Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection episode 344, 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 344…
Cool Comics Stuff!
Last week, Avengers #55 included a wonderful tribute to legendary comic book artist George Pérez.
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!
The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is The Ravagers versus Man-Thing! 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 the Punisher (who has a new ongoing series), the anti-hero born in the Seventies on the pages of The Amazing Spider-Man #129! 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
#1736 — Captain America #0, Marvel, June 2022.
This special Zero issue is a lead-in to two separate Captain America ongoing series: Symbol of Truth and Sentinel of Truth. Symbol will feature Sam Wilson wearing the red, white, and blue, while Sentinel stars Steve Rogers. I’ve always liked Sam Wilson as the Falcon, dating back to my earliest days of buying comic books in 1973, but this won’t be the first time he’s carried around a shield. This adventure had plenty of corny moments and felt like a commercial for what’s coming next, but the art was nice, which made this a cool comic in my opinion. The creators of this double Cap adventure include Tochi Onyebuchi (writer), Jackson Lanzing (writer), Collin Kelly (writer), Mattia De Iulis (artist), VC’s Joe Caramagna (letterer), Alex Ross (cover artist), Carlos Lao (graphic designer), Kaitlyn Lindtvedt (assistant editor), Alanna Smith (editor), and Tom Brevoort (executive editor). The cover price of Captain America #0 is $4.99, while the current value is $5. The Key Collector Comics value is also $5.
Dynamically Discounted Cool Comics
#1737 — The Ravagers #1, DC, July 2012.
Until I came across this issue in a quarter box a couple months ago, I’d never heard of The Ravagers. Which isn’t surprising. As much as I read about comic books in magazines, books, and online, there have been so many different titles over the decades that it’s not easy to know about them all. Plus, the series lasted just 13 issues, so that’s not a lot of exposure. It wouldn’t surprise me if everyone who reads this has heard of The Ravagers, though. Lots of you have way more comic book knowledge than I do, and I applaud your dedication. For those who are interested in the title, it should prove rather easy to get a complete run. This issue of The Ravagers is brought to us by Howard Mackie (writer), Ian Churchill (artist, cover), Norm Rapmund (inker, cover), Alex Sollazzo (colorist), Dezi Sienty (letterer), Sean Mackiewicz (assistant editor), Darren Shan (assistant editor), Pat McCallum (editor), and Eddie Berganza (editor). The cover price of The Ravagers #1 is $2.99, while the current value is $3.
Cool Comics Celebrates FCBD (Week 37 of 2021)
#1738 — Star Wars: The High Republic – The Edge of Balance/Guardians of the Whills, VIZ, August 2021.
As a sometimes Star Wars comic book reader, VIZ isn’t a company I think of when it comes to that galaxy far, far away. Again, thanks to Free Comic Book Day (FCBD), I’ve gotten to experience Star Wars in a different way, and there’s nothing wrong with that. By the way, FCBD 2022 is on May 7, which is closer than you think. Be sure to block off some time on your calendar and perhaps purchase a few comics while visiting your local shop and grabbing a few free issues. Creators for the first tale (Star Wars: The High Republic – The Edge of Balance) are Shima Shinya (story), Justina Ireland (story), and Mizuki Sakaibara (art). The next adventure (Star Wars: Guardians of the Whills) comes to us courtesy of Greg Rucka (original novel), Jon Tsuei (adaptation), Subaru (art), and Satsuki Yamashita (translation). Others who deserve credit are Jimmy Presler (cover & interior design), Justin Hoeger (copy editor), Fawn Lau (editor), and Mayuko Hirao (editor). The cover price of Star Wars: The High Republic – The Edge of Balance/Guardians of the Whills is free, while the current values are $2 on CBR and $1 on ZKC. The Key Collector Comics value is $5.
Cool Comics for the Young at Heart
#1739 — Looney Tunes #27, Gold Key, August 1979.
If you enjoy anthology titles that make you feel young at heart, Looney Tunes is always a great choice. This issue features stories with Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, Petunia Pig, Yosemite Sam, Henry Hawk, Foghorn Leghorn, Tweety, and Sylvester. Cool Comics readers know that the Seventies is my favorite era of comic books, and the ads always play a big part. This issue gives us Hostess Cakes featuring baseball cards on the box, Super Gifts & Gimmicks from Fun Factory, Grit, Super Iron-Ons, Denim Embroidered Iron-On Sta-Ons, Flipit, Apache Arrowheads, Super Pocket Toy Values, Sea-Monkeys, Snippys, UFO & Outer Space comic books, 100 Toy Soldier set for $1.75, and more! Seriously, if you enjoy the nostalgia of these ads, you may want to go back to 1979 and take it all in, along with Bugs and friends. It’s really a shame that the five fun stories in this issue of Looney Tunes aren’t attributed to any artists, writers, or even editors, but this was often the case way back when. The best we can do for you is give you the LINK to the Grand Comics Database page, where you can see the names of each individual story. The cover price of Looney Tunes #27 is 40¢, while the current values are $10 on CBR and $8 on ZKC.
Twentieth Century Cool Comics
#1740 — Man-Thing #2, Marvel, February 1974.
During my first phase of comic book collecting–which took place from 1973 to 1978–I had no interest in Man-Thing. I think he may have appeared in a few issues of other titles I bought, but I wasn’t about to lay down my hard-earned pocket change (cutting grass, delivering newspapers, selling Grit, and shoveling snow all kept me in comics) for a slimy looking giant weed man. Obviously, I just didn’t understand this sympathetic character when I was a young lad. But times change, and so do tastes and opinions, and I’m more than happy to have found this issue in a quarter bin at my local comic shop. Certain aspects of this story brought to mind Ted Sikora’s Bloom (Hero Tomorrow Comics) limited series, and it makes me wonder if he was influenced by this issue. When I think about it, it’s probably better that I didn’t read it when I was just 11, as I wouldn’t have appreciated the story the way I do now. This issue of Man-Thing comes to us from the following fine folks: Steve Gerber (writer), Val Mayerik (artist), Sal Trapani (inker), Jean Izzo (letterer), Petra Goldberg (colorist), and Roy Thomas (editor). Cover credits belong to Jim Starlin (pencils), Frank Giacoia (inker), and Marie Severin (alterations). The cover price of Man-Thing #2 is 20¢, while the current value is $35.
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 crowdfunding 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.
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!
Views: 160
Leave a Reply