So happy you talked about this video in last night's Four Color Fossils. If not, I would not have realized that I wasn't subscribed to your channel anymore for some reason. RUclips has done this before, unsubscribing channels.🤬 Anyway, I agree 100% with everything you said here. People who go on and on about keys, hot books, speculations, 9.8 slabs, and how much it's worth, don't make videos out of the love of the comic book medium, it's all about vanity in my humble opinion. Apparently, it is also the best way to rack up subs in the thousands... * * * A lot of those younger guys didn't grow up with comic books, but rather with super-hero movies and tv series. They never experienced the simple joy of sifting through an old wire spinner rack, trying to decide how to spend that hard earned paper route money or that pocket full of dimes and nickels made by selling empty bottles. They never had the joy of looking up and down that rack looking at a selection that included Harvey's colouful Little Dot and friends, Archies and his pals, Charlton multiple romance and western titles, Gold Key's Disneys and Looney Tunes, DC war titles with those dramatic Kubert covers, Marvel monsters anthologies that reprinted 1950's stuff, and yes, lots of super-hero options as well. We didn't know it back then, but we older guys had the privilege to grow up with a comic book culture that had a wide variety of genres, where we ended up picking an issue for the fun and pleasure it would bring us to READ that issue. Not because it was a first appearance of character that might become a "key". * * * I am a huge fan of the underrated Jack Keller! For his westerns of course, his long run on Marvel Kid Colt and hundreds of pages he drew at Charlton. His Hot Rod comics is something I've been meaning to get into fo a while now. They never show up in local stores, so I've been surveilling Ebay to find me a bargain lot.
Ranger Sly! Thank you for coming by. Your kind words are greatly appreciated. I hope to see you again soon on the Four Color Fossils. Take care and stay well my friend. Best/Steve
Here, here, Steve! The points you've articulated are ones that have slowly been taking over in this wonderful hobby. The collecting impetus seems to have changed to one of money-driven desire not the desire to read and enjoy the characters or the stories being told. It truly saddens me. And while I am guilty of using the term 'holy grail' in some videos, for me it just means a book I'd love to have and read NOT because it's a "money book". I share your concerns about what's going on in the comic collecting world and hold out hope for a return to the days of collecting comics for the enjoyment of reading them and not how much they bring to my bank account. Great group of uber-cool comics too, Steverino! Love those Charlton hot rod comics, they don't get the love shown to alot of other comics IMO. Great commentary & video, my friend. Keep the faith, amigo!
Hey Doc. Thank you for stopping by and commenting. I know you and others understand where I am coming from. This of course was not geared towards you and the other folks who get it. I am glad to hear that there are still folks like us still in this crazy hobby for the "right" reasons. I would be thrilled if things would come down to enjoying comics for what they are and not as an investment. Oh, don't wanna get started about using the term "Blue Chip" when it comes to the funny books. Take care and stay well Doc. Best/Steve
Right there with ya, Steve. Everyone is indeed free to do what they want, but it's hard to watch my beloved, life-long hobby being destroyed by speculation. It's been near-destroyed a couple of times in past decades, but we are INDEED on the precipice of destruction of the industry & hobby in 2023. It shatters my soul to witness it....
Wow! Doc, its great to see a comment form you. Wonderful to here from you. Yes, its a sad state of affairs. But, hopefully the things that are great about this hobby will all come out in the wash. The things we love about the hobby and come will hopefully persevere and things will shine once again. Take care my friend and stay well. Best/Steve
" Clowns to the left of me. Jokers to the right . Here I am stuck in the middle with you." I hadn't had the umph to put the work into youtube largely due what you've said. These jokers and clowns are so transparent. I've made a few videos over the last three years giving people a heads up on the ridiculous hype with speculation and keys. A few people contacted me months later to say they were done because of this crap. I'm probably 10 minutes into your video and will finish it later. Overall, what I've watched is on point and we'll said.
HA! A perfect line. Thank you for coming by, Tim. I know you have said this before many years before me about this subject. I know you are fighting the good fight for the hobby. Thank you again for supporting the channel. Take care and stay well my friend. Best/Steve
Your right Steve . The people that are in the hobby just for the money are missing out on so much so many great stories so much great artwork that they never look at inside the books you’re right about that. And I see a lot of videos where someone gets a collection which is great, but then, They say I’m going to send them off to get them slabbed. Those are their books and they can do what they want with them but I think, oh no more books in plastic coffins that will never be read. Thanks buddy for the video. Hope to see you on the fossils.
Jambo! He pal. Good to hear from you as always. Thank you for coming by and the kind words. Yes, so many great books people miss out on because they just want "key" books and forget about the meat of this hobby. As you stated so many great stories and art that is never seen. But, let me slab it and put in on my wall so folks will know that I am hip to the hobby when they see it in the background of my next speculation video. Take care and stay well, Jambo! Best/Steve
Not much longer after the Marvel movies made it big, I identified a big malaise we all suffered from. For many years, we yearned for movies based on our favorite comics, or even any comic. We felt like we needed the movies to validate our interests. But it quickly became clear that we didn't need validation and that whoever ended up liking the movies didn't care about comics as an artform or as a storytelling method. Fine. But some people attached themselves to our hobby, still convinced we were the comic-reading idiots, and thought we could be exploited. And they pushed what they understood, the merchandising, the FunkoPop, the mug, the t-shirt. They spoke of the movies as if they were experts on the comics. Looked up information on Wikipedia and spewed it out speaking of "keys" and "valuable" as if that made them knowledgeable. And other people, who were convinced these superficial items were entry badges, followed them. After all, they knew nothing beyond the movie and the merchandising. That's sort of why I want to show the foreign comics on the Fossils. Comics exist everywhere, many times with other characters, other genres. But they are still stories told with drawings and text inside bound paper volumes. They're comics. But in other countries we don't expect movies to exist, nor do we need the validation. We have the artistic interest, in some cases more so, as I mentioned in the latest Fossils that there's no point in doing a convention if there isn't an art exhibit. So, going back to validation. What validates my hobby are the other people with the same hobby, talking about their favorite comics, why they like them and what they mean to them. Sharing our stories, be it in the Fossils, in the Cavern of Chaos, or watching Comic KkrakK's and LahRasa's roving comics show, or Greyman's shows with Silver Night Kyle, or Metarog's, or Bub's or the world of comics as shown from the perspective other international fans like Earl Grey and For the Love of Comics. The Comic Book Historians and Epic Marvel podcasts. Knowing that there other people out there pushing their knowledge, and it enriches us all.
Great summation Mr. Costa. I am a "fossil" also. Been collecting since 1973 (with some time off for girls, cars, etc. In my teen years). The medium is so much more than movies and merchandising.
I think people can tell the difference between who really loves comics and those who loves attention. That's why I'm here and a subscriber who watches you.
Thank you for stopping by and commenting. Thank you for the kind words. And, while I agree wholeheartedly what you had said. It is unfortunate that the attention seekers set the "tone" so to speak of what the hobby is about. Thank you guys for being here and digging the funny books for the right reasons. Take care and stay well. Best/Steve
Good day. Interesting insight about the fate of Sergeant Rock and Easy Company as stated by Robert Kanigher. This changes how I will read any Sgt. Rock comic book, adding a new layer of enjoyment and thinking to a series I already liked, even when I was a kid. I wonder at what point in the writing did Kanigher arrive at this decision? Or was it already there from the very beginning? Given the ordeals, heroics, and tragedies in the series it should come as no surprise to me that the soldiers would never return home again. I was going to comment extensively about new type of collector, but you, Tim, and Paulo pretty much share many of my thoughts on the matter. I never believed, though, that films would validate a medium that didn't need external validation. A film is judged on its own merits, like a novel, or a comic book. Your insight as to Robert Kanigher/Sgt. Rock is the best example as to what is missing from a growing number of comic book youtuber collectors (and at local comic book shops), who are not interested in the contents or history of comics.
Agreed. I too have changed my outlook now on the doomed fate of Rock and Easy Company when I read their daring exploits. When was the decision made? Good question. Only the Answer Man knows, I guess. Yes, the films made it "kwel" to be a geek and nerd. I loath this. and, like you said validate the medium. I loath that even more. Thank you for your insightful comments. Its always a pleasure reading your comments here and on the FCF show. It's a breath of fresh air. Take care and stay well. Best/Steve
What great points about collecting comics! I totally understand what you are saying Steve! It can definitely be frustrating. If social media didn’t exist it we wouldn’t know about these negative aspects but we also wouldn’t be a community of great folks. I’m not one to generalize but a good portion of RUclipsr comic book channels talk about slabs, spec books, buying up collections, comic book films, key books and value and it can totally make your hard spin. I’m not trying to be the gatekeeper on this hobby but collect what you love and love what you collect as said by Tom Hippiescollectables. By even saying that I can’t tell anybody what and how to collect. I’m just glad to be alive and around this hobby I LOVE! I’ve been into this since the 70’s. I remember hiding my comics in a paper bag so the girl I liked in school wouldn’t laugh at me or the guys wouldn’t pick on me. This was in New York in the hub of the comic business. Spinner racks in most places and few comic shops. You really didn’t see a lot of folks into this. And being a NERD was definitely not nice. Most of us were bullied. So in today’s climate it’s good to see that you no longer have to be concerned with being picked on because a lot of people are interested in the hobby. But unfortunately like with everything you get the good and the bad. It’s not only some RUclipsrs that push this hobby in the wrong direction. You also have Hollywood, some comic dealers, some of the older collectors not just the younger ones, CGC and other slab companies, and in a sense politics. It’s what was frowned upon since it’s hay day and now out in the open because of movies and tv now the cats meow to everyone! And big bucks! It prevents guys like us to complete our runs because everything is so damn expensive, you can’t enjoy a show because it’s so damn crowded. My pet peeve about these shows is they call them comic conventions and there’s very little about comics! It should be called POP CULTURE CONS! You see more FUNKO pops, cosplay and actors and random things than you do with comics. Anyway like you I tune out what I don’t have interest in on the tube. It’s okay to know from a few individuals the news today about comics as it refers to values, movies and a new way of collecting. But when you have an army of folks doing the same thing for clickbait, popularity, stardom, money etc then it gets ridiculous! It strays away from what this is all about the ART and The READING which creates enjoyment. Technology is also to blame as most kids don’t read and care for this the way we do. As much as I love this hobby it’s sad to see less or no kids at comic shops, and toy stores. They all want phones, iPads and video games. They get on tik tok and other platforms and act silly. But enough of my rant as I have plenty more to say..maybe I’ll make a video of my own about this. Thank you Steve for uploading this and my condolences on your loss. Be well my friend.
Lol I'm trying to listen while I work. You're at the part about the term Holy Grail. That one might be my fault. I'm the one that used it on RUclips first lol! BTW, my holy grail book is my Dell Jonny Quest.
A rant after my own Heart . The ONLY defense I will offer for some of these newer "collectors" is that there is so little substance between the covers of most new Comics that who could blame one for not opening them 😁
Hey Eric! Thank you for coming by and commenting. This is so true. There is no substance anymore to most newer comics, so why not just buy it for the cover and throw it in a slab? Its crazy. A snake eating its tail. Take care and stay well. Best/Steve
Its a great day when I hear from the Rowdy Texan! I hope all is well with you. And, your collection is coming along nicely. I hope you would consider make a video or two. Miss seeing your videos and hearing your thoughts on the hobby. Thank you for coming by and the kind words. Take care and stay well. Best/Steve
Excellent points and I wholeheartedly agree with your rant buddy. Hang in there and know there are a bunch of us out here carrying on with this great hobby in a more “traditional “ way. As for the comics you showed, great stuff! I keep wanting to get some of those Charlton hot Rod books but I can only find/buy a reader or two every once in awhile. Those copies you have are sharp!
Hey buddy, thank you for coming by and commenting. Your support and kind words are appreciated. Yes, those Charlton Hot Rod books are tough to find. Romance ones too. I say get 'em while you can. Take care and stay well. Best/Steve
Interesting points and cool comic books as always mate. We never got much Charlton here in the UK but I love my Blue Beetle and am collecting the odd horror title whenever I see them. Enjoy your new stuff mate
Hey Greyman! Great hearing from you as always. I wish you luck with your Blue Beetle collection. The Charlton Horror comics are great. You'll find some duds, but for the most part are great. Especially, the Tom Sutton, Staton, Howard and Ditko stuff. Take care my friend and stay well. Best/Steve
Love the Sgt. Rock books. Thanks for showing. Check out DC Legacies #4 (Variant cover by Joe Kubert). It tells the final story of what happened to Sgt. Rock.
Thank you. Big fan of Rock. I also loved the Unknown Soldier and any Aviator character. Thank you for the info on the final moments of Sgt Rock. Thank you for coming by and commenting. Take care and stay well. Best/Steve
Great rant Steve. You know I like those. Bronze and modern age Gods. Those guys are great. They just talk about comics. My one Grail is Avengers 1 and if I never get it that’s fine. But it’s something to shoot for. You never know. But I have the story in several books like marvel super heroes. Avengers Masterworks etc…. So I am good. I do like some of those other videos. Haul videos. Speculative etc. but your video and others like yours are my favorite. Also say no to FOMO! I do now.
Hey Steve.. First of all, so very sorry to hear of your family’s loss. Sending prayers your way 🙏 And now to your rant .. You hit every single nail on the head brother.. And I talk about this with other friends in our community .. Read your comics! Enjoy them ! Tell us why you have them in your collection! I have a few slabs in my collection but mainly it’s because it was a good deal or I couldn’t find a raw copy at the time. I like opening mine up and sticking my nose in to get that musty smell lol Too much speculation and not enough enjoyment. Fantastic books ! Those Hot Rod and Racing comics are great! Being “ kind of “ a Charlton fan myself I had to get the Companion book and also the Team Up book.. In the middle of re-reading them both. Happy to see you back doing videos my friend!
Hey, Shannon!! Thank you very much. It is appreciated. I realize that we all who know better talk about this all the time. But, when money is concerned about the "side hustles" and flipping comics no one will listen. But, if comics all were worth no more than 5.00 how many would jump ship? A ton of people I am sure. There is so much that people miss from the speculating and slabbing. Its like no one really cares. Oh, well. At least we know the deal. You are Charlton fan? Nah, I never would have known 😉. The Hot Rod books are so much fun. As you know get 'em while you can. They are getting tougher and tougher to find. Thank you for comic by my friend and commenting. Your support is always greatly appreciated. Take care buddy. Best/Steve
I agree with your rant. Ive stopped watching those channels that are noting more, essentially, than "look how much money I spent getting this". One guy bringing in more comics in two weeks than I've amassed in 50 years collecting. I seriously doubt there is true appreciation there.
🤓👍Getting even Steven with those false followers of fandom! I must disagree with Graphic Man ; we are not curators of museum pieces we are comic community tribal elders who speak of legends and stories we nourished on and have been evolving into that identity since childhood. I since I began attending kindergarten prior to Batman's TV debut. We were the childhood water cooler crowd who reflected on recent readings we engaged in and we continued as such to this day. In the 1973 Jack Nicholson film The Last Detail , Jack as a sailor is drinking and conversing with two other sailors in an alley and the subject of comic books comes up and Jack's character recalls his reading of Professor Horton's Human Torch. My attention on older movies perks up when I see comic books added into the scene I try identifying the character (s) or book genre. In the 1953 film Split Second directed by Dick Powell a gangsters henchman is absorbed in his comic book reading of sci-fi stories. I'm so compelled by our hobby that I've always wondered if Beaver Cleaver or Lumpy Rutherford ever got into Marvel Mania ; In a few episodes of the first season Beaver is seen reading a comic book , the cover is generic but you can see a couple of interior pages revealing that it's a Superboy issue he's holding. Lumpy in some episodes mentions going out and buying comic books. Well in 1985 in an October episode of Still The Beaver I get my answer. The Beaver saved his copy of FF #1 and that episode revolves around the importance of FF#1. I am a looong time Namor fan and I ironically got my suggestion actually put on screen with Na'mor appearing in Wakanda Forever. When talk about Namor being brought to the MCU was a topic of discussion and casting suggestions were posted in the comment section I suggested an indigenous actor in the role , of course I was criticized but I made my points why I suggested what I did. Everything stems from growing up comic cultured! Regardless where it was and what condition it was I would grab hold of a newspaper comic section or a comic book to feed my Galactus size appetite of appreciation of the artistic creation(s) , even if said appreciations were in a trash bin or gutter. Sometimes in conversations I would thrown in a comics remembered scenario and disguise it as an actual incident unbeknownst to the party or parties I was engaged with. Yes , Steve we are the tribal elders passing on remembrances verbally sometimes assisted by actual visuals in our reach. 🤓The ventriloquist was testing our imagination to see if we could believe in a vocally created character sight unseen.
All this spec crapola does is make wall books out of dollar bin books. The newbies to this hobby act like every time something happens for the first time is a key book. For that matter, most every book would be a key because I am sure if you look hard enough you can find something in it that you could make a big deal out of. I could care less what "significant event" happens in a comic, I buy them to read and enjoy. I take care of them sure because I want them to last so I can enjoy them not because I look to make a buck. Once I am six feet under my family can do with my books as they please. Until then, I Will enjoy the stories and art regardless of what they are worth. Enjoyed seeing your latest books too. Looking forward to the next video.
Yeah, I just shake my head at the whole direct market versus newsstand version stuff. Same damn book other than the contents of the UPC box on the cover (by the way, why can't they put those UPC boxes on the back cover?) I, too, like the logo to the Hot Rod books. Very catchy. When you think about it, comic book artists and letterers were masters at coming up with logos. In many ways, much better at titles and logos than the graphics artists at much larger companies selling other products.
I used to read all my books but for the past 2 years if I read for more than 10 minutes I get a massive migraine. The one thing I enjoy has been taken away from me. Lately had been buying for the covers but even then it’s not the same. I have slowly started moving my books and searching for a new hobby.
Issue one of Shieldmaster was down by Jesse's father. He reissued it and 2nd Issue is original Jesse Simon art. I have the first original issue that his father published.
I understand where you’re coming from I’m a collector of comics and toys. I collect for the pure joy and I’m always here if you want to have a positive discussion. I’ve been trying to discuss my opinion on the subject but I’ve been unable to find anyone to talk to. I can talk all day about comics and toys. If you’re interested in having a discussion just let me know.
regarding your rant... unfortunately the you tubers you speak of are mainly interested in the industry value of the book... i would prefer to hear what that comic book means to their life etc. i know the industry value already... i'm more interested in personal stories regarding the comic.
I'm of the same mind, Prof! I'm not interested in the monetary value of peoples' comics but the SENTIMENTAL value it has for them. I love the stories behind why someone collected/collects certain books/series/characters and not just cuz they're the trendy things speculators are yakking about. For me, this hobby has been more than just a small part of my life. it's part of the fabric of my personality and my life. It's always been more than a hobby for me and I wouldn't trade any of it for all the slabbed money in the world.
So happy you talked about this video in last night's Four Color Fossils. If not, I would not have realized that I wasn't subscribed to your channel anymore for some reason. RUclips has done this before, unsubscribing channels.🤬 Anyway, I agree 100% with everything you said here. People who go on and on about keys, hot books, speculations, 9.8 slabs, and how much it's worth, don't make videos out of the love of the comic book medium, it's all about vanity in my humble opinion. Apparently, it is also the best way to rack up subs in the thousands... * * * A lot of those younger guys didn't grow up with comic books, but rather with super-hero movies and tv series. They never experienced the simple joy of sifting through an old wire spinner rack, trying to decide how to spend that hard earned paper route money or that pocket full of dimes and nickels made by selling empty bottles. They never had the joy of looking up and down that rack looking at a selection that included Harvey's colouful Little Dot and friends, Archies and his pals, Charlton multiple romance and western titles, Gold Key's Disneys and Looney Tunes, DC war titles with those dramatic Kubert covers, Marvel monsters anthologies that reprinted 1950's stuff, and yes, lots of super-hero options as well. We didn't know it back then, but we older guys had the privilege to grow up with a comic book culture that had a wide variety of genres, where we ended up picking an issue for the fun and pleasure it would bring us to READ that issue. Not because it was a first appearance of character that might become a "key". * * * I am a huge fan of the underrated Jack Keller! For his westerns of course, his long run on Marvel Kid Colt and hundreds of pages he drew at Charlton. His Hot Rod comics is something I've been meaning to get into fo a while now. They never show up in local stores, so I've been surveilling Ebay to find me a bargain lot.
Ranger Sly! Thank you for coming by. Your kind words are greatly appreciated. I hope to see you again soon on the Four Color Fossils. Take care and stay well my friend. Best/Steve
Here, here, Steve! The points you've articulated are ones that have slowly been taking over in this wonderful hobby. The collecting impetus seems to have changed to one of money-driven desire not the desire to read and enjoy the characters or the stories being told. It truly saddens me. And while I am guilty of using the term 'holy grail' in some videos, for me it just means a book I'd love to have and read NOT because it's a "money book". I share your concerns about what's going on in the comic collecting world and hold out hope for a return to the days of collecting comics for the enjoyment of reading them and not how much they bring to my bank account. Great group of uber-cool comics too, Steverino! Love those Charlton hot rod comics, they don't get the love shown to alot of other comics IMO. Great commentary & video, my friend. Keep the faith, amigo!
Hey Doc. Thank you for stopping by and commenting. I know you and others understand where I am coming from. This of course was not geared towards you and the other folks who get it. I am glad to hear that there are still folks like us still in this crazy hobby for the "right" reasons. I would be thrilled if things would come down to enjoying comics for what they are and not as an investment. Oh, don't wanna get started about using the term "Blue Chip" when it comes to the funny books. Take care and stay well Doc. Best/Steve
Right there with ya, Steve. Everyone is indeed free to do what they want, but it's hard to watch my beloved, life-long hobby being destroyed by speculation. It's been near-destroyed a couple of times in past decades, but we are INDEED on the precipice of destruction of the industry & hobby in 2023. It shatters my soul to witness it....
Wow! Doc, its great to see a comment form you. Wonderful to here from you. Yes, its a sad state of affairs. But, hopefully the things that are great about this hobby will all come out in the wash. The things we love about the hobby and come will hopefully persevere and things will shine once again. Take care my friend and stay well. Best/Steve
" Clowns to the left of me. Jokers to the right . Here I am stuck in the middle with you." I hadn't had the umph to put the work into youtube largely due what you've said. These jokers and clowns are so transparent. I've made a few videos over the last three years giving people a heads up on the ridiculous hype with speculation and keys. A few people contacted me months later to say they were done because of this crap. I'm probably 10 minutes into your video and will finish it later. Overall, what I've watched is on point and we'll said.
HA! A perfect line. Thank you for coming by, Tim. I know you have said this before many years before me about this subject. I know you are fighting the good fight for the hobby. Thank you again for supporting the channel. Take care and stay well my friend. Best/Steve
Your right Steve . The people that are in the hobby just for the money are missing out on so much so many great stories so much great artwork that they never look at inside the books you’re right about that. And I see a lot of videos where someone gets a collection which is great, but then, They say I’m going to send them off to get them slabbed. Those are their books and they can do what they want with them but I think, oh no more books in plastic coffins that will never be read. Thanks buddy for the video. Hope to see you on the fossils.
Jambo! He pal. Good to hear from you as always. Thank you for coming by and the kind words. Yes, so many great books people miss out on because they just want "key" books and forget about the meat of this hobby. As you stated so many great stories and art that is never seen. But, let me slab it and put in on my wall so folks will know that I am hip to the hobby when they see it in the background of my next speculation video. Take care and stay well, Jambo! Best/Steve
Not much longer after the Marvel movies made it big, I identified a big malaise we all suffered from. For many years, we yearned for movies based on our favorite comics, or even any comic. We felt like we needed the movies to validate our interests. But it quickly became clear that we didn't need validation and that whoever ended up liking the movies didn't care about comics as an artform or as a storytelling method. Fine. But some people attached themselves to our hobby, still convinced we were the comic-reading idiots, and thought we could be exploited.
And they pushed what they understood, the merchandising, the FunkoPop, the mug, the t-shirt. They spoke of the movies as if they were experts on the comics. Looked up information on Wikipedia and spewed it out speaking of "keys" and "valuable" as if that made them knowledgeable. And other people, who were convinced these superficial items were entry badges, followed them. After all, they knew nothing beyond the movie and the merchandising.
That's sort of why I want to show the foreign comics on the Fossils. Comics exist everywhere, many times with other characters, other genres. But they are still stories told with drawings and text inside bound paper volumes. They're comics. But in other countries we don't expect movies to exist, nor do we need the validation. We have the artistic interest, in some cases more so, as I mentioned in the latest Fossils that there's no point in doing a convention if there isn't an art exhibit.
So, going back to validation. What validates my hobby are the other people with the same hobby, talking about their favorite comics, why they like them and what they mean to them. Sharing our stories, be it in the Fossils, in the Cavern of Chaos, or watching Comic KkrakK's and LahRasa's roving comics show, or Greyman's shows with Silver Night Kyle, or Metarog's, or Bub's or the world of comics as shown from the perspective other international fans like Earl Grey and For the Love of Comics. The Comic Book Historians and Epic Marvel podcasts. Knowing that there other people out there pushing their knowledge, and it enriches us all.
Great summation Mr. Costa. I am a "fossil" also. Been collecting since 1973 (with some time off for girls, cars, etc. In my teen years). The medium is so much more than movies and merchandising.
I think people can tell the difference between who really loves comics and those who loves attention. That's why I'm here and a subscriber who watches you.
Thank you for stopping by and commenting. Thank you for the kind words. And, while I agree wholeheartedly what you had said. It is unfortunate that the attention seekers set the "tone" so to speak of what the hobby is about. Thank you guys for being here and digging the funny books for the right reasons. Take care and stay well. Best/Steve
Good day. Interesting insight about the fate of Sergeant Rock and Easy Company as stated by Robert Kanigher. This changes how I will read any Sgt. Rock comic book, adding a new layer of enjoyment and thinking to a series I already liked, even when I was a kid. I wonder at what point in the writing did Kanigher arrive at this decision? Or was it already there from the very beginning? Given the ordeals, heroics, and tragedies in the series it should come as no surprise to me that the soldiers would never return home again. I was going to comment extensively about new type of collector, but you, Tim, and Paulo pretty much share many of my thoughts on the matter. I never believed, though, that films would validate a medium that didn't need external validation. A film is judged on its own merits, like a novel, or a comic book. Your insight as to Robert Kanigher/Sgt. Rock is the best example as to what is missing from a growing number of comic book youtuber collectors (and at local comic book shops), who are not interested in the contents or history of comics.
Agreed. I too have changed my outlook now on the doomed fate of Rock and Easy Company when I read their daring exploits. When was the decision made? Good question. Only the Answer Man knows, I guess. Yes, the films made it "kwel" to be a geek and nerd. I loath this. and, like you said validate the medium. I loath that even more. Thank you for your insightful comments. Its always a pleasure reading your comments here and on the FCF show. It's a breath of fresh air. Take care and stay well. Best/Steve
Great to see and hear from you again, Steve! Sorry about the loss in your family.
Thank you and thank you for coming by. Thank you for the comments. Take care and stay well. Best/Steve
What great points about collecting comics! I totally understand what you are saying Steve! It can definitely be frustrating. If social media didn’t exist it we wouldn’t know about these negative aspects but we also wouldn’t be a community of great folks. I’m not one to generalize but a good portion of RUclipsr comic book channels talk about slabs, spec books, buying up collections, comic book films, key books and value and it can totally make your hard spin. I’m not trying to be the gatekeeper on this hobby but collect what you love and love what you collect as said by Tom Hippiescollectables. By even saying that I can’t tell anybody what and how to collect. I’m just glad to be alive and around this hobby I LOVE! I’ve been into this since the 70’s. I remember hiding my comics in a paper bag so the girl I liked in school wouldn’t laugh at me or the guys wouldn’t pick on me. This was in New York in the hub of the comic business. Spinner racks in most places and few comic shops. You really didn’t see a lot of folks into this. And being a NERD was definitely not nice. Most of us were bullied. So in today’s climate it’s good to see that you no longer have to be concerned with being picked on because a lot of people are interested in the hobby. But unfortunately like with everything you get the good and the bad. It’s not only some RUclipsrs that push this hobby in the wrong direction. You also have Hollywood, some comic dealers, some of the older collectors not just the younger ones, CGC and other slab companies, and in a sense politics. It’s what was frowned upon since it’s hay day and now out in the open because of movies and tv now the cats meow to everyone! And big bucks! It prevents guys like us to complete our runs because everything is so damn expensive, you can’t enjoy a show because it’s so damn crowded. My pet peeve about these shows is they call them comic conventions and there’s very little about comics! It should be called POP CULTURE CONS! You see more FUNKO pops, cosplay and actors and random things than you do with comics. Anyway like you I tune out what I don’t have interest in on the tube. It’s okay to know from a few individuals the news today about comics as it refers to values, movies and a new way of collecting. But when you have an army of folks doing the same thing for clickbait, popularity, stardom, money etc then it gets ridiculous! It strays away from what this is all about the ART and The READING which creates enjoyment. Technology is also to blame as most kids don’t read and care for this the way we do. As much as I love this hobby it’s sad to see less or no kids at comic shops, and toy stores. They all want phones, iPads and video games. They get on tik tok and other platforms and act silly. But enough of my rant as I have plenty more to say..maybe I’ll make a video of my own about this. Thank you Steve for uploading this and my condolences on your loss. Be well my friend.
Lonely War of Capt. Willy Schultz is a great story. The new edition finishes the story with great art by Wayne Vansant. Well worth picking up.
Agreed! Enjoyed it immensely. Thank you for coming by and commenting. Take care and stay well. Best/Steve
Lol I'm trying to listen while I work. You're at the part about the term Holy Grail. That one might be my fault. I'm the one that used it on RUclips first lol! BTW, my holy grail book is my Dell Jonny Quest.
I was there. “Holy Grail” is Howler. Mine is “Big Boy Books”.
A rant after my own Heart . The ONLY defense I will offer for some of these newer "collectors" is that there is so little substance between the covers of most new Comics that who could blame one for not opening them 😁
Hey Eric! Thank you for coming by and commenting. This is so true. There is no substance anymore to most newer comics, so why not just buy it for the cover and throw it in a slab? Its crazy. A snake eating its tail. Take care and stay well. Best/Steve
It’s hard for me to even make videos anymore. I agree 100%. Nice comics too. Love your Charlton stuff.
Its a great day when I hear from the Rowdy Texan! I hope all is well with you. And, your collection is coming along nicely. I hope you would consider make a video or two. Miss seeing your videos and hearing your thoughts on the hobby. Thank you for coming by and the kind words. Take care and stay well. Best/Steve
Excellent points and I wholeheartedly agree with your rant buddy. Hang in there and know there are a bunch of us out here carrying on with this great hobby in a more “traditional “ way. As for the comics you showed, great stuff! I keep wanting to get some of those Charlton hot Rod books but I can only find/buy a reader or two every once in awhile. Those copies you have are sharp!
Hey buddy, thank you for coming by and commenting. Your support and kind words are appreciated. Yes, those Charlton Hot Rod books are tough to find. Romance ones too. I say get 'em while you can. Take care and stay well. Best/Steve
Kanigher killed Rasy Vo. & Rovk off because he didn't want any other creators altering his characters.
Hahaha I like this guy he gets it..👊🏾
Interesting points and cool comic books as always mate. We never got much Charlton here in the UK but I love my Blue Beetle and am collecting the odd horror title whenever I see them. Enjoy your new stuff mate
Hey Greyman! Great hearing from you as always. I wish you luck with your Blue Beetle collection. The Charlton Horror comics are great. You'll find some duds, but for the most part are great. Especially, the Tom Sutton, Staton, Howard and Ditko stuff. Take care my friend and stay well. Best/Steve
Love the Sgt. Rock books. Thanks for showing. Check out DC Legacies #4 (Variant cover by Joe Kubert). It tells the final story of what happened to Sgt. Rock.
Thank you. Big fan of Rock. I also loved the Unknown Soldier and any Aviator character. Thank you for the info on the final moments of Sgt Rock. Thank you for coming by and commenting. Take care and stay well. Best/Steve
Great rant Steve. You know I like those. Bronze and modern age Gods. Those guys are great. They just talk about comics. My one Grail is Avengers 1 and if I never get it that’s fine. But it’s something to shoot for. You never know. But I have the story in several books like marvel super heroes. Avengers Masterworks etc…. So I am good. I do like some of those other videos. Haul videos. Speculative etc. but your video and others like yours are my favorite. Also say no to FOMO! I do now.
Hey Steve.. First of all, so very sorry to hear of your family’s loss. Sending prayers your way 🙏 And now to your rant .. You hit every single nail on the head brother.. And I talk about this with other friends in our community .. Read your comics! Enjoy them ! Tell us why you have them in your collection! I have a few slabs in my collection but mainly it’s because it was a good deal or I couldn’t find a raw copy at the time. I like opening mine up and sticking my nose in to get that musty smell lol Too much speculation and not enough enjoyment. Fantastic books ! Those Hot Rod and Racing comics are great! Being “ kind of “ a Charlton fan myself I had to get the Companion book and also the Team Up book.. In the middle of re-reading them both. Happy to see you back doing videos my friend!
Hey, Shannon!! Thank you very much. It is appreciated. I realize that we all who know better talk about this all the time. But, when money is concerned about the "side hustles" and flipping comics no one will listen. But, if comics all were worth no more than 5.00 how many would jump ship? A ton of people I am sure. There is so much that people miss from the speculating and slabbing. Its like no one really cares. Oh, well. At least we know the deal. You are Charlton fan? Nah, I never would have known 😉. The Hot Rod books are so much fun. As you know get 'em while you can. They are getting tougher and tougher to find. Thank you for comic by my friend and commenting. Your support is always greatly appreciated. Take care buddy. Best/Steve
Sing it, brother!!
I agree with your rant. Ive stopped watching those channels that are noting more, essentially, than "look how much money I spent getting this". One guy bringing in more comics in two weeks than I've amassed in 50 years collecting. I seriously doubt there is true appreciation there.
Love Joe Staton...his work on DC's Huntress was alright but I love the Charlton Eman...his best work to my eyes
🤓👍Getting even Steven with those false followers of fandom! I must disagree with Graphic Man ; we are not curators of museum pieces we are comic community tribal elders who speak of legends and stories we nourished on and have been evolving into that identity since childhood. I since I began attending kindergarten prior to Batman's TV debut. We were the childhood water cooler crowd who reflected on recent readings we engaged in and we continued as such to this day. In the 1973 Jack Nicholson film The Last Detail , Jack as a sailor is drinking and conversing with two other sailors in an alley and the subject of comic books comes up and Jack's character recalls his reading of Professor Horton's Human Torch. My attention on older movies perks up when I see comic books added into the scene I try identifying the character (s) or book genre. In the 1953 film Split Second directed by Dick Powell a gangsters henchman is absorbed in his comic book reading of sci-fi stories. I'm so compelled by our hobby that I've always wondered if Beaver Cleaver or Lumpy Rutherford ever got into Marvel Mania ; In a few episodes of the first season Beaver is seen reading a comic book , the cover is generic but you can see a couple of interior pages revealing that it's a Superboy issue he's holding. Lumpy in some episodes mentions going out and buying comic books. Well in 1985 in an October episode of Still The Beaver I get my answer. The Beaver saved his copy of FF #1 and that episode revolves around the importance of FF#1. I am a looong time Namor fan and I ironically got my suggestion actually put on screen with Na'mor appearing in Wakanda Forever. When talk about Namor being brought to the MCU was a topic of discussion and casting suggestions were posted in the comment section I suggested an indigenous actor in the role , of course I was criticized but I made my points why I suggested what I did. Everything stems from growing up comic cultured! Regardless where it was and what condition it was I would grab hold of a newspaper comic section or a comic book to feed my Galactus size appetite of appreciation of the artistic creation(s) , even if said appreciations were in a trash bin or gutter. Sometimes in conversations I would thrown in a comics remembered scenario and disguise it as an actual incident unbeknownst to the party or parties I was engaged with. Yes , Steve we are the tribal elders passing on remembrances verbally sometimes assisted by actual visuals in our reach. 🤓The ventriloquist was testing our imagination to see if we could believe in a vocally created character sight unseen.
Well said.
Me and my buddies traded books. X-men, Daredevil, Fantastic Four and Hulk. On occasion a DC war title or Charlton.
I didn't know you needed that Out of Wrst. I traded my 2nd copy away. I'll be looking out for another for you.
All this spec crapola does is make wall books out of dollar bin books. The newbies to this hobby act like every time something happens for the first time is a key book. For that matter, most every book would be a key because I am sure if you look hard enough you can find something in it that you could make a big deal out of. I could care less what "significant event" happens in a comic, I buy them to read and enjoy. I take care of them sure because I want them to last so I can enjoy them not because I look to make a buck. Once I am six feet under my family can do with my books as they please. Until then, I Will enjoy the stories and art regardless of what they are worth. Enjoyed seeing your latest books too. Looking forward to the next video.
Yeah, I just shake my head at the whole direct market versus newsstand version stuff. Same damn book other than the contents of the UPC box on the cover (by the way, why can't they put those UPC boxes on the back cover?) I, too, like the logo to the Hot Rod books. Very catchy. When you think about it, comic book artists and letterers were masters at coming up with logos. In many ways, much better at titles and logos than the graphics artists at much larger companies selling other products.
I used to read all my books but for the past 2 years if I read for more than 10 minutes I get a massive migraine. The one thing I enjoy has been taken away from me. Lately had been buying for the covers but even then it’s not the same. I have slowly started moving my books and searching for a new hobby.
Keys aren't as exciting. We've seen them a thousand times.
Issue one of Shieldmaster was down by Jesse's father. He reissued it and 2nd Issue is original Jesse Simon art. I have the first original issue that his father published.
I understand where you’re coming from I’m a collector of comics and toys. I collect for the pure joy and I’m always here if you want to have a positive discussion. I’ve been trying to discuss my opinion on the subject but I’ve been unable to find anyone to talk to. I can talk all day about comics and toys. If you’re interested in having a discussion just let me know.
i don't bring anything to the table. but readers copies are fine by me
regarding your rant... unfortunately the you tubers you speak of are mainly interested in the industry value of the book... i would prefer to hear what that comic book means to their life etc. i know the industry value already... i'm more interested in personal stories regarding the comic.
I'm of the same mind, Prof! I'm not interested in the monetary value of peoples' comics but the SENTIMENTAL value it has for them. I love the stories behind why someone collected/collects certain books/series/characters and not just cuz they're the trendy things speculators are yakking about. For me, this hobby has been more than just a small part of my life. it's part of the fabric of my personality and my life. It's always been more than a hobby for me and I wouldn't trade any of it for all the slabbed money in the world.
💯 Rob!!