League Of Extraordinary Bloggers-How I Spent Free Comic Book Day

Haven't posted in the league in a while. Once Brian put up this week's assignment, I knew I would be posting  this time around. The assignment was simple: Write about comic books. Now, I could have blogged about my favorite issues or my favorite characters. I could have written about comics I would love to own or the best stories I have read, But, I decided to keep it simple. I knew I was going to go and scarf up some free swag on Free Comic Book Day, so here is how my day went.

My first stop was Midtown Comics-Times Square. I woke up pretty early on Saturday and was at the store by 9:30 AM. Wasn't early enough, it seems.

This was the line in front of the store when I got there. I was told by one of the workers who I am pretty friendly with that there was a line at 6:30 in the morning. By the time I got inside, pickings was slim. Actually, I was just given a bag with 3 comics inside.

Got this sampler from Valiant Comics. Not too familiar with Valiant comics, but I did get to read it later in the day and liked 2 of the stories inside.

Got a preview of Marvel's big event this summer, Infinity. From what I read, it looks a it will be a good read. It also had an old Thanos story from the 70's.

The third book was Superman: Last Son Of Krypton. I will show that later in the blog.

After getting my bag, I decided to take a stroll around the store and take a look at what they were offering. I came across a case with some vintage goodies.

Super Powers and a 1989 Batmobile

Vintage Star Wars figures and carrying case. I believe the asking price was $500.00 for the lot.

Megos. Overpriced and incomplete.

Afterward, I decided to walk over to the east side of Manhattan and visit Jim Haley's Universe and check out the new location. They recently moved from W 33rd St to E 32nd St and this was their Grand Opening week. As you can see, there was a line waiting for me, but that was to be expected.

Even Spidey wants free comic books.

This location is smaller than the old one, but pretty well laid out. I stood outside for about 15-20 minutes, but once I got inside, the line moved pretty quickly. I amused myself by taking pictures of the statues that was on sale.

I really love those Spider-Man and Batman statues.

New Superman statue and Bane threatening to break Batman's back if he doesn't get some books.

Jim Haley's was offering 5 comics as opposed to the 3 I got at Midtown. And I got to pick out what I wanted. Here is what I went home with.

DC Nation Super Sampler. I want to check out that new Batman show that Cartoon Network will be showing later in the year.

I haven't been reading any of the Age Of Ultron series, so I decided to get this Avengers preview of the event. If it's any good, I might wait for the graphic novel or pick up the issues in digital form.

I have never seen the show or read the books. This is my first exposure to The Walking Dead and I am looking forward to reading it.

I picked this issue of Mass Effect up because I do like Dark Horse stuff. It was either that or Boingo.

Since there was nothing else I really wanted, Jim Haley's was offering a free Iron Man 3 Heroclix, which would count as 1 book. Since I am always looking to add to my small Iron Man collection, I happily grabbed it.

I have never owned a Heroclix before. it's really small and I had a hard time getting a good shot of it with my camera on my Note 2. Trust me, it looks pretty cool in person.

Before leaving, I did manage to sign up for their free membership club. It offers discounts on comics, toys and 40 % off certain graphic novels. I will be back later in the week to grab a graphic novel to read on my plane ride to Los Angeles on Thursday.

After, I decided to hit Manhattan Comics to see what they had to offer.

God, I love that poster, I should see if they offer one for sale next time I go inside.

The store was offering up 3 free comics. It was pretty packed at the Free Comic rack, so I kind of had to slither in between people to grab the issues I wanted. Here's what I walked away with.

It's from a Halloween give away, but it's Batman so I don't care. Plus, it features a couple stories written by Spider-Man writer Dan Slott. I'm sold.

I was looking for this book at the previous two locations and struck out at both. This was the last copy on the shelf, so I was so glad I was able to grab it.

Grabbed this Teenage Ninja Turtles book to finish out my Free Comics spree. I did have a Buck Rodgers comic in my hand, but I put it down in favor of TMNT.

Manhattan Comics also had Nathaniel Burney, cartoonist of the non fiction webcomic "Illustrated Guide To Criminal Law". He had his son with him, drawing along side his pop. I struck up a conversation with the two of them since the boy had on a Darth Vader t shirt. I found out that Nathaniel is a lawyer who works on his webcomic in his free time. It just got published into a book. If your interested in checking it out, head on over to lawcomic.net. I also found out his son's favorite Star Wars movie is Episode 1. Kids.

Nathaniel was kind enough to draw me this sketch of the Batman for my sketch art collection.

Love it. Thanks so much Nathaniel. I know his son will realize that Empire is clearly the better movie in time.

For my last, and longest stop of the day, I headed over to Midtown Comics-Downtown for an autograph signing with two of my favorites in the comic industry, Jim Lee and Scott Snyder, who would be signing copies of the Superman; Last Son Of Krypton book that was given out. If you haven't read Snyder's Iron Man Noir, I urge you to do so. Jim Lee is the reason I got back into reading comics. I hadn't read one in a few years. The Batman Hush stories were the first books I read and I was hooked all over again. I had to meet them. They will be working on a new Superman story later in the year and I for one cannot wait to read it.

Now, I called Midtown before I went down and was told there was a line forming at 7 PM the night before. I decided to head over and see if I still had a shot.

When I got there, the line went up this alley and wrapped around again. I decided I would stay and wait. It was 3 PM when I got on. The signing would be at 7 PM. Luckily, I had a snack and some of the comics with me, which I read as well as book called The Road by Cormac McCarthy. Yes, I had a non comic book . Worst thing was I was freezing. I was only wearing a t shirt (Star Wars representing on May The 4th Be With You, Yo!) and was not smart enough to bring a jacket. But, 4 hours later, the line started moving and by 8 o'clock I was meeting Jim Lee and Scott Snyder.

In the picture, you can see DC Comics  Senior Vice President Dan DiDio talking to Scott Snyder. Talked to him for a while too. I barely got to tell him I loved Iron Man Noir. Lee was genuinely touched when I told him how Hush was the reason I started reading comics again.

After the brief meeting and getting my books signed, I took a stroll around as it was my first time there.

While on that long line, I read that Valiant book and really liked the Harbinger Wars preview, so I bought it.

And here's the reason I was there:

Even got Certificates of Authenticity

The cool thing is I was able to get a second book Superman: Last Son Of Krypton signed, which I would be willing to trade for something pretty cool.

So, that is my long, long day. But it was a productive day. I got 11 free comics, bought 1, started reading a book my friend lent me earlier in the year that I finally got around to reading and I met 2 superstars in the comic book world. Yes, Free Comic Book Day made me feel every bit of my 42 years, but it was a fun day. Needless to say, I am looking forward to next year's Free Comic Book Day and will willingly do this all over again.

Iron Man Exhibit At Toys R Us Times Square, NYC

Earlier in the week, I read in the New York Daily News to celebrate the release of Iron Man 3, there would be an exhibit of different Iron Man armors on display in Toys R Us, located in Times Square. Now, normally, I avoid Times Square the way Superman would avoid kryptonite. But, to see some cool Iron Man armor, I would have gone during rush hour and get belted by a tourist's camera in the chops (which did end up happening, Grrr...)

I decided to head over one day after I got off of work. I had to pay my gym membership fees anyway and my gym is about 5 minutes away so I walked over to check out the suits of armor.The write up in the Daily News made it seem like a pretty big deal. Now, I realize they are not movie props, but I was sure it would be a pretty sweet visual anyway.

Only in NYC can you see Batman, Chewbacca, a Stormtrooper and the Statue Of Liberty hang out together. Sounds like the beginning of a really bad joke.

Once I walk in I zoom over to the Iron Man display, expecting to be wowed...only the Daily News failed to mention that the display was just of the action figures behind a plexi glass display case. Still pretty cool, just not a Hall of Armor like I was expecting. Oh well, it was still pretty cool anyway

After being disappointed/amused, I strolled around the Marvel area and saw the new Iron Man figures for the new movie.

You could also watch the trailer, which was being replayed as soon as it ended. I watched it twice before moving on.

Wandered over to the Star Wars section to see if there was any Luke Skywalker toys I could have been tempted by. I ran into a couple of familiar faces while I was there.

Commander Rex

Obi-Won and Anakin

Lots of Star Wars goodies

All that stuff and no Luke Skywalker stuff. Just as well. I might have been tempted to spend money.

What says you, Optimus Prime?

Nothing. Just like I thought.

Spidey was there too.

Ran into the Batman toys as well.

Trying to concentrate only on the vintage stuff this year, but all the new stuff is making it hard for me to not reach for my wallet. Especially this cool piece.

I actually went on a good day. Usually, Toys R Us in Times Square is rampant with kids, tourists and other fellow New Yorkers. On this day, it wasn't crowded at all which made it easier for me to walk the aisles and look at all the awesome, but expensive, toys that was being sold.

I didn't walk away with anything, but I know once I see Iron Man 3, I will be tempted to pick up some new figures for my Iron Man collection. I won't be seeing the movie until I am in Los Angeles next weekend. Hopefully, the theater won't be all that crowded and I can enjoy the movie. I hope the movie is good. From the trailers I have seen, the movie looks great and I know I'm going to love it and see it multiple times.

If your in the NYC area and want to see the display case, it's on the top floor in the Marvel Area. You can't miss it. Just don't try to walk off with any of the armor. I thought I saw agents of S.H.E.I.L.D floating around.

Birthday Gifts Part 3-The Beatles

As I mentioned before, I have become a huge fan of the POP vinyl figures. I love the look of these little bobble-heads and I am starting to look for them as I am out and about. I have already made a list of th ones I want to add to my small, but growing collection. A list, which is now down by 4 thanks to my latest birthday gift.

These Beatles POP figures have been on my "Must Have" list for quite some time now. My friends, Julissa and Mike, know how big a Beatles fan I am and bestowed all four of the Fab Four upon me as a birthday gift. Funko released them as their Yellow Submarine counterparts as well as a Blue Meanie in this set.

Love the packaging. a drawing of the character on the side of the box with the name of character on the bottom, product and number in series on the top with colors and lettering associated to the characters on the box. Paul McCartney's figure looks great.

The back of the box shows the characters in the set and continues the trend of colors and lettering that was on the front.

Lets take a look at the other 3 Beatles:

John Lennon

George Harrison (It's all in the mind)

And Ringo Starr.

This is a great looking set and a must for any Beatles fan in their collection. These will look great next to my McFarlane Yellow Submarine figures and I cannot wait to put them up when I have room to display my Beatles collection. I'm hoping for a second series where we can get Jeremy, Fred, Glove and maybe The Beatles in their Sgt. Pepper garb. I would love a set of POP's with the Beatles as themselves from their Saturday morning cartoon show.

Huge thanks to Julissa and Mike for a very thoughtful gift. Oh, almost forgot to show off my birthday card.

I'm not going to say what age joke was inside.

Birthday Gifts Part 2

For part 2 of my showing off the birthday swag, I am showing off 2 comic books my buddy, George, gave me. Now these are comics from my childhood, the 1970's. When I tore off the wrapping paper and saw the comics I got, I was quite pleased to, say the least.

If you were a child of the 70's, you owned over sized comic books or Treasury Editions, at one time or another. Usually, the stories inside were reprints of older stories, but there was about 3 or 4 stories in these issues. I remember owning quite a few of these. I would lie on the floor, on my belly and read these books. These were my graphic novels, before there were graphic novels. I read stories about the Justice Society Of America, Superman, Wonder Woman, and one shot stories like Spider-Man vs Superman or Superman vs Muhammad Ali and loved reading them. George had given me a Spectacular Spider-Man book and now he added these two to my collection.

I had been actually watching a few eBay auctions, hoping to snag this book. Luck would have it, I got one for my birthday. Love the cover art on this book. Unfortunately, it doesn't say who drew it inside or out. There are 5 Batman stories inside written by writers like John Broome, Bill Finger, Denny O'Neil and art by Neil Adam, Carmine Infantino and Dick Sprang. I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but I really can't wait to read some of the classic stories that are inside.

A shot of the back cover

A look at some awesome Infantino art on the inside.

Here's a book I had owned as a kid and was thrilled to re-add to my collection. I loved reading this adaptation  of The Empire Strikes Back. Marvel did an excellent job with it and  look forward to re-reading this again. The book was written by Archie Goodwin with the art shared by Al Williamson and Carlos Garzon. Not an exact word for word retelling of the movie, but it didn't have to be. The writing was real good in this book and the art was fantastic. Flipping through it bought back tons of memories for me.

A look at the back of the book. AT-AT's on a cold Hoth day.

A look inside of the book. What did I tell you about that art, huh? Pretty sweet.

Big thanks to my buddy George for the trip down memory lane with these two awesome comics. I am definitely to old to lie on my belly on the floor (I might be able to get back up), but I am going to have fun reading these books and feeling young while doing so.

Birthday Gifts, Part 1

A couple a weeks ago, this sexy geek turned the big 42. Yes, my friends, I am getting older. But, it's another year older, but another year geekier. This year, I got some gifts from my buddy's and sweetie that are worthy of a place in the house of swag.

So, the first few gifts came from a very special woman. She knows what the this sexy geek wants and loves...BATMAN AND JOKER STUFF!!! Now, for some reason, my camera is not downloading or sending pictures to my email, so I found pics of what I got for my birthday.

My boo and her daughter picked out this awesome Joker T-Shirt

This shirt is awesome. When I opened it up, I was in awe of the design. The Jokers hair and much of his face is made up of bats. It's scary looking, maybe a bit freakish looking and I love it. It has already been worn.

I  have seen this poster before, yet I don't know who drew it. I love this poster of the Joker walking out of Arkham, free as a bird, no doubt on his way to Gotham to cause mayhem, chaos and anarchy. I cannot wait to frame it and hang this up in the House of Swag.

I love, love. love Pop Vinyls. This awesome Joker found it's way into my collection for my birthday. This Joker marks my 5th Pop Vinyl. I need to pick up Batman so Joker has someone other than Luke Skywalker  and Spider-Man.

Finally, I have a Bat-chair to rest my weary self to watch my Batman DVD's, play video games or just sit in my laid and admire the junk I have accumulated and treasure and come up with ways to add more stuff. It might all be crap, but it's my crap, Bwhahahahahahaha!

Thanks to Gina and Mariah for the awesome gifts. You both have made this old geek very happy.

Hopefully, camera cooperating, I will show of the rest of my birthday haul over the next 2 blogs. Look for them, same bat blog, same bat website!

New Comic Book Pickups

As of late, I really haven't been picking up a lot of comics. I've been mainly concentrating on picking vintage toys for my various collections or new items for my sports collections (if you want to check out the sports blog, you can check it here :http://thesexygeekssportsroom.blogspot.com/ ). I have been picking up various comics here and there, but I had decided a long time ago to just stick with the graphic novels and not pick up any single issues.

Well, I kind of back peddled on that promise yesterday when I dropped by Midtown Comics to see what they had on the shelves. I wound up picking up a few new issues for me to read during the week. My geeky soul thanked me over and over for the new books to read as it missed the characters, the papers and the adventures.

So, what did I pick up?

Of all the comics I used to read, I never stopped buying Batman. I really haven't bought Detective Comics, Batman Incorporated or any of the other Batman related books and I'm sorry I haven't. As you probably know, Robin, Damian Wayne was killed off by an aging, crazed clone of himself in Batman Incorporated #8 and I missed it. Midtown still had copies as well as copies of the beginning of the Requiem story arch, in which Batman deals with the lose of his son and his wanting to avenge his death against his mother Talia Al Ghul, whose assassin was the one who killed Damian.

I have been enjoying this Star Wars story called Star Wars: In The Shadow Of Yavin, which takes place between New Hope and Empire Strikes Back. In this story, The Rebel Alliance has been searching for a new home base and learns that there is a spy in the Alliance. Leia, Luke and others team to search for a new base as well as flush out the spy, while Han Solo and Chewbacca go off on a secret mission to Coruscant. The story also deals with Darth Vader's faliure in New Hope and his getting back in the Emperor's good graces. If your a fan of the original trilogy, like I am, pick up these books.

I have always been a huge Green Hornet fan. I loved the TV Series. I liked the movie as well, although not as much as the TV series. I have been wanting to read some of the Green Hornet graphic novels, especially Kevin Smith's run as on the book. His book was supposed to have been made into a movie years ago with George Clooney as the Hornet, so I need to hunt those books down. For now, I picked up the first issue of this comic with Mark Waid  writing. It takes place in Chicago in the 1930's and follows Britt Reid and Kato as they fight crime, posing as criminals. Read the first book and loved it. Might be time to start a small vintage Green Hornet collection.

Yeah, yeah. I know what I said regarding Superior Spider-Man. I wasn't going to pick it up, I hated what they did to Peter Parker, yadda yadda yadda. well, I made the mistake of reading the first 2 issues of the book, with the intentions of having it further cement my hatred for what happened to Parker. After reading the first two issues, as well as the next two, I hated to admit it: the comic was very good. This was a different maybe even fresh take on the character. Doc Ock is trying to be the best Spider-Man, but at times a bit of the old Doc Ock will resurface. The spirit of Peter Parker is there right by Ock's side to make sure he doesn't do anything wrong. It kinda reminds me of Firestorm, except that Ock doesn't know Parker is floating around. It's an interesting dynamic and I'm curious to see how they will bring Parker back (you know they are going to eventually), although it doesn't look like they will make the switch anytime soon.

I also picked up this Age Of Ultron tie in, even though I am not reading that arch. I figured I'd take a peek at what's going on with this issue, provided that I don't get lost reading it.

Overall, I am pretty happy with the purchases and cannot wait to sit down and read them. I have been enjoying previous issues of these books and enjoyed the first issue of the Green Hornet book. I'm still trying to pick up just the graphic novels, but for now, I'll just enjoy reading these books and getting my geek on.