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Since Spoiler has returned from the dead she has begun making her presensence known throughout the Batman titles, most notiably in the Batman R.I.P. story line, and readers seem to be happy to see her return to the Batman family.

Spoiler has begun to play a key role in the Batman R.I.P storyline, she has assisted Robin in finding evidence in finding Batman, but also she has  been approached by Batman to help Tim Drake not to get involved in the case and to help him cope with the mysterious happenings surrounding Bruce Wayne.

Stephanie Brown is the daughter of a third rate criminal, after finding out her supposed rehabilitated father was once again involved in crime, Stephanie Brown created her own costume and became Spoiler (First Appearance as Spoiler Detective Comics #648), She began leaving clues for Batman leading him to the arrest of her father.

Spoiler became a regular in the Batman titles and even had a romance with Tim Drake, however complications grew between the two and in addition Tim Drake went boarding school for a period of time in part of a promise to his father that he would stop being Robin.

During the time period Stephanie Brown became Robin in (First Appearance as Robin in Robin #126) which marked the First Female Robin in regular DC Comics continuity,  she only served as the Girl Wonder for a short period of time, after she was later stripped of the mantle of Robin after she disobyed orders during two missions.

During the   Gang War Stephanie put on the Spoiler costume again wanting to redeem herself in the eyes of Batman, however she was captured by the Black Mask,  Spoiler was tortured in an effort to make her reveal information concerning Batman,  however she was able to escaped and make it to a hospital where she supposedly died.

After the Ras Al Gul Resurrection,  Batman notices a Spoiler like figure following him which begins a investigations as to who this Spoiler is under the mask, it its revealed in a confrontation between Baman and Robin that Spoiler reveals herself to be in fact Stephanie Brown.

Spoiler has become a key part of the Batman universe and has a growing appeal, there is some contraversy surrounding Spoiler because DC Comics has stated that they don’t consider her a Robin since she was only had the mantle for a short time, however in the pages of Detective Comics #809 Stephanie Brown asks Bruce Wayne “Was I ever Robin?” and he replies  “Yes you were”

Although Spoiler is not that new of a charatcer, she is part of a ever increasing group of teen aged/ young characters that are beginning to emerge in the pages of DC and Marvel comics to appeal to the teen-aged audience and also bring some fresh faces to comics.

Detective Comics #648 - This is the First Appearance of Stephanie Brown as Spoiler.

This issue is not hard to find, however it can be a challege to find in nice condition, the book ranges from $4.00-$6.00 but look for it in bargain bins and you can always bargain with dealers.

Robin #126 - This is the First Appearance of Stephanie Brown as Robin, it also marks the first time a girl has picked up the mantle of Robin in regular DC Comics continuity.

This is what I would say is a bit of a sleeper issue since many people over look this issue or do notrecognize the history of the issue, and to me worth picking up for both novice and advanced collectors.

This issue is very easy to find and can be grabbed gor $3.00 and even lower, as I stated this is a sleep book in my opinon so collectors may get a bargain on this issue in the long term.

Stephanie Brown could be one of the future charatcers to watch now and in the future as she could continue to play a vital role in not only the Batman Universe but also in the DC Universe as a whole, placing her among both Barbara Gordon (First BatGirl/Oracle and Casandra Cain (The New BatGirl)

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After several years of hiatus Todd McFarlane is returning to comics along with Whilace Portachio two of the founding members of Image Comics, together they are returning to Spawn in October.

After leaving Marvel Comics along with other artists, Todd McFarlane established Image Comics, during this time McFarlane introduced one of the first and most popular comics abd characters not only in Image Comics history but also in comic history… Spawn.

Spawn is an anti-hero of sorts, In life he was Al Simmons a CIA agent assigned to Wetworks assignments, during as assignment Al Simmons was killed and was sent to Hell, he was approached  by the demon Malebolgia to make a deal in return for returning Al Simmons to the living and back to his family.

The demon promised to return Al Simmons to life and in return he would do his bidding, they agreed but Malebolgia returned him as a being called Spawn. Al Simmons rebelled against Malebolgia and used his powers against the demon to save his family and continues to do so to save others.

Spawn was one of the most popular characters and comics in the early 1990’s, however sales slowed when Todd McFarlane left Spawn and Image Comics to pursue his other interest in his toy line.

In 2008 at the San Diego Comic Convention many of the founding members of Image which included both Todd McFarlane and Whilace Portachio announced their return to Image Comics and to Spawn, starting in Spawn #185.

Spawn was a ground breaking character and comic since it broke many barriers since it looked at real life issues like politics, relationships, and religion something few comics had addressed and it was also one of the few books that was really written for adults,  in addition this was just one of many Image Comics that consistantly competed with both DC Comics and Marvel Comics in sales.

Although readership died down,  the comic still maintains a large readership, and Spawn has become a main stay in comics, who has appeared in cross overs in DC Comics, and Top Cow, and also in other Image Comics such as Savage Dragon.

With Todd McFarlane making his return in Spawn #185,  back issues could be on the rise and on many collectors lists, so be on the look out for bargains.  One thing to keep a look out for in many of the early issue had coupons inserted in the books, many of the coupons were removed, be sure to look inside the the books for the coupon since this does effect the price.

Spawn #1 - This is the First Appearance and Origin of Spawn.

This issue is very affordable and can be found at $9.00 but you can find a bargain and can probably find the issue between $5.00 - $6.00

Spawn #4  - This issue features the First Appearance and Origin of the Violator.

This issue has a coupon so be sure to open the book or ask if the coupon is attached, the coupon should be be missing, loose or taped this does decrease the cos

t and value of the issue, the book can be found at a bargain at $6.00, but be sure the spine is not too wrinkled from the coupon.

Spawn is a nice comic to pick up for both beginning collectors and advanced, Spawn has become a very popular and recognized character, and although popularity and price do fluctuate Spawn will always be a staple in the comic world and its worth collecting the early issues.

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While I am sure the students would have a blast just sitting around reading comics and talking about them, but even though I am not a educator, I can see this could lead to some chaos, so here are a few lesson plans and lesson ideas that can be used with the comics in the class room.

Teacher Resources

Eduction World - This is a good educator site that provides education information,  lesson plans,  and links, but also it has a nice article about how to use comics in the class and how to use lesson plans. and helpful links.

Visit  http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/profdev/profdev105.shtml

Read Write Think -  This is a teacher website that offers many tools and links for teaching including lesson plans for comic books, these ideas include:

Letting students discuss the comics, but also have them create their own comic strip or page using a liteture character or have them use one from a comic or have them think of their own character, including their powers, the character name and design a costume.

The site also include links to a comic creator and other resources that could be beneficial to the comic book lesson plans.

Visit: http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=188

Comics In The Classroom -  This a very good site for teachers to look up different comics and graphic novels that can be used in the class, and range from K-12.

The site gives reviews and descriptions of the books, and what age group is approriate to read the comic, also the site offers lesson plans

Comic Page Print Outs - This page has blank comic book pages in all sizes, these can be used for assignments when students create their own comic pages.

Visit http://www.donnayoung.org/art/comics.htm

Comic Book Creator - This is a program that students can create there own comics using characters, backgrounds and more, students can even have the pages turn just like a real comic book.

The download is only for the Standard Edition Trial but it will give students something work with

Visit http://www.myplanetwide.com/products/detail/description.html?id=41

These are just a few links that educator’s can use in conjunction with comic books, these lessons combined with the comic books will make for a enjoyable lesson for everyone.

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Marvel Comics has announced that starting in Amazing Spider-Man #569 and continuing through Amazing Spider-Man #572 the issues will have 50/50 variant covers.

Marvel Comics has announced previously unsolicited 50/50 variant covers for Amazing Spider-Man #569, #570, #571 and #572 , making the New Ways to Die tale even more spectacular.

Scheduled to ship on August 27, #569 will now feature a Venom Variant by Adi Granov. Additionally, #570 will feature a Peter Parker Variant by Luke Ross and ship on September 3; #571 will feature an Anti-Venom Variant by John Romita Jr. and ship on September 10; and #572 will feature a Bullseye Variant by David Finch and ship on September 17.

Continuing the six-part New Ways to Die storyline, writer Dan Slott and superstar Amazing Spider-Man artist Romita Jr. put the Webslinger in harm’s way. As fans will have seen when the story began in issue #568, Spider-Man has a target on his back, thus prompting the Thunderbolts to make a trip to New York. With Norman Osborn, Venom and the rest of this team’s reformed criminals gunning for him, the Wall-Crawler’s spider-sense is sure to get a workout in the issues ahead – especially as the new villain Anti-Venom is added to the mix.

With Slott and Romita Jr. teaming for an unbelievable storyline featuring some of the Marvel Universe’s greatest reformed super-villains – and a brand-new enemy to bedevil Spidey – New Ways to Die is already set to increase the already-stratospheric sales of Amazing Spider-Man. Now, with the additions of these stunning variants from some of comicdom’s top artists, retailers should expect consumer demand to rise, and should orders appropriately to match it.

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With the new Dark Knight movie being a huge success and breaking theater records, new and curiosity collectors are coming into comic book stores looking for comics about the clown prince of crime, also the movie has regular collectors looking for those key issues not only for collecting purposes but also just to read some good stories.

I am not going to go through all the more expensive issues, but I thought I would list some current key issues that show the Joker at his most maniacal.

Batman: The Killing Joke - This issue could be considered one of the darkest stories and shows how evil a villain like the Joker can be and what he is capable of at anytime.

The Joker sets out to prove that any decent person can be driven past the point of santity by one fateful event in their lives. To prove his point he chooses Commissioner Gordan as his test subject. He kidnaps  Gordan at his home, as he does so he shoots Barbara Gordon (Batgirl)  paralyzing her,  he then takes Commissioner Gordan  to a abandoned carnival and makes Gordon go through a series of twisted obstacles.

During the story Joker has flashbacks on how he evolve into this villain, and remembers encounters between himself and James Gordan.

This book was and still is one of the darkest DC Stories to be published, and at the time of this books printing it went through multiple prints all of which selling out.

This issue is still popular and is one of those books that seem to increase in price every couple of years, you can find this book at $10.00 but don’t be surprised to see a higher price of $15.00-$20.00

Batman #428: A Death In The Family -  Part four of the Death In The Family storyline but probably the most brutal part of the storyline.  Jason Todd investigates a embezzling and smuggling operation in Ethiopia, Jason Todd  discovers that the Joker is embezzeling money and also replacing the medicine with laughing gas in hopes of killing thousands.

Jason Todd confronts the Joker and they battle however the Joker gets the upper hand and beats Jason Todd until he is in a pool of blood, the twisted Joker then says “Its such a mess” before Jason Todd can recover the Joker blows up the building where he was laying.

Supposedly killing Jason Todd.

Since this storyline Jason Todd has returned from the grave (Batman #638) but it is another example of the brutality of the Joker and how he will not stop at nothing to hurt not only Batman but other people.

The price range of this book is about $5.00-$7.00 but you may be able to find it cheaper online or even at a comic book convention, this is also a good issue for new collectors to pick up because it is a major event and its a book that will not hurt your wallet to badly.

Batman #614 -  This part seven of the Hush storyline, but this is another great Joker issue. After looking back at all the pain and suffering the Joker has cause throughout the years; the shooting of Barbara Gordon, the death of Jason Todd, the death of Commisher Gordon’s wife

Batman finally has had enough and hunts down the Joker, after finding the Joker batman begins assaulting him, during the battle the Joker proclaims his innocence and that he is not to blame for his actions.

During the confrontation, many try and stop the battle Harley Quinn, Catwoman, Nightwing, but it is Commissioner Gordon that brings back Batman, and Batman stops the assult.

This issue shows the Joker as the villain that he is and even on the verge of death, makes jokes at the pain he has caused.

Even though this is part of the Hush series, this is still a good stand alone Joker issue, the book is very affordable and you can probably pick it up for $3.00-$4.00.

Batman Confidential #7-#12 - This is the “What Man Becomes A Joker?” storyline. This stoy tell how the Joker came to be and the first encounter between Batman and the Joker.

If you are a fan of the Dark Knight movie, then you will enjoy this series, also the Joker in this story is much like that of the performance of Heath Ledger.

The set costs about $15.00 but you may be able to get the set cheaper, remeber to bargain, you may have a tougher time finding individual issues, so if you want the set grab and save yourself the headache of the hunt.

These are but a few issues that to me represent some of the best current Joker stories, I am sure there will be more to come over the years.

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It seems that with the price of gas going up and the cost of living going up as well, people are having to cut back on the extras in life like food, movies, vacations, and yes even comics but hey you have to cut back where you have to and save every penny where you can.

Subscriptions

When you get a subscription from your comic shop you will not only ensure that you don’t miss your favorite title or upcoming hot issue but also you can save money.

Most comic stores or online comic stores have subscriptions, in most cases dealers offer discounts either by a per title/issue  or give a general discount of  15%-25% and usually you can include individual issues to your subscription so you don’t miss those hot issues.

Most comic stores will hold issues for up to a month, so if you need them held for a longer period be sure to talk with your comic book dealer. The subscription will not only save you on the cost of books every month but also in gas since you will not need to make a weekly trip to the comics book store.

Online stores will offer the same features, but in some cases the books may be cheaper, also in addion since the books are delivered, you will not need to make a trip to your comic store unless you elect to make a trip.

Issue Selection

You may want to examine your current comic selections and cut back on those titles you buy out of habit but really do not read that often, by removing those issues you will save a lot of money, this will also allow you to save money for those hot issues and save up for conventions.

Trading, Bargain, And Save

As always tarading at conventions will help to save money, so during these times take books in stead of money, in some cases you may get a lot more for your trade, be sure to try and take books that are in demand.

Also be sure to not only bargain not only at comic book conventions but also in stroes, during hard times dealers are more open to making deals, not only because it saves their customers money but also for the repeat business.

Variant Comparison Shopping

If you collect variants be sure to shop around for the best price, also be sure to ask your comic book dealer if you can include variants in your subscription and if a discount is available for those issues, in many cases dealers will charge the premium price but again inquire about discounts.

These tips are a good starting point to help you save money but at the same time help you continue collecting through these tough times.

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With Skaar Son Of Hulk #1 arriving in stores and selling out, Marvel has announced a second printing which will be arriving in stores very soon.

Marvel Comics seems to be on the move to revamping or re-imagining some of their characters, for instance putting Bucky in the role of Captain America thus replacing (For a while anyway) an aging and out of touch Steve Rogers, or the introduction of Daken, Wolverine’s son, a character that is a new version of sorts of  Sabertooth, who was also getting a bit aged through time, and the Initiative which could be veiwed as a younger version of The Avengers.

Continuing this trend Marvel has released Skaar the son of the Hulk.

After arriving on the war planet Sakkar, the Hulk conquered the planet with his group of Warbound and became king,  he took his queen named Caiera the Oldstrong together the ruled Sakkar along with the Warbound.

Hulk and Caiera were set to have a child,  however before Caiera could give birth, her and most of the plaebt was destroyed when the shuttle that was used to send into space exploded.

Many thought that the child of the Hulk was also killed however in World War Hulk #5, Hulks son is shown on the back page in a semi cameo, later Skaar appeared in What If Planet Hulk in the story “What If Caiera the Oldstrong had lived?”   this showed a young 20 year old Skarr in the shadows.

With the emergence of so many new and what I call “Re-Imagining Characters” this is a good charac

ter first appearances to grab, especially since sooner or later Hulk and Skaar will meet.

World War Hulk #5 - This issue features a teenaged Skarr in the last page of World War Hulk,  although this issue is not in high demand yet, it could be later after word spreads about Skarr Son Of Hulk #1.

The price is pretty cheap collectors can grab this issue at cover price of  $3.99 or cheap if they shop around you can pick it up around $2.50.

What If Planet Hulk - This issue is also a early appearance of Skaar, a few collectors may argue that this is the first appearance but to me the World War Hulk #5, since it shows his image.

The book ranges from cover price $4.99-$6.00  but again always look around there are always deals out there to be found.

Both issues are very affordable and worth considering for both the character and storylines, but they could also be a future key issue.

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On June 27th, 2008 Aspen Comics reported that Michael Turner died from health complications over the weekend.

Michael Turner started his career at Top Cow Comics doing background work, but later became the head artist and co-creator of Witchblade, in   2002 Michael Turner started his own comic book publishing company  and named it Aspen.

Through Aspen Michael Turner launched his characters Fathom and his co-creation Soulfire, these were the headline characters of Aspen, Aspen also produced many variant covers for other comic companies like Marvel and DC.

In 2000, fans learned that Michael Turner had Chondrosarcoma, a form of cancer, during this time he went into surgery and lost 40% of his pelvis and three pounds of bone, then went through three months of radiation tratment.

In a article by Wizard last year, I remeber reading a article about Michael Turner during this time, and how publishers were amazed how he met his deadlines most of the time, and how dedicated he was to his work and the fans.

In 2003-2004 Michael Turner came back by doing covers for Marvel, DC and other companies and in 2005 Marvel announed they had signed him to a Work For Hire Contract and would be the artist for Ultimate Wolverine.

Although Michael Turner is no longer here, he has left a legacy of artwork that will live forever, and also the fans will not only remeber his work but also how they enjoyed meeting and talking to him at conventions, he made time to talk about his projects and sign books.

On a personal note, I met Michael Turner at a few Wizard World Conventions, and being in a scooter he always waved me ahead, it was just this bit of thoughtfulness that made it a joy for me to talk with him.

Also I remeber in 2004, Michael Turner was attending another Wizard World Convention, he was late because he was ill from the treatments, but later he came with a bottle of juice in his hand and a smile of his face, ready to talk and sign books.

It was this type of dedication and enjoyment that Michael Turner showed for comics and his fans, and the fans returned that joy many times by expressing how much they loved his art and talking to him.

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Marvel Comics has released the previously unseen variant cover image for Hulk #5 by Olivier Coipel, scheduled to ship in a 50/50 ratio along with the Ed McGuinness cover on July 30.

Written by Jeph Loeb and illustrated by McGuinness, this fifth issue finds both Hulks tearing through the West Coast with no signs of stopping. How can these two behemoths be stopped when they’re focused solely on the battle? Enter the Thunder God. To put an end to this mindless destruction Thor has thrown himself into the mix – but even his hammer-wielding hand might not be able to bring down the Red Hulk.

With fan-favorite creators at the helm of a story that sees the Hulk, Red Hulk and now Thor square off for action too good to miss – plus Coipel’s cover image adding fuel to the sales fire – Hulk fans should be quick to pick up the next round of this slugfest series found in the 32-page, full-color Hulk #5.

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The secret has been revealed in Hulk #4, Doc Samson is the Red Hulk but that leaves other questions that need to be answered like….

HOW did Doc Samson become the Red Hulk?

Has the radiation in Doc Samson finally poisoned his blood, making him turn into more of the Hulk, or did he experiment with the gamma radiation even more?

Or did it have something to do with the Helicarrier crash in Hulk #1, did the impact stir something within his body allowing him to survive the impact?

WHY is Doc Samson/The Red Hulk attacking not only Bruce Banners/Hulk’s friends and enemies, but not only attacking them but either killing or treating to kill everyone associated with him?

Could Doc Samson finally have given up on trying to cure Bruce Banner, and understand the Hulk and decided that the best way to accomplish this is to kill the Hulk and his enemies and rid the world of all the destruction the Hulk causes.

Has the subconscious of Doc Samson finally emerged and taken control, releasing all the anger that has built up through the years of not being able to cure Bruce Banner?

Doc Samson gained his strength when Bruce Banner attempted a transfusion process that would remove the gamma radiation from his blood, after the process Doc Samson siphoned the radion into himself thus giving him super human strength but not as great as the hulk, also Doc Samson retains his mind and memories and does not change when provoked.

Doc Samson fought against and fought alongside the Hulk,  however being a psychiatrist, Doc Samson also attempted to help Doctor Banner rid himself of the monster within him and also tried to learn and study the Hulk to try and help both co-exist in the same body.

During World War Hulk, Doc Samson was part of the alliance to stop the Hulk and the Warbound, recently he was recruited in the Iniciative, during a mission to Russia Doc Samson’s Helicarrier crashed, all but two bodies were found General Ross and Doc Samson.

This brings us to the current issue of Hulk #4, reveraling that Doc Samson is the Red Hulk.

There are a comics to keep an eye out for that collectors and dealers could be looking for after this revelation, some of the issues are already well established in price but a few are still a good buy, so there is a bit of something for everyone.

Incredible Hulk #141 - This issue features the First Appearance and Origin of Doc Samson, this issue could become very sought after even though it already carries a heavy price tag.

The book ranges in price from $85.00-$99.00 in Near Mint condition, this book has become a bit tough to find since its from the 70’s, these issues are becoming hard to find in nice condition due to their age.

Hulk #1 - This is the issue that started it all, this issue features the crash of Doc Samsons Helicarrier and lets not forget the Death of the Abomination.

Hulk #1 has become very popular and has gone to multiple printings, the first printing has become high in demand and hard to find at a low price.

Price for Hulk #1 range from $10-$15.00 for first prints, on ocassion you may be able to grab one at $8.00 but if you do grab it.

Also note that even though the Red Hulk appears on the cover, he does not appear in the book.

Hulk #2 - This issue is the First Appearance of the Red Hulk, and his first attack on not only aboard a S.H.I.E.L.D Helicarrier but also shows his strength against She-Hulk, this issue in my opinon is the book to have if you enjoy collecting first appearancesin comics.

Just like Hulk #1, Hulk #2 sold out and has gone to other printings and in some cases its a little more difficult tro find than Hulk #1.

The price of this issue is beginning to draw some heat but isa still reasonable at $6.00-$7.00.

Doc Samson #1 (1996) - This is the First Appearance of Doc Samson in a solo story and also his first appearance in his own book, collectors may want to grab this issue for these reasons and also for a pretty good read.

Picking up this issue will not even put a ding in your wallet since you can probably find this issue in a

bargain bin or way below cover.

Prices on this issue range from $1.50-$2.00

Most of these books are already well established in price, but look around and don’t be afraid to haggle with another collector or dealer, just be afraid to ask.

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