Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Seattle Comicard Show: Shopping Nirvana


Sensation Comics 38
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley.
Between going to Zanadu Comics on Saturday afternoon and shopping at the Comicard show on Sunday, I was pretty much in comic book heaven. I was able to have access to trades and comic books that I would never be able to find in my local shop. Buying on the internet is alright, but it just doesn't match looking through a long box and finding the right book.

At the show, I picked up Pride of Baghdad. It is a Vertigo original hard cover graphic novel that was recently released. Written by Brian K. Vaughan and beautifully illustrated by Niko Hendrichon, the book struck me as very compelling. The tale takes place during a bombing raid in Baghdad in the Spring 2003. Based on a news story that the creator read, he takes an intimate look at the Pride of four lions that must venture into the streets on their own. This novel is heart-wrenching and beautifully illustrated. I was a bit hesistant to give it a try at first because of personal politics, but the story transcends political boundaries.

I also picked up Transmetropolitan: Back On The Street, the first trade of that series. Somehow I missed out on this title the first time through, so I figured this was my chance to see what the hype is about.

Sleeper's first two collections were available at 20% off, so I grabbed those as well. Since I have been enjoying Ed Brubaker's work on Captain America and Daredevil, I figured I would give this book a try.

The suspense was killing me, so I acquired the Infinite Crisis hardback collection. It was a bit different, but still read very well. I need to take a closer look to really see what has been tweaked.

Two other trades I got where Queen & Country- Operation Broken Ground and Rex Mundi Book Three: The Lost Kings. I have the single issues of the Q & C book, but have always wanted to own the trade, so it was nice to pick that up. I have also been curious about Rex Mundi, so this will give me a chance to see if I like it.

My purchase of the show is Sensation Comics #38 which is pictured. I have always wanted to own an issue of that series, so when Jim and I saw the book was there, we had to have it. I paid an okay price, and now have a book from 1945. Pretty sweet.

My final acquisitions were Justice League of America #26 and #35. I am looking for several issues to fill out my run, and these were in good shape.

It was a wonderful show for shopping to be sure. I am really looking forward to reading these books and hopefully reviewing them down the road. I feel very fortunate to have them, and will hoard them for many years to come.

6 comments:

Carl said...

I want to get a copy of Pride of Baghdad but it seems to have either sold really fast or never showed at my shop.
And I love Golden Age covers, they are so cool and so much fun! One of my faves is one of the Green Lantern covers with Alan Scott using a shield against a guy with a tommy-gun firing full auto. How different and bizarre that must have been in 1940, a guy using a magic ring to block bullets and do almost anything! Mart Nodel had prints and original sketches of Alan Scott's GL but I never could afford the $100 bucks, wish I could have. Glad you got a piece of history and something you wanted in your collection...

Heidi Meeley said...

Carl, I hadn't been able to get a copy of Pride of Baghdad here locally either. I had to go to Seattle and was pleasantly surprised to see how many copies the stores and vendors had. I wish I had more variety here to pick from for sure. I get tired of ordering stuff on the internet. It is fun to walk into a shop, knowing you have the money and pick it up.

As for Golden Age Covers, I love them too. When I saw this cover I knew I had to have it. It was very inexpensive, and I didn't know when I would ever see it again.

I love those old Nodell prints. We could never afford one either, but we sure drooled at the thought of it. I wish DC would come out with a book of just covers- that would be so cool!

Thank you for the well wishes, Carl. It was indeed a special moment to find and buy that book.

John Holland said...

I just got Pride of Baghdad today and just finished reading it. It was amazing! Not much more that I can say about it.

Heidi Meeley said...

John, I agree. Pride of Baghdad defies convention in it's sheer goodness. It really lived up to the hype, and I appreciate that.

Anonymous said...

I am totally coveting your Sensation Comics.

Heidi Meeley said...

Ragtime: It is a little girl's dream come true for me to have it. I still can't believe it!

In my mind it is a once-in-a-lifetime purchase, as most collectors don't sell their older stuff.

Take care!