Free Comic Book Day is this Saturday and I’m extremely excited! Sure I’m interested in reading the various free comics that companies are offering, but I’m more excited about filling in the gaps in my collection.
You see, for me Free Comic Book Day is a day to take advantage of the various comic book sales that shops are offering. Being the collector that I am I’m always on the prowl for back issues. Some of these back issues are going to be issues that I just happened to miss because they sold out at my local comic shop. Others are going to be books that I’ve started collecting based on what I’ve heard. And still others are the few books that I’d dropped years ago and am now in the process of picking up again.
Anyway, here’s the list I compiled tonight of stuff that I’m looking for on Saturday.
The Invisibles – I’ve been working on collecting this Vertigo series for almost three years now and I’m only three issues from having a complete run. I’m only missing #9 from volume two and #12 & 4 from volume three. I’ve heard mixed things about this book, but I’m planning on making up my own mind about it.
Hellblazer: City of Demons – Can you believe I’m missing the final issue of this mini? I always found it odd that this was even a mini. It seemed clear to me that this was a file story that Vertigo opted to publish because John had a) lost his thumb and b) was getting married. Still, once I’ve got #5 I’ll sit down and give this mini a thorough look over.
Catwoman – I’m pretty sure that this going to be the next book I retroactively collect (is that even the right term?) I’ve got the run from OYL on, but I’ve heard really good things about Brubaker’s early run on the books. So yeah, I’m going to start collecting this book.
Strange Tales II – This is another of those books that I looked all over for. The first issue of this second mini is impossible to find. Hopefully I’ll be able to find a copy on Saturday.
Y the Last Man – There’s a mildly interesting story behind this one. Back when I lived in Vegas I had a co-worker who I’d discuss comics with. Well, he found a new job, but we’d kept in touch and would talk every couple of weeks. Anyway, when Y ended, he’d been collecting up to the final arc, so I loaned him my copies of the final arc so he’d get to enjoy the powerful ending. Naturally we lost contact and I was short the final issues of series. Well, now I’m only looking for #55. Fingers crossed!
Marvel Noir – I’m a serious fan of Marvel’s Noir line. I loved Wolverine Noir and the first X-Men Noir. I’ve picked most of the Spider-Man Noir stuff, except for the second issue of the first mini, which is pretty frustrating. I’m also looking for the noir books featuring Iron Man, Weapon X, Daredevil and Punisher.
Criminal – Speaking of noir, I’m in love with any pairing between Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. Last year I picked up Sleeper and kicked myself for waiting so long. I’ve read the first arc, got the trade for Lawless and from then on I’m only missing issues #1, 2, 6 and 7 from the second volume. Hopefully I’ll be able to find them. If not I’ll have to get the trades so I can be caught up by the time the next volume begins.
Top 10 – Is one of those books that I knew I was going to enjoy but never got around to reading. Well, I finished the first trade and didn’t want to jump to the second because I knew it’d just mean the series would be over that much quicker. I’m currently looking for the third issue of Season Two and the Top 10 issue of ABC A-Z.
The Spectre – I do believe these issue feature Michael Holt aka Mr. Terrific. I’ve always wanted to read them. Maybe this weekend I’ll get to.
Xombi – Even before his new DCU series, I was looking into collecting this book. I know because I’ve kept all of my lists from the various cons and trips back home. Apparently I’m only missing #11-14, but that doesn’t really sound right to me. Still that’s what the list says.
Icon – Speaking of Milestone, I’ve decided to seek out complete runs of Milestone books that I had to drop because of financial constraints in the 90’s. Icon was one of those books. I’m pretty sure that my run ends around #21, I’ll be looking to pick up books from that point on.
Static – Ditto, only I’m even further behind on Static. I need from #16 up. I’m looking forward to see how these comics have aged in the past decade or so.
Yeah, that’s basically my list. I may add some stuff (definitely) or take some stuff off (not likely) before the weekend comes. But this is my rough draft of what I’m looking to buy when I hit up FCBD sales. If I manage even half of my list I’ll feel like I accomplished something.
