Always such a joy to watch your videos. In general, I remain conflicted about collecting ANYTHING (I have collected rare literature for decades, even to the point of collecting books ABOUT collecting books -- oddly, this doesn't seem to be a genre in comic book collecting. I wonder why -- but I have slowed way down recently). For me personally, I can't get over the sense that trying to use nostalgia to ward off the gloomy inevitables is a futile endeavour. BUT, when I do indulge, I can no longer buy anything that isn't at least in VF condition. I'd rather pay a whole lot more for a high grade comic than settle at a cheaper price for a mid grade copy. Also, collectors in cities such as Toronto and New York have a much nicer situation in terms of in-person hunting. As a fellow Canadian, I completely understand why you're avoiding the triple whammy of exchange rate, shipping, and duties! I no longer buy from the US, so that naturally limits the choices, but I will make purchases from Canadian online sellers, and I can usually find something appealing. Anyway, it's a treat to see how much you love collecting comics, even if I can't quite become a full convert! All the best of the holidays to you, and Happy New Year as well.
While I'm still pretty picky about condition, I've learned to accept that for anything pre-1965, if it's solid, and if the price is right, I'll bite. You're right about Toronto being a good spot for buying older comic books, but you still have to be patient to find good deals. I'd love to check out a convention in the US at some point, but the exchange rate these days is nuts! Thank you, and all the best to you and your family this holiday season! Looking forward to another year of talking about comic books!
@@raph-retro-comics I’m a Man-Thing and Steve Gerber fan. I think he is one of the most literary characters in that it would be hard to make a Man-Thing movie but the key would be to have a strong supporting cast like Groot had in Guardians of the Galaxy
@Lexy-O Yeah, a movie would be difficult. Maybe a TV series? I did enjoy the Halloween special Marvel did even though he wasn't the main character in it.
What a good looking haul. Love the covers and colors on the Yogi Bear covers. They really stand out. Agreed on organizing your collection. I try and bag, board, and sort has books come in.
Hi, Raph! Yeah, those FASNTASY MASTERPIECE issues were my first exposure to the Silver Surfer's solo title. I was about 14 when I started buying those. When I got older and actually had some money, I was able to scoop up some of the original Surfer issues. I did get my hands on #15-thru-18, which were never reprinted in Fantasy Masterpieces. Absolutely LOVED that series with the dynamic John Buscema art. I have the Neal Adams B&B issues, but they're all in subpar low-to-mid-grade condition. Still, they're great readers copies. I do have Kirby's DEMON run, most of the issues in very good condition. You mentioned the Silver Age Sub-Mariner run? I'd say the first 54 issues or so are really great! A lot of good art and spectacular covers, exciting stories. I felt that the last 15-20 issues of that Sub-Mariner run dropped way off in quality. Most of my back-issue comic buying these days is done either at sales offering 40% or more off, or on the LAST DAY of conventions when dealers are practically giving away their inventory. Totally agree w/ you on Bronze Age Dr. Strange. In fact, I picked up the trade paperback collection of Frank Brunner's indie title WARP just for his art. I'm jealous that you got the whole run of TOWER OF SHADOWS. NICE catch! Never even knew Marvel published a Wyatt Earp comic! I used to organize my collection alphabetically. But now having surpassed 17,000 comics, I just organize them wherever they fit in now. I do have sort boxes of comix I have yet to read. Excellent video content, sir!
@Deephouse_Gent66 Always a pleasure reading your comments! I always liked looking through the Mighty Marvel Checklist in comic books and one of the titles that mystified me for the longest time was Wyatt Earp. I never came across them in at stores or conventions. The funny thing is, I would find the 1950s Atlas issues before I ever saw the 1970s run. I would eventually find some, but being a grade snob at that time, I would never buy them. Happy to have found a nice run! I should revisit Subby, it's been a long time since I've read any of the issues. I do remember liking the first 10 issues or so, with #8 being one of my favorites. Yeah, those later issues aren't that great. #59 may have a great cover with Thor, but the issue was really disappointing.
Great video as always Ralph! Loved to see what you collect I see we have very similar collecting habits. I’m going to do a video similar to this one after watching yours I’m not as articulate as you but I’ll do my best 😂
Agh! I've had a similar comment about audio being muted before. I'm not sure why this occurs. I just use the camera mic, and I wonder if it only captures one channel of the audio. Might have to invest into a mic next year. Thanks for letting me know!
We're the same age at 53. You mentioned one day selling your collection in a comment below. This reality has hit me hard lately and slowed my collecting habits. Good is news is I own MOST of what I truly want and love. But the past 2 years I have really scaled back on buying back issues and for 2025 I have ceased my new comic pulls. I've got my collection down to around 4K from well over 12K pre-pandemic. Giving a lot away to friends in my comic book circle and some friends who run booths at cons.
For a while, I was getting rid of more stuff than getting new stuff, and this was making me happy. This past year has been the opposite though, and it's been a combination of factors, one being this channel, and surprisingly, another being some of my other collector friends who are actively buying again. I realize my current buying is not sustainable though and I'm going to make a better effort to get rid of some books. Giving books away to friends and their kids is a great way - need to get the younger generation reading more comic books!
I put all 20,000 of my Marvel's in chronological reading order so you can read the entire saga start to finish. Putting books in reading order is lots of fun once you get to the point where you start reading them. Organizing comics by publisher is a good start, next you have to determine canon. With Marvel I only have one short box that I don't consider as canon, but as i read more I can make them canon, once you figure out how to put time travel stories and alternate dimensions in reading order.
Very impressive! There are times where I buy a lot of books at once and it becomes a chore to integrate them into the collection. You have to be on top of it all the time!
Good Evening Raph A Terrific, hugely entertaining show, and well done on the great additions to your collection! I had not realised that all those late 70s reprints were a vessel for the advertising dollar, however they were a great opportunity to read all those great stories, and lets face it the adverising meant very little here in Australia, but off course I stll ran the eye over the ads, and sighed "If only!" Cheers Al The GoldKeyFourcolorkidownnda
Good morning Al! I realized they also reprinted Subby issues with Tales to Astonish which I thought was an interesting choice. Anything to fill contractual obligations! I hope you're having a great holiday season!
Absolutely! The more uncommon, the better! Don't get me wrong, I love Spidey, X-Men, Batman etc., and they are the backbone of this hobby, but there's something magical if you're a long time collector and come across something you don't see very often or for the first time.
@@raph-retro-comics Indeed ! The oddball stuff even when cheap can be once a decade or more discovery out in the wild. It's the magic part of that bin-digging meditation.
This may sound weird, but after the Strange Tales Annual, my 2nd favorite book from this video might be the Red Circle Sorcery comic. I haven't been actively looking for them until recently and it was nice to find a nice copy for a good price. Thanks for watching!
While not a key issue, that Atom 6 was a GREAT buy. Jealous that you got that. Your thought patterns in buying comics is very similar to mine. Subscribed to you.
Thanks for subbing! The Atom #6 was a lucky find. I really had to do a double take when I found the book - I rarely see earlier 1960s DCs in this nice shape, and at that price point. They may not be the most highly sought after books, but they are tough in grade.
Those surfer books are gorgeous! DC is definitely much more affordable outside of the two major Batman titles. I struggle to find bronze and silver age issues for good prices for my runs 😅 those books are all stunning too for the prices you paid! Great haul!
Thanks! I got pretty lucky on those Surfer issues, especially the #14. I find DCs in nice condition (solid Fine or better) to be harder to come by, but when I do, they're usually very reasonable (except Batman/Detective like you said). I always thought it was strange that collectors don't seem to like World's Finest for some reason, even with Batman.
Another great video! Those Silver Surfer books have some great John Buscema art in them. I think that run didn’t sell well because it was considered too philosophical by the fans and didn’t have enough action. A new printing of the Silver Surfer Omnibus is available for pre-order now. Not sure if I’ll order it or wait for it to come to Ollie’s and get it for a lot cheaper.
I haven't read the entire series but the earlier issues are better. Apparently Kirby was not happy about not given the series which may have had a part in him leaving Marvel for DC for a period of time. It would have been interesting to see what Kirby would have done. John Buscema did a fine job though.
I feel that appreciation for the Jack Kirby issues of his Fourth World titles has yet to reach critical mass (other than for a few big issues like The Forever People #1/first full appearance of Darkseid), which is why we can still find high-grade copies for $20 or less. Fandom's ignorance is our win in this case. I've become more interested in unusual comics over the last decade, such as releases for utilities from the 1950s and 60s informing readers about, for example, the process and benefits of generating electricity, or give-aways from petroleum companies. They often provide insights into society at the time. I'm a big Gray Morrow fan, the man was a master of not only comic book illustration but also SF and Fantasy paperback covers and he developed into an effective comics writer too. His cover for Red Circle Sorcery #6 (which is what Chilling Adventures In Sorcery was titled after #5) is a high point in covers in from the 70s. Clive Barker's Hellraiser is horror comics done right; I only need a few to complete my run but I've been after those few for years. "Master Race" is one of the most powerful stories I've read in a long time and Krigstein's art suits it perfectly. Another great video, informative and entertaining. Thanks Raph.
It took me a long time to warm up to Kirby's Fourth World titles and appreciate his artwork in the 1970s. His heavier pencils and exaggerated perspectives were a bit too much for me. That being said, one of my earlier comic book memories is reading a friend's copy of Eternals #16, and it drove me crazy for the longest time because it had a cliffhanger ending and it took me years before I ever found and read a copy of #17. Loved that comic book! I really don't know why comic books are not used more as an educational medium. The historical stigma? It's really unfortunate. I'd love to get a copy of Red Circle Sorcery #6 - the cover is incredibly striking!
Anything that I think has a value of $10 or more I'll try to put in a mylar (or if I really like the comic book). I get my bags from Comic Pro Line, which have very affordable mylar bags. For most of my other comic books, I'll use their regular polypro bags. Thanks for watching!
You have so many comics I had (back in the day. You're right about Marvel westerns in good shape. I see a lot of Kid Colt and Rawhide Kid and obviously read. The Rin Tin Tin was a pleasant surprise although I don't collect, I do and failing badly collect Sgt Preston (only four). You're more willing to read almost everything while I have downsized quite a bit and - sigh - recollecting (Dr. Strange, Blackhawk (DC) and Defenders for instance. Looking forward to seeing more of your odds and ends.
Blackhawk! That's been a fun series to collect. I don't have many Quality issues, but I'm finding them pretty reasonable in terms of price when I do come across them. I do like picking up odds and ends, the more esoteric, the better!
@@raph-retro-comics Way back in the day I had the entire DC run and well over half of the Quality. Sadly I now have only two Quality issues and about 50 DCs. Over the years I learned when bills became a problem and oyu cash in on your sets WAIT ONE payment and often you'll the bill problem oyu thought you had wasn't so bad. On the other hand getting up there in age (Hint World's Finest Comics 102 was my seven year old introduction to Batman). SO I downsized from 66 long boxes to 17. Regret Dr. Strange loss so been recollecting. I have never parted with Jonah Hex. He'll be the very last to go if it ever comes to that. One last note regarding Balck I recently an English company has been reprinting Quality Blackhawk and Military Comics in softcover. Got four of them from MyComics Shop in Texas last month. Complete issues with ads and print quality if good from PSArtbooks.
@@richardmarvin8787 Wow, 66 boxes to 17! That must have been difficult. There are many books I've parted with over the years that I regret, but there's always new additions that make up for it. It's great that you're back collecting. I've been on and off over the years, but I've really re-embraced the hobby the past few years. Thanks for the heads up on the Blackhawk/Military reprints! More stuff to add to the pile...
@@raph-retro-comics You're welcome. The downsizing came about for a number of reasons. The expense in COMPLETING certain collections. For example, over 60 years I had completed Avengers four times and was working on the fifth. Was down to nine issues and it was cost prohibitive to get (1-6 alone were going to be killers but I did the Masterworks). With Batman the goal was completion of issues starting with my firsts: Batman 125, detective 275 and World's Finest 102 upward. Again the cost of completion especially Batman did not justify the expense. (Bills first then play. Always told my wife I would have more Batman in my collections IF I didn't think house payments was important or I could lose my love of electricity and running water.) The sheer bulk of the boxes became daunting. DC and Marvel's constant relaunches and renumbering was annoying. I found I was only rereading certain titles. I felt the hobby of collecting was controlling me and not the other way around. I parted with Avengers, Batman, Daredevil, Dr. Strange, Phantom Stranger (the second most missed title but I hope to obtain the Omnibus this coming year to replace them) and dozens of other titles. Oddly enough have kept more non-DC and Marvel then those two. I have all the Dc Archives editions except ONE- Wonder Woman Volume 6 nd Avengers in masterworks so I have my childhood issues. Anyway my reply was ling just to share that I will be a collector of some sort but it was time to fade just a bit gracefully away. I have always appreciated your kindness in replying and admire your obvious love for this wonderful hobby. .
@@richardmarvin8787 Interesting you note that Phantom Stranger is your 2nd most missed title. I remember really liking the backup stories in the 1980s Swamp Thing when I first started reading comic books. Even though they don't hold up as well now, I always loved the mystery of the character. I have a number of issues of the 1970s run, but he's quite a different character than the one I'm more familiar with from the 1980s. The covers in that run though, some of the best of that era. Always a pleasure chatting with other collectors!
Yes! I think this past year I've been picking up stuff I'd never consider before. It won't necessarily trigger me to buy more of that particular series, but I'm finding I like having examples from a lot of different areas/genres.
Didn't know that about Marvel reprints; I just figured they were rerunning Gilligan's Island and I Love Lucy for a new generation. Enjoyed seeing my collection's two best books in th same frame: Avs 57, and SS 4. One I got 25 yrs ago, th other I got 25 wks ago. Both were accidents. Is this a great hobby or what? And thy am coveting thou Wyatt Earps. I'ma start lookin out for those.
Straight from Jim Shooter's mouth, they just printed those reprint titles to meet those advertisement quotas. I think Amazing Adventures that had those X-Men reprints was also another one. They even reused titles to save money! Good luck on those Wyatt Earp issues, that'll be a fun run to track down.
Good question! Hard to say going by recent eBay sales. I'd say the #58 is some where between $75-125. The #86 is probably the most valuable, might be north of $150 if I get it graded, but I probably won't (too expensive these days for Canadians). The #84 is somewhere in between. Prices may have settled down a bit after the news of Robert Downey Jr. playing Dr. Doom.
I can't resist a good deal when it comes to old comic books. I'm mindful that there will come a point in the future where I'll need to sell my collection, and if I can make some money, that would be great. Will old comic books continue to increase in price? Who knows for sure, but if I can buy them at a discounted price, that does give me a bit of a buffer while I'm able to enjoy them. Although they were really cheap, I don't expect comic books like the Drag N Wheels or Rin Tin Tin to be very sellable in the future. I'm happy there are more collectors of these books than I thought though!
@raph-retro-comics you are preaching to the choir. My daughter will be the one that profits from my love of this hobby. I buy books that will increase her chances at a better payday but also buy them at the price I feel a given issue is worth adding them to my PC. I got the value out of each issue by simply putting my hands on that and if possible when I read the issue.
Love the channel, your sincerity shines through....
@@derrickfelsen7250 Thank you very much! Appreciate your comment!
Another wonderful episode with some great insight and information. Beautiful comics picked up! Good luck for a successful 2025 collecting year!
Thank you, 2024 has been a great year for comic book collecting! Looking forward to 2025, but maybe my wallet isn't!
Always such a joy to watch your videos. In general, I remain conflicted about collecting ANYTHING (I have collected rare literature for decades, even to the point of collecting books ABOUT collecting books -- oddly, this doesn't seem to be a genre in comic book collecting. I wonder why -- but I have slowed way down recently). For me personally, I can't get over the sense that trying to use nostalgia to ward off the gloomy inevitables is a futile endeavour. BUT, when I do indulge, I can no longer buy anything that isn't at least in VF condition. I'd rather pay a whole lot more for a high grade comic than settle at a cheaper price for a mid grade copy. Also, collectors in cities such as Toronto and New York have a much nicer situation in terms of in-person hunting. As a fellow Canadian, I completely understand why you're avoiding the triple whammy of exchange rate, shipping, and duties! I no longer buy from the US, so that naturally limits the choices, but I will make purchases from Canadian online sellers, and I can usually find something appealing. Anyway, it's a treat to see how much you love collecting comics, even if I can't quite become a full convert! All the best of the holidays to you, and Happy New Year as well.
While I'm still pretty picky about condition, I've learned to accept that for anything pre-1965, if it's solid, and if the price is right, I'll bite. You're right about Toronto being a good spot for buying older comic books, but you still have to be patient to find good deals. I'd love to check out a convention in the US at some point, but the exchange rate these days is nuts!
Thank you, and all the best to you and your family this holiday season! Looking forward to another year of talking about comic books!
I really like seeing the obscure titles and also the Man-Thing ones!
Man-Thing seems to be getting a lot of love these days!! Quite an interesting character with good stories. Not your typical Marvel comic book!
@@raph-retro-comics I’m a Man-Thing and Steve Gerber fan. I think he is one of the most literary characters in that it would be hard to make a Man-Thing movie but the key would be to have a strong supporting cast like Groot had in Guardians of the Galaxy
@Lexy-O Yeah, a movie would be difficult. Maybe a TV series? I did enjoy the Halloween special Marvel did even though he wasn't the main character in it.
What a good looking haul. Love the covers and colors on the Yogi Bear covers. They really stand out. Agreed on organizing your collection. I try and bag, board, and sort has books come in.
Thanks Brian! It can be a bear getting all your books organized, that's what the holidays are for! Have a great holiday season!
@@raph-retro-comics Thanks, you too!
Hi, Raph! Yeah, those FASNTASY MASTERPIECE issues were my first exposure to the Silver Surfer's solo title. I was about 14 when I started buying those. When I got older and actually had some money, I was able to scoop up some of the original Surfer issues. I did get my hands on #15-thru-18, which were never reprinted in Fantasy Masterpieces. Absolutely LOVED that series with the dynamic John Buscema art. I have the Neal Adams B&B issues, but they're all in subpar low-to-mid-grade condition. Still, they're great readers copies. I do have Kirby's DEMON run, most of the issues in very good condition. You mentioned the Silver Age Sub-Mariner run? I'd say the first 54 issues or so are really great! A lot of good art and spectacular covers, exciting stories. I felt that the last 15-20 issues of that Sub-Mariner run dropped way off in quality. Most of my back-issue comic buying these days is done either at sales offering 40% or more off, or on the LAST DAY of conventions when dealers are practically giving away their inventory. Totally agree w/ you on Bronze Age Dr. Strange. In fact, I picked up the trade paperback collection of Frank Brunner's indie title WARP just for his art. I'm jealous that you got the whole run of TOWER OF SHADOWS. NICE catch! Never even knew Marvel published a Wyatt Earp comic! I used to organize my collection alphabetically. But now having surpassed 17,000 comics, I just organize them wherever they fit in now. I do have sort boxes of comix I have yet to read. Excellent video content, sir!
@Deephouse_Gent66 Always a pleasure reading your comments! I always liked looking through the Mighty Marvel Checklist in comic books and one of the titles that mystified me for the longest time was Wyatt Earp. I never came across them in at stores or conventions. The funny thing is, I would find the 1950s Atlas issues before I ever saw the 1970s run. I would eventually find some, but being a grade snob at that time, I would never buy them. Happy to have found a nice run! I should revisit Subby, it's been a long time since I've read any of the issues. I do remember liking the first 10 issues or so, with #8 being one of my favorites. Yeah, those later issues aren't that great. #59 may have a great cover with Thor, but the issue was really disappointing.
@@raph-retro-comics - Totally agree on Sub-Mariner #59!
Great video as always Ralph! Loved to see what you collect I see we have very similar collecting habits. I’m going to do a video similar to this one after watching yours I’m not as articulate as you but I’ll do my best 😂
Thanks! Welcome to content creation! It can be a tough grind, but also very rewarding! Looking forward to checking out your next video!
The audio was muted in the showing of the books! I'll look for those Surfer books!
Agh! I've had a similar comment about audio being muted before. I'm not sure why this occurs. I just use the camera mic, and I wonder if it only captures one channel of the audio. Might have to invest into a mic next year. Thanks for letting me know!
We're the same age at 53. You mentioned one day selling your collection in a comment below. This reality has hit me hard lately and slowed my collecting habits. Good is news is I own MOST of what I truly want and love. But the past 2 years I have really scaled back on buying back issues and for 2025 I have ceased my new comic pulls. I've got my collection down to around 4K from well over 12K pre-pandemic. Giving a lot away to friends in my comic book circle and some friends who run booths at cons.
For a while, I was getting rid of more stuff than getting new stuff, and this was making me happy. This past year has been the opposite though, and it's been a combination of factors, one being this channel, and surprisingly, another being some of my other collector friends who are actively buying again. I realize my current buying is not sustainable though and I'm going to make a better effort to get rid of some books. Giving books away to friends and their kids is a great way - need to get the younger generation reading more comic books!
I put all 20,000 of my Marvel's in chronological reading order so you can read the entire saga start to finish. Putting books in reading order is lots of fun once you get to the point where you start reading them. Organizing comics by publisher is a good start, next you have to determine canon. With Marvel I only have one short box that I don't consider as canon, but as i read more I can make them canon, once you figure out how to put time travel stories and alternate dimensions in reading order.
Very impressive! There are times where I buy a lot of books at once and it becomes a chore to integrate them into the collection. You have to be on top of it all the time!
Good Evening Raph
A Terrific, hugely entertaining show, and well done on the great additions to your collection! I had not realised that all those late 70s reprints were a vessel for the advertising dollar, however they were a great opportunity to read all those great stories, and lets face it the adverising meant very little here in Australia, but off course I stll ran the eye over the ads, and sighed "If only!"
Cheers Al The GoldKeyFourcolorkidownnda
Good morning Al! I realized they also reprinted Subby issues with Tales to Astonish which I thought was an interesting choice. Anything to fill contractual obligations! I hope you're having a great holiday season!
Great Books.......PS : Cheap, uncommon and interesting is my favorite ! :)
Absolutely! The more uncommon, the better! Don't get me wrong, I love Spidey, X-Men, Batman etc., and they are the backbone of this hobby, but there's something magical if you're a long time collector and come across something you don't see very often or for the first time.
@@raph-retro-comics Indeed ! The oddball stuff even when cheap can be once a decade or more discovery out in the wild. It's the magic part of that bin-digging meditation.
Thanks for sharing those comics, haven't seen some of those.
This may sound weird, but after the Strange Tales Annual, my 2nd favorite book from this video might be the Red Circle Sorcery comic. I haven't been actively looking for them until recently and it was nice to find a nice copy for a good price. Thanks for watching!
Great video
Thank you, much appreciated!
Now I need Scooter comics I didn't know I needed, thanks! Great collection of goodies!
It's a tough run to find in nice shape, but rewarding when you do find them!
While not a key issue, that Atom 6 was a GREAT buy. Jealous that you got that. Your thought patterns in buying comics is very similar to mine. Subscribed to you.
Thanks for subbing! The Atom #6 was a lucky find. I really had to do a double take when I found the book - I rarely see earlier 1960s DCs in this nice shape, and at that price point. They may not be the most highly sought after books, but they are tough in grade.
Those surfer books are gorgeous! DC is definitely much more affordable outside of the two major Batman titles. I struggle to find bronze and silver age issues for good prices for my runs 😅 those books are all stunning too for the prices you paid! Great haul!
Thanks! I got pretty lucky on those Surfer issues, especially the #14. I find DCs in nice condition (solid Fine or better) to be harder to come by, but when I do, they're usually very reasonable (except Batman/Detective like you said). I always thought it was strange that collectors don't seem to like World's Finest for some reason, even with Batman.
@ yup I’ve noticed that too. World’s Finest is so cheap in comparison!
Another great video! Those Silver Surfer books have some great John Buscema art in them. I think that run didn’t sell well because it was considered too philosophical by the fans and didn’t have enough action.
A new printing of the Silver Surfer Omnibus is available for pre-order now. Not sure if I’ll order it or wait for it to come to Ollie’s and get it for a lot cheaper.
I haven't read the entire series but the earlier issues are better. Apparently Kirby was not happy about not given the series which may have had a part in him leaving Marvel for DC for a period of time. It would have been interesting to see what Kirby would have done. John Buscema did a fine job though.
I feel that appreciation for the Jack Kirby issues of his Fourth World titles has yet to reach critical mass (other than for a few big issues like The Forever People #1/first full appearance of Darkseid), which is why we can still find high-grade copies for $20 or less. Fandom's ignorance is our win in this case.
I've become more interested in unusual comics over the last decade, such as releases for utilities from the 1950s and 60s informing readers about, for example, the process and benefits of generating electricity, or give-aways from petroleum companies. They often provide insights into society at the time.
I'm a big Gray Morrow fan, the man was a master of not only comic book illustration but also SF and Fantasy paperback covers and he developed into an effective comics writer too. His cover for Red Circle Sorcery #6 (which is what Chilling Adventures In Sorcery was titled after #5) is a high point in covers in from the 70s.
Clive Barker's Hellraiser is horror comics done right; I only need a few to complete my run but I've been after those few for years.
"Master Race" is one of the most powerful stories I've read in a long time and Krigstein's art suits it perfectly.
Another great video, informative and entertaining. Thanks Raph.
It took me a long time to warm up to Kirby's Fourth World titles and appreciate his artwork in the 1970s. His heavier pencils and exaggerated perspectives were a bit too much for me. That being said, one of my earlier comic book memories is reading a friend's copy of Eternals #16, and it drove me crazy for the longest time because it had a cliffhanger ending and it took me years before I ever found and read a copy of #17. Loved that comic book!
I really don't know why comic books are not used more as an educational medium. The historical stigma? It's really unfortunate. I'd love to get a copy of Red Circle Sorcery #6 - the cover is incredibly striking!
great video! do you use mylar on all of your comics?
Anything that I think has a value of $10 or more I'll try to put in a mylar (or if I really like the comic book). I get my bags from Comic Pro Line, which have very affordable mylar bags. For most of my other comic books, I'll use their regular polypro bags. Thanks for watching!
@thanks for the info! love your content , easily my fav channel
You have so many comics I had (back in the day. You're right about Marvel westerns in good shape. I see a lot of Kid Colt and Rawhide Kid and obviously read. The Rin Tin Tin was a pleasant surprise although I don't collect, I do and failing badly collect Sgt Preston (only four). You're more willing to read almost everything while I have downsized quite a bit and - sigh - recollecting (Dr. Strange, Blackhawk (DC) and Defenders for instance. Looking forward to seeing more of your odds and ends.
Blackhawk! That's been a fun series to collect. I don't have many Quality issues, but I'm finding them pretty reasonable in terms of price when I do come across them. I do like picking up odds and ends, the more esoteric, the better!
@@raph-retro-comics Way back in the day I had the entire DC run and well over half of the Quality. Sadly I now have only two Quality issues and about 50 DCs. Over the years I learned when bills became a problem and oyu cash in on your sets WAIT ONE payment and often you'll the bill problem oyu thought you had wasn't so bad. On the other hand getting up there in age (Hint World's Finest Comics 102 was my seven year old introduction to Batman). SO I downsized from 66 long boxes to 17. Regret Dr. Strange loss so been recollecting. I have never parted with Jonah Hex. He'll be the very last to go if it ever comes to that. One last note regarding Balck I recently an English company has been reprinting Quality Blackhawk and Military Comics in softcover. Got four of them from MyComics Shop in Texas last month. Complete issues with ads and print quality if good from PSArtbooks.
@@richardmarvin8787 Wow, 66 boxes to 17! That must have been difficult. There are many books I've parted with over the years that I regret, but there's always new additions that make up for it. It's great that you're back collecting. I've been on and off over the years, but I've really re-embraced the hobby the past few years. Thanks for the heads up on the Blackhawk/Military reprints! More stuff to add to the pile...
@@raph-retro-comics You're welcome. The downsizing came about for a number of reasons. The expense in COMPLETING certain collections. For example, over 60 years I had completed Avengers four times and was working on the fifth. Was down to nine issues and it was cost prohibitive to get (1-6 alone were going to be killers but I did the Masterworks). With Batman the goal was completion of issues starting with my firsts: Batman 125, detective 275 and World's Finest 102 upward. Again the cost of completion especially Batman did not justify the expense. (Bills first then play. Always told my wife I would have more Batman in my collections IF I didn't think house payments was important or I could lose my love of electricity and running water.) The sheer bulk of the boxes became daunting. DC and Marvel's constant relaunches and renumbering was annoying. I found I was only rereading certain titles. I felt the hobby of collecting was controlling me and not the other way around. I parted with Avengers, Batman, Daredevil, Dr. Strange, Phantom Stranger (the second most missed title but I hope to obtain the Omnibus this coming year to replace them) and dozens of other titles. Oddly enough have kept more non-DC and Marvel then those two. I have all the Dc Archives editions except ONE- Wonder Woman Volume 6 nd Avengers in masterworks so I have my childhood issues. Anyway my reply was ling just to share that I will be a collector of some sort but it was time to fade just a bit gracefully away. I have always appreciated your kindness in replying and admire your obvious love for this wonderful hobby.
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@@richardmarvin8787 Interesting you note that Phantom Stranger is your 2nd most missed title. I remember really liking the backup stories in the 1980s Swamp Thing when I first started reading comic books. Even though they don't hold up as well now, I always loved the mystery of the character. I have a number of issues of the 1970s run, but he's quite a different character than the one I'm more familiar with from the 1980s. The covers in that run though, some of the best of that era. Always a pleasure chatting with other collectors!
I'm like you to some extent. Often I buy a certain book because it is just gorgeous even if I do not collect the title.
Yes! I think this past year I've been picking up stuff I'd never consider before. It won't necessarily trigger me to buy more of that particular series, but I'm finding I like having examples from a lot of different areas/genres.
Didn't know that about Marvel reprints; I just figured they were rerunning Gilligan's Island and I Love Lucy for a new generation. Enjoyed seeing my collection's two best books in th same frame: Avs 57, and SS 4. One I got 25 yrs ago, th other I got 25 wks ago. Both were accidents. Is this a great hobby or what?
And thy am coveting thou Wyatt Earps. I'ma start lookin out for those.
Straight from Jim Shooter's mouth, they just printed those reprint titles to meet those advertisement quotas. I think Amazing Adventures that had those X-Men reprints was also another one. They even reused titles to save money! Good luck on those Wyatt Earp issues, that'll be a fun run to track down.
How much do you think those FFs are worth?
Good question! Hard to say going by recent eBay sales. I'd say the #58 is some where between $75-125. The #86 is probably the most valuable, might be north of $150 if I get it graded, but I probably won't (too expensive these days for Canadians). The #84 is somewhere in between. Prices may have settled down a bit after the news of Robert Downey Jr. playing Dr. Doom.
@raph-retro-comics Ok thanks
It kinda sounds like you collect comics that will increase the total value of your collection in the years to come if they are at the right price.
I can't resist a good deal when it comes to old comic books. I'm mindful that there will come a point in the future where I'll need to sell my collection, and if I can make some money, that would be great. Will old comic books continue to increase in price? Who knows for sure, but if I can buy them at a discounted price, that does give me a bit of a buffer while I'm able to enjoy them. Although they were really cheap, I don't expect comic books like the Drag N Wheels or Rin Tin Tin to be very sellable in the future. I'm happy there are more collectors of these books than I thought though!
@raph-retro-comics you are preaching to the choir. My daughter will be the one that profits from my love of this hobby. I buy books that will increase her chances at a better payday but also buy them at the price I feel a given issue is worth adding them to my PC. I got the value out of each issue by simply putting my hands on that and if possible when I read the issue.