Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection episode 369, 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 369…
Cool Comics Stuff!
Here’s your weekly dose of October Halloween horror, Gosney Home style! I must say I’m quite partial to the jester 
with his candy corn eating crow (especially since they hang out with some great books!), but I also love the little fall critters all decked out in apples, pumpkins, and other delicious treats! And let’s not forget Charlie Brown and the Peanut gang, making their neighborhood rounds while they collect candy and rocks!
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!
The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Salem versus Bugs Bunny! 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, is that famous visage from the Halloween franchise (and what perfect timing considering both the season and the new movie!), Michael Myers! 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
#1861 — Chilling Adventures of Salem #1, Archie, December 2022.
Cool Factor: If you prefer your Archie gang on the dark side (and there’s been lots of that over the last few years), then you can’t go wrong with this Salem solo “tail” of freight! There’s a veritable zoo of demonic characters in this crazy issue, including a rabbit, a turtle, and a frog…along with your everyday dogs and cats. You can tell from the cover that this isn’t your ordinary Archieverse comic book, which is perfect for this spooky time of year.
Comic Book Credits: Cullen Bunn (story), Dan Schoening (pencils, inks, cover), Ben Galvan (inks), Matt Herms (coloring, cover), Jack Morelli (lettering), Jamie Lee Rotante (editor, senior director of editorial), Stephen Oswald (associate editor), and Vincent Lovallo (assistant editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Chilling Adventures of Salem #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4.
Media Tie-In Cool Comics (Original Source: Animated Series)
#1862 — The Pirates of Dark Water #4, Marvel, February 1992.
Cool Factor: Were you a watcher of the short-lived animated series The Pirates of Dark Water? Admittedly, I don’t remember anything about this show, and don’t claim to have ever seen it. But I can’t say I wasn’t watching cartoons back then, because there were some fine superhero shows back in the early 90s that I rarely missed, yet I don’t remember ever watching this one. For those who have fond memories, you may want to keep an eye out while digging around in discount bins.
Comic Book Credits: Jon Zimmerman (writer), Bruce Zick (penciler), Brian Garvey (inker), John Costanza (letterer), Renee Witterstaetter (colorist), Rob Tokar (editor), and Lane Raichert & Mark Young (original teleplay).
Price and Values: The cover price of The Pirates of Dark Water #4 is $1.25, while the current values are $4 on CBR and $3 on ZKC.
Cool Comics Celebrates FCBD (Week 24 of 2022)
#1863 — Bone Orchard #1, Image, May 2022.
Cool Factor: This dark, creepy cover is an accurate portrayal of the kind of story that waits inside, and once more, Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) gives us something worth the spring trip to the comic shop. For me, it brings to mind being young and watching shows like The Twilight Zone and Night Gallery, and then having disturbing dreams (although Bone Orchard is rated Mature, so young me wouldn’t have read or watched anything quite like this). If being scared is your thing, you may want to try to find a copy of the Bone Orchard FCBD issue and add it to your collection.
Comic Book Credits: Jeff Lemire (writer), Andrea Sorrentino (artist, cover artist), Dave Stewart (colorist), Steve Wands (letterer, designer), and Greg Lockard (editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Bone Orchard #1 is free, while the current value is $1.
Cool Comics for the Young at Heart
#1864 — Bugs Bunny’s Trick ‘N’ Treat Halloween Fun #3, Dell, October 1955.
Cool Factor: Do you remember buying comic books that were 100 pages long and cost just a quarter? I can’t say that I do, but that must have been an amazing time! But then again, everything was much less expensive in 1955. This super fun Bugs Bunny Halloween special is full of seasonal delights and includes some of your favorite childhood characters. There are even a few activity pages for the kids (my copy has some penciled in responses, but I was able to buy it for just $6, so I don’t mind), and as you flip through the issue, you’ll be transported back to a simpler time, perhaps remembering Halloween evenings from your past, marching door to door in a Ben Cooper costume.
Comic Book Credits: Ralph Heimdahl & Don MacLaughlin (cover), Ken Champin (pencils), Fred Abranz (pencils, inks), Don R. Christensen (script), Phil de Lara (pencils, inks), John Carey (pencils, inks, letters), Al Hubbard (pencils, inks), Tubby Millar (letters), Fred Abranz (pencils, inks), Tony Strobl (pencils, inks), Vivie Risto (pencils, inks, letters), Carl Fallberg (script), and Gil Turner (script, pencils). To see who worked on which story, visit Grand Comics Database.
Price and Values: The cover price of Bugs Bunny’s Trick ‘N’ Treat Halloween Fun #3 is 25¢, while the current value is $185.
Twentieth Century Cool Comics
#1865 — Tower of Shadows #1, Marvel, September 1969.
Cool Factor: Tower of Shadows is another of those great (yet short-lived), dark anthologies from yesteryear that are so fun to read late at night in October…and let’s face it, most of us enjoy reading them year-round. This first issue has some legendary comic book names in the credits, and in my opinion, they don’t disappoint. Back when these were originally for sale on magazine shelves and spinner racks, superhero comics seemed to dominate, and many anthology titles didn’t last long. But as time marches on, our tastes often change or expand, and I’ve come to appreciate these kinds of four-color entertainment.
Comic Book Credits: Cover – John Romita (pencils, inks) and Sam Rosen (letters); At the Stroke of Midnight! – Jim Steranko (script, pencils, inks, colors) and Sam Rosen (letterer); From Beyond the Brink! – Johnny Craig (script, pencils, inks), John Romita (pencil and ink alterations), and Artie Simek (letters); A Time to Die! – Stan Lee (script), John Buscema (pencils), Don Heck (inks), and Sam Rosen (letters); and Stan Lee (editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Tower of Shadows #1 is 15¢, while the current values are $140 on CBR and $110 on ZKC. The Key Collector Comics value is $90.
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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This reminded me to pick up a copy of the Chilling Adventures of Salem!
Renee, I’m glad Cool Comics was able to assist with your Salem collection!
Thanks for being an important part of Cool Comics!
If memory serves me, the Steranko story and Lee/Buscema stories are both remakes of stories from the 1950s. If I had more energy, I’d track down the originals for you. A number of stories from those 1970s Marvel horror comics were remakes.
Hi Tony, I appreciate the comments. I took a look on Grand Comics Database and Mike’s Amazing World of Comics, and neither are listed as reprints. In fact, there are issues listed in which these stories have been reprinted at later dates. Also, when I was reading Tower of Shadows #1, I tried to see if any of them were listed as reprints, and I couldn’t find any evidence of it. Based on this, I do think these are all originals.
Thanks for being an important part of Cool Comics!