TEX's Back-Issue Quest 2.0 Episode 1

Howdy folks!

    It TEX, back again! Check it, respect it, let's begin!

    Here's my secret origin: Several years ago after leaving the U.S. Army, I sought a way, a method, if you will, to make my overactive brain, calm the hell down. Finally, one of those nice Army psychiatrists asked me to think back to a time when I was totally happy, when I had not a care in the world. The first thought in my mind was COMICS, which was very weird considering I had given away my collection more than ten years prior to that conversation, and hadn't picked up a comic, let alone, thought about buying them in several years. She suggested that maybe I should go back  to collecting comics, so that is just what I did. 

   Comics collecting for me is more than a hobby, it's a absolutely fun way of life. I am attracted to high stress, challenging jobs, and naturally, I have a "Type A" personality (or as Mrs. TEX used to say, "a-hole"). Collecting comics has given me a therapeutic way to not be " Type A,": My comics are organized in a way that I purely want, I collect exactly what I want, and bow to no specific "needs" in collecting, I compete with no one, I read every comic I collect, and I follow no one's rules, methods, or standards but my own. 

   I buy what I like, read what I like, I collect what I want. Rock on. Collecting comics is a rare piece of total freedom in my life - I have exorcised the demons, son...This house is clear. :) My "comics therapy" has carried over into several areas of my life - I went from a life of no-chill to a life of chill-a-dociousness. I'm happier, and so is Mrs. TEX and the family.

    So, what do I collect? That's what you're probably wondering, right?

    Thanks for asking! 

   I collect comics from every age, and I am an avid reader of modern comics, hence the reviews that you see on the site; however, my true passion is 1st appearances and key issues. I love them, so my collection is probably over 90% pure 1sts and keys. Not much drek in my boxes, brothers, nor full runs (I'm not a stickler), unless I really, REALLY dig the series. The bulk of my collection is made up of Golden Age, Silver Age, and Bronze Age 1sts and keys, with some great Modern (and Post-Modern?) 1sts and keys (and some full runs) - because I enjoy supporting the industry that I love...And, honestly, aren't there just some great comics being written right now?

   I also have lots of original, and published comic artwork, from such greats as Gil Kane and Steve Ditko, along with a collection of TPBs, HCs, action figures, statues and pulps. Oh...and I ADORE signed comics. I have a SWEET collection of comics signed by some of the greats in the industry like Marv Wolfman, George Pérez, Jim Shooter and even Stan "The Man"Lee.

   Groovy, right?

   In 2008, I found a place where collectors meet, chat, trade or sell and have a rocking good time. I met many great people over there who have affected my life in purely positive ways, and have expanded my knowledge of comics, and comic collecting. There, I started a few threads, but the most popular by far was TEX's Back-Issue Quest, so by popular demand (well, not really - it was only Brownchikano, LOL), let's bring sexy back! 

  Let's start up with a heavy hitter you've already seen. In light of the coming Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice film, I think these are timely to show:

It's my copy of The Brave and the Bold #28, featuring the 1st app of the Justice League of America! Printed in 1960, this is the first major Silver-Age superhero team! That's right - before the Marvel Age, before the Fantastic Four, Spider-Man and the Avengers, there was the dawn of justice! This comic features the 1st app of Starro the Conqueror and that crazy teenage superhero super-fan, Snapper Carr!!

Fun Fact: This is not only the first appearance of the Justice League of America, but it is also the very 1st time that Aquaman was ever featured on a cover.

The Brave and the Bold #30. This is the final comic before the JLA got their own title. This comic also features the first appearances of Professor Ivo, and his dangerous android, Amazo.

And finally for today, The Justice League of America #1, the first appearance of the super-alien menace, Despero. 

    This is just a small first step, on a back-issue odyssey that www will take together. I hope that you enjoy it, and thrill to my humble collection as we  pass the years together.

   And remember, read what you like, collect what you feel, and have fun. 

  Until next time...PARTY ON!

-TEX