Veterans of comics - Sgts Fury and Rock

In honor of Veteran's day we decided to post this week on two iconic vets from comics, Marvel's Sgt. Nick Fury and DC's Sgt. Rock

Happy Veteran's day to all the courageous men and women who have served, you are ever appreciated.
In your honor, here are a few great SGT. collectibles...

Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commandos #1 by Marvel Comics (1963)

Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commandos #1

The first appearance of Nick Fury is a true war comic featuring tales of heroism from World War II. It is rare to find one in decent shape and it will set you back a good $800 when you do.

Our Army at War #83 by DC Comics (1959)

Our Army at War #83

Sgt. Rock came to be back in 1959 thanks to Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert. His first full appearance (there were some variations before issue 83) in Our Army at War #83 is very difficult to find and gets into the $2000-$3000 range at a con or on eBay.

Nick Fury Statue by Bowen Designs (2007)

Nick Fury statue by Bowen Designs

BD did two versions of Nick, one regular and one stealth, and both are phenomenal. This version was limited to 1000 and you can track one down on eBay for around $250. The stealth is more rare at 300 pieces and runs up to about $350.

Sgt. Rock statue by DC Direct (2000)

Sgt. Rock statue by DC Direct

DC Direct released this Sgt. Rock statue a while back and you can often find one at a toy show or on eBay for around $150. Limited to 750 pieces.

Happy Veteran's Day to all of you vets, and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

The Doctor is almost in...

We'll be honest, we're excited for every Marvel movie that hits screens these days, and that is certainly true with Doctor Strange. There were often Dr. Strange comics around the house as we were growing up, and you couldn't help but love a powerful superhero that was not dependent on his physique, but relied on his wisdom and knowledge.

Let's get into some more great Doc Strange collectibles as we get ready for Friday...

Doctor Strange #169 by Marvel Comics (1968)

Doctor Strange #169 by Marvel Comics

Technically this is where Strange Tales spins off and gives Doc Strange his own title. A key issue for the character. Goes for about $100 on eBay or at a con for one in decent shape.

The Defenders #1 by Marvel Comics (1972)

The Defenders #1 by Marvel Comics

Doctor Strange heads a group of some of the most powerful heroes of the MCU that includes Hulk and Namor and would later add Silver Surfer and Valkyrie. The book ended up going for a respectable 152 issues. Can you say Marvel key? You can find one in decent shape on eBay or at a con for around $125.

Dr. Strange mini bust by Bowen Designs (2002)

Doctor Strange mini bust by Bowen Designs

This Bowen mini bust shows Stephen Strange in an iconic pose and was limited to 5000 pieces. It will cost you about $80 on eBay.

This blog is about to get... Strange

Marvel's mystical champion -- Doctor Strange -- floats into theaters this Friday, Nov. 4, starring acclaimed British actor Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role. According to comic book lore, Stephen Strange was a renowned surgeon who turned to the mystical arts following a tragic accident. The upcoming film, which is already receiving excellent reviews, looks to follow that same origin.

Dr. Strange is an important character in the Marvel canon and plays an integral role in the Infinity Gauntlet storyline, which will also be translated to film in 2018. Strange has teamed with numerous Marvel heroes over the years, especially the Silver Surfer, the incredible Hulk and Prince Namor. This week we'll examine some Strange collectibles, starting with the good doctor's all-important (and valuable) first appearance.

Strange Tales #110, Marvel Comics (1963)

Strange Tales #110 by Marvel Comics

As mentioned above, Dr. Strange first appeared in this now rare issue of Strange Tales. The issue continues to rise in value and now goes for well over $1,000, depending on condition.

Doctor Strange #1, Marvel Comics (1974)

Doctor Strange #1 by Marvel Comics

Strange blasts into his own series with this important first issue. It will run you upwards of $100-$125, depending on condition.

Doctor Strange (Classic) Pop! Vinyl, Funko

Doctor Strange Pop! Vinyl by Funko

Funko has released several Pop! Vinyl figures to tie-in with the new film, but our favorite is still this classic version based on the character's original comic book look. Goes for about $10-$15 on the secondary market.

Dormammu mini bust, Bowen Designs (2012)

Dormammu mini bust by Bowen Designs

One of Dr. Strange's most formidable enemies is the dreaded Dormammu, a dangerous being who first appeared in Strange Tales #126 (1964). The sculpting wizards over at Bowen Designs released this impressive mini bust of Dormammu back in 2012. The bust stands about 8" tall and is strictly limited to just 700 pieces. The bust goes for upwards of $150 on the secondary market.

Trick r' Treat and the Sam phenomenon

We'll admit it, we're suckers for Halloween, and there are always a slew of great flicks to throw on in the days leading up to one of the years most fun and creative holidays. No film is more perfect to get you in the mood for Halloween than Michael Dougherty's now cult status film Trick r' Treat.

Aside from it being entertaining as all get out, the film's recurring character Sam (a cute little bag-headed Halloween protector of sorts) steals the show. And now Sam has been merchandised to the thrill of fans of the film and collectors at large.
As we keep our engine's revving for Halloween, let's check out these Sam collectibles.

Sam action figure by NECA (2008)

Sam figure by NECA

This ultra-detailed Sam figure by the toy masters at NECA is now very hard-to-find and will cost you a good $200 on eBay for one in the package. Nice, considering it cost less than $20 when it was released.

Sam ReAction figure by Funko/Super 7 (2014)

Sam ReAction figure by Funko/Super 7

The ReAction figure line by Funko is one of our favorite lines by one of our favorite companies. The better news is the figures are still affordable. You can still pick up Sam for around $15.

Sam Pop! vinyl by Funko (2014)

Sam Pop! vinyl by Funko

This vaulted Pop! vinyl is now a hot commodity and will run you a good $40 or more on eBay or at a toy show.

Trick r' Treat screen print by Mondo/Drew Millward (2010)

Trick r' Treat screen print by Mondo/Drew Millward

One of the hottest poster artists today is Drew Millward, who has done awesome work for Phish and a slew of others. He created this fantastic Sam-centric Trick r' Treat print for Mondo back in 2010, and it was super-limited to just 120 numbered prints. This print is so rare it virtually never shows up on eBay, so expect to pay a good $500 or more if you're ever able to track one down.

Sam vinyl figure by Sideshow Collectibles (2008)

Sam vinyl figure by Sideshow Collectibles

Sideshow released this 15" vinyl figure of Sam a while back and it's rare these days. Limited to just 5000 pieces, a Sam by Sideshow will cost you $500 or higher on eBay.

Marvel's pumpkin head

Most pop culture fans know "Pumpkinhead" as the creepy horror character that first appeared in the 1989 slasher flick of the same name. But Marvel Comics has its own pumpkin head in the form of the villain Jack O'Lantern.

Jack O'Lantern is a quintessential Halloween/horror character who has appeared in numerous Marvel comics. And while the character isn't especially well known, there are a few terrific Jack O'Lantern collectibles worth owning, especially as Halloween draws near. Let's take a look at a few.

Machine Man #19, Marvel Comics (1979)

Machine Man #19 by Marvel Comics

Jack makes his first appearance in this uncommon issue of Machine Man. You should be able to find the comic for $25 or less, depending on grade.

Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #56, Marvel Comics (1981)

Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #56 by Marvel Comics

This issue of Spectacular Spider-Man features Jack's first run-in with Spidey. Track a copy down for less than $15, depending on grade.

Captain America #396, Marvel Comics (1992)

Captain America #396 by Marvel Comics

The second man to don the Jack O'Lantern identity, Steven Mark Levins, first appeared in this issue of Captain America from the early '90s. The issue is easy to find and inexpensive at less than $5.

Jack O'Lantern Marvel Legends figure, Hasbro

Jack O'Lantern Marvel Legends figure by Hasbro

This 6" Marvel Legends figure was part of the Absorbing Man build-a-figure line and goes for about $20 on the secondary market.

Get your spook on, folks. Halloween is creeping up....

The Living Vampire

As Halloween looms this month we're going to get into some fun characters that are sure to spook and startle; beginning with Dr. Michael Morbius, the man who would better be known as Morbius, the Living Vampire.

Morbius caused problems for Spider-Man before becoming the anti-hero he is today. Turns out it's hard not to root for a "good" vampire.
Here are some of our favorite frightful Morbius collectibles.

The Amazing Spider-Man #101 by Marvel Comics (1971)

The Amazing Spider-Man #101 by Marvel Comics

Morbius' first appearance is a great one, with a killer cover by Gil Kane and smack dab in the middle of a great Spider-Man run. It will run you about $100 on eBay for one in decent shape.

Adventure Into Fear #20 by Marvel Comics (1974)

Adventure Into Fear #20 by Marvel Comics

The issue after Howard the Duck first appeared features Morbius in solo action, and will run you about $45 on eBay or at a con, depending on grade.

Marvel Legends Infinite Series Morbius figure by Hasbro (2016)

Marvel legends Infinite Series Morbius figure by Hasbro

This great figure from the Spidey group of the Marvel Legends line goes for about $25 at a toy show or online.

Morbius Exclusive Pop! Vinyl by Funko (2015) 

Morbius Pop! Vinyl Exclusive by Funko

This exclusive Morbius Pop! came as two versions, one regular and one zombie, as part of a loot crate subscription last October. You can find him on eBay for around $20 but he's rising in value.

Morbius mini bust by Bowen Designs (2004)

Morbius mini bust by Bowen Designs

BD did this great Morbius mini-bust back in 2004, sculpted by Randy himself. Fits right in with a nice Spidey display, and will run you about $50 on eBay.

A Knight in Harlem

If you haven't watched Luke Cage on Netflix yet ... well, we feel sorry for you. The Marvel series based on the character with bulletproof skin is another spectacular entry into the Netflix Marvel U that also includes Daredevil, Jessica Jones and the upcoming Iron Fist. And one of the great scene-stealers in Luke Cage is actress Simone Missick as Misty Knight.

Misty Knight is a no-nonsense detective whose comic origins were in the pages of Marvel Premiere, just like Iron Fist. Knight and Danny Rand (Iron Fist) would go on to have a long-lasting romance, and we expect something similar will happen on the screen as the Iron Fist series debuts next year. In honor of Missick's knockout performance as Misty, let's take a look at some great Knight collectibles.

Marvel Premiere #20, Marvel Comics (1975)

Marvel Premiere #20 by Marvel Comics

Misty makes her first appearance here, just five issues after Iron Fist debuted in the pages of Marvel Premiere #15. Misty's first appearance will run you about $30-$50, depending on grade.

Bizarre Adventures #25, Marvel Comics (1981)

Bizarre Adventures #25 by Marvel Comics

This somewhat obscure Marvel Magazine features an early story about Misty and her crime-fighting partner, Colleen Wing. The duo, dubbed Daughters of the Dragon, are likely to reunite on Netflix as Wing is set to appear in the Iron Fist series. The magazine goes for about $15-$30, depending on grade.

Fearless Defenders #1, Marvel Comics (2013)

Fearless Defenders #1 by Marvel Comics

Misty battles alongside Valkyrie in the first issue of the Fearless Defenders series by writer Cullen Bunn and artist Will Sliney (cover art by Mark Brooks). The issue should run you less than $5, depending on grade.

Misty Knight Marvel Legends figure, Hasbro (2015)

Misty Knight Marvel Legends figure by Hasbro

This 6" Misty Knight Infinite Series Heroes for Hire figure was part of the Rhino build-a-figure group released in 2015. The figure will cost you about $15 on the secondary market or at a toy show.