Comic Books!!!

Comic books, and me go way back. Heck, I remember collecting back in the days of Adam, and Eve ... just kidding, lol! I do remember collecting comic books as a young child though, and later amassing a respectable collection by the time I reached my mid 20's. Before I sacrificed my collection for the greater good (paying a family member's medical bill) I had collected hundreds of comic books including signed, "Nude (Cavewoman)", and special editions as well as a hard back Dark Horse comic book with an actual nude drawing of a character by the main artist. Damned, I do miss that collection! Alas, all good things must come to an end though. Nothing lasts forever, unfortunately. Thankfully in light of my collection passing though a new comic book, and gaming shop has opened up not far from where I live. Some of you will know the shop as "Area 52 Games & Comics (or something along those lines)". Since it's opening a week ago I have treated myself to some cool new comics with my monthly side cash in hopes of building back up what I had lost years ago.

Area 52 is a modest, but nicely arranged, and meticulously kept hobby shop for gamers looking for some weekly TCG action as well as for collector's looking to pick up the latest issues of their favorite comic book series. While I've not really spent a whole lot of time in the store due to budget restraints I have got an eyeful of it's glorious contents, and dude was it glorious! New comic books line one wall of the store while some middle tables house older issues, and a third wall houses all the TCG goodies. You'll even find a decent sized back shelf housing hardcover, and TPB editions of some well known comic book series. Everything from indies to maintstream comics are what this particular shop is all about.

With shop raving aside I thought I'd share with you some of my latest comic book pick-ups in the form of captured photos. There are no spoilers, mind you, but you will get to see the cover shots of each. Before I share these images with you though I want to stress the importance of supporting shops like Area 52. These smaller owner run stores depend wholly on the income they get from locals to get them the funds they need to keep the store up, and running. Without shops like these in a nearby locale it becomes hard to buy items which such a store would specialize in. It has literally been nearly 15 years since a store of this sort has opened up any where near me, and the last one that was here did not stick around long because comic books, and TCGs weren't as popular as they are today. As such it is imperative to stop in, and buy at least some small something as often as you can to keep this type of store around. Otherwise you'll be forced to shop from online comic book retailers who mail you damaged, and bent goods through standard, or non-standard mail options. Just sayin'.

In my latest comic book run I picked up five comic books, and a TPB. Among these were two New52 one-shots with lenticular covers, "Harley Quinn #1", and "New Suicide Squad #1". I particularly loved the new Harley Quinn comic as it showcased an embraced image of the Joker, and Harley Quinn in an alternating wedding, and honeymoon image. The Suicide Squad comic book was a little less as impressive in comparison, but did show Harley Quinn behind bars with some other teammates.

Next up I got the latest Hellboy/B.P.R.D. spin-off ("Hellboy and B.P.R.D. 1952 #1"), and a Hellboy TPB known as "Seed of Destruction". I'm actually a long time fan of Mike Mignola's art style, and the Hellboy series. Btw, I had seen Dark Horse advertise this spin-off earlier this week, so it was on my list of must haves.

Next up, in the way of new issues I picked up "Death of Wolverine #1 of 4". It featured a semi-prismatic cover, and included a digital copy for five dollars. I'm a long time Wolverine fan, and have been since a little boy. I've bought many different comic books related to the feral superhero, and am actually sad to see MARVEL killing him off. It's like seeing an old friend pass away.

For the heck of it I also picked up a back issue of "Witchblade/Tomb Raider #1", because I do love a sexy cover. It being in the middle bargain bin also helped the purchase decision to be an easier one.

So, that is it for now. I might return later on to share with you my latest pick-ups from Area 52. Just remember to heed my advice, and support the smaller hobby shops as they are just as important as the bigger stores.

Your Last Samurai,
Brad Carver (OtakuDante)