Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection Episode 311, 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 311…
Cool Comics Stuff!
For those who live in the greater Akron area, you won’t want to miss out on the Adventure in Comics Comic-Book & Toy Show. I’m a proud, card-carrying member of Adventure in Comics, and this special one-day event will be featuring Adventure In Comics Club Members Michael T. Gilbert, Robert A. Kraus, and Ted Sikora. And guess what else, Cool Comics readers? My wife and I will also be at the show with a table full of fun stuff, including incredible creations from Melissa’s Craft Corner. All the information you need (including that the parking is free, and admission is just $5) is contained on the image included here!
A few recent, noteworthy comics that didn’t make our official Cool Comics list this episode, pictured below, include The Dark Ages #1 (lots of dark fun in the tradition of What If?), Geiger #6 (this title is still going strong and is one of my favorites), and Batman: Fear State: Alpha #1 (which all Batfans need to check out).
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!
The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Aquaman versus Ikaris! 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 our Cool Comics Creation comes from Sydney Walton as he presents a fantastic look at The Shadow! 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
#1571 — Aquaman 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1, DC, October 2021.
You don’t have to be a regular comic book reader to enjoy these special 100-Page anniversary editions that DC has been publishing over the last couple years, and this Aquaman issue is no exception. Granted, you may not understand some of the plots as well in these anthologies, but it’s still a fun way to celebrate the longevity of these heroic fictional characters. Many of us first spotted Aquaman while watching Super Friends in the Seventies, and though I may not read a lot of comics featuring the king of the ocean deep, it’s good to know he’s always there, protecting the Atlanteans and helping safeguard the planet from threats of all manner. If you’d like to take a look at the many characters, creators, and variant covers for this super spectacular issue, please click HERE and enjoy! The cover price of Aquaman 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1 is $9.99, while the current value is $10. The Key Collector Comics value is also $10.
Dynamically Discounted Cool Comics
#1572 — G.I. R.A.M.B.O.T. #1, Wonder Color Comics, April 1987.
Part of the joy of exploring discount boxes (especially when the comics are just a quarter each!) is discovering old titles that you know nothing about! Maybe you take a strange comic home, read it, and hate it, but how can you be upset about it when all it cost was some pocket change? But for me, more often than not, I end up liking these older and no longer wanted comics, for various reasons. I might enjoy it because of the year it came out (G.I. R.A.M.B.O.T. #1 is from 1987, the year I married – hence, it brings back happy memories!), creators involved, the art, the plot, or many other reasons. So, I try to keep an open mind when browsing cheap comics. And best of all is when you enjoy the story, which I did! G.I. R.A.M.B.O.T. may look a little different on the cover (G.I. RAMBOT), but I assure you, I’m spelling it according to the indicia. The inside cover gives us a nice intro to Wonder Color Comics for the uninitiated (which I was), written by editor David Campiti. The creators involved in giving us this fun story include Kevin Juaire (script), Tom Lyle (pencils), Don Drake (inks), Haynie / Brosseau (letters), and Tom Vincent (colors). The cover price of G.I. R.A.M.B.O.T. #1 is $1.95, while the current value is $2.
Cool Comics Celebrates FCBD (Week 4 of 2021)
#1573 — The Last Kids on Earth: Thrilling Tales from the Tree House #0, Viking Books For Young Readers, August 2021.
With a title like this, how could you not want to read this comic? The Last Kids on Earth! What happened? Why are there no other kids? And with all that available real estate, why live in a tree house? If you have younger comic book readers in your house, you may want to find this Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) issue so that they can enjoy the fun in this lighthearted adventure story. Additionally, you may have noticed from the circle on the cover that it’s a Netflix original series, so fans of the comic can watch the continuing tales. This was my first exposure to the story, and with some quick online research, I saw that there are a number of illustrated books for young readers that take place in this universe. Max Brallier is the writer for this FCBD issue, and illustrations are by Douglas Holgate, Lorena Alvarez Gómez, Xavier Bonot, Jay Cooper, Christopher Mitten, and Anoosha Syed. The cover price of The Last Kids on Earth: Thrilling Tales from the Tree House #0 is free, while the current value is $1.
Cool Comics for the Young at Heart
#1574 — Little Dot #145, Harvey Comics, September 1972.
Though I bought a few Richie Rich Harvey Comics as a kid, Little Dot certainly wasn’t on my radar. And I don’t think there’s a particular reason why I never paid any attention to the title, except maybe that I had limited funds and there were always certain superhero titles I had to get each month, along with a few special issues that would sometimes catch my eye. Yet now that I’m older and often enjoy feel Young at Heart – along with the fact that I sometimes find Little Dot in quarter boxes – I’ve come to appreciate these stories. Besides the star of the title, this issue also sees appearances from Little Lotta, Richie Rich, Freckles, Pee Wee, Gloria and Richie’s cantankerous cousin Reggie. And there’s no doubt in my mind that Little Lotta, regardless of who she appears with, steals the show. Sadly, I couldn’t find any creator credits for this issue, which was typical of Harvey during the period. The cover price of Little Dot #145 is 25¢, while the current values are $35 on CBR and $10 on ZKC.
Twentieth Century Cool Comics
#1575 — The Eternals #3, Marvel, September 1976.
Did you happen to catch the newest trailer for the Eternals movie (to be released in November)? I think it gives viewers a better feel for the story, but I have a suspicion that most people have no inkling who the Eternals are. And while I’ve read a handful of Eternals comics over the years, I’m still not that well-versed on this team of immortals. The original series didn’t last long, but they’ve had a lasting impact on the Marvel Universe, resurfacing every so often as guests and in limited series, along with the current ongoing comic. With the advent of the movie, prices started climbing for the early issues, and this one is no exception. I got this copy during a sale, but the sticker on the plastic bag it came in originally had it selling for $15. Unfortunately, I don’t have issues one or two, but this third issue does have the first appearance of Sersi (spelled Sersy in the story), who eventually becomes an Avenger. Creative credits go to Jack Kirby (originated, written, and drawn by Kirby!), J. Verpoorten (inks), John Costanza (letters), Glynis Wein (colors), and Archie Goodwin (consulting editor). The cover price of The Eternals #3 is 30¢, while the current values are $80 on CBR and $100 on ZKC. The Key Collector Comics value is $120.
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!
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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Atom says
I picked up the first issue of Dark Ages and, even though I’m not much of a fan of Marvel’s “Events”, I think I’m hooked into this strange little story! It seems to me that the whole notion of “What If?” (or Elseworlds, if you prefer DC) is coming back in a big way these days and I like that a lot!
G.I. RAMBOT looks like the sort of Longbox Junk that would catch my eye while digging through a bargain bin. It’s great to see you spotlight one of these “worthless” and unsung comics that I love!
Here’s a standing ovation for that great Shadow painting by Sydney Walton! One of my favorite characters definitely done in fine style!
Thanks for another great entry and thanks for keeping comics fun!
Ed Gosney says
Hi Atom,
I’m glad you also picked up Dark Ages, because I think it’s going to be a fun, yet wild, ride to the finish! Also, thanks for your appreciation for Sydney Walton’s fantastic work of art. He’s very talented and I’m happy that he allows us to showcase some of his creations.
Thanks for being an important part of Cool Comics!
Sydney says
Thank you Ed!! Love being a part of this awesome thing you do!!
Sydney says
Thanks very much!!
Sydney says
Thanks!!!