Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 294, 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 294…

Cool Comics Colloquialisms!

Guess what? Star Wars is kind of a big thing. Wait, you already knew that! From decades worth of movies, toys, novels, comic books, and so much other merchandise, it’s a surprise to no one. And since this blog tends to focus on Cool Comics, we’d be remiss not to mention that Marvel’s Star Wars line of comics is doing a five-month long crossover so big that there’s probably no chance you didn’t already know. But just in case you didn’t, we wanted to be sure to call your attention to it. War of the Bounty Hunters is so ambitious that it’s getting its own limited series and also being featured in the ongoing Star Wars, Darth Vader, Doctor Aphra, and Bounty Hunters titles…along with a few one-shots, starting in July and running through October. But the opener has already begun, with the Prelude running through May, starting with Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters Alpha (pictured), and on into all the previously mentioned titles. If you want the entire run, grab this issue, along with Star Wars #13, which came out yesterday, and then each week there will be one or two others that include this storyline. All told, it’s a half-year of Boba Fett fun. Don’t blame me if you miss any of it!

Last week saw the publication of the third Man-Thing special, which is part of the celebration of 50 years with this swampy delight of a creature. If you’re a fan, you most likely grabbed all three issues. The comic pictured features the X-Men, bringing the story to a close…or does it?

Cool Comics Battle of the Week!

The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Dino versus Fonzie! 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 week our Cool Comics Creation comes to you from Sydney Walton! If you ever feel like everything is falling apart, perhaps you can gain solace in realizing that we don’t live in The Road Warrior world alongside Mad Max…yet. The art is all hand-painted with acrylic paints. Syd said he’s been painting covers for a few years now and likes to think that he was one of the first to do so. 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 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 Collection

Modern-Day Cool Comics

#1486 — Heroes Reborn #1, Marvel, July 2021.

Back in the Nineties, Marvel decided to shake things up in a corner of their universe with a new storyline they dubbed Heroes Reborn, which led to several titles being replaced and produced by the studios of Jim Lee and Rob Liefeld. Some hated it, but others were curious enough to jump onboard and see where that train would take them. It’s probably no surprise to readers of Cool Comics that I faithfully followed them each week, as you’ve seen here plenty of times that I’m willing to give different comic book ideas a try. At the end, we were all happy when things got back to…well, whatever is considered normal in a four-color world. So, with the announcement of yet another Heroes Reborn series, like many, I was skeptical. But it’s only for a couple months, and this time, we’re told, it may have the same name, but it’s going to be different. And when I saw Jason Aaron listed as the writer for this first issue (Ed McGuinness did the dazzling pencils!), I felt enough trust to make my purchase. After reading it, I don’t regret it, and look forward to what’s coming next…and the wait isn’t long as we get the ongoing limited series title each week, along with some specials, such as Peter Parker, The Amazing Shutterbug. Wait a minute…don’t they mean The Amazing Spider-Man? Well, it seems they got it right, because in this series, Peter Parker doesn’t have spectacular—or even sensational—powers. He’s just a photographer. And if you think something funny is going on here, then perhaps you’ll want to talk to Blade about this, because he seems to be the only one who can tell something is off. But there are no Avengers to confer with. Instead, the super-powered team is the Squadron Supreme. ‘Nuff said to make you curious? The cover price of Heroes Reborn #1 is $5.99, while the current value is $6. The Key Collector Comics value is also $6.

Dynamically Discounted Cool Comics

#1487 — DC Comics Presents #16, DC, December 1979.

While DC Comics Presents may not get as much love as other capes & tights buddy titles like The Brave and the Bold and Marvel Team-Up, the name alone fills me with nostalgic pangs for my early college years at Ohio State, where a new friend (also named Ed) introduced me back into the wonderful world of comics. Unfortunately, like those days that are now so far in my past, so are those issues (including DC Comics Presents #47, the comic book debut of He-Man), which I sold at a garage sale. Hence, when I go quarter bin diving and see issues of DC Comics Presents, they typically come home with me. This adventure, written by Denny O’Neil and penciled by Joe Staton, pairs Superman with Black Lightning. Beyond the story, I love the ads for the Saturday morning cartoons (by 1979, I was no longer watching them, but seeing what I missed out on makes me wish I could go back in time…for just one day…and watch some of these while munching on a bowl of Freakies) and several other DC comics. Those were the days! The cover price of DC Comics Presents #16 is 40¢, while the current value is $6. The OPG value is also $6.

Cool Comics Celebrates FCBD (Week 43 of 2020)

#1488 — Stranger Things & Minecraft, Dark Horse Comics, May 2020.

I like the streaming series Stranger Things and did read the first limited series published by Dark Horse Comics, but my video gaming days are decades in the past (remember Intellivision?), so the Minecraft story in this Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) issue didn’t give me reason to want to read it. However, I’m completely familiar with Minecraft, and years ago my son would sometimes show me what he’d been building in that world. And that was all the background I needed to enjoy Changes, the name of the Minecraft story by Stephen McCranie, who handled the writing, art, and lettering for this story. The Stranger Things tale, Erica’s Quest, is written by Greg Pak, with art by Gabriella Antali. This story is much easier to follow if you’ve been keeping up with the show. It’s a fun little edition to the universe, which helps give it a feeling of realism…despite the existence of other dimensions, monsters, mad scientists, superpowers, and Russian facilities underneath an American shopping mall (a little bit of a spoiler, but you’ve probably seen it by now…and if not, maybe I gave you a reason to check it out). The cover price of Stranger Things & Minecraft is free, while the current value is $1.

Cool Comics for the Young at Heart

#1489 — Dino #18, Charlton Comics, September 1976.

While I loved watching The Flintstones in my childhood, I’ve never been much of a Dino fan. I understand that he’s the equivalent of the family dog, but he’s no Lassie (I think I was a bit jealous of that Timmy Martin kid, since he seemed to own the greatest dog in the country). Yet Charlton Comics saw fit to give Dino his own title, and since I found this in a quarter box, I figured it might be a little fun to travel back once more to my youth. While Dino just makes noise in the cartoons, which is supposed to be like a dog barking, in this we get thought bubbles. The comic would be a fast read and boring otherwise, especially since the stories are from his perspective. We get five complete comic book tales, along with a two-page prose story about Dino that has a few illustrations. Like most of the cartoon comic books of the time, these smaller, complete stories are perfect for young readers. And even though I’m not the biggest fan, as I started reading, I came to realize that I felt much younger than my actual years. The cover price of Dino #18 is 30¢, while the current values are $12 on CBR and $6 on ZKC. The OPG value is $12.

Twentieth Century Cool Comics

#1490 — Happy Days #5, Gold Key, November 1979.

I grew up watching the television show Happy Days (1974-1984), and maybe you did, too. The show started off via a short segment on the anthology series Love, American Style (which had a great theme song…just click the link and check it out!), and ended up outlasting it…and outlasted many other shows throughout broadcast history. In doing a little research, I discovered some interesting tidbits regarding both Love, American Style and Happy Days, which you may want to read about, if you’re the curious type. The cover art on this issue gives us a much better representation of the actors than the interiors, but I didn’t let that get in the way while reading stories about Fonzie and his big heart, Chachi’s bid for fame, and how a crystal ball seems to have a spell over one of the guys. Unfortunately, creator credits are slim for this issue, in which Art Saaf gets cover credits, but nothing on any of the stories. Though a little on the rough side, I was able to purchase this comic for just $1.50. The cover price of Happy Days #5 is 40¢, while the current value is $15. The OPG value is also $15.

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 dollar 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
FORCES OF DESTINY – LEIA

SCRIPT: Elsa Charretier & Pierrick Colinet
PENCILS: Elsa Charretier
COVER: Elsa Charretier

THE STORY:

After a malfunction puts the shield generator of the Rebellion’s new base on Hoth out of commission, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Hera Syndulla go into the snowy wilderness on a search for a downed ship that has the equipment necessary for repairs.

Leia discovers that the hostile environment and a stubborn tauntaun aren’t the only things standing in her way when she is separated from her team and finds herself face to face with a fearsome Wampa!

Following a narrow escape from the snow monster and being buried in an avalanche, Leia finally returns to the base with the needed equipment, bringing back a spark of hope to the weary Rebels.

THE REVIEW:

This is a comic that was obviously written for younger readers, but guess what? I’m not anywhere close to young and this story brought a smile to my face. It’s basically a commentary on the strength needed to keep standing up and going forward after getting repeatedly knocked down, told through Leia pushing her way past multiple obstacles blocking her from the goal. It’s a great lesson for younger readers and it’s told in a very entertaining way.

As for the art, it really catches the eye. It’s a simplistic, yet detailed and interesting “animated” style, with sparse backgrounds and splashes of bright color that bring more focus to the action. Overall, it perfectly fits the lighthearted nature of the story.

CONCLUSION

This is a short, simple, fun story set in the Star Wars universe. It’s meant for younger readers, but there’s a lot of appeal for the young at heart as well. Not every Star Wars story has to be about massive galaxy-spanning conflict and the struggle between the Light and Dark side of the Force.

This entertaining tale of a Rebel Princess showing her personal strength through adversity is a perfect example of how Star Wars can be FUN. And really, don’t you just want to read a fun story now and then?

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 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!

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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