Friday, November 11, 2016

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.

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

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.




Tuesday, November 1, 2016

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.