or Junk Mail folders.
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April 27, 2023
Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen, is Cool Comic Number 2000!
Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection episode 396, where we look at various comic books I own (and in some cases ones that I let get away), both new and old, often with a nostalgic leaning for those feelings of yesteryear. I hope you have as much fun reading about them as I had writing about these cool comics!
For each of the comic books I include here, I list the current secondary market pricing according to the websites ComicBookRealm.com (CBR) and Zap-Kapow Comics (ZKC), using the comic book grading scale of 9.4 (if both sites have the same price, you’ll find just one price for that issue). Not all my comics meet that grade. Some are probably better, and many are certainly worse. But to simplify it, that’s the scale I use. And remember, a comic book is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. And for those who enjoy the additional fun of knowing some of the more important issues in your collection, I recognize each Cool Comic that is listed in Key Collector Comics.
If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, episode 396…
Cool Comics Stuff!
A couple notable stories from last week include Jason Aaron’s final Avengers comic (Avengers Assemble Omega #1) and Wonder Woman #798, a Lazarus Planet: Revenger of the Gods tie-in issue.
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Bingo Wilkin versus Jimmy Olsen! What do you think would happen if they faced each other in a titanic tussle, and how do you see the winner achieving victory? Let us know in the comments section below.
Cool Comics Creations!
This episode’s Cool Comics Creation by artist Sydney Walton features Spawn! The art is all hand-painted with acrylic paints. Syd is always taking commissions, so don’t hesitate to contact him for a cool cover or other fantastic creations. You can find him on Facebook at Syd’s Altruistic Art, or contact him via email at swaltoniii@aol.com.
You can have a piece of your art (or an original piece of art that you own) featured right here in Cool Comics Creations! Just send an electronic file in an email featuring one of your drawings, whether you’re a professional or amateur, (it can be just pencils, or inks too…or full color if you prefer) or a picture of a craft or sculpture that you’ve done, and if it’s family friendly (and not controversial…let’s try to keep this fun), you’ll be a part of an upcoming Cool Comics episode. We also want your name, an optional picture of yourself to go here, and any other background information you want to provide, such as a website or a way you can be contacted about your art (who knows, maybe someone will make you an offer for the original!). And then email it to
edgosney62@gmail.com
.
#1996 — Chilling Adventures Presents…The Cult of That Wilkin Boy #1, Archie, June 2023.
Cool Factor: Before buying this issue, I knew next to nothing about That Wilkin Boy (and I still don’t really know much about the character). See, I have a couple issues from the Seventies, but I read those so long ago I can’t tell you anything regarding them. But Archie Comics has me sold on “Chilling Adventures Presents…” one-shots. I consider them a lot of fun, and while they’re far from traditional for the line, you can consider these the Archieverse versions of Elseworlds and What If…?, right?
Comic Book Credits: Cullen Bunn (writer), Dan Schoening (pencils/cover), Ben Galvan (inks), Matt Herms (colors), Jack Morelli (letters), Vincent Lovallo (assistant editor), Stephen Oswald (associate editor), and Jamie Lee Rotante (editor/senior director of editorial).
Price and Values: The cover price of Chilling Adventures Presents…The Cult of That Wilkin Boy #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.
Facsimile Edition Cool Comics#1997 — Howard the Duck #1, Marvel, August 2019 (Original Cover Date: January 1976).
Cool Factor: Many moons ago, I was the proud owner of Howard the Duck #1, and ever since parting ways with this momentous comic book, I sorta wanted it back in my collection. Then along came Facsimile Editions (yes, I like to capitalize the first letters of each word to pay homage to these awesome reprints!), and I have Howard number one once more! I realize the price value is much less, and that it’s not the same issue I bought off the rack at my favorite mom and pop comic shop, but still, this is good enough for Gosneys! Which is a family motto, if you will. Anyway, if you want a little more info on Howard and my dearly departed original issue (which is now valued at $50), you can click the link and travel way back to Cool Comics episode 38.
Comic Book Credits: Steve Gerber (writer), Frank Brunner (illustrator/colors/cover), Steve Leialoha (inks), John Costanza (letterer), and Marv Wolfman (editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Howard the Duck #1 Facsimile Edition is $3.99, while the current value is $4.
Cool Comics Celebrates FCBD (Leftover from 2021)#1998 — Allergic, Graphix/Imprint of Scholastic, August 2021.
Cool Factor: This Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) preview of a graphic novel (which is available in both hardcover and trade paperback) might have convinced you to purchase the entire story, especially as a gift, if you happen to know someone who has gone through the same thing as Maggie. An animal lover who desperately wants a dog, Maggie has a bad reaction the day her parents finally take her to pick out her dog, and, alas, she’s allergic. This is a touching story that many people can associate with, so if you have it in your collection, keep a box of tissues handy when you read it.
Comic Book Credits: Megan Wagner Lloyd (script) and Michelle Mee Nutter (pencils/inks/colors/cover).
Price and Values: The cover price of Allergic is free, while the current value is $1.
Cool Comics for the Young at Heart#1999 — Mickey Mouse #171, Whitman/Gold Key, May 1977.
Cool Factor: Adventures featuring Mickey Mouse are always a blast when you desire to feel young at heart (and who doesn’t on certain occasions!), often bringing back great memories from childhood. I was fortunate to find this fun comic for a mere quarter, well worth a few moments of escaping from reality.
Comic Book Credits: There are lots of individual stories, with various success at giving credit where credit is due. I’m listing the creators here, but if you want to know the individual stories they are connected to, click HERE. Paul Murry (pencils/inks/letters), Larry Mayer (pencils/inks/letters/art director), Dan Spiegle (pencils/inks), Jack Bradbury (pencils/inks), Tony Strobl (pencils), and Del Connell (editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Mickey Mouse #171 is 30¢, while the current value is $18.
Cool Comics from the 20th Century#2000 — Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen #163, DC, March 1974.
Cool Factor: Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen saw a title change after this issue to The Superman Family (of which I own just one issue – so far), so it’s kind of cool to have the last from this original run. While the entire concept seemed a little hokey to me when I first started collecting comics, I now keep my eye out for these issues when I have rare opportunities to flip through quarter bins (life has grown increasingly busier for me, but I’m not complaining). And while its titles like this one that had me turning to mostly Marvel many decades ago, today I really appreciate the fun that can be had when reading about Mr. Action!
Comic Book Credits: Leo Dorfman (story), Kurt Schaffenberger (art), Nick Cardy (cover art), E. Nelson Bridwell (assistant editor), and Murray Boltinoff (editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen #163 is 20¢, while the current values are $30 on CBR and $24 on ZKC.
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April 26, 2023
THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE by C.S. Lewis
Welcome to Page 9 of I Read That Book! On each Page, I’ll tell you a little about a book I read, often in a fun and informal manner, with the hope that you also may become interested enough to read it – or perhaps read it again if you’ve already enjoyed it once. The books I’ll be featuring come from a variety of genres at differing stages of my life, so whether you prefer history, literature, science fiction, or horror, there’s a good chance you’ll get some interesting ideas for your personal “To Be Read” list. Thank you for joining me on this journey as we flip through the pages of some of my favorite books. But before you start reading below, I invite you to grab a cup of your favorite beverage (coffee for me!) and find a comfortable place to sit, then turn to Page 9.
“This must be a simply enormous wardrobe!” thought Lucy, going still further in and pushing the soft folds of the coats aside to make room for her. Then she noticed that there was something crunching under her feet. “I wonder is that more moth-balls?” she thought, stooping down to feel it with her hands. But instead of feeling the hard, smooth wood of the floor of the wardrobe, she felt something soft and powdery and extremely cold. “This is very queer,” she said, and went on a step or two further.
Anyone familiar with the Pevensie children know that once the youngest, Lucy, continues to walk away from the wardrobe and into Narnia, nothing but grand adventure lies ahead. From Mr. Tumnus to the Beavers to Aslan, sights, sounds, and sensations unlike any the children had heretofore known would awaken in this special world.
Readers have delighted over the Chronicles of Narnia for decades, and it all started with THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, written by C.S. Lewis. I was introduced to this series at a rather young age, and if memory serves, my parents bought all seven volumes during a family vacation. I think we were somewhere in New England…but again, this was a very long time ago, and those years now seem to have swept past as quickly as a lifetime in Narnia.
Though you’ll find Christian symbolism in THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, Lewis says he didn’t write it as an allegory. When I read this book on that family vacation from many years past, I just thought it was a fun adventure story. I did, however read this book again a few months ago, and while having some biblical knowledge adds an underlying element that some readers may not get from it, I think anyone who loves fantasy would enjoy it.
There have been a couple film versions , the first being a 1988 BBC production, while Disney gave it a theatrical release in 2005. And I don’t want to neglect the animated version from 1979, either, although I’ve never seen it. Below are the trailers for the first two mentioned.
While there’s a huge difference in the production values, I still find the first one to be quite charming in its own, unique way.
On that family vacation from decades ago, I read just the first two books in the series, and never cracked open any of the others…until just a couple years ago. It was great fun reading through them and enjoying the illustrations, along with knowing that these gifts from my parents were finally put to good use.
If you’ve ever been curious about these books, why not give THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE a try?
And don’t forget to join us here again when I flip to the next Page!
Note: The first 32 pages of I Read This Book! originally appeared on Substack.
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