Lightning strikes again

Holy mackerel!

Detective Comics #27 (DC, 1939) CGC VF 8.0 Off-white to white pages

Sold for: $1,075,500.00

Detective Comics was what gave the company now known as DC its name, and was innovative as a single-theme comic in a day when a variety of features was the norm. But up to this point in the series' run this anthology title was fairly unremarkable except for some striking covers. Of course, those early issues are fervently sought after today, but the interiors were populated by the fairly standard likes of Slam Bradley and Speed Saunders, nothing a kid would go out of his way to ask a newsdealer for.

Read about it HERE!

No we don't have any copies. If we did I wouldn't be sitting here in front of this stupid computer, lemme tell ya. Man, talk about recession-proof!

(Thanks to alert reader Mike Bollinger for the tip!)

One Million dollars

“It’s the single most important event in comic book history,” adds ComicConnect.com co-owner and COO, Vincent Zurzolo.

Well, it's finally come to this: An 8.0 copy of ACTION COMICS #1 featuring the first appearance of Superman has sold at auction for $1,000,000! Read all about it HERE! Guess I'll dig out my five copies I've been sitting on all these years. But of course I kid. Anyway, I would say that comic book collecting is doing pretty well as a hobby, even during these tough times. (This still doesn't explain that NEW MUTANTS #98 that just sold for $12,250.00!)

Shel Dorf, founder of the San Diego Comic-Con has passed away

I recently got this email from my old pal Charlie Roberts:

As many of you know, Shel Dorf the founder of Comic-Con International (formerly The San Diego Comic-Con), passed away on Tuesday November 3 after a lengthy illness. Shel's brother Michael Dorf has asked Shel's long time friend Michael Towry to set up the "Shel Dorf New Talent Encouragement Fund" in Shel's honor. Michael Towry, along with Richard Alf and several other young comic collectors, were part of the original convention committee and helped Shel with the first several Comic-cons. Richard Alf was Comic-con Chairman in 1971 and Michael was Comic-con Chairman in 1972. If any of you reading this ever went to the San Diego Comic-con/Comic Con International, enjoyed Shel's many columns over the years in "The Comic Buyer's Guide", read the "Steve Canyon" comic strip which Shel lettered for many years, or just plain love comics and the graphics medium this would be a great way to say "Thank You" and help a most worthwhile charity in the process.

Donations may be sent to:

Shel Dorf New Talent Encouragement Fund c/o
Michael Towry
PO Box 232497
San Diego, Ca 92193

You might also enjoy checking out Michael's excellent Shel Dorf Tribute website:

WWW.ShelDorfTribute.com

Thanks for your time and consideration. Respectfully, Charlie Roberts

Sounds like a great idea! Do what you can folks!

Baltimore Comic-Con 2009 - Day Two: The Quickening

Yikes! What a crazy day! Lots of shoppers, lots of artists and writers milling around, lots of costumed people, lots of fun:

Bill was trapped on the escalator for almost two hours until convention hall staff finally heard his pleas for help.

Where's Bill? Josh: "Bill who?"

Finally rescued by Henchman 21! Thanks, Henchman 21!

I LOVE COMICAL FUNNY BOOKS!

The unwary victim.

The anonymous threat!
Was it carried out?

Just another day at the fantastic Baltimore Comic-Con!

Well, that's it for now... we're all pretty beat and are tired of hauling 1200 pounds of comic books around two states. Tomorrow begins a two-day series of seminars at the Diamond Retailer Summit, so there may be delayed posting... we will report back soon with what we learn about upcoming projects and whatnot!

(Oh and this Wednesday, come in and check out samples of ALL THE AWESOME GREEN LANTERN RINGS! They're not for sale yet, DC Comics just sent one of each of them for us to show all of you!)

Baltimore Comic-Con 2009 - Day One

Here we go:

The Comix Connection booth at the Baltimore Comic-Con 2009! Behold the mighty comic book goodness!

There are no words to explain this. Just ... absorb...

This had my dander up for the first few hours. Joe rescued the dolly, much to my appreciation. The cost: Ten dollars and a heartfelt hug. Thanks, Joe!

Stuart Schreck of DC Comics shows us where the power lies... holy mackerel, that is the coolest thing I've seen in a very long time. THANKS, DC COMICS!

Some Dead Guy: Ten Bucks
In a GAP bag?
Same price.

Sometimes things are hazy.

Sometimes it's completely crazy.

Max and a wa(h)ll of comic books.

When the Green Flash does the paperwork, it's all a blur.

Joe and his old comic book store boss Calum Johnston of STRANGE ADVENTURES in Halifax, Nova Scotia! It was a real pleasure for me to meet Calum!

I'd just like to thank all of you who came out today! It was great seeing so many of you making the trek to Baltimore to wallow in so much comic book goodness. Very cool, y'all! Thanks to every one of you, especially Tom and Olivia (kudos for the costume Olivia, and the Green Lantern love you give, Tom), Kel (first time! WOOT!), Mark Herr (you will always be The Man), Jason for the cool postcards (I'm gonna put a couple of them up here once I scan them, but not THAT one!), Albert (good to see you dude, I can't believe your son is in his second year of college!), Steve (for bringing Master Wahl to the con in his sleek white sports car), Evilkitty36 and hubby and son (for making the trek, by the way remind me I forgot to give all three of you your Special 20% Off Baltimore Comic-Con Discount Coupons!), and anyone else I may have forgotten at this point. Thanks to all of you who wore your Comix Connection T-shirt and I really hope we remembered to give your your FREE DOLLAR! Special thanks to Mrs. Boyce for the treats, you're ACES!

I guess we'll see the rest of you tomorrow, right?

Baltimore Comic-Con: Friday Set-up

Well, it begins... Comix Connection's TENTH annual Baltimore Comic-Con! Here's some pictures from today with Joe and Josh at "load-in" for the Baltimore Comic-Con!

NINTH IN LINE! WOOOO-HOOOO! Even with Bill's usual round-the-block detour. You would think he'd know how to get to the convention center by now...

The crew, eagerly awaiting set-up!

Into the Concrete Canyon of No Return!

In the BELLY OF THE THUNDERDOMEDOMEDOMEOMEOME!

After much hard work, the booth is primed and ready to go. Who knows what delicious comic book goodies will be displayed for the multitudes tomorrow? Stop by and see! We are booth number One-Double-Oh-Seven, naturally.

What magical place is this? Baltimore truly IS full of wonders!

More tomorrow! Stop by our booth for your free dollar!

Baltimore Comic-Con: The Place To Be This Weekend

As you probably know, the TENTH Annual Baltimore Comic-Con will be held this weekend (Saturday October 10th and Sunday October 11th) at the Baltimore Convention Center, which is located between Oriole Park at Camden Yards and Baltimore's Inner Harbor. The guestlist is HUUUUGE this year and there are many scheduled panels and programs where you can sit in and join the discussions of various comic book related topics! There will also be a first-ever Costume Contest with a $1000 Grand Prize on Sunday!

Some tips from this longtime Baltimore Comic-Con veteran:

1) BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE AHEAD OF TIME! This will save you from waiting in very long lines to get in. Seriously BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE AHEAD OF TIME!

2) If you are coming from Pennsylvania, USE THE LIGHT RAIL! Most exits along I-83 have Maryland Light Rail stations that you park for free at, then hop the light rail train that takes you to a stop at Camden Yards which is literally right across the street from the Baltimore Convention Center! HERE'S the schedule if you're coming down I-83! A train comes along every 15 minutes, so don't sweat it if one is pulling out as you are pulling in... another will be along soon! Oh, and I'm pretty sure a ROUND-TRIP TICKET IS ONLY $3.20! So you would save the hassle of trying to find parking in Baltimore, paying $15-$20 for said parking, and having to negotiate Baltimore city traffic! Win-win-win!

3) WEAR COMFORTABLE, SOFT-SOLED SHOES! You will be doing quite a bit of standing and walking about, so bring your most supportive, comfortable shoes! And nice comfy socks. And pants. Don't forget your pants.

4) WEAR YOUR COMIX CONNECTION T-SHIRT and I will hand you ONE DOLLAR CASH AMERICAN no strings attached! A free dollar! By golly, that's what America is all about! Don't be shy, get yours!

5) Also, ask for your SPECIAL CONVENTION-GOERS 20% OFF ANY PURCHASE COUPON that is redeemable in either store for when you get back home! It's just our way of showing appreciation to those adventurous customers who travel to Baltimore to see us and the guest artists and writers and the millions of dollars worth of comic books and the four dollar pretzels! Take some of that excitement home with you and get 20% OFF your next purchase at Comix Connection!

6) This one is critical: BRING THE COMIX CONNECTION GUYS CRABCAKE SANDWICHES! You must all bring Bill, Joe and Josh hot and tasty Maryland crabcake sandwiches. Or candy apples. Either one.

7) As a courtesy to you, we invite everyone to drop their stuff off at our booth so that you don't have to lug around that 40-pound WALKING DEAD OMNIBUS that you want author Robert Kirkman to sign. We will gladly stash your stash under our tables (WITHIN REASON, FOLKS!) so that you can be free to roam the convention floor without a paper anchor.

8) Enjoy Baltimore and especially the Inner Harbor (museums! aquarium! shops! food!) which is just a few blocks away by aerial walkway. If you really want some fun, take a short trip to Fell's Point and stop in Bertha's for the mussels or Sound Garden or any number of cool shops, pubs and restaurants in that hip little neighborhood. Or pop over to Little Italy for some great Italian Cuisine... I recommend a stop at Vaccaro's Bakery for dessert treats.

9) BRING STUFF TO HAVE SIGNED! Most creators will sign stuff for free or for a small charity donation. If you want fully-rendered sketches or drawings, you may have to wait a while and of course pay for your commission. There will also be comics and stuff done by the visiting creators that you can purchase from some of the vendors, like US! Or bring a blank sketchpad like a lot of folks do and have creators do a quick sketch for you! It's easy and fun and you can build a collection of one-of-a-kind artwork!

10) Mostly BE PATIENT and enjoy yourself! You will be amongst thousands of folks just like you! There are literally hundreds of thousands of comic books to look at, and hundreds of creators to see and chat with. HAVE FUN!

TOM MAKES A GOOD POINT IN THE COMMENTS, SO I'll PUT IT UP HERE:

Definitely take the light rail if you go on Saturday. Saturday is also the running of the Baltimore Marathon, and many downtown streets will be closed on and off throughout the day, making traffic and parking even more of a nightmare.

SEE YOU THERE!

Baltimore Comic-Con Panels announced!

1:30-2:30 Comic Rewind: The '70s
The 1970s were an exciting time in comics as a team of mutants gained new life, a muck monster rose from the swamp, fish laughed, mystic defenders faced trippy threats, a hunter of men met a bat, and much more. It was a time of amazing creativity and excitement. Join creators Chris Claremont, Steve Englehart, Walter Simonson, Len Wein, and Bernie Wrightson along with moderator Mark Waid as they take a look back at the comics of the '70s.

Check out the just-released schedule of panels at the Baltimore Comic-Con HERE! Looks to be a ton of fun!

Have you seen the amazing Guest List? Highlights include: Jason Aaron, Mike Allred, Dick Ayers, Nick Cardy, Frank Cho, Chris Claremont, Evan Dorkin, Greg Horn, Adam Hughes, JG Jones, Robert Kirkman, Joe Kubert, Erik Larsen, Rob Liefeld, David Mack, Terry Moore, George Perez, Tim Sale, Marc Silvestri, Walter Simonson, Herb Trimpe, Mark Waid, Len Wein, Bernie Wrightson and many many more! HERE'S the complete list! It's crazy!

Oh and if you're heading to the Baltimore Comic-Con from up north here in Pennsylvania and don't feel like fighting Baltimore city traffic or trying to find an expensive parking space, try Maryland Transit's Light Rail! You just park your car at one of several lots along I-83, and for a small fee (something like $3.00 round-trip!), you can hop on the Light Rail Train, which takes you to a station RIGHT BESIDE THE CONVENTION CENTER! It's awesome! Click HERE to see where you can board the train!

And you can buy your advance tickets HERE!

Comix Connection will be set up at our usual booth as we have been for all ten years of the fabulous Baltimore Comic-Con. Stop by and get a FREE ONE DOLLAR BILL CASH AMERICAN by simply wearing your Comix Connection T-shirt! There may even be a special con-goers coupon for you to use at the stores when you get back home! Or just stop by and say "HI" to Bill and the Comix Connection Convention Monkeys. Crabcake sandwiches gladly accepted!

What I did on my summer vacation

The first day of my summer vacation, I woke up.
I went downtown to look for a job.
Then I hung out in front of the drug store.

Remember that one? No? Guess I'm too old. That's a Cheech and Chong classic, folks!

Anyway.

My family and I just got back from ten days in fabulous Daytona Beach, Florida, home of the best stretch of beach in the continental USA, bar none. I love it there. No crowds, a huge beach, and perfect weather. Now if only there were some really good seafood restaurants there like in Calabash, North Carolina. Still, a great vacation was had by all. What did we do? Besides the usual fun stuff like swimming, body-surfing and lying around, we went to THRIFT STORES! What did I find there? Behold:

BRAND NEW RED CHUCKS, size 10! 'Nuff said.

Two dollar DVDs, including an early-'70s thriller fave THE BEGUILED.

TEN CENT CASSETTES! Let me say that again: TEN CENT CASSETTES! It doesn't get any better than that. For that price I can play them once in the van and then chuck them at that annoying tailgater behind me. Human League, Oingo Boingo, Kate Bush, Squeeze, Bowie, Leonard Cohen, Joe Jackson, Billy Idol, Blondie. Talking Heads, The Time (FREAK-A-ZOID!), and some miscellaneous Hawaiian music for Wahl's Friendly Tavern! Some of these were on the 747 Records label, a mysterious bootlegger(?) from Saudi Arabia that littered the record store bins in the late-'70s/early '80s. What a haul!

A four-foot Toucan for the Tiki Bar! Thanks, Mom and Pop! You always know just what to get me!

A flat tire in Carson, Virginia. This gift was for the entire family. Still, it could have been a lot worse. We got it literally a quarter-mile from THE ONLY OPEN REST AREA on I-95 in the state of Virginia! Pure luck. Towed to a real working garage at 7PM on a Saturday and replaced in seven minutes! We're back on the road with only two hours lost!

At least I didn't take my dad's garage door opener home this time.

So what happened while I was gone?

Go read Brian's Batman Blog!

Local comic fan, part-time Comix Connection Counter Monkey, owner of two thousand drill bits, and all around swell pal Brian Linnen has started a highly entertaining weblog... BRIAN'S BATMAN BLOG! Go give it a read! Good stuff, updated twice weekly!

The Continuity Kid's Secret Hideout

What does Manager Joe do in his off time? Why, immerse himself in his favorite thing, COMICS! And where does he do that? In his own personal "Nerdery"! Behold:



CLICK HERE to see all the pictures!

Simply amazing! And now you know why he's The Continuity Kid!

The son of the return of DrawerBoxes™

That's right cats and kittens, Comix Connection will be restocking the fabled DRAWERBOXES™ either next week or the following week, definitely before Christmas! If you need any let your friendly Comix Connection Counter Monkey™ know and we will set them aside for you. They're still only $13.99 each, as we managed to hold the price down for now!

What are DrawerBoxes™ you ask? CLICK HERE to find out!

R.I.P. The Ackermonster

Sad news... Forrest J. Ackerman has died.


From his Wikipedia entry:

Forrest J Ackerman (November 24, 1916 - December 4, 2008)^[1] was an American collector of science fiction books and movie memorabilia and a science fiction fan. Ackerman, known as "Forry" or "4e" or "4SJ", is influential not only in the formation, organization, and spread of science fiction fandom, but has long also been a key figure in the wider cultural acceptance of science fiction as a literary, art and film genre. Ackerman is also known as the editor-writer of the magazine Famous Monsters of Filmland, as well as an occasional author, actor, producer (Vampirella), and literary agent.

Who amongst us hasn't been influenced by Forry? A sad day indeed.

More fun than a barrow full of Orangutans

That's right! You will have more fun than a wheelbarrow full of orangutans this Saturday at the York Fairgrounds when you spend your day looking at books, records, prints and yes, even COMIC BOOKS!

WHEN: THIS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25th 9AM-4PM, with bonus auction starting at 5PM!

WHERE: The OLD MAIN BUILDING at the YORK EXPO CENTER/YORK FAIRGROUNDS

WHAT: Books, records, prints, comics, autographs, paper ephemera, etc., etc.

SPECIAL GUESTS: Mike Oeming, Paul Azaceta, Mike Hawthorne, Brian Keene, Andy MacDonald

For more info, click HERE! Comix Connection will be set up at this one - we wouldn't miss it for the world! Looks to be a hot one!

A peek inside my library...

Whoops! I meant Jay Walker's library.

Man, that's some swell place... it's the kind of library I'd like to imagine I would build should I happen to win the lottery. Who doesn't crave owning the instruction manual for the Saturn V rocket?

BALTIMORE COMICON 2008 a huge success!

Wow.

Just wow.

That was the biggest and best Baltimore Comicon EVER, bar none! On Saturday, the line to get in stretched outside to the front area until at least 2:00... and Sunday was crazy busy too. It's funny, that with all those people milling around, the floor never seemed to be jammed, just pretty crowded due to the size of the floorspace at the Baltimore Convention Center. Joe, Josh and I rarely had time to leave the booth to use the restroom, let alone go visit all the artists and writers in attendance. I never did get to see METAMORPHO artist Ramona Fradon... every time I went looking for her she wasn't there. Oh well, I did get to meet and chat with Jeff Kinney, author/artist of DIARY OF A WIMPY KID, and pick up the third book in the series, which was comped to me by Abrams rep Eric! Thanks, man! Oh and special thanks go out to my wife Karen who supplied us with sandwiches, coffee and tasty snacks! You're a life saver! It was fun to see all of you guys down in Baltimore amidst millions of dollars worth of comic books... we hope you all had as much fun as we did!

The long wait to get in on Friday... two hours of our lives we'll never get back. I was so bored I almost bought a gold necklace off of some guy...

The Book Of The Show... one of my favorite covers EVER by the great L. B. Cole, sadly we sold this book on Sunday at about 4PM. *sniff* Now I'll never see it again.

Joshie, Trainee Maxwell (at his first ever comic convention), and Joe the Continuity Kid.

A battle-scarred veteran of Baltimore Comicon 2008!

A somewhat quiet moment at booth 1-double-oh-7!

Were you there? What did you see and do? Tell us in the comments section!

(Oh, and stay tuned for more fun stuff coming up near the end of this month, including our fabled Halloween Sale!)