This virus lockdown has left a lot of people with more free time on their hands. Well, I’m no different. In an effort to fill that time, I went at the task of sorting my collection. If we’re being honest, it’s a pointless task. By the time I’ve reorganized my boxes into whatever new brilliant configuration I envisioned was perfect and efficient, I get a new idea about what would be better and even more efficient. Well, that’s if I finish. I usually get sidetracked by the various covers, being that is what usually attracts me to a book to begin with. Other times I see a title and immediately need to stop whatever I’m doing because I need to read it again. Right now. More often though, I’m simply stunned by how many copies of a book, or collections of particular artist I have. Why did I buy so many? Is it as good as I think it is? Does anyone else even collect this? How many more do I need? With all that said, here is a little list of 5 comic books or artist works I usually fork out money for.
(All the books shown are actual scans of books in my collection)
Zombie Tramp #27 Hyde Chang Risqué Variant
This is, simply put, my favorite comic cover of all time. The mixture of sex and horror just works for me. Not to mention the raw, visceral reaction it tends to cause in those who see it for the first time. All together, it provides me with this weird grindhouse vibe that I enjoy enough to own over 12 copies.
Spawn #1
As a kid who started collecting in the '90s, Spawn has always been a staple in my collection. Being that it isn't a rare comic, trade dress, I use to buy and sell them frequently. Now, I hoard them when I can get them for under $30. In my mind, the only character better than Spawn, is Hulk. In total I've owned over 25 copies of this issue.
Elvira & Lucio Parrillo
Now this entry is technically two entries, but I have over six copies of this particular issue alone. As mentioned earlier, I'm a big fan of horror and strong, beautiful women, so I already buy way too many Elvira covers (multiple runs of the same series). Adding on to this, is the fact that Parrillo's striking and realistic painting style tends to accentuate facial features and curves, bringing a "Cinderella enters the ball" effect.
Vengeance #1
-1st Appearance of America Chavez
As my first foray into comic speculation, I have accumulated well over 10 copies of this comic over the course of three years. Surprisingly, I started collecting these only because my LCS was going out business, and got two of them on a pretty good deal, in hindsight.
Works by R.Crumb
The most controversial entry on my list, for the clear racism and misogyny in his work. Crumb is an artist that I struggle with both celebrating and demonizing. His talent, undeniable. His low-brow, satirical humor can, at times, be refreshing. However, it becomes really hard to laugh when you start to analyze where some of these ideas originate, and in mind of the culture of the mid to late '60s. At the very least, his work provides me with an interesting political discussion, which I don't often get to have with others of the comic community.
Those are a few of my comic vices. I’m sure I’ll be able to share others as I continue the endless quest of organizing and cataloguing my ever expanding collection. Until then, collect what you like, share what you can, and never stop reading.
-6ix