Saturday, December 31, 2011

Remembering

     As the year ends and we look ahead to new things, especially in the world of comics, we should look back a moment to think of those who have left us.
 
     Joe Simon, who co-created Captain America, Boy Commandoes and so many others, is finally re-united with his partner, Jack Kirby, who passed away in 1994.

     Jerry Robinson, one of the early "ghosts" of Bob Kane on Batman, is now one himself.

     Gene Colan, a dear friend of mine, who used a pencil to create worlds of shadow and light, now stands once more beside his wife Adrienne, in a land of light, able to use eternity as his sketchpad.

     Eduardo Barreto, who drew for DC and was the artist on the Judge Parker comic strip, now stands beside a higher Judge than any other.

     Just a creative way to honor those who have passed and to relay my thoughts that...creations live forever, it's too bad that creators can't also.

     But we all have creative thoughts, even if many of us never write or draw comics.  So adopt AND hug a comic today.  Then don't forget to hug those who like them, read them or produce them as well as yourself.  After all, we're all worthy of happiness and love.

PS: Please don't drink and read a comic at the same time.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Christmas Eve

     Both Marvel and DC comics used to tell wonderful and endearing Christmas and holiday stories each year and they were among some of the best comic book stories ever.  But why not keep that level of storytelling year round?  Why not take the "holi-" part of holiday stories out of the phrase and tell good stories filled with great characters and art year round?

     And in real life you could do the same.  Take the "holi-" out of the word holiday and insert" good.  Then everyday would be a good day.  The spirit of the holidays would be year round on a day-to-day basis, and every one of the days would be great...for everyone.

     Everyone please take care, enjoy the good day that is starting in a few hours and have fun,,,and don't forget to adopt a comic.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Just a Few Days Left

     Christmas is almost here as commented on in the title.  Last time out I talked about what to get for your loved ones who love comics.  Now I've got to remind you about storage and protection.  Make sure you have the right size acid free boxes and bags and boards for your four-color babies.  You can find these supplies and more at...

Sports and More- (the "more" part is of course, comics) ask for Matt

Comic Heaven- ask for Kurt, Sean or Jim

Comics and Friends- (in the mall) ask for Joe or John

     I'm not saying any of the three stores are better than the other, I'm just suggesting these three since they are all within easy driving distance of the News-Herald and I've had enjoyable experiences in all of them.  Plus all three staffs are knowledgeable and helpful.  I'm not in the employment of any of them so this is not a commercial, just passing some info along to help your Christmas shopping needs.

PS: I talked to my Dad tonight for over an hour.  Guess what we talked about?  That's right...comics, so remember, comics: don't get me started, because I'll carry on half the night.

Take care and don't forget to adopt a comic.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Almost That Time

     Hey, has anybody noticed the shopping days are dwindling before Christmas?  I have and I'm burning up my credit card at the 3 or 4 local comic shops for my friends.  Here's a few tips for you and your comic loving loved ones.

     1) Trades- Collected paperbacks are the way to go.  All of the storyline and none of the headaches (over missed parts).

     2) Single special issues- Most of the stores have at least a few old, rare under the glass golden or silver age comics.  Just one of these babies would certainly make a comic lover happy.

     3) Comic strips- These too are now being collected.  Peanuts and Dick Tracy are two of the longest running.  I'm buying those as well as Johnny Hazard, Rip Kirby, The Heart of Juliet Jones and Buz Sawyer.  A couple of years worth of dailies and Sundays all in one book.  Great!

     I'll be back in a day or so to expand this list.  Good shopping!

     Don't forget to adopt a comic today.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Buying Collections and More Birthdays

     As I write this, late Thursday, the 8th, I wish to tell everyone it's my late dog's (Ripley) birthday or would have been as she would have hit the big 19 years old.  I still miss her to this day.

     I recently bought a beat up collection of comics.  I've already given tips to all of you on the subject of sorting your own comics.  Now I want to say a few things about buying them.  First, make mental lists in your head (if you're familiar with the price of comics) of how much the collection is worth and divide by how much you're willing to spend or how much the seller is willing to take.  There's nothing wrong with a little bartering.  Then pick out the best conditioned ones for your maximum profit, dumping the "beaters' in a bulk re-sale.  But for Pete's sake, don't forget to pick out ones for your own collection if you need them!

     More on this subject as well as what I've been buying and what you can buy that comic fanatic in your family next time out.

PS: Jerry Robinson, one of the earliest ghost art assistants to Bob Kane died today.  Although there was some controversy on the subject that Kane (co-creator of Batman) disagreed with, Jerry has always stated that he was the creator or co-creator of Robin and the Joker.  Maybe I'll get back to this one after the holdays, after all...Comics: don't get me started!

     Don't forget to adopt a comic today.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

New Stuff & Family Birthday

     Hey, guess what!  The other day was my Dad's 83rd birthday.  The two of us talked on the phone for over an hour...about comics.  That's right and he's the one that brought it up.  He always wants comic reprint volumes and strip reprints fron when he was a kid and due to the trend lately, many companies are complying with his wishes.  Heck, I've got over a hundred reprint volumes myself.

     That was the birthday stuff now on to the new stuff.  I bought a small collection of old beat up comics the other day and although I've recently talked about sorting your personal collection, next time out, I'll give tips on sorting the books you buy for resale.  See you soon.

     Take care and adopt a comic today.