Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection episode 402, 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 402…
Cool Comics Stuff!
Did this episode get out of the starting gate on June 8? I can only hope, as I prepared early for week #402 of Cool Comics In My Collection, because I was scheduled to have surgery yesterday (which all sounds a bit strange since I’m finishing this up the evening of June 6). At least I’m hoping it was yesterday and that I was able to hit the launch button Thursday morning from my phone while resting in a hospital bed. Yet if I’m unable to publish Cool Comics on June 8, and I’m a day or two late, please forgive me. At this point, I can’t vouch for my level of pain and need for painkillers. And if I am late, I’m hopeful that I’ll get back on track the following week (or two).
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!
The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Benjamin Sisko versus Frank Castle! 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 features this commissioned piece featuring Jennifer Love Hewitt from the movie I Know What You Did Last Summer. 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 (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
#2026 — Star Trek Annual, IDW Publishing, May 2023.
Cool Factor: Wait a minute…Star Trek two episodes in a row? It’s not often that Cool Comics does this, but the Star Trek Annual was too good to ignore. Whether you’re a new or old fan, just look at the cover and you’ll want to find out what this is all about! IDW’s Star Trek line has been putting out great adventures lately, boldly going where no reader has gone before, and if you decided to skip this annual, you may be having second thoughts now!
Comic Book Credits: Collin Kelly & Jackson Lanzing (writers), Rachael Stott (artist), Charile Kirchoff (colorist), Clayton Cowles (letterer), Neil Uyetake (design/production), Vanessa Real (editorial assistant), and Heather Antos (senior editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Star Trek Annual is $5.99, while the current value is $6.
Facsimile Edition Cool Comics
#2027 — The Amazing Spider-Man #129, Marvel, April 2023 (Original Cover Date: February 1974).
Cool Factor: The Punisher has been in the news lately, as Marvel/Disney seem to have decided to get rid of this character who saw his start way back in 1974. Cool Comics decided on including the Facsimile Edition of his origin in this episode a couple weeks ago, before hearing the news, so the timing is a bit interesting. But regardless of how you feel about Frank Castle, this issue of The Amazing Spider-Man became a bit legendary with kids in 1974. I was a regular reader of the series, but somehow, I missed grabbing a copy, although my best buddy got it and let me look over this haunting issue. But at least I now own the Facsimile Edition of The Punisher’s first appearance, because an original could set you back around $4,000! And sadly enough, my friend’s original copy fatefully ended up in a garbage can, tossed away without his prior knowledge.
Comic Book Credits: Gerry Conway (scripter), Ross Andru (artist), Frank Giacoia (inks), Dave Hunt (inks/colors), John Costanza (letterer), Gil Kane (cover pencils), John Romita (inks), Gaspar Saladino (cover letters), and Roy Thomas (editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of The Amazing Spider-Man #129 Facsimile Edition is $3.99, while the current value is $4.
Cool Comics Celebrates FCBD (Week 5 of 2023)
#2028 — Fishflies, Image, May 2023.
Cool Factor: Jeff Lemire produces entertaining stories, if not sometimes a little on the gross side, such as what we get with this Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) issue, Fishflies. I would venture to say that most people aren’t big fans of insects, and when they can fly, that often makes them worse. Is it any surprise, then, that this mature-rated story isn’t for the faint of heart? There’s a lot more going on here than just a swarm of bugs, and if you’re a fan of Lemire, make sure to find a copy of this FCBD issue and put the upcoming series (starting in July) on your pull list.
Comic Book Credits: Jeff Lemire (script/pencils/inks/colors/cover pencils/cover inks/cover colors), Steve Wands (lettering/design), and Greg Lockard (editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Fishflies is free, while the current value is $1.
Cool Comics for the Young at Heart
#2029 — Tweety and Sylvester #10, Gold Key, March 1969.
Cool Factor: Do you ever feel sorry for Sylvester? Sure, he tries to make a meal out of Tweety on a consistent basis, but that’s his nature. Tweety, on the other hand, sometimes bates the cat and gets him in trouble with Granny. Some of you have probably seen more cartoons of these two than you could ever keep count of, yet the stories never grow old. Comics like this one are great when you want to recapture some of the moments of your youth. Lucky for me, I’m often able to find such issues in quarter bins, so I can take that trip back in time for a pretty good price.
Comic Book Credits: No credits are available for this anthology issue, which contains the stories The Flighty Legionnaires, Brave Knave, The Sleep Singer, and Tweety Tooth.
Price and Values: The cover price of Tweety and Sylvester #10 is 15¢, while the current values are $40 on CBR and $15 on ZKC.
Cool Comics from the 20th Century
#2030 — DC Comics Presents #38, DC, October 1981.
Cool Factor: If I see both Superman and the Flash on a comic book cover, I want it. It’s just a natural inclination for fans of these two fast characters. So, when I ran across this one in a quarter box, I didn’t hesitate to buy it. The only problem is, as I was reading it over the weekend, I came to a crucial part of the story in the middle and discovered that a couple plot pages were nowhere to be found. Drats! Still, there was enough story left that it didn’t spoil the fun as much as it would have had the missing pages come at the end of the tale. And maybe someday I’ll find a replacement issue from the very same discount bin (it’s good to keep a positive outlook, right?)!
Comic Book Credits: Martin Pasko (story), Don Heck (art), John Costanza (lettering), Gene D’Angelo (coloring), George Pérez (cover pencils/cover inks), Tatjana Wood (cover colors), Gaspar Saladino (cover letters), and Julius Schwartz (editing).
Price and Values: The cover price of DC Comics Presents #38 is 60¢, while the current value is $6.
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/
Never Miss an Episode of Cool Comics!
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