Learn about how I started into comics and my gradual move to specifically collecting DC war comics.

I'm not exactly sure how old I was when I started collecting comic books, but I do remember where I it all began. My dad owned a coin shop and next door was a used book store. They used to sell old comic books and I would go there whenever I had some money and buy what I thought was neat. I loved DC horror and mystery, anything 10 cent or 12 cent covers, and DC war. The Flash, and the Incredible Hulk were also some of my favourites, but what really captivated me was Sgt. Rock and the Unknown Soldier. Those 2 guys had the greatest stories and fabulous art, and kept a kid like me just always wanting more. I was probably also 8 years old when I started collecting. In 1994-95 when Chris Pedrin put out his Big Five Information Guide, I was hooked. This book was all about DC war and I just stumbled on a gold mine! I remember reading this and re-reading this guide over and over again. In fact, I can still read it again and enjoy it just as much as I did the first time. I remember Chris mentioning that these books were tough in grade at VF or above, and I noted his price guide portion. He said that the books were truly undervalued, and I agreed with him. Immediately after that book came out, I was going to the local shops and traveling to conventions looking for deals. I was fortunate because I had just received a small inheritance and was able to purchase quite a lot of books. I've still got many of these in their original bags with the prices I paid on them. OFF #79 VF/NM $1.25, OFF #80 NM- $2.25, etc... I tried to buy whatever I could afford, and I stayed away from the dinosaur issues. They were very pricey back then, and you know what, they haven't increased much at all since 1995. I wish that I could have bought more of these great books instead of buying 200 copies of X-Men #1 deluxe edition. I had a goal, way back when to complete the whole Big Five, and I wanted them in nice grade as well. It was extremely tough finding these books in grade and I realized that fairly early on, so I decided to not be so picky with grades. If I find a copy, and I can afford it, pick it up. As you may remember, I finally completed my run in December of 2007, and accomplishment that I am very proud of. I'm currently working on my second run, which is probably borderline insane. Anyway, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!