Shopping for Johnny Cloud comic books TO READ & ENJOY ...
· Finding JC is relatively easy but for a few issues, and even those are not prohibitively expensive in lower grades. Nice readable copies are available in Very Good condition, and some books in Fine condition are true bargains. JC books can be ranked into three basic tiers according to availability and asking price for VG-F conditions.
· In the first tier, we have two books that demand three figures. These are AAMOW #82 (the first JC book) and AAMOW #89 (a three-war issue that is associated with pop artist Roy Lichtenstein). Both of these books have been listed in the TOP 50 War Comic Rankings provided in the War Report section of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide (see references for Overstreet). Yet, both of these books are at the bottom of the list (ranked between 40 and 50). This is enough to make waitlists long. Prices range broadly between $75 and $150 for the early issue and twice for the later one (both exceeding published price guides).
· Complete and readable issues in Good or Poor (e.g., moisture damage) can be found for less. The Flying Chief in AAMOW #82 is essential reading for the origin story. Star Jockey in AAMOW #89 also adds essential details to the origin story that underscore JC’s predestination as a fighter pilot (even before WW2 was on the horizon). Frankly, I think the asking price for the latter (#89) is silly money for JC enthusiasts since the popularity is based on the pop art connection. Unfortunately, I am not aware of any reprints of these two stories (but for Internet pirates), so the hardcore geek will have to pay.
· In the second tier, we have a group of AAMOW books that are driven by fandom artist collectors – and no wonder, there are some great covers in the JC series! Joe Kubert and Russ Heath are popular, and their books attract both JC enthusiasts as well as broader war comic collectors – many of them chasing after one or both artists in higher grades (and original art if they can find it). Top books in this tier include AAMOW #’s 85, 94, 96, 102, 104. AAMOW #94 is a standout, as this Heath cover has appeared in reprint compilations and on Pedrin’s Big Five Information Guide. The good news is that readable copies in G-VG are available since the artist hounds seek higher grades. Several other dramatic covers by Irv Novick and Jerry Grandenetti also seem to attract attention, namely AAMOW #’s 90, 103, 109 – but these issues are widely available in lower grades and can be considered third tier for G-F books.
· Also in the second tier are the ten-cent comic books, as they are older and presumably fewer. These include AAMOW #’s 83, 84, 86, 87, and 88. Most of these stories have been reprinted in OAAW.
· Overall, all second-tier books range between $10 and $30 in VG with most of them on the lower side of the range.
· The third tier includes all the rest, including many three-war covers that are colorful, but not as dramatic as full page, single shot images. Nonetheless, there are some nice buys in this lowest tier with great cover art by Irv Novick (an underrated artist – just ask RK) and excellent storylines. The JC reader can get most third-tier books in one swoop at less than $15 each, maybe less than $10 in many cases. This is where you may want to get a Fine or better copy to hang on your wall (in a safe, matted frame of course).
· As for crossovers, the best two are TBATB #52 and OAAW #191 – both of them are second tier books. The latter has a dramatic cover by Kubert and is easily found.
· My story: I purchased all copies in Good to Fine condition but for two or three in Fair/Poor (but complete). I confess that most of them are now a grade-point less due to my reading and re-reading for this book – I have been careful, but let’s be real: counting kills, death songs, and Great Warrior Spirit appearances does take its toll. But who cares … your books are your books. And besides, I’ll never sell my JC books! And neither will you, after reading them.
· A word of caution (one that you probably know already): Many comic books are over-graded and over-priced – so shop around. I have purchased most of my books from large volume, reputable dealers who have been in the business a long time. I have purchased a few from war comic bins at local Comic Cons – a fun way to collect, but the pickings are often slim when it comes to JC books.
· Now really … stop reading this dribble … and go get them!
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