Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection episode 319, 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 319…
Cool Comics Stuff!
If you live in the greater Akron, Ohio, area (or if you’re willing to spend the gas money), don’t miss out on Akron Comicon this weekend! The doors will be open at Emidio’s Expo Center (see the image for the address and hours) Saturday and Sunday, November 6 and 7, with lots of great guests, exhibitors, special events, and panels. Be sure to check out the website at the link if you don’t want to miss out on guests like wrestling legend Sgt. Slaughter, Walking Dead actor W.F. Bell, Son of Ghoul, Mike W. Barr (Batman and the Outsiders), Tony Isabella (Black Lightning), Aaron Archer (Transformers), Dan Gorman (artist of the Cool Comics In My Collection logo!), Robert A. Kraus (Chakan!), Ted Sikora (Tap Dance Killer), and many more! I plan on attending November 7, so you may see me wandering around in a Cool Comics shirt!
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!
The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Peter Stanchek versus 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!
Whoa! It’s BRZRKR! This episode’s Cool Comics Creation comes from Sydney Walton, perfectly capturing Keanu Reeve’s hot new comic book character who is headed for Netflix. 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
#1611 — The Harbinger #1, Valiant Entertainment, October 2021.
I really enjoy collecting the original run of Valiant Comics, but to be honest, I’ve only read a handful. Still, they are part of my never-ending chase, and my favorite title is Harbinger, along with my favorite Valiant character, Peter Stanchek. A few years ago, I made sure to get the “newer” Harbinger Wars 2 mini-series, and I’ve been waiting for more new Harbinger comics ever since (while still buying back issues of the original series…when I find them at good prices). It seems like it’s been over a year since the announcement of a new Harbinger series, and at long last it’s here, and I wasn’t disappointed with the story. Hopefully it will sell enough copies to justify keeping the series coming out each month. The creators for this first issue are Jackson Lanzing (writer), Collin Kelly (writer), Robbi Rodriguez (artist, cover artist), Rico Renzi (colorist), and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (letterer). The cover price of The Harbinger #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.
Dynamically Discounted Cool Comics
#1612 — Billy the Kit #1, Blue Juice Comics, August 2021.
When the owner of my local comic shop handed me this Diamond Exclusive Retailer Preview of Billy the Kit, I didn’t think much of it on first glance. I decided to wait on reading it until the regular issue came out, so it sat around for a while, but it was free, so who was I to complain? And once I finally read it, I gained some appreciation for this wild west story of a rabbit out for revenge against the Tornado God that slaughters his entire family. Along the way, he meets Luther the Goat, a martial arts expert, and Billy badly wants Luther to become his master. I don’t care for mature content in my comics, so I’m not fond of Luther’s proclivity towards profanity. Still, it’s a fun, interesting story that I only recently found out got began via Kickstarter. My rarer version is selling for higher values at some familiar websites, but I’m in no hurry to part with this comic. The creators are J.V. Gray (writer), Barry McClain Jr. (illustrator), Slamet Mujiono (digital FX and color), Benny Lava (letters and design), and Thomas Mumme (editor). The cover price of Billy the Kit #1 is free (the regular version is $3.99), while the current value is $4.
Cool Comics Celebrates FCBD (Week 12 of 2021)
#1613 — Avengers/Hulk #1, Marvel, October 2021.
Some people don’t much care for Free Comic Book Day (FCBD), but in my opinion, it’s a great way for readers and collectors to get a look at companies, characters, and creators they don’t normally read. Or, to get a look at what’s upcoming in some of your favorite titles. The first half of this issue is an Avengers story by Jason Aaron (writer), Iban Coello (artist), Brian Reber (color artist), and Tom Brevoort (editor), and if you get delighted when you see the visage of Deathlok, then you better grab this if you can still find a copy. The second half gives us a look at the Hulk in the hands of Donny Cates and Ryan Ottley, with Frank Martin (color artist), VC’s Cory Petit (letterer), and Wil Moss (editor). If you loved Immortal Hulk, don’t give up on the character until you see what’s coming next! The cover comes to us from the artistic talents of Ryan Ottley and Frank Martin. The cover price of Avengers/Hulk #1 is free, while the current value is $1.
Cool Comics for the Young at Heart
#1614 — Donald Duck Adventures #1, Disney Comics, June 1990.
One of the best parts of this comic book is Len Wein’s editorial inside the front cover, Welcome to Disney Comics. In 1990, Disney was finally publishing its own comic books, and Wein, who’d spent years writing some terrific adventures for both Marvel and DC, was hired as the Editor-in-Chief. So often we skip over these editorials, but if you see this one, give it a quick read and feel the excitement generated by Wein back in 1990. Afterwards, start reading the first of four Donald Duck Adventures on your way to feeling Young at Heart (by the way, someone gifted me this issue, so for those keeping count, that’s three comics this week that cost me nary a penny!) Several of the creators include Don Rosa, Gail Bailey, Jo Meugniot, John Clark, Jim Kenner, Victor Arrigada Rios, and more. The cover price of Donald Duck Adventures #1 is $1.50, while the current value is $5.
Twentieth Century Cool Comics
#1615 — The Brave & the Bold #167, DC, October 1980.
How often do you get a team-up with Batman and Blackhawk? Though I’ve done no research on this, I’m betting it hasn’t happened much in DC history, which sort of makes this issue special for fans. The year is 1944, and the Dark Knight spots enemies at the eastern seaboard. There is a new Nazi threat called Ice Station Alpha, and Batman and the Blackhawk Squadron are America’s only hope! I’ve always been a fan of team-up comic books, and this one didn’t let me down. Creators of this issue include Marv Wolfman (writer), Dave Cockrum & Dan Adkins (guest artists), Ben Oda (letterer), Adrienne Roy (colorist), and Paul Levitz (editor). The cover price of The Brave & the Bold #167 is 50¢, while the current value is $6.
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/
Never Miss an Episode of Cool Comics!
Now you can get 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.
Join our Facebook Group!
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 Kickstarter campaigns. Don’t miss out on all the inside scoops that might get revealed on our Facebook group. Be sure and join today!
Create a Gravatar!
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.
Views: 235
Brave and Bold #167 is one of my favorites from the bottom half of B&B’s run! I love how Marv Wolfman just decided to toss continuity and tell a tale of Golden Age Batman! A really solid “Elseworlds” story. Thanks for giving it the spotlight!
Another fine entry! Thanks for keeping comics fun!
Atom, thanks for your continued readership and encouragement! We aim to please at Cool Comics!