Comic Haul #2

I'm ashamed with Deanpool. Just a day after the California Comic Convention in OC and he already went on another haul! He got intel that one of the comic stores he likes going to picked up some new key issues and he actually went to get them! So now we present the second Comic Haul post.

X-Factor #5
NM value- 25.00
Bought for- 15.00
First Apocalypse Cameo. Let's just start off with the issues that lured Deanpool to go out on another comic haul already. If you haven't heard yet, the sequel to this years X-Men: Days of Future Past will feature Apocalypse. While it's not known yet whether it will be the popular Age of Apocalypse story arc or just simply an Apocalypse story, Apocalypse will no doubt make his big screen debut in 2016. His first cameo appearance in comics doesn't go for too much at the moment, but Deanpool is betting it'll rise as the movie release gets closer. We found the NM value to be about $25, but at the convention the other day Deanpool saw some people try to sell it for 3x that much. Deanpool will settle for $15 and in great condition.

X-Factor #6

NM value- 75.00

Bought for- 35.00

First Apocalypse Full Appearance. A very memorable cover, and it will soon be a very sought one if it isn't already. Yet if you're lucky, you may find this issue or issue #5 sitting in the $1 sections or back issues section of your comic store. This was one of the top 10 books that Deanpool was looking for this year and was sad enough he couldn't find a good priced one at the convention the day before. As soon as he saw the price for this one, he did not hesitate to spend the money he had left on this. The funny part is, he didn't realize it was still available for its price until late... and barely made it before the store closed. The condition is really good except for the slight edging at the top of the cover, but overall it is quite the steal for $35, especially for a key issue that Deanpool was looking to get this year.

Amazing Spider-Man #400
NM value- 10.00
Bought for- 5.00
Death of Aunt May. Same comic store as the X-Factor issues, Deanpool just walked around looking to see what other issues were in the racks and in the boxes. And while casually looking through the many ASM issues, this one came up. A key issue on Deanpool's list, the Amazing Spider-Man series always has something big every 100 issues. Though this one is nowhere near as valuable as ASM #300, it was a reasonable comic to get for an extra $5 to what Deanpool was already about to spend.



Now the following issues came from a different store. Just when Deanpool believed he was all done with comics for the day (or maybe even for the next couple weeks), the friend he went with suggested they stop by a used book store while they were in the area. Yes, they sell comics and they're typically $1. But they both agreed to just look for used DVDs and Blu-Rays... That didn't happen. There's a wide range of comic selections at this store, but every now and then Deanpool comes across either a book he was looking for or just a comic that can't be passed up for $1. This is what he picked up:
FYI: the prices compared for modern comics will just be cover price

Animal Man #2
Cover price- 2.99
Bought for- 1.00
Deanpool has had a bit of interest in Animal Man after reading Infinite Crisis. Having the power to access any power of any animal that exists, including alien planets, makes for an interesting hero with probably an even more interesting story. The #1 issue from this New 52 series isn't too easy to find and most comic stores may have it priced as high as $35-40. Finding the 2nd issue for a dollar worked enough for Deanpool to see if the series is working exploring.

Swamp Thing #3

Cover price- 2.99

Bought for- 2.00

Okay, this was the one book that was more than $1. Even Deanpool didn't catch it until after he bought it, but nevertheless the reasoning for buying this book is similar to Animal Man. Swamp Thing is beginning to appear more frequently in Justice League Dark that it seems like Swamp Thing may be making the move to join the team after the "Forever Evil" arc. The little exposure Deanpool had to Swamp Thing through Justice League Dark was enough for Deanpool to pick up this low number issue and see if he can learn more about what Swamp Thing is all about. Plus it's Scott Snyder writing, so if anything, the story should be pretty good.

Superman Unchained #2
Cover price- 3.99
Bought for- 1.00
This one was a surprising find. The Superman Unchained series features an all-star creative team of Scotty Snyder and Jim Lee yet Deanpool has been consistent in picking up these issues as they come out (he only got the first issue). They're currently on 5 or 6, but with news that this series will be ending in April with their 9th issue, maybe it was a sign that Deanpool should start catching up now.

Flash #322

NM value- 6.00

Bought for- 1.00

This was another surprise. A Flash issue from Barry Allen's original series, although it's a high numbered issue close to the last issue in the series (#350) so this one is more likely from the 80's. But still not a bad find for only a dollar. It's not like Deanpool would turn down Flash issues for a dollar anyways.

Uncanny Avengers #2 & #3
Cover price- 3.99 (#2) & 3.99 (#3)
Bought for- 1.00 (#2) & 1.00 (#3)
Read Weekly Pick-Ups 12/18/13 to know why Deanpool got hooked into Uncanny Avengers. He's read the first issue and a couple others from the current story arc and has been meaning to find time (or a TPB) to make up for the stories he's missed from this series. He likes Remender's writing and the direction he's been going in for this post-Avengers vs. X-Men series. Finding two low number issues for 4x less than the cover price was an easy choice for Deanpool.

Daredevil #297, #298, & #299
NM value- 4.00 (#297), 4.00 (#298), & 4.00 (#299) 
Bought for- 1.00 (#297), 1.00 (#298), & 1.00 (#299)  
3 out of the 4 issues that make up the "Fall of the Kingpin" story & also #297 features Typhoid Mary. Daredevil is one of the comics that Deanpool wants a lot of issues from but doesn't prioritize them when he goes out on his comic trips. Seeing three issues that he wanted in order for only a dollar made them hard to put back. Having already collected issue #300, why not collect the rest of the story arc for less than what Deanpool got issue #300 for. Sounds logical enough.

Amazing Spider-Man #354
NM value- 4.00
Bought for- 1.00
Every comic collector must dream about collecting all the Amazing Spider-Man comics. Despite the many issues that are key/important/popular, it's still nice to pick up some of the random in-between issues if you can get them for cheap. Crossover ones are even more appealing with the impression that it will be hero-filled, action-packed story. Not like the other Spidey issue above where something important happens, but Spider-Man teaming up with Nova, Night Thrasher (who?), and Moon Knight sounds like a pretty cool issue to get. And if you look closer at the picture, the cover price at the time this issue came out was a dollar, so now it's like you've time travelled and paid the actual cover price! Okay fantasy ended.

X-Factor #68

NM value- 3.00

Bought for- 1.00

Again, not all that important of an issue. But it is a cool one where Nathan Summers (aka Cable aka son of Cyclops) gets sent to the future. It was on Deanpool's list of X-Factor issues he wanted (not to be confused with Deanpool's top comics to get this year which featured the X-Factor issues at the top of this post) and he found it for $1. Guess this day was a good day for X-Factor.

Well two Comic Hauls posts in the first two days since we started this segment of the Comic-Cave. Not sure when Deanpool will have another one of these, but who knows? The steal from this haul goes to the X-Factor #6, it may not be as big of a payoff right now but when 2016 rolls around (or perhaps some end-credit scene after the Days of Future Past film) Deanpool is hoping to see the value go up. Tallying up all the market values = about $150 but keep in mind the X-Factor #5 & #6 have the most potential to rise and if they reflect anything like the Days of Future Past comics, they'll be in the $120's. Total spent = $67 + tax so let's round to $70. Seems like a pretty good deal considering how much was saved or how much they could be turned around for. Nice haul Deanpool! Thanks for reading!

Days of Future Past spoiler. Jk.

CalComicCon Haul!

Comic Hauls! - another new segment of the Comic-Cave to try and make it more interesting! How will this differ from Weekly Pick-Ups? Well Hauls won't feature reviews unfortunately (especially since there will likely be more comics picked up in a haul than in the weekly's), but Deanpool will break down what he picked up and why he decided to buy that particular comic. Could be a key issue (first appearance, death of a character), an issue featured in a movie, or simply just an awesome cover. These are also more likely to feature Silver Age and Bronze Age issues as opposed to the more modern comics. Another more appealing part of these posts will be Deanpool's comparisons of the market value prices and the prices that he pays for the issues (#Com-Economics). Deanpool hopes these can be a bit informative but more of a fun way to show his thinking process/motivations in buying certain comics.

California Comic Convention in Orange County passed this past Sunday. As Deanpool and his friends prep for San Diego Comic-Con, they decided to go to this smaller convention to see what it had to offer. It was actually located in a small community center in Yorba Linda with no more than about 15-20 booths/vendors. Wasn't a bad convention. A lot of rare comics there (There was a Showcase #4 sighting!), but nothing more than that. Deanpool and his friends felt surrounded by many "seasoned" collectors (that's one way to put it, they were all old!). No dressing up or cosplay, just good ol' comics. Most of the sellers were ones Deanpool recognized from other local conventions and as usual, most were very nice and open to bargaining. There were raffles as well, but Deanpool wasn't particularly all that interested in what the prizes were. He simply went in, bought what he wanted, and got out.

These smaller conventions are a nice change of pace than going to the same stores over and over again, and a great way to get a feel for the comic reading/collecting community. If anything, it's practically comic-porn (but not like that) when seeing classic issues like Amazing Fantasy, Giant Sized X-Men, Fantastic Four or Golden Age classics like All-American Comics, Detective Comics, and more! It really is amazing seeing so many popular, high value, and rare comics all in one place, and a bit overwhelming at times. And like mentioned earlier, it's a nice way to prepare, or at least know what to expect, for the bigger comic conventions. Remember, Comic-Con is a full contact sport! Look up the next time a comic convention comes up near you and find some great comics for yourself!

Star Wars #3-
NM value- 50.00
Bought for- 5.00
Deanpool is a huge Star Wars fan. His collection of Marvel Comics' run of Star Wars originally started just with him picking up issue #68, the one with Boba Fett on the cover. Then he started picking up a couple more wherever he could: $1 sections, comic conventions, etc. With only 107 issues in the series, it wouldn't be too much of a stretch for Deanpool to attempt to collect them all. Though he's still on a search for a good-priced #1 issue of Star Wars, this issue #3 is the lowest issue Deanpool now has in his collection. And at a low price too, originally $10 but Deanpool got it %50 off. It may not be a Near Mint grade, but it still looks like it's in good condition and could easily be flipped for a good price.

 Iron Man #131

NM value- 10.00

Bought for- 4.00

Don't be fooled by the price on the sticker. Deanpool got it %50 off. Another reason Deanpool enjoys going to these smaller type of conventions. If it's not a key/popular issue, you're likely to find a lot of older comics for good deals. This issue is the first of a two-issue story arc, "Hulk is where the heart is." Deanpool has already found issue #132, and has been looking for #131 ever since. Deanpool is an avid Iron Man reader (might be the most comics of one character that he has), and is particularly fond of this Iron Man series. Seeing a crossover with the Hulk and Iron Man was a no-brainer. 

Avengers #58
NM value- 300.00
Bought for- 12.00
Origin of Vision/first full appearance of Vision. Vision should get a Hero Spotlight from Deanpool soon. He's an android built by Ultron (another robot) for use against Ultron's creator, the original Ant-Man. But later on, he goes on to join the Avengers. While the first cameo/appearance of Vision in Avengers #57 goes for almost double the amount of this one, Deanpool still sees it as a key issue worth getting. Especially if you can get it for $12 (again it was %50 off). Not the best condition for this issue, the picture shown is the actual issue picked up: the cover is a bit faded, some of the corners are a little bent, the spine has some wear and Deanpool hasn't looked inside yet but looks pretty good overall. Maybe a 6.0 or Fine condition. But who knows? Maybe Vision will make a movie appearance since Ultron is, and this issue's value will go up regardless of condition!

Flash #148

NM value- 240.00

Bought for- 16.00

Don't think there has ever been a "haul" where Deanpool did not get a Flash issue. But this Silver Age, 12 cent beauty was a nice purchase for $16 (%50 the sticker price). If you can't tell by the background of this blog, The Flash is Deanpool's favorite comic hero. Barry Allen as Flash to be specific. His Silver Age run isn't easy to come by for cheap, but then again who's Silver Age run is any different right? Reverse Flash is perhaps Barry's most dangerous foe, though not necessarily the most well-known. Having powers similar to that of The Flash after recreating the accident that gave Barry his powers, he is Deanpool's favorite Flash villain. Professor Zoom aka Reverse Flash's first appearance came in The Flash #139 (missed it by 8 issues), but most covers featuring the two speedsters are irresistible to Deanpool. This one especially, as it shows many similarities to the classic The Flash #123, "Flash of Two Worlds". The bag that the issue is in can be a bit deceiving in the photo, but the main factor in it's condition is the wear on the spine, especially near the staple. The color on the cover still looks great with generally white pages. But let's be real, Deanpool wasn't going to pass up this comic.

Uncanny X-Men #142

NM value- 120.00 (even higher if in even better condition)

Bought for- 35.00

Part 2 of "Days of Future Past." Probably one of the top 10 books to watch this year for comic collectors. With the new X-Men movie this year being titled/based off the "Days of Future Past" story arc, both this issue and #141 have been rising in value. And depending on how the movie goes, it still has potential to go up even more. It's hard to judge whether one will be worth more than the other, but at the moment both can be found for similar prices- anywhere from $80-120, EACH. Deanpool was lucky to get his hands on one for so cheap... again %50 off. Hard to tell if there's anything outwardly wrong with the condition... For an originally priced $70 comic, it better still be in pretty good condition. Not sure if Deanpool will even read this issue since he got the Days of Future Past trade paperback, but maybe open it to check the conditions of the interior as well. Now time to find a nice Uncanny X-Men 141.

Justice League #1 

NM value- 20.00 (has been more at times)

Bought for- 12.00

This haul actually features some modern, New 52 comics that Deanpool has been interested in. He only started collecting the Justice League issues at #10 and has been trying to collect the rest of the ones that he's missed ever since. Since the series started in 2011, finding a #1 issue hasn't been easy. Finding the first issue for lower than $20 hasn't been particularly easy either. Deanpool even recalls seeing it for as much as $40 in some comic shops, but the site that we're using for comic values prices it to be worth about $20. But none of that matters, as soon as the seller said $12 Deanpool jumped at the deal. In fact, this issue wasn't even out on the table. Deanpool was considering buying the Batgirl #1 below, when the seller asked if he was interested in any other first issues from New 52. Good move seller. It's one of DC's most popular current on-going series and it may be the blueprint for the future Justice League movie if they decide to use this cast and origin for their production. It's essentially the basis for the DC animated movie,  Justice League: War. And DC has typically used storylines that have already been well-received by fans to adapt into animated films. It's a refresh to the team's origin and story and perfect for new readers to jump into. So it's safe to say this issue is worth adding to one's collection. Rarity- despite releasing in 2011, it's not the most attainable book today at your average comic store. Marketable- people love team-ups, especially one featuring DC's favorite heroes, and it could go up with anticipation of the Justice League movie. Condition- only being around for a little more than 2 years now, New 52 first issues shouldn't be in terrible conditions.

Batgirl #1 

NM value- 15.00 

Bought for- 15.00

Another New 52 #1. Most titles from the Bat family have at one point crossed over into the Batman series. These small appearances are enough to get Deanpool interested in their comic series as well (which is probably all part of the publisher's evil plan). He already went back and collected each of the Robin's first issues in the New 52 (Nightwing, Red Hood, Teen Titans (Red Robin), Batman and Robin), why not add Batgirl as well? Plus, it's the return of Barbara Gordon as Batgirl (after being Oracle for so long)! While some comic price guides may price this issue at $8-10, it's not the most accessible comic either. Deanpool recalls seeing it for as much as $20-25, so finding it for $15 was good enough for him. One of the first comics released with the New 52 relaunch, it came out in 2011. But like Justice League #1 above, it may not still be on the shelves or in the boxes at your local comic store. Deanpool may also have a secret incentive to get most of the New 52 #1 issues from 2011. He's doing pretty good too: Batman, Detective Comics, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, Action Comics, Superman, The Flash, Aquaman, Nightwing, Red Hood and the Outlaws, Teen Titans, Batman and Robin, and the recently added Justice League and Batgirl. That could make it a justified choice.

Batman #5

NM value- 18.00

Bought for- 16.00

That stupid sticker where the price was ruins the picture, but it's okay it's just on the bag. This issue is part of the popular "Court of Owls" run, the first story arc from the New 52 Batman series. Deanpool loved this story and has it made it a goal to collect the individual issues after reading the story through trade paperback. It started with Deanpool getting the first issue of the series, which modern comic collectors would know is no easy task (at the moment going for $60-80). Then he got the second, then the Jim Lee variant of the second, then the sixth, then the third. Strange order, but this story arc is still gaining popularity two years later and seller's prices are rising rather than dipping. It doesn't help that the Batman series has been doing great and continuing its success in the stories that followed "Court of Owls" with "City of Owls," "Death in the Family," and "Zero Year."Now Deanpool is only missing #4 and #7 to complete his "Court of Owls" collection.

Captain Marvel #50 & #53 

NM value- 14.00 (#50) & 14.00 (#53)

Bought for- 3.00 (#50) & 3.00 (#53)

Why bother pricing something for some dollars AND fifty cents? Who's going to be carrying around loose change in their pockets at these conventions? Luckily, most vendors/sellers are nice enough to round down. These Captain Marvel pick ups are a classic example of the mistake Deanpool makes at almost every convention. He tells himself he'll hold out on buying anything until he sees what each seller/booth has to offer, then when he sees a must-get issue at one of the booths (these two were bought with the Iron Man issue above, it was the "must-get" issue) he gets lulled into buying more comics from that booth too. Though they'll typically be comics that aren't as important, but more like fun issues to pick up and add on to what he'll already buy. Deanpool's interest has been growing in Captain Marvel ever since his post on Shazam. He saw the #50 issue as a fun issue to get that can help him gauge if he wants to continue picking up issues from this series. It also helped that it looks like it'll feature the Avengers too. With the two issues being so close in number, you can guess that he saw this #53 soon after grabbing #50. No secret that Deanpool is a fan of Black Bolt, so to see these Black Bolt and Captain Marvel on one cover lured him into picking it up as well. Plus they were %50 off. What's the risk in picking up two cool covers for $6? Most of Marvel's comic series from the 70's feature some awesome covers that Deanpool really has a soft spot for. And they're in okay condition (FN, 7.0) for $3 each. Definitely adds even more diversity to Deanpool's growing collection.

The "steal" of this haul is easily the Uncanny X-Men #142. Comics in from these hauls won't always be key issues, but you can always expect to see some really interesting comics in these "Comic Hauls" posts. These posts may not be as frequent though, Deanpool doesn't splurge on comics as much as he did when he first started collecting. Old comic hauls may be revisited though from before this blog was started. Deanpool has a pretty good memory of where and when his comics were bought. They may be old school, they may be new school but it's a chance to pick at Deanpool's brain and his process in selecting what comics to get. Or perhaps interest you in getting some issues for yourself. Think about this, if you add up all the NM values of this haul it's about $800, but Deanpool only spent about $120... yet he could probably flip this whole haul for more than double what he spent! #Com-Economics. But Deanpool is not likely to sell anytime soon. Thanks for reading!

Batgirl is happy to be added to Deanpool's comic collection.