Aaron on the Walking Dead

Walking Dead #67

At the end of this past weekends episode a new character was introduced, Aaron made his first appearance in the Walking Dead television series. Much like Father Gabriel who was introduced earlier this season, Aaron come right out of the Walking Dead Comic book series.

Ross Marquand will play Aron on the show. The relative newcomer made his first appearance at the end of the episode titled "Them".

In the comic series Aaron made his first appearance in issue #67. A copy of this issue can be found for around $15.

About Aaron

Aaron first appears in the comic series as a recruiter for the Alexandria Safe-Zone community and is the boyfriend of Eric. Alexandria becomes a long standing location in the series. upon first meeting Aaron on the road to Washintong the group is very untrusting of him so they knock himoutband tie him up. after a little while they follow him back to Alexandria. 

First Appearance

Written by Robert Kirkman with art by Charlie Adler issue #64 sees the group continue their journey  to Washington. On their way there Aaron surprises them and asks to see the groups leader.  The story continues in issue #68.

On the Television Series
Aaron will be played by Ross Marquand. Much like the comic series he surprises the group and asks to see their leader Rick Grimes. It is believed that with the introduction of Aaron the group will finally be making their way to Alexandria, where they will meet a host of new characters including Aaron's boyfriend Eric.

So while you're waiting for the next episode of the show get out their and read up on Alexandria,

Good Luck on Your Hunt!
  

Pied Piper on the Flash

The Flash #106

The Flash television series continues to introduce the Rogues, in this weeks episode the Flash with battle the Pied Piper. I have a feeling season 2 of the series will see all the Rogues join forces. You can read all about the other Rogues in our Flash Characters Guide

Created in 1963 by John Broome and Carmine Infantino, The Pied Piper made his first appearance in The Flash #106.  This issue is can be found in a CGC high grade for around $5,000. Lower ungraded for about $300. This issue also features the first appearance of Gorilla Grodd and Solivar.

First Appearance
The Pied Piper made his first apperance in The Flash #106 in a story titled " The Pied Piper of Peril".   Throughout Central City a number unsolved crimes occur. Finally the Pied Piper reveals himself and challenges the Flash
When the Flash arrives at one of the crime scenes, he finds Piper. Piper creates a vibratory aura with his flute, freezing the Flash in his tracks. Piper exclaims they have thirty minutes before the Flash will be released as they take off with stolen goods. The Flash vibrates his body and frees himself moments later. Flash catches up with Piper and takes him to jail. 

About the Pied Piper
Hartley Rathaway (alias Thomas Peterson) was born deaf, but he would eventually be cured thanks to research funded by his wealthy father and the work of Doctor Will Magnus. After being cured Rathaway became obsessed with sound and experimented with sonic technology. Rathaway would invent a technique of hypnotism using music and also a way to cause deadly vibrations. He soon turned to a life if crime, often battling the Flash. 

On the Flash

Andy Mientus will play the Pied Piper Hartley Rathaway in the episode "The Sound and the Fury". While working for Dr. Wells, He lost his hearing as a result of the accident with particle accelerator . He develops sonicwave weaponry in order to exact revenge on Wells by targeting The Flash.  

Pied Piper on the Flash

Pied Piper also appeared in an episode of the 1970's television series Wonder Woman. In the episode, a villain by the name of "Hamlin Rule" used a flute to hypnotize and persuade women to do his bidding. He was played by Martin Mull.

Pied Piper on Wonder Woman

Enjoy the Flash this week, but before you do search out some Pied Piper appearances. Spoiler, he actually becomes a hero when Wally West takes over the Flash mantel.

Good Luck on Your Hunt!

Rainbow Raider on the Flash TV Series

Back in August I wrote also about one of DC's strangest villains Rainbow Raider, in it I wrote how I hoped that the character would appear on the Flash TV series. Well my wish came through, Roy G. Bivolo did appear on the show even if they didn't call him the Rainbow Raider, I'll take it as a win.

Here is a recap about who the Rainbow Raider is and why he should be a full fledged Rogue.

Created in 1957 by Cary Bates and Don Heck, Rainbow Raider made his first appearance in The Flash #286.  This issue is can be found for about $5. It is worth a look.

First Appearance
Roy G. Bivolo was a wonderful painter from an early age but he was also color-blind. His father could not except this for his son, so the famous optometrist created a device that would allow his son to see in full color. Upon the death of his father the device was given to Roy but it did not correct his color-blindness. These vision goggles did do was some other things like project beams of light that could become solid objects, make him invisible, blind his opponents, or affect the emotions of his opponents. Roy could no longer follow his career as an artist so  he chose a life of crime instead. He became the Rainbow Raider and joined Flash's Rogues Gallery.

On the Flash TV Series
Played by Paul Anthony Roy G. Bivol appeared in the Flash Vs. Arrow Episode of the Flash Series. He had the meta human power to control people's emotions. Sadly he did not wear the Rainbow Costum and he is called Prism instead of Rainbow Raider, true fans know who he was.

Rainbow Raider was produced as a figure for the first time in the Flash heroclix line.

You can read more about the Rainbow Raider other apperances in our last Rainbow Raider post titled DC Comics Most Colorful Villian.

Go on out there and hunt down his many appearances.

Good Luck on Your Hunt!

All you wanted to know about Agent Carter

You may have seen her in Captain America: The First Avenger or just caught the premier episode of Agent Carter, if you don't you should watch it. Either way you may be wondering about how a Agent Carter got her star in comics.

First Appearance
The woman that would one day become Agent Carter made her first comic book appearance way back in Captain America Comics #1. Yes one of the earliest Marvel comics, the first appearance of Captain America also included Agent 13. The issue hit newsstands in 1941. Created by  Joe Simon and Jack Kirby. Many years later, it would be revealed that "Agent 13" is actually  Peggy Carter, Captain America's love interest during the war. 
Captain America Comics #1 is a highly sought after and historically important comic book has sold for as high as $323,000. Even a beat-up copy can sell for $10,000. If you can afford it the is an issue you truly want in your collection.

First Modern Day Appearance Her first modern-day appearance was in Tales of Suspense #64, Jack Kirby again was the artist and Stan Lee wrote it.  In the issue Captain America is fighting nazis and runs into a woman who calls herself Agent 13. She is also fighting a Nazi. Captain America, Bucky, and Agent 13 defeat the Nazis .

This appearance is much more affordable ranging in price from $200 to $20. 

Comic Book Origin

Peggy Carter was a girlfriend of Captain America during World War II. She was an American agent serving with the French Resistance during World War II. Later she was she ordered to protect a secret laboratory, posing as an old store, but actually housing the Super-Soldier Project. Agent Carter was disguised as an old shop-keeper and was there when Steve Rogers became Captain America after he was injected with the Super-Soldier Serum. At this time she was called Agent 13.

In the Movies

Peggy is played by Hayley Atwell. Peggy is a British officer in the American Army and a member of  Strategic Scientific Reserve. She first meets Steve Rogers while working soldiers. Rogers is chosen as the first candidate to take the Super Soldier serum, he becomes Captain America. The two later fall for each other.  
Agent Carter has appeared in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), Marvel One Shot: Agent Carter (2013), Captain America: Winter Soldier (2014), and Agent Carter series (2015). She will also make a brief cameo in Avengers Age of Ultron.

There has yet to be an Agent Carter official action figure released yet but it is just a matter of time. We will keep you posted.

Good Luck on Your Hunt!

Batman #1 - Bob Kane File Copy

If you have been reading Comic Book Hunters & Gatherers you know that we have spent a lot of space looking at the big three comics, Action Comics #1, Detective Comics #27 , and Amazing Fantasy #15. Outside this trinity of most valuable, sought after comic book is up for debate. It could be Captain America Comics #1 or possible Superman #1 or the issue we look at in this post Batman #1. You can interject your opinion below in our comments. Today it's all about Batman #1.

Back cover of Batman #1

Published in April of 1940 less then a year after Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27, Batman was given his own title because of his increasing popularity. Now fans could read about his adventures twice a month. Like Detective Comics, Batman was led by the creative team of Bob Kane and Bill Finger.  The significance of Batman #1 is it is the first appearance of not one but two of Batmans most important villians. Batman #1 is the first appearance of the Joker and Catwoman. The main reason I put it at number four own the list.

Catwomans first appearance 

The monumental issue usually sells for big money, a mint copy is valued at $125,000. Two years ago a CGC graded 9.2 sold for over $800,000. Many believe it could be the next comic to break a million bucks.

The Jokers first appearance

The Bob Kane/DC Comics File Copy
Currently ComicConnect, the worlds best online comic auction house, has the copy if Batman #1 used for reference by Bob Kane and DC comics. The low grade given to the issue is a result of it being included in a bound volume at DC offices.

This issue comes from Batman creator Bob Kanes personal collection. Mr. Kane later gifted his bound volumes to DC comics which they used as their file copy. So what does this bound file copy all mean? Basically this is the specific copy of Batman #1 used first by Bob Kane as a reference pointnfor future work and then held in the DC files as a reference for all later Batman creators. it also means that because it was in a bound volume for so many years it retained much of its color. This copy is all sorts of cool, it was used by Bob Kane the creator and then possible by everyone who worked on Batman for many years after Mr. Kane. It is a one of a kind copy.

This unique copy is up at auction till the end of August, if you have a couple of extra thousand dollars it can be yours. Bidding can by done at ComicConnect Batman # 1 Bob Kane Copy.

If you win it let us know we will do a piece on you, we can be reached at Farleyclan003@yahoo.com

Good Luck on Your Hunt!
#jointhehunt

General Wade Eiling to appear on New Flash TV series

With each passing day anticipation for the new Flash television series grows as new characters and possible story lines are announced. We want to help you prepare for the show so we will be looking at the background of each character set to appear, we have already reviewed Plastique and Vibe. Today we look at General Wade Eiling and we can guess wether he will be based on the comic version or the Justice League Unlimited version.

General Wade Eiling first appeared in Captain Atom #1 (1987), he was created by Cary Bates, Pat Broderick and Greg Weisman. You can pick up a nice copy for less than $5.00. General Eiling appears throughout the Captain Atom series, so why not start buying all 57 issues.

First Appearance

Wade Eiling works for the military. He blackmails Nathaniel Adam into participating in an atomic experiment that turns Nathaniel into the nuclear being Captain Atom. Shortly after the experiment Captain Atom disappears for 18 years. As a result of his disappearance General Eiling would attempt the experiment again, which ends up with the creation of Major Force, which occurs later Inte Captain Atom series.

About General Wade Eiling

For a large part General Wade Eiling is the main adversary of Captain Atom, he appears throughout the series which begins afte he creates Captain Atom who disappears for 18 years. During the 18 years in which Captain Atom is gone, Eiling marries Adam's wife and acts as father to his two children. Eiling also manipulates Captain Atom into serving the military.

Eiling also battles the Justice League of America during which time he transfers his brain patterns into the indestructible body of the Shaggy Man.

On the Flash Series
General Eiling will be played by veteran actor Clancy Brown. Many comic book fans may remember Brown as the vioce of Lex Luthor for over twelve years. He has also voiced many other comic book characters including Parrallax in the Green Lantern Movie.
On the Flash TV show it appears that General Iling will resemble the version of the character that has appeared on Justice League Unlimited (see below)

Justice League Unlimited In the Justice League Unlimited cartoon series, which we are big fans of, a significantly altered version of General Wade Eiling that resembled Marvel character General 'Thunderbolt' Ross. In the series he works very closely with Cadmus Chief Amanda Waller.
General Eiling also had an action figure made from the series. You should all know by now that we collect these, check out the entire Justice League Unlimited Checklist.

Good Luck on Your Hunt!
#jointhehunt

Plastique will be on New Flash Show

Most comic book fans can't wait for the new Flash television series to start especially since DC Entertainment keeps announcing all the guest that are coming directly from the comics. So I order to get the fans ready we are going to start giving you the background of each character that is set to appear, this will include information on their first appearance so you can hunt one down and ad it to your collection.

We start with the villian Plastique who will appear during season one of the show.

Plastique was created by Gene Conway and Pat Broderick in 1982. She made her first appearance on The Fury of Firestorm #7. You can own a copy for a couple of bucks. If you have not read the a fury of Firestorm before we strongly suggest picking up more than just issue #7.

First appearance

As a result of some genetic engineering  Bette Sans Souc becomes Plastique. She is given the ability to project explosive force from her body and becomes a terrorist who attempted a suicide bombing of a newspaper. Firestorm defeats her.

About Plastique
Plastique is an enemy of Firestorm and  Captain Atom, whom she falls in love with. She is also an occasional member of the Suicide Squad. In DC’s New 52 she continues to be an enemy of Firestorm and has become a member of the Secret Society of Super Villains.

On The Flash

Plastique will be played by Kelly Frye. It is rumored that she will be an ally to the Flash. Producers describe her character as "a fetching young redhead who was a bomb specialist with the Army before she was injured by an IED in Iraq." 

So this should be the start of your characters of the Flash TV show collection. We will be looking at all the other characters set to appear on the Flash so stay tuned.

Good Luck on Your Hunt!

#jointhehunt

Marvel Superheroes #18 - 1st App. Guardians of the Galaxy

Guardians of the Galaxy is set to hit movie theaters on August 1st but where did this Space Odyssey first begin. Marvel Superheroes #18 is the first appearance of the Guardians of the Galaxy and also happens to be one of my favorite issues growing up. When I was young I spent a lot of my time hunting down key first appearances the Guardians always interested me as I had been reading their space adventure through the 1970's, it simple Superheroes in Space,what more could you ask for.

Hunting down a copy of Marvel Superheroes shouldn't be that difficult at this time, you can get a mint condition for about $500. Expect this to go up in value after the movie hits theaters, they almost always do. Marvel Superheroes #18 was created by Arnold Drake and artist Gene Colan. The issue was dated January, 1969. 

A little bit about the issue, in the 31st Century, a group of diverse aliens become freedom fighters. . The founding members are Vance Astro , Charlie-27, Yondu and Matrix. The Guardians were formed to fight the the Badoon, a race that had conquered the Sol system and the Alpha Centauri system. In Marvel comics the home reality of the Guardians of the Galaxy has been designated Earth-691.

Movie version of Guardians of the Galaxy

Comic book version of Guardians of the Galaxy

Keep in mind the only character from Marvel Superheroes set to appear in the movie is Yondu.
First appearances of other characters in the movie; Star Lord - Marvel Previews #4, Groot - Tales to Astonish #13, Rocket Racoon - Marvel Previews #7, Drax the Drestroyer - Iron Man - #55 and Gamora - Strange Tales #180

So get on out there and hunt down a copy of each of these issues for yourself.
If you would like to read a copy of Marvel Superheroes #18 before the movie comes out, you can get a digital copy for $1.99.

Good Luck on your Space Hero Hunt!
#jointhehunt