Welcome to Cool Comics in My Collection episode 407, 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 407…
Cool Comics Stuff!
A couple of recent comics that joined my collection include the 800th issue of The Flash and Punchline and the Vaude-Villains #2. Whether you’re a big fan of Wally West or just tend to be an occasional reader, it’s always cool to check out special anniversary editions. Punchline is part of the Hero Tomorrow Comics interconnected universe that includes Apama and Tap Dance Killer, and I’m a big fan of what Ted Sikora and the other creators have been doing with these characters.
Cool Comics Battle of the Week!
The Cool Comics Battle of the Week is Poison Ivy versus Indiana Jones! 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 remarkable rendition of Captain America by world renowned artist Robert A. Kraus! 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!
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
#2051 — Captain America #750, Marvel, September 2023.
Cool Factor: Marvel packs plenty of punch in this big 750th issue of Captain America, chalk full of stories by some amazingly talented writers and artists (see the credits below). This extra-large edition gives us lots of cool stuff featuring both Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson, and if you’re a fan of either or both of the red, white, and blue decked Avengers, then this is an issue you probably can’t – and don’t – want to live without!
Comic Book Credits: Cover – Gary Frank (pencils/ink) and Brad Anderson (colors); A Cup of Tea – Tochi Onyebuchi (writer), R.B. Silva (artist), Jesus Aburtov (color artist), Joe Caramagna (letterer); Nothing But a Fight – Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly (writers), Carmen Carnero (artist), Nolan Woodard (color artist); Joe Caramagna lettered all of the following: Reflections – Stephanie Williams (writer), Rachael Stott (artist), and Matt Milla (color artist); The Hero – J.M. DeMatteis, Sara Pichelli (artist), and Matthew Wilson (color artist); Then & Now – Dan Jurgens (writer & penciler), Brett Breeding (inker), and Alex Sinclair (color artist); The Mantle – Cody Ziglar (writer) and Marcus Williams (artist); One Lucky Shot – Gail Simone (writer) and Daniel Acuña (artist); Kaitlyn Lindtvedt (assistant editor), Alanna Smith (editor), Tom Brevoort (executive editor), and C.B. Cebulski (editor in chief).
Price and Values: The cover price of Captain America #750 is $7.99, while the current value is $8.
Facsimile Edition Cool Comics
#2052 — Batman #181, DC, July 2023 (Original Cover Date: June 1966).
Cool Factor: This fabulous Facsimile Edition gives you the opportunity to witness the first appearance of that itchiest of crime villains, Poison Ivy! If you can’t afford to plunk down $7,000 for an original, then why not grab one of these? They contain the same stories, the same ads, and the same amount of fun and adventure at an affordable price. I’m a big fan of Facsimile Editions and could kick myself for not jumping on them a little earlier, as some editions are now worth more than I care to pay.
Comic Book Credits: Cover – Carmine Infantino (pencils), Murphy Anderson (inks), and Ira Schnapp (letters); Beware of — Poison Ivy! – Robert Kanigher (script), Sheldon Moldoff (pencils), Joe Giella (inks), and Gaspar Saladino (letters); The Perfect Crime — Slightly Imperfect! – Gardner Fox (script), Sid Greene (inks), and Gaspar Saladino (letters); and Julius Schwartz (editor).
Price and Values: The cover price of Batman #181 Facsimile Edition is $3.99, while the current value is $4.
Cool Comics Celebrates FCBD (Week 10 of 2023)
#2053 — Clark & Lex and Fann Club: Batman Squad, DC, July 2023.
Cool Factor: This DC Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) issue gives us a taste of two different graphic novels that are aimed towards younger readers. This one is perfect for readers of any age, so if you picked up this freebie the first Saturday of May, you can confidently pass it on to younger readers in an effort to interest them in continuing to support our favorite hobby for decades to come. And if you like what you read, make sure to get the entire story by purchasing the graphic novels.
Comic Book Credits: Cover – Jerry Gaylord (pencils/inks), Jim Benton (pencils/inks/colors), and Penelope Gaylord (colors); Clark & Lex – Brendan Reichs (script), Jerry Gaylord (pencils/inks), and Penelope Gaylord (colors); and Time to Begin Fanning the Flames – Jim Benton (script/pencils/inks/colors/letters).
Price and Values: The cover price of Clark & Lex and Fann Club: Batman Squad is free, while the current value is $1.
Cool Comics for the Young at Heart
#2054 — ALF #43, Marvel, July 1991.
Cool Factor: I tend to think of the ALF comics as being aimed towards younger readers, but this issue has a few items within the stories that would probably have greater appeal for older readers, and especially so if you’re old enough to remember watching ALF’s antics each week on TV. So perhaps the title is more appropriate for younger hearts that are a little more advanced, but not quite ready for the exploits of Wolverine or Green Lantern. Regardless, I’m always entertained when reading ALF’s adventures.
Comic Book Credits: Cover – Dave Manak (pencils/inks); Secure from General Quarter Pounders – Michael Gallagher (script), Dave Manak (pencils), Michael James (inks), George Roussos (colors), and Brad K. Joyce (letters); Son of ALF’s Sci-Fry Marathon! – Rusty Haller (script/pencils), Marie Severin (inks), George Roussos (colors), and Brad K. Joyce (letters); Only 45 Minute Steaks from Broadway! – Michael Gallagher (script), Rusty Haller (pencils), and Marie Severin (inks); and Fabian Nicieza (editor), Evan Skolnick (managing editor), and Tom DeFalco (editor in chief).
Price and Values: The cover price of Alf #43 is $1, while the current values are $4 on CBR and $3 on ZKC.
Cool Comics from the 20th Century
#2055 — The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones #15, Marvel, March 1984.
Cool Factor: If you forked over your hard-earned cash for the newest Indiana Jones movie and walked out of the theater feeling a little disappointed (I haven’t seen it, but I’m basing this on some of the feedback I’ve seen and heard), maybe you’ll regain your enthusiasm for the character by grabbing this old issue of Indy’s Further Adventures. And I didn’t have to break my entertainment budget, either, as I found this and several other issues in a quarter box at a local comic shop. While a comic book isn’t a movie, the entertainment they provide can be just as exciting, because we “see” the action as the story unfolds on the pages and in our minds between the panels.
Comic Book Credits: David Michelinie (script), Herb Trimpe (pencils), Vince Colletta (inks), Rob Carosella (colors), Joe Rosen (letters), Herb Trimpe (cover pencils/cover inks), Eliot R. Brown (editor), and Jim Shooter (editor-in-chief).
Price and Values: The cover price of The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones #15 is 60¢, while the current values are $4 on CBR and $2,50 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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Views: 243
I bought initial couple issues of the Indiana Jones comic — due to John Byrne’s involvement in them & kick myself for not getting additional ones! Hindsight’s always 20 / 20, Ed!
Went to see The Dial of Destiny last weekend — didn’t care to listen to the reviews & entered with open mind. My wife & I rarely agree on things, but I can tell you we both nearly said at time it was a solid 3rd in the film series … if that helps in going to it.
Solid bookend to the Indiana Jones movies, I thought. Maybe you could think different — I thought it was good movie, not great, & not bad as some people say!!
Hi Matt! I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed the movie. I probably won’t see it in theaters (I had knee replacement surgery last month and I’m not ready to remain in a sitting position yet for that length of time…plus my days are spent doing several hours of rehab), but when it streams, I’ll try to catch it. And to be honest, I’ve never gotten around to seeing the Crystal Skull movie.
If you keep a sharp eye out, you can sometimes find these comics in discount bins, so best of luck in grabbing some.
And thanks for being an important part of Cool Comics!