Young All-Stars #12 (1988)

Young All-Stars #12 (1988) is the tenth and final comic book in the Ollie's grab bag. The cover features Flying Fox, Fury, Tsunami, Dan the Dyna-Mite, Iron Munro and Neptune Perkins. This issue's story it titled "'M' Is For 'Monster'!" and starts with Iron Munro showing off his first super hero costume that only Dan likes. Tigress also appears in this issue as a team member. Fury gets miffed and storms off and Arn chases after her only to find her frozen. Robotman, Mekanique and Amazing Man from the All-Star Squadron are standing there and they tell him that Fury ran into Mekanique after stomping off the elevator. Arn slaps Fury, who proceeds to tell them that she had a dream about a giant Mekanique going on a rampage. Mekanique and Fury hug it out but the later has a vision of the giant getting ready to stomp on Johnny Quick and Liberty Belle. She starts getting angry and the Greek fury known as the Blood Avenger starts possessing her. Luckily, Arn is able to calm her, which makes her faint.

The rest of the Young All-Stars come running to the scene before they all take her to a secret underground lab on Bedloe Island, home of the Statue of Liberty. There they meet Professor Mazursky and Robotman's friend, Dr. Grayson. Per Degaton the lab assistant is lurking around. In the lab, the team find man interesting sights including G.I. Robot, an unnamed plant man, a giant ape that is obviously King Kong, a T Rex from Monster Island and Miss America in suspended animation. Arn goes over Fury's origins again before Dr. Grayson tries to her with a giant machine. Meanwhile, Per Degaton meets with Deathbolt, who is carrying the brain of the Ultra-Humanite. A battle quickly starts before Ultra-Humanite's mind transfers into the body of the T Rex.

I had several issues of this series (#1, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 21 and Annual #1) but sold them years ago.

Cover of Young All-Stars #12 (1988)

Wonder Girl #4 (2008)

Wonder Girl #4 (2008) is the ninth comic book in the Ollie's grab bag. This series from DC Comics is actually a six-part mini series. The cover shows Cassandra Sandsmark aka Wonder Girl being attacked by the Female Furies, which includes Lashina, Stompa, Bernadeth and Bloody Mary (an energy vampire). This issue's story is titled "Champion Chapter 4: Enter The Olympian" and starts with her attacking the Female Furies because they had kidnapped her mother and Hercules. She is pulled out the rubble and taken back to the home of Aristides Demetrois aka the Olympian. Wonder Girl finds the Female Furies again along with her mother tied to a column and Hercules being controled by Bloody Mary. The Olympian, Supergirl, Robin and Arrowette arrive to help her battle them. This is the only issue that I have read of this mini-series and all of the other Wonder Girl titles.

Cover of Wonder Girl #4 (2008)

WildC.A.T.S. Adventures #6 (1995)

I didn't post yesterday since I had to take a road trip for a dentist appointment. I did pick up a few items of interest that I will show here at a later date. The eighth comic book in the Ollie's grab bag was WildC.A.T.S. Adventures #6 (1995) published by Image. I remember watching the cartoon series titled WildC.A.T.S.: Covert Action Teams, which this is based on and I actually enjoyed it (unfortunately, only thirteen episodes were made). I never read any other issues in the series but I did have the two soucebook issues. This issue's story is "Lives In The Balance" and features the return of Majestic, who takes control of the team away from Spartan since he was his commanding officer.

Cover of WildC.A.T.S. Adventures #6 (1995)

The Mighty Avengers #2 (2007)

The Mighty Avengers #2 (2007) from Marvel Comics is the seventh comic book that was in the Ollie's grab bag. The story features Wonder Man, Ms. Marvel, Sentry, Black Widow, Ares and Wasp battling a nude woman that stepped out of the recently killed Iron Man. She turns out to be Ultron that has taken on the form of Janet Van Dyne aka the Wasp. Yes, it's a pretty weird issue, which is probably why this is the first issue of the series that I have ever read.

Cover of The Mighty Avengers #2 (2007)

L.E.G.I.O.N. '90 #17 (1990)

The sixth comic book in the Ollie's grab bag was L.E.G.I.O.N. '90 #17 (1990) from DC Comics and is a version of the Legion of Super-Heroes. The cover features Vril Dox, Strata, Lyrissa and Stealth. Lobo, Captain Comet and Lady Quark also appear in this issue. By the way, L.E.G.I.O.N. stands for Licensed Extra-Governmental Interstellar Operatives Network and the three founding characters first appeared in the three issue Invasion mini series, which I have read and still have. I have also read L.E.G.I.O.N. '94 #65 and 70, which is the last issue (the series actually started as L.E.G.I.O.N. '89 and was actually replaced with R.E.B.E.L.S. '94). The story is titled "The Power of Positive Thinking" and is a small piece of a bigger puzzle so I won't go into detail here but it was an interesting read.

Cover of L.E.G.I.O.N. '90 #17 (1990)

Generation Zero #6 (2017)

Generation Zero #6 (2017) published by Valiant was the fifth comic book in the Ollie's grab bag. This is the first issue of the series that I have ever read. "The Zeros" is what the media in Rook, Michigan calls a vicious youth gang and the sheriff's daughter is helping them. There also seems to be a either a futuristic building or an alien craft standing outside of the city that nobody seems to notice. The only character that really interests me is the cowgirl. There is a short bonus story that has nothing to do with the main title but does lead into X-O Manowar #1.

Cover of Generation Zero #6 (2017)

Excalibur #34 (1991)

The next comic book that was in the Ollie's grab bag was Excalibur #34 (1991) from Marvel Comics with Shadowcat, Phoenix, Nightcrawler, Meggan and Captain Britain on the cover. The story is titled "School Spirit" and is the third and final chapter of the Cheerleaders from H.E.C.K.) storyline. Kitty Pryde aka Shadowcat and members of her cheer squad from the all-girl private school save the other Excalibur members that have been taken over by Mesmero (yes, it's as bad as it sounds). I have only read Excalibur #1, 7 and 86 in the past and now I remember why I didn't keep them.

Cover of Excalibur #34 (1991)

Dragonring #5 (1986)

The next comic in the Ollie's grab bag was Dragonring #5 (1986) from Aircel Publishing. The interior artwork is black and white and can be muddy at times. The main fantasy story deals with a man fighting monsters underground while trying to find three lost boys. The back up horror story is "The Thing On The Roof", which is actually better than the main story. I actually had Dragonring vol. 2, #4 but got rid of it a few years ago. It was a very different comic than this one.

Cover of Dragonring #5 (1986)

Aquaman Annual #2 (2014)

The first comic book in the Ollie's grab bag was a copy of Aquaman Annual #2 (2014). Arthur teams up with Wonder Woman to defeat some giant monsters. In the bonus story, Mera teams up with Wonder Woman to fight even more giant monsters. Yeah, this felt more like a Wonder Woman annual.

Cover of Aquaman Annual #2 (2014)

Ollie's Comic Book Grab Bag

On my first visit to Ollie's last month, I discovered a bunch of comic book grab bags. I couldn't resist picking up a ten pack for $6.99 that supposedly has a retail value of $35. The front of the bag has the following text:

"A variety mix of 10 classic comic books!"

"Featuring Marvel, DC, Archie, Mirage, etc."

"Supreme Marketing 126 Shove St Box 9 Fall River, MA 02724"

The picture below shows the back of one of the comics that features an ad for warnerarchive.com (the site redirects to warnerbros.com now) that shows Batman now on blu-ray, Batman: The Brave and the Bold the complete first season now on blue-ray (Aquaman shown), Legends of the Superheroes tv special from 1979 (I still need to get that one) and Batman: The Brave and the Bold the complete second season coming soon (Batman is shown with Green Arrow and Blue Beetle). The comic didn't actually come that way in the bag but I didn't want to show the cover just yet. I will be posting the comic covers over the next ten days.

Front of Ollie's Comic Book Grab Bag

There is nothing on the back of the bag. I don't know when I'll be back at Ollie's again but I will pick up at least another comic book grab bag if they still have them.

Another PCH Comic Book Grab Bag

I ordered another PCH Comic Book Grab Bag a few months ago and actually received it on Tuesday, April 7. This makes the third one with the first two being at PCH Comic Collection and PCH Super Hero Comic Books Plus Graphic Novel. I can't believe that it has been almost a year since the last one.

Once again there is no comics from Marvel. There are three comics from Boom! Studios, a graphic novel from DC Comics and Image, and another graphic novel from IDW Publishing. Yes, you read that right for this grab bag has three regular comics and two graphic novels.

First up is Higher Earth #3 (July 2012) from Boom! Studios. I have yet to read it but has dinosaurs so it might be an interesting science fiction comic.

Next up is Planet of the Apes Special #1 (February 2013) also from Boom! Studios. I have yet to read this either but I can't wait to do so.

I have always wanted to read the Steed and Mrs Peel series from Boom! Studios and now I get my chance to start with #0 (August 2012). I got Cover A and I have read the first few pages while I was scanning the rest of the comics in. It's set in 2000 and old agents are showing up dead.

The Mummy: The Rise and Fall of Xango's Ax (July 2008) from IDW Publishing is a prelude to the movie, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Empire and has some photos of Brendan Fraiser in the back. I haven't read this either but can't wait since I enjoyed all the mummy movies.

I also received the Spawn vs Batman graphic novel from DC Comics and Image in the last PCH Comic Book Grab Bag. While it was nice to get two graphic novels this time around, I just wish it wasn't one that I already had.

Overall, I liked the choices of the comic books in this grab bag. However, I was disappointed with getting a graphic novel that I already had. Also, I thought the value was not great once you add shipping costs to the normal price of the grab bag. This will probably be my last one from PCH for sure.

PCH Super Hero Comic Books Plus Graphic Novel

My Superhero Comic Books plus graphic novel grab bag arrived from Publishers Clearing House (PCH) on Tuesday, April 29, 2014. We got a nice mix with some comics from DC Comics and various independent comic publishers. Unfortunately, there was nothing from Marvel Comics. I haven't had the chance to read any of them yet so no reviews.

First up is Bloodshot #11 (December 1993) from Valiant Comics. The only other issue that I have in this series is #3.

Next up is G.I. Joe #16 (October 2006) from Devil's Due Publishing. I have no other issues of this series from this publisher.

I also received Justice League International #62 (March 1994) from DC Comics. This joins #20 and #21 that I already have.

Robotech: The Macross Saga #5 (August 1985) from Comico was also included. I have never read an issue of this comic based on the cartoon series.

I also have never seen an episode of Robotech: The Macross Saga.

I love the wraparound cover.

Finally, the graphic novel that I received was Spawn Batman (1994) from Image Comics. While I only have three issues of Spawn (#1, 2, 116), I do have a lot issues of Batman and related titles.

Overall, an interesting grab bag of comics from PCH. I was surprised at the choice for the graphic novel.

Superhero Comic Books Returns To PCH

Yeah, I couldn't resist ordering the Superhero Comic Books from PCH (Publishers Clearing House):

Instead of a pack of trading cards like the last time, this set includes four comic books and one graphic novel. I actually don't have any of the comics pictured in the above ad but I doubt that I will get any of them. I can't wait to see what I get in this comic grab bag.

PCH Comic Collection

My Classic Comic Collection 6-Pack from PCH (Publishers Clearing House) arrived in the mail yesterday. The package was in an over sized padded envelope. I received six comics and a unopened package of stickers instead of actual trading cards.

First up is Superman #78 with a bonus Man of Tomorrow poster and a die-cut cover:

I actually don't have this issue but I do have #77 and #81.

I have no issues of Top Cow/Image's Battle of the Planets #3 so this was a pleasant surprise:

I only have a few comics from Continuity Comics and Earth 4 Deathwatch 2000 #3 is not one of them. In fact, I don't have any in that series or the first Earth 4 series. The kicker for me was the cool Firebat trading card that came with it. The issue has a wraparound cover but I'm only showing the front cover:

Too bad that CyberForce #25 is not from the original series. This is from volume two with a chromium wraparound cover but I'm only showing the front cover:

Sweet, a Jonny Quest #23 from Comico that also has a wraparound cover (yep, you guessed it, I'm only showing the front):

Finally, I received The 'Nam from Marvel Comics (I needed this issue for I have #1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 14, 22, 49, and 50):

I was a little bummed out about getting Batman Forever Movie Photo Stickers instead of actual trading cards. I received #5, 10, 43, 50, and 67.

Overall, not a bad selection of comics since I didn't have any of them plus two helped fill some holes in my collection. I do wish that the stickers were actual trading cards but at least they were from Batman Forever and not My Little Pony or something even worse. However, I doubt that I will order another grab bag like this from PCH anytime soon.

PCH Finally Offers Comic Collection

I have been waiting patiently for PCH (Publishers Clearing House) to finally offer something of interest to me other than "historic" coin collections (I haven't bought any of those for they are out of my budget). They are finally offering a Classic Comic Collection 6-Pack, which is really a grab bag so who knows what issues one will get but at least there will be at least one Superman, Batman or Spider-Man title. However, this offer also includes at least five unopened comic book trading cards, which sealed the deal for me. The price is $19.96, which is not bad considering the price of today's comic books and trading cards. I will post about which comics and cards I receive. Yes, this is my Christmas present to myself this year.

TFAW Grab Bag #41: The Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite #1

James Jean did the cover of this version of Dark Horse's The Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite #1 (September 2007). This is a strange mix of steampunk and superheroes. Dr. Reginald Hargreeves aka the Monocle collects, er, adopts seven of forty-three extraordinary children. He is the inventor of several items including the Mobile Umbrella Communicator and a space alien. Ten years later, the children battle the zombie robot Gustave Eiffel, who is controlling his Tower. They are given numbers instead of names like Number One, who is the leader. Twenty years later they reunite after the death of the Monocle. Number One is now known as Spaceboy and the rest have actual names. I would like to read the rest of this limited series. Unfortunately, I received six copies of this issue from TFAW.

This is the last of the grab bag comics from TFAW. As you can tell, I did not fare very well with the fifty issues from Dark Horse. I can see two or three copies of the same issue but getting six or eight issues was ridiculous.

TFAW Grab Bag #40: Star Wars: Underworld - The Yavin Vassilika #3, #4 and #5

The variant of Dark Horse's Star Wars: Underworld - The Yavin Vassilika #3 (February 2001) features a photo of Harrison Ford as Han Solo. The adventure is fun but I am not crazy about the interior art by Carlos Meglia. I received eight copies of this issue in the grab bag from TFAW.

I also received one copy of Star Wars: Underworld - The Yavin Vassilika #4 (April 2001). Shame that Andrew Robinson and Dave Stewart only did the cover artwork.

I also received six copies of the photo cover variant of #4.

Finally, I received one copy of Star Wars: Underworld - The Yavin Vassilika #5 (June 2001). I am not a big fan of the cover by Carlos Meglia.

TFAW Grab Bag #39: Star Wars: Starfighter - Crossbones #2

I received Star Wars: Starfighter - Crossbones #2 (February 2002) from TFAW as part of their grab bag comic special. This issue has Nym fighting an alien shark-like creature called the relix on the planet Maramere. I liked this issue but only needed one copy instead of the three that I received.

TFAW Grab Bag #38: Rapture #3

Mike Allred did the variant cover to Dark Horse's Rapture #3 (July 2009). From what I gather from this issue, there are Champions with broken spears. One is young woman that talks to a cloaked figure and wants to do nothing else but find her boyfriend. Meanwhile, New York City is in ruins and there is a masked preteen boy with a broken spear. He is pretty creepy for he carries his mom's head, drinks booze and makes others worship him. There are also cannibals running around. Pretty weird comic book so I like it. What I dislike is that I have three copies of the same issue.

TFAW Grab Bag #37: Buffy The Vampire Slayer #17 and #20

Today's grab bag from TFAW will also serve as this week's Women Wednesday. Jeff Matsuda did the cover artwork for Dark Horse's Buffy The Vampire Slayer #17 Valentine's Day Edition (Purple Foil Logo Variant Cover) with a cover date of January 2000. Like the Angel #3 Valentines Day Edition (Purple Foil Logo Variant Cover) that I showed here, there is nothing romantic happening within this issue. Buffy does fight a vampire lookalike. I received six copies of this issue.

I do like the photographic cover to Dark Horse's Buffy The Vampire Slayer #20 (April 2000) mostly because of Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreanaz. This issue finds the pair sharing their psychic link while on the brink of death from some demon that steal souls. I received four copies of this issue.

The only issue of this series that I had before receiving the grab bag comics was the photo cover of #37 (June 2003). However, I do have all four issues of the Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Haunted mini-series. To be honest, my favorite characters from the tv series are Willow and Tara. That is why I have the Willow and Tara one-shot and the Willow and Tara: Wilderness two parter.