Comic Book Collection News and Updates

The purpose of this new blog is to bring you news, updates and opinions on all fascinating aspects of the comic book collecting and comic reading world. I want this blog to be a place where you will be proud to bookmark and come back too for great comic book information. My hope is to also have you leave your comments and opinions for others to read. In general, I will be bringing you:

• Places to purchase comic books


• Where to find pricing and comic book grading resources


• Occasional product reviews


• Comments on comic book cataloging software


• My opinion on comic book related topics that strikes my fancy


• A place for you to leave your topical comments

This blog will be a place for anything and everything comic book related. It will be like a mini forum where you can leave me comments and questions on my opinions (if you think I am full of crap, I would like to hear about that also). I do hope you enjoy, and come back often.

April 4, 2006 17:33 - A Comic Book Superheroes Contest has been Created

Several weeks ago, I discovered that the Sci Fi Channel (part of the NBC family of networks), in conjunction with Stan Lee, have created a reality series superhero contest. My first thought was how could I tie this great concept in with my comic book site.

I decided to write a press release and post it on a site called Prweb. Oops, big mistake. I received a call from an NBC attorney kindly asking me to remove my press release. Apparently with the press release format and what was written, it looked like I was connected with the Sci Fi channel.

I sure didn't want this and it scared hell out of me that a big shot network lawyer called me. Well I immediately removed my press release from Prweb. Whew, luckily I didn't hear from the lawyer again.

Well anyway, literally as I type this up, the Sci Fi channel has opened up casting calls for interested would-be superheroes. They are looking for 11 finalists to start a 6-episode reality TV series to eventually define the final winner. The winning contestant will have their particular character immortalized in a new comic book series created by Stan Lee himself and also will be cast in a new Sci Fi movie. At least with this blog entry, I can still let you know about the contest and not be chastised by a corporate lawyer (ha ha). To find out more about the contest you can go to the Sci Fi website and check it out. Enjoy.

April 7, 2006 07:48 - A Word on Comic Book Cataloging Software

Well, I don't know if you are into keeping track of all your comic books in some kind of coherent fashion or not. But it does help you keep organized. If you have the time and energy, you can always set up an Excel spreadsheet to do this. If you have lots of comics, this can be rather time consuming. Of course, anything you use will be time consuming starting out if your comic book collection is rather large.

There are also sites on the Web where you can catalog your collection free or for a small fee. But then your collection resides in Either Space and not on your hard drive. I will be researching some available sites like this and reporting here at my blog in the future. I have found one rather amazing piece of software that is quite helpful. I am still learning the ins and outs of the software and still have 100s of comics to catalog yet. But so far, I have found it to be one of the better pieces of software for this kind of operation.

It is rather spendy though, but anything worth its salt isn't necessarily going to be free. The basic version is $150.00 or the advanced version is $300.00. I found the basic version to be quite suitable for my needs. The advanced version mainly has many more cover images loaded into it. Oh yeah, the name. It is called Comic Base 10. Many of you may have heard about it already.

The software is delivered on a CD by mail or you might find it at your local comic book shop. That is where I purchased mine (got a $15.00 discount). The guy at the shop couldn't say enough good about it and he had his own copy at home. So I let him twist my arm and I purchased the CD.

My next post will go into a little detail about the software, but in the meantime, cruise around my site a little and see what you think.

Dave

April 10, 2006 10:48 - Comic Basic 10 Cataloging Software

Today I thought I would touch on a few particulars about the Comic Base cataloging software. Once you have it installed on your hard drive, the basic version has somewhere in the neighborhood of 23,000 titles and 250,000 separate comics listed in the database. This makes it extremely easy to search on each individual comic book you have that you want to mark off. Just a few clicks of the mouse and your particular magazine is logged in. You just keep going through like this until you have all your comics cataloged.

Now if you have a bunch, this can still take a while. And if you have a comic book that is not in the database, you can add it in. Extremely helpful. There is also a drop down window where you can check a few boxes on your comic's physical condition and you can get a grade on it that will stay stored in the database until you change it.

This grade will also be used when the software determines the estimated value of your book. Now Comic Base uses the Comics Buyer's Guide for their pricing estimates. Many individuals use Overstreet, but the Buyer's guide is also considered a very reputable source. Of course, you may have a different opinion on this.

There are also many comic book cover images loaded into the software. This appears to be the main difference between the basic version and the advanced version. The advanced has around 50,000 more images loaded into it. Oh, and there are various reports and labels that can be printed out also. And I believe the initial purchase comes with a year's worth of updates as they add to the database.

This description is just a smattering of what comes with the software. If you really want some good cataloging software and are willing to spend a couple of bucks (well, maybe a little more), Comic Base 10 could be the ticket for you. And as Jay pointed out in the comments section on the last post, if you are military, you can get a 50% discount. You can check it out further if you want at www.comicbase.com. I may have to call these guys one of these days and see if they have an affiliate program where I and/or others can make a few bucks in commission for giving a good recommend. Just a thought. Until next time.

Dave

April 12, 2006 07:34 - Another Comic Book Contest

Well, it looks like there is another talent search afoot in the comic book world. I picked up on a little tidbit the other day at the comic book section of About.com (I subscribe to their newsletter).

It seems Viper Comics is holding a talent search. They are looking for new talent to add to their company. According to the company website, "Viper Comics will be accepting submissions for a 5-page short story in the noir, crime, or horror genre until April 28, 2006." They want the work that will be submitted fully complete (although this could be subject to interpretation), and in color to be accepted. The winner will be used as a back-up story for an upcoming miniseries project entitled, "A Dummy's Guide To Danger." The winner will be announced May 1st. Better hurry, the deadline is nearing.

Apparently, they will have other contests or talent searches in the future though. If you happen to be an aspiring comic book creator, you may be able to get a foothold here. It bares checking out. For more info, check out Viper Comics Forum.

Dave

April 13, 2006 12:40 - An On Site Comic Book Cataloging System

My good email bud, Jay (who is also very knowledgeable about comic book supplies), has sent me a link to an on line comic book cataloging system. I researched it a little this morning. Looks pretty interesting. You need to sign up for an account before you can start logging your comic book collection in, but it appears to be free. Keep in mind though, that there are ads and promotions on the site. This is part of how the webmasters can afford you a free collection database.

Here are some statements from their "about us" page:

"After years of attempts to organize our personal collection of comic books we have finally come up with the perfect solution. onPHILE. This service will assist those people out there who want to get their collections organized.

Imagine keeping all of the information regarding your comic book collection in one common location. A location, we might add, that you can access from any computer connected to the internet. Anywhere.

The next time you start rummaging through your comic books looking for that one issue you want to read but you're not sure which of the 7 boxes it's in.

You're best friend away at college calls you up and says he thinks he just found that one special issue you have been looking for but you only have a couple of minutes to find out the answer.

Or you're at a comic book shop miles away from your collection and you THINK you have just found one of the issues you have been looking for.

Just think... Keep Your Collection onPHILE!"

This site looks like it would bare more research on your part for a good on line cataloging site for your collections. I haven't signed up for an account yet, but then I have the Comic Base software on my hard drive for my cataloging purposes. The site is located at Comic Book Collection Cataloging. Check it out and if you have any comments, feel free to add them here. Thanks.

Dave

April 15, 2006 11:48 - Graphic Novels are Increasing in Popularity

Graphic Novels are a phenomenon I have only recently become interested in. They have gained much popularity in recent years. I ran across this story this morning and wanted to share it with you:

Comic Books Grow Up
By: Nick Lewis, The Calgary Herald

"Sales of the graphic novel, once the shy and quiet cousin of the comic book, have soared past comic book sales to become a full-blown literary phenomenon. With film adaptations of V for Vendetta, Sin City, A History of Violence and American Splendor big on the cultural radar, sales of the source material have been soaring.

The novels are also increasingly being recognized as serious literature, not just fodder for Hollywood movies.

Graphic novels were a $75-million U.S. industry in 2001; they more than tripled to $245 million last year. "They've risen dramatically to the point where they've doubled our comic book sales," says Martin Rouse, owner of Phoenix Comics in Calgary. "And I don't see that changing; if anything, it'll get higher." Unlike a comic book, which, like a soap opera, carries its story line through several issues, a graphic novel is a standalone story in comic book style -- hence the term "novel."

Which is why fans such as Calgarian Erin Collins, who estimates he spent nearly $10,000 on comics and graphic novels in the '80s..." Read the complete graphic novel article here.

If you happen to be one who is into the graphic novel culture, I hope this story entertained and/or informed you. A while back I did purchase the Sin City DVD and two of the novels. As much as I hate to admit it, I did enjoy the DVD. It makes me wonder how many more graphic novel renditions will hit the silver screen in coming months and years. Any opinions?

Dave

April 17, 2006 07:54 - Are you a Dark Horse & Comic-Con Fan?

Boy, contests abound these days in the comic book world. Are you planning on going to Comic-Con in San Diego this year? How who you like to do it for free?? Dark Horse Comics is now sponsoring a contest to get you there free. Here is a little blurb from their website:

"Dark Horse Comics announces the 2006 Comic-Con International: San Diego Contest, designed to bring a Dark Horse fan to the largest comics convention in North America, July 20-23 at the San Diego Convention Center. Comic-Con International is the largest gathering of comic book publishers, creators, and professionals of any event of its kind in the world. The convention also features several other aspects of pop culture, including film and television screenings, and autograph sessions with media stars."

Grand Prize (1): - Roundtrip airfare for two. - Lodging for three days and two nights (July 21-23). - $500 in spending money. - 2 passes to the convention (July 21-23). - "VIP" pass to all Dark Horse Comics-related events.

Sounds like a great way to get to the largest yearly comic book convention that I can think of. You have to register though, and hopefully beat the competition. You may have a snowball's chance, but hey it only takes a minute to register. You can buzz over to Dark Horse Comics and throw your hat in the ring. And if you are the big winner, come on back here and boast your success in the comments section.

Dave

April 19, 2006 08:38 - What do Wings and Spider-Man 3 have in Common?

Well, I for one can't wait for the next Hollywood installment of the Spider-Man saga. Looks like we are going to have to wait for about a year though. I have a slot waiting for the DVD in my comic book superheroes shelf.

Looks like Lowell, the goofy airplane mechanic from "Wings" will bring his special talents to Spider-Man. Here are some interesting tidbits from insomniacmania.com:

"Empire Online wrote an article concerning some comments Thomas Haden Church made about his role as Sandman in the upcoming "Spider-Man 3". He revealed the following about filming so far:

"Sam Raimi and I started having really involved sessions about who the guy was. Clearly, it's taken from the fourth issue of Spider-Man, which was when Sandman was introduced and which I now have framed on my wall. I'm overwhelmed every time I'm around Sam. He's been showing me stuff since the beginning of last summer. This is what we are going to be doing in this sequence, this is what Spider-Man is going to be doing and this is what Venom is going to be doing."

This report is most interesting because its our first official confirmation that Venom will be appearing in the movie, plus if we all go and look at the fourth issue of Spiderman, we may find out what Sandman gets up to in this movie too."

Anyone have any ideas on who will be slotted for the Venom character? Look toward the sitcom "That 70s Show". At least, that is what I heard. Check here for more scoop on Spider-Man 3.

Dave

April 21, 2006 09:06 - New Comic Book Search Site, Wow, Fantastic

Well, well, well. I was just contacted by an individual who is starting a new comic book search site. It looks very interesting and most informative.

Here is an insert from his home page:

"ComicSeeker.com is the Internet Comic Book Search Engine.

Whether you are searching for modern comics or vintage golden age, silver age or bronze age comics, ComicSeeker.com is your one-stop site to search the Internet's most popular comic book dealers.

To find Spider-Man, Superman, Batman, X-Men, Fantastic Four, Flash or any other comic, type in the comic title and comic book issue number to find the comic you are looking for."

I have just taken a quick look so far, but this comic book search engine site will most definitely consume some of my surf time. I suggest you spend some time here also and let him and I know what you think. I will, most probably add a link to his site on one of my other site pages, when I best determine where it will go.

I am looking forward to cutting some time loose and surfing Comic Seeker some more.

Dave

April 24, 2006 06:55 - Product Placement in Comic Books; Good or Bad?

It sure looks like a lot of our comic books are going to enter the field of big time product placement or shall we say, big bucks advertising. Here is an exert from an article I just ran across:

"Look -- Up in the Sky! Product Placement!

By BRIAN STEINBERG

Superheroes like Superman and Spider-Man can save mankind from natural disasters, space aliens and evil mutants. But there's one thing they are powerless to stop: Advertisers shilling products within the pages of the comic books they call home.

In July, Time Warner Inc.'s DC Comics, home to characters such as Batman and Aquaman, is launching "Rush City," a six-part miniseries that boasts visible promotional support from General Motors Corp.'s Pontiac. As part of the series, a new hero known as "The Rush" will be prominently featured driving a Pontiac Solstice in the comic book. "The car will be as essential to the character as the Aston Martin was to James Bond," says David McKillips, vice president of advertising and custom publishing for DC Comics...

Product placement has become commonplace in movies and TV shows. Now it's coming to comic books -- in part because the industry's two giants, DC and Marvel, are promoting some of their titles as places to reach one of Madison Avenue's most elusive audiences: guys in their 20s. Notoriously hard to reach, young adult males are known to be wary of traditional sales pitches, especially ones that get in the way of their entertainment. "It's the kind of audience that is harder and harder and harder to get to," says Dino Bernacchi, advertising manager for Pontiac...

Nonetheless, the product placements, which still aren't widely known, have some fans seeing red. Such ads "taint the experience," says Chuck Rozanski, founder of Mile High Comics, a Denver comics retailer. "The comic environment is designed to take you away from reality for a moment," he says. "Here we are thrusting offensive marketing products from our world into this fantasy world." "

Well, I think I tend to agree with Chuck. I read his newsletter all the time and really like his philosophy. But is this big bucks advertising needed to keep a constant supply of comics for us to enjoy? I tend to think not. What do you think? Read the full story here.

Dave

April 26, 2006 15:48 - New Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide now Available

Well, Heritage Comics now has the new 36th edition of the Overstreet Price Guide available. I just got finished downloading it. Another awesome (I must be slipping. I told myself I would never use this word) edition. Of course I received it for 15 bongo bucks. Once you have purchased and downloaded, you get a reduced deal on all future editions. Here is a small promo Heritage sent me:

The 36th Edition of the Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide is available on-line! This guide has been dubbed the premier reference source for casual and die-hard collectors since 1970.

Don't miss the opportunity to get a digital copy of this industry-standard book. I think you'll find it very useful. Heritage Auction Galleries has acquired exclusive rights to the Electronic 36th Edition Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide - downloadable now for only $25. You can get it all on your computer with just the click of a mouse. If you have a comic book collection or are thinking about starting one, you simply can't do without this book! To order your copy, please follow the link below:

Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide

This price guide has saved my bacon more than once when responding back to the comments I receive from all of you. It is a great inexpensive comic book resource to have. And the electronic version sits right on my desktop, which is extremely handy. Hope you enjoy your copy as much as I have mine. Later.

Dave

April 28, 2006 11:16 - Who's up for more X-men?

Personally, I have enjoyed the two X-men movies out so far. Guess I am just a diehard Picard fan. Sounds like in the very near future, we will again be able to enjoy the mutant adventures of some of the best superheroes to come out of Stan Lee. Looks like May 26 is the release date of the third encounter into the world of Xavier and his motley band, with two new characters thrown in for effect. Here are some exerts from and informative article I found:

'X-Men' should give summer a hot start

By Martin A. Grove

"X-Men" Xcitement: Although the early weeks of May have evolved into a pre-summer season with good grossing potential, it's Memorial Day weekend when the boxoffice really heats up and establishes the tone for the summer ahead.

This summer looks like it should get off to a hot start May 26 thanks to 20th Century Fox and Marvel Enterprises' "X-Men: The Last Stand," the third episode in the blockbuster franchise based on the hit Marvel comic book series created over 40 years ago. It's a tribute to the film's strong boxoffice potential, by the way, that it isn't facing any competition from other wide openings over the four-day Memorial Day weekend (May 26-29).

Directed by Brett Ratner, the new "X-Men" -- let's just call it "X3" for short here even though "3" is not actually part of its title -- is produced by Lauren Shuler Donner and Ralph Winter, producers of the first two episodes, and written by Simon Kinberg ("Mr. and Mrs. Smith") and Zak Penn ("X2: X-Men United"). It was produced by Marvel Studios chairman and CEO Avi Arad, Marvel Comics chairman emeritus Stan Lee, Marvel Studios production president Kevin Feige and John Palmero, who's partnered with "X-Men" star Hugh Jackman in Seed Productions. To read the rest of the article cruise on over to "X-Men" Xcitement.

Of course, for me, I can't wait until the DVD comes out. Seems that my other two X-men DVDs are getting a little lonely. Here is to hoping you enjoy the latest installment.

Dave