Adventures in Comics: Surprises, Welcome and Unwelcome...

 

Redartz:  Are you one of those people who enjoy surprises? I am. That is, I enjoy good surprises. Unpleasant surprises I can do without. And of course, life is full of both kinds. So it only goes to follow that the activity of collecting (comics, or whatever) can also throw us an unexpected curve now and then. Therein lies our topic for discussion!

In the course of my comics collecting career, I've experienced quite a few surprises of both the welcome and the unwelcome varieties. What might those have been, you may ask? Well, pull up a seat; here's a tale of each to get things going;  starting with the unpleasant surprise (it's always good to end on a positive note).  

This past weekend my wife and I had the great pleasure of attending a big flea market; something which has been largely impossible for the last year and a half. It was a pretty good market, with loads of comics for sale (as well as many other items of interest). My purchases for the day included several vintage books, indulging my current trend of hunting Really Old books (the most recently published book I chose was from 1962). One of them was a copy of Pep Comics #109, from 1955. One dealer had a long box full of miscellaneous books, at five dollars each. The book was obviously worn, and had a torn place on the cover where the image was gone. That said, it was 'good enough' in appearance for a book of such age, it looked fun, and was only about as much as a new comic these days anyway. So I grabbed it. 

 

 

Fast forward to the return home. Opened up my new acquisitions to leaf through and assess them. It quickly became apparent that this "Pep" comic was a bit thin. Did a page count, and a bit of research; discovered that the multi-page "Katy Keene" story by Bill Woggon wasn't there. At least four totally missing pages, including what would have been a highlight to the issue. "Rats" was my immediate reaction; but also a bit of rueful amusement. I'd forgotten the cardinal rule to buying back issues: look through the book before buying. Ah well, it still had some fun stories in it, and it now becomes potential fodder for a 'cut and paste' project.

 

 

 

 

 

Ah, but what about a more pleasant surprise? This story also starts at a flea market (how would I ever manage a collection without those wonderful things?). Several years ago I was wandering on a Sunday morning, looking over booth after booth of goods. Happened upon a table loaded down with boxes of comics, literally hundreds and hundreds. Not bagged and boarded, just loose books in long boxes at 50 cents a shot. As you would expect, I pored each box, and ended up with about a dozen books selected. Nothing earth-shaking, but some fun items and some good reading. One of the books was a copy of DC's "Secret Origins" #6 from 1986: it had the origins of Halo (who, at the time, I was unfamiliar with) and of the Golden Age Batman. The Batman story was by Roy Thomas, with art by Marshall Rogers and Terry Austin (which is precisely why I chose that book). I paid for the comics and continued on to other tables. 

A few days later, I finally got around to opening up that "Secret Origins" issue to read. First up was the Batman story, which was predictably great. But upon turning the page to the beginning of the Halo story, I was met by a signature at the bottom of the page. It seems that the artist, one Dick Giordano, had signed this book! Obviously from the era when creators signed inside the book, rather than on the cover. As a big fan of Mr. Giordano, it was most definitely a Pleasant Surprise! 

 Soooooooo, you know what's coming next. What 'surprises' have greeted you upon purchasing some collectible, be it comic, lp or whatever?  Hopefully yours were more of the good variety than otherwise, but regardless, now you get to share them with BitBA assembled. And always remember to check out those interiors before paying...

 

Adventures in Comics: A Virtual Flea Market Excursion!

Redartz:  Hello all; glad you could make it. Today we're doing something a little bit different. Many times, in the course of our dialogues, I've noted a fondness for visiting flea markets. That hasn't changed with the pandemic; since some have opened up (with social distancing and masks required), my wife and I have toured several. Now probably most of you have experienced a flea market or two. But for the benefit of those who may not have been 'flea-ing', and for those who have but miss the fun do to pandemic restrictions, we present a 'virtual flea market'. More accurately, you get a play-by-play with scenes from today's market visit. Everyone masked up? Okay, let's see what we can find. 

As we enter the place, we take a brief look around to get the lay of the place. For indoor markets, we usually go down each aisle checking out both sides at once. This is a fairly good-sized building, and features a cafe in the back ( unfortunately we already ate). 

Incidentally,  as we go through we will skip over many booths; those offering 'new' items, discount tables, clothing and the like. Also it's advisable not to buy groceries at flea markets (at least, we never do). We are looking for collectibles, music, antiques, pop culture items; and , well, anything unusual. The first thing that grabs our notice is a booth with some superhero figures and other miscellaneous toys. The Iron Man is pretty cool, but I'm not really looking for figures today, so it's a pass. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We go on a little way and find a dealer with a bunch of books. Among them is a shelf of vintage Dr. Suess hardbacks; just like the ones I (and probably many of you ) learned to read with. In particular, that "Dr. Suess' ABC's" was one of my childhood favorites. A sentimental temptation, but not today. We move on...

 

 

 

A few booths later, we encounter a table with numerous Star Wars memorabilia. Figures older and newer, some books, posters, and miscellany. Probably would catch the eye of some among us!

 

 

 

 

A bit further, as we round the end of the aisle and start back in the other direction, we come to a booth with a wide variety of glassware. The Coke glasses get my notice, especially the nice holiday-themed ones on the right. On another shelf is a line of Mason jars; a very common antique in the US Midwest (countless families used them for home canning and preserves).

 

 

 

About halfway down the aisle is a big booth with loads of vinyl lp's! We always go through such stacks, as we have a couple family members who are big vinyl collectors. Also, I've been known to pick up the occasional album to convert on my computer, if the price is right. Most flea markets have LOADS of vinyl available, albeit much of it pretty worn. Today however, I find one to take home. Yes, the first purchase: a nice copy of John Barry's soundtrack to "From Russia With Love". And yes, the price is indeed right.

 

We find another interesting LP, this one of the inauguration of President Richard Nixon. Not sure why someone would want

a recording of an inauguration anyway, but it's a notable bit of history. A good example of  "you never know what you might find'..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We move on. On the next aisle one single booth has a couple things that draw us in. One is an attractive old bicycle; a bit beat up but still pretty nice. Sharp color, too. And right behind it is a basket full to overflowing with dolls. One of which, from it's appearance , is none to happy about being there...

 

 

 

Turning another corner and starting down the right side, we see one of those "never seen one of these before" things. Our family closely followed all the Apollo space missions, and had plenty of moon memorabilia. Yet we never had a Command Module Cookie Jar! Any of you ever see one of these?

 

 

 

After a few more unremarkable dealers and craft tables, we arrive at a booth selling cds, dvds and vcr tapes. As with vinyl, I'm always on the lookout for cd's of interest. Both of these were considered: Julee Cruise singing for Angelo Badalamente (from Twin Peaks), and Meco (of 'disco Star Wars' fame) doing an instrumental collage album. The Julie Cruise disc becomes the second item in our purchase cart.

 

 

A brief observation at this point: it's a bit disappointing that we've so far seen no comic books whatsoever. However, we do find some toilet tissue...

 

 

 

 

 

Well, we're nearing the end of the flea market. One more aisle to go, and here's a promising booth with lots of paper memorabila. First we notice this; anyone else remember S&H Green Stamps?

And did you folks in the UK ever have anything of the sort: trading stamps; given away at grocery stores 'back in the old days'. You'd save the stamps in a booklet until you accumulated enough to trade them in for a toaster or some such prize. My Mom had a drawer full of these things.

And as we turn around, we finally find a few stacks of comic books! My patient wife goes on ahead to look while I rifle through the boxes. Most of them very recent stock, and little of interest to this collector.

 

 

However, one book is worth a look (a look, not a purchase). "Zody the Mod Rob"? Man, you just had to love the 60's!

And with that booth, we come to the conclusion of our flea market. Up to the counter we go, coughing up the funds for the pair of musical items we chose. Then it's back out to the car, and finally off with the mask. Hope you found this 'visit' a bit amusing. Even on those occasions when we don't actually buy anything, we find these flea markets fun to walk through. Sort of like a mini-museum. Any thoughts on anything we've seen today? Any comments on markets you've been to, and oddities you've found? Share on...

Adventures in Comics: Pandemic Edition, or How I Spent My Quarantine...

Redartz: Greetings to one and all. Strange and uncertain times find us 'hunkering down', rabidly following news updates, and facing challenges physical, financial and psychological. And all of us, globally, are in this boat together. My story- laid off work for the duration, and engaging in the 'treasure hunt' of finding grocery staples. Case study: it took six stores over three days, but I finally scored a package of toilet tissue. Proof that it is possible...

But seriously folks, I'm feeling fine. And that's a blessing, during such a period of upheaval. Which leads to the topic of discussion: finding some positives among the negatives. 

Many of the things we share interest in here can be considered diversions. Reading comics and books, watching films and tv; listening to music: all these are great ways to take your mind off the world for a bit. Like many of you, I'm going to have quite a bit of extra time available for awhile. Time spent at home, as travel is  currently discouraged. And while I'll be tackling some neglected  household tasks, I'll definitely be spending some time with the above-mentioned diversions.

Specifically:  there are several tpb collections collecting dust on a shelf that I'll be tackling. Avengers by Stern/Buscema; DC Showcase edition of Brave and the Bold. Might return to Y: the Last Man.

As for video: will be binging on Amazon Prime's "Hunters". "Lost in Space" on Netflix. Aaaand, probably do some Jonny Quest episodes, just for fun.

Music: you folks have put many great suggestions out there in recent posts, which I'll be investigating. That, and sorting through the rest of the cd collection I bought last month.

 
So, for those among you who also will be spending some quality time at home over the days and weeks to come- how shall you occupy yourself? Share, and maybe you'll give the rest of us some more ideas.

And most certainly, be safe, be well, and take care of each other. 

Adventures in Comics: The Things I Didn't Buy...

Redartz:  One thing every collector (of comics, ballcards, antiques, or whatever) loves to do is talk about the finds they have made, the purchases they have indulged in while on the hunt. We here have certainly done so, on several occasions. Well today, we'll talk about things we saw but chose to pass on. 

Anyone familiar with us here at BitBA knows I love  a good flea market excursion. Like an Indiana Jones treasure expedition, but without the snakes and gunfire. You truly never know what you'll see at these events. Many things you'd love to take home, others you wouldn't be caught dead with. Here are a few things that caught my attention recently:

 Love this Archies LP; but condition of the vinyl was a factor in passing it up. Nonetheless, I was tempted to buy it just for the cover. Had to photograph it, at the very least...

 Not really sure what this is, or why Santa is standing still for it. But after being somewhat creeped out by it, I had to get a shot of it. Although I wouldn't put this pink...whatever...in my living room, the Blackhawk poster behind it might be a different matter.

 Speaking of movie posters, this one is great. Very odd; perhaps if I'd had some of that Fabulous Treasure I would have been able to take this one home....

 


 Werewolf delivery man? I don't know, but this 6 foot tall nightmare totally dominated this corner of the room he dwelt in. I'll be seeing him in my nightmares from now until doomsday.

 












 Another stop by a vinyl lp booth, rifling through the covers revealed this toothsome group. Hootenany, anyone?






  Fear not; the flea market trip wasn't a washout at all. I took home several nice CD's, and a small stack of comics, including a cool 1961 Strange Tales (rough shape, but a fun pre-Marvel monster cover). But sometimes there's fun in what you skip. Have you any tales of oddities found 'on the hunt'?
bbb

Adventures in Comics: A Gathering of Friends, Second Edition!

Redartz:  Greetings, gang! We interrupt our usual "Follow the Leader" today with a story about a great weekend. Last weekend was "C2E2" in Chicago; a comics/pop culture convention of fairly impressive size (no Comic Con San Diego, but pretty big for mid-America). And in a follow-up to the event two years ago, this year's con proved an opportunity for several of us to meet in person. So here's the story of the day. And what's more, you'll get some story from Charlie and Colin as well... Oh, and before we go any further, have you seen Doug's post from last week over at "Black, White and Bronze"? If not, be sure to check out his excellent coverage of the day. It's not a "Super Blog Team-Up", bur we could consider it a "Bronze Blog Two-in-One".

Anyway, at C2E2 in 2017, four of us familiar to regular followers of this column met up and had a great time : Doug, half of the dynamic duo who brought us "Bronze Age Babies", Charlie Horse 47, one of our most frequent commenters, and Martinex 1 and I (your humble hosts here).  That day went so well, we hoped to do a repeat at some point. It took two years, but last weekend that repeat came to pass; but with an exciting bonus: the surpise addition of Colin Bray, who travelled all the way across that big Atlantic pond to meet us and enjoy the show! And regarding Colin's visit, thanks to Charlie for prompting the original suggestion, and for hosting Colin while guiding him through the wonders that are Chicago.

For me the weekend's adventures began shakily Saturday. I had a fair bit of traveling distance (not near what Colin had, but still a pretty good drive); and had planned to stay overnight with my son and complete the journey Sunday morning. When that plan unexpectedly fell apart, Doug was kind enough to offer a spare bedroom; so the day was saved. With the added pleasure of an evening of rich conversation , courtesy of Doug and his gracious wife.

That spirited conversation continued Sunday morning, as Doug and  I made our way to McCormick Place, the convention venue (stopping for a delicous, and amazingly speedy, breakfast). The hall was gigantic. And the crowds? Massive; the place was packed. But impressively, upon opening the officials funneled that crowd inside pretty efficiently. The lines moved quickly. More about lines coming up...

Shortly after we entered the Convention floor, Marti, Charlie and Colin arrived. 

Redartz, Doug, Colin, Martinex and Charlie

Introductions were made, hands clasped, t-shirts compared, and we began by heading for "Artist's alley". C2E2 featured a very impressive lineup of Bronze age comics talent; the first we visited was Joe Staton. 

Joe was quite friendly, and had some nice prints available (one of which Doug took home; an

enviable purchase). Staton also had copies of "Dick Tracy Meets the Spirit" available- he has been drawing the strip for some time, and this comic collected a very cool story arc wherein Tracy teams up with Will Eisner's famous detective. We talked briefly about his stint at First Comics, and then he signed my autograph mat...

 

This mat, by the way, has been picking up creator signatures since Louisville Con last year. Upon filling it, a collage of appropriate comic art will fill the center, and then it'll hang proudly upon my wall. So each new autograph makes it even more meaningful.

 










Soon we moved on to Archie artist  Dan Parent's booth. After picking up another signature, the five of us split up to wander the convention a bit. I added autographs and visits with Kevin Nowlan, Marv Wolfman, and Michael Golden. The only disappointment of the day came upon trying to see George Perez: the line was a 3 1/2 hour wait; more time than I could devote to one pursuit in an already full day. 

Next up was a tour of the dealer's area. There were loads of booths hawking figurines, Funko's, cosplay materials, books, gaming, and much more. As for comics, there were probable about 20 dealers, including a few biggies: Metropolis Comics, Harley Yee, Torpedo. Doug picked up a nice stack of TPB's, I'm still trying to get through the stack from the last show. So I picked out a small stack of 'floppies', a few miscellaneous comics of interest. 

The biggie was Archie Annual 12: for some time I've wanted to acquire a comic that appeared on the newsstands during the month I was born. With that book, mission accomplished. A book as old as I am, and almost as wrinkly!

Of course wandering the convention floor meant encountering many fine examples of cosplay. Here's a few great examples:

During the course of the day, the five of us met up a couple times in the upstairs snack bar area and enjoyed some great conversations. This was the high point of my day, a chance to visit at length with a group of rarely seen but deeply valued friends. The discussions were rich and wide ranging, but understandably centered on comics and our mutual love for the medium, And fortunately, nobody came and shooed us off considering we had only purchased a couple of cold drinks!




 













All told, the day went much too fast. I could easily have spent hours more just talking with the gang. Indeed, it was a rewarding day for all; to the extent that we are already making plans for a third meeting. Personally, I can't wait.  

And now, a word from a couple of the other participants:

Charlie Horse 47-

The highlight was having Colin fly in from the UKI  

The second highlight was the four of us rallying again after two years!  Lightening can strike twice!  That Colin was there was all the better.

The third highlight was the passion for original art you shared with me.  I have merely grazed the surface to this passion and hobby!

I did enjoy talking to Joe Stanton.  In particular b/c he is doing Dick Tracy for Tribune Syndicate and just a few days before we were able to get the previous artist Jim Brozman to draw Colin a picture of Dick.  Here's a link to the video...

 IMG_1278.MOV

I was happy to get two autographed Dick Tracy comics from him (for a nominal contribution to the Heroes for Comics fund).

Oddly, I bought a relatively new trade, (new for all us old timers) regarding Bucky's return.  I think it was called Winter Soldier?  I was quite surprised that all of us had read that since, in general, we haven't been reading comics since 1990s? 

And I did enjoy getting within a few feet of David Tennant with Doug.  But, while all of you seemed to know him from Dr. Who I only know him from the UK series Broadchurch, in which one of the stars was Jodie Whitaker.  Coincidentally, Jodie is the new Dr. Who.  Charlie thinks she makes a fine Dr. Who b/c she is quite pretty and able to look very serious without looking intelligent at the same time, and thus not intimidating Charlie!  

It also interests me that we are interested in art more than comics.  Well, suffice to say that we've all more/less read everything from the Bronze Age that we intend to read (or at least have it sitting in a stack to be read, lol) so we aren't likely to acquire the comics again?

Lastly, as Red, et al. have mentioned, it was a great time having Colin with us and we look forward to a repeat in 2021.  That we were able to make that connection would only have been possible with the internet.  So, chalk one up for the Net!  Might I add that we consider going on Saturday in the midst of the mayhem???

Colin- I spent the Con wandering randomly through the aisles reminding myself constantly 'hey I'm at C2E2! In Chicago! Chicago!'

Beyond the overall sensory experience, meeting Charlie and Marti and Red and Doug kind of WAS the Con. It was so good to meet up and share the common language of comics and friendship. And middle-age.

OK, let's be frank - it felt good to share the common language of middle-aged comics friendship. ;)

But if you force my arm behind my back I would say that seeing five copies of Amazing Fantasy #15 all in a row was a highlight. Also the conversation with artist Eddie Campbell, who has redrawn and colorised 'From Hell' - one of my favorite graphic novels. The newly serialised version looks sweet with his subtle color tints.

Thank you friends for making this Brit feel very welcome, not just at the Con but in your country. The Internet can indeed be a force for good!