Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection episode 363, 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 363…
Cool Comics Stuff!
The Man of Steel has been having a rough go of it over the last several months, including losing his powers, being trapped on Warworld, and separated from his family. But, as they say, this issue changes everything! If you’re a Superman fan but haven’t been reading lately, I think you can glean enough from this special issue to make it worth your while. Sitting right next to it is the first issue in a new limited series about Damage Control, with writers from The Goldbergs TV show, along with Adam Goldberg himself. It’s certainly not your typical Marvel comic, but you may want to check it out if you appreciate Mr. Goldberg.
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!
The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Doc Savage versus Demon-Hunter! 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 features everyone’s favorite 50-year-old baby alien, Grogu, from Star Wars: The Mandalorian, by artist Sydney Walton! The art is all hand-painted with acrylic paints. 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
#1831 — Amazing Fantasy #1000, Marvel, October 2022.
You can’t fool us, Marvel! We know that there haven’t been a thousand issues of Amazing Fantasy…but then again, we also realize that you can’t stick to walls, even if you’ve been bitten by a radioactive spider. But none of that really matters, because this is a fun tribute to Peter Parker, the Amazing Spider-Man. There are several clever, very entertaining tales included here, so if you’re a fan of the Wallcrawler, grab a copy while you can still find it, and enjoy! This special edition of Amazing Fantasy came together with the help of many artistic hands, a few of which I’ll list here, along with a link so you can see the complete lineup: Jonathan Hickman, Dan Slott, Kurt Busiek, Neil Gaiman, Ryan Stegman, Jim Cheung, Olivier Coipel, Klaus Janson, Jordie Bellaire, Todd Klein, and Nick Lowe. The cover price of Amazing Fantasy #1000 is $7.99, while the current value is $8. The Key Collector Comics value is also $8.
Media Tie-In Cool Comics (Original Source: Pulp Magazine)
#1832 — Doc Savage #1, DC, November 1987.
This is just the second time we’ve featured a Doc Savage comic here, and it’s been too long, as that instance came in episode 121, well over four years ago. Way back then I mentioned that I owned a Scholastic version of The Man of Bronze: A Doc Savage Adventure, by Kenneth Robeson, dating back to my grade school days, unread. Well, I finally got around to it in 2019 and absolutely loved it. But that novel and the two comic books are about the extent of my Doc Savage knowledge. Which means that yes, I need to add more to my library, both of the prose and four-color variety. The creative crew who brought us this issue of pulp hero Doc Savage consists of Dennis O’Neil (writer), Adam & Andy Kubert (art, cover), John Costanza (lettering), Petra Scotese (coloring), and Mike Carlin (editing). The cover price of Doc Savage #1 is $1.75, while the current values are $4 on CBR and $3 on ZKC.
Cool Comics Celebrates FCBD (Week 18 of 2022)
#1833 — Best of 2000 AD, Rebellion, May 2022.
Should 2000 AD be updated to 2100 AD? Maybe that line of thinking ruffles a few feathers (I hope this doesn’t get me Judged by Dredd!), but it’s just a thought. This is another universe I know next to nothing about. I’ve seen the newer movie version and read several Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) versions, which this is, but that’s a drop in the bucket compared to how many comics have come out over the years. Are you a big fan of Judge Dredd and others that exist in this world? If so, we’d love for you to drop a comment below and tell us why it appeals to you. This FCBD issue is loaded with creators, so, like above, I’ll name a few and give you a link where you can see all the names: Al Ewing, V.V. Glass, Pat Mills, Kevin O’Neill, John Wagner, Mick McMahon, and Ian McQue (cover art). The cover price of Best of 2000 AD is free, while the current value is $1.
Cool Comics for the Young at Heart
#1834 — Blondie #209, Charlton Comics, July 1974.
Though Blondie mostly focuses on the adult couple of Blondie and Dagwood Bumstead, I feel it belongs in this category of Cool Comics for the Young at Heart, since I have memories of reading the strip in the Sunday funnies section of our local paper when I was a kid. And when something is part of your childhood, that’s all the criteria you need. This is the only issue I own, and until I found it in a quarter box, I didn’t even realize the comic series existed. Like many comics in this genre that doesn’t include capes and tights, it contains several self-contained short stories. According to the Grand Comics Database, Paul Fung Jr. did lots of pencils and inks for this issue for the various stories (and the cover) … although some instances have question marks. The only other credit list is George Wildman as managing editor. The cover price of Blondie #209 is 25¢, while the current value is $12.
Twentieth Century Cool Comics
#1835 — Demon-Hunter #1, Atlas/Seaboard, September 1975.
There are plenty of critics out there in comic book world who don’t have much nice to say when it comes to Atlas/Seaboard titles, but I’ve been enjoying my time spent with them. I have a few memories of seeing some issues sitting next to my favorite Marvels on the shelves of the little mom and pop shop where I bought my comics, but it never crossed my mind to give any of them a try. Unfortunately, that seemed to be the case for most of us back then, as the company didn’t last long. I really enjoyed Demon-Hunter and wish it could have gone to at least 2 or 3 issues, like several of the other titles. But alas, it was one and done. The creative people behind Demon-Hunter are Rich Buckler (concept, plot, art, cover), David Anthony Kraft (script), Shelly Leferman (lettering), and Larry Lieber (editor). The cover price of Demon-Hunter #1 is 25¢, while the current value is $20. The Key Collector Comics value is also $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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Dave Phillips says
Great reviews in this episode, Ed! When I looked at the summary and saw Blondie, my first thought was; “Blondie, the singer had a comic book!” Then I realized it was Blondie with Dagwood!
I too, read Blondie every Sunday morning. Comics first sports page second.
I’m a big Spidey fan and may pick up that Fantasy 1000.
I really like that Sydney Walton painting of Grogu.
Ed Gosney says
Hey Dave, I figured that the Blondie reference might fool a few folks…especially since there is a graphic novel about Blondie the singer.
Sydney Walton is a very talented artist, and I’m fortunate that he lets me put some of his images on my blog.
Glad you enjoyed the read, and thanks for being an important part of Cool Comics!