Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 170, where we take a look at various comic books I own (and in some cases ones that I let get away), both new and old, often with a nostalgic leaning for those feelings of yesteryear.
For each of the comic books I include in this blog (except for digital issues), I list the current secondary market value. This is according to the website www.comicbookrealm.com. They list out the near mint prices, which are on the comic book grading scale of 9.4. If you go to the website to look up any in your collection, you can click on the price and 
see the value at different grades. Not all of my comics are 9.4. Some are probably better, and some are worse. But to simplify it, that’s the grading scale I use here. And remember, a comic book is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.
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If you have any comments, please scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says, “Leave a Reply.” And now, Episode 170…
Cool Comics News!
I have four more days to hit my goal of reading 1,200 comics in one year, but I don’t need the extra time, as I’ve achieved it! It was a fun journey, but I’m not trying to repeat this feat for 2019. I’ve fallen too far behind in books and magazines, so it’s time to play catch-up. I have several comic book-related magazines I need to read, such as Back Issue and Alter Ego, and believe me, when I’m not reading comic books, it’s just as much fun to learn about the history through these publications. Do you have any comic book goals for 2019? Share them with us in the comments section below, or on our Cool Comics Facebook page.
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!
Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Doctor Doom versus Superman! What do you think would happen if they faced each other in a titanic tussle, and how do you see the winner achieving victory? Let us know in the comments section below.
Cool Comics
#819 — Fight Club 3 #1 Ashcan, Dark Horse Comics, November 2018.
If “You do not talk about fight club,” then I guess I’m breaking the rules. This preview ashcan edition is possibly the shortest comic book I own, as it weighs in at just 5 actual pages of story. From what I’ve seen, two per store were distributed, so I truly appreciate my local shop owner for passing this my way. But I must confess that I’ve never read a Fight Club comic book before this one. And here comes the biggest reveal of all: I’ve never seen the movie, nor read Chuck Palaniuk’s novel that started this cult classic. For those keeping score, Chuck himself is the writer of this little preview, as he has been the writer for the past Fight Club comics. “But did you like it?” you’re sitting there asking me. To be honest, I withhold all judgment since I haven’t the slightest idea of what’s going on, except to say that there are a lot of large flies involved. I don’t like flies, and you probably don’t either. But that doesn’t mean this wouldn’t be good if I had familiarity with the story. So maybe one of you can shed light on these flies and tell us if you are excited for part 3 of this series. The cover price of Fight Club 3 #1 Ashcan is free, while the current value is $4.
#820 — Batman: Rules of Engagement, DC, November 2007.
Several times throughout my periods of collecting comics I’ve taken breaks. Each time felt more like I was quitting, never to turn another brightly colored page again. I believe my actions were due to many different factors of where I was in my life at the time, which makes perfect sense to me. When I quit in mid-2003, it was difficult, because I’d been going strong for a decade, but financially I needed to get out of the hobby. And now that I’m back (for my fourth period of collecting), I realize it’s just about impossible to catch-up on all that I’ve missed. Searching through quarter boxes and digital sales on comiXology have been helpful, but thanks to Ollie’s Bargain Outlet stores, I’ve been able to get some hardcover and trade paperback collections at ridiculously low prices. This one, Batman: Rules of Engagement, is hardcover and came with a sticker sale price of…okay, it was either $3.99 or $2.99. I pulled the shrink wrap with the price off and threw it away. This collection contains the first 6 issues of Batman Confidential from 2007. Andy Diggle was the writer, while Whilce Portacio provided the pencils. More than likely I wouldn’t have bought the individual issues when they originally released, if I’d still been making weekly trips to the comic shop, but it was fun getting this for such a great price and being able to read six issues in a row. The cover price for Batman: Rules of Engagement is $24.99, while the current value is $25.
#821 — The Adventures of Cap’n Catnip #2, HooHa Comics, September 2017.
When I saw Craig Boldman’s booth at Akron Comicon 2018, the first thing that caught my eye was a sketch he had for sale of the Riverdale TV version of Jughead and the original comic version of Jughead. And I bought it for my office wall, because it’s Jughead, and it looks great! While Craig is often associated with Archie Comics, I wanted to get something a little different to add to my collection, so I decided to try The Adventures of Cap’n Catnip, issue #2. While the cover lets us know that this is a comic that younger readers would enjoy, I’m happy to report that it kept this older guy very entertained. It contains two stories featuring Cap’n Catnip and his sidekick Womble the Wonder Gerbil, and then a third story with Merle, the good rat, and Ratman, the bad rat. This was good stuff, and I would suggest that when you travel to your next convention you take some time to talk to creators you might not normally consider and try some of their comics. That was one of my goals for Akron Comicon, and it was well worth it, as I feel like I struck gold with Mr. Boldman. The cover price of The Adventures of Cap’n Catnip #2 is $5 (this is a variant cover I purchased from him), and it’s not currently listed at Comic Book Realm.
FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 33)
#822 — The Wormworld Saga, Cub House, an imprint of Lion Forge Comics, May 2018.
I had no idea when I read this that Cub House is an imprint of Lion Forge Comics for kids 8 and under. And since I enjoyed it so much, I guess I do have a little boy still living inside me. And really, is there anything wrong with that? The wonder of story, especially stories with pictures, launch us into other worlds that can be fun, exciting, scary, magical, or frightening. And any combination of those things. This Free Comic Book Day edition is a wonderful adventure into the unknown. Theo’s father paints “doorways” into alternate worlds, and when Theo tries to get the attention of a girl he likes (of course she is interested in a different boy), he breaks the trust of his father to show off for his crush. The story pulls us in, and we don’t want it to stop. Lucky for us readers, it doesn’t end here, as you can pick up the two trade paperbacks. If you have young kids and want to introduce them to the world of comics, this seems like a fun way to start. The cover price of The Wormworld Saga is free, while the current value is $1.
Cool Comics Kids
#823 — Spidey Super Stories #45, Marvel, March 1980.
When Spidey Super Stories, in conjunction with The Electric Company, hit the comic book scene in 1974, I was a little older than the target audience. Some of you who remember the show probably can recall Spider-Man having some appearances, and while I’d see bits and pieces as I flipped channels (back when we had to walk over to the television and actually turn a dial or push specific buttons for each of the channels from 2 to 13…along with a range of UHF channels), it wasn’t something I’d keep on very long, since I wasn’t a little kid anymore. I actually bought a couple issues of Spidey Super Stories way back when, and I’m not exactly sure why, but I will admit that I’m really glad I grabbed this issue out of a quarter box. If you try to collect these gentler super-hero stories today, and you want them in good condition, be prepared to pay more than you’d probably expect. This issue was a fun one with both Doctor Doom and the Silver Surfer, and if you can find them cheap, this is a great way to introduce kids to Spider-Man. The cover price of Spidey Super Stories #45 is 40¢, while the current value is $20.
Cool Comics Classics
#824 — World’s Finest Comics #154, DC, December 1965.
The older I get, the more I appreciate finding fun old comic books at low prices. I was able to get this DC classic from 1965 for just $1 at an unbelievable sale back in the summer, and if you think the cover looks a little goofy, you’re absolutely right. This is basically an Elseworlds story before the term even existed. It poses the question of what might happen if Superman and Batman married (Lois Lane and Kathy Kane, respectively) and each had sons (the lead story is titled, “The Sons of Batman and Superman”), and how the relationship between the kids might turn out. And here we are over 50 years later with this basic scenario being part of ongoing DC continuity. Also included here is a shorter tale billed as “The Greatest Green Arrow Story,” a reprint from 1959. The cover price of World’s Finest Comics #154 is 12¢, while the current value is $105.
Recently Read Digital Comics
Remember a couple episodes back when I featured the Preview issue from Cave Pictures Publishing in Cool Comics News? Well the good folks there happened to send a digital edition of Appalachian Apocalypse #1 to Cool Comics, and let me tell you, it was really chill on the cool comics meter! (See, I told you that when it comes to comic books, they make me feel younger.) Due to release in stores come mid-January, this story, written by Billy Tucci and illustrated by Ethan Nicolle, starts off with a bang during the Civil War, painting the scene for what’s to come. Then the story shifts scenes to modern day, so that we can witness the archaeological find of the century. So, what’s the big discovery? And what effect will it have on mankind? I’m not going to reveal anything, because you need to read it for yourself. If this is an indication of what’s to come from Cave Pictures Publishing, then you should start reserving issues now at your local comic shop. Really, do it now!
ComicBooks For Kids!
ComicBooks For Kids! (CB4K) is a charity that Cool Comics In My Collection is honored to be working with. CB4K provides comic books to kids in hospitals and cancer centers all across the Unites States. You can check their website and see if your local hospital is included and if not, you can work with them to get them included! If you like what you see, please help them out and follow/like their Facebook page. Their link is https://www.facebook.com/comicbooksforkids/
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Views: 283
I thought I was the only person in America who hasn’t seen Fight Club! I actually have the novel, but haven’t gotten around to reading it yet because I read another of Palaniuk’s books (Haunted, a collection of connected short stories) that I found to be pretty awful in a “Hi, I’m a famous writer, so I can foist any pretentious junk I feel like and critics will call it art.” kind of way. Sort of the like the terrible novels of Neil Gaiman.
As far as your battle of the week, THAT would be a titanic tussel worthy of a company crossover! I have to give the win to Doom. He’s got the cruel and calculating intelligence to come up with a devious plan to defeat the Man of Steel. That and he’s an accomplished user of magic, which is one of Superman’s only weaknesses. It wouldn’t be an EASY battle, but I put my money on Doom.
A happy and prosperous New Year to you and yours!
I completely agree with you that Doom would find a way. And you are right, that would make an interesting company crossover!
Will I ever see or read Fight Club? I have to admit it doesn’t have much appeal to me, but you never know.
Happy New Year to you and your family also, Atom!