the authority

I’m going to be discussing some Michael Turner DC books later. I’d suggest buying any of them. He is extremely stylistic. He may not be everyone’s favorite but he has a pretty huge following. So this is Witchblade #1. Not the 1st appearance of Witchblade but the biggest book I can think of in what I think of as Image’s 2nd wave. This was a wall book for the 1st year or two after it came out. Definitely makes me think of visiting my buddies at the comic shop. I own 0 copies of this book but I’m going to get it again in the near future. Rating raw NM = 5 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 5 out of 10

Next up is Hulk #449, featuring the 1st appearance of the Thunderbolts. The team is a great and the Deodato ( love his stuff ) cover is super sharp. Everyone knows who these guys are now. When they 1st arrived on the scene, I doubt that any of us thought they’d have over a hundred issue run in their own series. Really nice book. I own 1 NM- copy rating raw NM = 7 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 7 out of 10

Next in line is another personal favorite. Batgirl #12. This is a regular cover not a variant. Artgerm did the artwork and he made it as beautiful as can be while capturing the brutality involved in being a ground level hero in Batman’s world. DC needs to figure out how to get get Batgirl into movies. I’ve been a fan of the character since Yvonne Craig played the role in the old Batman TV show. I’ve liked every version in between. I own 2 NM copies. I sold 2 CGC 9.8. rating raw NM = 8 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 8 out of 10 if this were a limited variant, it would be a 10 based on the cover alone in my opinion.

Not exactly high dollar stuff but X-men #25 and Wolverine #75 go hand in hand. I remember reading these the day they came out and being somewhat shocked at what happens. Wolverine always has been toughest of the tough guys and this proves it. The hologram covers were pretty cool and some collectors search out certain color holograms and pay premiums for them. These are cheap but an important part of Marvel’s rich history. I own several of both and highly recommend them to any Wolverine and/or X-men fan. ratings for both raw NM = 4 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 5 out of 10

Star Wars Darth Vader #3 is the 1st appearance of Dr. Aphra. Talk about potential. She literally has it all. This book has a variant that is just scorching hot and later prints that are gorgeous. She has her own series that seemingly goes unnoticed despite having Ashley Witter covers. She also has 2 or 3 action figures. All of this without ever hitting the big screen. That’s why I’m in on this one. i own 2 CGC 9.8 and sold 3 more of them. I also own at least 2 NM copies raw. rating raw NM = 7 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 8 out of 10

Speaking of Monstress, let’s talk about issue #1. It’s a good read with great art. That covers every issue in the series so far. It doesn’t look or feel like anything else on the shelves. Its a tough book in CGC 9.8. Its thick and the paper its printed on is pretty unforgiving when it comes to tics. This is a great book to own. If Disney somehow got their hands on it, it would become unaffordable but that is very unlikely. Still, someone might and who knows where it would go from there ? It’s worth buying if nothing outside of comics ever becomes of it. High quality storytelling. I own 2 NM copies of #1 and another set of #1 through #10. I’ve sold3 CGC 9.8. Wish I still had one of those. Rating raw NM = 6 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 8 out of 10

Next up, Southern Bastards #1 and #4. So I and a whole lot of other people got a little overzealous about Image books that came out between 2012 and 2014. Every book was potentially the NBT. Looking back, I ended up buying some books strictly for resale and not because I wanted them for my PC. There were a few like Saga, East of West, Monstress, and this series that will always be a much loved part of my PC. Jasons Aaron and Latour were perfect in every possible way. From the gritty and purposeful storytelling to the dingy, dirty, and red tinted art, this series was amazing. It’ll make you a little angry when you read it. To me, there is no comic better suited to cross over into a TV series than this one. The story centers around a very small group of people in a couple of small towns. It has near endless potential to expand from there. Ive lived in towns as small as a population of 40 or so people and lived in cities like Houston that seem endless. They all are both beautiful and maybe a little dangerous. Southern Bastards captures the dangerous and skips the pretty side of the Deep South. issue #1 is where it all begins. There a a lot of variants on this one. The primary cover really stands out to me though there are variants worth owning. Issue #4 has two important events that take place so I think unlike most independent books where only #1 is the book to own, this one is nearly as important. I own more than 10 issues of both books including some in CGC 9.8. I’m buying when people price them too cheap. rating #1 raw NM = 5 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 6 out of 10 #4 raw NM = 4 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 4 out of 10

Next up, 100 Bullets #1. Brian Azzarello is hit and miss with me. I’m not a huge fan of of his Superman or Batman books. I’m a die hard fan of 100 Bullets. He and Russo absolutely nailed it with one. What a great idea for a story and even though it’s been around forever, I don’t want to spoil it for new readers. This would make a wonderful TV series. I own 1 NM copy raw NM = 7 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 8 out of 10

Next is Gotham City Sirens #1. A teamup of Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and Harley Quinn. In addition to that, I’m throwing in Harley Quinn #3 ( the best cover ) and Detective Comics #850 ( 1st time as a group ? ) For me it’s simple. Gorman City sirens #1 is the book to own. Others think differently and that’s why I’ve thrown in the other two books. Everyone has an opinion on these. The Hotman Coty Sirens has a variant cover that is the ultimate book to have of all of these. I own 1 of each in NM ratings GCS # 1 raw NM = 7 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 8 out of 10 HQ #3 and DC #850 raw NM =6 out of 10 CGC 9.8 =6 out of 10

Next up we have Adam Legend of the Blue Marvel #1 though #5. He has appeared in the Mighty Avengers and probably the most superpowerwd Ultimates ever written. This series had pretty low distribution numbers which doesn’t hurt its long term potential. Issue #1 is the book to own but #2 through #5 aren’t exactly easy finds. I like them all. I sold my only #1 and wish I hadn’t already. I own 1 each of #2-#4 and 3 copies in #5. All in roughly NM- ratings #1 raw NM = 7 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 8 out of 10 #2 - #4 raw NM = 4 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 4 out of 10 #5 raw NM =5 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 5 out of 10

@Broke as a Joke pointed out that CGC designates Divergence FCBD #1 as the Origin and 1st full Grail. That makes this book something to seek out and you might find it in the dollar bins. A nice find if you do. Very inexpensive spec book. I own 2 NM+ copies of this book. raw NM = 5 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 5 out of 10

@RockMyAmadeus pointed out that The Sensational She Hulk #34 is also a nice addition and I agree. The Demi Moore Vanity Fair homage was a neat idea. John Byrne had a fun run on her book and really broke down the 4th wall with her books. A lot of people seem to think that started with Deadpool but Byrne spoke directly to us through her on a regular basis if I recall correctly. By the way, I’m not saying the 4th wall thing started with She Hulk because I don’t remember where it started. I do remember liking it when a writer acknowledged the audience. I own 1 copy in probably VF/NM of this book. Ratings raw NM = 5 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 5 out of 10

@Lazyboy Thanks. You’re correct that the real Domino does appear in this book in a flashback. I’m adding it here. We comic guys have lots of quirks. Different types of appearances are accepted as THE one to have in your PC. I still believe that #11 is THE book that most collectors have accepted as the book to own but that could also be due to the early Deadpool cover too. Issue #8 isn’t overly expensive and for that reason, you can’t really go wrong here in my opinion. I have lots of these copies in everything from VF up. rating raw NM = 4 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 5 out of 10 ( one of these sold for $50 recently. Hard to go wrong here.

I’ll add that one too, thanks 🙏

That’s probably it for tonight unless someone else wants to get a book or 100 in here 😊

Next up is Batman #1 New 52. This was kind of a big deal when it came out and probably will always be a significant standout in DC history. The 2nd #1 Batman issue...ever. With writing by Snyder and Capullo handling the art. This was an exceptionally well received comic. It was overly expensive for a while until Rebirth hit the shelves. It dropped in price but appears to me as if it is on the way back up. It can’t hurt to own a copy. I own 1 NM copy...and it doesn’t hurt to have it 😝 raw NM = 6 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 7 out of 10

Couldn’t wait until tomorrow. Next is Amazing Spider-Man #361. This is as probably everyone knows, NOT the 1st appearance of Carnage. There is #344 which is the 1st Cletus Kasady and #360 which is the 1st cameo of Carnage. Or is it #359 ? Still, this is THE Carnage book to own. Not every book needs to be movie or TV driven. This character is wicked. Scarier than Venom by a longshot. This is probably as sure of a bet as any modern villain and almost any modern character. I have 1 VF/NM copy. I’m probably going to break down and buy a CGC copy during the next big lull in the market. Usually in the winter but this book is sturdy even in down times. rating raw NM = 8 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 9 out of 10

I’m going to get on some of the higher dollar books tomorrow. Right now, I want to talk about Sin City A Dame to Kill For #1 through #6. The 1st appearance of Sin City is pre-modern by eBay standards and that’s what I’m using as a starting point. So this series used to be moderately expensive. I thought it was one of the best series of..well, ever. Frank Miller is a legend. I know not everyone likes his style of art or writing but a lot of us think he is super special. I’m not suggesting that you buy individual issues of this or other Sin Coty minis. I am suggesting that these are currently ridiculously cheap. A set recently sold on eBay for 99 cents. Hahahaha. On the high side, they mofht sell for $2 per book. Again, too cheap. Buy now while you can steal them. This is easy spec in my opinion.

The next isn’t so much a book but a lot of them. JSA Alex Ross covers are pretty amazing. I have too many to mention. Some might think these don’t belong on this thread. Yep hey are gold to me. I regularly find them in the $1-$2 range. They’re getting a little tougher to find in really nice shape. I’d strongly suggest adding them to your collection if you have the space. No rating. Too many to choose from and I’m not suggesting slabbing them...but I might do that myself. My favorites are the Superman, Shazam/Captain Marvel, and Mr. Terrific covers. Have fun finding these 😆

So the next one is still a little controversial but the majority of people seem to have accepted X-Force #11 as the 1st appearance of the REAL Domino. I love the colors of the cover. It reminds me of an old school book. Red, yellow, and blue stand out. She is hear for the long haul at 20 years, some mini series, and a movie star. Definitely a nice, and fairly inexpensive, book to buy. I have a small stack of these in the NM range and maybe 1 or 2 in the NM/M range. I believe in the book but bought them for less that they bring today. rating raw NM = 6 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 6 out of 10

It is a beauty 😊

Thanks for sharing. Had no idea. Still love this book but I’ll make the appropriate changes in my write up. 👍 what are your thoughts on those other books ?

Next up, Deadpool #1 from his first ongoing series. This series kind of sets up who Deadpool ultimately becomes and has the personality to go with it. Must have...except I sold mine...again. Big deal book that I’ll own...one more time 🤔😜 Rating raw NM = 8 out of 10 CGC NM = 9 out of 10

How about Deadpool #54 and #55 ? This is where a very funny badass meets a badass with absolutely no sense of humor. 😆 I love the contrast in the characters and in the art on each cover. These aren’t cheap so they might have slower growth than some other stuff we’ve discussed but they will always be in demand. Great comics. I have 1 each NM. ratings for both raw NM = 6 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 7 out of 10

This is a great book. Not expensive but maybe one day. Action Comics. Sandman #8 will always be the book to own for Death. That doesn’t mean it’s the only one worth buying. This is one really great looking cover. Edit. @darkstar pointed out other appearances of Death prior to this in the DCU. So I knocked the rating down 1 point. I still think it’s worth owning for the cover alone. It’s a pretty popular book at any rate. I own 1 NM copy. rating Raw NM = 5 out of 10 CGC 9.8 = 5 out of 10