SW3D's Journal

0
  • entries
    118
  • comment
    1
  • views
    2,545

Entries in this journal

Swamp Thing Streaming Series Canceled

June 6, 2019 It's been a long time since I posted a comment or written a journal. I've been on the sidelines watching the world of comics vicariously through the movies, TV shows, the internet, and auction houses. What brings me back is the sad and dissapointing news that the DC Universe has pulled the plug on the new Swamp Thing series after having only aired one episode. It's a head scratching decision since the show was given absolutely no chance to succeed, yet it has drawn gl

SW3D

SW3D

A Pedigree Trifecta!

AKA: "It's Him! It's Him! It's Him!" Well I had to do it; I had to buy another. I have no idea what compels me to do such crazy things like buying multiple copies of comics that I love; it's probably mental illness. Since early 2013, I had been searching for another copy of Marvel Premiere #1: a key showcasing the metamorphosis of HIM into Warlock. But I wasn't searching for just any example of Marvel Premiere #1... I had to have a Suscha News pedigree graded 9.6 with white pages. Why? Beca

SW3D

SW3D

Daredevil 181: Newsstand Edition vs. Direct Edition...

If memory serves me correctly, this may have already been discussed on a journal topic or two, or on the chat boards, but I can't seem to find it. And if anyone knows of the discussion I'm referring to or something similar, I would be grateful if you could point it out. Anyway... the other day I noticed on eBay, a seller has on auction, Daredevil 181, the infamous, "Death of Elektra". It's the Newsstand Edition in 9.8. In his seller's description and characteristics, he provides the GPA Analys

SW3D

SW3D

Aria/Angela: Heavenly Creatures: The Variants: Part III: Blue Eyed Angela...

My sincerest apologies to the CGC for posting a picture involving a PGX graded comic book, and to anyone else who may take offense, but if it is any consolation, it is my intention to eventually crack it open and submit it to the CGC for grading. This journal happens to be my third entry (hence Part III) focusing on the numerous variants published for the Aria/Angela: Heavenly Creatures mini-series, and as I stated in the prior journals, my goal to collect them all. The pair in the picture rep

SW3D

SW3D

Heven is a Place on Earth 616!

How many years from now will we look back at the arrival of Angela in the Marvel Universe and reminisce about her strange odyssey from Angel/Spawn Killer to Thor's Sister/Asgardian Assassin? In May of 2013, Angela officially returned to the four-color pages with pomp and circumstance in Age of Ultron #10, after she had been declared dead in Spawn #100, 13 years prior. Angela's resurrection meant that the long standing copyright dispute between comic book paragons Neil Gaiman and Todd McFarlane

SW3D

SW3D

Aria/Angela: Heavenly Creatures #'s 1 and 2: The Variants Part II: Eye Candy!!!

There is not much to say about this one except EYE CANDY! What you are seeing is another Angela/Aria variant... the very rare Tower Records Variant. Currently, a total of seven (7) have been graded by the CGC. Although this one is graded an unremarkable 9.4 (considered a low grade by most collectors for a modern tier comic), it just happens to be the only signature series of its kind. Damn!... Angela takes my breath away. If only she could jump off that cover! Based on looks from this ill

SW3D

SW3D

Aria/Angela: Heavenly Creatures #'s 1 and 2: The Variants Part I

I'm not a huge fan of variants. In my opinion they are a publishing gimmick to get the vulnerable comic collector into spending more cash. Variants are nothing more than a single comic book clothed in multiple shirts; honestly, it's rather foolish of us to fall for such marketing ploys. And yet, I'm probably one of the biggest fools! Aria/Angela: Heavenly Creatures is a two (2) issue mini-series published by Image Comics nearly 15 years ago. It features my favorite hellion, Angela, before she

SW3D

SW3D

Does Adam Warlock have a Soul?

I'm a big fan of Adam Warlock. And I see there are many fans here as well. And it is to those fans, and cosmic philosophers that this question is directed to: Does Adam Warlock have a soul? I ask such a question, because knowing his origin, it begs me to question that he does. For those that are not acquainted with his origin: Adam Warlock (originally known as HIM), is an artificially created superbeing (See Fantastic Four Volume 1, Numbers 66 & 67). Created by a group of scientists cal

SW3D

SW3D

Fantastic Four Volume 1, Numbers 66 and 67: Origin and 1st Appearance of HIM...

On November 30, 2014, I submitted a journal titled, "Adam Warlock Keys: What comic book key issues should be included in this set?". Lamentably, although I poured considerable energy into it and at the time I believed I had all my facts straight... I decided to double-check something that was nagging me in the back of my mind. Well... I discovered I've made an error. What is the error? I mistakenly believed and stated that HIM's Cocoon makes its first appearance in issue 66. That is actuall

SW3D

SW3D

Custom Set: "The Kingdom of the Spawn #9 Newsstand Editions"

I love the custom set feature recently instituted by the CGC. This registry feature allows us to create unique thematic sets that normally wouldn't make the grade as a competitive set. But who knows, maybe one day the CGC will host a competition for best custom sets. And if I were to enter such a competition, I would enter my unique and prized set: "The Kingdom of the Spawn #9 Newsstand Editions. Yes!... I'm back and at it again! Not only have I created such a custom set, but I have also re

SW3D

SW3D

To Err is Human, To Forgive is...

From time to time, we all make mistakes... I know I do. But mistakes are lessons and reminders of our imperfections and fragile humanity. We are not machines... we are not perfect... nor were we meant to be. And that is true of any and all government, group, organization, individuals, and even professional third party grading companies. What am I babbling about? Take a look at my latest acquisition. It is a glorious 9.8 example of Warlock Volume 1, Number 9. The cover illustration is what

SW3D

SW3D

Adam Warlock Keys: What comic book key issues should be included in this set?

Recently, the CGC has modified the Adam Warlock Keys Set by adding a number of titles where Adam Warlock has made an appearance (comic books which are mostly concentrated in the Bronze Age). Personally, I do not agree with these new additions, since the theme of the set is Adam Warlock Keys, meaning only those comic books which have key significance related to Adam Warlock should be included in this set. Which comic books you may ask? Well, although I am no comic book historian, nonetheless, I w

SW3D

SW3D

A Short Window to Work With: My One Day Comic Con Experience...

When they became available, I was slow in pulling the trigger on a two or three day pass for NYComicCon. Time passed and I completely forgot about it. Like SDCC, tickets sold quickly. In late summer, a new job came along, and Thursday became the only day I could find a ticket and committ... so I took it... one day is better than none. Sadly, with my signature ambitions, one day is/was not enough, especially with the truncated hours Thursday has to offer. If I had Friday, Saturday, and/or Sunda

SW3D

SW3D

Welcome to the World of Self-Publishing: An Interview with Bradley Potts, Owner of Gateway Comics and Writer and

We all read and collect comic books, but how many of us dare to live the dream? What dream you ask...?... Creating and publishing your very own comic book. Think of the thrill to see a comic book you've written or illustrated, in the hands of a child, teen or adult? Imagine the rush when you discover a fellow collector submitting your comic book on a CGC invoice? And what delirious heights of euphoria will you reach when your comic book is encapsulated and immortalized in a brand spanking new CG

SW3D

SW3D

The All-New Origin of Angela

Spoiler Alert: Plot Details from Original Sin: Thor & Loki: The Tenth Realm #1 Hello Boys and Girls, tis me again, your humble Angela fanatic with another exciting installment of "For the Love of Angela". I have a confession... after Guardians of the Galaxy 10, I completely lost track of Angela. I recently skimmed through copies of GOTG 11 - 13, and All-New X-Men 22 -- 24, at my local LCS, to see what my fair lady was up to, but the whole "Trial of Jean Grey" just didn't do it for me. And

SW3D

SW3D

Taking 2nd Place!: Tales of the Zombie...

"The Blood-Hued Sun sets slowly this eve, painting the Louisiana Bayous in tones of ominous crimson. On the shore, men and women already prepare for the midnight ritual to come. Wood is gathered, a bonfire ignited! Now, the moon rises... and it begins! Drums pound out strange sensual rhythms, recalling the pulsation of hearts that once beat in primordial Africa. Clothes are discarded... and naked bodies jerk and writhe, spasmodically, held fast in the throes of ancient passions. Then, she a

SW3D

SW3D

Angela... I am your Father?!?

AKA: Another exciting installment of "For the Love of Angela!"   SPOILER WARNING: Contains information about the upcoming The Tenth Realm and Angela.Yeah... It's been a while. Comics haven't been my thing of late... supplanted by the love for my acoustic and classical guitars I recently bought. I'm practicing two hours daily. My fingers are starting to get numb, tingly, and raw from plucking and fretting the nylon strings. And my left wrist has developed a light swelling and ache... is it arth

SW3D

SW3D

Heart Strings: A New Love in My Life!

"Where have I been?" That's what some of you may have been asking... others... are probably saying "Who cares?"   Well... for those who care... in the beginning of 2014, I was still a passionate comic book collector. Then in late January early February, I fell in love.Before I reveal this new love, I just want to say I am still collecting comic books and still have every interest in the hobby. I keep an eye on the market and visit the CGC journals weekly... but to my shame, I haven't been cont

SW3D

SW3D

A Marvel Milestone! My 100th Journal: A Holy Grail of a Story!

Yes dear readers, today we are celebrating an anniversary... a milestone...   ...Drum Roll Please!"My 100th Collectors Society Journal!"And what better way to celebrate a personal milestone than to talk about my latest acquisition... what I like to call, "A Holy Grail of a Story!"Almost the same time last year, I wrote a number of journals espousing my love for HIM... Marvel's Messiah... the Gold Skinned Christlike figure with a guilty conscious and an future evil self... the one and only...

SW3D

SW3D

Amazing Spider-Man Movie Rumors and Easter Eggs: Thomas Fireheart, aka The Puma

Well, I woke-up this morning to find my Amazing Spider-Man 256, 9.2 Original Owner Copy Newsstand Edition just sold on eBay! What? That was random? Or was it? Last night, before the purchase, I received an e-mail from one buyer interested in my copy asking if I could reduce the already discounted price of $49. And I thought about it and counter-offered offering $45. And I explained to the interested party, at $45 I would just break-even. Well, lo and behold, another buyer comes in out-of-now

SW3D

SW3D

Guardians of the Galaxy 5: Midtown Comics Variant: Double Signatures!

What's there not to love about Yellow Labels? I blame Tnerb and Bag O' Fleas for the whole yellow label epidemic. Damn did I catch the fever... Yellow Fever anyone? But seriously... How can I not glory the one and only Angela making her team debut in Guardians of the Galaxy 5? Am I not the biggest nutjob for the little lady? And best of all, these variants come by way of my favorite LCS: Midtown Comics in NYC. That's right!... Ya gotta REPRESENT! And equally sweet (still going with the NYC

SW3D

SW3D

First to the 1st, On the 1st, a Discussion of CGC Census Graded Firsts!

Well, there have been journals aplenty authored by collectors espousing their CGC firsts. This journal is going to be no different! And it's open to feedback to all collectors who currently own an OAK and who purchased said OAK in raw form, had it graded, and knowingly or unknowingly, contributed the first ever graded copy of its kind to the CGC census (with signature or sans signatures, variant covers accepted). And being that it is the first day of 2014, what better way to celebrate the New Ye

SW3D

SW3D

Spider-Man 2099 1 & 2: Yellow-Labeled Pair...

When Peter David was announced as a guest at NYComicCon, I felt it was a perfect opportunity to get these issues signed by the writer. I will admit, I did a terrible job of getting my comics ready for signings. Many on the journals and boards prep each comic the right way by cutting out windows in their protective plastic sheets, color taping the borders of the windows, and adding notes to direct signature locations, even going as far as suggesting which color inks to use. I did none of th

SW3D

SW3D

Frank Cho's First Pro Comic Work?

Cheeky, Sexy and Paleolithic: Cavewoman: The Mature Version Who doesn't know Frank Cho? The prolific and downright brilliant artist is an expert on the human figure, particularly the female body. In my opinion, the man is an initiate in the Wally Wood School of Eye-Candy Art: Beautiful Women with Ample Samples! According to Frank Cho, on his amusing and risqué website, Cho states his first pro comic book work was a six-part piece he provided to Penthouse Comix, but it went unpublished: http:

SW3D

SW3D

Did Walter Simonson Murder Superman?

Back in 1992, a few months before Superman was infamously "killed" by Doomsday, DC published a one-shot special by Walter Simonson, appropriately called: Superman Special #1 by Walter Simonson.   And what is so special about this comic book?At the moment, it is the first of its kind. Not only is it the first graded example to be introduced to the CGC Census, giving it temporary OAK (One-of-a-Kind) status until others get graded, but it's also further distinguished by its triple signature provi

SW3D

SW3D

0