Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection episode 389, 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 389…
Cool Comics Stuff!
Pictured above are another couple of Cool Comics that came out last week. The first one, Hallows’ Eve #1, has ties with Spider-Man, as she is the girlfriend of Ben Reilly, Peter Parker’s clone. She has a bag of masks that work magic, and this limited series starts off with an entertaining tale. Next up is Batman vs. Robin #5, the last issue in this short run and the epilogue to Lazarus Planet, which brought all kinds of fun and weirdness into the DCU.
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!
The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Captain America versus The Brute! 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 of Cool Comics features a fantastic piece of art by Robert A. Kraus (aka RAK) of the Avengers! RAK has a distinctive style that meshes so well with the heroes, villains, and monsters we grew up loving. As the creator of Chakan, the forever man, RAK is known around the globe 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 (or an original piece of art that you own) 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
Cool Comics from the 21st Century
#1961 — SHAZAM! Fury of the Gods Special: Shazamily Matters #1, DC, April 2023.
Cool Factor: This oversized special issue is a perfect complement to the new movie, which opens next week. Filled with a variety of stories about your favorite Shazamily members, it’s a don’t miss if you’re a fan of the franchise. Plus, SHAZAM star Zachary Levi is one of the credited writers. It’s an expensive comic, but probably one you don’t want to live without if you have deep affection for the Big Red Cheese.
Comic Book Credits: Cover – Jim Lee, Scott Williams, and Alex Sinclair / Door to Death – written by Zachary Levi, D.J. Cotrona, and Colleen Doran; art by Freddie Williams II; color by Andrew Dalhouse; and letters by Dave Sharpe / Darla’s Keepers – written by Faithe Herman and Amanda Deibert; art and color by Erica Henderson; and letters by Josh Reed / The Big Game – written by D.J. Cotrona and Tim Seeley; art by Jorge Corona; color by Sarah Stern; and letters by Patrick Brosseau / Crocodile Catastrophe – written by David F. Sandberg and Scott Kolins; art by Scott Kolins; color by John Kalisz; and letters by Dave Sharpe / Time Out – written by Ross Butler and Josh Trujillo; art and color by Andrew Drilon; and letters by Wes Abbott / Darla’s Birthday – written by Grace Caroline Currey; art by Damian Fulton; color by Nick Filardi; letters by Justin Birch / Dogtown and Blue Boy – written by Adam Brody and Kenny Porter; art by Mike Norton; color by Allen Passalaqua; and letters by Ferran Delgado / Leadership Qualities – written by Henry Gayden; art by Scott Godlewski; color by Alex Guimarães; and letters by Saida Temofonte / associate editor – Alex Galer, and editors Andrew Marino, Michael McCalister, Ben Meares, and Katie Kubert.
Price and Values: The cover price of SHAZAM! Fury of the Gods Special: Shazamily Matters #1 is $9.99, while the current value is $10.
Facsimile Edition Cool Comics
#1962 — Avengers #8, Marvel, April 2023 (Original Cover Date: September 1964).
Cool Factor: For the budget-minded collector, you can now snag yourself a replica (okay, Facsimile Edition) of the first appearance of Kang the Conqueror from Avengers #8! Is there a good argument in going with this edition instead of the original? Perhaps not, if you happen to have $4,200 burning a hole in your pocket. But for those who want to save a few pennies, these Facsimile Editions contain not only the original art and stories, but also the ads, transporting you back in time. Avengers Assemble!
Comic Book Credits: Stan Lee (script/cover script/editor), Jack Kirby (pencils/cover pencils), Dick Ayers (inks/cover inks), Sam Rosen (letters/cover letters), and Stan Goldberg (cover colors).
Price and Values: The cover price of Avengers #8 Facsimile Edition is $3.99, while the current value is $4. The Key Collector Comics value is also $4.
Cool Comics Celebrates FCBD (Week 44 of 2022)
#1963 — Doctor Who, Titan Comics, May 2022.
Cool Factor: For a few seasons, I was a big fan of the Doctor, but then life got a little busier and I left off after a season or so of Matt Smith. Understandably, there’ve been many changes since, but I have yet to explore those adventures in the TARDIS. If you like watching Doctor Who and reading comic books, this Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) edition belongs in your collection!
Comic Book Credits: Jody Houser (writer), Roberta Ingranata (artist), Warnia K. Sahadewa (colorist), Richard Starkings & Comicraft’s Jimmy Betancourt (letterer), Jake Devine (group editor), and Oz Browne (art director).
Price and Values: The cover price of Doctor Who is free, while the current value is $1.
Cool Comics for the Young at Heart
#1964 — Darkwing Duck #1, Dynamite, January 2023.
Cool Factor: I don’t know much about Darkwing Duck, so I decided to pick up the first issue of this new ongoing series from Dynamite. When the animated series aired in 1991-1992, I had no interest in watching it, and I had no children at the time. Sure, I’d heard of it and was vaguely familiar with yet another animated duck, but that was the extent of my knowledge. What did I think of the comic book? It was a pretty good story and I liked it well enough as a newcomer. If you grew up watching the show, you’ll probably want to check it out for yourself and feel young at heart once more.
Comic Book Credits: Amanda Deibert (script), Carlo Lauro (art & color), Jeff Eckleberry (letters), David Nakayama (cover), and Nate Crosby (packager & editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Darkwing Duck #1 is $3.99, while the current value is $4. The Key Collector Comics value is also $4.
Cool Comics from the 20th Century
#1965 — The Brute #2, Atlas/Seaboard, April 1975.
Cool Factor: The Brute #2 appeared on shelves and spinner racks at mom-and-pop shops, drug stores, and newsstands across the nation in the mid-Seventies, and while reading it, the experience took me back to those simple times. As I’ve mentioned in the past, I distinctly remember seeing Atlas/Seaboard titles for sale, but my precious pocket changed was reserved for Marvel Comics and the local Dairy Queen. So yes, in today’s back issue market, I paid more than cover price for this comic, but I got this copy for no more than a new comic book costs today (although the condition is a little rough). And as much as I enjoyed the story, I love the ads in Atlas, as they bring back lots of fun memories.
Comic Book Credits: Michael Fleisher (script), Mike Sekowsky (pencils), Pablo Marcos (inks), Alan Kupperberg (letters), Dick Giordano (cover pencils & inks), Gaspar Saladino (cover letters), and Jeff Rovin (editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of The Brute #2 is 25¢, while the current values are $18 on CBR and $8 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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Always cool content, Thanks for ALL your efforts!
John, I appreciate you and the kind words!
Thanks for being an important part of Cool Comics!