Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection episode 403, 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 403…
Cool Comics Stuff!
This episode is giving some love to Monstrous Books and the ultra-cool Kickstarter campaigns they’ve produced, thanks to the imagination of James Aquilone. Not only does the Dead Detectives Society anthology look fantastic (with stories from some of the biggest writers in the business), but they are also launching the first issue of Monstrous Magazine, a digest-sized offering that will contain comics! Don’t miss out as this Kickstarter ends June 28!
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!
The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Falcon versus Iron Fist! 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!
In this episode, Cool Comics shows off Ed Griffie’s version of Captain Bucky! Ed is a lifelong comic book fan who started drawing Kawaii and Chibi style versions of pop culture icons and superheroes about five years ago. Through Facebook, his work came to the attention of Daniel Hare, the owner of vintage toy and comic bookstore The Toys Time Forgot, who offered him a guest spot at Free Comic Book Day. Since then, Ed has been a regular at local conventions and comic bookstores, where he offers bookmarks, coloring pages, trading cards, and color prints featuring his unique artwork. You can check out his full catalog of work at toonist27.deviantart.com or contact him at edgriffiejr@gmail.com to commission an original piece of your very own.
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
#2031 — Shakespeare Unleashed One-Shot, Monstrous Books, 2023.
Cool Factor: Shakespeare Unleashed is a fun, digest-sized book influenced by writings from the Bard and contains illustrations, comics, sonnets, and stories. This was an add-on from a recent Shakespeare Unleashed Kickstarter that I’m really looking forward to and contains cool stuff that should satisfy most fans of the famous playwright. Near the close of 2022, it hit me that I should probably read more Shakespeare, and while I’ve gotten through five plays so far in 2023, Shakespeare Unleashed provides classical entertainment in its own unique way. This was a fun read that left me wanting more! If you are interested in the prose anthology and missed out on the Kickstarter, you can find out how to order it at Monstrous Books.
Comic Book Credits: Bloody Thou Art (based on Richard III) by David Avallone and Helena Masellis; Romeo and Juliet: Afterlife by James Aquilone and J.K. Woodward; Exit, Pursued by Bear (based on Shakespeare’s most infamous stage direction) by James Aquilone and Zac Atkinson; and a prose tale, The Gaslighting of the Shrew, by Jeff Strand, based on The Taming of the Shrew, with art by Marco Finnegan; all lettered by Tom Napolitano.
Price and Values: The cover price of Shakespeare Unleashed One-Shot is $7.99.
Facsimile Edition Cool Comics
#2032 — Captain America #117, Marvel, March 2021 (Original Cover Date: September 1969).
Cool Factor: When I bought my first Captain America comic book in 1973, the Falcon was a regular part of the series. I was exposed to the patriotic hero through reruns of the Sixties animated series, but the Falcon hadn’t yet been created when those cartoons hit the airwaves. Immediately I thought the new, high-flying superhero was cool, especially considering that his companion Redwing was real (unlike the current movies). And while the original first appearance of Sam Wilson (the Falcon) is a bit out of my price range ($1,800 current value), this Facsimile Edition works for me.
Comic Book Credits: Stan Lee (script/editor), Gene Colon (pencils/cover pencils), Joe Sinnott (inks/cover inks), Sam Rosen (letters/cover letters), and John Romita (cover pencils & inks alterations).
Price and Values: The cover price of Captain America #117 Facsimile Edition is $3.99, while the current values are $4 on CBR and $10 on ZKC.
Cool Comics Celebrates FCBD (Week 6 of 2023)
#2033 — Dawn of DC Knight Terrors Special Edition, DC, July 2023.
Cool Factor: This summer things are getting scary at DC, as the usual titles will all be a part of Knight Terrors (along with a four issue limited series). This Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) issue is a good way to decide if you want to enjoy the chills along with your favorite heroes. Just beware that if you want to go all in, the most terrifying aspect probably will be the amount of dollars flying out of your wallet, because lots of titles are involved.
Comic Book Credits: Cover – Jason Fabok (pencils/inks) and Brad Anderson (colors); Knight Terrors – Joshua Williamson (script), Chris Bachalo (pencils/inks/colors), Howard Porter (pencils/inks), Jaime Mendoza (inks), Danny Miki (inks), Brad Anderson (colors), Troy Peteri (letters); and edited by Ben Abernathy. Additionally, there are illustrations for this FCBD issue, and you can see the credits for them HERE.
Price and Values: The cover price of Dawn of DC Knight Terrors Special Edition is free, while the current value is $1.
Cool Comics for the Young at Heart
#2034 — Mickey Mouse #188, Gold Key, October 1978.
Cool Factor: Mickey Mouse comics, regardless of the publishing company, consistently provide great adventure stories for younger readers who want a little more action. Like most of the comics I feature in this Young at Heart section, I was able to snag this issue for just a quarter, so unless you want all your comics to be pristine, you can get some fun stuff without breaking your budget…especially if you’re going to pass them on to the little ones in your life.
Comic Book Credits: Cover – Larry Mayer (pencils/inks); The Secret of Earthquake Island – Carl Fallberg (script) and Paul Murry (pencils/inks/letters); The Mixed-Up Fixer – Paul Murry (pencils/inks/letters); Larry Mayer (art director); and Del Connell (managing editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Mickey Mouse #188 is 35¢, while the current value is $12.
Cool Comics from the 20th Century
#2035 — Marvel Premiere #24, Marvel, September 1975.
Cool Factor: My favorite period of comic books is the Seventies for various reasons, and anthology titles like Marvel Premiere is one of the reasons why. Some of the issues can be found in discount bins, but those days are growing rare (depending on condition) since older collectors are gravitating more and more towards the comics of their youth. When this issue originally came out in 1975, Iron Fist was nowhere on my radar (Spider-Man, Thor, and Captain America were my favorites), but as time seems to slip past me a little quicker these days, I have a greater appreciation for the less popular heroes.
Comic Book Credits: Chris Claremont (script), Pat Broderick (pencils), Marie Severin (pencils/inks), Vince Colletta (inks), Phil Rachelson (colors), Karen Mantlo (letters), Gil Kane (cover pencils), John Romita (cover inks), Gaspar Saladino (cover letters), and Len Wein (editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Marvel Premiere #24 is 25¢, while the current values are $45 on CBR and $25 on ZKC. The Key Collector Comics value is $25.
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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