It is that time of year again. The time the US government decides to cut me a check for the thousands of dollars that I have overpaid them in taxes over the past year. Now what in the heck should I do with it?

I guess I could claim dependents throughout the year to lessen the tax blow on my monthly income, but I like to think of overpaying my taxes as using a clandestine savings account of sorts. The money is automatically taken out so it is hard to miss something you do not see directly deposited and then at the beginning of every year I get hit with a fat check! I do not take the tax refund into account when when I build my monthly and annual budget for the new year so it is mine to do with as I please as all necessities (mortgage, auto, etc are covered already). Normally the extra cash is allocated to 4 areas as equally as I can make them. Savings, Pay off credit cards from the previous year, a trip with the wife, and COLLECTABLES. My collectables consist of comics, comic art,sports memorabilia and cards, Star Wars stuff, and fire arms to name a few. Which brings me to the purpose of this journal... sharing my first tax refund book purchases of the year! A few have arrived recently and one more is currently on the way.

Batman 234 CGC 9.4 Sig Series - Signed by Neal Adams. 1st appearance of Two-Face since the Golden Age. Robin backup story. Bondage cover. Classic Adams cover.

Batman 237 CGC 9.4 Sig Series - Signed by Neal Adams. Based on a Bernie Wrightson idea with an assist from Harlan Ellison, genesis of story explained in Denny O'Neil letter. Skull cover. Reaper cover. Classic Adams cover.

Marvel Super-Heroes 1 CGC 9.4 1966 Universal - 1st Marvel one-shot ever! Reprints Daredevil 1, Avengers 2, and a classic Sub-Mariner and Human Torch story from the Golden Age.

I have some more Bronze and Silver keys on my radar that I will try to pick up courtesy of my clandestine savings account if they can be bought at prices and grades I am happy with. If not, I will just save the cash for the ComiCon in May.

So, what did you get?

Thanks for reading and good luck with your collection!