tomo

Definitely one of the nicest hardcovers I've seen! Those are a challenge in grade. I wish Marvel had done HCs! The same auction had the Detective Comics HC as well in the same condition, but I was already over my budget. Didn't have the WW one though. I don't think I've ever seen one of those in person. Might have had to make an exception to my budget if they did.

I was at an auction this weekend, and I finally managed to snag the top two items on my Bronze Age wish list! I've had the opportunity to buy each of these in the past, but passed on them due to the condition and the price they were asking. Both of these cost me at (or near) full retail, but it was worth it. I've never before been able to find a Famous First Edition Hardcover that didn't have rips and tape repair on the dust jacket, so even though this one was a little scuffed in spots, it's definitely a keeper. As for the Superman vs. Muhammad Ali, I don't think I've ever come across a nicer copy than this one! The only downside is that the pages aren't bone-white, and are only off-white. Oh well, somehow I'd learn to love it. And come on, look at that pristine cover...how could you not! I also picked up another lot of 11 Superman related treasury editions, and included was the Marvel Treasury #28 featuring Superman and Spider-Man in equally gorgeous condition, if not better (what, with white pages and all). That book alone is probably worth what I paid for the lot in its entirety, and it nicely finished off my other missing Superman treasuries for the collection. All in all, it was a killer auction. I'm just glad I'm not a Batman focused collecter, as I would have ended up in the poor house if I was. The abundance of riches was just mind-boggling...

If only Gabe could figure out a way to monetize this journal, he'd be in the black in no time!

The links above seem to be more a confirmation of the notation in Overstreet, than anything else. Overstreet also lists Superman #30 for 1st flying too, so there goes that argument. I'd love to see the in-story reference to flying for Action Comics #123. Anybody got a reader copy laying around they don't mind cracking open for reference?

Great conversation! As for Action Comics #65 vs. Action Comics #123, that seems like a long time frame between the two issues (October '43 vs. August '48) for there to be much ambiguity. I don't have either of those issues, so I can't be of much help there. I do, however, have an issue of Superman #30...so let me chime in. The pic that Timely posted above is of the opening splash page for this story, and as we all now, they can sometimes exaggerate with their hyping of the following story. Yes, Superman says he's flying, but is he speaking metaphorically? It's not like we see him moving in the air under controlled flight, and he has that classic bent knee pose which conjures up images of jumping more than the straight knees flying pose. I investigated further into the story and Superman can be seen bursting out of a window of a skyscraper to chase after Mr. Mxyzptlk. In the next panel, we can clearly see him adjusting his flight pattern in a zig-zag fashion, which to me confirms controlled flight! Add that to the fact that he actually says he's flying on the opening page, and we have definite confirmation. He still is using the bent leg pose, however, so I wonder what the first use of the straight leg with fully extended arms flight pose is. A subject for another thread, perhaps. Now I don't have a copy of Action Comics #65, which came out a year before Superman #30, so I'll leave it for others to make their claim that this issues features his first flying appearance. The link referenced above doesn't give any proof one way or the other, aside from showing the cover. Granted, Superman is landing on the cover in a way that implies that he was originally flying, rather than jumping. He's also punching an oversized cash register, which in turn knocks out a giant crook, so you can't really argue the merits on of this cover on the laws of physics alone. It would be nice for Superman #30 to be the real issue, as it's also the 1st Mr. Mxyzptlk. Although Mxy first appeared in the newspaper strips, while the Fleischer cartoons appear to be the first actual case of Superman flying. Seems appropriate for these two show up together in the comics for the first time. Do two "kinda" 1st appearances add up for double the significance?!

The Sisterhood of Steel vs. Swords of the Swashbucklers!

Here's one of my favorite Lois/Lana covers to add to the theme. It's funny, as I just always assumed this was a Kurt Schaffenberger cover, as that Lois is a dead ringer for his style. I looked it up, and it turns out it is Curt Swan...but inked by Schaffenberger. Good stuff.

And finally, a nifty UFO cover.

Here's a book I've never seen out in the wild before, so was happy to snag it in any condition for my collection. I'm sure that's due to the try-out 1st appearance of Aquagirl in this issue (with some great Ramona Fradon art), but for me it's all about that great Krypto cover!

...and here are a few more of the books I picked up at the same auction... A timely pick-up with the upcoming release of Batman v Superman later this week. Thought for sure I'd have to pay more for this one than I did. It's truly surprising that the boy dressed in a Superboy costume will one day grow up to be Superman! Good thing he has a time telescope handy to help figure this stuff out.

I was at an auction yesterday that had some ten cent DC's and some early/mid Marvel silver age. The auction house was only half full, as there's a big DC Golden Age auction happening today (as pointed out in the Golden Age forum), so I think more than a few of the local regulars where holding their funds for that auction. Which was good for me, as I finally managed to pick up a copy of World's Finest Comics #100 which has been on my want list for a long time. For some reason, the price/condition/availability sweet-spot has never merged until now. So happy. Aside from being an early anniversary issue, and that great purple cover, this is also technically the 2nd appearance of Brainiac. He's only in one panel, which just recaps his first appearance. Time-wise, this issue lands a little less than a year after AC242, and a little more than a year before SGFLL17.

So I was updating my two display shelves in my office to a Batman v. Superman theme, in anticipation of the upcoming movie, and I was curious what is the earliest cover was that featured Superman and Batman fighting each other. I know there are a multitude of early World's Finest books with them competing against each other, but I'm talking about actual fisticuffs...mano a bato!! The earliest one I could find was World's Finest Comics #95 from August 1958. Here's my well-loved and tattered copy for your enjoyment... Does anybody out there know of any earlier examples?

And let's not forget her boyfriend Comet. These stories can be filed under forbidden romances I guess: I Love Ya But You're Strange - Brian Cronin Supergirl Made Out with Her Horse? - Comic Vine Comet, definitely one of the more wacky and out-there silver age concepts. You think there would have been a more straightforward way to introduce a superhorse...but then it definitely wouldn't have been as fun in hindsight. Anyways, here's my favorite Comet cover. It's got it all...Comet, the fortress, a stern Supergirl, a bewildered Superman, sexist comments!!

I'll bite. It's a little rough around the edges, and probably isn't really sweet, but it presents well. You kiddin' me. That's a darn sweet copy. If you don't like the imperfections, then please sell it to me. Steve Yeah, it's hard to see that 1 1/4" spine split from the scan. But don't you worry, it gets plenty of appreciation in my collection. I'm still always looking for an upgrade, but this one just doesn't pop up too often.

I'll bite. It's a little rough around the edges, and probably isn't really sweet, but it presents well.

...while we are showing off our Titano's, here is mine. I ended up getting a sweet deal on a middle of the night eBay auction a couple of years ago. I love the Wayne Boring art on the Titano story.

For some reason, I just always assumed JLA 21 was the first appearance of the entire Justice Society, and not just Dr. Fate and Hourman. I guess I have to add Flash #129 on to my ever growing stack of books to get one day.

Those are some awesome covers! I love the vacuum tube designed to steal diamond tiaras!! And Black Kitten's expression...that's fantastic! Thanks for sharing.

2nd Phantom Zone! The first appearance of the phantom zone gave us General Zod, while the second gave us Mon-El. I guess it never clicked before how long Mon-El has been around. For some reason my brain wants to put him as a late 60's creation, and not early 60's.

2nd Streaky the Supercat. Still looking for a 2nd Krypto (or 1st, or 3rd...or really any of his first dozen appearances)...although it does appear that this issue is Krypto's 2nd appearance in Action Comics, so I guess that's my consolation prize.

What an awesome cover! Very outside the norm for 1962, or at least that I've seen.

2nd Beast-Boy

So many great covers I'm seeing for the first time!! I collect mostly the Superman titles, with some c and d list DC Silver/Bronze thrown into the mix, so it's a real treat to see some of these under appreciated gems. A couple of thoughts so far... 1) I had no idea that it was almost 10 years between Mr. Freeze appearances! Kinda like Metallo for Superman, who went almost 20 years before being brought back. 2) There are nowhere near enough centaurs showing up on comic book covers these days. Keep 'em coming. I got a few more Superman related ones to add to the mix when I get back to my office tomorrow.

DC's missing the boat on a great merchandising oportunity by not offering a life-size Lady Blackhawk love doll, I mean, er...uh...decoy.

Here's another twofer of an issue. 2nd appearances of both General Zod and Jax-Ur from February 1962. For such an iconic villain in the Superman mythos, General Zod still barely manages to show up in more than a single panel in his 2nd appearance as well.