Month: March 2023

Comic books have been a source of entertainment and inspiration for generations. They feature superheroes, villains, and fantastical worlds that capture the imagination of readers young and old. But for some, reading comic books is not enough – they want to collect them.

Comic book collecting can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it can also be overwhelming for beginners. With so many titles, characters, and editions available, where do you even begin? Here are some tips for those just starting out in the world of comic book collecting.

Start with What You Love

The first step in building a collection is deciding what to collect. It may be tempting to try to collect everything, but that can quickly become expensive and impractical. Instead, focus on what you love.

If you’re a fan of Batman, start by collecting Batman comics. If you prefer indie comics or graphic novels, start there. By focusing on what you love, you’ll not only enjoy your collection more but also have a better understanding of its value.

Know Your Terms

Once you’ve decided what to collect, it’s important to understand the terminology used in the comic book-collecting world. Here are some terms you should know:

• Issue: A single edition of a comic book.
• Title: The name of a particular comic book series.
• Volume: Refers to different runs or series within a title.
• Variant Cover: A special edition cover with unique artwork or design.
• Grading: A system used to determine the condition of a comic book.

Understanding these terms will help you navigate the world of comic book collecting more easily.

Set a Budget

Collecting comic books can quickly become an expensive hobby if you’re not careful. To avoid overspending, set a budget for yourself before starting your collection. Decide how much money you’re willing to spend each month or year on new additions.

It’s also important to remember that older or rare issues may cost more than newer ones. Don’t let FOMO (fear of missing out) push you into buying something outside your budget.

Do Your Research

Before making any purchases, do your research. Look up prices online and check out local comic shops or conventions to see what’s available. Join online communities dedicated to comic book collecting to learn from others’ experiences and get advice on where to find specific issues or editions.

Researching before buying will help ensure that you make informed decisions about which items are worth adding to your collection.

Protect Your Collection

Once you’ve started building your collection, it’s essential to protect it properly. Store your comics in acid-free bags with backing boards and keep them in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight. Displaying them in frames or shadow boxes can also be an attractive way to showcase your favorites while keeping them safe.

Conclusion

Comic book collecting can be an exciting hobby for anyone who loves comics or graphic novels. By following these tips for beginners – focusing on what you love, knowing the terminology used in the industry, setting budgets before purchasing items researching before buying items -you’ll be well on your way towards building an impressive collection that brings joy for years.

For over 80 years, Robin has been a staple character in the world of comic books. As Batman’s loyal sidekick, he has fought alongside the Dark Knight against some of Gotham’s most notorious villains. However, over time, Robin has evolved from just being a sidekick to becoming a hero in his own right.

Robin first appeared in Detective Comics #38 in 1940 as Dick Grayson, a young acrobat who witnessed his parents’ murder and was taken in by Bruce Wayne/Batman as his ward. At the time, Robin was created as a way to attract younger readers to the Batman comics and provide them with a relatable character. He was depicted as being cheerful and optimistic, providing a contrast to Batman’s brooding personality.

Over the years, Robin evolved both in terms of his character development and physical appearance. In 1983, DC Comics introduced Jason Todd as the new Robin after Dick Grayson had moved on to become Nightwing. Unlike Dick Grayson’s lighthearted personality, Jason Todd was more aggressive and impulsive. This change reflected the shift in comic book storytelling towards darker themes.

In 1989, Tim Drake was introduced as the third Robin after Jason Todd’s controversial death at the hands of Joker. Tim Drake brought back some of the lightness that had been missing since Dick Grayson left the role. He also had a background as an amateur detective which made him an asset to Batman.

In 2004, DC Comics published “Batman: War Games,” which saw Stephanie Brown take on the mantle of Robin for a brief period before being fired by Batman for disobeying orders. In 2006, she returned as Spoiler and eventually became Batgirl.

Finally, in 2014 DC Comics introduced Damian Wayne – Bruce Wayne’s son – as the fifth Robin. Damian is depicted as being highly trained but also arrogant and difficult to work with due to his upbringing by assassins.

Throughout all these changes, one thing remains constant: Robin is no longer just a sidekick but has become an important hero in his own right. Whether it be through their combat skills or their detective work or even their leadership qualities; each version of Robin has shown that they are capable of standing on their own two feet without Batman’s assistance.

Over the past eight decades since his creation; we have seen many different versions of Robin grace our pages with differing personalities & skill sets, but one thing remains consistent: he is no longer just Batman’s sidekick but an essential part of Gotham’s superhero roster!

Batman, one of the most iconic superheroes in comic book history, has had countless adventures throughout his long and storied career. From battling the Joker to saving Gotham City from destruction, Batman has become a cultural icon that transcends generations. But with so many stories to choose from, which are the best? Here are five of the very best Batman comic book story arcs of all time.

1. The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller

The Dark Knight Returns is widely regarded as one of the greatest comic book story arcs ever written, and for good reason. This four-issue limited series by Frank Miller tells the story of an aging Bruce Wayne who comes out of retirement to don the cape and cowl once more in order to save Gotham City from a new threat.

2. Year One by Frank Miller

Year One is another classic Batman story arc by Frank Miller that explores the origins of the Caped Crusader. Set during Batman’s first year on the job, this four-issue limited series follows a young Bruce Wayne as he learns what it takes to be a hero in Gotham City.

3. The Killing Joke by Alan Moore

The Killing Joke is a dark and twisted tale that explores the relationship between Batman and his arch-nemesis, the Joker. Written by renowned comics writer Alan Moore, this graphic novel delves into the psyche of both characters and shows just how far each is willing to go in their quest for justice (or chaos).

4. Hush by Jeph Loeb

Hush is a modern classic that pits Batman against some of his greatest foes including Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and Superman himself. Written by Jeph Loeb with art by Jim Lee, this twelve-issue limited series is a thrilling ride from start to finish.

5. Court of Owls by Scott Snyder

Court of Owls is a recent addition to the list but has quickly become one of the most beloved Batman story arcs in recent memory. Written by Scott Snyder with art by Greg Capullo, this twelve-issue limited series introduces readers to a secret society that has been pulling strings in Gotham City for centuries.

These five Batman comic book story arcs are some of the best examples of why Batman remains such an enduring character after all these years. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting into comics for the first time, these stories are sure to thrill and entertain you for years to come.

Comic book crossovers have been a staple of the industry for decades. They allow readers to see their favorite characters team up, fight each other, or explore new worlds. However, not all crossovers are created equal. Some are beloved by fans and become classics, while others are panned and quickly forgotten. Let’s look at some of the best and worst comic book crossovers.

The Good

Marvel vs. DC (1996)

Marvel vs. DC was a crossover event that saw Marvel Comics’ greatest heroes facing off against their DC Comics counterparts. It was a massive undertaking that involved both publishers and resulted in some truly epic battles. Fans were treated to matchups like Spider-Man vs. Superboy, Wolverine vs. Lobo, and Batman vs. Captain America.

What made Marvel vs. DC so great was how it managed to please both Marvel and DC fans alike. Each publisher had its own style and tone, but the crossover managed to blend them seamlessly into one cohesive story.

Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2015)

Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a crossover that sounds like it shouldn’t work but somehow manages to be fantastic. The story sees the turtles transported to Gotham City where they team up with Batman to take down Shredder and Ra’s al Ghul.

What makes this crossover work so well is how it plays on the strengths of both franchises while still feeling fresh and exciting. Seeing the turtles interact with Batman’s rogues gallery is a joy for any fan of either series.

The Bad

Archie Meets Punisher (1994)

Archie Meets Punisher is a crossover that probably should never have happened in the first place. It sees Archie Comics’ wholesome characters meeting Marvel’s violent vigilante in what can only be described as an odd pairing.

The problem with this crossover is that it doesn’t know what it wants to be. It tries to blend Archie’s lighthearted tone with Punisher’s gritty violence, resulting in a confusing mess of a story.

X-Men/Fantastic Four: The 1987 Annuals

The X-Men/Fantastic Four crossover from 1987 has become infamous among comic book fans for all the wrong reasons. The storyline sees the two teams fighting over whether Franklin Richards – son of Reed Richards and Sue Storm – should stay with his parents or join the X-Men.

The problem with this crossover is that it feels forced and contrived from start to finish. There’s no real reason for these two teams to fight each other other than because the writers wanted them to.

The Ugly

Superman/Aliens (1995)

Superman/Aliens is a crossover that had potential but ultimately fell flat due to poor execution. It sees Superman facing off against Xenomorphs from the Alien franchise in what could have been an epic battle.

Unfortunately, what we got instead was a muddled mess of a story that failed to live up to its premise. The art was uninspired, the pacing was slow, and overall it just felt like a missed opportunity.

Punisher/Archie Redux (2018)

Punisher/Archie Redux is another attempt at bringing these two vastly different franchises together – this time almost 25 years after their first encounter – but unfortunately fails just as miserably as before.

The writing is clunky, the jokes fall flat, and overall there’s just no reason for these two characters to be interacting with each other again after all these years.