Will Wakanda Fall, Whence Comes Knull?

Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 282, 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 (except for of digital issues, which don’t have collectible value). This is 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), along with the 50^th Edition of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide (OPG) using their 9.2 NM scale. Not all my comics meet that grade. Some are probably better, and some are certainly worse. But to simplify it, that’s the scale I use here. 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 282…

Cool Comics News!

If you like to read digital comics and wonder what else is out there besides the usual suspects (Marvel, DC, comiXology, and Archie digital platforms), why not give River Comics a try? They have a wide variety of titles, providing comics in both English and Hindi (make sure you select the correct language!). You can click HERE and explore the site to see if this subscription service is something you’d be interested in, and if so, you simply download the app from your usual app store to get started.

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

Your Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Black Panther versus Adam Strange! 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 creation comes to us from Robert A. Kraus (aka RAK), creator of Chakan and many other fantastic works of art, along with cool games he’s developed. In this image, Chakan, the forever man, appears ready to take on the world! To learn more about RAK, be sure to visit his website at http://www.rakgraphics.com/.

You can have a piece of your art 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 as long as 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 Collection

Contemporary Cool Comics

#1426 — King in Black: Black Panther #1, Marvel, April 2021.

Why do some shared universe titles include what’s happening in big story arcs, while others have “special” number one issues? For example, this issue, King in Black: Black Panther #1, is an “aside” from the regular, ongoing Black Panther comic (which will soon be ending its run), while the newest issue of Fantastic Four is part of its regular run yet is tied into the King in Black storyline. Obviously, these are editorial decisions (and perhaps the creative teams also get to chime in…often these specials are not the same people who give us the ongoing stories), but the larger Marvel Universe is more fractured than meets the eye. In The Amazing Spider-Man, you’d think the Knull takeover of Earth wasn’t part of the 616 stuff (I’m not a big fan of all these “Earth” numbers that Marvel and DC use, but there’s nothing I can do about it!), and meanwhile, the Avengers are battling for the Phoenix force, yet several of the same characters have been “Venomized (it’s as good a word as any to describe it, I guess). And this is just a sampling that not everything is as tied in as fans may wish it were. While this may come across as a vent, I consider these to be mere observations. Some readers could care less about symbiotes, so they don’t want to have to read extra titles to keep up. If you do happen to enjoy it, or are a fan of the Black Panther, make sure to get this Black Panther tie-in, because it’s lots of fun (and fright!) to see how Wakanda is battling the forces of Knull. The cover price of King in Black: Black Panther #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.

Cool Comics from the Quarter Bin

#1427 — Strange Adventures #1, DC, May 2009.

Some people don’t know much about history (hmmm, reminds me of a song), and when it comes to Adam Strange, I know next to nothing. I’ve read some of his comics here and there, and he pops up as a guest every now and then in comics I’m reading, whether they’re new or old, but I guess I haven’t read enough of him for much to stick. When I think of him, Marvel’s Peter Quill (Star-Lord) sometimes comes to mind. I guess in my limited exposure I associate some similarities. I understand that there are probably huge differences between the two, but my mind works differently than yours…and yours…and probably all of you reading this. Still, it’s fun to get comics like this one out of quarter bins and learn a little more about some of these classic heroes from yesteryear (Adam Strange made his debut in Showcase #17, dated November 1958, so he’s a little before my time), and it’s a double bonus when it’s written by Jim Starlin, who is so adept with cosmic tales. Are you an Adam Strange reader? Let us know some of his best adventures to read in the comments section below, if you want to help further our comic book educations! The cover price of Strange Adventures #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4. The OPG value is $4.

FCBD the Cool Comics Way (Week 31 of 2020)

#1428 — Stepping Stones/Max & the Midknights, RH Graphics, July 2020.

Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) always gives us things we’d never buy for ourselves, and that’s part of the charm. And while you may or may not have gotten this issue that’s aimed towards a younger crowd, Cool Comics makes sure to give them all a read to let you know if you want to make sure to find one that you may have passed on. This issue from RH Graphics (an imprint of Penguin Random House) contains two stories, as you can see from the cover. Stepping Stones focuses on a couple girls from different families and backgrounds, and conflict is certainly one of the major themes here, along with a dose of jealousy. This story will probably resonate with some young readers and may even help them cope with issues in their lives. Max & the Midknights is rather short and a typical adventure that young boys may enjoy. While longtime superhero readers may not give this a glance, it could be a nice issue to pass on to younger eyes. The cover price of Stepping Stones/Max & the Midnights is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics Kids

#1429 — Little Lulu #223, Gold Key, January 1975.

Someone named Ann Marie (click on the cover if you can’t see the name and look at the very top) no longer owns this issue of Little Lulu, but I was lucky enough to find it in a quarter bin. I was actively buying and reading comic books when this one came out in 1975, but no way would I have bought Little Lulu at that time. As a matter of fact, I rarely gave notice to any issues at my favorite mom and pop shop that had Gold Key on the cover. But we tend to learn from our mistakes as we get older, and when I find comics like this one in quarter bins, I can’t resist! This issue features three stories with Little Lulu and some of her pals, and also includes a fourth about Witch Hazel and the Little Scarecrow Boy. The anthology format is perfect for young readers who may not be ready to consume an entire comic in one sitting. I’m not sure how easy it is for you to find Little Lulu comics where you shop for younger adventurers, but if you want to introduce her to the little ones in your life, you can always purchase some over the internet. As usual, the ads in this mid-Seventies comic are just as fun as the stories. The cover price of Little Lulu #223 is 25¢, while the current values are $12 on CBR and $10 on ZKC. The OPG value is $12.

Cool Comics Classics

#1430 — World of Wheels #26, Charlton Comics, June 1969.

To be honest, the only reason I bought this comic is because it’s old. I was at a comic shop that was having a sale on back issues and snagged about 50 older issues of a variety of titles for $1 each, and since the place was crowded (this was well before COVID-19) I really couldn’t take my time if I wanted to land some cool stuff. So, I looked for the oldest comics I could find, grabbed them out of the bins, and found out later, when I got home, exactly what I had. This one’s been sitting in my file cabinet of unexplored adventures for about two-and-a-half years now, and I decided the time was right to give it a read. I had no idea what to expect and figured I wouldn’t enjoy it much, but I ended up pleasantly surprised. Granted, this title isn’t for everyone, and some of the stories inside were a little strange, but I enjoy exploring these lost worlds of four-color entertainment and wouldn’t hesitate to buy more World of Wheels issues if I found them at the right price. If you’re a fan of cars and motorcycles, you may want to search these out for your collection. The cover price of World of Wheels #26 is 12¢, while the current values are $28 on CBR and $8 on ZKC. The OPG value is $28.

Cool Comics Reader Reviews!

I’m Steven “Atom” Baum and I write comic reviews that nobody ever asked for! I find the “value” of comics in the enjoyment of them, rather than how much they are “worth” to collectors.

 If you like what you see here, then join me on a journey through the forgotten depths of those boxes full of back issues in your local comic shop and visit my blog LONGBOX JUNK, where you’ll discover HUNDREDS of reviews you never even knew you wanted to read!

 And now an exclusive “Short-But-Sweet” Longbox Junk Comic Review for the Cool Comics Crowd!

STAR WARS: AGE OF REBELLION

DARTH VADER

Marvel (2019)

“TO THE LETTER”

SCRIPT: Grek Pak
PENCILS: Ramon Bachs
COVER: Terry Dodson

THE COVER

Terry Dodson is one of my favorite artists, and he doesn’t disappoint here! A menacing, full-figure portrait of the iconic Star Wars villain everyone loves to hate. It’s simple, but that’s what makes it great. Let’s get inside!

THE STORY

After Darth Vader disobeys an order to retreat instead of pressing an attack on a Rebel stronghold, The Emperor places him at the disposal of an overbearing Sector Governor with the command to follow orders to the letter until he learns his lesson.

The Governor immediately begins to abuse his power over the Emperor’s Enforcer, sending him on increasingly dangerous missions to pacify the Sector and bring him personal power. Vader obeys without question, seething with anger, but holding it in.

Finally, the Governor enters a sector that has been restricted under Imperial Order and commands Vader to destroy the most powerful enemy he can find in the sector. Vader leaves, but quickly turns back and kills the horrified Governor, following his orders to the letter.

The Emperor is pleased that his apprentice has both learned how to obey commands and at the same time rid the Empire of a weak and corrupt officer.

The End.

THE REVIEW

I really enjoyed this one-shot tale of Darth Vader’s early days as the Emperor’s Dark Enforcer! Vader doesn’t get many chances to show WHY he’s so feared in the movies, so seeing him in action is a treat for a big Star Wars fan such as myself.

The story is well-written, and the ending was both satisfying and clever. You KNOW Vader is going to turn it around somehow, but HOW (using the Governor’s own words against him) is teased out until the very end.

As far as the art goes. . .it’s good, but not great. It tells the story, but it’s sometimes rough and sketchy, looking a little rushed in a few places. It’s not BAD, but the art definitely could have used a bit of polish here and there.

CONCLUSION

If you’re a Star Wars comics fan, then this Darth Vader one-shot is a must-read! It tells a chilling and well-written tale of Darth Vader’s early days, showing the Sith Lord in brutal action and providing a clever and satisfying ending. The art is a bit rough here and there, but not bad enough for me to recommend passing this great little story up. Age of Rebellion: Darth Vader is a certified nugget of Longbox Junk gold!

Until next time, remember that comics are worth more than money!

Would you like to write a review of a comic book or graphic novel for all the Internet to see? 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!

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/

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