Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection episode 326, 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 326…
Cool Comics Stuff!
Cool Comics In My Collection hopes you have a very Merry Christmas, and that you find all kinds of comic wonder under your tree!
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!
The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Cyborg versus Venom! 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!
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, but I’m not sure if you’ve ever seen snowmen quite like these two characters! Or perhaps a certain Dark Night and Sith Lord got caught in a snowstorm! Either way, it’s a fun creation that comes to us from the imagination of Robert A. Kraus (aka RAK, who happens to be one of the nicest guys in the industry), creator of Chakan and many other fantastic works of art, including cool games he’s developed. 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 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
#1646 — Primordial #4, Image, December 2021.
Often, the first time I talk about an ongoing series here, it’s with a number one issue. However, when I decided to buy the first issue of Primordial off the shelf on a whim, I’d already planned out a couple weeks’ worth of Modern-Day Cool Comics. And now I’m finally raving about how much I like this story. It pulled me in immediately and hasn’t let go, which is a good sign when it comes to comics. You see, in the latter half of the 1950’s, the space race was on, and the Soviets launched a dog into orbit, followed by the United States sending up a couple monkeys (no—not those Monkees)…and they disappeared. But don’t worry, animal lovers, because they didn’t die; in fact, they’re coming back to Earth, and everything is different. If you’ve missed out on this series, I think it’s worth a try to find the back issues (please be aware that this is rated Mature), because it’s such an intriguing tale (or tail, in this case!). Writer extraordinaire Jeff Lemire and artist Andrea Sorrentino (who also did the cover) are making Primordial possible, along with Dave Stewart (colorist), Steve Wands (letterer), and Greg Lockard (editor). The cover price of Primordial #4 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.
Dynamically Discounted Cool Comics
#1647 — Cyborg #5, DC, January 2017.
Besides issue 1 of Tales of the New Teen Titans (I talked about this very issue way back in episode 36), this is the only other solo Cyborg comic I’ve ever owned. As many of you know, I really enjoy digging through discount bins, but I’ve spotted a comic featuring Vic Stone just once, and this is it. This takes place, as you can see on the cover, during the DC Universe Rebirth period, and I keep trying to add to my small but growing collection of comics with Rebirth slapped across the top. This issue of Cyborg comes to us via John Semper Jr. (writer), Allan Jefferson (penciler), Derec Donovan (penciler/inker), Scott Hanna (inker), Guy Major (colorist), Rob Leigh (letterer), Paul Pelletier (cover artist), and Harvey Richards (editor). The cover price of Cyborg #5 is $2.99, while the current value is $3.
Cool Comics Celebrates FCBD (Week 19 of 2021)
#1648 — Spider-Man/Venom, Marvel, October 2021.
I’m not sure why the Daredevil-related tale at the end of this Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) issue isn’t mentioned on the cover, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover this after I thought there would be only ads remaining in the comic. I like Greg Smallwood’s art, and this story has it. Additionally, if you’re a reader of Spider-Man and/or Venom, don’t miss out on this freebie, if you can still find a copy. There are a number of creators who took part in this FCBD issue, including: Zeb Wells (writer), Patrick Gleason (artist), Alejandro Sanchez (color artist), VC’s Joe Caramagna (letterer), and Nick Lowe (editor) on the Spider-Man story, Test Drive; Ram V & Al Ewing (writers), Bryan Hitch (penciler), Andrew Currie (inker), Alex Sinclair (colorist), VC’s Clayton Cowles (letterer & production), and Devin Lewis (editor); and Patrick Gleason & Alejandro Sanchez get cover credits. The Daredevil short is credited to Chip Zdarsky (writer), Greg Smallwood (artist), and VC’s Clayton Cowles. The cover price of Spider-Man/Venom is free, while the current values are $3 on CBR and $1 on ZKC. The Key Collector Comics value is $3.
Cool Comics for the Young at Heart
#1649 — Harvey Hits Comics #3, Harvey Comics, March 1987.
I wonder how many kids bought this issue, hoping it would be full of holiday mirth, only to be disappointed that the merriest aspect of this anthology title is the Christmas tree on the cover! Still, many of the stories take place in the winter, so I guess they decided that was close enough. This issue of Harvey Hits Comics contains about a dozen or so stories featuring characters like Richie Rich, Herman and Katnip, Rags Rabbit, Casper, Little Lotta, and Baby Huey. You can see more information about the titles and characters by visiting the Grand Comics Database (GCD). Like so many Harvey Comics from the past, creator credits are hard to find. Among the variety of stories listed at GCD, we can find the following pencilers who contributed to this issue: Warren Kremer, Marty Taras, and Sid Couchey. The cover price of Harvey Hits Comics #3 is 75¢, while the current value is $4.50.
Twentieth Century Cool Comics
#1650 — Bugs Bunny’s Christmas Party #6, Dell, November 1955.
Bugs Bunny and friends come through with plenty of Christmas fun and hijinks in this Dell Giant, making it the better pick, if choosing between it and Harvey Hits Comics #3 above. My only disappointment came when I flipped this extra-thick comic open to read and discovered that the first page was missing. Fortunately, the story was easy enough for me to fill in the blanks since I had to start on page 3. The spine has a little tearing, it’s obvious the bottom right corner of the cover was folded once upon a time, and some of the interior puzzles and games have been penciled in…meaning that this was once a well-loved comic book. And it still is. I was able to purchase it for just $6, and it’s worth it. This issue is full of stories, characters, and creators, so to keep it simple I’m going to give you the GCD link to this issue. The nice thing about the information at the website is that they always give you the individual interior story titles, list the known creators for each story, and other fun tidbits. The cover price of Bugs Bunny’s Christmas Party #6 is 25¢, while the current value is $195.
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!
BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #79
DC (1996)
FAVORITE THINGS
SCRIPT: Mark Millar
PENCILS: Steve Yeowell
INKS: Dick Giordano
COVER: Steve Yeowell
THE COVER
Very nicely done! It’s a great Christmas-themed cover with a dramatic twist. The stark black background perfectly draws attention to the colorful art in the middle. It’s definitely an eye-catcher.
THE STORY
With Christmas approaching, Batman’s investigation of organized break-ins of wealthy residences turns personal when Wayne Manor is robbed and something of great value to Bruce Wayne is stolen.
As the exhausted Batman relentlessly pursues the scant handful of clues, with the assistance of Commissioner Gordon and the G.C.P.D., he finally discovers that a gang called “The Chessmen” are the culprits.
When Batman arrives at the gang’s hideout, he discovers that the showboating Chief of Gotham’s S.W.A.T. team has managed to turn what should have been a simple raid into a hostage situation. Batman takes things into his own hands and defeats the gang without harm to their captives.
He interrogates the leader of The Chessmen gang and discovers where they’ve hidden the stolen loot. Batman arrives to discover a broken man regretting his part in the crimes; he explains to Batman that he just needed money for his kids. Batman agrees to let the man go free in exchange for the stolen goods.
At the end of the tale, we discover that the precious item stolen from Wayne Manor was an antique toy train set. . .the final Christmas present given to Bruce Wayne by his parents.
The End.
THE REVIEW
It’s a simple tale of Batman tracking down a gang of thieves, with an emotional punch at the end that makes it memorable. It has all the ingredients of a good, classic Batman story. . .things that I honestly miss in Batman comics today.
There’s Batman and Commissioner Gordon on a snowy rooftop discussing the case. Batman having to deal with the corrupt police force. Batman relentlessly following clues while the ever-faithful Alfred chides him for not getting any rest. This is my favorite kind of Batman tale! I realize that characters need to evolve, but reading this story just reminds me of the things I grew up loving about Batman, and that I miss today.
On the art side of things. . .it’s okay. Not bad. Not great. The art tells the story but doesn’t try to go above or beyond that. I feel that if this story had someone like Jim Aparo or Neal Adams on the art, it would be a holiday classic that every comic fan would know about.
CONCLUSION
This is a great little superhero Christmas story, but more than that, it’s a great throwback Batman story! If you’re a fan of old-school Batman before New 52 or Rebirth. . .with the team of Commissioner Gordon, Alfred, and Batman on the case. . .then this is a story for you! The art isn’t anything special, but that doesn’t stop this from being a great little nugget of Longbox Junk that isn’t hard to find in the bargain bin.
Until Next time, Merry Christmas and 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!
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