Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection episode 340, 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 340…
Cool Comics Stuff!
Readers of Cool Comics know that sometimes I like to show or mention some interesting comic book stuff, from Crowd Funded comics to conventions to other blogs to magazines and to Modern Day Cool Comics that deserve some attention. I’m not a regular reader of Wonder Woman, but I decided to buy this issue of Trial of the Amazons. It’s billed as a Limited Series, and they aren’t kidding, as there will be just one more. But near the back, DC made sure to list all the related titles, just in case you want to get the full story. It was interesting for me to do a little catching up, and at times I really didn’t know much of the who, what, why, or how, but I know enough about Wonder Woman that it kept my interest. If you’re a fan, you’ve probably already added this to your collection, but if you’ve been away for a while, you may want to check this issue out.
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!
The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Iron Man versus Superman! 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 Cool Comics Creation by artist Sydney Walton features that diabolical ruler of Latveria and sworn enemy of the Fantastic Four, Doctor Doom! 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
#1716 — Iron Man #18, Marvel, May 2022.
The ongoing Iron Man series has provided plenty of entertainment, and I was a bit surprised when I realized I hadn’t featured any of the issues here at Cool Comics. Besides Tony Stark, we’ve been treated to several other fun heroes who’ve been lending a hand, including Hellcat, Gargoyle, War Machine, and the fun and friendly Frog-Man! The only problem is that Iron Man now has the Power Cosmic, and sometimes he doesn’t make the best of decisions, which makes for an intriguing storyline. But hold on a minute, as there’s a physical issue with this issue: the paper is razor thin. It turns out Marvel used some fairly flimsy stuff for several comics, and fans aren’t happy about it. Supposedly this won’t happen again. The creators credited for this issue of Iron Man include Christopher Cantwell (writer), Lan Medina (artist), Frank D’Armata (color artist), VC’s Joe Caramagna (letterer), Alex Ross (cover), and Tom Brevoort (editor). The cover price of Iron Man #18 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.
Dynamically Discounted Cool Comics
#1717 — Action Comics #452, DC, October 1975.
There’s nothing particularly memorable about the two stories contained in this issue, but it’s a comic book from 1975, and that’s my sweet spot, so I enjoyed this trip back to my younger days. When I have the time and opportunity to search through discount boxes, most of the comic books I end up buying are from the Seventies, and I savor the moments I spend reading them. For the story The Loser — and New Champion, those who took artistic action include Jim Shooter (writer), Curt Swan (penciller), and Tex Blaisdell (inker); for the backup story When Madmen Rule the World, featuring Green Arrow and Black Canary, creators include Elliot S. Maggin (writer) and Mike Grell (art). Julius Schwartz edited the issue. The cover price of Action Comics #452 is 25¢, while the current values are $7 on CBR and $10 on ZKC.
Cool Comics Celebrates FCBD (Week 33 of 2021)
#1718 — Solo Leveling, Yen Press, August 2021.
I’m not a reader/collector of Manga, but Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) often takes me out of my comfort zone by giving us a number of Manga selections. Sometimes I have trouble understanding the plot (I’m probably too old for some of them), sometimes I just don’t find them interesting, and sometimes I don’t like the art. But Solo Leveling impressed me. I liked everything about it. I’d certainly read more in this series, although I won’t be buying it anytime soon. These days, I have to be a little more discerning when it comes to my entertainment dollars. But if you like Manga and haven’t read this one, you may just want to give it a try. Putting together this comic was far from a “solo” effort, and we must give tribute to Chugong (original story), DUBU (artist, cover), Abigail Blackman (letterer), and Hye-Young Im (translator). The cover price of Solo Leveling is free, while the current value is $1.
Cool Comics for the Young at Heart
#1719 — The Pink Panther #70, Gold Key, November 1979.
If you’re fond of the color pink and you’re a comic book fan, then you may already have a hefty collection of The Pink Panther issues. It’s kind of surprising just how long this comic lasted, but the Saturday morning cartoon was a staple of my childhood, so I guess it makes sense. This issue contains three stories featuring our pink friend (who talks in comic books but is silent in cartoons), with the following titles: Pink Cooky, Pink Sheepherder, and Pink Future. Who were the artists, writers, letterers, and colorists for The Pink Panther? Warren Tufts is the only name given credit at the Grand Comics Database, which makes me wonder if the others were given their “pink” slips! The cover price of The Pink Panther #70 is 40¢, while the current values are $9 on CBR and $4 on ZKC.
Twentieth Century Cool Comics
#1720 — Blazing Battle Tales #1, Atlas/Seaboard, July 1975.
This issue of Atlas/Seaboard was a little harder for me to find, but thanks to comic book conventions and the hard-working dealers who set up to sell, I stumbled across it last year. I’m down to needing just six more comics from the short-lived company and my collection will be as complete as I want it to be (I don’t have any of the Vicki issues, and I’m probably not going to go after them). I had a blast reading this issue, which certainly transported me back to the Seventies once more! Our blazing creatives for this Atlas/Seaboard comic with three action-packed stories include: John Albano (writer), Patrick R. Broderick (penciller), and Jack Sparling (inker) for The One-Armed Beast; John Albano (writer) and Al McWilliams (artist) for The Sky Demon; and John Albano (writer), John Severin (artist), and Alan Kupperberg (letterer) for Bronze Star Winner… Pvt. William Swanson. The editor for the issue is Larry D. Lieber. The cover price of Blazing Battle Tales #1 is 25¢, while the current values are $24 on CBR and $10 on ZKC. The Key Collector Comics value is $8.
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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I Read That Book!
Please check out my newest blog, I Read That Book! Periodically, I discuss a book I’ve read in an entertaining, positive manner. It’s not a book review site, but instead a fun way to look at many of the books that have been a part of my life (and perhaps yours, too!), through anecdotes, quotes, weblinks, fond memories, pictures, and other surprises!
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