Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection episode 392, 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 392…
Cool Comics Stuff!
I’m a bit behind in recognizing some cool comics here, but I’ll eventually catch up, so if you haven’t seen something you’ve given me or that I bought through crowdsourcing, it should land here at some point. Speaking of which, I finally had a chance to read the third issue of Driver.Eight from Limitless Comics Group. This has been an exciting, fun series, and I’m looking forward to what comes next. Pictured above are the two covers I own, the regular cover and the cool Retro Foil edition. If you want to learn more about this Kickstarter (yes, it ended, but there will be more and perhaps a chance to catch up on what you missed), be sure to click the link.
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!
The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Green Arrow versus Naza! 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 Green Arrow and some of his enemies! 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
#1976 — Doctor Strange #1, Marvel, May 2023.
Cool Factor: You may recall that Doctor Strange was murdered, and then his wife, Clea, took over his role, and then he was alive again. Why? Because this is the world of comic books, a world in which staying dead is not easily accomplished. And once you are dead then back alive again, it’s such a reason to celebrate that you get a new number one issue, a new creative team, and perhaps some new fans who rush to join in on the fun. But most importantly, the story needs to be interesting enough to keep readers hanging around, and Jed MacKay gives us a nice start, so I think this series may last for a while. Or until Doctor Strange dies again.
Comic Book Credits: Jed MacKay (writer), Pasqual Ferry (artist), Matt Hollingsworth (colorist), Corey Petit (letterer), Alex Ross (cover artist), Kat Gregorowicz (assistant editor), and Darren Shan (editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Doctor Strange #1 is $4.99, while the current value is $5.
Facsimile Edition Cool Comics
#1977 — Green Lantern #85, DC, January 2020 (Original Cover Date: September 1971).
Cool Factor: This is the second week in a row that we’ve shown some love to Green Lantern, which isn’t at all the norm at Cool Comics, but these things do happen. Still, this comic book is an entirely different matter since it’s a facsimile…and not just any facsimile issue, but one of the ones I’ve seen the cover for countless times over the years yet have never read. Speedy, how could you?! And now, after having devoured this issue, I keep asking myself that question, thinking about the decisions made, the reasons why, and wondering how many others have used the same excuse. Such a classic issue, but at a reasonable price, since I don’t want to shell out the $235 an original is currently listed at.
Comic Book Credits: Cover – Neal Adams (pencils/inks), Jack Adler (colors), and possibly Gaspar Saladino (letters); Green Lantern Co-Starring Green Arrow – Denny O’Neil (script), Neal Adams (pencils/inks), and John Costanza (letters); The Strange Trial of Green Lantern! – John Broome (script), Gil Kane (pencils), Joe Giella (inks), and Gaspar Saladino (letters); and Julius Schwartz (editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Green Lantern #85 Facsimile edition is $3.99, while the current value is $4.
Cool Comics Celebrates FCBD (Week 47 of 2022)
#1978 — Dav Pilkey Sampler, Scholastic, May 2022.
Cool Factor: So which story did I like the best, you ask? Captain Underpants, Dog Man, or Cat Kid Comic Club? Is it fair to make me choose just one? But seriously, keep in mind that we’re about six weeks away from Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) 2023, and if you happen to venture out of your house (or apartment, or cave, or wherever you reside), then you too can get yourself some fun and cool comics like this Dav Pilkey Sampler, and many other choices. Some people don’t think much of FCBD anymore, but I think it’s a great way to dip your toes into unknown waters and try something different. And it’s also a great time to show appreciation to your local comic shop owner by purchasing a few titles while you are there.
Comic Book Credits: Dav Pilkey (writer/illustrator) – stories include Captain Underpants, Dog Man, and Cat Kid Comic Club.
Price and Values: The cover price of Dav Pilkey Sampler is free, while the current value is $1.
Cool Comics for the Young at Heart
#1979 — Hot Stuff, the Little Devil #18, Harvey Comics, December 1959.
Cool Factor: It’s a rare occurrence that I find comics in quarter bins that are older than me, but this one most certainly is. I love reading Harvey Comics, as they are definitely for the young at heart (even though we often deal with devils, ghosts, and witches, who are all mostly harmless), but when I land one that is old enough to have ads I’ve never seen, it’s an exciting new experience. Unfortunately, this issue was missing a few interior pages, but the price was right and missing a wee bit of story didn’t interfere (much) with the fun.
Comic Book Credits: Unfortunately, I was unable to find any credits for Hot Stuff, the Little Devil #18.
Price and Values: The cover price of Hot Stuff, the Little Devil #18 is 10¢, while the current values are $140 on CBR and $65 on ZKC.
Cool Comics from the 20th Century
#1980 — Naza #6, Dell, June 1965.
Cool Factor: A few years ago, I hit Naza paydirt while digging around in discount boxes. I happened upon four of the nine issues in quarter boxes. I realize I paid more than double the cover prices, but I had no problem handing over my cash for these prehistoric beauties. And take a gander at the cover of this one! Naza and his tribe run across giants (remember the TV series Land of the Giants?)! Or do they? There’s much more than meets the eye in this mysterious cave man melodrama.
Comic Book Credits: The only name given for this comic is Jack Sparling, credited with cover and interior pencils and inks.
Price and Values: The cover price of Naza #6 is 12¢, while the current values are $50 on CBR and $15 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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another great episode! I have been hearing that the “new” Dr. Strange is pretty good, so I will trust your judgement, thanks!
Spencer, thanks for your kind comments and for being an important part of Cool Comics!