Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection episode 355, 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 355…
Cool Comics Stuff!
As promised, we proudly bring you part two of Cool Comics from Pennsylvania! After my wife, youngest daughter, and I departed Gettysburg, we made lunch plans with an old friend and met at a very tasty restaurant in Valley Forge. Following that delicious stop, more history was in our future as we entered Valley Forge National Historic Park and drove around to various stops, such as George Washington’s headquarters and replica barracks where the soldiers were housed for about six months, starting in December 1777. The cool comic connection came in the visitor’s center, where I was able to snag these four issues of Patriot Tales pictured above. And the best part is that they were free! That’s right, these comics didn’t cost me a cent. Isn’t that reason enough to visit this important part of our nation’s history?
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!
The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Hot Stuff versus Mighty Samson! 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!
In this episode, Cool Comics shows off Batman, thanks to Ed Griffie! Ed is a lifelong comic book fan who started drawing Kawaii and Chibi style versions of pop culture icons and superheroes about five years ago. Through Facebook, his work came to the attention of Daniel Hare, the owner of vintage toy and comic bookstore The Toys Time Forgot, who offered him a guest spot at Free Comic Book Day. Since then, Ed has been a regular at local conventions and comic bookstores, where he offers bookmarks, coloring pages, trading cards, and color prints featuring his unique artwork. You can check out his full catalog of work at toonist27.deviantart.com or contact him at edgriffiejr@gmail.com to commission an original piece of your very own.
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
#1791 — Batman #125, DC, September 2022.
The cover of this issue tells us just what we need to know: A NEW ERA BEGINS! Or at least a new creative team has arrived. Does it get hard to come up with new stuff when Batman stories have been lining the shelves of shops for over eight decades? I can’t really answer that, but fans these days still want more Dark Knight (and DC keeps giving it to them, as nearly half of their monthly comics seem to have a connection to the goings on in Gotham). The first story in this new era of Batman is brought to us by Chip Zdarsky (writer), Jorge Jimenez (artist, cover artist), Tomeu Morey (colorist), Clayton Cowles (letterer), Dave Wielgosz (associate editor), and Ben Abernathy (editor). Part one of the Catwoman back-up adventure comes from the artistic talents and imaginations of Chip Zdarsky (writer), Belén Ortega (artist), Luis Guerrero (colors), Clayton Cowles (letters), Dave Wielgosz (associate editor), and Ben Abernathy (editor). The cover price of Batman #125 is $5.99, while the current value is $6. The Key Collector Comics value is also $6.
Dynamically Discounted Cool Comics
#1792 — Mad About Millie #5, Marvel, November 1969.
Until I recently found this in a quarter bin at a local comic shop, I never thought about owning an issue featuring Millie the Model. And now, after reading it, I suppose the title fits, because I’m “Mad About Millie!” Well, not really, but it was a fun enough read. Having lived through the period this comic takes place in gave me a bit of a connection to the shenanigans of Millie and her pals, and it’s always fun to read something that Stan Lee had a hand in. And yes, if I found more Millie for the right price, I’d buy it. This issue contains seven different short episodes, brought to you by the following talented people: Stan Lee, Stan Goldberg, Morrie Kuramoto, Artie Simek, Sam Rosen, and John Verpoorten. If you want the lowdown on each of the stories contained in the comic and who did what, such as writing, penciling, etc., then by all means, click HERE. The cover price of Mad About Millie #5 is 15¢, while the current values are $75 on CBR and $38 on ZKC.
Cool Comics Celebrates FCBD (Week 10 of 2022)
#1793 — Avengers/X-Men #1, Marvel, June 2022.
Since Marvel’s Judgment Day opened this week (at a comic shop near you!), I decided to go with this Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) intro to the multi-monthly crossover. While I’m not overly excited about it, it could prove to be a good read, as it includes three tough teams: the Avengers, the X-Men, and the Eternals. This FCBD issue also includes a story that is being continued in The Hellfire Gala and the upcoming title Destiny of X, so you may want to make sure you have this one in your collection. The story Judgment Day: Of Deviation and Mutation features the writing of Kieron Gillen, artistry of Dustin Weaver, and the colors by Marte Gracia. The talent that created Bloodline includes Danny Lore (writer), Karen S. Darboe (artist), Ian Herring (colors) and Annalise Bissa (editor). Other contributors to this FCBD issue include VC’s Cory Petit (letterer), Valerio Schiti & Marte Gracia (cover artists), Carlos Lao (production designer), Jay Bowen (logo design), Martin Biro (assistant editor), Annalise Bissa (associate editor), and Tom Brevoort (editor). The cover price of Avengers/X-Men #1 is free, while the current value is $5. The Key Collector Comics value is $3.
Cool Comics for the Young at Heart
#1794 — Devil Kids, Starring Hot Stuff #4, Harvey Comics, January 1963.
With a title like Devil Kids, it has to make you wonder what they were thinking…especially after the whole Fredric Wertham Seduction of the Innocent craziness that took place in the previous decade. But Harvey does a nice job of putting out titles that capture those memories of being young, even when Hot Stuff is involved. I know I enjoy reading these, and perhaps you do, too. Not many creators are listed for this issue on the Grand Comics Database (GCD). It gives us Leon Harvey, Sid Jacobson, and a whole lot of Warren Kremer, often followed by question marks. But if you go visit this issue’s page on GCD, you can find cool fun facts, such as the name of each story, the characters involved, and the original publication date and comic title. If you’re the sort that likes to get the bigger picture, be sure to click the link. The cover price of Devil Kids, Starring Hot Stuff #4 is 12¢, while the current value is $140.
Twentieth Century Cool Comics
#1795 — Mighty Samson #31, Whitman/Gold Key, March 1976.
I’ve seen covers of Mighty Samson comics online, in comic book shops, and at comic cons, but I never had an issue in my collection until a few months ago. I really enjoyed this post-apocalyptic adventure, as it brings back a lot of memories of the types of movies, TV shows, and other comics that we saw a lot of back in the Seventies. And when you toss in mutated giant moths that are eating just about everything across the country, then you know you’re in for a heck of a good time! This issue of Mighty Samson contains an adventure in three parts, but there’s a chance that the writer may not have been consistent throughout…at least according to GCD. But for our purposes, Cool Comics is going to give you a list of creators and you can decide for yourself, if you feel so inclined. The cool cover was painted by Luis Dominguez, Arnold Drake gets script credit, Jack Abel did pencils and inks, and Ben Oda did the lettering. The cover price of Mighty Samson #31 is 25¢, while the current value is $20.
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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If I remember, in the Futuristic HEX series, Jonah witnessed a huge grasshopper being cooked over a fire. Giant moths & grasshoppers would seem like awesome team-up between Mighty Samson & HEX!
Matt, I like the way you think! That would be so much fun. Makes me think of those movies from the Fifties with the giant insects.
Thanks for being an important part of Cool Comics!