Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection episode 353, 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 353…
Cool Comics Stuff!
Batman/Superman: World’s Finest continues to be a bright spot in DC’s lineup of four-color fun. Mark Waid, Dan Mora, and the rest of the crew are keeping Cool Comics very entertained. Next to it is the latest issue of the new volume of The Amazing Spider-Man, which, in my opinion, is the best of the series so far. While my sweet spot for Marvel’s Wallcrawler is the Seventies, this issue makes me glad I continue to read it.
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!
The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is The Punisher versus The Terminator! 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!
Iron Man fans, take notice of this awesome RAKified version of Tony Stark flying in to save the day! Robert Kraus has a distinctive style that meshes so well with the heroes, villains, and monsters we grew up loving, and this image from one of his limited-edition prints is proof positive. RAK is known around the globe as the creator of Chakan, the forever man, and is a great friend to Cool Comics — it’s always a pleasure to show off his amazing art! Be sure to check out all the other fantastic creations, games, illustrated novellas, and comics at RAK’s website.
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
#1781 — Punisher War Journal: Blitz #1, Marvel, August 2022.
When The Punisher made his debut in The Amazing Spider-Man #129 way back in 1974, I was still fairly new to the world of comic books, and there was no question that this guy on the cover with a skull on his chest and shooting a rifle at my hero was going to be bad news for plenty of Marvel characters. Years later, Frank Castle continues to be surrounded by controversy in several different ways, but I still find his story to be compelling. Now he’s leading the infamous Hand and faces a murderous villain from his past. The cover has a Parental Advisory warning, and they aren’t kidding, as this comic isn’t for the squeamish. The creative team behind this Punisher special one-shot consists of Torunn Grønbekk (writer), Lan Medina (artist), Antonio Fabela (color artist), VC’s Cory Petit (letterer), Mahmud Asrar & Matthew Wilson (cover artists), Martin Biro (assistant editor), and Annalise Bissa (editor). The cover price of Punisher War Journal: Blitz #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.
Dynamically Discounted Cool Comics
#1782 — The Terminator #1, NOW Comics, September 1988.
First off, yes…I plucked this out of a quarter box, and it’s in pretty good condition (I’m certainly not a professional grader, but this isn’t far from looking new-ish). And it is sort of a big deal, in case you aren’t aware, because it’s the first Terminator comic book. What in the world did fans do between 1984 and when this finally came out four years later? Anyway, it’s really apparent that this is a bit different from movies and comics that came later, as this series has humans in the future referring to them as ‘Nators, along with some warriors called “Sarah’s Slammers.” But it’s also interesting to get this take on the ever-expanding franchise. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of The Terminator in comics, there’s a rather long article HERE that I haven’t read yet, but plan to later. According to Skynet, this comic is brought to you by Fred Schiller (writer), Tony Akins (illustrator), Jim Brozman (inker), Ken Holewczynki (letterer), Rich Powers (colorist), and Mitch O’Connell (cover). No editor is listed. The cover price of The Terminator #1 is $1.75, while the current values are $10 on CBR and $20 on ZKC. The Key Collector Comics value is $12.
Cool Comics Celebrates FCBD (Week 8 of 2022)
#1783 — Galaxy: The Prettiest Star, DC, June 2022.
This Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) issue is a bit outside of my wheelhouse, but as always, I read them and tell you a little bit right here at Cool Comics. It features an alien princess who is trying to hide her identity on Earth by posing as a boy, but a friend finds out the truth, and she ends up going to a party as her real persona. This is a preview from a longer graphic novel, for those who are interested. As I always like to mention, FCBD is a great way to learn about many different heroes, characters, and universes without spending a penny. Galaxy: The Prettiest Star features the writing of Jadzia Axelrod and art by Jess Taylor, while Marie Javins is editor-in-chief. The cover price of Galaxy: The Prettiest Star is free, while the current value is $1. The Key Collector Comics value is $3.
Cool Comics for the Young at Heart
#1784 — Donald Duck #174, Whitman/Gold Key, August 1976.
It’s hard to go wrong with ducks when it comes to comic book entertainment, and Donald, along with his fun-loving nephews, rules the nest! Sometimes it seems as if the popular Disney duck never gets a break, but he never stops trying, which could be considered a good example for us to follow. The cover of this issue is penciled and inked by Carl Barks. The adventure titled Malayalaya (originally published in 1952) comes to us courtesy of Del Connell (writer, editor) and Jack Bradbury, while Phone Trouble (originally published in 1957) credits Tony Strobl (pencils) and John Liggera (inks). No writer is credited with Phone Trouble, but I’m happy we did get some credits, because as many of you are aware, it’s rare that comics for the young at heart give attribution to writers and artists. The cover price of Donald Duck #174 is 25¢, while the current values are $24 on CBR and $22 on ZKC.
Twentieth Century Cool Comics
#1785 — The Partridge Family #6, Charlton Comics, January 1972.
If you grew up in the early Seventies, then this comic book may have us much meaning for you as it does me. I loved watching The Partridge Family on TV each week with my sisters, and recently I’ve been playing some of their songs on YouTube (as a matter of fact, my current favorite, Echo Valley 2-6809, is always worth a listen, so click the song title and enjoy the images from the past). Charlton Comics don’t have the best reputation for art, but I think this issue did a nice job of capturing their likenesses. I’m pretty sure I had a goofy grin on my face while I read this, and for a few short moments, I was transported back to my childhood. The Grand Comics Database gives us just two names credited to this issue of The Partridge Family: Don Sherwood (who apparently did most of the pencils and inks) and Sal Gentile (who acted as the fearless editor). The cover price of The Partridge Family #6 is 20¢, while the current values are $55 on CBR and $10 on ZKC.
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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