Cal Comic Con review and comic haul!

Collectors, this week is wild!Hot Book of the Week: Astro Boy #1 (Gold Key, 1965) is surging after news of a Sony live-action Astro Boy film with Jason Reitman developing the project — and high-grade copies are already reaching up to $800.Then for our 25 Year Rule, we revisit Amazing Spider-Man #30 (2001) — the first issue written by J. Michael Straczynski, kicking off one of the most influential (and controversial) Spider-Man runs ever. It introduces Ezekiel Sims and Morlun, launches the early Spider-Totem mythology, and resets the tone of Spider-Man for the 2000s.Underrated Books of the Week:Nottingham #1 (Mad Cave, 2021) flips Robin Hood into a medieval noir crime mystery from the Sheriff’s point of view.Modeling with Millie #54 (Marvel, 1967) is the final issue of the series — featuring the truly bizarre “Millie the Marvel” superhero dream story that you have to hear to believe.Plus: Show & Tell, viewer mail, and the collector market talk you come for every week.🔔 Like, subscribe, and join the channel for member-only episodes, live streams, and bonus Show & Tell segments.⭐ SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Member for $2.99/month and get:• Members-only live streams• Bonus Show & Tell episodes• On-screen shoutoutsJOIN → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkHTY1eNYHr9JoTndx_m6kA/join📬 VIEWER MAILSend questions to:[email protected]

A brand-new comic is already selling for multiples of cover price before most readers have even opened a copy - and this week we’re asking what’s really going on with the market.Hot Book of the Week: Is Ted OK? #1 from Mad Cave Comics is the latest indie debut catching rapid aftermarket attention, joining a growing list of new releases heating up almost instantly. Is this genuine demand…or another short-term flip cycle?Then our Old Fart Rule heads back to 1986 with Legends #1, DC’s major post-Crisis event that helped redefine the superhero landscape and launch a new era for multiple titles across the DC Universe.And for Underrated Books of the Week, we spotlight:Mech Cadet Yu #1 — a modern mecha underdog story that quietly built a strong following.Life With Archie #190 — featuring Archie Comics’ own mad scientist Doctor Doom in one of the strangest Bronze Age stories you’ll ever hear about… involving eternal life, foam rubber, and pulverized nacho chips.Plus Viewer Mail, Show & Tell, market talk, and more from the comic community.🔔 Like, subscribe, and join the channel for member-only episodes, live streams, and bonus Show & Tell segments.⭐ SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Member for $2.99/month and get:• Members-only live streams• Bonus Show & Tell episodes• On-screen shoutoutsJOIN → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkHTY1eNYHr9JoTndx_m6kA/join📬 VIEWER MAILSend questions to:[email protected]

This week on Bronze and Modern Gods, the comic market delivers another round of surprises, from instant speculation heat to Golden Age auction drama.A brand-new Image Comics debut, White Sky #1, is already selling for multiples of cover price just days after release. Is this real demand, market momentum…or another short-term spec spike?Meanwhile, a high-grade copy of Captain America's Weird Tales #74 is currently climbing at auction - already reaching eye-opening numbers with bidding still underway. But is it REALLY a 7.5?👉 Check out the live Heritage Auctions listing here:https://comics.ha.com/itm/golden-age-1938-1955-/superhero/captain-america-comics-74-timely-1949-cgc-vf-75-off-white-to-white-pages/a/7461-91045.sPLUS:✅ Viewer Mail from the B&MG community✅ Show & Tell highlights✅ The 25 Year Rule revisits a surprising long-running indie favorite✅ Underrated Books of the Week featuring overlooked gems from Marvel’s New Universe and beyond✅ Market insights, collector trends, and honest comic talk🔔 Like, subscribe, and join the channel for member-only episodes, live streams, and bonus Show & Tell segments.⭐ SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Member for $2.99/month and get:• Members-only live streams• Bonus Show & Tell episodes• On-screen shoutoutsJOIN → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkHTY1eNYHr9JoTndx_m6kA/join📬 VIEWER MAILSend questions to:[email protected]

Yes… we know. The episode is a day late. We regret nothing except our concept of time. 😅This week we dig into a brand-new release already selling for crazy prices - D’ORC #1. Is it genuine demand, speculative frenzy, or straight-up funny business?Then we rewind to 1986, when The Punisher #1 proved comics were ready for darker, grittier heroes and helped reshape an entire decade of storytelling.Plus underrated picks you should NOT be ignoring:• A scarce Golden Age Western sleeper• The brilliantly bleak Strikeforce: Morituri #1 - superheroes with an expiration dateViewer mail, show & tell, and the usual collector chaos included.Thanks for your patience - and remember: being late is just pre-retro.Support the show by becoming a channel member and help us bring you more show coverage, deep dives, and collector talk every week.🔔 Like, subscribe, and join the channel for member-only episodes, live streams, and bonus Show & Tell segments.⭐ SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Member for $2.99/month and get:• Members-only live streams• Bonus Show & Tell episodes• On-screen shoutoutsJOIN → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkHTY1eNYHr9JoTndx_m6kA/join📬 VIEWER MAILSend questions to:[email protected]

This week, John and Richard break down why Superman #34 — specifically the Mario Foccillo variant inspired by Dragon Ball Z — has suddenly become a Hot Book of the Week, with copies already selling up to $41 on eBay.Plus:• Old Fart Rule: Champions #1 (Eclipse Comics, 1986) — a rare early example of a tabletop RPG successfully crossing into comics• Underrated Books of the Week:– The Black Terror #1 (1943) — Golden Age patriotism with real collector heat– Plop! #1 (1973) — DC’s bizarre humor-horror anthology with legendary creators• Viewer mail, Show & Tell, and moreIf you care about why books move, not just which ones are “hot,” this episode’s for you.Support the show by becoming a channel member and help us bring you more show coverage, deep dives, and collector talk every week.🔔 Like, subscribe, and join the channel for member-only episodes, live streams, and bonus Show & Tell segments.⭐ SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Member for $2.99/month and get:• Members-only live streams• Bonus Show & Tell episodes• On-screen shoutoutsJOIN → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkHTY1eNYHr9JoTndx_m6kA/join📬 VIEWER MAILSend questions to:[email protected]

This week on the show, John and Richard review and recap this year‘s Cal Comic Con, and then show off all the comic books they acquired at this very special convention! There are some serious surprises in store! Support the show by becoming a channel member and help us bring you more show coverage, deep dives, and collector talk every week.🔔 Like, subscribe, and join the channel for member-only episodes, live streams, and bonus Show & Tell segments.⭐ SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Member for $2.99/month and get:• Members-only live streams• Bonus Show & Tell episodes• On-screen shoutoutsJOIN → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkHT...📬 VIEWER MAILSend questions to:[email protected]

This week on the show, a modern Spider-Man comic is suddenly on fire. Amazing Spider-Man #11 (2025) is surging with an +800% spike in sales after Marvel announced Symbie will be adapted for upcoming episodes of Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends. We break down why this $15 raw could be a sleeper modern key and what collectors should be watching next.We also rewind 25 years to 2001 for our 25 Year Rule, spotlighting Superboy’s Legion #1, a thoughtful DC miniseries that explores legacy, destiny, and what it really means to be a symbol.For Underrated Books of the Week, Richard brings Girls #1 from Image Comics, a genre-bending cult favorite that escalates from small-town mystery into full-blown sci-fi horror, while John digs into New X-Men #115, highlighting its iconic Wolverine cover and its place in the influential Morrison/Quitely era.Plus:– A Little Show & Tell– New Member shoutouts– Viewer mail– Collector talk, market notes, and sleeper picksIf you love key issues, smart speculation, and comics history with perspective, this one’s for you.Support the show by becoming a channel member and help us bring you more show coverage, deep dives, and collector talk every week.🔔 Like, subscribe, and join the channel for member-only episodes, live streams, and bonus Show & Tell segments.⭐ SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Member for $2.99/month and get:• Members-only live streams• Bonus Show & Tell episodes• On-screen shoutoutsJOIN → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkHTY1eNYHr9JoTndx_m6kA/join📬 VIEWER MAILSend questions to:[email protected]

This week on Bronze & Modern Gods, we dig into one of the most important turning points in X-Men history!The Old Fart Rule kicks off with Uncanny X-Men #210 (1986) — the opening chapter of Mutant Massacre, the storyline that helped define the modern multi-title crossover and permanently darkened the tone of Marvel’s mutant books.We also break down a major market mover:• Mister Miracle #1 (1971) — first appearance of Scott Free and Oberon — seeing a massive spike in sales fueled by news of an upcoming animated series in development for HBO.Plus, our Underrated Books of the Week:• The Invaders #8 (1976) — WWII horror, Baron Blood, and why this Bronze Age sleeper still flies under the radar• Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Life #1 (2004) — the indie comic that launched a cultural phenomenonIf you love key issues, smart speculation, and comics history with perspective, this one’s for you.Support the show by becoming a channel member and help us bring you more show coverage, deep dives, and collector talk every week.🔔 Like, subscribe, and join the channel for member-only episodes, live streams, and bonus Show & Tell segments.⭐ SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Member for $2.99/month and get:• Members-only live streams• Bonus Show & Tell episodes• On-screen shoutoutsJOIN → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkHTY1eNYHr9JoTndx_m6kA/join📬 VIEWER MAILSend questions to:[email protected]

This week, we’re digging into a major turning point for modern comics — past and present.First up, Absolute Wonder Woman #15 delivers the first-ever meeting of Batman and Wonder Woman in the Absolute Universe, and it’s anything but traditional. With a more primal, myth-driven Diana and a brutal, consequence-heavy tone, this issue marks a true escalation point for the Absolute line — and collectors have noticed, with sales jumping 176% this week.Then, for our 25 Year Rule, we rewind to 2001, a pivotal recovery year for the comic industry after the speculator crash. That brings us to New X-Men #114, the launch of Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s era-defining run. This issue reimagined mutants as a global culture, reshaped the X-Men’s visual identity, and directly influenced the look and themes of the X-Men films — all while remaining surprisingly affordable on the market today.Finally, in Underrated Books of the Week, we spotlight two sleepers that deserve more love:Camelot 3000 #1 — Mike W. Barr and Brian Bolland’s futuristic Arthurian epic, and a landmark early direct-market series.Captain America #159 — a fascinating Bronze Age issue where Steve Rogers briefly gains super-strength.🔔 Like, subscribe, and join the channel for member-only episodes, live streams, and bonus Show & Tell segments.⭐ SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Member for $2.99/month and get:• Members-only live streams• Bonus Show & Tell episodes• On-screen shoutoutsJOIN → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkHTY1eNYHr9JoTndx_m6kA/join📬 VIEWER MAILSend questions to:[email protected]

Is Marvel’s Ultimate Endgame #1 blind bag a future key - or a disaster waiting to happen? This week we dig into early reports of damaged copies, why some stores are already seeing uneven quality, and how higher-grade examples could separate themselves from the pack.We also tackle eBay scammers, crack open viewer mail, and share a little Show & Tell.For our Old Fart Rule, we rewind to 1986 and revisit Watchmen #1, the issue that redefined superhero comics and helped usher in the Modern Age. From its lasting cultural impact to current collector prices, we break down why this book still matters nearly four decades later.Plus, in Underrated Books of the Week, we spotlight:Bloodstone #1 (2001) - the ahead-of-its-time debut of Elsa BloodstoneMarvel Premiere #57 (1980) - the first U.S. comic book appearance of Doctor Who in the Marvel lineAll that, market talk, collector insight, and plenty of old-school perspective — let’s get into it.⭐ SUPPORT THE SHOWBecome a Member for $2.99/month and get:• Members-only live streams• Bonus Show & Tell episodes• On-screen shoutoutsJOIN → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkHTY1eNYHr9JoTndx_m6kA/join📬 VIEWER MAILSend questions to:[email protected]