The Bullpen

[Jay Tomio]

Been buying IMAGE variants and ashcans by the hundreds, full list later as they trickle in.

[PozrDu]

My LCS had table of 10 for $1 issues for FCBD.
Ergo I scored Automatic Kafka #1 and Q&C #2-3 for 10 cents each.

[Gordo]

The Complete Peanuts Dailies & Sundays: 1950- 1952 HC for 8 bucks.
Love them Fantagraphics!

[aceguitarist3]

Avengers: Infinity Gauntlet #2,#3,#4 + Invincible Iron Man 500.1 + 100 Bullets first 5 issues in TPB for 6$.

[KW!!]

I was up at the $1 Book Heaven in Burbank last night, one of those big warehouse discount book (and other random crap) shops that feels like it's one unpaid light bill away from becoming a full-time Halloween store. I was walking around, fantasizing about stumbling upon a pile of trades and omnibi that wound up there due to some sort of clerical error? Well, that didn't happen.

But what I did stumble upon was one of the most bizarre assortments of back issues that I'd ever seen in my entire life. Now, I haven't dug in a comic shop bargain bin for years (but after this, I'm gonna start. Too much fun), and even if the books were in mint condition (they ain't) they probably wouldn't be worth the buck a piece I paid for them. Nonetheless? I feel like I found a couple treasures.

First up, a full color Jack Chick comic book called Primal Man? (his question mark, not mine). The art is surprisingly good! And as far as Chick stuff goes, it's relatively light on hate! It's primary focus is debunking the theory of evolution by referencing a couple of "science" articles no one's ever heard of and a handful of bible quotes. It then goes a step further to portray those who believe in evolution to be greedy, godless monsters who push down old ladies at the airport.

Also, Hero Alliance #1 from Wonder Comics. Pencilled by a young Ron Lim! He was still working out the kinks, and the writing style hasn't aged incredibly well, but underneath it all this was a solid comic! The story and characters were all well put together. If I see more of these floating around, I shall cop.

Mister X #6, drawn by Seth (Before he had completely become "Seth" by the looks of it) Haven't read this one yet but looking forward to it.

Cerebus #255 was piggybacking all up in Mister X's polybag, which neither me nor the cashier noticed. Ka-Ching! I've never read Cerebus before but #255 sounds like a good enough jumping on point.

A Warren Ellis miniseries called Mek. (More like Meh. BOOM!)

A 2006 Dave Johnson Sketchbook put out by BOOM! Studios. I'm more familiar with his cover/design work, but this dude can DRAW! I'm really happy I found this.

Finally, the crown jewel of my bounty:

THE FOTON EFFECT #1



^^ AND IT'S EVEN MORE AMAZING ON THE INSIDE

Seriously, I'm 95% sure this comic was created by 12 year olds. I'm not saying that to be a dick. Because it's awesome, really. If ANYONE knows ANYTHING about this comic, please school me. I'm intrigued.

And that's only from sifting through maybe 1/8 of the inventory. I saw a lot of mid 90s DC, Valiant, and a gang of Image clunkers I'd never heard of too. Also some manga title created by Jerry Robinson. Say WHAT?

I must return, and SOON

[Jay Tomio]

I've been raking up a lot of newsstand (barcode) version of early IMAGE titles. While I wouldn't call them tough, you don't seem to see as many as the direct market editions, and certainly won't see nearly as many in NM/NM+ grade.

These are kind of fun too because they  tend to be random finds, stuck in lots, etc.

[Rick Hansen]

Grabbed the softcover book on Art Adams for $7, normally $15. Interviews, artwork, lots of good stuff!

[robomaniac]

There's one shop in town, All About Books and Comics, that has tons of back issues. I don't get there as often as I would like. They're big on bundles, too. But they are actually good deals. Last one I got was a Miracleman bundle with the first 5 issues and the 3D special. Can't remember the price, but it was pretty good. They have a couple random bundles, but most of them are solid 10-20 issue runds. And lately they've been half off. I would indulge, but my budget is almost zero and I'm trying to scale back the collecting (except for Valiant and Acclaim).

They also have a room with probably 50-75 longboxes full of back issues. All of them are going for cover price. It looks like they finally got around to organizing it better. Hopefully soon I'll have time and money to go in with a checklist and get some good deals.

Also checkout Jesse James in the West valley (I'm assuming your in Phoenix with the reference to "All About Books and Comics". He as tons of boxes and often sells for 5+ for $1. I've picked up tons of stuff as the stock has shifted.