Jeff Wamester Boston Comic Con Commission 2009

The Savage She Hulk #6

Alright kiddies!  I want you to checkout the cover above… I love this cover – but always wanted an Iron Man with a Hulk reflection – and something better then the Red Hulk on Hulk #2 – which I was not a fan of.  So I brought up this idea to Jeff Wamester at the Comic Con – I asked him if he’d try to do something like this.  At first he seemed hesitant – not sure how to execute it exactly – but my only other idea was for him to draw me an Abomination – and since he had the reference above he decided to go with it.  And, man am I glad he did – because he created a piece that I was floored by – something that I was in total shock of how cool it was when I saw it.  Get ready and scroll down…

Wamester's vision - a masterpiece!

Make sure you check him out if he’s ever in your area – better yet – contact him right away and get something done by him – his website is:

http://www.jeffwamester.com/

Pretty easy, right?  Check out the ART page to see the other pieces he has done for me.  They absolutely rock!  This has to be my second favorite – right behind the piece he did for my daughter

Zapp Comics has a HUGE SALE coming!

For all of you in the NJ and NY area – make sure you stop by Zapp next weekend for a once a year sale that includes 50% off back issues and 40% off statues and busts! Check it out!

 

 

ZAPP COMICS ANNUAL SALE!!

 

SATURDAY NOV 7

 

THRU TUES NOV 10

 

 

40% OFF ALL STATUES / BUSTS

 

50% OFF BACK ISSUES IN BIN AND ON ISLAND

 

 

50% OFF ALL TRADES &

 

HARDCOVERS

 

(INCLUDES RED SPECIAL TAGS

 

AS WELL)

 

 

 

30% OFF WALL BOOKS BEHIND

 

COUNTER

 

 

30% OFF ALL TOYS

 

 

 

Make sure you check it out!  Here’s their website:  http://www.zappcomics.com/

Wow! This is what I call an auction!

The last time I checked this beautiful copy of 181, graded at 9.8 is at $11,100!  $11,100 is a lot of scratch!  That’s an amazing piece of history – and it’s not even finished yet!  As I was talking to Herb Trimpe in Boston this past Saturday he told me that in the past 3 to 4 months he has had more requests to draw Wolverine than any other character.  More than Hulk!  More then Godzilla!  That makes me a bit sad… I mean, let’s look at the facts here – Herb drew Wolverine’s first appearance – but he did not create that character – he didn’t even design him!  He said it himself – someone asked him if he was upset that they never credit him with the creation of the character – he said “No – it doesn’t bother me!  I mean, I just drew him.  They showed me what to draw and I did it.”  It’s not a character that Herb basically DEFINED for an entire generation!  Yet- this is what people want to see from him as of late… oh well such is life.

The best thing about this book – it’s not even about Wolverine.  It’s about the Wendigo!  And I know too many people who own this book who have never even bothered to read the story!  What is up with that?  You pay enough for a copy of a book – you should know the story front to back!  Just my opinion – but I can’t imagine it being way off base!

Kostas Hulk (2005)

Kostas Hulk

This is one of the most mysterious Hulk collectibles ever.  When I purchased a lot of figures off ebay I saw this guy in the back – I saw this guy and said that this lot was going to be mine.  For this guy alone – mainly because these guys are so rarely ever seen let alone for sale.  This is what I do know – these Hulks were released with a wild paint scheme, hand painted by Kostas Seremetis and looked mostly like this:

Click HERE

How about something completely different though!  Check this out!:

Now, you might remember Sean Anderson – this guy has a Kostas that looks much like mine.  He told me he picked his up on ebay as well and as a bonus, it glows in the dark!  Remember his?  Here it is:

Sean's Hulk

My find is a lot like Sean’s – right down to the joints – although I haven’t seen anything glow…  I love this figure so much – but damn why does it have to be so mysterious?  I’m freakin going out of my mind!  Anyways, I have guessed at the year of release and until I can actually find anymore info on it all I can say is that this figure is a must have for any Hulk collector. 

My Kostas Hulk

Back of this Amazing Figure!

Con Pics – A Few More!

I’m just posting a few more pics before I’ll be posting the art soon!  But tomorrow I’ll be getting reviews ready – Hulk #16 - or is #17?  Who cares really – all I now is it’s a safe bet it will suck and have a bunch of variants – including a new Deadpool 200:1 variant.  Turns out Marvel knows how to keep the numbers up on this fledgling story – just make incentive covers that force the retailer to purchase more than they can sell… ugh.

Ash and Laura

More Con Pics – and Some Sneaks at the Art!

Alright – we’re getting closer to me posting the art I got – but let’s take a look at more of the Con!  I am always amazed at the grail pieces I see at the cons.  In fact – I will tell you about one business that was there selling original art – He had the original cover to Iron Man #9 – the one comic I was looking for – and this guy had the ACTUAL COVER!  After talking to the guy and browsing through some art I found a great Buscema page for an unbelievable price!  I put some money down on it – as I had spent most of my wad already – and will be picking up my Buscema very soon in the future!  Here are more shots of the convention!  Including a shot of Sale working on MY piece!

Some Comic-Con Pics!

Me and a Kitty I found - MEOW!

I hope everyone that went had as a good a time as I did – I will be posting the art pieces I got the following Fridays – and post the pics of the con a few at a time – just to have some fun!  I picked up 4 pieces – 4 fantastic, amazing, wonderful pieces – this is one of the best con experiences I’ve ever had – I met Trimpe (really great guy) and his wife (a lovely lady) I talked to some of the artists there for WAY too long – but again, one of the best times I’ve ever had.

Herb Trimpe and his lovely Wife

Les Superheroes Stamp Kit (1979)

Stamp Kit

So, one of the perks of this website is meeting people, hearing from different Hulk fans everywhere – but an unexpected perk was connecting with people who have Hulk treasure’s they are willing to donate!  A great guy named Randy wrote me last week and asked if I had this piece in my collection.  I wrote back saying that I did not – funny enough though – I came across this set in Waltham a few weeks back.  The owner was asking too much, in my opinion, so I passed on it – and then Randy asked me if I would like it.  I asked for details – he wrote back saying he wasn’t looking for money – he just wanted to know if I wanted it!  I said of course!  Thanks to Randy for his very generous offer!

The Thing and Spiderman may be missing!

As you can see – this set is not complete – but the most important character is still in there – the Hulk!  But it also contains the Human Torch, Mr. Fantastic, Thor and Spider-Woman.  I believe the missing ones are the Thing and Spiderman – but I am very happy to get this set to add to the ever-growing collection.

The Hulk Stamp

Boston Comic Con in the AM!

Heading to the Back Bay Convention center tomorrow!  Cannot wait to meet Herb Trimpe!  I will certainly be posting pictures and stuff – but, and I admit, I should have posted this last week – but anyone have any questions that you would like me to ask him?  I ave a whole bunch myself – but I thought I’d ask…  Anyways – you’ll see pics this week!

Ugh… why does this always seem to happen?

My beautiful lawn! NOOOOOOO!

Alright, here’s the 411. My Hulk room is located in my basement. I am putting an addition on to the house – it’s somewhat of a “in-law apartment” except that it isn’t – it’s for my actual parents. Here’s the kicker… they have to cut a hole in the wall in the foundation – right through my basement… right through my Hulk room. As of right now… the Hulk room is in complete disarray. Won’t even be able to get it back into any kind of order until construction is done – which will be in something like 3 months. Mind you, I wasn’t aware of this until about a week ago. No one was – except the builder who neglected to tell us this bit of information. Of course, when I say “I have thousands upon thousands worth of collectibles in that room” The builder responds with “Oh! Yeah, you better get that stuff out!”

Check this sh!t out! Get it?

No kidding Sherlock – problem is, not only is there no room for it anywhere – it’s going to take a whole lot more time than a week to get it put away. Let’s just say, I have taken the more expensive and hard to find pieces OUT of the Hulk room and have covered the rest of the room in plastic. Man, I really hope that works – because I will be so pissed if it doesn’t! I am taking every precaution that I can – but man are my nerves shot just thinking about it!

My nephew... playing with the hoe... the back hoe that is.

A Week of Abomination – Solo Avengers: Hawkeye #12

Not to say too much here except – Hawkeye is in so much trouble!

Hulk – Dark Reign: The List #1 – The Review (2009)

Hulk - Dark Reign: The List #1

I told you I’d get these posted by today!  I’m so proud of myself!  And look at this:  Two Pak books in one week?!?  I was giddy!  Too bad that there’s still no Hulk to speak of.  The only let down – of course that’s a huge let down.  But this issue does give us hope!  Let me begin…

Dr. Wanesboro is being held captive and having the Old Power sucked right out of her by Norman’s lackey, Ms. Hand.  Even though they tell her that it’s killing her she says to keep it up.  Suddenly, with alarms sounding, they see Banner coming to rescue Wanesboro.  Banner easily walks in and takes control over their facility.  Hand releases some… wait, this sentence started with “Hand releases…” – tee hee!  Anyways, yeah – a bunch of robots ready to kill – but Banner releases his own security – Skaar – swinging his huge sword.

Skaar dealing with his anger issues

We cut to Hand discussing Banner with Osborn – and Osborn sends her back out to take Banner out – but with help – Moonstone!  Or Ms. Marvel as some of you have come to know her.  As they fly to where Banner is their plane is blown apart.  Hand sends 1000 missiles at Bruce and Skaar – Bruce uses some of them at Osborn’s facility, blowing it up.  As he’s distracted – Hand comes up from behind and gets the best of Bruce.  She seals him in a bubble that slows time down.  She tries to kill him – but to no avail – because Bruce is a smarty pants! 

Meanwhile, Ms. Marvel has her hands full with Skaar – but even better she lets him in on some secrets.  As hand is about to kill Banner again – Skaar comes to the rescue – only to have Ms Marvel grab Bruce.  But Skaar threatens to kill Ms. Hand – so Marvel releases Bruce – and Skaar releases Hand – but only after he realizes that the secrets that she spilled are true.  Bruce and Skaar leave and Skaar lets Bruce in on the fact that the facility they blew up was also a Gamma Lab – Osborn is trying to turn Bruce back into the Hulk.  (Thank goodness!)  Everything seems to be going all to Osborn’s plan…

The son carrying the Dad...

Now this issue was a little more exciting!  I love the fact that Bruce is still a bad-ass – but Osborn is still smarter, almost anticipating every move Bruce will make.  I’m excited to see what happens here By the way – I know there is a Cho variant, I am in the process of looking for a good, affordable copy of one, I’ll post it when I find it.- Grade: A-

The Incredible Hulk #603 (2009) – The Review

TIH #603

Skaar the Bad-ass!

Last we left the gruesome two-some they were in a comic shop and Wolverine came up ready to fight (how many places can Wolverine be?  He’s in Hulk with his dark costume – in TIH in his yellow/blue costume – how many Wolverine’s are there?)  And we begin with Skaar flattening Wolvie into the ground.  He then jumps off and meets up with Daken , Wolverine’s son – now I don’t know too much about him – haven’t followed the character – but he seemed a bit redundant and kind of bored me to hell.  The entire issue was a fight between these two – but some interesting things happened.  For example, Skaar and  Daken discuss how they are alike – “You were raised by Monsters – I was raised by assassins”) it was kind of silly – but at that point Skaar transforms back into the small child that he did in the last issue.  As this happens Daken uses this moment to try and kill him – Banner comes to the rescue. 

TIH #603 "Zombie" Variant

TIH #603 "SHS" Variant

Actually, about Bannner, Pak has really re-established Banner as a no nonsense guy not to be messed with.  I mean, if you look at the original comics, Banner was a nice guy – but he seemed all business and cold.  There was a time when Banner was written as a scared, bumbling side to the personality – but Pak has shown the side of Banner that I think has been missing for years – and I like it!  Some of the best parts of this issue is Logan and Banner sharing a beer watching their kids “bond”.  What about you guys?  How do you feel?

Daken vs Skaar

But like I said – Banner comes to the rescue.  Or more like he throws Wolverine through the window at Daken.  Skaar comes back and the battle continues between Skaar and Daken – and Daken is winning.  His claws actually take away healing factors – and right as Daken is going to go for the kill Bruce holds his Old Power gun to Wolverine’s head.  He Daken that he will shoot and kill Wolverine – and when Daken scoffs Bruce goes into how he thinks the Hulk was created to protect the world from him.

The heroes part ways and and as the story closes we see that the father and son are being monitored… by the Leader!  Hulk*gasm!

I remember his head being bigger...

As much as I like Pak’s writing, I really want to know where this story is going – after just 3 issues the story already feels a bit stagnant – I just don’t want to see a monthly “Skaar vs ….” title.  I am certainly enjoying this more than the other title – and think that it’s crazy that this title doesn’t outsell Hulk – but I have to remember that most people are idiots and choose flash over substance no offense to the idiots out there!  Now, the other thing is that this issue has a few different artists working on the same issue – it’s a bit distracting.  I’d like one artist on each issue.  Having different styles from page to page takes you out of the story – at least it does for me.  Anyways, still interesting and great – just still missing the Hulk.  Although… that is until I read Hulk: The List!  Review coming soon!  Grade B-

A Week of the Abomination – TIH Annual #15

Alright, while I work on the reviews for the comics came out today – I give you one of the baddest covers to rock a Hulk annual! The Hulk and Abomination have had some killer fights over the years – and I know he’s dead right now, shot by the Red Hulk, but I hope this isn’t for long – because you can’t replace the history of these two – the blow for blow fights and years of hatred. It just can’t be replaced with a red version of our favorite Jade Giant.

But yeah – reviews are on the way – I will hopefully get them posted by today…

A Week of the Abomination – Marvel Super Heroes Summer Special: X-Men

This issue – from way back in 1991 – has an image of Abomination that reminds me a lot of the Bowen bust.  But let’s face it – the X-Men have a hard enough time taking down the Hulk – the Abomination is a perfect villain for the X-Men.  Isn’t Speedball another name for crack?  I could be wrong about that – who knows – but I thought I heard that somewhere…