"Emerald City ComiCon 2015"

         Yesterday, I attended this year's Emerald City ComiCon with the usual intent of making contacts for selling my classic comic book collection, but I was also there for autographs, shopping, and all-around fun!

         I had hoped to get the autograph of the great Stan (The Man) Lee, but there was just too many fans ahead of me during both signing sessions. I did get the privilege of getting the signatures of 2 great TV actors---Jewel Staite ("Firefly"; "Stargate Atlantis"; "The Killing; and more); and John Wesley Shipp ("The Flash-classic & current versions; and more). Both were very gracious and genuine with their fans (neither of them were conceited or aloof). Special Note: Although I wasn't able to get his autograph, I was very impressed with Anthony Daniels (C3PO, of "Star Wars" fame) Those lined up for his autograph line were treated to his warmth and humor, as he got up from his chair to personally greet them and shake their hands.

      I also had the privilege of getting signatures of some excellent comic book artists while I was there, including---Bruce Timm ("Batman: The Animated Series"); Humberto Ramos ("Superior Spider-Man", "Amazing Spider-Man"); and Dan Parent ("Archie"). Note: Dan was very pleasant to chat briefly with.

     Of course while I was there, I had to spend some money on collectibles!!! I hit my annual rare DVD stand "Media Collectibles", and purchased 3 of them. As usual, I found several fantastic graphic novels & trade paperbacks (at bargain prices, of course) to purchase, from various high-quality vendors.

    All-in-all, another spectacular, eventful experience!!!

"Leonard Nimoy Tribute"

This is just a short tribute to the late Leonard Nimoy. This past month, we lost a fine actor, director, writer,singer, poet and humanitarian (among other titles).

           His biggest acting legacy will always be his iconic role as "Mr.Spock" in 3 seasons of Star Trek; 8 Star Trek movies (2 of which he directed!); and a 2-part episode of Star Trek, The Next Generation. Spock has also been immortalized in comic books, magazines, novels, toys, posters and so much more!

           Other notable roles in the Sci Fi / Fantasy / Adventure realm have included---"Mission Impossible"(TV); "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (Movie, 1978 version); and "Fringe" (TV). Leonard was the narrator of "In Search Of", during the 70's. His rich, unique voice made him ideal for the job.

           Leonard also proved he could direct a comedy with the 'hit' " 3 Men and a Baby" (1987), and drama with "The Good Mother" (1988).

          R.I.P. Leonard! Your presence will be missed and not forgotten!

"Confessions of a Graphic Novel / Trade Paperback Junkie!!!"

I have not actively collected regular comic books for several decades; in fact I've been gradually selling off my classic collection of 50's, 60's & 70's comics (mostly DC & Marvel). Apparently, I still haven't totally gotten over the enjoyment I had reading and collecting them, but now it has channeled into a more expensive (but very related) hobby: Graphic Novels & Trade Paperbacks!!!

        It started out innocently enough. I found out where I could get 3 inexpensive paperback volumes of my favorite artist's (Neal Adams) classic stories of my favorite superhero (Batman), so I purchased them. My research for this blog also opened up my curiosity for some of the more modern Batman masterworks by writers and artists like--- Frank Miller; Jim Lee; Scott Snyder / Greg Cappulo; Jeph Loeb / Tim Sale; Grant Morrison; Tony S. Daniel; and so many more. I found reasonable prices on them at my local bookstore or on-line, so I began to acquire some of them.
       I then began to find classic Spider-Man (another favorite) books such as---"Death of the Stacys"; "The Original Clone Saga" "The Wedding"; "Kraven's Last Hunt"; and "Spider-Man Blue". I also found the modern "Superior Spider-Man" (Doc Ock as Peter Parker / Spider-Man, by mind-swap) intriguing and fun to read!

     If that wasn't bad enough; I discovered the "Marvel Essentials" books, featuring B&W reprints of classic Stan Lee masterworks, such as---Fantastic Four (Jack Kirby art); Spider-Man (John Romita Sr.art); Iron Man (Gene Colan art); The Avengers (Don Heck art); and others! I also began to acquire some of DC's counterpart B&W reprint books, "Showcase Presents---", featuring 60's & 70's classics like---Batman; Green Lantern; Hawkman; JLA; and others. These books struck a nostalgic cord, because I used to own many of the original comics that these are reprinted here.

   I also hunt for rare graphic novels, TPB's & some hardbacks in collector's shops and used book stores. I've found some real treasures, such as "Sword of the Atom" (pictured above, top); "Ultimate Spider-Man: The Death of Spider-Man"; "Watchmen"; "Captain America: The Winter Soldier"; and many others (all at very reasonable prices).

   I'm still collecting occasional graphic novel / TPB treasures. Hey, I'm the first to admit that I'm a total addict, but I'm having a blast!!! Come join the fun!